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Post by jeronimoe on Aug 28, 2021 11:21:36 GMT 1
Domino Effects is a real-world mod that starts from December, 1997.When will the mod be fully released?Quote: | We can't make an estimate date yet! Although we have worked on this project for a fair amount of time already, we are under no illusions that there's still a tonne of work ahead of us. With that in mind, we also don't like to disappoint people. Therefore, we won't releasing a half-baked mod which has glaring errors. We are rather big on detail and realism. Even things that are often overlooked, such as unrealistic buy-rates, are important to us. Although perfection is near-impossible, we will strive for it. It's going to take time, but the community will be updated on progress along the way. |
Can you help?Quote: | Of course! We will accept help from anybody - no matter how big or small it is. We have already identified that the UK & European and Mexican scenes need help, as does the joshi scene in Japan. If you are knowledgeable with these scenes at around the late 1997-early 1998 time period, then we would be more than grateful for your help! We will be looking for testers at some point, but not at this time, due to where we are at with the mod right now. Regardless of what you are interested in helping with, feel free to PM me. |
Why the name ''Domino Effects''?Quote: When you look at the mod's banner, you will see two things: Bret Hart being screwed at Survivor Series 1997 and Rickson Gracie closing in on victory against Nobuhiko Takada at PRIDE 1.
Bret Hart's departure to WCW lead to many things in real life. It made Steve Austin's ascension to the top of the WWF ladder much more easier than it would have been if Hart was still there. This also helped lead to the WWF's eventual victory in the war. Hart may never have had his career come to a premature end and the health issues that followed, as he more than likely wouldn't have faced Goldberg in the WWF. On more depressing notes, his brother-in-law Davey Boy Smith's drug issues worsened when he joined Hart at WCW and lastly, Bret has openly said that he felt that Owen Hart wouldn't have taken part in the stunt that lead to his heart breaking demise, if Bret remained with Vince McMahon and the WWF. These were all ''Domino Effects''.
Over in Japan, before his fight at PRIDE 1 against Rickson Gracie, Nobuhiko Takada was in many Japanese fans' eyes, the best fighter in the world. Not just this, but many Japanese people prior to the fight, also believed that professional wrestling was the toughest sport. 47,860 fans hit the Tokyo Dome for Takada's years-in-the-making fight with Gracie. Most of the fans where wrestling fans, many of whom felt that Takada was representing them and the entire sport itself. Unfortunately for them, and the masses watching at home, their world would soon come crashing down in front of their very eyes. Takada was defeated via submission inside 5 minutes, and the belief that many of the Japanese had surrounding wrestling, had been shattered. This would, in the subsequent years, rear it's ugly head.
Firstly, in the form of ''Inokism''. Antonio Inoki's love for MMA can be traced back as far back as 1976, during his infamous fight with Muhammad Ali. However, after the bad press that surrounded pro wrestling after Takada's defeat, and MMA's ever-growing popularity, Inoki's obsession grew beyond belief. NJPW talent now had to prove themselves in the form of an MMA bout at the likes of PRIDE FC, should they have any aspiration of becoming a star in the company. By the end of Inoki's reign at NJPW, the company was close to bankruptcy. On the other hand, NJPW's rivals AJPW and NOAH had caught this fever to an extent, too. Particularly NOAH, and their leader Mitsuharu Misawa, whose company and himself, presented very stiff matches and dangerous bumps on the head. Sadly, in 2009, Misawa himself would die in the ring after taking a back suplex - bringing down the curtain on a legendary performer and career. Again, ''Domino Effects''.
With that being said, TEW is fantasy and outcomes will shape out differently when you enjoy your save. For example, Bret Hart's run in WCW was badly-booked and nowhere near as good as it should have been, given the buzz following the screwjob, and performer himself. You can change that. You could even link him back up with Owen Hart, and give Owen a serious run in WCW - as opposed to what he got when he remained in the WWF from 1997-99. In Japan, you could steer NJPW in the right direction, rather than submit to ''Inokism''. Or if NJPW isn't for you, then you could show the world what ''King's Road'' is all about, and leave Inoki to his MMA stranglehold. But do you know something? That's just four different examples, in two different countries. There's much, much more to explore than that. |
So, which Domino Effects will you create?...
