Between the backstage, Curtis Hale started to walk through the path in front of him, wearing a white shirt, black boots, dark glasses, and at the same time, started to feel a certain tingle in his body, seeing on how things could go now. For him, it was clear what would happen: His debut, in WWF. Even though he could be part of something bigger, as he thought once more, it was clear on the way he was walking, trying to maintain his confidence. Looking to everything around him, Curtis felt himself being taken by his personal feelings. Reaching a certain part of the ramp, he always could feel himself becoming part of something else.
"Do you know that strange feeling you have, one day at a time, that you can feel himself being taken by a certain thought: How can things conspire against you, even in the direst of times? Now, here I am, in my personal WWF debut, at Superstars of Wrestling, to be sure that I can showcase my skills and to prove to everyone in this organization that I can be one of the rising stars that this company deserves." Even though he said to himself that he was ready, Curtis was feeling nervous, more than the expected. - "It's the dream of the challenger to become part of something more. Of something greater, or better than the expected. When we feel ourselves taken by a wish, nothing can stop us." Feeling part of his body shaking, Curtis kept his body at bay, without showing how he was feeling now. - "Ok, focus. You only need to go out there and prove why you are 100% superstar material. Only that."
Hearing a certain music, more heavy metal, taken from a Scorpions song, Curtis entered the ring, seeing every man, woman and children around, while at the same time, he walked slowly, on which he put a confident walk, lifting his right hand, closing the hand, creating a fist, making a point, while showing a certain arrogance that seemed to attract some cheers around the place. On the center of the ring, Howard Finkel, put his right hand into the microphone, with a smile on his face.
"The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first: From Detroit, Michigan, weighing 246 pounds, making his WWF debut, Curtis "Thunder" Hale!" Still on the instrumental part, Curtis heard the song he chose for his debut, while at the same time, started to hear the cheers becoming more stronger than the expected. On the commentary table, Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura started to look at the scene, seeing the beginning of a fight coming true. Then, the guitar and instruments on the song became more louder, becoming something unexpected, that drew the attention of something else. A certain difference, between the more cheerful songs and optimistic, like Hulk Hogan and his Real American song, or something unbelievable in their minds.
It's early morning, the sun comes out
Last night was shaking and pretty loud
My cat is purring, it scratches my skin
So what is wrong with another sin?
The bitch is hungry, she needs to tell
So give her inches and feed her well
More days to come, new places to go
I've got to leave, it's time for a show
Here I am
Rock you like a hurricane
Here I am
Rock you like a hurricane
Entering into the ring, Curtis took off his shirt, and with this, stood on the center, seeing everything around, while feeling his mind becoming more numb by the minute, almost ignoring the sounds around him. Even though it was clear that his debut became taken by a situation, without a certain reassurance, Curtis knew that his debut could be more crushing than the usual, because his opponent, was still saving a few surprises in his mind.
"Well, Jesse, I can guarantee you that this little program, can show a few surprises around. For the World Wrestling Federation, one situation can be sure: This show can be the make or break in certain careers. And even though it's his first fight, Curtis Hale seems to display a overconfidence, that can be described as something that The Honky Tonk Man made a few months ago, but this? This can be to him, a dream coming true."
With this, his opponent's song started to take over the arena, on which a man, wearing a green and white suit, began to walk with a dollar duffel around the place, on which a certain man, seeming to be more taller, a giant, started to accompany the man that Curtis would face, being sure that the surprises would be all in.
"And his opponent, accompanied by Andre the Giant, from Omaha, Nebraska, weighing 260 pounds, The "Million Dollar Man", Ted DiBiase!"
"Well, how can this be something odd, right? One wrestler on his debut, and another one, that never won the main title in this industry. Truth be told, months later, we're still reeling from the tournament in WrestleMania 4, that made the "Macho Man" Randy Savage, the WWF Champion, and with this, we're reminding ourselves from how close, DiBiase managed to win the title belt, but in the shocking twist, Hulk Hogan helped the "Macho Man" win the championship, which led to the creation of the Mega-Powers."
"We're only a few weeks from Survivor Series, the next pay-per-view of the year, Jesse, and we can be sure that some surprises will come ahead with everything, but one question remains, for certain: How long, will the reign of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage persist? That's a question, that no one can be sure of it." The commentary table continued to watch the scene, reminding themselves of WrestleMania IV and how the Mega-Powers continued to dominate the actual scenario in WWF. Even though would have some surprises coming ahead, no matter what, it was clear how this little bout was going to be one ride, for sure.
