#I almost didn't put the third panel in but I'm glad I did

[ask-the-determined-river]

[ * Some time later... You get back to your hideout. Your ITEMs in hand. Able to be set aside as mementos as with the rest of your things. Some of it shines in the Waterfall cavern. The light reflecting it's hue with The Underground. The sound of water rushing around as you set yourself at your makeshift home. A temporary home for a temporary time. ]

They get comfortable, taking off their cloak and Bigshot Bowtie, revealing some kind of a full-body bathing suit underneath and familiar fluffy blue house slippers. They then sit down on the cavern ground.

"Tra la la...I have a joke,"

"Have you heard about the cave that lost its entrance...?"

"It was a real 'gaping' hole in its existence,"

".......,"

[oliveroctavius]

Did you check out the first issue of the new Ultimate Spider-Man? I'd be curious to see your thoughts

I was planning on letting it pass by me, zen-like. I kind of... disapprove of the entire concept. The more redundant universes Marvel creates (note that I say redundant, in that I like some AUs with recognizably different heroes and story lines) the more it approaches a DC-like level of story fragmentation, where nothing has to matter and everything runs on vibes. Every new restart survives an even shorter amount of time. It's a death spiral.

But alright. I may not know who Hickman is but some other people seem to like him. I'm Charlie Brown, the new title is a football, here's some of the whistling my foot makes as it flies through the air.

First off a disclaimer: comics are into longform storytelling these days, so almost nothing happens in this issue by design. This is a setup, not a story. I can point out some pettier dislikes, but I can't know what might turn out well yet.

I get that this is going to tie in to the Maker, but calling this USM is a bogus decision that is going to cause so much confusion down the line. It's like they didn't want to admit they were setting up yet a third story. See above grouch about redundant universes.

Uncle Ben being alive instead of Aunt May is a hell of a decision. But I like Hell Of A Decisions if they're pulled off with confidence. I miss og USM's ponytailed gentle old hippie Uncle Ben, I admit. He had a surprising amount of characterization, which I always liked about that series.

I... do not get... why they are homewrecking Robbie + JJJ for Ben. Like, I'm kind of offended on Robbie's behalf. og USM already put some of Robbie's plotlines into Ben--I mean, Ben Urich's hands, but this is more based on 616, isn't it? Robertson's personal moral compass and how that interacts with his job and his safety and his journalistic ethics AND his relationship with Jameson's short-sighted tendencies have been the core of his character for 60 years. Could we not think of something new for Uncle Ben to be doing instead of overwriting an existing character relationship and adding next to nothing to it? And Robbie's there and just kind of fine with the Kingpin's proposal as far as we see so far. This is probably my biggest complaint.

The kids could be an interesting element, but we don't really see any of that yet so it's purely potential.

The Harry fans seem to like this new Harold and his visual design so far. I suppose he's not fully flavorless but the flavor that is there is like. Salt and pepper.

MJ could stand to look older and have more characterization but that is not an original observation. Wait, she's definitely based off her 616 self and not her USM self isn't she? God why DID they call this USM, this is a structural publishing nightmare

The Goblin design is what people think the Raimi goblin costume was, which is not exactly a compliment. Also I *know* I'm the Goblin Fan but are there, really no other villains you could think of to open with? No? Is this the only plot point that's ever going to get adapted over and over again? Maybe it will be good and I'll be glad, I think! And then imagine Charlie Brown and the football again.

Another thing that really got me was the churning camera angles on some of the simplest scenes here. I respect the dutch angle hustle, Chechetto, but if I'm feeling seasick while trying to follow a scene where people have a conversation while sitting down then you might want to rethink your strategy.

To misquote Roger Ebert for a second, "the penciler has learned from better comics that artists sometimes tilt their panels, but it seems he has not learned why."

[allinmycorner]

It was a celebration of everything Taylor Swift in the ballroom as the stars danced to her songs in hopes of making it into the semifinals. Our show opened with a performance of "Love Story" featuring most of our pros. Several later did a routine to a slowed down version of "Style" to promote the Dancing With the Stars tour. I did not see Peta during the show so I hope she's doing alright. Barry, though, was there to cheer everyone on.

Mandy Moore (no, that that one), who has choreographed for the show before and choreographer Taylor's Eras tour, joined the panel as a guest judge. Alfonso also confirmed that bandleader Ray Chew is a Swiftie and has also worked with her before. And all the disco balls were turned to hearts for the evening's celebration. Taylor even sent another video wishing everyone the best before the competition began.

Who made sparks fly and who had their castles crumble? Let's take a look!

Harry and Rylee: I think this was the right outcome. While Harry has made some improvement, I don't think he was ready for the semifinals. However, I think he should be applauded for all the hard work he did to get to the quarterfinals. I'm glad Rylee put a lot more content in their rumba to "August" after Billy Porter's comment about Harry being a tree for Rylee to dance around after the dance off in the last show. He handled it well and maybe if the show had a few more weeks, he might've been almost as good as some of the others but it was just too little too late.

