#wrestling hunk vs hunk

[wrestlingarsenal]

From Wrestler4Hire, Marco Thunder vs. Rolf Fulton

[punishdose]

Skinny heel Brandon Bell is breaking the rules with blatant choke holds in order to dominate muscle hero Troy Baker. The punk gets off on manhandling the gym stud and will make him beg for mercy in a series of illegal torture holds.

[littlemagicalstardust]

[lilman2luv]

Such a hot match (or should I say outmach)

[kismetconstellations]

There are so many ways that Voltron: Legendary Defender failed its characters. From the unfathomably idiotic decision to kill Allura off in the finale, to putting Coran through the pain of losing his family twice over, to all of the "jokes" at the expense of Hunk's anxiety, weight, and stomach problems.

But, to me, the most egregious example of this will forever be the numerous ways that Shiro was mistreated, even though I fully believe that most of them were unintentional and the fault of incompetence, rather than maliciousness.

I never expected a show with a TV-Y7 rating that was made to sell toys to children to address this character's extensive trauma in any meaningful way. And, perhaps there was a push behind the scenes to sideline him in order to bring Keith to the forefront, due to Keith being the head of Voltron in previous incarnations, and Shiro essentially being a Canon Foreigner created exclusively for this series.

But, when you have: - A poorly executed attempt to recreate Shiro's fight with Zarkon in the Astral Plane, void of the stunning visuals, impressively fluid fight choreography, and emotional and narrative stakes.

(Shiro fighting the show's main villain and his predecessor hand-to-hand for control of one of the most powerful weapons in the universe, vs the Paladins fighting shadowy, faceless foes that none of them- aside from Allura- have any personal connections to or conflict with, even once their identities are revealed, with long-range weapons, inside of Honerva's head.)

- Shiro, the previously "undefeated" Champion of Zarkon's gladiatorial arena and a highly trained and skilled martial artist, being slapped across the bridge of his own ship.

-Shiro's personal abuser telling him that the arm that was forcibly grafted onto his body in an attempt to turn him into a weapon for the Galra Empire is "the strongest part" of him,

Slav, an ally, echoing the sentiment and arguing that Shiro would be "even stronger with two robotic arms", and the first half of Season Seven confirming as much by depicting Shiro standing, often completely mute, on the sidelines

until he's outfitted with a new prosthetic arm. Only then is he actively allowed to participate in combat, again, and promoted to Captain of the Atlas.

-Shiro winning an intergalactic arm wrestling tournament to prove that he isn't a washed-up retiree (at the ripe old age of twenty-six), with that prosthetic.

-Said prosthetic being a mirror of his abuser's.

-No acknowledgement of Shiro's essence being transferred into the body of his clone that is down an arm. Or, how he's coping with not only not having a right arm at all, but also having been dead for a huge chunk of time, trapped inside the consciousness of the Black Lion and watching on helplessly as someone wearing his face tried to kill everyone he loves, and then resurrected to be suddenly "retired" through no choice of his own.

-Aside, of course, from an all-too lighthearted and chipper comment on routine helping him get through "being in the infinite void of the Black Lion", and a throwaway quip about how "having my consciousness transplanted from the infinity of Voltron's inner quintessence into the dead body of an evil clone of myself" has left him "a little out of sorts".

-And, Shiro not getting to kill his abuser, or even best him in combat.

Instead, he lies beaten and helpless, once again, as Keith, his replacement, takes Sendak out.

It crosses the line from clumsy writing to infuriating negligence and ineptitude.

The repeated violations of Shiro's autonomy, and what seems by all rights to be unintended ableism, even though it borders on outright disrespectful, went above and beyond any terrible writing and direction that I anticipated gritting my teeth and slogging through when I decided to finally bite the bullet and watch this show. It's utterly baffling to me that no one seemed to stop and realize that, "Hey, maybe introducing and then reinforcing the sentiment that a disabled man's prosthetic is the 'strongest part' of him, and he's effectively weak and useless without it, is a bad idea", at any point in the creative process before these episodes made it to air.

I wholeheartedly believe that as much as other characters were wronged, Voltron: Legendary Defender and its notoriously hellish fanbase that was more concerned with who these characters were having sex with than the actual plot, did not deserve Takashi Shirogane.

Shiro; a gay man, ace pilot, ambitious space explorer, and scarred trauma survivor who was abducted and forced to kill for the entertainment of his captors, subjected to unimaginable torture, and had his body modified without his knowledge or consent twice, yet never let any of his experiences, no matter how grueling or dehumanizing, stop him from being gentle, compassionate, noble, brave, self-sacrificing, and everything that epitomizes a True Hero, right to the bitter end.

[shanie]

Because we need some goodness in our lives right now...

A fully drafted/written but not finalized scene of "A Great Big (Little) Hunk Of World" I have done that's meant to happen not in the next chapter, but the one after that.

AKA... The part where Kevin shows up.

(And Beef. He's there too.)

Chapter 8 – A New Friend

It was only two weeks after Generico moved in before he had his next show.

Generico had always thought wrestling was great. Ever since he was a little kid introduced to it by his Papá. They would go to the local arena and watch the luchadors, and then whenever possible, watch them on TV. Their TV was never the biggest, but it didn’t matter to Generico. He’d sit right in front of it, wanting to get as close as possible to the action.

When they would go to the arena, the luchadors always felt so far away. Also, the people in the arena would shout so loud, and sometimes it bothered him. But on TV, it felt like he could almost touch them.

And he wanted to. He dreamed of it.

He wanted to be right there with them, in the ring, grappling and flying. The crowd shouting, he’d always thought, wouldn’t be so bad if they were shouting for him, right?

He was right.

And every time he got to wrestle in front of the albeit much smaller crowds of Montreal, it was the biggest thrill. He wanted to give them the best show every night. They sounded so happy when he did his best, even if he didn’t win.

It was so nice of them, that they appreciated him trying. Some people in his life only cared about results. The manager in the kitchen he’d worked at never cared how hard he tried, only if he’d succeeded. But the fans at Le Skratch were different. As long as he tried his hardest, they cheered for him, and sometimes, when he tried REALLY hard, they would sing for him.

He loved it when they sang for him.

But… not all wrestling made him happy.

He hated when he had to fight Kevin.

He didn’t want to fight Kevin ever. Kevin was like the rain and Generico loved rain. Especially with his eyes. Generico could get lost in them. Stormy grey clouds with the most beautiful silver lining. And sometimes, when Kevin was quiet, his voice reminded Generico of a thunderstorm passing in the distance. Just rumbly enough to excite you but you knew you were safe because he wasn’t aimed at you.

But he never wanted to fight Kevin. Because when Kevin was angry, and the storm grew closer…

So, showing up at the arena and finding out that he’d been scheduled to wrestle a tag team match alongside Beef Wellington vs Kevin and SeXXXy Eddy, Generico felt like he’d been punched in the stomach. And chest. And his head was kind of dizzy, really he didn’t like fighting Kevin at all.

