#WRESTLING ALL STARS: Heroes and Villains

[blowflyfag]

WRESTLING ALL STARS: Heroes and Villains : February 1993 

[lovemyths]

hear me out: zosan pro wrestling au

i'm a huge wrestling fangirl and i've been thinking about how zosan really fits into this. let me lay out my argument:

pro wrestling is a mix of sports + theater/entertainment right? so while there is a sports element, pro wrestling has storylines, characters, and wrestlers engage in more dialogue-based scenes (promos) outside of the ring. HOWEVER pro wrestling as an art form has the blurriest fourth wall EVER. they often blend reality and fiction. things in storyline are represented as Real. but more often or not, Reality is brought into storyline. a big example of this is that when 2 wrestlers dislike each other irl, good business practice is to turn it into a storyline. so a feud can be a mix of fictional elements mixed with real animosity. MESSY!!

also because it's scripted, everyone in the match/storyline has to agree. which means you have to be willing to lose, or "put someone over" (make them look good). obvs if there's real beef between 2 wrestlers the politics of that can get testy

similar to acting wrestling has CHEMISTRY. it's very clear when 2 wrestlers just click in the ring. in fact there is a term called wrestling soulmates, which people use to describe a pair of wrestlers who simply bring out the best in each other naturally.

so. zosan.

often rivalries have a babyface (hero) and a villain (heel). i have so many one piece pro wrestling au Opinions and scenarios, but my ideal one for zosan is:

it takes place in the indies. babyface!sanji (nicknamed black leg) and heel!zoro come up in the business around the same time. they wrestle for different promotions (companies; side note: indie wrestlers are not contracted like in wwe so they can wrestle wherever whenever) for several years before they so happen to be booked for the same show. because they're both rising stars, they are scheduled for a match together. they're already familiar with each other's work, but there's an immediate tension there bc they are both trying to be The Indie Wrestler of their era. and their personalities clash. they clash a LOT while planning the layout of their match together.

but when they get in the ring, it's magic. inexplicably it's as smooth as butter when they wrestle each other.

which is good for both their careers, but also bad, because they hate each other and now companies all over the country want to book them together. so they're stuck in a storyline together, and unfortunately, it's the best work they've done in their careers so far. the wrestling is great, and their promos against each other are heated and leave crowds coming back for more beause they can't tell what's real or not. backstage though they get along like cats and dogs, especially when it comes to deciding who wins each match + how they can still look strong in defeat. the bookers don't mind they're both such divas because they put on a damn good match whenever the bell rings

but obvs working so closely together leads to bonding anyways, not to mention the intimacy of wrestling as a sport. some wrestling rivalries last multiple years, or decades, and rivals often are forced to team up for storyline purposes to.

what i'm saying is that maybe their storyline ends up leading to them being a tag team and going on the run of the century. maybe sanji turns heel and they're just an evil wrestling duo wreaking havoc around the country (they're both nice people irl).

i have a gajillion thoughts on this but i will stop here.

[britt-kageryuu]

A New Vod on the VTurtles! Channel. Titled 'VTurtles! Concert (and kinda verity show)'

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

It starts with a short of the 3 Purple Dragons Models with their drones rushing around trying to finish setting up for the concert.

Wyvern yelling out that the show starts soon. Then yells at Wyrm(Jason) for tripping on a wire, and almost pulling something down. She just stands with her face in her hands.

"Drake (Jeremy), take the hatchlings, and get to the controls. Wyrm, if you weren't my step brother I swear! The show starts in 10. Get this fixed or you have to deep clean the Garage with a toothbrush!"

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

The concert opens with Four Figures on a roof top overlooking New York City. Then music starts playing. Starting with a guitar riff, and "Rise~"

"Rise of the

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles~x2

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Heroes in a Half Shell Turtle Power!"

The lights turn on to reveal the Turtles Models in color coded ninja pants with their ninja gear over top, along their weapons on them. They start singing the song alternating lines as it goes on.

"Rising up against evil, paint the city Green,

Red is looking for a fight!

Blue is Making a Scene~

Mandarin's got mad skills!

Dee Rocks Machines!

With each other, they discover their destiny

And Rise! Cowabunga!!"

The song goes on swapping between scenes of the brothers fighting crime, and various villains.

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

Leo is doing a Solo Performance dressed in Glam Rock Fashion, singing some Queen.

Though mid song his voice cracked badly, leaving him feeling a bit embarrassed. A mumbled "I'm not a teenager anymore why?!" Could be heard as he tries to remember the lyrics.

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

A break in between music where Shelldon and River are teaching the 'Hatchlings' how to adjust their optics and which noises to make for max cuteness potential.

"And with this, you can get almost anyone to do whatever you want!" Shelldon says while River nods sagely.

From of stage there comes a yell of "Stop trying to corrupt your cousins!"

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

There's a rap battle and a dance battle going on at the same time. It's very hard to tell who is supposed to be winning.

Up until Raph accidentally sent Donnie flying across the stage with his tail. Then it was called a draw with a cut to the next segment.

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

Donnie, Mikey and Leo are singing Zero to Hero from Hercules, just changing some words to relate to Raph, while said Turtle is sitting on a throne with a Wrestling Belt.

Stars Model is sitting on the armrest, dressed in light blue workout gear that showed off many of her star shaped 'spots'. She looks very amused with everything, because Raph is slightly embarrassed by his brothers.

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

There's a break from the songs, this time Donnie is playing an AR Whack-a-Mole game. Thought the 'Moles' are foot ninja, and they're wielding a giant purple hammer.

Donnie is laughing and shouting Bonk every time they hit one of the ninja.

The game ends with showing that Donnie got a new high score.

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

Splinter has taken the stage singing and dancing to some classic songs. Draxum is shoved on stage to sing a duet with Splinter too both of their embarrassments.

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

Every one is on stage for the finale singing 'We Are (Family)'.

As they sing and dance around, there's pictures of them with their friends and family popping up on the wall. Including some pictures from when they were kids. All edited to look like 3D models overlaying the original picture.

I.E. Raph and Star posing together. Leo chatting with Usagi while Spot nuzzling Leo's cheek. April, Cass, CJ, Mikey, and Donnie baking together. Splinter reading a picture book to the turtle tots.

There is surprisingly also a couple pictures with the Purple Dragons with their drones.

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

Masterpost

I had some plans for this, but kept running into the 'which songs' dilemma, and kept getting stuck on what they would be singing.

[freshie44]

Disventure Camp All Stars Episode 17

Looking writing a complicated process. I know this but ... like come on. Like I'm not trying to be dismissive, toxic, or giving into the heated feelings. But man this episode is bring out those feelings of hate. So please give me a moment to just let it all out and VENT.

Elimination: Grett

WHAT THE FUCKING POINT OF HER OUT MANEUVERING ALEC AND ELIMINATING ONE OF THE STRONGEST COMPETITORS IN THE GAME. IF WE ARE JUST GOING TO ELIMINATE HER NEXT EPISODE. To translate this into wrestling comparison. Grett was Miz cashing in on Drew McIntyre to become the WWE Champion only to get fed to Bobby Lashley. IT DOES NOTHING FOR THE TRANSITIONAL CHAMPION BESIDES MAKING THEM LOOKING LIKE A LOSER!!! IT ALSO MAKES THE WRITERS LOOK BAD FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SWAP CONTROL OF THE GAME FROM THE CURRENT "CHAMP" TO THE REAL "CHAMP" YOU'RE PUSHING. SO YOU HAVE TO SAC A CHARACTER TO DO THIS. For what may I ask?! The relationship that NONE OF US GIVE A SHIT ABOUT! Jake: Fuck it, EARLY GAME MEANS NOTHING

Conner: Character Progression, NO, regressing back to pre breakup because fuck it, we got to continue the FEUD, RANDY ORTON GOT TO BE CHAMPION DANIEL BRYAN SORRY! Ally: I'm sorry Grett, nah FUCK YOU. You are a flipper and just embrace it. YOU ARE NOT HERO, ACT LIKE A VILLAIN!

Riya: Fuck it, RIYA IS THE JOHN CENA v. RANDY ORTON ENDLESS FEUD THAT WOULD NEVER END! Oh now she feels bad about it, fuck you, how about you go fuck yourself. She didn't feel bad about try to kill someone but since it Conner she feels bad, SCREW YOU! Sorry I had to get the heat out, I not saying the writers are bad. But man this episode did not work for me.

Last Episode | Next Episode

[whump-a-la-mode]

A Proper Education - Part One

Summary: When Villain is injured, they don't wake up where they expect

Includes: Villain whumpee, living weapon whump, dehumanization, shock collar

The rumble and lights of a lone car drove by, a single movement in an otherwise empty world. The lights of the city had all gone dark, neon signs turned off, with only the distant music of dance clubs serving to accent the breeze.

Hero crossed their arms, leaning back against the front of the building. Cold concrete pressed against their back. Next to them, Teammate had one foot pressed up against the wall, their head tipped back, gaze turned up towards the stars.

Guard duty was never the most entertaining, but tonight seemed to be dragging on. Their shift lasted all night, and only a few hours had passed so far. Would it ever end.

Hero sighed.

Teammate stretched their arms above their head.

“What’s this thing we’re supposed to be guarding, anyways?” Teammate question. “Some kind of medicine?”

“Something like that.” Hero replied. “It’s supposed to be able to make Enhanced people stronger. Something about strengthening your powers.”

“Alright, so, what’s the big deal?”

“The first batch was stolen by Supervillain, remember? Well, most of it. What we’re guarding, it’s what was left over.”

“Again… What’s the big whoop?”

“Teammate. When Supervillain got their hands on this, they tore down three city blocks. There were thousands of casualties. Remember? We were there.”

“Oh, right right right. So, we don’t want that to happen again.”

“Yes.”

“So we’re guarding the special super-soldier serum.”

“It’s not called that, but yes.”

“Okay.” They nodded. “But why us?”

“Because the others are guarding the transport truck that takes it away tomorrow morning. It’s our turn.”

“Bleh.” Teammate stuck out their tongue. “I hate night shifts.”

“Who doesn’t?” Hero commiserated. “At least nothing is going to happen. Supervillain won’t be coming back anytime soon, we beat them pretty bad. I’m sure they’re still licking their wounds.”

“What if someone else comes after it, though?”

“That won’t happen.”

There were a few more silent moments between them. Almost silent-- Neither of them noticed the soft padding of wolf’s paws, turning the corner of the building. Black fur blended in with the color of the night as a wet tongue licked sharp teeth.

Another step closer. Hero perked up.

“Do you hear something?”

“Huh? No, did you?”

“Yeah, I thought I-”

Hero had no time to finish their sentence as a flurry of black fur burst from the left. The wolf was a blur as it dashed as Hero, toppling them to the ground.

Meanwhile, from their back, Teammate took their bow, nocking an arrow from their quiver. As they drew back, Hero and the wolf wrestled on the ground.

Teammate released, sending an arrow in the direction of the tussle. On impact, the arrowhead exploded, a concussive blast that sent the two spinning. It was enough to get the wolf off of Hero.

They had a new target, now.

“Hey, doggy, nice doggy!” Teammate tried, nocking another arrow all the while.

“Teammate!” Hero shouted as they climbed to their feet. “It’s not a real wolf, that’s Villain!”

The wolf let out a growl, crouching down and preparing to pounce. Teammate launched another arrow, right at the wolf’s front feet. Yet, by the time it landed, the wolf was gone, a goshawk in its place. The bird flew over Teammate’s head, barely escaping another fired arrow.

Hero scrambled to their feet, having recovered from being knocked down. They extended a hand, electricity crackling between gloved fingers, as they struggled to aim at the fluttering bird.

A bolt of electricity snapped through the air, something which the goshawk narrowly avoided. It allowed itself to fall to the ground. An instant before touching the ground, the goshawk had turned into a nimble mouse.

“Dammit, Villain!” Hero snapped, clenching their fists. “We don’t have to do this y’know.”

The mouse let out a series of squeaks that sounded awfully like the words Hero had just spoken. Were they being mocked by a mouse?

There was no time to consider that possibility. Villain was on the move again, scrambling up the concrete wall and dashing onto the door handle.

Another arrow was loosed. A tiny hummingbird deftly ducked out of the way.

