#and i thought Charlotte do enjoy Cain's company.

[heretodefyfate]

“the sleeping princess finally woken up”

[daedaluscried]

dare ya! in a couple sentences, summarize your OCs and/or Muses! the catch: you can't leave any out!

I’ll do my current active official muses + Berry, just because I don’t rp as like Coretta or Sika anymore (so they wouldn’t be useful to you) Under the cut because it is so long.

Arke - A self-righteous zealot with the ability to cause people to hallucinate and lose sense of reality. Tries to avoid her trauma by acting carefree and unpredictable.

Cy - One of my Sinchildren. Is engulfed in the sin of wrath. Very angry. Very bloodied. Essentially a feral animal in a small desperate body. Connected to Alric and Cole.

Alric - One of my Sinchildren. Drowning in the sin of Sloth. The closest thing his world has to an academic, when you can get him to work. Sassy and snarky because it’s easier that way. Connected to Cy and Cole.

Blake - Obsessed with wolves and kidnapping women? A very very very bad dude to the extent that joking about it feels a little weird. Connected to Calondra.

Suri - Essentially my rendition of little red riding hood. Does deliveries for her family’s bakery and is desperate for an adventure. Wants to do something GREAT with her life.

Mitexi - Part demonic vessel, part soldier. She is trained to kill and she enjoys it. Is very sensitive about her missing eye and she will attack you for asking. Can be connected to Astin and Deion.

Deion - A revolutionary who seems to think he is God. You have no proof he isn’t God. Has an obsession with ugly flip flops and drinks to forget.

Castiel - A princess cursed with an engrossing illness, which can only be solved by true love’s kiss. Dont’ actually kiss her!!!! Don’t trust her.

Esau - Werewolf, currently on the run with his sister. Is trying to escape his guilt. Connected to Nadie.

Nadie - Werewolf, currently on the run with her brother. Regular thief at gas stations. Down to fight. Connected to Esau.

Darius - One of my Darklings. Has the ability to control shadows and nightmares. Part time caretaker for his sister, part time violent criminal. Connected to Luna.

Bea - Technically a OUaT OC. Reborn spirit of Belle-Belle. Genderqueer and ready to attack you with a bat if you insult their best friends.

Cole - One of my Sinchildren. Is starving with the sin of Gluttony. Sort of a prince in his world, but that doesn’t mean much. Tries to make the most of his life while he can. Connected to Cy and Alric.

Calondra - Has hardcore mom energy. Wanted once to be a singer, but is now just trying to make the most of a simple life. The best revenge is surviving. Will adopt your muse if you let her. Connected to Blake.

Ari - Lionborn. She speaks to the dead and sees the future. Very spooky but is a warm loving person. Not as stupid as people believe her to be. She deserves love. Comes from the same apocalyptic world as Graham, but not connected

Astin - Demonic Vessel. Just trying to keep that down so he can live a normal life. It’s not working. Extremely nervous and shy, hates himself. Loves music, especially the piano. Can be connected to Mitexi.

Ghost - Essentially a very powerful god in a child’s body. Extremely bored and will cause so much chaos in order to relieve her boredom. Loves to draw, scream, and find dead bodies.

Davina - A companion robot who holds a deep dark secret about the company that created her. Just wants to make people smile. Doing her best.

Nirav - Deaf in a world that criminalizes disability. Will do anything to hide his disability, including creating a persona of someone who really really likes heavy metal music.

Luna - One of my Darklings. Has the ability to move things with her mind, along with take control of people. Is just a little creecher who hates her abilities. Wants to be a space librarian. Connected to Darius.

Graham  - Diere person. Trying his best, but always failing to do so. Wants to find a place where he belongs. Comes from the same apocalyptic world as Ari, but not connected.

October - A child raised in a religious cult who has no knowledge of the outside world. Dreams of becoming a butterfly.

Eirena - Sea Nymph. Prone to depression and anxiety. Constantly compares herself to her sister, who everyone favors. Is too soft for this cruel world.

Vilayna - Essentially Vilthuril from Watership Down, but like... human? A new agey soul who acts strange and speaks even moreso. Constantly distracted.

Antigone - A manic revolutionary born from a family that seems cursed to make all the wrong choices. Seems to have a better handle on her morality than she really does.    

Charlotte - A “superhero” incapable of dying and is trying to make most of the life she doesn’t want. Has serious daddy issues - and I do mean serious.

Sophocles - A manipulative game player who is and always has been willing to do anything in order to win. Is always planning his next move.     

