#its his major downfall as a champ.
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talking about kanto/johto aggro, I'm a firm believer in: "Lance has shocking defence strategy because he focuses so much on an aggressive offensive for a win."
don't need to defend when you've obliterated half the pitch along with your enemies. (he is learning, however).
#its his major downfall as a champ.#boy you have too many weaknesses to NOT think abt the defensive.#ooc. » electric type enthusiast.
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hollywoodunlocked HU Staff: Ariela Anís @ari.anis Wow! Is Kanye West getting canceled? Days after Balenciaga, Vogue and its EIC Anna Wintour severed ties with Ye, he is now being dropped by his talent agency CAA, Johnny Depp’s lawyer, and reportedly Def Jam. Ye’s Adidas partnership is also under review after his anti-Semitic and George Floyd comments online and on ‘Drink Champs.’ ___________________________________________________ Early Monday (October 24), it was reported that Depp’s lawyer, Camille Vasquez is no longer representing Ye. Earlier this month, it was reported that the two were working together on Ye’s business deals and contracts. Additionally, on Monday it was also learned that earlier this month Hollywood talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency) also cut ties with Ye. ___________________________________________________ Hours later, it is being reported that Def Jam has severed its ties with Ye and his label G.O.O.D. Music. According to The New York Times, a source at Def Jam claims G.O.O.D. Music is no longer affiliated with the major label. They also say Ye’s contract as an artist expired back in 2021, after the release of ‘Donda.’ However, it is unclear if Ye and Def Jam were expected to extend their partnership prior to his inflammatory comments. #Socialites, thoughts? ___________________________________________________ Read more by clicking link in bio 📸 Getty Images __________________________________________________ If you have a tip or suggestion, or want to talk to us about this story, Text the word “TIP” to 1-310-388-6463
live footage of Jewish and black folks seeing ye downfall in real time
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Life In The Fast Lane
Pairing: Negan x Female Reader/You, Non-Apocalyptic AU
Rating: Explicit, NSFW
Warnings: Language, daddy kink, unprotected sex, car sex, vaginal sex, mild rough sex, hair pulling (mild), biting (mild), mention of bodily fluids
Word Count: 3.5K
Summary: You and Negan decide to head south when things take a turn, threatening both of your lives.
A/N: This is for Negan’s Warm Weather Writing Challenge hosted by @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash. I chose the prompt road trip. I’ve had this planned for months, but it was definitely not cooperating when it came time to type up. I really took it down to the wire with this, but I finished it in time so YAY! The title is from the Eagles song, which gave me the inspiration for this piece. And the lyrics in the beginning are from another Eagles song called “One of these nights”. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like Negan would definitely be into some Eagles. Anyway, I hope you guys like it and let me know what you think!
PS-Tense is a real fucking bitch.
Masterlist link in bio.
***
One of these nights
One of these crazy old nights
We’re gonna find out, pretty mama,
What turns on your lights
Music is playing softly from the other room as you apply the last of your makeup. Your eyes scan the planes of your perfectly made-up face, ensuring not an eyelash is out of place. The strands of your impeccably styled hair shine in the light of the vanity. Your gaze continues to your carefully crafted outfit. The white sleeveless dress and open-toed nude heels make for a powerful combination. You finish off the look with the pair of diamond studs that had recently been gifted to you. You admire them lovingly in the reflective glass, smiling at the way they glint in the light.
Every detail is a part of a bigger plan. There are a lot of eyes watching you now and you have to be careful about how you portray yourself. Your life depends on it. And you had no problem playing the part. You were more than willing to sell the picture of luxury.
The opening and closing of the hotel room door makes you smile, the identity of the visitor already known. You continue to fuss with your appearance, standing to appraise the full ensemble.
“Doll?” A deep voice penetrates the air, sending shivers down your spine and butterflies fluttering in your stomach. You’ll never tire of those feelings.