There was a creak as the door fell open.

Teammate’s arrow had shattered the lock.

“Oh.” Teammate spoke. “Oh shit.”

Before they had much time to react, Villain’s form had changed back to that of a wolf. They shouldered open the door, paws clattering against the tile beyond.

Hero and Teammate shared a panicked glance before giving chase.

Villain’s paws clattered against the ground as they leapt up a flight of stairs, taking three steps at a time. Their black fur sharply contrasted with the white walls around them. How stupid to keep the Serum in some random laboratory. There was hardly any security to speak of! This would be easy, more than easy!

Raising their nose to their air, they scented out the strong, pungent chemical smell of the Serum. It was close by, it had been taken this way, not that long ago.

They continued down the rest of the hallway, up until they came to a door. They stood on their hind legs, scrabbling at the handle with their front paws. Behind them, they could hear running footsteps growing closer. 

“Villain! You’re not going to get away with this!” Teammate shouted. 

Yeah, right. Why did heroes always feel the need to say ridiculous things while they lost?

With some effort, the door opened beneath Villain’s paws, which they kicked open with their hind legs. 

The heroes were getting closer. They’d wasted too much time.

Paws turned to hooves as wolf turned to gazelle. The more nimble animal leapt down the hall in a series of jumps. Behind them, the heroes made it to the top of the set of stairs that VIllain had just climbed.

The Serum was on this floor, they could smell it. 

“Villain!”

“Villain, stop!”

Their hooves clipped against the floor as they leapt over carts and printers. At last, they found it, the source of the scent.

They were going to be akin to a god.

Villain shed their animal form, allowing themself to again stand on two legs. They pushed open the door to the lab, picking through tables and chairs before finding the fridge they were looking for. It was low, unassuming. One would never expect that it held behind its door an unlimited power.

Taking a deep breath, Villain opened the door. Then, everything went black.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

With a click, the video on the screen stopped. The person in front of it pushed back from the desk.

“What do you think?”

“I think it has potential. But it needs training.”

“Training, yes, certainly training. With training?”

“With training, we’ll have quite the weapon on our hands. All it needs is a proper education.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

When Villain awoke, it felt as though their head had been rung like a gong.

The world below them was cold, yet their body was overheating all the same. What had happened? Their eyes ached as they struggled to blink them open. 

The world around them was bright, shining. They struggled to remember where they had been last. There had been fighting, and… Oh, yes, the lab. That was right, they’d been in the lab. They must’ve still been there.

White tiles came into focus overhead as the staccato thrumming of their skull began to quiet. Villain lifted a hand, rubbing their eyes as they sat up.

They let out a small, panicked sound, scrambling as they realized two things:

For one, they were not alone.

For two, they were not in the lab anymore.

The hospital room around them shimmered with white, as though it had been just polished. They lay on a bed with white linens, surrounded by carts and cupboards, all done up in stainless steel and baby blue.

Across the room, a figure sat in a chair. They wore a lab coat, holding a clipboard. Some sort of doctor, then. 

Had the heroes brought them here? Had they gotten hurt, somehow? Every possibility made Villain’s heart thump faster.

The doctor did not take long to notice that Villain was awake. As soon as they sat up, the doctor raised their head. A pair of glasses framed their eyes.

“Good morning.” They spoke as they stood. “It’s good to see you awake.”

“What…” Villain rubbed their head, still out of it. “What’s…”

“Don’t fret.” The doctor spoke as though it were a warning. “You were hurt. We saved you.”

“I was hurt?”

“Don’t you remember? Hero Team.”

They did remember. Being chased down the hall, all the way to that room, then black.

“They caught up to me.” Villain echoed. “Are you-” At once, they tensed. “Are you one of them?!”

The doctor gave a small chuckle.

“No, I’m far from one of them. Trust me, I’m on your side. I can only hope you’re on mine.”

With that, they turned, leaving the room. Villain heard the lock on the door click.

Whatever that doctor said, they didn’t trust them. They glanced to one side-- There was a window. Well, this would be easy enough.

They closed their eyes, imagining their arms turning to wings-

A shock lurched through their body. Villain’s hand shot to their neck.

Was that a collar?

Where were they?

[mlp410nightcore]

Hi Everyone!! Here is my main 7 cast for my Blossom Love AU. The Main 7 cast are Andrea (the one with the mask cutie mark), Zelda (the one with the lighting bolt cutie mark), Alexander (the one with the paw print in the heart cutie mark), Marcellus (the one with the cookie cutie mark), Big Sugar (the one with the apple slice on a muffin cutie mark), Phoebe (the one with the heart and four pointed star with wings cutie mark) and Cinnamon Sugar (the earth pony with the purple bow as I couldn't give her a cutie mark due to Phoebe's hair being in the way LOL). (Parents of these next gens will be mentioned in a comment below this post). Andrea is somewhat sweet and kind when she wants to be, but if you mess with her friends and family, she will not hesitate to beat your ass. Andrea's love for wrestling and having a job as a pro wrestler is how she got her cutie mark. Zelda is super nice and friendly as well as a world renowned hero in Equestria but Zelda never let's the fame and praise get to his head and keeps a low and not egotistical image about himself both on and off camera. Zelda was born with super fast flight and his wings glow bright when he's reached top speeds. Although, he sometimes goes too fast at times and tries his hardest to find safe and soft places to crash into to slow himself down. He got his cutie mark after discovering that he can fly at really fast speeds that were never achieved by any other pegasus and started using his flight powers to help others. Alexander is super sweet and loves taking care of animals just like his mother and he's also dating Phoebe. Alexander got his cutie mark after he discovered his love for animals. Marcellus is quite the gentleman and loves to treat others with the respect that they deserve. He's also quite soft spoken and doesn't like being the center of attention much but he is very social and does like to hangout with his friends quite often. He got his cutie mark after discovering that he's an amazing baker and loves to bake treats for everyone. Big Sugar is very kind and super honest. He's also very hard working and takes pride working with his family at Sweet Apple Acres. Big Sugar got his cutie mark after finding out that he loves to make apple themed treats and started selling them to help out the apple family. Phoebe is sweet, polite and soft-spoken. She's also the princess of Ithersia since her parents, (Samurai Jack and Itward), were given the throne after saving Ithersia from Remor and King Sombra. Phoebe got her cutie mark after saving some citizens from evil kamalas. She became an alicorn after discovering her true potential and being an amazing role model to others. Cinnamon Sugar is very hyper almost all the time. She's also super good at baking, telling jokes and all around party planning. She got her cutie mark after finding out that she loves party planning and wants to follow in her father's hoofsteps and become the next big party planner in all of Equestria. Credit goes to chaostrical for the base I used and to Juicy Beast, COMIXGUM, Genndy Tartakovsky, Cartoon Network, Killmonday Games, ConcernedApe, Sad Panda Studios, Lauren Faust and Hasbro for creating Burrito Bison:Launcha Libre, The Heroic AU (Villainous AU), Samurai Jack, Fran Bow, Stardew Valley, Crush Crush and My Little Pony:Friendship Is Magic as well as creating the parents of my main 7 next gens and the next gen character Big Sugar too as well as the locations, Equestria and Sweet Apple Acres as well. I only take credit for my next gens, art, ships, stories and the Blossom Love AU. I hope you guys like this!!!

[kcloveswrestling]

Tony Khan x reader

AN: Typically I wouldn’t write for TK…but here’s one anyways…

@unoficialy-married-to-ace-austin i was left unattended… may have a Part 2 in the drafts…

——————————————————————————

In the bustling offices of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) headquarters, Tony Khan, the founder and president of the company, was hard at work. He had a reputation for being a passionate and dedicated leader, always striving to make AEW the best wrestling promotion in the world. Today was no different, as he meticulously went through the details of upcoming events, reviewing matches, and discussing potential storylines with the creative team.

As he sat at his desk, a knock on the door interrupted his concentration. Startled, Tony looked up to see a familiar face entering his office. It was one of AEW's top female wrestlers, [Your Name], a rising star in the wrestling world.

"Hey, Tony," [Your Name] greeted him with a warm smile.

Tony Khan returned the smile and motioned for her to take a seat. "What can I do for you, [Your Name]?"

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity you've given me in AEW. It's been an incredible journey, and I appreciate your support."

Tony Khan leaned back in his chair, his eyes filled with pride. "You've worked hard and earned every opportunity, [Your Name]. You're a vital part of our roster, and I believe in your potential."

As they continued to chat, [Your Name] couldn't help but admire Tony's passion for the wrestling business and his dedication to the AEW brand. She felt a connection to him that went beyond just a professional one.

Over time, [Your Name] and Tony Khan began to spend more time together, discussing not only wrestling but their personal lives as well. They shared stories, dreams, and their love for the industry. Tony was not just her boss; he was becoming a trusted friend.

As their friendship deepened, it wasn't long before their feelings for each other evolved into something more. They shared a secret romance, meeting in hidden corners of AEW events, stolen moments that they cherished.

Their love story was one filled with passion, ambition, and the shared love for professional wrestling. It was a story that thrived in the midst of chaos and drama, just like the wrestling matches they presented to the world.

In the world of AEW, where heroes and villains clashed in the ring, [Your Name] and Tony Khan found their own love story, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can be the most genuine and enduring.

[heckyeahponyscans]

Thoughts on MLP Make Your Mark Chapter 4, Ep 2: Top Remodel

This was a busy episode with many threads: Sunny learning that being a leader means you can't please everyone, Pipp and Hitch clearing rats out of the old Canterlogic factory, Zipp examining Twilight Sparkle's message, and Misty wrestling with her reluctance to follow Opaline's orders and kidnap Sparky.

The last two plotlines were definitely the most interesting, but I get the sense there's a playset coming up so they dutifully advertised Canterlogic, which got turned into "Canterlove Studios."

Interestingly, Sprout returned and (kind of) helped Pipp and Hitch with the rat infestation. I think this was to inform the viewers that he isn't going to be a background villain; he ends up giving his stamp of approval to the studio and seems to be on okay terms with the main cast. Also his family doesn't seem to own the factory anymore, since Sunny is doing whatever with it. My fanon theory is that his family had to pay restitution to Sunny for destroying her home and almost killing her with a giant robot so she now owns the place.

Oh, we also see Phyllis in the background so she's still around.

I think she's congratulating him on a good school report. I also think he plagiarized from some other pony.

Anyway, as Zipp replays Twilight Sparkle's message, she notes that Twilight said she put the magic of Equestria in "the crystals and the [static]".

My theory is they're in a tree (or maybe in nature itself?) because there's that tree in Maretime Bay that Zipp said "seemed familiar" (and there's even a picture of its blossoms on the wall), plus we get a shot of the book (from the winter holiday special) with unicorns gathered around a tree. If it's not in a tree then I don't know, maybe the Elements of Harmony are still kicking around.

Speaking of the book, I went back to the Winter Wish Day special to get a better look at it and noticed that the gilded figure on the right--which I had assumed to be a unicorn--has feathers. So she's an alicorn. The figure on the left has bone-like structures behind her head, not sure if those are meant to be wings or not. Also there's a star in the middle that looks a lot like Twilight Sparkle's symbol. So maybe the other two figures are Celestia and Luna? However the book is post-dystopia, as it also shows Zephyr Heights on the cover.

When Misty overhears the message Zipp is replaying and reports it to Opaline, Opaline describes the Unity Crystals as "conduits . . . elements . . . a very complex spell containing unity magic."

She also says that Twilight was the one who put all the magic of Equestria into the crystals. So, yeah, magicless Equestria was Twilight Sparkle's fault. On the one hand I'm not a fan of this; I don't like it when a sequel is like "Actually your heroes sucked, and they got everything wrong." (Looking at you, Star Wars sequel trilogy.) IMO they should have had Twilight live out her life as a successful monarch and then two or three rulers later everything got screwed up.

On the other hand, this dumb plan does seem exactly like something Twilight Sparkle would do, because she always had a certain naivety. I can picture how she would think it out: "There's strife between different kinds of ponies. How can I stop it? I know! Every pony loves having magic, so if magic only works when everyone is friends then the ponies will be motivated to get along! :D"

Anyway, Zipp deduces that the pony who wants the crystals must be extremely powerful--like an alicorn! I'm extremely curious to learn how much modern Equestrian ponies know about alicorns. Equestria has lost so much historical knowledge, does the general populace even remember Celestia and Luna? The townsfolk of Maretime Bay (except Sunny and her dad) didn't think it was possible that earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns had EVER gotten along, so a pony who had elements of all three breeds would probably seem outlandish. (Or a creature of nightmare.)

