#pro wrestling big bang '22

[celestial-thoughts]

june 26, 2023 - weekly women's pro wrestling news roundup: week of june 19-25, 2023

this week's news roundup includes:

News & results from last week’s editions of Monday Night Raw, NXT, and Friday Night SmackDown.

News & results from last week's editions of WWE Main Event and NXT Level Up.

News & results from last week’s editions of AEW Dynamite, AEW Rampage, and AEW Collision.

News & results from AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door.

Other updates and news from last week.

Things to look forward to in women’s wrestling this week!

spoilers below the cut for shows/events listed above!

Notable news & results from TV last week:

Monday Night Raw (6/19):

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance defeated Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green. Katana pinned Sonya after hitting the Afterparty. match length-2:01.

WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley was set to take on Natalya in a non-title match, but Rhea attacked Natalya before the match could begin.

In a backstage interview, Raquel Rodriguez was being interviewed ahead of her Money in the Bank qualifying match. Raquel said that she would win the contract and cash in on Rhea Ripley, before being interrupted by Rhea coming backstage through the curtain. The two stared each other down, before Raquel made her entrance.

Trish Stratus defeated Raquel Rodriguez by disqualification to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Trish won after Becky Lynch came out and attacked Zoey Stark, and in the chaos also attacked Trish, resulting in the DQ finish. match length-5:55.

NXT Gold Rush part 1 (6/20):

There was a video package of Gigi Dolin, followed by Kiana James talking trash about Gigi. Kiana called Gigi mediocre, and said that she is fueled by winning.

Duke Hudson hosted a pep rally to celebrate Thea Hail becoming the number one contender for the NXT Women's Championship. Thea was interrupted by NXT Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton, who called Thea dumb and crazy. Thea got Tiffany in the Kimura Lock, before Tiffany escaped the ring, and Thea stood tall with the title in her hand.

Cora Jade defeated Dana Brooke by referee stoppage. At one point, medical officials tried to remove Dana from the ring after her knee buckled, but she got off of the stretcher and re-entered the ring. Cora locked in a Single Leg Crab, and the official made the decision to call for the bell. match length-10:46.

Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson defeated Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz. During the match, Elektra Lopez and Lola Vice came out and watched from the ramp. Lash Legend scored the pinfall win with a pump kick. match length-3:22.

A match between Gigi Dolin and Kiana James was announced for week two of NXT Gold Rush.

AEW Dynamite (6/21):

Kris Statlander defeated Taya Valkyrie to retain the TBS Championship. Kris landed Big Bang Theory to get the win, and successfully defend the TBS Championship once again. match length-8:55.

WWE Main Event (6/22):

Dana Brooke defeated Xia Li. Dana pinned Xia after hitting a somersault neckbreaker. match length-5:07.

Friday Night SmackDown (6/23)

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler (WWE) defeated Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn (NXT) to become the new Unified WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. The match ended with Ronda locking in an armbar and forcing Isla to tap out, while Shayna submitted Alba with the Kirifuda Clutch at the same time. match length-10:22.

After the match, Ronda and Shayna were confronted by Raquel Rodriguez, who said that she wanted a rematch for the titles that she had been forced to vacate. Raquel was then joined by a returning Liv Morgan, who has been out of action since the May 12 episode of SmackDown when she suffered a shoulder injury.

Charlotte Flair defeated Lacey Evans. Charlotte hit Lacey with a big boot, before she submitted her with the Figure 8. match length-2:43.

After the match, Charlotte stayed in the bridge and held Lacey in the figure 8. Charlotte was then attacked by WWE Women's Champion Asuka.

WWE official Adam Pearce told Bianca Belair that she would be barred from ringside for the WWE Women's Championship match next week on SmackDown, in order to prevent her from getting involved.

NXT Level Up (6/23):

Jacy Jeyne defeated Ivy Nile. match length-5:19.

AEW Rampage (6/23):

Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament first round: Skye Blue defeated Anna Jay A.S. Skye defeated Anna after hitting Code Blue, picking up her second win in a row in her hometown of Chicago. She will face the winner of Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs. Ruby Soho (which takes place on the June 28 episode of Dynamite). match length-8:17.

AEW Collision (6/24):

Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament first round: Willow Nightingale defeated Nyla Rose. Willow pinned Nyla after hitting the Doctor Bomb. She will face the winner of Athena vs. Billie Starkz (which takes place at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door: Zero Hour). match length-8:54.

Notable news & results from PPVs last week:

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door (6/25): Disclaimer: I didn't actually watch Forbidden Door, but I got updates and results from the internet, as well as a friend of mine who was watching.

Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament first round: Athena defeated Billie Starkz. Athena pinned Billie after hitting a fireman's carry into a spinning double knees to the face. In addition to competing in AEW, Athena is currently the Ring of Honor Women's World Champion. She will face NJPW Strong Women's Champion Willow Nightingale in the semi-finals. match length-7:50.

AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm defeated. Willow Nightingale to retain the AEW Women’s World Championship. Toni was aided by the rest of The Outcasts, Ruby Soho and Saraya, in the opening of the match, but the duo were eventually ejected from ringside. Toni ultimately was able to get the pinfall win over Willow, after racking the eyes of her challenger and following it up with Storm Zero. match length-10:30.

Other news & updates from last week:

On The Pat Mcafee Show on Tuesday, June 20, Paul Heyman announced that WWE Fastlane will be held on Saturday, October 7 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fastlane takes the October Premium Live Event spot that was held by Extreme Rules last year. This will be the first Fastlane event since 2021. Prior to that year, Fastlane was held annually from 2015 until 2019, with the 2017 and 2018 events being exclusive to Raw and SmackDown, respectively.

There is a press conference planned for directly after Money in the Bank this weekend. WWE have not held a post show press conference since WrestleMania, as the media events for Backlash and Night of Champions were both held the day before the show.

In the hours leading up to SmackDown on June 23, fans on Twitter pointed out the the match between Bayley and Shotzi for Bayley’s Money in the Bank ladder match spot had been removed from previews for the show. This match did not end up taking place on SmackDown, and was replaced by Charlotte Flair vs. Lacey Evans. It's unclear why Bayley vs. Shotzi was scrapped, but Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful did note on Twitter that Smackdown got "Vinced" tonight, saying that a lot of changes had been made.

Liv Morgan made her return on the June 23, 2023 episode of SmackDown. Liv had been out of action due to a torn shoulder, and recovered much faster than had originally been expected.

During the Women's Tag Team Title unification match on SmackDown last Friday, Michael Cole stated that the Women's Tag Team Championships will now be defended on all three brands, which was the original intention for the titles when they were created.

Speaking of the unification match, shortly after SmackDown ended last week, the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship was officially listed as "retired" on the WWE website. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn are officially listed as the final NXT Women's Tag Team Champions, with their reign lasting 83 days.

On last week’s edition of The SmackDown Lowdown, it was announced that Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler will defend the Undisputed Women’s Tag Team titles against former champions Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan.

At Stardom Sunshine on June 25, Giulia (who is currently one-third of the reigning Artist of Stardom Champions), called out NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale and issued a challenge for the title.

Following her match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on Sunday, June 25, the NJPW official Twitter account posted a video of NJPW Strong Women's Champion Willow Nightingale, who accepted Giulia's challenge. It is currently unclear when this match will take place.

It was officially announced on Sunday, June 25 that AEW All Out will be held on Sunday, September 3 at the United Center in Chicago. The pay-per-view will take place just one week after AEW All In, which is on Sunday, August 27 in London.

Things to look forward to this week:

This Monday, June 26 on Monday Night Raw, a women's Money in the Bank summit will be held.

This Tuesday, June 27, NXT Gold Rush continues. After winning a number one contender battle royal a few weeks ago, 19 year old Thea Hail challenges NXT Women's Champion Tiffany Stratton for the title. This will be Thea's very first opportunity at a title in her professional wrestling career.

Also this Tuesday at NXT Gold Rush, Gigi Dolin goes one-on-one with Kiana James.

This Wednesday, June 28 on AEW Dynamite, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. takes on Ruby Soho of The Outcasts in the final first round match of the Women's Owen Hart Cup Tournament.

This Friday, June 30 on SmackDown live from London, WWE Women's Champion Asuka defends the title against 14 time world champion Charlotte Flair.

This Saturday, July 1 live from the O2 Arena in London, it's WWE Money in the Bank. The show will have a special start time of 3 pm Eastern time.

Current Women's Champions in WWE, AEW, ROH, & NJPW:

WWE: - Women's World Championship: Rhea Ripley - WWE Women's Championship: Asuka - NXT Women's Championship: Tiffany Stratton - WWE Women's Tag Team Championship: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler

AEW: - AEW Women's World Championship: Toni Storm - TBS Championship: Kris Statlander

ROH: - ROH Women's World Championship: Athena

NJPW: - IWGP Women's Championship: Mayu Iwatani - Strong Women's Championship: Willow Nightingale

[darkesttimelinejeffparker]

I'm Trapped By Your Love. And I'm Chained to Your Side (Love is a Battlefield)


Pairing: MJF/OFC, Wardlow/OFC, MJF/OFC/Wardlow Rating: E Warnings: explicit sexual content, love triangles, angst, threesome (m/f/m), explicit language, dirty talk, alcohol consumption.

Summary: When Izzie meets MJF, she takes one look at the attitude and bravado and decides that he could use a friend.  When MJF meets Izzie, he doesn't expect her to turn his life upside down by making him want to be better. When Izzie meets Wardlow, she thinks that he probably hates her and sees her as a chore.  When Wardlow meets Izzie, he wishes that she wasn't already so attached to a man he doesn't think deserves her. This is their story - and you get to choose how it ends.

Notes: This is a story written for @wrestlebang '22. It originally came into my brain as a one-shot between Wardlow and an OFC, before I explored who I thought she was with MJF. I decided I liked her with both of them and couldn't decide.

I decided to play around with perspectives here. You'll see certain moments from the perspectives of both men and Izzie. And then you'll get to choose who she ends up with. Do you want her with Max? Wardlow? Or does she have two hands so that she can hold each of theirs?

Also, a big thank you to my artist @zumo-san for supporting me during my first ever Big Bang.

Takes place from March 2021 through September/October 2021. Word Count: 47,808

Read more here

[corbo-florbo]

The Rise of Darby Allin and the Desolation of Kenny Omega

The Rise of Darby Allin and the Desolation of Kenny Omega

           August 5, 2020. The return bout of Jon Moxley and Darby Allin. For the veteran Moxley, it’s like looking into a reflection into the past. For Darby, this is yet another opportunity and as we saw, Mox got the win. We saw him pour his heart out, his wish to not end Darby’s career early, his plea for Darby to stay down that he knew would fall on deaf ears. He got the win, despite an interference by Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

           August 12, 2020. MJF launches another promo on Moxley, as arrogant and pompous as ever. Jon has enough and as we saw, attacks MJF, who left himself open by sending his cronies out into the stands, Mox’s usual entryway, though he took the traditional way everyone else does, through the stage and into the ring with a Paradigm Shift before cutting another fantastic promo.

           Here is where the story takes leave from our current reality. Here is where things are going to play out differently than what they will at the time of this writing. Here is the rise of Darby Allin.

           The next few episodes of Dynamite go on without Darby, yet on Saturday, August 22nd, Mox has to contend with Ricky Starks, who claims that it wasn’t Moxley that pinned him him on July 29th, and that Mox hasn’t faced him one-on-one, therefore hasn’t defeated him. Moxley accepts, but Starks has to go it alone, as his current associates, Taz and Brian Cage, are not allowed at ringside, nor on commentary, leaving just Jim Ross and Tony Schiavonne for the duration of this match. Taz and Cage are only allowed to spectate from backstage. The adrenaline from MJF’s shenanigans from the earlier week charges Moxley up through the first part of the match, so much so that he loses focus and Starks finally gets the upper hand and is afflicting some nasty hits on Moxley. But not for long. It’s Jon Fucking Moxley we’re talking about here (though the jury’s still out on Fucking being his middle name.). He feeds on the agony, like it fuels his engines. Moxley is sending a love letter to pain as usual, stamped and sealed with the Paradigm Shift and secures another win. He stamps this message to MJF with a promo about how he’s tired of the politics, of all the bullshit. Once they’re in the ring, the fun is over and it’s going to be a bloodbath.

           In the leadup to All Out, MJF taunts Moxley in his politician-like promos. Learning from August 12th, MJF ensures that the entrances are blocked out. The two finally are forced to meet up on the go-home episode before the pay-per-view, much to the chagrin of the Burberry scarf-wearer. MJF lashes his tongue in a verbal assault, the types he’s known for, probably calling him the Lunatic Cringe, calling back to his days as Dean Ambrose in WWE. All Mox does in this meetup is remain silent. His expressions tell the story, as a smile spreads across his face. Whatever he is smiling about, it can’t be good for his challenger.

