Total Japan Wrestling Presents

[WVUFAN]

The reason for this post and thread is to gauge interest in a new e-wrestling fed, a "video-fed" using Fire Pro Returns as the engine (the name as of right now is Total Japan US Division, or TJUS for short ... I'll explain the gimmick of the fed later) Players would create their own wrestlers and come up with angles just like any other kind of e-fed, only I would post videos of the matches as run on Fire Pro.

Ownership of the game is not required. I have a setup ready to go that allows people who do not own the game or even know alot about the game to still participate.

Details to come if there's enough interest, but if there's not, I won't spam the board with info that isn't interesting to people.

I'm looking for about 20 characters in total to start, with a single player able to control up to 2 characters. This will give enough to create interest, yet small enough that everyone will be able to have regular matches. There would be RPG elements as well, as character will grow in ability over time. Rewards would also be given to those who participate with "flashes" or regular roleplays.

Would anyone be interested in this?

[WVUFAN]

TOTAL JAPAN -- US FAQ


1. What's the "story" behind TJUS?

DISCLAIMER: In this league's "universe", there is no WWE, no TNA and none of the real life pro-wrestlers exist.

In Japan, there's a dominant wrestling organization called "Total Japan". The owners recognize opportunity in the US, but doesn't know how to showcase the talent while not having to spend an elaborate amount of money on an entirely new organization.

While meeting investors in the US, one of the Total Japan owners, Takashi Kinemora, watched an episode of Food Network's "Iron Chef" and an idea was formed.

What if he took existing wrestlers and existing/current shows in Japan and, with creating editing and a few new interviews and storylines, created an entirely new show catered to America. It woud still retain the stiff, dramatic matches Total Japan is known for, while repackaged with new storylines to appear to Americans interests. Hense, Total Japan, US Divsion was born.

2. What does this mean in game terms?

The league will be run using a Japanese wrestling game, Fire Pro Wrestling R, and for those that don't know, Japanese and American styles are different, hense the "gimmick" of the show. This enables those who know next to nothing about Japanese wrestling to play, and those who love Puro and Junior styles to play as well. It's a little for everyone.

3. Do I have to create a Japanese wrestler to play?

No. The "owners" of Total Japan will go out of their way to hire foreign wrestlers to appeal more to America. Mind you, the shows are "repackage" for US palates, so if you're unfamiliar with Japanese wrestling, don't let that prevent you for playing.

4. I don't own the Fire Pro R! How can I play?

The character design phase will be longer than most e-feds that you've participated in, but by the end you'll have exactly the type of wrestler you want.

What would happen first is a basic form to fill out with info about your perspective character ... name, size, weight and what kind or style of person you want. After that, I will send you a detailed form catered to just your wrestler, and you will allot points to stats, as well as pick the moves for your wrestler. Don't know what a move is? Let me know, and I will post a video of the move, so you as the player will know exactly what you're getting. It's a longer form, but at the end you'll be able to be VERY specific as to what your character does.

Female characters are encouraged as well. They will compete with everyone else in the league, and will have the same number of creation points as male characters.

As for the appearance, if you have Smackdown vs Raw, simply send me a picture or the design of your wrestler on SvR, and I can redesign it for Fire Pro. All the entrance videos for the matches will be on Smackdown, but the matches are run on Fire Pro.

5. You said RPG elements in the league, what do you mean?

Participation and creativity are keys to a successful league, and they are awarded with new points for your character. Once the league starts, they'll be an experience point system created to allow characters to improve and gain new skills (yes, there's different skills in the game). In other words, be active, participate and your character will be appropriately rewarded.

[Toddzilla]

I would, with the qualification that I'm a complete e-Fed n00b, but a wrestling wonk.

[WVUFAN]

I would, with the qualification that I'm a complete e-Fed n00b, but a wrestling wonk.

If you like wrestling, that's all you'll need. That, and a creative imagination.

[Toddzilla]

If you like wrestling, that's all you'll need. That, and a creative imagination.Cool. When I had Toukon Retsuden for my PS2, all the wrestlers I used were self-created. :cool:

[WVUFAN]

Cool. When I had Toukon Retsuden for my PS2, all the wrestlers I used were self-created. :cool:

Toukon Retsuden was a great game. I don't understand why they didn't keep some of the things in the american version they had in it.

[Travis]

Count me in. I'll mention this to Blade (he of the no number suffix). We both did some e-fedding back around 2000 and it'd be fun to get back into it a bit.

[Sublime 2]

Much like Toddzilla, count me in as firmly interested, but I've never been in an e-fed before.

[Blade]

Travis did let me know to come and check this out, and I am very interested in it, though it has been a while since I did any e-wrestling.

But I am in!

[WVUFAN]

Much like Toddzilla, count me in as firmly interested, but I've never been in an e-fed before.

It's not hard to do, and it's as time-intensive as you want it to be.

[Travis]

Out of curiosity, will there be stables and managers involved? I'll probably have some other questions as we go, but it's taking some time to get the mind going back in this mode :D

[WVUFAN]

Out of curiosity, will there be stables and managers involved? I'll probably have some other questions as we go, but it's taking some time to get the mind going back in this mode :D

There can be if you want. All characters are created by the players, so if you want to start a stable or create a manager, we can do that. We can even make manager/wrestlers, like DDP was in the day.