Maybe, though… Maybe if he could convince Kevin to swap out for someone else?

It was worth a shot. Or, at least, worth him trying.

Kevin was sitting in a chair on the opposite side of the room everyone was waiting in before the show, drinking a Coca-Cola. It was surprising to Generico, most people in Montreal liked Pepsi. It made sense to Generico; he didn’t really like cola much, it made his mouth feel funny and his head a bit sleepy, but Pepsi to him was way better than Coke.

He drank so much Coke back in Mexico that he’d grown sick of it. It was one of the few ‘memories’ of home he wanted no part of. Coke was so easy to come by in Mexico, in a way that practically anything else wasn’t. Somedays, when it was really hot, Generico would dream of the cleanest, purest glass of water. Something that would cool him off and refresh him without making his head feel funny.

But no. If there was ever any fresh, clean water to spare, it went to his siblings. They needed it more than he did. He happily drank the warm sodas that the twins were able to steal for him from the corner store.

And, since the store always left a display of coke outside of the door, it was the easiest to steal.

He drank so much Coke in Tijuana. So, when he was given the choice, he would always choose Pepsi.

Because if Coke reminded him of everything he’d gone through in Tijuana, Pepsi represented everything he dreamed of in Montreal.

And that made it amazingly better.

But no, strangely, Kevin was drinking Coke.

Generico decided he would remember that for later, in case Kevin ever came over. Maybe he could have some cold for Kevin.

But that was for later. At that moment, he needed to find a way to convince Kevin to swap out for his match.

Carefully, like approaching a really beautiful stray tabby who you weren’t sure if it would scratch you or not, Generico walked up to Kevin.

Kevin’s eyes were on him immediately.

“What?” Kevin asked.

Ok, Generico thought. ‘What’. That means ‘qué’. I can do this…

“Kevin…” Generico began carefully, trying his hardest to remember his English, “Match.”

“Yeah, what about it?” Kevin returned, “I’m gonna kick your ass.”

Generico frowned. That wasn’t…

“No,” Generico tried again, “Us. Match. No… match.”

Why was English so hard?

Also, why was Kevin getting so angry?

“What the fuck are you getting at?” Kevin demanded, rising to his feet to stare Generico down, “You’re already getting a match, and if you piss me off, it’s just gonna go worse for you.”

Kevin was getting even more angry and using more and more words that Generico didn’t understand.

It wasn’t working. But it HAD to.

“Kevin,” Generico tried one more time, “No match… Please.”

The thunderclouds in Kevin’s eyes flashed with lightning.

“Are you chicken-shitting out or something? Because it won’t make me hurt you any les—”

“WHOA!” A voice came from behind Generico and, as Generico turned, he saw Beef Wellington appear beside him… and then push in front of him, positioning himself between Generico and Kevin who was getting angrier every second.

“Whoa,” Beef said again, putting a hand against Generico’s chest. “Whoa. Hold on. Generico? Back off. Kevin, just… can we do the, uhh, reasonably decent thing and not get into a fistfight here? Maybe save it for the ring?”

The lightning didn’t stop glowing in Kevin’s eyes.

“Who the FUCK said I was decent?” Kevin barked back, “I’ll kick the shit out of BOTH of you in the alley out back if I feel like it! Hell, why don’t we—”

“STEEN!” A stern, demanding, and no-way-to-be-ignored voice boomed from across the room, “KNOCK IT OFF!!!”

Generico’s head jerked quickly towards the sound.

It was Manny.

There was a breath tangled up in Generico’s lungs as Manny strode over.

“All three of you,” He said to them, “Break whatever the hell you have going on here up. Beef, Generico,” Manny gestured to the other side of the room, “go over there and stay out of the way.”

Generico tensed up at the confusing English.

“Hey, Generico,” Manny said, turning to him, and switching to the simple, but always so much appreciated Spanish he would use for him, “Calm down. Sit. It’s good.”

Generico nodded. He understood that.

“And Steen?” he said, his voice much harsher than a moment earlier, “Calm down NOW. You’ll get your shot in the ring with Eddy.”

Generico watched as the cruelest smirk formed on Kevin’s face.

“Sure thing, boss,” Kevin sneered and, as he took a half step back, Generico could breathe again.

“Good,” Manny said. “Is everything good here?”

Generico wasn’t sure good was in the building. He didn’t understand a lot of the words everyone was saying, outside of the little bit of Spanish Manny had used, but there was a lot of anger in everyone's tones.

Well, mostly Kevin’s.

And that was bad enough for everyone combined.

Still, Beef was still standing at least partway between him and Kevin, so it wasn’t too bad.

The storm could still pass. For the moment.

“Yeah, I think we’re good here,” Beef said. “Everything’s fine, right Kevin?”

“Yeah,” Kevin replied darkly, “Everything’s great.”

“Shit,” Manny muttered, almost as though he didn’t believe what Kevin said which probably made sense. “Just don’t kill each other until you get out there alright?”

“Sure thing,” Kevin said and the funny feeling in Generico’s chest returned at Kevin’s words. They seemed far more believable.

“Right,” Manny said and, looking between the three of them, something weird came over his face and he rolled his eyes. “Yeah,” he muttered, before walking away, muttering several more things that Generico didn’t understand under his breath.

Manny didn’t seem very happy with them. Generico didn’t like it when Manny was angry.

But he liked it even less when Kevin was angry and, as Kevin stepped closer once more, he gave an angrier look and took an even angrier sip of soda… which a second later he spat back out onto Beef’s chest.

A twisted grin crossed Kevin’s face.

“I’ll see you two in the ring,” he said and, turning, picked up the steel chair he’d been sitting in, along with his gear bag, and pointedly moved it into the far corner of the room before sitting down once more.

Generico heart and face fell.

Kevin was so angry with him. All he’d wanted was to avoid a fight and he knew, he could just tell he’d made it so so much worse.

He began to sniffle.

Beef took one last look at Kevin before turning to face Generico.

“Hey, we’re ok,” He said, taking Generico’s shoulders, “We just…” Generico couldn’t keep from hiccuping in despair, “Jesus, will you just calm down? He’s always like that, here, sit down. Come. Seendatay. Relaxico, whatever. Just over here.”

Beef’s Spanish was much less, well, Spanish. But Generico understood enough and allowed himself to be led to a chair on the other side of the room.

“OK? No problaymo?” Beef asked, crouching in front of Generico. “Hey. Don’t cry. You’re upset? Kick his ass for it. Kick, Kick… uhh, violencia! That.” Generico couldn’t help but smile as Beef’s Not-Spanish shifted into Actual-Spanish “Very good violence, OK? Together. On Kevin. You comprehend?”

Generico’s chest was feeling funny.

None of the other wrestlers had ever tried to speak Spanish to him before. Nobody except Manny.

He didn’t even know any of them knew how.

But… The way Beef had stood between him and Kevin. Had tried to make it better. Had stood up for him.

Had gotten hit with the soda and didn’t even care because Beef was more interested in making sure HE was ok than worrying about how sticky his shirt would be later.