Jason and Daniella: Jason took stock of his position in the competition and decided to fight his way back to the top of the leaderboard. And he succeeded. His Argentine tango with Daniella to "Don't Blame Me" was fierce and sexy. It also included a lot of leg work that he executed impeccably. I also loved his little wink to the camera toward the end. Definitely one of the best routines of the season. I still think he's a lock for the finale, especially as he's now the only man left in the competition.

Xochitl and Val: Xochitl and Val danced a quickstep to "Paper Rings" and it was upbeat and as energetic as she is. We also got to meet her mother during their package, which was a nice treat. She's clearly Xochitl's number one fan. I also think Xochitl is a lock for the finals but she does have to be careful. Some of her kicks didn't look as clean as they could've been so she just has to watch out for her technique.

Charity and Artem: Charity hopes that winning the cha-cha dance off last week will help give her the spirit and energy to beat the others. She and Artem dance an Argentine tango to "Look What You Made Me Do." But I don't think she really absorbed Carrie Ann's comments from last week. She had flawless technique but there still didn't feel like there was much emotion behind them. I don't know if she's a lock for the finals. This was her third appearance in the bottom 3 in a row and I don't know if she could survive a fourth time.

Ariana and Pasha: Ariana feels the pressure now that Carrie Ann said she could win it all. And she delivered with her beautiful rumba to a slowed-down version of "Cruel Summer." She and Pasha continue to have great chemistry and she keeps mastering each move while putting emotion and intention behind it. I think she is a lock for the finals and still believe it could be a battle of husband and wife for the mirrorball - will Pasha or Daniella take it with their respective partner?

Alyson and Sasha: When this competition started, I thought Alyson would only make it a few weeks. I didn't peg her as the dark horse but she has proven herself to be. She has certainly come a long way since her first dance. I do agree with the judges that Sasha needs to let her dance more. It took them 30 seconds of a 90 second routine to finally get into the proper cha-cha. That needs to change. He needs to let her dance from the beginning and show off her moves and maybe they might make the finals. I think it will come down to a choice between her and Charity and either one could go home at this point.

After the individual dances, we had a dance relay. Our couples were paired up and each pairing was assigned a different dance style. One couple was selected to dance first and then the second couple danced. One judge was assigned per couple and they voted on who would get 3 extra points. So let's see how that went!

Ariana and Pasha vs. Xochitl and Val

Our first relay was between two of our best couples. Ariana and Pasha kicked things off and then Xochitl and Val took over. Both danced beautiful Viennese waltzes to "Lover" and it's amazing how different they felt. Ariana and Pasha's had a more classic and old-school feel, like I was watching a routine from a classic movie or Broadway show, while Xochitl and Val's felt more modern, like something you would see today. Carrie Ann had to make the decision and ultimately awarded the point to Xochitl and Val. It was a tough decision and I think either couple could've won.

Harry and Rylee vs. Alyson and Sasha

The second relay featured a jive to "Shakes It Off". The two couples at the bottom of the leaderboard competed in this one with Harry and Rylee going first and then Alyson and Sasha performing. Neither couple have danced a jive before so this was new for both. They seemed to do well enough but I do think Alyson was a bit better than Harry - her legs were more on point during her kicks than his. But both had plenty of content and showed off their dance abilities. However, I do think Bruno made the right decision to award the extra points to Alyson and Sasha.

Jason and Daniella vs. Charity and Artem

Our last relay featured our two "middle" couples, for lack of a better word. Jason and Daniella and Charity and Artem danced a cha-cha to "Lavender Haze", marking the second time in a row that Charity had to dance a cha-cha for extra points. She won last time and hoped history would repeat, even wearing the same style of pants as last time. But Jason brought a little more energy along with technique to his cha-cha, just inching out her excellent routine with Artem, and so Derek awarded Jason and Daniella the extra points.

So that was Taylor Swift week! Next time, we have the semifinals. Now, I have my sister's wedding this coming Saturday. I may not be able to post on time next week like I would usually. So my semifinals post may have to be combined with my finals post. I'll have to see but I wanted to give you a head's up.

I'll see you next time!

[maounosekai]

Completed all three volumes of BLEACH: Can't Fear Your Own World just in time for Shuuhei's birthday, and it was a bad idea to read them right when I have a commission (and work) because dayum, it's so hard to put down! I almost spent the day in the workplace reading, haha! If it weren't for work and a commission, I could have prolly finished all three in a day :))

Absolutely love how Ryohgo Narita was able to handle and juggle multiple characters and perspectives, how he laid out the events, especially in the third volume where the climax is at, the twists, revelations, and mindblowing surprises that made me go "WTF?!" and look back on previous chapters of the manga, the various character interactions, how the fight scenes were written, and how CFYOW managed to tie loose ends and connect the events to the last chapter of the manga. Narita also did well in doing the recaps and reviews of past events and some terminologies in the BLEACH universe for those who have forgotten about those, and in putting humour and light moments at the right times (because Shuuhei is such a dork yeah, haha!)

And Kubo, you sly fox! You had me at that goddamned "bankai" in the manga, hahaha!

