Luscious is a great name. Sometimes I wonder what the head of development is smoking wanting people called up with bad stats.

And I have Ricky Steamboat as my NXT guy. :nono:

Superstars: July 12, 2040

We open with Noah Carmichael who wants to talk about the King of the Ring. He was hoping to not have to participate in this year's tournament because he had big plans for 2040, namely being the Unified World Champion at this point in time. Unfortunately, life tends to have different plans for you whether you like them or not; and make no mistake, he definitely doesn't like Butch Fleming. Fleming came in and just had to ruin everything but really that's all knows how to do. He's not even a destroyer; he'd at least be threatening if that were the case. "So let me end on this because I know we've got a show to get started: if Fleming manages to squeeze his way past Kerry Cemenko at King of the Ring, he needs to understand what he's walking into come SummerSlam. I am on the path to winning this tournament and there won't be anything to save you."

Cue Xavier Cross who comes out to the stage to address Carmichael. Cross points out that it's easy for Carmichael to talk about being on a path to winning when he hasn't had to work as hard to get to where he's at. Everyone else had to earn their way into the quarterfinals, which is what Cross plans to do tonight by knocking that arrogant rookie, Alexander Piero, out of contention! Carmichael got a free ride into the quarterfinals! Hell, there's really no reason for Carmichael to be here other than to cater to these morons! Unless Carmichael plans on lacing up and walking the walk, Cross thinks Carmichael should beat it and leave tonight for the real hard workers!

Carmichael isn't swayed and actually offers to take Cross up on his challenge. Carmichael will face anyone who's brave enough to take a swing tonight and he'll even make it worth their while: if they can beat him, they can take his spot in the King of the Ring tournament. Anyone can take advantage of this offer...even Cross, you know, if things don't go his way tonight against Piero.

Backstage, Clubber Harris has been watching the exchange between Carmichael and Cross and is joined by Chris Collins. Collins wants to put Harris at ease. Yes, tonight they are opponents in the tournament but no matter the outcome there shouldn't be any hard feelings between the two of them. Collins even offers Harris the first shot at the Unified Title after he wins it at SummerSlam. Harris objects to this stating that Collins needs to survive tonight first.

First Match: Stanley Coleman and Caleb Greene vs. Galino & Farnes
Ugh, this is quite a charisma black hole here. Luckily they're all talented as fuck otherwise this would've been a train wreck. Also, Aphrodite is involved for her team on the face side and she's always a boon. In fact she uses her feminine wiles here to distract Jimmy Farnes and Greene takes advantage, grounding him and coming off the top with the Green With Envy for the pin. ****1/2, 88% overall.

Second Match: King of the Ring Second Round - Clubber Harris vs. Chris Collins
Yes, this is heel vs. heel (and boy, does the crowd reaction show it) but I have a plan...sort of. I have to justify having these guys on the roster somehow. Anyways, Collins throws out any sort of comradery in the end as he uses the tights on a roll up and gets the pin to advance to the quarterfinals. He tries to justify himself to Harris afterwards but Harris isn't having it and spits in Collins' face and walks off. ****1/4, 83% overall.

We go backstage to the number one contender to the Women's Title, Tania. Tania talks about how appropriate it would be to win the title at King of the Ring: the all-mighty Queen of Queens who goes around sticking it in the face of everyone getting dethroned at such an event would be the talk of the town and the culmination of a journey for Tania. Naomi's going to learn the hard way that Tania doesn't kneel to anyone.

Third Match: The Wyldhearts vs. The Young Bloods
More number one contenders being featured here as the Wyldhearts need to BUILD MOMENTUM! Vivian Merrick once again raises questions by being out here while the Wyldhearts are competing and goes as far as being at ringside. This is more 'pretty boy team being clobbered by the big bad heels' stuff and it's tremendous. Sully Lane makes verbal threats towards Vivian accusing her of being in cahoots with the Wyldhearts. Blaine Bellamey plays white knight stopping any possible shenanigans from Lane while Robbie Greer makes a comeback after Matt Riley is distracted with the proceedings. One Heartstopper later and the Wyldhearts get the win. Vivian looks pleased but that comes to an end when the Future Foundation come down to lay out their challengers. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Backstage, Brandon Reigns wants to be absolutely clear in case his actions on Raw against Paul Andrews were a bit confusing. Conner Buchanan doesn't deserve a title match. He deserves what Andrews got and then some but Reigns wants to be generous so he'll just stick with the verbal warning...for now.

Fourth Match: King of the Ring Second Round - Xavier Cross vs. Alexander Piero
Probably Piero's biggest test to date going against a former Intercontinental and Unified World Champion in Cross. He is undefeated, though, so he's got that going for him. That and the fact that Cross is quite unfamiliar with him. Piero holds his own for a good chunk of the match but it's the experience factor that sways things as Cross escapes an attempt at the Flashpoint and stacks up Piero using the ropes for the leverage. Cross ends Piero's winning ways and advances to the quarterfinals. *****, 94% overall.

Fifth Match: Jenna Kyle vs. Hannah McCormick
Well this is nothing but win here. They have your usual run-of-the-mill kickass match as Jenna is fired up with her frustrations from the past few weeks. She looks like she's got this well in hand until Leah decides to poke the bear again and run in for the DQ. Bad move on her part as Faith Connors decides to run in to make things an even fight. The heels get driven off and Faith and Jenna stand tall. *****, 97% overall.

Sixth Match: Noah Carmichael vs. ???
Carmichael reiterates the stipulations here. Anyone wanting to make a name for themselves by knocking out the biggest dog in the fight is welcome to walk that aisle and take aim. It's not going to be a picnic, though, as he's looking for any excuse to send a message to the other competitors in this tournament. So who's feeling lucky?

JASON SOROLA!!! He claims to have been screwed over and deserves a second chance and is certainly more deserving than someone like Carmichael. Carmichael demands the bell be rung and this shit is on....

Sixth Match: Noah Carmichael vs. Jason Sorola
Sorola is laser focused here and shows no intimidation all things considered. It's a hell of a contest as Sorola looks to sneak a pin off of several surprise near falls. Ultimately it's just not Sorola's night as Carmichael hits the Quick Draw and stays in the game. *****, 96% overall.

MAIN EVENT: King of the Ring Second Round - Seth Von Kamp vs. Kyle Jacobs
This will close out the second round and determine our last competitor for the quarterfinals. Two faces going at it and Von Kamp uses the experience advantage to control for the most part. Brandon Reigns decides to make a nuisance of himself by showing up at ringside, mocking Jacobs whenever he can. The end comes when Conner Buchanan comes down the aisle looking to get him some of Reigns. The shenanigans on the outside distracts Jacobs enough for Von Kamp to score a surprise Collapse of Society for the win and the spot in the quarterfinals. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Overall show rating: 88%

Let's update them brackets!

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For some reason I picture Galino and Farnes being a team stuck in the 80s and I have no idea why. Could see them coming out in glittery jackets with their names on them and just being generic heels.

Bold to throw a heel vs. heel match out there but in the context of a real-world wrestling promotion, I think you actually SHOULD have the odd match like that here and there, it helps mess up the bracket positions for people who think every match will be face vs. heel.

The Young Bucks need to be transported to this game universe to face The Young Bloods. Seems like easy marketing.

Three 5 star singles matches in a row including the Jenna/Hannah slobberknocker. Naturally I'm sure they were fighting over who gets to slobber my knocker.

Gotta say I didn't know if I saw Von Camp getting to the Elite 8, that's a nice run.

Looking at the brackets, didn't Collins screw over Harris to advance? :o In any event, Clubber Harris is a cool name. I picture him being a badass black dude but that's because Clubber Lang is the immediate thought.

Shit, I need to correct that Harris mistake.

Galino & Farnes are supposed to be slimy and shady legal 'advisors'. I got the name from a Late Show skit. I'd like to do more with them but their charisma sucks donkey dongs. I'd need to saddle them with a manager or make them the muscle for some douche heel.

I vary things up when I can and definitely for King of the Ring, especially when it's going to lead to a program down the road. My only challenge is finding a different winner for each year. I've only done repeat winners twice. Well, three if you count Queen of the Ring but I think it's fair to say Jenna is worth it.

Like I said, I wish there was a way to trade workers amongst other people's games. I'd give you my tag teams in a heart beat. Jenna and Awesome Kong would also be something. That something being a slobber knocker.

I told you I had something planned for Von Kamp. He's a low key favorite of mine but for whatever reason or another things always pass him over. I think he's gone 10 years in the game and I haven't put a singles belt on him. :o

Clubber Harris is supposed to be my big scary bad ass black dude so I guess the name served its purpose. I thought I'd used him up but screw it, I'll find something for him. Nothing like a good turn to refresh things.

There we go. Too early in the morning to be thinking straight, I guess.

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SmackDown!: July 13, 2040

We open with our glorious boss and leader, Lisa Benton. She mentions that tonight will be a night off as far as the King of the Ring tournament goes as all four quarterfinal matches will take place on Raw. The participants aren't having an easy night, however. All eight of the participants, along with Kerry Cemenko and the Unified World Champion Butch Fleming will face each other in the main event in a 10-man tag team match. Also, Brandon Reigns kind of owes Kyle Jacobs a little something considering what went down last night on Superstars. So tonight Brandon Reigns will face Kyle Jacobs one-on-one.

Backstage, Vivian Merrick is with her clients, the Future Foundation and tries to assure them and the audience that there is nothing going on between her and the Wyldhearts. She's only been scouting them as any good manager would do for her champions. Rick Hilton and Julian Merrick are the best team in the WWE and the reason for that is they are kept up to date on any and all potential threats to the Unified Tag Team Titles. At King of the Ring it's going to be amazing when the Future Foundation retains the gold. It'll almost be as amazing as getting an apology from them for wild accusations. That last line causes the Future Foundation to shoot Vivian a dirty look and she walks off after a bit of awkward silence.

First Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Romeo Valiente
Speaking of managers doing some scouting, Sophie Waters is on the ramp watching the proceedings with interest. Both men are in rebuild mode here tonight as they look to claw their way through the cruiserweight ranks. Dangerson looks like a new man here tonight and he carries himself well all the way to a submission win after locking in the Danger Zone. Waters looks quite impressed. ****1/2, 83% overall.

Ugh, dud show. :roll:

Backstage, Martyn LaSalle wants to talk about how he's not the guy Hotbody wants to try his goofy antics on. Hotbody himself is even aware of that fact as that coward of a Cruiserweight Champion hasn't been seen since LaSalle chased him away on Raw. Hotbody is going to need to try some other tactic when it comes to facing LaSalle at King of the Ring. He might have to actually, you know, WRESTLE? Friends, acquaintances, companions...WHATEVER! It's fleeting compared to being able to win that Cruiserweight Title. Hotbody wanted to ruin LaSalle's summer? LaSalle's going to ruin Hotbody's God damn life!

The interview comes to a pause when LaSalle notices a rather, um...striking woman who has been slowly approaching him. She introduces herself as Luscious and she's been waiting for the right moment to make herself known to potential clients. She's had her eye on LaSalle for a long time but if she's being honest, she's not really approaching him as a manager right now. Talented as he is, and there's no doubt he'll win the Cruiserweight Title, everyone needs a little TLC every once in a while. She puts an exclamation point on her statement by stroking her finger under LaSalle's chin and walks away leaving him in thought.

Second Match: Stone Walsh vs. Ronnie Costello
Well, I've got quite a lot of guys in the main event so I've got to use somebody to fill the time. Carmella Costello runs interference for her brother allowing Ronnie to score a cheap pin using the ropes. Frankie decides to run down and continue her drama with Carmella by instigating a catfight. ****1/2, 81% overall.

Quentin McDaniels is backstage and is miffed at Noah Carmichael's lighter work schedule in regards to King of the Ring. He doesn't think Carmichael's efforts on Superstars last night was good enough. If Carmichael were any kind of man, he'd make it so that if his team loses tonight, he's out of the tournament.

Third Match: WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey, Leah, and Hannah McCormick vs. Tania, Faith Connors, and Jenna Kyle
Save this show, my beauties!!! Faith and Jenna should be excluded from the dud show's ravenous effects! Anyways, we've got some feud stream-crossing going on here. Nathan Quinn makes it a point to make himself useful by tripping up Faith and that allows Hannah to capitalize with a rope-assisted pin for the victory. ****1/2, 84% overall.

Backstage, Kerry Cemenko wants to question Butch Fleming if putting him through a table was all that was up his devious sleeve. He asks that Fleming take a good look because Kerry Cemenko is still standing right here, ready to walk into tonight's main event and show not just Fleming, but everyone looking to win that King of the Ring tournament what's in store for them. "What else you got, Butch?" he asks before taking his leave.

Fourth Match: WWE Intercontinental Champion Brandon Reigns vs. Kyle Jacobs
This is non-title as Reigns points out emphatically. Jacobs barely deserves this match let alone another shot at the title but Reigns will humor Lisa Benton because he's feeling generous. This isn't as good as their Night of Champions encounter because fuck the dud show but they still get through this well enough. The end comes when Reigns makes it a point to ram Jacobs into the ring post again, busting open Jacobs. This time Reigns opts for a cheap count out win. Afterwards, Reigns decides Jacobs needs to suffer some more and he works on opening up Jacobs some more. Conner Buchanan runs down to make the save and put an end to the brutality. *****, 85% overall.

Fifth Match: Gavin Jones vs. King Kavovit
Continuing this little feud between their respective teams, this is another awesome outing that gives the finger to the dud show. Kavovit resorts to some hidden brass knuckles to score the cheap win and he runs away. *****, 89% overall.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming, Quentin McDaniels, Chris Collins, Salvatore Scabbia, and Xavier Cross vs. Kerry Cemenko, Haven, Seth Von Kamp, Ryan Pattillo, and Noah Carmichael
Carmichael agrees to the stipulations proposed by McDaniels earlier in that he'll drop out of the tournament if his team loses. The tension surrounding wanting to be the King of the Ring makes it rough for either team to really be on the same page. Anyways, it's multi-man goodness all around that comes to an end when Clubber Harris saunters down to the ring and 'accidentally' screws things up for Chris Collins which allows Kerry Cemenko to land the Curb Stomp and score the win for his team. MOMENTUM HAS BEEN BUILT! ****1/2, 84% overall.

Overall show rating: 84%

Michael Hotbody trying to bring Galino and Farnes in to sue Lisa Benton would be gold. Toss in Zed as a the muscle and you got a whole group that can stand behind Hotbody while he speaks.

I like the inklings of a Dangerson push.

Lots of multi-man (and multi-woman) goodness, keeping everything going nicely. Incorporating the KOTR brackets into things is good.

I don't think the dud show is the fault of bad booking. I can only assume the arena vendor was giving out shitty food.

Nice tourney

Raw: July 16, 2040

We open with another edition of the Hot Ticket with everyone's favorite host, The Undefeated Steel Cage Master, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody. Hotbody wants to talk about some of the regrets he's been having. "I regret what happened last week when Zed Jones got screwed out of his King of the Ring match because of Martyn LaSalle. I also regret not being able to make it to Superstar because I would have totally taken Noah Carmichael up on his offer and I would have totally beat him and go on to win the King of the Ring. Really, when you think about it, I gave up my spot and had I competed or even managed to be inserted into Noah Carmichael's position, there's no question I would have been this year's winner. So it's only fair and fitting that I am awarded a new moniker and that is the REAL 2040 King of the Ring, because let's face it, everyone involved right now is only there because I allowed it. But I'll tell you what is probably my biggest regret. I should've gone with a blonde instead of a redhead last week for Martyn LaSalle's potential companion. I mean, granted he'd have probably been ungrateful regardless but I think I would have had a better match considering what went down on SmackDown!. Everyone's talking about this new woman on the scene and what her plans are. Well, I'll say this much, those plans might be a little short sighted if she's looking to get her paws on someone like Martyn LaSalle. Well, no matter the case the Hot Ticket is all about bring you the hottest scoops and I wasted no time in arranging tonight's interview to dig right into the good stuff. Please welcome to the show, LUSCIOUS!"

Luscious sure enough makes her way out and joins Hotbody in the ring and takes a mic. Hotbody proceeds with the questioning. "Now, first things first, there's no way your parents saddled you with that name right? OK, OK, I'm just teasing but let's get down to brass tacks. With you being the new face in town and looking to make an impact here in the WWE, how does it feel being in the presence of THE hottest star going on today, yours truly, the greatest Cruiserweight Champion this company has seen in years?"

"Honestly? It feels like I'm looking at a fraud."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I am not a fraud. Have you actually been paying attention to the program as you so boldly claimed? Do you know what I have been through to be where I am right now? Actually, a better question would be why didn't you approach me as your first contact? I'M the guy with the belt and the fancy show and the sweetest dance moves! Here, look at me go..."

"Look, look, please...stop. Listen, I don't know if anyone's ever told you this but I'll be more than happy to be the first; um...you're kind of a big dork."

"Hey, hey! Just who do you think you are talking to me like that?!? I am not a dork! I barely tolerated smart ass remarks like that from the boss so I sure as hell am not going to take it from some nobody fresh off the turnip truck! I'M MICHAEL HOTBODY, DAMMIT! All the guys want to be my friend and all the ladies want me on their speed dial because they know where the hot stuff is!"

"Hot stuff or not I came into the WWE looking for the talent and whether or not I'm fortunate enough to be able to claim him as I client, I believe Martyn LaSalle is just the talent to take that Cruiserweight Title from you at King of the Ring. These people here all know it because they know that Martyn LaSalle doesn't waste time with dorky shenanigans like you do. When was the last time you won a match on your own? When was the last time you stood your ground and fought like a man? Those are the qualities that attract me to a wrestler like Martyn LaSalle...and maybe in certain other areas, who knows?"

"Wow. I mean, just, wow. Not even a week in and I've already got you pegged. The fact that you can stand there with a straight face a proclaim Martyn LaSalle superior over a work of art like this in any area shows what kind of judge of character you are. You do yourself a favor: plant that stupid little ass of yours down at King of the Ring, tune in to that Cruiserweight Title match, and be stupefied at what you see because I'm walking out that night STILL your greatest Cruiserweight Champion! MARK MY WORDS!" And with that, Hotbody signals the Hot Ticket is over and takes his leave as Luscious merely smirks at him.

Backstage, Clubber Harris meets up Chris Collins. Harris wants to clear the air and admit that while he was indeed upset with getting knocked out of the tournament thanks to Collins' antics, he didn't really mean to screw things up for Collins on SmackDown!. All is fair in war, right? Collins isn't so sure about accepting this line but Harris presses on that he'll have Collins' back tonight in the King of the Ring to make up for it.

First Match: The WWE Unified Tag Team Champions The Future Foundation and The Royal Effect vs. The Wyldhearts and The Play Pals
The Future Foundation make it clear that Vivian is to remain in their corner. This is an awesome and hot opener and a good showing for the Wyldhearts. After things break down, Bellamey and Hilton fall to the outside in front of Vivian. Vivian looks to nail Bellamey with one of the title belts but looks hesitant as he rises up. Hilton tosses Bellamey back into the ring and makes the decision for Vivian as he yanks the belt out her hands and clobbers Bellamey with it and gets the pin. Vivian looks conflicted at all of this. ****1/2, 94% overall.

Second Match: King of the Ring Quarterfinals - Seth Von Kamp vs. Chris Collins
Harris claimed he was going to be watching Collins' back but he doesn't accompany him. The match proceeds with its awesomeness regardless. The ref is bumped and NOW Clubber Harris decides to make himself present. Collins motions that he'd like a chair and Harris looks to hand it over...WAIT! It looks like Harris pulled a muscle or something right as he was about to hand the chair over! Collins is confused and Von Kamp recovers to hit the Collapse of Society and gets the pin to advance to the semi-finals! *****, 99% overall. Scott Keith declares it another GOAT candidate.

In-Ring Talky Time with Kerry Cemenko. As the number one contender to the Unified World Title he's been keeping close tabs on the proceedings in the King of the Ring tournament as he needs to know what he might be getting into come SummerSlam. That may sound like he's overlooking Butch Fleming but he's not. Cemenko knows he's in for a fight at King of the Ring but it's a fight worth having and it's a fight he knows he can win. Cemenko stands here defiant once again because mere words and threats and even a trip through the announce table isn't keeping him down. He once again asks the question to Fleming, "What else you got?"

Well, the Unified World Champion has his answer as he sneaks up behind Cemenko and proceeds to brutalize him. A chair shot drops the challenger and Fleming proceeds to nail a Slaughterhouse Special on top of it! Ouch! Fleming then goes the Undertaker route by jamming the chair into Cemenko's throat! Cemenko is rightly fucked up and we get paramedics to help him out as the champion stands tall.

Third Match: King of the Ring Quarterfinals - Quentin McDaniels vs. Haven
I should do an extended program between just these two. There are some issues yet to be fully settled. They try hard to do so here and they gel tremendously. The end comes when Haven looks to put McDaniels away but Paul Heyman apparently bounced another check to the power company as the lights flicker off and on the PA plays a distorted and warped version of Haven's music. Haven is flummoxed and through it all McDaniels recovers enough to hit a low blow and nail the Great Depression and uses the ropes for good measure to squeak out a win here to advance to the semi-finals. What was up with all of that? *****, 95% overall.

More In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with the Queen of Queens and WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey. She's out here in full regal garb as she wants to make it a point to once again remind the peasants out here just who the hell she is. Take in all of this majesty and then question whether or not you should all back Tania in her quest to try to become the Women's Champion. Sonya Braddock learned the hard way. All of those other so-called Queens learned the hard way. Maybe Naomi will just have to turn it up a notch at King of the Ring to really hammer home the point that the WWE is looking at the baddest bitch to ever walk down that aisle.

This brings out Tania naturally. She's got snow cones for everyone! It's a hot July night here in the South after all and she wants to cool things down, literally and figuratively. Naomi needs to dial things back a bit and not take things so personal unless she's looking to bust a vein. The Women's Title is a dream of Tania's and it's something she's worked towards for a long time so she can't allow herself to be deterred by talks of 'peasants' and 'baddest bitches'. And as far as the way Naomi wants to carry herself as the Queen of Queens, she should probably try more Queen Kate and less Marie Antoinette. But, hey, where are her manners? Tania has snow cones for Naomi, too! Tania grabs a couple from her tray and 'accidentally' spills the colorful refreshments all over Naomi's glorious regal costume. Oh, clumsy her! Naomi goes for the kill but Tania ducks her and clotheslines the champion over the top rope sending Naomi into an embarrassed frenzy and she decides to back off for the night.