Cain - Like THE Cain. Taken and expanded from Biblical lore, along with inspiration from Paradise Lost. Trying to move past his actions, but can’t lose the guilt.

Berry - Firefly-based fae. Empty head, no thoughts, but her body glows so that’s pretty cool. Needs constant attention or she will die! - Not really.

[we-need-a-sexy-skeleton]

A Night On The Town: A One Shot Set in the, The Voodoo King Universe

Want to Read the main story? Chapter Three - Chapter Two - Chapter One

Want to read more stories in this universe? The Body Sleeping Next to me

A/N: This is my second time posting this, and I would like to apologize to everyone who I have now had to tag twice because that is very inconvenient. However, I had to re-post it because the read more link wasn’t working.

Summary: Mardi Gras through the years.

Warnings: Mentions of slavery, brief mentions of death, mentions of shipwrecks

Characters: Logan, OCs, Remy (Sleep), Virgil, Patton, Roman, Dorian (Deceit)

Tag List: @doyouhowdont @onelargemcbitch @patpots-blog @apologetically-anxious @painfullybisexual @vxrgilsanders @sanderssides-deathangel @enby-kiddo-with-a-blog @residentanchor @ccecode @sea-blue-child @cyberpunkjinx @fandoms-n-ship @alex-cain @chaosgaminggirl @lesliealiceinwonderland @knine-nights @randomfanderfriend @popsicletaco @juicy-cashew @ispeakhalflies @give-me-a-minute-to-think @callboxkat @thequeensqueer @justanotherpurplebutterfly @a-ghosts @up-at-3-am-reading-fanfic @ruby717 @phangirlandkilljoy @violetvirgil @thefallendog @vampiregeek2002 @illogicalsanderssides @happiholli @ierindoodles @whatamessofwords @thomasfandersunite @all-my-fandoms-are-killing-me @anuninspiredpoet @band-be-boss-blog @the-average-loner @unicornlogan @satanblessi @demonalisa2004

________________________________________________________________

Logan was already old by the time his first Mardi Gras happened. Fifty-five, to be as exact as possible without actually knowing his birthday. He had neither the time nor energy for anything like a Mardi Gras party. He was working on something big- something bigger than anybody would believe. He was far too busy to go out and see the people that danced in the streets- the youth that enjoyed themselves. And far too old, too. People didn’t live long in those days, especially not people like him.

But there was so much for him to see! So much for him to learn, he still couldn’t read or write, but that was the future! For people like him, for women, for men of any color or nation! He had far too much to do to be distracted by something as silly as a party. But his daughter disagreed.

“Papa,” Marie said, pouting at her father. Marie was only twenty-eight, a perfectly respectable age. And she was a perfectly respectable young woman. She was already married and had two little children, Virgil and Charlotte S’enfuire. The two were twins and eight years old, and Logan spoiled them whenever he could. But this was one time he wouldn’t go along with what they wanted.

“Papa,” Marie said again, looking at him more firmly. “Please, papa. Henri is going away next week, and I know how much you like him.”

Logan glared. “I don’t like Henri any more than I like this parade, Mon Cheri,” he said, standing. “But if Virgil and Lottie want me to go, then let’s be on our way. Your daddy wouldn’t like this, you know.”

Marie laughed softly. “Daddy was a hard man to please, papa.” Logan huffed unhappily but waved his hand.

“Oh, hush, child. I said I would go, didn’t I?” Marie grinned brightly.

________________________________________________________________

Logan’s next Mardi Gras was two years later, and he seemed much younger than two years prior. Similar to his first, it was spent in the company of his favorite daughter and grandchildren, this time at his own home, where Marie and her children moved to after Marie’s husband died at sea and they lost the house.

“Papy,” Virgil said, climbing into Logan’s lap. “Will you teach me about voodoo and the magic?” Logan looked down at the ten-year-old in his lap.

“Well, mon petite lapin,” Logan started, “The first you must learn is pronunciation. Vodou.”

“Voodoo.”

“Vodou.”

“Voudou.”

“Vodou.”

“Vodou.”

“Perfect, mon petite lapin. Now you must understand the Vodou is a religion. There is one supreme god, and then other gods that help him, for he doesn’t intercede in our affairs.”

“Does he have a name?”

“Bondye,” Logan said, setting Virgil on his feet and standing, leading the little boy to his altar room. “Bondye. What French words does that sound like?”

“Bon Dieu.”

“Very good. What does it mean?”

“Good God.”

“Well done, mon petite lapin. Those words were used to inspire Bondye’s name because we had to make our true religion look like white people’s religion.”

“Papy, I’m white.”