[JeffNights]

Oh me me me!!!!

I love e-feds baby!!!

The Thunda-cracka is gonna crack all over you!!!

[WVUFAN]

For those unfamiliar with Fire Pro, here's a sample video from another Video fed.

Yes, the ring logo is customizable, which I think is very neat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za1eZDbNzEk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za1eZDbNzEk)

[WVUFAN]

I've sent each of you a basic character sheet. Get those back to me when you can.

I'm looking for around 20 characters to start the league out, with each person having a maximum of 2 characters. In other words, there's gonna be plenty of room if more are interested.

[Crim]

I'm interested as well.

[DeToxRox]

In

[CU Tiger]

In, efed n00b

[WVUFAN]

PM's sent.

So far, I've gotten two character sheets in already, so I'll be getting back with those two people with more details within a few days.

[PackerFanatic]

I've been in a few e-feds myself, but never heard of this game or anything like that...so put my name in the interested pile :)

[PackerFanatic]

How will angles and such work (like if do run-ins or whatever) if you are running the matches in Fire Pro? Can you put those in, or will there be a write-up of the show as well, with the matches linked basically?

[WVUFAN]

How will angles and such work (like if do run-ins or whatever) if you are running the matches in Fire Pro? Can you put those in, or will there be a write-up of the show as well, with the matches linked basically?

Angles will be written up, and I can do run-ins and manager intereference in the game itself. With the matches being Japanese matches, there shouldn't be a whole lot of interference, though. Most Puro matches have definitive endings.

But, yeah, they'll be write-ups of what happens in-between the videos. It'll be a TV show script-style writeups with links to YouTube videos. (I've got "Director" status on YouTube so longer videos are possible). This allows full shows with direct videos. I'm thinking of posting two types of videos as well -- one which will have the FULL matches for those that want to see them, and one that has edited highlights of the matches for those that just want to get to the meat of it. I have and regularly use Adobe Premiere, so I can edit the vids pretty easily.

I'm also planning on doing wrestler entrances on the shows via Smackdown vs Raw 06, so everyone can get a better look at the wrestlers themselves, and insert the entrance themes you select for your wrestlers as well, so it's more detailed for the players.

I'm open to more suggestions for those with e-fed experience.

[PackerFanatic]

I guess I will have to do some research on Puro matches and Japanese wrestling as a whole, then I could maybe give a few ideas. I have ran a couple feds myself and it was a whole lot of fun.

[WVUFAN]

I guess I will have to do some research on Puro matches and Japanese wrestling as a whole, then I could maybe give a few ideas. I have ran a couple feds myself and it was a whole lot of fun.

One of the things I noticed about Japanese wrestling is that it has much stiffer moves than American wrestling. Chris Benoit did alot of his career in Japan as the Pegasus Kid, so his style of more stiff shots and moves comes from that environment. Matches tend to be longer, with more near falls and a more developed psychology ... matches start out with smaller moves and more slowly graduates to the tougher ones. Very rarely will you see matches start out with finishers or even specialty moves. For those who like Ring of Honor, that's exactly the same style as Michinoku Pro in Japan and some of the "Junior style" feds.

EDIT: Here's a KENTA match on NOAH, which is more sports-entertainment minded. Some of what I picture TJUS being like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8njYGxsB_w

There's virtually no "Dusty Finishes" or matches that end without a clear winner. DQ's are virtually nonexistant, even with brawlers. That's not to say things don't get bloody -- the original ECW style clearly comes from some of the hardcore feds in Japan, and some of Mick Foley's rep comes from Death Matches in Japan. Fire Pro even has exploding landmine matches as one of the match options. :)

I can give you some links to some Puro matches on YouTube. They're long, but after watching them, you can see why wrestling matches are held in MUCH higher regard in Japan than in the US, and get's mainstream coverage over there.

[Travis]

Will get something to you this weekend hopefully, definitely looking forward to this.

[WVUFAN]

JeffNights:

Got your sheet, thanks for the quick response. I'll send you a PM in a day or two with more detailed questions so I can get the ball rolling on a character design.

[JeffNights]

Word.

[DolphinFan1]

Count me in!

[WVUFAN]

Excellent ... 8 character sheets in so far:

Thomas Moss -- 5'10" 240 lbs
Mike Snider -- 6'3" 230 lbs
Lightning Truppa -- 5'10" 200 lbs (one half of tag team)
Thunder Truppa -- 6'6" 325 lbs (one half of tag team)
Ron Towers -- 6'8" 375
Major Brown -- 6'4" 295
Kimo "Samurai" Tazura -- 5'10" 210 lbs
Tsurara Kurita -- 5'10" 195 lbs

-- Keep 'em coming!!

[Blade]

I will also try and get you mine as soon as possible...

[Blade]

Dola...got ambitious, so PM has been sent.

[WVUFAN]

Dola...got ambitious, so PM has been sent.

Sent you a PM. EXCELLENT role-play, by the way.

[WVUFAN]

dola ...

