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OSW's First Official Match Signed!
Topic Started: Dec 18 2012, 06:38 PM (287 Views)
DCGMoo
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Disciple of Moo
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LAKEWOOD HOPEFUL SEEKS NEW LIFE WITH OLD-SCHOOL WRESTLING

LAKEWOOD, OH -- Jon Rawlins looks out at the empty gym where it all started for him -- and where it almost ended before it even began.

The year was 2010 and Rawlins was an eager senior at St. Edwards, a powerhouse in high school wrestling. Rawlins looked to be a hot prospect in the sport. He had just finished practice and was getting ready to hit the showers. "It's embarrassing to say, but I slipped and hit the gym floor hard," said Rawlins. "I ended up breaking my arm two weeks before the Championship."

That year, St. Edwards failed to win the Division I Wrestling Championship for the first time in thirteen years.

"I was kicking myself," Rawlins continued, looking regretful. "I felt like I let the team down when they needed me the most. Worst of all I felt like I failed myself. That this was my only chance and I blew it."

Rawlins tried not to dwell on it, but the What If was always lingering in the back of his mind. "I threw myself into my dad's nursery business. Topsoil, tomatoes, trees...you name it, I could plant it. But Dad knew my heart wasn't really in it. So, with his blessing, I started getting work around some of the local wrestling organizations here in the Cleveland area."

Putting up and taking down the ring, working security, selling chips and sodas in VFW halls and high school gyms like St. Edwards, Jon Rawlins did it all without complaint. Eventually, Rawlins got the opportunity to finally wrestle and word got around that he was someone worth taking a closer look at. And one of the eyes now taking interest in him is the resurgent Old School Wrestling, who has signed him to tryout match on their first show.

"Shocked. Completely and utterly shocked!" was Rawlins' reaction to Old-School's phone call. "OSW is one of those feds with such a rich history, so I'm thrilled it's making a return. And if I can be a part of it, it'd be a dream come true!" However, when asked who he'd be facing, Rawlins couldn't say. "It could be anyone. Another rookie like me or some journeyman from Mexico or Japan looking for fame in the States or even some 'big name'. I've been hearing rumors ranging from Juan Vasquez to Ultimate Thrasher to even 'Crimson' Joe Reed! You want to say 'Get real!' and not put any stock in gossip, but then again no one ever expected somebody like Mark Langseth to appear in Fighting Spirit [OSW's "sister" federation in the Alliance of Professional Wrestling] either!"

Another potential name being bandied about is former OSW stalwart Frank Knight. "Uncle Frank", as he is better known, was last seen in Phoenix Valley Wrestling, where he distinguished himself with a Television title run.

"Oh, man, Uncle Frank," Rawlins seems impressed by the idea of possibly facing him. "He's something else, you know? But I've been watching my old tapes again. I'm pretty sure I can give him a few surprises of his own if President Ice plans on throwing him against me! In fact, I'd be looking forward to it!"

When asked if he was nervous about the tryout match and what it could mean for him, Rawlins was silent for a few moments before finally responding.

"I never thought I'd get a second chance in wrestling, but I'm not going to let it slip away. My friends and family are all behind me. I may not be able to predict the future, but..." Rawlins flashes a wide grin. "...'Rowdy' Jon Rawlins, OSW Heavyweight Champion has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"


###


OOC NOTE:
"Tryout" matches will be replacing jobber/squash matches on the first few OSW shows, until our jobbers have "established" themselves. All wrestlers signed to a "tryout" contract will face an always-dreaded "mystery opponent" that goes unannounced prior to match time. Often this will be a jobber that I'm testing out for the JOB squad, but at times it may indeed be two handled characters against each other for a roster spot (handlers will know OOC if that's the case).
The wrestler who wins the match will receive a full-time OSW contract and will officially join the roster. Losing wrestlers will either receive a non-guaranteed contract (read: jobber), or will not be signed at all.
Space will be limited obviously as there's only room for a couple per show, but if you have an idea that makes use of the "tryout match" concept to debut your character, let me hear it!


OTHER OOC NOTE:
I have probably half the first card planned out, and ideas for most of the rest. A few matches will be announced over the coming days via press release, posted both to the OSW Yahoo Group and to JTF. Once the card lineup is finalized, a more formal lineup will be released, along with deadlines and such. That will be within the week! Still shooting for the first Insession early in the New Year... but will obviously leave room for the holidays around the startup. :)
Working on new characters you didn't see a decade ago. Honest.
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