Maniac Mike

A Chapter by Maniac Mike

Maniac Mike by "Maniac" Mike Elias Introduction This book is based on my wrestling character, "Maniac Mike." From the glory days of backyard wrestling came names like

Maniac Mike

by "Maniac" Mike Elias

Introduction

This book is based on my wrestling character, "Maniac Mike." From the glory days of backyard wrestling came names like "Maniac Mike," "Travis Savage," "Grand Master of Funk," "Big Man Dan," "Kevin E," "Mr. Glen," "The Larriet," "Puma," "Bryan Money," "Delicious Danny," and many others. I, Maniac Mike, have been described as: "The heart of the United States Wrestling Federation, Maniac Mike has dominated longer than anyone else in its history. None have ever left an encounter against him without feeling 'The Maximum Overdrive'!" Besides competing in the USWF (United States Wrestling Federation) I also competed for EWF, ASWF, SCWA, NEWF, XRW, EPW, USWE, Powerbomb Ringside, and Slamtech Wrestling.

I also wrestled in high school for East Providence High. I was also billed as coming from my hometown of East Providence, Rhode Island. Also, I'm the long time host of the television program, "Powerbomb Ringside." Over the years I've been fortunate enough to have professional wrestling legends on my show. Like Sting. Sting is a fifteen-time world champion. July 7, 1990 Sting defeated Ric Flair for the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) World Heavyweight Championship in Baltimore, MD at the Great American Bash. On January 11, 1991 Ric Flair regained the title in East Rutherford, NJ. This made Flair the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Sting won the WCW (World Championship Wrestling) World Heavyweight Championship from Lex Luger on February 29, 1992 in Milwaukee, WI at SuperBrawl II.

On July 12, 1992, Big Van Vader defeated Sting for the title. Vader dropped the belt to Ron Simmons on August 2, 1992 in Baltimore, MD, but he won it back in the exact location on December 30, 1992. Sting won back the belt on March 11, 1993 in London, England, but lost it back to Vader on March 17, 1993 in Dublin, Ireland. Sting won the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship from Rick Rude on April 17, 1994 in Rosemont, IL. Rude regained the title on May 1, 1994 in Fukuoka, Japan. The championship was vacated on May 22, 1994 and Sting defeated Vader on that date in Philadelphia, PA at Slamboree '94.

At the Clash of the Champions XXVII in Charleston, SC on June 23, 1994, there was a title unification match between, WCW World Heavyweight Champion "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and WCW International World Champion Sting. Flair won, unifying both belts. This put an end to the International belt. Sting won his sixth World Title at Starrcade '97 on December 28, 1997 in Washington, D.C. in the MCI Center from Hulk Hogan. The championship was later vacated. It occurred on January 8, 1998. Sting won back the title (his seventh World Championship) again from Hogan, on February 22, 1998 in Daly City, CA at SuperBrawl VIII.

This title reign would be ended by "Macho Man" Randy Savage at Spring Stampede '98 on April 19, 1998 in Denver, CO. On WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT, on April 26, 1999 in Fargo, ND, Sting won the title from Diamond Dallas Page. Later on in the same evening, there was a Fatal Four-Way match for the belt. Sting vs. Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kevin Nash vs. Bill Goldberg. Page pinned Nash to regain the championship. At Fall Brawl '99 on September 12, 1999, Sting won his ninth World title in Winston-Salem, NC, again from Hulk Hogan.

At WCW Halloween Havoc 1999, Bill Goldberg won the WCW United States Title from Sid Vicious. Later on, Goldberg answered Sting's open challenge and won. Sting attacked referee Charles Robinson. This was on Sunday, October 24, 1999. On Monday October 25, it was ruled that the match was non-sanctioned, so the title change was void. But Sting had attacked the referee. So the title was vacated. For his tenth World Title, Sting won the World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA) Championship in a three-way match involving Lex Luger (champion) and Malice. This was on December 13, 2002 in Zurich, Switzerland. Then on May 25, 2003, in a unification match in Auckland, New Zealand, NWA World Champion Jeff Jarrett defeated WWA World Champion Sting. Then when Sting was with TNA Wrestling (Total Nonstop Action), he defeated Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Title at TNA Bound For Glory II (2006) on October 22, 2006 from the Compuware Sports Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Plymouth.)