“No.” Logan looked at Virgil seriously. “No. You are the grandson of a slave. You are not white, no matter how light your skin is. You will be white when the blood of our people no longer flows through your veins. Your skin is light, mon petite lapin, but you are every bit a man of your tribe.”

“When will the blood go away?” Virgil asked, looking sad at the idea.

“Hopefully never, mon petite lapin, but the world is changing. You are light skinned and an attractive young man. You never know what the young girl who’s eye you will catch will look like.”

“I wanna learn more about Vodou.”

Logan laughed softly. “Yes, all right. Come along, Virgil, this will do you good someday.”

________________________________________________________________

The first Mardi Gras Logan spent with Remy was only allowed after Remy had begged Logan endlessly. Remy was new to New Orleans, he’d never been to something as fun and bright as Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Logan hadn’t been to one since Marie’s death over twenty years ago. He was scared, he supposed. Of what, he didn’t know.

“Lo, please,” Remy said, dancing Logan around their shared flat above Logan’s shop. “It’ll be fun! I promise.”

“You can’t promise that, Remy,” Logan said darkly, allowing to Remy to lead him in a rather exuberant waltz.

“Yes, I can! I’ll make sure you have fun!”

Logan found himself smiling beside himself. “Oh, all right. Let’s go.”

________________________________________________________________

Logan went to Mardi Gras every year up until Remy’s death, and he even went some years after. Maybe it was because Remy’s begging was even more effective in the body of a cat, or maybe it was because Logan had gotten quite fond of going. But he hadn’t gone since the beginning of the twenty-first century. And then, one year after meeting three film students, he found himself in a familiar situation.

“Logan,” Virgil said, pouting at his friend. Logan ignored him, pointedly reading a book.

“Logan,” Virgil repeated, more firmly this time. “Please, Logan. Even Dorian is coming! You like Dorian, don’t you?”

Logan glared. “I don’t like Dorian any more than I like this parade.” He stopped and set his book to the side, looking at Virgil more firmly. Yes. There, in the familiar tilt of his head, the roundness of his chin. “What’s your mama’s last name, Virgil?’

Virgil looked confused. “S’enfuine. Why?”

“Yes, I thought so. Well, let’s go. Will Roman meet us there?”

Virgil smirked. “Yes, your fiance will meet us there,” he teased. Logan flushed and shoved him gently.

“Let’s just go.”

Virgil grinned and danced ahead to find Patton. Logan watched him go, then called, “Virgil! Where’s your father from?”

“Senegal, why?” Virgil called back, even more confused.

“No reason,” he called. Then, quieter to himself, “Funny how bloodlines work out like that.”

“Hurry up, Lo!” Patton whined, stopping and looking back at him. “Are you taking so long to try to change our mind?”

“I said I’d go, didn’t I?” Patton grinned.

[placetobenation]

WOW! What a week it’s been for World Wrestling Entertainment. The end to the draft as night two takes place on RAW,  the debut of WWE Backstage on Fox Sports 1, another very solid NXT and a new leader at the top of Friday Night Smackdown on FOX.

If you look at the hierarchy of what the WWE is these days, it’s clearly Smackdown has top priority, with RAW and NXT following respectively. But honestly, this week, the show that stood out to be is clearly NXT. No BS is a perfect slogan for them as week in and week out, they are delivering at top notch caliber. The best “wrestling” of the week is done on Wednesday and clearly, the most energy is there as well.

We will get to the specifics on each show, but what left me shaking my head the most this week was how much lack of common sense there is on Monday Night RAW. For the second straight week, I just didn’t get IT. Sure, the wrestling and the effort was fine, but why we delivered the show we got to watch just didn’t have a continuity sense to me. I’d love to know what you thought!

As for Smackdown, another solid show with an awesome Miz TV that really gets the Bayley heel turn over! More action off the top is a plus and it will be interesting to see what new executive director Bruce Prichard brings to the table moving forward.

For a “preview” first effort for WWE Backstage, count me as one who enjoyed it. Clearly, Renee Young is the star that FOX is betting on (for good reason). She’s really good, especially at being that being a traffic cop that can change topics on a dime. Booker T, Christian and Paige added good “company” talk, but if the rumors of CM Punk coming aboard are true, that would truly be the foil that would make this a must-see TV show. Love the look back at classic matches and the look at “breaking news” with Bruce Prichard and the RAW/Smackdown trade. If it’s truly a show that goes backstage, it has to be a little critical and give me something I can’t get elsewhere. Fingers crossed!