Backstage, Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle talk about their woes and frustrations over Hannah McCormick and Leah. They have an offer for them if they're so sure of themselves and they challenge their foes to a tag team match at King of the Ring.

Fourth Match: King of the Ring Quarterfinals - Ryan Pattillo vs. Salvatore Scabbia
The next chapter in the story of these two. It's another hard hitting slobber knocker affair. The end comes when Pattillo winds up locked in the Omerta again and struggles to free himself. As a last desperate measure he manages to sneak a foot under the bottom rope which should be cause for a break but the ref takes a while noticing it and Brooke uses that time to push the foot back into the ring. Pattillo passing out is academic after that and Scabbia advances to the semi-finals. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Fifth Match: Conner Buchanan vs. Miles Shawcross
Buchanan dares Brandon Reigns to just try to pull on him what he pulled on Paul Andrews and Kyle Jacobs because he's not going to be satisfied until Reigns pays for everything he's done. This is good little outing designed for Buchanan's benefit. Reigns does indeed try to make his way to ringside but Buchanan meets his gaze and finishes Shawcross off with the Borderline for the pin. Buchanan points at Reigns declaring that he's next. Reigns tries to run in to make a go of it but Buchanan's eagerness causes his to rethink that approach and he decides to back away for now. *****, 94% overall.

MAIN EVENT: King of the Ring Quarterfinals - Xavier Cross vs. Noah Carmichael
This is obviously to determine our last semi-finalist. These two have done some good shit in the past and it's no different here. Better yet, there are no shenanigans here as it comes down to Carmichael simply being the better man tonight as he escapes a Cross Cutter attempt and counters into a Quick Draw for the pin and advances to the semi-finals. The other three semi-finalists come out on the stage for a staredown as we close the show. *****, 96% overall.

Overall show rating: 90%

Let's do that bracket thing!

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Superstars: July 19, 2040

We open with Lisa Benton talking about how it's a night off as far as the King of the Ring tournament goes. All four semi-finalists will need all the time they can get in order to prepare for tomorrow night on SmackDown! when we determine the finalists who will compete next Sunday for the crown of this year's King of the Ring. She's about to continue when the music of Haven hits and the intimidating figure of the Dark Shepherd joins Benton in the ring. Benton makes the first overture before Haven can say or do anything. "Haven, look, I already know what this is about and I'm sorry about went down on Raw in your match against McDaniels."

"I don't need apologies or accountability from you. I only need a target."

"Listen, we checked out what happened and the best we can tell is that someone hijacked the system remotely. That's the best that I can tell you, and before you ask, no, there wasn't anything that proves Quentin McDaniels was behind it so you can't get on his case for that, alright?" Haven merely continues a steely, cold glare of disappointment at Benton which causes her to continue. "Haven, I know you're upset and angry and you definitely feel cheated and I get that; but at this juncture there's really not a whole lot that I can do."

Haven leans forward close to Benton and simply utters, "You need to ask yourself a rather simple question: What good is power if it constantly slips from your grasp? Shackle yourself to bureaucracy if you wish. I'm more than capable of retribution on my own."

This calls for an interruption from another aggrieved party, this time in the form of Chris Collins. Collins declares that he's after the truth, too because he thinks that there's a very high chance that Clubber Harris didn't really pull any kind of muscle on Raw! Collins demands to know about any medical update from Lisa Benton regarding Harris because that whole business cost him a chance to be the King of the Ring. And unlike some other people here in this ring right now, Collins actually had a legitimate chance of taking the whole thing!

Haven glares at Collins and raises his mic. "Lisa Benton, consider yourself fortunate. You are no longer the biggest focus of my wrath. Collins gets in Haven's face and replies, "What? You think I'm afraid of you? I'd have taken you out of the tournament myself!"

Lisa Benton feels the need to interject and demands that both of them back down. If they're so eager to get at each other's throats, then they can be the main event for tonight! That seems to satisfy both men...for now.

Backstage, Brandon Reigns wants to talk about Conner Buchanan and his pathetic begging he's been doing to get a title match. Well, Reigns has had it up to here with all of this nonsense so here's the gist of it: Reigns has got good news and bad news for Conner Buchanan. The good news is Reigns isn't doing anything at King of the Ring anyway, so fine, Buchanan can have a shot at the Intercontinental Title. The bad news? If Buchanan accepts this very generous offer, he needs to offer something up to make it worth the time. Buchanan needs to put his career on the line and leave the WWE if he loses. "I know you're eager to jump into this foolishly but you might want to consider talking things over with your buddy Paul Andrews. After what I did to his fellow veteran pal back at Judgment Day and what I did to him, maybe he'll talk some sense into you."

First Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Zachary Vale
Sophie Waters accompanies Dangerson and announces that it's official that the two of them have formed a partnership but it's only the beginning. Sophie is looking to challenge herself and build a dynasty and there's plenty of overlooked talent that she's got her eye on. That aside, opening matches with cruiserweights always rules and surely matches involving Shawn Dangerson will also rule so do the math here. It's a hotly contested affair that ends with Vale finding his way into the Danger Zone and tapping out to give Dangerson the win. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Backstage, Rick Hilton has been watching the show as he prepares for his tag team match tonight. He's joined by Luscious of all people who is impressed with his physique. She points out that Sophie Waters isn't the only manager looking to build a dynasty. Luscious is well aware of Rick's situation with Vivian Merrick, both on a managerial level AND on a personal level. If things look like they're not working out, Luscious says the door is always open. Rick stammers a bit but before he's able to reply Vivian Merrick walks in looking none to happy. Luscious gives Rick a wink before taking her leave.

Second Match: The Agents of Change vs. The Tokyo Titans
This is more of a laid back show in terms of matches. This seems like the right spot to have a sweet tag team affair and I haven't used these guys in a while. Corey Mattis ducks a springboard crossbody and uses an Oklahoma Roll Deluxe (using the tights) to score a cheap win. *****, 94% overall.

In-Ring Talky Time with semi-finalist Seth Von Kamp. Apparently he didn't get the memo that he's supposed to have the night off. It's OK, though, because it's important that he says his peace. "It's been a wild few weeks but that light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and brighter and right there waiting is a ticket to immortality. Speaking as the only semi-finalist who has actually won King of the Ring before, there's an energy to it. There is a magic that flows through you that lets everyone know that you've made it. At the risk of sounding bitter, I have to say that I'm due. Hell, I'm overdue. That Unified World Title passes by every now and then but it's been out of my reach for too long. This needs to happen for me next Sunday night. Quentin McDaniels is waiting for me tomorrow night. It's going to be the longest night of his life because I take nothing for granted."

The music of Noah Carmichael plays and the man himself comes out to confront Seth. "Actually I think there is something major you're taking for granted. You see, I plan on being in the finals next Sunday night, too, after I'm done with Scabbia. You can talk all you want about your experience winning the King of the Ring. I'm the only one in the semi-finals who has actually been the Unified World Champion and let me tell you there's nothing else like it. You want to talk energy and magic? Winning that title is damn near orgasmic. I'm not on board with Butch Fleming and his activities but I certainly understand why he does it. I also understand Kerry Cemenko taking his lickings and coming back for more because he knows what's at stake. So I hope you do make it to the finals, Seth, I really do because I'm curious how you're going to stand up to a man like me who is just dying for another hit."

"You want to know what I'm capable of? You just tune in tomorrow night and watch what I do to McDaniels and I'll see you in the finals...then again, maybe I won't." And with that Seth takes his leave after giving Carmichaels a little smirk.

Third Match: Romeo Valiente vs. Martyn LaSalle
Luscious comes down to ringside apparently cheering on LaSalle. She joins the announce team and makes it clear that she's ready and willing to make any kind of arrangement to have LaSalle as her charge as she thinks he's the cream of the crop in the Cruiserweight Division. LaSalle certainly proves that statement with a showing like this. The announcers quiz Luscious on if there's something more she likes about LaSalle but she doesn't answer. The end comes when LaSalle hooks in the Martynizer for the tap out win. Luscious gives a standing ovation and practically gives LaSalle the bedroom eyes. *****, 95% overall.

More in-ring talky time but we've got The Royal Effect this time around only this time they're dressed up as the Play Pals. They spend their time imitating their rivals in a bit of a parody basically making it a point to express their nerdiness and lack of maturity and how they shake in their boots at the mere mention of the Royal Effect. It reaches the point where the real Play Pals have heard enough and they run out to chase off the posers.

Fourth Match: WWE Unified Tag Team Champions the Future Foundation vs. The Wasteland
Vivian Merrick is conspicuously absent here. Julian tries to get Rick to focus in order to BUILD MOMENTUM! This is just more tag team awesomeness and it ends when Julian feels the need for speed...and to cheat as he uses one of the tag belts to nail Drakken from behind for the pin. The Wyldhearts come running down to fuck shit up for the champions and the Future Foundation goes into retreat mode. *****, 98% overall.

Fifth Match: Jamie Roderick vs. Eclypse
Yikes, is this my only women's match on the show? Well, they'd better make it a good one...which they do because Roderick plays an awesome underdog against Eclypse's monster strength. Roderick clips the knee after escaping a Fade to Black attempt and locks in the Roderick Legacy for the tap out win. ****1/2, 93% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Chris Collins vs. Haven
If there was a King of the Ring loser bracket these two would meet in it. Regardless both men feel wronged and cheated so they're not in the best of moods. They take out their frustrations on each other in a hard-hitting match here. Clubber Harris makes his way out apparently in better health and in support of Collins. The end comes when Haven boots Collins off the apron and he falls into Harris. The ref starts the count as both men try to get up. Collins almost beats the count but Harris grabs his tights to use as leverage to pull himself up and that's enough to keep Collins out of the ring for the ref to complete the ten count. Collins is less than thrilled but Harris looks like might have reaggravated his arm. Haven takes his leave but we get the flickering lights again which draws Haven's ire. *****, 95% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%

Hot damn, those quarter-finals ruled. I'm all in on SVK after delivering a GOAT candidate match. But there are snowflakes to be found all over the place.

With all of your teams being super talented and having like 100 team chemistry I'm not sure it's possible to have a tag match below ****1/2, and quite often they end up in Young Bucks territory with *****. That chemistry rating really does seem to be such a major determinant to ratings, which is why tag matches featuring two singles guys tagging, while it can do well, will never get the full monty.

:lol: Hotbody bringing in Luscious to rip on LaSalle only for it to backfire. I like that the managers are seemingly jockeying for position to try to compete with clients, and I like that because that's how managers SHOULD operate. They at the end of the day should be like sports agents and trying to build their talent portfolio.

I suppose this is what the card looks like for now:

WWE Unified World Title: Butch Fleming (c) vs. Kerry Cemeko

King of the Ring Finals: ? vs. ?

WWE Women's Title: Naomi Bailey (c) vs. Tania

WWE Unified Tag Team Titles: The Future Foundation (c) vs. The Wyldhearts

WWE Cruiserweight Title: Michael Hotbody (c) vs. Martyn LaSalle

I've got room for three more. An Intercontinental Title match between Reigns and Buchanan is all but a lock along with the women's tag match; I just have to get to booking the acceptance of those matches. I'm debating who's going to get more of Sophie's managerial services. Maybe El Silencio can finally find his voice...so to speak.

SmackDown!: July 20, 2040

We open with the Unified World Champion Butch Fleming in the ring ready to boast about how proud he is about what he did to Kerry Cemenko. "You really should've had my perspective in the ring when I was laying his sorry ass out! It was so sad and pathetic they way he was begging for me to stop! That look in his eye as he met mine told me all that I needed to know as it was in that moment that Kerry Cemenko knew I was too much of a man for him and that he is WAY over his head! If he had any brains, he'd forget all about King of the Ring, forget all about trying to take MY Unified World Title, and forget all of you because if he keeps insisting on defying me, if he insists on asking that stupid question of what else I've got, if keeps being AN ANNOYING ITCH, I will have no problem scratching it out of the WWE completely at King of the Ring!!!"

Kerry Cemenko does indeed decide to join us out on the stage looking pretty rough but with a defiant countenance. Fleming shakes his head in disappointment as Cemenko raises a mic to his mouth. "DON'T DO IT, KERRY! DON'T SAY IT!!!"

Cemenko is more than happy to ignore this request and simply asks, "What else you got?"

Furious, Fleming slams down his belts and mic and exits the ring to meet Cemenko at the stage but Cemenko decides to meet halfway as he makes his way down the ramp. Lisa Benton and security decide to interrupt the proceedings and reprimands the two competitors as she points out that she still wants to have a championship match for King of the Ring's main event and this path that the two are choosing is making that less and less of a possibility. Both men are ordered to leave the arena NOW! Cemenko and Fleming reluctantly comply as they're escorted away and yell threats at each other.

Backstage, Vivian Merrick is walking down a hallway texting on her phone where she almost bumps into Madison. Both demand the other watch where they're going. Madison wonders if Vivian is so out of it due to trying to get a hold of her boyfriend or if she's trying out some greener pastures in the Wyldhearts. Vivian is offended at the idea. Madison points out that the rumor mill has it that the Wyldhearts would be more than happy to take away any grief Vivian may be having from having to put up with Rick Hilton and Julian Merrick. Vivian retorts that Julian is her brother; he's family and that she can't just turn her back on family. Madison questions what about Rick? Vivian changes the subject and points out that Madison and Vivian herself need to be worried about another issue in the WWE and that's the fact that there's a vixen by the name of Luscious on the hunt for talent. If Luscious was bold enough to come after Rick Hilton, guaranteed she's bold enough to try to take Madison's client, Alexander Piero. Madison is confident that Piero is happy with what he has and vice versa. Vivian offers up her own client, Azazel, as an opponent for Piero tonight if that's the case. Madison accepts and the two part ways.

First Match: Frankie and the British Infection vs. Carmella Costello and The Academy
Huh, the crowd reaction rating is fairly low here but that's not surprising considering the average charisma rating for this lot. I hope it's not a dud show. Regardless the workrate is phenomenal enough and Carmella makes creative use out of an exposed turnbuckle to score a cheap pin on Frankie for the win. ****1/2, 88% overall.

Backstage, Paul Andrews is with Conner Buchanan. Conner wants to talk about how this year was quite a downer for him. He had just been reunited with his partner, Bobby Whitlock and it looked like they were going to run wild one more time. Sadly, Bobby felt that it just wasn't in the cards and Conner respects that. Leaving on your own terms is the ideal way to get out of this business and Conner had hoped that he would've been afforded that luxury, too. Well Brandon Reigns had to swoop on in and ruin everything, didn't he? He wants to dictate the terms of Conner's career? Under normal circumstances, Conner would tell Reigns to shove it but with Reigns needing to be taught a lesson or two over what he's done and with a prize like the Intercontinental Title on the line, Conner says that he will accept the stipulation proposed by Reigns. If Conner can't whip a disrespectful little punk like Reigns then it might be best to join Bobby in that sunset. Conner's got enough motivation to make King of the Ring the worst night of Brandon Reigns' life.

Second Match: Jenna Kyle and Faith Connors vs. Kelley Hayes and Maya
Well, thankfully it's not a dud show as the crowd reaction is better here...and who can blame them? This is more angle than match as Jenna hits Maya with the Kyle Driver for the pin but Leah and Hannah McCormick immediately storm the ring afterwards to lay out the faces. Hannah informs everyone that she and Leah accept the challenge from Faith and Jenna for a match at King of the Ring. *****, 94% overall.

Third Match: Chris Collins vs. Caleb Greene
Collins demands that Clubber Harris give him answers soon about his recent behavior because his patience is running thin. This is another 'more angle than match' situation as Collins cheats his way to victory here. Afterwards, Clubber Harris makes his way out and climbs into the ring to meet Collins. Harris looks like he's trying to explain himself and calm Collins down...then takes Collins' head off with a clothesline and then tosses him out the ring. What a turn of events! ****1/2, 93% overall.

Backstage, we catch up with the Intercontinental Champion Brandon Reigns. He's informed of Conner Buchanan's decision to accept the title match at King of the Ring. Reigns is amused as Conner just signed his career over. It's going to be delicious to end another veteran. This year just keeps getting better and better for Brandon Reigns and it's barely halfway over! Makes you wonder what else is on the horizon. Speaking of which, Reigns has some other business to take care off so he'll see us later. What did he mean by that?

Fourth Match: King of the Ring Semi-Finals - Noah Carmichael vs. Salvatore Scabbia
Brooke wants to let us all know that Scabbia has been looking forward to this since No Way Out. All of this talk from people like Butch Fleming and Noah Carmichael and Quentin McDaniels over who should be champion is a joke when everyone knows Scabbia had the Unified World Title won until Carmichael took the coward's way out! "There's no escaping now, Carmichael, because your sins have finally caught up to you! Scabbia is on his way to becoming the King of the Ring and he'll take his rightful championship not long after!" Noah Carmichael has other plans as the match commences. It comes down to Carmichael getting locked in the Omerta and trying valiantly to escape and/or reach the ropes. Finally Carmichael uses the Survivor Series '96 trick by pushing off the turnbuckle and landing on Scabbia and the ref counts Scabbia's shoulders down! Brooke is furious and claims that Carmichael is passed out!!! Scabbia shares Brooke's fury and proceeds to punish Carmichael some more and locks in the Omerta again. Carmichael is in bad shape here but RYAN PATTILLO runs down to get him some of Scabbia and put an end to this. Brooke demands that Scabbia back down and leave with her. Despite all of this Carmichael is still the winner and he advances to the finals! ****1/2, 91% overall.

Fifth Match: Alexander Piero vs. Azazel
Both men are seconded by their respective managers. I need to rebuild Piero after I got him beat in the tournament. Things come to a head when the Wyldhearts make their way out to the stage to observe. Vivian looks flustered and Madison gestures to her that perhaps Vivian should go join them. This leads to the two of them exchanging words and this is enough to distract Azazel and Piero hits the Flashpoint to take advantage and scores the win. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Sixth Match: Tania vs. C.J.
Tania talks about how Naomi doesn't make demands of her, no matter her status. Naomi can find someone else to take care of the royal attire and she certainly needs it considering what happened on Raw. The fun and games go out the window at King of the Ring because the Women's Title is coming home with Tania. These words only fuel Naomi's wrath as she runs down during the match to destroy Tania for the DQ. Naomi chokes out Tania with the stained royal robe and tosses her around the ring violently. Officials run down to stop the carnage as Naomi yells threats at Tania. *****, 94% overall.

MAIN EVENT: King of the Ring Semi-Finals - Seth Von Kamp vs. Quentin McDaniels
This is it! Who will join Carmichael in the finals? Von Kamp has been on a hot streak in regards to match quality and it continues here as both men are determined as fuck to get the win. The ref is bumped off a Collapse of Society attempt. Quentin takes advantage and sends Von Kamp to the outside and pounds his head into the announce table several times. He goes for a chair but Von Kamp recovers and drives McDaniels into the ring post. Back into the ring we go as Seth sets up for another Collapse of Society but BRANDON REIGNS slams his Money in the Back briefcase into Seth's face!!! WHAT IS HE DOING?!? Reigns rolls out and McDaniels is able to gain his bearings and hit the Great Depression as the ref recovers and counts the pin giving McDaniels the win and sending him to the finals! IT'S NOT OVER! Reigns drags Von Kamp to the outside and proceeds to just brutalize him culminating in another shot with the Money in the Briefcase to the back of Seth's head. What is up with Reigns? We close the show with the Intercontinental Champion standing over the fallen Von Kamp. ****1/2, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 90%

And thus we have our finalists:

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:lol:

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Raw: July 23, 2040

We open with one of the finalists for the King of the Ring, Quentin McDaniels, joining us in the ring. He boasts about how he is right where he is supposed to be. The only thing better, of course, would be sitting on that throne, being crowned the King of the Ring and then closing out the summer by taking the Unified World Title. Fortunately, all he has to do is walk into King of the Ring this Sunday and embarrass Noah Carmichael, something he's not only happy to do but more than capable of doing. Quentin claims to have been looking forward this since WrestleMania because he gets a chance to right a huge wrong.

This brings out Noah Carmichael himself to offer his rebuttal. Carmichael does hope that Quentin learned something from WrestleMania because he doesn't want to hear any excuses after this Sunday. This tournament is Carmichael's chance to right a huge wrong, too; not necessarily just getting a chance to win back the Unified Title but to once and for all shut Quentin's mouth. While he admires Quentin's new found backbone in standing up to Butch Fleming, Carmichael is less enamored with the idea that Quentin thinks he's the better man. Quentin counters that he wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't meant to be so Carmichael's feelings are irrelevant. He'll get a bit of a preview in tonight's main event. Carmichael says he looks forward to it but before he takes his leave he tells Quentin to have fun with Butch Fleming in deciding who's in charge for tonight.

First Match: WWE Intercontinental Champion Brandon Reigns and Chris Collins vs. Conner Buchanan and Clubber Harris
Before we get started Reigns wants to address what went down on SmackDown! with what he did to Seth Von Kamp. There were several reason why he did what he did in taking Seth out of the tournament and putting him out of action. "First and foremost, let it be a warning that whatever I give, I can take away. Seth wouldn't have even been in the tournament if I hadn't been generous enough to give up my invitation so he should have been grateful that I even allowed him to get that far! And had he won, all the talk would have about how much it was a mistake for me to not compete instead of talking about all the good I've done. Last, but certainly not least, it was a display that I hope Conner Buchanan learned from. All of those butterflies he's got fluttering about his stomach right now are telling to him to back out while he still can because I'm dead set on not showing any mercy this Sunday!" The match goes on with tensions at an all-time high. It concludes with Reigns with shoving Paul Andrews down on the outside which causes Buchanan to lose his shit and pound away on Reigns enough to the point where the ref calls for the bell to DQ the face team. Harris and Collins aren't exactly keeping the peace themselves and we get a brawl as we go to break. *****, 94% overall.