For general info, and a cheap attempt to attract a few more players, here is the list of moves available to be chosen in the game and for characters.

EDIT: I can't link directly to Gamefaq FAQ's, so you would have to go to GameFaqs, type "Fire Pro Returns" go to FAQ and select "Move List". I would post it here, but it's MASSIVE.

That's 1800 wrestling moves, and over 150 different types of taunts, along with over 80 different styles of entrances. Basically, if you've seen it on a wrestling show, it's in the game.

[PackerFanatic]

Will get my sheet to you ASAP...this seems very fun and I am excited to see where this can go :)

I did notice, however, that when I did a little snooping on Wikipedia, that even backstage stuff is a lot different than in America (a lot less focused on the one person and a lot of times they don't even interview before matches and such) Are we going to go to the more American route with our roleplays, I mean, is it okay to focus on that, or should we try for a more Japanese style?

[WVUFAN]

Will get my sheet to you ASAP...this seems very fun and I am excited to see where this can go :)

I did notice, however, that when I did a little snooping on Wikipedia, that even backstage stuff is a lot different than in America (a lot less focused on the one person and a lot of times they don't even interview before matches and such) Are we going to go to the more American route with our roleplays, I mean, is it okay to focus on that, or should we try for a more Japanese style?

That's up to you. The gimmick is that the backstage stuff is "Americanized"; ie storylines are created and additional things are taped to make the storylines appeal to American tastes.

[WVUFAN]

Dola again ...

For those who've not played in e-feds before, here is a great example of the kind of introductory role-plays I'd like to see. This was written by Blade, for his character Vic Vasser (and posted with his permission)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

{A black screen. The word “Vasser” appears, written in flames. An explosion and the words disappear. The scene shifts to what appears to be a gym. The camera pans and shows a number of people in various work outs, some lifting weights, some running on treadmills, and some working with punching bags.

The camera continues to pan until it shows a ring. The purpose of the ring could be boxing, but it is currently containing two men engaged in a wrestling match. One of the men is dressed in a black, long-sleeved ‘Under Armor’ shirt, a pair of black ‘Nike’ shorts, and black wrestling boots. The other man, the subject of this segment, is wearing a grey T-shirt with the Team Canada hockey logo on it, a pair of non-descript black shorts, and black wrestling boots. This man, Vic Vasser, pounds the other man into the mat with a Brainbuster DDT, then puts him into a Texas Cloverleaf. The other man taps quickly, and Vasser releases the hold. He grabs a towel, wipes the sweat from his head, and looks at the camera.}

[Vasser]
It has been a while. A long while. The last time I stepped in the ring was five years ago, and that was for that failure of a fed, the Canadian Wrestling Alliance. The CWA, a fed that I used to think could be big-time, but amounted to jack all. And where did it leave me? Working my ass off all day repairing streets.

{Vic climbs out of the ring and grabs a bottle of water nearby. He takes a drink and wipes the sweat from his head again.}

[Vasser]
I still remember telling the guys I worked with during my first few months on the job, ‘I was a World Champion. I held a number of belts over my career, and was never defeated as a World Champion.’ Were they in awe? Were they clamouring for more stories? No. All they said were things like ‘what the Hell is the WWA? You wore tights for a living? Get back to work!’

{Vic finds a chair and begins to untie his boots.}

[Vasser]
So, I shut up. I worked hard, because I needed the money. I went home at night and spent what I could on booze. The more booze I drank, the more I hoped that the empty pit in my stomach would go away. And then I turned on the TV. I would watch these wrestling shows that were on, and it would make me sick. Wrestling is about the purity of the moves, the technical aspects that more and more wrestlers were neglecting. Wrestling was becoming a joke. It took me a while, but I realized something about myself.

{Finished taking his boots off, Vic stares into the camera.}

[Vasser]
The only moments of joy I could find in my meagre excuse of an existence was when I beat pounding the Hell out of someone in a bar fight. I craved the action, but I missed the opportunity to throw someone into a german suplex, something that isn’t overly useful in a bar fight. So, I decided that it was time to get back in the sport. I needed to show the world that wrestling is still about skill, and not about fluff. So, I hit the gym.

{Vic looks around the gym and smiles.}

[Vasser]
I have been working hard, and now the TJUS has come calling. I never had the chance to wrestle in this style of organization before, but I felt that it was the perfect opportunity. It was my chance to show everyone that I still have it, but this time I have thrown away the fluff. The ‘Dynamite’ gimmick, the strutting around to the fans, all gone. This time it is not about the fans. It is about me.

You see, the fans are the problem in the first place. There are too many casual fans who have no idea of the skill involved in what a true wrestler does. They are there for the flashy costumes, the pompous parade that so many wrestlers do these days. No, this time, things will be different for me. I am living by one credo now.

{The camera zooms in on Vic’s face.}

[Vasser]
<B><BLEEP>*BLEEP* the fans</B>. There is only me. And I will only bring carnage to those who stand in my way.”

[Crim]

[in character] Heya, Vaster not nice. I's gonna pank Vaster. Heya, I's hungry![/in character]

Nice, Blade! Hate the guy already. WVUFAN, pm snet.