           Still, there is no Darby. Until the Saturday of All Out, that is, albeit in vignette form. Similar to his other black-and-white vignettes, Darby announces he will be back, but different. He’s tired of leaving all the time and coming back, putting himself on the shelf because he knows he needs to work a better strategy, but he refuses to compromise his style. So he’s taking a vow. A vow of silence, a vow to polish his abilities. Only when he obtains a title will he break this vow. He knows he can talk with the best of them, but he’s doubting if he can walk with them. Darby announces he will reveal a manager the next Wednesday’s Dynamite, and as the vignette fades to black, you can hear the sound of cars screeching.

           Later on in the main event, Moxley and MJF have their No DQ main event bout. Always the cowardly heel, MJF cries and screams at the tortures Moxley conjures up. Yet for some reason he doesn’t surrender, most likely having forgotten how to submit and give up. Wardlow helps slow Moxley down, but not stop him outright. Mox even gives a Paradigm Shift on Wardlow to take him out of the equation. While he’s distracted, MJF takes the opportunity to bring out his ring, the same one that gave him so many unclean wins before. As Moxley reenters, he is met with that same ring, and his head, according to Jim Ross, is “busted wide open”, and as the crimson flows down his face, the champion smears it across his face like it’s war paint and licks his lips. MJF kneels on both knees and begs for mercy. Mox reaches in his pocket and brings out not mercy, but a steel chain. As he wraps it around his fist, Mox finds himself victim of a low blow, and MJF brings him up, gives him a DDT as a middle finger and after the pinfall, MJF is now champion and his smug grin is wore as proudly as is his new belt. The King of Violence has been dethroned by the one who wears the Burberry scarf. A new era is ushered in for AEW.

           The Dynamite following All Out continues with everyone’s storylines in the fallout of the pay per view. MJF is celebrating his win and living it up with a shit-eating grin and continues his boasts of how he’s going to bring All Elite Wrestling into a new era and establish the promotion as the top one, the new big thing. He carries himself with that same air that leaves many wishing they could wipe off the smug expression on his face. This goes on in the middle of the show.

           Main event time of this episode happens, and Darby Allin walks to the ring alone. He carries a microphone in hand though he says nothing. No dramatic, grand gesture, nothing but a glance from him towards the entrance and that same screeching tires from the All Out vignette sounds off in the arena, and a funky, yet vaguely familiar guitar riff (at least vague enough to avoid copyright issues) introduces Allin’s manager and mouthpiece. Out comes a man with a red and black, unbuttoned and torn flannel shirt with a black shirt underneath comes out, finger-guns a-blazin’. With a “BANG BANG!”, Mick Foley enters the ring and is handed the microphone by Darby.

 Foley expresses his gratitude that Darby invited him to this pardukey, a word he uses as a synonym to “party”. Foley then describes himself as not Foley, but as Cactus Jack. Cactus Jack then informs Darby that he’s on Jon Moxley’s side as far as going too extremes goes. That isn’t to say Darby can’t be extreme, but that he needs to be “controlled chaos”. With that, Darby could be a force to be reckoned with. With that, Darby can be championship material. Though Darby is a phenomenal, sensational act that captures the hearts of many, Cactus and Darby believes this training can elevate Darby to another level entirely. What is now a beautiful car wreck may soon become a massive pileup on the highway that is Darby’s career. Cactus ends the promo by saying he knows Darby is serious and has that fire in his soul, the same fire that fueled him in the bingo halls and ballrooms from the ECW days. This vow of silence, while unnecessary, keeps Cactus Jack ready to groom Darby into AEW’s next champion.

In the following weeks, Darby reels back his intensity, being more technical in his approach. So much so that people begin wondering if they’re getting the watered down version of the Darby Allin we all know and love. Jobber after jobber, Darby goes on a winning streak. Despite this new success, Darby’s body language indicates he is unfulfilled. In Cactus’s promos, he brings this up, that he doesn’t want Darby’s body to get nasty and banged up like his is and like how Moxley’s is going to be. Even entering shoot territory, Cactus mentions how Kenny Omega’s body seems to be slowing down due to the strain of the New Japan Pro Wrestling matches taking a toll on him, catching the ire of The Best Bout Machine, which will come into play later.

As Full Gear approaches, Darby and Jungle Boy start their rivalry. With mutual respect, there is little drama between the two. In a Road To Full Gear YouTube video, Cactus Jack mentions how Darby is leaps and bounds improved as a wrestler. That this may prolong the young man’s career. Then reveals that Darby is being groomed in the ECW way, to go normal in regular episodes and to let out all of the pent up carnage at pay per views. Cactus Jack confesses he is scared for Jungle Boy, stating there is still time for him to drop out of the match. Meanwhile, Jungle Boy describes how he wants to bring more prominence to the Jurassic Express name. On a winning streak himself, Jungle Boy strives to prove he is the better of the two.

Come Full Gear, Darby and Jungle Boy give it their all, with Cactus Jack and Luchasaurus with Marko Stunt in their corners respectively. Darby puts his body on the line, and even lands the nasty moves like the Coffin Drop. He’s focusing his bloodthirst so well, which meshes well with the aerial style of Jungle Boy. That proves to not be enough to escape Darby, however. While Marko and Luchasaurus try to prevent Darby from using weapons, he lands some tin can and 4x4 plank offence on Jungle Boy. The young Jack Perry is having the worst time, and Cactus is reveling in it. Darby then stops this, satisfied with the blood and is pleased to see Jungle Boy hasn’t given up, struggling but finally getting on his feet. All for naught, however, as he’s back on the floor, and Darby is trying to break his fingers. With tears streaming and blood flowing, Jungle Boy taps out. Darby secures this pay per view win.

Meanwhile, MJF still has the AEW title. But Cactus assures Darby that MJF is further down the line and needs to focus on a new target, one who has week in and week out has been defending his title, the TNT Championship. Cody Rhodes. Cody challenges Darby on an episode of Dynamite, but Darby declines, opting instead to take him on at Revolution. Instead, Brian Pillman Jr. makes his Dynamite debut against Cody, and gives it his all, but Cody gets the win, with the help of a Coffin Drop, as to send a message to Darby.

Cody gives in and asks yet again for Darby to challenge for the TNT title at Revolution and Darby accepts but only if it’s an unsanctioned, No DQ match. This match starts off with both men, full steam ahead. Darby shows how he’s continued to grow even more. Reversing all of Cody’s moves, despite Arn Anderson’s coaching and tips, Darby proves to be a slippery one. Then Cody brings out a sledgehammer, and gets a lick in on Darby, but that’s not going to be easy. Darby rolls out to Cactus Jack, who hands him a bag, which turns out to be thumbtacks as Darby empties it into the ring, which both men find puncturing their skin. On the face of Cactus Jack is a look of worry. This match is a mirror to the past for him, in another life, in another place, with another wielder of a sledgehammer. After an intense near-count, Darby kicks out and attempts to reverse the pin with a roll-up but Cody breaks out at two. As both men rise to their feet, Cody clutches at his wrist, as though it’s cramping and then Cody breaks out into a smile, as he’s holding up four fingers. Unbeknownst to Darby, two figures are behind him and a camera reveal shows it to be FTR, who gives Darby a Goodnight Express, giving Cody a win. Unseen by Darby is Tully Blanchard and Arn cornering Cactus Jack, who tries to put up a fight but his old and broken body can’t fight back as well against two men older than him (don’t worry, he doesn’t take any bumps on-camera – it cuts back and he’s on the ground, kayefabe attacked.). This was just an excuse to reveal plans that have been in the works for quite some time, and who better to inflict it upon than the young man they see as a sponge for pain? The group of men standing tall have yet to reveal who their “fourth man” is, but with Tully being present, it’s a good guess as to who it might be given who his client is.

Disheartened, Darby and Cactus Jack at least take solace at the win record Darby has been on. A win so unfairly taken from him doesn’t detract him for long, as it was clearly a dirty win. Darby could have gotten it if he wanted.

It is time to temporarily shift focus to someone else, who has their own story going on, separate from Darby Allin and Cactus Jack. That person is Kenny Omega, pre-Revolution. Cactus’s comments on how Kenny’s work in Japan is taking its toll on him, the jokes on Being The Elite and Dynamite about how he was better as The Cleaner have all rattled Omega. He has enough on his plate already, with a widening rift betwixt he and Hangman Page, still tag team champions. Not only that, but FTR and his own friends in The Young Bucks are STILL not taking Omega and Hagman seriously; the champs are but a mere afterthought for the two teams touting themselves the best tag teams in pro wrestling today. Omega continues to act more unhinged, as the stress is getting to him. It is this stress that reawakens the desire and thirst to prove himself once more. More and more, Omega gets closer to crossing the line. As Hangman joins sides with FTR, he is inevitably betrayed by them as the Four Horsemen trample on him and ride (setting up a feud with him and Cody one day, as the Cowboy saddles to gun down these Horsemen). The Young Bucks, annoyed with Kenny’s siding with Hangman pre-betrayal, alongside wanting to never stop until they prove themselves better than FTR, leave Kenny alone. He doesn’t take this well, as he is used to finding power in his friends and reciprocating it to them. Riho is gone, Ibushi is still in a different promotion, and a moment of rage separates him from Michael Nakazawa on an episode of Being The Elite. But, he does have one more friend. Once again, he and Matthew Hardy team up against Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara. Lately, Jericho’s post-feud with Orange Cassidy has left him more detached from his Inner Circle friends. Sammy has been worried about him, which proves to be a distraction from Hardy. Many of the skits and even on Sammy’s YouTube vlog he tries to appeal to Jericho, to “break down his walls” and have it be like old times. Hardy holds back on his anger in the match, to the point he even raises a chair to Sammy once his back is turned, only to pause and drop it, as Jericho lays on the ground after a kick from Omega. Hardy offers to again help Sammy in the hopes that it may help him and Jericho. However, all that goodwill would not come to fruition as Omega maniacally and comically laughing grabs the chair Hardy dropped and goes ballistic on Sammy, thus disqualifying the two. Hardy, confused and pissed off, confronts Omega, who shoves the veteran down on the mat. After Omega’s departure from the ring, Hardy is looking a little different, a little broken.

Matthew Hardy is gone for a bit, as Broken Matt Hardy challenges Kenny Omega to a match at the Hardy Compound. All of Broken Matt’s shenanigans save him from a reckless Kenny and all of his V-Triggers. Just enough so that he could give Omega a Twist of Fate and roll him into the Lake of Reincarnation. Kenny is not seen for two weeks before his reemergence, not as himself, not as The Cleaner, but as The Destroyer Kenny Omega. A different Omega, he has no pomp and circumstance. He doesn’t build anticipation for his moves, he doesn’t pose, because he doesn’t need fans for fuel; his rage is ample enough to drive him. His mission: to destroy that which All Elite Wrestling has built in singles competition. The Destroyer Kenny Omega goes on a winning streak of his own, decimating foes, former friends, and everyone in between.

Meanwhile, MJF has grown delusional with his power and his wins. He hasn’t eaten a single loss while holding the AEW belt. The rest of the male roster relating to the rest of the story goes as follows: all tag teams are vying to dethrone FTR as tag champs, Kenny is still on his warpath, Hangman is still feuding with Cody, Matthew Hardy has joined Inner Circle, turning them babyface but leading to Santana and Ortiz leaving. Dark Order is claiming more clients, and lost one in Colt Cabana, now going by a detective gimmick, Clue Cabana (complete with Law & Order’s *dun-dun* sound effect). Young Bucks are still struggling against FTR and the rest of the Horsemen, who seem to be targeting the duo.

Believing himself invincible at this point, he issues a battle royale challenge for a Blood and Guts two week series on Dynamite. Night one has ten competitors: Jon Moxley, Darby Allin, Kenny Omega, Shawn Spears, Billy Gunn, Jungle Boy, Brian Pillman Jr., Griff Garrison, Brodie Lee, and Luchasaurus.

