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Another Blue-Chipper Joins The Franchise

Posted: Aug 23rd 2012 By: CMBurnham

The most powerful faction in SWCW just got a little stronger thanks to the addition of the most honoured manager in the state.

Recent weeks have seen the Franchise Players fracture and stumble after ascending to the top of SWCW. Although still in control of the SWCW Title, the group had been something of a joke, thanks to the leadership of L. J. McDaniels. That tenure ended this past Saturday, as Rick Russo, Shane Sanchez & SWCW Champion David Kyzer came to the ring and buried McDaniels, firing him from the group. Russo then announced that they had searched far and wide for their new leader and were now ready to reveal him.

The leadership came in the form of Stevie Caballero. Already assembling a powerful stable in MSWA, Caballero now re-entered SWCW for the first time in almost 5 years. Never one to shy away from the possibility of money and fame for himself, Caballero reminded the fans that his reputation preceded him and he was more than a manager. He was an insurance policy.

The original main event for that night was a Hardcore Tag Team match pitting Chris Kuhn & Kareem Sadat against Rick Russo & L. J. McDaniels. But with McDaniels being fired, SWCW commissioner Kuhn came out to change the rules. He said that he was removing himself from the match as well and that it would now be a 1-on-1 Hardcore match between Sadat & Russo. But it appeared that Kuhn had walked into a trap as the Franchise Players tried to back him into a corner and looked prepared to cause physical harm and distress. Thankfullly for Kuhn, Sadat and SWCW All-American Champion Kevin James Sanchez came out to rescue the commissioner and Sadat made it clear that he wanted both Russo and Shane Sanchez in the main.

That wish was granted and it any normal person would have regretted the decision given how much blood was shed. But Russo & Sadat are not normal people. And they, along with Shane Sanchez, were more than happy to shed their plasma in an effort to inflict serious damage on each other. Sadat's arrival quickly saw him searching under the ring for something, flipping up the skirt and trying to (apparently) find a weapon. At one point, Sadat crawled completely under the ring, then dragged Russo under. Fans could hear the commotion, but never actually saw what went on. Sanchez was also pulled under, presumably by Sadat. All 3 men emerged bloody from the disappearance, but the geyser of blood from Russo's head and the flowing river of blood pouring off the head of Sadat must have made even the most hardcore fan concerned for the well-being of both men.

Weakened by the loss of blood, Sadat became a good target for the Franchise Players. And the Hardcore Rules aspect allowed Stevie Caballero to interfere without fear of repercussion. Sadat fought back valiantly though, wiping the blood from his eyes as much as he could and dishing out punches and kicks everywhere and eventually catching both Sanchez and Russo with an RKO/Legdrop combination and getting the pin. It was a short lived victory as Kyzer entered the ring and a 3-on-1 mugging of the "Oklahoma Hardcore Legend" began. Very quickly, Kevin James Sanchez & Maniac Mike arrived and an impromptu 6-man tag team match was begun. Still apparently being fought under hardcore rules, all 3 Franchise Players members paired off with the other 3 combatants. And in an example of family kharma, Kevin Sanchez got the pin on brother Shane Sanchez, who was making his return to SWCW that night.

Although not successful, Caballero's influence cannot be denied. He has now bought himself control of the SWCW Title, something he never got while in the company 5 years before. And Caballero's deep pockets certainly promises to make the situation interesting as far as new members in the stable. Also, Caballero's association with SWCW Tag Team Champions the Syndicate in MSWA could possibly influence their behaviour in SWCW.

Funny how the changing of one little piece makes the entire picture different.