[PackerFanatic]

That's up to you. The gimmick is that the backstage stuff is "Americanized"; ie storylines are created and additional things are taped to make the storylines appeal to American tastes.

I like that answer :)

[WVUFAN]

So far I've gotten the following Character Sheets in, which isn't bad for a few days advertisement on this board:

1. Thomas Moss -- 5'10" 240 lbs
2. Mike Snider -- 6'3" 230 lbs
3. Lightning Truppa -- 5'10" 200 lbs (one half of tag team)
4. Thunder Truppa -- 6'6" 325 lbs (one half of tag team)
5. Kimo "Samurai" Tazura -- 5'10" 210 lbs
6. Tsurara Kurita -- 5'10" 195 lbs
7. Boy -- 6'9" 360 lbs
8. "Nero" Byron Miles -- 6'3" 237 lbs
9. Vic Vasser - 6'5" 265 lbs
10. The Hunter -- 6'6" 278 lbs
11. 'Young Dragon' Kevin Nakamura -- 5'7" 170 lbs
12. Grizz -- 6'8" 345 lbs
13. Masato Kismet -- 6'2" 255 lbs
14. Frank "Tank" Reed -- 5'9" 280 lbs
15. Rictor Showtime -- 6'5" 254 lbs

[WVUFAN]

In the weeks leading up to the beginnings of TJUS, we'll be introducing some of the wrestlers that will be making their mark in the league ...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

{Montage Scene 1 – A large, bearded man in dirty blue overalls and a red plaid shirt dozes on a Greyhound Bus, his head bumping gently against the window. The man has a serene, almost cherubic smile on his face. The bus stops, disturbing his slumber. Another man, dressed in a cheap but clean sport coat, shakes Boy awake}

[Fred]
This is it, Boy, where you find the purpose to justify your existence, and I find the cash to fill me bank account!

{Boy, somewhat more alert, now has a feral, frightened look to him.}

[Boy]
Heya Fred, I’s hungry, Fred. Heya we’s gonna get some more a them sammitches today, Fred?

{Boy follows Fred off the bus, asking all the while about his next meal.}

{Montage Scene 2 – Fred is talking to a recruiter in a TJUS office.}

[Fred]
Just let him spar for a few minutes with one of your guys, I’m telling you, this kid is a bear, the camera will love him!

{Boy sits on the floor outside the office, cleaning under his fingernails with his teeth. The recruiter and Fred open the door.}

[Recruiter]
Well, Boy, let’s go see what you’ve got for us, hmmm?

{Montage Scene 3 – The recruiter is shouting at Fred}

[Recruiter]
—ain’t some damn snuff film, this is wrestling, for God’s sake! Take that animal to the damn pound, he ain’t chewing the ears off any more of my wrestlers, you sonofabitch!

{Montage Scene 4 – Fred, alone in the back seat of a cab, talking to the driver}

[Fred]
In the wrestling business? Yeah, I thought I was, but it turns out I was traveling with trash. That idiot won’t ever amount to anything. Far as I’m concerned he can rot in the alley where I left him. I told him I’d be right back with pizza, and don’t move. Frikkin moron will probably wait there until he starves to death. Uh, just take me to the nearest gym. I’m sure I can find someone else just as big but half as stupid…

{Scene 5 – Boy is in an alley, shivering. Waiting.}

[WVUFAN]

{The screens fades up after the final commericial fades away, and we're greated with a shot of a very nice looking training facility. Free weights are neatly tucked stored, punching bags hang still, training mats that are obviously used but well maintained, a boxing ring that stands empty and an entire wall of mirrors makes the already spacious area look three times as big. This is The Hunter}

[Hunter]
Oh this is exciting isn't it?

{The deep baritone interupts the panning shot, drawing our attention to a massive figure standing just inside the closed doors, he too looking like he's appraising the scene in front of him. He's clad in jeans and a plain black shirt, with a neatly buzzed head of dark hair. It's hard to tell exactly, but he seems to stand around six and a half feet tall and is built like a linebacker.}

[Hunter]
The last three years I've been on the outside of the ropes. Watching, teaching, discussing the finer points of the sport with athletes travelling the same path I did ten years ago.

{His voice pausing, the man advances into the room, running his hand along one of the ring ropes. The look on his face as he looks into the empty ring can only be described as longing.}

[Hunter]
Now it's time to step back between the ropes, to make the ring my home again. To make it a place for others to dread coming into.

{A smile creeps onto his face as he says those words. Not a warm smile, but one of cold satisfaction.}

[Hunter]
There was a time when the lights would go out, the crowd would roar, and when the lights returned, and I looked across the ring, I could see the hesitation in my opponents eyes, that twinge of fear that would involuntarily take hold of them in that moment, and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I had beaten them before the bell had rung.}

{Grasping the rope now, he gives a few solid tugs on it, testing the flex, then lets it go. Turning back to the door, he makes his way towards the exit. Without looking back, he continues... }

[Hunter]
It's almost time to step back through the ropes. Question is, who'll be the first victim?