Curtis Hale felt himself being taken by the feeling of going ahead with everything in his first match. It was clear how he was being cheered, after all, the classic face vs. heel match in everything that could happen now, his debut match being against the "Million Dollar Man" himself, nothing would be like the usual, at least, in his mind. DiBiase then, removed his suit, revealing his wrestling attire, making sure that he would go with everything in the bout. The bell then, rang. With this, the two began to grapple, like chain reaction, front to front. In sequence, Curtis won the first part of the grapple, and with this, went behind, grabbing his belly and back and with this, delivered a suplex, followed by another suplex, and then, threw his opponent on the turnbuckles on the left side of the ring. Going into Ted to give the next strike, however, the "Million Dollar Man" hit a kick from his left leg in Curtis's face, leaving him dizzy and with this, managed to hit a running punch on his back with everything, throwing him on the ropes, almost knocking Curtis. DiBiase then, went for the strike, however, in a sudden movement, his opponent elbowed him with the right arm, hitting the elbow on his face, pushing the "Million Dollar Man" behind.
In only a few seconds, the match seemed to be promising something unexpected. First, began with the chain grapple and now, both wrestlers seemed to be in equal positions. Curtis hit several chops with his right hand, on which his strikes landed on his opponent's chest, pushing him behind and in sequence, tried to land a big boot on Ted Dibiase, however, he threw himself on the floor, dodging the strike and with this, grabbed his legs, throwing Curtis in the ground. In a swift movement, he kicked DiBiase, on the belly, pushing his opponent behind. Almost like the two opponents were going all in, one movement led to another, not sparing any efforts to get the win at all costs.
"Show me what you can do, rookie. Show me how a new guy can win the "Million Dollar Man", Ted DiBiase." He was provoking his opponent and with a devious smile in his face, Curtis just went for another strike, hitting a punch on his chest, pushing him behind. - "How about this for a change, rookie?"
"Gotta say there's an advantage on how the people can't hear us talking now." Curtis answered back, being sure that things were more personal than the expected. He was the bad guy, at least, if being the hero was such fun, at least, to him, Curtis was going to give his best shot during the fight.
Ted DiBiase, seeing an advantage, grabbed Curtis's head, giving a headbutt on his opponent, and leaving him dizzy once more, he went for a unexpected strike, jumping and hitting his two feet on Curtis, pushing him almost off the ring, while grabbing himself in the ropes, leaving everyone surprised at the scene. Powerhouses and brute force, at least, part of the struggle was something far, far more theatrical in the expected. To Curtis, he was living a dream. But he knew very well that he was facing someone that could have a few "dirty tricks" in his mind. Alongside with the two parts of the "Mega-Bucks", who were feuding with the "Mega-Powers", and to someone being called a rookie, he wasn't going to let that one slide.
Hitting several punches from his right hand, Curtis delivered a chain of strikes that left DiBiase in disbelief on seeing the tenacity and strength of his opponent and with this, landed the big boot from his right leg, throwing the heel on the floor. However, Curtis grabbed one of his opponent's legs and began the pinfall, but before the referee could even begin the three count, Andre the Giant went to one of the ropes, distracting the referee and making sure that Curtis wouldn't win. In disbelief, he released the leg, on which the young wrestler went to The Giant, pointing one of his fingers into the man accompanying DiBiase as his manager. It was crystal clear on how the dirty tricks were being put into action now.
"You dirty snake!" Provoking his manager, Andre the Giant just lift one of his hands, almost in a goodbye motion.
"Au revoir, rookie." In a french accent, Andre just made sure to retribute the provocations around, leaving Curtis confused.
Suddenly, Ted DiBiase, grabbed Curtis's legs, going for a reverse pinfall, while putting his feet, almost getting up and trying to be sure that he would win against what he considered the "new guy", in disbelief. Even though no one could expect the situations, however, the shock and surprise for most of the crowd, gasping, was a emotion that left everyone fired up for the twists and turns that the fight would save now. The referee, then, went, for the pinfall.
"1! 2-"
Kicking out the pinfall in the middle climax, Curtis continued to show how he would go with everything in the scene. After everything that happened, he felt his own body being taken by a fear, even he couldn't believe, performing into thousands of people seeing a wrestling spectacle, unlike any other, he was determined to prove how he was WWF material. The two wrestlers began to hit each other, chops, punches, kicks, everything to be sure that victory would come to one of them, at least, trying to prove their best parts into the bout. Ted DiBiase then, continued to hit his opponent, grabbing his head, and landing a knee strike into Curtis's face, pushing him through the ropes, while hitting a clothesline on his rival, making Curtis fall on the ring, almost knocked out.
"Ladies and gentlemen, you're watching live, only on television broadcast, Superstars of Wrestling, where the Million Dollar Man, Ted DiBiase, faces against Curtis "Thunder" Hale, on his live debut and first fight on WWF. You can be sure of one thing: This is indeed, a wild ride, few minutes after the match began, and no one has the advantage." Jesse Ventura started to talk, giving the opinion he had in mind, remaining neutral, while seeing the match going with all the full strength Curtis and Ted were displaying now.