One last thought before we get to the shows – I’ll be happy when Crown Jewel is over! It’s a great card with little build since it’s stuck right in the middle of two PPV’s (Hell in a Cell & Survivor Series), but it’s a card that will be LIVE at 1pm on Halloween Day. Not exactly the prime viewing spot for a card that’s better than some WrestleMania’s and one that the WWE is getting a boatload of money from the Prince to put on. I’m sure most will be watching on delay on the WWE Network after a bit of trick or treating. It would be better served though to have those high profile, mainstream matches with Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez and Tyson Fury vs. Braun Strowman at big 4 PPV like Survivor Series or WrestleMania instead of a quick build. But, money talks!

RAW

Becky Lynch defeated Charlotte – RAW gets #1 draft pick for the night

Andrade defeated Ali  

RAW Tag Team Title Match: The Viking Raiders defeated Champions Bobby Roode & Dolph Ziggler

Aleister Black defeated Eric Young

Ricochet defeated Shelton Benjamin

Buddy Murphy defeated Cedric Alexander

Non-Title Match: Champions The Kabuki Warriors defeated Natalya & Lacey Evans

Draft – Night 2 Results

Drafted to RAW Seth Rollins Charlotte Flair Andrade and Zelina Vega The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) – WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles defended on both shows Rusev Aleister Black Cedric Alexander Humberto Carillo Erick Rowan Buddy Murphy Jinder Mahal R-Truth Samoa Joe Akira Tozawa Shelton Benjamin Rey Mysterio Titus O’Neil Liv Morgan

Drafted to Smackdown Brock Lesnar The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E., and Xavier Woods) Daniel Bryan Bayley Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Sami Zayn) Ali Bobby Roode and Dolph Ziggler Carmella The Miz King Corbin Shorty Gable Elias

What we loved:

JOIN THE CHAMPS. The #VikingRaiders @Erik_WWE & @Ivar_WWE are your NEW #RAW #TagTeamChampions! pic.twitter.com/qssrTQn2ub

— WWE (@WWE) October 15, 2019

The Viking Raiders are new RAW Tag Champs! – Well deserved by TVR. Awesome match where all four guys looked good. Crowd was really into it and they loved the result! There’s something to get behind and go forward with this one. Either a rematch with Bobby Roode & Dolph Ziggler or taking on all-comers, the Raiders will do well if given enough time in the top spot in the RAW tag team division.

Quality in-ring wrestling: Ricochet vs. Shelton Benjamin. Aleister Black vs. Eric Young. Buddy Murphy vs. Cedric Alexander. Give me those type of matches every week. Sure, they’re not part of any feuds, just quality matches made to show off the talent. With a bit more effort, they could be woven into storylines to get my emotional investment.

What we hated:

The main event was the main event why? – Why exactly would Natalya pick Lacey Evans, after a month’s long feud and Evans being drafted to Smackdown, as her tag team partner in a match with the Kabuki Warriors? Why are they getting the match in the first place? Why is it the main event? It all made no sense to me. It was like Paul Heyman just needed something to fill up the time.

The Draft – same as night 1 on Smackdown. No emotion. No reaction from the superstars being drafted. It was just rolled out there to do it. Clearly, Smackdown is getting the high-profile talent with Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Bayley, Sasha Banks, The Fiend and The New Day amongst those going blue. That’s OK. FOX is paying a billion dollars for it.

Hey Lucy, can you explain this to me? – If The Fiend is going to Smackdown, why is there no explanation as to why Seth Rollins is burning the Firefly Fun House down? I get that they will face each other at Crown Jewel, but I thought rosters were supposed to be exclusive moving forward? So are we getting vignettes from Rollins and Bray Wyatt to come on each other’s show without any face-to-face? I’m just confused by it all. NXT

RESULTS:

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Angel Garza

Imperium defeated Burch & Lorcan

Io Shirai defeated Kayden Carter

North American Title #1 Contender’s Match: Dominik Dijakovic vs. Keith Lee – no contest

Matt Riddle defeated Bronson Reed

Tegan Nox defeated Taynara

Killian Dain defeated Boa (submission)

Damian Priest defeated Pete Dunne

The. Greatest. Sports. Entertainer. Of. All. Time. Daddy’s Home

pic.twitter.com/g28Y8v8KjW

— BLACKHEART (@NXTCiampa) October 17, 2019

What we loved:

No BS – Week after week, NXT delivers with non-sense, quality. The build for Ciampa vs. The Undisputed ERA is going to be red hot! Kicking off the show with that was the right move. Add in a few squash matches to make Io Shirai, Matt Riddle and the returning Tegan Nox look strong is smart.