It was almost like…

“Beef...” Generico said softly as he felt his chest glow, “¿Friend?”

But Beef wasn’t paying attention. His focus was on Damian and Viking, the tag champs, who had just barged into the room making a commotion.

There was always something going on in IWS.

Beef rolled his eyes at the noise.

“Whatever,” he groaned, before returning his attention to Generico, “Just be ready ok? Umm… shit… You prepared for us. I think that’s it. Got it?”

Generico understood well enough.

“Yes,” he said in Spanish before adding in English, “Yes.”

“Great. See you out there.”

And with that, Beef stood up, grabbed his bag, and left the room. If Generico had to guess, Beef wanted to change in the bathroom. He always seemed so nervous when there was trouble going on.

Generico understood. More than he wanted to.

But, as Beef was leaving, Generico caught a glance at Kevin, still sitting across the room.

Sitting there and watching him... and looking…

Whatever it looked like was gone the instant their eyes met, with Kevin’s rolled up at the ceiling and another angry sip of soda taken as his attention shifted to Viking who was being loud in the corner (and that Generico was trying to ignore).

What that was, Generico didn’t understand.

Because so much was confusing about people. The way they felt, the way they acted, the things they said in whatever language that he didn’t understand.

But Generico could swear, somehow, almost impossibly, and only for a split second…

Kevin had been looking at him with concern.

[tunneltalkpod]

Bonus Episode: From the Reviews 2024!!!

Some of our listeners who've left five star reviews took advantage of our rewards program to make us watch a match of their choosing, and BOY did they deliver! Rory Beckett gave us Swerve vs. Athena and those were some EXTREME HUNKS IN ACTION. Then Young Boy Joshua Smith of Keepin' It Strong Style got us to watch a 1985 I Quit match between Magnum TA and Tully Blanchard and uhhhh that was a lot more sexually compelling than we were prepared for. Tim Hunter gave us a Stardom Escape the Cage match that was frankly the best thing I've ever seen in my life - honestly we now have big plans to become Stardom bitches and learn Japanese. Swaggamice had us watch Lucha Underground, whose aesthetics made us declare AEW to be trash, and finally, Angelkitty6201 had us watch MCMG vs. Generation Me (Young Bucks) in an empty arena match that we hadn't watched up to this point for fear of it being TOO activating, and guess what, we were right! Did you know wrestling is good, you guys?

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

[lilman2luv]

Hot

He grabs your hair, pulling your head up so he can see your face...

"How's that feel little man.... painful? Don't worry I have so much more to give...."

[buzzdixonwriter]

The Man Who Ruined Science Fiction (part 1)

That title is a gross exaggeration.  Roger Elwood in and of himself did not ruin science fiction, at least not all of it and certainly not permanently, but he did screw up a major hunk of it during the 1970s.

Let his tale be a warning to others.

Born in Atlantic City, NJ in 1943, Elwood seems to have been a primarily East Coast / NYC based writer / editor, conducting most of his business via mail though he did attend out of state conventions.

He began writing professionally soon after graduating high school.  I’ve found no record of him attending college (which I don’t hold against him; neither did I) or of any closely related family.  His earliest appearance in the world of science fiction is an interview with Joseph Stephano regard the then current Outer Limits TV show in Famous Monsters Of Filmland no26 (Oct. 1963).

It speaks volumes about my level of geekdom that I knew exactly which issue it appeared in without checking.

For FM it was an unusual article, one of the very few credited to an outside writer who wasn’t an already established pro giving an opinion of some classic horror film.  Elwood possessed a fair amount of skill as an interviewer, and for a couple of years in the early 1970s edited two wrestling magazines for an out of state publisher (The Big Book of Wrestling and Official Wrestling Guide), until he quit in a pay dispute according to some sources or according to others in dismay at learning wrestling was faked.

I can’t attest to the latter, but I will say it sounds in character for all I’ve learned about him.  Despite his interest in sci-fi and his professional publishing contacts, Elwood displayed a remarkable naivete throughout his career.

I don’t mean that in a positive way.

In the early 1960s he began packaging a series of reprint anthologies for various publishers, sometimes co-editing with Sam Moskowitz, a longtime sci-fi fan turned writer and genre historian, and Vic Ghidalia, an NYC based TV publicist (possibly the connection who arranged the Outer Limits interview?). 

His earliest anthologies appear pretty standard for the genre, collecting some of the better stories from the pulp and early digest era and reprinting them for new readers.

All that changed abruptly in 1967 when Harlan Ellison edited his groundbreaking original anthology, Dangerous Visions.

Dangerous Visions and its 1972 follow-up Again, Dangerous Visions provided a pair of sledgehammer blows that shattered the pulp era-sensibilities of science fiction that still hampered the genre in the 1960s.

They lit the fuse for a decade long controversy in sci-fi fandom called the Old Thing vs. New Wave feud. 

While today many of the stories in both anthologies seemed tainted with sophomoric iconoclasm, at the time they demolished long held publishing taboos in the field, in particular stories that questioned the existence or value of God.

This seems like middle school edgelording today, but at the time appeared absolutely unthinkable.  While the controversy around the two anthologies involved far more than that, in retrospect this couldn’t escape Elwood’s notice.

Just as the anthologies’ phenomenal success not escape it, either.

© Buzz Dixon

[necron-9-9]

The main event at tonight's wrestling was Kevin Blackwood vs Speedball. Yes I yelled "NOW KISS" as is customary during hunk battles.

[wrestlingarsenal]

Zach Reno suffers a humiliating beating by the massive" Van Gore" in this video recently posted to Weekend Wrestling. Zach wears skimpy little purple briefs that can barely stay up around his hips as the big man twists and stretches him in various and sundry contortions.

The theme of the match seems to be the placement of Zach's banging body on full display, while his manhood is always just millimeters from full exposure.

Both Van Gore and Zach Reno are fantastic in their respective roles (i.e., gigantic Heel beast vs. gorgeous out-matched stud), but I also want to give kudos to the camera crew in this one! They do a stellar job bringing our eager eyes right inside the ring, practically rubbing our faces against Zach's treasure trail, our noses nearly brushing his spandexed bulge several times.

To the Weekend Wrestling guys, if you're reading this, I don't know if you've hired a new camera guy, or maybe you're just trying out some new angles, but keep doing what you're doing! I noticed and I appreciate it!

[punishdose]

The tattooed punk is fighting dirty and the honest muscled wrestler has been taken down unfairly. It looks like the punk is going to get even dirtier now. This shouldn't be allowed!

[guywrestlingaddiction]

Sexy Signature Moves: Christian Taylor

One of the great innovations that pro wrestling has brought to the mainstream is the concept of a signature/finishing move.  The Rock had the People's Elbow, the Diamond Cutter was all DDP's, and who could forget the sexy sexy Von Erich brothers' Iron Claw.  For some time, I've wanted to highlight erotic wrestling's signature moves as well, so without further adieu here is Christian Taylor's signature/finishing move.