Random thoughts:

As in Tell Your Tale, Pipp has a love of spookiness. Did Zephyr Heights have an equivalent doll line to Monster High? (Monster Hay?) At any rate she's a fan of the Spooky Stable series.

"I ain't afraid of no ghosts!" Hee hee!

The oldest pony in Bridlewood is Elderflower.

Misty makes a junk-pony so she has someone to talk to. Oh Misty . . . She reluctantly concludes that she should kidnap Sparky even if it will make the other ponies sad. "After all, they already have each other." Man, that really tugged my heartstrings.

aw no, now I'm sadder

[voidsentprinces]

Over one thousand in the audience tonight and one dream to wish upon in the Norvrandt ring. Challenger “Warrior of Light” down to one knee, Scions are out. Looks like returning five time champion “Emperor Selch” might just take home the belt again. Warrior is wavering, the Emperor makes his grand speech. The crowd is in complete silence...disbelief, despair...ripples through the air. This might finally be the end to Hydaelyn’s Champions rise through ranks...tension you could cut through. The Emperor is winding up an--wait. I hear music. Music COMING FROM THE STAGE! UP IN THE RAFTERS ITS! FORMER CHAMPION OF THE NORVRANDT RING, ARDBERT HAS ARRIVED! HE’S COMING DOWN! WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO SAY TO THE RISING STAR!?

If you had the strength, could you do it? Could you save our worlds?

The rising star reflects on their words...A NOD! ADMIRATION! COMRADERIE HERE TONIGHT! WAIT WHATS THIS!? ARDBERT HANDING OFF HIS AXE!? IS THE FORMER CHAMPION LEAVING THE RING AND--OH MY LORD THE LIGHT! THE EMPEROR IS BLINDED! ARDBERT IS GONE! AND THE WARRIOR STANDS UP IN DEFIANCE! HE IS NO LONGER FIGHTING ALONE! THE EMPEROR SPITS IN PROTEST! THE SPITE WEIGHS HEAVY! BUT WAIT! WAIT! WHOSE THAT COMING DOWN FROM THE STAGE! ITS! ITS THE CRYSTAL EXARCH! HERE TO TAG TEAM AGAINST THE EMPEROR! THE CROWD IS LOSING THEIR GODDAMN MIND, ITS THE YOUNG UP START G’RAHA TIA!

Yes thats right, we haven’t seen G’raha Tia since the Crystal Clash of 94! And now the former protege is finally shoulder to shoulder with his hero. Time has not been kind to him, gray hairs pierce through his signature crimson hair style. What does he have to say stepping into the ring for the first time in a long time?

WE STAND TOGETHER! LET EXPANSE CONTRACT! AEON BECOME INSTANT! CHAMPIONS FROM BEYOND THE RIFT! HEED MY CALL!

A RESOUNDING CLANG RINGS ACROSS THE ARENA! FORMER CHAMPIONS OF THE RING NOW RISE TO LEND THEIR STRENGTH TO HYDAELYN’S CHOSEN! BY THE TWELVE! THE CROWD IS LOVING IT! IN ALL MY YEARS COMMENTATING IN EORZEAN WRESTLING! WE HAVE NEVER SEEN A SPECTACLE LIKE THIS! HOW!? HOW WILL THE EMPEROR RESPOND!?

Very well! Let us PROCEED TO YOUR FINAL JUDGMENT! THE VICTOR SHALL WRITE THE TALE! AND THE VANQUISH BE ITS VILLAIN! But come! Let us cast of our titles and reveal our true faces to one another!

THE DARKNESS GATHERS AROUND THE EMPEROR! WHAT DEVIOUS PLANS DOES HE HAVE IN MIND! IS!?! IS! THAT!

I! AM! HADES! HE WHO AWAKEN MY BRETHREN FROM THEIR! DARK! SLUMBER!

FOG AND SMOKE! BLACK AND DARK COATS AND ENCOMPASSES THE CROWD OF THE ARENA! HE CASTS OFF HIS TITLE OF EMPEROR! OF ASCIAN! AND TAKES UP HIS PREVIOUS NAME OF HADES ONCE MORE! THIS IS A CLASH FOR THE AGES!

THATS RIGHT, TOM! Despite the sudden miasma of starless night, the crowd is ABSOLUTELY EATING IT UP! THEIR CHORUS JOINS THE REST! AS THEY REFUSE TO LOSE HOPE! ONE BRINGS SHADOW! ONE BRINGS THE LIGHT! AND WE’LL BE BRINGING A SPECTACULAR FINALE TO TONIGHT’S CHAMPION MATCH! AFTER A WORD FROM OUR FRIENDS DOWN AT THE GREAT SERPENT OF RONKA JAR AND POTION PREVILON! DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL! YOU WON’T WANNA MISS A THING!

[crayonwarrior1]

My rankings of Wrestlemania 40 matches (from somebody who knows very little about wrestling)

DAY 1

Rhea Ripley vs Becky Lynch - 4.5/5 stars

I'm going to be honest, I really didn't know what this match would hold because I wasn't a big fan of woman's wrestling, but I would like to publicly say that I was wrong. It was too standard to go any higher than I rated it, but for what it was, it was brilliant.

Six-Pack Tag Team Ladder Match - 4/5 stars

I love a good match gimmick, and ladder matches are pretty much always great. Now, I can acknowledge that, from an objective standpoint, the match could've been handled significantly better in a few regards. First, it felt like not all 12 participants really played a role in the match, and so I feel like less people were necessary in the match. Second, the Smackdown titles were grabbed really quickly. I get that A-Town Down Under are supposed to be douche heels, but still, the match could've benefited from a few more minutes without a title being claimed. Third, it felt like New Catch Republic were doing work and got nothing, which was sad. So, why is it so high? One reason: I love The Awesome Truth. R-Truth got so many fun spots in the match, and I was cheering him on all the way. Also, although I knocked on the match, it was a fun match regardless and still was full of cool spots.

Rey Mysterio and Andrade vs Santos Escobar and Dominik Mysterio - 2.5/5 stars

Look, I like the Mysterios. But we already watched this match last Wrestlemania, and making it a tag match didn't nearly change enough to justify seeing it again. Yes, it was enjoyable. Yes, I didn't hate it. Yes, the interference from the Eagles players was enjoyable. But we really didn't need this match.

Jey Uso vs Jimmy Uso - 3/5 stars

When we get a Bloodline story match, a certain expectation of quality is held by the crowd. This match was short, mostly just kicks, and didn't really hit that Bloodline mark. Frankly, I was disappointed. But, the Usos always deliver a fun performance, and I was entertained for the (albeit short) duration of the match. Honestly, when I read that the two of them were facing off, I envisioned a spot in my head where they both superkick each other at the same time (I have literally no clue if it's been done before, but I think that would be dope). Also, Lil Wayne didn't really add much to Jey's intro, and, despite a certain commentator's remarks, he is not "the greatest rapper of all time".

Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair, and Naomi vs Damage CTRL - 3.5/5 stars

When I say that I know little about wrestling, this is a match where that fact is wholeheartedly applicable. What I will say is that this match, along with pretty much every other match so far (minus the first one) suffer from their short length. Because of the longer main event, the matches leading up to it don't really have time to fully develop. Also, I feel like this match would be better if I knew Jade considering that the match was essentially a squash match for her. It was a fun viewing experience, if not a little confusing at times.

Sami Zayn vs Gunther - 4.75/5 stars

This was a classic underdog match. One commentator (I forget which) compared the match to Rocky IV, and I think that was a big inspiration for the match. Sami Zayn's comeback was brilliant and awe-inspiring. The match was great, but it lacked that big surprise to promote it to five stars.

The Rock and Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins - 5/5 stars

If nothing else, this Wrestlemania had some of the best main events in history. The Rock's commands to the ref ("You count, you're fired.") really helped bring the long tag team match together, making it more like a no disqualification match than a standard tag team match. Cody and Seth both played great heroes, and Roman and Rock both played great villains. Unfortunately, the outcome was predictable in order to get Sunday's main event to be the match stipulation it was meant to be. But, it's a great match, and it really sets an excellent stage for the next main event.

DAY 2

Drew McIntyre vs Seth Rollins (plus Damian Priest vs Drew McIntyre) - 4/5 stars

Seth Rollins had an admirable showing after his beating the previous night, and although he lost, it was much closer than a lot of us (and Drew McIntyre) expected. Damian Priest's cash in was a favorite moment, especially considering McIntyre and CM Punk's feud and fight crescendoing into a cash in. Ultimately, you have to love a cash in.

The Street Profits and Bobby Lashley vs The Final Testament - 3.5/5 stars

The match was very standard in structure for a match, with heel domination, a flip, and the heroes defeating the villains in the end. It was fine, but it really felt like a match that solely existed for Bubba Ray Dudley to referee and ultimately assist in defeating The Final Testament. I like the Dudleys, but I wish that a bigger focus would be placed on the actual talent. Also, I'm not really sure why Snoop Dogg was involved with the commentary other than the advertisement. It just felt random. And all the marijuana jokes really took away from the match and weren't funny. Sorry, Snoop.

LA Knight vs AJ Styles - 4.25/5 stars

LA Knight's rise to popularity is meteoric, and his first Wrestlemania match didn't disappoint. I do wish that the match was fleshed out more, but LA Knight beat AJ Styles. Who can argue with results? Both wrestlers had a good showing, and the crowd was invested throughout. It's not going to be a classic, but it was very enjoyable for what it was. Also, why was LA Knight a sellout to Slim Jim at the beginning? It just seemed odd for the egotistical narcissistic personality of LA Knight to bow down to the corporate masters of beef jerky.

Logan Paul vs Kevin Owens vs Randy Orton - 4/5 stars

I'm about to say something that may be seen as controversial. I like Logan Paul. I think that the man plays a great heel, and that he's been playing a great heel since he made his YouTube channel all those years ago. Frankly, though, I'm not really a Kevin Owens fan. He's just not really original in any aspect. Pretty much all of his moves are just moves from other wrestlers. And, although I like Randy Orton, he's getting older, and I'm sorry, but I don't think he should really have a US Championship run at this point in his career. Speed's role in the match was entertaining, and Logan Paul really sold his character well, but I just wasn't fully invested in the participants, so it fell on deaf ears.

Bayley vs Iyo Sky - 3/5 stars

This match probably deserved more stars than what I've given it. But, by this point in the show, I was just falling asleep. I don't know if it was the match's fault or my own poor sleep schedule coming back to haunt me, but it just failed to engage me fully. I'm giving it 3 stars because the crowd seemed engaged and what little wrestling I could stomach was good.

Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns - 10/5 stars

I'm not joking with that review. This is genuinely, in my uninformed opinion, the greatest match ever wrestled. The pacing, the story, the interference from other wrestlers, and everything else was perfect or nearly perfect. If you didn't watch Wrestlemania and somehow stumbled upon my 0 follower Tumblr account, go watch this match now. Don't search anything else. Don't even finish this review. You'll lose it, I promise. Now, for those of us that have seen it, my only real note was that I wished Dean Ambrose would've joined Seth Rollins in his Shield entrance, but he's a AEW guy, so I get why that wouldn't happen. Other than that, though, the match is perfect.

OVERALL - 4.75/5 stars

This Wrestlemania felt like it suffered from success with its main events in the sense that, because they were so long with so much star power, every other match was overshadowed heavily and many matches felt far too short. But, for being the first Wrestlemania of the "Paul Levesque era" (Stephanie McMahon said that), it was exceptional, and it really started the show and sent the viewer home every night with a bang. It gets so many kudos for those main events, even if other matches weren't quite up to snuff. Overall, I think I speak for WWE fans everywhere when I say that I'm excited for more Triple H writing.

[evertriedsoywithyourpopcorn]

My goofiest idea yet: Ace Attorney Wrestling Crossover AU

Starring Phoenix Wright as the guy I'll focus on the most, at least for this post.