The main event – A little surprised that Damian Priest goes over here, but it wasn’t at the expense of Pete Dunne. Both men can walk away in a positive direction.

"Next week, my future will be my past."@FinnBalor is #WWENXT.

pic.twitter.com/w2w9bWtGAD

— WWE (@WWE) October 17, 2019

Finn Balor – “My future will be my past.” Best promo he’s done in quite some time. From the heart, talking about mistakes & missteps and how he’ll make it right. Well done Demon!

Looking ahead: Kushida could be out for a month after reaggravating his wrist injury. We could surely see a rematch with WALTER down the line.

Velveteen Dream being put out might add a little twist into the North American Title Picture now that champion Roderick Strong’s attempt to not face Dominik Dijakovic and Keith Lee has backfired into a triple threat match. A very heelish move by Strong that gets the desired result for Lee and Dijakovic.

Smackdown

RESULTS

IC Title Match: Roman Reigns defeated Champion Shinsuke Nakamura by DQ when King Corbin interferes / Daniel Bryan saves Reigns

Shorty Gable defeated Curtis Axel (submission)

The New Day & Heavy Machinery defeated The Revival, Dolph Ziggler, & Robert Roode

Smackdown Women’s #1 Contenders Match: Nikki Cross won 6-pack challenge over Dana Brooke, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Carmella & Lacey Evans

Braun Strowman defeated Drew Gulak

Daniel Bryan & Roman Reigns defeated King Corbin & Shinsuke Nakamura

It's every woman for herself in a #SixPackChallenge on #SmackDown!@CarmellaWWE @DanaBrookeWWE @NikkiCrossWWE @SonyaDevilleWWE@WWE_MandyRose @LaceyEvansWWE pic.twitter.com/VAWRxYT2CT

— WWE (@WWE) October 19, 2019

What we loved:

Getting right to it – Starting the show right off with an I-C Title Match between champions Shinsuke Nakamura and Roman Reigns instead of a long-winded in-ring promo is a step in the right direction. Action over words!

Miz TV with Bayley (and Sasha Banks) – One of the best segments of the night. Not rushed. No fluff. And at times, a bit off the cuff with The Miz getting to the bottom of Bayley’s heel turn. Well done, including the shot at Brock Lesnar, “a champ that doesn’t talk” that I hope they use down the line.

Squash matches – The continued use of squash matches to make talent look good. Braun Strowman, not that he needs it, and Shorty Gable both get strong wins in a short amount of time. Gets the point across and moves the story forward.

What we hated:

Why is Daniel Bryan a face now? – Just like Bayley, we need to told a reason why Bryan has turned from the top heel on Smackdown to a babyface. Sure, we get that he wanted to help Reigns at first after being attacked by Harper and Rowan, but that’s now done and he’s sill helping him. Explanation please guys!

No Alexa Bliss – Sure, not showcasing her in the 6-pack challenge #1 contender’s match is ok since you want to prop up others (Brooke, Deville, etc.) that don’t normally get the TV time, but how about using her on commentary to balance out Bayley & Sasha Banks? Just a bit to show she’s still part of the scene. Miss Bliss is a star that needs to be recognized.

Kofi Kingston – another week and no real emotion from the former WWE Champ about his 10-second loss to Lesnar. One line about the power of positivity with Heavy Machinery doesn’t cut it for me. Give me cutting edge interview with Corey Graves to do it. Maybe integrate with Graves’ new podcast?

[thehauntinghq-blog]

“My name is RILEY O’CONNOR, and I’m from the land of the dead. I died when I was SEVENTEEN years old, and have been dead for THREE YEARS. But now, I’m creeping back through the veil – and no one knows why. People say I look a lot like NATALIA DYER, but I don’t see it. Currently, I am OPEN.”

