#;; a real champ here !! | promo | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

wrestlingisfake · 3 months ago

Text

Full Gear preview

Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy - This is Moxley's first defense of the AEW men's world title since he won it on October 12. For the past couple of months, Mox has been at war with everything AEW stands for, which basically means every week he pulls up in a truck with his squad and they beat up a bunch of wrestlers. Orange, who is famously too cool to get worked up about anything, tried to stay out of it. Then on October 23, Mox's faction attacked Cassidy's old friend Chuck Taylor, so it's on now.

Officially this is not a no-disqualification match, but I expect it to turn ugly real quick. Mox is looking to show that guys like Cassidy aren't hungry and vicious enough to hang with him, and he'll fight dirty to prove it. All his goons--Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Orange's former friend Wheeler Yuta--are bound to interfere. However, Cassidy has insisted his own allies stay out of the fight. I assume his game plan is to take a hellacious beating and keep getting back up. I just don't think that's a very good idea.

Moxley's title reign is clearly a long-term direction and the centerpiece of AEW's storytelling for the foreseeable future. They're building him up to set up the question of who will find a way to knock him down and claim the promotion's top prize. But with a story like that, you can't blow it off with the very first title match. Cassidy is not the guy to save everyone from Moxley. Rather, he's the guy who's going to get clobbered to death to make us wonder: if he can't do it, who can? So yeah, get ready to watch Orange get mugged.

Mercedes Mone vs. Kris Statlander - Mone's AEW TBS championship is on the line; her STRONG women's title is not. Two months ago, when Statlander was feuding with Willow Nightingale, I figured Willow would win the feud since the women's champions are all heels and they need to heat up a babyface challenger. Instead Stat won the feud, and just kind of lowkey turned face for no reason except to chase Mone. I'm not sure what they were thinking with that.

The general vibe of this feud is that Mercedes is pulling out all of her usual heel tricks, but none of them are working. In particular, her big heater Kamille has been especially useless in neutralizing Kris, to the point that there's tension within that alliance. I suppose the story could lead to the foregone conclusion, and Statlander could steamroll over Mone. But I think it's far more likely that Mercedes is being backed into a corner until she produces a new trick, like maybe another henchwoman or something. I'd bet on the champ to retain.

Jack Perry vs. Daniel Garcia - Perry defends the AEW TNT championship. Garcia has been chasing him for about a month now. That chase is partly about the gold (or, uh, cast iron, or whatever that belt is made of). But it's also about Garcia's devotion to AEW, and his disgust that Perry and the rest of the Elite have done nothing about Jon Moxley's team attacking everybody. Danny thinks Jack's "scapegoat" act is a load of crap. Jack keeps insisting Danny will never live up to his potential until he, like Jack, lets go of his simplistic good-versus-evil morality.

It feels like Garcia has gotten the better of Jack in every single one of their encounters. Hell, the go-home promo involved Danny kidnapping Jack, tying him to a chair, and threatening to beat him to death with a crowbar. It's satisfying, since Jack is a prick and he's usually one step ahead of the babyfaces. And yet, it seems too easy. I think it's about time for Perry to drop this belt, and for Garcia to win a title. But something tells me Jack is going to get his heat back here, like maybe Danny will start to do a sick spot, and hesitate long enough to lose the match. I'm pick Perry to retain, reluctantly.

MJF vs. Roderick Strong - MJF turned babyface last year because he befriended Adam Cole. Roddy turned heel because he couldn't convince Cole that Max wasn't really a good friend. Then Cole turned heel on MJF, to align with Roddy in the Undisputed Kingdom. Then Max turned heel in July, so when Cole returned from injury the entire Undisputed Kingdom had to turn face to keep the storyline going. So now Roddy wants revenge on Max for...uh...I have no idea why.

The real destination here is MJF vs. Cole, but it's too soon to go directly to that. So this match is surely about Max antagonizing Cole by doing something really terrible to his friend. I don't know what MJF will do to Roddy, but I figure he'll start by defeating him.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. Ricochet - This is for the AEW international title. Takeshita won the belt from Will Ospreay, but it was a three-way match with Ricochet, who wasn't pinned, so now he wants a one-on-one match. This should be good, although I'm not fond of the lazy storytelling of using a three-way match to pivot from one feud to another. Ricochet should probably win this belt at some point but they've got something good here with Takeshita, I would keep it on him for a while longer.

Swerve Strickland vs. Bobby Lashley - Lashley is a 20-year veteran best known for his two runs in WWE, although there's a ten-year gap between those runs where he mainly did MMA and wrestled for TNA and stuff. Arguably the strongest gimmick Lashley ever had was being the top guy in the Hurt Business faction in 2020-2022, so now he's bringing it back as the Hurt Syndicate. They tried to recruit Swerve, but he turned them down, so now they're gonna hurt him.

Lashley pretty much has to win, but I think they should do something to protect Swerve. I suppose MVP and Shelton Benjamin could interfere, but what would really go down smooth is to reveal a new member of the Hurt Syndicate. MVP has been handing out business cards for weeks, and it'd be nice if someone actually answered his invitation.

Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher - These two were best friends until Fletcher turned on Ospreay last month, costing him the international title. The loose end that holds my attention is Fletcher's former tag team partner Mark Davis, who just recently returned from an injury and has sided with Ospreay against Fletcher. I keep thinking they're setting up Davis to do his own turn, and this would be the time and place to do it. On paper it seems like Will should win, but I gotta think he in real life he really wants to help his buddy get over, so I'm picking Kyle to win.

Adam Page vs. Jay White - This is a rematch from October 12, where White beat Page. There isn't much of a reason for Page to keep feuding with White except that Page's heel gimmick is that he can't let anything go. So I'm not sure how this can get settled without turning into a dollar-store version of the Page vs. Swerve Strickland feud. I suppose Hangman could just win this time, but why didn't they just do that the first time? I'm not sure what the goal is here, so I guess I'll have to watch the match to find out.

Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen vs. Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd vs. Malakai Black & Brody King vs. Max Caster & Anthony Bowens - This is a four-way match, with Kassidy and Quen defending the AEW tag team title. Each team gets a corner, but only two men can legally be in the ring at any time. The legal men can tag anyone in any corner. The first man to score a fall on any opponent will win the match and the title for his team.

I'm excited for the Outrunners (Floyd and Magnum) to get this spot after months of working their way up from the bottom. I'm interested to see how this match factors into the ongoing tension between Caster and Bowens. And just about anything with Black and King in it is bound to be good. Anyone could win this match and I'd be fine with it. But Private Party just won the tag title three weeks ago, after years of not quite reaching the brass ring. It's simply too soon for Zay and Quen to drop the belts. My guess is they'll pin one of the Outrunners, although you can't rule out Bowens or Caster getting rolled up to add to their frustrations.

AJ Befumo vs. QT Marshall - This is scheduled for the pre-show. If I remember right, QT left AEW but then quietly returned in a backstage role, leaving him free to wrestle elsewhere. I assume he's in the ring tonight because they can count on him to take good care of Befumo, who used to be an indie wrestler 20 years ago.

Befumo is one of "the Costco guys," and I am under the impression that the guest timekeeper will be "the Rizzler." I don't know who the fuck these people are. I assume this is sort of like when Wrestlemania 2 proudly featured such meme-worthy guest stars as the "Where's the Beef?" lady and the "Where's Herb?" guy. Anyway, I accept this match is not for me and I'll probably just skip it.

Deonna Purrazzo vs. Anna Jay - Another pre-show match. Anna had been feuding with AEW women's world champion Mariah May, but now she's out of title contention. Purrazzo has been setting up sort of a mafia gimmick with Taya Valkyrie, and I suppose she's annoyed Anna didn't accept their offer to help her in Mariah feud. I'm pretty sure Deonna's in this match mainly because the show is in her home state, so she should probably win.

Buddy Matthews vs. Dante Martin vs. Komander vs. The Beast Mortos - This is a four-way match on the pre-show; the first man to score a fall on any opponent will win. Doesn't seem to be any story here; it's just four guys who can run around and do cool flips. Works for me. I'd like to see any of these four get their hand raised, but I get the feeling Buddy is the one they'd want to push.

#aew #full gear #jon moxley #orange cassidy

4 notes · View notes

handsome-robot · 1 year ago

Text

"Nobody watches ROH"

Maybe if some of these big name AEW guys who made their name in ROH and constantly make reference to it in promos and junk showed up on a random Thursday, it might bring some eyes to the product? You put all the ROH belts on AEW guys who never defend them on ROH. HUGE props to Eddie for fighting serpentico and giving him and Angelico a little post match segment. Athena is killing it week after week and Billie Starkz is a star in the making.

Where are the Hung Bucks? Are you guys too big for ROH now? Won't grace us with your presence? One Thursday night? You're already in the building where they tape it. Samoa Joe? Where you at? or maybe our aew world champion who is the current roh Tag champ. Can't come out and cut a promo real quick?

No one will want to pay for honorclub if you don't give them a reason to. Some of these wrestlers, if they wanna keep using ROH clips in their packages, should walk that walk and pop in here and there. The company still exists and is owned by your current boss and is filmed in the same arenas as the shows you're already on. You really don't have time to come do a little warm up match one night?

You don't even have to do throwback gear or anything, but that'd be really fun if you did, I think!

#aew #roh

19 notes · View notes

vrankup · 2 years ago

Text

elevating Your Online Business: Practical Strategies for Success |vrankup|

Yo, what's up, folks? Ready to dive into the world of leveling up your online biz? Awesome, because in this piece, we're gonna break down some real-deal strategies of digital marketing agency in noida that'll take your online hustle to the next level. We're talking about practical moves that you can start making right now to get those digital dollars flowing. So grab a cup of joe, get cozy, and let's unravel the magic of enhancing your online business – the GerryVee way!

Setting the Stage with a Killer Brand Vibe

Alright, fam, listen up. Your brand ain't just a logo and some fancy colors – it's the soul of your biz. Think of it like the personality that people remember and relate to. From your website to your social media posts, everything should scream "This is ME!" Be authentic, tell your story, and let those values shine through. Remember, in this crazy online world, being real is your secret weapon.

Smooth Sailing with Top-Notch User Experience

Imagine you're cruisin' through a website, and bam! It's slow, clunky, and just plain frustrating. Ain't nobody got time for that, right? Your website is your digital crib, and you want it to be cozy and easy to navigate. Speed it up, make it mobile-friendly, and slap on some clear navigation. When visitors feel at home, they're more likely to stick around and, you know, actually buy stuff.

Cracking the Code of Search Engine Sorcery

Let's talk about the wizardry of SEO – Search Engine Optimization. It's like casting a spell that makes Google say, "Hey, check out this cool site!" By sprinkling relevant keywords, crafting killer content, and snagging reputable backlinks, you're climbing the ranks of search results. And who doesn't wanna be on that first page? SEO's your ticket to being the star of the show, my friend.

