Jimmy Hart's XWF

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ScotKen
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Jimmy Hart's XWF May 6, 2020 20:45:03 GMT 1 Asaemon, Big Boss Man, and 2 more like this

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Post by ScotKen on May 6, 2020 20:45:03 GMT 1

!!!COMING SOON!!!

{Here's a my fantasy, part true, version of the events prior to February 2002}

Having taped around ten hours of content in November, Jimmy Hart was relatively happy and looking forward to upcoming talks with representatives of various television networks. That was until he received two phone calls only days after the second taping.

Jimmy: "Hello...oh, hi Jerry. Wasn't that great, those tapings. Man, I'm going to be looking so..."

Jerry: "Jimmy!"

Jimmy: "...great to all those..."

Jerry: "Jimmy...you've...Jimmy!"

Jimmy: "...TV execs at the meeting. They'll be eating out of the...wait, you sound upset...what is it man?"

Jerry: "Jimmy, I'm sorry to do this to you after all we've been through and the promises I made. Heck, after the things I said...well, there's no other way to say it. Vince wants me back and I'm going, back to the WWF."

Jimmy: "Already? Jerry you're killing me here...where am I supposed to...your voice is all over the footage. Your face is..."

Jerry: "I know, I know and I'm sorry. I'll...look, I'll make it up to you."

Jimmy: "How Jerry, HOW? I...I need to go, I'll speak to you later my man."

This first call obviously had Jimmy Hart reeling a little, but worse was to follow when the second call came through.

Brian Knobbs: "Hey Jimmy, I've had a quick look at the footage man and we've got something. The production, the battling authority people, the wrestlers and that announce team. It's going to be nasty baby, NASTY!!!"

Jimmy: "That's great Brian, just great. Look, I've got a bit of news about the...wait, my assistant is...I'm putting you on hold baby, give me a few minutes to take this other call. Hello?"

Hulk: "Hey brother!"

Jimmy: "Hulk, wow am I glad to hear your voice. It's been chaos today, so much going on and I'm trying to prepare for the meeting with the representatives from TV. Don't want to look stupid you know, already had one bit of bad news with Lawler."

Hulk: "Lawler huh...don't tell me he's going to the WWF! Man, after everything he was saying backstage..."

Jimmy: "EXACTLY...all that rubbish about never going back, Vince being scum and what not. The way he treated..."

Hulk: "Wait, shit...he's...damn brother, that's going to make this call even tougher."

Jimmy: "Yeah and...wait, tough? Hulk, don't do this baby, come on man. You and me, taking on the world...I'll give you the book, I'll fire Brian, fire Vampiro, you can hire whomever you want."

Hulk: "Jimmy, dude, you knew I was in to get fit after surgery. I filmed some vignettes in case man, you know in case I didn't feel good to go. But, I'm good and Vince called me."

Jimmy: "Of course he called you, cheaper for him to destroy me early on isn't it. Listen Terry, I've got..."

Hulk: "Oh, so it's Terry now...all business Jimmy! Well, I can only wish you luck and maybe I'll see you around man. Really, I am sorry brother."

Jimmy: "Okay, okay, good luck I suppose. Brian?"

Brian Knobbs: "Yeah, so as I was saying it's going to be..."

Jimmy: "Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck...****, ****, ****, ****, ****ing...Lawler and Hogan have quit man, they're gone. TV meeting coming up, tour in what six weeks or so and we've lost two huge names."

Brian Knobbs: "Damn...but, hey man there's still plenty of good there and we do have the tour. Let's see how the meeting goes and we can work from there. Come on man, Road Warriors and Curt are still with us baby."

Last Edit: May 7, 2020 21:40:33 GMT 1 by ScotKen

ScotKen
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Jimmy Hart's XWF May 7, 2020 21:39:53 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by ScotKen on May 7, 2020 21:39:53 GMT 1

The TV meeting was early the next week, with the execs having already picked up on Lawler being back on Raw. Jimmy attempted to work around that by stating they could cut the footage around it, get Schiavone to redo his commentary alongside someone else. All that was in vain though, as soon as he mentioned Hogan was leaving the meeting in each instance was near enough at an end. Nobody bit, nobody took interest further and only a few even stated they'd retain some interest and wait until after the December tour.

