#made new refs for the first time in over 3 years. who clapped

[pocasu]

reference sheets for the hyun siblings

(artfight profile 🦇🩸)

[queenmagnusao3]

Operation Flaming Boar Part 2

Part 1

AO3 Link

“Zumi!”

Kya yelled loudly when the firebender entered the house. The celebration was in full swing and Kya had already had more than her share of the alcohol but Lin didn’t mind because drunk Kya was always entertaining. Izumi had kept her promise and was wearing a simple red tunic and pants. Well simple in construction, they still appeared to be made of some sort of luxurious silk.

Izumi looked up when Kya yelled and was immediately nearly toppled over as the waterbender gave her a big hug. Lin caught her eye over Kya’s shoulder and smiled, gesturing to her own attire. She wouldn’t admit it but she was pretty comfortable and more relaxed than she would have been in the uniform.

_____________________

“I’ve been getting way better! I think I could beat him!”

“No offense, Bumi, but Tenzin has a lot more experience than you when it comes to airbending combat.”

“Yeah but I was an actual military commander!”

The kids had gone to bed leaving only the adults awake. They were spread out in the living room in various states of exhaustion and inebriation. Izumi had asked Mako and Bolin about their pro-bending days and they were all now trying to decide who would win in different pair ups.

“What about Lin and Su!”

Mako shot his brother a look as Lin narrowed his eyes at him. Su, who had her head in Bataar’s lap on the floor quickly sat up with a mischievous look.

“Well, I think we already know how that fight would end. Remember Zaofu?”

Lin turned her gaze to her sister as she crossed her arms. She started to speak but was cut off by Bolin.

“I don’t know. Lin was in a pretty bad state during that fight and she still held her own against you. I don’t think I’d bet against a fully prepared and healthy Lin Beifong.”

Lin looked back to Bolin a little surprised but smugly pleased. It was Su’s turn to narrow her eyes at Lin before her face lit up with an idea.

“We could settle it right now.”

“What?”

“Unless you just want to admit I’d beat you.”

Lin’s eyes flashed as she stood, Su quickly standing too. Bolin’s eyes grew wide as Bumi and Kya both got a grip on a Beifong sister. Tenzin stood, raising his hands.

“Nobody is fighting anyone.”

“Unless…”

All eyes shot to Izumi as she looked innocently at the ceiling. Her nose was slightly red and her hair hung loose around her face.

“We could team up. Like old times but now there’s enough of us we could go against each other.”

“Zumi!”

“You have got to be kidding me. It’s way too late-“

“Oh, don’t be such a party pooper, Ten Ten!”

“I’d be up for it!”

“Korra-“

“Let’s do it.”

Tenzin turned incredulously to Lin. With the chief of police on board it looked like it was actually going to happen. Bolin was beside himself with delight. They all sat down and started planning the teams.

“Okay, so we’ve got an overabundance of earthbenders and since we need a Beifong vs Beifong match I think myself, Wei, and Wing should serve as the referees.”

The twins seemed perfectly okay with their assignment as they nodded intently to Bolin.

“So we’ll have a bender for each element with Korra representing water since the only other waterbender is Kya.”

Kya squeezed herself between Lin and Bumi on the couch, wrapping an arm discreetly around Lin’s waist.

“So on Team A we’ll have Tenzin, Kya, Su, and Mako. And then Team B will be Bumi, Korra, Lin, and Izumi.”

“No way! They can’t have the Firelord AND the Avatar!”

“Okay fine, we’ll switch Kya and Korra, no offense Kya.”

Kya just shrugged her shoulders as she used her bending to bend another drink into her glass. Before she could take a drink, however, Lin had grabbed the glass and set it on the table.

“If you’re going to be on my team I’m not going have you too drunk to function.”

Bolin clapped his hands together excitedly.

“Okay! We’ll do best 2 out of 3!”

They all got up and made their way outside, Bumi and Kya both stumbling slightly as Lin grabbed them both by an arm to keep them upright. Izumi came up and wiggled her way between Lin and Kya, wrapping an arm around each of them.

“You know, my armor would have come in handy right about now.”

“Yeah, well I’m not please to be wearing silk for sparring either so we’ll be good company for each other.”

“Please tell me you’re at least not half in the bottle like these two idiots?”

“Pshh, don’t worry Linny. We’ve got this. I’m pretty confident you and I could take them alone.”

Lin let out a laugh as they came to the large clearing Tenzin usually used for meditating or training. Bolin and the twins quickly got to work created a makeshift pro-bending platform while Izumi and Mako took to lighting the giant lamps that lined the corners of the clearing.

Everyone quickly took their positions. Lin had made an elevated seating area for Asami, Pema, and Bataar to sit while Wei and Wing each took a position on either side of the platform to keep an eye out for cheating. Wei had bent a piece of flat metal into a cone for Bolin to use a commentator’s megaphone.

Lin, Bumi, Kya, and Izumi stretched as they huddled on their side of the platform while Tenzin, Su, Korra, and Mako did the same on their side.

“Okay, I’ll take Su. Bumi you take Tenzin. Izumi-“

“Don’t you think that’s exactly what they’ll expect us to do, Lin?”

“Kya, the whole point of this is to see who is the best at bending each element.”

“I’m just saying, if we want to win I think it’d be better if we switched it up.”

“No way! I’m with Lin, I want to knock Tenzin right on his airy as-“

“I actually think Kya may be-“

“Just trust me. We’ll each take down our own target and beat them easily.”

Kya raised her hands in defeat and pulled Izumi away to get in position.

“It’s no use, Zumi. You know how stubborn she is.”

“I heard that!”

Kya turned her head and stuck her tongue out at Lin who just raised her hands questioningly before taking her own position. The others were already ready and Korra was smiling excitedly.

“Okay! Teams ready? Go!”

Lin immediately matched Su’s stance and launched a disc at her but was surprised when her sister didn’t aim at her but rather Izumi. She tried to yell a warning but a gust of air hit her in the gut and she was knocked back to the farthest ring. She glared furiously at Tenzin before launching another disc at his head. He dodged her with an incredulous look as he watched it soar past his face.

Izumi had deflected Su’s disc but was having difficulty deflecting both her and Korra’s attacks. It seemed as if their strategy was to pick off the strongest (or in this case, the most sober) players first. With a calculated blast Mako was able to easily knock Bumi from the platform, Wei catching him with a piece of earth as he lowered him to the ground.

With another blast Kya was sent flying from the platform but she was easily able to stop her descent by summoning water from the nearby fountain. Lin went to shout another warning to Izumi as Mako joined in on the assault against the firebender only to once again miss the shot being aimed at her. Korra’s jet of water hit her in the chest as she soared off the back of the platform. She had difficulty finding the ground as she fell but was easily caught by Wing.

“Got you, Aunt Lin!”

Lin sat on the ground next to Bumi as she watched Wing lift himself back up. Another moment later she was satisfied as she watched Korra go flying off the side of the platform. It was short lived, however, as another moment later Izumi came hurdling for them. Lin bent the earth to meet her as she was lowered slowly to the ground.

“Round 1 goes to Team B! I think we need better names than that. Team Air Bison formerly known as Team B wins the first round! Can the Badgermoles stay alive in round two?!”

Kya, Bumi, and Izumi all burst out laughing at their new team name. They got to their feet and Lin lifted them back to the platform.

“You were right.”

“I’m sorry? What was that?”

“Don’t make me say it again. We need a new strategy.”

Kya was smiling broadly and Lin lightly punched her in the arm as they huddled together again.

“We could easily change strategy and attack the opposite element but I think that may also be too predictable. Zumi, you should take Tenzin and I’ll take Korra. Bumi and Kya, you both try to keep Su and Mako distracted. Once we start eliminating them we can regroup and take the others down together.”

Kya’s eyes seemed clearer and focused while Bumi still seemed to be processing what Lin just said.

“Are you old folks ready to lose yet?”

Izumi’s eyes narrowed at Su’s taunt. Lin smiled determinedly back her.

“Let’s do this.”

The second round started better than the first. Lin knocked Korra in the second ring and Izumi flustered Tenzin enough that he ended up falling back too. Lin saw Mako target Kya from the corner of her eye and diverted one of her discs at him the second he shot out. She hit him right on the side and he went flying off the platform. She let herself get distracted again as Tenzin once again hit her with a blast of air. She just barely managed to stay on the platform and immediately went to retaliate until she saw him go flying off the back of the platform with a strong blast of water.

“Oh, that was a little excessive, don’t you think refs?!”

Izumi and Lin both saw the opening at the same time as Su let her guard down. Lin went for the legs and Izumi went high, watching as Su stumbled before flying off the side of the platform. Mako and Korra teamed up and easily knocked Bumi off the side while Kya seemed to find her stride as she knocked Mako back a space. She looked to her teammates and gave a wink. Apparently she was not quite as drunk as she had originally appeared to be.

“Hey, do you guys remember Operation Flaming Boar?”

Lin and Izumi looked to each with a smile and nodded. It had been years since the three of them had competed but they had practiced so viciously and often that they all doubted they’d ever forget their meticulously planned moves.

Izumi took her position and shot out a precise blast of fire. Korra and Mako dodged in separate directions just as anticipated as Izumi ducked down allowing Lin to launch herself in the air and strike them both hard enough to topple over the edge.

The three woman jumped up excitedly and hugged each other as if no time had passed since their youth. Bumi joined them on the platform and pulled them all into a big bear hug.

“Round two goes to the Badgermoles in an impressive comeback!”

The four of them huddled again and they laid out their plan of attack. Even Bumi seemed to be more focused as they broke apart.

Immediately Lin watched in shock as Izumi was flung off the back of the platform. All four of their opponents had set their aim at the Firelord to quickly eliminate her from play. Lin didn’t waste time as she shot 3 discs in rapid succession at Tenzin, knocking him back two sections.

A blast of air hit Korra in the chest and she went flying back into Tenzin, knocking them both off the back of the platform. Bumi seemed to have surprised even himself as he watched them fall. He looked to Lin excitedly not even paying attention to the fact that Su had set her sight on him, striking him with two discs and causing him to once again topple off the side.

Mako shot out at Lin, causing her to jump back a space. She didn’t mean to but she glared at him with one of her signature scowls.

“Sorry, chief!”

“Don’t apologize Mak- ow!”

Kya had taken advantage of Su’s distraction as she knocked her back a space. Lin shot out a disc at Mako who dodged it but missed Kya’s jet of water as it easily knocked him off the side of the platform. Su took aim at Lin again, firing 3 discs. Lin dodged the first two but knew the third was going to knock her from the platform. Instead she felt herself being flung in the opposite direction as she watched Kya take the hit and go flying off the side.

“Ladies and gentleman it appears we have a classic Beifong vs Beifong showdown for you tonight!”

Bolin seemed beside himself with delight as he practically danced on his platform. Wing and Wei had made two more spectator stands for the other players as they all watched the sisters face off.

Lin looked to the stands and caught Kya’s eye. She took a deep breath and nodded to Lin. Lin nodded slightly and took in a deep breath, grounding herself as she looked to Su. Her sister moved so quickly shooting a single disc at her with more force than would normally be allowed in a pro bending match. Lin didn’t mind though as she closed her eyes. Right before the disc made contact with her she stopped it and used its own momentum against it, hurtling it back at Su.

It had all happened in a few seconds. One second the disc is about to surely knock Lin off the platform but then the next second Su is the one flying off the back. It seemed to take everyone a moment to realize what happened, Bolin recovering first.

“The Badgermoles win! Oh my God, that was so cool! Chief, can you show me how you did that? HOW DID SHE DO THAT?”

Bolin continued to yell into the megaphone as the others gathered on the platform. Lin was pulled into a group hug with her teammates as Bumi lifted her onto his shoulder.

“Bumi, stop it! Put me down!”

The twins and a disgruntled Su lowered the entire platform back to ground.

“What is going on out here?”

A very sleepy Ikki appeared with Jinora, Opal, and Meelo not far behind yawning and looking annoyed. Pema gave Tenzin look as he rubbed his head guiltily. The twins wasted no time running to their baby sister.

“I can’t believe you missed it, Opal! Aunt Lin was amazing!”

“And mom! She helped take down the Firelord!”

“Of course, they didn’t follow the rules very well but it was a good game regardless.”

Lin couldn’t help but smile as she listened to her nephews recount the game. She let out a groan when she stretched her arm out, feeling a muscle pull painfully.

“I know exactly how you feel.”

Izumi had come up beside her, a hand on her lower back.

“Me too.”

Kya was laying on the ground an arm over her head.

“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you’re getting too old for this.”

Su came up to them. Bumi also came over and wrapped an arm around Su’s shoulders. She hissed and grabbed her shoulder. Lin let out a laugh.

“Looks like you’re getting old too, Su.”

They all laughed then as they looked over to where Wei, Wing, and Bolin were now fully reenacting the game for the kids.

Izumi groaned.

“I’m exhausted. Lin, I don’t know if I want to go back to the city tonight.”

She looked to Tenzin and Pema.

“Oh! You guys are welcome to stay here for the night. I’m afraid space is a little limited so you’ll have to share a room. I’m sure one of the kids-“

“We can stay in Kya’s room.”

Pema chuckled as Lin cut her off. Lin loved the kids but did not fancy spending the night with one of them while they were all hyped up. Izumi looked to Kya.

“You don’t mind?”

“Course not, it’ll be just like old times!”

____________________

“Zumi, you share the bed with Kya. I’ll take the floor.”

“Lin, you don’t have to sleep on the floor.”

“I’ll be fine. I actually like to sleep on the earth sometimes. It’s comforting.”

“Earthbenders are so weird…”

The three of them giggled like they were teenagers. Izumi climbed into the bed, Kya following after. Izumi rolled onto her side, reaching an arm under her head. Something cold touched her hand and she yelped.

Lin turned the light on immediately ready for a fight. Kya just groaned as she squinted her eyes against the light.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Izumi groaned sleeply.

“Lin, I found your badge.”

Kya’s eyes opened wide as she made eye contact with Lin. Izumi just set the badge on the blankets and made to turn over and go to sleep. Suddenly her eyes snapped open and she sat up, looking from Lin to Kya.

“Why is Lin’s badge in your bed? How would that even- what-are you? Spirits! Are you guys toget-“

Kya quickly clamped a hand over Izumi’s mouth, shushing her.

Izumi made eye contact with them both and Kya couldn’t help the grin on her face as Lin’s face got red. Kya carefully lowered her hand.

“We haven’t told anyone yet.”

“Well, my mother knows because, well, she’s my mother.”

Izumi was still beaming as she stared at the pair of them.

“I’m so happy for you guys! I can’t believe you didn’t tell me! You have to tell me everything!”

Kya groaned as she fell back on the pillows.

“Tomorrow. Kya needs to sleep. For everyone’s sake. Trust me.”

Kya threw Lin’s badge at her head before pulling the blankets over her head

[vventure]

Played - Atsumu Miya Must Die, Ch. 3

Series Mini Mlist: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Pairing: Atsumu Miya x fem!reader

Genre: Angst, Drama

Word Count: 1.9k

Warnings: cheating

Summary: Atsumu Miya is a player; dating three girls from three different friend groups so they don’t find out. What happens when they do, though? And how does [Y/N] play into their plan for ultimate revenge?

A/N: Alright, this chapter really finally gets into the drama. I know it’s longer than the other chapters but it had to be this length in order to fit everything I wanted into it! I hope you guys enjoy it, and I can’t wait to share all the scheming to come with you all. <3

Taglist: @for-ests​ @miyuswriting​ @babyboytsutomu​ @captain-shittykawa​ @writeiolite​ @lunarknox​ @heccingdead​ @yams046​ @infamouswhitepawsies​ @hideewrites​ @lilolpotato @burnthoneymint​ @bb-noya​ - let me know if you’d like to be added (or taken off)!!

Last Time: 

Chika laid down the facts: Atsumu was dating three different girls from three different friend groups. It was a secret to everyone but he and Chika, and now you, that he was doing this. Atsumu would only come to Onigiri Miya when Osamu wasn’t working. He was somewhat of an idiot in that respect, and Osamu had caught him with different girls at the establishment before, but the bleached twin had played it off as him seeing different girls every week; something that wasn’t outside of the realm of possibility for the player.

Chika went on to explain that while Atsumu used to work at the onigiri shop for his brother, he had taken time off in order to focus on university and his club volleyball team at the school. He was arrogant and self-centered, and often lied to his brother even about small things. The picture Chika painted was far from flattering.

You sat looking at her during her spiel, your jaw basically on the floor. 

“So, yeah,” she finished. “He’s kind of a mess and a jackass.”

“Thanks for the warning, I’ll try to avoid him.”

“About that,” her smile strained as she spoke her next words: “He’s moving into the same dorm as you tomorrow.”

The day rose in a blaze of sun, the perfect weather for a barbecue on the quad at your new university. It was too hot for wearing anything other than a tank top and shorts since there was no way you were going to make it through the two-hour long event with no shade if you wore anything else.

A cacophony of laughter and raucous excitement reached your ears as you stepped onto the lush green of the expansive quad, taking in the plethora of grills and the several volleyball and badminton nets set-up to enjoy with fellow students. Clusters of students from every year were scattered about the lawn, drinking from plastic cups and munching on snacks while trying to find the courage to jump into an activity and break free of their timidity.

It should have come as no surprise, but Atsumu Miya had no issues with running head first into a new adventure. He was playing 2-on-2 volleyball at one of the nets, showing off just how high he could jump to slam the ball down on the grass on the opposite side of the net. His athleticism shined here, clearly leaps and bounds beyond the others he was volleying with who looked like they were about to pass-out from heat stroke while desperately trying to match his pace.

It would have been almost comical, the difference in skill between someone who was obviously well-versed in volleyball and someone who had never touched a ball in their life, except that Atsumu looked so smug every time he scored a point for his team. It was hardly a competition and even from this distance you could tell he was letting it get to his head.

Turning your attention away, you nearly collided with another person as you moved to grab a drink from one of the coolers. The person you were now face-to-face with wore a black t-shirt with “RA” in white lettering across the place a breast pocket would be.

“I’m so sorry!” You blurted out, backing up slightly and raising your hands. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Don’t worry about it!” They replied, a genial smile splitting their face in response to your sudden panic. “You look familiar. I think you moved onto my floor yesterday! Yeah, [Y/n], right?”

“Guilty,” you quipped, looking at them closely. It clicked into place once you noticed their black bangs pinned back with their high pigtails. “You’re the resident assistant on my floor...Nanami, right?”

“Yep,” she replied, giving you a thumbs up. Her cheerfulness seemed a bit forced, but you smiled back at her regardless. “It’s actually good ya bumped into me ‘cause I was looking to round up the girls to play some volleyball. You in?”

“Um, sure, I don’t really have anything else to do.”

--

That’s how you found yourself entangled in a lot more than you’d bargained for: an icebreaker activity with Atsumu’s three girlfriends.

“Let’s say our names and then a fun fact about us,” Nanami said once the small group of girls she could find was rounded into a seated circle. “I’ll go first. My name’s Nanami and I love going to concerts!”

Dead silence befell the group as they all looked at her, expressionless. It was hot and she was making you all sit in the sun and tell a fun fact about yourselves? Weren’t you supposed to be playing volleyball?

“Cool,” said the girl clad in sports attire, repping the school’s colors. “I’m Sara, I play for the soccer team here and love kick-boxing.”

Sara used her thumb to point to the girl on her right, taking charge of the situation so they could all get it over with.

“I’m Izumi,” came the soft voice of a girl with her eyes turned shyly downward. “I work in the library in my spare time.”

Could this be any more dull? So much for a fun barbecue. 

The next girl down the line stated her name and a fact about herself that slipped through your mind like water until it was Atsumu’s final girlfriend’s turn. 

“My name’s Aiko, and I play the violin,” she said, flicking her long hair over her shoulder and fiddling with the hem of her pure white blouse. 

Once again, this elicited no response and all eyes now rested on you as they waited for your name and riveting factoid.

“I’m [Y/n] and I work at an onigiri shop off-campus and just moved here from Miyagi.”

A pregnant pause followed your statement as the small group merely blinked in acknowledgement of each other’s existence before Nanami’s voice cut through the heavy air: “Let’s play volleyball!”

The group stood, returning shredded grass particles to the ground and moved like cattle to the volleyball nets.

“I’m gonna ditch, my boyfriend wants to get boba,” the girl whose name you couldn’t remember whispered into your ear before skipping away from the group now composed of only you, Sara, Aiko, Izumi, and Nanami. 

Just perfect, you were going to be playing volleyball with three girls dating the same guy and the person who would be watching every move you made in the dorms for the year, what could be more ideal? You almost wished Osamu had put you on the schedule today, but he’d given you the first week of classes off to acclimate to the new university. 

It was done now, so you’d make the most of the situation and maybe get a new friend out of it. Izumi seemed really sweet and down-to-earth, so you’d give chatting with her a shot. Walking up beside her, you opened your mouth to say something before the realization that you knew a dirty secret she didn’t about the guy she was seeing hit you. You snapped your mouth closed and walked the remainder of the expanse of green to the free volleyball net.

A collective gasp sounded from the group as you approached the net, causing you to look up from the ground you’d been examining in order to avoid tripping. When you saw where their heads were turned, you sighed internally. 

Of course, every single one of them had their eyes locked on Atsumu finishing up his game on the make-shift volleyball court next to the one you’d soon be playing on. He had sweat pouring down his face from what you could imagine was the heat and exertion, and you couldn’t tear your eyes away as he lifted his shirt to wipe at his face exposing the glistening muscles of his abdomen. 

What was this, a teen movie? No one looked that hot after playing a taxing sport and it was highly unfair that someone so vile could look so good.

“Okay, girls,” Nanami said, clapping her hands together yet again. “I’m gonna ref, so choose your teams.”

Aiko immediately flocked to Sara, likely taking in the fact that the latter was a college athlete and would be better poised to win the game. Izumi didn’t look particularly thrilled to be stuck with you as her teammate, but she’d have to deal for the short amount of time you’d be playing. 

Sara served first, landing a solid ace across the net that punted against the grass that neither you nor Izumi received, giving your opponents the first point. Aiko and Izumi looked at each other through the net, their eyes suddenly serious. You furrowed your brow, watching how Sara was now in a fighting stance, until the sound of Atsumu’s voice reached your ears.

“So, yer the RA for the boys’ and girls’ floor, eh?” He said, leaning toward Nanami who looked less than pleased to be conversing with him at the current moment.

“That I am,” she replied stiffly, trying to keep her eye on the ball. “I’m kind of busy right now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“I’m sure ya don’t mind if I stay and watch a little bit?”

Nanami shrugged, turning her attention completely away from him. He didn’t appear to care, and didn’t press her any further. 

Atsumu was watching the game, that’s why these three were acting like their lives depended on winning a casual volleyball game on the quad. This asshole knew exactly what his presence would do to these girls and was eating it up like a Korean drama.

Whatever, he wasn’t your focus and would never be your focus, so you returned your attention to the game. Your heart clenched in your chest as you watched Aiko look over at Atsumu, sending him a salacious wink just to receive a smirk in return. In the time that your eyes left Sara’s serving form, hoping that no one had noticed the exchange, the volleyball was colliding with your head and sending you reeling. 

“[Y/n]!” You could hear Nanami call before her knees were thudding onto the earth next to you, her black pigtails dangling over your face. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you responded, sitting up to notice that Atsumu had departed with his hand on the upper back of another tall male walking away. A feeling of impending doom flowed over you as you looked at the girls standing near the net, their faces directed at each other expressing confusion and mounting anger. “What’s going on?”

“We’re at the quad for the barbecue, do you have a concussion? What year is it?” The RA asked, clearly not anticipating this at the event.

“I’m fine! What about them?”

“Why were you winking at my boyfriend?” Izumi seethed, her kind and calm demeanor slipping away easily to reveal a nasty underside. 

“I was winking at my boyfriend,” Aiko replied, stepping closer to Izumi but remaining on her side of the net. “Atsumu Miya.”

