LQJT86C
Where's my money, Chad?
From the blog of Devin Millwood...
The Era of Castor Strife has ended, and the Age of Impulse has begun. Or has it? I'm excited to see the list of potential contenders who line up in hopes of stabbing Impulse's reign while it's in the cradle. We knew for a long time that Castor and Impulse were 1 and 1a, but a different side of the coin is emerging. That is: what happens with Castor? Does he decide to challenge for an immediate rematch? Does he find a partner and enter the tag division, lobby for a dream match with Nova, or focus his attention on JJ Deville? Playing off your most frequently asked mailbag questions, here's the scoop so far...
What is Castor's injury status?
The epic fall from grace will forever be etched in our minds, the moment when Castor Strife plunged 30 ft through tables and a solid sheet of glass. It will also be etched on his body, as I was told he has severe scarring on his arms and head. There is currently a bandage covering his forehead most of his face above the nose. The fall also caused him to break three ribs, and further tests are still pending. The immediate concern was internal bleeding, but he had none.
Will he make it to Berlin?
There was major concern among NFW brass that Brawl: Berlin, for which Castor was heavily advertised, would have to gone on without the former champion. One of the main reasons NFW decided to go to Germany when it did was because of Castor's huge international profile, particularly in Europe where he was a major star on the wrestling circuit during NFW's down-time following Crash 50. I have confirmation from Alex Austin that Castor is committed to making the show, and sitting down (standing up?) for a highly anticipated Hollywood's On Fire segment with Lamont. It's anyone's guess what he will say. Do not miss it.
Status of Contract/CSWA Rumors/ESEN Superfight
Fact: Castor's NFW contract has indeed expired, and Eddie's office has indicated that terms will be agreed to very soon. On the flip side, there is a strong rumor going around that the CSWA has made an unprecedented 7 year/$42 million offer to the reigning Ultratitle Champion. The CSWA will not confirm, but I have good sources who say it's true. What's interesting is that nobody in the Strife camp is denying it, and none of them claim that Castor re-signing with NFW is imminent. This would be a big news, considering he has only ever wrestled in other organizations under negotiated transfer agreements (similar to the deals that allowed Sean Stevens to wrestle in NFW, and Impulse in EPW). Since day 1, Castor has been an NFW athlete. My gut tells me it will all work out, but we shall see. The other question is whether he will still wrestle Dan Ryan in Dallas Cowboys stadium next month, and as unbelievable as it sounds, Castor himself has placed himself in the affirmative. That match will go on, and will be televised on ESEN and Setanta Sports in Ireland and the UK, as well as markets around the world.
Who is the guy in the gas mask?
Nobody knows. I have it on good authority that it is not JJ Deville, or Troy Windham, as had been previously speculated.
What is the feeling in the locker room?
Shock, mostly. Castor had become a locker room leader of sorts, given his veteran NFW status and 519 day title reign (second all-time behind JTP) and 8 successful title defenses (also second to JTP). The guys had sort of become accustomed to 'business as usual' with Castor as champion. However, there is an excitement and buzz around the fact that there is a new champion, especially given that champion is Impulse, who is also very much admired by most everyone on the roster. It will open up opportunities for new challengers (Castor was notorious for not chasing people who seemed disinterested in facing him, and was big on marquee level matchups; Impulse is an aggressive match-signer who will be eager to wrestle anyone and everyone. The two men have fundamentally different personalities in that respect). It also means the belt remains on someone who everyone recognizes as being one of, if not the very best in the world.
What will happen in Berlin?
Anyone's guess at this point, but I am particularly interested in what Castor might say about JJ Deville. Word around the organization is that Castor is furious with JJ, and nobody really knows why. It could also involve any other members of the Hellfire Club, or Jack Bryant (who Castor sent Steel Viper to protect from Hellfire), or Jack's mentor and Castor's long time friend, Fiona Love. Who knows, but we know that Castor will be en route to Germany this week, so all will be told in time.