Christian "The Kiss" Taylor

Okay, Christian "The Kiss" Taylor is lame you say?  Well, instead of arguing, let's just all enjoy these images.  Despite losing more matches than he won, the guy still manages to knock out his opponent with that sexy finishing move of his.  

Undagear 13 -   Christian Taylor vs Austin Raines

In fact, it may not even matter if he loses the match when his opponents just cant seem to control themselves around the passed out hunk and his supple lips.  So with further delay for real this time, here's Christian:

Appearances [Not all shown]

Christian "The Kiss" Taylor (bgeast.com)

Undagear 26 - Christian Taylor v Jeremy Burk (bgeast.com)

Bedroom Brawl 3 - Christian Taylor v Mason Brooks (bgeast.com)

Taylor's Twinks - Christian Taylor v Billy Lodi (bgeast.com)

Taylor's Twinks - Christian Taylor v Jonah Richards (bgeast.com)

Wrestleshack 12 - Christian Taylor v Tim Sheridan (bgeast.com)

Gazebo Grapplers 17 - Christian Taylor v Skrapper (bgeast.com)

Sunshine Shooters 6 - Christian Taylor v Tino Valencia (bgeast.com)

Gazebo Grapplers 15 - Christian Taylor v Ethan Axel Andrews (bgeast.com)

Wrestleshack 18 - Christian Taylor v Gabriel Ross (bgeast.com)

Mat Scraps 2 - Christian Taylor v AJ Lyle (bgeast.com)

Wet & Wild 5 - Christian Taylor v Kid Karisma (bgeast.com)

Undagear 18 - Christian Taylor v Mike Martin (bgeast.com)

Tag Team Torture 16 - Christian Taylor & Skip Vance v Morgan Cruise (bgeast.com)

-

The original post was in my blog - for more wrestling content check it out here:

[deepdisireslonging]

Standing Against the Past

A rumbling is spreading through the locker rooms. Should retired wrestlers continue to fight, or should they let the next generation have their chance to make history? The children of two legacies, Charlotte Flair and Randy Orton, seek to answer this by forming an alliance. 

Pairing: None

Warnings/Promises: wrestling violence, unusual formating

Word Count: 4220

Note: I would love to write out this whole thing. But I don’t have the time, nor the energy for it. So, I’m trying something a little different. I wrote out what is usually an outline for me, and that is what I’m going to post. Nor am I waiting till Friday to do so. Here and there are scenes that I really need to keep from bouncing around in my head. If this works, for the most part, I might keep doing things this way so I can continue to create content, and continue to be creative for creative sake. Let me know your thoughts about this with comments, reblogs, gif reactions, etc. Enjoy!

January - Monday 2/Week 1 “Recap”

“Natural Selection near the ropes. Could this put away Lacey Evans? Wait- what?”

Charlotte Flair twisted around, wondering why the three-count had not been completed. Ric Flair pointed at the bottom rope, and at the ankle he had just put there. She took in the sight of Lacey’s ankle not on the canvas, but on the rope. She slowly turned to look at her father. He backed away from the ring. The Nature Boy had never been a face, not really. But damn if he didn’t try to look innocent.  

The match continued for about another thirty seconds. If that long. With another interference from her father, Charlotte lost the match. 

Quickly, Ric backed further away from the ring, terrified of his daughter’s quiet rage fuming there. By the time Lacey was by his side, he was all smiles. 

*What the hell just happened?* Charlotte thought. 

***

Randy Orton glared across the canvas as Triple H hauled up his iconic sledgehammer. But it was wrong. Very wrong. Flames covered the hunk of metal at the top. Soon, that was the only light in the arena. When it went out, it took the Cerebral Assassin with it, replacing him with a purple hue and burned apprehension into Randy’s chest. 

Slowly, he turned to look over his shoulder, spotting Alexa Bliss. 

Pain.

Within another thirty seconds, his eyes were burned by the firebolt that Little Miss Bliss shot at him. He rolled on the canvas, screaming in agony as the show came to a close. 

***

Even when he removed the icepack to his lap, he didn’t glance at her as she stepped into the shadows. “Legends are hard to get rid of, aren’t they?” He chuckled. “Thought you’d be enough for Lacey though.”

“And I thought for sure that you’d be enough for Alexa, but here we are.” Charlotte shuddered to control herself. “I hate that I have to ask, but how did you do it? When you wrestle, your Dad barely comes up at all besides the odd mention that you’re a third generation.” She grit her teeth. “I can’t seem to breathe without his legacy coming up.”

“I have the benefit that my Dad doesn’t come around the ring anymore. Yours can’t seem to stay away.” He made eye contact. “Despite your best efforts.”

Knuckles paling under the force, Charlotte held her fist to her lips. “There’s a way to fix that,” she whispered.

Now she had his full attention. Randy turned to face her. Under her calm complexion, he could see, and understand, the rage boiling in her blood. The blood of a Flair.

“For me to get rid of him-”

“Permanently away from the ring-”

“I would have to break his spirit. Wrestling has been his whole life.” Randy cocked his head to side. “Are you ready to accept the consequences?”

Charlotte hesitated. She licked her lips. “At a minimum, do enough to keep him away long enough for me to demolish Lacey.” Her breath stuttered. This was probably a mistake. Randy was too ready, too eager to destroy a life. To destroy a heritage. “If you go even an inch too far,” she snarled, “I will cut the head off the viper myself.”

He had to laugh. “That’s supposed to dissuade me? Maybe I like the idea of that challenge. Perhaps I can kill the Flair name for good.”

“Try, and I can promise you there will not be a fourth generation of Ortons to step into the ring.”

“Threatening my family-”

“Do not think to overstep our understanding. We were both bred for this business. Cross that line, and I will cross you further than you’d ever be willing to go. But this isn’t how I want to do things. I’m here to offer help with your little Bliss problem in return-”

“You’re here because you can’t do yourself,” he shot back. He stepped into her space. “Because you’re scared ‘daddy’ won’t love his little girl anymore.”

Unbothered, Charlotte tilted her head. Randy’s mind flashed with the memory of Alexa Bliss tilting her head in a similar fashion. And the danger it meant. “If our places were switched, and you were the one stifled under your own family name, would you be able to do it on your own?”

Randy leaned back, levelling his gaze. After a minute of consideration, he rumbled out an answer. “I would do whatever it took to stand on my own feet.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Do you have a time limit to this… request?”

“As soon as possible.” They nodded at one another. Before she left, Charlotte tossed back, “I won’t forget this, Randy.” She disappeared down the hall.

Randy grinned. “You won’t. I won’t let you.”

***

January - Monday 3/Week 2 “Beginnings”

Hunter is still missing. Commentary questions Randy’s next move, and the health of his eyes after last week’s attack.

Lacey vs Charlotte Part 2:

Ric is fully in Lacey’s corner

Halfway through the match, Randy RKO’s him onto the ringside mat before disappearing behind the Thunderdome screens.