I also like how CFYOW confirmed more material in the Zanpakutou arc that are canon (the materialized form of Katen Kyokotsu has already been made canon in the manga)

I'm glad that Shuuhei got the limelight in not just one, but three volumes of BLEACH light novel! Though the ending isn't as grand as it had been (for Shuuhei) but it's still great, nonetheless! It gave me that same feeling of satisfaction with Fullmetal Alchemist's ending.

I'm just so happy for Shuuhei! And Shinji! *claps*

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

There are a lot of awesome stuff in the light novel, but the best ones for me would have to be:

Shinji's and Shuuhei's bankai reveals

Squad 9 moments (ofc): Shuuhei's bankai training with Kensei and Mashiro, Kensei being concerned when Shuuhei faced off Hikone on a one-on-one fight, and what Kensei thinks of Tosen and Shuuhei as a pupil of Tosen. I've been wanting more interaction between all three of them, or Kensei and Shuuhei at least and bruh it did not disappoint! Tho I want more but alskdjfhksdf

Shuuhei getting his "bankai" in the manga, or what I assumed that he already got in the manga hahaha! (I really had to look back on a certain panel to confirm whether Kensei mentioned the word bankai and... surprise! He didn't mention a goddamned bankai! Well-played, Kubo!)

Shinji saving Shuuhei from falling into Kyoka Suigetsu's Complete Hypnosis, and everyone thought that he did fall for it but he didn't aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

The closure between Ukitake and Ginjo hhhhhhhh

Tosen and Aizen's past and what really went on with Aizen killing Tosen

How Shuuhei deals with his fear, and his character development

Arrancar, Quincies, Fullbringers, and Shinigami teaming up again

Man, I'm glad CFYOW got an English publication, and I'm also glad that one of our local bookstores here sells copies of the three volumes (which I called dibs already because there were less than 5 copies left of each)

[danwhobrowses]

WWE Wrestlemania 37 Day 1 - Review

Big Card, Not so big build

But it is that time of the year, we Stood, we Delivered, and now we shall Showcase for the Grandest Stage of them All

I got hyped for it by watching Bret vs Owen so I do have expectations, I haven't been spoiled too much save for the Main Event and the fact that there was storms that delayed the event, I dunno if they cut that content but we shall see Note: I am gonna bold who I predicted to win per match as well just to show how right/wrong I was

Spoilers for Wrestlemania Night 1, You Have Been Warned

Pre-Show The opening panel was not so great; Booker (with a captain Hook moustache), JBL, Lawler and Rosenberg, bunch of contrarian drivel really and trying to make Braun/Shane out like it deserves on the card just doesn't sit with me, that match robbed a potential Father/Son Tag Title Victory for the Mysterios (I know the Dirty Dawgs won on SD but I feel like they wouldn't have retained if it were Mania). Most of the promo packages were good at the least since they can cut out all the shoddy booking decisions and act like some stars were underbooked over the past year. I will say though, selling BelAir and Banks as 'the first time a women's singles match has main evented Wrestlemania' is a bit of a slight on the triple threat - which would've been 1v1 if Vinny didn't want to be adamant in adding more feathers to Charlotte's peahen plumage - it was still a singles match, sometimes WWE's desire for 'first time evers' are a bit insufferable. Also this is not 'the most important match of Cesaro's career', that is a terrible thing to say about a non-title match revolving around Rollins feeling embarrassed. The Hall of Fame recap was a mixed bag as well, mainly because I disagreed with some of the inductions and the way they tried to sell them bigger than what they are, but I was glad for some - Liger, Bulldog, Molly Holly, Kane...still waiting on Lillian and Andy Kaufman to get inducted though. Sonya also popped up to promote the tag turmoil and retreading the main event, she was super natural and should've been on the whole panel, or in the ring. Sonya's talents are wasted right now.

No Match though! An Hour of Recap lacked any entertainment seeing as we'd see all these promo packages again on the main card. So overall this was entirely skippable.

Main Card...Delayed Vince opened the event to address the crowd, which was kinda nice actually. It was a much more inclusive introduction than just having someone singing America the Beautifu-oh they're still doing tha-boooooooobs! It's also kinda weird looking at the roster not even on the card on the stage, like this is their only contribution for the entire year...

The intro package was a big obnoxious too, dude does an okay Jack Sparrow accent but it kinda went on a bit long, 10 minutes into the main show and there's no wrestling y'know?

Byron out with a super white suit as well, looking like Liberace as weather warnings echoed the arena, with news that it'll be worse tomorrow I hope that arena has a roof. With the delay WWE pulled with interviews, Big E even showed up to join his New Day buddies. Cole's 'Wrestlerainia' did not land and Braun saying 'I'm fighting for everyone whose been bullied' doesn't land either, we had this story with Nia and Alexa years ago. I also hate 'Herstory', like the literal word I hate it, History has adapted well beyond gender. Sure, it evolved from the Greek Histor which means 'wise' or 'a learned man' but the His is not the agent noun, the Tor is, and it's a gender neutral noun, if it were a Latin root then it'd be masculine but its root is Ancient Greek - there's your Etymology lesson for tonight.