Seeing Curtis unable to move, Ted DiBiase went for the pinfall once more, however, his opponent kicked out before the count could even begin, Curtis held his hands onto the ropes, and with this, pushed DiBiase with his right feet and in disbelief, both wrestlers continued to punch one another in the face, changing their fighting styles into a brawler style, hitting each part of their bodies, without showing signs of backing away. On the other side, Curtis was refraining himself from using his finisher, because he was going all in to make sure the spectacle, even for the crowd around the arena, would be worth it in the end.
Hitting a strike with his left hand, Curtis managed to hit DiBiase's chest, however, he countered the strike with a kick from his left leg into his belly, managing to push him behind. Going for another chain grapple, both continued to show everything they had in their bodies and with this, DiBiase went for a back to back suplex, throwing Curtis on the floor, and with this, Ted DiBiase looked to his rival, being sure that victory was near him now. In a unexpected twist, he began to grab his head, putting Curtis standing once more, however, he punched the "Million Dollar Man" on the face, managing to push his opponent into the turnbuckle, almost knocking him with his strike. Going near his opponent, Curtis put DiBiase on the top of the turnbuckle and with this, climbed it, putting his foot near the ropes and into the middle turnbuckle. At least, on the top, he pulled alongside DiBiase, falling on the ground at the same time. The two wrestlers, starting to being taken by a certain fatigue during the match. And now, both struggled to get up, reaching the ropes, leaving the shock taking their bodies, while hearing the people around cheering and booing, in a mixed reaction. Struggling to move his body, DiBiase put his left hand into his opponent's chest, beginning the pinfall.
"1! 2!-"
Before the three count, Curtis kicked out once more, leaving DiBiase in disbelief at the scene, alongside the commentary table between Monsoon and Ventura, noticing how the two seemed to be going in full strength for the victory. The Million Dollar Man has seen several matches, however, for a rookie to be going with everything in his body, Ted DiBiase went for the pinfall once more.
"1!-"
Suddenly, Curtis kicked out of the pinfall again. Making sure that his opponent wouldn't get a victory that easy. Getting up, his hands near the ropes, Curtis Hale looked to Ted DiBiase, showcasing once more, how his strength and willpower seemed to be making him unable to give up. Another strike with his right hand, palm open, was enough to push his rival behind, however, DiBiase landed the big boot on Curtis, as retribution for the last strikes and hits that managed to almost leave him in a precarious position. Curtis started to got up, suddenly, Ted DiBiase began to put Curtis into a sleeper hold, making everyone gasp, nervous.
"My God! The Million Dollar Hold! DiBiase is going to end it, right now!" Ventura said, almost worried on the ending that the fight would have in this match.
"I'm not sure of that, Jesse! We know several that managed to escape DiBiase's claws in dire situations. This one, may be different."
"Give up, boy." Ted said, almost trying to make sure that Curtis wouldn't manage to escape. He wanted him to tap out, however, even with his neck being taken by a certain lack of air, Curtis just smiled, being sure that he wouldn't give up the match.
The sleeper hold continued to take over his body, however, Curtis started to fight back and suddenly, he managed to hit a elbow strike on DiBiase's face, forcing him to break the submission hold and landed another kick on his rival's chest, managing to make DiBiase back away on this strike. Going with everything, Curtis hit several punches on DiBiase, hitting his face several times and with this, grabbed his opponent, landing his personal DDT, Angel Dust, on the "Million Dollar Man". Seeing Andre the Giant, he went outside the ring, on which the Giant, tried to hit a sucker punch on Curtis, in the last second, Curtis backed away and landed a kick on his belly, hitting the Angel Dust on Andre the Giant, and went back to the ring before the count could even begin and went for the pinfall, knocking both oppositions in the meantime.
"1! 2! 3!" The pinfall was counted and then, the arena went into several cheers, on which Curtis stood on his knees, making Howard Finkel go to the microphone.
"Here's your winner, Curtis "Thunder" Hale!" The referee then, went to Curtis, helping him get on his feet and with this, smiled back to the crowd, waving his right hand back to them, as a salutation and a thanks warning.
"Well, folks, the unbelievable has happened. In his first match, Curtis Hale, managed to take down the power of the Mega-Bucks, even with their dirty tricks in full motion, he passed through Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase, against all odds." Ventura said, in disbelief.
"I've told you, Jesse! Told you this would be different. With his first victory, and in the debut match, how will the story of Curtis Hale unfold now? Only time will tell.
His match managed to convince most people around that he was superstar material. Even though nothing would convince him on the contrary, Curtis Hale was sure that he managed to go all in in his debut and managed to win the odds, cementing himself as a face and hero, to be sure on how things could go in the meantime. His career was only beginning. And that was a understanding, indeed.
To be continued…
Author's Note: Well, folks, that's it for today! The next chapter, we'll see how Jimmy Summer will make his WCW debut and how things will unfold. Well, this first part of the story, will focus on the most importants of the ending of the 80's, the fall of the Mega-Powers, the beginning of the rise of WCW into one of the most important wrestling organizations of the time, however, you can be sure of one thing: Several surprises will come ahead, be sure of it.
See you all next time, dear readers!