Backstage we see Luscious exiting a locker room. Michael Hotbody runs into her and questions her activities. Has she been going around offering her services to the guys or has she been "offering her services to the guys"? Luscious tells him to piss off and tries to leave but Hotbody insists on making an ass out of himself. He wants to know what Luscious sees in Martyn LaSalle that she doesn't see in Hotbody. Hotbody is the one with the belt. Hotbody has the undefeated streak. Hotbody has...well, he has the Hotbody. He starts his dance routine in the hopes of impressing and/or arousing Luscious until she decides to shout "Please, stop!" loud enough to the point where the locker room door where she just exited opens up...AND MARTYN LASALLE EXITS! He wants to know what the hell is going on here. Hotbody has the same question and even more. Did Luscious manage to dig her nails in LaSalle? Martyn LaSalle answers that it's none of Hotbody's damn business. Hotbody needs to worry about his Cruiserweight Title and nothing else because he's at more of a risk of losing it this Sunday than ever before. Hotbody merely shakes his head and saunters off. Luscious gazes at LaSalle with pride.

Second Match: Nigel Gallagher vs. Jerome McDougal
Hot cruiserweight action is just what the doctor ordered. Wish these guys were more charismatic but then that wouldn't justify having the lovely Fantasee on the payroll. Speaking of which she's more than happy to use her feminine wiles to distract McDougal and Nigel pounces on the opportunity with the Union Smack to pick up the win. Jerome decides the best course of action to deal with this is to throw a tantrum. ****1/2, 86% overall.

Third Match: The Play Pals vs. The Royal Effect
I mean...God damn...

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Was there ever a time when a tag team match was considered MOTY???

Backstage, Haven is hassling the poor production crew over what happened last week. No one has answers for him, however, so he takes his leave but not before threatening anyone who may be lying. He walks up a hall and out of view but the camera also catches a glimpse of a figure slightly stepping out from behind an intersecting corridor that looks like its watching Haven.

Elsewhere backstage, Jenna Kyle and Faith Connors are HOT...about what's been going on between them and Leah and Hannah. They make the claim that those two bitches and any one else watching who may be getting some bright ideas in their heads need to understand that the team up of Jenna and Faith is a damn force to be reckoned with. They refuse to apologize for being recognized as the two of the best the division has to offer so all of the bellyaching that Leah and Hannah have been doing is just noise. They've provided the stage at King of the Ring; Leah and Hannah just need to bring it on.

Fourth Match: Tania vs. Cordelia
Tania claims that she might not be in the best of shape all things considered but Naomi isn't going to get the better of her, not with the importance of this Sunday on the line. She's more than welcome to try and come out and pull the same stunt as on SmackDown! if she wants. This is mainly to make Tania look good heading into King of the Ring. Naomi does indeed try to make herself a nuisance when it looks like Tania is in trouble. Tania bails to the outside and backs away from Naomi as she gives chase. She stumbles and Naomi moves in for the kill...BUT TANIA POPS UP WITH NAOMI'S SCEPTER! It must have been hidden under the ring. Naomi doubles over after taking a shot. Cordelia tries to to take advantage of all of this as she pulls Tania back into the ring but Tania hot shots her on the top rope and follows up with the Nose Dive to score the pin. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Backstage Blaine Bellamey is on his phone talking to Robbie Greer about where they're meeting up later. He stops when he sees Vivian Merrick sitting by herself looking depressed and tells Robbie that he'll have to call back. Blaine asks Vivian what the deal is with her. Vivian rolls her eyes and claims that she wants nothing to do with him. Blaine doesn't really want anything to do with her either, he was just asking a question. Vivian is taken back by this and asks for verification as to whether or not the rumor is true about the Wyldhearts being interested in her services. Blaine says that he can't speak for Robbie but he himself assumes that she's happy with her brother and her lover. Vivian changes the subject by pointing out that they really shouldn't be talking considering she's managing the team that the Wyldhearts are supposed to face this Sunday. Blaine says that he and Robbie are going to do what they have to in order to become champions...and that Vivian may have to reconsider her feelings afterwards. Vivian looks at Blaine with a ponderous look but Rick Hilton has been listening to this behind them and proceeds to assault Blaine. He warns him to stay away from his woman and demands that Vivian leave with him. Vivian appears shocked and not sure of what to do which causes Rick to yell his demand. She takes her leave but doesn't look happy about it.

Fifth Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Doug Michaels
Sophie Waters gets on commentary to espouse the benefits of the union between her and Dangerson. People have been demanding more of Dangerson because they feel he has been underutilized. Well, having someone like Sophie Waters keeping an eye out for his career is going to open so many more doors for Dangerson. She's not saying she's using her influence with Lisa Benton but she does have some pull as someone as decorated as she is. Dangerson more than proves his worth here in an impressive showing and manages to score a submission win with the Danger Zone. Sophie applauds her charge and declares that she's making sure the gears are in motion for big things for him. ****1/2, 92% overall.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming and Quentin McDaniels vs. Noah Carmichael and Kerry Cemenko
Fleming and McDaniels argue over who starts and it's just the opening act as far as them getting on the same page goes. It's a back and forth affair and ultimately it's the face team that has problems functioning as Fleming whips Cemenko into a corner where Carmichael is but Cemenko pumps the brakes before the two collide. They have a bit of a verbal spat but Fleming rams Cemenko from behind, sandwiching the two and gets a roll-up on Cemeno, putting his feet on Carmichael's slumped body for leverage and insult to get the pin. The heels bail in triumph as Cemenko and Carmichael exchange words. *****, 95% overall.

I love the start of the Brandon Reigns/Seth Von Kamp explanation. I suspect SVK will be coming for some revenge during Reigns' match at KOTR. But it's a cool way to get SVK right into a high level title program and maybe go for his first taste of gold, if he goes over Reigns that would be a hell of a way to get that first title win and as usual the matches should be great.

La Salle and Hotbody will have a banger, and if La Salle wins I'm sure he and Luscious will have quite the banger themselves.

Dangerson push incoming = RATINGS

Ugh, had to send Chet Morris to rehab for his drug problem. Well, that's one less team to fill out the shows. Lyle, you're going solo for a few months.

Superstars: July 26, 2040

Opening Match: Caleb Greene and Stanley Coleman vs. The Southern Gentlemen
I'm calling bullshit on the crowd reaction rating here because the overall charisma between all of these guys is fairly mediocre. Maybe they're reacting to some hot Aphrodite action...which she uses to help her boys gain the upper hand in the end. Brody Lee gets grounded and Caleb comes off the top with the Greene With Envy for the pin. *****, 94% overall.

Backstage, Brooke is with Salvatore Scabbia and boy are they pissed over what's transpired over the last week. Scabbia had Noah Carmichael BEAT in the King of the Ring. The referee was supposed to check on Carmichael BEFORE attempting to count the pin on Scabbia because Carmichael was out of it and Scabbia would have advanced to the finals no question about it! Everyone knows that win was illegitimate! Then Ryan Pattillo has to rear his stupid head AGAIN and get involved in business that doesn't concern him. Both of those frauds are going to get what's coming to them!

Second Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Vinnie LaPaige
I'm actually fine with the way the match report is written out here as it's basically three moves in favor of Dangerson before he gets the submission win with the Danger Zone. If he's going to get pushed, might as well make a few wins quick and decisive. Too bad the match rating doesn't really reflect that. ****1/2, 85% overall.

Backstage, Martyn LaSalle is finishing up some PR work for King of the Ring with a bunch of press when he's approached by Luscious. She wants to let him know that their meeting meant a lot to her as he could have easily said no. She'd like him to know that there's really no pressure on him to accept her managerial services anytime soon. There are, after all, other ways in which they can enjoy each other's company. LaSalle appreciates that but he'd like to worry about beating Michael Hotbody first. Luscious walks off smiling telling him that he knows where to find her.

Third Match: Alexander Piero vs. Romeo Valiente
Continuing the rebuild process for Piero. Valiente's contract is up at the end of the month. Don't know if I want to resign him. On the flipside he is useful for outings like this. Piero hits the Flashpoint to pick up the victory. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Fourth Match: The Dillingers vs. WWE Cruiserweight Champion The Undefeated Steel Cage Master and ACTUAL 2040 King of the Ring, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect Michael Hotbody and Zed Jones
Hotbody declares that he will not stand for the conspiring that's going on between Luscious and Martyn LaSalle! The only role Luscious should have this Sunday is watching just like everyone else as Hotbody shows LaSalle what a real man is capable of! Once again, despite such boastful claims, Hotbody is more than happy to let Zed do the brunt of the work here. It's BONZO GONZO at the end and Joey Dillinger looks to finish Hotbody with the Dillinger Escape Plan but gets shoved off the top by Zed and that allows Hotbody to small package him for the pin. *****, 94% overall.

Backstage, Fantasee is with Frankie talking about how awesome it's going to be teaming up with the likes of Tania, Faith, and Jenna tonight. It's like she's part of an elite club. Even more awesome is going to be smacking that bitch Carmella around.

Fifth Match: Billie Padgett vs. Phoebe Hanson
Trying to squeeze in more than one women's match on the show and these two work pretty well off each other. Padgett gets the pin here off the Red Hook. *****, 95% overall.

Backstage, the Wyldhearts are looking forward to their match against the tag champions at King of the Ring. Robbie talks about how Blaine should've just let sleeping dogs lie in regards to Vivian on Raw but he's definitely going to get some payback on Rick Hilton. Blaine admits that Vivian coming over to their side would be a pretty nice look. Robbie tells him to forget about her because what really would look nice on them is the Unified Tag Team Titles.

Sixth Match: WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey, Carmella Costello, Leah, and Hannah McCormick vs. Tania, Frankie, Faith Connors, and Jenna Kyle
It's bountiful! Just continuing some feuds here while also BUILDING MOMENTUM for Tania. Brooke fucks up her interference attempt and that allows Tania to hit the Nose Dive on Carmella for the pin. ****1/2, 92% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Xavier Cross vs. Ryan Pattillo
Cross declares his bitterness over not being able to win King of the Ring this year but he expects whoever ends up becoming champion to remember his tremendous effort and will give him a title shot because he deserves it! This is a slugfest of a bout which is just tremendous and Salvatore Scabbia has to come down and ruin it all by attacking Pattillo just as he's setting up for the Shutdown. He berates Pattillo for being an annoying son of a bitch and proceeds to lock in the Omerta as punishment. We go off the air as officials come down to put an end to this. *****, 95% overall.

Overall show rating: 90%

SmackDown!: July 27, 2040

It's the final show before King of the Ring! NOBODY SCREW THIS UP!!! I'M LOOKING AT YOU, ZED!!!

We open with Chris Collins out in the ring ready to air his grievances with Clubber Harris. Collins thought that he had made himself clear that there wasn't to be any hard feelings between and Harris concerning the King of the Ring. OK, so Collins might have overstepped by pulling a fast one in their match but it's nothing to be petty over and certainly not worth knocking his ass down last week. He offers this time as an opportunity for Harris and come out and apologize and ask for Collins' forgiveness.

Naturally Clubber Harris comes out to be all scary and intimidating and what not. He wants to say that he is indeed sorry...sorry for ever thinking Collins was any kind of real man. It's real simple, says Harris; Collins tried to pull a fast one in the King of the Ring tournament and now he has to suffer the consequences. Hell, there's no reason that can't happen right now! Harris makes his way down to the ring and Collins is prepared but Lisa Benton comes out to put a halt to all of this. We've had too much craziness with brawls and what not these last few weeks so everyone needs to calm down. If the two of them are so fixated on this, they can hash it out at King of the Ring!

First Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Lyle Morris
Sorry, Lyle, but your partner was an idiot and thus you get to be the next victim. A hot opener to say the least and Dangerson continues his momentum with another submission win via the Danger Zone. *****, 94% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with Luscious. She wants to make it clear that as of yet, nothing official has been put into action between her and Martyn LaSalle but she is hopeful. She would absolutely love to be able to manage the Cruiserweight champion and from there, who knows? She has her eyes on a lot of potential clients and if there are any sour pusses out there who want to cry about getting looked over, well, too bad.

Naturally, Michael Hotbody feels the need to interject here. He wants to know who does she think she's kidding? She's no closer to getting to manage LaSalle than she was two weeks ago. If nothing else it kind of proves that LaSalle really doesn't let himself get distracted when he's determined so thanks should be in order for that, at least. That's fine according to Hotbody because he's got the superior skills anyway and LaSalle is going to be in for one of the biggest disappointments in his life, right next to apparently never losing his virginity! Or maybe Luscious can tell us otherwise? From all accounts, she spent an awfully long time in that locker room alone with LaSalle. Hotbody's dying to know if LaSalle is just as big of a failure in that area, too. Luscious stands defiant and claims that she's willing to bet LaSalle is twice the man Hotbody is...in EVERY area. Hotbody doesn't take to kindly to this and shoves Luscious into the corner and verbally threatens her some more. Things look pretty bad for quite a bit until finally Martyn LaSalle apparently has seen enough and runs down to get him some of Hotbody. He checks on Luscious after knocking Hotbody down. She seems alright but that's enough of an opening to where Hotbody can land a low blow and then proceeds to beat down LaSalle. He poses for approval and takes his leave as Luscious looks at LaSalle with concern.

Second Match: Salvatore Scabbia vs. Michael Haywood
According to Brooke, Haywood demanded this match to stand up for Ryan Pattillo. It's not a crime to be stupid, she claims, but it's still stupid. Despite not being a cruiserweight, Haywood is still the underdog here as he gets tossed and beaten about. His comeback is cut off by the sudden appearance of Moses McKay jumping on the apron yelling at Haywood. Scabbia takes advantage with the Omerta and Haywood passes out giving Scabbia the win. Ryan Pattillo runs down with a chair to even the odds and the heels bail. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Backstage, Naomi Bailey proudly shows off her Women's Title. Naomi wants to know what kind of hardship Tania had to go through in her life. When she first showed up in the WWE she walked around bragging about her Beverly Hills high society lifestyle. Naomi is from the hard knocks. She pulled herself from the bottom to be able to have the right to call herself both queen AND champion. Tania has no room to talk about hard work and no room to talk about deserving to be champion. After this Sunday, she'll be more than qualified to talk about being in an actual fight...if she's capable of talking at all.

Third Match: The Young Bloods vs. Caleb Greene and Stanley Coleman
Might as well keep Greene and Coleman as a permanent team. The division could use a boost and some new faces in the mix. Might as well keep them on a roll, too, as they pick up the win here after Greene hits Sully Lane with the Greene With Envy for the pin. *****, 94% overall.

We get Paul Andrews sitting down with Conner Buchanan backstage. Everyone's been asking if Conner is sure about the decision he's made in regards to putting his career on the line against Brandon Reigns' Intercontinental Title. Buchanan certainly doesn't feel ready to hang things up but the chance to once again wear that title is too tempting. It's a siren summoning him and it's either feast or famine at the end of the trip. Plus there are number of receipts that Brandon Reigns is due. Conner isn't just fighting for himself but for an idea; the idea that you don't forget who brought you to the dance. It's a must-win situation this Sunday for Conner; there are no other options.

Fourth Match: Julian Merrick vs. Robbie Greer
Both men want that sweet, sweet momentum going into the Unified Tag Team Championship match this Sunday. If this is any indication, that match is going to rule as these two work phenomenally well together. Rick Hilton tries his hand at helping out by hopping up on the apron but he notices Blaine Bellamey getting a little too close to Vivian Merrick. He wastes time shouting threats at Blaine and Robbie shoves Julian into Rick, knocking him off and thus Robbie scores the pin off a roll up. The Future Foundation decide to bail afterwards in anger. *****, 94% overall.

More in-ring talky time as Hannah McCormick decides now is a good time to come out and berate everyone for continuing to put their loyalty and devotion into two people like Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle. Hannah has been hearing the critiques from everyone about how Jenna and Faith are the favorites this Sunday because of the greater experience they have teaming together as opposed to Leah and Hannah. Well it is only natural that two egomaniacs like them would be on the same page but it's nothing that Hannah can't handle. The pure disdain that she and Leah have for Faith and Jenna and all of the undeserved adoration they get from their idiot fans here and at home watching is more than enough fuel to take them down and then you'll see what Hannah McCormick is all about! Faith Connors has heard enough and decides to run down to the ring to shut Hannah up. It's a brief struggle and as Hannah tries to slip away Faith manages to rip Hannah's top off. Indeed we are seeing what Hannah is made of.

Fifth Match: Ronnie Costello vs. Haven
Haven continues to be in a foul mood and poor Ronnie has to take the brunt of his wrath. It's a pretty good big man vs. big man match and it comes down to Brooke wanting to try her usual shenanigans but a glare from Haven causes her to piss her pants and reconsider. Ronnie gets finished with the Sting of Solace and Haven picks up the win. Afterwards the lights go loopy all over again and the big screen merely flashes the word "SOON". Haven is less than amused. ****1/2, 92% overall.

FINAL SEGMENT: Kerry Cemenko joins us now and wants to let us know that he's not here to valiantly ask Butch Fleming what else he's got because it doesn't really matter. What Fleming may have hasn't been enough to keep Kerry down and it won't be enough to deter him from winning that title this Sunday. He will not be underestimated by anyone and that goes for the two finalists in the King of the Ring also. The main event of SummerSlam beckons; Kerry is ready. Who else is?

This brings out Noah Carmichael who gets in Kerry's face. Carmichael has been ready ever since that Unified World Title was stolen from him. Every time he has to look at Butch Fleming parading around that title, it gets him ready. It fills him with a fury that can only be satiated with complete and utter annihilation. Carmichael asks if Cemenko is prepared to have that target because whoever walks into SummerSlam with the Unified World Title is merely keeping things warm while Carmichael gets ready to unleash that complete and utter annihilation. Fleming isn't Kerry's real problem; it's Carmichael.

This brings out Quentin McDaniels to the stage and wants to point out that Carmichael is still missing one crucial step and that is, he has to get past McDaniels this Sunday. "Don't let your rage and desire for all of that annihilation or whatever overlook the major problem you have in needing to beat me! This has been a year of shocks and surprises and it's only just begin. SummerSlam will be what WrestleMania should have been: a celebration of my ascension to the top of the mountain!"

The Unified World Champion Butch Fleming himself decides to join the festivities and stands with Quentin on the stage. He's pretty sure he's seen this movie before: himself as the champion and three gaggling hens squabbling over who they think is the one that can upset him for the title. It even involved some of the same people! Quentin was there! And Noah was there! Kerry? Well, Kerry wasn't there but he decided to be an annoying jackass regardless. Fleming tells Kerry that he doesn't need him to be afraid in order to have the upper hand; Fleming only needs to be better. All three of you are running on pipe dreams and prayers.

Cemenko offers Fleming a chance to put his money where his mouth is. Noah makes Quentin the same offer. Neither of the heels are particularly interested, which is fine as both Kerry and Noah are more than happy to go to them. It looks like we're going to have a two-on-two brawl! We get a brief altercation but Lisa Benton sends out the manpower to put an end to it before things get too out of control. We'll see you at King of the Ring!

Overall show rating: 89%

King of the Ring 2040: July 29, 2040

Pre-Show Match: The Hunters vs. Salvatore Scabbia and The Royal Effect
It only makes sense to do this one again considering the match quality and the need to continue the feuds. We need something good to get the crowd going. Brooke works her magic here to maneuver Gavin Jones into a position where Scabbia can capitalize by locking in the Omerta for the submission win. *****, 84% overall.

DAMN YOU, DUD SHOW!!! :mad:

King of the Ring begins NOW! Your theme song for tonight is "The Violence" by Rise Against

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Opening Match: Chris Collins vs. Clubber Harris
I debated who to put on first but I figured with the way I'm planning the other matches to finish I figure this is the best route to go. It's hard-hitting goodness at its finest and Harris scores a clean win here after escaping a Fall From Heaven attempt and immediately hits the Club Pain for the pin. ****1/2, 83% overall.

DAMN YOU, DUD SHOW!!!

Second Match: Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle vs. Hannah McCormick and Leah
The heel team declares that they've got a lot to prove tonight to those overhyped poster girls. The dud show spares these guys somewhat and I don't blame it. The end comes with Leah sending Jenna into the steps while Hannah looks to boot Faith down but Faith catches the foot and looks to counter into the Crisis of Faith but Leah holds Hannah's other leg in place which causes Faith to crash into the mat hard on her own. Hannah takes advantage and stacks up Faith using the ropes for some additional aide and scores the pin. Hannah runs off in celebration as the faces are dejected. *****, 85% overall. Oh, yeah, my girls giving the finger to the dud show. :cool:

Third Match: WWE Cruiserweight Title
The Undefeated Steel Cage Master and ACTUAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Former Cruiserweight Champion-Elect Michael Hotbody (c) vs. Martyn LaSalle
Luscious takes a seat at ringside in LaSalle's corner and plays cheerleader for him. LaSalle just outwrestles Hotbody at virtually every turn forcing the champion to resort to hit and run tactics and hiding behind the ref. The end comes when the two stumble to the outside in front of Luscious which causes her to get up to avoid any possible harm. Hotbody takes issue with her presence and berates her. He shoves her into the barricade when she doesn't back down. Hotbody turns his attention to LaSalle who has recovered enough to the point where he can fight back but Luscious is peeved and comes back to slap the taste out of Hotbody's mouth causing the ref to call for the DQ against LaSalle. Hotbody wins and retains the title thanks to Luscious losing her cool! Hotbody runs away in triump while Luscious is mortified realizing what she's done. LaSalle kneels on the ground in disappointment and looks up at Luscious equally mortified. *****, 85% overall.

Fourth Match: WWE Women's Title
Naomi Bailey (c) vs. Tania
Tania shows no fear and does her best to hang with the overpowering nature of Naomi. The ref is bumped after catching a boot from Naomi intended to take Tania's head off. They brawl for a while in the meantime but that jezebel, Billie Padgett, still has eyes for vengeance and runs in to hit Tania with the Red Hook. Naomi adds the exclamation point by hitting a Bail Out as the ref recovers and counts the pin for Naomi allowing her to retain. *****, 86% overall.