The irony though, the moment fans get back in the arena they have to come back out because of rain.

Main Card - This Time Around Titus and Hulk came out as hosts to ramp up the crowd, it was kinda uncomfortable in context really, plus we don't need a third rundown of the card. Reminder that those in bold was who I earlier predicted to win.

WWE Championship - Bobby Lashley [w/MVP] (c) def. Drew McIntyre (Ref Stoppage Submission via Hurt Lock) Starting hot with the World title match again, bit odd to see Lashley do his point pose on the ramp and no pyro, but both men fixed their eyes on each other and barely looked away. Their history goes beyond WWE after all, not that the commentary would tell you. The did come out with a ton of falsities though, I know the WWE Championship was at several times the most prestigious belt in wrestling but not all the time in that 60 years, Big Gold Belt, IWGP and 10 Pounds of Gold had times too, AEW also can tout that, but Cole's most baffling claim was that you'd need to win it to be a Hall of Famer - on the same year Bulldog who never won a world title was inducted. No quick draw like last year, the match started with some meat slapping, Drew even gesturing a fuck you with the Bras d'honneur to Lashley after knocking him down. Both men would trade blows and advantage, Drew almost locking an armbreaker but Lashley clubbing free - very weird camera cutting there. Lashley hit 2 throws and a neckbreaker to regain the advantage, he didn't get the Futureshock but he hit a nice Northern Lights Suplex. Lashley hit his newer version of the Dominator and an Uranage but both only kept Drew down for 2, he almost got the Hurt Lock as Drew fought back with some blows and a front-facing Alabama Slam, he tried a superplex but Lashley fought out, tried a kimura but got knocked down, so he went for the Tree of Woe throw he does. Lashley gets him with another Uranage but Drew kips up, belly to belly, Futureshock, Futureshock, Futureshock! 1, 2, No! Drew calls for the Claymore but Lashley rolls out, MVP coming late, Drew then does a Tope onto both. He goes up top but almost gets caught with the Hurt Lock, an Exploder and a Flatliner puts Lashley in the driver's seat, he tries for the Hurt Lock again but is driven into the Turnbuckle, Drew then locks in the Kimura but Lashley gets to the ropes. After trading shots Lashley lands into a boot and a headbutt, Drew looks for the Claymore but MVP shouts to distract him, allowing Lashley to dodge and get the Hurt Lock in, Drew tried to fight back, tried to roll out of it by kicking the turnbuckle but Lashley cinched it in tight, fading, fading, and the ref calls the bell.

A very good opener this one, big men slapping meat can hardly go wrong. Not too many false finishes either and MVP only psyches Drew out rather than got fully involved. It was right for Drew to fade rather than tap too. First prediction wins, I did think it was a risk but I expected it because WWE had sold the idea that they wanted Drew to win in front of a crowd, but he had held the title for most of the year, so I anticipated the swerve. Still, we didn't have to break up the Hurt Business for this, hopefully Lashley gets more time to shine.

As Lashley celebrated with some strange camera switching we moved to Titus, the NWO and a Bayley segment. Bayley trying to sell her Ding Dong Hello and being denied some Two Sweets, a huge waste of Bayley's talents especially with the year she has had.

Tag Team Turmoil for a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Championship on Night 2 - Natalya & Tamina def. Naomi & Lana, the Riott Squad [Liv Morgan & Ruby Riott], Billie Kay & Carmella and Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose (pinfall by Tamina on Ruby Riott via Superfly Splash) Props to Billie Kay selling the lack of cohesion in her and Carmella's entrance as they started the match against Lana & Naomi. Naomi started with the advantage but it was traded to Carmella when Lana was tagged in, then to Billie, then back to Naomi. A double facebuster flattens Billie but Carmella breaks the pin, after Carmella throws Lana out Billie rolls up Naomi - who is also strengthened by Carmella lying on the floor but using her feet to keep Billie up right - for 3, eliminating that team. Naomi is not happy, as she should be that was a huge waste, as the Riott Squad come in. Sporting Suicide Squad Joker (Ruby) & Harley (Liv) outfits, the Riott Squad start hot but are foiled by Carmella's tag. Liv is the feeder to Carmella and Billie's combos, they try the same rollup trick but they are caught by the ref, Carmella's dumped allowing Liv to hit a codebreaker and hold Billie down for Ruby's senton for the 3, the two embrace but Carmella superkicks Liv as Dana & Manda arrive in pink, Mandy humorously slipping on the ramp did not go unmissed. With Liv taken out Ruby tried to fight alone, Dana hits a top rope blockbuster but Liv comes back to break the pin. Dana hits a spinning neckbreaker and tags Mandy in, a pin for 2 by Ruby opens the door for Liv to be tagged in, a Codebreaker/Riott Kick combo lands but the pin is broken by Dana. Cole accidentally calls Mandy 'Dana' as she rallies, Dana comes back to dump Ruby out as they land the Superplex/Swanton combo on Liv, Mandy pulls Ruby from making the save but Liv reverses the pin for 3. The announcer then wrongly says that the Riott Squad were eliminated and has to be corrected, making you think this wasn't the plan. Natalya and Tamina pick up the scraps, Natalya tries a Sharpshooter but gets rolled up for 2, she drops Liv onto the ropes and tags Tamina in. Natalya hits a powerbomb but Ruby breaks the pin before being dumped out by Tamina again. Liv fights both women enough for Ruby to tag in, an assisted spear on Tamina leads to the Codebreaker/Senton combo but it hits for 2. They set up the Codebreaker/Riott Kick but Tamina yanks Riott away and superkicks Liv. Natalya returns to hit the Hart Attack on Ruby, looks to set up the Sharpshooter but instead tells Tamina to take point, Superfly Splash gets the win. The champions look on on a monitor at their opponents.