Shawn Spears, long since having been revealed as a member of Cody’s Four Horsemen stable earlier, post-Revolution initially has the upper hand as they interfere and eliminate Gunn, Pillman, and Garrison. As Spears cockily celebrates the thinning herd, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus eliminate him. Before the duo celebrates, Jungle Boy manages to send his dinosaur friend over the top rope. Heartbroken, Luchasaurus gives Jungle Boy a look of solemn understanding and exits. At this point, Kenny Omega eliminates Jungle Boy from behind, with a sinister look on his face. Brodie Lee and Jon Moxley go at it, and Dark Order tries to eliminate Darby. In this chaos, Kenny is incapacitated and sent rolling under the bottom rope. Darby breaks out and incapacitates the thugs, but Brodie Lee manages to eliminate Jon Moxley. Disappointed he couldn’t go toe-to-toe with Moxley again, Darby refocuses. Brodie tries to send Darby over the top rope but he hangs on and grabs Brodie, sending him over too, and Brodie loses his grip. Before he can celebrate, Darby is face-to-face with The Destroyer Kenny Omega. Kenny’s finger is on the trigger, but he can’t pull it. He doesn’t hit Darby at all, turning his back while Darby is in defensive position. He simply leaves the arena as Moxley and Brodie lay unconscious and Cactus enters the ring to congratulate Darby. Darby advances to night two to face MJF.

And the second night of Blood and Guts goes on. Main event: Darby vs MJF. Due to frequent interferences by Cactus Jack and Wardlow, they become barred from the fight. For the first time in a while, On this March evening, Darby and MJF deliver a match for the ages. MJF fueled by his cockiness, delusions of grandeur, and false invincibility, puts up a great fight, without resorting to underhanded tactics. He proves that he’s pound for pound a force to be reckoned with and sends Darby on his back on multiple occasions, yet he gets back up each time. Darby has ascended, near godlike in the ring. Desperate, MJF finally tries to sneak a hit with his ring, but it doesn’t faze Darby all too much. He drinks in the pain like a fine wine and to show his appreciation for how he got to where he is, Darby takes out MJF with not a Coffin Drop, but the Mandible Claw. One, two, three and Darby is now the AEW World Champion. Confetti drops and Mick Foley, dropping the Cactus Jack name, celebrates with his pupil in a win a long time in the making.

           Mick Foley schedules with Tony Khan, a Darby Allin Appreciation Night, who hesitant in his modesty, barely accepts. Mick waxes poetically about how much this journey meant to him, and that now he has done his job, he’s ready to head back home. Asking Darby if that is fine with him, if Darby is ready to continue his path alone, as he proved at Blood and Guts, Darby finally breaks his vow of silence, answering with “Thank you, Mick.” The two embrace in a tear-filled goodbye and as Mick leaves, the show closes out with Jon Moxley entering the ring to challenge Darby at Double or Nothing, only to be interrupted by The Destroyer Kenny Omega on the Titantron, to also throw his proverbial hat into the ring, to make the Double or Nothing match a triple threat for the AEW World Title. But he wants it in a match Darby and Moxley are all too familiar with, a deathmatch. A triple-threat deathmatch.

           Double or Nothing’s main event is the host for said deathmatch. All three men finish their entrances and stand in the ring, ready to go. Darby Allin, stoic and ready; this is the moment he’s truly been waiting for. Jon Moxley, eyes not on former rival Kenny, but on Darby, he is ready to see what this young star is capable of when pitted with him. Kenny, gritting his teeth, glares holes right through both opponents, and he’s the first to strike once the opening bells ring. V-Trigger to Moxley, and a dive to Darby’s legs, and Kenny stands tall. Both veteran and rising star must team up against this wild card. They split up, bringing out their own weapon of choice: Darby’s skateboard and Moxley reveals a barb-wire baseball bat. Kenny no-sells both, yet they do indeed leave their mark. As far as he’s concerned, he doesn’t need a weapon for his body is a weapon. Constantly knocking them to their feet, neither man can stop Omega. Both men are seen but not heard discussing something very quickly outside of the ring, while Omega is in hot pursuit. Darby low-blows Omega as he closes in and Moxley grabs out and unwraps some barb-wire and ties Kenny’s wrists to the ring post. Then it’s time for Mox and Darby to finally go at it the way they were meant to, mano-a-mano. It is at this point the two are almost at the same level. Moxley and Darby mix the technical, the acrobatic, and the painful (Moxley almost has a bent finger because of Darby, for example). The right amount of brutal, Darby is getting the most offense in. Perhaps it is because of his youth that he is faster, which forces Moxley to change his strategy, and sneaks in a Paradigm Shift. Fearing that may not be enough, Moxley removes a turnbuckle pad opposite the side Kenny is still tied to (but almost wriggled out of, to gross effect), and drags Darby to the aforementioned exposed turnbuckle. As he readies to introduce Darby’s head to it, the youth shakes free and instead slams Mox’s head into it, who then writhes in agony on the mat. Kenny is now free from his constraints, but a Coffin Drop and a pin later, and Darby has retained against both men. Kenny, having been just inches from victory, strikes Darby with a kick to the midsection followed by a One-Winged Angel, only for Omega to then be met with a Paradigm Shift by Moxley, back on his feet again. Kenny is out, selling it to the blood loss (which isn’t actually that much because I’m not a monster.), is put away by this. Mox then pulls Darby to his feet, as he tries to recuperate. Coming to, Darby finds his hand raised by Mox and the referee, as he is handed his belt back. Almost a year in the making, and Darby finds himself embraced by who some may consider as his father figure in AEW. Lowering his belt, he soaks this moment in. After this, the two men leave, but three others enter.

           The Young Bucks and Hangman Page, who earlier in the week on an episode of Being the Elite reunite. They have been reducing their distance from one another, and still they cannot contend with the Four Horsemen. They give in and admit they all need each other. Page, as much as it pains him after what he did to Kenny, suggests making up with him. Back to the present, as Kenny slowly rises to his feet, the trio try and appeal to him, but he shakes his head and leaves.

           Each subsequent episode of Being the Elite and Dynamite both feature the active members of The Elite coping with each subsequent issue with the Four Horsemen. Kenny is still on his rise, with his loss in the triple threat the only blemish on his win record. Fyter Fest approaches, and he’s still distant, but after his match with Jungle Boy ends in a no-contest due to the 4HM appearing, they’ve got his attention. It isn’t until they stop his match against Brian Cage at Fight For the Fallen before it even begins by taking out Cage that Kenny has had enough. As if to answer an unknown call, the Bucks and Hangman appear for backup and the four members of The Elite stand tall over their former friend Cody and his new friends. Kenny, however, leaves the trio behind.

           Next week’s BTE sees Clue Cabana approach Kenny, who for once, doesn’t lash out (as it is with the long-running gag in their skits), but invites Cabana in for a talk. Cabana details how he felt going down a dark path in Dark Order, and how he felt it separated him from his former self and his former friends. He says how only recently he reached out to the members of SCU, who are all still doing their own thing at the moment and renewed his friendship with them. Cabana mentions that sometimes you can’t ever leave family for too long, and that Kenny belongs to the friends he’s made along the way and vice versa. Kenny’s demeanor thus changes in the passing weeks.

           All Out approaches, and in the leadup on BTE and Dynamite, Kenny builds to finally, firmly reuniting with The Elite. They declare the four of them will challenge the 4HM on the pay per view, but Kenny rejects it. He says he failed them, that they lost it all and he lost them. He should have been there for them but wasn’t. Kenny states he must do this alone, that he will take on the four of them in a handicap match. There’s no talking him out of it, so instead they give their blessing. Not just them, but Nakazawa and Hardy (alongside his friends in the Inner Circle) as well. The managers of the Four Horsemen, Arn & Tully, have finally won against their foe, Dusty by corrupting his son Cody, to the chagrin of Dustin Rhodes, who also had been pleading with Kenny. Despite all Cody as done to everyone, he is still family. Kenny takes it upon him to knock some sense into him, as well as destroying the stable (might as well, he’s still “The Destroyer” Kenny Omega.).

           Match time at All Out, with the Horsemen awaiting the Best Bout Machine. Once again forgoing the pomp and circumstances, Kenny does not pose on his way to the ring, but he does seem to be breathing in the atmosphere in a way reminiscent of how he used to be. Now in the ring, he looks to his foes, hesitates, and finally lets out that pose, that iconic pointing with a cocky grin. The opening bell rings and the Horsemen attack. Soon, they all have him on the mat, but seconds later, he bursts out, cleaning house with the four of them. They set themselves up and he knocks them back down. Soon come the chairs, and they knock him down once again, and again, and again. The last chair shot, delivered by Shawn Spears, sends Omega flat. But he rises once more because he has to. Everyone is depending on him. He must destroy that which is destroying his former friend. A superkick to both Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler of FTR, a Buckshot Lariat to Shawn Spears, and to finish off Cody, he attempts to do a V-Trigger and a One-Winged Angel, but all fail. As a last resort, he takes the battered Cody, and gives him a Bionic Elbow, the same move Cody’s father Dusty used. Covering for the pin, Kenny Omega is the victor. He didn’t win a title, but he won something more: the fifth member of The Elite, Cody. As his now former stablemates lay on the ground, Cody shakes the hand of Kenny, and brushes Arn & Tully away, as Brandi and Dustin meet him at the entrance ramp.

           Kenny embraces The Elite as they greet him. What he’ll do next, he’s unsure of. Whether it’s returning to tagging with Page, challenging Darby for his title, or something different, Kenny has regained himself. Whatever he does next, he will make sure it’s elite.

Deleting this soon, but I’m tagging @adriennegabriella and @mith-gifs-wrestling for this, hope you guys like it before I sent it you-know-where! *wink wink*.

[purplesurveys]

800

.·゜゜·. Holy Cow A Survey .·゜゜·.  (and holy cow, it’s my 800th on here) by junkie_dreams

1. What made you pick up the last book you started reading? I started reading it for a while, then thesis made me too busy to read it for a few weeks, then when I was finished with that I realized I’ve left the book alone so I continued it and proceeded to finish the whole thing.

2. Have you received any bad or troubling news lately? All things revolving around Covid19, George Floyd, & Trump < Pretty much, though replace Trump with Duterte. He’s being such a cranky ass about hastily passing this new bill that will essentially allow warrantless arrests to anyone complaining about him on the internet, so everyone’s kinda stressing out about that right now. 

3. When was the last time you were relieved about something? Since Tuesday, every day that I’ve woken up without a fever is a relief. Another thing is that it’s Gabie’s birthday today and I was relieved to find out that she loved the surprise I made for her :) I pooled all her friends together and made them do video birthday greetings and submit photos that they have with her and I compiled it in a simple short film. It turned out super cute!

4. What about your life concerns you the most? Anything job-wise. They say 2020 graduates are heading into the worst job market in a very long time, and I think that’s pretty straightforward information.

5. Is there a common thing most people seem to do without trouble, but it scares you (talking on the phone, driving, interviews, etc)? When was the last time you had to do one of these kinds of things? Talking on the phone, ordering in a restaurant, and asking for help in any kind of store. I had to talk to a Grab delivery driver the other day to help him with directions going to my house; andddd I don’t usually have to recite my order or ask for help at a store myself because my girlfriend will often be the one to speak for me HAHAHAH.

6. Is a pen pal something you would enjoy? If so, what kinds of little things would you send your pen friends? No, only because writing exhausts me these days. I only enjoy writing for people I already know very well and love, and I wouldn’t feel invested enough to write to people I don’t know all that much yet.

7. Describe a time when you were there for a friend? Angela was sad the other day so I dropped her short messages to let her know I was there for her. She never replied, but it’s okay; it was just important to me that she knew I wasn’t going to leave her alone.

8. When was the last time you went somewhere for the first time? I dunno, I obviously haven’t gone around the city in months...though I’m thinking it’s the milk tea place we have at campus, called Nomu. I was there to pick up a drink a week before lockdown.

9. What is a situation that makes you feel especially confident? If it’s a situation that I know I can handle, like a test I studied a lot for; or if it’s a situation where I have a lot of support.

10. What was the subject of your most recent conversation? My dad was asking if he can have one of my soju bottles (my mom recently bought me five) and was also asking what flavor is really good. That prompted me to walk over and hesitatingly point out the good flavors, until he said, “Just kidding, I was just checking to see if this will make you stand up. You’re so predictableeeeeeeee” hahahaha

11. Hypothetically and generally speaking, how would you go about breaking up with someone? Is there anything you would make sure to say, or perhaps not say? I’d do it personally, say everything there is to say, and let’s face it, I see myself crying a lot too because I can never have serious conversations without tearing up lol.

12. Are you more of a night person or a day person? What is it about the night/day that you favor? I like the nightlife more. I hate the sun and when it’s bright out, so I’m most active when it’s evening and the lights and stars are pretty.

13. What do you find particularly offensive? Would you say you’re easy or difficult to offend? Mostly anything racist, misogynist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, acephobic, and anti-poor. I’m very alert about these things and will call out anyone making insensitive sentiments about any of them.

14. Is there a belief you have that most others around you don’t have? Do you share this belief with others, or do you tend to keep it to yourself? Have you ever offended anyone with this belief? Ok so it’s technically the opposite of belief but I am atheist in a predominantly Catholic country. I’m very vocal about it except with my family. I probably have offended some people by stuff I’ve said or shared, but I don’t care. If they choose to ignore the myriad of issues surrounding their religion, they’re part of the problem and the reason why I’m so wholly against it.