“What the hell did you just say?” Sara bellowed while stomping towards the two already in the throws of their disagreement. “Who’d you say your boyfriend was?”

Izumi and Aiko replied in unison: “Atsumu Miya.”

--

The trio of Atsumu’s lovers sat a safe 6-feet from each other in the grass, ice packs pressed against the bruises they’d given each other during the scuffle that eventually had to be broken up by the University Police. You’d also tried to pry them apart, which only earned you a split lip and a disciplinary mark on your record for the trouble. 

“So, I get the pleasure of explaining what your punishment is,” Nanami said, sitting down on the grass with exaggerated annoyance, producing a map and setting it in the space between everyone. “The resident director thinks it would be a good idea for you guys to clean up around town. So you’ll be tackling the areas I’ve marked every other day and clearing them of all the litter you can see.”

“How long?” You asked, pressing the ice pack to your lip in an attempt to get it to stop stinging so horribly.

“Ten hours, which is pretty lenient,” she explained. “Since you guys don’t have any other infractions she didn’t think it was worth more than that. And she wants you to do it together to learn some cooperation and teamwork.”

The tension in the air was suffocating at this news and not a single girl could look the other in the eye, opting to stare at their feet while nursing their wounds. 

“This is all your fault, Aiko,” Sara spat.

“How is it--” Aiko began before you cut her off.

“I don’t know,” you spoke up, raising your hand in defense as Aiko shot you a glare, her white blouse sullied with dirt. “Seems like you all got played, right? He told you all that he had to keep his relationship with you secret, right?”

A grumble rose around the small area between the 5 of you. 

“Okay, so he was lying to you so he could mess around with other people, so who’s fault is it really?”

You had no idea the trouble your logical mind had gotten you into.

[renaxwrites]

Hello! Can I request an hc with a BHNA x HQ crossover where Todoroki, Bakugo, and Amajiki’s s/o is a top U.A student with a powerful quirk (like Maleficent or Jean Grey), a Phoenix but is also famous volleyball player, trained in U19 and is titled as the Goddess of Volleyball. Also, their s/o is ranked in the top three aces in Japan. Sorry if its random hehe Thank you in advancee! 💜

BNHA x HQ Crossover:

Support for the Winged-Ace -

(Todoroki, Bakugou, Tamaki)

a/n: I’ve had this one chillin in my inbox for a minute, sorry about that 🥺 I tried to find a good balance between the two. For some reason writing this made me feel a little (soft) idk why lol. Anyway I hope you like it 🥺💘

Todoroki:

It was just any other day, and Todoroki was doing some self-training, to clear his mind

Thud. Thud. Thud.

He couldn’t really concentrate from the repetitive thuds coming from the other side of the training center, so he went to go investigate. In doing so, he almost got decapitated by you, his classmate. Or, to be exact, a volleyball going what felt like 100 mph.

“Oh my gosh! I didn’t see you there, I’m so sorry!” You and a couple of your teammates rush over to see of he was alright

He chuckles, but is still feeling the rush of the ball flying by. “I’m alright, but what are you doing? Is this your new training technique?”

You begin to explain how you’re on a volleyball team on the side, and you practice in your spare time. Intrigued, he wanted to see more of your practicing. YOUR crush, wanting to watch you do what you do best? It took all your willpower not to lose your brain cells or magically forget how to spike a ball. “Alright, let’s take that play from the top!”

The ball is practically floating through the air between your teammates, until you, the ace, slam the ball down to the other side, from out of nowhere. Perfect for the unsuspecting opposing team. “Yes!” You squeal in triumph as your wings descend you down.

Todo is mesmerized with what you just did. Or more specifically, you. “What was that?”

You turn to him with a certain kind of hunger on your face. “That, Shoto, is what is going to take us to be the champs this year. Hey, we actually have a tournament this weekend, you should come watch!”

And so he did. Well, he also invited a few fellow 1-a classmates to come along. They’re all having a good time, with the whole volleyball world being a new venture for them. The lights turn down, capturing their attention. They were to introduce a new player.

“And now, you know their name! You’ve seen them in every tournament imaginable, trained in U19 this year, is one of the top picks for the country, and is battling it out to be Ace of the Year this time, give it up for your ‘Volleyball Goddess’, Phoenix!!!”

You step out into the spotlight, waving to the crowd, subtly looking for a specific pair of mismatched eyes

Once you do, you smile and blow a kiss, letting them know that this game would be for him

And there he was, sitting there dumbfounded at the fact that you really do look like a goddess, with wings, uniform and all

Throughout the tournament, your classmates could feel the same pains and triumphs you did, through all the highs and lows of the games, all the way until the very last

The suspense was killing the crowd, with the score being 26-27. It was gruesome, with the game never seeming to want to end. But this point, this one point was all on you, and every person in the stadium knew it

Your team forms a quick huddle, deciding to follow through with the play you did when you almost killed Shoto. This is it!

This whole time, you had kept a cool head, but with this one point being all-or-nothing, slight nerves began to creep up. And Todo noticed.

Use of quirks weren’t necessarily allowed for safety regulations, but he needed to let you know he was cheering you on, to calm your nerves

He freezes his arm, then softly blows a slight cold breeze in your direction, praying it would reach you just enough

You shiver at the sudden, slight drop in temperature. You look up in the direction it came from, and are met with a soft smile, silently telling you, ‘you got this’

That was all you needed. You wink back, thanking him.

The ref blows the whistle, signaling the start of the play. Your team serves, and is ready to receive it from the other team. The ball comes back, and is floating on your teammates’ fingertips. You rise up, and spike the ball down to the rivals’ weak spot. They were caught off guard, not seeing you coming.

Brrt!

The whistle blows again, ending the match. You won! You and your teammates jump and squeal for joy, and soon you and the other team thank each other for the game. Then, the awards began, rewarding the top players of positions in the country.

“And now, with the top scorer for ace, taking over the top spot by .5 points more than 2nd place…Phoenix! Your Goddess!” Tears cloud your eyes as you step onto the podium. Everything you’ve worked so hard for, finally rewarded. You are presented with a bouquet and gold medallion, and just as you begin to wave to the crowd, you unintentionally catch something hard and cold in your hand. You look down in wonder.

A rose made of ice.

Once again you lock eyes with Todoroki, a silent message passing between the two of you.

After the awards, he is the first to congratulate you, and after the formalities, there’s a quick awkward tension. So you decide to break it.

“You know, I may have won first in the country, but I’m still waiting for the results for something else too.”

He tilts his head in curiosity. “And what would that be?”

You intertwine fingers with the clueless boy, and a pink blush taints his face. “I’m wondering what place I am in your heart, Shoto.”

He seems astounded. You have no idea how long he’s been wanting to confess to you, and here you are, beating him to the punch.

He takes your hand and presses a light kiss to it. “Number one, of course.”

You both stare into each other’s eyes for what seems like an eternity.

You totally forgot that some of your classmates came along, so their cheers at you two finally being together broke your tance from Shoto’s eyes.

They all fangirled at the two of you and definitely had taken the opportunity to take pictures of your love-staring-contest

The picture is both you and Todo’s wallpaper now

Bakugo:

Homie sees everything as a competition, so when he sees how big you appear with your wings, he saw you as a threat

It got on his nerves when he saw you training more than usual lately, what was your deal?

No way was he mesmerized by the way your thunderous wings carried you into the air, allowing you to spike a ball at any volume he wanted…nope he definitely wasn’t into you, nah uh, no siree

You had permission to leave class for one of your tournaments, one that would determine your rank in the country. Aizawa was actually supportive, and got approval from the staff to allow a class trip to watch your games today

Needless to say, a certain someone was a little more eager to see your power than the rest *cough* Katsuki *cough* and everyone knew it too

The second you step onto the court, you’re met with the screams of adoring fans, those who have seen your growth for the past years, seeing you go from an average player to being one of the most recognized aces in Japan.

Eventually, it was between the final two teams in the tournament. Your team was at their top level, and it was up you, their ace, to determine this set point. With a few hand signals exchanged between the players, it was silently spoken that you would be doing your secret back attack play to get this win

The whistle blows. The whole arena goes silent, so quiet you can hear a pin drop.

Your classmates all hold each other in anticipation, silently praying for you to make this.

A pair of crimson eyes bore into you, transferring a strong desire to see you succeed

You toss the ball up. Your maleficent-like wings willing you into the air, and you spike the ball to the other side with a great force. As soon as you make contact with the ball, you speed over to the front to the net. By now, the opposing team had already set it to your side, where you predicted. You and your setter make eye contact.

They set it up to you, where you were already awaiting in the air. You slam the ball down with all your might. You get the point.

You and your team tackle each other in a group hug, with tears flowing all over the place. Thunderous applause fills the stadium, with your classmates being the loudest section.

Even Aizawa was clapping along, like the proud father teacher he is

For the awards, the hosts began to present the top 3 aces of Japan, based on the scores, and you scored second! You stood next to your friendly rival, who was number one, and the two of you exchanged playful banter, promising no mercy for the number one spot next year

Once the awards were over, you walk outside to greet your classmates, and they all suffocated you with prideful hugs and congratulations, and were all sweet enough to pitch in for a big beautiful bouquet

Bakugo was biding his time to the side, where you noticed he was waiting his turn to talk to you. You walk up to him, and all he says is, “Tch, couldn’t even get number one huh.”

You smile, then clench your fist in determination. “Don’t worry, I’ll be standing at the top next year, you’ll see!”

Your perseverance caused a glimmer in your eye, which in turn created a slight blush on Bakugo’s cheeks. “You better be number one, otherwise what’s it for?”

You think about it for a moment. “Well, I may have not gotten first this year, but I got you to notice me, at least. So I won something, I think.”

Baukugo.exe has stopped working. “Huh?”

You roll your eyes. “Just shut up and kiss me Katsuki.”

He grins and pulls you in, and you wrap your wings around the two of you to shield you from the surprised eyes of those watching.

Tamaki:

Soft boy™ had always admired your confidence, and the power you carried with your wings gave a radiance unlike any other

One day, you were working on your spikes at the training center, and he happens to be passing by. He heard the whoosh of your wings and the soft thuds of the volleyball, and once he saw it was you, his long-time crush, he couldn’t look away. Not when you looked like an absolute angel like that…

At some point, you felt a pair of eyes on you, so you turned to see your super-duper-secret crush Tamaki watching you with complete awe. “Hey Tamaki! What brings you over?”

His brain cells go haywire. He was trying (and failing) his best to act like his wsan’t watching you for a while. “Well I-I was walking by a-and I saw you doing yo-your thing with the ball I thought… thought it was k-kinda cool…” God she’s so cute and here I am stuttering like a love-struck fool…

He’s so cute when he’s flustered… you think to yourself. You calm him down by explaining what you were doing and going over the drills you just did. “I have a really important tournament this weekend, it can determine my rank of being an ace throughout Japan…I may not look like it, but I’m actually really nervous.” You laugh and rub the back of your neck.

Your laugh is like music to his ears. “I’m sure you’ll do great, y/n. You’ve always overcome any goal you set your mind to. I believe you could d-do it!” He is so sure in giving you positivity that his encouragement sparks an idea in your head.

“Tamaki…would you want to…come watch me at my match? I’d feel a lot better if you were there to support me…” you offer a wishful smile. That was all it took.

“A-are you sure y-you want me there? I m-mean I wouldn’t want to d-distract you or anything…” he’s a blushing mess at your offer.

Eventually, you convince him to come, with Mirio and Neijire tagging along for moral support. They watch in fascination as you step onto the court, with you creating a newfound presence for yourself in your volleyball uniform. You were truly a vision. Everyone knew you as the ‘Phoenix’, but you were given the nickname “Goddess of Volleyball” for both your radiance and talent combined.

You work your way towards the very end, with a little blood, lots of sweat, and a couple tears shed. But now, it has come down to the final point, the one point that would determine who were the champions.

You channel all of your focus to the ball. You take a deep breath. You look at your teammates and nod. Time for the secret weapon.

You toss up the ball, bracing your wings to get ready to fly. Once the ball reaches a certain level, you float up and point the ball so hard into the opponent’s side it almost breaks the gym floor. You get the point!

You become practically deaf from the amount of screams surrounding you. The one thing that kept you grounded was an indigo-haired boy that was now looking at you like you were the most gorgeous being he’s ever seen

Awards were given, and the second they were over, you sprinted off your first-place podium and headed toward the outside, where you knew your friends were waiting

Signature indigo-hair catches your attention, and you soon tackle Tamaki into a huge hug. “Tama-kun, I did it!!”

You release him from your grip, and he found some hidden courage and kisses you on the cheek, catching both of you off guard.

Mutual, unspoken feelings were finally understood, and so the two of you walked off with intertwined pinkies.

“I knew you could, angel.”

[tivaholic4]

NCIS High School: Chapter Ten:

The rest of the day went by fairly quickly. Movie critique included Tony talking with her throughout the entire class about different film-makers and the movies they made. She listened intently to his enthusiastic comments on films. This made her smile. He clearly had a strong love for the films. When the class was over, they made their way out of their class and met up with Tim and Abby at their lockers. Tim and Abby had lockers right next to each other with Ziva’s being 3 lockers to the left of them. Tony was 2 to the left of her, as well. Tony and Ziva made their way to their lockers to retrieve their books and things and they all walked to the gym. Tony looked through the door window and saw Fornell already in there setting up everything for their game. He turned to Ziva and took off his letterman jacket and handed it to her.

“What are you doing, Tony?” Tony smiled as she was handed the jacket.

“Well, I can’t wear it during the game. Could you hang onto it for me? That way they know who you're rooting for.” Ziva smiled and stared into his sparkling green eyes. She nodded and as he walked away, she wrapped the jacket around her and smelled the scent that could only be described as Tony. Her smile became brighter, completely ignoring Tim and Abby who were standing beside her smiling as if they had won the lottery. They didn’t say anything as the three of them made their way into the gym and found a seat on the bleachers. Ziva looked around and noticed some people from her classes. She noticed Jeanne in the corner warming up with the other cheerleaders. She smiled as she caught a whiff of Tony’s scent on his jacket. She liked how his scent surrounded her. How her heart started beating uncontrollably. She couldn’t help herself as she pulled out her phone and tapped Tony’s name in the messages app.

Ziva: Good luck tonight. I know that you will do great. :)

She wasn’t expecting a response, but she received one immediately.

Tony: Knowing that you’re in the stands cheering me on will make me do much better. ;)

Ziva: I am getting many looks from your jacket.

Tony: Don’t worry about that. They know who you’re rooting for.

Ziva: Good luck tonight, Tony. See you after the game.

Tony: Sounds good. Talk to you later.

Ziva put her phone back into her pocket. She couldn’t help but think about his flirting throughout their conversations. She blushed as she thought about him in that way. Maybe letting him in wouldn’t be a bad thing. She was away from all the violence of her country, maybe now she could live a little. She was away from her father and his control. She could be a teenager now. She could decide her own future now. If Tony wanted to be in her future, then she was perfectly fine with that.

She turned to look at Tim and Abby. They were looking at Tim’s phone. She turned back to look at the court seeing as they were talking way to advanced for her. She noticed Jeanne glaring at her. More importantly, at the jacket she was wearing. She let out a small smirk and looked around the gym again. 15 minutes later, the “enemy” team started warming up on their side of the court. She noticed how many guys sent her appreciative glances. The only person that could do that was Tony.

‘Wait, what?’ Tony wasn’t hers. They weren’t together. Why was she thinking this? Sure, she loved being around him but she also just met him. Maybe, later on, they could explore something along that line, but as of now? No. They were just friends.

‘Keep telling yourself that.’ Her thoughts made her blush. The announcer, who was one of the seniors in the beta club, came on the intercom and welcomed everybody to the game. He announced the other team, Washington High, and proceeded to read off all of their names. Up next, was their team. They went by numbers and the boys were called out onto the court.

“NUMBER 7, GERALD JACKSON!” The crowd around her went wild as an about 6’1 guy came out of the tunnel. He kissed his hand and sent it to the bleachers.

“NOW FOR OUR POINT-GAURD. NUMBER 8, TONY GIBBS!” Ziva sees Tony run out and he looked around the gym. When he layed eyes on her, he smiled. Ziva returned the smile and sent him a slight wave. He returned the wave and made his way in front of her, seating himself on the team bleachers below her. This was a new experience for her. She had never gone to an outing like this before. She would always be stuck in the backyard fighting a stupid wood thing. Or, she would be with her father and learning every language he could possibly teach her. She liked this new life. The ability to go out and have fun pretty much whenever she felt like it.

She tuned back into the game and Abby turned to talk to her.

“This is called the tip-off. It’s where we see who gets possession of the ball first. Our basket is on the right, there’s is on the left. We gotta beat them this year. They always crush us and teepee our school statue out front before they leave school grounds. Probably have toilet paper stashed away in the back of their bus.” She smiled as Abby was very enthusiastic about beating this team.

“You seem very enthusiastic.” Tim let out a laugh.

“She’s always like that.” Abby punched him lightly in the shoulder and he just kept laughing. Ziva started as well. Were they a couple or were they just good friends? Again, she tuned in to the game to see Tony on the court in the back while 4 other players stood in a circle in the middle of the court. The ref tossed the ball into the air and what Abby called the center from our team, jumped and caught the ball and passed it to Tony. Tony then dribbled the ball down the court and passed the ball to his left to another player. He then charged to the goal and was passed the ball and he layed it up, causing the ball to go through the net. The crowd cheered around her again and clapped. She looked at the scoreboard and noticed that there was the number 2 now under MFHS. She looked at Abby.

“Why are there two points? Shouldn’t there only be one?” Abby let out a chuckle.

“True. There’s a chance to get from 1-3 points from shooting. What Tony just scored was a two-pointer. If he goes behind that arch and shoots, he’ll get 3. When there’s a foul, the person that got fouled will go to the line and will normally get two shots. That’s one point each shot.” Ziva nodded her head, understanding. This was an interesting game. She was beginning to love to watch it. Especially since every time, Tony would score, he would at Ziva and wink. She smiled and blushed a light shade of red. She could definitely get used to this.

[anthropwashere]

@proserpine-in-phases tagged me in a thing about writing, so naturally I’m going to do this instead of write!

1) is there a story you’re holding off on writing for some reason?

A lot of my deadfics end up stalling out over research roadblocks. I’ll flub my way through one scene with the intent to come back after I’ve done my Google-fu, and then another, and another, aaaaand that’s now too much work. 

2) what work of yours, if any, are you the most embarrassed about existing?

A JTHM fic I wrote in high school that ended up deadfic because I ran off to BMT. It was well-received at the time but looking at it now? It’s just so ow, the edge. I’ve low-key considered tearing it down and rewriting it, but it’s been ten years and I can’t even recall where I was going with it. 

3) what order do you write in? front of book to back? chronological? favorite scenes first? something else?

90% chronological with a lot of snippets for later scenes piled haphazardly at the end of every Gdoc. of all the things that might have been was the big exception. There’s 28k posted and another 50k trapped behind a heap of writer’s block. :C

4) favorite character you’ve written?

Gee, I wonder!

5) character you were most surprised to end up writing?

Winry Rockbell. Not my usual character type to write by far, but she was just as surprisingly fun to write.

6) something you would go back and change in your writing that it’s too late/complicated to change now?

A ton of older fic on AO3 has a lot of weird formatting and grammatical errors. I think it’d be easy to get hung up over changes I’d want to make to various giftfics I’ve written over the years as well.

7) when asked, are you embarrassed or enthusiastic to tell people that you write?

I can count on one hand the number of real life people who know I write and have fingers left over. I hate talking about my writing face-to-face. 

8) favorite genre to write?

Mmm, suspense/horror? Whatever you call ‘presenting a problem to a character that gets insurmountably worse, and also it would be justified if the character just huddled screaming under a blanket instead of confronting it.’

9) what, if anything, do you do for inspiration?

Read other fics that handle similar topics/ideas. Look through the literal GBs of refs I’ve got saved. Get out of the house and do something even a little bit out of my norm. Get lost on Wikipedia.

10) write in silence or with background noise? with people or alone?

Music always, rarely near people.

11) what aspect of your writing do you think has most improved since you started writing?

Man, I’ve been writing and posting fics for 15 years now. I have to hope every aspect has improved since I was friggin’ 12 years old writing garbo Mary Sues.

12) your weaknesses as an author?

I can’t concentrate on anything long enough to finish it. More fic ideas than I’ll ever have the energy to commit too. Run-on sentences. I don’t write women almost at all. COMMAS. 

13) your strengths as an author?

I feeeeel like I do a good job of getting the reader into the character’s headspace? I adore limited narrative so when I write a fic I try to commit to that character’s style and personality. I also think I do horror/suspense decently.

15) why did you start writing?

11 year old Lorelei found ffn and went, “Oh shit, this is a thing? Sign me up.”

16) are there any characters who haunt you?

...I’m not sure what this means? 

17) if you could give your fledgling author self any advice, what would it be?

It’s okay to write positive endings, edgelord. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes more is good too, but damn girl, tread carefully. 

18) were there any works you read that affected you so much that it influenced your writing style? what were they?

These seems like a dangerous rabbit hole to fall down, so I’ll just link the most recent fic whose style and impact left me speechless the first time I read it (and envious, and determined, and more than happy to read it three more times).

Divine Right of Kings by Oedipus Tex

19) when it comes to more complicated narratives, how do you keep track of outlines, characters, development, timeline, ect.?

Badly! Which is why I’ve never successfully finished a longfic! But I do try and make outlines or at least a tidy splash of notes at the bottom of the Gdoc. One fic I’m working on right now requires spreadsheets.

20) do you write in long sit-down sessions or in little spurts?

Little spurts. NaNo’s been excellent in the past at making me do more than a couple hundred words on a good day. Alas, the last Camp NaNo I signed up for I dipped out of because of my migraines, and I didn’t even bother signing up for July.

21) what do you think when you read over your older work?

For the most part I consider it all passable, as far back as AO3 goes at least. Anything earlier than that I pretend doesn’t exist. 

22) are there any subjects that make you uncomfortable to write?

Intimacy, be it porn or fluff. Anything technical I can’t gloss over with some hastily gathered Wikipedian knowledge. Comedy.

23) any obscure life experiences that you feel have helped your writing?

I don’t think so? Not much of my personal experience has been applicable to what I’ve written. A bit of geography, maybe?

24) have you ever become an expert on something you previously knew nothing about, in order to better a scene or a story?

I’d never claim to be an expert on anything, but I do try and do my research for fic. Learning new things is my favorite part of writing.

25) copy/paste a few sentences or a short paragraph that you’re particularly proud of

You may have a snippet from my four biggest FMA wips (all of which are over 15k words and nowhere near done, send help).

- We Are Sisyphus (03 fic where alternate Ed lives.)

Other Ed and Alfons are unpacking groceries, picked up on their way back to the tiny flat above not-Gracia’s flower shop that seems all the smaller with a fourth person inside. Gratia’s come up as well, bearing fresh vases of flowers too damaged to sell but still smell just as sweet. It helps to mask Hohenheim’s reek, something he can’t really help with how advanced his decay’s gotten in their time apart. 

“Surprised you even recognized him,” Ed says under his breath, under pretense of showing him some of the notes he’d brought back. He gives Hohenheim a long, quelling glare out of the corner of his eye. “I mean, considering you left when Al was still practically a toddler.”

“There were more recent pictures at Pinako’s house,” Hohenheim replies, apparently uninterested in taking the hint to back off. “But it’s the way you look at Herr Heiderich that made me realize just who he reminded me so sorely of.”

“Oh yeah? And how’s that?”

“Like you’re grieving.”

- your head will lie in dust (Father wins, makes the five sacrifices immortal. AKA, the Hohenheim fic with the group chat that can’t stop, won’t stop.)

“There was a cut on your cheek,” Hohenheim says.

Edward brings shaking fingers to his face. He digs his nails in as if he’ll tear his skin open just to spite Hohenheim on principle. Then he stops. Shuts his eyes. Lets Mrs. Curtis slide from his lap. “I,” he says. “You’re wrong. You have to be.”