Fifth Match: WWE Unified Tag Team Titles
The Future Foundation (c) vs. The Wyldhearts
Vivian Merrick surprises everyone as she's seconding the Wyldhearts tonight. Has she finally had enough of Rick Hilton? This is some awesome back and forth between these two teams as The Future Foundation try to get things going without Vivian in their corner. The end comes after another BONZO GONZO scenario which leaves Hilton alone with Bellamey. Bellamey has Hilton right where he wants him and Vivian feels he should finish things off with a belt shot. She slides in with one of the belts and looks to hand it to Blaine...then proceeds to kick him in the nuts and hand the belt to Rick. Rick puts it to good use and then hits the Wake-Up Call for the pin to retain. Vivian joins the champions in beating down the Wyldhearts afterwards. *****, 85% overall.

Sixth Match: WWE Intercontinental Title vs. Career
Brandon Reigns (c) vs. Conner Buchanan
Well, it was a good run with Conner but the roster only has so much room for people hanging on way into their forties. Reigns really shouldn't be jobbing right now anyway. Conner tries his damndest but Reigns manages to counter the Borderline into locking in the Iron Reign! Conner fights...and fights...and fights...and ultimately taps out giving the win to Reigns to retain. Conner takes his leave as the audience is disappointed but they applaud him on the way out. Reigns celebrates like nobody's business and gets on the mic to brag...only for SETH VON KAMP to make his return by bum rushing the ring and beating the shit out of Reigns! Reigns rakes the eyes in desperation and runs out grabbing his title and briefcase as he exits. *****. 85% overall.

Seventh Match: King of the Ring Finals - Noah Carmichael vs. Quentin McDaniels
This is for all the marbles...well, half of the marbles as we determine who goes to SummerSlam's main event with a title shot. This is almost beat for beat their encounter at WrestleMania only more intense. These former partners know each other almost too well. Ultimately, Noah proves himself once more to be the better man and surprises Quentin with a Quick Draw out of nowhere and scores the pin to win the 2040 King of the Ring tournament! He makes his way up the ramp and takes his place on the throne while making motions with his hands signaling that he wants the Unified World Title. *****, 85% overall.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified World Title
Butch Fleming (c) vs. Kerry Cemenko
Cemenko gives Fleming almost no room to breathe in the opening. Fleming manages to ding up Cemenko's knee giving him something to focus on as he fights back. Cemenko hangs as best as he can but it's just not his night as he goes for the Curb Stomp with his knee slowing him up a bit but that's all the opening Fleming needs to catch Cemenko mid-jump and flow right into the Slaughterhouse Special to get the pin and retain the title. Fleming is going to SummerSlam as the champion! *****, 85% overall.

Overall show rating: 86% Fuck you, dud.

Oh. My. God. :(

7 straight ***** matches. Legitimately a contender for a 98% show rating. And it was wasted on a dud show.

Battling the crippling writers block I get with EWR is bad enough but something like that would make me put the game away for ages.

I've legit gotten a 98% show rating way back when for a SummerSlam. It was glorious. :'(

I think I can pull it off again with what I have planned for this year's show...unless the game decides to be a douche again. :mad:

Raw: July 30, 2040

Last show of the month as we begin the march to SummerSlam! We open with the winner of the King of the Ring Tournament, the 3-time Unified World Champion Noah Carmichael. He wants to make it clear that he's not out here to be handed a scepter or have a crown placed on his head or to sit on his ass in a giant throne. There are trinkets and then there is real treasure. Real treasure like the gold that Butch Fleming parades around. That's the end game here; the key word being 'end'. Carmichael is aware that this struggle between himself and Fleming has felt like an eternity and that closure is in order so he's going to aim to bring that closure to the people. So while he may not be demanding robes and chalices and scepters and fancy ceremonies, Carmichael does feel entitled to at least one royal decree as it pertains to his title match at SummerSlam against Butch Fleming. With that said, if Fleming has the stomach and the balls, Carmichael wants this match to be the definitive one between the two of them...Carmichael demands that this match be...HELL IN A CELL! Think it over, Fleming; he'll be waiting.

Backstage, Martyn LaSalle makes his way through the arena and runs into Luscious, who looks like she's been waiting on him to arrive. Luscious immediately apologizes in a frantic tone for what happened last night. Hotbody was being such a jerk and when he shoved her down he crossed a line and she was just blinded by rage and the next thing she knew she was slapping him across the face. She asks for forgiveness and wants to try to make it up to LaSalle somehow. Maybe she can work some of sort of deal with Lisa Benton and get him another match or something?

LaSalle waves her off and tries to keep his cool. "Look, I'm here to call out Michael Hotbody myself and challenge him to be a man about this. I'm working my own angle here. That's a very much appreciated offer on your behalf, but, officially you're not my manager so I can't assure you that you'd be successful. I'll handle this on my own."

"Well, I can at least try..."

"Listen, you're nice and all and you most certainly have a future as far as managing goes. A lot of guys would be lucky to have you in their corner but as of right now, I need you to back off of this one."

Luscious looks hurt and dejected but nods in acceptance. "I get it. I'll take a step back. I probably should have done that last night. Listen, if you ever change your mind...or are interested in exploring other avenues, I'll be here." And with that Luscious leans in and locks lips with LaSalle! She departs smiling leaving LaSalle in shock.

First Match: Clubber Harris and The Wyldhearts vs. Chris Collins and the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions The Future Foundation
Vivian Merrick mocks everyone for thinking she'd want anything to do with a bunch of scrubs like The Wyldhearts. She already has a pair of winners in her brother Julian and the greatest lover she's ever known, Rick Hilton. She had hoped to cause enough of a rift between Greer and Bellamey to the point where the Future Foundation would capitalize and eliminate them from the equation. She warns the Wyldhearts to know their limits. Aside from that we've got some great six-man action here. The end comes when Harris takes care of Vivian's attempts at tomfoolery by ramming her brother into her, knocking her off the apron, followed by the Club Pain for the pin. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Backstage, Billie Padgett is proud of what she did last night in costing Tania the Women's Title. She thinks that it was cute that Tania thought she could become champion and that Billie would just ignore their history. Tania doesn't know real suffering and hardship...but she will.

Second Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Zachary Vale
I should probably get a manager for Vale, too. Anyways, the cruiserweight quota must be reached somehow and if it involves continuing the push for Shawn Dangerson, so be it. Another terrific outing here for Dangerson as he scores another tap out win by locking in the Danger Zone. ****1/2, 90% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with WWE Intercontinental Champion Brandon Reigns. He's out here demanding the people thank him for what he did last night in getting rid of someone like Conner Buchanan. The people shouldn't be sad. They should be hopeful; hopeful that a new dawn in the WWE will be approaching. It will arrive, he assures us, as long as he's around and as long as he is in possession of the Money in the Bank contract and the Intercontinental Title. As far as Seth Von Kamp goes, last night he got his little burst of revenge for what happened to him in the tournament. He let out his aggression, you people got to cheer, and everyone went home. Fine. That's the end of that as far as Reigns is concerned. Seth got his pound of flesh so Reigns wants nothing more to do with him and that's final!

Naturally Seth Von Kamp isn't having any of this and decides to come out and run to the ring looking to get him some more of Reigns. Reigns repeatedly shouts at Seth to not do this and that it's over between them. Seth isn't having it so Reigns decides to make his exit.

Backstage, Nathan Quinn approaches Hannah McCormick and wants to thank her for joining his and Leah's cause against Jenna Kyle. Hannah simply nods in acknowledgment and continues about her business. Nathan says that this is the point where Hannah is supposed to thank Leah for helping Hannah get the win last night. Hannah claims that she could have got that win on her own and to make things clear, Hannah had her own vendetta against Jenna Kyle. Hannah accuses Nathan and Leah of leeching off of her and walks away.

Third Match: Jamie Roderick and Frankie vs. Cordelia and Carmella Costello
Hmmm...women in tag teams...certainly that's not a hint of things to come, right? :shifty: Anyways, despite not being the most charismatic on the roster, these ladies are still a hell of a hand, work-wise. Roderick scores the tap out win by slapping the Roderick Legacy on Cordelia. ****1/2, 88% overall.

Soap Opera Time with Martyn LaSalle as he enters the ring and polls the audience as to whether or not they think he had things in hand last night and should be standing here the new cruiserweight champion. The crowd seems to be on his side and LaSalle approves and uses this as proof that he deserves another shot at Hotbody. LaSalle knows he's asking for a lot but he stand here demanding that Hotbody actually act like a man and a real champion and accept the challenge.

Hotbody does indeed come out to the stage to respond but he's got Luscious with him by her hair! Hotbody doesn't answer to LaSalle or the wench that he's got in his hand. Hotbody isn't going to be sucked into whatever conspiracy she and LaSalle are cooking up. If LaSalle wants another title match, he can come down right now and try to beat one out of Hotbody!

LaSalle has seen enough and runs down to help Luscious and Hotbody lets her go ready to fight. LaSalle looks to take a swing at Hotbody....AND LUSCIOUS SPRAYS LASALLE IN THE FACE WITH SOMETHING!!! WTF IS GOING ON?!?!? Hotbody dances happily around LaSalle as he writhes in agony on the ground...THEN SHARES A KISS WITH LUSCIOUS!!! Have they been in cahoots this whole time?!? Hotbody takes a break from the tonsil hockey to pick up LaSalle and ram him into the stage followed by tossing him off. Luscious then kisses Hotbody some more in celebration.

Fourth Match: Haven vs. Steve Hayes
Haven continues to be in a foul mood as he has yet to get to the bottom of the mysteriousness that's been plaguing him. Fortunately he's able to turn some of that aggression into something positive as he scores a decisive win here after the Sting of Solace. The lights go loopy again and the word 'SOON' once again flashes on the big screen. ****1/2, 93% overall.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming and Salvatore Scabbia vs. Noah Carmichael and Ryan Pattillo
More chaos than a regular match as the emotions are running extremely high here. So high to the point where Fleming looks to use one of his title belts on Carmichael but the King of the Ring ducks it and grabs the other belt and clocks the champion for the DQ. More brawling closes us out for this edition of Raw. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%

:|

https://i.imgur.com/zZOxyJB.png

Bah gawd the women's tag division may be on the horizon! I can already smell the ratings and he star ratings.


Yesssssssssssssssss! I knew someone like Luscious was bound to have a baddie in her. Hotbody even more unbearable with a hot girlfriend on top of everything else.

Well, if they have kids they can be referred to as

https://img.17qq.com/images/kmccdchc...efresh26974819

The Dark Order

With this being 2040 and both Vince and Linda likely shuffled off this mortal coil, how old is this mysterious daughter? :wtf:

Hmm, Vince would be 95.

Thing is, Vince's mother is still alive and turns 101 in a couple months. Maybe they call him a genetic jackhammer for a reason.

Got some people returning from their suspension. Don't know if they'll factor into SummerSlam just yet as I've already got 6 matches as a lock. My money is also going up which means Jenna gets more early Christmas presents.

Tamara, Victor Dark, Dell Killings, and Ziggy Styles are all ready to go. I agree that Killings is indeed ready to go...to the unemployment line because his stats suck giraffe balls. I figure I job him to Ziggy as a debut and then shuffle him off to Buffalo. Tamara can work partnered up with another woman on a team. Victor...well, not sure where to go with him.

So with the women's tag team being extremely likely to become a reality in these next few shows, let me run some of the teams and their names by you. It's a bit rough considering I've never had to think up names for a women's team before.

The Brooklyn Sisterhood (Billie Padgett and Emma Edwards) - This was a natural one considering they were already a stable in the past so why not?
The Internet Darlings (Lauren Franklyn and Sarah Moore) - You know, since I would imagine a good chunk of the online community demanding more of a push for them
The Glamour Brigade (C.J. and Arianna) - Stuck up, high class bitches is always a good thing
The Glitz Girls (Tania and Lzzy Ryd) - High class and glam rock combine!
The Jersey Experience (Frankie and Jamie Roderick)
The Lonely Girls (Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle) - You know, a play on the song title plus their outsider nature
The Pacific Connection (Tamara and Mika) - Rookies. Might as well use this to debut them
The Perfections (Bonnie Beckham and Leah) - Nathan Quinn having to go recruiting since Hannah gave him the cold shoulder on the last show
The Southern Belles (Hannah McCormick and Bobbi Jo) - Another natural pairing since Bobbi has been the protégé/sidekick of Hannah's for a long time. Might as well start getting some mileage out of her
Triple C (Carmella Costello and Cordelia) - Brooke's going to have her hands full with all the people under her watch

That's all I've got so far. It is quite the number of women I have under contract. Maybe this will work out for the best.

Even though I understand the Triple C name, it's kinda a strange name for a tag team. Maybe Cordelia also has a C surname and they can be C4. EXPLOSIVE MATCH BABY!!!!!

Hmmmmmm....definitely much more potential there. Cordelia Capriati, perhaps?

That's such an obnoxious name, I love it.

Jennifer Capriati clutches her gold medal and weeps. :(

Superstars: August 2, 2040

Opening Match: The Pacific Connection (Mika and Tamara) vs. The Jersey Experience (Jamie Roderick and Frankie)
Stephan Q. Sterling announces The Pacific Connection as his newest charges and hopes they'll be making an impact in the women's division. Rough crowd reaction but luckily Jamie is the veteran here and holds everyone's hand in order to make the heels' debut something worthwhile. Carmella Costello, however, ruins everyone's day by dragging Frankie out and getting some pound of flesh for the DQ. I have high hopes for this aspect of the women's division. ****1/4, 71% overall.

Back from break as we have Tania joining us in the ring to air her grievances over what happened at King of the Ring. Billie Padgett just couldn't stand the fact that Tania would have been standing here today the Women's Champion as it would have been an indication of Tania simply being better than her. Tania is tired of Padgett's jabs so if she wants to get tough, Tania will be happy to oblige as she has no problem getting tough if it means mopping the floor with Padgett once and for all. "You thought it was cute for me to think I could become champion? Believe me, I'm done with being cute."

Cue the interruption but this time it's some unknown music and who should join us on the stage but...Ziggy Styles?!? "FINALLY the cries of wrestling fans around the globe have been answered! The great Ziggy Styles is HONORED to be the answer to the prayers on everyone's lips. Remember this moment! Remember this night! Remember these words! You will tell stories to your children and your children's children about where you were when Ziggy Styles changed the face of the WWE! The WWE has been too depressing lately! Too much of a bummer! Too much drama and melancholy! There are way too many sticks up way too many...um...posteriors! When was the last time anybody just paused to smell the roses or just have a good time? Well, all of that is going to change! The Zig-ster is here and ready to spread his love all over everyone's faces! Tania, I don't want to leave you out of this. I'm here to turn that frown upside-down along with all the other sad faces here tonight! So I ask you along with everyone watching: Are you ready to get Ziggy with it?!?"

Tania does not look amused as she delivers her response. "Sorry, what the hell does that even mean?"

"It means...."

"I don't actually care! Unless you're Billie Padgett dressed to look like a jackass you can take a hike!"

"Hey, you know what? You don't get to get Ziggy with it anymore! You should change your name to Debbie Downer! You can stay there and mope and be sad and play the sympathy card all you want! Ziggy Styles doesn't need you to have a good time and he certainly doesn't need you to make an impact! You all just keep tuned in because the birth of the Styles Era has begun!" With that, Ziggy Styles dances his way off the stage encouraging the crowd to join him.

Backstage, Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle have been watching the proceedings. Jenna questions what the deal is with all of these loudmouths in the WWE. It's like every week they have to deal with a new one. Faith brings up how one particular group of loudmouths got one over on them at King of the Ring and that they need to take it to heart to be extra vigilant. Jenna admits that it was a setback but that Hannah and Leah would need a hell of a lot more nights like that to even come close to what Faith and her have built.

Second Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Bill Crockett
The push continues! Not a complete domination for Dangerson but effective nonetheless as he continues to impress. He gets the tap out win with the Danger Zone. ****1/2, 79% overall.

Backstage, Seth Von Kamp wants to talk Brandon Reigns. Specifically the lack of balls on Brandon Reigns. He didn't have the balls to compete in King of the Ring. He didn't have the balls to face him on Raw. And he doesn't have the balls to build that bright future he's always talking about. Seth is content, however, in the fact that Reigns can't avoid him forever.

Third Match: The Wyldhearts vs. The Royal Effect
It's taken me this long to realize that this is a dud show. That doesn't stop these guys from trying though. And it certainly doesn't stop the Future Foundation from their neverending quest to be dicks to their rivals as they try to ruin things for the Wyldhearts but Hilton accidentally runs into Kavovit. Robbie tosses Hilton and finishes Kavovit off with a Swandive Headbutt for the pin. The Play Pals run down to even things up and prevent any further shenanigans. *****, 84% overall.

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody. He's got his new lover, Luscious along for the ride and they proceed to mock Martyn LaSalle. Luscious questions LaSalle as to whether he really actually thought a woman like her would have ANY interest in a stiff like him. And really, that's the only aspect in which you can describe LaSalle as 'stiff'. She declares that Michael Hotbody is where the real action is: in the ring...and in several other areas, too. :naughty: She continues by adding that she came to the WWE to be where the winners are and Hotbody is right at the top of that list as he's accomplished so much in such little time. She'd have to be a complete fool to associate herself with someone like Martyn LaSalle.

Hotbody wants to pile it on and calls LaSalle an idiot, not just for falling for Luscious but for challenging him in the ring. Hotbody continues to remain the best thing that's ever happened to the Cruiserweight division and he's only going to continue to be hot now that the lovely Luscious is officially on board the party wagon. You could even call him the Luscious Lover. In fact, you should all do that from now on! Forget the summer because nothing is going to be hotter than the union you're all looking at right now!

Luscious and Hotbody proceed to kiss to a chorus of boos but their session gets interrupted by the boss, Lisa Benton! Benton says that she's out here to actually applaud the two of them. "I have to admit, I was just like everyone here by completely falling for the charade the two of you put together these last few weeks. It was very impressive in how convincing it was. I mean, I really believed that Luscious was out for Martyn LaSalle."

"It was pretty tremendous wasn't it?" Luscious cheers.

"Yes, yes, quite tremoundous. Very realistic. Very passionate. It was so real, in fact, that I believed that you wanted Martyn LaSalle to have another match for the Cruiserweight Title against Michael Hotbody!"

"She is pretty good, right?" Hotbody boasts.

"Yes, very good. She did such a good job with that. I believed it SO MUCH, that, quite frankly, I went ahead and awarded Martyn LaSalle another match for the Cruiserweight Title!" The crowd cheers and the joy disappears from the faces of Hotbody and Luscious. Benton continues, "Yes, he will get another title match and it will be at SummerSlam! And to ensure that it doesn't go to hell because of an errant slap to the face from someone sticking their nose in the way, it's going to be...A SUBMISSION MATCH!" Benton takes her leave as the two lovebirds shout in protest.

Fourth Match: Lzzy Ryd vs. Emma Edwards
This certainly isn't an excuse to begin the path towards teaming up Lzzy and Tania. No siree, Bob. :shifty: The two women pull off a tremendous encounter despite everything working against them. Billie Padgett runs in to attack Lzzy when it looks like she's about to put away Emma for the DQ. Tania runs down to even things up by getting a piece of Padgett and the heels go in retreat. *****, 85% overall.

Fifth Match: Alexander Piero vs. L.A. Xander
This is all about making Piero look good. This is a banger of an encounter that sees Piero picking up the win with the Flashpoint. Afterwards, ORLANDO KINCAID runs down making his return and just levels Alexander Piero! He asks Piero if he's forgotten about him! Looks like this feud must continue! ****1/2, 81% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with Xavier Cross. He laments how the year hasn't been kind to him as he has made effort after effort to get his hands on that Unified World Title. EVERYONE HAS BEEN WORKING AGAINST HIM! From Haven to Kerry Cemenko and then just recently to Noah Carmichael in the King of the Ring tournament! And the worst part of it all is that all of you people cheer them on! You people are just as much the problem as anyone else! Well, he's not just going to be overlooked. He still expects the winner of SummerSlam's main event to DO THE RIGHT THING and offer him a chance at the gold! In the meantime, he demands to be treated with the proper respect and the proper opponent for SummerSlam so that his case can made even further! He'll take anybody because Xavier Cross will not be denied!

With that said, Kyle Jacobs sneaks up from behind through the crowd making his return and spins Cross around and hits a Legacy Bomb! Everyone's making an impact tonight!

MAIN EVENT: Quentin McDaniels vs. Stone Walsh
I kind of have to throw Quentin a bone here after jobbing him out in the finals at the PPV. He's over and talented enough to recover, I'd say. He blocks the Stone Cutter and reverses into the Great Depression to pick up the pin and the victory. *****, 85% overall.

Overall show rating: 84%

:lol: Ziggy Styles is such a goofball. Love him playing off of a serious heel.

That Lzzy and Tania team is gonna rock, glam rock.

Stone Walsh's finisher is called the Stone Cutter, but does he control the British crown and keep the metric system down?

Not only does Walsh do all that, he does it with NO HOMERS around!

Tania is a face, actually. I suppose I could have written that exchange a bit better. :o

SmackDown!: August 3, 2040

We open with Lisa Benton in the ring with a pedestal that's covered with a cloth. Whatever could be underneath??? She talks about how the upcoming SummerSlam could be one of the biggest and memorable in the history of the WWE and just think of the ground that covers. No matter which show you may recognize as one of the greatest the common ground that those events share is that history was made one way or another and underneath this cover will help make even more history at SummerSlam. Lisa goes on to talk about the depth of the women's division and how they've managed to step up this year to take it to levels even higher than it was before and there's no reason that can't continue especially with what's going to be at stake at SummerSlam. With that, she pulls off the cover and reveals what she is calling the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Ooh, those belts look shiny. They'll look even better on the women who deserve them. Benton encourages the women in the back to start buddying up because starting on Raw there will be 4 different triple threat tag team matches to determine who will qualify for a mini-tournament where the final two tag teams will square off at SummerSlam and make history to see will be crowned the first ever Women's Tag Team Champions. She invites the crowd to enjoy the show tonight especially the main event which will see WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming and Xavier Cross face Noah Carmichael and Kyle Jacobs!

Backstage, Orlando Kincaid wants to rip into Alexander Piero. According to Kincaid it was bad enough getting knocked out of the King of the Ring by an arrogant, snot-nosed rookie like Piero but then to be put on the shelf for these past few weeks and have to continue to watch him, it was too much to bear. Piero got his receipt and Kincaid hopes he takes it to heart.