“Back here.” You call, splashing drops of perfume on your wrists and neck.
A dark figure leans into the doorway, an intense stare meeting yours in the mirror. He smiles wolfishly, his teeth on full display as he bites into his bottom lip. You can’t help but to copy his actions, eyeing him with the same lust-filled gaze. Your eyes sweep over his body, pleased by the dark slacks and black shirt he’s chosen to wear. He looks like the greatest pleasure and the darkest sin combined.
“Well, don’t you look ravishing.” He licks his lips, accentuating his point. The comment makes you blush and laugh at the same time; a clash of young girl and woman.
You turn to face him, your backside resting against the counter as he walks towards you. You arch an eyebrow up at him as he scratches at the thick stubble on his chiseled jaw, the dark hair mixed with areas of gray. The facial hair is a new and calculated addition on his part. The blend of youth and age gives him a distinguished look, but the wicked grin that spreads across his lips says otherwise.
His arms immediately pull you against him, the warmth from his body seeping into yours. “You look like you belong with the angels in Heaven. All you need is a halo and a set of wings.” He teases, the timber in his voice making you squeeze your thighs together.
“Well…” You start, eyes meeting his while your hands toy with the buttons on his shirt. “They wouldn’t let me through the pearly gates…I sleep in the Devil’s bed now.”
He laughs as he speaks, hazel eyes dancing with mirth. “Is that so, baby girl?” His hand comes to rest on your ass, the action making you warm from the inside out.
You nod, continuing the game you both started. The result of which usually ends in mind-blowing sex.
“I know this bastard who’s bed you’re sharing?” He asks, thick fingers digging into your hips as he presses further against you.
“He goes by Negan. Ever heard of him?” You move closer into his space, ready to touch his lips to yours. You see his eyes dart to your mouth, his eagerness taking over as well.
“Yeah, handsome son of a bitch. And hung like a horse.”
You smirk, unable to refute his own characterization of himself. Both observations are very true. And he knows it.
“You’re gonna have to reintroduce me to that last one.” You whisper breathlessly. You hear him groan in response, his crotch rubbing against your stomach hungrily.
“Gladly, baby girl. But not right now.”
You whimper in protest, not used to being denied. He puts space in between your bodies, breaking the mood.
“Don’t pout,” Negan admonishes. “Daddy will fuck you ten ways to Sunday when we finally get the fuck outta this fucking place. We gotta hit the road.”
You sigh, admitting defeat because you know he’s was right. If you want to make it to Florida, you had to get on the road.
“Any news from Simon?” You ask, allowing him to release you so that you could pack up the last of your belongings.
Negan nods, taking the smaller toiletry bags you handed him. “Yeah, he says Blake is still singing like a fucking canary. All while throwing my fucking ass under the bus.”
You both move around the room in unison as you gather your luggage and belongings, preparing for the trip ahead.
“I still can’t believe Phillip Blake turned on you like that. Rotten son of a bitch.” You bite out, shaking your head at the absurdity of it all.
Two months was all it took. The downfall of Governor Inc. happened suddenly and rapidly during that time. Everyone began to jump ship when rumors of a high level investigation became a reality. And everyone began to take sides…Phillip Blake, owner and CEO of said company. Or Negan, co-owner and business partner to said CEO. Many chose the side that offered the least amount of backlash and repercussions. Unfortunately, most didn’t realize it was a set up. Phillip Blake had sold most of his employees out, including Negan. The man was guilty of many of heinous crimes and he’d framed Negan for embezzlement. The feds came knocking soon after.
The aftermath of such a shocking scandal had hit hard. The story was front page for weeks in Alexandria, even making it to some of the major national news circuits. Negan had suffered greatly, even being arrested for a short time. You had been Negan’s assistant turned lover when the story broke. When the sky started to fall, you decided on the only choice that made sense at the time. You stayed. And you helped Negan in any way you could. You devoted your life to him, and in return he was going to give you a new one. A new life away from Alexandria.
