From the Archives of Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis: The Savage Saga of the Tigers - El Tigre De Setos and the Shadow of Blackheart in NWL History
By Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis, NWL Historian (May 24th, 2025)
July 1, 1989: The Tygerian Genesis on Saturday Night Showdown
The date July 1, 1989, is etched in NWL lore. On that electrifying Saturday Night Showdown, the world was introduced to a new sensation: El Tigre De Setos. This masked marvel, barely eighteen and a half years old and fresh off a stellar amateur career, burst onto the scene with an agility and raw power that promised to redefine the junior heavyweight division. Before donning the iconic green and gold tiger mask – a symbol of his untamed spirit as "The Tiger of the Hedges" – he was known as Earl Dimond, a promising undercard talent within the nascent Diamond Exchange faction with his Kabe Fabe brothers Paul and Simon.
However, this night of heroic debut was also a stage for shocking betrayal. De Setos's opponent was none other than his supposed brother, El Tigre Blackheart. Where De Setos embodied the noble tiger, Blackheart was his sinister reflection, his black and silver mask hinting at a corrupted soul. Their match was a breathtaking display of their shared, yet divergent, training. But as the bout reached its peak, the true colors of Blackheart were revealed.
The imposing figure of Silas Blackwood Sr. emerged, flanked by his nefarious AFL Corporation. In a moment that sent shockwaves through the NWL universe, El Tigre Blackheart turned on his own brother, delivering a devastating low blow that allowed Blackwood's new in-ring assassin to secure a tainted victory. The crowd's roar was a mix of disbelief and fury as El Tigre Blackheart officially aligned himself with the AFL Corporation, instantly becoming the antithesis to his heroic brother and igniting a deeply personal and emotionally charged feud that would anchor the NWL for years to come.
El Tigre De Setos: The High-Flying Hero of Nocturnes
From that pivotal night, El Tigre De Setos soared to become the beloved fan favorite of the NWL. His style was a mesmerizing blend of Lucha Libre high-flying artistry and the impactful precision of Japanese martial arts. His speed, agility, and gravity-defying maneuvers, including his signature "Jungle Drop" and the explosive "Tiger Roar Gore," captivated audiences worldwide.
His early career was a relentless crusade against the injustice of the AFL Corporation. Often facing overwhelming odds, De Setos's unwavering spirit and captivating charisma made him the NWL's moral compass, a masked hero battling corporate greed and the underhanded tactics of Silas Blackwood Sr. and his protégé, El Tigre Blackheart. The iconic green and gold mask became a symbol of hope and resistance, adorning the faces of fans of all ages.
El Tigre De Setos captured multiple NWL Junior Heavyweight Championships, engaging in legendary battles against a plethora of talented competitors. Yet, his most enduring and intense rivalry remained his ongoing war with the corrupted El Tigre Blackheart.
El Tigre Blackheart: The Corrupted Counterpart and AFL's Enforcer
In stark contrast, El Tigre Blackheart embraced the darkness. His wrestling style was a brutal, opportunistic foil to his brother's athleticism. While possessing undeniable skill, Blackheart relied on brawling, psychological manipulation, and the ever-present interference of the AFL Corporation to gain an advantage. His jagged black and silver mask perfectly mirrored his "black heart" and his willingness to win at any cost.
Under the tutelage of Silas Blackwood Sr., Blackheart became the AFL Corporation's most dangerous weapon, the enforcer sent to dismantle any opposition to Blackwood's dominance. His feuds were characterized by vicious outside-the-ring attacks, calculated ambushes, and a chilling disregard for the rules. He mocked De Setos's heroism, preaching that true power lay in ruthlessness and strategic alliances, not in outdated ideals of honor.
Blackheart captured the NWL Television Championship multiple times, often through controversial means, mastering the art of distraction and deception, frequently using Silas Blackwood Sr. and other AFL members to secure victories with his devastating Tiger Driver.
The Enduring Rivalry: A Legacy Forged in Conflict
The fraternal war between El Tigre De Setos and El Tigre Blackheart became the defining narrative of the NWL in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their matches transcended mere contests of skill, becoming emotional battles for the very soul of the NWL. Iconic encounters included:
- Mask vs. Mask Showdown (NWL Grand Finale, 1991): A match that captivated the nation, where both brothers put their sacred masks on the line. The emotional stakes were immeasurable, as the mask represented identity and honor in professional wrestling. While El Tigre De Setos emerged victorious, preserving his iconic identity, the psychological impact of the battle was profound for both men.