“I’m sorry,” he says. He has said this so often now, to so many people over so many years, that the words have lost all meaning. He tongues at the space where regret should be and finds only an empty hole. “Do you hear them?”

Edward flinches in slow-motion, an exercise in arranging the muscles of his face into a tense knot to display his anger, his fear, his grief. Little words for emotions greater than any person should have to bear. Edward flinches and struggles to breathe. He presses his hands over his ears and tilts rigidly to the floor.

- our hands were first to forgive (The Mustang remains blind and gets automail AU nobody asked for.)

It’s unsettling, how easy clapping alchemy has turned out to be.

He’d expected it to be difficult, to be something he’d have to learn through trial and error. He doesn’t know why he thought that. Edward’s never shown any hesitation in the use of it—though when has Edward shown hesitation in anything? Bad example. Not that there are a lot of examples to choose from, and of those he’s only been able to see Alphonse transmute without a circle. That’s a somewhat recent development, isn’t it? Before the boys went up to Briggs. He never thought to ask what had happened to allow Alphonse to abandon circles. It hadn’t occurred to him to think that anything needed to have happened to allow it at all. Knowing the source of clapping alchemy, he doubts it was anything pleasant. One more thing to ask after, once he can see again.

This ability, this… gift? He hesitates to call it that. Unwanted, unasked for, received all the same. Fine. This gift wasn’t learned. It feels grafted into him, weird and rough at its edges, like the scars on his torso his shirts still catch on months after burning Lust to ash. Unnaturally a part of him, but a part of him still. For all the knowledge that was poured into his mind in the Gate, he doesn’t feel like he learned anything.

He feels burned.

- Pour Out Like Light (9 years post-series, Ed finds out Trisha’s illness is hereditary. This absolute bastard of a wip is currently stalled out at over 46k words and nowhere near done.)

He peels a potato, sets it down. A broken, twisted hand reaches over his shoulder to pick it up.

He sets down the vegetable peeler. “Mom?”

“Yes?”

“Why didn’t you tell Granny?”

“Tell Granny what?”

“You knew it wasn’t the epidemic, didn’t you?” He cups the potato in both hands, in the hand he’s always had and the hand he’d traded away and Al had given back. “If you knew, why didn’t you warn her I’d get sick too? Why didn’t you warn me?”

She doesn’t answer. Instead there’s the heavy, loose-limbed thud of a body collapsing to the floor. It has a wet sound to it, a splattering sound. Her death rattle sucks the sunlight out of the kitchen, strangled and thick with fluid. There is almost, almost the sound of his name.

This post is huge now, wow. Um. Never sure who’s cool with being tagged in these kinds of posts. @ladyyatexel @leda-x @haikujitsu I don’t really talk writing much w/ any of you but you’re all fantastic and it’d be cool to hear some of the thought process behind the fics? No obligation, of course.

[zeroviraluniverse-blog]

The U.S. women's hockey team hasn't won gold since 1998. Will the spell be broken in South Korea?

Visit Now - http://zeroviral.com/the-u-s-womens-hockey-team-hasnt-won-gold-since-1998-will-the-spell-be-broken-in-south-korea/

The U.S. women's hockey team hasn't won gold since 1998. Will the spell be broken in South Korea?

Passion forming with every tighten of the lace

Years of the same routine perfected today

Rituals that are practiced and shared behind locker room doors.

— Kacey Bellamy

It could have been a disaster.

Hurricane Irma was on a path toward the Tampa, Florida, area on Sept. 9, and authorities were bracing for a direct hit. As it happened, the best women’s hockey players in the United States had just begun training in Wesley Chapel, a few miles north of Tampa International Airport.

Even though the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning had decided to evacuate its players, Team USA decided to shelter in place at the Saddlebrook Resort, where they were staying. One agent who was worried about his clients told USA Today, “Why isn’t the women’s team evacuated? Is it because they are just girls … to me this is stupid, they are our Olympic team.”

But Reagan Carey, the general manager for the team, had thought it through, even going so far as to find out the number and the strength of the steel trusses in the shelter area at the Saddlebrook Resort. So on Sunday morning, Sept. 10, the team members abandoned their apartments for the shelter, joining other evacuees to wait out the storm, which lost steam from its original designation as a Category 4. Still, 80 mph winds howled outside the building as Irma passed over. The women played cards, visited with Hilary Knight’s bulldog puppy, Winston, in a separate pet area, and made hockey fans out of their fellow refugees. Captain Meghan Duggan later called it “a big sleepover,” and by the next morning, they were able to return to their quarters and their lives.

“We were kind of scared,” said Kacey Bellamy, the veteran defenseman and one of six players who are in Pyeongchang for their third straight Olympics. “But the negative turned into a positive. It was a great bonding experience for us, the kind of thing that brings a team closer together. Plus, I learned how to play [the card game] euchre.”

By Tuesday, they were back to practicing and helping out in the community. Irma faded into a metaphor for a team that has had to weather a lot of storms over the years.

There was the crushing loss to Canada in the gold-medal game in Vancouver eight years ago. And the devastating 3-2 overtime loss in Sochi in 2014 that gave Canada its fourth straight gold medal. And the battle with USA Hockey last spring, when the women threatened to boycott the 2017 IIHF world championships if they weren’t given living expenses, travel accommodations and medal bonuses befitting representatives of the United States of America.

Not only did they win that battle, but they also went to Plymouth, Michigan, for the world championships and beat Canada 3-2 in overtime in the final — earning the team’s fourth consecutive title. “We’ve been through a lot together,” said Bellamy, now an assistant captain on the team. “I think that’s made us stronger.”

Resilience is part and parcel of hockey, but for female players — who often start out playing with the boys, who give up the comfort of home, who fight off waves of challengers and adjust to a succession of coaches all to pursue their Olympic dreams — well, you just bounce off the boards.

You might even write a poem about the sport you love.

World champ and Olympian Kacey Bellamy (22) watched the gold medal slip away from her team to archrival Canada in two consecutive Winter Olympics. She’s looking for gold in Pyeongchang. AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File

Actions that are defined as the norm within the team

Replaying the past of one game, one play, one second

That has triggered one year of training against that one team.

It was a disaster.

What happened in Sochi’s Bolshoy Ice Dome on March 6, 2014, is excruciating to watch, even four years later. Team USA had a 2-0 lead on Team Canada late in the third period of the gold-medal game. But with 3:26 left in the game, Canada’s Brianne Jenner fired a shot that would’ve gone wide had it not ricocheted off Bellamy’s right leg and past goalie Jessie Vetter. Coach Katey Stone clapped her hands and told the team not to panic, that they were OK.

As time wound down, Canada pulled goalie Shannon Szabados, and Team USA’s Kelli Stack got off a clearing shot that headed for the empty net … and bounced off the left side of the left post. “When those things start to happen in the game of hockey,” Stone later said, “you start to wonder if it is your night.”

It wasn’t. Just 55 seconds away from finally beating Canada for the gold, Marie-Philip Poulin tied the score at 2-2 to send the game into overtime. Team USA had its chances in OT — the left-handed Bellamy almost ripped one past Szabados — but then the refs made some questionable calls, leaving the U.S. short-handed at just the wrong time. At 8:10 of overtime, Poulin fired the game winner past Vetter.

Imagine what it was like watching the Canadians celebrate and then waiting around to accept your silver medals.

“All that work, all that hope,” said Bellamy. “Gone just like that. It took me five months to get over it. March, April, May, June, July. I’m big on watching videos of games, but I didn’t look at that one until August. I needed to get my motivation back.”

Part of that motivation has to do with the team that beat the Americans, the team that always seems to beat them. USA vs. Canada in women’s hockey is one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. It started way back in 1916 and captivated the world when women’s hockey debuted as an Olympic sport at Nagano in 1998. The U.S. won that gold-medal game, but the Canadians have won every Olympics since.

The rivalry is so intense that 10 fighting majors were handed out in one 2013 game, resulting in six U.S. players and five Canadians crammed into the penalty boxes. But they are also friends who share a love of the sport and often play on the same collegiate and pro teams. Caroline Ouellette and Julie Chu, one-time captains of Teams Canada and USA, respectively, first met at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 and are now coaching at Concordia University in Montreal together while raising Liv Chu-Ouellette, born to Caroline last November.

After 20 years of rivalry, if it boils down to these two for the gold medal in Pyeongchang, who will have the edge?

Do Jordan Greenway and the NHL-less U.S. men have enough firepower to fend off Canada, Finland and OAR? And will the American women gain revenge on their archrival and strike gold for the first time since 1988? Here’s who will take home the hardware.

After helping Team USA to two world championships and a silver medal in Sochi, and then overcoming a crippling concussion, Amanda Kessel has her sights set on gold at the Pyeongchang Olympics. But off the ice, her future is a little more complicated.

2 Related

Both shielded by different armor

Separated by a simple borderline

Sharing the same frenzy for the sport and rivalry

Colors, countries, teammates

All united on the same ice

Bellamy, a women’s studies major at the University of New Hampshire, likes to write poetry in her spare time. “They’re mostly about nature and people,” she said. “But I did write this one about hockey.” In fact, USA Hockey used the poem for a video to promote the “Bring On The World” tour before the last Olympics.

That’s Bellamy’s voice narrating her words in the video, an ode to the challenges of the sport in general, and the rivalry in particular. There is a depth of feeling to the poem that explains why and how Bellamy and the other five three-timers have stayed at the top of the American team for so long, through three different coaches (Mark Johnson, Stone, Robb Stauber) and all the ups and downs.

“Eight years ago, I was just a rookie with my eyes wide open, in awe of where I was, who I was playing with,” said Bellamy. “Now I’m 31 and still in awe of the responsibility. The Olympics is about more than the rivalry with Canada. It’s about representing the country. It’s about showing people how beautiful women’s hockey can be. It’s about the little girls with sticks, the little girls we used to be.”

Two years ago, Bellamy wrote a powerful “Letter to My Younger Self” for The Players Tribune. Addressed to 15-year-old Kacey, she recalled leaving behind her family and friends in Westfield, Massachusetts, to attend the Berkshire School and how the first two weeks “are going to be the worst two weeks of your life.” She told her about the friends and coaches who changed her life, about getting her heart broken when she was cut from USA Hockey’s under-22 team, about using the rejection as motivation to make the senior national team.

“You’re going to play for the U.S. team for a long time,” she wrote. “But never take anything for granted. Make the most of the opportunities you have.”

Each playing for the crest on the front of the jersey

And sticking up for every name on the back

Relax. Just like in Tampa, it might not be the disaster they’re predicting.

Some people who care deeply about Team USA worry that Pyeongchang will be as much a disappointment as Sochi or Vancouver or Turin or Salt Lake City were. They wonder why Stauber, a former NHL goalie who assisted Stone in Sochi, didn’t name any female assistants to his staff. And while he did coach the team to the world championship last April, and beat Canada 5-1 to win the Four Nations Cup on Nov. 12, Team USA has lost the past four games to Canada in its pre-Olympic warm-up.

A 2-1 overtime loss to Canada at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Dec. 3 was particularly painful because the tying goal was scored by Poulin and the winning goal by Jenner, their Sochi nemeses. And it happened in front of members of the 1998 USA Olympic team, who were honored between periods for the United States’ only gold medal.

Afterward, Stauber said, “For us, it’s not necessarily about the 20 years, but more about, ‘It’s time.’ We’ve got to bring home a gold medal. We’ve got a pretty good vision. We’re sticking with it, and we like our direction.”

That direction included the addition of three players since Irma: defenders Cayla Barnes and Sidney Morin and forward Haley Skarupa. When the final roster was named after the second period of the Winter Classic at Citi Field on Jan. 1, veterans Bellamy, Duggan, Knight, Monique Lamoureux-Morando, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Gigi Marvin were on it, but forward Alex Carpenter, Team USA’s leading scorer in Sochi, and defender Megan Bozek were not — leading some to speculate that they did not buy into Stauber’s system.

Stauber stresses a controlled possession game that sometimes takes the puck back into the neutral zone. As for the lack of a female coach, he does rely on his veterans to help the younger players. Bellamy has been working with the 18-year-old Barnes, who had been getting ready to play for Boston College when she was asked to report to Wesley Chapel. “She’s wise beyond her years,” says Bellamy. “Very poised … she’s just wonderful to have around the locker room.”

While the recent results against Canada have been disappointing, it’s worth keeping in mind that in the American men’s last exhibition game with the Soviet Union before the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” game, Team USA was crushed 10-3.

In Pyeongchang, both archrivals beat Finland and the Russians in the first two games of Group A play — though there was some hand-wringing as the U.S. got off to slow starts in the first period of both games. It was Bellamy who broke the ice at 8:02 of the first period of the victory over the Russians, stepping into the attack off a pass from Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and firing a seeing-eye shot past Russian goalie Valeria Tarakanova. Team USA then put the game away in the second period, thanks to a more aggressive mindset and two goals by Lamoureux-Davidson within six seconds — an Olympic record.

By winning those first two prelims, Canada and Team USA assured themselves of a place in the semifinals, meaning that their game tomorrow means nothing… and their next one everything.

“We’re starting with a clean slate in South Korea,” says Bellamy. “This time will be different.”

Or, as she once wrote:

Mistakes lead to success

Errors lead to victory

Pride leads to gold

[auburnfamilynews]

Alright, the fun is over. Now we are getting into the heavy stuff. Sure, last week was rough, what with Auburn holding off scoring a touchdown till inside the final minute of play to do away with UCF, but now begins the games I am dreading to re-watch. This week begins, THE GAUNTLET: The Worst Six Auburn Wins of All the Times. I sent text to a few friends of the game for this week to get their reaction…they didn’t disappoint.

So, we are going to do this together, sorta…just remember, you don’t have to watch the whole game and be happy about that.

THE PREGAME

This was supposed to be the get right game for Auburn. The Tigers had just come off a closer than it should have been win over Louisville in Atlanta the week before and had cause a little bit of uncomfortable times on the Plains with quarterback Jeremy Johnson, who threw 3 interceptions but the defense came alive when they needed it, along with an 82 yard fumble recovery for a TD…

And that was literally the high point of the season, though we didn’t know it at the time. Needless to say, the home faithful were looking for a bounce back opportunity against a solid, but inferior (at least in some fans eyes) Jacksonville St Gamecocks.

Speaking of the Gamecocks, they came in to the contest ranked 6th in FCS (1-AA for us old folks) and were coming off a huge road win against the #7th ranked Mocs of Chattanooga. Remember the offense that Gus use to run up till 2014, yeah, that’s what Jax State ran although they threw it just a bit better. Led by quarterback Eli Jenkins, the passing attack was aided by weapons Josh Barge and Ruben Gonzalez who were Jenkins safety blankets. Sprinkle in a salty defense against a sputtering Auburn offense and…well we know where this is going. So *gulp* let’s get to it. The 2015 Jacksonville State Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers.

THE GAME

We get to break in a new crew to the countdown and I am actually completely fine with this.

Oh if only we had the ol’ Dave Dave and Dave lineup for this just under Jefferson Pilot worthy game.

Thank God it’s not Quin…Dawn is much better. And a golf clap to her for searching out Gus at the half of this piece of Lemberger to get the interview (nothing is interesting in it but I wouldn’t get that close to a computer mainframe running hot after only shoving out 6 points against an FCS team, no matter how good they are)

As for the game, Auburn takes the opening kick from the 35 and is able to hit for 2 quick first downs and it seems like things have gotten righted in the week since Atlanta, but a big 3rd down and 6 looms.

Well, there was pressure…kinda?

The punt would pin Jax State back to their own 9 and it wouldn’t take long for the Gamecocks to march down the field and show exactly what kind of day this would be.

Ugh. Fortunately, Casanova Mckinzey bowed up with back to back big tackles for loss and force a longer than it should have been field goal try.

JUUUUST a bit outside. So, even though it hasn’t been pretty, the Voltron that is Auburn is unhurt…so far.

Auburn would take it from the 22 and march down the field on 15 plays to get to the Jax St 10 yard line before the drive would stall out but, not to worry, the MVP is here for a field goal try.

As automatic as it gets and Auburn breaks out on top 3-0.

This is where I would have the VO of Mike Hubbard from when I was a kid, “The lead however, was short lived.”

The Gamecocks would take it from the 25 and go 12 plays with some frustratingly familiar runs that let Auburn fans know what it felt like for the opponents over the last 2 years.

Sure, it’s a 1 yard gain but it should have been a 5 yard loss if Houdini back there gets taken down and doesn’t spin away.

Jenkins would hit Barge for a huge 20 yard pickup before the Auburn defense would hold again in the redzone and Jacksonville State would again send their kicker out to try and tie it up.

On the ensuing drive, Auburn would take it from the 25 and pop off 10 plays to go 43 yards before once again calling on the MVP to go ahead once again.

*Starts to twich* Ugh…just had an 2016 LSU flashback with all these Field Goals.

Also, Dave, buddy, that was right down the middle. Don’t you dare besmirch the good name of the MVP like that! Sneak it in BAH!

So Auburn once again is on top with a commanding 6-3 lead. That however, wouldn’t last long.

Jacksonville State would take it from the 25 and 9 plays later, this happened.

Good rush, back foot throw…yeah, that always equals a touchdown right?

They would review it and he did catch it so there’s that. It’s 10-6 and at this point, Jax State has 204 yards of offense to Auburn’s 134…ugh.

Auburn would get it from their on 35 and get a first down before it got real uncomfortable again.

Jax State from the 34 now, looking to put Auburn in their rear view but the defense would hold the Gamecocks to 3 plays and a yard, setting up another FG attempt.

Auburn would look to capitalize from their own 33 but would go 3 and out. While Jax State would get it at their own 8 and get it to the 43 before the half would end, mercifully. But don’t tell Gus that…

THAT’S THE FACE OF AN ALPHA WOLF THAT KNOWS EXACTLY HOW THIS BAD BOY IS GOING DOWN TONIGHT LADIES!

To his credit, Gus looked like he knew exactly what he was doing, as Jax State would get the ball first at the 25 and the Gamecocks would make their first big mistake

NOW THAT’S A QUICK WHISTLE! Sure, the wide out would have continued on his route but…he didn’t so wow. Jax State would end up punting anyway and Auburn would get it from the 20. After getting it to midfield, Auburn started to look good.

Oh please, after that quick whistle, a measly holding call is the least of the refs worries! So the Tigers grab the lead again, 13-10.

The Gamecocks though would get it from their own 32 and once again make their way in to Auburn territory and look to snatch the lead back.

Can you hear the collective groan from the crowd when the ball gets launched to the endzone? I know I could and I made the same sound to be quite honest.

So Auburn takes a 12 yard loss from the original line of scrimmage but they have the ball. Meanwhile the offense starts to show signs of life after the TD pass.

See, I do show Auburn doing good things! 3 plays later Auburn would punt and Jax St would take it from their own 17 as we start the 4th quarter.

A good number of quick hitters and some nice zone read action get them down, once again, into field goal range.

And we are back where we started at 13-13.

With the offense needing all the help they can get, it was time for the special teams to step up.

But the offense, ever the courteous ones, didn’t want Jacksonville State to be without a gift and would make good on that just 2 plays later

Such a thoughtful boy. And Jacksonville State was much obliged to said gift and would inch down the field…in 11…long…inch by inch….plays, to get a 1st and goal opportunity.

Now it’s starting to feel awkward in here as Auburn takes the ball from their 16 with 5:37 left.

Auburn surges in 7 plays to get it down to the Jack State 20 before, play 8.

AAAND that has to be it. I, in fact, remember watching this game at a BWW. After that play, I tabbed out, got in my car and listened to Rod the rest of the way home.

The Gamecocks take it from their own 7 yard line and go 3 plays and a yard again before punting.

And that, Mr. Tuttle, is how you blow a game to a bad offense.

Auburn would get it from the Jax St 31 and 5 plays later

Talk about a god send. Don’t get me wrong, last week against Central Florida was something but this, this should have never happened to be honest. So we are tied at 20 with :39 seconds left.

Jax State would run out the clock and overtime it is.

Auburn would get the ball first and remember that they had Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber until finally

So its Auburn 27-20 and the Gamecocks have the ball. JSU would get bailed out by a somewhat questionable PI against Carlton Davis and would have the ball near the 10 for 3rd down. I have the last 2 plays cause, why not.

Your final….finally, 27-20 Auburn.

THE AFTERGLOW

So following this game, Jacksonville State would go on a run. They were ranked #5 in the FCS poll but were ranked #1 following the loss. They wouldn’t loose again for the rest of the season and made it to the FCS National Championship game against North Dakota State where they got routed by the Bison 37-10 and finish the season #2 in the country.

Auburn, well Auburn didn’t do that well. The Tigers would finish the regular season 6-6 with an impressive road win over Texas A&M (that I still don’t know where that came from) to get bowl eligible and took down the Memphis Tigers in Birmingham.

That’s it for this look back at the best of the worst Auburn wins that I have video of, which is a lot so its probably a solid list. Join us next week as we begin the top 5…I need more bourbon…

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/4/20/21227166/aft2020-6-2015-vs-jacksonville-state

[darling-cas]

We Are Young: Chapter 4

Throne of Glass High School AU

Summary: Senior Rowan Whitethorn is new to town. It doesn’t take him long to get use to a new school, make new friends, even join the local hockey team. But it also doesn’t take him long to meet sophomore and figure skater Aelin Galathynius. And it doesn’t take him long to realize one thing; he can’t stand her.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Masterlist

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Hometown pride was just as big as school pride when it came to hockey games in Rifthold.

The stadium was packed with the people. The bleachers on both sides of the ice were full, and Aelin was sure the whole town showed up to watch the first game on the season.

And what a game it was.

Second period was coming to an end, and both the Rifthold Royals and Skull Bay Pirates had yet to score a goal. Dorian was definitely living up to his nickname this game. But the Pirates’ goalie seemed to be just as good.

The tension in the arena was thick. Everyone was waiting for someone to score that first goal. And it only grew thicker every time the puck got close to a net.

But though the scoring was lacking, the fights and penalties definitely weren’t.

If Aelin didn’t know any better, she’d think the only reason Fenrys, Aedion, and Lorcan were on the team in the first place was to pick fights. They spent more time throwing punches and sitting in the penalty box than they did actually playing the game.

“If he wanted to throw punches all day long,” Lysandra watched with narrowed eyes as the referee broke up another fight between Aedion and one of the Pirates players. “He should have just joined wrestling.”

Aelin couldn't help but agree, but her uncle speaking up behind her prevented her from making a comment.

“What?”

Glancing back, Aelin found her Aunt Ashlin giving Uncle Gavriel a pointed looked before rolling her eyes.

“He’s definitely your son.” She said with a shake of her head.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Because most of the times it is.” Even though her face hold a seriousness to it, Aelin could hear the teasing in her tone. And Gavriel did too by the way he chuckled and rolled his eyes.

“Someone better score a goal soon,” Nehemia commented, catching Aelin’s attention. She turned back around, eyes following the puck across the ice. A Pirate player zoomed down the ice, taking a slapshot at the net. But Dorian, ever the prince of the team, caught the puck with ease, and the crowd cheered loudly. “I’m afraid someone may actually start a riot.”

“This is what makes a good game,” Gavriel spoke up. “When someone finally makes the first goal, the crowds going to go crazy.”

“Or actually kill someone if it’s the other team that gets the goal.” Aelin watched as Chaol stood in the face off with one of the Pirates players, the puck dropping.

“Yes. That's also a possibility.”

“Like that's going to happen,” Lysandra said. “Look at our team. It's the best one we’ve had in years. And the most good looking.”

Nehemia rolled her eyes, shaking her head slightly. “You would be thinking about how hot the guys are right now.”

“What else is there to think about when no one's getting any goals.” Lysandra folded her arms across her chest, her eyes zoning in on Aedion. “I can at least enjoy the view. Besides,” Her sharp gaze turned to Aelin, an unknown glint in her eyes. “Rowan looks good on the ice.”

Arching an eyebrow, Aelin watched Lysandra for a moment before turning back to the game.