This was the Stinger’s eleventh World Title. At TNA Genesis 2006, Abyss won the championship by disqualification. (November 19, 2006 in Orlando, FL) At TNA Bound for Glory III (2007) on October 14, 2007 in the Gwinnett Center in the Atlanta suburb of Duluth, Georgia Sting defeated Kurt Angle for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Sting’s twelfth World title reign. Angle would soon regain it. At Bound for Glory IV (2008) on October 12, 2008 in the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Sting defeated Samoa Joe for the TNA World Heavyweight Title. This was his thirteenth World Championship. At TNA LockDown 2009, on April 19, 2009, in Philadelphia, PA, Mick Foley won the championship in the steel cage.

Sting vs. Jeff Hardy. In 2011 defeated Jeff Hardy to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. This was his fourteenth World Title. At Slammiversary IX, June 12, 2011, at Orlando, FL, Sting lost the title to Mr. Anderson. Eventually, at TNA Impact Wrestling, Sting went on to regain the championship, which was his fifteenth World Title win. On August 7, 2011 at Hardcore Justice, Angle defeated Sting to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

Sting of course won many other titles. He is a former NWA Television Champion, a 2-time WCW United States Champion, a former WCW World Tag Team Champion. (Winning it with Lex Luger, then with The Giant. After Sting defeated Giant in a match for control of the Tag Titles, he chose Kevin Nash as his new championship tag team partner.) Sting and Kurt Angle were also TNA World Tag Team Champions. Sting is also a 3-time UWF (Universal Wrestling Federation) Tag Team Champion. Twice with Eddie Gilbert and once with Rick Steiner.

Another pro wrestling legend that I interviewed on "Powerbomb Ringside" was Brian Knobbs from the very successful tag team, the Nasty Boys. Knobbs won the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times) with Jerry Sags. Knobbs also won the FCW Tag Team Championship (5 times) with Jerry Sags. Also, with Sags, as the Nasty Boys, they won the WWF World Tag Team Championship once. Plus, they won the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times. Brian Knobbs is also a three-time WCW Hardcore Champion. Knobbs and Sags also won the XWF (X Wrestling Federation) Tag Team Championship. The Nasty Boys also won the NAWA Tag Team Championship (1 time). As well as the PWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) and the SAPC Tag Team Championship (1 time). Brian Knobbs also was the YPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time).

The next legendary competitor was "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan. Duggan's championship history includes: The International Wrestling Association of Japan (IWA) World Heavyweight Championship. In the International Wrestling Cartel, he was IWC Tag Team Champions with Scottie Gash. In Pro Wrestling Alabama, Hacksaw became PWA Southern Tag Team Champions with Nigel Sherrod. In the Texas All-Star Wrestling organization, Jim Duggan won the TASW Championship. In the Mid-South Wrestling Association/ Universal Wrestling Federation, Duggan won the Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Championship. As well as the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship and the Mid-South/UWF World Tag Team Championship twice, once with Magnum T.A. and also with Terry Taylor. Duggan became the WCW United States Champion by defeating Steve Austin. He was also the WCW Television Champion. (Also the final TV champ.)

The next wrestling legend on my show was Tony Atlas. In the Americas Wrestling Federation, Atlas won the AWF North American Heavyweight Championship. In the Century Wrestling Alliance, he became CWA Heavyweight Championship. In the Eastern Wrestling Alliance, Atlas won the EWA Heavyweight Championship. In Georgia Championship Wrestling, Tony Atlas became NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion, as well as a 4-time NWA Georgia Tag Team Champion with Tommy Rich, Mr. Wrestling II, Thunderbolt Patterson, and Kevin Sullivan. Atlas is a 2-time International World Class Championship Wrestling (IWCCW) Heavyweight Champion. For International Wrestling (Quebec) Tony Atlas was the WCWA Brass Knuckles Champion.

In the Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Atlas became NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion. In NWA Tri-State, Atlas won the NWA West Virginia/Ohio Heavyweight Championship. In New England Pro Wrestling, he was NEPW Heavyweight Champion. In Southwest Championship Wrestling, Atlas won the SCW Southwest Brass Knuckles Championship. In Universal Superstars of America, Atlas and S.D. Jones became the USA Tag Team Champions. In the World Class Wrestling Association, he won the WCWA Television Title, and won the WCWA Texas Tag Team Titles with Skip Young. In the World Wide Wrestling Alliance he won the WWWA Intercontinental belt twice. In the World Wrestling Council Atlas was WWC North American Tag Team Championship with Miguel Perez, Jr. In the World Wrestling Federation, Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson were the WWF World Tag Team Champions.