**********

December and it's a week or two before the Hammond, Milwaukee and Green Bay shows. Jimmy decides to make his calls to the non-wrestling staff, do some general chat and keep them all up to speed.

Jimmy: "Hi Gene, it's..."

Gene: "Jimmy, my old friend, I've been meaning to call. Listen, the road doesn't have the same draw to me as it used to. I've spoken with Vince and he's looking for a presenter on a show he'll be starting up in the new year."

Jimmy: "Vince...well, I suppose you did do the same to Verne and even to Vince so I'm in good company there I suppose."

Gene: "Now Jimmy, come on, it's hardly the same thing is it."

Jimmy's assistant had come in to the room as Jimmy slammed the phone down.

Jimmy: "You know what, could you make the additional calls for me and let me know how you get on. Here's a list, I'm away outside to walk in to traffic...kidding of course."

Jimmy's assistant made the calls and the feedback given later wasn't good. Rena had no interest in continuing, Bobby was really only doing Curt a favour, Roddy would be at the December shows though not take part and Schiavone had been tapped on the shoulder about some other work. So, there went any plan to do any sort of taping at the three shows. Jimmy also made the decision to move the January shows to March...ticket sales were really poor by all accounts.

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Jimmy Hart's XWF May 7, 2020 21:46:27 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by ScotKen on May 7, 2020 21:46:27 GMT 1

The December tour actually went relatively okay. Jimmy kept himself to himself backstage, although there were a few isolated incidents with Vampiro and Johnny B Badd of all people. Indeed, Johnny had missed the last night. Unfortunately, the Road Warriors informed Jimmy that they'd not be working any more dates. Time to do less, Hawk still being worried about his health. With a stripped down roster, none of the Puerto Ricans had been used. Reports from the back did though mention Jimmy having received a call from Carlos Colon. Final main note being that a lot of the younger wrestlers hadn't been used, which by the time we came to February led to them being booked elsewhere.

As everyone left the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena there were two interesting incidents backstage.

Curt and Bobby walked past Jimmy.

Jimmy: "Hey guys, great stuff again. We can really push you Curt, give you that big main event run you've been wanting. Bobby, still the best baby!"

Bobby: "Ah Jimmy, stop it...we're not two teenagers. I'm getting tired, it's a different business. That wasn't even WCW in it's last days out there, that was...well, **** knows what it was. You've got Curt in there with Bagwell and Vampiro. Did you not watch the Monday Night Raw where they tried using Bagwell?"

Jimmy: "Take the book then Bobby!"

Bobby: "To do what with it...wipe my ass? Sorry Jimmy, I just don't think you'll see me back again in February. I wish you all the best though, someone needs to give the guys somewhere to work."

Curt: "Jimmy...Vampiro and Buff over and over and over! Seriously man, that's poor. But hey, I'm still in and I'm still with ya dude! Tell you what, I'll phone tomorrow and we can chat a bit more."

Curt and Bobby walked off, just as Roddy Piper made his way out in to the corridor.

Roddy: "Jimmy, you know Bobby is absolutely correct there brother. It's the same guys, it's the same formula and it'll be the same results...fail, fail, fail, FAIL, FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIL!"

Jimmy: "Oh **** off..."

Roddy: "Wow, well if that's your response already then I don't see the point in sticking around with you. You know, two authority figures fighting it out should not be the most exciting thing about your shows Jimmy. That's NOT wrestling and it's certainly not different or in anyone's face. You can entertain without giving the talent less time, the fans...what you have of them...are always there to watch the wrestling."

Roddy walked off without allowing Jimmy to reply, though those nearby could see Jimmy nodding to himself as Roddy walked away.

**********

The next day, Monday the 31st of December, Jimmy held another meeting with the TV execs and this time he decided to have a joint meeting. The meeting included various groups, including a couple from the UK, so Jimmy was in a decent mood from the start.