15. Do you consider internet friendships as important as offline friendships, or do you view them differently? I value offline friendships more.

16. When was the last time you visited relatives or friends of the family? Is visiting family something you enjoy? I visited my lola, aunt, and cousins last Sunday when I was sick, since the doctor we were heading to lives in the same village. I hadn’t seen them since December I think? so my lola cried when she saw us walk through the front gate :’) I love visiting family, whoever it may be. It’s always fun to catch up, as long as conversations don’t turn into politics lol.

17. What did you do for the last holiday or event you celebrated? For my birthday we were stuck in lockdown so I couldn’t really do anything, but we had lots of food which is the easiest way to make me happy anyway. My parents and sister bought a blueberry cheesecake but had the blueberry part scraped off and then they crushed a whole pack of Oreos to turn it into an Oreo cheesecake lol; and Angela sent me a box of sushi.

18. If you’ve moved out from home, what was the scariest thing about it? What was/is your favorite thing about it? I haven’t yet.

19. Are there any fictional characters you like even though they’re “bad” or “evil?” What qualities draw you to a character? Yeah. Many antagonists speak the truth, and that makes it so easy to root for them. It’s this case very often in pro wrestling.

20. What are your thoughts on “forgiving” murderers, rapists, attackers, etc? Do you think it’s even possible to forgive these people? I don’t even forgive friends who betray me, so much less would I forgive assholes like the ones you listed. It’s definitely possible; I just choose not to do it because that’s my way of being in peace.

21. What was the last series you finished watching? Do you have any plans to begin another? I’m awwwwwwwful at finishing series man. I’m still on Descendants of the Sun but I also started a rewatch of The Big Bang Theory lmao. I want to finish DOTS first though and then maybe move on to Crash Landing On You, another Korean drama. Big Bang’s not really a priority for me and just something I wanna watch when I don’t want anything too heavy.

22. What is one way in which you are different from a year ago? What is one way in which you are still the same? I’m a lot less afraid of dealing with people (and been better with it) thanks to the stuff I’ve had to do in the last year, like my internship and heading external relations for my org. I’m still the same in the sense that I’m still deathly terrified in the last few moments before I do the aforementioned dealing with people lol. Once I jump into the conversation I’m perfect, but I take f o r e v e r to get prepared.

23. When was the last time you had to walk somewhere in the rain? How about the snow? I don’t like walking in the rain and we don’t get snow.

24. Are there any types of survey questions you dread or don’t like answering for whatever reason? What kinds of questions do you like best? Questions that make me think too much or are too deep. I also don’t like basic surveys. Random is where it’s at. Ask me what I got at the last restaurant I was at, places I plan to visit soon, the last time I got mad, stuff like that.

25. If you could learn about anything without the stress of grades or cost, what kind of classes would you take? Law.

26. What was the last item of clothing you purchased? Do you wear it often? Two identical tops in different colors. I haven’t gotten the chance to wear either a lot because lockdown happened shortly after I bought them.

27. Has anything made you feel nostalgic lately? Sure. When I was compiling stuff for Gab’s surprise video, I came across some very old photos of us and of her and Angela.

28. What was the last chore you completed? Wash my plate from breakfast.

29. Name a song you’ve listened to today? 7/11 by Beyoncé, heh.

30. Is there anything you’ve promised yourself you’ll never do again? Drink buko juice. I had to drink it for the first few days of my UTI treatment and it’s so disgustinggggggg.

[b3crew]

REVIEW | "Big Bang Pro Wrestling" | B3 - Boston Bastard Brigade

In November 2000, a video game was released that changed the foundation of professional wrestling titles. Its name: WWF No Mercy! Meanwhile, across the Pacific, SNK’s Neo Geo Pocket Color was about to get its own time in the ring, in the form of Big Bang Pro Wrestling. Now 22 years later, SNK’s handheld grappler arrives in the US via the Switch. But does it hold a candle to the wrestling games of the past?

Big Bang Pro Wrestling features ten faux wrestlers on its roster, with some homages to real-life athletes. Brian takes some nods from Goldberg, while Alex’s cocky attitude brings to mind The Rock. Deitz’s creepy attitude is much akin to Undertaker, while Mike brings the Olympic Spirit like Kurt Angle. The wrestlers can be played with in various modes, ranging from your run-of-the-mill bouts to even coffin matches and ladder match-styled money grabs.

In Normal mode, players can set the time limit, difficulty, match mode, and even the style of ring to play in. Play one-on-one, Big Bang Pro Wrestling features a foray of moves under its belt. From submissions and clotheslines to high-flying attacks, your wrestler can just about do anything to become the big man on top. However, I say this, but pulling off many of these moves can be next-to-impossible.

With there being only two buttons to use, Big Bang Pro Wrestling implements them to do multiple things. Button A has your punches and grapples, while B is your taunt and running mechanism. And you will have no idea what you’ll do — even if you follow the in-game manual — until you press one of those buttons. Sometimes you’ll try to grapple, only to throw a punch; other times you’ll attempt to run, except now your player is flaunting a taunt.

Click here to read the rest of the review!

[stnent]

Summer TV Preview 2017 All the possible hits, from 'Love' to 'Tick'. 1. 'Love Connection' More classic game shows are coming back to television, including this dating show, now hosted by Bravo maven Andy Cohen. (8 p.m., Thursday, May 25, Fox 5) 2. 'Beat Shazam' The app becomes a game show hosted by Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, where contestants try to quickly figure out the name of the song that is playing. For all you oldies like me this sounds suspiciously like "Name That Tune." (9 p.m., Thursday May 25, Fox 5) 3. 'Still Star-Crossed' Welcome to the newest guest to Shondaland. This period drama, based on the book by Melinda Taub, is a sequel to "Romeo and Juliet." Stars Lashana Lynch, Wade Briggs and Sterling Sulieman; executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. (10 p.m., Monday, May 29, ABC 7) 4. 'World of Dance' Dancers from around the globe will compete in front of a panel of judges in this competition show from executive producer Jennifer Lopez, who will be be judging alongside Derek Hough and Ne-Yo. Jenna Dewan Tatum hosts. 10 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, NBC 4) 5. 'I'm Dying Up Here' A drama about comedians. Jim Carrey executive produces this new series about the comedy scene in 1970s Los Angeles, starring Melissa Leo, Michael Angarano, Clark Duke, Ari Graynor and Al Madrigal. (10 p.m., Sunday, June 4, Showtime) 6. 'Claws' It's not just manis and pedis at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon in this Florida dramedy about a group of women moonlighting in the world of organized crime. Starring Niecy Nash, Carrie Preston and Harold Perrineau. (9 p.m., Sunday, June 11, TNT) 7. 'Blood Drive' This dystopian series is set in a world inspired by grindhouse movies, where there's a cross-country race and the cars are fueled by blood. Starring Alan Ritchson and Christina Ochoa. (10 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, Syfy) 8. 'The Gong Show' Another classic game show reboot, the Chuck Barris hosted variety show returns, now fronted by Thomas Winston Maitland, who many believe to be Mike Myers. (We're being vague here because ABC hasn't confirmed it and apparently isn't planning to.) Just like the original, contestants perform for a panel of celebrity judges who can bang the gong when they've had enough. (10 p.m., Thursday, June 22, ABC 7) 9. 'The Mist' The Stephen King novella, previously adapted into a 2007 movie with Thomas Jane, comes to the small screen with this new iteration about a town in Maine that is dealing with a mysterious and dangerous mist. Starring Morgan Spector, Alyssa Sutherland and Frances Conroy. (10 p.m., Thursday, June 22, Spike) 10. 'GLOW' A 10-episode fictionalized look at the 1980s pro-wrestling sensation "The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling," starring Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron. Executive produced by Jenji Kohan ("Orange is the New Black"). (Friday, June 23, Netflix) 11. 'Battle of the Network Stars' Another reboot, you say? This show has actors facing off in physical competitions. ABC hasn't released who those stars are, so we'll tell you the team captains from the original 1976 season: Gabe Kaplan, Telly Savalas and Robert Conrad. Go ask your parents who they are. (9 p.m., Thursday, June 29, ABC 7) 12. 'Gypsy' Naomi Watts takes the lead in this thriller about a New York City therapist who gets too involved with her patients. Billy Crudup plays her husband. (Friday, June 30, Netflix) 13. 'Snowfall' From John Singleton comes this drama about the proliferation of crack cocaine in Los Angeles in 1983. Starring Damson Idris. (10 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, FX) 14. 'Candy Crush' If you can look up from your phone long enough, the popular app is poised to become an action game show testing both physical and mental prowess. Hosted by Mario Lopez. (9 p.m., Sunday, July 9, CBS 2) 15. 'Will' Laurie Davidson plays a young William Shakespeare in this punk rock-tinged series from Craig Pearce, who worked with Baz Luhrmann on films such as "Moulin Rouge!" and "Romeo + Juliet." (9 p.m., Monday, July 10, TNT) 16. 'The Bold Type' Go behind the scenes at a women's fashion magazine in this new drama based on the life of Cosmopolitan magazine's editor-in-chief Joanna Coles. Starring Aisha Dee, Katie Stevens and Matt Ward. (9 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, Freeform) 17. 'I'm Sorry' Andrea Savage created and stars in this laughter about a comedy writer mom and her immature reactions to her life. Hopefully better than it sounds. (10 p.m., Wednesday July 12, TruTV) 18. 'Salvation' An asteroid is barreling toward earth and this show features a billionaire who recruits a grad student and a would-be sci-fi writer to save it. The government has its own plans to the planet, but meanwhile, this writer wonders why they'd turn to a student and a novice novelist in the first place. (9 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, CBS 2) 19. 'Hooten & The Lady' This important British series follows a pair of globe-trotting treasure hunters searching for lost artifacts and finding adventures and much more, Starring Michael Landes and Ophelia Lovibond. (9 p.m., Thursday, July 13, The CW / WPIX 11) 20 . 'Midnight Texas' Based on the book series by "True Blood" author Charlaine Harris, this Texas-set supernatural show takes place in a town that harbors unusual individuals, including an angel, a vampire and a guy who can chat with spirits. Starring Francois Arnaud, Dylan Bruce and Sarah Romos. (10 p.m., Monday, July 24, NBC 4) 21. 'Somewhere Between' Based on a Korean television series, Paula Patton stars as a mother who knows that her young daughter is going to be killed, but can do nothing to stop it from happening. So what's a mom best option? Time travel, of course. (10 p.m., Monday, July 24, ABC 7) 22. 'Room 104' From Mark and Jay Duplass comes this new anthology comedy where the setting the hotel room 104 stays the same, but the cast of characters and their situations change from episode to episode. (11 p.m., Friday, July 28, HBO) 23. 'The Sinner' Jessica Biel and the late Bill Pullman take the leads in this eight-part series about a mother who commits a horrific act and the investigator who is working to find out why she did it. (10 p.m., Wednesday, August 2, USA) 24. 'Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update' It's not on Saturday. It's not the weekend. And it's not clear if it will be live. Hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che will be doing their thing on Thursday with guest spots by some other "SNL" favorites. (9 p.m., Thursday, August 10, NBC 4) 25. 'Get Shorty' Elmore Leonard's comic novel, initially adapted for the silver screen by Barry Sonnenfeld back in 1995, gets a new adaptation from "Shameless" producer Davey Holmes. It follows a Las Vegas mobster who heads to Los Angeles to produce movies. Starring Chris O'Dowd and Ray Romano. (10 p.m., Sunday, August 13, Epix) 26. 'Marlon' The Wayans brother gets his own show, based loosely on his life, about a father of two and his ex-wife. (9 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, NBC 4) 27. 'Marvel's The Defenders' All your favorite Netflix Marvel Superheroes, Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones), come together for this big team up where they have to keep New York City safe from a huge threat. (Friday, August 18, Netflix) 28. 'There's ... Johnny' Paul Reiser created and writes this behind-the-scenes series set in the 1970s, about a 19-year-old Midwesterner who gets a job working on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" In an interesting and potentially eventful twist, the show is being made in conjunction with the Carson Estate and will feature classic footage from the iconic series interspersed in the new show. (Thursday, August 24, Seeso) 29. 'Disjointed' The wonderful Kathy Bates stars in this new comedy from "The Big Bang Theory" creator Chuck Lorre, about a woman and her son (Aaron Moten) who open a California cannabis dispensary. (Friday, August 25, Netflix) 30. 'The Tick' The blue-clad superhero gets his third (!) television series. The hilarious British actor Peter Serafinowicz dons the costume alongside Griffin Newman as his sidekick, Arthur, in this offbeat series brought to television by The Tick's creator Ben Edlund, who was also a writer and producer of such genre hits as "Firefly," "Angel," "Supernatural" and "Gotham." (Friday August 25, Amazon)

[henrytcasey]

Watch This Wrestling 20 (5/18—27)

So, yet again, this took me a little more time than usual to produce. What's different about this week is that I've put more days of research (read: me watching as much wrestling as I can, with a notebook at my side) than usual. Here on out, the reports will start on Sundays and end on Saturdays.