Also, Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch were on my program. In California Creative Wrestling Candido was CCW Heavyweight Champion. In Eastern Championship Wrestling / Extreme

Championship Wrestling (ECW), he won the ECW World Tag Team Championship (3 times) with Johnny Hotbody, Chris Michaels, and Lance Storm. In Legacy Wrestling Enterprises, Candido won the LWE World Heavyweight Championship. In Mid-American Wrestling, Candido became the MAW Heavyweight Champion. Candido also became the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. In the NWA Midwest he won the NWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship. In NWA New Jersey, Candido was the NWA New Jersey Heavyweight Champion. In Smoky Mountain Wrestling he won the SMW Heavyweight Championship as well as the SMW Beat the Champ Television Championship, twice. He also became the SMW Tag Team Championship (2 times) with Brian Lee. He was also a 3-time SMW United States Junior Heavyweight Champion. In United States Extreme Wrestling he was USEW United States Heavyweight Champion, three times.

In USA Pro Wrestling he was USA Pro United States Champion. In World Championship Wrestling, Chris Candido became the WCW Cruiserweight Champion. In the World Wrestling Association he was a WWA Junior Heavyweight Champion, twice, and WWA Tag Team Champion with Chris Evans. In the World Wrestling Council he became WWC World Television Champion. He was also WWF World Tag Team Champions with Tom Prichard (as Zip). Candido was also the Xtreme Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.

As for Tammy Sytch, she enjoyed a title reign as Women Superstars Uncensored Champion.

Powerbomb Ringside Hall of Fame

FaceBook description: "A long time public access pro wrestling TV show hosted by backyard wrestling legend and former high school wrestler and Youth Wrestling team competitor, MM." THE POWERBOMB RINGSIDE WRESTLING HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

1.) Bruno Sammartino 2.) Verne Gagne 3.) Lou Thesz 4.) Andre the Giant

5.) Nick Bockwinkle 6.) Fred Blassie 7.) Buddy Rogers 8.) George Hackenschmidt

9.) Angello Poffo 10.) Larry Henning 11.) Jerry Jarrett 12.) Fritz Von Erich

13.) Antonino Rocca 14.) Edouard Carpetier 15.) Bruiser Brody 16.) Ed "Strangler" Lewis

17.) Ray Stevens 18.) Pat O' Connor 19.) Gene Anderson 20.) Killer Kowalski

21.) Super Star Billy Graham 22.) Dick the Bruiser 23.) Ole Anderson 24.) The Grand Wizzard

25.) Jack Brisco 26.) Gorilla Monsoon 27.) Gordon Solie 28.) Eddie Graham 29.) Pedro Morales 30.) Bo Bo Brazil 31.) Toru Tanaka 32.) Fabulous Moohla 33.) Ivan Putski

34.) Al Costello 35.) Pepper Gomez 36.) The Spoiler 37.) Pat Patterson 38.) Wahoo McDaniel 39.) Ivan Koloff 40.) Dynamite Kid 41.) Stan Stasiak 42.) Dick Beyer 43.) Paul Jones 44.) Leo Garibaldi 45.) Tony Garea 46.) Capt. Lou Albano 47.) Kerry Von Erich 48.) Stu Hart 49.) Mr. Fuji 50.) David Von Erich 51.) Davey Boy Smith 52.) George Steele 53.) Mark Lewin 54.) Frank Gotch 55.) Mohmont Yousaff 56.) Don Leo Jonathan 57.) Rene Goulet 58.) Buzz Sawyer 59.) Bob Roop 60.) Gen. Skandor Akbar 61.) Chris Adams 62.) Gorgeous George 63.) The Sheik 64.) Dory Funk, Sr. 65.) Rey Mysterio, Sr.