A bit of a mixed bag this one, the wrestling was clean but I think external botching brought it down, as well as questionable booking decisions. Naomi is a multi-time champion she should not be pinned so quickly. I did again correctly predict Nattie and Tamina, but I personally wanted the Riott Squad to win, it was the Heyman dressing down that motivated me to pick the Daughter Combo - also weird that they acknowledge Tamina's heritage given what Superfly did. The Riotts at least got a great showing, the finish took a bit of a long time considering that all Liv took from them was a superkick and was out for 2 minutes, hopefully this'll inspire booking to push them which is well overdue. As for Tamina and Natalya, heel vs heel is a tough one, they didn't look like babyfaces here and while I do have them to win the titles this was not a good look for their chances.

Cesaro def. Seth Rollins (pinfall via Neutralizer) Seth entered the ring with a homage to the Andre OBEY print on his tights, followed by his Cesaro smear ad, then Cesaro in a weird choice of just a black jacket as well as black and yellow tights similar to his Wrestlemania XXX attire.

Cesaro starts with a huge uppercut and setting up the Swing, but Seth wriggles out, tries a big boot but Cesaro hits the Dragon Screw and tries for the swing again, but fails again. Cesaro gets a corkscrew springboard uppercut but Seth hurts his arm on the ropes, he gets an uppercut as Seth climbs on the turnbuckle but he kinda didn't get all of it. Going for an Avalanche Gutwrench Suplex, Seth rolls out into a Buckle Bomb for 2, Seth then preys on the arm, Cesaro's arm prevents a rally as Seth hits the Superplex/Falcon Arrow combo for 2. Cesaro flurries with uppercuts, he tries the swing but Rollins keeps countering, first a rollup then going to ropes followed by an Enzugiri, when he tries the Stomp though Cesaro gets the swing, 9 spins causes the arm to give way but he locks in the Sharpshooter (probably why Natalya couldn't/wouldn't do it last match), Rollins gets to the ropes and powers out of the Neutralizer, knee strike and a sling blade sets up for a Corkscrew Frog Splash for 2. Seth sets up the Ripcord Knee but gets lifted into a Neutralizer! 1, 2, No! (Commentary saying again 'and now Cesaro begins to doubt himself), Cesaro tries it again but lands into a Pedigree! 1, 2, No!

Seth gloats surviving both of Cesaro's big moves, clubbing the back of Cesaro's head with his hand and then his leg as he prepares a stomp, Cesaro then hits the uppercut, UFO! Gestures for the Swing and gets it! 23 Rotations, Neutralizer, 3!

That's what I'm talking about! Indy Darling match with some great spots, good crowd involvement and a proper babyface win. Cesaro thanks the crowd as they cheer him on, Seth did show some great creativity which I kinda hoped Cesaro would but it was a small thing in otherwise a great match. I guessed with my heart on this one unlike the Tag Team Turmoil, because of my Universal Title plans really, Cesaro has been given the chance to earn the push we all know he deserves and he's took it, now we can push him further.

Post-match they recapped the AMBR and 4-Way, bit off to say 'Veteran Experience pays off' when Rey was the most experienced of them all, also the 4-Way should've been on the mania card and the tag turmoil on SD. They interviewed the Dirty Dawgs to talk the Raw Tag titles, which was a bit rough to see, it's clear what the pecking order is in Vince's mind.

Raw Tag Championships - AJ Styles & Omos def. New Day [Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston] (c) (pinfall by Omos on Kofi via Double-Handed Chokeslam TITLE CHANGE) Annoyingly the Champions came out first, but they were introduced by Big E, a Fusion Dance hologram graphic paired with their entrance as they came out in Red to rep the Tampa Bay Bucs in what would've been their 2020 attire, cheekily the 2020's last 0 was scribbled out and a 1 added. Blue trumpet though, couldn't recolour that. AJ and Omos came together too but no matching attire, Omos looked like he was going for dinner. AJ also looked like he stumbled a bit at the start.