“Yeah, well he’s a twisted motherfucker. Doesn’t give a damn about anyone but his fucking self.” Negan grumbles, the topic making his face turn sour.
You move towards him and catch his hand, offering comfort in the only way you know how. He seems to realize your intent because his face instantly softens, the gruffness of his expression now smoothed out.
“We’ll get through this, baby.”
He nods, a large hand cupping your cheek at the same moment. The pull is instinctual as you both move closer together, lips only inches apart.
“You’re too good to me.” He whispers against your lips before he’s capturing them in a breathtaking kiss. His hands tangle in your hair while yours grips at his shirt and biceps. You can feel the way your body submits to him. Its been that way from the beginning. Your connection with Negan was immediate and passionate…the flame showing no signs of dying out any time soon.
“Alright, as much as I’d love to fuck you for the billionth time on this fucking bed,” He gestures to the massive mattress to your back. “We gotta get a move on.”
“I’ll get my bags. You get the car?”
Negan nods and releases himself from your arms, but not before pinching your ass. You yelp and he only winks at you, his lean frame already heading for the door.
***********
“So how long is this drive again?”
You roll up your window in Negan’s black Range Rover, your hips shifting in the seat as you make yourself comfortable for the trip.
“About fourteen hours, give or take.”
You nod and are just about to try and convince Negan to let you drive when his cell phone goes off, the speakers of the vehicle alerting the passengers to the call.
“It’s Simon.” He notes, moving to press the Bluetooth button on his steering wheel. You nod in response, eager to hear what the investigator has to say.
“Simon, what kind of fucking news you got this time?”
“Its good. Better than my last phone call.”
“I’m all fucking ears.”
“Blake is still blaming everyone but himself. But, there’s a lot more people willing to vouch for you than him. And we may be able to prove that he was the one that cooked the books and not you. Michonne is working on it.”
“How is my very expensive lawyer doing? Haven’t spoken to her recently.” Negan asks, his tone light despite the heaviness of the situation.
“She’s working around the clock. Grimes is really trying to trip her up, but she’s taking the hits like a champ. Doesn’t like you much though.”
The comment makes both you and Negan laugh. Not many people did like Negan. And that worked in his favor. He had a very small inner circle; one that was very difficult to infiltrate. Simon was a close and long-time friend to Negan, who just so happened to have an ear to the investigation about him and Phillip Blake.
“I pay her to represent me. Not fucking like me.”
Simon’s laughter echoes throughout the cab of the car. “Touché.”
“And what about Dwight? That greasy fucker still acting as Blake’s fucking puppet?”
You listen intently to Simon’s response, interested to know what was becoming of one of Negan’s most trusted employees. Dwight had turned on Negan hard and fast, and the man was relentless in his pursuit of taking him down. The exact reason was unknown to most, but rumors swirled that it had something to do with Dwight’s ex-wife.
“Yeah, he’s staying loyal to Blake. But his accusations are about as sturdy as Styrofoam. Michonne will punch holes in his story left and right.”
Negan visibly relaxes at Simon’s words, his hand loosening its white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel.
“Good. That is fucking good news. Thanks for the insight.”
“No problem, man. I’ll keep you posted. You let me know when you make it to Miami.”
“Of course.”
And with that, the conversation was ended.
You hum at the news, glad that a pile of shit hadn’t been delivered like so many times before. The car ride was too long to have to marinate over the sudden downturn of both of your lives.
“So, not bad…” You trail off, unsure of what Negan’s thoughts are about the call. His face is expressionless and gives you no clue into what’s going on in his head.
“Yeah, better than I expected.” He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Just ready for this to be fucking done. Everyone seems to have a hard-on for me. Especially that fucker Grimes.”
“It’ll be over soon. Miami will take our mind off of it all for a while.” You run a hand through the hair at the base of his neck, feeling him relax instantly.