That's all I've got. Don't miss Berlin. I'm out!
The Era of Castor Strife has ended, and the Age of Impulse has begun. Or has it? I'm excited to see the list of potential contenders who line up in hopes of stabbing Impulse's reign while it's in the cradle. We knew for a long time that Castor and Impulse were 1 and 1a, but a different side of the coin is emerging. That is: what happens with Castor? Does he decide to challenge for an immediate rematch? Does he find a partner and enter the tag division, lobby for a dream match with Nova, or focus his attention on JJ Deville? Playing off your most frequently asked mailbag questions, here's the scoop so far...
What is Castor's injury status?
The epic fall from grace will forever be etched in our minds, the moment when Castor Strife plunged 30 ft through tables and a solid sheet of glass. It will also be etched on his body, as I was told he has severe scarring on his arms and head. There is currently a bandage covering his forehead most of his face above the nose. The fall also caused him to break three ribs, and further tests are still pending. The immediate concern was internal bleeding, but he had none.
Will he make it to Berlin?
There was major concern among NFW brass that Brawl: Berlin, for which Castor was heavily advertised, would have to gone on without the former champion. One of the main reasons NFW decided to go to Germany when it did was because of Castor's huge international profile, particularly in Europe where he was a major star on the wrestling circuit during NFW's down-time following Crash 50. I have confirmation from Alex Austin that Castor is committed to making the show, and sitting down (standing up?) for a highly anticipated Hollywood's On Fire segment with Lamont. It's anyone's guess what he will say. Do not miss it.
Status of Contract/CSWA Rumors/ESEN Superfight
Fact: Castor's NFW contract has indeed expired, and Eddie's office has indicated that terms will be agreed to very soon. On the flip side, there is a strong rumor going around that the CSWA has made an unprecedented 7 year/$42 million offer to the reigning Ultratitle Champion. The CSWA will not confirm, but I have good sources who say it's true. What's interesting is that nobody in the Strife camp is denying it, and none of them claim that Castor re-signing with NFW is imminent. This would be a big news, considering he has only ever wrestled in other organizations under negotiated transfer agreements (similar to the deals that allowed Sean Stevens to wrestle in NFW, and Impulse in EPW). Since day 1, Castor has been an NFW athlete. My gut tells me it will all work out, but we shall see. The other question is whether he will still wrestle Dan Ryan in Dallas Cowboys stadium next month, and as unbelievable as it sounds, Castor himself has placed himself in the affirmative. That match will go on, and will be televised on ESEN and Setanta Sports in Ireland and the UK, as well as markets around the world.
Who is the guy in the gas mask?
Nobody knows. I have it on good authority that it is not JJ Deville, or Troy Windham, as had been previously speculated.
What is the feeling in the locker room?
Shock, mostly. Castor had become a locker room leader of sorts, given his veteran NFW status and 519 day title reign (second all-time behind JTP) and 8 successful title defenses (also second to JTP). The guys had sort of become accustomed to 'business as usual' with Castor as champion. However, there is an excitement and buzz around the fact that there is a new champion, especially given that champion is Impulse, who is also very much admired by most everyone on the roster. It will open up opportunities for new challengers (Castor was notorious for not chasing people who seemed disinterested in facing him, and was big on marquee level matchups; Impulse is an aggressive match-signer who will be eager to wrestle anyone and everyone. The two men have fundamentally different personalities in that respect). It also means the belt remains on someone who everyone recognizes as being one of, if not the very best in the world.
What will happen in Berlin?
Anyone's guess at this point, but I am particularly interested in what Castor might say about JJ Deville. Word around the organization is that Castor is furious with JJ, and nobody really knows why. It could also involve any other members of the Hellfire Club, or Jack Bryant (who Castor sent Steel Viper to protect from Hellfire), or Jack's mentor and Castor's long time friend, Fiona Love. Who knows, but we know that Castor will be en route to Germany this week, so all will be told in time.
That's all I've got. Don't miss Berlin. I'm out!
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