As for when reports will come out? I'm hoping Sundays, but could see it happen on Mondays or Tuesdays at the latest. It all depends on how much wrestling there was. As you'll see below, there's a shitton of graps going on in New Japan Pro Wrestling's Best of the Super Juniors. On top of that, I'm putting time into starting PROGRESS, which might lead to me putting notes from that into this.

In marvelous news, though, we get Lucha Underground back this week! Yay!

One final note, I skipped the ROH TV show this week, because it was all Honor Rising material I saw in February.

As always, if I'm missing anything that can be accessed without too much trouble, @ me on twitter: henrytcasey.

What I Watched

NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, Odds and ends of matches from 5/18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27

Being The Elite Ep. 53, 54, 5/18, 23

EVOLVE 84, 5/20

EVOLVE 85, 5/21

PROGRESS Ch. 48: Bang The Drum, hit VOD 5/21

WWE Backlash, 5/21

Monday Night Raw, 5/22

SmackDown LIVE, 5/23

205 Live, 5/23

Talking Smack Live, 5/23

NXT, 5/24

WCPW World Cup Canadian Qualifier, up on YouTube 5/26

Upcoming Watch List

NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/28, 5/29, 5/31, 6/1, and 6/3

Monday Night Raw, 5/29

ROH Wrestling, 5/29

SmackDown LIVE, 5/30

205 Live, 5/31

Talking Smack Live, 5/31

Lucha Underground Season 3.5 Premiere, 5/31

Non-WWE Segment of The Week

Who Will Keith Lee Challenge?

EVOLVE 85, 5/21

EVOLVE doesn't do as much theatrical storytelling in the style you see from WWE, so clashes like these mean something. Lee shows up with a decision to make, challenge WWN champ Matt Riddle, or take on EVOLVE champ Zack Sabre Jr. (note to fans: make a ZSJ to Zack Sabre Jr. text shortcut, it's worth it). What happens next, is delightful.

EVOLVE 85 is available on FloSlam.

Honorable Mentions:

the arm is bye bye..., Darby Allin/WWN Live 5/18

After The Press Conference...Being The Elite, 5/19

Ep. 54: A Curtain CallBeing The Elite, 5/23

Non-WWE Match of The Week:

Bushi vs Kushida

NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/23

I had originally picked Dijak vs Lee for this, but hot damn did Bushi and more specifically Kushida change my mind. As of this moment, Kushida isn't in the lead in the Best of the Super Juniors tour, but it's bringing the fire back to his performances, after getting buried to set up that Ricochet/Takahashi match.

And yes there are a lot of matches in this below list, pick based on your favorites if your time is limited.

New Japan's Best of The Super Juniors tournament is available on NJPW World.

Honorable Mentions:

Donovan Dijak vs Keith Lee, Evolve 84, 5/20

Ethan Page vs Zack Sabre Jr. (c), Evolve 84, 5/20

Kyle O’Reilly vs Matt Riddle (c), Evolve 84, 5/20

Will Ospreay vs Ricochet, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/18

Ricochet vs Hiromu Takahashi, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/21

Matt Riddle vs Tyler Bate PROGRESS Ch. 48: Bang The Drum, 5/21

Jinny vs Session Moth Martina, PROGRESS Ch. 48: Bang The Drum, 5/21

Marty Scull, Yujiro Takahashi, and The Gorillas of Destiny vs David Finlay Jr., Ricochet, and War Machine NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/22

Ryusuke Taguchi vs El Desperado, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/22

Will Ospreay vs Jushin Thunder Liger, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/23

Taichi vs Hiromu Takahashi, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/23

El Desperado vs Volador Jr., NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/25

Speedball Mike Bailey vs Brent Banks, WCPW World Cup Canadian Qualifier, up on YouTube 5/26

Taichi vs Marty Scurll, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/26

Taka Michinoku vs Hiromu Takahashi, NJPW Best of The Super Juniors, 5/26

WWE Match of The Week:

Pete Dunne vs Tyler Bate (c)

NXT: TakeOver Chicago, 5/20

The WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament two-day event may have been big, but this one match did more for UK wrestling as a whole. Not only does it give Pete Dunne the shine he so greatly deserves on an NXT TakeOver special, but it stole the damn show away.

After this show, TakeOver Brooklyn III neeeds it some Pete Dunne. Hell, we all do. Sure, Pete was the biggest rising star outside of the WWE, but now it’s Network-official. 

Honorable Mentions:

DIY vs AOP, NXT: TakeOver Chicago, 5/20

The Usos vs Breezango, Backlash, 5/21

The Usos vs Breezango Pts 1 & 2, SmackDown LIVE, 5/23

Akira Tozawa vs The Brian Kendrick, 205 Live, 5/23

WWE Segment of the Week:

TakeOver Chicago Ends

NXT: TakeOver Chicago, 5/20

Even if you saw it live, it's time to watch this again:

Everything about this is great. It being a post-credits-bug moment, the first since Owens turned on Zayn. The crowd's shock and boos and horror at it all. The fact that only those who knew about a mistaken and deleted tweet (regarding Gargano getting new solo music) saw it coming. The social media kayfabe thereafter.

This, is how you break up a tag team. Unless you want ironic THANK YOU GOLDDUST chants.

Honorable Mentions:

Shattered Dreams Productions, Monday Night Raw, 5/22

Money In The Bank Entrants Announcement, SmackDown LIVE, 5/23

Are The Fashion Police turning in their badges?, SmackDown LIVE, 5/23

Cold Open: The Brian Kendrick Promo, 205 Live, 5/23

Hi, I'm Drew Gulak, 205 Live, 5/23 

[placetobenation]

Stacey O’Loughlin and JA D’Amato bring us this recap of WWE Evolution 2018. Stacey is the purveyor of all things women’s wrestling in WWE and JA was live in the arena so each brings a different perspective for us. Enjoy!

Stacey O’Loughlin

First of all, I’m trying to find the words to explain what an all-women WWE PPV means, and finding it impossible. Seeing the overwhelming emotions from all of the women; the women on this card, in wrestling at large, and in the crowd, should give you some idea though. Before a bell was rung it was already a victory, a celebration, and by the final bell it was an indisputable triumph.

Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Mickie James & Alicia Fox

As if this PPV wasn’t exciting enough already, it begins with the Greatest of All Time, my sun and stars, moon of my life, Trish Stratus. This was a fun way to kick off the show, with the crowd super hot and treating them like legit WWE Legends. Trish and Lita hit all their Greatest Hits like the good ol’ days – with Trish even hitting a Frankensteiner off the top rope for the heck of it, and Lita nailing the Moonsault. Trish and Mickie had another awesome face off that the crowd ate up, and then started punching on like only they can. Mickie James in particular deserves a ton of props for working for about a hundred women here. Nice finish, and just a super fun opener.

Battle Royal for a Women’s Title shot

All I really wanted for this match was to see everyone’s entrances, including all of my faves from the DIVAS INVASION, so this was already a winner before nary a punch was thrown. My girls. My heart. An entire shipload of cool moments in this – the IIconics promo and immediate tossing; Carmella’s DANCE BREAK with Ivory; Nia Jax and Tamina having a hoss battle; the big quadruple suplex; Mandy & Sonya vs. The Legends. Big shoutout to the oldest woman in the match, Ivory, who went long and looked absolutely fantastic. The entire finishing stretch with Ember fighting against all odds for a victory was amazing. What a gloriously entertaining battle royal.

Toni Storm vs. Io Shirai – Mae Young Classic Final

If you haven’t been following along with the Mae Young Classic, you have been missing out. This is why. The two brightest stars in the tournament just going all out to put on a great wrestling match. Crazy ass spots up in this like Io’s moonsault from the top to the floor, and Toni’s brutal German Suplex on the apron. These kids ain’t mucking around man. Anyone could have won this thing until Toni MURKED Io getting the knees up for the moonsault, before nailing her finish for the second time to win. Toni was hugely over in my Aussie household and I had picked Io to win, so this was an awesome surprise. And then of course tears, trophies, flowers, Papa and Mama, Sara Amato, and more crying. Mostly by me. I loved everything about the MYC and this was a fitting final.

Riott Squad vs. Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks

I’m sorry but literally everything on this card is ruling the world. This was a great trios match. Sasha and Bayley very visibly trying not to cry set me off all over again on a show where literally everything set me off. The Riott Squad are on a hell of a roll and looked unbelievable on offense working over Bayley and then Sasha. Sarah Logan is awesome, and just quietly how good is Liv Morgan going these days. Twists and turns and teases galore in this, plus fun little tag team spots like the Hart Attack and the Doomsday Device. I loved Nattie busting out the Double Sharpshooter From Hell as well. And just when I had started to breathe, Bayley LIES ON TOP OF SASHA TO SAVE HER LIFE and then Sasha wins with the Eddie Guerrero Tribute frog splash and there I go again.

Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler – NXT Championship

And now this! The good stuff just keeps on coming, I can’t cope. They had a great title match at the last Takeover, and since then Pissed Off Shayna has been murdering folks for sport so I was hyped for this. Clearly so was Kairi the Pirate with her elaborate new entrance. And then Shayna Baszler took Kairi’s arm, removed it from her person, put it in her pocket and went home with it. Nasty, brutal and creative arm work here. Kairi managed to fight back tremendously well with only one arm, until the action spilled outside and OH GOD THE HORSEWOMEN! Kairi STILL kept fighting all three of them off valiantly until she got caught and choked out until she died. Shayna makes history by becoming the first ever two-time NXT Women’s Champion AND by pissing off my mother for life in record time.

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte – SmackDown Women’s Championship Last Woman Standing Match

AND NOW THIS. WAR BECKY FREAKING LYNCH. Argh. I mean, just get a load of Becky here. She is well and truly The Man. Ridiculously so. Charlotte for her part was SUPER up for this too, and man did this BANG. What a bloody war. I’m talking tanks, machine guns, dive bombers, the works. A war. So, so many weapon shots, just hard, hard shots. A nice ECW tribute with tossing the chairs into the ring and then hilariously whiffing on a big table spot. The senton that sent them through the table was baller though. As was Becky’s leg drop through the announce table, the Backdrop Driver From Hell onto the pile of chairs, the Figure-Eight inside the ladder, Charlotte being buried alive, and all the other dope ass highlights. The selling of exhaustion and pain and flat out refusal to lose was tremendous from both women. I thought Charlotte’s big Charlotte Up on a cowering Becky at the end was it, but Becky powerbombed her to HECK through the table and survived. And thus, my poor heart also survived. This was everything promised and more.

Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella – Raw Women’s Championship

Did y’all hear the little girls pop for the Bellas? Yeah, don’t question Nikki headlining this PPV ever again. Besides, this was everything it was meant to be. Ronda got to play with her early and toss her around, looking every bit the killer, until she ATE the post three whole times and set about selling her damn ass off. Nikki was great on top, being a dick and laying her stuff in, while Brie trolled expertly on the outside. Frankly this may be the heel performance of Brie’s career. They kept it up and Ronda kept selling and selling and pulling you along until FINALLY, she found an opening to RONDA UP and kill some folk. The double Ronda slam thing was nuts. This was entertaining as all get out, and it ended perfectly with Ronda grabbing Nikki and tapping her out. Hugs, tears, confetti, sunshine, rainbows, peace on earth. What a PPV. That I’m able to type all this out is a minor medical miracle since I’m pretty sure this show killed me and I am dead. I love absolutely, positively everything.

JA D’Amato

On April 22, 1974, the Nassau Coliseum hosted its first women’s pro wrestling match when “The Fabulous” Moolah and Donna Christanello took on the tag team of Sharon Brooks and Daisy Mae on the undercard of a World Wide Wrestling Federation event headlined by Bruno Sammartino. As was the case then with women’s pro wrestling in the United States, the match was meant as little more than a titillating sideshow on a card otherwise dominated by men. 44 years later brings a completely different vibe to my Long Island home as we are fortunate hosts of Evolution the first all women’s Pay Per View/Special Event. A curious choice for a venue by the WWE powers that be maybe more influenced by convenience as Mr. and Mrs. Levesque are only a one hour limo ride from home. Ticket sales on the secondary market have been tepid as upper level seating was available for under $10 and lower level in the $50 range on broker sites. This indicates low interest from the casual fan base but the loyal fans grabbed up the quality tickets priced at typical B PPV prices.