“First Aedion, now you.” She said. “You’ve officially became the couple who’s obsessed with Rowan Whitethorn.”

Out of the corner of her eyes, Aelin saw Lysandra give a lazy shrug. “I’m just saying.”

The crowd around them suddenly grew tense. Their cheers and chants grew louder and louder as Vaughan skated down the ice with the puck. Aelin couldn't help but lean forward in her seat and the roaring in the stadium increased. She didn’t dare blink as Vaughan got closer to the net and took the shot. She was sure no one in the stadium was breathing as the puck headed for the top right corner. But at the last possible moment, the goalie saw what was happening and reached up, catching the puck.

Aelin slouched back in her seat as the crowd erupted, sounds of disappointment filling the arena. She even saw Vaughan curse himself as the ref blew the whistle.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Lysandra sighed. “We’re going into third period and there hasn’t been one goal yet in the whole game.”

“There’s still just over a minute left to the period.” Nehemia pointed out. “Someone can still make a goal by then.”

“Unlikely with the way this game is going.”

“Have some faith in our team,” Aelin nudged her slightly, a teasing smile on her face. “You did say there are the best we’ve had.”

“I have faith in the team,” Lysandra shot Aelin a sideways glance before looking back at the ice. “A little less in Aedion though. He’s too busy throwing his fist to even know where the puck is.”

Aelin heard Gavriel and Ashlin chuckle behind her as her own laugh bubbled out of her lips.

She turned back to the game as the Royals switched out some players. She saw jersey number 3 - Lorcan - step behind the boards as Rowan jumped over them, stepping onto the ice. And despite herself, despite everything in her, she couldn’t help but agree with Lysandra.

Rowan did look damn good skating on that ice.

She hated not only him for making her think that, but herself, for actually being slightly turned on watching him play.

There was no denying it, he was good. Really good. Every time he was on the ice, Aelin couldn't help but watch him. Her eyes picked out his white and red jersey - the home jerseys - easily. The name WHITETHORN and a giant number 13 on the back was like a beacon, calling to her. He moved across the ice gracefully, like he was flying. Every bodycheck, every pass of the puck, every shot on the net, it was precise and beautifully brutal. It was like he was born to do this, trained from an early age. It was mesmerizing to watch.

God. Aelin hated herself right now. She didn’t even want to think about the pull she felt in the pit of her stomach when Rowan stepped off the ice in first period. When he pulled off his helmet to reveal completely tousled white hair. When he took his water bottle and squirted water all over his sweat covered face.

No. She definitely didn’t want to think about that.

Nox stood in the face off this time. The moment the puck hit the ice and the whistle blew, the clock started, counting down the last minute of the period.

The crowd was on edge, the noise volume going down a few notches as everyone watched that black puck moving across the white ice.

Aelin didn’t dare blink. She kept her gaze glued to the game, her eyes bouncing around as the puck got passed back and forth.

After a few moments of the puck just being passed between players, Aedion suddenly broke free. He shot the puck up across the ice. Nox caught it with ease before turning around and skating towards the net. The tension in the air grew thicker and thicker the closer Nox got to the net. The chanting grew louder, the crowd grew more restless.

There were just 20 seconds left on the clock when Nox made it, but the Pirates goalie was ready. However, he had to make a shot now, Aelin realized, because the other Pirates players were quickly making their way towards him.

“There’s no way he can make the shot.” Lysandra said, already sounding defeated. But she was right. The goalie was waiting, ready to block whatever shot Nox threw at him.

Every shot. But one.

With just 10 seconds left on the clock, Nox took the shot. But not towards the net. He shot the puck across the ice. Across to Rowan, who was waiting on the other side of the net.

Aelin wasn’t even sure the puck touched Rowan’s stick as he shot it. Shot it straight into the net.

The buzzer for the goal went off the same time as the whistle, signaling end of the period.

Rowan just scored the first goal of the season.

The crowd jumped to their feet, howling and roaring, clapping and cheering. Lysandra squealed before pulling Aelin into a hug as Nehemia laughed.

But Aelin couldn't take her eyes off Rowan.

She watched as he threw his fist into the air. Watching as he pulled Nox into a hug. Watched as the rest of the team jumped over the boards and skated forward, tackling him into a hug.

Joy. There was pure joy there. Something Aelin realized she never once saw on his face, not once since he moved to this town. Even from here she could see the smile lighting up his face, and her heart gave a sharp lurch at the sight.

And it scared her. Scared her enough that it caused her to turn away, stomach in knots. She looked at Lysandra, trying to smile as the brunette laughed and cheered with the rest of the crowd. But her mind wasn’t in it.

She hated Rowan for making her feel like that. Even if it was just for a short second.

But she hated herself even more for liking it.

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

The Royals beat the Pirates in the first game of the season. The score; 1-0, with Rowan Whitethorn giving the Royals their first and only goal.

That was definitely reason enough to party.

The atmosphere in the locker room after the game was electrified. The whole team was on a high. There were howls of excitement, claps on the back, barking laughs, all as a bass-heavy song pounded through the portable speaker Nox brought with him. It was such an exhilarating feeling, and the whole time Dorian couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

After long moments of undressing, celebrating, and Fenrys ridiculous dancing, the team finally started to pile out. Everyone got ready to head over to Rowan’s place for the big post-game party.

“I’ll meet you at the car,” Dorian stood up, turning towards Chaol with a teasing smile on his lips. “Don’t take too long. Beers await.”

Chaol simply responded by rolling his eyes as he continued packing up his things. “Go warm up the car asshole.”

With a chuckle, Dorian slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way out the the locker room. He only had to stop a few times on his way out to high five some of his teammates, who were still packing things up, but stepping out of the room.

“You looked hot out there tonight, princeling.” A silky smooth voice spoke up just as Dorian was about the leave the arena.

He turned around, only to find Manon casually leaning against the wall just to his right, arms crossed over her chest.

He couldn’t keep the smile off his lips as he spoke, laughter sparking in his eyes.

“Is this where I tell you how hot you look tonight, too, witchling?”

“You don’t need to tell me that,” Her ruby lips pulled back in a grin. “I already know it.”

Dorian cocked his head to the side, rolling his eyes as he walked towards her. “Of course you do.”

“You, on the other hand, could have melted the ice, you were that hot.” She continued, that damn teasing smile still on her face. “I’m pretty sure I even saw some girls pass out when you saved that last goal.”

“You’re hilarious.”

“Stop telling me things I already know.”

Laughter creeped its way out of Dorian's lips. The grin on Manon’s lips grew bigger as she pushed herself off the wall. Taking a few steps forward, she pulled him into a hug, which Dorian returned without a second thought.

Dorian never really understood why everyone - mainly Aelin and Lysandra - hated Manon. The moment they met, they hit it off. Well, really, it was more so Dorian hitting on Manon all night when they first met - something that Manon found hilarious, both then and now. It was only when he tried to kiss her that Manon decided to tell him she was into girls. And though it was kind of humiliating at the time, the two have been good friends ever since.

“What are you still doing here anyways?” He asked once they pulled back. “Figured you be at least three beers in by now.”

She rolled those golden eyes, that signature smirk growing on her lips. “Elide’s waiting by the car. I just wanted to stop by and say congrats on the win tonight.”

Dorian's heart warmed. This, this was the Manon he always saw.

“And to apologize in advance for kicking your sorry little ass in beer pong later on tonight.”

And that was the Manon mostly everyone else saw.

“You’re a fucking pain,” Dorian couldn't help but chuckle as he shook his head. “Why am I friends with you again?”

“Because you love me.”

A witty comment sat on the tip of Dorian’s tongue, when the locker room door opened up.

Manon’s head slowly turned, a wicked smile growing on her face when she saw Chaol standing there. Dorian watched as Chaol raised an eyebrow at her, body tense, as he walked forward.

“Westfall.” Manon drawled out. Her white teeth seemed to glow in the poor lighting of the stadium, ruby lips pulled back.

“Blackbeak.” Chaol’s narrowed gaze flicked to her for a moment before turning back to Dorian. “Ready?”

It was a struggle for Dorain not to roll his eyes and keep his snort at bay. Honestly, Chaol was just as bad around Manon as Aelin was. Maybe even worse.

With one last glance at Manon, Dorian shot her a little smirk.

“See you at the party.”

“Be prepared to have your ass kicked.” Manon’s grin matched his. She held his gaze for a moment longer, before sending him a wink and walking out into the parking lot, hips swaying with each step.

The moment she was gone, Dorian threw Chaol a pointed look.

“I’m not saying anything.” He all but held up his hands in surrender as the two stepped outside, the night sky looming over them.

“Good.”

They reached Dorian’s car in no time and walked to the back, throwing in their bags once he popped the trunk.

“But why are you friends with her again?”

Dorian didn’t reply, he simply rolled his eyes. Because Chaol always asked him that question. No matter what. And Dorain always replied with the same answer. No matter what. So he didn’t even bother to answer his question this time around.

“Get in the car, asshole,” was all Dorian said as they walked around the car. He looked up at Chaol over the roof, a grin pulling up in the corners of his lips. “We have a party to get to.”

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

Lysandra pulled her jacket tighter around her as a cold evening breeze blew by. She tapped her foot impatiently on the ground, leaning back against Aedion’s car. The only light came from the street lights looming over the rink parking lot.

She shivered, and not just because of the cold.

Glancing to her right, she found Aelin fiddling with her phone - more than likely editing and posting the picture of them and Nehemia at the game - also leaning against the car. The blonde was too caught up in what she was doing to even glance back at her.

With a light sigh leaving her lips, Lysandra turned back towards the main doors of the stadium, wishing Aedion would hurry up and get out. Her and Aelin met up with him just outside of the locker room after the game. Aedion told them to wait by his car for him, that he’d be there in a moment. They should have known he’d be longer than “just a moment”. It didn’t help that it was freezing outside. And who locked their cars in this town anyways? Plus, the longer Lysandra stood waiting, the more likely it was for her mind to start to drift.

And she did not want her mind to start drifting. Not now.

Because if it did… There was only one thing she would start to think about. And if she thought about that, even a little, she was pretty sure she would start to go insane.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Lysandra glared harder at the doors.

Aedion better hurry up.

She wanted to get to this party. She needed something to distract her right now. She needed to watch her friends get so wasted they couldn't remember their own names. She needed to see Aelin and Fenrys team up to beat Dorian and Manon in beer pong. She needed something to take her mind off the fact that-

“Why are you so mad at those poor doors?”

Lysandra all but jumped out of her skin. She turned her head sharply, only to find Aedion standing next to her, head cocked to the side, his blue-gold eyes glowing in the lamp light.

She must have been so lost in her thoughts she didn’t see him walk out with … Rowan?

With narrowed, confused eyes, Lysandra took in Rowan, who was standing next to Aedion. However he and Aelin were having their own staring contest, neither of them noticing anything else around them.

Lysandra couldn’t help but roll her eyes at this. There was so much sexual tension between those two it was unbelievable. She had half a mind to trap them both in a closet tonight.

Then again…

“Rowan’s catching a ride with us back to his place,” Aedion explained. “He came with his parents, but their already left.”

Lysandra nodded, watching as Aelin simply raised an eyebrow at Rowan, who narrowed his eyes in return.

“Can we get going?” Lysandra turned back to Aedion. “I’m about to lose my freaking toes.”

Aedion nodded, unlocking his car doors and popping the trunk. He walked to the back, throwing in his hockey bag and signaling for Rowan to do the same.

“All aboard!” A grin pulled on Aedion’s face as he walked to the driver's side door. But he paused, glancing between Aelin and Rowan for a moment, a devilish looking appearing in his eyes. “Please don’t kill each other in my backseat.”

Aelin huffed, rolling her eyes before pulling open the door and climbing in. Rowan shot Aedion a glare before following her lead.

Lysandra climbed into the passenger's side, grateful to finally be inside the car. No one spoke as Aedion started it up, music blasting through the speakers as he pulled out of the parking lot.

The drive, for the most part, was silent. The conversation was mostly between Aedion and Rowan or Aedion and Aelin, but even that was few and far between.

Lysandra just kept her gaze on the window. She couldn't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“You okay?” Aedion reached for her hand, giving in a squeeze. His voice was low, only loud enough for her to hear. “You’ve seemed distracted all day. These past few days, actually.”

Taking a deep breath in through her nose, Lysandra forced a smile onto her face.

“I’m fine,” she tried to reassure him - to reassure herself. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind lately.”

Aedion glanced over at her, studying her for a moment before flashing her a charming grin.

“Well, try to relax tonight okay?” He said. “It’s going to be a fun night.”

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

The Next Morning:

Aelin groaned, moving a hand to cover her eyes from the blazing sun. Her head felt like it was being hit by a jackhammer, and the sudden bright light did very little to help.

She started to turn over, but stopped when her stomach gave a sudden jump. She took a few uneven breaths to try and calm down her stomach, and once she didn’t feel like she was about to hurl, she slowly sat. A moan left her lips as she rubbed a hand across her face before slowly opening her eyes.

She was in a bedroom. Only it wasn’t her bedroom. Or Lysandra’s, or Nehemiah's, or Aedion’s

No. Aelin was somewhere she didn’t recognize.

The room was pretty bare, really. There were no posters on the wall or pictures. Just a shelf lined with trophies and medals above a desk that was littered in papers. There were some boxes stacked in the corners and a giant bed in the middle of the room.

A bed Aelin found herself sitting on.

The sound of someone letting out a sleepy groan caught Aelin’s attention. Her heart started to speed up as she turned to her right. Too quick - a moan left her lips as she grabbed her head and closed her eyes, praying the spinning would stop.

With a long deep breath in through her nose, Aelin slowly opened her eyes.

Her heart stopped all together at the sight of the shirtless boy next to her.

Fuck. She cursed herself as she bit her lip. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Slowly turning her head, Aelin glanced down. Her heart dropped when she noticed she was only wearing a man’s shirt and her underwear. Nothing else.

With her heart in her throat, Aelin silently climbed out of bed. She had to stand there for a moment, eyes closed and taking deep breaths. When she was sure she wasn’t about to throw her guts up, she started looking for her phone. Only to find it across the room, in her pants pocket.

Fuck.

She had messages from Lysandra, asking where she was. From Nehemia, asking what happened to her last night.

The sound of groaning coming from the bed caused Aelin to drop her phone.

She shot up, too fast. The world around her started to spin again and she swayed slightly. But she managed to breathe, taking in the white, sleep-tousled hair and hard muscles of his chest.

She watched as he slowly sat up, holding his head with closed eyes. Then he ran a tired hand over his face, through his hair, messing it up ever more, but slowly opening them.

Green eyes crashed with her blue-gold ones.

They both froze. Her, across the room in just his shirt. Him, shirtless in bed.

Neither of them moved. Neither of them dared to breath as their gazes held. Both of them having looks of confusion written all over their faces.

Aelin’s head started to spin again as she tried to piece everything together, everything about last night. But she couldn't. She couldn't remember anything as she swallowed. She watched as Rowan opened his mouth, but no words came out. Swallowing, he cleared his throat, voice cracking as he held her gaze.

“What the hell happened last night?”

[grapsandclaps]

GRAPS AND CLAPS REVIEWS - FUTURESHOCK UPROAR 105

Hello and welcome everyone to this edition of substitute Graps and Claps, Andrew Gibney here filling in for The Man with the Massive Clap, Andy Ogden, as FutureShock Wrestling moves down from the Guild Hall to Stockport Town Hall for Uproar 105.

In true Graps and Claps fashion, and not like the last time when I was off the beer, we had to kick the day off with a visit to one of Manchester’s many excellent bars in the Northern Quarter. I picked Northern Monk, fast becoming one of my favourites, a pop-up takeover by Honest Burger sweetened the deal.

Quick bus down from north Manchester and within 30 minutes I was sat with a glass of 6% Premiere IPA by Interboro. I’m on a personal mission to log 1000 unique beers on the Untapped app before my 40th birthday. This was no.387 - I need to average around 5 a week to make it. It’s going to be tough, but fun to try and do it.

A fruity sour called Farewell Tangerina (5.7%) by Northern Monk followed the delicious burger and then it was time to head to Manchester Piccadilly.

On the way to the train Ipicked up a can of Meantime IPA from the Co-op, just to keep me hydrated on the way to Stockport.On the train I meet fellow Manc graps fan Tom and his mate Callihan and convinced them to join me at the Petersgate Tap - a bar frequented by the Ogden’s, but I’d never manage to make it myself, so I was happy to find a quick 30 minutes to pop in. I picked the Runaway Bourbon and Gingerbread Stout. A solid 7.2%. It was boozy with hints of gingerbread, although not the best of the day - that went to the Tangerina - it did exactly what it said on the tin.

Then it was up to the Town Hall, and it was clear the weather reports were correct.There was a Hurricane coming through. Moved down from the smaller Guild Hall, this was FutureShock’s first show at the Town Hall since the Uproar 100 back in May 2018 and it felt like there was already a bigger crowd in attendance for the arrival of a former WWE superstar.

Soner Dursun, the man who took PAC close in FS’s last show, kicked things off against local boy turned bad, JJ Webb, with these two meeting for the first time.Webb had been a fan-favourite until his recent turn at Tapped III and the more experienced Turkish Wolf was here to teach him a lesson.

A back-and-forth match took a while to get going, which is expected when there’s no real reason for a feud, but it picked up when the Stockport resident dodged Dursun’s frog splash and smartly turned it into a single-leg Boston crab.

JJ had the upper-hand, also hitting his spinning clothesline after catapulting himself off the ropes, but it would quickly turned when Dursun intercepted JJ on the top rope and hit a Canadian Destroyer before finishing the match with his trademark frog splash for the pin.

Outraged, JJ didn’t go back through the curtain, but took his position behind the merch tables, murmuring to himself, visibly annoyed by the outcome.

Current title contender Henry T. Grodd finished another backshift at Kevin Webster’s garage to take on Tyson T-Bone in a classic big lads wrestling match. It went back and forth, lots of heavy-hitting and suplexes and clotheslines.

Safe to say there was never going to be much finesse to this encounter and it came to a head when Grodd threw T-Bone shoulder first into the ring post and then met him full on with a spear for the victory.

Everyone had hoped Grodd could be someone with a good chance of taking the title belt off Cyanid… sorry, ITV’s The Monster Crater, so this was a welcome win, if not the most pleasing on the eye.

Since the departure of the Queen Bees from the FutureShock landscape, we have been waiting for a challenger to step up and give Lana Austin a proper fight.

Alexis Falcon and Taonga made their presence felt during the recent Tapped show, attacking Lana and her friend Hollie and then a singles match in Prestwick saw Falcon get involved as Hollie was beaten by her partner-in-crime. Now Lana would have a chance to get her hands on Alexis, putting her belt on the line to sweeten the deal.

The Champ had control for most of the match, with the newly red-headed Falcon struggling to get control of Austin. Only when Taonga interfered was she able to get theupper-hand. Eventually Hollie had enough and took the fight to Taonga, this spilled out to the back, leaving the title match a fair one-on-one… or so we thought.

At this time, JJ Webb, who still hadn’t left, started moving closer to the ring, it was clear, he wasn’t just here to admire the wrestling. Moving ringside, first Webb grabbed Alexis’ feet, placing on to the ropes to break up a pin. No one was quite sure what was going on, then for a second time he got involved, grabbing Lana’s legs, distracting the champ, then as she turned around, Falcon hit her flush in the temple with a kick to the head and swooped down to pin the champ for the 1-2-3.

JJ Webb jumped into the ring, holding the hand up of the new champion. They walked up the steps to the back. Seemingly FutureShock has the making of a new power couple.To end the first half, we had an exciting six-man tag match between Big Joe and Deadly Damon Leigh (Big & Brave), with the enforcer Thomas Wolfe against The Young Guns - Ethan Allen and Luke Jacobs with former WWE Cruiserweight champion, The Hurricane.

Just like most matches with Big Joe or DDL, the crowd chants take over the initial few minutes, with Gregory Helms encouraging the crowd to keep the ‘Chicken Little’ song going, leading to one of DDL’s best lines and why he’s one of the best character wrestlers in the UK.

“It’s almost like that chant is a direct contradiction of our tag team.”

It was madness and brilliance in equal measure. The Young Guns showing why they are one of the hottest tag teams in the UK - doing in front of Progress owner, Jim Smallman too - but there was only one way this was going to end.At the third attempt he hit the Hurri-choke slam on Big Joe and the capacity crowd cheered massively as the referee counted to three. Handing Big & Brave their first defeat of the year.

With the opportunity to have your picture taken with Helms, the interval was the longest we’ve seen in FutureShock for some time. Scores of people queuing up for their moment.

Eventually, we get to the second half and it starts with a cracker. CJ Banks v Joey Hayes for the Adrenaline championship.

This was the fourth match of the series between the two and this time we would get a finish. The first ended in a draw when a very technical affair breached the 15-minute time-limit at Uproar 104.Then at Tapped III, another great match finished without a victor as both men pinned each other at the same time.

Last month at Underground 31, Chris Ridgeway was thrown into the mix, given a title shot, but it was the ‘hard as fuck’ man from Cumbria who tapped out to Hayes, not Banks, so now we had a two out of three falls match in Stockport to decide who was the better man.

It was the champ who picked up the first fall after about 10 minutes, hitting the Hayes cutter for the pin. At this point I predicted there would be a quick fall to tie it up and like a broken clock which is correct twice a day, I was right.

With referee James Greenwood squeezed into the corner, Hayes jumped up into the turnbuckle to protect the ref, but with his back to his opponent, Banks kicked the champ in the unmentionables - family friendly show folks - then hit Hayes with a running knee to pick up the pinfall. 1-1

Everything to play for, the pressure rammped up and there was a feeling we might get a second new champ of the night, especially when Banks hit a second flying knee square on Hayes jaw, but just as the challenger attempted the pin, ‘That Man’ rolled Banks over and locked in his version of the crossface, this time, with nowhere left to go, Banks taps.

This was a quick build since Banks debut in January, but through four shows it was a

good story built purely in the ring between two excellent wrestlers. Hopefully it’s not the end of these two together in the ring down the road. Although it does feel a bit wasted not having Banks handed the belt, so we could extend it with Hayes chasing the heel.

Teased back in January, now was the time to see FutureShockTag Champions Chris Egan and Danny Hope take on the NXT UK Tag Champions, the Grizzled Young Veterans, Zack Gibson and James Drake.

A really good tag match this. Back and forward, both teams had the moments of gaining upper-hand, showcasing the local champs could hang with the WWE pair.

GYV were in control for the majority and it looked like it was over when Drake hit the 450 splash, but Egan kicked out. Then when Gibson had both men in a double Shankley Gates, again it looked over, but once again, the unlikely duo managed to escape. Then Hope hit Drake with a suplex off the top rope, as Egan lands an diving elbow from the opposite corner, but as Pete the ref is about to hit the three count, Gibson pulls him out of the ring.

Outraged and confused, the GYV use this to their advantage and hit Ticket to Ride to pick up the victory.

Speaking to Taff after the show, he made a very good point about Drake and how the Blackpool native is probably one of the smoothest in-ring UK talents around right now.

Everything he tries, he hits and hits seamlessly, there are no obvious weaknesses to what he does and he’s the perfect partner and foil to Gibson. Although I’m not sure how much he got paid to say this so I’d include it. It would be good to see both guys work some shows as single competitors again.

Hopefully something for the future.

Now, for the main event, and the FutureShock championship match. The Monster Crater, our champion, against the winner of the legacy tournament and hometown favourite, John McGregor.

After beating Ashton Smith at Tapped it was the former champions who claimed ‘Just John’ didn’t have what it takes to beat Crater and the champ would hurt him. For the first 10 (felt like 30) minutes of the match the NXT UK wrestler was right.

A massive powerbomb, and various huge clotheslines across John’s chest, like he was trying to tenderise meat with his massive shovel hands, softened John up.

After another devastating side back-breaker followed by 3/4 clotheslines, it felt like it was over, but with Crater playing to the crowd, gesturing “is this all you’ve got”, ironically the same question we’ve been asking the champ since he beat Smith for the belt, we knew a turn was coming.