66.) Chavo Guerrero, Sr. 67.) Big John Studd 68.) Terry Gordy 69.) Blackjack Lanza

70.) Rocky Johnson 71.) Blackjack Mulligan 72.) Harley Race 73.) Penny Banner

74.) Austin Idol 75.) Junkyard Dog 76.) Susan Sexton 77.) Ricky Steamboat 78.) Tony Altimore

79.) Rick Martel 80.) Tito Santana 81.) Road Warrior Hawk 82.) Chief Jay Strongbow 83.) Bobby Heenan 84.) Jesse Ventura 85.) Bob Backlund 86.) Road Warrior Animal 87.) Tommy Rich 88.) Dick Kroll 89.) Dave Hebner 90.) King Kong Bundy 91.) Randy Savage 92.) Madusa 93.) Randy Rose 94.) "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Sr. 95.) Lanny Poffo 96.) Dennis Condrey 97.) Sherri Martel 98.) Bill Apter 99.) Bruce Hart 100.) Dory Funk, Jr.

101.) Bobby Eaton 102.) Terry Funk 103.) Stan Lane 104.) Kamala 105.) Gene Okerlund 106.) Austin Idol 107.) Elizabeth 108.) "Dr. Death" Steve Williams 109.) Buddy Rose

110.) Lex Luger

Maniac Mike Season One

Episode 1

Chapter A

Episode Name: Maximum

For years Maniac Mike competed for the USWF. The United States Wrestling Federation. Sadly, that organization ended. Mike is at a park and is looking over some literature on a new wrestling organization called, the American Wrestling League. “I’m glad there’s a new league opening up,” he said. A few kids ran up to him. “Hi, Maniac Mike!” He looked up from his literature. “Hey, kids.” They all high-fived him. “Are you here for the outdoor wrestling?” asked a second kid. Indeed on this afternoon there would be the “Outdoor Wrestling Spectacular” at the park. “Absolutely,” Mike responded. They notice Mike reading the “American Wrestling League” material. “Are you joining the AWL?” asked the third kid. Mike smiled. “That’s the plan.”

The promoter for the outdoor event was walking by. He looked at Mike. “Maniac Mike? Is that you?” The fourth kid grinned. “It’s him.” The promoter extended his hand to Mike. They shook hands. “I’m Abraham Benson, the promoter,” he said. All four kids looked at the two. “Good to meet you,” Mike said. Suddenly, Abraham had an idea. “I assume you’re here to watch my event,” he said. Mike smiled. “I am.” Abraham continued thinking to himself. “How would you like to wrestle today?” he asked. He could tell that Mike liked the idea. “I don’t have my gear with me,” Mike responded. The children looked like they really wanted to see Maniac Mike on the card. “Would you be willing to return to your backyard wrestling roots?” asked Abraham.

“How so?” asked Mike. Abraham shrugged his shoulders. “You didn’t always have proper gear.” Mike knew he was correct. He thought back to those days. After high school wrestling, Mike was involved in backyard wrestling. He didn't have proper gear then. But, he also did attend a pro wrestling school in year four of his wrestling career. Between wrestling school and high school wrestling, Mike had knee pads and elbow pads to use. Along the way in that 4-year period, he had gotten himself his first singlet. “I suppose it’s been a long time since I’ve worn anything besides pro gear,” Mike replied. So, he agreed. Maniac Mike agreed to compete. But just who would he be wrestling? Abraham announced Maniac Mike to the audience after the first and second matches. They chatted for a few minutes. Suddenly music played. Mike and Abraham were both confused. “What’s going on here?” asked Abraham, to no one in particular.

Suddenly Mike saw a wrestler named Aaron Ale. “Well, well, well… It’s Maniac Mike,” Aaron said. Obviously, from the tone, Mike knew Aaron Ale was looking for trouble. “May I help you?” Mike asked. Aaron just smirked. “Help me? Help me?” Aaron laughed. Mike didn’t like this guy’s attitude. “What do you want?” asked Mike. Aaron looked very cocky. “Look here, Mister Backyarder!” he began. “Do you really believe that you belong here?” Maniac Mike was insulted by Aaron's remark. "Of course I belong here," he responded. "How dare you even ask me such a question!" Aaron was still arrogant. "I never embarrassed myself by grappling in a backyard," Aaron continued.