+ intelligent, caring, shrewd, pragmatic, brave

- doormat, aloof, cynical, untrusting, materialistic

BIOGRAPHY

Riley grew up in a mobile home on the edge of Specter, and from the start, her life was rocky. She was an intelligent, bookish girl who could usually be found playing pretend with other children in the community, or rereading her favorite fantasy novels over and over, as they were often her only escape from what was going on at home. Her father, although he loved Riley, was not a very nice man, and was often harsh towards Riley and her mother, sometimes physically abusing the latter. Riley loved him, but was confused and frightened by his behavior, not understanding why it was happening. Her parents finally divorced when Riley was twelve, her father moving upstate, forbidden to have any contact with his daughter, and that's when Riley's life took a nosedive from "unpleasant" to "nightmare." Riley's mother met and married her stepfather when Riley was fourteen. At first, Riley paid the man no mind; her mother had had a long series of boyfriends since her father left, each more worthless than the last, and she just considered him to be the latest disposable bum. Unfortunately, this one stuck around, despite his marriage to Riley's mother being an unhappy one, rife with screaming and fighting. By the time Riley turned fifteen, her stepfather had lost interest in her mother, but stuck around for one reason: Riley. Oh, not because he cared for her. His interests were far more disgusting. Riley didn't want to accept his advances, but was scared of what he'd do to her and her mother if she refused. She never told her mother of what her husband did to her, mainly because Riley's convinced she'd never believe her. (Unfortunately, she was probably right on that point.) The abuse has definitely taken its toll; Riley distrusts all men on instinct, and can't see herself ever having a normal relationship, especially since her stepfather refused to let her go near anyone her own age as she entered high school. Riley ultimately met her end in the very same trailer where she grew up, at the hands of her abusive stepfather. When he attempted to force her to do what he wanted, as usual, Riley finally snapped, and decided to either fight back and escape, or die trying. Sadly, her stepfather, being much stronger and bigger than her, overpowered her, and she died trying. He unceremoniously dumped her body in the river, and has never been caught. Riley’s incredibly upset to be back in the town where she met her demise, especially since she can’t seem to be able to stop herself from going to her old mobile home, where her mother and stepfather still live since she “went missing.” Riley often can’t bring herself to think of anything but the abuse she endured, and can often be found, pacing back and forth in front of her old home, muttering to herself. Maybe one day she’ll be able to break free and move on... but the memories simply won’t leave her alone and allow her to be happy, even now that she’s dead.

RELATIONSHIPS

Dr. Angelica Heywood: With Riley’s luck, it figures that she’s only now getting therapy, after her life has already ended. Riley met Angelica briefly after she crossed back into the mortal world, and was wandering around, trying to figure out what was going on. Not really thinking about where she was going, she walked through a wall, into Angelica’s office. While Angelica was with a patient. After a brief, confused conversation, Riley quickly left, startled and frightened, but she and Angelica kept running into each other. Finally, Riley explained that she was dead and that Angelica was the only mortal that could see her. Angelica took the news amazingly well, all things considered, and has given Riley permission to come and go as she pleases from her apartment and office. At first, Riley tried to keep mum about her life, but slowly, she’s learned to trust Angelica, who has been a far better mother to her than her own mother ever was. Angelica is the first and only person Riley’s ever told about the abuse she endured, and Angelica is determined to help her. Sometimes, Riley is optimistic enough to believe that she can.

Jacob Cain: Another ghost, and the only man Riley trusts. It took her awhile, though. Riley and Jacob met when he came across her at her usual stomping grounds, pacing as always. Riley fled as soon as she saw him, but she kept seeing him there, day after day, though he was always careful to not get too close, not wanting to upset her. Finally, she allowed him to speak to her, and even began to speak back. Riley now views Jacob as the older brother she wishes she’d had in life, and is trying to get herself to spend more time with him and less time alone with her thoughts. Riley and Jacob could talk for hours about books or places they wished they had gone when they were alive, and they can also spend hours simply sitting in silence, enjoying each other’s company. Riley’s never told Jacob what her stepfather did to her, but at this point, it’s mainly because she feels like he already knows.

Charlotte D’Amico: Riley’s friend, another ghost who was murdered young -- though Charlotte doesn’t even know who did it, in her case. Charlotte was a famous child actress before her death, and grew up wealthy, adored, and spoiled. In other words, the complete opposite of Riley. The two never would’ve crossed paths in life, but in death, they’ve both found themselves bound to Specter, and often find themselves in one another’s company. Riley’s never been able to tell Charlotte what happened to her, but in a way, feels better just hanging out with her, suspecting that Charlotte may have faced similar trials in her own life. Charlotte tries to be a good friend to Riley, but is sometimes insensitive and oblivious, too focused on herself and her own issues to be of much help, and unable to relate to Riley’s upbringing. Despite how obnoxious Charlotte can be at times, Riley knows she’s not really a bad person, and in a way, can’t hold it against her -- anyone would be pretty messed up with a mother like that.

[placetobenation]

Welcome to the first ever “This Week in the WWE” with yours truly. Before we get into the historic week that was in sports entertainment, let me give you a blurb about me. I am an avid pro wrestling fan dating back to seeing Jimmy Snuka vs. Don Muraco (and yes, Pete Doherty) at the old Boston Garden in Boston and the epic King of the Ring series in Providence. But, not only was I a watcher of then WWF, but also Georgia Championship Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, the NWA, Mid-South, WCW and yes, even Southwest Championship Wrestling. So, yes, we’ve seen the industry weave in and out of many different forks in the road. I’m a huge HBK fan (who isn’t?!) and since I’ve worked in tv & radio for 30 years, I love thinking outside the box and creativity. But, enough about me. Now, it’s onto the 2019 scene and beyond.