John mounted a comeback and after getting the monster down to one-knee he hit a Famouser and a glimmer of hope entered the town hall.

Without Joey Hayes to protect him this time, referee James was squashed in the corner, but the distraction helped John hit a running spike DDT, but with no one to count, the chance of victory was gone.

Crater got back to his feet and hit a chokeslam, but with the referee still down Grodd appeared from the back to race into the ring and hit the champ with a spear.

This was his chance, and with James’ eyes open, McGregor covered, but Crater kicked out at 2 and 3/4s.It looked like his chance was gone. WoS monster hit another chokeslam, followed this time by a gargantuan bodyslam, 1….2…. NO. John somehow kicked out and the whole building was shocked.

With one last push, John got up, launched himself off the second turnbuckle and planted Crater with another swinging spike DDT…

1…..2…..3

AND NEW….

Friends and family rushed into the ring to congratulate the new champion, as did wrestlers from the back.

Finally the curse of cyanide has been lifted and the FutureShock Faithful left the Town Hall with a huge sense of relief.

As the people were leaving the venue with broad smiles, two matches were announced for Uproar 106 in May, the first would be Grod v Crater, IN A STEEL CAGE.

And while you have the cage and the massive room to hold it, you may as well take full advantage, so due to Gibson’s actions in the tag man, Grizzled Young Veterans will face Egan and Hope, also in the cage.

And with that the night was over and time to head home.

I hope you enjoyed my coverage of FutureShock Uproar 105, it will be available on demand later in the week and you can follow me on Twitter @gibney_a

[junker-town]

The entire 2018 CFB season, in an avalanche of tweets

Relive the season online, Saturday by Saturday.

History may remember 2018 as season short on chaos, at least until Alabama lost the National Championship by 28 points. But social media won’t remember it like that.

From Week 0 all the way to the end, college football reminded us why it is the most unique sport on the planet. You just had to look in the right place.

That place is now here, where I’ve catalogued the wacky, zany, and memorable that the season had to offer, almost entirely via tweet.

Week 0

The real ones know college football season starts before Week 1.

Someone please show me a better looking helmet than this.#NoCan pic.twitter.com/Rok51i5U1K

— Robert Kekaula (@RKekaula) August 25, 2018

Jacksonville State's kicker Cade Stinnette, absolute unit (h/t @Laczkoisms) pic.twitter.com/l5wmRbwMth

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) August 26, 2018

this may legitimately be the worst camera work i've ever seen on this rice game winner. i know camerawork is hard but man come on pic.twitter.com/4qtFsnd3ZM

— patrick mayhorn (@patrick_mayhorn) August 26, 2018

Yep, that’s Hawaii lined up in punt formation...with 2 punters. pic.twitter.com/ZiCUXJsx2u

— Go Big Redcast (@GoBigRedCast) August 26, 2018

Week 1

The in-game emergence of Kyler Murray, a postgame WRASSLIN’ match, and some trolling between both of 2017’s national champions. The season got started off with a bang.

One of my best friends new tailgate. Painted this black, installed dance floor on top, custom grill and flat screens. Media will want to do a story on this #onlyinIowa pic.twitter.com/ckrD73x2gi

— Kyle Bowlsby (@kbowlsby) September 1, 2018

Kyler Murray is GOOD at this football thing pic.twitter.com/0ZYJTuRxrP

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) September 1, 2018

Unbelievable. Rutgers just gave Texas State a first down on a 4th and 24 punt with a roughing the long snapper penalty.

— Steve Politi (@StevePoliti) September 1, 2018

Ref making more plays than FAU’s defense today pic.twitter.com/estcMvrgg1

— Dan (@AtIantaDan) September 1, 2018

Now that @OleMissFB is 4Life, its time to show the guys on the other side the BLACK AND BLUE, brother! That’s just too sweeeeeet, brother. Hollywood HH @barstoolsports#olemiss #toosweet #nwo https://t.co/jtzNVKac9m

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 1, 2018

Flying above the Alabama-Louisville game in Orlando: “UCF ‘17 CO-NAT’L CHAMPS 13-0” pic.twitter.com/714rN59dAn

— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) September 1, 2018

Fun fact, per SEC Network broadcast: the guy who just punted for UT-Martin is 34 years old, married with two kids. Had been working construction job in Australia.

— Tony Mullen (@TonyKRCG13) September 1, 2018

The Pac-12 Network just missed a USC touchdown because they were at commercial.

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) September 1, 2018

Mike Leach trying a few things out today pic.twitter.com/n3qZkw6Cuu

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 1, 2018

Following one of worst losses in program history, FAU Alumni Association sends mass fundraising text proclaiming that FAU actually beat Oklahoma. #WinningEvenIfLosing #CFB @CFB @ByTimReynolds @Deadspin #CUSA @RedditCFB https://t.co/uaWoSIfegX

— FAU OwlAccess (@FAUOWLACCESS) September 1, 2018

Arkansas’ new postgame media room allows fans to watch us like caged animals. Kinda awkward. pic.twitter.com/tHtsnbRoJx

— Andrew Hutchinson (@NWAHutch) September 1, 2018

Dude raced the Football Helmet cart for a year supply of Andy’s frozen custard. Oh, Mid-Missouri how I love you. Also dude who beat the cart, can we be best friends please? pic.twitter.com/INBEIbyl5v

— Madelyne Maag (@Madelyne_Maag) September 1, 2018

CHAOS!!!!!!! Marshall has the ball on its own 2-yard line after this. pic.twitter.com/xgBH1Kzpdn

— Hustle Belt-sketball SZN (@HustleBelt) September 2, 2018

I'd say @ToledoFB's Cody Thompson (@cthom1441) is back & better than ever. He's having himself a night. @BCSNsports pic.twitter.com/MM8GbYajsK

— Zachery J. Harig (@FOX17Zach) September 2, 2018

ACU's coach drinking a sharp one pic.twitter.com/W3if5aUslG

— nick (@nick_pants) September 2, 2018

Something about a post-game wrestling match after a football game screams "Denton." pic.twitter.com/Ohg5m1p97X

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 2, 2018

Week 2

Kansas won a road game, and Kentucky beat Florida. I’ll let you decide for yourself which one of those is more shocking.

SMU celebrating with a turnover chalice. next play TCU gets a turnover and scores lmao pic.twitter.com/B8wqlwRH5U

— nick (@nick_pants) September 8, 2018

@insideNU @hailtopurple purple @nusports. This is shameful for a home game. pic.twitter.com/qkzBDrZZiQ

— Johnny Big Time 22 (@JohnnyBigTime22) September 8, 2018

some OU and UCLA fans pic.twitter.com/n1CrfG1A5m

— nick (@nick_pants) September 8, 2018

Blake Lynch #KStateFB pic.twitter.com/JSvdWtYFrj

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 8, 2018

breaking news: giant insects have taken over mount sentinel prayers up pic.twitter.com/KOOkxAIN3e

— Ric Sanchez (@rcsanchez93) September 8, 2018

Alabama's kicker has doinked consecutive PATs off the upright. Fortunately for Bama I can't think of any way the kicking game could come back to bite the

— Matt Hinton (@MattRHinton) September 8, 2018

Something this guy said? #Hokies pic.twitter.com/ohFbr2zYcP

— Justin Lemkul (@JustinLemkulVT) September 8, 2018

94 wasn't ready pic.twitter.com/uWD54niLeo

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 8, 2018

Things not yet released the last time Kansas won a road game: - Instagram - iPad - Avatar - Modern Warfare 2 - MacBook Air

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 8, 2018

Alright folks, it’s been a while since KU won a road game, so let’s refresh everyone’s memory on how it works. Essentially if KU wins on the road, everyone celebrates by not breaking the law in any way. Let’s keep the tradition alive!

— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) September 8, 2018

"The only 'Deebo' I know got hit by Craig in the movie 'Friday!'" -- #UGA CB Deandre Baker as he was walking off the field pic.twitter.com/cDJ1f7tuIw

— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) September 9, 2018

Straight from @MalekYoung to @BandyTrajan. Turnover Chain Turnover Chain Turnover Chain pic.twitter.com/0UWRpsNoCz

— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) September 8, 2018

Turnover Beads ❌ Turnover Throne ❌ Touchdown....Elmer's Glue Chain ✅ (@SHU__Football) pic.twitter.com/m96zd3oQnn

— Stadium (@WatchStadium) September 8, 2018

So no one told you life was gonna be this wayyyyyyy. *clap clap clap clap* pic.twitter.com/edUzkeuYez

— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 9, 2018

Think @CoachAllenIU is excited about this @IndianaFootball win over Virginia? He runs in the rain and high-fives the student section, and no trash can is safe. pic.twitter.com/v8cUoAZ1aq

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 9, 2018

@UniWatch Benny Snell’s mouthpiece spins as he breathes pic.twitter.com/70uWnzdS4R

— Michael Kinney (@mpkinney) September 9, 2018

sparty dude was milly rockin while his teammates were fighting for possession of an interception pic.twitter.com/kaaBew8tS5

— ᴍɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴀᴅᴅᴏᴡ (@taddmike) September 9, 2018

Report that a group of people have thrown a mannequin into a puddle and are dancing in the puddle in their underwear.

— HLpublicsafety (@HLpublicsafety) September 9, 2018

Car has been flipped on State Street. People pose for photos after many students run from the scene. Unclear who actually flipped it pic.twitter.com/MiOad8eFSX

— Kentucky Kernel (@KyKernel) September 9, 2018

Week 3

Fuck them.

.@TomLuginbill is stuffing burritos in his pants now. pic.twitter.com/UFGiQXLmjI

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 15, 2018

let's check in on the Rutgers @Rivals board pic.twitter.com/A861tWphix

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) September 15, 2018

“I made it!” “Oh s---" pic.twitter.com/b8TlsLMhUV

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) September 15, 2018

Scott Frost, Chip Kelly & Kevin Sumlin have started 0-6 and Herm Edwards has started 2-0. Just like we all expected.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 15, 2018

Good seats still to be had for #OhiovsUVA...gonna be a strange vibe this afternoon me thinks here in Nashville. pic.twitter.com/Ftkksc8UEC

— Dave Koehn (@wahoovoice) September 15, 2018

Dino Babers gave an EPIC speech after Syracuse's win pic.twitter.com/P7XHNoUKUp

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) September 15, 2018

Don't even worry about fans in blue. https://t.co/Oq9K5vzMS9

— BYU Cougars (@BYUCougars) September 15, 2018

Screaming laughing at the defender pointing at him. pic.twitter.com/Ut7wwOMGXB

— Caroline Darney (@cwdarney) September 16, 2018

OREGON STATE HAS A TURNOVER CHAINSAW! pic.twitter.com/RIVFTDtTjE

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) September 16, 2018

Akron, which just beat Northwestern, hasn’t beaten a Big Ten team since the 19th century. (Akron, known as Buchtel College, beat Ohio State in 1894) Tear down the John Heisman statue outside InfoCision Stadium and replace it with a Terry Bowden statue.

— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) September 16, 2018

UCLA apparently lines up in a circle & does jumping jacks during timeouts now. I think Chip Kelly will turn them around, but it might take a few games. Hopefully he gets his 1st win tonight. pic.twitter.com/vFRVeFKZMd

— Kent Brown (@kentbrownpod) September 16, 2018

Week 4

Feet were the theme this week. Wake Forest lost a kicker while Alabama found one. And a legend was born while Oklahoma almost lost to Army.

Oh, and in unrelated news: Tennessee fans got pissed.

Look at that Center Judge clearing a path for a Georgia touchdown. Textbook. pic.twitter.com/rrRLMEaNWD

— Life-long Rams Fan Dan Why-Ner (@DanWeiner) September 22, 2018

“Uh, where’s the kicker?” pic.twitter.com/mCoBTL5B8C

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) September 22, 2018

Dude, seriously pic.twitter.com/PsyEocEBzR

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) September 22, 2018

Kent State 7 Ole Miss 7. Kent State 1st and goal from the 8. 5-yard run loss 11-yard sack 6-yard sack Punt. Downed at the 8

— Nick Juskewycz (@NickJuskewycz) September 22, 2018

I forced a bot to watch over 1,000 hours of Nebraska football and then asked it to write an episode of Nebraska football of its own. Here is the first play. pic.twitter.com/lqQZBiI7Xx

— The Man Behind the First BOFA Joke of 2019 (@PV_GIA) September 22, 2018

Might need a Scott Frosty to ice down the beating Nebraska is taking.#FreshFanReaction

— Wendy's (@Wendys) September 22, 2018

Texas making sure TCU’s band is as far away from the field as possible pic.twitter.com/jY89pjKbHp

— Taylor Estes (@Taylor_Estes_) September 22, 2018

Funny moment at GT. Clemson’s entire team headed for the locker room as official yells “The half is not over.” pic.twitter.com/Hjxsopntiq

— Matt Connolly (@MattatTheState) September 22, 2018

Carefully. https://t.co/SzQFLhfZUp

— T. Boone Pickens (@boonepickens) September 22, 2018

Updating ACC power rankings: 1) Clemson 2) dear 3) god 4) this 5) league 6) is 7) a hot 8) mess 9) and 10) really 11) tough 12) to 13) watch 14) Louisville

— I’m David Hale? (@ADavidHaleJoint) September 22, 2018

Tennessee goes for it on 4th and 1, gets 54 yards and... a touchback pic.twitter.com/IfR4WSZ6lN

— CJ Fogler (@cjzer0) September 23, 2018

pic.twitter.com/ZGn5AFOOoA

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) September 23, 2018

@sportspickle ESPN showing how Tennessee fans really feel about DA GATORS! pic.twitter.com/m36eCNW7R2

— Ryan H (@dabusiness101) September 22, 2018

Sad fans are just sad....things are definitely not going Tennessee's way. Go Gators!!!! pic.twitter.com/qsKkueiQCY

— Todd Fraser (@Todd_Fraser) September 23, 2018

HANG THIS IN A MUSEUM pic.twitter.com/saODgsUuNj

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) September 23, 2018

Tennessee Football program status: pic.twitter.com/M4FSjaDF3r

— Lone Nut (@LoneNutVolFan) September 23, 2018

Just surreal. So much hype, so much hope for Tennessee fans. And just a few hours later, 3-9 should be a legitimate fear for them. pic.twitter.com/ajU7Sr0Lqp

— David Cobb (@DavidWCobb) September 23, 2018

at one point the oklahoma twitch guy, with 30,000+ viewers, showed us his feet truly a remarkable moment in college football history pic.twitter.com/5N7mBUp8Ys

— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) September 23, 2018

Week 5

It was wedding weekend in college football. And for a brief moment in time, it looked like Clemson had royally screwed up.

Marriage proposal on College Gameday pic.twitter.com/SPtBYryWlH

— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) September 29, 2018

There’s a real wedding happening at midfield during this halftime show. pic.twitter.com/KUO5DZYwVc

— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) September 29, 2018

Alabama student section pic.twitter.com/11EwcVZhW5

— Tommy Deas (@tommydeas) September 29, 2018

welp pic.twitter.com/yr7xGk7nq8

— Ryan Connors (@RyanConnors_) September 29, 2018

Clemson's nightmare is here. Trevor Lawrence is not expected to return.

— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) September 29, 2018

I so wish Kelly Bryant would come running out on the field. #GoTigers #KellyThereIsStillTime

— Archive: Ambassador Nikki Haley (@AmbNikkiHaley) September 29, 2018

Tennessee just got flagged for the same illegal formation twice on the same punt. (And they’d already been called for it on an earlier punt.)

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) September 29, 2018

Jimbo is not pleased. pic.twitter.com/JMvlk9zDEb

— Belle Es You (@SouthernbeLLSU) September 29, 2018

heads up coach pic.twitter.com/mhNz0yqA61

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 29, 2018

RODRIGO WITH THE GREATEST KICK OF HIS LIFE pic.twitter.com/CStglleM09

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) September 29, 2018

Um, hi? pic.twitter.com/2CfblV4Y1R

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 29, 2018

HOW pic.twitter.com/wF15yqvpPZ

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 29, 2018

Gotta be quicker than that 53 pic.twitter.com/fogTw2Cw10

— WVU (@StrictlyWVU) September 29, 2018

Washington State just beat Utah 28-24, and the Cougars didn't rush for a single yard. NOT ONE. pic.twitter.com/Lo4zQ0Qn29

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) September 30, 2018

What would it cost your employer in lost productivity if you had to call-in sick this week, Darren? #GoBlue 〽️ https://t.co/kpfWyq4Psg

— Michigan Athletics (@UMichAthletics) September 30, 2018

My mom thinks Ohio State’s stickers on their helmet look like marijuana. pic.twitter.com/Gsq4Ow1NPL

— Ben Parkins (@parkins_ben) September 30, 2018

“Benny Snell, how do you feel?” pic.twitter.com/bo0fzl0RNg

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) September 30, 2018

Week 6

The start of a series of weeks in which it is nearly impossible to remember significant results. Everything blurred together, and the season did sorta begin to slog.

Best GameDay signs from Texas-Oklahoma https://t.co/x3gN2yRYju pic.twitter.com/bNqNMFGD5O

— Q World News (@QWorldNews1) October 6, 2018

This is hilarious. ESPN is having technical issues with the main cameras so this view is the one we get. Camera doesn’t pan or zoom or anything. pic.twitter.com/yOu5cDqy89

— Landon Howell (@landonhowell) October 6, 2018

A live look at the “blackout” for Rutgers-Illinois. pic.twitter.com/KLf61vkrex

— Steve Politi (@StevePoliti) October 6, 2018

and with that, in Northwestern's fifth game, the Wildcats have scored a second-half point against a Power Five team!

— Inside NU (@insidenu) October 6, 2018

I think we all feel the same way right now. #MizzouvsSC @abc_columbia pic.twitter.com/y018fCxrfb

— Mike Gillespie (@MikeABCColumbia) October 6, 2018

ALMOST everyone got called for a false start pic.twitter.com/wz9gNnS1dR

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 6, 2018

Florida band with the ultimate troll of LSU. Playing banned Neck

— Jack Kewitsch (@jack_kewitsch) October 6, 2018

Are you kidding me?! Look at this formation + score.#Hawkeyes @SBNationCFB pic.twitter.com/7hfml0JXQX

— Adam Johnson (@Mr_GCU) October 6, 2018

A promise is a promise @bakermayfield ❗️ pic.twitter.com/G7DuI1ThCc

— Keondre Coburn⁹⁹ (@KeondreCoburn99) October 6, 2018

Bag secured. pic.twitter.com/BrVpY4xjhE

— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) October 6, 2018

Potty mouth Chryst is BACK!!! cc: @B5Q @jessetemple @ZachHeilprin pic.twitter.com/aAqAiM9OCA

— wordonthetweets (@WordOnTheTweets) October 7, 2018

Charter flight got delayed in Las Vegas...we entertain ourselves!!!! Love these guys! Great Win.#OLP #golobos #6pack pic.twitter.com/m3BUGusMXs

— Saga Tuitele (@CoachTuitele) October 7, 2018

The ole gooch grab pic.twitter.com/ZboMuQH0i1

— Barstool Sports (@barstooltweetss) October 7, 2018

Exit sandman. Final: ND 45 - VT 23.#GoIrish☘️ #NDvsVT pic.twitter.com/mPCgI59e03

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 7, 2018

Week 7

Urban Meyer got a nose job. So did Washington’s mascot.

Now that’s a quality sign on GameDay. pic.twitter.com/jgfcikEisw

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 13, 2018

.@Harrythehusky denies having work done pic.twitter.com/LudlsWdZFA

— The Oregon Duck (@TheOregonDuck) October 13, 2018

Maryland essentially with the longest onside kick I've seen. Rutgers is going full Rutgers pic.twitter.com/CndBj5zi0o

— Lamar Johnson (@im_lamar) October 13, 2018

Florida offense update. pic.twitter.com/yXnkLyCyjw

— Matt Hinton (@MattRHinton) October 13, 2018

Ça chauffe au Vanderbilt Stadium entre les deux coaching staffs qui en sont presque venus aux mains sur le terrain. On notera les beaux "Fuck you, Fuck you" du coordinateur défensif des Gators, Todd Grantham.pic.twitter.com/VGHb66b0YE

— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) October 13, 2018

Nebraska's now 0-6 for the first time.... ever. (129 seasons) pic.twitter.com/q1vDnQmDtG

— SB Nation (@SBNation) October 13, 2018

how did Pitt go from a kicker named "blew it" to a QB named "pick it"

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) October 13, 2018

Spartan fans burn couches, mattresses, and more after upsetting No. 8 Penn St on Oct. 13, 2018 at Cedar Village Apartments. @thesnews pic.twitter.com/NYswTZweri

— CJ WEISS (@cj_weiss) October 14, 2018

They had to hand out so many personal fouls after one play and fight in the Ole Miss/Arkansas game that the ref had to read the names off his notepad pic.twitter.com/4SE6NH1goT

— BUM CHILLUPS (@edsbs) October 14, 2018

what is happening pic.twitter.com/ISaR6k4XwQ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 14, 2018

Breiden Fehoko (@breidenfehoko4) joined his dad in the #Haka this time and it was even more awesome #LSU pic.twitter.com/PSqFAAkfS5

— Mark Clements (@MarkClements225) October 13, 2018

Week 8

College. Game. Day. In. Pullman.

Worth. The. Wait. pic.twitter.com/XJRUQ5hqyM

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 20, 2018

Worth. The. Wait. pic.twitter.com/XJRUQ5hqyM

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 20, 2018

NEW WALLPAPER pic.twitter.com/OybFzMAKEI

— CougCenter (@CougCenter) October 20, 2018

This is my everything. pic.twitter.com/ZqEStyMDJg

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) October 20, 2018

Shea Patterson's 6-yard touchdown pass to Nico Collins was the first passing touchdown for Michigan against Michigan State since Denard Robinson found Roy Roundtree for 34 yards. That was 7 years ago.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 20, 2018

How I spent my halftime: Illini field goal attempts of 50 yards or more, last ten seasons... 2009: 0 2010: 3 2011: 0 2012: 2 2013: 1 2014: 2 2015: 4 2016: 2 2017: 2 2018: 6 in seven games

— Robert (@ALionEye) October 20, 2018

Why is there a squirrel on the field? pic.twitter.com/ogkWDDSiJz

— David Harns (@DavidHarns) October 20, 2018

Gary Danielson is just out here roasting Tennessee. "I'm not sure if everyone on Tennessee tried out for Alabama that anyone would start"

— Josh Parcell (@JoshParcell) October 20, 2018

Can’t cover this one up pic.twitter.com/u8Tujd4Qc3

— PB&Mayo (@kthalacker) October 20, 2018

Butch Jones gets a Gatorade bath pic.twitter.com/TDRhdypKjT

— Bill Bender (@BillBender92) October 20, 2018

SMOKE EM IF YOU GOT EM COACH JONES #RollTIde pic.twitter.com/iQa11oN42F

— Chris Owens (@BGChrisOwens) October 20, 2018

college football strength coaches are insane vol. 158 pic.twitter.com/PWsBW1V9t1

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) October 20, 2018

Follow along. @ODUFootball tied with WKU at 34 and :02 to go. ODU called for roughing the passer. WKU misses 57y FG att ODU called for 12 men on field WKU misses 52y FG att ODU's Harper returns miss to WKU 17 WKU called for facemask ODU's Rice hits GW FG.

— ESPNradio941 (@ESPNradio941) October 21, 2018

Week 9

You thought there was only one notable fan bibliophile this season? You thought wrong.