{And with that, he pushes open the door, sunlight spilling through, only interrupted by his body as he passes out. The door closes and the screen fades back to black.}<!-- / message -->

[WVUFAN]

{The camera cuts to a nondescript dressing room with the standard
unremarkable furniture. The camera pans around the room, covering the
blocky wardrobe and simple chair, when a duffel bag goes flying past the
camera and thuds into the seat of the chair. The camera swings to take in the person who's just entered the room, a young Japanese man in t-shirt and jeans. His long hair spills down his shoulders, framing a face that looks wrung-out.}

[Man]
Another dressing room. *sigh* A thousand miles I've come, and it's just
another dressing room. And another camera man. How's it going, guy? Time to introduce myself again?

{The young man wanders over to the chair and collapses, not seeming to care that he's now sitting on his own duffel bag.}

[Nakamura]
The name's Kevin Nakamura, "Young Dragon" Kevin Nakamura. If you've
heard of me, you haven't heard anything good. I think it's time we get
reacquainted.

I guess most wrestlers would take this time to brag about the titles
they've held or the stars they've wrestled or the feds they've dominated.
I could spend this time talking about all the feds I've been kicked out of.
You name a fed in Summit, I'm wearing their boot prints. That's why I'm so
excited about being here in Total Japan. I understand the management
doesn't wear boots here.

{He rubs his face with both hands.}

*sigh* Look, this isn't what I wanted. I've burned so many bridges
before getting here. I made a lot of enemies trying to get into Total
Pro, made even more trying to climb the ranks. If Total Japan hadn't been
starting this expansion, I would have never gotten another shot. This may
be ... this is probably my last chance.

{Nakamura hunches forward, resting his arms on his knees, and looks directly into the camera.}

I had a long time to think on the flight over here. I'm coming very,
very close to being just another child star. Someone who never succeeds at anything after they hit puberty. Someone who's life goes off the rails.
That's the fate I was trying to avoid by going into wrestling, trying not
to leave 'Master Kevvith' as my only lasting mark. But I've pushed too
hard, gotten too greedy, offended too many people in suits. I refuse to
apologize for being ambitious, but ... maybe it's time I ramp it back a
bit and play by the rules.

Here's the deal, Total Japan. I'm willing to keep things ...restrained.
You can make jokes about my past, but remember, while I was playing mascot I was also learning from the best in pro wrestling. And I'm willing to put all of that on the line, tonight, every night, in order to pay my dues here.

You're going to see everything I've got, and that's more than anybody else
in my generation. Total Japan was good enough ... desperate enough to give me one more chance. I'm taking it.

Now watch me fly.

{Fade out}

[WVUFAN]

{The cameras flicker to life backstage inside a seemingly vacant locker room. No one is sure why we are even here, no one seems to be around. Suddenly, out of no where, a loud bang is heard and the camera spins around. Five men and two women are seen, all sitting around a circular table, playing poker. The bang was the man closest to the camera slamming his cards down and standing up}

[Man]
Pocket rockets, bitches.

{The woman next to him slides her cards forward, shaking her head in shame. The man next to her does the same. The man next to him, however, smirks at the standing man}

[Other Man]
Rockets, eh? Too bad...I got a flush...

{The man slowly sets his cards down, showing two hearts. The camera zooms in on the five cards in the middle to show the following: 2 of clubs, Ace of hearts, 4 of hearts, Queen of hearts, and 4 of clubs. The standing man slowly sits down and looks down to the floor}

[Other Man]
Looks like you are out again, Byron.

[Byron]
*BLEEP* you, Rick.

{The man called Byron stands up and viciously slides his chips across the table, throwing them all over the floor. He storms out of the room before slamming the door behind him.}

[Rick]
Well then, we all saw that coming."

{The others in the group just chuckle and continue playing while the cameras follow Byron. It doesn't take the camera long to find him just outside the room, pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pants pocket. The man, who is about 6' 3'', leans against the wall and runs his hands through his short, blonde hair. He packs his cigs for a second or two, before pulling one out and lighting it up. He takes a long drag and exhales slowly. He finally notices the camera and slowly turns his head toward it.}

[Byron]
You need something?

[Camera Man]
Just coming to check out the so-called "New Guy".

[Byron]
Ah, so I already have a nickname, eh? Well this "new guy" isn't in the mood to talk right now, so you better *BLEEP* off.

[Camera Man]
You are Byron Miles, correct?

[Byron]
To you, I am no one important. To everyone else in this organization, the name is Nero. That is simply all they need to know.

[Camera Man]
You've been here long and you already have an attitude.

{Byron almost seems taken aback, if it weren't for the almost maniacal laughter coming from his mouth.}

[Byron]
You think this is attitude? You ain't seen NOTHING yet. You honestly think I have something to prove here?"

[Camera Man]
Well...yeah. From what I hear, you haven't really -

{Bryon quickly jumps forward and quickly puts his hand on the camera man's shoulder. The camera man immediately shuts up, thinking worse is coming. Byron smirks and taps him in the cheek.}

[Byron]
It doesn't matter what you have heard. All that matters is the future. And the future hands we are all dealt. You will see, you will all see.