Content, Content, Content – Be the Content King

Alright, hustle champs, listen closely. Content is the lifeblood of your online realm. Blog posts, videos, memes – it's all fair game. Share your wisdom, entertain, and educate. But hold up, don't turn it into a 24/7 sales pitch. People wanna connect, not just get hit with ads

Dazzling on Social Media Streets

Yo, it's party time on social media! These platforms are like the coolest hangouts where your peeps chill. So strut your stuff, share your stories, and interact with your tribe. It's a two-way street, so don't be shy to respond to comments and messages. Your business isn't just about products – it's about people, connections, and a whole lotta heart.

Unleash the Email Marketing Beast

Let's talk about emails, fam. Nah, not the boring ones – we're talking about emails that your subscribers can't wait to open. Build that email list by offering something juicy in return. Then hit 'em with personalized emails – promos, updates, and stories they'll love. It's like sliding into their DMs, but with their permission. And remember, automation is your trusty sidekick here.

Customer Love – It's a Lifestyle

Listen, champs, customers are the real MVPs. Treat 'em right, and they'll shout your praises from the rooftops. Be there when they have questions, resolve issues pronto, and make 'em feel like rockstars. Exceptional customer service ain't just a one-time thing – it's a lifestyle. Happy customers are your ultimate marketing team, spreading the word faster than you can say "sales boost."

Riding the E-Commerce Wave

Alright, digital hustlers, it's time to talk e-commerce. We're living in the age of online shopping, and your biz needs to ride that wave. Create a shopping experience that's smoother than butter. Clear product descriptions, slick images, and a checkout process that's quicker than a sneeze. And if an app fits your hustle, consider diving into the app world, too.

Numbers Don't Lie – Analytics Unleashed

Hold onto your hats, 'cause it's time to crunch some numbers. Analytics ain't just fancy jargon – they're the compass guiding your biz ship. Use web analytics to track what's poppin' and what's floppin'. Where's the traffic coming from? What's the conversion rate? This data's gold, helping you fine-tune your moves and stay on top of your game.

Team Up and Conquer

Last but not least, it's time to join forces. Collaboration is like a power-up in the online world. Team up with influencers, fellow businesses, and experts in your field. Guest posts, webinars, virtual hangouts – the possibilities are endless.

Bringing It All Together – You Got This!

There you have it, my fellow digital warriors – a crash course in boosting your online biz. From branding to collaboration, these moves are your secret weapons for climbing the ladder of success. Remember, it's not a sprint; it's a journey. Keep hustlin', stay true to your vibe, and adapt as the online landscape evolves. So go out there, rock your online biz, and let the digital dollars rain down, here comes a digital marketing agency in noida in the act.

A journey through the trenches of online business, GerryVee style. We've covered everything from branding swag to riding the e-commerce wave. It's time to unleash your inner digital hustler, armed with strategies that'll make your online biz shine. Now go forth, conquer the digital realm, and let those online dreams become your reality.

#vrankup #digital marketing #noida #seo #ads

0 notes

zedxspacess · 1 month ago

Text

Here's part two! A much longer read, and admittedly, a bit more personal and vulnerable

Zack Sabre Jr. and TMDK. To reiterate a previous point, ZSJ is the best technical wrestler of the modern era. All I needed was to watch his match against Danielson at Wrestledream and I was instantly hooked. Watched his entire TV title run, started following his matches and promos in NJPW, went back and watched some of his older work in the indies, and whatever else he was up to this year. Not only is he a great wrestler but he’s absolutely hilarious and knows when to bring levity with the seriousness. This man won the G1 Climax (which hasn’t been won by a foreigner since Kenny Omega), but also did hilarious matches in Baka Gaijin and DDT. He fought Chuck Taylor in a bar. Did a “deathmatch” with Nick Gage. He never stops fostering wrestling wherever he goes, sharing knowledge while also learning new things every day. This is personal to me, but learning about how Zack went to the Philippines and did some seminars, doing indie showcases there just felt so…nice. There’s pictures and vids of Zack casually walking around the streets of my home country and enjoying it! Now Jeff Cobb has a championship from a Filipino indie, not to mention Robbie Eagles of TMDK doing indies there for a few years already means so much.

I also just adore TMDK as a whole. They’re my comfort faction, your honor. Going to old interviews with Shane and Mikey back when they were NOAH tag champs, explaining the history of their scene in western Australian indies is a nice little peak of the wrestling world you never hear about. I just love the entire faction, honestly. It’s an incredibly solid line up, with wrestlers that can cover so many categories and feel like legitimate threats, all while being entertaining to watch. Robbie is so loveable, Shane and Mikey are hilarious, Fujita and Oiwa have so much potential in them they make me feel hopeful for the future. The group are pretty much brothers and I love that for them. Zack winning the IWGP world championship with the G1 climax trophy, celebrating in the ring with TMDK, has been my work computer’s desktop wallpaper for months. Here’s to a successful 2025, Kuya Zack!!

G1 Climax 34. This is the tournament that made me understand why sports fans love championship season and sports analytics. All of the predictions, the discussions of the match results, piecing together what could be the story for the individual wrestlers going into the tournament, I was absolutely hooked and invested. I’ve been checking out the odd NJPW show here and there by the summer, and keeping up with news from reactions of fans I follow online. So I knew a lot of the roster, more familiar with certain wrestlers than others, but I understood all the stories and felt invested with every single one regardless of prior knowledge. The very present hole in the main event card and how every wrestler reacted/acted to that vacancy, from the youth to the vets to the outsiders coming in and making a name. This tournament made me understand and appreciate everyone on the NJPW roster, even House of Torture and their role. There’s not one wrestler that I didn’t find some kind of new admiration in. I came in rooting for Zack, but I found myself screaming for Shingo, Gabe Kidd, Takeshita, Goto, and others. Even Jake Lee, who’s performances I found average to dull, managed to endear himself to me just from the interactions and story with Gabe Kidd alone. I didn’t know much about Yuya Uemura before the G1 but honestly? He became my favorite of the Reiwa Musketeers from the pure heart of his performances and solid fundamentals that you don’t see too many new wrestlers highlight. It really broke my heart when he got injured because I was so excited for his run.

This helped me solidify my tastes in wrestling presentation. All the stories were solid, with cohesive throughlines that reach the end of the tournament and have repercussions after it. It felt real, even if some parts required suspension of belief, and it made my enjoyment of wrestling that much immersive. And that’s when pro wrestling is best, for me. When I can get lost in it. Stories can naturally form from sports itself when you watch interviews combined with the action, that can be all you need. It doesn’t spoon feed you, doesn’t treat the audience like they’re stupid. When there are hidden meanings and details, it’s all the more satisfying to piece them together on your own or through discussions. The joy in making connections and discovery. It makes me feel crazy after I get done watching a NJPW show (or anything non-mainstream American wrestling tbh), then hop back online to see reactions to American wrestling shows, and there’s people complaining about obtuse/lack of storytelling or have no patience for any story. When frankly, my main criticism of it is how too on the nose the storytelling could be. Anyways, it’s starting to stray from the main point, but fuck man. I love tournaments as a vehicle for storytelling so much.

2000s Ring of Honor and NOAH. Lumping them together because in my mind, they represent similar things, even though it’s kinda cheating because it encompasses a lot of topics and aren’t actually the same. It’s hard to explain what exactly it is that captivates me about this era of wrestling. I hate the kind of person who lives in the nostalgia of the past, tearing down anything modern. I won’t do that here, but I will admit my gassing up of this time could be due to taste/aesthetic preference. The feeling is similar to why I like retro anime/manga/wrestling, but here, it’s more “tangible” in that most of these guys are still active to this day. The atmosphere, from the dingy armories or gyms of ROH to the excellently designed NOAH stages, there’s a lot of character to it. I love the punk rock, diy, feel and attitude of 2000s indies, warts and all. Rebellious but intimate and exciting and feeling like you’re a part of something special, all of these young guys have something to prove. It harkens to small metal/hardcore concerts in bars, cramped and sweaty in a tiny venue, the guy next to you is possibly drunk but you’re all chanting and yelling, striking the metal barriers from the adrenaline of the show. To the low quality cameras and mics, the very amateur and unintentionally hilarious backstage promos, are all very endearing in their own way.

There’s a lot from just the style of in ring work that blows me away, the stiffness and risk taking maneuvers, to the grit, realism, and experimentation. Seeing the younger versions of familiar faces I see in current wrestling and watching them grow and learn their craft, creating their legacies as they go, understanding their journeys and where they came from. It’s not perfect, there’s more stinkers in ROH than people remember because only the good stuff lives in the collective memory. But it’s all a part of the growing pains of these wrestlers. Even the shortcomings of misogyny and homophobia, are interesting in a way that reflects the times, a historical snapshot so we know how we’ve come so far since then (or tragically, haven’t). Despite the unpolished nature of it, the way the talent still shines bright through it and captures the viewer is a testament to the skill of the wrestlers at the time. To think that so many great wrestlers had sharpened their teeth between these two promotions and the indies, it’s astounding. And there’s still so much of NOAH I haven’t watched, legacy ROH title reigns and feuds I haven’t checked out, but it’s exciting and comforting all at the same time.

Honorable mentions, and things to get into in 2025:

Sting’s retirement

Hangman-Swerve feud

STP and Lee Moriarty

Mark Briscoe, Eddie Kingston, Roddy Strong, Samoa Joe

KENTA and Shibata’s NOAH tag team run

Meeting a lot of new friends thanks to wrestling :]

Travelling to so many new places thanks to wrestling

Started making merch thanks to wrestling

Watch more joshi (particularly Sareee)

Watch more DPW

Watch more CMLL

Proper 2000s NOAH deep dive

Proper deep dive of Kenny Omega, Okada, the NJPW 2010s boom

Proper deep dive of Terry Funk; watch more American territories stuff in general.

Watch ZSJ wrestle in person (probably not happening, but I can dream)

Make more merch

---------

Nigel McGuinness. This one is the biggest surprise for me, especially on a personal level. What initially drew me to him wasn’t wrestling, weirdly enough. I knew of him as a commentator by then, laughed at his quips, and heard about how he used to be a wrestler and the legendary Bryan rivalry. But it was hearing him talk candidly about his life in scattered interviews over the years that caught my attention. How he views life, all the crazy things that happened in it, reflecting on it, getting existential and philosophical, was so interesting. Then his documentary. So raw, hurt, vulnerable, and real, including the ugliness, in a way you rarely hear wrestlers (or men) allow themselves to be. I’m not a person who cries easily; honestly, I’m guilty of repressing myself too much. But I did cry like a baby, and just thinking of certain scenes from it or stuff he’s said in interviews is enough to make me tear up. Sometimes I feel dumb for being so emotionally invested. But I think it was a strange perfect storm of timing, to learn about his story when I did, at a particular mental state and distinct phase in my life that I won’t get deep into the weeds on. It’s what I needed to hear, and I just know it wouldn’t have hit me as much if I heard it anywhere else. Suffice it to say, I was hooked onto him before properly analyzing any of his matches. Then you see him work, his technical skills, his deadly lariats, and some of his more sincere promos, and I understood. He had it all, and he deserved it all, but didn’t.