“Yes, I did wrestle in backyards before, but I don’t feel that I embarrassed myself,” Mike responded. Aaron shook his head. “I was trained by Allan Atom and I’ve been in the business for three years now, and I show up here and Abraham doesn’t even bother booking me,” Aaron complained. “I look here and Abe makes a big deal about you being here today.” Abraham was motioning for Aaron to calm down. “Look here, Aaron, I didn’t know you’d be here,” Abraham explained. “Why do you think I invited Maniac Mike on such short notice?” Aaron looked insulted. “The guy looks like he was just hanging out at the park,” Aaron argued. Maniac Mike looked upset. “As a matter of fact I was hanging out at the park,” he stated. “I was here to watch wrestling like everybody else, but, I agreed to appear as a favor to your boss, Abraham Benson.” The two wrestlers were face-to-face. “Who wants to see these two wrestle here today?” Abraham asked the fans. The fans cheered. “There’s your answer,” Abraham proclaimed. Maniac Mike accepted. Aaron Ale agreed. In the back Mike borrowed some kneepads and elbow-pads. He was ready. Ripcord, a young man who has been in training, went up to Maniac Mike. "Don't listen to Aaron Ale, the guy's a jerk," Ripcord said. "The name's Ripcord." They shook hands. "I'm Maniac Mike," he replied. Ripcord smiled. "I know," he said. “I’m a big fan.”

“I appreciate that,” Mike replied. Suddenly Aaron Ale walked by them. “A guy who’s been in training with Allan Atom is a fan of Maniac Mike?” Aaron asked. “That’s just plain sad.” At that point Allan Atom was walking around in the background. “Why is it so sad?” Mike asked him. Aaron gave Mike a disgusted look. “Because you’re a proud backyarder.” Just then Allan Atom walked over to them. “What’s going on here?” Allan Atom asked. Aaron smirked. “I’m wrestling a backyarder today,” he responded. Allan looked confused. “Doesn’t matter!” Allan told him. “Keep your focus!” Aaron bopped his head up and down in agreement. Ripcord then had his debut match against an opponent named "Mister Mercury." The bell rang. Mercury refused to shake his hand. They locked up.

This was definitely a huge opportunity for Ripcord. He hip-tossed Mercury forty-five seconds into the match. Maniac Mike watched from the back. He felt Ripcord was doing great. Suddenly, Ripcord drop-kicked Mister Mercury. Aaron Ale walked over and watched as well. Aaron looked unimpressed. “I’ll see you out there, backyarder,” he said. At this point Ripcord schoolboyed Mercury and pinned him for the three count. The kid had done it. Next was Mike’s turn. Aaron insisted on getting introduced second. It was an ego thing. Mike didn't mind. He just wanted to wrestle. Aaron was mocking him. He had absolutely no respect for him. The bell rang. Ripcord was watching from the back. Ripcord wasn’t the only one watching.

In attendance was a blogger named Alison Stiles. She is a huge wrestling fan. Her wrestling blog, “Wrestling Stiles” has quickly cracked the top 100 list. The blonde beauty was on her laptop writing about a match she didn’t expect to see. Mike was now body slamming the cocky spike-haired Ale. Ripcord, still watching, was cheering on Maniac Mike. Then Maniac Mike attempted, but Aaron Ale rolled out of the way. Aaron got back to his feet. Allan Atom noticed Ripcord was taking a big interest in this match. "Got a Stake in this one, kid?" Atom asked. Ripcord looked nervous. "No sir," he responded.

Alison now watched as Aaron delivered forearm shots on Mike. She tapped on her keyboard. She knew of Maniac Mike. She watched his matches on public access television. Ale throws a clothesline at Mike and connects. While Alison typed her report, Ripcord and Atom were still focused. “I know Aaron is in control right now, but I must admit, that backyarder is very good,
if I do say so myself,” Atom said. The look on Ripcord’s face was total agreement. “Yes sir, Maniac Mike has what it takes,” Ripcord replied. Atom looked at Ripcord and shook his head. “Knock it off with that sir stuff,” Atom insisted. Ripcord smiled. “Okay, sir… I mean, Alan.” Ripcord smiled and Alan Atom patted him on the back. Ale Irish whips Mike into the ring buckle. Aaron Ale goes for an avalanche, but Mike moves, and Aaron hits the post. Next thing you know, Mike atomic drops Aaron. Then Mike knees him in the stomach. Then Mike gives him a spinning neck breaker. Alison Stiles looks impressed. You could tell by the look on Ale’s face that he underestimated Maniac Mike. Now Mike gives Ale an Irish whip of his own into the ropes. As Aaron Ale ran, Maniac Mike lifted him on top of his shoulders. Mike delivered his finishing move, which he calls, the “rocker shocker.” It’s a Samoan drop. The move was executed. Mike pinned Aaron. Alison looked shocked. The audience was cheering. The referee counted as an impressed Alan Atom looked on from the back with an enthusiastic Ripcord. “One!” shouted the referee as he slapped the mat. “Two!” The referee hit the mat again. “Three!” The referee pounded the mat one last time. The time keeper rand the bell. The ring announcer picked up the microphone.