Charlotte wins undeniably and brutally

Charlotte tells her post-match interviewer that, “Yes, Lacey was not the first nor the last person to flirt with my father. But she was the most satisfying to put down.”

By her side, Randy avoids questions about his “assist”

***

January - Monday 4/Week 3

Lacey talks nasty about Charlotte allowing Randy to RKO her own father. Claims they could have settled this “like women.”

Peyton walks up and points out she tried. It was Lacey who “threw the first punch” by kissing Ric’s cheek a few weeks ago.

They have to team against Nia Jax/Shayna Baszler

They lose because of squabbling

Randy’s eyes are more healed

The lights go out backstage, but they come back when Charlotte hurries to back him up. They both find that interesting

There’s a rush of people down the hall: Hunter has been found

A message is left on his body: a 1st-degree burn on his face of a handprint covering his mouth. He is taken away to a medical facility

Charlotte wonders what she’s gotten herself into

*** February - Monday 1/Week 4

Asuka and Charlotte are scheduled to defend

Asuka asks her if she trusts Randy

Charlotte doesn’t, not by a mile, but Lacey and Ric seemed to be handled. So she owes him a little help like she promised.

They face Nia and Shayna

Lacey interferes, but it counts as a disqualification and the Women’s Tag Titles are retained

Peyton claims nothing to do with it when Charlotte and Asuka glare at her

The Hurt Business challenges Randy because he’s “free, and the biggest threat on Monday Night Raw. Well, besides Bobby Lashley.”

"You need to be taught a lesson in how to respect 'your elders.'" "My elders? You haven't been paying attention."

In the background, a Rambling Rabbit with red cross-stitched eyes and patchwork fur pops up

Cedric Alexander interferes in the match, still snubbed that his contributions to the Hurt Business haven’t been appreciated

Randy launches at him for ruining his match, but before he can RKO Cedric for his trouble, the lights go out and Alexa Bliss shows up

Acting before she can shoot him again, he runs at her. The lights go out again, but this time when they come back up, she’s on the opposite side of the ring. He dodges the fireblast. Alexa continues to toy with him.

Charlotte appears on the apron, bringing a kendo stick down on Alexa’s head

Alexa disappears, leaving Randy and Charlotte to look at each other.

***

February - Monday 2/Week 5

Randy confronts Charlotte, asking her why she got involved like that. He didn’t ask her to attack Alexa

Charlotte claims she wanted them to be even, favour for favour

Randy says that was a mistake. Now Alexa, and Wyatt/the Fiend, will target her too

Charlotte: “I can handle myself.”

Abby the Witch puppet watches from aground a corner. Her vein is now red and her mouth hangs open, lopsided

Asuka/Charlotte vs Mandy/Dana

Alexa interferes, and the titles are lost

Asuka blames her. Charlotte fully understands and agrees.

Charlotte: “Now you’ll have time to defend the Raw Women’s Championship like you should. And you won’t have to look over your shoulder for me. I’m going to be a little busy.”

After Asuka leaves, Randy walks up. They don’t say anything, but share a nod. Time to get down to business.

***

February - Monday 3/Week 6

Charlotte demands that Alexa shows herself, Randy watches their backs

In a Firefly Funhouse episode, Alexa is putting the Funhouse back together.

Ducktape on the walls is covered over with strips of brightly-coloured Washi tape, there is more Alexa-esque pink in the room

The burning house portrait is bigger

Alexa only talks to Charlotte

“It’s long been said that you can pick your nose, and your friends, but not your friend’s nose… but Randy is one friend you should not have picked.”

Alexa compares her to a bird in her ring regalia and suggests she be careful not to catch her wings on fire

Randy: “I should have torched the place.”

Wyatt/the Fiend’s laugh ends the episode, covering up Alexa’s laugh

Charlotte is aghast. “What the hell was that?”

Randy: “Welcome to the Funhouse.” And, “If a voice starts asking you to ‘let Him in... “

Charlotte steels herself for war

Update about Hunter: he is physically recovered but hasn’t spoken much, suggesting psychological damage

***

February - Monday 4/Week 7

A package is delivered to Charlotte. It’s a puppet carticulture of herself. A match is announced between her and Alexa for later that night

Asuka offers her Green Mist, Charlotte declines

Randy vs Cedric Alexander

Randy: “I owe you an RKO.”

Randy keeps looking over his shoulder for Alexa/Wyatt/Fiend/any shenanigans

Cedric keeps a lookout for the Hurt Business

Ricochet surprisingly shows up for commentary

Wants to see what Cedric is like post-Hurt Business

Lights go out, but not for Randy. It’s Retribution for Ricochet

In the confusion, Randy catches Cedric with an RKO and wins

Charlotte vs Alexa Bliss

Charlotte wins, only because she started right off the bat with heel-ish short cuts

Alexa laughs with her loss

The Fiend makes an appearance, teleporting Alexa away before Randy can catch him

***

March - Monday 1/Week 8 + PPV

PPV: 2 on 1 with Randy/Charlotte vs Alexa Bliss

Alexa toys with both of them, riling them both up into making mistakes

Randy RKO’s her, and Charlotte ties her up in the Figure 4 for the win

Monday Night Raw

Randy and Charlotte discuss the match

Randy: “That’s not the end of it. There will never be an end.”

Charlotte: “Agreed.” She slips into thought. “It would be nice… to have a little backup.”

Mustafa Ali vs Ricochet vs Cedric

Mustafa wins with minimal assistance from Retribution

Charlotte shows up backstage to talk to Mustafa Ali

“Well, what can we do for you Ms Flair?”

Charlotte looked away from Mustafa Ali’s smug welcome. A tiny tilt of her head to the right, and then to the left, confirmed that she was surrounded. Retribution didn’t waste time. She could appreciate that, despite the imminent danger she was in. A Queen is not bothered by the movements of minions. “I was impressed by your little speech on Raw Talk, and your passion since then. Not many people are brave enough to call out the WWE for placing their heroes on unsteady pedestals.”

“Unsteady?”

As Reckoning stepped close enough to feel her breath on her skin, Charlotte rolled her shoulders back. “Yes. It’s very… easy for a legend to fall. Especially if they continue to come back into a world full of younger blood.” She bit back a snarl as Mustafa’s smile slid onto his face. “Very easy for them to… embarrass themselves.”

He didn’t beat around the bush. “Like your father with Lacey.”

She hissed a breath. “Yes. Like my father with Lacey.” Patiently she waited for him to ask what she wanted. What he could do for her.

Instead, he leaned against a crate and crossed his arms. “I want to hear you say it. I want you to admit it.”

Retribution chuckled around her.

“My father was long past his prime. He had no business being near a ring beyond token appearances for when the WWE Universe wanted to reminisce. And he had no business,” she hissed, pinching her fingers together, “getting involved in my matches. Especially not for that-”

“Be civil, Ms Flair.” Mustafa joked, “you are a queen after all. And must hold to higher standards-”

“Cut the bull shit.” She ignored the tittering laughter around her. “I may not agree with the methods you’ve used over the past several months to weaken the roster. But-” with a shallow breath she had to admit, “I agree with your… teachings.” Her eyebrows met in confusion. “If that’s what you’re calling them.”