The premise is: All culprits, Defendants, Legal Workers and some victims are all wrestling champions. Most minors are either not wrestling or are in junior/little league wrestling

- It follows the same storyline as the canon Ace Attorney games, but instead of murders it would be wins and loses or sometimes even decommissioning a wrestler due to an injury

- Much like in Ace Attorney AND in wrestling storytelling, there are heroes and villains, and long fleshed out conflicts and plotines

- Phoenix Wright's gimmick in wrestling is that he's a lawyer

- By "defending" someone, Phoenix is either winning a tag team match with his "defendant" or avenging his "defendant" over a loss that seemed unjust

I go more into his storyline below (vague spoilers for every game as it goes on)

- Phoenix was originally going to art school, but he started wanting to wrestle when he saw his former friend, Miles Edgeworth, as "The Demon Prosecutor", a wrestler known to use crude and exploitative tactics in "the name of justice"

- As Edgeworth's gimmick was being a prosecutor (I haven't drawn him yet), Phoenix models himself to be the opponent, and represent people fairly in their matches, so that he'll be more likely to cross paths with him

- They'd follow perhaps a similar storyline as the actual wrestling arc "The Golden Lovers", which btw got me into wrestling. They are both boys and one of them is from Canada and the other is from Japan and it's surprisingly emotional and I recommend you check it out

- So yeah they're gay and there's some unresolved tension there

- Mia Fey, a rising wrestler in the women's league, takes Phoenix under her wing after during a match against Dahlia Hawthorne, a well known and beloved wrestler, she saves Phoenix from a sudden and violent attack into the stands from his then girlfriend

(The reveal later on would be that there were two Dahlias, the twins, which feels like a good cheesy plotine for a wrestling champion. Phoenix didn't know that he had actually been dating Iris)

- A few years pass

- Phoenix gets his first victory

- I think Mia actually dies, though I'm not completely sold on it yet (because I'm not sure how Maya's gimmick will work yet)

- Behind the scenes, someone had caused some serious physical damage to her, and she had to be rushed to the hospital due to wounds from Redd White, a pro wrestler with a rich CEO gimmick, and the rings he wears on his fingers (a pretty clear hazard)

- Phoenix faces off in a tag team match against Redd White, April May, with the gimmick of being a sexy secretary, and Miles Edgeworth

- He's not alone though: He's "defending" Maya, a fresh face on the wrestling scene, and to even it out, Grossberg, a senior wrestler, is also there (but as obviously he and Redd White are lovers, he's kind of a handicap for that match and doesn't fight anyone at full potential)

- BUT THEY WIN! The crowd is shocked but supportive, they never knew it was possible to take down the Demon Prosecutor

- They go through the other cases

- Phoenix beats Manfred Von Karma, an undefeated champion who had actually killed ("by accident") Edgeworth's real father, Gregory Edgeworth, 15 years ago after they concluded that the match was a draw

- More cases happen, Phoenix gets blackmailed and has to work with Matt Engarde, a shiny popular wrestler, in a tag team match, but manages to expose him (I guess meaning that Shelly De Killer is a paid professional of sorts for underground wrestling deals) and retrieve Maya safely

- Miles leaves wrestling but later comes back (Like in the golden lovers wink wink nudge nudge)

- Franziska is cool and so is Godot, I'll make art/posts for their wrestling attire

The next chapter of his life:

(Spoilers for Apollo Justice)

---

--

-

- The Gramarye's are also wrestlers (you best believe it) with a magician gimmick

- Phoenix "represents" Zak Gramarye in a tag team match against rising star Klavier Gavin (He's 17 which makes it weird but idk how to fix that) and Valant Gramarye

- Turns out the wrestling ring had some tampered-with props, and Phoenix used one of them in a finishing move, causing unforseen injury to Valant

- Klavier, having received a "tip off" from his brother (who was going to be in the match until Zak rejected him, and so was Klavier's coach instead) that some of the props were tampered with and that he'd use them

- Phoenix gets exiled from the wrestling scene and Zak disappears, leaving his daughter alone in the audience

- Phoenix spends the next seven years compiling evidence against Kristoph, as well as coaching and supporting Trucy Wright, his adopted daughter, in little league wrestling tournaments she's in

- She wants to do magic-based wrestling just like the Gramaryes

- After a man named Shadi Enigmar is found unconscious at the Borshe Bowl Club, a restaurant in the wrestling stadium, there's some rumors going around and Kristoph, a well respected wrestler, is announced for a one-for-all wrestling match beside his new "understudy", Apollo Justice

- Phoenix comes back as a surprise audience member in that one-for-all wrestling match, and teaming up with Apollo (who accidentally uses a tampered with prop to win the final moments against Kristoph), manages to get in a loss for Kristoph

- Apollo is mad, and backstage he performs a very iconic punch to the face

- However, since Kristoph no longer wants to mentor Apollo, Phoenix is now seen helping him out during matches

- I'll go more into the end when I do Apollo, but using his evidence, he exposes Kristoph's lies in true lawyer gimmick fashion after Apollo wins a match against him

- Kristoph is like "But you can't truly prove it can you? You're not a real lawyer. I can get away with whatever I want. You can't do anything"

- And Phoenix smiles and raises his hands out to the thousands of people watching in the crowd and is like "You're right. But they can."

- So the reputation of Kristoph Gavin is tarnished beyond repair.

I don't have much to say for Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice but he's back babyyyy (minor spoilers)

- He's now a senior wrestler but hey, he's cool

- Edgeworth played a big part in making this happen, so of course when he find out Pheonix is wrestling alongside an orca he is foaming at the mouth

- He still coaches Trucy, and also took on another gig as Athena's coach

- Themis Legal Academy is maybe the same but also now has a super popular wrestling league

- I'm not going to think about Khura'in yet but I'll get to Sahdmadhi

[blowflyfag]

WRESTLING ALL STARS: Heroes and Villains : JUNE 1996

A LOOK AT THE LADIES! Female Managers are the New Trend in the Sport.

By George Napolitano

[Woman is rumored to be returning to WCW as we go to press. That would put her right smack in the way of Miss Elizabeth.

Will Miss Elizabeth’s surprise return establish her as the First lady of Professional Wrestling?]

Have you noticed how many female managers there are these days? It’s absolutely mind boggling. What was once a profession dominated by men has now been overrun by women! 

Heading the list in Sensuous Sherri. Sherri has been managing much longer than her counterparts, and in her illustrious career Sherri has guided quite a few men to super-stardom! Sherri began her managerial career in the AWA, and men under her influence have won titles in the AWA, WWF and WCW. Sherri was the first person to notice that Shawn Michaels had what it takes to be a champion. And even though her “Boy Toy” didn’t win a title while under her guidance, Michaels credits Sherri with instilling in him the moves, style and attitude that have catapulted him to the top. 

Goldust, the bizarre character who is the new WWFIntercontinental champion, didn’t get to be the champion on his “gay” mannerisms and good looks. The Director, Marlene, had quite a bit to do with directing the bizarre Goldust to the #1 position. It’s believed that Marlene orchestrated Goldust’s entire look and persona, even going as far as directing Goldust’s intimidating “Crush” on Razor Ramon. Now that Goldust has the IC title his Director must be given due for orchestrating the entire thing. 

[Sunny’s gym attire drives males nuts. Whenever she keeps the opponents from concentrating, she helps the Body Donnas: Skip & Zip]

The person emulated by many of the new breed of women managers is the sexy, alluring, beauty known as Woman. Woman has been around for quite a few years. Before maturing, she was known as the Fallen Angel. She was brought into the sport in the mid eighties by Kevin Sullivan. Later, she became known simply as Woman, and she was instrumental in taking Doom to the top. After her success with Doom, Woman gained notoriety as Ric Flair’s manager, and this arrangement lasted a couple of years. After a short time in retirement, Woman returned to the scene and she immediately helped the Sandman win the ECW heavyweight title. Although she is still with the Sandman, there is a strong possibility that Woman could soon be Macho Man’s new lady. 

[Bad Girl: Miss Alexandra is a real hell-cat who is part of Damian Kane’s Bad Crew.]

No one can deny that Sunny of the Body Donnas is the driving force behind her team’s success. Although the Body Donnas have yet to win a title, Sunny has created quite a bit of excitement in the WWF. RIght now Sunny wants to help her team to the WWF tag team title, but if Skip and Zip are unsuccessful in their title quest, look for Sunny to dump them and hook up with someone who will produce a championship. 

Kimberly, the Diamond Doll, began her career as Diamond Dallas Page’s main squeeze but after a falling out with DDP, Kimberly wound up in the corner of his arch-rival, Johnny B.Badd. If Page ever changes his evil ways, KImberly could be back in his corner. 

[Freaky Francine loves leather, as does the tag team she manages, the Pit Bulls.]

Beulah and Francine from ECW are two of the new breed of women managers. Both are young, beautiful and daring. Each has a tag-team title to their credit. Beulah with Raven and Richards and Francine with the Pit Bulls. Both of these ladies would think nothing of jumping in the ring and lending their men a helping hand. Using this approach, however, both Francines and Beulah have suffered broken bones and bruises, but this hasn’t stopped them in the least from helping their men. 

[The lovely Miss Patricia has taken the Warlord and Rick Martel to championships. Can she do the same for The Border Patrol.]

The “Brooklyn Babe” Miss Patricia is another relative newcomer to the managerial ranks. Although PAtricia hasn’t been around that long, she still has two championships to her credit. The Babe was in the corner when the Warlord won the USA heavyweight title, and she was also in Ric Martel’s corner when he won the USA belt. Presently, Miss Patricia is doing her thing in the USWA where she is managing the Border Patrol. 

[Sherri was the first person to notice that Shawn Michaels had what it takes to be a champion.]

Bad Girl: Miss Alexandra is part of Damian Kane’s Bad Crew. She’s a real hell-cat who’s been known to do anything imaginable to assume that her Crew comes out on top. With Bad Crew now a part of ECW you can bet that it won’t be long before Miss Alexandra gets the recognition that she craves.

Destiny is another in the long line of beautiful and daring female managers. Destiny has been guiding the career of Damien Storm in the NWA and she is also Jerry Lawler’s female attendant whenever he wrestles in New Jersey for the NWA. 

Last, but certainly not least, is the latest addition to the managerial ranks, the lovely Elizabeth. On January 24, after more than five years away from the wrestling scene, Elizabeth returned to the sport at the Clash Of the Champions in Las Vegas, Nevada. Elizabeth was at ringside to manage her former team “The Mega-Powers”: Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage in their battle against Ric Flair and the Giant. 

[Sister Sherri (left) had her wedding to Colonel Park disrupted by the colonel’s “cupcake-on-the-side”: Madusa!]

In the early eighties Elizabeth was all the rage! She was instrumental in helping “Macho Man” Randy Savage become the star that he is today. The two eventually married in center ring at Madison Square Garden during a Summer Slam card, but their story book romance eventually crumbled. Afterwards, Liz left the sport, while Randy continued on to even greater heights. 

Elizabeth’s appearance at the Clash caught the wrestling world completely off guard. Although it had been rumored for months that Elizabeth was going to return, no one really believed that it would ever come to pass. Now that Elizabethe has climbed back into the ring, everyone is wondering if that was only a one-time thing or a sign of things to come. 

From this it is obvious that the female managers are giving their male counterparts a run for the money. With the success that these female managers have enjoyed we should be seeing even more join the ranks in the coming months.

[theharrowing]

Babyface 🥇 1: Bring it on, Wildflower

An up and coming pro wrestling company hires you to work alongside Kim Seokjin—a rising star in the industry, and everyone’s favorite heel. His arrogance is dashed when he discovers you are not only talented enough to rival his skills, but that he can’t stop thinking about you.

INDEX | NEXT

🥇 Seokjin x Athletic Non-binary (AFAB) Reader 🥇 word count: 8.4k 🥇 rivals to lovers, pro wrestling au, light angst, light fluff, mature, 18+ 🥇 warnings: anxiety and being overwhelmed (general and related to identity), these two are clearly perfect for each other and are both idiots. 🥇 written for the Catch of the Century Collab!  🥇 beta read by @neoneunnajimin 🥇 posted dec. 2022 | read on ao3 🥇 see index for lengthy author notes and small glossary of terms.