A Bethune Cookman coach just bought a Runza on the sideline! The vendor kid was so confused! #Huskers #GBR @Sean_Callahan @RobinWashut

— Bryson Nemecek (@bnemecek92) October 27, 2018

Proof pic.twitter.com/R9IEj5do2I

— Bryson Nemecek (@bnemecek92) October 27, 2018

BCU's punter is 5' 4" and has flair pic.twitter.com/kZSNiSPTWV

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) October 27, 2018

How bad are things at Florida State? Well... pic.twitter.com/hm4LIVe7SQ

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 27, 2018

Looking for a quiet place for a little scripture study #OnlyatBYU pic.twitter.com/m2jwrIJnCg

— Mikie (@mjscores) October 27, 2018

Louis Vecchio seems like the kind of guy who can snag a mosquito between two chopsticks pic.twitter.com/PAdJFUHVaQ

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) October 27, 2018

In 2015, Louisville pulled Matt Colburn's scholarship offer 48 hours before National Signing Day. Today, the Wake Forest RB got his revenge pic.twitter.com/fymPWsb0Lj

— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) October 27, 2018

Picked off by Rhode Island... wait... WHAT? Make that a TD for William & Mary. (via @WMTribeFootball) pic.twitter.com/yfrwKPsc6F

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 27, 2018

I mean, this is 2018: 1. top ten Kentucky 2. Wazzu best Pac-12 playoff hope 3. Northwestern leading Big Ten West 4. Kansas has "wins' 5. UVA leading ACC Coastal 6. UAB 6-1 just a few years after not existing

— BUM CHILLUPS (@edsbs) October 28, 2018

Week 10

Seven years of this nonsense pic.twitter.com/FPFE618tXC

— Christina Stephens ‍ (@CEStephens) November 4, 2018

Week 11

David Cutcliffe is here to steal your girl.

MOOOODDD pic.twitter.com/pMGSjdAuY6

— Rebecca Fiorentino (@beccafiorentino) November 10, 2018

HOLD ON! HOLD ON! pic.twitter.com/MYN1QYmyUr

— ESPN (@espn) November 10, 2018

Every player on Kentucky and Tennessee has been assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. One more for anyone on either side equals an ejection. Good move from the officials. This was teetering on the edge of getting out of hand.

— David Ubben (@davidubben) November 10, 2018

Texas hit Texas Tech with the Crabtree! pic.twitter.com/XwXJLJxHjr

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 11, 2018

Week 12

Earlier, we had feet, but this was a week for hands. Rutgers’ QB needs some. Horns went down, and so did a reporter.

The longest rushing touchdown Alabama has given up since 2015 just came at the hands of The Citadel. pic.twitter.com/XuYv1ZsCX9

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 17, 2018

lol Rutgers pic.twitter.com/o3D0GvehRY

— Adam Stites (@AdamStites_) November 17, 2018

This is the best college football fan, do NOT @ me pic.twitter.com/428AEqRJOh

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) November 17, 2018

The irony of Maryland putting up exactly 51 points on Ohio State is just too rich https://t.co/eC3c8lKNFV

— Taylor Estes (@Taylor_Estes_) November 17, 2018

New Kirk doesn't kneel. Up 35-0, @HawkeyeFootball fakes the kneeldown before halftime and runs a play: pic.twitter.com/hiwa2IW21w

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 17, 2018

Fourth and goal from the 6 and Dana called the same play as he called on the two-point play to beat Texas. Touchdown West Virginia. pic.twitter.com/ahYXPdJRrU

— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) November 18, 2018

Took an L in Athens today. So many thanks to everyone at @UGAAthletics for their help after this happened...even though I’m a Gator pic.twitter.com/b1FTCPaqtH

— Laura Rutledge (@LauraRutledge) November 18, 2018

Week 13

Somewhere, Coach O is still yet to dry off while LSU and A&M play yet another overtime.

Oregon State. What? pic.twitter.com/TgFwzCaOFO

— Woody Wommack (@RivalsWoody) November 23, 2018

#RDR2 pic.twitter.com/fdhHVZ4Dr9

— College Football by SB Nation (@SBNationCFB) November 24, 2018

Blow drying the field. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/byrLBNjhDw

— Greg Byrne (@Greg_Byrne) November 24, 2018

Spotted in the Ohio Stadium stands: “Coach Harbaugh Forever!” pic.twitter.com/WFhfRfxIaA

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 24, 2018

YOOOOOOO NC STATE AND CAROLINA THREW HANDS (and my family and I narrated) pic.twitter.com/5PpDroCbqc

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) November 24, 2018

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Two fans began arguing over a tailgate spot for an upcoming football game. One hit the other on the arm with a hammer, but claimed it was an accident. The assailant was arrested.

— Texas A&M Police (@TAMUPolice) November 24, 2018

USC fans financed the airplane banner flying over campus. It reads: “Lynn Swann - Please Fire Clay Helton.” pic.twitter.com/1z2YUD74l5

— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) November 24, 2018

things seem to be going marvelously at louisville pic.twitter.com/3c7uUMpH5a

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) November 25, 2018

Ed Orgeron is already covered in Gatorade. For the record. #LSU pic.twitter.com/YoD5Uiwzvs

— The Advocate (@theadvocatebr) November 25, 2018

It's gonna be something we look back at & laugh if LSU loses this pic.twitter.com/D0AR6yHYVE

— #NobodyDied (@ftbeard_17) November 25, 2018

Word is that this person punched LSU's Steve Kragthorpe, who is suffering from Parkinson's. Kevin Faulk's reaction captured here by Hilary. https://t.co/c1pzZ27Jhx

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) November 25, 2018

Championship Weekend

LES BACK. And a reminder that Hell hath no fury like a southern belle while her team is losing.

"F***" pic.twitter.com/QS23p7YVi4

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) December 1, 2018

pic.twitter.com/RrytJRV7Fz

— OddsShark (@OddsShark) December 1, 2018

Middle Tennessee gets whistled for an extra man on the field and UAB captures the Conference USA Championship after that costly mistake. pic.twitter.com/5j681mzc7S

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) December 1, 2018

You can’t make this up. Oklahoma #Sooners commit Trejan Bridges just did the “horns down” celebration after a big TD. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/tE8HPhUdGo

— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) December 1, 2018

Meanwhile in Kansas pic.twitter.com/778fvO2zyO

— Life-long Rams Fan Dan Why-Ner (@DanWeiner) December 2, 2018

On 4th and 11, Georgia dialed up this fake. Alabama was not fooled. pic.twitter.com/FBB8DuG2Kp

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 2, 2018

BOWLS

And finally, the top 10 moments of bowl season, ranked.

No. 1 through No. 10, repeating:

That’s the whole top 10.

Let’s do it again next year, shall we?

[xpwewarchive]

XPWEW Flirting With Disaster 2020 (2-23-2020)

February 23rd, 2020 Little Rock, Arkansas Simmons Bank Arena

Show opens with the entrance of Chris Johnson and his wife former pornstar and now ready and angry to seek revenge for the consequences left from Lotus since the new year Now Shane McCoy is entered to the ring with a microphone and he runs down Lotus but more notably acknowledges how much Chris Johnson and Misty Mundae mean to him. Misty Mundae quote “made him a man” during her on screen adult film days and Chris Johnson helped show him manhood during the early days of XPW Wrestling back in Los Angelos so how poetic is it that they rid of the biggest cancer this company has ever seen in Lotus tonight.

Lotus Enters

1 on 3 (Handicap Tag Rules Match) M1: Lotus def. Misty Mundae, Chris Johnson and Shane “The Real” McCoy

Lotus submits Misty Mundae with the helm sharpshooter

After the match Marc Snow comes down to the ring with tears in his eyes and Lotus stares at him and as they stand about 3 feet apart facing each other on the ramp, Lotus comes in for a huge hug and with tears in his eyes Marc Snow congratulates Lotus on her huge 3 on 1 victory

Dragon Kid enters

Leonard and Ryu enter

M2: 1 on 1 (If Dragon Kid loses he must unmask in front of the world) Leonard McGraw w/ Ryu defeats Dragon Kid

After the match a prone Dragon Kid lays on the mat as slowly McGraw trudges towards him to unmask him to which Dragon Kid has another mask under the mask and McGraw laughs and it makes him completely berserk so he hits Kid with the Buckshot clothesline from hell. McGraw then snatched the mask and Kid does his best to conceal it but we discover that the Dragon Kid has red hair...? Neat. As McGraw walks up the ramp with Ryu at his side he rips the mask up into pieces and chucks it into the first few rows on the walk up the ramp

James Westerbeck Interviews Kiera Hogan w/ Amy Lee & Brian Lee begins her

Blitzkrieg PPV commercial

GG enters

Slayer and Rosemary enter

XPWEW International Championship M3: Slayer (c) def. GG to retain via submission

Slayer grabs the mic and says he’s proud of his daughter and wants her to come out here right now; Lotus walks out to the ramp and Slayer says Girl I’m proud of you and I wanna challenge you to a real contest. In 1 month. In Manchester. England. You and your dad go 1 on 1 for the most prestigious title in the promotion? Lotus says “That’s what i want” Crowd cheers

The Set enters w/ Siaka Lexoni & Chrissy Rivera

Plagueground enters

XPWEW Tag Team Championships M4: Plagueground (c) def. The Set

((Gacy hits the Kenton somoan drop Bomb on Brazil from the top and Reed can’t break the count in time and Plagueground retains!)

Masato Tanaka enters

Jordan Oliver enters

XPWEW Juniorweight Championship M5: Jordan Oliver (c) def. Masato Tanaka to retain his title after he wins clean with the ‘clout cutter’

After the match Tanaka extends his hand for a handshake and Oliver looks at it and just ignores it.

Tanaka grabs the mic “The character of a man is judged by his word and his actions and you’ve proven actions but with words you are weaker than weak. (Crowd mumbles)

You are young. Dumb. But a coward.

Oliver shakes it off and runs his mouth during his exit

Doxy enters

Kiera Hogan enters with Amy & Brian Lee but tell them “I got this” and they head back to the locker room to watch the match from the back.

XPWEW Women’s World Championship M6: Kiera Hogan def. Doxy Deity again with the help of a 9-1-1 Brian Lee chokeslam (((Kiera walks through the curtain back behind gorilla position and walks pass Audrey Carbine, Lola Starr & Genevalisse Kiera: “Really? You all have never been this silent? Genevalisse: That was cowardice, why don’t you fight your own battles Audrey & Lola: shake their heads in disappointment Kiera: Fine, in the superior female in this entire company, I don’t need this Lotus: They think you cheated. You are fake champion. Lotus: Pouts and adjusts the title on her shoulder

Freight Train enters with Troy Clausen

Champagne enters

Winner becomes parental guidance for Troy Clausen 1 on 1 M7: Champagne Clausen defeats Freight Train ((After the match Champagne pushes the wheelchair up the ramp maliciously)) After the match and the dust settles the crowd slowly claps and cheers for the effort of the freight train as he slowly gets up and walks to the back even hugs a few fans on his exit

Lockdown 7 ad [90 days away]

James Westerbeck interviews All Woman “Tenille Dashwood” and asks the question “Who do you got in this match Tenille?” Tenille: I wish them both luck mmm...... that’s all (walks away) James Westerbeck: Kaitlyn and Nick back to you at ringside

XPWEW World Heavyweight Title 1 on 1 M8: Golden Bryce vs All Man (c) begins hot when both men hit their finisher moves in the first 10 seconds of the match However in a relatively short contest about 15 minute long where All Man had a few moments where he attempted to make a comeback but ultimately Bryce would hit the 6 Rings spear three consecutive times and All Man kicked out every time and after a little frustration Bryce started physically dissecting All Man that even DURING the match 2 EMTs come out and check All Man’s Eyes with a flashlight and even commentary puts over he potentially suffered a concussion At this point Tenille Dashwood comes down and begs All Man to forfeit the match despite kicking out when he should have just took the loss, This match is brining out a heelish nature in Bryce only in the sense that he can’t get All Man to give up, All Man is just taking a beating, Bryce starts throwing All Man into the guardrail and side of the ring just slinging him around, at this point All Woman is getting emotional “please mike please it’s not worth this” Bryce hits a spear again and All Man kicks out again and then Bryce puts on a camel clutch and applies it deep and All Man looks like he’s fading cause he simply will not tap tonight in any way. Tenille Dashwood throws in the towel but Bryce catches it in mid-air and throws it back at Tenille. Turns right Around and hits All Man with the 6 Rings spear again and All Man hits the canvas hard and Bryce pins him for the 1-2- NO!!!! All Man kicks out. Bryce powders outsize the ring, All Man hulks up and hits a suicide dive and goes back in the ring and hits another suicide dive goes back in the ring, Bryce runs in, All Man ducks and All Man hits the rock bottom (huge pop) Bryce takes All Man to the corner and All Man tries a Steiner-recliner but his attempt is reversed and Bryce counters down to the hit the corner, runs toward All Man for momentum and hits a T-Bone suplex off the top rope

Champagne Clausen enters ringside with a kendo stick and All Woman stands in his way he pushes her out the way Champagne goes to whack All Man several times with the cane behind the ref’s back and Bryce eventually gets fed up.

Golden Bryce doesn’t wanna win this match because of Champagne interference he takes Champagne out

All Man sneaks behind Bryce for a roll up school boy, Bryce counters with a unique roll up into a Sidewalk Slam. Bryce goes to the top rope slowly and hits a Swanton Bomb on the All Man for a 1-2 NO!!!!!!!

All Man goes for the Almond Joy and Bryce reverses and hits the Almond Joy two times in a row for the clean 1-2-3

Golden Bryce has defeated the All Man and Golden Bryce is the xpwew world champion for the 2nd time in his career (All Woman looks so crushed at ringside) (Golden Bryce ties his shoes together and puts them around Make A Wish child “Zayden”‘s neck and Bryce celebrates with a pit of supporters in the corner Show Ends

[egan19680416-blog]

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[ansyr1]

The U.S. women’s hockey team hasn’t won gold since 1998; will the spell be broken in Pyeongchang?

ESPN.com

Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images

The USWNT last won gold 20 years ago in Nagano. Since, they’ve won silver three times (2002, 2010, 2014) and bronze once (2006).

Passion forming with every tighten of the lace

Years of the same routine perfected today

Rituals that are practiced and shared behind locker room doors.

— Kacey Bellamy

It could have been a disaster.

Hurricane Irma was on a path toward the Tampa, Florida, area on Sept. 9, and authorities were bracing for a direct hit. As it happened, the best women’s hockey players in the United States had just begun training in Wesley Chapel, a few miles north of Tampa International Airport.

Even though the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning had decided to evacuate its players, Team USA decided to shelter in place at the Saddlebrook Resort, where they were staying. One agent who was worried about his clients told USA Today, "Why isn’t the women’s team evacuated? Is it because they are just girls … to me this is stupid, they are our Olympic team."

But Reagan Carey, the general manager for the team, had thought it through, even going so far as to find out the number and the strength of the steel trusses in the shelter area at the Saddlebrook Resort. So on Sunday morning, Sept. 10, the team members abandoned their apartments for the shelter, joining other evacuees to wait out the storm, which lost steam from its original designation as a Category 4. Still, 80 mph winds howled outside the building as Irma passed over. The women played cards, visited with Hilary Knight’s bulldog puppy, Winston, in a separate pet area, and made hockey fans out of their fellow refugees. Captain Meghan Duggan later called it "a big sleepover," and by the next morning, they were able to return to their quarters and their lives.

"We were kind of scared," said Kacey Bellamy, the veteran defenseman and one of six players who are in Pyeongchang for their third straight Olympics. "But the negative turned into a positive. It was a great bonding experience for us, the kind of thing that brings a team closer together. Plus, I learned how to play [the card game] euchre."

By Tuesday, they were back to practicing and helping out in the community. Irma faded into a metaphor for a team that has had to weather a lot of storms over the years.

There was the crushing loss to Canada in the gold-medal game in Vancouver eight years ago. And the devastating 3-2 overtime loss in Sochi in 2014 that gave Canada its fourth straight gold medal. And the battle with USA Hockey last spring, when the women threatened to boycott the 2017 IIHF world championships if they weren’t given living expenses, travel accommodations and medal bonuses befitting representatives of the United States of America.

Not only did they win that battle, but they also went to Plymouth, Michigan, for the world championships and beat Canada 3-2 in overtime in the final — earning the team’s fourth consecutive title. "We’ve been through a lot together," said Bellamy, now an assistant captain on the team. "I think that’s made us stronger."

Resilience is part and parcel of hockey, but for female players — who often start out playing with the boys, who give up the comfort of home, who fight off waves of challengers and adjust to a succession of coaches all to pursue their Olympic dreams — well, you just bounce off the boards.

You might even write a poem about the sport you love.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File

World champ and Olympian Kacey Bellamy (22) watched the gold medal slip away from her team to archrival Canada in two consecutive Winter Olympics. She’s looking for gold in Pyeongchang.

Actions that are defined as the norm within the team

Replaying the past of one game, one play, one second

That has triggered one year of training against that one team.

It was a disaster.

What happened in Sochi’s Bolshoy Ice Dome on March 6, 2014, is excruciating to watch, even four years later. Team USA had a 2-0 lead on Team Canada late in the third period of the gold-medal game. But with 3:26 left in the game, Canada’s Brianne Jenner fired a shot that would’ve gone wide had it not ricocheted off Bellamy’s right leg and past goalie Jessie Vetter. Coach Katey Stone clapped her hands and told the team not to panic, that they were OK.

As time wound down, Canada pulled goalie Shannon Szabados, and Team USA’s Kelli Stack got off a clearing shot that headed for the empty net … and bounced off the left side of the left post. "When those things start to happen in the game of hockey," Stone later said, "you start to wonder if it is your night."

It wasn’t. Just 55 seconds away from finally beating Canada for the gold, Marie-Philip Poulin tied the score at 2-2 to send the game into overtime. Team USA had its chances in OT — the left-handed Bellamy almost ripped one past Szabados — but then the refs made some questionable calls, leaving the U.S. short-handed at just the wrong time. At 8:10 of overtime, Poulin fired the game winner past Vetter.

Imagine what it was like watching the Canadians celebrate and then waiting around to accept your silver medals.

"All that work, all that hope," said Bellamy. "Gone just like that. It took me five months to get over it. March, April, May, June, July. I’m big on watching videos of games, but I didn’t look at that one until August. I needed to get my motivation back."

Part of that motivation has to do with the team that beat the Americans, the team that always seems to beat them. USA vs. Canada in women’s hockey is one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports. It started way back in 1916 and captivated the world when women’s hockey debuted as an Olympic sport at Nagano in 1998. The U.S. won that gold-medal game, but the Canadians have won every Olympics since.

The rivalry is so intense that 10 fighting majors were handed out in one 2013 game, resulting in six U.S. players and five Canadians crammed into the penalty boxes. But they are also friends who share a love of the sport and often play on the same collegiate and pro teams. Caroline Ouellette and Julie Chu, one-time captains of Teams Canada and USA, respectively, first met at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002 and are now coaching at Concordia University in Montreal together while raising Liv Chu-Ouellette, born to Caroline last November.

Tale of the Tape: The U.S. vs. Canada in women’s hockey

Both shielded by different armor

Separated by a simple borderline

Sharing the same frenzy for the sport and rivalry

Colors, countries, teammates

All united on the same ice

Bellamy, a women’s studies major at the University of New Hampshire, likes to write poetry in her spare time. "They’re mostly about nature and people," she said. "But I did write this one about hockey." In fact, USA Hockey used the poem for a video to promote the "Bring On The World" tour before the last Olympics.

That’s Bellamy’s voice narrating her words in the video, an ode to the challenges of the sport in general, and the rivalry in particular. There is a depth of feeling to the poem that explains why and how Bellamy and the other five three-timers have stayed at the top of the American team for so long, through three different coaches (Mark Johnson, Stone, Robb Stauber) and all the ups and downs.

"Eight years ago, I was just a rookie with my eyes wide open, in awe of where I was, who I was playing with," said Bellamy. "Now I’m 31 and still in awe of the responsibility. The Olympics is about more than the rivalry with Canada. It’s about representing the country. It’s about showing people how beautiful women’s hockey can be. It’s about the little girls with sticks, the little girls we used to be."

Two years ago, Bellamy wrote a powerful "Letter to My Younger Self" for The Players Tribune. Addressed to 15-year-old Kacey, she recalled leaving behind her family and friends in Westfield, Massachusetts, to attend the Berkshire School and how the first two weeks "are going to be the worst two weeks of your life." She told her about the friends and coaches who changed her life, about getting her heart broken when she was cut from USA Hockey’s under-22 team, about using the rejection as motivation to make the senior national team.

"You’re going to play for the U.S. team for a long time," she wrote. "But never take anything for granted. Make the most of the opportunities you have."

Each playing for the crest on the front of the jersey

And sticking up for every name on the back

Relax. Just like in Tampa, it might not be the disaster they’re predicting.

Some people who care deeply about Team USA worry that Pyeongchang will be as much a disappointment as Sochi or Vancouver or Turin or Salt Lake City were. They wonder why Stauber, a former NHL goalie who assisted Stone in Sochi, didn’t name any female assistants to his staff. And while he did coach the team to the world championship last April, and beat Canada 5-1 to win the Four Nations Cup on Nov. 12, Team USA has lost the past four games to Canada in its pre-Olympic warm-up.

A 2-1 overtime loss to Canada at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Dec. 3 was particularly painful because the tying goal was scored by Poulin and the winning goal by Jenner, their Sochi nemeses. And it happened in front of members of the 1998 USA Olympic team, who were honored between periods for the United States’ only gold medal.

Afterward, Stauber said, "For us, it’s not necessarily about the 20 years, but more about, ‘It’s time.’ We’ve got to bring home a gold medal. We’ve got a pretty good vision. We’re sticking with it, and we like our direction."

That direction included the addition of three players since Irma: defenders Cayla Barnes and Sidney Morin and forward Haley Skarupa. When the final roster was named after the second period of the Winter Classic at Citi Field on Jan. 1, veterans Bellamy, Duggan, Knight, Monique Lamoureux-Morando, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Gigi Marvin were on it, but forward Alex Carpenter, Team USA’s leading scorer in Sochi, and defender Megan Bozek were not — leading some to speculate that they did not buy into Stauber’s system.

Stauber stresses a controlled possession game that sometimes takes the puck back into the neutral zone. As for the lack of a female coach, he does rely on his veterans to help the younger players. Bellamy has been working with the 18-year-old Barnes, who had been getting ready to play for Boston College when she was asked to report to Wesley Chapel. "She’s wise beyond her years," says Bellamy. "Very poised … she’s just wonderful to have around the locker room."

While the recent results against Canada have been disappointing, it’s worth keeping in mind that in the American men’s last exhibition game with the Soviet Union before the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" game, Team USA was crushed 10-3.

In Pyeongchang, both archrivals beat Finland and the Russians in the first two games of Group A play — though there was some hand-wringing as the U.S. got off to slow starts in the first period of both games. It was Bellamy who broke the ice at 8:02 of the first period of the victory over the Russians, stepping into the attack off a pass from Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and firing a seeing-eye shot past Russian goalie Valeria Tarakanova. Team USA then put the game away in the second period, thanks to a more aggressive mindset and two goals by Lamoureux-Davidson within six seconds — an Olympic record.

By winning those first two prelims, Canada and Team USA assured themselves of a place in the semifinals, meaning that their game tomorrow means nothing… and their next one everything.

"We’re starting with a clean slate in South Korea," says Bellamy. "This time will be different."

Or, as she once wrote:

Mistakes lead to success

Errors lead to victory

Pride leads to gold

Senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine Around long enough to have written about athletes from Hank Aaron to Ben Zobrist and Super Bowls from VII to XLVI. Joined ESPN The Magazine as a founding editor in 1998. Also wrote for Time, Sports Illustrated, the Fort Lauderdale News and The Evening Sun in Norwich, NY.

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[grizzlefur]

WWEm - More Uncomfortable Than a Hedgehog at a Balloon Party

Watched by Emma, posted by Chris. You’re welcome.