Jimmy: "Okay, you have in front of you all our promotional detail and a note of the event cards from the three shows we had over the weekend. I've cleared the decks for January, thought that perhaps we could discuss..."

TV Exec: "The third event, last night, Johnny B Badd missed the show. He was always great in WCW wasn't he, is this going to be another meeting with a list of..."

Jimmy's assistant had chapped the window of the room.

Jimmy: "I told you no...oh, he is...well, patch the call through and I'll take it on loud speaker. Okay everyone, this should help us along a little bit. Curt are you there?"

Curt: "Jimmy, I..."

Jimmy: "Here he is folks, our next big champion in professional wrestling. He's perfect in every way, Curt Hennig!"

There was a bit of applause in the room, followed by.

Curt: "Errr Jimmy, am I on loud speaker?"

Jimmy: "Yes, I thought you could...hang on..."

The TV execs started to talk amongst themselves as Jimmy picked up the phone.

Jimmy: "What's...you said last night that...the meeting is on just now...ROYAL RUMBLE??? Curt, you...I should just change my name to Verne! Fine, fine...no...that'd be great and good luck I suppose!"

Jimmy took a moment or two to compose himself.

Jimmy: "So, fairly obvious I've now lost Curt also. We still have some great wrestlers though, Greg and the Nasty Boys are known faces worldwide. Buff Bagwell is full of potential and we drew 8,000 across the three shows just there."

TV Exec #2: "Jimmy, I think it's time to be honest here. Who else have you lost?"

Jimmy: "Well, Curt obviously, Gene, Bobby Heenan, the Road Warriors, Roddy Piper, Rena, Tony..."

TV Exec #3: "So almost anyone who'd interest a major network then. Jimmy, I really think that for me anyway this meeting is over. Take next month to think things over, that's my advice."

Jimmy: "Does everyone feel like that...okay, looks pretty much agreed. Tell you what, we've got two shows in February. I'll send you all details, we'll put together tapings or something for you and we can meet again if you feel the need."

TV Exec #1: "Names Jimmy, you want our wallets to open then it's going to take names."

The meeting over, Jimmy quickly contacted Knobbs and Valentine to give them the news. The key focus for January was now getting names, or at least fans to attend in February.

ScotKen
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Jimmy Hart's XWF May 7, 2020 21:54:47 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by ScotKen on May 7, 2020 21:54:47 GMT 1

January began with a late afternoon meeting between Jimmy, Brian Knobbs, Greg Valentine and Mike Graham.

Jimmy: "Okay, let's see how we can turn all of this around everyone."

Mike: "Jimmy, we've already had a few problems in the back and some guys are..."

Greg: "They need knocked down a peg or two Mike, hell I've seen not very much in the ring from them."

Jimmy: "We knew one might, we hoped we'd get the hungry version."

Brian: "Spat out and angry man, that's how he looks to me anyway. But, if the fans react and he's not getting physical in the back..."

Mike: "It's a risk worth taking, okay let's move on then. What's your plan Jimmy, did anyone give you any advice?"

Jimmy: "Well, Roddy wasn't shy let's just put it that way. We can discuss all of that during the booking meetings though, we need bodies and names first. Bodies and names guys!"

Brian: "I got someone to look over anyone that worked some WCW or any television for me...computers man, you know me. Errr, anyway, There really isn't very much around, but here's a list."

Everyone looked over the list, a lot of head shaking and laughs. Jimmy wrote on the sheet at one point.

Mike: "PER SHOW? Bloody hell, that's steep...no, we can't go there. Oh and no to the usual cast, that buffoon there was abysmal for years."

Greg: "Agreed, Jimmy you can strike his name off."

Jimmy: "Okay man, no Beefcake! What about Tito? Anyone seen him recently, spoken to him?"

Mike: "No, but could do. Certainly a safe hand and...so is Tommy Rogers come to think of it."

Brian: "See, see...you put us in a room, great minds, progress baby, PROGRESS!!"

Jimmy: "Yes, yes, but we're not seeing names are we? Come on, we've got shows in Texas to book next month. They can't be empty, we can't..."

Greg: "TEXAS, bloody hell...TEXAS Brian..."