Elsewhere backstage, Hannah McCormick catches up to Nathan Quinn. She's excited about the opportunity to be able to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and she's sure that Leah is just as excited. Nathan confirms that Leah is in fact looking forward to competing. Hannah asks that Nathan and Leah let her know when they want to start strategizing. Nathan rebukes her by pointing out how Hannah evidently didn't need Leah judging by what she said on Raw. Leah is going to have her own partner as Nathan has been doing some scouting and they'll be ready to go come Raw. Hannah is furious at this but then counters by doubling down on how she was right about not needing Nathan or Leah. She has Bobbi Jo! Bobbi has been at her side all this time and it's been for a moment like this! We'll all see who deserves those belts at SummerSlam!

First Match: WWE Intercontinental Champion Brandon Reigns vs. DJ Stokes
See DJ. See the Intercontinental Champion. See the unemployment line, DJ. See DJ job. Job DJ, job. Seth Von Kamp runs down afterwards still pissed at Reigns and runs the champion off. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Second Match: The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the WWE Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody and Zed Jones vs. Caleb Greene and Stanley Coleman
Hotbody lets us know that once again he's being forced to go down any and all legal avenues to overturn the decision Lisa Benton made last night to give Martyn LaSalle yet another shot at his Cruiserweight Title. Lisa claims that she believed Luscious' act and that's why she did it but hasn't she ever heard of the Just Kidding Precedent?!? It's a total outrage but Hotbody assures us that he's got his top guys working on it! Anyways, the match is good shit all around. Things get chaotic towards the end and this causes Luscious to wave to the back evidently signaling for someone to come down. Indeed, Galino & Farnes run down to take advantage of the chaos and level Stanley Coleman with the Cross Examination. That allows Hotbody to sneak in and get the pin for the victory. Luscious afterwards demands that we all welcome the new legal counsel under her watch. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Backstage WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey approaches Eclypse and asks if she heard the news about the competition for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Indeed Eclypse has but she didn't think much of it. Naomi says that it's an opportunity that only comes once in a lifetime. Not only would Naomi be the first to hold that championship, she'd be the first to hold it AND the WWE Women's Title simultaneously! She'd be the female Bruno Sammartino. Eclypse asks if Naomi is insinuating that she wants the two of them to team up. Naomi says she's approaching Eclypse as her fellow cousin and that it'd be a huge deal. Eclypse finds it funny that Naomi has been in the WWE for two years and is only now acknowledging their relationship and extending a hand. Naomi understands that and she feels bad but what a way to make it up, right? Eclypse ponders this for a bit but ultimately agrees on the condition that Naomi had better not cause her to regret it.

Back to the ring for Super Special Angle Time as Haven joins us to bring everyone up to speed on the misery he's been enduring ever since King of the Ring. He doesn't know who this mystery source of aggravation is but he is running low on patience and goodwill, if he even had any to begin with. He tells this mystery person that he's going to make it really easy. Here he stands in front of the world, a target. Let's see how well the hunter does when the prey is willing to spring the trap.

Almost on cue, the lights flicker on and off until ultimately the arena is shrouded in darkness with only the big screen lit up. The word "NOW" comes up on the display and the lights return and WRAKK IS STANDING IN FRONT HAVEN!!! WTF??? HE'S BEEN GONE SINCE LAST YEAR! Haven is shocked to say the least but that doesn't last long as Wrakk immediately puts the hurt on and manhandles the person who was supposed to be his opponent at last year's SummerSlam. Haven gets absolutely destroyed and finally gets the exclamation point put on him as Wrakk delivers the Demon Cross to lay him out. Wrakk has made one hell of an impact on his return.

Third Match: Faith Connors, Jenna Kyle, Lzzy Ryd, and Tania vs. Hannah McCormick, Bobbi Jo, Emma Edwards, and Billie Padgett
Hannah lets Bobbi know that now is the time to step up and show everyone what she's learned being at the side of a superstar the caliber of Hannah. What can I say about this match other than it's 8 talented women giving it their all. It's BONZO GONZO at the end and Bobbi Jo escapes Lzzy's attempt at the Jam Session and catches the custom Hannah McCormick microphone as it's tossed to her and uses it to KO Lzzy and steal the pin. ****1/2, 94% overall.

Backstage, Kerry Cemenko laments his loss to Butch Fleming at King of the Ring but wants to make it clear that he's not going to dwell on it. Cue Ziggy Styles who interjects himself into the scene. Ziggy doesn't want to see Cemenko in a bad mood. Now is the time to smile and enjoy the day! So what if Cemenko got embarrassed in front of the whole world? Is that any reason to not get Ziggy with it? Cemenko merely shoots Ziggy a glare and that causes an awkward moment as Ziggy merely smiles back like an idiot expecting Cemenko to join him in his jollies. Ziggy eventually gets the hint and backs off.

Elsewhere backstage Stephan Q. Sterling talks about his new team, the Pacific Connection coming along at the right time as they want to compete for the chance at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Mika and Tamara may be rookies but it'd be one hell of a way to make an impact to hold up that gold at SummerSlam.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming and Xavier Cross vs. Noah Carmichael and Kyle Jacobs
Did I seriously only do four matches for this show? :wtf: I guess I could say I gave the women's match a shit ton of time. This match, too, seeing as it's the main event and all. Fleming commends Carmichael on the balls it takes to demand their match be Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam. He's thinking about it but doesn't have an answer just yet. Cross is upset at getting disrespected by a punk like Jacobs. He'll be generous and take care of Jacobs right here, right now. Sadly, Cross is no psychic as he and Fleming have some communication issues and that allows Jacobs to hit a surprise Legacy Bomb on Cross for the pin. *****, 95% overall.

Overall show rating: 87%

Raw: August 6, 2040

Opening Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Competition Qualifier
The Southern Belles vs. The Internet Darlings vs. The Pacific Connection
Not wasting any time getting into the thick of things as far as the new championship is concerned. We'll have two of the four triple threat matches tonight with the remaining two on Superstars. A bit of a low crowd reaction but that can be blamed on the newbies in Mika and Tamara along with the low charisma of Sarah Moore and Lauren Franklyn. Work rate is top notch here as this is all about getting Bobbi Jo into gear as being able to hang with Hannah as an equal. Speaking of which, she once again makes good use of Hannah's custom mic to daze Lauren and hits the Rough Ride for the win. The Southern Belles qualify! ****1/2, 84% overall.

Backstage, The Play Pals are asked about their in-depth assessment of the Royal Effect. The problem with that question is there isn't much depth to the Royal Effect other than they're definitely asses. Top experts agree with that analysis! In fact if you were take a survey of this crowd tonight there is a 60% chance that 100% of them would analyze Moses McKay as one ass and King Kavovit as the other ass, just fancier. The way the Play Pals see it, is you can either handle these asses by spanking them or just taking out behind the barn and putting them out to pasture.

Back to the ring as the monstrous Wrakk makes his first appearance on Raw in over a year. Undoubtedly he's here to explain himself. "Let's rewind the clock one whole year!" he demands. "Butch Fleming may have made himself the center of attention with his return and all his gripes. TO HELL WITH THAT! I was actually the World Champion last year. And what was it that I was looking forward to? SummerSlam. Me on one side of the line with the Unified World Title to my name. And on the other side? A sorry excuse of a man. A sorry excuse of a King of the Ring. A sorry excuse of a leader. A SORRY EXCUSE OF A MONSTER! Haven may have breathed a sigh of relief on that fateful day when it was apparent that he didn't have to go through with that date with destiny. But destiny is never cancelled. It can only be postponed. Here we are now, one year later. Circumstances may have changed but the sentiment is still the same. I'm the scourge of the WWE. I'm the nightmare that keeps this company on edge and stricken with fear. I'm...."

The music of Haven starts up and interrupts Wrakk's tirade. Haven himself follows suit and trades glares with Wrakk as he stands on the stage. "What you are, Wrakk, is just another coward trying to use words as a front for your inferiority. Make no mistake, I certainly did not forget about what was meant to be last year. It's emblazoned in my mind because of the regret I carry of not having the opportunity to crush you and take the Unified World Title as my own! I looked forward to the moment you would dare tread these waters once more, Wrakk. Cheated as I have been in these weeks past I will not let this opportunity slip from my grasp. At SummerSlam, let us finish what we started so long ago so that you may learn the true meaning of nightmare!"

"Pretty words, Haven, but here's a bit of a wake up call, Mr. Nightmare: you think I spent one whole year away stewing in anger only to be dissuaded by threats and theater? Not a chance. You're all I've thought about. The one that got away! I'll walk into SummerSlam a happy man...and leave even happier."

Second Match: Galino & Farnes vs. The Dillingers
Before the match Luscious and Michael Hotbody discuss why they decided to retain Galino & Farnes as their legal counsel. Lisa Benton and all of her wickedness requires a much more delicate touch. Hotbody has it on good authority, thanks to his crack legal advice he's getting from Galino & Farnes, that the proposed title match against Martyn LaSalle is not valid! Galino talks about how there is precedent for situations like this, not just in wrestling but in other avenues as well. Hotbody made the right call in coming to the firm of Galino & Farnes because he knows they can get the results that he'll be happy with. Farnes decides to elaborate and brings up the fact that the match was made under false pretenses! Luscious was doing what legal experts refer to as "pulling a leg". There are several statutes that recognize it's overriding power in cases like this one. Luscious didn't actually mean anything so, ipso facto, the match is null and void, no take backs, and Lisa Benton had better shape up and keep her neck clean because she's treading on very thin and very dangerous legal ice! Anyhow, the match is fucking sweet thanks to the Dillingers efforts to make Galino & Farnes look like an actual threat. Joey Dillinger looks to put Freddie Galino away with the Dillinger Escape Plan but Hotbody decides to just shove him off the top for the DQ. It looks like a bad situation for the Dillingers but Martyn LaSalle makes his dashing return to try to get him some of Hotbody. It doesn't bode well for LaSalle as Galino & Farnes double-team him into oblivion. Hotbody celebrates with Luscious as they enjoy their newest investment. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Backstage, WWE Intercontinental Champion Brandon Reigns wants to make the claim that he doesn't have to prove anything to Seth Von Kamp if he doesn't want to. Look at the evidence! Brandon Reigns won that Money in the Bank contract at WrestleMania! Brandon Reigns retired TWO top level veterans in Jake Connelly and Conner Buchanan. Brandon Reigns won the Intercontinental Title and has defended it successfully and honorably! Seth has been with the company for nearly A DECADE! What does he have to show for it? What reason can he pull out of his ass in order to use as way to sneak into a match with Reigns? His failures IS NOT BRANDON REIGNS' PROBLEM!

Third Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Competition Qualifier
WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey and Eclypse vs. The Brooklyn Sisterhood vs. The Glitz Girls
Naomi Bailey talks about how good it feels to finally acknowledge the relationship between her and Eclypse. When it comes to an opportunity like this, you want family at your side! Naomi's year is just going to get better and better! She may be right as the duo of her and Eclypse is just a powerhouse of power. It all comes to an end when Bailey clocks Lzzy with her scepter behind everyone's back and Eclypse hits the Fade to Black for the pin and victory. ****1/2, 94% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with Vivian Merrick. She declares that no one should hold her tactics against her in regards to what she did to the Wyldhearts. So she played with their emotions? So what? The WWE Unified Tag Team Titles were at stake! When you're sitting pretty at the top you look for any angle, any tool to knock off everyone else making that climb! Rick Hilton and Julian Merrick together form the most dangerous and most deserving tandem in the WWE right now and they're not letting it go for anyone! Vivian isn't like the hopeless tween losers in the crowd who lose their tiny minds over two weenies like the Wyldhearts! Really, if Blaine Bellamey wasn't such a full-fledged doofus who was so into himself he'd have never fallen for it to begin with! She even declares that she'd laugh in face if he were here right now! In the meantime, let every tag team out there know that they're playing with fire if they want to step up to the Future Foundation.

This brings out Blaine Bellamey of the Wyldhearts to offer his point of view. Blaine is actually glad in a lot of ways that Vivian didn't come on board. She's one of those high-maintenance pains in the ass that would've driven the Wyldhearts to dump her anyway. If nothing else, everyone should recognize Vivian's deception as proof that the Wyldhearts are a threat to those tag team titles and have what it takes to unseat the Future Foundation. Blaine's willing to put his money where his mouth is if Vivian is on board. Sadly we don't get a response. Well not from Vivian but from Rick Hilton as he runs out behind Blaine to get himself a piece. Vivian goes over to Blaine's fallen body and gives an exaggerated laugh.

Fourth Match: Alexander Piero and Clubber Harris vs. Orlando Kincaid and Chris Collins
These feuds MUST CONTINUE! Nothing major happening here as it comes down to Piero and Collins. Orlando takes advantage of Piero's relationship with Madison by hassling her on the outside and that distracts him enough to where Collins can capitalize with a Fall From Heaven for the pin and the victory. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Backstage, Fantasee wants to talk about how her team of the Jersey Experience is ready to go this Thursday on Superstars to get that chance to compete for the Women's Tag Team Titles. Roderick and Frankie have been learning to work as one in order to prepare and all the other teams are going to have their work cut out for them. Naturally Ziggy Styles needs to come into the picture as he wants to compliment Fantasee on her positivity and good mood. Becoming a champion is cause for celebration and happiness as it's the fulfillment of a wish. But Fantasee has another reason to be happy because she can realize a fantasy right now by getting Ziggy with it!!! Fantasee isn't impressed and merely walks away.

Back to the ring for more special talky time. This time the WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming joins us and he's actually delighted at the idea of facing Noah Carmichael inside a Hell in a Cell. He's not quite there yet in regards to saying yes, though. Realistically, any match will do as far as being able to finally rid himself of the embarrassment that is Noah Carmichael. He hopes that SummerSlam will finally shut the mouths of all of the detractors and that they will finally get it through their heads that this company, hell, this business, belongs to Butch Fleming!

Noah Carmichael comes out to further this discussion. Carmichael wonders what the hold up is. The Fleming of old would have already put his name on the dotted line so to speak and accepted the challenge by now. Hell, the Fleming of old would have brought up the idea first! Maybe Kerry Cemenko was right about Fleming. Fleming counters that Carmichael isn't his boss and that being the King of the Ring only means that Carmichael is entitled to getting an ass kicking at SummerSlam, nothing more! He doesn't just make demands of the world champion! Carmichael points out that Hell in a Cell will provide Fleming the opportunity to be as violent as he wants to be. Think about it: it's the perfect vessel for channeling all of that aggression and hatred he feels and just think of all the insidious ways he'd be able to punish the biggest thorn in his side! Those boasts would be justified and all Fleming has to do is say yes. That is, of course, if he's not scared.

Fleming, of course, takes offense at this slight towards his manhood and starts a brawl. It spills to the outside and Fleming takes a chair and puts it to good use as he takes Carmichael down. He then proceeds to sandwich Carmichael's fingers in between the chair and stomps on it, crushing them. Fleming angrily announces he's accepting the Hell in a Cell stipulation as Carmichael is attended to.

MAIN EVENT: Kerry Cemenko, Ryan Pattillo, and Kyle Jacobs vs. Quentin McDaniels, Salvatore Scabbia, and Xavier Cross.
I wish there was a way to tell your workers to not let it completely all hang out every single show. You know, save the quality stuff for the big events. Regardless, I'm not complaining that much as these guys deliver a hell of a way to close out the show. Pattillo puts McDaniels away with the Shutdown to give the faces the win. *****, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%

God damn Moses McKay running his mouth in an interview. Way to ruin SummerSlam for you and your partner, dipshit! :mad:

Superstars: August 9, 2040

Opening Match: Hugo vs. Jesse Capalbo
Man, did I forget about Hugo and his path of destruction or what? Might as well get that back on track here with a solid and decisive victory. Capalbo falls prey to Hugo's Moonsault Crush and gets pinned. ****1/2, 79% overall. Could the dud show be rearing it's ugly head again?!?

Backstage, Brooke prepares her troops, Carmella and Cordelia as they look to be in the picture for the Women's Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam. Carmella welcomes the help from Cordelia but insists that the bitch they call Frankie belongs to her.

Second Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Competition Qualifier
The Jersey Experience vs. C4 vs. The Glamour Brigade
Oh, yeah, the dud show is out in full force. Well we can only plow forward, I guess. Speaking of things that should be plowed, Jamie Roderick is the MVP here once again as she leads her team to victory by getting a tap out win by slapping the Roderick Legacy on Arianna. The Jersey Experience qualifies! ****1/2, 81% overall.

In-Ring Talky Time as the ring is decorated to the nines with festive stuff. Ziggy Styles makes his way out in order to explain the situation. There is a very good reason to be celebratory and happy right now. Tonight marks the ONE WEEK ANNIVERSARY of Ziggy making his arrival in the WWE. That means that the WWE is one week happier! One week more joyful! One week full of Ziggy Juice! He's aware that it's been rough trying to turn the frowns on the rest of the locker room upside down but we shouldn't let that get in the way of tonight as we all reflect on the greatest and most memorable moments in the Week of Ziggy! Let's go to the screen! Ziggy proceeds to narrate a slideshow depicting his encounters with other roster members. "Obviously we have to start at the beginning. Here's last week when I made my debut and interrupted the sob story of Tania's. What a night that was! You all remember where you were and what you were doing on that night thanks to that moment. Oh, and here's my first appearance on SmackDown! getting face to face with professional choke artist Kerry Cemenko! He had to have left that arena with a smile on his face knowing he was lucky enough to meet me! And here we have Monday Night Raw getting Ziggy with it when I ran into Fantasee! Good times for sure but we can't rest on that. There is more of Ziggy that needs to spread all over everyone and I invite all of you to take it across your faces!"

Ozzy Mandias decides he's seen enough of this apparently as he makes his way out to interrupt things. Ozzy isn't one to throw stones in a glass house but come on. Ziggy needs a little more under his belt before breaking out the poppers and champagne and what have you. Ziggy cuts him off because he's glad that Ozzy is here to share in everyone's happiness tonight! Ozzy is down with making people feel good but he think he has a much better way of accomplishing that by pulling the plug on this nonsense. Ziggy claims to not understand Ozzy's aggression. There's no need for violence! Ziggy suggests that the two of them got off on the wrong foot and offers to break bread by sharing a glass of champagne right now. Ozzy seems hesitant but Ziggy hands him a glass and grabs the bottle to pop the cork...and it explodes and flies right into Ozzy's face! Ziggy is shocked as Ozzy reels in pain on the floor...then thanks everyone for coming to celebrate with him before taking his leave.

Third Match: Shawn Dangerson and Nigel Gallagher vs. The Millennium Rebels
DANGERSON VS. DANGERSON!!! WORLDS ARE COLLIDING!!! OK, not so much as the dud show continues its wrath. Still, they get through this well enough as Shawn's push continues and he locks Sammy Brady in the Danger Zone for the tap out win. ****1/2, 83% overall.

Fourth Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Competition Qualifier
The Lonely Girls vs. Phoebe Hanson and Missy Brantley vs. The Perfections
Nathan Quinn announces Bonnie Beckham as his newest acquisition and Leah's partner tonight as the new team of The Perfections. Everything about their work defines perfection and Nathan is all about getting the best out of people who have been overlooked! Tough mountain to climb as Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle are evidently the female Mega Powers and have formed the Lonely Girls. Everyone does their damndest here to overcome the dud show and they succeed for the most part. It comes down to Leah and Jenna duking it out like the rivals they are. Leah sets up Jenna for the Sultry Splash but is way too cocky as she wastes time mouthing off. Faith springs in with a drop kick to Leah's back and Jenna small packages her for the pin. Jenna and Faith are the final team to qualify! ****1/2, 83% overall.

Backstage, Fantasee is proud of her girls and their win earlier tonight. Luscious strolls into the picture and gets in Fantasee's face about how she's the new hotness when it comes to managers. She's got quite a collection under her belt and it's only the beginning. Fantasee brings up her own stable of clients and is willing to stack them up against anyone Luscious wants to bring to the table. Luscious suggests Galino & Farnes face The British Infection tomorrow night on SmackDown!. Fantasee is down with that and hopes Luscious realizes what she's getting herself into.

Fifth Match: Jason Sorola vs. Marc Fury
How about some hot cruiserweight action after that hot exchange, huh? Now's as good as time as any, no? Sorola gets back on track here after an even back and forth and grabs the submission win with the STF. ****1/2, 83% overall.

We get a sit down interview with Kyle Jacobs who wants to address Xavier Cross. He doesn't feel completely OK with what he did to Cross last week when he returned but everyone in the WWE seems to feel like they have it the worst off and that everyone else needs to hear about it. Cross laid out the challenge so Jacobs answered the call. It's the first step towards back into the hunt for that Intercontinental Title.

Sixth Match: The Wolves of Wall Street vs. Caleb Greene and Stanley Coleman
Fuck, I need a name for Greene and Coleman if I'm going to keep slapping them together. Maybe they can ponder it over after this match. Well aside from Coleman falling prey to Hughes' shenanigans and getting pinned with Hughes using the ropes. ****1/2, 83% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Seth Von Kamp vs. Azazel
Seth dares Brandon Reigns to show his face while he takes care of business. The match proceeds and eventually the Intercontinental Champion makes his way out to observe with an unimpressed expression on his face. Seth sets up for the Collapse of Society but Reigns isn't having it and uses this opportunity to send a message by knocking out Seth for the DQ. He rubs the Intercontinental Title belt in the face of Seth as we go off the air. *****, 84% overall.

Overall show rating: 83% Eat shit, dud show.

DJ Stokes probably shouldn't go to the unemployment line if he's so amazing at selling a squash that it earns ****1/2! Time for him to do a reverse Goldberg.

The name just gets longer and longer and longer! I love it. Pretty soon his ring intro will need to take an entire segment onto itself. And now Galino and Farnes actually coming in as his legal team, that's gonna make for a nice little stable of assholes.

Only four matches is a surprise but I don't think it's a bad thing given your roster. I feel like I routinely am putting 6 matches on Dynamite even though there are normally only 5 in real life, there aren't a whole lot of squashes to be seen. Nothing wrong with less matches and more time per match. Weird to look back and think that there were regularly 9 or 10 matches on a 2 hour Raw in the Attitude Era, matches were rarely longer than 3 minutes and nobody seemed to notice.