He chuckles at your words, that mischievous glint back in his eyes. “You ready for Daddy to show you how the other half lives?”
You smile, moving as close as your seatbelt and the center console allows. “Of course.”
Negan had decided to take a much needed respite from the current controversies and head to Miami Beach. It was a place that held a lot of memories for him and he was eager to introduce you to the life he led there. It was his idea to make it a road trip and you’d happily agreed.
Some in the investigation would say you were on the run. Others would say he was simply handling himself and any other matters that needed tending to. You knew it for what it was. A new life. And if things went real sour…new identities.
“So what are we gonna do in Miami?” You adjust the sunglasses perched on your nose as Negan accelerates onto the highway. The sun is starting to set and the last of the day’s light are reflecting off the all black interior of the car.
“All of it. And then some.” He replies devilishly. His hand reaches out to clasp your thigh through the fabric of your dress. It’s an innocent enough gesture, but you know Negan and nothing should ever be taken at face value with him.
“I can’t wait until we get there.”
“Don’t worry…before long we’ll be sitting pretty on the beach sipping those drinks with the stupid umbrella shit in them.”
“Sex on the beach?”
“Yeah babe, any kind of drink you want.” He assures with a nod.
“Wasn’t talking about the drink, babe.” You reply coyly, loving the way he smirks back at you. He shifts his hips and your eyes immediately go to the center, zeroing in on the appendage just beyond the zipper.
“Someone’s feeling frisky.” Negan’s eyebrows shoot up and again he looks like the real-life version of the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. He looks as if he wants to devour you. You feel that rush of arousal that always seems to accompany you while with him. You welcome it. You embrace it. You feel yourself ready to beg for it.
As much as Negan likes to act as if everything is under control with his pending case, you know the ship could sink any day. You and him would be pulled under, never to resurface. It’s this sentiment that drives you. It’s this feeling that has you leaning over and nibbling at his ear, your hand cupping the fast-hardening flesh beneath his slacks.
“Pull over.” You demand softly as you take off your sunglasses and lean into his body, teeth scraping against the sensitive flesh of his neck. He groans, the sound making your thighs clench in familiar anticipation.
“That bad, baby girl? You need me that bad?” His voice has already gone down an octave, signaling his own arousal. It’s a sign you’ve already won.
“Yes…” You reply, unashamed of your desire for him.
“Fuck.”
You unbutton his pants and slide your hand under the waistband of his underwear. His flesh is warm and hard and desperate for touch. You oblige and maneuver your hand in the way he loves so much. You can feel yourself become wetter with each passing second. His grunts and groans only spur you on, his hands gripping the wheel hard as he pulls off into an abandoned rest area.
“Goddamit, I can’t fucking concentrate with your hand on my dick like that.” It’s a compliment disguised as a complaint. You smirk as you unbuckle your seatbelt and shift your lace panties off your hips.
“You love it.” You tease as he parks the car. His seatbelt is already off as he pulls you across the console and into his lap. He adjusts his seat back, allowing you more room. You feel the adrenaline and lust pooling deep in your belly, the combination almost making you feel dizzy. Negan makes you feel like this. No other man has ever come close and you don’t ever want to lose it. The danger, passion, obsession…all of it. You want it all and you want it forever.
“Fuck doll, you weren’t fucking kidding.” He moans as you rub yourself sensuously on his now free cock. His head is thrown back against the seat as you tease him. His calloused hands unbutton the few buttons needed to expose your bra-clad breasts. It’s your turn to moan as he pushes the lace material aside, your nipples rubbing deliciously against the rough skin of his palm.
“God, yes…”
His mouth descends on a hardened nipple and he uses just the right amount of suction to make your toes curl. The sensation is almost painful and you pull harshly at his hair in response. You both got off on the pain and this time was no exception.
“Shit that feels fucking good.” He moans lowly.