Your manager’s words echo through your ears, harsh and uninviting, like salt being ground into a wound. The fluorescent lighting of the large, vacant conference room is suddenly too bright, buzzing under your skin like a poorly connected fuse. You attempt to hold your composure and keep a straight face, but the more his words ricochet, the higher your anxiety spikes. 

"Did you hear me?" Jimin asks after a moment of silence, eyes wide and expectant, watching for any minor change in your demeanor like he always does. “You will be partnering up with Kim Seokjin."

And you do your best to keep it cool, but his eyes drop to your mouth the second your jaw twitches, and his lips turn down into a frown while his attempt to smooth things over borders on frantic. 

“Look, you and I both know he’s a great showman—“

“Jimin, he’s a heel!” 

In all of your career on the women’s team, you were a face—a wrestler the crowd got behind and cheered for; a wrestler loved by all. Joining teams with a heel feels like career suicide. 

“I don’t know how to be a heel,” you groan under your breath.

“You can act, darling!” Jimin bites back, already clearly exasperated by this conversation, pushing a hand through his short, dark brown hair. 

Tears prick your eyes, and suddenly, the air in the room feels too thin to inhale properly—the walls begin to close in. 

“What if the crowd gets the wrong idea,” you mutter, voice cracking around every word. “I was the hero as a woman and now…now I’m the villain.”

“First of all, you are not rebranding,” Jimin offers. “You’re still Wildflower. You just dress less feminine, your hair is short, and your…you know…”

“Tits are gone,” you grumble. 

Jimin hums, shifting in his seat uncomfortably. You know that it is not the topic of your gender-reaffirming surgery that makes him uncomfortable, but his fidgeting stresses you out nonetheless. Jimin has been the only person who has supported you since the day you came out, and he has been by your side every step of the way. 

But Jimin is empathic and sensitive enough for both of you, and often he doesn’t know what to say, for fear of getting it wrong. You don’t blame him; it’s your identity, and sometimes even you get it wrong. Life is strange, like that. 

“I don’t want to work with Seokjin,” you groan, dropping your face into your hands. 

“He’s the people’s heel. Everyone loves Seokjin. They love to hate him, and cheer him on when he wins because he has a charming arrogance that draws people to him.”

“He’s insufferable,” you mutter. 

Jimin huffs, “He is actually very kind! You’ve just never given him a chance!”

There are a handful of wrestlers you have never tried to schmooze with, and Kim Seokjin is at the top of the list. People love to kiss his ass and say he is kind and wise, but you know better. Wrestlers rarely sway from their true personalities on stage. Assholes portray assholes. That is how it has always been. At the end of the day, the people's heel is still a heel—the character meant to be hated; the bad guy who always breaks the rules. 

Not to mention, you can count on one hand how many male athletes have given you the time of day. Usually, once they have a taste of fame and it gets to their heads, everyone who isn’t a cishet male may as well be gum on the bottom of their shoe—and often, even their own kind end up treated the same. There is no way Kim—superstar people’s heel—Seokjin is any better. 

With a sigh, Jimin reaches over the table and takes your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Meet with him and his manager tomorrow. If you absolutely hate him, we’ll postpone your comeback and find you another wrestler.”

“I don’t want—“

“You will not get a better opportunity than this,” Jimin interrupts sternly. “Wildflower teaming up with Worldwide Handsome will be the biggest event of the year. You're being offered a spot in the hot, new company that is already expected to rival the others in the division because of its inclusivity alone, and you and I both know tag team matches are bigger than individual matches, which is why they want you as a team. People won’t be able to keep your name out of their mouths; you will be a crowd favorite overnight.”

What is left unsaid—the truth you are not ready to voice out loud, into the universe—is that you are not sure you are good enough to be on a team with Worldwide Handsome Seokjin. He is one of the most talented athletes in the industry today, and it terrifies you to imagine not being able to keep up with him. 

That, and you are not sure how he will take the news that he has to wrestle alongside someone who used to perform as a woman. You dread the things he may say during interviews, even if, by some stroke of luck, he is okay with the idea of working with a non-binary athlete at all. It terrifies you. 

“He gets ten minutes of my time,” you concede, knowing damn well Jimin will not accept such a low number, despite his nodding and eyebrow-raising. 

“That’s all you need,” Jimin lies, squeezing your hand once more. 

You hope like hell that he is right. 

You are made aware of Seokjin’s presence not by seeing him, but by hearing the cheers and claps from everyone outside the conference room the moment he exits the elevator. Even Hoseok, your secretary and second best friend in the whole world stands from his seat, waving frantically with the widest smile you have ever seen, like the traitor he is. 

The chair you sit in is a monster of black leather on wheels that swivels, and you spin yourself in a circle, kicking your feet out and letting them slam into the metal leg of the large conference table before propelling yourself in the opposite direction. As Seokjin approaches, you decide that perhaps sitting in a chair like this while you are anxious is a bad idea, so you get up and move down to the other end to a group of large, leather stationary chairs, taking a seat in one of those, instead. 

With a deep breath, you smooth your hands down your charcoal grey slacks and check your white button-up blouse once more to make sure there are no coffee stains. Then, the door creaks open, and in comes Jimin, followed by Kim Seokjin and his manager, Kim Namjoon. Jimin wears a pink sweater and black slacks that nearly matches the blue sweater and black slacks worn by Seokjin, and Namjoon looks professional as can be in a black button-up tucked into black slacks, with his short, dark brown hair pushed away from his forehead. You stand to greet everyone and tug your lips into a forced smile, and although you are sure your eyes betray you, you do your best to appear happy and collected. 

As Seokjin enters, rather than taking a seat across from you, he walks over, takes your hand in both of his, and bows at the hips, nearly touching your conjoined hands with his forehead. You hesitate but follow suit, and when you stand, looking Seokjin in the eye up close, your heart beats heavily in your chest. Seokjin is, indeed, a very handsome man, and with his short, dark brown hair trimmed just above his brow line, his gaze is very focused.

"Wildflower, we finally meet," Seokjin says as his lips break into a hint of a smile.

Warmth rises to your cheeks. "I suppose it was only a matter of time," you respond softly, unsure whether you can say his stage name with a straight face.

After a beat, you loosen your hold on Seokjin's palm with the hopes of him getting the hint and letting you go. He seems to catch on and he gives you one more small bow before taking the seat beside yours, angling himself to face you.

Jimin hesitates, having expected to be the one to sit next to you, then walks around the table, taking his place beside Namjoon. You sit and angle yourself slightly toward Seokjin, avoiding his knees as you shift around. All of this feels unexpected and perhaps a little too friendly for your first meeting, but you keep an open mind. 

"I have actually been wanting to meet you for a long time," Seokjin begins. To your left, Namjoon and Jimin open files and quietly shuffle around papers, and you do your best to stay focused. "You were absolutely brilliant while shoehorned into the rolls the last company gave you, in the women's division, and when your team made the coming out announcement, I was very excited."

"Oh?" you ask. Your voice is quiet and meek, and you clear your throat, then glance around the room for some water, finding none. 

Seokjin hums. "Your talent and potential are unmatched, but that company didn't favor female athletes, which was a shame. I had actually put in the request several times to be partnered with you, due to your skill level and command over the ring. I was excited to not only receive an offer from the new company, but to find my request finally being granted in a roundabout way."

Seokjin's candor takes you by surprise. There is a sharpness to the way he speaks—an arrogance that you had expected but that makes you shift in your seat. You are also surprised to learn that Seokjin has wanted to work with you before.

"I admit, I know very little about being trans and non-binary," Seokjin continues, "So, for that reason—should you accept our proposal to work together—I hope we can talk openly about the kinds of things you absolutely do not want me to say during promo cuts, interviews, and casual conversations among friends. I do not plan to ever speak for you, but I will be expected to speak about you, and I want to make sure I get it right."

"We have created a questionnaire," Namjoon interjects, pulling your attention to the left, across the table, "so that we can get a sense for how you feel, in the event that you may not be comfortable or ready to discuss anything aloud, today."

A questionnaire feels awkward, and you shake your head, glancing at Jimin, then turn back to Seokjin. "I'm an open book, you can ask me anything now."

"You continue to use your same legal name," Namjoon begins, and you nod, directing your response to Seokjin, who watches you with calm patience. 

"Correct. The concept of a dead name doesn't really resonate with me the way it does for others."

"And you identify as non-binary," Namjoon continues. 

With a nod, you glance at Jimin, whose warm smile gives you strength. It is not as if this topic is difficult to discuss, but this is only the second time you have had to do it for possible contractual purposes.

"Correct," you respond, turning once more to Seokjin. "Trans is also fine, as it is an umbrella term, but I use the term non-binary."

"It's a spectrum, right?" Seokjin asks softly, and you smile, nodding your head.

The conversation continues like this, never getting too invasive with personal questions, but making sure they understand the terminology you prefer, and getting to know a little more about you, personally. Although it is a bit of a rigid conversation, it feels good to get everything off your chest, and you find yourself warming up to the idea of working with Seokjin. 

"So, as you know, I'm a heel," Seokjin says, and suddenly, all of your worries come flooding back. 

"That's right," you say, letting your head droop before you can catch yourself. 

"And you have always been a face," Seokjin continues, to which you nod. "I don't want you to feel pressured to become a heel for me. I wonder if the two of us could keep the different dynamics that we have already been working with. It might be fun if the two of us acted as if we didn't want to wrestle together, but were given no choice."

You mull it over and consider how fun it could be to play-fight with Seokjin while also having to work with him to defeat the other wrestlers. "What if the crowd turns on you, in favor of me?"

A wide grin spreads on Seokjin's face, forcing your breath to hitch. He really is breathtaking with a cheshire smile and a twinkle in his eyes, and you get goosebumps when he leans in close and says, "Bring it on, Wildflower."

"I love this idea," Jimin pipes up, mercifully pulling your attention from Seokjin. You blink rapidly as you turn to face your manager. "Bickering while assisting one another with an elevated jawbreaker. Maybe even distracting one another and getting knocked out by a member of the other team. A fight within a fight!"

"Yeah, honestly, I like the idea a lot," you admit, though, you imagine how difficult it may be to grab someone who is sitting on Seokjin's shoulders by the head. Perhaps an elevated jawbreaker isn't quite the move, but Jimin is certainly onto something. 

"On the issue of your attire," Namjoon adds, "will you continue to wear pink?"

"I would like to," you respond softly. Your outfit has always been pink with blue and silver accents, and, aside from changing the top from a glorified bra to more of a tank top, you like the thought of keeping everything the same. 

"So we'll change my uniform colors, then," Seokjin says, raising his eyebrows to Namjoon.

"If you wish," Namjoon responds. "Perhaps, at first, you should join as a mismatched team, and then over time, change your outfit to match their style?"

If you remember correctly, Seokjin's outfit is a burgundy blouse exposing a deep v-line of skin and white slacks. 

"Sounds good to me," Seokjin says. "Wildflower?"

You hum, turning your attention back to Seokjin, and nod listlessly. "Sure. That could be cool."

"Do you think I'll look good in pink?" Seokjin asks, holding a hand below his chin and fluttering his eyelashes. 

"You'd look good in any color," you respond before you can stop yourself, feeling warmth rise to your cheeks. 

Seokjin's eyes widen as he smiles softly, and you curse yourself for being so loose-lipped. You were so determined to hate this man, and here you are, becoming flustered after complimenting him. 

"They don't call you Worldwide Handsome for nothing," Jimin chimes in, and Seokjin's smile grows before he turns to face your manager, though his gaze lingers on you just a bit before he does. 

The rest of the meeting is more formal, with Namjoon and Jimin going over contractual terms. The discussion returns to your identity and pronouns, and how to address you during promo cuts and interviews, but Seokjin assures you that he will always defer to your advice or keep his mouth shut if he is unsure what to say. At the end of the meeting, Seokjin gives you a firm handshake and bows before leaving, and you sit back at the conference table in a daze. 

"Wow, you really stood firm on your unfounded hatred and showed him who's boss," Jimin teases as the door is closed, leaving the two of you alone.

"Shut up," you mutter, unamused. 

"He gets ten minutes," Jimin parrots in the slightly higher-pitched voice which he uses to mock you. "Kim Seokjin is like all the other icky men, and there is no way I'm going to work with him."