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Post by jeronimoe on Aug 28, 2021 11:23:57 GMT 1
THE STATE OF PLAY Canada and the United StatesQuote: Whoever thought that the mid-to-late 1980s would be the first and only time that pro wrestling would enjoy mainstream success, can now think again. The ''Monday Night Wars'' was at first predicted to be a failure by many. Not only for WCW, but the wrestling industry itself. WRONG, again. Monday's, traditionally a pro football night, are now a wrestling night with WWF's Raw and WCW's Nitro going head-to-head for Nielsen ratings supremacy! Quite the unthinkable has happened, as a matter of fact. The WWF, synonymous with pro wrestling itself these days, is now actually the #2 company, at least in ratings, trailing behind Ted Turner's WCW who have ascend the throne of pro wrestling. It's ironic that they are lead by Hul-, sorry, ''Hollywood'' Hogan, the man that helped lead the WWF to the top. Lightening has struck twice, as he has helped lead WCW to the top this time. But don't let a diehard WCW fan hear you say that! They'll tell you that is he is a traitor, and maybe they have a point. The New World Order's leader was running rough shot through WCW on Nitro, alongside his ever-growing group. That was... until Sting returned, with a whole new darkened look. The two are clashing at Starrcade - WCW's biggest event of the year - and you don't want to miss it, it's surely going to be an epic! Record PPV buy-rates for the company are expected for Sting-Hogan, the match that fans & critics alike feel, is the most eagerly anticipated wrestling match of the decade.
On the other hand, the WWF, although now #2, are actually showing signs of recovery. They used to cater to the kids, but now they've joined WCW in appealing to the 18-30 demographic. Who'd have thought it? They sure are ''putting a smile on people's faces'', as Vince McMahon used to say, but in a much different way. ''Stone Cold'' Steve Austin is fast becoming their top, major star with his don't give a damn, rebellious attitude, and is the red-hot favourite for the upcoming Royal Rumble. The Undertaker's intimidating, masked brother Kane has now showed up, and currently, he is looking more stronger than 'Taker himself. D-Generation X continue to push the boundaries and are probably giving the USA Network executives a heart attack every Monday night! The once clean cut announcer Vince McMahon, who is now finally presented as the owner of the company, has even shown an evil side of himself. It kind of suits him. Actually, it suits him A LOT. ''Bret screwed Bret'' according to McMahon, and who knows who else will fall victim to McMahon's apparent poisonous new streak...
It would be unfair not to mention the impact ECW has had on the industry, particularly in the prelude to it's new time in the sun. While the WWF and WCW were living in cartoon world, the Paul Heyman-lead company was dragging wrestling kicking and screaming into the 1990s with it's innovation and new ''attitude'' (hello, WCW & WWF). Since then, the WWF and WCW have both taken not only inspiration, but also talent away from ECW - especially WCW. Throughout this year, WWF and ECW have been embroiled in an on-screen feud, with talents of both companies appearing on Raw & Hardcore TV respectively. It's actually ironic that the two companies are believed to be on decent terms, unlike ECW's relationship with WCW. Heyman probably hates Eric Bischoff's stinkin' guts! Anyway, money is always the object at ECW, and although the company made monumental progress by holding their first PPV in April with ''Barely Legal'', a viable national cable deal is what they need to survive long-term. With a loud, passionate fan-base, and then the likes of ''The Franchise'' Shane Douglas, Taz, Bam Bam Bigelow and Rob Van Dam among others leading the charge, they aren't short of a fan base & talent, but money? That's too tight to mention.
The other independent companies in both America and Canada are trailing in the wake of the ''Big Three''. They certainly don't lack in talent, but their biggest curse and blessing is the big three. They are blessed in the fact that the buzz around the industry has boosted attendances up and down the country. But they are cursed in the sense that the WWF, WCW and ECW will take their talent, and also the likelihood of their chances of growing are hurt by WCW & WWF being so ingrained into the consciousness of the fans. Even Jerry Jarrett's USWA, a near-spiritual successor of his CWA/Memphis territory, have just gone out of business. In large part, that was down to fans choosing to watch Nitro or Raw, rather than attend the USWA's traditional Mid-South Coliseum shows every Monday. The new-found success of the industry has come at a price for the ''little guys'', and it's now more than ever, a case of sink or swim... |
Quote: Since the days of Rikidozan, the man that gave hope to a nation that badly needed it following WW2, Puroresu fast became associated with professional wrestling in Japan. Many on the island wondered if Rikidozan's tragic death in 1963 would bring an end to the popularity that the sport was enjoying, however a lot of talent, but most notably his two best protege's - Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba - ensured that would never be the case, as they continued to draw fans' eyeballs to the arenas and TV sets. 1972 would be a historic year as both Baba and Inoki went their separate ways with Nippon Television & (eventually) TV asahi, to form AJPW & NJPW respectively.