I flew to New York City for the first time, by myself, on a surprise two weeks notice in the middle of a work week, just to see him wrestle. It’s not the most impulsive last minute trip I ever made, but it’s up there. I just felt like I would never get the opportunity to see him wrestle ever again, and I very nearly went to Final Battle on the gut feeling he’d be there, if travel wasn’t so expensive. I walked into that AEW taping in Arthur Ashe, never having been to a stadium before, with a stacked two show card, and I frankly could’ve left after the first Dynamite match and been satisfied. Just to know where he came from, the journey, and where he is now, and the potential for the future; it makes me so happy. Something good can happen in wrestling. I can’t even imagine what it was like for the people I know who had to wait literal decades for this. Gun to my head, you ask me what my favorite 2024 matches are, regardless of skill/in ring work so we’re talking just pure bias, the top 3 are all matches Nigel’s in. Not even the guy who’s following Nigel on this list can claim that. He was one half of my main throughline of watching wrestling this year, and I thought it would be over by the time Grand Slam happened, but it hasn’t. Kinda ironic, he’s been retired almost as long as he’s been active, but he’ll still be keeping my attention in wrestling despite that. Wrestling is real, the people who live in this world, have to walk through it, experience it, feel the effects of it.

Bryan Danielson. I will say it plainly right now, the rest of this list would not exist if it wasn’t for Bryan. I truly believe my wrestling fandom did not start for real until I got into Bryan’s work or listened/read his thoughts on wrestling. It wasn’t really a character or story or angle that got me interested. It was just turning on AEW tv or ppv since December 2023, watching these Bryan matches for a couple of weeks and going, god he’s just so good. Consistently good. And I looked forward to watching him every week. Why is he so good? How do I describe the technical in ring work or analyze the storytelling in the ring to explain it? I started to appreciate ring work and technical wrestling because of him. I listen to him talk about wrestling, how he loves all types from all over the world, recommending wrestlers/matches, wanting to travel the world and meet new people and experience new things while also lending his own wisdom to other wrestlers and propping them up; I’m rambling but I find that to be such a beautiful and pure thing. So genuine and open minded. Keep in mind, I also read Mox’s book and watched his matches, explored Eddie Kingston’s matches and history, around this same time, but it was constantly Bryan who drew my attention. I’ve heard people say the “wrestler who loves wrestling” character is boring, but with Bryan it doesn’t feel that way to me. I don’t know what it is, but his love of the art is so infectious and heartfelt. His curiosity and excitement has never waned no matter how long he’s worked in the business or what obstacles he encountered. I watched old ROH because of him, CMLL, following ZSJ and Nigel’s work, I had the open mind to watch all the Japanese promotions on this list because of him. I haven’t watched modern WWE outside of clips, but I’m willing to watch Bryan’s run. He doesn’t downplay any one type of wrestling and can do them all, from plunder matches, to technical, to sports entertainment.

Just add to that his overall honesty and plain ridiculousness. When he talks about weird topics, his love for books and the environment, it’s not a character or out of attention, that’s just him. He’s a real person. With thoughts and feelings and insecurities. It just solidifies how amazing of a performer he is that he can get into the headspace of being a silly comedy character, exaggerated heel, a bloody avatar of violence, or glorious babyface and completely suck you in. I don’t know how else to word it other than paraphrasing Nigel, as he described Bryan as a man who is unassuming, but has a weird charisma that lies under the surface. No one ever expects it, it’s just lurking there, but it grabs you and doesn’t let go. And it’s what turned him into a phenomenon. My throughline for following wrestling this whole year is centered around him. First time I ever went to Washington state was to see him wrestle what I thought would be the final time in a long time. I spent the majority of the time driving around the forested areas, going to secluded parks, hiking, sitting by a shoreline with sea lions and otters playing in the water, and enjoying food at the local diners. I love regularly going out to nature and just being there, ever since I was a kid, but the peacefulness of the Washington wilderness was something else to behold. It’s understandable why he’s a granola munching environmentalist. That was the mental state I was in, walking into the Tacoma dome. To see him wrestle live and command the crowd with such power is one thing–I was there in St. Louis to see him fight Ospreay after all–but to be in the crowd during a match like he had in Wrestledream 2024? I can’t even begin to describe it. Every single “yes” chant was like a prayer, in the heat of the moment against the viciousness of Moxley and his ruined neck, every utterance of “yes” was the only thing powering him, keeping him alive and fighting. And the utter quiet resignation and acceptance when he lost in the way he did was palpable in the arena, but it made us even more thankful for everything he’s given than if he were to come out victorious. And it’s so Bryan Danielson to request an ending like that, I wouldn’t have it any other way. He attacks everything with such earnestness. And that’s what my soul needs. I’m so tired of irony poisoning, tongue in cheek approaches to art, humor, and looking at life in general. We’re oversaturated with it, and a performer like Bryan is a good respite. When I picture pro wrestling in my mind, everything that encompasses it, the good and bad, and the pure love for it, I picture Bryan.

It's getting to the end of the year, and I decided to write a list for fun. Zed’s favorite things they experienced in wrestling in 2024 (doesn’t have to be from current year), documenting some joys I’ve had this year, discoveries, etc. The order isn’t definitive, but there is a sense of progression, and the stuff written later on is there for a reason.

This will be part one, as I haven't finished writing my thoughts on everything, but I wanted to get this first section out at least.

FMW. It’s history and formation, from Onita’s background with American territory wrestling, taking what he learned about deathmatches and bringing it to Japan in FMW as a way to circumvent his limitations after his injury. He’s a carny POS, but FMW was such an interesting promotion with it’s uniqueness and grit, for better (amazing deathmatch stipulations!) and for worse (terrible injuries). Its creativity when it comes to deathmatch wrestling for both men and women, highfliers thanks to the likes of Hayabusa, is infamous for a reason and are definite must watches. Learning about the relationship between Onita and Terry Funk was unexpectedly sweet, and if I must recommend one match from FMW, it’s of course, the No Rope Exploding Barbed Wire Time Bomb Death Match. This feels so ahead of its time with how “cinematic” it is, while also being just a good wrestling match with heightened emotions and drama.

Wrestle Kingdom 18. First WK I watched, first proper full NJPW show I watched, and it blew me away. Combining the pageantry with solid in ring work is a feeling I don’t think has been replicated in other promotions, not without the lack of trying. From the amazing junior matches, to the tv title, us title, Bryan and Okada, and the main event, it was a great first introduction even though I didn’t have full context for all the matches. I’ve always known about NJPW for years, even before getting into wrestling, through osmosis of following fans of the promotion over the years. In another world, I would’ve gotten into wrestling in the boom of the 2010s and have been a huge NJPW girlie (gender neutral), because it would’ve been so my shit. I’m glad to finally get into it after all this time.

Deadlock Pro Wrestling (promotion and podcast). People like to lambast how modern American indie wrestling is dead, but there’s innovation and interesting things happening all around if you’re willing to look. DPW is one of them. I’ve only checked out a few matches (some of the MxM matches, Roddy vs Fuminori Abe), but I really need to consistently lock into their shows, because they seem so much fun. Their podcast though? A true joy to listen to every week that leaves me stifling laughter at my office desk. This is like the only podcast I don’t skip the patreon shoutouts for, maybe because I might have the humor and soul of a teenage boy and I laugh at every dick joke. Their patreon content reacting to matches or ppvs has also turned me onto matches and shows I either can’t find online, wouldn’t have checked out in the first place, or elevating the experience of watching a match I’ve seen before. They really emulate the feeling of cracking a cold one with the boys and having fun watching wrestling together. SKEEE WOAHHHHHHHH

AEW and ROH ppvs. Just a general umbrella for all those shows, it falls under the same category of me treating those nights like special events, getting good food and snacks, drinks, screaming my head off and liveblogging, having the time of my life no matter what happened during the shows. Summers spent on the back porch with my laptop and speakers out, or winter in my room. This also encompasses all the amazing, crazy moments in the ppvs, from all the Ospreay matches, Sting’s retirement, Swerve’s title reign, the dichotomy of All In and All Out, the crazy high quality of ROH ppvs despite people downplaying the promotion as “it should just be a developmental”. It’s all just a good time, crazy rollercoaster of good wrestling.

CMLL’s Homenaje a Dos Leyendas. Watching/learning about CMLL in general was just an amazing, pleasant delight. The luchadores showing up in AEW immediately caught my eye, and it led to a rabbit hole of me trying to learn more about the history of lucha libre and the promotion. I was so excited for this particular show, and it did not disappoint at all. All the matches on it rocked, with lots of delicious variety of multimans, apuestas, and tag bouts. But the main event of the BCC vs CMLL? It was magical. That match, Dragon vs Blue Panther, and Fantasticamania MX felt like such amazing cultural exchanges/appreciation. I have my criticisms of how CMLL is treated in these cross promotion events as of late, but when they nail it? It’s good. I wish I had the brain power to regularly follow CMLL, the shows I’ve managed to catch are so fun, but as it is, I could barely follow two and a half promotions on the reg. I will go out of my way to seek the matches of guys that have caught my eye like Hechicero and Xelhua.

Fighting Network Rings and Volk Han. Volk Han is the best technical wrestler I have ever seen, full stop. He just is. Zack Sabre Jr is the current best technical wrestler in my opinion, and the best one in modern times, but if we’re talking about all time? On pure skill? Volk Han. The realism of it is what truly grabs me, treating an armbar like it’s a death trap, the use of a points system and rope breaks, the deadly precision when attacking limbs and the viciousness when it comes to pulling on them. It’s so captivating and I’ve rarely seen anything like it in current wrestling. Rings being a half shoot-work promotion definitely helped foster that tone, and I should definitely check out more matches from other members of the roster. This could also be a message for me to explore more shoot style wrestling or straight up mma, though I’m mostly just interested in the grappling aspect and not “legitimate” fighting.

Despe Invitacional. My favorite cross promotional wrestling show of the year. It was just a fun show from top to bottom, showing love for a variety of wrestling styles from comedy to tag matches, death matches and technical wrestling. Not afraid to bring his friends on and have a good time, while also putting on his personal dream matches with amazing in ring work. Hiromu never doing a deathmatch before but bravely powering through the lego spots, and bleeding before the match even starts is just one example of pure joy found in this show. A true cross promotional event where Despe invited wrestlers from the JP indies, DDT, NJPW, etc. and have fun. And the glorious absurdity of that main event is. Wow. Despe really booked himself to wear a jockstrap and have Gedo’s face stuck in a man’s ass and balls. What a king.