Before we get into the specific shows, let’s look at the landscape. Any wrestling fan with his or her head not buried in the sand knows how huge a week this was for not only WWE, but also the upstart All Elite Wrestling league as well as the entire industry. For the first time since 2001 and the Monday Night Wars between RAW and WCW’s Nitro, there would be a live competitor on TNT to WWE in the form of AEW’s Dynamite vs. WWE’s NXT on Wednesday night. In addition, for the first time EVER, the WWE would return to broadcast TV on FOX with Friday Night Smackdown, meaning a new gateway to mainstream fans is open should WWE take advantage of it. For comparison sake, a really good show on cable TV can do two million viewers. That same really good show on broadcast TV would expect to double that many viewers in order to be successful. The number one show on broadcast TV, Sunday Night Football on NBC, just did 15 million viewers with the Cowboys vs. Saints last Sunday night. 

Competition is good for EVERYONE and especially the fans! We get to watch and enjoy it all! Don’t get sucked into you have to “be” with one side of the other. Watch it all. WWE, AEW, Ring of Honor, New  Japan, MLW, House of Hardcore and any number of your favorite indy promotions! It will only make the individual companies strive to get better or get out of the game. The strong will survive but along the way, we should get many, many, MANY memorable moments. 

So, let’s get to it. I’m not going to give you “five star (or any star) ratings.” That’s not my thing. I will tell you what I think they got right and what went off the deep end as well. 

Monday Night RAW – Season premiere on USA Network

Results:  Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss  Raw Tag Team Title Match: Champions Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler defeated Heavy Machinery  The Viking Raiders defeated The Good Brothers Ricochet defeated Cesaro  US Title Match: Champion AJ Styles defeated Cedric Alexander  Lacey Evans defeated Natalya  Universal Title Match: Champion Seth Rollins vs. Rusev went to a no contest What we loved:  An absolute epic destruction of Rey Mysterio, JR and his son Dominic by Brock Lesnar to start the show. Lesnar’s heel stock soars! Tag teams! Loving the chemistry with Roode & Ziggler. Heavy Machinery is downright entertaining, I’m digging the AOP vignettes too. There better be more than a one week payoff there when they debut in the ring! One question though, do Gallows and Anderson really need to lose every week? 

The Fiend! What’s not to love about Bray Wyatt’s alter ego. I would love to see him start terrorizing more than just babyfaces and legends though. Be more arbitrary. After all, that would make more sense as to why he gets a Universal Title Shot at Hell in the Cell PPV without ever having a tv match, wouldn’t it? 

What we hated:  Where was Seth Rollins during that beatdown? The company’s supposed #1 babyface doesn’t come out to save Rey and his son? Makes too much sense, doesn’t it? Talk about your missed opportunity!

While we always enjoy a dose of the Southern Belle, Lacey Evans, I don’t need a weekly diet of Natalya in a match we’ve seen three or four times over now. Put them in different settings, different opponents if you want to continue the feud. They both have it in them. Ditto for Ricochet vs. Cesaro. All four deserve more creativity. 

Bobby Lashley & Lana? Seriously! I’m all for pushing the TV-14 envelope, but that lengthy make out session that renders Rusev useless during a Championship match was a tinge long even for Vincent Kennedy McMahon’s teenage tendencies! You knew it was just a fork in the road en route to The Fiend getting to Rollins to end the show. Which begs the question, why wouldn’t Rusev save Rollins again after doing it earlier in the night? He’s already out there! I know, I know. Too much common sense. 

MEH:  Team Flair vs. Team Hogan on MIZ TV. Sure, it’s a way to pay off some legends of the past for the Saudi Prince on Halloween night with a 10-man tag match featuring captains Randy Orton and Seth Rollins, but haven’t we seen this one before in TNA? I hope they find a way to showcase a few seldom used stars as part of the five-man teams to give them the rub to catapult them after the event. Let’s hope no physicality with the legend captain however! We don’t need to see that!