You cross your arms over your chest and tongue the inside of your mouth. "Are you finished?"

A grin breaks out over Jimin's pretty face. "For now."

Over the next several weeks, you train like your life depends on it. You already work out a fair amount for an athlete, but given that you are going to make your comeback debut with a tall, strong man who you are likely going to have to do complicated wrestling moves with, you have been taking everything to the next level, focusing on your legs, shoulders, and arms. 

"What if, on opening night, you and Seokjin enter the ring and immediately attack one another before the other team is announced?" Jimin had suggested, setting your panic into motion. 

Sure, you have performed complicated moves with people who were bigger than you plenty of times, but this bout with Seokjin will need to be whiplash-fast and over-the-top if it is going to not only be the crowd's first impression of the two of you as a team, but take place before other wrestlers enter the ring. 

You also have no idea what Seokjin may want to do, and you realize as you stand in front of the mirror of your home gym, drinking water while a towel hangs lazily from your neck, that you have no direct way to get in touch with him. You had not exchanged numbers during the meeting.

Stressed about wanting to discuss your comeback with your new partner, you grab your phone, pause the very loud music playing on your home speakers—currently Cream by Mannequin Pussy—and dial your manager. 

He answers on the first ring. “Yes, my love?”

“Hey, h-how do I get in touch with Seokjin?”

“You never exchanged numbers?”

You stare at your reflection, dumbfounded. “N—what? No. You were at the meeting.”

Jimin chuckles. “Yeah, I was. But I was distracted by the other Kim in the room. Did you hear how deep his voice was?”

Never a dull moment, you think, pinching the bridge of your nose as you squeeze your eyes closed. Jimin can be heard chuckling through the phone, which lifts your spirits a bit more—not that you would show any indication of the fact.

"Anyway," you grumble, "can you ask deep-voiced-Kim to give me broad-shouldered-Kim my number? Or pass my number along to them?"

"You think Seokjin has broad shoulders?" Jimin teases and you roll your eyes.

"It is a statement of fact."

"Sure, sure," Jimin continues to chide, then adds, "I'll send your number along right now. Thanks for giving me an excuse to hear that deep voice again, darling!"

You deadpan, "I live to serve," as flatly as possible, biting back a grin as Jimin laughs and hangs up. 

As you wait, you begin flexing in the mirror to check out your gains, as the kids say. Staying at the top of your game is hard work, and you are always proud to see a reflection staring back that looks ideal for the kind of work you want to do. Then your eyes linger on your chest—flat and muscular. It still takes you by surprise at times—makes you do a double-take and stare. How fortunate and grateful you feel to have been able to take such a step in your life, despite all the various risks. 

The sound of your phone dinging pulls you from your thoughts and even makes you flinch. Embarrassed by your jumpiness, you exhale and squeeze your eyes closed for a couple seconds before holding up your phone to find a message from an unknown number.

[Unknown] It has come to my attention that you seek communication with the most handsome man on the planet. 

"Ridiculous," you mutter to yourself, holding back a small smile. Seokjin being obsessed with how good-looking he is has certainly become part of his act, but you wonder how much you can stand the performance outside of the ring. 

You Oh, sorry! I was actually looking for Kim Seokjin.

You nibble on the inside of your mouth as you watch three dots appear and disappear...then appear and disappear...over and over. Rumor has it that Seokjin has a good sense of humor, and you wait in hope that the rumor is true. 

[Unknown] Ah, here I thought I was messaging my pretty, charismatic new partner Wildflower. I guess I have the wrong number. 

You Darn! Well, if you see Seokjin-ssi, let him know I need to talk to him. 

Once again, three dots appear and disappear. Then, your phone rings. You let it go for a bit, drawing out the tension of the moment, then pick up, shifting around on your feet while staring at the floor.

"Yes?"

Seokjin scoffs in response, then simply says, "Wildflower."

You wonder if he will ever greet you by your name, but decide not to question it. "Kim Seokjin-ssi."

"Please, call me Worldwide Handsome Jin."

"Wow," is all you can say in response, feeling warmth rise to your cheeks. 

"I hear you request my presence. Miss me already?"

"Hardly," you deadpan, rolling your eyes. "But I would like to discuss our comeback opener. I guess I'm getting antsy about having no plan."

"Agreed. Come by this week? I can order some dinner and we can discuss what we have in mind, and then—if we're not too full—we can practice some moves."

Dinner sounds nice but at Seokjin's place? You wonder if it would be more convenient to find a restaurant close to one of the rings. 

"I'm always down to eat," you respond. "I don't want to put you out, though. We can always find a place near one of the practice rings. Which do you usually reserve?"

Seokjin laughs—a deep, condescending sound. "I have my own ring. Less paperwork and red tape. My dining room happens to be the closest eatery to that location, so it is no trouble at all."

"Oh," you mutter. "Okay."

The conversation cuts after you settle on a date and location. Then, as you let your arm drop to your side and stare at your reflection, reality begins to sink back in. You have to work with Kim Seokjin. 

Seokjin's house is massive, and you feel overwhelmed entering the property. Whereas most people you know live in apartment buildings—some very lavish, nonetheless—this man lives on a large swathe of property on a hill just outside the city. Once you arrive, you have to be buzzed into the driveway and wait for a large steel gate to open, granting you access. 

As soon as you park your shabby little car behind a large, shiny sedan, Seokjin's front door opens wide. And before you have your seatbelt unclicked, he is already opening your driver's side door and holding his arms out to you. 

Even while giving a warm welcome, there is something piercing and dark in Seokjin's eyes. Only once during your previous meeting did they soften—when you said he would look good in anything—and you feel scrutinized under his gaze. 

"Welcome!" Seokjin says, pulling you into a hug that is brief but tight, and then turning to lead you into his home. 

He wears a simple white tee tucked into blue jeans, and suddenly you feel overdressed in your crisp black short-sleeve button-up tucked into charcoal grey slacks. You had, of course, packed workout gear in the event that the two of you decide to try out some moves in Seokjin's ring, and you lean back into your open car door and reach across to the passenger seat to retrieve your black leather duffle bag before closing up the car and running to join Seokjin in his foyer. 

"Shall we eat now or later?" Seokjin offers, standing with his arms crossed over his chest.

You hesitate, then begin to slip out of your shoes as you say, "I'm actually quite anxious, so I don't have much of an appetite."

Seokjin cracks a smile and says, "Perfect! Let's get changed then, and head to the ring?"

With a soft smile, you nod and follow Seokjin to the left, down a set of stairs into a home gym. Surprisingly, the basement is set fairly deep into the foundation, and you are surprised when you peer toward the far end of the large space and see the ceiling rise even higher above a professional-sized wrestling ring.

"It's excessive, I know," Seokjin begins. "But this home actually belonged to my father. It was his idea to build a mansion large enough to house a ring in the basement. I merely inherited it."

Now that he mentions it, you faintly remember hearing that Seokjin's father had also been a wrestler, several generations back. At the time, you probably brushed off the notion and cited nepotism to Seokjin's rise in fame—ignoring, of course, the pure athleticism it takes to be a wrestler of Seokjin's caliber. Bitter thoughts are rarely rational. 

Seokjin leads you through a home gym that rivals your own, toward the ring. You grip the leather strap of your bag tightly as your eyes flit over the black ropes, off-white canvas floor, and the various black and red padding over the steel beams holding it all together. Rather than having a skirt covering the underside, it sits open, and you spy ladders, folding tables and chairs, and various other things beneath the ring. 

"Bathroom is there," Seokjin says, pointing toward a white door that is cracked open. "Feel free to change and meet me ringside?"

You nod, swallow a lump of nervousness, and head toward the bathroom. Of course, it is a full en suite equipped with a large walk-in shower, and you allow yourself to focus on the details of the room—cream-colored tiles, light marble counters, and gold furnishings—as you untuck your shirt and begin to undress. 

Time blurs as you change into your workout gear—black knee-length spandex shorts and a black tank top over a sports bra, which you continue to wear because you like the familiar squeeze of the tight fabric around your ribs. When you return, holding a pair of sneakers in your hand, you nearly stop in your tracks as you find Seokjin standing bent over against the side of the ring in a tight black tank top and shorts. He is tying a pair of shoes, so you join him and lean your butt against the ring, slipping into your own and keeping your eyes off all the dips and curves of his muscular frame. Seokjin's wrestling costume covers him up to the extent that you are not used to seeing so much skin. 

"We'll do some warmup stretches and then practice some moves?" Seokjin suggests, stepping away from the ring. 

You hum in acknowledgment, pulling your shoelace bow taut and standing up straight. When you turn to Seokjin, he is gazing at you with a straight expression, and you once again feel nervousness under his stare. 

After a brief moment, as if coming out of a trance, Seokjin blinks once, twice, then narrows his gaze. "Over text, I called you pretty. I've been dwelling on it since."

"Oh," you respond, trying to think back to the text conversation. Already, it is a bit of a blur. "I assumed you were being cheeky, so don't sweat it."

"I mean," Seokjin begins but pauses, cocking his head slightly. "I guess, what I mean to say is, I don't know if that's a word you mind being called, because of its feminine nature."

"Oh!" You suddenly feel embarrassed, mostly for not realizing Seokjin may have genuinely been complimenting you. "I don't mind. I still think I'm pretty."

Seokjin hums and nods. "Just let me know if I say the wrong thing."

With a shrug, you begin to stretch, pulling your left arm over your chest while your right hand presses against your upper arm, then alternating. "Stuff like that is kind of whatever. I strive to exist between the realm of pretty and handsome, so being both or neither is perfectly fine. They're words that don't really need to be gendered anyway, you know?"

You're rambling, and you catch yourself, clamping your mouth shut while bringing your right knee up to your chest and pulling it close with both hands. Seokjin stands straight from having been touching his toes and rolls his shoulders back.

"True," he says. "Although I find only 'handsome' applies to me. Never saw myself as 'pretty' before."

As you release your right leg and bring your left knee to your chest, you survey Seokjin's face—keeping your eyes off of his body as much as possible. "I disagree. Your eyes are very pretty. As is your smile. You just have more of a classic masculine prettiness, I suppose."

Seokjin glances up and fixes you with an unreadable look. Then, he begins to squat, dropping his gaze to the floor. You could swear the tips of his ears are a deeper shade of red, and you bite back a smile. 

Stretching continues in silence, save for labored breaths as you begin to do more complicated, strenuous moves. Then, after an indiscernible amount of time, the two of you hop up and down, shaking out your hands, and looking at the ring. 

"Ready?" Seokjin asks with a hint of a smirk.

Truth be told, you are not so sure that you are. As you turn to the ring and approach, your heart pounds so hard, you can hear it booming in your ears. You reach out and grab the bottom rope, feeling the thick layers of tape in your palms, and you squeeze and tug, feeling it pull taut, then release. Without another word, you bend, placing your right arm and leg onto the mat, and roll onto the canvas. 

As you stand and get your bearings, Seokjin grabs onto the middle rope and lifts himself, jumping onto the edge of the canvas with both feet. Then, with a bounce, he flips over the top rope, bounding onto the ring with a boom and causing the padded wooden floor to bounce. You stand stunned, watching as your partner—and rival, for all intents and purposes—gets into position, knees bent and hands in front of his chest. 

"Come at me, Wildflower," Seokjin mutters with a grin, and you hesitate before stepping forward and contemplating your opening move. 

To say Seokjin wiped the floor with you during your first bout would be putting it lightly. In fact, you are pretty sure he went easy on you. Although it was easy to get him into a headlock, as soon as you began to pivot and drop to your knee to bring him to the mat and finish the takeover move, Seokjin lifted you, easily breaking the headlock, and brought you back to your feet—setting you down carefully as if you were delicate—before stepping behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, and muttering, "Suplex, tuck your chin," as he brought you both onto your backs.

From there, the two of you called out moves that you were going to try, coming at one another slow enough to make sure you were positioned correctly and that the other had a chance to react. But Seokjin quickly and easily broke out of everything you attempted, and you struggled to make yourself heavy enough for him not to toss around like a ragdoll. 

Sweaty and out of breath, the two of you sit on the floor of the ring. Seokjin has his palms on the mat, anchoring himself up, and he stares at the ceiling with his head back. The long, sweaty column of his neck glistens, and you fight back all thoughts of how biteable it looks while making the mistake of allowing your eyes to trail down to his toned arms, and to the shirt that sticks to his pecs and abs. 