The fact that you have enough women's teams to do a load of qualifier triple threat matches ahead of a mini-tournament is justification enough to roll with this division. It's not like you're just randomly pairing people off either, a lot of these teams were already working together on television even if without formal names.

Once your experience ratings go up there should be a tag team exclusive PPV, both men and women's divisions. I think there's a legit shot at a perfect score in that one with 5 stars across the board.

Oh man that Galino and Farnes promo :lol: Hotbody is absolutely the perfect character to play off on this and think he's hired the most brilliant legal team on the planet. There's so many new ways to screw over LaSalle and any other face in the cruiserweight division at this point.

Bah GAWD Hell in a Cell. I miss the days when that match was reserved for actual blood feuds and didn't have a PPV dedicated to it.

You'll probably stumble upon it eventually but there are more different types of incidents in EWR 4.2

Do you have a standard protocol for how long people get punished for certain things? Back when there were only (I think) 4 different incidents I used to have 4 levels of punishment with drugs being an automatic year out. I think I eventually changed it to be more like WWE where it's 2-3 months but progressively worse each incident. Never had anyone get the 3rd strike that would've required firing them.

Anything other than drugs and straight up murder is simply a one month suspension. Firing someone would require something major or if I feel like I don't need them anymore. I'm a generous boss...to certain people...

I’m sure even a drug bust can be forgiven for certain people *unzip*

SmackDown!: August 10, 2040

Opening Match: The British Infection vs. Galino & Farnes
This was set up on Superstars due to an altercation between Fantasee and Luscious. With names like those, what else could they become besides wrestling personalities? :shifty: I need to start treating Galino & Farnes as contenders. I can only imagine the level of prickness with them wearing the tag team titles along with Hotbody's Cruiserweight Title reign. Galino & Farnes talk about how the courts have rejected all of their efforts to deny LaSalle's title match against Michael Hotbody. They believe the best course of action will be to subpoena the bank records of Lisa Benton, Martyn LaSalle, and the judges they've dealt with in order to find the obvious DARK MONEY being passed around in order to shut down the obvious surefire case that Hotbody has. The dud show doesn't appear to be rearing its ugly head here as these guys work a tremendous match. Luscious decides to interject herself and that allows Nate Exley to fall prey to the Cross Examination from Galino & Farnes giving the heels the win here. Fantasee tries to get a piece of Luscious but she has the GAVEL OF DOOM and uses it to KO Fantasee. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Backstage, Eclypse is prepping herself up for tonight's match. Her partner, the WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey comes in to thank Eclypse for agreeing to all of this. They move one step closer to history tonight by knocking off Roderick and Frankie and she hopes Eclypse is focused and ready. Eclypse wouldn't be here if she wasn't and she once again reminds Naomi to not cause her to regret partnering up.

Elsewhere backstage Paul Andrews is being interviewed and is asked about his future plans as far as managing goes since Conner Buchanan had to hang things up. First he wants to talk about Seth Von Kamp's quest to get a match with Brandon Reigns. He hopes that Seth knows what he's getting into and to learn from the past. Andrews, however, does point out that anyone looking to be a client of his and learn from one of the best is welcome to step up if they think they have what it takes. Ziggy Styles bursts on to the scene full of joy and demands that Paul Andrews stop bringing the mood down with all of this gloom. Ziggy invites Andrews to leave his little corner of sadness and disappointment and get on board the locomotion to Happy Town and Good Time-opolis with Ziggy Styles. There, Andrews will totally get over losing a chump like Connor Buchanan and learn to get Ziggy with it! Andrews merely looks at Ziggy up and down and shakes his head as he leaves.

Second Match: Seth Von Kamp vs. Ronnie Costello
Seth gets on the mic to say that he hopes that Brandon Reigns doesn't think he's off the hook just yet. Seth goes on to say that he might just have to go over Reigns' head in order to get what he wants. Anyways, this match is for Seth's benefit as you might imagine as he continues his progress towards getting in the ring with Reigns. It's a pretty solid affair that ends with Seth nailing the Collapse of Society for the pin. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Third Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Competition - The Southern Belles vs. The Lonely Girls
Winner of this match is the first team to go to SummerSlam and compete for the title. Bobbi Jo steps up her game here and hangs pretty well with Faith and Jenna. Ultimately, it's Hannah that has the unfortunate role of the one to ruin everything as Faith rolls out of the way of a Spotlight attempt from Hannah and goes on to hit a surprise Mirror's Edge for the win! Faith and Jenna are going to SummerSlam! *****, 94% overall.

Backstage, King Kavovit is with Lisa Benton accusing the Play Pals of attacking Moses McKay and putting him on the shelf and that's why he's not here tonight. Kavovit is aware of the scheduled match they were all supposed to have but he demands that it be called off and that the Play Pals face suspension for what they did! Benton demands proof of Kavovit's claims but none is forthcoming as he plays stupid. Benton offers a measure of a bone by allowing Kavovit to find a replacement partner for the match. He agrees but insists on the Play Pals facing suspension if they lose.

Elsewhere, Martyn LaSalle talks about Michael Hotbody and the ridiculous levels he goes to in order to avoid a real fight. What exactly was he expecting out of becoming the Cruiserweight Champion? LaSalle assures us that the match is going to happen as scheduled as all of the legal nonsense in the world that Hotbody's "legal counsel" wants to toss around aren't getting anywhere. It's time Hotbody stops hiding and faces up to the challenge.

Fourth Match: Wrakk vs. Kerry Cemenko
This is Wrakk's first match back since his return after a year-long absence. It'll be interesting how he hangs especially with a talent like the former number one contender Kerry Cemenko. Things look pretty good for both parties and Quentin McDaniels decides to spoil everything by getting in Cemenko's face allowing Wrakk to come up from behind and hit the Demon Cross for the pin. Haven makes a surprise appearance almost out of nowhere when the lights go out and helps drive the heels off. *****, 94% overall.

Fifth Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Competition
WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey and Eclypse vs. The Jersey Connection
The winners here will face Jenna and Faith at SummerSlam. The Jersey Connection play underdogs as the heels take control with power. The comeback eventually arrives but in the chaos C4 decides to show their faces and ruin things for Frankie by laying her out and bailing. Naomi blind tags herself back in and hits the Bail Out for the pin sending her and Eclypse to SummerSlam. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Backstage, Sophie Waters talks about her clients, The Internet Darlings and how nobody should count them out just yet as far as becoming Women's Tag Team Champions goes. They may not be the first but they'll still aim to win them down the road all the same. She'll always do what she can for the benefit of her clients. Jason Sorola makes his way into the picture and asks if that includes someone like Shawn Dangerson. Everyone's talking about the turn his career has taken since partnering up with Sophie but he's bound to hit a roadblock no matter how well she manages him. Sophie wonders if Jason is that roadblock. Sorola responds by being flattered and that he'll be happy to give it a shot if Dangerson isn't afraid.

MAIN EVENT: The Play Pals vs. King Kavovit and ???
Kavovit talks about how angry and disgusted he is at the cowardly tactics of the Play Pals. Rather than being men about things, they'd rather resort to putting Moses McKay on the shelf and hope their problems just go away. Well, where one problem may disappear, an even worse one may rear its head. And with that, he welcomes his partner for tonight's match....

MAIN EVENT: The Play Pals vs. King Kavovit and Salvatore Scabbia
Kavovit lets Scabbia do most of the heavy lifting. He tags himself back in when it looks like Haywood is done for. Ryan Pattillo uses this opportunity to make himself known by walking down the ramp and mocking Scabbia. Scabbia goes up to confront him leaving Kavovit perplexed and alone and that's enough to allow the Play Pals to double team him into oblivion and hit the Achievement Unlocked for the pin. *****, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 91%

Raw: August 13, 2040

We open with Seth Von Kamp in the ring wanting to make his case again for getting a chance to kick Brandon Reigns' teeth in. "The way I see it, Brandon Reigns owes me. He owes me big. A chance to once again call myself the King of the Ring and the chance to finally wear that Unified World Title. Brandon Reigns loves to strut his stuff out here week in and week out and refer to himself as being the harbinger of a bright future. Well, if that's the case, Reigns, you wouldn't have needed to do what you did to me. You would certainly wouldn't need to run from my challenge. All you had to do was wait in the wings until WrestleMania, like you said, and watch as I won the Unified World Title at SummerSlam. The truth is you're so full of it and we all know it."

Cue the WWE Unified World Champion Butch Fleming himself as he enters the ring. "Uh, slight correction there, Seth. You're also full of it. You're full of it when you tell these people that you would have had a chance at walking out of SummerSlam the new Unified World Champion. Less you forget, I'm still holding this gold and I have no plans to change that anytime soon. Let me tell you all something, if you were a bit put off and squeamish and what I did to Noah Carmichael last week, it goes against what I'm supposed to do, but I'll warn you now that you don't want to watch the main event at SummerSlam. You see it's going to be that wounded animal you call a hero trapped in a cage with no escape and with the most ruthless son of a bitch to call himself a wrestler. Busted up fingers are just the beginning. They're the foreplay and the climax is going to be that groan of disappointment and disgust that you're all going to make after I stand over what's left of Noah Carmichael. And whether or not you get that match against Brandon Reigns, Seth, I hope you look at that aftermath and you thank your lucky stars that Reigns screwed you over and you didn't end up a chump with a broken body instead of just the chump you are now."

Seth doesn't take kindly to these words and decides to unload on the champion! He seems to have the upper hand but Brandon Reigns decides to run in to attack Seth from behind. He puts the boots to Seth and Fleming tries crawling away but HERE COMES CARMICHAEL to get a piece. It's a double brawl as we go to break!

Back from break we've got Madison with Alexander Piero talking about Orlando Kincaid. Piero warns Kincaid that their issues are between the two of them and to leave Madison out of it.

First Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Vic Gambler
Moving up from cruiserweights, eh, Shawn? Jason Sorola watches the proceedings from the stage. Dangerson needs to be believable against some bigger guys so I figure throw him this match. He gets the surprise submission win by locking in the Danger Zone. Sorola tries to run down for some nefarious purposes for sure but decides against it when Dangerson gives him a glare. ****1/2, 92% overall.

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody. He scoffs at everyone who still believes that Martyn LaSalle is going to be getting another match for the Cruiserweight Title. Galino & Farnes are all over this and they have so many angles to approach this that Lisa Benton and LaSalle might as well just give it up. Hotbody wants to make it clear that he'll still fulfill his obligation as far defending his title but it's not going to be against someone who doesn't deserve it. Is that too much to ask for? He's not asking for the damn moon or anything! LaSalle would be better off just taking himself to the back of the line, do some soul searching, get his head together, and work his way back up. He'll be worthy of a match some day! He just has to believe in himself!

Naturally this brings out Martyn LaSalle to the stage to counter. "I do believe in myself. I believe I can break those arms of yours and make you my bitch! Your levels of pathetic are what's unbelievable. This match is going to happen whether you like it or not. Your so-called 'legal counsel' have been making fools of themselves. THAT is what needs to be believed."

"Oh, Martyn you sad, simple man. You really think this is the end of it. You and Lisa Benton have gone so far off the rails it borders on tyranny. I'll give you all this warning: If you want to continue to force this issue, I'LL FILE AN INJUCTION AGAINST THE WWE! I'll hold all of the company up AND THERE WILL BE NO SUMMERSLAM!!! How do you like that?!?!" The segment ends with both men staring each other down.

Second Match: The Jersey Experience vs. C4
The Experience are looking for some retribution following what went down on SmackDown!. This division might end up being the best thing I've ever done. I'm so glad I thought of it. :shifty: Brooke works her magic by stumbling up Frankie and Cordelia takes advantage with the Crowning Achievement to score the pin. ****1/2, 89% overall.

Backstage there's chaos and bedlam as we're in the middle of a mugging by Wrakk. His victim? None other than Haven. Officials and personnel are in a mad scramble to get things under control but Wrakk manages to bust Haven open and declares that there's more to come at SummerSlam.

Third Match: Quentin McDaniels vs. Josh Turmell
McDaniels talks about Cemenko's failure to capture the Unified World Title at King of the Ring. McDaniels was hoping for that to be the case because he wanted Fleming as that would've been a real victory instead of a waste of time had it been Cemenko. Things have changed because now Cemenko has been stepping on McDaniels' shoes in recent weeks so he needs to be taught some manners. This is mainly to make McDaniels look good so he finishes things off pretty decisively with the Great Depression. Cemenko runs down to try to get him some and McDaniels runs away. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Backstage, Michael Hotbody is roaming the halls on his way to leaving the arena. He passes a few wrestlers who give him the stink eye, no doubt because of what he said earlier. He doesn't care as he struts away with a smile on his face until NOAH CARMICHAEL grabs a hold of him and slams him up against a wall by his collar, high school bully style. Carmichael is furious at Hotbody's threat to cancel SummerSlam. He tosses a few choice insults at Hotbody and lets him know that he's tired of all of the crap he pulls. "You dare threaten to take away my DREAM? MY OPPORTUNITY TO REGAIN MY TITLE? WHO IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!? It's about time you MAN UP and take your God damn medicine because the world title isn't going to be snatched away by some LITTLE PISS ANT LIKE YOU! This isn't a game. This isn't a joke. IT'S MY GOD DAMN LIFE YOU'RE SCREWING WITH! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!?" Hotbody isn't moved as he struggles to talk as he asks why Carmichael is so eager to get his ass handed to him by Fleming. Carmichael slams him against another wall in a fury but Hotbody adds that his World Title match isn't his problem. Carmichael prepares to do more but Lisa Benton comes in concerned and begs Carmichael to back off and let Hotbody be. She pleads with him that it's not worth the trouble and that she'll make damn sure SummerSlam isn't canceled. Carmichael lets Hotbody go after a bit but he grabs him by the face and squeezes hard and tells him that he can break him anytime he wants and then takes his leave.

Back to the ring where we're joined by Xavier Cross. Cross talks about how he doesn't appreciate being called out by people and that he's only here to respond to Kyle Jacobs' summons so that he can taught a lesson about being careful whose time he wastes. The music of Kyle Jacobs fires up and the man himself enters and joins Cross in the ring. Jacobs is a bit confused. First and foremost, Cross sure as hell isn't the man to teach anyone any lessons, especially Jacobs. Cross cuts Jacobs off and calls him a disrespectful joke that's living off of the scraps of the Jacobs name. Cross accuses him of thinking that he knows it all just because of who he studied under. Nothing could be further from the truth because Cross is the worst that Kyle will have to face so far. Kyle has been coasting on Easy Street since his arrival because no one else has the guts to sit him down under the learning tree and show him what's what. Well that's where Cross comes in and now that the two of them are face-to-face, he's actually kind of glad that Kyle invited him out here. Kyle responds by saying that before he was interrupted he wanted to note that he didn't call out Cross right now. Kyle was told that Cross wanted to call HIM out. Cross shares Kyle's bewilderment and demands that Kyle start making sense because he's running low on patience. SOMEONE had to have invited them both out here.

CUE ZIGGY STYLES! He makes his way out to the ring and welcomes everyone to his own show, Getting Ziggy With It, With Ziggy Styles! He apologizes for the deception and the surprise which is the reason for the lack of decorum but he wanted an explosive rivalry to be the focus of the first edition of his show! Ziggy wants to help the two smooth things over because if the two of them can turn their frowns upside-down, there's hope for the whole WWE! Now, let's start with some simple apologies. Ziggy asks Kyle to apologize to Cross for living off of the Jacobs name. Kyle declares that he doesn't have time for this stupidity and turns to leave. Cross, feeling further disrespected, uses this opportunity to trigger a brawl, leaving Ziggy exasperated.

Fourth Match: Clubber Harris, Alexander Piero, and the Wyldhearts vs. Chris Collins, Orlando Kincaid, and the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions The Future Foundation
Back to overcrowded main events of awesomeness! And once again I realize too late that I only did four matches. Well, the angles should make up for it, I hope. These guys don't too shabby of a job themselves as it's multi-man action at it's finest. Vivian Merrick gets intercepted by Madison when the former tries some shenanigans and that leaves Julian Merrick hanging and open to Alexander Piero's Flashpoint and that leads to the pinfall win for the faces. The two teams work to separate the ladies as we go to break. ****1/2, 92% overall.

FINAL SEGMENT: We're joined by Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle, The Lonely Girls. They're here to talk about the huge moment facing them at SummerSlam. Jenna takes the mic and begins.

"So here we are. Less than two weeks from now, the culmination of one hell of a journey will take place. It's been the wildest and most surprising year of my life. If you had told me one year ago that this is where I'd be standing, side-by-side with Faith Connors, drama thrown out the door after an Iron Woman match, poised to make history by being the first holders of a new championship, there's no way I'd have believed you. I have to believe that the path that Faith and I ended up on not too long ago was for a reason. That reason is 13 days from now. Faith and I were made for this moment. We've come too far for it to turn out any other way. We will win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and set the standard for years to come and we dare Eclypse and Naomi to tell us any different!"

Faith takes her turn at the promo as she takes the mic. "I've been accused of working too hard to appease you fans. That my whole career has been one big pandering session. I feel no shame in that. As corny as it may sound, what I do in this ring, I don't it just for me, I do it for all of you. I work towards moments like this for all of you. The reason being is that history can be made by anyone if they have the drive and the inspiration. I've sat in seats watching others in this ring before. I've been just like this little girl right over here. I've watched history unfold in rings like this and been inspired to make my own. Generations will take what happens at SummerSlam to heart and when this ride comes to an end, I'll take great solace in knowing that what Jenna accomplish will leave a mark and an example for others to follow. Eclypse and Naomi, if you're counting on us being intimidated or scared or outmatched come SummerSlam, you're even crazier than I am. Like Jenna said, we've come too far."

Cue the WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey and Eclypse to come out to add their thoughts to the matter. Naomi is eager to jump at the opportunity. "Cute but misguided. We don't need the two of you to be intimidated or scared. We just need you to be the pathetic little girls you've always been. We need you to be absolutely destroyed and broken. We need you out of the way. I stand here the Queen of Queens. I got that by beating the both of y'all. I stand here the Women's Champion! I got that by punking out the bitch the two of you couldn't. And now you want to try to front with these people. You can pull the wool over their eyes all you want. They'll see the reality once we're whooping those scrawny asses of yours all over SummerSlam! THIS is destiny right here and it's going to leave you behind. Of course, we can always give you a little taste right now!"

Eclypse and Naomi start to make their way down the ramp and Jenna and Faith prep for a fight but Lisa Benton interrupts!

"Apologies but with everything that's gone down tonight, from Fleming and Carmichael to Reigns and Von Kamp to Haven and Wrakk I'm kind of low on tolerance for more out of control hijinx from anybody. If anything this is further justification for the small little addition that I'm going to add to your Women's Tag Team Title match and that's a special guest referee. See, for something as big as this and for something that's sure to be wild and crazy, there needs to be someone who can handle officiating the four of you in an efficient and controlled manner. Someone who loves making history and would call this match right down the middle because of how serious she takes matters like this. And quite frankly, I kind of need to get her a birthday present anyway and she'd be mad if I didn't offer her something like this. So with that said, I present to you, your special guest referee for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam!"

With that, Lisa steps to the side of the stage and gestures to the entrance. Who is she talking about? The audio gives it away as the arena is hit with the sound of an electric guitar being plugged into an amp followed by a familiar opening guitar riff! Lisa smiles because she knows who it is, obviously. Naomi and Eclypse are not happy because they know who it is. Jenna is shocked and uneasy because she knows who it is. The crowd is losing their shit because they know who it is! Is it really her?!?

YES IT IS! IT'S RIOTT! HOLY FUCK!!! The Brooklyn Badass is back!!! What a turn of events!!! We go off the air with Riott playing to the crowd and giving the competitors a little smirk.

Overall show rating: 86%

Superstars: August 16, 2040

Opening Match: The Wasteland vs. The Agents of Change
So I want to open the show with some awesome tag team action; sue me. The dud show once again leaves me alone as these guys are allowed to shine to the best of their abilities. Corey Mattis is left alone with the Wasteland after a flurry of chaos and succumbs to the Toxic Kiss and the Wasteland get the win. *****, 97% overall. Holy hell, I need to push one of these teams.

Backstage, Naomi Bailey is with Eclypse and she is furious at the idea of having Riott be the special guest referee at SummerSlam. Riott can't be trusted and it's just more nonsense from Lisa Benton because she's jealous and just wants to be spiteful! Eclypse tries calming her down and makes the claim that Riott will absolutely call the match fair and down the middle. Naomi asks how she can be so sure. Eclypse counters by saying she knows Riott. It's not in her to be biased when it comes to something like this. Naomi thinks Eclypse is being naive. Eclypse takes exception to this and reminds Naomi that she's been around longer. Eclypse has faced Riott, hell, it was her first WrestleMania experience so she knows what she's talking about. The real problem to worry about it how to handle Jenna and Faith. Naomi chuckles and reassures Eclypse that she's got an idea to take care of that.

We get a video on the history of Wrakk and Haven and the path they've taken on their way to their match at SummerSlam which has been one year in the making. It's two monsters looking to stake their claim.

Second Match: Orlando Kincaid vs. Patrick Dean Quartermaine
Kincaid gets on the mic and calls out Alexander Piero for being too big for his britches. Kincaid feels like the latest victim of this strange phenomenon of rookie blabber mouths thinking they've got the whole world in their hands. All that aside, Kincaid gets down to business here as I've got to make him look strong, I suppose. He manages to hit the OK Corral after a sequence of reversals and gets the pin. ****, 90% overall.

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody! Hotbody is confused at some of the things he's been seeing in regards to SummerSlam. On the official website and in advertisements, the proposed submission match between Hotbody and Martyn LaSalle for the Cruiserweight Title is STILL being promoted as happening. Hotbody made it clear on Raw that he has measures that he's willing to put into place in order to not participate in that sham of a match and Lisa Benton keeps on pushing her luck. Well, guess what? She's run out of luck and Hotbody has run out of mercy so he's giving her an ultimatum: either cancel the match or Hotbody will go forward with filing an injunction that will cancel SummerSlam! It doesn't even matter if the courts find the match valid or not anymore! Hotbody is willing to waste the time and screw things up for Benton and everyone else conspiring against him because he DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE THIS! He's the only person that matters around here so anyone that wants to cry about this, like Noah Carmichael did on Raw, can kiss his ass!