Mustafa shrugged. “Close enough.” With a nod, Retribution abandoned haunting Charlotte and stood at his side. “That’s all well and good. Having your… backing.” He side-eyed Slap-Jack. “But we never needed your permission to attack your father. We could have eliminated him any time we wanted. Luckily for him, the Viper put him out of his misery first. None of this explains why-”

“We are the children of NXT. It is our job to pave the way so that the next generation can walk into their spotlight. The only weakness in your teachings is that people who listen to them do not abide by them. Ricochet still hasn’t joined your fold. And the Fiend is still wreaking havoc on our- your roster.”

The leader’s eyebrows shot up.

Charlotte swallowed away the dry taste in her mouth. “You could do great things in the WWE, Mr Ali. I want to assist you. Briefly.”

“Well now.” Mustafa walked slowly around her. “That is a promising opportunity.” He stopped by her shoulder. “I assume you’d want assistance in turn with Alexa Bliss.”

“Yes.”

He nodded at Reckoning. She ran off, disappearing into the hallway’s shadows. “We’ll look into it. Tonight. As for the Fiend…” Mustafa pursed his lips. “That will take time. Let’s talk.”

Like a hive moving as one, Retribution followed their leader further into the darkness of backstage. After a moment’s hesitation, so did Charlotte Flair. 

***

March - Monday 2/Week 9

Retribution vs. Hurt Business

Charlotte takes it to MVP on the mic, making him stutter and flustered

Randy teams with Slap-Jack against Lashley and Shelton and beats them

They all pose in the ring

Mustafa climbed into the ring as the Hurt Business rushed to escape it. As he took his position in the centre of the ring, Charlotte and Randy flanked him on either side. As he raised his arm to finish his pose, the rest of Retribution filed in, completing a pyramid that filled the ring. 

The collective of such a body of wrestlers was a loud message: there was no room in any ring for anyone who thought otherwise than them. Retribution, and the legacies of Charlotte and Randy, were going to take the wrestling universe by storm like never before.

Mustafa and Randy “chat”

Randy is updated with Mustafa’s cause, and made aware that the continuation of his career is dependant on Mustafa’s mercy. Randy has been wrestling for a long time, almost too long to be considered “this generation.” But… Charlotte, a fellow child of NXT, vouches for him. So they’re good. For now.

When asked about why she’s added teaming up with Retribution, Charlotte points out that her alliance with Randy Orton started because her father put his nose into business he shouldn’t have. It was just luck that she found Randy first. Both alliances would have gotten her to this moment, achieving exactly what she wanted to do: cementing her reign over the WWE Universe.

***

March-August: Week 10

Over the next several months, Retribution continues to convince the WWE Universe that the “Old Golden Age” of WWE is over. It’s been over for a long time, and now is the time for the new, fabulous talent that the McMahons and ‘powers that be’ have been hiding backstage to make their mark on history.

Mustafa confronts Drew McIntyre about facing Goldburg at the Royal Rumble when there were plenty of wrestlers he could have faced from his own generation.

McIntyre looks like he’s about to retaliate, but Charlotte and Randy walk out onto the stage, flanked by Retribution. McIntyre pauses enough for Mustafa to continue.

“Respect had nothing to do with it. He called you out because he wanted to be relevant again. Because he wanted a paycheck. If you’d done your job, you would have reminded him that by retaining your World Title, that he was no better than Brock Lesner for being a three-appearance-a-year wrestler.”

He gets slapped, and Claymore kicked for pointing it out. Randy and Retribution come to his aid, beating McIntyre down. They undermine his matches after that, even going so far as to take out Sheamus and Keith Lee, dragging them to the ring to prove a point to the Scotsman.

They do the same to Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Daniel Bryan, and any Legend-apologists.

Wrestlers start to choose sides. Most of them agree with Retribution’s influence.

Ricochet is the only one that remains truly neutral, and mostly because he knows Mustafa Ali best.

He doesn’t face him head-on; not in the ring. Mostly he confronts people with the opposites of their observations. If they are anti-Legends, he digs down as to why they believe that. If they are pro-Legends, he asks why they are so quick to disagree with their peers.

Charlotte and Randy both drop their last names, though Randy reluctantly.

***

Week 11 - September Week 2

McIntyre offers an open challenge, assuming Randy Orton will accept it

Mustafa answers instead and wins

McIntyre: “You won’t let him keep it. You’re not that kind of man, Randy.”

Asuka stands with McIntyre and the Legend Apologists

Charlotte tries to point out that Asuka was shoved into the shadow when she moved to the main roster from NXT. Her undefeated streak was broken.

Asuka: “Yes. By you!”

Asuka vs Mia Yim/Reckoning for the Women’s Raw Championship

It ends in a draw

Charlotte is ringside, but she never interferes

On Smackdown, Hunter meets with Roman Reigns

Hunter receives a cold reception

Seth Rollins won’t talk to him either

Roman and Seth don’t talk to one another or even look at each other’s matches, but they acknowledge each other’s presence backstage

***

Week 12 - September Week 3

McIntyre challenges Mustafa for the World Title back

Fails

Charlotte steps into the ring before he can rampage against Mustafa. They stare each other down.

McIntyre backs down claiming respect for her father. She slaps him.

Retribution and Randy step in front of her before he can retaliate.

McIntyre surrounded, Ricochet/Sheamus/Keith Lee/ other Legend Apologists come out t back him up

Asuka issues open challenge for the Raw Women’s Championship expecting Charlotte or Reckoning/Mia Yim to accept

Rhea Ripley answers the challenge, officially moving to Raw. She fights Asuka unaided and wins

***

Week 13: Confrontation - September Week 4

Hunter speaks to Randy again. Before it can break into a fight, Stephanie McMahon shows up with Charlotte and Mustafa quick on her heels.

Hunter has to look Mustafa in the eye while being blamed for not “upholding the promise you made.”

Mustafa calls him a future legend.

“You’re not in the way. You don’t fight unless provoked. That’s how a legend, how a legacy, should act. They need to stay out of this generation’s business until called upon.”

“Those that retire need to stay retired.”

***

Week 14 - October Week 1

Charlotte dares MVP to put Lashley’s USA title on the line. She pokes and goads him until he accepts, much to Lashey’s chagrin

Open Challenge: Cedric Alexander answers and wins with Retribution’s help, since Shelton and MVP kept involving themselves in the match.

The other Retribution champions come out, holding their titles high.

Mustafa Ali with his Heavyweight title, Rhea Ripley with the Raw Woman’s title, and Cedric with the USA title. Randy and Charlotte stand behind them, hovering.

That Friday on Smackdown:

Hunter visits Roman again, warning him about the impending Survivor Series show coming up.

Hunter: “They might come for your championship too.”