{Byron taps the camera man on the cheek again before pushing past him to head back into the room.}<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[WVUFAN]

{The camera zooms in on a small arena. It zooms in further to the center where there is a wrestling ring and two people are inside and two more on the outside ring apron in separate corners. One of the combatants gives another a standing drop kick near the corner then proceeds to climb to the top rope. He points to the crowd which cheers in approval. He then jumps and does a 450 shooting star press onto his opponent. He points to his partner, (a monster of a man who outweighs his partner by at least 100 lbs.) which the crowd also cheers their approval. He tags in his partner who picks up the downed opponent and power bombs him. He gets ready for the pin but the crowd wants more. They are holding up signs and chanting, “Jackhammer.” So he yields to the crowd’s wishes and picks up his opponent and holds him high overhead. Then he proceeds to drop him to the mat while driving his own body into him. It is over very quickly as the referee counts to three. The announcer comes into the ring.}

[Ring announcer]
The winners and still ECWA Tag Team Champions, Lightning and Thunder, The Storm Truppas.”

{The crowd is going crazy. The smaller man, Lightning, grabs the mic.}

[Lightning]
We have something to say. We have enjoyed our time here and as most of you know it is our dream to make the big show. Well, we have been offered that opportunity.

TJUS, Total Japan US Division, has offered my brother and I a chance to show them what we have. We want to thank all of you fans for your support over the years. We plan to put this little town of Moosup, CT on the map.

{The crowd is eating this up. Lightning and Thunder exit the ring and head up the ramp. But they stop about halfway and go back. Thunder takes the belt and slings it over one monster shoulder like it was a rag. He then takes the mic.}

[Thunder]
I have only one thing to say to those now in the TJUS, ‘We’re Coming!!’

{With that Thunder throws down the mic and they exit the arena for the last time.}

[WVUFAN]

{We open on a clip of a 20 year old clip of a wrestling match with a man in a Blue Panther mask wrestling another man. This fades to show...}

[Announcer]
The Blue Panther was the finest young talent in the world of wrestling.

{...a clip of the Blue Suede Panther with 6 women around him...}

[Announcer]
The Blue Suede Panther got all the babes in the world of wrestling.

{...and we move to a clip of many young wrestlers training all in a row...}

[Announcer]
And the Tiger Claw Dojo was the toughest and most respect dojo in the world of wrestling.

{...and then to a clip of the red and purpled masked man attacking another wrestler..}

[Announcer]
Kismet was the most hated man in the world of wrestling...

{..then to a clip of a crowd chanting "Kis-met! Kis-Met!"...}

[Announcer]
As well as the most respected in the world of wrestling.

{...finally we stop on a clip of Masato himself running through the woods...}

[Announcer]
And now he will be the next champion in the world of wrestling. Masato Kismet, legend, hero, sensei, and most of all...

{...Kismet stops running and looks into the camera}

[Kismet]
I am coming to TJUS! Because my destiny is to be a champion and now my fate is sealed.

[WVUFAN]

{The Camera fades in to show what looks like a regular residential garage, in the middle of it stands the imposing figure of Thomas Moss, he uncrosses his arms}

[Thomas Moss]
Look around, because this is wher eit all started. I would have the practive mat layed out, and for countless hours I drilled and drilled, developing and then honing my skills. I dropped my sweat on his very concrete floor, along with blood and tears. I've brought you here so that you'll know the answer to your question. The question being when you see me hoisting the TJUS championship belt over my head in the center of the ring, where did this phenom come from! Well its right here, home grown right down to the bone.<!-- / message -->

[WVUFAN]

{A heavy techno/industrial beat throbs in the background as the camera
brings us into a dimly lit workout room. Beams of light slice into the
gloom from high, narrow windows. In the center of the room is a single
woman, dressed in sweat soaked workout clothes, working over a bag. Fists hit the bag in rhythm to the techno beat and she seems totally absorbed in her own motions.}

[Voice Over]
What can make a woman enter a predominantly man's league? Why put up
with the jokes? The locker room talk? Why give up weight ... and
height ... in every match?

{The woman suddenly shifts her stance, moving in closer to the bag. She
twists and weaves, to close for fists and feet, now hammering the bag with
elbows, forearms and knees.}

[VO]
Drive ... Ambition ... Aggression ... Determination. Fighting to
the top of a woman's league makes you the best woman. But fighting to the top of a man's league ...

{A quick backward bound takes her out of arms reach of the bag, now she
lashes out with her legs. Sweeping kicks rock the bag as she spins and
pivots through a roundhouse series.}

[VO]
... that makes you the best. It's not right, it's not fair, but it is.

{With own final thrust kick that sets the bag swinging, the woman finally
steps away to wipe the sweat from her face.}

[Voice Over]
My name is Theresa Desmond. And I WILL BE the best.

[WVUFAN]

When the league starts up in January, over the course of the first few cards, the current wrestlers in the league will be in a tourney to determine the first TJUS Champion. On the first card, the first three matches in that tourney will take place. Here are those matches:

TJ Tourney -- Nero v Vic Vasser
TJ Tourney -- Boy v Grizz
TJ Tourney -- Masato Kismet vs 'Young Dragon' Kevin Nakamura

They'll be two more matches on the card. If you want one of your characters on the first card, let me know via PM and let me know who you'd like to face, and we can get this setup.