Transmission date: Monday 6/Tuesday 7 February 2017

. Brought to you this week by the colour of rain-soaked earth and the letter in which your partner of sixteen years said they had moved to Stockholm without you, this is FRIDAY AFTERNOON RAW! .

opening with recaps of The Hunter Show last week .

and the dramatic history of one mr rollins .

which is mostly serving to remind me how outstanding that promo was .

the man can speechify .

also, SAMOA FUCKING JOE .

i am so looking forward to a seth/joe feud .

and we come into the present with mick and steph already in the ring .

mick introduces joe with a prepared statement, while clearly not happy with this situation .

and enter joe .

wearing a suit, which is weird .

coordinated pocket square and everything .

you sold out chants start immediately .

steph does the intro again, this time with enthusiasm .

mick tries to get this whole thing over with, steph is pissed .

mick coming very close to explicitly setting himself against the authority .

oooooooooh .

joe has a mic, all is right with the world .

puts the whole locker room on notice, take a whole range of shots .

shockingly, joe does not care for mick's attitude .

signs the contract, in comes seth .

wait no .

roman .

fuck, you'd think i'd recognise people's entrances by now .

good job, me .

roman comes out, asks to be threatened .

also introduces himself to joe .

when i am like 80% sure they're related .

huh, apparently not .

welp, guess i can't get things right today .

in any case, mick decided to exercise the bit of power he had left and made a roman/joe match tonight .

they're saying seth's injured, but that feels more of a work .

later we have goldberg talking to the memory of brock .

and now cesaro, sheamus and bayley walk backstage .

cesaro still loving it, sheamus still nonplussed .

because we now have bayley/nia .

which was a really good match when we had it in...brooklyn? .

recap video of the six-person mixed tag from last week, including a bit where we edited it together to make it look like cesaro didn't fuck up that top rope crossbody .

off the back of that, apparently bayley has a title shot next week .

which is lucky, because charlotte only wins on ppvs .

also off the back of that, cesaro was sent back to the performance centre to think about what he's done .

so far, this match is just nia beating the piss out of bayley .

with the power of the best real name in wrestling .

also the floor .

and the turnbuckles .

bayley gets a brief attack phase, nia just stops midway through being beaten into a corner like wait why am i just taking this .

and turn rounds to mash bayley's face into the turnbuckle some more .

bayley gets a couple of hits in, so nia just kills her with a rainmaker .

throws her out fo the ring, takes the opportunity to mock some fans .

and get thrown into the ring post .

countout begins, ref gets to the seventh TEN before getting distracted by charlotte running in .

bayley kicks her out of the ring, then eats a samoan drop off the distraction for the win .

and we all love how much i know distraction-based shenanigan wins .

especially combined with countouts .

nia leaves, charlotte poses with her belt over bayley's corpse .

end thing .

later, we have sami/jericho for the us title .

and a tag title rematch .

all belts alla time tonight .

but nBRAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGHHHHHH .

oh hey .

in a 4-on-1 handicap match .

you can probably fill in what's going to happen yourselves .

he's fighting four brightly-coloured men whose names i heard and immediately forgot .

because i apparently missed the fact that corey had made a pantera reference last week, i should just point out that he just said braun was "far beyond driven" .

braun murders everyone .

one of them runs away mid-match .

running powerslam to the green ranger, piles the other two on top of him, pins all three .

all of whom are now dead .

(o discordia) .

and now he suddenly has a mic .

he's pissed at mick for throwing jobbers at him .

so now he's leaving the ring to hunt him down .

cut backstage, where mick has come out to face him .

bold .

and mick's giving him a match against roman at fastlane .

somehow this satisfies braun .

between that and joe's first match being against roman, it's becoming clear that roman is just a placeholder for 'a big match' .

he serves no other purpose .

but far more importantly .

up next .

AKIRA FUCKING TOZAWA .

but first, a black history month interstitial .

with a quote from aretha franklin .

who was apparently at mania 3, so *shrug* .

but yes .

now we have akira tozawa and the unending hype of his entrance music .

it's like some kind of alternative gorillaz track .

he's fighting drew gulak, who hasn't even had an entrance .

got upstaged by aretha franklin .

unless that's his new entrance .

bold new direction .

aaaaaand akira's kicking sixteen shades of shit out of gulak .

shocker there .

and he's got a cool purple/blue mouthguard .

and the best fucking suicide dive in the business .

look at that .

fucking marvellous .

everyone else, take lessons .

and i love how much tozawa can work a crowd without speaking their language .

and snap german suplex for the pin .

still an absolute brutal finisher .

made all the better by the fact that he can do it mid-sentence .

and here's brain kendrick to congratulate him? .

hmm .

developments to come on that score, clearly .

end segment, hype video for goldberg .

side note: if it hasn't become clear, i fucking LOVE akira tozawa .

ad for elimination chamber, something something brand split something .

but in any case, here are kevin and chris .

(not chrevin) .

(even i couldn't make that stick) .

kevin gets to posture about being champion some more .

and chris follows suit .

he's taking issue with tom brady stealing his nickname .

so he's on the list .

this pleases the crowd .

we're in atlanta, if i hadn't mentioned .

chris is here to talk to us about wrestlemania .

calling for a chris/kevin title v title match .

well, it's finally been said .

the crowd want to see this .

i want to see this .

and shockingly, kevin wants to see it .

but he says he wouldn't be able to do it .

awwww .

fwends .

and then interrupted by goldberg's entrance? .

guess they've got time to go for a drink and hammer out the finer points of this negotiation .

much as i mock goldberg's enormously long entrance (and i will continue to do so, because it is), it's nice to see bits like it that tie the arena together as a space .

non-news of the day: emma likes tracking shots .

kevin and chris are unsure what to make of this interloper .

bill wants to fight them both .

not or any particular reason .

just cos they're there .

it'll make a change from his usual diet of fighting baristas and sales reps just to get through the day .

he's acceptin brock's challenge because he never turns down a chance for a fight .

point at the siiiiiiiiiign .

thunderous chants from the crowd, gol clap from kevin .

kevin is like yes this is a great idea this will be a perfect undercard match for our ppv .

so goldberg's challenging kevin for fastlane .

chris starts his putting someone on the list spiel, goldberg takes it off him, puts his own name on it, and calmly hands it back .

and announces himself making the list .

nice touch .

chris is none too pleased with this turn of events .

so he angrily accepts his challenge on behalf of kevin .

I AM PISSED WITH YOU THEREFORE YES YOU MAY INDEED FIGHT MY FRIEND .

classic playground tactic right there .

kevin doesn't care for this .

and apparently they're making it a title match? .

so jerichal interference .

because they're not gonna have goldberg go down, but if they make goldberg the champion i'll throw something .

now kevin and chris are backstage arguing .

chris like it's fine, i'll have your back .

kevin just like dude have you ever misunderstood my problem with this and storms off .

ooooooooooh tension .

recap of ceshearo losing the belts, sponsored by chicken .

all chicken .

promotional consideration, by a chicken .

Buck-AWK. .

in any case, now we have the tag title rematch .

cesaro and sheamus now ith a slightly more coordinated entrance .

enzo and cass at ringside for some reason .

not even on announce .

they're sitting where the announce table would be, were they on a lesser show .

anderson continues to do the backward belt spin, despite looking more uncomfortable with it than a hedgehog at a balloon party .

please let them drop the belts here, just so he can stop doing that .

cesaro and sheamus continue to be remarkably coordinated as a team thus far .

case in point, that rolling neckbreaker/running double stomp combo there .

neckbreaker? .

what neckbreaker? .

that was a rolling senton .

the fuck is wrong with me today .

either i am exceptionally sloppy today, or the entirety of my past output is suddenly suspect .

have i been a blithering moron all along .

who can say .

not me .

possibly due to blithering moronity .

cesaro's rolling hot tag is always cool .

i'm easily pleased .

it turns out you can do a forward roll into basically any spot and i will enjoy it unreservedly .

i blame rvd .

cesaro and sheamus do a big combo on anderson, gallows doesn't even let the count get to two before breaking it .

way to heighten tension, dude .

gallows gets hit outside of the ring, kicks enzo for no real reason, and cass hits him, causing the dq .

despite him not being the legal man at the time? .

ah well .

wrestling .

up next, an update on seth's health OR OTHERWISE .

but first, a bit about black history month .

well, at least they got byron to do the intro .

it would have been spectacularly tone-deaf for them to have cole do it, but still probably the 723rd most racist thing the company had done this year .

a variety of black superstars give us a lesson about jackie robinson .

that was actually pretty well-done .

congrats, wwe .

you passed the lowest bar .

but now, back to white men shouting at each other .

in this case, seth and trips .

also joe .

who isn't white .

but also doesn't talk in this video .

so my point stands .

oh, ffs .

apparently seth tore his mcl during that particular beating .

so may well not be here for mania .

fucking hell .

in any case, here are the new day .

to fight the shining stars .

who are...apparently still employed? .

kofi talks about seeing them every week, despite the fact that we haven't seen them since like november

.

big e gets a guy in the crowd to eat bootyos out of his hand to serve a speech xavier's making .

because of course .

new day are the 'because wrestling' of wrestling .

and now they're saying about releasing their own ice cream .

...sure, why not .

but to ads, cut back and big e is already beating up epico .

big e and xavier are in, a sure sign that this is a match they aren't taking seriously .

they keep punctuating spots by screaming ICE CREEEEEEEEAM!!!!! .

and getting the crowd to chant it .

i don't understand anything any more .

also i can't eat dairy .

fuck you, new day .

"There's no denying the talent that Primo and Epico have!" .

yes there is, cole .

i do it every week .

or i would, were they ever fucking here .

i dunno .

maybe they're great in the kitchen .

i'm just saying that whatever talent they have, it's not one that presents itself in a professional wrestling context

.

every time it's on camera, cole is doing his damnedest to point out the siiiiiiiiiign .

(couldn't resist) .

dramatic corner-cam hot tag, take a dutch-angled shot .

xavier knocks primo out of the ring and directly into the cameraman .

midnight hour on epico for the pin, assisted by constantly roaring the phrase 'ice cream' .

advert #2 for chamber, this time with announce team VO .

sigh .

also, is anyone really going to take their free month of the network a month and a half before mania? .

anyway .

now we have...charly? (fuck, i'm trying to work on that) interviewing chris about his match with sami .

chris is going to win, and his friendship with kevin is as solid as ever .

also, confirmed: it is charly .

or it was .

kevin has appeared, and she has slunk away .

kevin is like sorry dude i know you'll be there for me i'll be there for you tonight against sami ilu man .

announcing more hof inductees .

this time, the rock 'n' roll express .

yeah, i can't really argue .

but now, we have sami/chris .

if sami wins this (he won't) and doesn't react with I'M THE BEST I'M THE BEST I'M THE MOTHERFUCKING BEST, i'm gone .

kevin giving chris an aggressive backrub before the bell rings .

have i mentioned how they're the greatest double act in the business recently? .

sami's coming into this with a brand new i-just-don't-give-a-shit attitude .

i approve .

say what you will about sami zayn, but the man does a picture-perfect tope con giro .

hell, this is a really fun match all round .

chris is unimpressed with the ref's counting speed .

they always are .

exploder, dodge the helluva kick into the walls, counter to a blue thunder bomb .

i could watch sami zayn matches all day .

chris counters a tornado ddt by just standing there like what exactly are you trying to achieve .

gets into the walls, sami takes it for ages again before getting the break .

and then, as the ref's pulling chris out of it, kevin kicks sami in the face .

shocker .

and codebreaker for the pin .

oh look, sami lost a thing .

RIP sami zayn ever winning anything .

(o discordia, on the shores of the abyss) .

recaps of kevberg from earlier .

(my favourite lettuce) .

for no reason other than to tell us that's been made official .

which they already said .

oh, and brockberg at mania .

which i guess hadn't been officially announced yet .

so .

*shrug* .

backstage, sasha is having her knee looked at by the trainer .

and charlotte comes to taunt her .

this raises questions, like 'why are people allowed to just wander into the medical room?' and 'why is sasha even here on this show?' .

but in any case, charlotte leaves without incident .

and now, more cruiserweights .

in this case, austin interviewing neville .

...austin is wearing a banana in his breast pocket instead of a pocket square .

and it's not even matching a yellow shirt .

there's a segment going on, but i'm finding it hard to concentrate on anything else .

upshot is, there'll be a 5-way elimination for #1 contendership on 205 this week .

neville, astonishingly, is not scared of any of them .

here comes cedric, to argue otherwise .

austin like um dude, doing an interview here .

and we have noam, who's brought his own mic .

(the other three in this match are nese, jack, and...fuck, my memory) .

here's jack, to apologise for interrupting .

and tony .

or, in austin's words, "Oh, here come Tony Nese's abs!" .

and tjp .

.

who was the fifth man, and i managed to completely forget .

he also gets to talk .

perks of being a former champion .

every time tjp claims to be the first cruiserweight champion, brian pillman cries a solitary salty tear .

while that image was happening, tjp started a brawl .

all of them get knocked outside, neville sets up for a tope, then just stops like aw fuck all of you .

classic geordie bait and switch .

fade so we can have another emmalina video .

apparently she's coming next week .

so we can finally stop having those teasers and see how much of a trash fire it is .

in any case, fade back in, and it's a heels v faces 6-man tag match .

noam and jack beat the piss out of each other like hey remember icw .

and on announce, austin is just enormously pissed about them ruining his interview .

also his colleagues .

"Michael Cole has a body like a bag of milk!" .

noam steals a tag meant for neville to try and impress him, then completely loses jack gallagher immediately .

so neville refuses to tag back in off him .

meanwhile, cole just called tjp "the flim-flam flash" .

smooth .

neville walks off in a perpetual huff, leaving tony to get detonation kicked .

and noam takes a nasty lumbar check (because they all are) for the pin .

now, chris and kevin have a deep talk in the locker room .

chris wants a festival next week to celebrate the depth of their friendship .

is chris jericho actually a my little pony character .

discuss .

apparently it's going to be 'the wrestlemania of friendship' .

kevin's face is like i have no fucking clue what this is but i love you for it .

frankly, i think everyone watching looks like that .

up next, joe/roman .

joeman? .

no .

i'm not massively invested in this, but on the upside, it should be an opportunity to watch roman get the shit beaten out of him .

chamber ad #3 .

just saying .

and a long package about cena/styles .

accompanied by...is that fucking world of goo music? .

and a video of notable past superstars telling you how stupid it is to go into the chamber .

which is probably true .

because it could always turn out to be elimination chamber 2015 .

but in any case, fuck this video is long .

guess they needed to de-purple the ring .

teasers for next week's raw from vegas, including the festival of friendship, which now has its own logo .

but for the opposite of fun and anticipation, here comes roman .

as roman is making his usual slow-ass way down the ramp, joe just sprints down after him and commences to crap-kicking .

sound strategy .

corey just referred to joe as 'the cerebral assassin's personal assassin' .

well that's fucking cumbersome .

cut to ads, cut back and the match actually begins .

i say 'match', it's the same beating, just happens to be inside the ring .

and roman gets the occasional attack phase .

but is still basically getting joed to death .

wait, cole just said we were in portland .

clearly just a lot of atlanta fans in the house tonight .

or just jericho fans, i guess .

huh .

well, that makes the fact that they're in vegas next week make more sense .

be a hell of a trek otherwise . not much to say about this match, other than samoa joe will straight fuck you up .

and roman needs to learn when to lie down .

roman hits a nice samoa drop on joe, which is kind of impressive in itself .

he is not a small man .

joe takes that, a driveby, and a superman punch in short order, and roman sets up for a spBRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGHH .

and joe hits a big suplex off the distraction for the win .

Braun Strowman: Avatar of Nope .

and i just love how over he's getting purely off the back of fucking roman up .

we can all unite in saying fuck that guy .

braun poses with the ring steps for approximately seven hours before hitting roman with them .

and then drives him through a barricade .

and we fade on refs trying to separate braun from roman's corpse .

poor narrative consistency, questionable matchups, but it ended with roman getting killed by a giant. 11/10.

.

of course, i say 'end' .

this blog does not know words such as 'end' .

(because he's called 'blakc' now) .

but that aside .

something something FRIDAY AFTERNOON SMACKDOWN! .

didn't even need a line there .

i can stop whenever i want .

opening on a dramatic video package about randy and cena .

"But now, two familiar foes write the next chapter in their historic rivalry!" .

translation: we've been doing this for fifteen years .

please make us stop .

fuck, this video is long .

but tonight, we're in seattle .

notable for being much closer to portland than atlants .

and here comes bryan .

with a shirt with washington on it .

just in case he takes too much organic hemp and forgets where he lives .

the crowd are clearly happy to clap and chant for him all show .

it'd save me some work, that's for damn sure .

there we go, he's talking .

apparently this is the first time back to seattle since he retired .

for the show, not for him .

because, as mentioned, he does in fact live here .

talks about having a kid, massive pop .

in comes the miz to shit on parenthood .

mauro claims that miz is heading into his second hell in a cell match, tom immediately takes the link off him and does it properly .

hey, maffew .

miz is in fact supporting bryan being a dad .

because he should go and do that full-time .

bryan like lol whatever you can't wrestle aren't i witty .

(also i can say whatever i want because this crowd will support me 10000%) .

crowd try to drown miz out, he's like um guys i have a microphone do you know how that works .

a bad witticism later, here comes baron .

mauro makes the same fucking mistake again .

gdi, dude .

baron starts talking trash at miz, but miz still proposes an alliance at chamber .

goes down poorly .

bryan (verbatim) : "Oh no. Baron, please don't punch Miz in the face. That would be terrible." .

and now here comes dean .

but i'm still being entirely distracted by baron's shitty teenager moustache .

dean takes issue with baron stealing the motorcycle noise from his music .

which i can't rmemeber pointing out before, but would be amazed if i hadn't .

and here's aj .

asking if they're done playing ticklebutt .

whatever .

"Do we live in some kind of fantasy world, where facts don't matter?" .

well, aj, in fact, [NOPE - STILL TOO SOON] .

aj continues to tell fans not to chant for him, goes down as well as usual .

bryan says 'whoa' so many times that i start to think he's having a flashback, before making this a 4-way match starting GODDAMN NOW .

bell rings, miz tries to coordinate a plan with baron corbin .

not realising he is entirely lacking in settings other than GAR and GRUMP .

"If you wanna become a wrestler, just punch someone in the face really hard. It works." .

JBL: not recommended for all situations .

miz does the yes knees on aj and dean together, it looks even dumber than usual .

and now, everyone pins and clotheslines each other .

followed by a really long and unwieldy tower of doom spot .

is there any other kind? .

i talk a lot of shit about baron, but that was a fucking exquisite counter into a deep six right there .

stopped clock, etc. .

named, of course, after the subterranean city beneath toronto .

miz counters a styles clash into a busaiku knee, which he's actually sorting out how to do properly .

dean does a suicide dive, and it's not horrificc, but he's no akira tozawa .

aj almost falls off the ropes, turns it into a beautiful moonsault reverse ddt .

and that's why he's the phenomenal one .

(and you're a schmuck) .

maryse pulls aj out of the ring, baron hits the end of days on miz for the pin .

because sure, why not .

we all know he won't win at chamber, and this leaves the realistic options open .

"There's no better time to start your 30 day free trial!" .

sorry tom, but there empirically is .

in like three weeks .

later we have a double women's contract signing, because why not .

but now, luke harper gives a sermon from bray's lightbulb room .

shockingly, he's pissed at randy .

but has decided it'd be too easy to kill him, so he's going to torture him at chamber instead .

should be interesting .

but now, nikki bella in a white-tinted concrete room and natalya in a pink-tinted concrete room have an interview with a disturbingly close-focus shot of tom teleconferencing for everyone's safety .

apparently nattie is dead to nikki, and plans toexpose her as a terrible wrestler .

and awful human being at chamber .

this all feels very nikki-v-brie-died-in-the-womb .

and nattie makes it about nikki not having kids .

seriously, can we stop having the total divas storylines .

case in point: apparently, after chamber, cena will leave nikki for another woman .

nikki comes to my viewpoint of fuck this segment and leaves .

end of thing .

that was weird .

titlecard for cena/orton later tonight, no voiceover, card for crews/ziggler up next, still none

.

cut to break and we're back .

that was weird .

but yes, now we have crews v ziggler .

dolph is striking up the band like three spots in .

and crews gets a rollup .

for the pin .

huh .

what was the point of that .

so dolph kicks him in the head and gets a chair .

which, amazingly, doesn't backfire .

just gets to wail on apollo a bit .

but here comes kalisto .

fun fact: i have no fucking clue who the focus of this rivalry is .

"Kalisto shows Ziggler that two can play the kicking game!" .

i fucking LOVE the kicking game .

just preordered kicking 2k18 .

now with 380 styles of kick .

so dolph hits kalisto with the chair too and walks off .

anticlimaaaaaaaaax .

contracts up next, but first, david otunga introduces a video of black superstars telling us about rosa parks .

although, to my knowledge, she was never at wrestlemania .

mark henry and jason jpordan got to be in that one .

guess they just don't give a shit about baseball .

now, bryan catches dolph backstage .

dolph like fuck you i'm leaving i could beat all these fuckers but i just like chairs .

so bryan's giving him a handicap match at chamber so he can beat both those fuckers .

but now, the FIRST EVER DUAL CONTRACT SIGNING .

which they're trying to make a thing .

despite it differing from two contract signings only inasmuch as we cou;ldn't be bothered to clear the ring between them .

hey, if we continue down this road, maybe we'll reach a point where all contract signings are done at the same time in an office somewhere .

crazy idea, i know .

but yeah, renee's MCing this .

and here come our heels .

mickie and alexa, to be exact .

i just realised i never made it clear which two matches were being discussed here

.

it's becky/mickie and naomi/alexa .

i've just realised - don't say it too loud, but there'll be (gasp) three whole women's matches in one ppv .

the other three are here in their street clothes, naomi comes in in her gear .

.

because otherwise her entrance wouldn't work .

stands there awkwardly like did nobody else see fancy dress on the invite .

renee starts to introduce them, micke's just like hey i'm a professional i can handle this and takes the event over .

apparently she's had seven years of rage .

that doesn't seem healthy .

gets annoyed at becky taking credit for the women's revolution, proceeds to claim to have created becky .

hypocrisy, from a heel? .

shocking, i know .

speech done, sign the paper .

now it's becky's turn .

basically doing the same speech as hhh on raw last week, about people taking time away when they can't handle it and then expecting respect when they come back .

but she's a face, so it's ok .

speech over, sign the paper, alexa's turn .

her speech, as usual, comes down to 'i'm the best and you're a bitch' .

does a whole promo on becky and then turns to naomi like oh hey i forgot you were there i'mma beat you on sunday btw .

naomi gets her turn, talks about mania being in her hometown, points at the siiiiiiign .

good promos all round there .

signs the paper, kicks alexa in the head over the table .

cue brawl .

naomi shows the perks of being the only one in athletic gear by hitting a lovely plancha on mickie and alexa .

and they run away .

i'm really hoping they give naomi the title, tbh .

she deserves a run .

apparently on sunday we have a tag team turmoil match .

and now we have a 12-man match .

because smackdown still doesn't know any way to handle a tag division that doesn't involve putting them all in there at the same time

.

so yeah, it's alpha/slyno/breezango vs ascension/usos/vaudevillains .

maybe this is their real problem .

that they only have two face teams .

why the fuck are breezango working with them .

although that's currently moot because it's chad gable vs the world .