Brian: "Yeah Mike...TEXAS...errrr, Greg..."

Greg grabbed the phone on the table, dialled a number and...

Voice: "Hello?"

Jimmy: "TERRY...wow...Terry!"

Terry Funk: "Who the **** is that...wait, Jimmy? Hello brother, it's been a while man. Wow, I can't think when we last spoke. How are you doing? How's that company of yours coming on?"

Jimmy: "That's why I'm calling...oh and I'm here with Greg, Brian and Mike."

Terry: "Mike Graham? Hi Mike, still miss your dad kid he was a damned fine man. Can't watch a Superbowl without, well I don't need to tell you do I."

Jimmy: "Are you fit Terry?"

Terry: "Well I worked Japan last month, wasn't quite as crazy as usual...I told those bastards no ****ing explosives this time. Why do you ask? Ha ha, I'm playing...I know why you're asking. I was going to phone you up Jimmy, offer to do you and favour and come in to work alongside you."

Jimmy: "Fantastic, that's amazing man."

Terry: "Bit of advice too for you. Dory and Dusty both have TV, Dory won't mind you or a few of you turning up and Dusty of course has Barry Windham there alongside him. Man, Windham, I've never seen such a brilliant yet at the same time complacent man in all my life. Such a talent, but his mind would just...maybe we should all have been like that, might all be a bit healthier. Hell, there might be more of us left around."

Jimmy: "Wow Terry, thanks for the...ah, my assistant is chapping at the door...look, we can talk later. I'll speak to Dory and Mike can go talk to Dusty. I'll have to go, speak to you soon man."

Brian: "PROGRESS!!!"

Jimmy: "Wow, so...oh, almost forgot. This had better be good."

**********

Assistant: "An Englishman is on the phone, Davey Boy!"

Brian: "DAVEY BOY...put him through, PUT HIM THROUGH! Oh boy, wow, Davey Boy, the..."

Davey Boy: "Hello, you there Jimmy?"

Brian: "DAVEY!!! You ready to kick some arse mate?"

Jimmy: "Brian, calm down man, calm down! Hi Davey, there's a few of us here including Greg and Mike Graham."

Davey Boy: "Oh, right, okay. Well..."

Brian: "SIGN WITH US!"

Jimmy: "Brian, would you..."

Davey Boy: "HA, that's okay. You got to love the enthusiasm from him don't ya! I'm not ready Brian, won't be ready until early in May. I'm just, you know, looking at my options for after I'm clear of everything and my training is at the right point. Got some matches sort of scheduled for Canada, but after that I thought...I dunno...maybe I could work with that lump of wood Harrison. Seriously Jimmy, is that really the best of British you could find? Fookin hell, he's gash mate!"

Greg: "Gash?"

Jimmy: "LEAVE IT...okay, I think we could work out something and unfortunately, yes, it is the best so far."

Davey Boy: "Tell you what, I'll get you a tape sent over. There's a lad Doug Williams, looks the utter bollocks from what I've seen. Who knows, maybe you'll find the next Dynamite, Regal or Taylor in there too. Hopefully see you all at the end of May."

Jimmy: "Okay Davey...what's...sorry, my assistant loves interrupting and this time it's a sheet of paper...thanks for the call and look after yourself."

**********

Mike: "Things coming together a little bit better now then. What's on the sheet of paper?"

Jimmy: "Vampiro, inviting me to go watch him on a show in a couple of Saturday's time. XPW...I suppose we can add it to the list. We have Dory to arrange, Mike to go and see Dusty and I'll be going to the Royal Rumble. Does anyone know if any of our guys have other shows?"

Greg: "I'd have said Norman and Simon, but that's the same night as Vampiro."

Brian: "Buff has something in Mid Atlantic, Rikki's running there."

Jimmy: "Nelson? Okay, let's add that then also. Right, I've got a call to make and then I'm..."

**********

The phone started ringing, Brian picked it up and looked over at Jimmy before putting it on speaker.

Bobby Heenan: "Hey Jimmy, listen...I know I'm not your favourite person right now and you've lost a lot of guys. I'm sorry, I've never promoted and can't imagine...anyway, I had an idea and thought you'd..."