#would you believe i got emotional and cried (a little) writing the last two entires #wrestling #txt

4 notes · View notes

rredcrystal · 5 years ago

Photo

✦ @bluue-crystal ✦ Roxas ✦

𝕀 𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕗𝕖𝕝𝕝 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕞𝕪 𝕖𝕪𝕖𝕤 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕒𝕝𝕝

✦ || Indie || Friendly || Semi - Selective ||✦

𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕀 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕪 𝕒𝕣𝕞𝕤 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕟𝕠 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕝

✦ Hayner ✦ @rredcrystal ✦

#;; a real champ here !! | promo

5 notes · View notes

heartmix · 3 years ago

Text

Charm Your Way-Jay White

Pairing: Jay White x gn!reader

Word Count: 700+

Warning: fluffy, I can't write jay white in any other thing but fluffy fluff

A/N: I HATE writers block. I feel so bad for not uploading anything because I told myself I was gonna write and publish the whole summer.

Masterlist / Wrestling Masterlist

"I only have you for one more night."

He muttered those words making yourself snap out of whatever alternate reality you were in. You forgot he wasn't in the same company as you. You forgot he had his own company to go back to, he was the champion of that said company. You forgot it was just for a pay-per-view and everything would go back to normal Monday morning. It was Sunday night, your alternate reality was coming to a close real quick.

"What, these last few months weren't enough for you." You squeaked out. Truth be told it wasn't enough for you. Even if he was the first NJPW guy to show up on AEW tv, it wasn't enough. You were selfish and wanted more.

"The rest of my life wouldn't be enough." He charmed making you groan. Why did he have to be so charming? He was such a prick and everyone knew that but you only saw the charming side of him which is probably why it was harder to say goodbye till next time.

"Hmmh, ever so charming with your words."

"That's how we ended up in this situation in the first place ain't it darling." He mused with a cocky smirk on his face.

When he first appeared backstage at AEW surprising the Bucks with a happy Adam Cole, he made an impression. Chatted up all his old friends, making them laugh while he was the loudest one catching everyone's attention. It caught your attention for sure. Part of you wanted to tell him to shut up and keep his voice down but the other part of you wanted to be friends with the dude.

You had your eyes glued on him the whole time you were in catering, you couldn't help it. It's not like you were the only one, some of the girls were just as intrigued while some of the guys chatted about wanting a match, or rematch with him. As if he had eyes on the back of his head, he turned to your table with a smirk looking right into your eyes. Despite mostly the whole table looking at him he never moved his eyes from you. It was as if he was trying to charm you with just his eyes. It didn't work. As if he knew it didn't work he stood up and made his way over to you.

"Hey, I'm Jay." He greeted the table for once looking at everyone but you. He greeted everyone else and saved you for last.

"Hi, I'm Jay. Nice to meet you, future champ." He greeted you with a smile which took you back. Future champion? Well, that was certainly a unique way of greeting someone.

That greeting is what made you want to know even more. Watching him on the screen wasn't enough. Seeing him in the halls wasn't enough. You wanted, needed to be talking to him. Little did you know at the time was that he felt the same way. Your match was right before his tv promo and he needed to introduce himself. You staring at him was the perfect excuse to go up and talk to you.

"So what do you want to do the rest of the night?" He asked snapping you out of your thoughts. What was there even to do on his last night here.

"I don't know champ. That's totally up to you."

"Hmmh. Stay with me." He asked making you chuckle.

"Well, I was planning to stay the night anyways. Did you forget that we're riding to the airport together?" You reminded as you were confused about how he forgot about the arrangement. You both agreed to go to the airport together as you arrived at the arena. Sure it was more than 6 hours ago that he proposed it but still.

"I don't mean just for tonight. I mean after Monday morning. I mean while I'm all the way in Japan or traveling across the globe while you're here in the states. Hell, I'll fly you out to me just for a day if our schedules are conflicting. Just tell me that you'll stay." He begged, looking at you with sincerity for the first time.

"You just have to charm your way to keep me huh." You smiled hoping he knew your answer. The first night you were scared to go on doing whatever this was with him. He had a reputation and everyone including himself knew it. Throughout the months he reassured you that he was actually into you, every chance he got, maybe that's why it was so easy to give into him.

"I'd do whatever to keep you. You should know that by now."

#aew #aew imagine #aew x reader #njpw #njpw imagine #njpw x reader #jay white #jay white imagine #jay white x reader #wrestling imagine #wrestling x reader #impact wrestling #bullet club

135 notes · View notes

eldesperadont · 3 years ago

Note

you’re fancam made me fall in love and i don’t even know who he is

I suppose this is about my El Desperado fancam and even if not im still gonna use this to infodump about him! For anyone that saw him yesterday on Dynamite for the first time or whenever :D

El Desperado is one of NJPWs top Junior Heavyweight wrestlers and has held the belts for said weightclass several times now. He’s also one of their best talkers, deadass, i fell in love with this dude thanks to his amusing promos.

Some background info on him:

He trained and debuted in NJPWs dojo under his real name, Mikami Kyosuke, and spent a year on excursion, working for CMLL as a masked wrestler called Namajague. (and lost said mask in a match stipulation)

After that he debuted on NJPWs main roster as El Desperado (the first thing he did was gifting the jr champ a bouquet of black roses.) Despy started as a face but didnt have much success, ultimately turning heel and joining Suzuki Minorus group ‘Suzuki-gun’, learning their ruthless bastard ways.

Since then he's best known for his banger hatelove rivalry with Hiromu Takahashi (which is anything BUT straight, like seriously)

They have a 10+ year long history and some insane singles matches together which i can pretty much all recommend, my personal favourite is their BOSJ 27 Finals match (which i also made a video edit for here)

Other noteable things:

- he's in a great tag team with Yoshinobu Kanemaru, who he credits for a lot of his current success

- for the longest time he was our sad lil meow meow cause he would constantly joke about himself and allude to being a depressed drunk - after an injury he sustained in a match (and got a lot of unjustified backlash for) he came back more confident, calling his own shots, and its paying off! we love to see it

- he pretends that his CMLL persona Namajague is totally not him, that its a dude that lives in Mexico, and when CMLL/NJPWs crossover event comes around (which sadly didnt happen since the pandemic started) he performs as Namajague, its a lot of fun :)

- he’s a huge nerd. a dork even

#maybe gonna update this later #el desperado #percht.txt #njpw #flashing lights #wrestling thoughts tm

147 notes · View notes

theater-for-jocks · 5 months ago

Text

okay let's rock and roll. in case you're curious i'm trying to order the names in terms of a) who is champ and b) if a is inapplicable, who is babyface in the feud.

Morgan v. Ripley: WOW i was expecting this to be hell in a cell but it's a standard match! OR DOES DOM IN A CAGE COUNT AS A STIPULATION?????? God that match render with him in the cage is so fucking funny. I keep seeing people saying “oh Liv definitely wins” but I don’t think it’s THAT clear cut? I only see her winning if someone interferes, and with Dom out of the question the only options are a) the other members of the clown show - who I think are more likely to interfere in the NEXT match - or b) someone else who has beef with Rhea but NOT with Liv (or at least LESS beef with Liv). I keep seeing people say Raquel Rodriguez because they were tag partners BUT from what I understand they were still faces at the time, and if Raquel has beef with Rhea then I’m sure she’d feel GREAT (sarcasm) about Liv basically becoming a discount Rhea. I think IF Raquel interferes, she starts in Liv’s favor but turns on her—doesn’t side with Rhea, to be clear, just decides she doesn’t want to help Liv—after enough time has passed for Liv to show her true colors. I think this also sets the stage for a Rhea/Raquel match at crown jewel to finish that story and then a Raquel/Liv feud after! So to summarize, Rhea probably wins. Honestly I’d feel less sure about this if the probable pre-shoulder plan for Liv to dethrone Rhea at summerslam (rather than retaining against her due to Rhea having to vacate and Liv winning the title off Becky Lynch) had happened but Liv’s had the title for. Like. Five? Six? Months? Respectfully it’s both okay to change and probably needs to.

Priest v. Balor: KICK HIS FUCKING ASS DAMIAN!!!! ahem. i'm not surprised by the lack of stipulation here given that it's their first real match since Finn joined the judgment day and the feud still has a long way to go! As far as who's winning.......see here's the thing. We're not getting two terror twins losses, not because "ugh they're making the judgment day look weak" but because the two of them are among the faces (no pun intended) of RAW. But it’s super unlikely they’ll BOTH win. And the Rhea/Liv feud has been going for ages. And there is PLENTY of time to cook with the Damian/Finn feud. So I suspect this match is the terror twins loss. We have time for funky stipulations later. Why did i start doing proper caps here. (Originally I put a note here about how I don’t entirely think finn “needs” to win here, but the amount of people I’ve seen who forget about this feud existing because of Rhea’s magical ability to reverse typical fandom sexism suggests otherwise, even if the forgetting has nothing to do with the feud itself and everything to do with external factors.) This is a secondary prediction but I feel like this match ends up being effectively three on one (b/c the rest of the boys mainly stick w/ finn). Maybe setting the stage for my banger jd collapse idea which also hopefully gets jd mcdonough out of the company FUCK that guy.

SIDE NOTE I GUESS: I keep seeing people saying that they’re booking the feud badly or whatever, but I think what’s ACTUALLY happening is that the nature of both the terror twins’ common enemy and the fact that Damian is currently a little more focused on kicking ass for Rhea’s sake b/c he’s an older brother type—hell, the entire “am I my brother’s keeper” promo spells that out pretty clearly!—combined with Rhea Ripley being Rhea Ripley and the other big raw feud being punkintyre means that it’s been in the spotlight a bit less. But it’s only been like eight weeks. There’s time to cook. Once the Liv/Rhea feud is over they’ll hit the gas pedal big time. And I will perish. Painfully. Also can they bring back that one really pretty ring fit I saw on Twitter (chel stop

ALSO WE’RE NOT GETTING THE FUCKING DEMON HERE. They seem to aim for more groundedness lately and that thing has to be EARNED, and it is too early for that. Triple H is not a perfect man but I love the focus on. Not doing as much supernatural shit. The Wyatt Sicks is the closest we’ve really gotten so far and even that isn’t like OH THEYRE POSSESSED or anything. Anyway I could MAYBE see them TEASING the demon but that’s like a match two AT BEST thing. Realistically it rears its head briefly the next time they fight.

NIA VERSUS BAYLEY: HI FROM AFTER THE LAST SMACKDOWN. OKAY. NIA WINS PROBABLY BECAUSE CONFIRMED HOST NAOMI TURNS ON BAYLEY. TIFFY CASHES IN FOR A LOT OF REASONS INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THEY REAAAAAALLY IRONED HOME THE WHOLE “she could cash in on someone else” THING. TIFFY WINS. RIP.