(a film i would watch) .

they open it up a bit, including tyler dicking on his own nominal team, and it gets oh so much sloppier .

they've changed viktor's paint again, and he looks like discount finn bálor .

ascension pull out a really nice double team sequence in which you see a brief flash of how good they used to be, then gets in a slap fight with aidan english while heath slater tags out .

sigh .

devolves into a massive brawl, nobody can tell the difference .

and alpha ("the" american alpha if you're mauro) clear everyone out .

viktor blindsides jason, and then dodges a gore into a high knee for...a...win? .

the ascension won a thing? .

wait, are we sure we aren't moving backward through time? .

shit, is that why the brands are red and blue .

did the wwe get doppler shifted through time? .

advert for otunga guesting on some fucking show, but next, cena/orton .

advert for fastlane, despite this show having its own ppv before then .

tom delivers a hype piece for chamber, mauro sits there like okay i know what i said can i have my microphone back now please .

but before we can have the actual match, let's have this long-ass video package about how IT'S THE ELIMINATION CHAMBER YOU'RE GONNA DIE again .

including rvd .

dude doesn't even fucking work here any more .

all of them like oh god it's horrible it'll kill you and then shawn michaels comes on like hey it might kill you, but on the other hand, you get to kill people .

it's always the quiet ones .

but now for the actual main event .

after seventeen video packages about all the other products we offer .

weird seeing cena with a belt again .

kind of comforting, but weird .

like falling back into an old habit you aren't sure is good for you .

and here comes randy and his minder .

in unsurprising announcement news, harper/orton is confirmed for chamber .

cut to ads and we're on with the match .

bray is clearly not that worried, as the rocking chair is back .

cena takes a break to listen to seattle chant for him and grin like a four-year-old .

this match is slow as balls, and let's be honest, you've seen it before .

we've all seen it before .

there are archaea living in an undersea volcanic vent that have seen cena/orton at least once .

for those of you looking to sync your old tapes, we just had the bit where cena counters out of a draping ddt .

orton slams cena onto the announce table, all the announcers stand up and dive for cover, except jbl, who just moves backwards slightly like guys these chairs have wheels .

weird rushed five knuckle shuffle, aa, clean pin, and randy kicks out anyway like fuck your five moves .

does a draping ddt off the top rope, which i'm not sure i've seen before .

so there's that at least .

takes a moment to strike up the snake .

rko, clean pin, cena kicks out because two can play at that game motherfucker .

guys .

one of you is going to have to take a pin, or we'll be here all night .

cena goes for another aa, randy counters into an 'accidental' ref bump .

cena goes for an stf, randy taps to get him to stop, then him and bray start beating on him with no supervision .

luke harper inserts himself into the conversation .

faces up to bray .

and discus clotheslines him back to whatever dark dimension spawned him .

randy goes for an rko, luke pushes him away like fuck you i get to be the hero for once, right into a waiting aa .

and the ref is miraculously back to count the pin .

forces of good (and sort of good) triumph, kick cena's music, point at the sign, and we can all go home .

well, we've got some recaps first .

and cena needs to exuberantly pose with a belt for a while .

also his inspirational flannel .

and thus we fade .

(no, i'm still not watching talking smack) .

right, just got 205 and nxt to catch up on, and then it's chamber on sunday .

the wheel of wrestling turns .

see you all a-twitter

[grapsandclaps]

GRAPS AND CLAPS REVIEWS - PCW 'ROAD TO GLORY' 2019

Hello and welcome to this edition of Graps and Claps, this time taking me to Blackpool for PCW’s Road to Glory weekender with what was advertised of being two tournaments taking place with the Singles on Saturday and the Tag Team tournament on the Sunday. However, in a change to the advertised schedule there was a removal of the tag tournament probably due to the non-availability of suitable tag combinations. In its place on the Sunday we instead had a TV style taping session for PCW’s new show on the Fight Network which will be launched in the coming weeks. Also being televised will be the Road to Glory Singles Tournament which involved a total of 16 wrestlers – with 8 First Round matches, followed by the Quarters, Semi-Finals and Final all on one enormous day of wrestling.

Now how we are going to do this as it was a ram-packed weekend of grappling action, is to run you through some of the highlights on show and also take you into detail about the Blackpool beer scene or lack of thereof. Arriving into Blackpool at 12 Noon, after a journey of two and half hours coming from my house to Manchester and then to the seaside mecca, we met up with Andrew Campbell who we had been with at the PCW show in Leeds the night before (this will be reviewed by our Geoff later in the week).

With a small amount of time before the show started, we were planning to visit a local real ale choice in the form of The Pump and Truncheon, sadly though this was closed due to a refurbishment. So Instead we plumped for The Castle (a proper Geezer Pub), which looks inviting from the outside, but once you are inside it reminds you of a weekend away in Magaluf with a packed pub full of tourists dancing away to DJ Otzi, getting pissed on gassy lager whilst listening to the styling’s of Joe Curran’s Marmite Show – think of him as Blackpool’s answer to Bernard Manning handing out sharp barbs to anyone daring to walk past him to the toilets, so sharp were these barbs he had to have a bouncer stand next to him in-case anyone decided to spark him out!.

With the 1st PCW show starting at 1pm, we made our way to the venue with what I would say around 100 in attendance for the first show, meaning those who had bought the cheaper tickets got moved forward into the VIP front row seats, so lucky for me I could stretch my legs for the duration for 3 out of the 4 shows. In general, the attendance was around the same level for all 4 shows with Show 2 and Show 4 providing the larger crowds which was a shame. However, with that said and it can’t be denied is that PCW produced 4 solid shows on this weekend – so let’s start with the show 1.

Best matches:

Jeff Cobb vs Tom Lawler – A masterclass in grappling and the pure wrestling style with Olympic trained wrestler and current ROH TV Champion Jeff Cobb taking on the current MLW Champion, Tom Lawlor. If you like your wrestling full of Suplex variations from both guys, plus hard lariats this was the one for you with the former UFC star Lawlor getting the victory with a rear naked choke on Cobb to advance to the next round in around 15 minutes and for me the best match of the 4 shows taking place in Blackpool. Lawlor is easily someone I can see like a certain Matt Riddle who can reach that top level in the world of wrestling, as he has done in the world of MMA.

Sheikh El-Sham vs Philip Michael – Two of PCWs standouts from the Academy, took to the squared circle in the match before the interval and once again they proved why they are both so highly rated by many people on the local scene. One constant you will read through this report is how good Sheikh El-Sham is getting nowadays from a character and an all-round package standpoint – from the promos, the sneers and subtle winding-up of the crown, plus a look of someone who can go very far in his wrestling career – he is coming off with that star quality. Philip has a star quality from a wrestling standpoint, but I do feel he needs that little bit of pizazz added to his repertoire ala Zack Sabre Jr to push to that next level, but that will come with time. What would become Philip’s downfall in this match, would be played out for the rest of the weekend, as he went to leap at Sham, but on landing he jarred his knee – something that both Sheikh El-Sham and Tel Banham would target on the other shows.

Another thing to point out from this match, would be the first appearance of Referee, Mark Alexander Price who the previous evening cost T-Bone winning the PCW Heavyweight Title off of Tel Banham, by reversing a decision a replacement ref made whilst Price was knocked down. The story with Price was that being hinted was he the main heel group ‘The Buyout’ paid off official in which he would somehow always get in the way of The Buyout’s opponent and in turn costing them the match with his biased officiating. As a weekend long story, this was fantastically done with every time that Price made his entrance to the ring he got mercifully booed from the crowd in attendance.

As per this match, Price got in Philip Michael’s way causing Phil to be caught with the roll-through spear by Sham who advanced to the next round to the jeers of the audience. Before this match we had an appearance during an interview segment by Tel Banham who challenged Philip to a Cruiserweight title match that would take place later on in the second show due to Philip being eliminated – more on that later!

Sugar Dunkerton vs MJF – Plenty of shenanigans in this one with Sugar riling up MJF by nicking his Burberry scarf and duly wiping his arse with it. MJF who impressed when he was over last May, was once excellent again as the cocky ‘Better than You’ antagonist compared to the fun-loving Dunkerton who had the crowd firmly on his side on this what was the 1-year anniversary of his first tour of the UK. Unfortunately for Sugar, it wouldn’t end so well as MJF kicked Sugar in the bollocks whilst Referee Des wasn’t looking and rolled up Sugar whilst having a hand on the ropes for more leverage to advance to the next round.

Other results from Round 1 were as follows:

‘Magnificent’ Matthew Brooks beat Dave Birch when hit the Big Leg for the three count. A big plus for Brooks this weekend, was the usually temperamental microphones were on amazing form this weekend, so his beautiful singing voice could be heard at full capacity.

Puerto Rico’s own Franco Varga who comes out to the Ricky Martin classic ‘Living La Vida Loca’ beat ‘Big Time’ Bruce Wheeler who is an Academy Graduate who has been wrestling for the last 8 months and whilst some of his ring work needs a bit of fine tuning, his mic work is very good for someone who hasn’t been doing this long. Franco who impressed on this weekend, especially with the kids in attendance who swamped him for photographs at the end of the show advanced to the next round when he hit a F5 into a stunner and then a Moonsault for the three count.

Jaxon Stone Everybody!! Who has the look of former Newcastle player Jonas Gutierrez put away Planet Bolton’s own Arcadian in a good contest that was back and forth for the duration of the contest, which ended when Jaxon put away Arcadian with a powerbomb to advance.

In what was supposed to Daniel Thorley (Academy Trainee) vs Iestyn Rees, never got going due to BIG T who felt jilted that he wasn’t in the tournament came in to lay waste to Daniel in the end racking him, to leave Iestyn just to walk to the ring to get the forfeit victory which had people thinking that Rees would be soon to be a member of the Buyout, despite him saying that he wanted to be his own man at the last show in Blackpool – this would be played out later in the show and the weekend.

Main event of show 1 was battle of former friends with Danny Hope taking on Joey Hayes. In what was very much a slow burner type of a match, that turned good near the end – Joey Hayes advanced when he locked in the Cross-Hayes on Danny to win via submission. Hope had earlier during the match thought he had won, but the referee noticed Hope had his feet on the ropes and promptly stopped the count.

Show one done – a quick drop off of my bags at our B&B for the evening, that being The Trentham B&B which cost £41 for the night, but the only down point being the low roof in my roof, meaning me and Geoff would have to very careful once we rolled in at 2 am half cut! Two pubs were visited in between Show 1 and 2, that being the local branch of Hogarths for a pint of Cheadle House Bitter at a cost of £1.95 to wet the taste buds whilst observing the bouncer in there who had the look of MJF less the Burberry scarf.

The other pub we tried in between was The 1887 Brew Room, which is the site of the formation of Blackpool F.C and has been turned into in the last year, into a brew pub as of West Coast brewery. This has been well needed in the town, as there is very much a lack of real ale choices apart the two ‘Spoons. Two pints in here were had including a Tiny Rebel Rise Lager (4.2% £3.90) and an 1887 Brew House Lager (4% £2.85), both which were very good being accompanied with a foot-long sausage and nachos for £4.25. This pub would be visited again after Show 2, for another two-hour session this time with The Indy Corner boys (Benno, JP and Joe and Colin) who had come up for the weekend – all cracking company throughout the time they were there.

Show two now, so let’s get into the best of the action:

MJF vs Joey Hayes – in a rematch of a cracker, MJF took on Joey Hayes, with Joey looking to avenge his defeat in May and once again they didn’t disappoint as MJF looked to finish off Joey with his rope-assisted piledriver, but only got a two count as he complained to the referee which soon led to his downfall as not long after this, Joey hit the JKO to get the three count and to advance to the Semi-Finals. Good crowd head especially with MJF who once again was a star on the microphone – this fella is money!!

Tom Lawlor vs Jaxon Stone & Franco Varga vs Iestyn Rees followed next in what were two very good big lad’s matches, with the Stone vs Lawler being probably the best of these two with Lawlor very much being on the defensive surviving close countouts at the count of 9 to carry on. Lawlor however managed to choke out the BIG Jaxon at the third attempt to advance to the Semis. In the other quarter, after a valiant effort by Franco Varga, he finally succumbed to iestyn Rees who beat him with the Alpha Lock to also cement his place in the Semi-Finals.

Shenanigans galore in the final Quarter match when Sheikh El-Sham scrambled through against ‘Magnificent’ Matthew Brooks after Sham was in a pinning position on Brooks, but with the aid of Danny Hope holding Brooks foot on the outside for added leverage to get the three count BOOOO!!! So your final 4 – Lawlor, Sham, Rees and Hayes!

Half-Time Main Event was a proper tour de force of emotions as Philip Michael challenged Tel Banham once again for the Cruiserweight Title, after losing in Blackpool the last time at Club Domain, so for Philip this was a chance at retribution. Fully based around Banham working on the already injured knee of Michael from earlier on, he was trying everything within his power to make the man from Accrington tap out. However, at one stage near the end of this match it looked like Philip would do the unthinkable and make Tel tap in a modified ‘Rings of Saturn’ but to the sadness of the crowd in attendance, Tel would get to the ropes. With the match reaching around the 20-minute marker it would be Tel who had done enough work on Phil to make him pass out from the pain to deflate the crowd into one big huff – an excellent match up though, that the crowd were fully invested in for the duration of – well done lads!!

Semi-Finals of the tournament we had Iestyn Rees facing Joey Hayes, which was all going well until BIG T got involved once again on this day to remonstrate with Iestyn who he had been courting on behalf of his group. This led though, to distract Iestyn enough to be rolled up by Joey who advances to the Road to Glory final leaving an angry man from Gloucester baying for BIG T’s blood.

In the other Semi-Final we had Sheikh El-Sham vs Tom Lawlor in an interesting styles clash, which on paper many people thought Lawlor would advance, but once we saw who the official was for the match doubt set in (Mark Alexander Price once again!!). Price would get involved once again as he gave a fast count as Sheikh had Lawlor pinned much to the disgust of the crowd. After the match, Lawlor would get his revenge as he choked out Price enough, that it ruled him out from reffing/spoiling the final.

Before the final we had a 6-man tag to break things up with ‘The Buyout’ (BIG T, Danny Hope and Nightshade) taking on Sugar Dunkerton, Matthew Brooks and Arcadian. In a really fun break from singles action, it would be ‘The Buyout’ who would get the victory as BIG T hit the final sentence to Arcadian to get the 3 count.

Final time now, with Sheikh El-Sham coming out on a royal throne carried by security in a proper WrestleMania type entrance – that had me applauding like a seal – taking on Joey Hayes in the Road to Glory Final. This match is very poignant for Sheikh, as his first ever match was against Hayes at the PCW Academy when he was defeated by the man from Leigh, since then though Sham has had the upper hand, but would it be the same on this evening. Lots of interference in this one including ‘The Buyout’ getting involved, that was until Referee Des ejected them, we had signs of tension between Sham and Banham as well – which in the future we could see played out!

As the match was reaching its climax and with Sham on Top, BIG T came in as well to put the final exclamation to Hayes whilst Des was floored, but out comes Iestyn Rees with a chair to wallop T over the head to send him packing. This in turn lead to Joey Hayes locking in the Cross Hayes at the second attempt to get the Submission to send the crowd home happy and to win the Road to Glory tournament and an opportunity at the PCW Title at a later date. A fitting way to end a fantastic, storyline driven tournament!

Show done, it was time to visit the bright lights of Blackpool, as mentioned spending a couple of hours once again in The Brew Room till around 10:15pm. That was before we made our way to The Castle only for that to be shut! However, we did end up going to The Layton Rakes Wetherspoons to sample the £1.95 bottles of Sierra Nevada, followed by Knobby’s Karaoke Bar to here many songs being mercifully murdered by the locals – including a rendition of The Cranberries hit ‘Zombie’

Next on the beer crawl of Blackpool, was local Irish bar ‘Shenanigans’ which can only be described as a shithole, where we stopped for an hour only before my dancing got even worse! Last pub for us was The Miffin which was a decent café style bar, but it was a bit dead like that scene out of The Inbetweeners whilst we sang along to ‘Sugar Sugar’ by The Archies as requested by my mate Andrew! That said it was time for me, Geoff and Jan to leave The Indy Corner boys and Andrew to party the night away in the local Popworld – of which I had reports of stunning barmaid from Andrew.

Waking up the next morning at 930am, we made our way down for breakfast which was a good effort, but I never understand why all B&B’s insist on only giving you 1 sausage??? Meeting up with Jan and Andrew we made our way in for Show 3 of the Blackpool weekend, not before being surprised when walking into the local CEX to see a DVD of something called ‘The Brave Little Toaster’, supposedly a Children’s film from the late 80’s costing the pricey sum of £28 – FUCK ME!!

Anyways, less about toasters and let’s get into what happened in Show 3 and 4 – these being the TV tapings for the Fight Network shows, so be aware of spoilers to come! Starting off the first taping we had Philip Michael who was still carrying a bit of a knee injury from the previous evening taking on Dave Birch! A very good start to proceedings here, with both wrestlers impressing, but if I am being a bit picky it maybe could have had a couple of minutes shaved off it as they were trying to hit all the moves – still excellent by all accounts. Philip got the victory here with the Rings of Saturn to Birch after earlier hitting a Canadian Destroyer on Birch for a two count.

The sounds of Big T’s entrance were heard next as he came out to take on Arcadian. As expected this was a bit of a mauling apart from Arcadian at least getting the big fella down to one knee with kicks. T finished off Arcadian in quick fashion with The Final Sentence to get the win, once again teasing us with the non-appearance of his famous rack move ‘The T-Break’.

More comedy stylings next as ‘BIG TIME” Bruce Wheeler took on Sugar Dunkerton. Plenty of talk prior to the match was of Bruce Wheeler saying that he had the writing credits to the tune ‘Sugar Sugar’ like a 1960s version of Gary Barlow nicking all of the writing credits – which got a few laughs from my mate Andrew about this! Sadly, this was no laughing matter for Wheeler as he was put away with a roll-through X-Factor for the win.

Non-title Women’s action with Desi Derata taking on the PCW Women’s Champion Nightshade. Derata who had been beaten by Nightshade in a 3-way match on Friday in Leeds was looking for revenge here. Early portion of this match was a bit rough around the edges, but as it went on it turned into a good contest, in which Derata got the shock victory by hitting a spinning bomb to Nightshade to get the 3 and as we would see later in Show 4 – a title shot. Unfortunately, though in the later match, it wasn’t meant to be for Desi as she was put away by Nightshade with a high-angled German Suplex to get the win. Nightshade it has to be said is very good at getting the crowd riled up and it is good to see her getting some newer opponents to start off 2019 – keep an eye out for her!

Next two matches were a decent Big lads match with Jaxon Stone taking on Franco Varga in which Stone got the victory and Iestyn Rees disposing Danny Hope in quick time – let it be known this wasn’t a good weekend for the Sheriff of Tasseltown, as apart from the 6-person match, he lost every match!

Up next we had the unveiling of a new PCW signing that being Joe Hendry, who we would find out was a supposed attacker of Matthew Brooks (which was announced at the start of the show that Brooks would not be appearing because of this). With Hendry proclaiming that he is a better singer and a wrestler than Brooks, this prompted Brooks’ friend Sugar Dunkerton to come out to remonstrate with Hendry – in a very good back and forth talking segment, it would be Sugar who ended up sending Hendry packing to the back with a right hook, but not before Hendry challenged Sugar to a time of his choosing which would be later on in the Second show. Good stuff this!

Main event of the first show was an All-Star tag with Sheikh El-Sham and Tel Banham trying to work out their differences, taking on Joey Hayes and Tom Lawlor. A chaotic tag match that ended up with the crooked referee Mark Price getting involved once again with some underhanded skulduggery and also the rest of Buyout interfering to stop Lawlor doing any damage. With Danny Hope and BIG T occupying both Tom Lawlor and Jeff Cobb, the latter who had come out to save his mate, this left Banham free to clock Joey with the PCW Title belt to Joey Hayes to floor him to get the three count as Price counted the fall to get the tainted win for The Buyout!

After the match though, Joey dusted himself off to challenge Banham for the PCW Title in the second show to send the crowd off for an hour break before the 4thand final show started. During the break, it was time to get some Fish and Chips from the Chippy next to Coral Island, which were are solid 8/10 standard costing £6.55! I forgot to say whilst I am typing, that beer was shunned in the first show by quite a few of us nursing hangovers – instead plumping for £2.50 cups of Slush Puppies – many a brain freeze was had in the space of 2 hours.

4th and final show now, starting off with 4-way action with Jaxon Stone taking on Dave Birch, Bruce Wheeler and Franco Varga respectively. In a really fun opener to get the crowd warmed up once again, the popular Franco got the victory here by hitting the F5 stunner to Birch to get the victory here to end what was successful first time showing here in the U.K for the Puerto Rican! After the match, Dave Birch got onto the mic, to say that he was sick of all the losses and needed to seek change to get his fledgling career back on track.

After the aforementioned Women’s match we then had 3rd on – Danny Hope taking on Arcadian. After a prolonged beat down of Arcadian by Hope, out of nowhere the man from Planet Bolton shocked The Sheriff with a springboard cutter from out of nowhere to get the shock win! Which was nice to see as Arcadian impressed quite a few onlookers on this weekend, including Joe and JP, whilst we are on the subject got us all talking about Babylon Zoo which Arcadian uses their hit ‘Spaceman’ as his theme – only at the wrestling can these conversations ever come up!.

Next up was announced as an ‘I Quit’ match between Sheikh El-Sham and Philip Michael (something to be probably explained on TV to this stipulation). An added stipulation to this match was if the Sheikh won, then Phil would have to join The Buyout, if Phil won – The Buyout would have to disband! This was very much a match to show off the Sheikh’s dominance as he beat down on Phil’s already injured right leg, constantly targeting this throughout the match and after around 15 minutes he eventually made Phil scream ‘I QUIT!’ after the pain was too much for the lad from Accrington – so with that said – A reluctant Phil now has to be The Buyout’s slave for the foreseeable future.

Joe Hendry vs Sugar was up next to settle out their squabble in the earlier interview segment. In another good storyline driven match, for which PCW are very good at nowadays, it would Joe Hendry who would get the victory with a roll-up and a hand on the rope similar to an MJF victory the night before – very much to the boos of the crowd in attendance. So with that win, it looks like Hendry is going to be moving into a feud with Matthew Brooks, expect the Sing-Off and many other singing related games between these masters of the voice.

Three matches to go and we come back with a return match from Show 1, with Jeff Cobb once again taking on Filthy Tom Lawlor in a similar type of match to that one, with both hitting hard strikes and throws, but on this occasion, it would be the man from Guam getting the victory as Jeff Cobb hit the ‘Tour of the Islands’ to give Lawlor a hard landing to get the three count in a hard-fought contest with both lads giving each other a deserved show of respect!

More big lads action with Iestyn Rees and BIG T trying to settle their differences. Even though this was short, it still had some great spots including Rees doing a wonderful dive to T on the outside and also managing to slam T in the centre of the ring. With Rees locking in the Alpha Lock to T and with him ready to tap, Sheikh El-Sham ran in to attack Rees with a Chair to cause the DQ. It now looks like this is the direction for the next couple of months in PCW with Rees taking on Sham – which I am certainly all for! Rees is certainly getting over well in this new babyface role.

Main event time now and your final match for the weekend was for the PCW Heavyweight Title with the Champion, Tel Banham taking on the No.1 Contender Joey Hayes. Luckily for Joey fans at the start, PCW Honcho Steven Fludder ordered the dismissal of crooked referee Mark Price, leading to Price being fired and then duly removed by security - an excellent way to end the weekend long storyline with him. You would think as well with all of the wrestling that had just passed that the crowd would be tired, but this match the whole audience engaged from the start. None more than the moment Tel Banham went to hit Joey with the belt only to be thwarted by Referee Des, and then hit with a JKO for the nearest of three counts that had the crowd on the edge of there seats.

Thankfully though for Joey, he was wise once again when Banham went to hit him with the belt again, only for Hayes to lock in the Cross Hayes on Tel to make him tap out onto the belt (great visual) to become PCW Heavyweight Champion to a great reception from the crowd.

There we have it then! A tour de force of a weekend, which a couple of thank you's go out to the young lad in the front row who didn't stop chanting all weekend and gave me a rest which was needed much on the Sunday shows. Also a thank you to Rick 'The Rock' (PCW Regular) with his help with some of the results and his thoughts on the weekend - go and check him out on Youtube (The Peoples WWE Channel)!

In closing, despite some low attendances, the outlook for PCW does look good from a storyline stand point with the main baddies looking a threat especially Banham, BIG T, Hendry and Sheikh El Sham. From the goody side Hayes, Rees, Sugar and Brooks look to be their dance partners with also Philip Michael looking on within the buyout - I for one am excited from a story standpoint of things!

I hope you have enjoyed reading this review of PCWs weekend in Blackpool - give them a check out online or when they are on The Fight Network. I will see you next time when I go to Leeds once again for Tidal Wrestling so until then - BYE!!