- NWL World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final (1993): After years of dominance in their respective divisions, both brothers found themselves in the finals for the vacant NWL World Heavyweight Championship. This clash, a culmination of their personal and professional animosity, showcased their evolution as wrestlers. Through sheer will and breathtaking athleticism, El Tigre De Setos finally overcame Blackheart and the inevitable AFL interference to capture the ultimate prize, solidifying his status as the NWL's top hero.
Even after their main rivalry cooled, the shadow of their fraternal conflict lingered. El Tigre Blackheart would occasionally resurface to challenge his brother, always seeking to prove his superiority and undermine De Setos's legacy. And El Tigre De Setos, ever the valiant hero, would always answer the call, defending his honor and the integrity of the NWL.
The Later Years: Shifting Tides and Lingering Shadows (1994-2014)
Following his World Heavyweight Championship reign, El Tigre De Setos cemented his place as the face of the NWL, consistently delivering high-quality matches and mentoring younger talent. He continued to evolve his style, adding intricate technical wrestling to his already impressive repertoire.
El Tigre Blackheart remained a key figure in the AFL Corporation, evolving into a cunning strategist and Silas Blackwood Sr.'s trusted lieutenant. While direct confrontations with De Setos became less frequent, Blackheart's manipulative influence was always a factor, often indirectly impacting his brother's career. He even briefly led his own splinter group, "The Blackheart Syndicate," challenging Blackwood's authority and even capturing the NWL World Heavyweight Championship with their help.
By the 2010s, both men were living legends, their careers spanning over two decades. While their direct rivalry had lessened, the underlying tension remained, and any interaction between them sent a jolt of anticipation through the NWL faithful.
The Shockwave: Silas Blackwood Sr.'s Announcement (Early 2015)
In early 2015, as rumors of El Tigre De Setos's retirement began to circulate, Silas Blackwood Sr. delivered a chilling announcement on Saturday Night Showdown. He declared that El Tigre Blackheart would have his retirement match against De Setos on July 5th, a Nocturnes Rules Match with a devastating stipulation: if De Setos lost, he would have to publicly endorse the AFL Corporation, forever tarnishing his heroic legacy. The stage was set for a final, desperate confrontation.
The Final Encounter: Saturday Night Showdown, July 5, 2015
The build-up to their final encounter focused on their shared history and the intense emotions that defined their rivalry. On July 5, 2015, the atmosphere in the arena was electric. El Tigre De Setos entered to a thunderous ovation, while El Tigre Blackheart was accompanied by a lone member of his Syndicate.
The match was a brutal, deliberate affair, a masterclass in storytelling. Every move echoed their past battles. Despite interference, De Setos fought with the heart of a true hero. In the final moments, Blackheart reversed a desperate "Tiger Roar Gore" into his devastating Tiger Driver, securing the pinfall victory.
In a shocking display of respect, Blackheart offered his hand, and De Setos accepted. Then, in an unthinkable moment, El Tigre De Setos unmasked himself and handed his iconic green and gold mask to El Tigre Blackheart – a symbolic passing of the torch.
Silas Blackwood Sr. emerged, a triumphant smirk on his face. He had not only won the match but had orchestrated the ultimate humiliation, forcing the NWL's greatest hero to seemingly concede defeat and pass his identity to his nemesis. It was a bittersweet end to a saga that had captivated the NWL for over twenty-five years.
The Next Chapter: Earl Diamond Trainer and the Diamond Exchange
However, the story didn't end there. Shedding the mask of El Tigre De Setos, Earl embraced his past, becoming Earl Diamond Trainer, the formidable head of the New Diamond Exchange on NWL's Sunday Night Forge. Alongside the veteran Sgt. Kelly, he transformed the training facility into a breeding ground for future NWL stars.
Drawing upon his legendary career and Sgt. Kelly's old-school grit, Earl Diamond Trainer now shapes the future of the NWL, ensuring that the spirit of innovation and passion he embodied continues through the next generation. His legacy, once defined by his in-ring battles, now extends to the very foundation of the league's future.
The saga of El Tigre De Setos and El Tigre Blackheart serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring magic of professional wrestling, where athleticism and storytelling intertwine to create legends that stand the test of time. Their conflict, a cornerstone of NWL history, continues to be discussed and celebrated by fans worldwide.
This is Tripple DDD Dangerous Danny Davis, reminding you that the history of the Nocturnes Wrestling League is filled with such captivating tales. Stay tuned for more glimpses into our incredible past!
No comments:
Post a Comment