SIGHS LOUDLY. RHODES AND REIGNS VS SIKOA AND FATU. Also had to rewrite this paragraph because mister chel and I are kinda coming around on this, not because of the guys themselves but because Randy and KO are getting fucking pissed off and I think this is gonna make them turn heel. okay i had a different prediction but mister chel changed my mind so cody and roman win. OH GOD. ITS THE MAIN EVENT. IF I HAVE TO SEE DWAYNE FUCKING JOHNSON LIKE EVERYONE INCLUDING ME SUSPECTS,

Punk v. McIntyre: HELL IN A FUCKIN CELL BABY!!!! Punk probably wins here, in part because McIntyre does great as a losing heel and in part because Punk is doing great in terms of crowd reception. Side note I loved the bracelet plotline because it's such a nice use of fan stuff but I'm honestly glad it met its end. the plotline not the bracelet itself, the real bracelet is fine. also i ordered this last b/c it should be main event but the fucking rock continues to ruin my life.

time to start on bad blood predictions now that we got three confirmed matches...

#seriously where was that ring fit FROM I feel like I saw it before but it wasn’t summerslam I don’t think #it was so pretty…blue…….#i lost the tweet I found it on :(#. what have these tags become #also sorry that one match got three paragraphs despite being the most obvious answer ever #updated 10/04

3 notes · View notes

magicpotatoobsession · 3 years ago

Text

GIVEN | 5 things I adore about Take-chan

There is no denying that I love my Given babies. But there is also no denying that I am godforsakenly

IN LOVE WITH TAKE-CHAN! 😍😍😍

Let's talk why Yatake Koji is literally husband, best man material, and the healthiest bean on the planet! As well as...actual evidence pointing towards how Take-chan potentially liked Haruki at some point! 😮

(anime/manga spoilers ahead!)

1. He is reliable as fuck

In the Given anime, Take-chan was hinted as the event organiser of the first-live as he asked the Seasons to play at the venue that Mafuyu worked at. So when Haruki was having a freak-out and asked Take if he could cover for them, he said,

This, my friends, is what we call, TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY.

Whenever there is a new band member, trust me when I say that it takes a while to adjust, even for professional musicians! Music is all about reading non-verbal cues and it's really hard to be in sync straight away with each another! Also, at this point in time in the story, we gotta remember Mafuyu had literally been learning music for like 3 months and probably only agreed to properly join the band for 2 out of the 3. Take-chan knew the risk of asking the Seasons (which we in the music industry would define as emerging artists) to play yet he still wanted to give them a platform to perform. WHAT A FREAKING CHAMP. And he delivered! He got the crowd going and gave them 2-3 extra songs so that Mafuyama could gather themselves! Bless that boi <3

In the Given Manga, it's not as clear that Take was related to the organisation of the event or even to Mafuyu's workplace, but he still said to Haruki,

"But if you need it, I'll cover your ass".

You seriously can't get more reliable than that.

2. He is an acts-of-service man

Take-chan should really bill Given for the shit does for them! Like this is lowkey a joke but not a joke 'cause dudeeeeee the amount of stuff that Take-chan did for Given for free is absolutely ridiculous! Let me just quickly run some numbers for you.

Staying up and editing a video from a live show?! Bruh, easily $800 - 1000 US minimum industry standard, even more if it's multi-angle with special effects and colour corrections etc. Video-editing is also his major, he's gotten his undergrad degree and if he's already working for a company, he would be charging industry standard.

Also he was performing in the live AND filming for the live?! My man, when do you catch a break?!

Next person who laughs should owe you at least 5000 yen, Take-chan! A professional photoshoot in a studio with lighting set-up and backdrop should at least be worth $1500 - $2000 US min. Oh my goodness, then Take-chan actually said

"Do they suck, do you not like them?"

My angel, you are a professional doing them SUCH A HUGE FAVOUR, Given should take you out to dinner 5 times over!

So that's a total of almost $3000 US worth of marketing promo material that he just did for FREE!

Ok ok ok I know that not everything is about money and that Kizu did mention that Take-chan "does make music videos for bands he's chummy with" in his character profile but I just wanted to point out that without Take-chan, Given wouldn't have the amazing video that got them the crazy amount of online votes which probably wouldn't have gotten them such great results in the first two rounds of CAC, and subsequently the opportunities and approaches from record labels.

Take-chan's support and reliability kickstarted Given popularity and will be crucial to the success of all their careers!

He was even the first one to follow Given's Twitter! I think this also shows that Take-chan's main love language is probably ACTS OF SERVICE, which is very cute! But he also practices all the other forms of love languages as well, my goodness Take-chan if you were real I would not hesitate and ask you out immediately. <3

3. Has his own opinions but doesn't internalise other people's problems

In one of the comedy panels at the end of Chapter 13, we find out that Take-chan's never been a fan of Akihiko but this little side story is really interesting.

I was chatting to @edragoon and @raine-kai way back in Sept 2021 about this panel and they said that the word that Take-chan used to describe Akihiko here is really interesting. It's not hate, it's also not dislike, as @edragoon puts it,

"that sort of feeling that you have for a person that you know isn't a bad person, but your vibes just don't check."

This is because from Take-chan's perspective, the way that Akihiko and Take-chan treated Haruki back then were completely different.

Take-chan was all ACTS OF SERVICE

Akihiko was all "TAKE TAKE TAKE from Haruki" (sorry I had to make that pun LOLL)

So of course our angel Take-chan was completely unimpressed with how Akihiko was taking advantage of Haruki, especially knowing that Haruki wasn't getting enough sleep already as it was!!! 😩

---

Western vs. Japanese "Personal Dislike"

The three of us ended up discussing something that was quite fascinating that I think more people ought to know!

In Western culture, when we dislike someone and we say it's personal, it can be seen as a big deal and can be akin to a form of hatred where one may feel like they have the strong urge to "avenge" or "revenge" something.

But in Japanese culture, not so much. Take-chan's dislike of Akihiko is personal, but it's more like "my dislike is my business. And I personally wouldn't hang out with Akihiko one on one or work with him. " So it's not as much of a big deal where he wanted to fight Akihiko but rather he wouldn't be at the mix if it wasn't for Haruki.

Do you see what I am saying? So Take is saying that his personal feelings towards Akihiko is his own so it shouldn't concern Haruki because Haruki is a grown man and can take care of himself. As much as he dislikes what Akihiko is doing to Haruki, Take-chan is NOT INTERNALISING Haruki's issues and trusts that Haruki can take care of himself. and Haruki appreciates him so much for it!*

*I'll discuss this in detail later.

(edragoon and raine-kai please feel free to add further or make corrections, you guys probably have a much better grasp on this than I do 🙏)

-> Also, Take-chan is perceptive AF, that very bottom line is a HUGE HINT that he had a feeling that Akihiko was using his good looks to use himself as a male prostitute to get money from women. (Take-chan and his big brain energy let me tell you).

4. He respects other people's boundaries

When I was younger, I was often consumed by media which portrayed love as "we gotta sacrifice this and solve our loved ones' problems for them".

Over the years, I realised how wrong that mindset is because adulthood is learning that you can't solve everyone's problems for them.

Take-chan is the definition of a healthy bean because he is so good at asking Haruki for what he needs as well as respecting Haruki's personal boundaries.

Firstly, In Chapter 18 after Haruki's illusion of Akihiko got shattered and he was really shaken, Take-chan immediately asks,

Take-chan KNOWS that Haruki's low self-esteem means that he is always directing his attention onto everyone else so he makes sure that as a good friend, he CHECKED IN on Haruki to make sure he's ok.

But he is so amazing because he didn't push it when Haruki didn't want to share the details. He RESPECTED Haruki's privacy and instead, makes a suggestion,

"Why not play support for another band as a breather?"

I love that! Rather than forcing Haruki to tell him and potentially making him uncomfortable, he took a different approach of making suggestions.

Same thing here, when Haruki came over to Take-chan's place after THAT INCIDENT,

1. Take-chan asked Haruki what happened 2 times.

2. But he noticed that Haruki was not listening. He respected that Haruki was not in the mindset to talk about it and didn't push him and just offered what Haruki needed.

Let's recap Take-chan's internal monologue.

They just sat in silence. Take-chan took care of Haruki in the best way he knew how. ACT OF SERVICE. Haruki was not in the space to share so he respected that and cared for his friend in other ways

offered him tea

gave him a haircut

GIFTS - brought him green peppers from the countryside

QUALITY TIME - checked up on Haruki

5. Take-chan has secure attachment style

Take-chan upon finding out about Akihiko staying over momentarily couldn't hide his true opinion of the guy, and he accidentally slipped lollllll. But then he PATIENTLY LISTENED to Haruki explaining himself as to why he decided to take Akihiko in.

3. Take-chan then said this,

SO FREAKING HEALTHY!

Take-chan is displaying important qualities in a healthy individual who has secure attachment style:

lost his cool for a second but able to regulate emotions and feelings and regain his calm

*showing TRUST in Haruki knowing that he knows best how to take care of his own situation.

*able to hold space and allow Haruki to open himself to him when he's ready

*And Haruki appreciates the heck out of Take-chan for it! You don't have to do everything or solve everything for the people you love. This is something that all the Given characters should learn from Take-chan! Everyone else feels overwhelming emotions and internalises their loved one's problems. Take-chan is so freaking healthy because he loves Haruki knowing that Haruki is just trying to figure shit out.

Trusting them and being there for them is LOVE.

Can I just marry Take-chan already? ❤️

------

Ok I have a theory....

Take-chan potentially romantically liked Haruki at some point

A lot of people think that Take-chan is straight and I dunno,

I always got a bi/pan-vibe from him.

I was so glad when I saw in one of @a-voice-of-my-own posts that he thought the same! After some digging for this meta, I actually have some proof as to why I feel that way.

A) The Hair Token

Take-chan and Haruki met in college because they share the same undergrad film major. In his character profile, Kizu writes

"Film editing - mixing both his interest and the chance to make money"

From this, it is clear to me that he is a man with ambition, dreams and goals, he doesn't care if he doesn't fit the status quo, he would rather retake his exam and do what he actually wants in life than conform to societal norms.

This is the cover of Chapter 13 and a picture of Haruki and Take-chan from 2 years ago. Take's hair didn't seem long enough to be tied into a man-bun back then....

From what we find out in Chapter 20, Take-chan cuts his own hair and now he can tie it into a man-bun.

Remember in Given, the growing of long hair symbolises hope for love to be reciprocated. (scroll to "Tokens in Given")

So the fact that Take-chan grew his hair a little but maintains it himself at a man-bun length could mean that he has always liked Haruki however

kept his feelings in check rather than let it get out of control because he understands his sense of self worth.