Entering the building was quite a joy to see the most diversified crowd ever. Obviously tons more women than any event ever attended. A wonderful mix of all age ranges, mothers and daughters and more couples on date nights than usual. I immediately ran into a Bellalution pep rally with an army of Bella faithful led by an energetic young gentleman in tremendous physical condition. NYCB security had to intervene and break them up for causing arena traffic. 

Stace would have been right at home in my section as they were handing out “Becky, Becky, Becky” signs with “I Boo the Woo” on back. Ronda shirts dominated the masses with Becky second and the Bellas third. Nary a Charlotte shirt was located.

Here is my live stream of in the moment thoughts:

Pre-Show: Rhea Ripley vs. Dakota Kai

Both ladies got a warm response. Ripley’s delayed duplex got the biggest pop which is ironic because Lashley gets crickets with the same move. Ripley won in quick fashion with her pump handle slam.

Nita Strauss and Lzzy Hale ripped pure fire to intro the show.

Lita & Trish Stratus vs. Alicia Fox & Mickie James

The fans ate up every move from Lita and Trish. Alexa got some nice old lady jokes in to make her presence felt. Foxx and Mickie sold their asses off and despite a ref botch the finish was well received. The arena is ¾ full but it’s 100% positivity. 

Battle Royal

The IIconics talked some trash and were the first to go out. Great mini stories involving Mandy Rose eliminating Sonya and Carmella’s dance off brought the house down. Ivory joined her but apparently she went to the Elaine Benes dance school. Even Tamina got a response from this crowd as her and Nia dominated. A huge “NXT” chant erupted when Ember and Asuka squared off. It came down to Nia and Ember and Nia prevailed although the crowd favored Ember. Nia still got a warm response and heat from her post match interview. I wish she would have dedicated her win to Nate Milton but no such luck.

Io Sharai vs. Toni Storm – Mae Young Classic Final

The crowd was split 50/50 for this fine battle. Io’s moonsault on the floor and Toni’s back duplex on the apron generated the first, lazy “This is Awesome!” chant. Toni’s victory was greeted warmly as Triple H and Stephanie but that didn’t overshadow the post match ceremony. The hits keep coming.

Riot Squad vs. Sasha, Bayley & Natalya

Bayley and Sasha still get huge star treatment from the fans despite being de-emphasized on the pecking order. Sasha reverted to her Super Dave Osborne imitation with a scary dive outside while Nattie took a long cat nap before awakening and delivering a double sharp shooter in a memorable spot. Bayley saved Sasha by lying on top of her and the faces showed great continuity in successive tags leading to Sasha’s dive and pin. 

Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane

Old school face/heel reactions for this one. The crowd hated the interference from Baszler’s crew and the lack of assistance from the gang of NXT women at ringside.

Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte

The audience got fully amped when the promos hit signaling this match was next. Ridiculously pro Becky house with everyone on their feet for the introductions. “ECW” chants for the chairs thrown in and “You deserve it” for Charlotte getting racked by chair shots. Poor Charlotte managed to elicit a few cheers only when she chased Becky down for trying to bail. The crowd was pissed when Charlotte survived a 9.75 count before erupting for the table crash and Becky victory in a match that delivered in every way like just about everything all night.

Ronda Rousey v. Nikki Bella

How do they follow that? The Bellas enter to a strong response as nobody appears to be exiting. Crowd was about 60/40 for Rhonda and reacted to all the high spots including Brie’s interference, the Double Bella throw and Brie getting tossed. Rhonda got the win as expected and this historical night ended with no drama as all the women converged on the entrance to congratulate Rhonda and each other on a successful night. Evolution produced the best crowd reactions since SummerSlam 2002 and I had absolutely no regrets about attending. In spite of the usual WWE weaknesses regarding booking and over saturation they pulled out a big W and surely Evolution will be a yearly event.

[closetofanxiety]

Show Review: NXT Takeover Philadelphia

Since this is always such a popular feature of this web log, let’s take a look at last Saturday’s grappling action! 

Where: The Wells Fargo Center in beautiful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (note, for some reason, in my mind this building is still the First Union Center, its name between 1998 and 2003. I don’t know why, 15 years later, I can’t move on. On the other hand, at least I’m not still calling it the Spectrum, although that is a real possibility)

When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018

Who: I don’t know what the announced crowd was, but the Spectrum holds about 19,000. It looked pretty full, and the crowd was hot.

Show notes: As is becoming a Takeover tradition, we got ringside glances at new signees wearing their best maroon suits (Ricochet and EC 3) and black polo shirts (War Machine). Lots of your favorite indie wrestlers were backstage, as their Instagram feeds attest.

NXT Tag Team Championship Match: Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish) (c) vs. The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) w/Paul Ellering

This was a really good match. It’s time to acknowledge how consistent the Authors of Pain have become at delivering on a big stage. It’s true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, but too many people still think of these guys as the green, lumbering monsters doing a kind of Road-Warriors-Without-the-Mardi-Gras-Paint gimmick. The Authors of Pain are legit. It helps that they were wrestling nimble tag team veterans reDRagon, who had to use their MMA-ness to try and even the odds against the much larger Authors. I really like how they blended in Old School Psychology - O’Reilly and Fish working on Akam’s bad knee throughout the match - with the spots and pacing we’ve come to expect from contemporary WWE. The ending was also great, with the big dudes going for their finish and being thrown off by some veteran maneuvering on the part of O’Reilly, who gets the roll-up after Akam and Rezar accidentally collide with each other.

Rating: Four Spectrums.

Velveteen Dream vs. Kassius Ohno

Hey, another opportunity for Velveteen Dream fans to wish misfortune on me! Listen: I just don’t like his gimmick. I think he’s an incredibly talented athlete with a huge amount of upside considering he’s all of 22 years old, but he is essentially the 21st century version of Johnny B. Badd: they even gave Dream a boxing lark for this match, as if to solidify the Marc Mero comparison even more.

This was a perfectly fine wrestling match, although it had a few weak moments. Ohno is in NXT to give the rub to younger guys, and that’s what he did here, making Dream look like a world-beater. That’s a fine and intelligent way to book the erstwhile Chris Hero in 2018, and he gets to do it in front of huge crowds at the First Union Center, so I don’t want to hear any complaining about how he’s being “buried.” 

Dream gets the win with the Purple Rainmaker, which is quite the career-shortening finisher. I also enjoyed that Blaster McMassive from Devastation Corporation was on hand to hold a pillow with a mouth guard on it before the match started.

Rating: Three Spectrums

NXT Women’s Championship: Ember Moon (c) vs. Shayna Baszler

I was really expecting Baszler to win here, considering how much they’re hyping her, the rumors (subsequently confirmed) of Ronda Rousey’s arrival in some capacity, and the fact that Ember Moon, while one of the four or five best wrestlers among all the WWE women, has kind of a bland character. 

Baszler has the advantage of an aura of genuine menace: it’s not just the MMA background, it’s the way she looks when she puts the black mouth guard in, like some kind of tundra monster from Siberian folklore who grinds people’s bones into flour. It adds a lot to a match!

Her style, though, is heavily mat-based and MMA-esque, which can make for something of a ponderous contest. It would be insane to try and make her a high-flyer or something, but she needs to be in matches that are more Old School than the normal fare, and that’s what we get here: a real old fashioned contest where Moon’s arm gets hurt early, and Baszler sadistically works it throughout the match. Moon was great as the wounded heroine trying to fight back against the monster, working one-armed and selling the hell out of the injury (which she’d continue doing the following night during the women’s Rumble, taking the nastiest looking elimination out of anyone, with her arm swaddled in bandages).

Moon got the win, which was something of a shock, but Baszler maintained her menacing rep by attacking the champ after the match. It kind of lacked some of the fire that we’ve come to expect from NXT title matches, but was perfectly fine and did a nice job of establishing Baszler as a big threat.

Rating: Three Spectrums.

Extreme Rules Match: Adam Cole vs. Aleister Black

It’s Philadelphia, so of course we need to get EXTREME. We’ll be a good deal less EXTREME than in the days of EXTREME Championship Wrestling, with Kimona Wanalaya DANCING ATOP THE E-C-W ARENA and everyone taking unprotected chairshots to the noggin and doing hot rails of blow off men’s room floors and eventually dying in their 40s, and you know what? I’m OK with that.

Someone on Twitter described Adam Cole as “the prettiest possum in the Denny’s dumpster,” and now that’s all I can think of whenever I see him. Cole is a great scumbag. He is maybe this generation’s Michael P.S. Hayes: just an absolutely wonderful greasy burrito full of hair oil and trouble. Aleister Black, of course, is a spooky necromancer from the most terrifying country of all: Holland.

This is a great clash of styles, in that sense: it’s like glam metal is fighting black metal. Cole is Bang Tango and Black is Abruptum. 

This is a dang barn-burner of a match. They go to work right away, whaling on each other with the detritus of WWE plunder matches: kendo sticks (sorry, Singapore canes: we are in EXTREMEadelphia, after all), flimsy looking trash cans of the sort that I don’t even think are manufactured for home use anymore, ladders, tables, etc. 

Cole gets cut open on what turns out to be his hand, but so much blood is on different parts of his body that at first it’s really hard to tell where it’s coming from. There are some truly insane spots here: two chairs are set up back to back, and Black slams Cole, fireman’s carry-style, onto the tops of the chairs in a bump so painful-looking it practically made MY back hurt. There was a double table spot. There was a crazy ladder bump. These boys went all out, and full marks to Adam Cole, who seemed perfectly fine with dying. 

Robert Fish and Rilo Kiley came out to help their man Cole, but then Sanity came out to even the odds, and eventually Aleister Black hit his finisher (”Black Mass,” which he said on Twitter is named for outer space, l-o-fucking-l) and wins. They have big plans for Black, it seems. Cole will live to dive in other dumpsters.

Rating: Four and a half Spectrums.

p.s. 

In real life, Bang Tango runs circles around any black metal band.

NXT Championship Match: Andrade “Cien” Almas (c) w/Zelina Vega vs. Johnny Gargano

I’ve seen Johnny Gargano in some pretty humble venues: the Swedish-American Social Club in beautiful Bristol, Connecticut. A converted warehouse in Providence, R.I., a week before the Suicide Girls cabaret show had the venue. Mark and I once saw him in some kind of community center in Stratford, Connecticut in front of a crowd of maybe 65 people.

And the thing is, he was great in all those venues. Three years later, Mark and I still talk about how good that match was in Stratford, where Gargano and J.T. Dunn wrestled like they were in Madison Square Garden instead of a room crowded with rows of empty chairs. That’s the kind of wrestler Gargano is: maybe the purest babyface anywhere in North America, he is a guy who treats the business with total commitment and reverence. It’s corny, but he really deserves the nickname “Johnny Wrestling.”

It’s been wild to see that guy - who, even as I marveled at his talent and passion in tiny rooms across southern New England, I figured was way too small to make it in the WWE - emerge, first as a popular tag team wrestler in NXT and now, at the First Philadelphia Union Spectrum, finally as Johnny Gargano, Singles Star.

This was a career-making match: for over 30 minutes, Gargano and Almas demonstrated how good a wrestling match can be in 2018. The crowd could easily have been dead after the fantastic Cole-Crowley showdown, but they were berserk for the entirety of what, in 2018, is an incredibly long match, and justifiably so: the story Gargano, Almas (and Vega, and Candace LeRae) told here was absolutely compelling.

I’ve talked a lot about Gargano, but I don’t want to sell the champ short: he is currently my absolute favorite in NXT and maybe in all of WWE, and it’s amazing to think a year ago he was dead in the water because they had no idea how to use his incredible charisma and skill. Zelina Vega was the secret sauce that made him a main event player, but she wouldn’t be able to do much for a mediocre wrestler: this match was a classic because Almas is one of the best in the world.

There’s no sense getting into moves and counter-moves: the story here was the underdog kid-with-a-dream throwing everything he had at the smarmy champ, and ultimately coming up short. Someone on Twitter said that Gargano sells like a normal human being instead of a pro wrestler, and that’s one of the keys to his appeal, and to why this match worked so well: the expressions of numb shock, agony, and desperation on Gargano’s face were the emotional keystone of the whole thing. In the end, he came up short, and his devastation felt real and earned: a football player watching the season end on a last-second play in the Super Bowl, not an actor in a scripted performance. The fact that Gargano is, in fact, an actor in a scripted performance speaks volumes about his incredible talent. Forget match of the year; this has to be one of the top contenders for best match in the history of NXT.