NXT on USA Network

Results:

NXT Championship: Adam Cole defeats Matt Riddle Io Shirai pins Mia Yam Johnny Gargano wins over Shane Thorne NXT Women’s Championship: Shayna Baszler taps out Candice LeRae Pete Dunne defeats Danny Burch NXT Tag Team Championship: The Undisputed Era pins Street Profits

Bravo! For its Virgin Excursion, live for two hours on the USA Network, the men and women of NXT blew the doors down on a night in which it went head-to-head with the debuting AEW Dynamite on TNT. Sure, the rating/viewer numbers show that AEW won the battle (1.4 million viewers vs. 891,000 viewers according to Nielsen), the pure enjoyment and success showed through. 

From Adam Cole retaining his NXT Championship against Matt Riddle, despite a fractured wrist, to Shayna Baszler winning a back-and-forth-balls-to-the wall war over Candice LeRae to the Undisputed ERA staving off the Street Profits in the NXT Tag Team Championship main event, the effort, pacing and sheer athleticism was there. 

What we loved:  All of it! No down time, no mic time fillers and a few surprises to boot! 

Finn Balor IS NXT! A nice surprise as the former NXT Champion returns to Full Sail to challenge Cole. It’s time for Ballor Club to shine again instead of getting lost in the main roster shuffle. 

Tommaso Ciampa returns. Yes, Mr. Cole has a lot of his plate. Can you imagine a future tag team match with Ciampa, Balor, Johnny Gargano & more facing the Undisputed ERA? Sign me up NOW!

What we hated: 

Nothing. Although in today’s age, perception is reality. While I love NXT’s Full Sail crowd, a mainstream audience vs. AEW’s larger arena crowd may make some think of NXT as small-time. Trust me, it’s not. 

Friday Night Smackdown – Season premiere on FOX

Results:

Charlotte & Becky Lynch defeated Bayley & Sasha Banks via submission  Non-Title Match: Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura went to a no contest  Career vs. Career Ladder Match: Kevin Owens defeated Shane McMahon  8-man tag team match: Braun Strowman, The Miz, & Heavy Machinery defeated AJ Styles, Robert Roode, Dolph Ziggler, & Randy Orton Lumberjack Match: Roman Reigns defeated Erick Rowan  WWE Title Match: Brock Lesnar defeated Champion Kofi Kingston

What we loved: 

Amazing set! Best of the Smackdown series with a nod to the arches from yesteryear!

Kevin Owens and a ladder = success. If we don’t have to see Shane McMahon sweat his way through a WWE event anytime soon, it will be a blessing!

Daniel Bryan. Is it me or do I see a swerve coming Sunday at HIAC? I don’t want a babyface Bryan just yet! Give me a Survivor Series with Team Bryan vs. Team Reigns. 

The “non-PG” Rock with The Man. C’mon, how could you not love a double dose of calling King Corbin the “Super Tough Dude” to get an STD chant. Priceless!

What we hated: 

The quickness of the end to Kofi Kingston’s title reign. 10 seconds? Seriously?! He deserved better. I agree with putting the title back on Lesnar now that Smackdown is on FOX, he’s more mainstream and can attract more eyeballs, especially if he’s actually going to appear more often. But, to just dismiss Kofi to get to the surprise of Cain Velazquez coming out with Rey Mysterio, JR. to challenge Lesnar to pay off Monday’s attack is wrong. The question now is can they get mainstream fans to care about a Lesnar-Velasquez feud after their “real” encounter in MMA in which Lesnar got his ass handed to him. 

Did you really think we were going to get something good out of the champion vs. champion match other than The Fiend showing up to attack Rollins? Clear as day, my friends. At least give me something before the expected comes. And yes, I know you have to build up to the PPV match, but again, don’

An 8-man tag for less than 3 minutes? Why bother. Sometimes less is more and yes, jamming 8 stars with nothing to do in order to kick off a Strowman-Tyson Fury incident seems a stretch. I applaud trying to get the boxing audience to cross over, but there are better ways to do it. Especially, if the now pay off comes next on RAW on the USA Network. I guess the split won’t actually occur until the Draft starting October 11th on FOX. 

Bonus what we loved: The 24/7 Championship! The twists and turns continue as Marshmello (yes, the DJ!) wins and loses the Title in a WWE.com exclusive. Someday soon, I can see FOX and former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw winning it on FOX! The Truth and Carmella are brilliant with the comedy that I hope continues with this Championship. It’s OK to have some fun in sports entertainment! 

Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! Shoot me an email at jcrowe567@gmail.com. We’d love to hear you comments and suggestions! You can also check out my blog, The Crowe’s Nest as we delve into more pro wrestling, sports entertainment and the World of Sports. My apologies ahead of time – I AM a Patriots and Red Sox fan! If you’re not down with that, I’ve got TWO WORDS for you…. NEW ENGLAND!