Although the '70s and '80s were successful decades for both companies, the '90s has given a whole new meaning of success to both of them. That same success is continuing right now, here in 1997. NJPW, who many feel are #1 due to their big-time feel, overall balance and co-promoting, are being lead by the Three Muskateers (Keiji Mutoh, Masahiro Chono and Shinya Hashimoto). As we approach the end of 1997, it will be reflected upon as the year that New Japan ''conquered'' all 4 domes; Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka. The company sold out in each one, in what is an extremely impressive accolade. NJPW are even linked up with the world's most popular promotion, WCW, and have been for a while. There is even an ''nWo Japan'' right now! The good times keep rolling, but after Nobuhiko Takada's crushing defeat at PRIDE 1, let's hope Antonio Inoki doesn't get any ideas of ''restoring wrestling's reputation'' with his well-known love for MMA, in the future...
Despite facing different challenges since it's inception in 1972, AJPW are enjoying themselves right now, and are proving to be stiff competition for NJPW. The four pillars of heaven (Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, Kenta Kobashi and Akira Taue) are continuing to produce some of the best wrestling matches in the entire world, and the company is a sure favourite for overseas tape-traders. Tickets for All Japan's Nippon Budokan shows sell out in under an hour every time, and only the Baba couple's conservative ways are preventing them from holding events at much bigger venues across the nation, like Inoki's group have throughout 1997. The lack of depth in the junior heavyweight division is perceived as one of AJPW's few in-ring weaknesses, but apart from that, everything is mostly positive. With a lot more gifted athletes already in, and expected to join the dojo, the next millennium is extremely promising for Baba's company, as ''King's Road '' continues to thrive!
The 1990s has been a decade of change. Atsushi Onita and FMW know that more than anybody, with the ''Deathmatch'' style of wrestling that was ushered into Japan, thanks to them. It quickly proved very popular, and Onita himself proved to be a huge draw, using his gift of speaking to the fans emotionally, after his brutal matches. From 1993 to 1996, the attendances at the Kawasaki Stadium for FMW's anniversary shows for the following were: 41,000, 52,000, 58,250 and 33,231. Those numbers are staggering, but as you may have noticed, there was a dip at the last one - and that was in 1996. This year, it was 16,000 and the event was at the Yokohama Arena instead. Just a few months back, the company held an ambitious supercard (which featured WWF talent Ken Shamrock & Vader among others). It was more like the better times, as they drew 50,000 at the Kawasaki Stadium. With that said, Atsushi Onita has already retired more than once, and is starting to become known as a liar these days, thanks to what is now becoming a routine of retiring and returning. His drawing power has waned as a result of this. Hayabusa is now starting to be pushed as the ace of the company, and apparently there are bad feelings growing behind the scenes, from the wrestlers to Mr. Onita. Whether anything will come of it? Who knows, but the company need to regroup and recapture the spark that they had during the early-to-mid part of this decade, if they are to draw the huge crowds of yesteryear off their own back, rather than co-promoting with other companies.
All Japan Women have been the face of Joshi Puroresu since 1968, however, the winds of change are starting to blow - and not favourably for AJW. As a result of various poor financial decisions and investments, the company declared bankruptcy a few months ago, and although they haven't died, they are severely wounded. Wrestlers have started to leave in droves, and not just the wrestlers either. Highly-rated matchmaker Rossy Ogawa has also left, and is believed to be forming his own promotion named ''Arsion'', which will make it's debut at the start of next year. Ex-AJW star Aja Kong and others are expected to be apart of it. Kyoko Inoue has also done the same, and will be forming NEO Japan Ladies, which will also be debuting in early 1998. Thankfully, AJW haven't lost their lucrative television deal with Fuji TV - although it was pretty damn close! That may have been the final nail in the coffin. Despite their recent turmoil, AJW have committed to another hefty touring schedule for 1998, and therefore will need to recruit and make new stars. That won't be easy, especially since that the Joshi scene is loaded with companies such as; Arsion, Gaea Japan, JWP, JD' & NEO. It is truly a fascinating time to be a fan of Joshi, and with so many companies and great talent at the forefront, the 2000's could be it's best decade yet!
Elsewhere, other companies such as BJW, Michinoku Pro and WAR aren't going anywhere anytime soon. It's no surprise that all three have enjoyed co-promotions with bigger companies, however, they have all struggled to really be spoken about in the same sentence as All Japan & New Japan from a ''size'' point of view. Of course, with time, that can change... |
Quote: If you thought that wrestling was both interesting and enjoying a lot of success in America and Japan, then you will be interested to know that Mexico is, too! You may be even more interested to know that Domino Effects took place here... but at first, some background.