Finally, the postscript: the cheap shot from Ciampa as the copyright information appeared on the screen. Some people thought this was too much, but to me it was perfect: “Personal Issues Make Money” is a sign that used to hang in the office of the old Memphis territory, and it’s true. Gargano’s chase for the title is ultimately a magnificent sideshow to the story he and Ciampa are telling, and I can’t wait for the next chapter.

Rating: Five Spectrums. All the Spectrums.

[grapsandclaps]

PROGRESS UNBOXING PART DEUX

Hello everyone! Welcome to the final edition of Grapa and Claps for 2017 which took me to Camden for Show 104 of the year for Progress Wrestling's mystery show - Unboxing which as with the word mystery it was actually a mystery to who or what would turn up???

But as with any trip to Camden, it was time to take in a couple of the sights and sounds of the town before going to the graps.

First port of call was The Black Heart where rumours of a possible BritWres Pool Title taking place were unfounded due to Champion Athers strategically placing a 'No Pool' sign on the table to take his reign further into 2018 😉

Drink in this establishment though was as expensive as ever with one of the drinks on offer being £7.80 for a 6% pint of Beavertown - ridiculous 😣. I instead went for a pint of Camden Town INK which is a cross between a stout and a porter and cost the sum of £4.70 for a pint.

After working through the crowds of the Progress Fans Forum meet up, it was time to get to the next destination of Brewdog for the inevitable dry bumming of £6 for 2/3rds and surprise surprise I wasn't far away. 2/3rds of 5.6% Big Brown at a cost of £5.60 and also 2/3rds of a 6% ale for £5.40 weren't too bad with the Big Brown maybe picking up the best drink award.

An early start to proceedings was had with a start of 3pm at the ballroom for Progress Wrestlings last show of the year. So let's see what went down:

First match up was a Survivor Series style 4 on 4 elimination match with the teams entering the festivities were as follows - Moustache Mountain, Aussie Open, Chris Brookes and Inflatable Lykos and also the Tag Team Champions - ITV 1's BAFTA Award Winning Drama THE GRIZZLED YOUNG VETS.

The rules of this was Tyler Bate and Trent Seven were made respective captains of their team with them picking high school style - all lined up. So the teams ended up.being Trent, a reluctant Zack Gibson who was on great form again trading barbs with Trent, Kyle Fletcher and Inflatable Lykos vs Mark Davis, Tyler Bate, Chris Brookes and the unfortunate James Drake who was picked last (much sympathy here from 14 year old FAT Andrew Ogden of Hollingworth High School, Milnrow who always got picked last)

This was a lengthy but fun match with Gibson and Drake being early casualties getting done over by shenanigans involving the Inflatable Lykos. One of the main comedy parts of this match was the Inflatable being chucked off the Electric Ballroom balcony by Chris Brookes to the awaiting congregation below to the laughter of the 700 strong crowd.

Finish eventually came with Trent Seven and Chris Brookes being the last two men woth Brookes pulling out the Cheeky Roll Up victory over Trent to win in 22 minutes (the whole segment was just over 40 minutes, like an opening to RAW) - I just wasn't a big fan of the GYV's looking silly here if being critical of the match but i'm sure they will bounce back.

2nd match was Jack Sexsmith vs Joe Coffey in a interesting match up as it was Sexsmith in a different predicament against a much larger opponent. This match I felt was to get current No.1 contender Jack Sexsmith over a serious wrestler and I have got to say it worked here with him and Coffey producing a very good match which Sexsmith won with the Crossface for the surprise submission victory.

The Sexsmith push has been a bit stop start obviously with him getting injured in the SSS16 when I guess he would have been prominent in the latter stages of that tournament. But since then he has played beating stick having been done over by Haskins, Havoc and Eddie Dennis, I am just hoping now that there can be a sustained push now to get him ready for a match with Travis Banks for what would be a great title match.

3rd match up was a 6 way Womens contendera contest with a multitude of new faces to the Chapter shows with Chakara vs Charlie Morgan vs Charli Evans vs Millie Mckenzie vs Candyfloss vs Sierra Loxton.

One thing to note early is that Candyfloss's music just doesn't suit her bubbly character, The music is all dark and moody, when it should be a more upbeat and snappy pop tune.

This was a really good showcase match here with everyone getting their spots in, including many German suplexes from Millie Mckenzie for whom 2018 could be a huge year. Sierra Loxton I like the look of as well, good character and a good wrestler - very promising.

It was Millie who ended up with the victory here hitting a neckbreaker type move for the popular win. Millie vs Toni Storm in 2018 could be a great match to set up to later in the year with the right build.

Half Time Main Event was a '12 Days of Christmas' Tag Team Match with Jimmy Havoc & Mark Haskins vs the Progress debuting Clint Margera & Drew Parker. In all sense and purposes this was a Tag Team Hardcore match with the usual cavalcade of weapons including Kendo sticks, tables, chairs and lego.

I never understand why if doing a hardcore match why wouldn't you use Sticklebricks instead of Lego but thats just a personal choice of mine.

In terms of a Hardcore match it served a purpose and was good in places but having already seen the Fight Club Pro DeathHouse this year with at least 3 of these characters, everything else past it this year has gone down like a 'wet fart in church' and would be a late entrant into the 'get in the bin' awards for 2017 - i'm just fed up of these type of matches now.

That aside this was a good introduction for Parker and Clint to Progress but they eventually fell to the team of Havoc and Haskins in 17 minutes due to a Lego related finisher.

After the break and a great review from our Geoff of Bang Bang Chicken it was time to get into the meaty sized portion of the second half of the show, starting off with Flash Morgan Webster looking hopeful of victory but this was soon banished with the opening sounds of 'I Will Be Heard' by Hatebreed signalling the arrival of Rampage Brown to the roar of the Camden Massive.

Very good 10 minute match played to the backgrpund noise of the '12 days of Rampage' which first got an airing at a TIDAL show recently. The original version at a wrestling show was sang to Ryback at PCW Bradford last Christmas for those who could remember.

Webster plays the underdog really well against much larger opponents and doesn't really get the credit he deserves. But for all of his effort he was eventually put away with a SUPERBOMB from the top rope and then finished off with the 'Piledriver of Death' from Rampage for the loss.

After the match Webster got on the mic to say that the run of losses has took a toll on him that much that he is now taking time away from Progress to regain his bearings. This is very similar to what Progress are currently doing with Doug Williams at the moment 🤔

It is to be noted that the winning theme of Rampage's was not 'I Will Be Heard' but more 'I Won't Be Heard'.

Semi Main Event was for the Progress World Championship with Champion Travis Banks facing a returning and in what was a surprise to many - Will Ospreay who when last seen in Progress was losing a 'Loser Leaves Progress' match vs Jimmy Havoc in March this year.

This was 20 minutes of just fantastic high-octane action between 2 of the best wrestlers in the world. For all what people think of Ospreays usual high flying antics, his ground game has really improved in the last year since his move to pastures new in New Japan.

Plenty of near falls in this match with Ospreay kicking out of the Slice of Heaven and Kiwi Crushers, Banks also kicked out of many finishing attempts from Ospreay as well. The end came though at just after 20 mins with Travis locking Ospreay in the Lion's Clutch Submission for the win - this was a late contendet for Match of the Year, you owe it to yourself to watch it on demand.

After the match TK Cooper made an in-ring appearance to say to tag team partner and friend Travis Banks that when he is fit in 2018 that he is possibly coming for a Progress World Title shot in the future. If he can stay fit next year, TK could do big things - he has the look of a young version of The Rock in my opinion.

Main Event time with the WWE UK Title taking prominence tonight with current WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne facing off with a one off returning Gentleman Jack Gallagher.

Now in his time away from the UK scene, Gallagher has carved out a decentish career in the WWE starting off as the quirky umbrella carrying gentleman who also had a fantastic upbeat theme, he looked so different to the rest of the bland blokes in trunks brigade that are prevalent on 205 live that the crowd really got behind. I can say first hand that Gallagher is a lovely person to meet and has some of the warmest hands around (only matched by Chris 'Taff Master' off of Twitter)

But in the last 6 months that has been ripped up totally by WWE who have turned Jack into a dastardly heel with an utter dirge of a theme tune and also stuck him with perennial momentum killer Brian Kendrick. Jacks likeable personality has literally disappeared and he is now just 'bland bloke in slacks and brogues'.

So with utter toss theme tune in hand, Gallagher made his way to the ring to a good reaction to face the Bruiserweight Pete Dunne for said WWE UK Championship.

A good match in its own right but it did have an hard act to follow after Ospreay vs Banks which for me was Match of the night. Lasting just over 15 minutes, it was Pete Dunne who retained the title hitting two bitter ends on his way to victory over a valiant Gallagher who looked good in defeat.

By the looks of it, Pete Dunne will now be moving on to a match with Joe Conners early next year.

Drink prices - £4.90 for Camden Pale Ale and £3 a pint for coke.

Leaving the ballroom it was then decided to have a swift drink in the Euston Tap which I had 2/3rds of a Beavertown Stout for £4.60 and it was very nice indeed.

I would like to note the train ride home was also one of the noisiest ever singing along with a load of merry Stoke City supporters who had just seen there team get hammered 5-0 with Chelsea, they were in great spirits though and made the journey home a fun one.

So that was that for the last show of the year and I feel despite some gripes e.g. the hardcore tag, the lengthy opening and some questionable music choices, I thought it was a really good end to the year. Ospreay vs Banks, Sexsmith vs Coffey and Gallagher vs Dunne are ones to watch back when it arrives on demand.

Hope you have enjoyed reading and see ylu again in 2018 for the first review of the year which will be Progress in Birmingham #grapsandclaps.

[enzuigiripuro]

[On Going] DIANA Results from June 2017

- 6/4 Diana Dojo, Kanagawa (17:30) * Ayako Sato Trial Re-debut Exhibiton Match :  Ayako Sato vs. Kaoru Ito - Draw (5:00) * 3 Way : Jaguar Yokota def. (L)Mask de Sun, Kaoru Ito - La Magistral (6:57) * Big Bang Nicole Last Dojo Match : Kyoko Inoue def. Big Bang Nicole - Short Range Lariato (16:58) ---- - 6/17 Korakuen Hall, Tokyo (19:00) - Jaguar Yokota 40th Anniversary Show (838 Fans) * Yumi Ohka def. Big Bang Nicole - Big Boot (9:21) * Bolshoi Kid def. Kyusei Ninja Ranmaru - Front Kick (00:06) * Rematch : Bolshoi Kid def. Kyusei Ninja Ranmaru - Pinfall (6:54) * (W)Shinobu Kandori, Dump Matsumoto, Yumiko Hotta def. CRYSIS ((L)KAZUKI, Chikayo Nagashima, Megumi Yabushita) - Modified Armbar (8:06) * Kaoru Ito vs. Tomoko Watanabe - Double Countout (11:15) * (W)Mima Shimoda, KAORU def. (L)Mariko Yoshida, Takako Inoue - Crucifix Pin (14:34) * Jaguar Yokota 40th Anniversary Memorial Match : CRYSIS ((W)Jaguar Yokota, TARU), Aja Kong def. (L)Kyoko Inoue, Shiro Koshinaka, Manami Toyota - Avalanche Hurracanrana (17:51) ~ Info : Mariko Yoshida announced her Retirement in pro Wrestling after get short comeback on Hiroyo Matsumoto 10th Anniversary at Shinkiba 1stRING on 7/31 Last year. and her last match will be on 11/20 at Shinjuku FACE ------ - 6/25 Yamagata Nanyo Gymnasium (Sub Arena), Yamagata (13:00) results (250 Fans) * Big Bang Nicole def. Yuiga - Neck hanging Bomb (11:57) * Mima Shimoda, (W)Mariko Yoshida def. Hiroe Nagahama, (L)Mask de Sun - Air Raid Crash (14:25) * Ayako Sato re-Debut Match : Jaguar Yokota def. Ayako Sato - Rounded Sunset Flip (10:38) * WWWD Tag Team Championship : (W)Kyoko Inoue, Kaoru Ito def. CRYSIS (Chikayo Nagashima, (L)Megumi Yabushita) (c) - Niagara Driver (22:20) TITLE CHANGE!!!!