“You’re winner…. MANIAC MIKE!” The audience went bananas. Aaron Ale was on his back with a shocked expression on his face. Alison looked around. She was surprised, but pleasantly surprised. The people began chanting Mike’s name. Aaron Ale got back to his feet. He looked disgusted. Mike offered to shake his hand. Aaron refused and walked away feeling very angry. He saw Allan Atom and Ripcord standing in the dressing area when he got back. “I failed,” Aaron said, looking directly at Alan Atom. The veteran shook his head. “Yeah, you failed yourself!” Atom motioned Aaron to follow him. Maniac Mike made his way backstage. Ripcord high fived him. The event continued on the outside, but inside of the tent (the makeshift dressing room ) Ripcord was happy that Aaron Ale got put in his place. "Man, that jerk constantly gives me a hard time at practice," he said. "Ale thinks he's a king or something."

Mike listened to him, being able to relate. “Hopefully he gets a change in attitude now,” Mike responded. Ripcord smirked. “Highly doubt it.” Suddenly Abraham walked over to them. “Great match, Maniac,” he said. Mike smiled. “Thank you, Abraham, I appreciate that.” A referee walked over to them. “Excuse me,” he said. “Maniac Mike?”

“Yes?” Mike responded.

“There’s an Alison Stiles here to see you.”

After just defeating respected Independent wrestler, Aaron Ale, Backyard Wrestling legend Maniac Mike finds himself with an interview request from wrestling blogger, Alison Stiles. After the referee had given Maniac Mike the message he went to see her. Outside of the tent in the park, she was standing there.

“Alison?” Mike asked.

“Congratulations on your win,” she said.

“Thank you.”

They found a place to sit down. Alison had her laptop with her. Everybody seemed to be having a good time. It was certainly a nice day for a festival. “So, should we begin the interview?” asked Alison.

“Okay, but, I just wanted to say that I’ve read your blogs before.” This made Alison happy. “People reading my blog is always appreciated,” she said, “just be sure to tell more people about it.”

“That’s a deal.”

Some kids went up to Mike and Alison. They wanted Mike’s autograph. He signed their programs and they ran off to catch the rest of the event. “Ready to begin?” she asked. Mike thought about it. “Don’t you want to catch the rest of the event?” She gave little thought to the question. “I think I have my story.” In the background, people were still talking about the Maniac Mike verses Aaron Ale match. “Then I’m ready to begin.” So, she set up the laptop. “This has been quite a night for you, Maniac Mike,” Alison began, “a match against one of New England’s finest wrestlers, Aaron Ale, and you won by pin fall.”

“It’s crazy and I’m still walking on air,” Mike responded, “first I was fortunate enough to get a spot on this important event, then Ale ends up being my opponent.” Alison smiled. “Well,Maniac Mike, you’ve been a backyard competitor for years, how did feel for you in those opening moments, to be wrestling on this kind of level?”

“Well Alison, I already had big matches before, a lot of people feel that just because it happens in a backyard, it doesn’t count, or, if it happens in a studio, it doesn’t count, but they’re wrong.”

Alison looked like she wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “That’s certainly fair, but, there’s plenty of fans who insist the same thing about the Indies is true as well.”

“Yes, I know, and that’s unfortunate.”

They both smiled at each other. A band started playing in another part of the park. “So, Mister Maniac Mike, do you feel your victory against Aaron Ale was either an upset or a fluke?” Alison asked, but, the expression on her face afterwards suggests she wished she hadn’t asked. But Mike just laughed. “No, no, no, not a fluke at all. Just look at my record.”

“Believe it or not, Maniac, I am familiar.”