Kofi goaded AJ into starting the match rather than Omos, leading to some liquid sequences from both former WWE Champions, each respectively rolling out of an SOS and Calf Crusher. After a back body drop Kofi stared down an unimpressed Omos, then twerked which hurt my soul. Kinda heelishly, Xavier tripped up AJ when a throat chop gave him a reprieve, leading to them keeping AJ in the corner, including the Unicorn Stomp as Omos continued to look unimpressed. Against Xavier AJ tried to drag him to his corner, but cannot get to Omos' halfhearted reaching. A team bulldog only gets 1 though. Kofi then continues to block the corner so AJ goes out of the ring to run around, only to be intercepted by Xavier. AJ continues to try and get to Omos, even being flattened by a splash by Kofi, when setting up their finisher though AJ elbows Kofi away, a visual exchange between the now free AJ and the top-turnbuckle Xavier preludes AJ finally tagging in Omos, Xavier frightened as Omos finally has a smile on his face. The 7'3 giant no sells Xavier's and Kofi's offense, charging into both on either turnbuckle, then a backbreaker to both. AJ then jumped over Omos to hit the Phenomenal Forearm to deal with Woods, Omos hit a two-handed chokeslam then pinned Kofi with one foot for the titles.

I didn't like this match's narrative, the wrestling was fine but the story wasn't done so well. For one, New Day acted more like the heels by bullying AJ and keeping him cornered, for second, Omos didn't really 'wrestle' he just no sold and did 3 safe moves and third, New Day are 11 time tag champions, Kofi a former world champion and they pinned him like that. Disrespect. The fact that the SD Tag Titles are second fiddle to a match where it's just AJ Styles plus the Great Khali, and that's Raw's Division right now, Two Thirds of New Day and this mismatch. This only highlights the severe lack of depth and WWE's booking hypocrisy. Next time you read about a 5 foot something wrestler not getting a title or a push because they're 'too green' or 'can't talk' remember that Omos won the tag titles on his debut match after doing a backbreaker, a turnbuckle tackle and a double handed chokeslam.

Humorous though is that WWE cut to a cringy Corbin ad break just as AJ was falling off of Omos' shoulders, I saw that WWE. We also cut to Sasha preparing for the match as the cage began to lower.

Steel Cage Match - Braun Strowman def. Shane McMahon (pinfall via Running Powerslam) The apathy for this match remains high considering that Shane showed up a couple months ago to steal a card slot from someone who could've been wrestling all year. Shane enters in his usual way, Braun with blinding fog and a train sound effect, cringy commentary as well as Shane keeps the door shut. Elias and Ryker soften Braun with chairs, attacking the legs and gifting Shane a chair who unloads on his grounded opponent. Once he feels he's done enough he tries to leave by the door, but Braun pulls him away, he tries to climb over the cage but gets pulled away, Braun declaring that he won't escape. Shane does his tacky jabs dodging Braun's wide swings, he tries to climb out again but Braun grabs him, but there's a planted piece of sheet metal that he uses as a weapon. After a 1 count Shane tried to escape through the door but fails, Braun decides to throw Shane into the cage walls, opening Shane to be struck by his blows and sandwiched between the cage walls, the leg gives out before the powerslam allowing Shane to ram Braun into the cage wall and DDT him, Coast to Coast gets 2 and Elias and Ryker climb the cage, hoping to pull Shane over, but Braun tackles the cage wall to knock everyone off. Shane makes the climb again but Braun is gripping onto him, bags are planted on the corners of the cage as Shane cracks Braun with a toolbox, as Shane celebrates he gets his leg over, he waves his hand through the cage at Braun but he grabs it, peeling off the cage wall to pull Shane back inside. Braun considers leaving but pulls Shane to the top of the cage, throwing Shane to the ring floor. Braun shouts at Shane, hits the running powerslam for 3.

It's good to be wrong here, though when I predicted Shane to win it was more a Pyrrhic win like being sent through a cage wall - because the build had Braun foolishly act like cage matches never have interference. This was a match, Shane planting weapons and using Elias and Ryker to prove himself 'smart' and Braun just powers out of it, the ripping the cage wall to drag Shane back in was a good spot - if not overly convenient since Shane could've dropped and gloated after - but it didn't need to be Wrestlemania.

Bayley comes back this time to the announcers table, bullying Cole out of his seat, but she's made to look stupid since Byron of all people tell her that they're waiting for the Hall of Famers, the HOF package happens again and the inductees able to attend appear on the stage, graphics of those who couldn't on the screen, NWO get their own entrance though with the NWO-painted Big Gold belt, bit unnecessary really they have enough spotlight.

Stone Cold announces the next mania in Texas in the AT&T Stadium, Booker then joins the announcer's table.

Bad Bunny & Damian Priest def. Miz and John Morrison (Pinfall by Bad Bunny on Miz via Crossbody/Electric Chair combo) A bunch of men dressed as bunnies hop into the ring before Miz and Morrison lipsync their diss track entrance. After the promo package Damian Priest makes his entrance, wearing the HBK Bondage shirt and sporting the purple, Bad Bunny appears atop of a Monster Truck in a pre-recorded segment with a lot of camera cuts, leading into the live version, looking like Rufus from Bill and Ted.