You aren’t sure what he’s referring to specifically, but you don’t care. He pulls your mouth to his and consumes you. His tongue invades your mouth. His hands tangle in your hair. His hips thrust upwards to seek out the solace of your soaked channel. You fight to keep up your pace. You grip his shoulders and push back against him, your teeth biting at his lower lip.
“Ride me, baby girl.” Negan growls against your throat. You don’t waste any more time. You rise up on your knees and let him hold himself while you sink down. The sound of your bodies joining fills the car and it makes your walls clasp at him that much tighter.
“Holy fuck…” He grunts, the signs of his end already showing. “You gotta move, baby.”
You had taken him in you slowly, but you change your pace at the pure want and desperation in his voice. Your hips bounce, your ass grazing the steering wheel as you chase that blissful high. Negan’s fingertips are gripping at the flesh of your hips and ass as he bites at your nipples. You squeak when he bites down too hard.
“Careful.” You warn, your pace never faltering.
“You liked it. Felt that pretty pussy squeeze me after.” He teases. He knows what that kind of talk does to you. You’re a fan of his dirty talk. The action is an art and Negan is a master.
“Fuck…” You moan as he pistons his hips upwards. He hits deep and the sensation makes you cling to him, turning the reigns over to his more than capable hands.
The summer heat is making its way into the interior of the car. The air in the cab is hot and sticky and you can feel your skin start to prickle with sweat. You ignore it all and allow Negan to impale you time and time again, his cock almost too much and not quite enough.
“Cum for me, baby. Let me feel that pussy suck me in.” A thick digit lands on your clit and you throw your head back at the rush of pleasure.
“Look at that cream…”
You look down upon hearing his words. You take in the sight of your body swallowing him and the remnants of your arousal on his cock. Its erotic and enough to push you further towards your finish line.
“Fuck, Negan…” You whimper as he delivers a swift slap to your pussy. It does the trick. Your muscles start to tense and spasm as you ride wave after wave of your orgasm. Negan’s hands keep you firmly seated on his cock as you gyrate above him. His lips are sucking hungrily at your neck as you moan out his name like a hymn.
He isn’t far behind you. It takes him only two more pumps and a growl before he is emptying himself inside of you, his face buried in your breasts while you stroke his hair. You soak up the feeling of his essence filling you and painting your walls. You can feel errant streaks already starting to leak out between the two of you, but you barely have the energy to care.
“Motherfucking fuck. That was hot as shit.”
You laugh as he wipes at the sweat on his brow, the steady up and down of his chest filling you with a sense of pride. The power you have over someone as powerful as Negan makes you smug as fuck.
“Literally and figuratively.” You retort as you roll down his window to let the breeze sweep through the car. The stench of sex will take a minute to leave, but the cool air feels refreshing on your overheated skin.
“You ready to hit the road for real this fucking time?”
You can tell he’s joking, despite the serious look on his face.
“You really trying to reprimand me with your dick still inside me?” You fire back, a seductive smirk planted firmly on your lips.
He laughs and the action causes his body to shake both beneath and in you. You shiver and hiss at the oversensitivity of your body.
“At this rate we won’t get to Florida until next fucking week.”
You encircle his neck with your arms, content to bask in the afterglow as long as he’ll let you.
“Fine by me.” You whisper against his lips. He kisses you gently and with a softness that is often reserved for the moments just after sex.
“Well, in that case…” He says between kisses. His mouth moves to your neck again and rubs his scruff against your flesh, eliciting giggles from your kiss-swollen lips.
You let him pull you into another round, unconcerned with anything outside the walls of your mobile sanctuary. The road trip may take longer than expected, but it could all be gone tomorrow. You were willing to take that chance.
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WWE Backlash 2017: Full rundown and why you should care
Will Jinder be hindered or is Randy Orton going to regret underestimating his latest threat?