Jimmy: "Bobby...oh, I don't have the strength to stay angry just now. What is the idea?"

Bobby: "Well, it's like this. I know you've lost your announce team and I was working WOW last year. Anyway, I spoke with my accomplice that night and he's available...Jimmy, Lee Marshall is available! I'll leave you with that and good luck, I really mean it."

**********

Bobby hung up and the others left Jimmy to make his one final phone call of the day.

Jimmy: "Hello, oh sorry it would be."

Andrew McManus: "Jimmy, can we do this later or via email?"

Jimmy: "I'll be quick, then you can get to your breakfast. How about the XWF and WWA work together? We'll get TV, use some of your guys, you run the PPVs worldwide and use some of our guys. What do you say?"

Andrew: "No. You're just struggling to get guys and to get TV, absolutely no interest in working with you. I'd have bought WCW if I'd wanted to, why work with a promotion that's shedding talent already? Goodbye Jimmy!"

ScotKen
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Jimmy Hart's XWF May 8, 2020 0:06:24 GMT 1 Asaemon likes this

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Post by ScotKen on May 8, 2020 0:06:24 GMT 1

So, with Jimmy and Dory having agreed Jimmy would keep an eye on things and Mike having agreed to use Barry Windham whilst meeting with Dustin, it was on to the rest of January's show visits etc.

First up was XPW's New Year's Revolution 2, which Vampiro had very kindly invited everyone along to. To say that none of the four were impressed is an understatement, they did though wait backstage to speak to Vampiro...maybe they shouldn't have.

Mike: "What the hell was that Jimmy? That was absolutely abysmal, you can't have that garbage all show. Heck, we couldn't have any of it!"

Jimmy: "Mike, err, Vampiro is right behind you."

Vampiro: "Too real for you old man? Too much blood, too hard hitting?"

Mike: "Hard hitting? Listen Ian, that isn't..."

Vampiro: "HEY, drop the real name. I'll slap the..."

Konnan: "What? You'll slap the what?"

Jimmy: "Konnan, great to see you. Vampiro didn't tell us you'd be on this."

Konnan: "Oh, did he not! Well, I'm sorry for missing the shows man and look I've managed to get Rey for you in February. We can look to..."

Vampiro: "Oh, will you stop!"

Konnan: "I'll bury you bitch...for real this time!"

Jimmy: "Okay, okay, let's keep the...hey, SHANE!"

Shane Douglas: "Jimmy, I see you've found the party. Woah, woah, take the hatred out the eyes there guys. I might just be your boss in the future."

Vampiro: "Screw this man, I'm out. Jimmy, see you...wait, man, you should come to Dearborn at the end of the month. Just see what's there, you know."

Mike: "Will there be any wrestling there, there wasn't a lot here tonight!"

Vampiro: "You know what, screw you man...see ya Jimmy."

Konnan: "Jimmy man, good to see you. I'm sure we can get other guys, maybe a deal somewhere, if things go well next month. Later bro and same to you Shane, you should come on board dog."

Shane: "You'd never give me a microphone Jimmy, family friendly and what I've got to say about many people. Even the way Vince has cut your legs from under you, I could never stay quiet man. But hey, I'm not 40 yet so maybe I could be your main heel. Get back to me if you get TV Jimmy, we can talk then."

**********

Second main show of the month was, of course, the WWF's Royal Rumble.

Only Jimmy and Greg had gone along to this one, Mike was back at the offices watching the tape Davey Boy had managed to get sent over by the FWA. As can be imagined, things were a bit tense as Jimmy and Greg stood around backstage. Plenty of respectful nods and hello, until Curt Hennig walked past.

Jimmy: "You keeping going Curt?"

Curt: "Jimmy, look...come on man, it's the WWF. I've been gone nearly ten years, I couldn't have given this up."

Greg: "Hey, we might have had TV with you. In my day..."

Curt: "When was that Greg, huh? Your day...are we talking your run as The Blue Knight, the UWF run perhaps? Give me a damned break...would you work with Bagwell night in and night out? No, I didn't think so. Jimmy, I'll keep my eyes out for you."