Truth be told, Seokjin is a walking distraction. Attempting to get the upper hand whenever he flashes a smile, or god forbid a wink, feels impossible. And every time his hands grab your shoulders, ribs, waist, or thighs—all perfectly good places grips with no intent but to perform wrestling moves—you feel something inside you stir. 

"I know you're holding back, but that's to be expected," Seokjin mutters. "I was, as well. Let's take a water break and work on choreography?"

You crack a smile, sitting up and stretching your neck from side to side. "Sounds good."

After a quick water break, the two of you begin to choreograph a possible opener. The plan is to come out to the ring from opposite entrances, pissed off and acting as if you want to be anywhere but in the ring with one another. 

Seokjin will ham up to the crowd while you hold your chin up and make your way down the ramp, glaring at him from across the stadium. The announcer will say something about an offensive comment Seokjin made about having to work with you, which will piss you off, causing you to scream profanities at him as you advance. Incensed, Seokjin will begin to run for the ring, sliding under the bottom rope and jumping to his feet, holding his arms out in a challenge, and you will also run to meet him. 

"Can you enter the ring like I did earlier? Flipping over the ropes?" 

You have flipped over the ropes many times in the past, and you nod as you slide from a standing position under the bottom rope and onto the floor. It takes several tries to jump with both feet from the floor to the edge of the canvas, but your legs begin to remember what it feels like. 

The first time you grab onto the top rope and jump to flip, you don't get enough air and nearly topple over. Seokjin makes a move to grab you in case you fall, but you find your footing easily, get onto the bottom rope, and try again, this time making it over the top. 

"Just need to get the hang of this again," you say as you return to the outside of the ropes and stand on the lower one again, positioned to jump. 

Seokjin says nothing, just watches as you flip, reposition, and flip again. After four tries, you stand on the edge of the ring and grab the top rope. As you fling your body over and into the ring, the weightlessness you felt in your early days returns. Before rising to the level of fame that you managed to reach in a short amount of time; before deciding to transition away from the women's team—a move that caused your former employee to fire you—when nothing mattered but the feeling of the canvas-covered wood beneath your feet. The rush of that memory takes hold and carries you to your feet. 

Your land is loud and a bit sloppy, and you stumble slightly into your stance, but Seokjin squares up in his squatted position and lunges as if the landing was perfect, and you pull each other into your starter move, with your hands on one another's shoulders.

"We'll tug one another like this," Seokjin says, warm breath ghosting over your face as you stare at his clavicle—scared to look him in the eye this close. "Take wide steps into a circle, and then you'll attempt to knee me, which I'll kick away."

As Seokjin talks, you slowly move, lifting your leg, which he pretends to kick away. The back and forth comes naturally and you fall into step as if performing a dance you know by heart. You manage to get Seokjin into a headlock and attempt to take him down, but he lifts you and flips you over his back. 

"From here, the referee should attempt to separate us, but we will continue to lunge at each other, until finally, the other team comes out and pulls us off one another, thus starting the tag team match. I imagine we'll both fight a member of their team for a while, and then one of us will retreat to the corner."

Everything seems perfect, and you practice the choreography several times. Then, when you are worn out, feeling satisfied despite being out of practice, Seokjin slides out of the ring and crosses the room to pull his phone from his pants pocket. 

"How does sushi sound," he asks, thumbing around his phone.

"Sounds good," you respond, breathless as you sit in the center of the canvas. Seokjin orders, and you roll unceremoniously out of the ring and follow him up into his house without changing out of your sweaty workout gear. 

He has a plain house with scarcely decorated off-white walls. There are paintings here and there that feel sterile, like something you might see at a therapist's office, and it feels to you like they are simply taking up space and making the large rooms feel less empty. His dining room table is large enough for eight, and he has tan marble counters in his kitchen, on which he sets two plates and two sets of utensils, stacked neatly. 

You take a seat at the table, close to the end nearest the kitchen island, and wait as Seokjin brings everything over. Ordinarily, you would ask if your host needs a hand, but there is something about being alone with him in his large house that has you retreating and sitting quietly, eager to stay out of the way. 

It could also be Seokjin's demeanor. You wouldn't necessarily call him cold, but he isn't really warm, either. Unless he has something constructive to say, he doesn't say much at all, never really engaging in small talk. For years, all people could talk about was how charming and charismatic he is, but the more you get to know him, the more you wonder if those people had ever sat with him like this, one-on-one.

When Seokjin sets the plates down, you jolt. You had been so lost in thought, staring at the lines in the wood grain on the polished table before you that you hadn't seen him approach.

"Jumpy," Seokjin mutters, and you let out a soft chuckle, attempting to dispel some of your anxiety with the breath.

"I get lost in my head sometimes."

"Sorry I'm not very talkative," Seokjin says as he returns to the kitchen. You watch as he opens a large wooden cabinet and takes out two glasses. 

"It's fine," you respond after a pause. "I'm not really, either."

"I know."

Awkward. You lift your hands onto the table and fiddle with your fingers, searching for something to say. Your time in the ring together went well, and you think you made good progress, but those words had already been spoken in the moment, and you don't feel like they bear repeating. Seokjin returns with a glass of water and sets it before you, then he takes the seat beside you. 

"If I weren't mistaken, I would think you hate me," Seokjin says, taking you by surprise. 

When you lift your head, you find him sitting with his body angled toward you and his elbow on the table. His expression is flat, though there is something indiscernible in his eyes, once more. 

"I don't hate you," you respond softly, feeling the urge to get defensive but attempting to tamp it down. 

Seokjin hums and cocks his head. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

You squint and shake your head, straightening your posture to face him better. "No."

"I know that you originally weren't pleased to work with me—" Seokjin begins.

You squeeze your eyes closed and mutter, "Fucking Jimin," under your breath.

"—but I feel like I have been kind and welcoming."

"You have been."

"So what's—"

"Nothing," you say, voice slightly raised and a little clipped. Surprised by your volume, you clear your throat and feel your shoulders shrink inwardly. "There is nothing wrong. I'm sorry if Jimin said I didn't want to work with you...I just...I don't know. Before I met you, I assumed your whole persona was fake."

Seokjin scoffs, pulling your attention back to him, and you find him studying you with a hint of a scowl. Surely, Seokjin cannot be surprised by how his arrogance on stage has translated to others. His moniker is Worldwide Handsome, for fuck's sake. 

Just as Seokjin opens his mouth to speak, the doorbell rings, pulling his attention toward the front door before he momentarily glances back at you and lets out another silent laugh with his mouth open as if he has something he wants to say. You feel the urge to get up and run for the exit, shoving the poor sushi delivery person out of the way and jumping into your car. Instead, you sit feeling dazed as Seokjin's chair scrapes against the floor, and he stands to retrieve the food.

Although it is faint, there is a polite lilt in Seokjin's voice—practiced happiness reserved just for strangers—as he greets the delivery person. Anxiety swirls like acid in the pit of your stomach, and you take a large drink of water. You tell yourself that whatever that conversation was will not easily be resolved and that you should just leave. But when you stand, determined to apologize and thank Seokjin for the training session before taking your leave, he returns with a hint of a smile fading into a confused grimace. 

"Sit," Seokjin says, setting the large plastic bag in the center of the table. "We need to eat after that strenuous workout. I think it's safe to say we were both a little out of our element and need to refuel."

You hesitate but ultimately sit. Then, feeling bold, you stand again.

"Are you sure? I feel like I insulted you; maybe I should leave."

Seokjin does not make eye contact as he continues to undo the flimsy bag and set out plastic containers of sushi rolls and appetizers. He really ordered too much. 

"You didn't insult me," he says toward the food, "It's nothing I haven't heard before. And I would feel worse if you left without helping me eat all of this."

There is a hint of kindness in his voice, but there is also something that seems a little sad. You feel the urge to investigate, but you hardly know the guy and decide that if he wants to open up to you, he will.

But he does not. As you settle back down and begin to eat, you do so in silence. When Seokjin finally does speak again, it is to comment on the various moves you did and to suggest ways to improve the flow. From what little you have gathered as his partner, Seokjin seems to have a brilliance with the way he approaches the ring, and has very quickly adjusted to your weight, height, and strength to attempt to suggest moves that would be easiest for both of you to execute. In fact, you feel like you were hardly contributing, which, in turn, makes you feel bad for letting him do everything. You can't help but wonder if he minds, but you don't really want to ask. Maybe when things feel a little less...tense.

After the meal, you offer to help Seokjin clear everything away. When he declines, you thank him for the meal and excuse yourself, bowing at the hips and turning to the exit. Perhaps it is rude to leave so abruptly, but everything feels weird, and you want to step outside and get some fresh air. Surely, Seokjin will understand, you convince yourself as you shuffle toward the front door.

Footsteps follow you, and you reach for the door without looking back. But then, Seokjin calls, "What about your clothes?" and you freeze in your tracks. You had forgotten your clothing and duffle bag in the basement, and you were even going to leave without putting on the sneakers you walked into the house wearing. 

Without another word, Seokjin runs down to the basement. You walk after him, feeling foolish enough for trying to make a break for it and not wanting to be a deer in the headlights by his front door. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, Seokjin comes from the bathroom holding the strap of your black bag bunched in one hand.

"There you are," he says as he hands it off to you and walks past, back to the top landing. 

You turn on the balls of your feet and pad up the steps, then take off the wrestling shoes and set them bottom-side up on top of your clothes in the duffle before sliding your other sneakers on, wiggling to get the heel of the shoe to stop bending under the weight of your feet. 

"Thanks," you mutter, finding it hard to look Seokjin in the eye.

Seokjin hums and says, "Good work today. We'll do this again soon." Then he walks away, back toward the kitchen. 

With a resolved sigh, you grab the gold handle of his large wooden door and twist. The first inhale of fresh air fills your lungs with reprieve, and you hold it for three seconds, then exhale slowly, feeling yourself become lighter. This day may not have been perfect, but it was productive and worth being proud of, all things considered. Small miracles.

Two hours after returning home From Seokjin's house, you sit freshly showered on your couch, staring at your television while pictures move and sounds follow, unbeknownst to you. You are completely lost in your head, replaying every minute detail of your visit with Seokjin, attempting to make sense of some of it. The more you allow yourself to dwell on it, the worse you feel for the way you behaved. 

If you are being honest with yourself, it was in part because Seokjin feels impossible to read at times, and partly because he is stupid fucking handsome, and it makes your brain come to a screeching halt at times. But how do you tell him that without compromising your relationship as his wrestling partner? Sure he called you pretty in jest, but telling him that his beauty makes your heart race so fast you want to throw up feels a little intense. 

When your phone buzzes, you hardly notice. A tiny voice alerts you to the feeling against your leg, but you continue to stare ahead and attempt to dissect the look on his face after you told him you assumed his personality was fake. You squeeze your eyes closed and groan, scolding yourself silently for saying something like that to him. Then, your phone buzzes again, snapping you from your reverie, and you glance at the screen, expecting to hear from Jimin, and surprised by what you find instead. 

Worldwide Handsome Great work today, Wildflower! We definitely have chemistry in the ring, and I look forward to meeting again to work on our comeback.

Worldwide Handsome Also, please don't worry about what you said. Unfortunately, I think we are both a little awkward. We'll figure it out. 

With a sigh of relief, you smile to yourself. Seokjin is hot and cold, but at least he makes an attempt to communicate, and that is honestly more than you have been able to say for yourself since meeting the guy. 

You I feel really bad for what I said. I should have apologized properly, but sometimes I have a hard time expressing myself to people I don't know very well. It was unfair of me.

You hit send and consider a myriad of things to say, to explain yourself further. But before your thumbs can work out what to send next, your phone lights up with a call. Phone calls always make you feel apprehensive, and you brace yourself with a deep breath before answering. 

"Seokjin," you mutter, but he cuts you off.

"You don't need to apologize. You were right, my on-screen persona is incredibly fake."

There is a bite to Seokjin's voice that sounds matter-of-fact and also a bit harsh. But it does not feel directed at you. At least, you don't think it does.