The first SmackDown-exclusive pay-per-view after WrestleMania 33 is here, and given the show has had so much time to put together stories, it’s no surprise that there is a whole lot to go over here. So, let’s get right to it: Backlash will air on the WWE Network beginning at 7 p.m. ET with a kickoff show, with the actual event starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan
What am I looking at here? Two big dudes with beards, both of whom used to work for Bray Wyatt in his cult, the Wyatt Family. Harper is low-key one of the best wrestlers in the entire company, and even had a chance to be in the WWE World Championship match at WrestleMania 33. Rowan had a brief run as a face a couple years back after exiting the Wyatts, showing himself to be kind of a gentle giant who is also a genius, but that seems to have been put aside and replaced with creep factor.
Why you should care: Harper is the good guy now, the one who broke away from Bray’s hold, and Rowan seems to have made major strides in his wrestling since the last time he was around — he only recently returned from an injury that sidelined him and helped change the entire structure of the Wyatts. Both deserve the spotlight, especially as each character adds layers and nuance as a solo act: seeing which of the two comes out the winner is intriguing.
Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin
What am I looking at here? Baron Corbin is a former Golden Gloves winner, NFL player, had a successful college football career, won medals for grappling, is a former Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner, and is literally the most metal athlete in the world — no, really, he recently won an award for that, too. Also, he is a wolf enthusiast.
Zayn, meanwhile, loves ska and being a good person, and also manages to annoy many people around him with how he speaks. It’s okay, though, Sami, we all love you. Except for Corbin, who definitely hates you.
Why you should care: Zayn is a beloved WWE babyface who always rises to the challenge and fights valiantly, even if the outcome seems to rarely be in his favor. Corbin is someone who has known success everywhere he’s gone, who thinks everyone he works with is a giant loser who needs to stay out of his way as he rises through WWE’s ranks. Seeing if Zayn can prove Corbin wrong or if Corbin is going to grind him into dust is the attraction for this one.
Naomi, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch vs. The Welcoming Committee (Natalya, Carmella, and Tamina Snuka ft. James Ellsworth)
What am I looking at here? This six-woman tag match isn’t just some thrown-together affair to get everyone in the women’s division on the pay-per-view. No, no, this match has been setup to decide the soul of the division. Charlotte Flair arrived on SmackDown as part of the Superstar Shakeup, and immediately declared herself next-in-line for the show’s Women’s title. Natalya, Carmella, and Tamina Snuka did not take kindly to this, saying Flair is entitled and that she needs to be stopped. So, during Charlotte’s championship match against Naomi, they beat her down.
WWE.com
Becky Lynch did not come out to save Charlotte, even though she’s a face, and it’s because Charlotte is a heel who has betrayed Becky in the past — Charlotte was going to need to earn it this time. When Charlotte valiantly came to Naomi’s aid a week later, Becky responded by saving the two of them from a beatdown at the hands of the Welcoming Committee, and we ended up with this three-on-three alignment.
Why you should care: The chances of this match ending without someone either turning or being introduced to the Welcoming Committee seem slim. Will Charlotte Flair decide she should be in charge of this stable that already has a veteran presence, a young and hungry star, and muscle? Will Becky preemptively attack Charlotte, knowing that Charlotte would do the same to her the instant she sees an opening? Or has Naomi been the one behind all of this the entire time? She’s been awfully quiet relative to Charlotte and Becky...
This match is going to determine the direction of the women’s division for some time yet, and help lead SmackDown into its next championship program and what the brand will do at its next pay-per-view, June’s Money in the Bank. That’s no small thing.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler
What am I looking at here? This is Shinsuke Nakamura:
WWE.com
Nakamura has recently been NXT Champion, but now he’s here on SmackDown to become one of the new major stars and good guys on the show. His first challenger is Dolph Ziggler, who is tired of hearing about how great Nakamura is, so he keeps on saying that it doesn’t matter what Nakamura has done outside the WWE: he’ll never be as successful as Ziggler has been within it.