As Curt walked off, Jimmy turned and saw Jim Cornette walking towards him.

Jim: "Well, I'll be damned...Jimmy Hart. I see you've been talking to Curt, Jerry Lawler is around somewhere if you want to let off more steam. Not seen Hogan, but he must be here as he's coming back in February and you know Vince for preparing things."

Jimmy: "I certainly do and, no I'm not looking for Jerry at the moment. I'm assuming you're..."

Jim: "Perfectly happy with OVW, yes I am although there is talk of me being called up so to speak. You know, I was just thinking...oh, wait, this should actually help. Ted, hey TED..."

Ted Dibiase made his way across and shook hands with all three.

Ted: "Hi guys, what brings you here? Scouting?"

Jimmy: "Not sure there's much point in scouting, that's almost a sure way for someone to get a raise if Vince hears I'm looking at them."

Ted: "Ha, yes I did hear about you losing a few guys. You know, I tried the WXO and trying to be another power isn't easy. You grab a roster and they all think they've made it already. Good luck to you though Jimmy, certainly hope you do well."

Jim: "Funny you should mention the WXO Ted, I was just about to mention Stan Lane to Jimmy here."

Ted: "Oh, yes, a good guy for your announce team Jimmy. You know what, Mike Barton too although he's in Japan at the moment. I wouldn't really recommend anyone else."

Suddenly, a familiar voice is heard.

Vince: "Hello Jimmy...Greg. You know Greg, I could squeeze you in the Rumble...might help your ticket sales for February! From the WWF..."

Jimmy: "Well, at least you haven't driven to Florida and stolen our ring Vince. You know, I get Hulk and I can sort of understand Curt...but, you had fired Jerry and Gene is just out of spite isn't it. There's really no point in me hiring any other ex-WWF guys, Tenta could maybe do something and Shamrock or even Tatanka. You'd only start a legends division or something else. You've too many guys anyway..."

Vince: "Oh, we've a plan for that. The rest of it though, I've a lot of young guys and Curt will hopefully be good to have around them. Hulk is obvious, Jerry is a great talent and Gene is a known face. They were all good business decisions and I'm fine with each, I don't fear competition so long as it's competition. You don't even have TV Jimmy, only promises to your guys and they weren't even under contract. Tell you what though, speak with Jim and Les. If they have anyone who can move across to you then feel free. I've got to go, but good luck and maybe our conversation at next years Royal Rumble or whenever will be a better one."

**********

At the end of the month, everyone got together and went over their notes for making offers to anyone. Mike explained that he'd liked the look of Doug Williams and also picked out Jack Xavier as someone who was worth bringing over from England. Mike took Jimmy through the tape, FWA episodes 27 to 30, and they both flinched at the bump taken on the wooden floor by Jack. Jimmy and Mike had gone to watch Buff in Mid-Atlantic where they bumped into Dave Isley. Only a few days earlier, Jimmy had also gone with Mike to Vampiro's other show and there they noticed a lad called Chris Sabin. Discussions with Jim Cornette and Les Thatcher began, with Les mentioning two workers that he'd send reports on. Add to that the offers to Stan Lane, Tommy Rogers, Tito Santana, Lee Marshall and Barry Windham it had been a busy month.

ScotKen Lower Midcarder Banned I have made 216 posts Location:	Jimmy Hart's XWF May 9, 2020 20:15:52 GMT 1 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by ScotKen on May 9, 2020 20:15:52 GMT 1 Apologies to all, but I've decided to place this diary on hold for now and concentrate on another one.

Jimmy Hart's XWF

Post by ScotKen on May 6, 2020 20:45:03 GMT 1

Post by ScotKen on May 7, 2020 21:39:53 GMT 1

Post by ScotKen on May 7, 2020 21:46:27 GMT 1

Post by ScotKen on May 7, 2020 21:54:47 GMT 1

Post by ScotKen on May 8, 2020 0:06:24 GMT 1

Post by ScotKen on May 9, 2020 20:15:52 GMT 1