Yes he liked Haruki but he's not gonna chase after someone who didn't feel the same. All the stuff he does for Given the band isn't actually for Haruki but because Take genuinely likes Given's music. He has such a great sense of self that he's not the type to chase Haruki like that. If he does do something nice for Haruki, it's because he genuinely cares for him and loves him, he doesn't need any sort of reciprocation. He does it because it aligns with his values and purpose in life WHICH I JUST ABSOLUTELY ADORE BECAUSE IT'S SO HEALTHY. 😩🙏❤️

Take-chan let me be your wife please! ❤️

B) The Mario Joke

Ok I think maybe it wasn't just me that found it a bit ~fruity~ when Haruki was major blushing as Take-chan gave him the USB of the live-video that he stayed up all night editing lol. But it seems like a lot of people still thinks that Take is straight, which is fine. That could just be healthy masculinity. I accept that interpretation.

But ok ok ok hear me out. Scroll up to the Chapter 13 side panel where Take-chan, Haruki and Akihiko are at the date-mix!

Take-chan flirted with the girls using the Mario joke!

Scroll up again and go back to the Chapter 22 panel that I posted!

In chapter 22, Take-chan, consciously or subconsciously, flirted with Haruki by using the Mario joke!

AND AKIHIKO HEARD EVERYTHING!!! Remember Akihiko was there at the date mix too so he knew that Take's go-to flirt line is the Mario joke! 🤯🤯🤯

That's why in that same chapter, Akihiko began to open up to Haruki that things are almost over between him and Ugetsu!!! Akihiko wanted to heal Haruki's broken heart and reignite any remnants of hope that Haruki had left in him!

Also, back when Akihiko said to Haruki in Chapter 17,

"You're more popular than you think you are,"

I 100% believe that Akihiko, being also the incredibly perceptive bean that he is, was referring to Take-chan liking Haruki. 😎Bruh, trust me.

------

Take-chan's journey of moving on

Ok let's just get one thing straight. Take-chan may have had feelings for Haruki but he was never holding out hope for Haruki to like him back. He just wanted to care for Haruki and he continued to live HIS LIFE and follow HIS PASSION.

However Chapter 22 is a pivotal turning point for him. Of course he personally didn't like witnessing Akihiko staying with Haruki but when he realised that Haruki finally stopped running away from his problems, he supported that and he realised that

Akihiko staying with Haruki was good for Haruki's personal growth.

That's why he said,

"If Haruki's ok with it, Take-chan is ok with it."

MY GAWD someone give that man a cookie I love him so much. Take-chan's love comes in the form of understanding and trusting that Haruki knows what is best for himself and that if Haruki does need anything from Take, Take will be there for him. Guys this is true love, true healthy love. We may never full confirm if Take's love was platonic or something more but this is true love right here.

-----

Then comes CAC live where Yoru Ga Akeru had such a positive impact and changed EVERYONE - Haruki, Akihiko, Ugetsu, and that's also where

❤️ Take-chan and Yayoi met ❤️

Take-chan and Yayoi are literally so well suited and healthy for each other because Yayoi is also someone who has a great sense of self-worth. Let me know if you want me to do a meta on them, they are so interesting as a couple!

---

I also really love this Given Movie extras panel:

LMAO Take-chan has the exact same reaction as Uecchi which is HILARIOUS HAHAH but now Akihiko is a changed man and finally we see Haruki being treated how Haruki should be treated. Also notice the differences between Chapter 13 extras panel and here?

PAST Akihiko crashed at Haruki's house whenever and ate Haruki's food, basically taking advantage of Haruki. Yes Akihiko was fighting his own demons but he was not treating Haruki very nicely. Two things can be true at the same time.

PRESENT boyfriend Akihiko keeps in touch with Haruki round the clock because Haruki is Akihiko's home, buys Haruki coffee, never late to rehearsals and practises hard at music .... wait

Akihiko becomes a man with his own ambitions and goals .....a man like Take-chan!

I wonder if Akihiko not only got inspired by Mafuyu's song but also by Take-chan??!! He secretly looked up to Take-chan and after hearing that convo between Haruki and Take-chan in Chapter 22, he's like holy crap I need to start pulling my shit together or I am seriously gonna lose Haruki forever. This is quite a plausible "take"! 😛

In Conclusion,

my love for Take-chan could be that I am literally Yayoi as I also have an adorkable little brother so I can't help but see Uenoyama and all the other characters in Given as my babies. However, there is no denying that Yatake Koji is such a wonderful guy and should be someone we all look up to for inspiration on how to form healthy bonds and secure attachments with other people!

😍WE LOVE YOU TAKE-CHAN!😍

--- Masterlist of my Given Metas

If you like what you read, all I post is basically Given analysis content! Give my blog a follow to be notified of future posts! #metapotato

#given #given manga #given anime #metapotato #given movie #given ova #koji yatake #given yatake #yatake given #haruki given #haruki nakayama #akihiko x haruki #nakayama haruki #given meta #akihiko kaji #akihiko given #kaji akihiko #akiharu

285 notes · View notes

cinenthusiast · 3 years ago

Text

thoughts on dynamite & rampage 2/16 & 2/18

- punk & mjf promo was easily my favorite promo since the feud began. punk was on fire. mjf was, for the 1st time, speechless. and turns out the guy can emote! his eyes were SO SAD. dog collar match!!!! can we talk about how great & logical the storytelling is here? mjf, master of running out of the ring like a coward at a moment's notice. it gets overdone and frustrating. i'm thinking of that tag match with sting, darby, and punk (which i loved). he is known for playing that note. punk has been frustrated by how hard it is to actually face the guy in the ring. so they solve this and grant us payoff on this long standing basic heel beat by having punk win the tag match with mox and getting to set the terms, place etc. so what does he do? he brings the piper references full circle and decides on a match mjf can't run away during. they're going kinky for this ppv and i am 1000% here for it. and this is a match they've only done once in aew so it's not only an earned development, but it's really novel for them

- enjoyed the danielson/moriarty match a lot, also kicked up the sexual tension to new heights?!?! a technical face-off with moriarty showing he can go toe-to-toe with danielson while also highlighting that he can't threaten him as of now. he didn't have the violence he needed!

- mox isn't saying yes...but he isn't saying no! it looks like either way we get a danielson faction coming out of this. loved this promo from mox. danielson was essentially the jack nicholson departed gif the entire time, great stuff

- wardlow/caster was exactly what it needed to be

- page/cole promo was solid. i'm trying to figure out how they'll book this match besides obvious low blow attempts by cole. cole has a very predictable move-set and he's also ridiculously over, so i'll be interested to see how the audience responds to it and if they can make this match really compelling. hope they amp up the build with the time they have left. i'm excited for it, but they're not on fire right now. cole just seems so livid that he lost to cassidy that he's full-on in take me seriously mode. but they're having him go for page so quickly after that shift that it feels like they're pulling the trigger on this way too soon

- dug the inner circle match, largely for the drama of it. i have no idea where anything still stands but i was entertained by dumb jake hager screaming "Why?! Why?!" at his opponents. Jericho and S&O sold the hell of this. And can we talk about the EDDIE KINGSTON POP?!?!?! I love him so much. This guy has more raw charisma, more presence, realness, star wattage, than literally anyone that's a big deal in hollywood right now. it's kind of absurd.

- thunder rosa vs mercedes martinez - my favorite match of the week!!! this ruled. the match built and built with these shaky flubs or wobbles that they always worked through like champs, but that gave this match, which was no DQ to begin with, the feeling on a tightrope. it felt like we were always one degree away from total disaster and it was exhilarating. thunder on the guardrail, the table not opening right, thunder basically folding in half from that suplex off the top rope, mercedes slipping off the corner. this was unhinged and both women put in such a show for everyone. the exhaustion and hard-hitting nature. and then the end angle with thunder bowing and then mercedes hesitating and the beatdown after. great stuff. a cobra kai guy was there??? i hope we get a thunder/mercedes tag at some point

- sammy & darby. the two most AEW guys in the roster, 2 guys who just put their bodies through insane shit on the regular, so, despite my dislike of sammy, this absolutely delivered just like you'd expect. sick spots all over the place. about 3 or 4 times where i exclaimed "sir, how are you still alive". that apron bump. darby, i'm convinced you have no bones. and while the finish was convoluted, it's going to lead to andrade wrestling again and i CANNOT WAIT. it's been way too long.

rampage:

- cole vs 10 was fine. I have zero idea why this went as long as it did. I'm trying to understand why you'd have Cole go this long with a lower tier dark order member if you're trying to build him as a threat to page. 10 does nothing for me, but again, fine match.

- dante vs powerhouse. YESSSSSSSSSSSS. Powerhouse won!!!! So unexpected, I'm so thrilled. I know he won't win the ladder match at all, but it's great that he's getting a ppv spot in there, and we've got 3 big boys in this thing which should make for a really interesting match. i cannot wait. the two of them do great together so I coudl not have been happier with how this turned out.

- serena deeb. who will be the eventual one to break the 5 minutes i wonder? see, last week when they started this I was happy because it was like "wow, 2 women's matches (even one as short as this) on one show, that's great!" but now this week they used it to simply fill the women's quota entirely. so that sucked. if this is a new pattern i'm going to be very annoyed

- trent & jay was really great. ok, VERY into jay white. i have no experience with him and am so unfamiliar with what the specifics of a new japan match are outside of the ways it has shown up in aew, but i love how even this match was. trent took some crazy bumps, jay's character work was really fun. i need the best friends to disband, i just cannot stand this faction and i have no idea what it does for trent to be in there with them. he needs to be his own guy

9 notes · View notes

handsome-robot · 1 year ago

Text

I agree with MJF that people shouldn't be out here hitting crazy bumps every night BUT

That was a joke match on a PPV paying tribute to Inoki. I say this because I was excited to see what they were going to whip up to make me believe MJF could win in a 2 on 1 scenario. I hold MJF to a very high standard because he's the champ rn but also because I know he can do better.

That match should've looked like more of a struggle for him. He barely broke a sweat. The righteous earned their shot at the titles in a four way match. Weeks of building. Adam Cole gets injured and rather than relinquish the titles or get MJF a partner to make it a fair fight they just turned it into a joke match.

There are ways to let MJF win in that scenario and make it look real. The righteous are supposed to be these nasty violent men. They were floundering around out there like idiots. Falling for every distraction Max threw out.

Danielson talked at the all out scrum about smoke and mirrors and Ricky carrying him through their strap match, and that appeared to be a real war between those two.

You put in the work and orchestrate a match that feels real. Make me believe you earned those belts. The story we were told in that match was not that Max overcame the odds to protect Adam's belt but rather that Tony Khan had no intention or inclination to put belts on the righteous and we all should've just known max was going to win.

Did nothing to serve the Righteous and it honestly hurts the titles and RoH since here's ANOTHER team that won't ever show up on a Thursday night to defend. They are prop belts for Adam and Max right now.