Cue Martyn LaSalle who, no surprise, isn't in any mood to deal with this. LaSalle figures he gives Lisa Benton a little break because she's had to deal with Hotbody's stupidity more than anyone else. LaSalle proposes a compromise and it can happen tonight and it would help eliminate all of Hotbody's problems and still allow SummerSlam to take place. LaSalle challenges Hotbody to a 3 on 3 match for the main event tonight. LaSalle will find some partners, Hotbody can get his goons and should Hotbody's team win, LaSalle will voluntarily give up the title match and Hotbody is free and clear. However, if LaSalle's team wins, the match goes on as planned and all of the legal nonsense gets dropped. Ball's in Hotbody's court.

Hotbody says that he'll have to consult his legal team but he is interested. Just the chance to finally be rid of the aggravation that LaSalle has been providing is tempting enough. Hotbody will have an answer later in the night.

Backstage, Lisa Benton is in her office having been watching the proceedings. She tells herself that that might be one big load off her plate. She's joined by none other than the guest referee for the Women's Tag Team Title match Riott!!! Benton welcomes her and they share a hug. Benton thanks Riott for agreeing to the job. Riott says it's no problem. She only regrets that there weren't any such tag team titles back when the two of them were active competitors. Benton and her would have been quite the force, no? Benton concurs but questions why Riott is here. Riott claims that it's certainly not to promote her band's newest album that just dropped...which by the way is called On the Horizon and is available on all streaming services and major retail stores RIGHT NOW! Riott wanted to invite Benton out on a night on the town after this shindig is over and done tonight. A few drinks? Raise some hell? Benton smiles in embarrassment, shaking her head. "Look, Julie. I love you. You know that right? You're my best friend but, I don't know if something like that is up my ally anymore. I've been going a rather different direction in my time away from the ring."

"Hey, Lisa, how often have we had the chance to meet up like this? And if you don't mind me saying, judging from what I've seen you have to deal with since taking up this job, you kind of could use a little 'me time', if only for a night. I mean, me personally I probably would've sent that asshat Michael Hotbody flying through a wall by now."

"Aaaaand, that's why you don't have this job, Julie. But it's certainly why you have the job at SummerSlam...if there is a SummerSlam that is."

"Hey, things will work out. Trust me. Tell you what, I'm going to have the limo prepped, you want to join me for tonight, you come find me. Just follow the noise, alright?"

"*sigh* Alright. I'll see you." And with that, Riott takes her leave and Benton goes back to watching the showl.

Third Match: The Play Pals vs. The Young Bloods
The Play Pals deny having anything to do with whatever happened to Moses McKay. It's funny, Kavovit still hasn't provided any proof of any ailment that McKay is supposedly suffering from. Regardless, when the Royal Effect do finally decide to grow a spine and get together again, the Play Pals will be waiting. Judging from their showing here, it'll be a hell of a contest. Matt Riley gets finished off with the Achievement Unlocked and gets pinned to give the win to the Play Pals. *****, 94% overall. Afterwards, we're informed that Martyn LaSalle's proposed main event has been accepted by Michael Hotbody.

Backstage we've got some more possible catfight action on our hands as Madison and Vivian Merrick run into each other and they continue their heat from Raw. Madison warns Vivian that she's more than capable of still climbing into the ring and getting a piece of her if the need arises. Vivian proposes a more diplomatic approach and offers up Azazel as an opponent for Alexander Piero tomorrow on SmackDown!. Madison agrees but if Vivian tries anymore of her crap, all bets are off.

Fourth Match: Frankie vs. Carmella Costello
This is Bra and Panties, because, fuck it, why not? I haven't had one in God knows how long and lord knows some humiliation for either side would add some more heat. Silly stipulation aside both women play it pretty straight here. Frankie gets the duke here after Carmella is knocked loopy from a Frankie-Stein. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Backstage, Sophie Waters and Shawn Dangerson talk Jason Sorola. Dangerson is on the cusp of breaking through in regards to the cruiserweight division and if Sorola wants to appoint himself gatekeeper and act as the measuring stick, Dangerson is more than happy to oblige. This has been a year where almost anyone has managed to make a mark and Dangerson shouldn't have to be left out of that. This obviously calls for Ziggy Styles to make his required appearance. The best way to leave a mark, according to Ziggy, is to leave a smile on the face of the people you meet! Being happy and content and spreading that joy is good for the soul! He eyes up Sophie Waters and claims that it's good for the body, too. Shawn immediately puts a halt to any more lechery and tells Ziggy that he's got something in mind that would make him extremely happy: if Ziggy gets the hell out of here.

MAIN EVENT: Martyn LaSalle and The Dillingers vs. The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody and Galino & Farnes

The Dillingers are eager for another crack at Galino & Farnes and are happy to partner up with LaSalle. Hotbody throws a wrench into the mix by claiming that LaSalle never said that Hotbody himself had to participate in this match, only "his goons". Besides, Hotbody isn't feeling so well. He's kind of tired from all of the legal rigamarole he's had to endure so he's going to let Zed Jones take his place. So here we go...

MAIN EVENT: Martyn LaSalle and The Dillingers vs. Zed Jones and Galino & Farnes
The faces all play underdog as the heels have a tremendous size advantage. Plus, Luscious and Hotbody still interject themselves whenever they can. The end boils down to chaos as LaSalle and Farnes end up the legal men. Luscious tries her hand at helping out with the GAVEL OF DOOM but RIOTT COMES DOWN THE AISLE SIGNATURE PIPE IN HAND!!! She gives Luscious the stink eye and Luscious freezes in fear as she watches her life flash before her eyes. Hotbody gets all up in Riott's grill about how she has no business being out here and that's just obviously asking for a pipe shot to the groin so Riott fulfills her duty by doing so. Farnes falls prey to the Martynizer and submits giving the faces the win. Riott may have just saved SummerSlam! ****1/2, 91% overall.

Overall show rating: 87%

That whole Hotbody subplot running through the episode was brilliant. :lol: at him pussying out and having Zed replace him at the end.

I hope this somehow leads to a LaSalle/Dillingers/Riott/TBD vs. Hotbody/Zed/Luscious/G&F War Games match.

Oh, yeah, that's right; I can do War Games in 4.2. :o Not sure if I'd use it for anything current going on but I've never been high on War Games to begin with. I don't have plans to bring Riott back into active competition since she was retired way back when. If I WERE to do, it'd be for a match against Jenna since she was the one who sent her off to retirement but I tend to avoid bringing back people who lose retirement matches. Riott is pushing twenty years with me counting the time in developmental so she'll always be a sentimental favorite.

20 years??? Jeez, crazy to imagine having a game going that long.

Now I want to see Jenna vs. Hotbody for some reason. Wonder if it's still programmed into the game's coding "I'm not losing to a woman!!"

SmackDown!: August 17, 2040

We open with Lisa Benton who is happy to report that SummerSlam will go on as scheduled as a result of what went down last night on Superstars. Now, she's sure that Michael Hotbody is going to want to try some more of his legal nonsense to get that thrown out too because of the involvement of Riott. Well, seeing as Riott is in a sense on the payroll in a officiating capacity, Riott reserves the right to exercise those powers in an enforcer role as well when she deems it necessary so the decision stands. Lisa recaps the card for us: Kyle Jacobs vs. Xavier Cross, Michael Hotbody vs. Martyn LaSalle in a submission match for the Cruiserweight Title, Quentin McDaniels vs. Kerry Cemenko in a match just signed earlier today, Wrakk vs. Haven, the WWE Women's Tag Team Title match, and the Hell in a Cell Match for the Unified World Title between Noah Carmichael and Butch Fleming. Pretty damn good, but there's always room for improvement.

With that said Seth Von Kamp decides to make himself known and enters the ring joining Lisa. He agrees with Lisa's last sentiment and thinks that the best way to fill that room is with an Intercontinental Title match involving Seth challenging Brandon Reigns. Seth feels like he doesn't ask for much but this is something that absolutely has to happen for the sake of his sanity. Reigns has a lot to answer for and it begins with him manning up and taking his licks. He apologizes for putting Lisa on the spot like this but she can see it in his eyes how much this means to him. Lisa does indeed see it and commends Seth on his initiative. She agrees that a match between Seth and Reigns would be a great addition and...

...HOLD THE PHONE! Here is Brandon Reigns himself looking all kinds of disgusted at what's going on. "Oh, no, no, no. no, no, no, no, no, no...we're not doing this. I'm not doing any freebies, you got that? If you're going to pull rank and just grant Seth a match against me for my Intercontinental Title, he's going to have to put something up, too. Seth, you need to do what Jake Connelly and Conner Buchanan did before you. You want my title? You put your career on the line because let's be honest, after 9 years in the company with no singles title to your name, if you're not going to win one at SummerSlam, it's never going to happen. Those are my terms, Seth. Take it or leave it!"

"The only thing I'm going to take is the Intercontinental Title. You think you're putting me in a rough spot? I either win that championship or I go out giving the biggest ass kicking anyone's ever seen taking you with me. YOU'RE ON!" And thus we have one more title match for SummerSlam!

Backstage, Riott has been watching the show in her room when Jenna Kyle decides to join her. Jenna wants to ask Riott what her intentions are as far as being the referee for the Women's Tag Team Title match at SummerSlam. Riott is confused. "Intentions? Well, I plan on showing up, partake in a few shots with some of my old pals, maybe prowl for guys among the crowd lining up outside the arena, and then count somebody's shoulders down and hand the winners the new tag team titles. What are your intentions for SummerSlam?"

"You know that's not I'm taking about."

"Oh, right, I think I know what you're getting at. You think that maybe I'm holding some sort of grudge. Specifically, a grudge against you...because you're the one that beat me and forced me into retirement...and that grudge is going to come into play at SummerSlam and I'm not going to be fair and somehow cost you and Faith a chance at making history as some sort of payback. Is that it? Is that what you're getting at?"

"Something like that, yeah. You've been goine all this time and just now, when something major like this pops up, an opportunity of a lifetime, you just happen to stroll back into the picture? You expect me to trust you?"

"Jenna, I'm going to say this with the utmost respect because you need to hear it. Do not flatter yourself. Of all the things that live rent-free inside my head, you're not even a blip on the radar. What happens at SummerSlam is all on you, win or lose. I don't do pettiness and I wouldn't taking part in something like this just to taint it."

"Hmph...I just needed to look you in the eye. I'm going to hold you to that, you know?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way." And with that, Jenna takes her leave.

First Match: Alexander Piero vs. Azazel
This was set up on Superstars last night. Piero is making some awesome strides as a future top guy. Maybe not THE guy but who knows? Regardless, Orlando Kincaid evidently didn't get Piero's memo about leaving Madison alone and he comes out to chase her. Piero, of course, will have none of this and runs after Kincaid. Unfortunately this gives Azazel the countout win. Kincaid suckers Piero to the back and jumps him when he passes him in the Gorilla position. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Second Match: The Internet Darlings vs. The Pacific Connection
Oof, probably shouldn't have put this after the opener. I was kind of hoping The Pacific Connection were already at the point where they wouldn't feel the effects of following a hot match. Of course everyone's charisma sucks elephant dongs here so fuck me. Mika is left alone with The Internet Darlings and gets nailed with the Clickbait and the Internet Darlings get the pin. ****, 75% overall.

Backstage we have to deal with Luscious and Michael Hotbody. Disappointed as he is with what went down last night on Superstars, Galino & Farnes are hard at work as we speak combing through any last minute avenues that Hotbody can use. In the meantime, though, he and Luscious denounce the actions of Riott. How is she going to maintain control as the referee at SummerSlam when apparently no one has any control over her? It's no surprise that she's Lisa Benton's friend. As far as Martyn LaSalle goes, he needs to watch himself because Michael Hotbody is a supreme submission machine! You can add that to his list of accomplishments and he'll even prove it on Raw with a special exhibition series that's going to showcase what LaSalle is going to have to contend with!

Third Match: Jason Sorola vs. Patrick Dean Quartermaine
Sorola grabs the mic and proudly proclaims that he'll take that mantle of gatekeeper that Shawn Dangerson threw out. The cruiserweight division needs to know who the man is around here. He's got more big match experience than all of the other 'also rans' that want to try walking the walk. Shawn Dangerson will figure it out soon enough. So naturally this match is all about Sorola looking good. I'd like to figure out something for Quartermaine because he's one of the few cruiserweights that has charisma going for him along with talent. Regardless, Sorola gets the duke here with a roll up with tights. ****1/4, 94% overall.

At the announce table Josh Matthews brings up the main event at SummerSlam for the Unified World Title between Carmichael and Fleming and tells us about a sit-down interview he conducted with the challenger. Thus we go it:

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Matthews: Hello, I'm here with the man who will face Butch Fleming for the WWE Unified World Title at SummerSlam inside Hell in a Cell, the 2040 King of the Ring, Noah Carmichael. Noah, thank you so much for sitting down with me. The WWE fans are eager to hear from you.

Carmichael: I'm looking forward to this.

Matthews: So, first things first, congratulations on winning King of the Ring. This, of course, gave you the right to challenge for the Unified World Title at SummerSlam. However, a lot of people are curious, why Hell in a Cell? This was your idea.

Carmichael: Damn right it was my idea. Because let's face it, it sure as hell wasn't going to come out of Fleming's mouth. Fleming has had this uncanny ability throughout his entire tenure here in the WWE to paint this picture of himself as a savage, brutal, tough-as-nails force of nature and get people to buy into it. If any of that were true, the second he realized that he was going to be defending against me at SummerSlam, the idea of making it a Hell in a Cell match should've been the first thing to come out of his mouth. Here is the guy, me, who he calls the biggest disappointment of his life and the biggest pain in his ass and I'm nipping at his heels one more time with a shot at his title. He should have looked at that opportunity and said to himself, 'Damn, it'd be so sweet to finally end this son of a bitch once and for all.' He didn't do that, though. One, he doesn't have it in him to end me once and for all and two, he knows that I'm the vicious one.

Matthews: Well, that being said, he did accept the challenge.

Carmichael: AFTER he thought he had an advantage. (Noah raises his busted up fingers) Josh, I've always been a dangerous man. I've just never had a particularly good reason to go all out. Until now, that is.

Matthews: You haven't been in a Hell in a Cell match; Butch Fleming has. What makes you think that this is advantageous towards you in anyway?

Carmichael: I've always been told that the most dangerous man in the world is the man who has nothing left to lose. I don't have the Unified Title anymore. What relationship I even had with Quentin McDaniels is long gone. And I sure as hell am not interested in what Butch Fleming has to think or say about me so I'm not considering his feelings in regards to what I plan on doing. You could say I have the rest of my career. What kind of a career would that be? I'm letting you and anyone else watching this know, right now, this is it for me and Fleming. Regardless of the outcome, this match is going to be the end. No rematch, no looking back, no regrets. I may shave years off of my life and my career but if I leave that cell empty-handed? I don't even want to think about it. I can't think about it. I have to leave SummerSlam as the Unified World Champion or this year will have been a waste. I don't care how much more experienced Butch Fleming is than me. He's not more pissed off than me. That's a fact and I'm willing to prove it at SummerSlam.

Matthews: Well, I think we saw a glimpse of that on Raw when you threatened Michael Hotbody. Are you at all worried that this obsession is getting too out of hand?

Carmichael: I'll say this: you saw Michael Hotbody. I saw Butch Fleming. I saw an obstacle that's in the way of that title. Out of hand? I can't really answer that right now.
--------------------------------------------

Back to the announce table as Josh talks some more about the interview and how we can view it and even more on the website. He also brings up that he also sat down with Butch Fleming and that we'll see that interview on Raw.

Fourth Match: Wrakk vs. Daniel St. Croix
WRAKK SMASH!!! It'd be something else if Wrakk does something else that forces him off active competition for another stretch of time. I know I'd be pissed. Anyways, Wrakk finishes things off pretty decisively here with the Demon Cross. *****, 94% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time to Promote SummerSlam, this time with the Lonely Girls, Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle. Jenna talks about the reservations she had with Riott being appointed the guest referee for their match at SummerSlam. However, she wants to make it clear that those were the only reservations she had regarding the match. She's confident in the abilities between herself and Faith and that it's more than enough to overcome an alliance of convenience like the one that Eclypse and Naomi Bailey have. Faith adds that the toughest steel is forged with the harshest of fires. Jenna and herself have gone through such a fire and have come out the force that you all see in front of you. Now the word is that Naomi has found some way to take care of this force. Well it had better be a doozy because the Lonely Girls aren't going anywhere.

Naturally this brings out Eclypse and the Women's Champion Naomi Bailet themselves to offer their thoughts on the matter. Naomi finds it funny that her partnership with Eclypse is being called an alliance of convenience by someone who is partnering up with the only woman on the roster willing to put up with her. Jenna and Faith are fooling themselves and the idiots in the crowd with this charade of unity. Naomi knows it's fragile and she's going to prove it even before SummerSlam! Naomi is willing to offer ONE of the Lonely Girls a match on Raw against herself and ever better...it'll be for the Women's Championship! The kicker, however, is she's going to leave it to Faith and Jenna to decide who gets the match. She'll see them on Monday. The segment ends with Faith and Jenna giving each other an uneasy look.

Fifth Match: Kerry Cemenko vs. Steve Hayes
This is SmackDown!: BUILDING MOMENTUM Edition, I suppose. Cemenko looks forward to SummerSlam and giving the fans the match they would have seen if King of the Ring had gone different for himself and Quentin McDaniels. Hayes tries hard here but the overwhelming power of the Curb Stomp from Cemenko seals the deal. McDaniels runs down and hits the Great Depression on Cemenko for fun. ****1/2, 93% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Clubber Harris and Kyle Jacobs vs. Xavier Cross and Chris Collins
It's interesting how I'm often plugging in Jacobs into the main events every so often. Hopefully he branches out and becomes a legit top guy with the way I book him and is an even bigger star than either of his predecessors. It sound simple since I'm in control of things but as you can see with Seth Von Kamp's case, I'm easily distracted and can often overlook people. Anyways, this is a fun little main event as everyone just works well off of each other. Cross and Harris end up as the legal men and Collins uses some non-standard issue wrestling equipment behind the ref's back on Harris and that allows Cross to hit the Cross Cutter for the pin. *****, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 88%

I'll try to recap Riott's illustrious career via her WrestleMania streak and that'll give you a bit of a microcosm as to the amount of time I've had this sucker running:

WrestleMania 39: Her first appearance, a little more than a year after her debut. Freshly turned face and against Monique, an earlier form of present-day Naomi and catalyst for turning Riott from heel to face.

WrestleMania 40: Versus Lisa Benton. Won the Women's Title for a third time here.

WrestleMania 41: Versus Nicole Durgan. Don't know if you remember her. Retained the title and sent Durgan off to retirement.

WrestleMania 42: Versus Billie Padgett. This was during the initial Brooklyn Sisterhood storyline. This would've been the fifth time she won the title.

WrestleMania 43: Versus Lisa Benton and Sophie Waters. I basically shoved the top three women in a title match. The sixth time Riott won the title.

WrestleMania 44: Versus Eclypse.

WrestleMania 45: Versus Kyoko, a Japanese import. She actually wasn't in the game that long as she was one of those that retired at 35.

WrestleMania 46: Versus Sophie Waters. The seventh time she won the title.

WrestleMania 47: Teamed with Caleb Greene against Romeo Valiente and Madison. Yeah, I did a little romance angle with her...as romantic as you can be with someone like her.

WrestleMania 48: Teamed with Lisa Benton and Sophie Waters against three other women, one of them Aphrodite in what was definitively Benton's last match.

WrestleMania 49: Versus AJ.

WrestleMania 50: Versus Sonya Braddock. Ended Braddock's streak and won the title for a record eighth time.

WrestleMania 51: Versus Jamie Roderick.

WrestleMania 52: Teamed with Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle against Arianna, Tania, and Billie Padgett.

WrestleMania 53: Versus Marty Preston to send her off to retirement. Preston was another favorite of mine. Extremely reliable as far as match quality went.

WrestleMania 54: Versus Hannah McCormick. Her final WrestleMania appearance and it kind of made sense to do a country vs. rock kind of thing. Jenna would retire her months after this and that's why I don't have her active anymore. I mean, after 16 WrestleManias, 8 Women's Titles, and almost 20 years, where do you go from there?

Nicole Durgan, wow I DO remember that name from when you sent me the files so many moons ago.

I dunno how old Von Kamp is but if he gets retired before he can win a title I will be a sad panda!

Seth's only 34. He's still got some time. I honestly don't know any real good reason other than being occupied with other shiny things as to why I never rewarded him with any major championship run. He was King of the Ring a few years back and won the tag titles once so that's something.

Woot! Another page, baby!

Raw: August 20, 2040

It's the final Raw before SummerSlam! I swear to God I will castrate a bitch who fucks things up!!!

Opening Match: The Wyldhearts vs. The Southern Gentlemen
Yeah, give us some of that hot opening tag team action. I think the Wyldhearts have earned their spot as a top team. What that'll do for the other top face teams, who knows. But I do know this match kicks ass. The Future Foundation try to spoil everyone's fun but Greer manages to send Lee into Rick Hilton to ruin that idea. Lee falls prey to the Heartstopper and we have a win for the Wyldhearts. Lisa Benton afterwards comes out to tell the Future Foundation that if they're so eager to get them some of the Wyldhearts then they can defend the Unified Tag Team Titles against them on Superstars. *****, 95% overall.

Backstage, The Lonely Girls are discussing what they're planning on doing tonight. One of them has a chance at the Women's Title; they just have to decide who will get the match. Faith tries to explain that this is nothing more than Naomi's lame attempt at causing friction between her and Jenna before SummerSlam. Naomi knows that, united, Jenna and Faith have got SummerSlam in the bag. Faith talks about how the Lonely Girls are so close to making history and that the two of them have come so far. Jenna agrees with all of that...but it's a chance to become the Women's Champion again. Jenna says that Faith would be lying to everyone if she were to claim that wasn't enticing. Jenna adds that it shouldn't change a thing if their commitment to SummerSlam is strong. Faith asks if that would be true if Faith got the title shot. Jenna deflects by saying one way or another it needs to be decided. Faith sighs and then asks how are they going to decide. Jenna fishes out a coin and holds it up and asks, "Call it in the air?" Faith reluctantly agrees and calls tails as Jenna flips the coin. It lands and the two women look at each other as we cut away. WHO WON THE TOSS?