CMLL, formerly known as EMLL, was the #1 company in Mexico. It is synonymous with Mexico, like the WWF has been since post-1984, to America. However, it's much deeper than that comparison. CMLL has been around since 1933 and have pretty much always promoted the traditional Lucha Libre style of wrestling, since those early days. The company even produced a genuine cultural Mexican icon in ''El Santo''. Any company that help create that kind of success deserve credit, and CMLL are included in that. After several decades of success, everything was looking great for CMLL, until tension started to emerge from within...
As noted before, CMLL promoted a traditional style of Lucha Libre. By 1992, they had two main bookers: Antonio Pena and Juan Herrera. Pena wanted the company to go in a new, modern high-flying direction, whereas Herrera wanted to stick with the traditional style. This lead to Pena splitting with the company and forming his own: AAA (with television backing). With AAA, Pena was finally given free license to show the country his vision, and boy did it take off. AAA are now the #1 company in Mexico, and have arguably been more influential than CMLL, in terms of recognition outside of the company. In 1994, AAA co-promoted a PPV event with WCW, which drew 13,000 fans in Los Angeles! Speaking of WCW, Eric Bischoff among others attended an AAA show prior to the co-promoted event. Bischoff must have been impressed with what he had seen, as flying Mexican talent are now signed up to the WCW ranks, and are a unique part of Nitro's product.
Just when you thought two was a crowd, two became three, amigo. In 1996, Konnan, a huge star in Mexico, had become frustrated with AAA owner Pena over disagreements - most notably over money. Konnan had already bought an independent company (Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre) in 1995, and after leaving AAA, he teamed up with both TV Azteca and WCW. TV Azteca is one of the largest Mexican TV stations, and given Galavision's stranglehold over the wrestling TV market (they show both AAA & CMLL), there was no better incentive for them than teaming with Konnan/WCW, and the promotion was reborn as Promo Azteca. With the mighty fine combination of both TV and talent as well as it's exclusive partnership with WCW, Promo Azteca has been on a crest of a wave throughout 1997, and has quickly found itself rising to the top of the tree, ahead of it's AAA & CMLL counterparts. Like ECW and FMW, it offers a more alternative, ''hardcore'' product, compared to the more established promotions. In fact, last month Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Promo Azteca among the top promotions in the world.
For many, many decades, Mexican wrestling was in an all too familiar state. Not ''bad'' as such, but all too familiar. The 1990s has changed that. There is now a three-way war, and it's a war in which the possibilities are truly endless. Lucha Libre will never be the same thanks to the Domino Effects caused by Antonio Pena and Juan Herrera, but how will the story end?... |
Quote: If you ask any British teenager or young adult their favourite wrestler, they are most likely to answer with the likes of Bret Hart, Hulk (or ''Hollywood'') Hogan, The Undertaker and others that have graced the WWF and/or WCW. Now, the generation before them would have given a different answer. They would have said the likes of Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, Kendo Nagasaki, Johnny Saint and others that appeared on ITV television from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s. Unfortunately, that era is now long gone, and the wrestling fans are now mostly engulfed by the sensation that is happening across the pond in America.
Since Greg Dyke's infamous decision to cancel wrestling from national broadcaster ITV in 1988, the domestic wrestling has suffered a great deal. All-Star Wrestling, ran by Brian Dixon, had used their ITV exposure well in the form of some strong angles. The proof was in the pudding, as when they were cancelled, fans flocked to venues to see the outcomes of the storylines that they had seen on ITV (up until the abrupt cancellation). However, this ended up being a novelty, and after Kendo Nagasaki's second retirement in 1993, British wrestling is truly in the doldrums.
It's not for a lack of talent, though. The British isles have produced some of the finest technicians in the history of the business, and despite the heavy slump in popularity, it is not necessarily going to mean that genetics will change as a result. The likes of Alex Shane, Doug Williams, Jody Fleisch and others are said to have a lot of upside, and there are still veterans among the scene, too. These same youngsters and veterans will probably be somewhat discouraged by the fact that some independent promoters are actually running cards that are mostly filled with cheap WCW and WWF knock-offs! Nevertheless, there is a lot of potential to be had here, but finding a viable television deal is going to be a thankless task...
Europe is much of the same. Otto Wanz's Catch Wrestling Association still at times share talent with NJPW and WCW, but CWA's style is fast becoming stale, particularly in a decade like the nineties. The wrestling industry and even society has changed so much, and could be passing CWA by if they aren't careful. In fact, the entire continent of Europe and the UK need something cutting edge, otherwise they will be often seen as an afterthought, in the minds of those that they need to attract to their venues. |
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