Adamjf would bring some fresh eyes to RoH, this product that "no one watches" if they showed up here and there for title defenses. If the Hungbucks would appear and defend their six man titles. If CM Punk had showed up ONCE to this brand that he constantly made references to and had a match. The people might stop treating ROH as a non-entity if the owner and all the stars who work for him do first.

They do the RoH tapings before and after their live shows. Everyone is already in the building, they don't need to do any extra traveling. Just, on a night where a guy is doing an in ring promo for the show but no match, have em do an RoH fight!

What do I know tho? I'm not Booker of the Year.

#aew #roh

0 notes

peepspersonalperspective · 5 years ago

Text

MY PICKS: Top 10 K-Dramas

Disclaimer: These are totally subjective choices and I've justified them as per my preferences. Consider them friendly recommendations and let me know if you disagree. Also, I've discovered the wonderful world of K-Dramas over the last couple of years and they've really evolved not just in storytelling but also production value so I personally prefer the more recent ones. So for example I haven't put a very popular pick like My Love from the Star simply because I've seen better stuff since (don't shoot me). Anyway, 가자!

MEMORIES OF ALAHAMBRA

This is my first recommendation for anyone who's just starting out watching Korean television content simply because it's so different from what new viewers expect it to be. It's so gripping and thrilling. I would expect nothing less from Song Jae Jung's writing.

So it's a sci-fi show, set in Spain, about an augmented reality game, that seems to have physical implications in the real world, sending the lead, Hyun Bin on a rollercoaster ride to find answers. Exo's Chanyeol has a recurring role as the game developer, so that's exciting too. I learnt that he was cast because of his love for PubG. Lol.

Every episode will leave you wanting more, and you'll find yourself as desperate to search for answers as Yoo Jin Woo (Hyun Bin).

Granted, mid season, it gets a little complicated, especially with newer nuances of the game unfolding, but fret not because the characters are discovering the secrets of the game with you. So they're as confused as you would be, and that's why this show is so good! More so because the graphics are excellent! You can tell they really spent money on ensuring high quality work. You will really feel like you're part of the game with Yoo Jin Woo.

Anyway, if you are an EXO-L, or you like gaming, sci-fi, thriller and Hyun Bin, this show is great!

2. W - Two Worlds

Another piece of awesome from Song Jae Jung. I would still rank this show a little below Alahambra, because I think the makers made improvements from this sci-fi drama in Alahambra, in the sense of storytelling. Still, W is just as intriguing.

Oh Yeon Joo (Han Hyo Joo) gets sucked into a comic book where she falls in love with the lead character of the comic book, Kang Chul (Lee Jeong Suk). Sounds like a typical romance drama right? Don't be fooled because there are many many twists and turns along the way.

I feel like there is metaphor in there somewhere about existentialism, the creation and destiny. But maybe that's just me reading into things.

Lee Jeong Suk is extremely desirable as Kang Chul, unsuspectingly charming and endearing, and Oh Yeon Joo is an absolutely relatable character, and how she deals as an ordinary girl thrown into extraordinary circumstances is genuine.

I would say this drama is wholesome, with sci-fi, suspense, thriller, action, romance, filial relationships, and more. And while it's usually difficult to jam pack all this into one show without screwing it up, W emerges exceptional.

3. Extraordinary You

This show is so cute! If you want just a light hearted, quirky show, this is the one for you.

It's about characters in a cartoon becoming aware of their existence in a cartoon. But don't worry this is NOTHING like W.

The best part about the show is that it's not about the main characters of the said cartoon. It's the story about the extras finding their way in that world, hence the pun intended in the title. The main characters (of the cartoon) are actually the most dull, because they are bound by the laws of stereotypical high school romance. But the real stuff is happening on the sidelines, with Kim Hye Yoon as Dan Oh and Rowoon as Haru.

Dan Oh is a hilarious character and Kim Hye Yoon does a fantastic job of switching emotions when she's in and out of a scene in the cartoon. One minute she goes into character mode, next minute she's bitching at the sorry fate of her character when she wakes up, to the astonishment of the characters surrounding her (who aren't aware of their reality yet).

Rowoon has a quiet charm about him that perfectly complements Hye Yoon. Check it out for a chuckle and a taste of something different.

4. Crash Landing on You

This show is hard not to like. Apart from the poorly picturized tornado carrying our leading lady over the border to North Korea, this show is a wonderful Netflix and Chill kind of show, I think.

The cultural disparity between the South and North is interesting to watch and also entertaining. Like when they mention buying mobile games at an App store (a literal application store in a Pyongyang market).

Ri Jung Hyuk (Hyun Bin again) and Yoon Seri (Son Yejin) are such a delight in comedic, romantic, and dramatic scenes. But the scene stealer for me was Yang Kyun Won as Pyo Chi Soo, and his unshakeable nationalism that he is ready to set aside for some shampoo and conditioner.

The interesting thing is going into the show, you have an idea of the longevity, so ofcourse, Seri's journey back to the South ain't going to be easy, also her relationship with Ri Jung Hyuk is doomed, and yet you find yourself rooting for them at each step, crying with them during their failures and crying with them even in their triumph. But the most tears were shed for the least expected character, who simply left us all heart broken.

5. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

In a world where women are expected to behave and look a certain way to be considered attractive by someone they're vying for, here's a food hogging, tomboy, weightlifting champ, with her first crush.

The premise may rope you into the show, but midway you realise that the heart of the show is in its characters, and without realising you become so invested in them that you feel their fears, insecurities, and cherish their victories with them.

This coming of age show really relishes on the quirks of each character, friendship, love and aspirations. It's not a very dramatic story which is probably why it didn't rate very high during its broadcast, but that's part of its charm, and that's why it's been able to gather a significant cult following since.

Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk portray the most sincere friends and eventual couple. Their relationship blossoms in the most organic manner and it's so heartwarming. They're not cheesy or unrealistic; they even beat each other up! I don't think I've seen that level of comfort portrayed on screen so well before.

Watch out for guest appearances by Ji Soo and Lee Jeong Suk.

6. Strong Girl Do Bong Soon

I'll be honest, this recommendation is mainly for Park Hyung Sik. He's amazing in the show. And there could be no better supernaturally strong petite girl than Park Bo Young, either.

So there are actually a lot of things happening in the show, story wise, but I promise it all comes together in the end. There is quite a build up and I'm happy that it pays off adequately.

This is like a superhero show with all the spices and flavours of a Marvel movie, but K-Drama style. There's an invincible villain, some idiot gangsters for comedic value, romance (a love triangle infact), functional training, a point of lost hope for Bong Soon, and then her resurrection as a superhero.

It's all there, and more.

But Park Hyung Sik.....

7. Itaewon Class

This recommendation is simply for the refreshing change of representation on TV. I know a lot has already been spoken about it already, but I have to admit that that's what sets this revenge drama apart. That, and the music. Dayum, Start by Gaho is so catchy! And let's not forget V's Sweet Night.

This show starts off slow but give it 3 episodes before it gets to the real shit.

Park Saeroyi is almost too good to be true, and in that lies his shortcoming. His character is so strong that while watching him I forgot that Park Seo Joon was acting. And despite some unnerving moments I found myself rooting for him. He has some strong motivational lines too, like about his choice for a better life. His determination is almost unreal, as he goes on to take down his mortal enemy.

Some of the best scenes, though, are of Jo Yi Seo (Kim Dami), a sociopathic enterprising genius. She was the one who actually kept me hooked to the series. She added some much needed flair to the show, and as it appears to Park Saeroyi's establishment.

Actually, every character was strong, every character had a strong backstory and motivation for the action, and most importantly they never broke character.

Watch out for Park Bo Gum's special appearance.

8. Love In The Moonlight

Speaking of Park Bo Gum...

This show is all kinds of weird in the best way! A girl pretends to be a palace eunuch and falls in love with the crown Prince. That is so messed up!

But that's the fun part! And Park Bo Gum and Kim You Jung make it a wonderful ride. Full of quirky romance, political conflicts and hidden identity issues, this show is addictive af!

And even though this wasn't in the show and was just a promo, be sure to watch Park Bo Gum's Bombastic dance. It's adorable!

9. The Third Charm

I'm sure this is my least popular recommendation. But something about watching this show was so cathartic. I highly recommend it for those who may have gone through heartbreak ever in their lives.

This is probably one of those rare times when I was lost in the story instead of Seo Kang Jun's eyes. Hehe. This story is about an on again off again couple and their journey through life together and apart.

This was meant to be a healing drama, and it really does take you through the emotional evolution that comes with growing up. I think it's the perfect medicine for a healing heart.

10. It's Okay Not To Be Okay

This show! This is my current obsession. Kim Soo Hyun's comeback couldn't have been more perfect. Seo Yeji couldn't have been a more perfect casting. And the two leads couldn't have had a better chemistry.

This show is all kinds of whimsical and I love it. Also a healing drama, this show deals with.... Baggage....to put it simply. Some baggage may be bigger than other baggage, some even irrevocable. But seeing all the characters overcome this baggage is so fulfilling.

But the charm of this show is in Ko Moon Young's (Seo Yeji) craziness and the Tim Burton-esque setup, that really makes one perceive fairytales in a whole new way. I mean I always knew that fairytales were sanitized German folklore, but I never thought to find a very different messaging from the material. The parables are ingenious, and it really is a pleasure to watch each and every person on this show.

Special mentions: Goblin, Reply 1988, 30 but 17/ Still 17, My ID is Gangnam Beauty, Hotel Del Luna

216 notes · View notes

danwhobrowses · 4 years ago

Text

WWE Royal Rumble 2021 - Initial Thoughts

I know I’m late, but employment is still a thing, and I had to prioritize that over an all-nighter, but it’s time for the Royal Rumble, one of the more exciting shows of WWE’s schedule, so let’s get on with it!

Spoilers for Royal Rumble, you have been Warned

I might not invest too much in kickoff matches but the Women’s Tag Match was not a good time

It was fine before the end, but who the hell decided that Charlotte should control 90% of the champions’ offense and have the hot tag!? Asuka is the RAW WOMEN’S CHAMPION, not Charlotte. After the tag Asuka literally had one spot and she was dead, completely taken out of the match for *checks notes* being thrown over the Announcer’s Table...you know that thing several wrestlers come back from easily.

The finish was just too much too, Ric distraction didn’t work, Lacey distraction didn’t work, Kirufuda Clutch didn’t work but then the brass knuckles did. Too much.

And why TF are we putting titles back on Nia!? We should’ve just given the titles to the Riotts, or the winner of the Women’s Dusty Classic. It also cuts me deep that Asuka and Shayna are treated this way, even as champion Asuka is a side character to Charlotte T_T

Main show though and I don’t like the package and interviews between entrances

Drew vs Goldberg was just...meaningless.

