Dan: Welcome back fans! Right now, let's take you to "The Mighty CC" Cesar Colon who will give us his predictions for 1998! Cesar: I...I'm beginning to see things! Yes! I see.....I see.....I see a.....I see a new wardrobe! By Armani! In MY spacious walk-in-closet! What a year it's gonna be for me! My resolution is to get prettier and prettier as the days go by! But enough about that, I'm gonna talk about my predictions for the AICW! Let me start with Black Power! I see Black Power expanding their ranks! They'll try to stage a million man march at one of the pay-per-views later this year. I think that love is in the air for Martin X, but overall, 1998 won't be such a great year for them. I think Mr. Y is in for a big year with the Demonweb, but is Mr. Y thinking of bigger and better things? Will Mr. Y get his first AICW victory this year? I wouldn't bet on it! We'll find out though, as the months progress. Where has Blackjack Takahashi been all this time? Has he lost his direction because Nicky De Niro lost his AICW contract? I think he's been in Japan training with someone, but who is he training with? I think it should be a big year for Blackjack. Another prediction of mine is that Legion will come of age. Will he be wearing championship gold by the end of the year? Only time will tell. Will Johnny Smith get his fair shake at the World title? I for one feel that he was jerked out of the belt each time, and I think he deserves another shot. Buddy, you got my vote! What about Johnny Payne? First he disappeared because he went back to Japan, then when he comes back he gets attacked by Henry Thunder! Now he gets injured! Will Johnny Payne return to action, or has his body had too much of the hardcore matches? That is one story that EVERYONE is interested in! Has Vic Garibaldi been on the lookout for new members to join The Firm? If so, who are they? And how much cash will Vic offer these candidates? Will Juan LaFon be able to whip Elvis into shape? The King just recently dropped the AICW Television Title to Stephon T. Davis. Unless Elvis shapes up, I don't think he has a chance to regain the belt. Who will be able to topple Kyle Bane off the top of the ranks? There are always plenty of worthy challengers, but so far, Bane has beaten them all! The way things look, I don't think this guy is gonna lose his belt! Henry Thunder has been on a tear as of late. He's in World Title contention, but does he need focus? Does he need something--or someONE--to give him that extra push? The Nubian Warriors have captured Samantha, but will they be able to re-capture the belts? If they have the rest of Black Power helping them, my guess is that they could be in line for a second title run this year! What will Money and Power's secret strategy be to obtain the tag titles? Will they look for some outside help? Are the Pain Connection ready to take the gold? They've looked very good in the matches they've had thus far, but will they be as effective when belts are on the line? And who will be the latest newcomer to make waves in the AICW? "Pretty Boy" Troy Walcott, Michael "Primetime" Fulton, The Saint, Mista Smith, Ebola Zaire, and Eccentric Offender are just some of the names who will be contending for gold in the AICW! Well, those are just some of my predictions for 1998! I hope all of you people have a good year! It sure looks to be a promising future for the AICW! Back to you Dan! Dan: Well I think this is gonna be a great year for the AICW! Now, earlier today, we had the opportunity to speak with Dr. James Anderson, who is Johnny Payne's doctor. Let's go to these pre-recorded comments regarding Johnny Payne's condition and future! Dr. James Anderson: I took a few x-rays of Johnny Payne almost immediately after he arrived in my office. I looked at the tape of the incident and each time I see it, I get a queasy feeling in my stomach. It's absolutely sickening! One of the reasons Johnny has suffered such a severe injury is all the "hardcore" wrestling matches he's participated in through the course of his career. He's fractured two vertebrae in his neck, and that's a very serious injury. He's still in a hospital bed and right now I can only say that Johnny won't be stepping into the ring anytime soon. I really don't want to speculate too far in advance, but the reality of the situation is that he has no feeling below his neck. Dan: It's really a shame that something like that had to happen to someone like Johnny Payne, a man whom you are very familiar with. Lord Awesome: That's right, I've seen Johnny Payne in action in Japan and in some other independents, and I worked with him over in the ASW. He was--IS a great athlete, a true professional in and out of the ring, and one of the most entertaining and popular superstars to set foot into the ring. Whenever you put Johnny Payne in that ring, whether it was against a headliner or an unknown, you knew you were gonna get the best out of Johnny, and he'd bring the best out of his opponent. It really is a shame, but let's stop talkin' about the guy like he's dead. He's bounced back from a lot of injuries that would've put any other man out, he may lick this yet. Dan: Our prayers go out to Alexandra Payne, the entire Payne family, and certainly Johnny Payne for a full and speedy recovery. Fans, we have to take a commercial break, but we'll be back with our main event in just a few moments. Stay with us.