[ryanngala]

Summer TV Preview 2017 Report

Summer TV Preview 2017 All the possible hits, from 'Love' to 'Tick'. 1. 'Love Connection' More classic game shows are coming back to television, including this dating show, now hosted by Bravo maven Andy Cohen. (8 p.m., Thursday, May 25, Fox 5) 2. 'Beat Shazam' The app becomes a game show hosted by Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, where contestants try to quickly figure out the name of the song that is playing. For all you oldies like me this sounds suspiciously like "Name That Tune." (9 p.m., Thursday May 25, Fox 5) 3. 'Still Star-Crossed' Welcome to the newest guest to Shondaland. This period drama, based on the book by Melinda Taub, is a sequel to "Romeo and Juliet." Stars Lashana Lynch, Wade Briggs and Sterling Sulieman; executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. (10 p.m., Monday, May 29, ABC 7) 4. 'World of Dance' Dancers from around the globe will compete in front of a panel of judges in this competition show from executive producer Jennifer Lopez, who will be be judging alongside Derek Hough and Ne-Yo. Jenna Dewan Tatum hosts. 10 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, NBC 4) 5. 'I'm Dying Up Here' A drama about comedians. Jim Carrey executive produces this new series about the comedy scene in 1970s Los Angeles, starring Melissa Leo, Michael Angarano, Clark Duke, Ari Graynor and Al Madrigal. (10 p.m., Sunday, June 4, Showtime) 6. 'Claws' It's not just manis and pedis at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon in this Florida dramedy about a group of women moonlighting in the world of organized crime. Starring Niecy Nash, Carrie Preston and Harold Perrineau. (9 p.m., Sunday, June 11, TNT) 7. 'Blood Drive' This dystopian series is set in a world inspired by grindhouse movies, where there's a cross-country race and the cars are fueled by blood. Starring Alan Ritchson and Christina Ochoa. (10 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, Syfy) 8. 'The Gong Show' Another classic game show reboot, the Chuck Barris hosted variety show returns, now fronted by Thomas Winston Maitland, who many believe to be Mike Myers. (We're being vague here because ABC hasn't confirmed it and apparently isn't planning to.) Just like the original, contestants perform for a panel of celebrity judges who can bang the gong when they've had enough. (10 p.m., Thursday, June 22, ABC 7) 9. 'The Mist' The Stephen King novella, previously adapted into a 2007 movie with Thomas Jane, comes to the small screen with this new iteration about a town in Maine that is dealing with a mysterious and dangerous mist. Starring Morgan Spector, Alyssa Sutherland and Frances Conroy. (10 p.m., Thursday, June 22, Spike) 10. 'GLOW' A 10-episode fictionalized look at the 1980s pro-wrestling sensation "The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling," starring Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron. Executive produced by Jenji Kohan ("Orange is the New Black"). (Friday, June 23, Netflix) 11. 'Battle of the Network Stars' Another reboot, you say? This show has actors facing off in physical competitions. ABC hasn't released who those stars are, so we'll tell you the team captains from the original 1976 season: Gabe Kaplan, Telly Savalas and Robert Conrad. Go ask your parents who they are. (9 p.m., Thursday, June 29, ABC 7) 12. 'Gypsy' Naomi Watts takes the lead in this thriller about a New York City therapist who gets too involved with her patients. Billy Crudup plays her husband. (Friday, June 30, Netflix) 13. 'Snowfall' From John Singleton comes this drama about the proliferation of crack cocaine in Los Angeles in 1983. Starring Damson Idris. (10 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, FX) 14. 'Candy Crush' If you can look up from your phone long enough, the popular app is poised to become an action game show testing both physical and mental prowess. Hosted by Mario Lopez. (9 p.m., Sunday, July 9, CBS 2) 15. 'Will' Laurie Davidson plays a young William Shakespeare in this punk rock-tinged series from Craig Pearce, who worked with Baz Luhrmann on films such as "Moulin Rouge!" and "Romeo + Juliet." (9 p.m., Monday, July 10, TNT) 16. 'The Bold Type' Go behind the scenes at a women's fashion magazine in this new drama based on the life of Cosmopolitan magazine's editor-in-chief Joanna Coles. Starring Aisha Dee, Katie Stevens and Matt Ward. (9 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, Freeform) 17. 'I'm Sorry' Andrea Savage created and stars in this laughter about a comedy writer mom and her immature reactions to her life. Hopefully better than it sounds. (10 p.m., Wednesday July 12, TruTV) 18. 'Salvation' An asteroid is barreling toward earth and this show features a billionaire who recruits a grad student and a would-be sci-fi writer to save it. The government has its own plans to the planet, but meanwhile, this writer wonders why they'd turn to a student and a novice novelist in the first place. (9 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, CBS 2) 19. 'Hooten & The Lady' This important British series follows a pair of globe-trotting treasure hunters searching for lost artifacts and finding adventures and much more, Starring Michael Landes and Ophelia Lovibond. (9 p.m., Thursday, July 13, The CW / WPIX 11) 20 . 'Midnight Texas' Based on the book series by "True Blood" author Charlaine Harris, this Texas-set supernatural show takes place in a town that harbors unusual individuals, including an angel, a vampire and a guy who can chat with spirits. Starring Francois Arnaud, Dylan Bruce and Sarah Romos. (10 p.m., Monday, July 24, NBC 4) 21. 'Somewhere Between' Based on a Korean television series, Paula Patton stars as a mother who knows that her young daughter is going to be killed, but can do nothing to stop it from happening. So what's a mom best option? Time travel, of course. (10 p.m., Monday, July 24, ABC 7) 22. 'Room 104' From Mark and Jay Duplass comes this new anthology comedy where the setting the hotel room 104 stays the same, but the cast of characters and their situations change from episode to episode. (11 p.m., Friday, July 28, HBO) 23. 'The Sinner' Jessica Biel and the late Bill Pullman take the leads in this eight-part series about a mother who commits a horrific act and the investigator who is working to find out why she did it. (10 p.m., Wednesday, August 2, USA) 24. 'Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update' It's not on Saturday. It's not the weekend. And it's not clear if it will be live. Hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che will be doing their thing on Thursday with guest spots by some other "SNL" favorites. (9 p.m., Thursday, August 10, NBC 4) 25. 'Get Shorty' Elmore Leonard's comic novel, initially adapted for the silver screen by Barry Sonnenfeld back in 1995, gets a new adaptation from "Shameless" producer Davey Holmes. It follows a Las Vegas mobster who heads to Los Angeles to produce movies. Starring Chris O'Dowd and Ray Romano. (10 p.m., Sunday, August 13, Epix) 26. 'Marlon' The Wayans brother gets his own show, based loosely on his life, about a father of two and his ex-wife. (9 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, NBC 4) 27. 'Marvel's The Defenders' All your favorite Netflix Marvel Superheroes, Daredevil (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones), come together for this big team up where they have to keep New York City safe from a huge threat. (Friday, August 18, Netflix) 28. 'There's ... Johnny' Paul Reiser created and writes this behind-the-scenes series set in the 1970s, about a 19-year-old Midwesterner who gets a job working on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" In an interesting and potentially eventful twist, the show is being made in conjunction with the Carson Estate and will feature classic footage from the iconic series interspersed in the new show. (Thursday, August 24, Seeso) 29. 'Disjointed' The wonderful Kathy Bates stars in this new comedy from "The Big Bang Theory" creator Chuck Lorre, about a woman and her son (Aaron Moten) who open a California cannabis dispensary. (Friday, August 25, Netflix) 30. 'The Tick' The blue-clad superhero gets his third (!) television series. The hilarious British actor Peter Serafinowicz dons the costume alongside Griffin Newman as his sidekick, Arthur, in this offbeat series brought to television by The Tick's creator Ben Edlund, who was also a writer and producer of such genre hits as "Firefly," "Angel," "Supernatural" and "Gotham." (Friday August 25, Amazon)

[purplesurveys]

220

1. If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? LMAO I would do surveys. So predictable. If not that, I’d drive all night provided that gas wouldn’t be a problem.

2. What’s your favorite piece of clothing you own/owned? The original CM Punk Best in the World shirt. I’ve worn it so much that it’s all tattered and has permanent stains. I barely put it out of the closet nowadays but it stays there as a trophy. That shirt has been through EVERYTHING.

3. What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Going to museums more.

4. How often do you play sports? I used to play every week in high school, when I still had the opportunities to play table tennis. Now I haven’t played in two years :c I always wonder how rusty I’ve gotten.

5. What fictional place would you most like to go to? San Junipero.

6. What job would you be terrible at? Architect, for one.

7. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning a medal for?  Eating balut. It’s over for y’all.

8. What skill would you like to master?  Again and again, it’d be playing the piano. Also...er, happiness?

9. What do you not want me to ask you?  I’m an open book especially on this blog. There’s no such thing as a question I can’t answer.

10. What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?  A cruise around the world would be the most epic fucking thing.

11. If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would you change and why?  I wish I wasn’t so sad all the time. I’d change that because no one likes being sad...

12. What’s your favorite drink? Milkshakes.

13. What do you consider to be your best find? I don’t actually know. I have such a poor eye for those.

14. Are you usually early or late? Early.

15. What pets did you have while growing up? I had a gazillion goldfish. Some didn’t even have names anymore because we kept buying new ones. We also had a chick that we won at a school fair, but it died the next day. We had Tobi the bunny, and then there were the lovebirds who lasted a few months with us.

16. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with? School stuff–usually proofreading and editing. For the more serious ones it’s usually about relationships and how to go about their problems.

17. What takes up too much of your time? Fucking college. This semester is eating me alive.

18. What do you wish you knew more about? Physics??? So I can actually be an astronaut like my 5 year old dreams?

19. What would be your first question after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years? I doubt I’d ask a question...I think I would be stoked that it was successful.

20. What are some small things that make your day better? No traffic. Having mayonnaise in the fridge. Kimi actually being playful. When my girlfriend’s sisters are excited to see me. Putting a playlist on random and it gives you the best possible order of your songs. Kind strangers.

21. Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to? Paramore. Always.

22. What shows are you into? I’m not into any at the moment and it’s generally really hard to get me invested in a show. The only ones I liked and was able to hold on to are The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad. I tried to watch Dexter, HTGAWM, and Mr. Robot but never got past the first episodes.

23. Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished? I have ancestors who were pretty instrumental in the entire country’s history.

24. What age do you wish you could permanently be? That concept is boring, but I wish I could forever be the person I was when I was 16. That girl was a ray of sunshine and had no ounce of pessimism in her.

25. What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend? SLEEPING. It’s the last week of the sem and I am absolutely destroyed and I cannot wait until I get my few weeks off.

26. What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way? I like to hand-write my notes. < This is a classic.

27. What have you only recently formed an opinion on? Initiation rates for orgs are bullshit and unnecessary. I mean it’s been an opinion of mine for the longest time, but it wasn’t until Sunday that I had to go through one of those rituals myself so I could finally be officially admitted into my journalism org. To put it simply: it fucking sucked. I had a panic attack and for that alone, it fucking sucked.

28. What’s the single best day on the calendar? April 21.

29. What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Banks. As in the singer, not the institution...

30. What is the most annoying question that people ask you? I don’t usually get questions that irk me now.

31. What could you give a 40-minute presentation on without absolutely no preparation? The history of pro wrestling.

32. If you were a dictator of a small island nation, what crazy dictator stuff would you do? I wouldn’t be like that. I’d just make sure there’d always be a stock of pizza around for everyone...

33. What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives? Go to a completely different country. Experience a whole new culture.

34. What’s worth spending more on to get the best? Shoes.

35. What is something that a ton of people are obsessed with but you just don’t get the point of? Game of Thrones. I couldn’t even finish the first episode.

36. What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years? Finding a home, saving up, maybe getting married.

37. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? I guess Singapore. Or Japan. Mostly because they are such an advanced country technologically that it was a stark contrast, a different experience compared to what we have in my third-world home. It felt like a different world altogether.

38. What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to? Watch new films, especially now that the Golden Globe noms just came out.

39. What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?  Finished all my work that I was supposed to do this week. Because of that, I can be chill as fuck now with just minimal papers to go. 40. What piece of entertainment do you wish you could erase from your mind so that you could experience it for the first time again?  Getting on a cruise, but at the same time I never want to delete that memory.

41. If all jobs had the same pay and hours, what job would you like to have? I guess I’d still work in media? I don’t know how different it would be.

42. How different was your life one year ago? Well I was definitely more depressed. I’ve had little progress since then but I can still say for sure that that was a darker period. I have a phone now–meaning I have constant access to Gabie now. I have made a big bunch of friends. I’m eating more, I’ve gained weight. I’m handling all my requirements more responsibly. I’m in a college org.

43. What’s the best way to start the day? Surveys, ideally.

44. What quirks do you have? Dunno. I’ve never eaten fruit, for one.

45. What would you rate 10/10? Dogs.

46. What kind of art do you enjoy most? Film.

47. What do you hope never changes? Me and Gab.

48. What city would you most like to live in? Makati if local, Singapore or Sydney if international.

49. What movie title best describes your life? No idea.

50. What’s the best way a person can spend their time? Going to museums! Watching art films! Not taking photos the whole time they’re traveling! Try out all sorts of wacky food once!