Why you should care: Ziggler is such an annoying heel, and, at least lately, I mean that as a compliment. There is nothing that I (and many others) want more on Sunday than for Nakamura to knee him in his big dumb head for all the dumb things he’s said about Nakamura, who is a capital-s Star. This match could end up being the best one of the entire show, as it’s his first real opportunity to let loose against an opponent who will make him look amazing since his NXT debut against Sami Zayn from TakeOver: Dallas over a year ago.
Nakamura will likely win and be immediately thrust into the main event scene somehow — just in time to participate in the Money in the Bank ladder match for a WWE World Championship match contract.
Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles for the WWE United States Championship
What am I looking at here? Owens claims to be the new face of America, as the Canadian is the current US Champ and speaking French to American crowds infuriates them. More realistically, speaking ill of AJ Styles infuriates them, and doing so coming off of the heels of a feud with the beloved Chris Jericho has made them all even more upset with KO. Styles is the face of SmackDown, and that’s not just something he says: he’s a good guy once again, and the top star on Tuesday’s show, and he’s coming for the belt that SmackDown has been put in charge of reviving.
Why you should care: The Occam’s Razor explanation for why you should care is that these two dudes are dope as hell in the ring. More big picture, though, is that RAW screwed up the United States Championship, and it’s been sent to SmackDown to be rehabilitated. Pitting a recent WWE Universal Champion against a recent WWE World Champion for this secondary title — and making the feud about the title — is an effective way to get that process started.
Hey, we already saw SmackDown successful bring the Intercontinental Championship back to life. Why not the US strap?
The Usos (c) vs. Breezango for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships
What am I looking at here? The Usos went heel awhile ago, and it’s added an extra dimension to their characters while also giving their in-ring performance the killer instinct it was missing. They’ll take on Breezango, the portmanteau of Tyler Breeze and Fandango, aka the Fashion Police. You might think that Breezango is a joke, but instead, WWE seems to just be letting them tell jokes: they won the number one contendership by beating out the rest of the SmackDown tag division, and now they’re here to win the titles, too.
Why you should care: For one, watch this and then look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want Breeze and Fandango to be the tag champions for every wrestling promotion on Earth:
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SmackDown’s tag division was unquestionably the weakest part of their show before WrestleMania 33, but between the Usos and the Fashion Police, that seems to be changing. Breeze and Deputy Dango don’t necessarily need to win the titles at Backlash in order to be taken seriously as a competitor, but they do need to look real good so that they aren’t just a one-and-done opponent for the Usos until another team (presumably, New Day) shows up. This is SmackDown’s chance to build some real depth and help launch a team who could entertain us every Tuesday for months and months.
Randy Orton (c) vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE World Championship
What am I looking at here? Randy Orton won the WWE World Championship from Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 33, and Jinder Mahal won a battle royal to determine the number one contender and Orton’s opponent at Backlash. Mahal had recently been a jobber — a guy who loses all the time — but his past doesn’t matter anymore. He’s got a new attitude, he’s ripped as all heck, and maybe most importantly, now he has friends. Jinder Mahal might not be able to beat anyone by himself, but he’s not by himself, and that might be Orton’s downfall.
Why you should care: SmackDown bills itself as the land of opportunity in WWE, and it’s done a great job of delivering on that promise. Jinder Mahal, who has never had real success in WWE, is suddenly in the main event scene because he got some new muscles and some new friends and put both to work. Just having him in this match is huge, but if Jinder wins the WWE World Championship, then it says a lot about how far SmackDown is willing to take their promotional line in reality.
None of that is a negative, by the way. Jinder is the bad guy here: if you don’t think he deserves the title but he wins anyway with help from the Singh Brothers, well, you dislike him for the right reasons — the story line reasons WWE is giving you. And in a world where Jinder’s former goofy stable mates Heath Slater (SmackDown Tag Team Champion) and Drew McIntyre (indie sensation returned to NXT as a big deal) have already rehabilitated, Jinder doing so at the top of the SmackDown card makes plenty of sense.
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