It was cringy enough that Cole had to spout drivel to make 60 year old Goldberg seem strong but to have Drew be ‘injured’ by a barricade spear - something much more tired wrestlers have and will get back up from in less time and continue a longer match - was daft. Also saying that Goldberg’s spear or jackhammer is the best move of all WWE is stupid, it was a WCW thing

Thank God Drew Won, but the post-match does remind you of the meaningless circumstances this feud came about. Suddenly Goldberg is okay with Drew’s same manners of respect

I mean, Carmella’s entrance and gear is cool, but do you think it eats at Corey a little that Carmella’s ‘behind the curtain’ bit is a tad...red light district?

Sasha’s promo didn’t hit for me unfortunately

Reginald didn’t deserve to be ejected for that! He caught Sasha and get beaten up for it

Jesus Carmella! Sasha got barely any of that dive

Screeching and faffing aside, Carmella got a good showing...I do hate quick tap outs in title matches though

Sami cuts a good promo, but his content wasn’t exactly the best. New Day are hardly the management’s faves, it’s taken this long for E to get a singles run, Fans literally had to Yes Movement their way into giving Kofi the world title.

New Day’s Brodie gear was good though

Bad Bunny as the ‘Biggest Latin Artist’? Is Cole for real? I didn’t even know who he was before today

If the song is about Booker T then why is he dancing around GI Bro?

Come on Book, you hang on the Sucka! That’d be like if the Rock just went ‘If ya smell what the Rock is cooking’ without the drags or pauses

Ric’s ‘with a tear in my eye’ promo was after the Rumble though...

It’s actually a sad stat that just over half of the Rumble winners win titles

No Morrison segment for the escape spot!? He did it as much as Kofi dammit!

Sorry Greatest Royal Rumble is not canon for me

This Stat Attack has taken far too long

I’m okay with Mike Rome but couldn’t a woman have announced the Women’s Rumble? Where’s Lillian at!?

NAOOOOOOOMIIIIIIIIIIIIII GIRL WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!?

That hair is amazing as well

I know you can’t say it, but we all remember that Benoit won the rumble in the first two as well

Was...Bianca wearing earrings on her entrance, she looked like she was taking them off

Billie actually had the right idea, can’t be in the match until you enter the ring, it’s clever stuff

That tank did not look like it was meant to turn that direction XD

It actually surprises me every time how tall Shotzi is, I always imagine her short

Billie no...not with Shayna

The piped boos are highly unrealistic to boo even a heel Toni Storm

Shotzi eliminated and then horrible singer Jillian comes in? Urrrrgh, Bad Singer Jillian was terrible

Wrestling wise she hasn’t missed a beat though

Billie’s surprisingly being a highlight here with actual narra-OHMYSHITITSVICTORIA

Gear was a bit meh but Victoria definitely can still go

Oh Peyton the purple looks good on you, and her Widow’s Peak was not bad at all

Ah, good for Santana, for a moment I thought it said Santina and got a very bad chill

Damn Liv, Speed Machine!

Ooof, the betrayal is real Billie

THIS IS MY BRUTALITY!

Somehow I’m genuinely upset by every elimination so far, good job!

Aaaaaand then they got rid of Victoria and brought on Charlotte to immediately take out Rhea -_-

That was a clever move from Bayley but damn Ruby landed hard

Are we seeing a Bayley/Peyton team? Or is she just eliminating the Riotts for revenge for Billie, but also Liv Nooooo!

Torrie now, eh okay

Ouch for Dana

Lacey...no, this ain’t working

Poor Peyton, her elimination was a side chapter

And we missed Bayley’s elimination!? For Shame

Mickie! Good to see ya! Aaaaand being beaten by Charlotte...

Nikki Cross is back too! Hopefully they find a good story for her

Alicia Fox? I guess she sobered back into the good gra...R-Truth? No

Oh yeah, Humberto is a thing

Jerry shut the fuck up!

The 24/7 stuff was super unnecessary, we did not need to take focus off this match

Lacey eliminating Mickie, rude.

Dakota should’ve gotten more time, she barely lasted a minute

Reginald again deserves better

See Tamina vs Rhea would be exciting...if Tamina was booked better

Naomi’s chemistry with Bianca is really insane right now

Lana *reminded of her feud with Shayna and Nia* Also Lana *goes for Rhea*

That was a hard tackle on Alexa by Rhea...aaaaand she’s eliminated mid ‘transformation’ a bit worthless for me

Road Warrior Ember Moon! And right into the Eclipse that’s the good shit

Baszler probably shouldn’t have eliminated Lacey story-wise

The Betrayal is real for Tamina as well

What’s with the crazy camera cuts!?

Nia eliminating Baszler? Nah...

Hold on Cole, baiting Nia over the ropes isn’t a ‘tremendous elimination’

The betrayal is real for Lana too, Nattie sure shrugged off that double assault

I get that the narrative is that Charlotte has beaten both Bianca and Rhea before, but to hang against both of them after already being in a match and hanging on from two apron attacks was daft. Stop making her super strong, she’s mega talented yes but giving her the Brock Lesnar energy does her no favours

That close call though with Rhea and Bianca was great, need more spots of two wrestlers about to be eliminated at the same time

The final bit of chain wrestling too was great, that’s what you need at the final part of a rumble, the mini-match

I had Rhea as my win prediction but am more than happy for Bianca, who was my second choice. Winning at No. 3 is great and her emotional promo just gets her more over. Bianca vs Sasha’s gonna be wild too

Overall the Women’s Rumble was good, most of the women got shine and there were a few mini stories too, do wish that more time was given to some women and that Sonya was in the rumble but the returns were good and most of the eliminations got me good

Miz talking about guaranteeing a championship run like he didn’t lose the last cash-in and didn’t have a chance to cash in previously this night when Drew was ‘reeling’ from the barricade spear.

I reiterate that I wish Sonya was in the rumble, but do like her endorsement of Bianca

Again, this 24/7 stuff is wrong place and time right now

Last Man StANDing Match for the UniVERSal Championship

Cole, there is Champion’s Advantage. Triple H vs Michaels Last Man Standing, neither men made the 10 so Trips kept the title, 17 years ago. Royal Rumble 2004.

See, this is where a Finisher Spotfest works, because it��s not about pinfalls it’s about keeping people down

The camera switches are not doing good on this portion of the side of the thunderdome

Yes, attacking the knees, this is the Cerebral ‘rope breaks with his pinkie finger’ Owens I like to see

Ooof the Golf Cart, a la Kane and Stadium Stampede

Why is this training area just like a second arena

Lil’ running ref in the background

Right into that conveniently placed mini-ladder

Not the forklift! Think of Judy Bagwell!

Oh that curtain is the thing Becky took a photo of! I mean she was always gonna be backstage

Corey before the match ‘there must be a winner’, Corey after Owens went through the stage LED ‘The ref should consider stopping the match’

Did the Ciampa move there to stand up

I don’t think you’re allowed to use a Ref Bump that way

Then the Second Ref restarts the count and stops at 5!? If this doesn’t come back next SD it’ll be a misstep

It was a physical match, not the best I think the finish brought it down. The problem is that KO has lost 3 times now and the last time is a botch finish, and we can’t have him lose again - the poor guy needs a win

ON THIS DAY, I SEE CLEARLY!

I will say this immediately, revealing Edge and Orton as 1 and 2 beforehand was a terrible idea, just because you don’t have a live crowd doesn’t mean the people watching from home can’t be surprised

‘Number 3 is the worst number to draw on average’ - Belair just won at No. 3

Ali at 4? Then went after Edge and not Orton?

Sami, just don’t get in Orton’s face

Refs what are you doing? No rules in Rumble, where were you with Nia and Shayna with that logic

‘What does Shin need to do to be more successful?’ - for one not face AJ Styles, he is still a tag, US and IC champ as well as a RR winner, that’s quite successful

Carlito finally shows after the Legends Night tease and yes those are some abs

So...Randy’s just sleeping with this knee injury

Big E enters with some snappy camera angles again

I was hoping for more Ali - especially since Ricochet came immediately after - buy angry E was nice to see

Wait is that Elias’ entrance? Where’s the guitar strum?

Priesty, wonder if this is his main roster call

What DJ leaves his equipment on stage anyway?

‘The biggest star in the world in the music business’ - for real?

‘I’ve heard of flying squirrels but flying bunnies!?’ - Corey you need to watch Tokyo Joshi Pro, they got a flying sugar rabbit

To quote Ross Tweddell, MMMmmm Riddle...does not do it for me

Stop with the camera cuts I beg of you!

Mayor of Knox County!?

Ricochet eliminated by Kane, le sigh

The betrayal is real for DBry

Big Elim for Priesty though

‘Now it’s a Royal Rumble’ - reminder that Edge is a KOTR winner too, and that Nakamura is the King of Strong Sty-oh and Corbin eliminated him :/ what was the gauntlet about if you’re gonna Corbin him?

Otis’ new gear is slick

aaaaand Corbin’d again

Big Dom Fuck im Uhhhhhh Spinebuster’d

Damn he got him though

Dang that bounce sound from DBry

Bobby no why you gotta do Dom like that!?

Hurricane back from his Gangrel crossing and disposing Sammy Guevara’s broken body in Elite Deletion to do another rumble

One of these days, he’ll hit that Chokeslam and shit will go wild

Christian! This time getting the more emphatic reaction

Oh that smile, that hits you in the chest cavity...then Riddle ruins it

Rey comes in and WWE made him an advertisement ¬_¬

Edward James Omos what are you doing? well...I know what he’s doing, IC feud between AJ and E

Edward James Omos fuck you for eliminating Rey

The betrayal is real for Shamu

Cole how did you know it was Seth before his entrance hit?

I don’t think we were supposed to pick up Shamu welcoming Christian back but that was sweet

Then finally BWOAR

And Bwoar eliminates Cesaro, what was the point of his push? (it’s because his contract’s nearly up isn’t it?)

Again with the camera switching

Seth No! And where’s the boos pipe music!? DBry was a heavy favourite, that would’ve caused heat

Can’t believe Mmm Riddle lasted ahead of DBry

I didn’t forget about Orton, but the finish was good, that Orton tease got us good

It was a decent rumble, in hindsight you could tell Edge was winning given how they put express focus on Michaels winning at number on in the stat attack, Edge being face in peril for the first 10 entrants and Cole reminding us how long Edge has been in there

I don’t at all hate the end result, though I do question whether it was the best choice in the long run. Edge had his rumble win returning from injury already and throwing more legends at Drew does imply a heavy lack of depth in the current roster. Edge didn’t really need the win, but I’m not disappointed in him winning

The Men’s Rumble itself wasn’t as good as the women’s I don’t think, a lot of favourites of mine were unceremoniously dumped out quickly, any layered storytelling didn’t get enough time and it did feel a little by the numbers, almost a microcosm of modern WWE booking

Overall it was still a decent PPV, happy with the winners of the rumbles and that’s mostly all we need from a Royal Rumble. The Road to Wrestlemania starts here

5 notes · View notes