"I mean, to an extent, all of our in-ring personas are fake," you supply, attempting to squash some of the tension you have felt building between the two of you all day.

Then, Seokjin responds with, "You're more charismatic, for one."

Stunned, your mouth opens, but all you manage to do is squeak out a weak sound. "I'm—oh. Okay."

"I almost bought into your awkward, manic-pixie-dream act, you know? But then I thought about how different you were in the ring and out of the ring at my house, and it's pretty clear that you just don't like me."

Seokjin's reasoning hardly makes sense, but all you can bring yourself to respond with is, "What?"

"It's fine. Whatever. We only have to work together; we don't need to be friends. And I meant what I said, we do have in-ring chemistry together. We can work on our awkwardness for the camera and avoid each other, otherwise."

The tone of this conversation is nothing like what you had expected, considering his text messages seemed so kind and understanding. But, then again, it is always difficult to tell someone's intentions over text. And, as you are coming to discover, Seokjin is an arrogant asshole, after all.

"Fine," you huff with a sigh, resolved not to argue. If Seokjin wants nothing more than a working relationship with you, then that is all he is going to get. 

"I can speak with our managers and find us suitable sparring partners for the time being, if you would rather not practice with me," Seokjin offers, rubbing salt in wounds you didn't realize you had. 

"Don't bother," you grit into the phone. "We'll work together just fine. And Worldwide Handsome?"

Seokjin hums into the receiver, and you sense surprise in his tone. 

"You had better bring your A-game because our so-called fake rivalry is very fucking real, I am going to make you regret talking to me like this."

As you pull your cell phone away from your ear and hit the end call button, there is a quake in your hands, your ears begin to ring, and all sensation feels both non-existent and overwhelming, all at once. Seokjin is going to rue the day he made you his rival, and you are going to make sure he knows it. 

tags: @btsiguess-kpop @btsstan12 @codeinebelle@dasexydevitt13 @giriiboyy @moonleeai @m1sss1mp @spookyminyunki​ | this is a limited run series, but if you would like to be tagged, comment or dm!

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[limpfisted]

WYLL’S FLAWED PERSPECTIVE. or, how to “read” my replies!

i personally believe wyll is a flawed character and its important to give him the full spectrum of emotions beyond “good” “kind” or “bad” “evil.”

i am personally working on trying to stay “ic” and true to my characters, without pushing the character into saying something that will like, be good for a ship, or like, be an “rp people pleaser” if that makes senses!

i don’t JUST want to have interactions where wyll is perfect. to me, wyll has flaws in the way he communicates and sees the world. this does not mean he is not heroic, or a kind, decent man—it just means i love him as a character for his layers. these things make him more REAL and complex than i think wyll as a PERSON wants to be, in a kind of “hide my truth, hide my feelings, elsa frozen kinnie” way

so without further ado, here are some things wyll might do or want to do or say incorrectly or percieve your character in the wrong way even tho i personally would not behave in the same ways irl On Purpose For Some Of These Things

CONDESCENDING. wyll believes he knows best. wyll believes he can say all the right words and “fix things.” he can make EVERYTHING better. he has a SAVIOR COMPLEX. while never being a perfect martyr, he really does think he can “ahaaha dont have depression ur so sexy” ur ass by being gentle and kind and roleplaying a fairy tale with you. additionally, if you seem “soft” in some way, or “meek” in some way, wyll want to “help you” more.

AVOIDANT. wyll does not want to talk about what he wants, what he notices, what he feels, except in poetryor tall tales or threats of violence. his pretty words sometimes hide an emptiness, a dreaminess. he speaks of things he cannot have and will not ask for. he is embarrassed to want, embarrassed to need, attention, desire, anything but charm and protecting the innocent and meek.

OVERLY ROMANTIC. this ties in with above. he idealizes people, he puts them on pedestals, he treats them like they are made of glass. he does not humanize others or himself enough, and prefers to live in a world of fantasies and pretend.

BOASTFUL. wyll tries to be humble—but this is to match a persona. if you dive even slightly deeper into things, he’s all too happy to tell you how strong and heroic he is, to the point of condescion and vanity. on the other hand, he will not take you seriously if you threaten him! he’ll threaten you back! he doesnt give a single fuck!

BLACK AND WHITE THINKING AND SNAP JUDGEMENTS. to wyll, you are either “hunter” “prey” “hero/villain” the person he needs to protect people from. he will bide his time—but it is difficult for him to trear villains kindly, and he will NEVER truly respect them as people, unless they prove they have changed or are not trying to hurt anyone currently.

WILL WORK WITH VILLAINS. WILL MAKE DEALS WITH DEVILS. WILL ALSO HUNT THEM FOR SPORT. easy to understand, wyll believes he can “control” devils, if they are useful to him. wyll can ally with evil—even if he is just biding his time to kill them later.

VIOLENT. ROLEPLAYER. if you are evil, he will just want to kill you and that’s that! he wanted to kill every goblin at that camp! he relishes in violence as long as it’s for justice. he gets off on the power and pomp of it n his heroism—even when its not actually heroic

WORDS GET AWAY FROM HIM. he will speak with intention, but has a tendency to ramble poetically. when angry, and threatening someone, sometimes he makes no sense at all bc he just wants murder myrder death death justice

A SILLY BILLY!! he can take himself very seriously, but also he is brainweird and skin hungry n loves to touch n be weird and wrestle n write funny poems and get drunk n dance under the stars. he’s a silly ex-(would have been a theatre kid but his dad wanted him to join jrotc instead) kid! he likes big bold gestures. he is EXTREMELY REPRESSED, but the closer he gets to u, the more ull see his joy n not just his “good hero”

DEEPLY LONELY AND APPROVAL SEEKING. wyll really likes it when people pay attention to him. nore than he likes actually doing good things, sometimes. note: there is nothing wrong with doing good things for recognition, everyone deserves recognition of hard work n pain. but it still makes him more interesting to me than generic hero!:

EASILY CORRUPTABLE / MOLDABLE / MANIPULATED. he approves of killing for auntie ethel n them immediatley goes. oh. fuck. oh no…. i fucked up. im trash…. he got i. cahoots with mizora and thinks he CHOSE that bc hes so so good!

NOT IN TOUCH WITH HIS FEELINGS. wyll doesn’t always know wgat’s going on his beain/heart, n honestly he doesn’t want to think abt it too hard! but i will! i always will, wyll.

SMART, BUT DOESN’T CARE ENOUGH TO QUESTION. i dont feel like writing anymore god free me. free me from the sin of my hubris. free me. no more writing

THERE ARE MORE THINGS PROBABLY BUT I DONT FERL LIKE WRITING THEM. LOOK AT MY PRETTY HC BANNER ITS SO PRETTY. GOODBYE FOREVER

something so,ething hes traumatized and pushes people away n puts them on a pedestal so they can never know how scarred and scared and unworthy he feels bc of the deep loneliness inside him from his family’s emotional instability coupled with being homeless as a teenager with only an abuser to guide him thru his late teens, etc

[freshie44]

Disventure Camp All Stars Episode 14 Spoilers

So I was aware of the leak, didn't check it out and was hearing all these comments "that oh everyone going to be pissed!" and like in theory I can kind of understand why someone would be annoyed. Nah, for this episode was fine. The TikTok dances was beyond me, but like I'm old and out of touch so *shrug* But let start with the most controversial part, the elimination. I get it losing not by vote is a controversial feature in game show so I can understand the salt. As for sending Gabby home, it at least make sense to me. Again I've been pointing out for a while that Gabby has had very little in story for like the first 9 episodes and more a piece of the Ellie Storyline. So far we've been having this 2nd personality arc, again you could argue that it should be given another episode or two to cook. But it kind of make sense, Gabby won over Grett from Yul and bury the hatchet. Now the final bit was does she give in and set all her work aflame for revenge or be the Gabby we all love and know. She stood true and while she got eliminated she wasn't corrupted. Again whether or not Gabby was wasted throughout the season is entire different conversation. But if her arc was to be the thing that would split Grett and Yul and help fill the Villains vs Heroes story line. Then goal achieved. Her story was a late game one and did it job. Like you can will the idea of Gabby winning but it just doesn't make sense for her to. Maybe I gave up on the hope so it hurt far far less. Riya - Riya going to absolutely be the reason people lose but she ain't winning with out heavy asterisk. Ally - hey you want to see one of those people look left. She got a bus to be pushed in front of it just a matter of time. The only timeline I see her winning is if everyone forgets she exist and she sneak in for a win. Jake: Classic Jake, not playing well with others. But to be fair he at least tried. But I'm expecting he going to get push before the bus by Ally right before Riya pushes her on to him to confirm the double kill. Grett: Depending on next episode she might shoot up, she got a chance to take this Gabby storyline to the moon. She has the ingredients for a face turn and I'm here for it. Aiden: I'm still holding out for him to be the one of help facilitate the elimination of Riya. Alec - That little recognition of "Am I the baddy" could lead to some interesting developments meaning I'm confident he sticking around plus he deserves the win for actually trying! Conner - Biggest Face in the game, and sometimes you have to give in to the Danial Bryan win at wrestlemania. Translation for non wrestling fans giving the big win to someone we all want to win.

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[jacquelinemerritt]

Dragon Ball Z: Abridged Episode 20 Review

Originally posted on October 30th, 2015

Conflating anime with wrestling is, unsurprisingly, an amazing decision.

“Namekimania 2011” is my favorite episode of Dragonball Z: Abridged, and it is my favorite for very good reasons: the episode is packed to the brim with great jokes, Team Four Star experiments with their approach to adaptation in it, and it even manages to find time to focus on the heroism and honor that are the crux of the source material.

In fact, “Namekimania” is so good that I could just list off all the great lines from the episode and end the review here. But I’m not gonna do that, because that’s no fun (though the strays are loaded with quotes this week because I have no self-control).

Let’s start with the key joke/device of this episode. “Namekimania 2011” has Team Four Star making the bold decision to reframe a somewhat inconsequential fight between Vegeta and Recoome (played by Ganxingba delightfully mimicking the staged charisma of a professional wrestler) as a live televised pro wrestling match.

And it works wonderfully, because Team Four Star commits fully to this device, incorporating an audience track of cheering and booing, having Jeice and Burter serve as announcers/commentators, and giving us “recaps” of what we’ve missed on the few times they cut away to other characters.

The “anime fight as pro wrestling” device also works extraordinarily well because it captures the ridiculousness of both of the mediums. Fights in anime are generally ridiculous affairs, with characters breaking the laws of physics and rules of the established universe very frequently, coupled with over the top blood, screams, and emotions. Wrestling similarly is over the top, with heroes and villains appearing as ridiculous caricatures, as well as allowing the wrestlers to clearly and blatantly disregard the rules in order to get an audience response.

When combined, the ridiculousness from both mediums complement each other, with the unreasonable action and caricatured fighters blending seamlessly, and it’s especially fun to see how the live commentary of Jeice and Burter serves to enhance the thrill of the fight itself.

“Namekimania” also finds time to embrace the hyperemotionalism of anime (its other extreme) in two scenes. The first is Gohan’s speech, as he walks slowly towards Recoome, broken and battered, that he is the son of Son Goku, the one man who can kick Recoome’s ass, and the second is the scene where Goku steps out of the spaceship, which pairs an 80’s rock song with a series of slow clips showing him gradually exiting the spaceship. With that scene, we know something is coming, and some serious shit is about to go down.

Rating: 5/5

If you like this review, please consider supporting me on Patreon.

Stray Observations

Recoome’s introduction speech is the greatest thing ever, and I will fight you if you say otherwise.

Gohan: “Who are you talking to?” Burter: “The audience.” Jeice: “We’re doin’ commentary, mate.”

Recoome: “Because the name’s Recoome. And it rhymes with doom. And you’re gonna be hurtin’, ALL…TOO…SOON!”

Recoome: “Silly Vegeta. The only thing Recoome sells, is merchandise!”

Spokesperson: “Spacey’s. It’s good food. In spaaace.”

Krillin: “Hey, Gohan, look! He picked Vegeta, like a…” Gohan: “Like a Vegetable, yeah.”

Krillin Owned: And we’re up to 12 with a lovely Recoome Kick.

Krillin: “Seems he threw my nervous system out of whack there. Can’t quite feel the pain. There it is. Owwwwww.”