Roman: “Let them try.”

***

Week 15: Survivor Series Season/Hunting Season - October Week 2

On Raw, there is a video package from Retribution promising that the whole WWE Universe was going to see the world in a new light, one provided by Retribution

Smackdown: Retribution/Randy/Charlotte invade Smackdown, beating up Roman and Smackdown’s Leged Apologists, including Daniel Bryan and Sasha Banks

Sami Zayn, Shinsuke and Cesaro, and Baron Corbin help with the destruction of their peers, aligning themselves with the Raw visitors

***

Week 16 - October Week 3

Smackdown and NXT invade Raw at the same time

Io Sharai and Damian Priest stare down Charlotte and Randy

The Undisputed Era faces down Retribution. Mustafa is shocked. They should be on the same side, he thinks.

Candice and Johnny fight Rhea and Cedric

There is no sight of Seth Rollins

***

Week 17: Survivor Series - October Week 4 Part 1 (Sunday)

Roman/Sasha vs Charlotte/Randy vs Damian/Io

Karrion Kross and Scarlet Bordeaux try to interfere, but Alexa Bliss and the Fiend prevent them, officially coming back after missing and silent for weeks

Undisputed Era vs Retribution eight-man tag match

Candice/Johnny vs Rhea/Cedric

They discuss their matches and philosophies before the PPV

***

Week 18 - October Week 4 Part 2 (Monday)

With the Fiend and Alexa back, that means trouble for Randy and Charlotte

The Fiend and Alexa are not aligned with Hunter. Corey Graves brings up the handprint the Fiend left on Hunter’s face the last time they met.

A Firefly Funhouse episode happens while the Fiend is in the ring. Wyatt has come back fully split into two pieces of himself: Bray and the Fiend

Randy and Hunter face off again

It suggests a possible alliance, at least as far as defeating Wyatt

Stephanie disagrees with the alliance; Charlotte convinces her.

***

Week 19 - November Week 1

A pre-filmed cinematic match shows off the triple threat tag match

Charlotte/Randy vs Hunter/Stephanie vs Fiend/Alexa

Retribution tries to interfere by helping Charlotte and Randy. Most of them are beat down, though Mustafa fights through enough to stare down the Fiend.

Charlotte/Randy/Mustafa win the match

Wyatt: “The whole Universe is in your hands.”

He backs off

***

Week 20 - November Week 2

The stage crackled and popped with bursts of lighted fire. By the ring, Michael Cole and Corey Graves caught the home viewers on last week’s recent events. The trio of Charlotte Flair, Randy Orton, and Mustafa Ali had triumphed. 

“What do you think the Fiend meant,” Corey asked, “when he said that the Universe was in their hands?” He shuddered. “I don’t think it’s in the Fiend’s nature to give up on a potential… I hate to say it, but a potential Funhouse friend?”

Michael Cole winced. “I’m more concerned that the Fiend was able to say something more than ‘let me in.’ I hope it doesn’t mean he’s getting stronger. Either way, it means that the strange alliance of Charlotte, Randy, and Mustafa Ali has proven their point. And it means their path is clear for… whatever next step. What will it be?”

“Whatever they want it to be, I guess.”

In the ring, the said trio was prepared to announce such a plan. Standing at each of the turnbuckles were the members of Retribution and the other champions. 

Charlotte stepped forward. Her smile glowed with assurance. “We did everything we set out to do.” Looking at Randy she said, “we defended the WWE Universe against the Fiend and Alexa Bliss.” Looking at Mustafa, she added, “even more, we have freed the Universe from being held back by the dead weight of so-called Legends. From here on out, anyone… absolutely anyone can earn their place in this ring by fighting on their own.” Sinking into herself, she thought of the arguments against them. Against her. “As for those with a legacy behind them. The steps they take to get here, to get to this ring… as long as they use their own skill to build up their own name, they will be welcome competitors here.”

To one side, Mustafa nodded. Charlotte had come a long way. Even further than her NXT days when she first fought against her father’s legacy. To the other side, Randy Orton crossed his arms. His face was a practiced mask. He eyed Mustafa warily. 

The stage lit up again. It startled the group in the ring as “Burn it Down” played overhead. 

Seth Rollins had returned to Raw. 

The group in the ring rushed to the ropes as he was joined by two more people. 

To his left, Austin Theory stepped out. To his right, Becky Lynch stepped out. 

Charlotte stood a little straighter, seeing her old friend there. At the sight of his constant rival, Randy gripped the ropes so tight, his knuckles ached. Mustafa Ali simply smiled. 

The more things changed in wrestling, the more they stayed the same.

***

***

Masterlist 

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[tabloidtoc]

OK, January 4

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Ashton Kutcher haunted by his mistakes

Page 2: Contents 

Page 4: Jennifer Garner ready for romance -- Jennifer has proven she’s fine on her own but she’s eager for her happy ending and has even set her sights on some of Hollywood’s most eligible hunks like Chris Evans but seems happily single; she binge-watched Outlander and was totally taken with Sam Heughan and she also finds Martin Henderson very sexy but heard he has a girlfriend 

Page 6: After a tumultuous few years Hayden Panettiere’s 2021 is looking bright and she’s been working on herself since her split from toxic ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson -- she’s taken control of her life and is making good choices -- she’s been able to rebuild her life and her relationship with her daughter Kaya who lives in Ukraine with her dad and next on her agenda is reviving her once-hot career

Page 7: Justin Bieber who’s been a devoted member of the controversial celeb-favored Hillsong Church for years is studying to become a minister -- Justin has long credited Hillsong and especially charismatic and recently fired pastor Carl Lentz for saving him from his dark period of drugs, public meltdowns and arrests -- Justin doesn’t plan to give up his music career but he feels there’s a bigger calling out there for him

* Jessica Simpson has signed deals for both a docuseries and a fictionalized series based on her life but not everyone is so pumped about her tell-all tendencies and least of all is her ex-husband Nick Lachey -- for Nick it’s just dredging up a past that’s better left alone and Nick hopes that Jessica goes easy on him in the scripted series but deep down knows there’s precious little chance of that

* Madonna is majorly inserting herself in her daughter Lourdes Leon’s love life and she’s constantly on the phone asking how things are going between Lourdes and her socialite beau of three years Jonathan Puglia and she wants to know when they’re making things official -- Madonna even pushes for double dates so she can bring her 26-year-old boyfriend Ahlamalik Williams -- Lourdes appreciates how much her mom cares but she’s finding all the micromanaging too much to handle 

Page 8: Jason Aldean who boasts an $80 million fortune loves splashing his cash around especially when it comes to his children -- the singer who shares son Memphis and daughter Navy with wife Brittany and girls Kendyl and Keeley with his ex likes being seen as the moneybags and leaves tough love to the kids’ moms and he’s always pulling out $100 bills for his teens and buying his little ones new clothes, toys and high-tech gadgets even though they’re so young -- he’s definitely spoiling the kids but nobody complains about it so he just keeps on buying them stuff because nothing makes him happier 