Miz and Morrison goad Bad Bunny to start the match so Priest tags him in, Miz mocks Bunny for a free shot and gets floored with a blow, waistlock and another punch, after a brief flurry Miz slows Bunny down but then gets caught with an arm drag, a toehold and a roll up for 2. Morrison attempts to snap Miz out of his frustration, but every offense he gets Bad Bunny comes back, this time with a spinning headscissors. Morrison's tagged in but gets headbutted, a 'bunny hop' jumping elbow, Miz's cheap shot leads to some heat feeding as Miz does some mocking bunny hops. He rolls over Miz for 2 but gets flattened with a boot, Morrison punishes Bunny on the announcer's table who then does a Spinaroonie while they continue to punish Bunny and incite Priest. Bunny gets a tornado DDT to open up the Hot Tag who cleans up house with strikes - more annoying camera cuts though. Chokeslam only gets 2 because Morrison breaks the count, Bunny comes in and both men hit stereo Falcon Arrows, both for 2, Priest does a tope, Bunny crossbodies from the top corner. Priest sets up his finish but gets caught with a Skull Crushing Finale, 1, 2, Bunny breaks the pin. Back into his corner Morrison tries to keep Bunny from being tagged, but Bunny hits a Canadian Destroyer onto Morrison on the outside of the ring, Miz and Priest awestruck. Priest sets up the Electric Chair, Bunny crossbodies and that's 3.

I may not know who Bad Bunny is, or particularly like his music, but he definitely meets the standards of the work celebrity guests should put in if they wanna be booked for a match. Bad Bunny did far much more spots than Omos, granted his punches flooring Miz was a bit unbelievable but overall he shone in an entertaining match, I feel bad for Miz and Morrison really, Miz was WWE champion about a month ago for a week and Morrison left at the top of Impact and AAA to come back for this? Maybe if he pairs up with his wife he'll get the booking he deserves. Also don't really know why Booker needed to be there on the announcer's table, aside from one mock spot and a GI Bro mention he didn't influence the match at all

SD Women's Championship - Bianca BelAir def. Sasha Banks (c) (Pinfall via KOD TITLE CHANGE!) And so comes the Main Event, the Royal Rumble winner comes out a sparkly EST outfit with tassels, Sasha with a black and neon green attire that definitely stood out. More shoddy camera cutting though kinda upset the flow of the entrance.

On Pre-Show - 'These two are in the Main Event regardless of Race, Regardless of Gender' On Main Event - 'For the first time two black women are having a title match on the main event at Wrestlemania' ...poor form WWE. Especially since you followed this with a Snickers plug.

The Bell rings as there are close ups on an emotional Bianca, duelling chants from the crowd as Sasha overpowers BelAir, leading her to kip up and get her own advantage, almost landing the KOD early. BelAir's power catches most of Banks' assault so she opts for counter-wrestling, she looks to count BelAir out but then decides for a Suicide Dive, but BelAir catches her and presses her back up the stairs and into the ring. Dropkick by Sasha gets 2, Bianca hits a powerslam but her handspring moonsault is blocked by Sasha yanking at the hair, using it as leverage to drive her knee into BelAir's head, Shining Wizard only gets 2. When Banks tries the knees in the corner she's planted with an Uranage, she tries to yank Bianca's hair into the corner post but Bianca powers her into it instead, a barricade crossbody also misses but the count is up to 6, both women roll in, BelAir uses an inside cradle to momentum herself up to a Vertical Suplex position, she slingshots 2 of the sides but Banks struggles, Bianca powers her back up but Sasha struggles again, BelAir powers again and lands the suplex but it takes a lot out of her. After clotheslining Sasha who was pulling on her hair, BelAir flurries with strikes and a running shooting star, Glam Slam hits but Sasha gets the knees up for the 450. The two trade pins and BelAir hits the Powerbomb for 2, she tries again but Sasha goes for a facebuster, Double Rotation Tornado DDT gets 2 for Sasha, a clunky Frog Splash which might've been a Meteora that Bianca was out of position for hits BelAir but only has 2, Sasha starts getting frustrated and goes for the arm, snaps it against the ropes then throws BelAir into the steps, she goes for the Bank Statement, wrapping Bianca's hair around her arm for added leverage, she tries to rebound off the ropes but Bianca rolls back to rope break, Sasha yanks the hair between the rope and stomps on her hair in frustration but this gets Bianca angry, she sets up a Superplex but is thrown off, she tries what looks like a Stratusfaction but gets locked into a Tree of Woe double stomp, Bianca avoids it and the running knee strike, landing the 450! 1, 2, No! Bianca freaks out, she was so sure that was it, but now the anger sets in, KOD set up but Sasha pulls the hair to right herself, Bianca cracks Sasha with her hair and tries again, but Sasha wriggles to try a Backstabber, Bianca escapes that, spins her around and lands the KOD, 1, 2, E.S.T.