Mike smiled. “I’m very happy to hear that.” She smiled back. “Is it true that you wrestled for your high school wrestling team?” Mike looked like he was looking back on those days. “It most certainly is true.” She typed away on her laptop. “That was here in East Providence, correct?” She continued tapping away at the keyboard. “Yes, EP was my team. It was a great learning experience.” Alison thought about this. “What do you mean by learning experience?” Mike looked out in the crowd and noticed kids wearing their school wrestling jackets and shirts. “The hard work and the time that’s put into the sport. The dedication. Overall, the respect factor.” Alison appreciated what she just heard.

“You were in the USWF for a long time and you and Travis Savage had a legendary rivalry. What are your thoughts on that?” asked Alison. She could see that Mike had fond memories of that feud. “Myself and Travis Savage had the rivalry we had because we’re two different people.” She checked online and found some old matches between Mike and Travis. “I bet these bring back memories,” Alison said. She pressed play on one of those matches. He remembered it like it was yesterday. “Travis Savage was so good in that ring,” Mike commented. This surprised Alison. “I’m surprised to hear you say that about your long-time ring rival.”

“It’s because Travis Savage was such a talented wrestler that made our feud a good one.” This looked like it made sense to Alison. “Kind of like all the great pro wrestling feuds,” she added. Mike went quiet for a moment. “Pro. There’s that word again. The one that separates Indies and backyarders, right?” Suddenly, Alison smiled innocently. “I didn’t mean any offense by that.”

“Alison, did you know that one of our presidents was a wrestler?” She wondered about this. “Really? Which one?”

“Abraham Lincoln.”

Alison seemed surprised. “Really?”

“But, was he considered a ‘pro?’ And is it really fair to judge a person on the whole ‘pro’ thing any way?”

She thought about this. “You’re right. Talent can be discovered anywhere.” It looked like they both had an understanding. “Ask me anything you want, Alison.”

“You’ve won World Heavyweight titles before, how would you rank those wins against today’s victory over Aaron Ale?” He thought about Alison’s question. “Let’s see now, for those top championships I won it against some of the best, like, the Grand Master of Funk, Armenian Dream, Stray Cat, Puma, and others. But, this win against a respected and top ranked New England wrestler has won me the respect of the New England Independent Circuit.”

“I certainly feel that you’ve earned the respect of everybody here today,” Alison agreed. Footsteps are heard thundering towards the bench. It was Aaron Ale. Earning respect? Seriously?” Aaron questioned. “I don’t believe what I’m hearing.” Maniac Mike stood up. “What exactly is hard for you to believe?” asked Mike.

Aaron moved closer. “A backyard wrestling dude being invited here and then getting a lucky win!”

“That’s not how I saw it,” Mike responded, “I pinned your shoulders fair and square for the three count.” This angered Aaron even more. “It was a fluke, man, and you know it.”

“No, actually I don’t know that. I beat you fairly. It’s your own fault if you were too over confident.” This argument was causing a scene. “Okay guys, let’s calm down,” Alison pleaded. A crowd was growing. People were yelling for a rematch. “See? These fools want to see another match,” Aaron said.

“Ale, if one more match is what you wanted, all you had to do was ask,” Mike said.

Security and referees ran over to pull them apart. “Ale, get back in the tent,” screamed a referee. Alison looked like she couldn’t believe what was happening around her. “Best blog ever,” she said to someone next to her. “I know, right?” he agreed.

“Ale, you go back to the tent now or you’ll be fined,” ordered an official. Aaron made a face at him. “Fine, I’ll go, but, this isn’t finished, Maniac.”

“Oh, any time, Ale,” Mike told him.

Just like that, the aftermath was broken up. Alison walked up to Mike. “Wow, the hits on my blog will be off the charts tonight.” Mike smiled. “Glad I could help.” Mike went back and thanked the wrestling league again for his opportunity. Then he went to enjoy the rest of the festival. Later on, Alison found him. “The blog has been a hit so far and I only posted it about an hour ago,” she said. Mike smiled. “I’m glad for you, Alison.” She walked along with him. “I hope I didn’t upset you during the interview, Mister Maniac.” He grinned. “No, you didn’t upset me, and it’s just ‘Maniac Mike.’” They walked over to a game booth. “Are you good at knocking down the pins like you are in the ring?” asked Alison. Mike studied the bowling pins and all of the stuffed animals. Mike held the ball. “We shall see.” Mike had three tries.