* The milestone 6-0 is still months away but George Clooney is planning to do some serious partying for his birthday and he’s sparing no expense -- he’s looking at celebrations across the States and Europe plus a boys-only getaway to Mexico 

* Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence are having a blast filming their first movie together so much so that tongues are wagging about the pair’s fiery chemistry on the set -- even though Leo and Jen behave like total pros when the cameras aren’t rolling there’s a running joke among the cast and crew that Jen’s marriage to Cooke Maroney could be in trouble -- of course the reality is that Jen is crazy about her husband and Leo who is dating model Camila Morrone has a strict rule never to get involved with costars but still there’s an attraction that can’t be denied 

Page 10: Red Hot on the Red Carpet -- stars get glamorous in glitzy looks -- Alexa Chung, Tiffany Haddish

Page 11: Maya Hawke, Sarah Hyland 

Page 12: Who Wore It Better? Yara Shahidi vs. Cindy Bruna, Becky G vs. Sofia Carson 

Page 13: Celine Dion vs. Shailene Woodley

Page 14: News in Photos -- Jessie James Decker in a pink bikini in Nashville

Page 15: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt and their son Gunner doing a Christmas card shoot in L.A., Jessica Alba spent the day handing out Honest goodies at the Baby2Baby Holiday Drive-Thru Distribution in L.A. 

Page 16: Gwen Stefani rocked a cat-themed holiday jumpsuit while on the way to the recording studio in Santa Monica, Leighton Meester surfing in Malibu 

Page 17: Maria Sharapova brought back the 1970s during a photoshoot in L.A., Pink kept it casual during a coffee run to Starbucks in L.A., Tia Mowry returned home with a full trunk of gifts and goodies in L.A. 

Page 18: Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas exploring London 

Page 20: Let’s Get Physical -- Robin Wright took her bicycle out for a spin in L.A., Chris Hemsworth shows off his ripped body while lifting a tire, Winnie Harlow in L.A. 

Page 22: Deck the Halls -- newly-engaged Jonathan Bennett gushed of spending his first Christmas with fiance Jaymes Vaughan, Jonathan and Drew Scott dressed as elves 

Page 23: Jon Bon Jovi and his dog, Selena Gomez with her dog Winnie in front of the Christmas tree, Brooke Burke kicked off the season by signing ornaments that will be auctioned off by Operation Smile 

Page 24: Malin Akerman arranged the sheets and blankets and pillows at a Hotel Style Collection from Walmart event in NYC, Jeremy Renner filmed a scene for Hawkeye in NYC, Chrishell Stause stepped out for a morning walk with her rescue pooch Gracie in L.A. 

Page 26: Inside My Home -- Marc Anthony’s elegant estate in Coral Gables, Florida 

Page 28: Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart are planning to renew their vows on Valentine’s Day which is 12 years to the day after Harrison proposed to Calista on their sprawling Jackson Hole, Wyoming ranch -- Calista is incredibly touched that Harrison is organizing this and he’s thoughtfully arranging to have her favorite flowers to be flown in and has already booked a local band and a caterer and baker 

Page 29: Emily Blunt and John Krasinski might be ready for baby No. 3 but friends are encouraging them to get their marriage on track first -- the two have had a tough couple of years and John can be hard to deal with and cranky when he’s working -- while the duo tend to put a super-positive spin on their marriage in public not everyone is convinced things are so rosy at home but Emily wants another child and so does John so they’re willing to take the risk 

* Meghan Markle and Prince Harry plan to kick off 2021 with a much-needed tropical vacation -- after an emotionally turbulent year Meghan and Harry are ready for this break -- following a quiet Christmas at home the couple is looking forward to relaxing on a warm beach somewhere, sleeping in, soaking up nature’s beauty and reconnecting as a couple -- they’re considering a private island in Hawaii or off the coast of Fiji 

Page 30: Taylor Swift who’s been collecting bridal magazines and wedding ideas since she was a teen will have to adjust to the idea of a small sequestered affair when her boyfriend Joe Alwyn officially pops the question -- the once-outgoing singer has turned into a hermit since hooking up with the British actor who insists on total privacy and loathes attention and now Tay’s inner circle is said to be worried that in Joe’s continued efforts to fly under the radar he’ll ultimately nix the lavish nuptials Taylor’s long envisioned

* Justin Timberlake and Olivia Wilde have a past -- dating briefly in 2011 and costarring in two films but they won’t have a future if Justin’s wife Jessica Biel has any say -- Justin is eager to work with newly single Olivia again but the collab between the old pals is a total no-no as far as Jess is concerned because she’s always seen Olivia as a threat and particularly now that she’s split from Jason Sudeikis

* Love Bites -- Bachelor Nation’s Emily Ferguson and hockey player William Karlsson are engaged, Christina Milian and Matt Pokora have another baby on the way, Gleb Savchenko and Cassie Scerbo dating 

Page 32: Cover Story -- Ashton Kutcher haunted by his past -- the actor is wrestling with major demons and regrets -- the grisly murder of his then-girlfriend Ashley Ellerin has stayed with him -- Ashton and wife Mila Kunis have weathered some storms but they’re in a good place now

Page 36: Celebrity Dads and Their Darling Daughters -- Michael and Carys Douglas, John and Ella Bleu Travolta, Lionel and Sofia Richie 

Page 37: Don and Dakota Johnson, Phil and Lily Collins 

Page 38: Ryan and Ava Phillippe, Mark and Lola Consuelos, Johnny and Lily-Rose Depp 

Page 39: Lenny and Zoe Kravitz, Clint and Francesca Eastwood, Alec and Ireland Baldwin, Rod and Ruby Stewart 

Page 40: Interview -- Charlize Theron does it all -- the actress, mom and producer talks about taking on projects that are close to her heart 

Page 42: New Year, New You -- kick-start a healthy 2021 with these celeb-approved wellness resolutions 

Page 46: Style Week -- Good American cofounded by Khloe Kardashian recently launched its first-ever footwear collection 

Page 54: Entertainment 

Page 55: Q&A with Brian Austin Green 

Page 58: Buzz -- Prince George and Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis joined their parents Prince William and Duchess Kate on the red carpet for the very first time and held hands on their way to London’s Palladium to watch the National Lottery’s Pantoland

Page 60: Sound Bites -- Gwyneth Paltrow on getting starstruck, Kurt Russell on wife Goldie Hawn’s penchant for sleeping in total darkness, Jimmy Fallon on which SNL costar he’d want to be stuck on a desert island with (Tina Fey), Chrissy Teigen on being embarrassed 

Page 61: Megan Thee Stallion on the guidance she gets from Jay-Z and Beyonce, Frances McDormand on hooking up with husband Joel Coen, Chad Michael Murray on seeing pics from his heartthrob days, Rachel Brosnahan on what the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel fans can look forward to 

Page 62: Horoscope -- Capricorn John Legend turned 42 on December 28

Page 64: By the Numbers -- Larry David 

[wrestlingarsenal]