A really good match from both women, met with a great ovation for Bianca. The match liked to prey on Bianca's hair a lot which may've been a little overdone, I would've liked to have seen it get a bit more than 18 minutes too. I predicted Sasha because I think Rhea's winning hers (I still do) and Sasha has once again yet to have a major Wrestlemania win, but I'm certainly not unhappy with BelAir - she put on a great performance here, especially with the fact that she fumbled her NXT Women's Title match against Baszler earlier, showing a lot more maturity and a strong face character to get behind. WWE should not have overdid the booking on this in the build but for the night, it is Bianca's night to close day one of WrESTlemania.

Conclusion NXT Stand and Deliver set a high bar for Wrestlemania to pull off, and for Night 1 at least I believe they definitely met it. There were a few downs, shoddy camerawork, non-wrestling botching and heavy mistreatment for Naomi, Bayley and the New Day but on the other hand we had great matches out of Cesaro, Bad Bunny and the other title matches including the main event, aside from the tag turmoil I'm not upset with the winners. Becky teased us with appearing before the show but it seems like it was a fakeout, was kinda hoping she'd be back but maybe it'll be Night 2

We will only find out on the night though, and there's a lot more to look forward to.

[dsandrvk]

Friday, September 27, 2019 - Tsuwano

Awoke to the sound of rain outside - it is cool enough here that we were able to leave the windows open and the AC off. Today was supposed to be 100 percent chance of rain, so we were glad to get it out of the way early - we only had about 5 minutes of light rain later in the day - much better than we had hoped for.

We had a wonderful breakfast, although it is challenging to eat over easy eggs with just chopsticks. There was a mix of Japanese and more Western foods, so eggs and little sausages share the table with miso and rice.

We headed out early to the main shrine here which is approached by a switchback trail of torii gates, most in good repair. This was because the fellows repairing them were hard at work. It must take a significant effort to keep everything painted and repair rotted wood in this humid climate. Unpainted concrete doesn't stand a chance in this environment, but wood needs constant work, too. No wonder in Hokkaido, where they have little traditional building, they sheathe their houses with vinyl panels.

At the top was one of the better shrines we've seen, mostly because of the setting on a wooded side of a hill, and the way they have Incorporated small trees and bushes into the setting with the buildings. We also had the place practically to ourselves. The little water station before one enters the gate was a miniature scene, with the dogs guarding the entrance and tiny torii gates. Sometimes there are lions at the entrance, but more often they are dogs - one with a bone in its mouth, and the other with a ball. I'm trying not to put too many shrines in this blog, but sometimes the pictures need the punch of color on a gloomy day.

From here we had hoped to continue up the mountain to the remains of Tsuwano castle, high above almost everything. Unfortunately, the path was blocked, although we weren't completely sure why. We continued down the road back to town, past the way most people access the ridge - via a single seat chair lift. It doesn't exactly take folks all the way up, and it's still a kilometer away when one gets to the top, so we decided to take the alternate route straight up from town. This, too, was closed, and Google translate helped us figure out that the Kanji said "forest thinning work", so we headed along the river about a mile and a half to the third trail that goes up to the castle. This one was open, and after a few switchbacks was a well graded trail that had lots of small branches along it from a recent high wind event. We did our little bit for trail maintenance by clearing off as much as we could with the pilgrim bamboo staffs we picked up at the trailhead. We approached the castle foundation (all that is left since the wooden part was destroyed during the Meiji period in the mid-1800's), and it is still imposing. From the platform areas above the foundation the views are in all directions, and it is one of the most defensible places I have been. No matter which way someone approached the castle, they would have had to cross narrow ridges where they would have to go single file and be exposed to anyone above in the castle. The views back to town and the rice fields were stunning, and we could see another valley out to the west. While we were up there, the noon signal in town played - a little Japanese folk song called "Edelweiss". Seriously.

There seem to be two main "animal mascots" for Tsuwano. The first is the crane, and the second is the koi carp. The latter were part of the paving on our river path, and even the "bollards" to prevent cars from entering were fish heads.

Down at the south end of the town where we started our hike up was a somewhat neglected shrine, but it obviously had its devotees. There were lots of traditional statues inside, but also this southern belle style doll. Clearly this was someone's prized possession to present to the shrine. The giant tree was also in this area. If it's like the others we have seen, it's probably between 500 and 1000 years old.

After we walked back down from the castle (we weren't too sure about the chair lift, especially with our packs, since the seats were small), we walked north along the river and finally back into the forest to a small Catholic chapel that is dedicated to the "Hidden Christians" who were martyred here in the early 1870's. Christianity was banned here from the Edo period onward, but during the Meiji, they actually rounded up almost 3400 people, and sent most here to Tsuwano. A number of them didn't survive their harsh treatment and this little chapel was built to honor them. It's very simple inside with beautiful stained glass. There is also a Stations of the Cross trail that winds over a ridge and into the next drainage, and it was peaceful and cooler in the woods.

We got back in time for a shower and hot bath before another elaborate dinner with entirely different dishes than we had last night. There's a heavy influence on fish and seafood in Japanese cuisine, and I love that. Tomorrow we are off to another island, Kyushu, and the port city of Kagoshima.