He pitched the ball. It barely missed the pins. “Almost,” said Alison. Mike tried again. He came even closer. “I don’t know, Alison.” Mike tossed the ball again, and it hit the pins. They fell onto the ground. “You did it,” Alison said. Mike was proud of himself. “Well, Alison, which stuffed animal would you like?” Alison looked pleasantly surprised. “Really? But you’re the one who won.” Mike pointed at all of the stuffed animals, showing her all of the good choices. “I insist. Besides, it can be my way of thanking you for the interview. It meant a lot and is sure to do my career a lot of good.” She chose a teddy bear. “It was my pleasure.” Aaron Ale noticed them in the background. Friends of his had joined him. “Enjoy your fun while it lasts, Maniac Mike. You will pay for embarrassing me.” His friends tried to take his mind off things, but, Aaron kept complaining.

Kids asked him for an autograph but he refused. Mike offered to walk Alison to her car. Aaron saw them. “Do you honestly think she’ll go out with you, backyarder?” Aaron asked.

“Let it go, Aaron, it was a fair match,” Alison said.

“Sometime soon, Aaron, this will be settled,” Mile promised. They walked passed them.

“Do you actually think she’s going to go out with you now?” Aaron asked.

“She’s not a part of this, Ale.” Mike said.

Aaron gave his friends a look. He had four guys with him. They surrounded him.

Alison looked concerned. “Come on, Aaron. Call them off.” Aaron laughed at her. Mike was in the middle with all four of them closing in. Aaron just stood there, watching. Footsteps were heard coming towards them. Mike recognized him immediately. It was Ripcord from earlier on in the event. “Is this the respect that you teach all of us in practice?” asked Ripcord. “Perhaps the school needs a new teaching assistant.”

“Beat it, punk,” Aaron ordered. But, Ripcord didn’t budge. “Four of your goons against a fellow wrestler,” Ripcord pointed out. This angered Aaron even more. “No, he is not one of us, he’s a backyarder.”

“Man, a wrestler is somebody who wrestles,” Ripcord said, attempting to reason with him. Aaron Ale wouldn’t listen. He pointed at his friends. They were ready to pounce on Maniac Mike. As they closed in even more, Mike started swinging. Suddenly, Ripcord ran to them and attacked one of Aaron’s friends from behind. Mike threw a clothesline to another one of Aaron’s pals. The other two just stormed away.

Aaron Ale was furious. “I’m going to hold you to that promise of a return match.” Mike stood there with Ripcord and Alison and looked triumphant again. Later that night Mike logged on to Alison’s web site. Mike seemed satisfied by what he read. Elsewhere in the night, a dark, disguised figure walked through the night. This unrecognizable person walked by and kept hanging up flyers.

BEWARE DIRT SHEET

This was done throughout East Providence and had a web address attached to it.

Soon it was plastered throughout the town. Mike left the house the next morning and saw the flyers. “Who is this Dirt Sheet?” Mike could feel this was going to haunt him. He contacted Ripcord.

“Hey, what’s up, Maniac?”

“Have you seen this Dirt Sheet stuff yet?”

“I have, Maniac.”

“What does it mean, Ripcord?”

“I don’t know.”

A dark mysterious presence walks by along the neighborhood. A door to a loft opens. The hand turns on a computer. The computer was logged onto a web page of Victor McHenry. He read the screen print that was his biography. Raised in an entertainment family, Victor McHenry bought a radio station back in 1924. McHenry began broadcasting a program called “Shadow Bandit.” It premiered on March 26, 1927. By the May 30, 1927 episode, the show was already building in popularity. On June 22, 1927, the show aired it's one hundredth episode. It drew big ratings. So, to make the show even more successful, McHenry signed radio show talent away from his main competitor.

The mysterious man listens to the October 29, 1927 episode. ( This is episode 168. )

Ripcord signs into his Face Space account. He saw he had a message. There was also a link attached to it.

SHADOW BANDIT JAN. 16, 1928 episode 188.

“Who sent me this?” Ripcord asked.

Maniac Mike signed his American Wrestling League contract, officially.

The same masked mystery person (not sure if it is a man) saw the news about the AWL. The person opens up another window on the computer and saw an old ad.