[WVUFAN]

For those that are interested in reading more about Total Japan, and for the players in the league, we have a site set up. The forum for the league is at: http://www.totaljapan.us/forum

I just now set it up, so forgive the construction. :-)

[PackerFanatic]

So how easily editable is that main page, WVU? I figure instead of creating a brand new page, I can use the layout of that page to put in the custom content that we had talked about. I will talk to you more about it when I get back next week.

[WVUFAN]

So how easily editable is that main page, WVU? I figure instead of creating a brand new page, I can use the layout of that page to put in the custom content that we had talked about. I will talk to you more about it when I get back next week.


If you still want to do up the main page, you can change it to whatever you want. Right now the main page is just pretty much a basic install of Serendipity, a blogging program that allows embedded video (which would help with the match videos). The site has 100 GB space, something like 2,000 GB of transfer, so I hope that'll be enough to run the site.

But you can put whatever you want into it -- I'll give you all the access you need.

[WVUFAN]

In the league starting up, since a good number of players are from this board, I thought it might be interesting to have referees (who have stats in the game too) as people from the board. One person has already graciously agreed to be a ref: SIR FOZZIE. I could use two more people to fill out a 3 ref roster.

What do you have to do? NOTHING but allow me to use your username when creating the ref. If you want to do more (like telling me what your ref looks like, ect) that's great ... but you don't have to. Each of the refs will have unique stats and personallities, and I thought it might be neat to have some FOFC people playing the parts.

So ... even if you're not playing in the league, if you would like, or would agree to have your username beat up by TJUS wrestlers on a regular basis, I would appreciate it.

Also, if you want your username to be a jobber (ie wrestler who gets beatdown to make others look good) let me know. Again, nothing is required of you -- just permission to use your username.

So who wants to be a referee?

[JPhillips]

You can use me as a ref or jobber if you'd like.

[WVUFAN]

Ok, tomorrow, God willing, I'll be putting out a sample match between Vic Vasser and Samurai Kazura. I can also put out move videos. Just post here and let me know which moves on the movelist you are wanted to look at.

By the way, the movelist is here:

http://www.totaljapan.us/movelist.rtf

The video match will be with completed moveset, but default strats.

[WVUFAN]

So far I have 6 complete wresters ... Appearance, Attributes, Skills and Movesets:

Takashi Kurita
Samura Tazura
Rictor Showtime
Nero
The Hunter
Vic Vasser

I have several I'm still waiting on stats. If you're reading this, and you have NOT gotten Stat Sheet I or II from me, please let me know/ PM me and i'll get it to you ASAP.

I'll be posting new videos soon. If you haven't signed up at the forum, please do so -- I'll be mass emailing people cards when they start up. The old videos are still available at: www.totaljapan.us

I'll be posting a sample match between The Hunter and Rictor Showtime next.

[WVUFAN]

I'm still looking for 4-5 more characters, so if any of you are interested, please lemme know. Even if you've not played in e-feds before, we can still work with you.

[WVUFAN]

With the upcoming release of the Japanese game I used to run the league (for regular PS2's and all in English, no less), and without the distractions and silliness that caused the league to die earlier, I thought I'd give this another shot.

www.totaljapan.us (http://www.totaljapan.us/) -- if you're interested in giving this a new shot. By the way, if you're interested in the game, it's been ported to America, and it's only 14 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/Agetec-Fire-Pr...4449788&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Agetec-Fire-Pro-Wrestling-Returns/dp/B000VG6Z9S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-7321597-0553243?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1194449788&sr=8-1)

[Travis]

Do you still have our character builds? I (of course) can't seem to find mine and am kind of hoping not to necessarily have to redo if possible, but I am interested in picking this back up.

[twothree]

With the upcoming release of the Japanese game I used to run the league (for regular PS2's and all in English, no less), and without the distractions and silliness that caused the league to die earlier, I thought I'd give this another shot.

www.totaljapan.us (http://www.totaljapan.us/) -- if you're interested in giving this a new shot. By the way, if you're interested in the game, it's been ported to America, and it's only 14 bucks:

http://www.amazon.com/Agetec-Fire-Pr...4449788&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Agetec-Fire-Pro-Wrestling-Returns/dp/B000VG6Z9S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-7321597-0553243?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1194449788&sr=8-1)

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is the only console game I am buying this month. It will probably cut into my MLB Power Pros time on the PS2. It is great that we are finally getting more English language versions of some of the long running solid franchises from Japan.

[WVUFAN]

Do you still have our character builds? I (of course) can't seem to find mine and am kind of hoping not to necessarily have to redo if possible, but I am interested in picking this back up.

No, and it wouldn't matter if I did. There's gonna be a few changes, due to the translation/changes to the game made by the Apotec (they're porting it to the US). Some moves have been taken out, some put in(from my understanding), so we're gonna have to redo most of the characters. I'm sorry, Travis.

BUT ... I have come prepared this time. Using a neat-o online worksheet, creating the meat of the character will be much easier this time. I can't input the moves until the 13th, so the excel worksheet will wait until then.

TwoThree:
I'm a huge fan of FP ... I've owned pretty much every incarnation of the game since Super Fire Premium X. I'd be glad to have you in the league, if you're interested.

[Calis]

Wow. I had no clue we were getting a new English release.

A friend of mine and I played a ROM of Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium for what seems like half of our high school lives. I'll definitely have to look into this. What's the word on it? Is it is as good as the old ones, still the usual ability to recreate about anyone you can think of? The gameplay pretty decent?

I don't follow wrestling anymore, but I still love going back and recreating some of the older guys and the Smackdown series just never clicked with my like Fire Pro did, very excited to hear this.

[twothree]

Wow. I had no clue we were getting a new English release.

A friend of mine and I played a ROM of Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium for what seems like half of our high school lives. I'll definitely have to look into this. What's the word on it? Is it is as good as the old ones, still the usual ability to recreate about anyone you can think of? The gameplay pretty decent?

I don't follow wrestling anymore, but I still love going back and recreating some of the older guys and the Smackdown series just never clicked with my like Fire Pro did, very excited to hear this.

http://www.fireproclub.com/fpr.html

That is the version we are getting in English. It was released two years ago in Japan. Here is one review of the Japanese version...

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/review/R92340.html

Here is a review of the English version...

http://www.hookedgamers.com/articles/review/353/fire_pro_wrestling_returns

[BYU 14]

This is really good news! With all that space to edit, it really begs for a DOTT style mod to include all those Wrestlers from the early 80's.

[WVUFAN]

Wow. I had no clue we were getting a new English release.

A friend of mine and I played a ROM of Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium for what seems like half of our high school lives. I'll definitely have to look into this. What's the word on it? Is it is as good as the old ones, still the usual ability to recreate about anyone you can think of? The gameplay pretty decent?

I don't follow wrestling anymore, but I still love going back and recreating some of the older guys and the Smackdown series just never clicked with my like Fire Pro did, very excited to hear this.

Here's a match from the Total Japan league I ran the first time. The Hunter is Travis' character in the game.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3mywhUVjyUg

[WVUFAN]

Here's another clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ijSW8rCtiQ

This one is an actual Japanese wrestling fed called DOT, where in this match the wrestlers come out to the ring and ... well, the rest is pretty funny.

[Calis]

Thanks guys. I'm sold, went ahead and pre-ordered it on Amazon as I wonder how easily available it'll actually be in stores this week as it seems like a pretty limited release.

I see they've added an MMA style mode at some point, how well does that play out?

Man, too many good games coming out this month.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well, no stores around me are stocking it :(
Looks like it'll be online ordering.

[WVUFAN]

Well, no stores around me are stocking it :(
Looks like it'll be online ordering.

If you haven't done Google Checkout yet, you can get it for $7.00 with shipping from Buy.com ($17 minus $10 Google Checkout discount)

[JonInMiddleGA]

If you haven't done Google Checkout yet, you can get it for $7.00 with shipping from Buy.com ($17 minus $10 Google Checkout discount)

Good tip, thanks.
Just completed my order, complete with $10 off.

[Calis]

Well I got all pumped to get this. Figured it'd be near impossible to find in stores and ordered through Amazon and Amazon just emailed me this afternoon saying that the estimated shipdate moved from yesterday to the beginning of December.

Guess it's time to try Buy.com

[JonInMiddleGA]

Amazon just emailed me this afternoon saying that the estimated shipdate moved from yesterday to the beginning of December.


Interesting, since Gamestop.com moved their estimated ship date from yesterday to 11/23 and are still listing it as "pre-release".

[Calis]

Interesting, since Gamestop.com moved their estimated ship date from yesterday to 11/23 and are still listing it as "pre-release".

Heh, now I was just going to cancel my Amazon order and order from Buy.com or directly from the publisher when I get an email from Amazon saying that my items have shipped.

Wacky stuff.

I also just read over at Fireproclub that edits made on the Japanese version of the game will work on the US version, they just have to put them through some converter deal to change the region I guess, but expect some huge edit packs to be available really soon.

If only I still had my AR Max. I'll have to see if I can hunt down another one now.

[Calis]

Sorry for turning this into an impressions thread for the game, but I'm pretty pumped.

I got the game in the mail yesterday, and after work today I ran by Gamestop and managed to find a Maxdrive on sale there for 14 bucks so I picked that up, and then began work on converting some of the edit saves for the Japanese version to the American one. There's a guide over at Firepro club for doing so and it's an extremely easy process, only takes a few minutes to do.

I've now imported about 420 guys into the game, mostly going for late 80's, early 90's guys when I was really into wrestling, but with a healthy dose of Ring of Honor guys and everything in between. I think with about 800 or so wrestlers I'll be entertained for quite a while.

I haven't actually played that much, and I'm terrible still when I do. Really got to work on getting that timing down, but I'm enjoying it and oddly the type I've enjoyed the most is the K-1 style matches which are the ones I figured would be the least enjoyable because striking can be such a pain in the Fire Pro games.

I have a friend coming over tomorrow, and we spent countless hours on X Premium back when we were kids, so we have a full day planned of learning the ropes and just messing around. That's why I'm trying to find every class tag team edit I can find as we usually go for the tornado tag matches against the CPU.

With the amount of edits available out there already and more bound to come with the release, this is a very very good investment for 15 bucks.