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody! He has Luscious out here with him and he goes on to talk about the extensive and rigorous training he's undergone to shape himself into the Supreme Submission Machine that will destroy Martyn LaSalle at SummerSlam. He's even had Zed Jones teach him his Dragon Sleeper and Zed has even admitted that Hotbody applies it even better than he does! Which brings us to tonight as he's prepared a special demonstration. One that will hopefully educate everyone on the dangerous game LaSalle is playing if he chooses to go through with this submission match. Hotbody invites anyone who wants to give it a go at him to try to tap him out. Any and all participants choosing to take part in this will have to sign a legal release with Hotbody's crack and trusted legal counsel, Galino & Farnes, so who wants to give it a go first?

Hotbody proceeds to select some scrub from the crowd who looks to be about 100 lbs. soaking wet. Galino & Farnes asks him to sign the release form asking if him if he understands the physical nature of what this demonstration entails and that Michael Hotbody can not and shall not be held legally responsible for damages incurred for participating. The poor guy enters the ring and this exhibition begins with Hotbody repeatedly taking him down to the mat. He locks in a weak ass ankle lock and the guy quickly taps out. Luscious immediately rushes to man with a microphone in hand and asks him about what just transpired: "I...I don't know what I was thinking. That was just...I don't even think brutal covers it!" Luscious excuses the man and escorts him back to his seat. Hotbody asks for another willing combatant and selects a guy who looks in worse shape than the last. Galino & Farnes do their legal rigmarole and the man enters the ring. Hotbody again dominates the poor guy and this time locks in a Dragon Sleeper and once again gets a quick tap out. Luscious again heads over and asks the man about his experience: "That...that's not even a man! I don't know how Martyn LaSalle is even planning on surviving at SummerSlam!"

"Based on what you experienced right now against Hotbody, what would you personally recommend to Martyn LaSalle?"

"I would say he's better off just not going through with the match. Michael Hotbody is just too much!"

With that, Michael Hotbody gloats with giddiness. "You heard it right from the horse's mouth! I hope Martyn LaSalle was watching and listening! These were the pleas of honest men who clearly only want the best for Martyn LaSalle! I also want the best for Martyn LaSalle! No one will think any less of him if he was to come forward and do the logical thing and just drop from this match! Now if what he just witnessed isn't enough to persuade him to the side of reason, I've got time for one more exhibition and, boy, it's a doozy! Now, let's find somebody else, if they're willing to volunteer...."

Naturally during this Martyn LaSalle decides to make his way through the crowd and over the railing and into the ring behind Hotbody. A quick suplex takes down the champion and LaSalle locks in the Martynizer! HOTBODY TAPS LIKE A LITTLE BITCH! LaSalle quickly releases and bails when Hotbody's goons try to interfere. Message has been sent!

Second Match: Jason Sorola vs. Shawn Dangerson
Testing the waters here to see how these guys might fare in an extended program against each other. And judging from the way this turned out I have high hopes. Dangerson in particular as his push continues unabated. I can't give it all away just here so we end with Dangerson managing to beat the count back in and get the victory over Sorola. Sorola is less than impressed. *****, 96% overall.

Wrakk is in the back and he wants to give Haven a piece of his mind. "So it's in these shadows where you find your strength, huh, Haven? I dare ask, do you really believe it frightens me in any shape or form? Parlor tricks and darkness may work on the feeble-minded that ravage the WWE but that's the problem. Weakness has permeated every nook and cranny in this infrastructure but thankfully I've returned to rectify the matter. I've spent the last year counting down the days, eager to join you in that darkness. Because real fear, real power comes from finding that Bogeyman, pulling him into the light and breaking him. Haven, you have no cards left to play."

Third Match: The Glitz Girls vs. The Brooklyn Sisterhood
I need to bring the feud between Tania and Billie to a head. In the meantime I shall use this match as a means to extend it a smidge and, of course, rock my awesome women's tag division. *****, 95% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with the Intercontinental Champion, the Money in the Bank holder, Brandon Reigns. He reminds us all about the ticking clock, not for SummerSlam, but for WrestleMania. Reigns doesn't know who's going to survive Hell in a Cell, much less who will be the Unified World Champion but know that should they make it to WrestleMania, they would have been better off not even participating this Sunday. And that goes double for Seth Von Kamp who has decided to basically throw away everything for a longshot at being the guy who is going to put an end to one of the most impressive Intercontinental Title runs in recent history. Seth signed it all away by agreeing to face Reigns at SummerSlam and when it all comes to pass, when he reflects on his career when he's already gone and gray he'll question that decision and fret over being such an arrogant moron. Reigns knows that all of the people actually agree with him because he knows their hearts sank the minute Seth put his career on the line. They all saw what happened to Jake Connelly. They all saw what happened to Conner Buchanan. Now they get to relive that sad feeling they experienced one more time and all because Seth Von Kamp couldn't be a God damn grown up and just let things go! He's going to have no one else to blame but himself because he's had chance after chance! Money in the Bank! King of the Ring! Everything he touches turns from opportunity to sludge that gets flushed down the toilet and SummerSlam will be the apex of that fact!

Naturally Seth Von Kamp has heard enough of this tirade and decides to try to get his hands on Reigns. We get a brief brawl but Reigns uses his Money in the Bank briefcase on the old breadbasket and just whallops Seth when he's doubled over. Reigns stands tall with his championship as we go to break.

Fourth Match: Kerry Cemenko vs. Chris Collins
Kerry's like my dark horse. He'll often times just surprise me with a kick ass showing out of nowhere. Anyways, he needs this match to help BUILD MOMENTUM going into SummerSlam and thus he escapes the Fall From Heaven attempt from Collins and turns it into a surprise Curb Stomp to pick up the win. Quentin McDaniels decides to lay out Kerry afterwards for fun. *****, 94% overall.

Fifth Match: Xavier Cross vs. Caleb Greene
Cross also needs to BUILD MOMENTUM as he's got Kyle Jacobs in his sights for SummerSlam. Jacobs is on commentary proclaiming that any and all problems Cross wants to complain about have all come from Cross' inability to shut his mouth. Anyways, Cross sends a message here with a good decisive victory here after a hot back and forth affair by finishing Greene off with a Cross Cutter. Both he and Jacobs have a staredown. *****, 94% overall.

The announcers talk about the Hell in a Cell match for the Unified World Title at SummerSlam. We've heard from Noah Carmichael in Josh Matthew's interview with him on SmackDown! and now we'll here from the champion Butch Fleming in this sit-down interview Josh conducted....

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Josh Matthews: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us as I sit down with the man who will be defending his WWE Unified World Championship at SummerSlam against Noah Carmichael inside Hell in a Cell, Butch Fleming. Mr. Fleming, thank you for agreeing to this.

Butch Fleming: Let's get right to it, son.

Matthews: Well, Mr. Fleming, I've sat down with your opponent for SummerSlam in a similar fashion as this and he had quite a number of insights on you...

Fleming: Such as?

Matthews: ...well, for instance he claimed that because Hell in a Cell wasn't your idea for this match that, maybe perhaps...

Fleming: What? That I'm afraid of him? That I'm afraid of the cell? I didn't ask for Hell in a Cell because I don't need it. I've made that boy my bitch EVERY single time he's crossed my path. Why would the next time be any different? Hell in a Cell? It's icing on the cake. I'm delighted...no, I'm salivating at the thought of him being trapped in that cell with me. He wants finality? I'll give it to him. He can consider it the last generous thing I'll ever do for him.

Matthews: And what about after? This is a match that's changed the lives of so many men who have dared to try their hand at it, yourself included....

Fleming: It didn't change me. It solidified who I am. It gave proof to the words that I've spoken about myself since I stepped onto the scene here. As far as what happens after, I expect every God damn member of this roster to respect my ass and learn from Carmichael. There will be no sympathy, no quarter given to any starry-eyed little squirt who thinks this world is their oyster and doesn't want to show me the proper respect that I have EARNED!

Matthews: You speak incredibly ill of a man who was at your side from the very beginning and from all accounts thought the world of you. You don't have any reservations about the way you feel about Noah Carmichael?

Fleming: Should I? He made his bed. He should have known damn well what was in store for him when he decided to try to be bigger than me. You don't feel bad for the ungrateful dog that bites the hand that feeds it. You shame it. You punish it. You strip it of any sliver of self-worth it may feel until it gives you those sad, regretful puppy eyes. And when it looks up at you with those eyes, that's the moment when you put it down.

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MAIN EVENT: WWE Women's Championship
Naomi Bailey (c) vs. ???

Naomi brags about how little it took to get Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle snapping at each other all over again. They're the ones that going to make history at SummerSlam? It wouldn't surprise her if they couldn't order coffee together. The alliance between them is too fragile and too compromised by ego and desire. Meanwhile, Eclypse is 100% on the same page as Naomi. The match is merely a formality and even Riott will have to acknowledge the best when she raises Naomi and Eclypse's hands at SummerSlam. Now, as far as tonight goes, Naomi can start the ball right now. So who's the victim?

WWE Women's Championship
Naomi Bailey (c) vs. Jenna Kyle
Jenna comes out, the apparent winner of the coin toss earlier. She calls this the biggest mistake Naomi could have made. We get the match you'd expect out of these two and I'm sure I'll be diving more into the possibilities between them in the future. But for now we have to settle for Eclypse making her way out to observe. Jenna ends up out of the ring next to Eclypse and things get tense. Eclypse is told to move away by the ref and she turns and complies but Naomi shoves Jenna into Eclypse on accident. Eclypse gets the wrong idea and nails Jenna causing the DQ. Naomi is all "WTF?" and things get even more tense but here comes Faith to keep things on the up and up and we have ourselves a brawl to close things out. *****, 97% overall.


Overall Show Rating: 91%

Ziggy Styles rubbing people the wrong way backstage. IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN A MONTH, DUDE!!!

I am glad to see so many guys and gals BUILDING MOMENTUM ahead of SummerSlam. LaSalle is such a coward for attaching Hotbody after he had back to back grueling exhibitions.

Taking his gimmick a bit too seriously.

Oh, you just know I'm working that into his next promo. I mean is he the only one who gives a damn about the rules?!?!

Superstars: August 23, 2040

I'm in a tag mood tonight so the majority of the matches will be as such...

Opening Match: Ronnie Costello and the Academy vs. Nigel Gallagher and the British Infection
I haven't used the Academy in quite a while. I should probably use that for a storyline in the near future. These guys get the crowd cooking pretty well as it comes down to Costello and Adrian and Brooke just has to interject herself somehow. Costello locks in the C Squared for the submission. ****1/4, 88% overall.

Backstage, Luscious and Galino & Farnes have some grievances that need airing. First and foremost is all of the legal trouble that Martyn LaSalle and all of the WWE might be facing due to what happened on Raw. Michael Hotbody has a good mind to pour on so many charges they'll be cutting down trees well into the next decade to deal with all of the depositions! Assault. Battery. Fraud. Reckless endangerment. And more importantly all of the traumatic emotional distress suffered by Michael Hotbody brought on by LaSalle's incredibly cruel and malicious actions! Martyn LaSalle was not invited to the exhibition on Raw and didn't even bother signing a release form! Can you imagine the liability? And because of the illegality of LaSalle's participation that means that any actions that occurred during that time DON'T COUNT! Therefore, any record, visual or otherwise, detailing those events shall be STRICKEN FROM THE BOOKS! And any mentioning or displaying of said events will open the doors to extreme litigation. That being said, the duo also wishes to extend a word of warning to the Dillingers, telling them to be wary of the battles they want to fight.

Second Match: The Young Bloods vs. Isaac Wolff and El Silencio
Weak charisma, strong-as-fuck talent ratings. What team name would fit for Wolff and Silencio? A question for another time as Stephan Q. Sterling seems to want to outdo Brooke's earlier managerial aide and that allows Matt Riley to level Wolff with a Bull Hammer for the pin. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Backstage, Orlando Kincaid wants to brag about what he did to Alexander Piero last week. He doesn't get too far in his quest as Madison approaches him with a murderous look in her eye. Kincaid tells her to get lost and go cry about what happened because there's plenty more where that came from if Piero wants some. Madison is glad to hear it because she's proposing Kincaid face Piero one more time at SummerSlam. Kincaid is cool with that idea but he wants to make it no disqualifications. It's about time someone gave Piero the proper WWE welcome because it's long overdue.

Third Match: The Perfections vs. The Jersey Experience
Checking off a few boxes here by doing this match. I imagine it would make sense that the rest of the women's teams are jockeying for the right to be named the challengers to whoever wins the championship at SummerSlam. Nathan Quinn does his part in helping his clients achieve that goal by distracting Frankie and Bonnie Beckham capitalizes with the Bluebonnet to score the pin. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Fourth Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Clayton North
Pausing the tag matches for a bit but it's for a good cause. Namely the continued rise for Dangerson. Jason Sorola is on commentary talking about how no one should be proud of the victory Dangerson got on Raw. Sorola maintains that he's still the man of the cruiserweight division. As far as the match goes, they overcome their charisma deficiencies and deliver a solid outing. Dangerson gets the submission win with the Danger Zone as Sorola continues his scouting. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Time for a video to do some hyping for us! This one is focused on the long history between Noah Carmichael and Butch Fleming and the path each one has taken that's led them to SummerSlam.

Fifth Match: Missy Brantley vs. Bobbi Jo
The ladies can still rock the singles when they need to. And Bobbi Jo really needs to if she's going to be considered an equal to Hannah McCormick and continue with their team. Might as well book her to go over here via some creative use of Hannah's custom microphone. And by that I mean she uses it for purposes for which the object in question was not intended. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Sixth Match: King Kavovit vs. Kyle Jacobs
Oh, you know this is going to rock all kinds of ass. Kavovit kind of has to tread water considering his partner wanted to be a dumbass about things. Jacobs is looking for that oh-so-sweet momentum that's so precious during this time of the month. Jacobs pulls out a decisive pinfall win via a Legacy Bomb. *****, 94% overall.

We get an interview with The Lonely Girls as they head into their historic confrontation against Eclypse and Naomi Bailey at SummerSlam. They feel like they've said all that needs to be said. All that's left is to do all what needs to be done. Jenna may not be entering SummerSlam with the Women's Championship but she's damn sure going to leave SummerSlam with a championship, one way or another, Riott or no Riott.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified Tag Team Championship
The Future Foundation (c) vs. The Wyldhearts
This was set up on Raw and quite frankly the Wyldhearts deserve their second chance after getting screwed by Vivian. I imagine Vivian to be an expert with her screwing. Meanwhile these two teams demonstrate their expertise quite superbly with another outstanding bout. Julian Merrick ends up in trouble as the Wyldhearts go for the Heartstopper but Vivian valiantly tries to save her brother by jumping onto and grabbing Blaine Bellamey's leg. This is obviously enough for the DQ but it's not quite over as Madison decides to throw down and get her a piece of Vivian. The heels are driven off but Madison isn't done and decides to drop a bomb on the Wyldhearts by offering to become their manager! We go off the air as they ponder this proposition. *****, 94% overall.

Overall Show Rating: 90%

SmackDown!: August 24, 2040

Last show before SummerSlam! I WARN EVERYONE TO LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED TO ZIGGY STYLES!!! :mad: I'm going to a bit laid back with the matches considering the circumstances.

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody! He's with Luscious and his left arm is bandaged up and in a sling. He walks gingerly to the ring with chants of "YOU TAPPED OUT!" accompanying him. "As fun as that chant may be I have to warn you all that you're flirting with some very serious slander lawsuits. My legal counsel has already made sure that Raw's events were stricken from the record as they did not occur under any legal parameters. You can't reference something that didn't happen in the first place so unfortunately all of you are in direct violation of court orders if you continue with that chant! It didn't count! Now, as far as the condition you see me in, sadly, considering I wasn't prepared for the disgraceful and cowardly attack perpetrated by Martyn LaSalle after TWO GRUELING EXHIBITION CONTESTS, my arm was hurt after being locked in LaSalle's Martynizer. Now I could have easily escaped the hold but I needed to alert the officials to the heinous and non-binding act! Unfortunately, I may have had something pulled or sprained, I'm not sure but the merciful thing for Martyn LaSalle to do would be to come out here, APOLOGIZE, and call off this submission match for this Sunday. It may seem like I'm asking for a lot but I figure go directly to the source because I know Lisa Benton isn't going to listen to me or my medical and legal counsel. So what do you say, Martyn?"

Martyn LaSalle does indeed come out and join the lovebirds in the ring to offer his response. "Oh, man, it looks like you're in a whole lot of pain. You sure that this wench over here can't do anything to help you out? I mean, she's been so helpful ever since King of the Ring when she made sure you retained your title!"

"Hey, this is serious!!! This was going to be my first SummerSlam and I wanted to really make an impact. I feel just as bad about this as everyone who was looking forward to seeing this match. But when you really think about it, this is your fault so it only makes sense that you do the right thing by putting this match off for about, I don't know, 6 or 15 weeks? Just so I can get the proper medical evaluation! That's all I'm asking for, Martyn. Come on, do me a solid here."

"Wow. I'm kind of speechless actually. I witnessing some amazing humility here. Look, how about this: let me leave here, I'll go find Lisa Benton, and I'll hash out some sort of arrangement, OK? I think I might be able to get you the appropriate amount of time."

"Oh, thanks, man. You're a life saver. I owe you big time. We'll have an incredible match in the future, I promise you that."

"Yeah, we'll see. I'm going to take off now. Oh, by the way, here you go...."

LaSalle tosses his microphone to Hotbody's face and Hotbody catches it to protect himself but HE USES HIS SUPPOSEDLY HURT ARM! Luscious and Hotbody are wide-eyed as they've been busted. Hotbody tries to explain but decides to go on the attack. LaSalle ducks and takes the fight to the champion. Luscious jumps onto LaSalle's back and that's all the distraction Hotbody needs to lay out LaSalle with his championship belt. He nails a few Hot Tickets and then locks in a Dragon Sleeper. To LaSalle's credit he doesn't tap but he's knocked loopy so that's not much. Hotbody and Luscious take their leave as LaSalle remains down and out.

Seth Von Kamp is backstage and he's ready to dig into Brandon Reigns this Sunday. Seth talks about the parade of champions walking around here who don't actually want the responsibility that goes along with being a champion. They only want the pretty belt and the marquee display but will go through heaven and hell to find ways to not be there when it matters. Reigns knows the trouble he's in when it comes to a match against Seth and that's why wanted no part of this match. He wanted to make it seem about principles, which is rich coming from a guy who doesn't have any. You know what else he isn't going to have come SummerSlam? The Intercontinental Title.

First Match: Jason Sorola and Jerome McDougal vs. Nigel Gallagher and Shawn Dangerson
See what I mean about taking things easy? If nothing else, it's more Dangerson and Sorola which rules. Sorola gets the drop on Nigel with a Greco-Roman Low Blow and uses a small package to steal the win. ****1/2, 91% overall.

We haven't had enough mayhem so let's bring out Haven to talk about his upcoming encounter with Wrakk. Wrakk couldn't have picked a worse time to return to the WWE, according to Haven. A starving and crazed animal has no awareness of the dangers that might be lurking when a tasty meal presents itself after a long journey. Wrakk's ambition will be his undoing. Their encounter may no longer be for a title but Haven will still take something away from Wrakk. And if he has something to say about that, Wrakk is more than welcome to come out here and present his case.

Wrakk, of course, has no problems with being called out and thus makes his way out to start a dialogue...with his fist. We get a chaotic brawl between these two hosses and it's out of control as we go to break.

Second Match: Tania vs. Emma Edwards
Really need to bring Tania's feud with Billie Padgett to a head. These two deliver a pretty awesome contest for a random SmackDown!. Padgett just has to ruin it all by attacking Tania as she sets up for the Nose Dive. Lzzy Ryd makes things even by joining her partner to clear out the heels. *****, 96% overall.

Backstage, Madison is with Alexander Piero who wants to get Orlando Kincaid's case. They should be mad with Kincaid and his attitude and the things he's pulled and said; but here's the bright side: Alexander Piero gets to go to SummerSlam, the biggest event of the summer and once again humiliate Kincaid. So congratulations, Orlando, you just helped in possibly making this one of the greatest years a rookie could have.

Third Match: Salvatore Scabbia vs. Mathias
Shame on me for not using Scabbia in a while. He's a solid hand and he might be due for some PPV main events. Not that I'm giving anything away here. :shifty: Mathias falls prey to the Omerta and Scabbia gets the duke here. ****1/2, 87% overall. Christ, their charisma sucks.

Fourth Match: Galino & Farnes vs. The Wyldhearts
The Wyldhearts announce that they will indeed be accepting Madison's previous offer and will take her on as their manager. They'll need it, too, as Luscious still isn't done with her night here. Not that it matters as The Future Foundation run down to get themselves a piece of the Wyldhearts to cause a DQ. The Dillingers want in on the fun and run down to make the save. Madison gives Luscious and Vivian Merrick the stink eye. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Video time as it hypes up the Hell in a Cell match this Sunday. This one focuses more on the history of the Cell and the impact it's had on people's careers. Fleming and Carmichael look to end things once and for all.

Sixth Match: Clubber Harris vs. Chris Collins
Technically the main event but I've got other things in store for the final segment. Not a bad final match, though, so yay for me, I guess. I should try to wrap things up between these guys, too, and move them on to other projects. They work so well together, though. Anyways, Collins gets his cheating boots on and uses the ol' disappearing turnbuckle pad trick to score a cheap win. *****, 94% overall.

FINAL SEGMENT: We get Riott in the ring with the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles on display again. She's excited about this Sunday and hasn't had this feeling in a long time; and if it's this nerve-wracking for her, imagine what it's like for the four women who are daring to make their mark in the history books in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There can only ever be one first and it takes the best of the best to lay claim to those kinds of milestones. It's because of the magnitude of this event that Riott pledges with every fiber of her being that she will call this match right down the middle. No excuses. No BS. No controversies. No looking back, only forward to the landscape that will be changed once these championships are in play. With that said, she'd like to welcome both teams out here for one final face-to-face.

With that The Lonely Girls and Eclypse & Naomi make their way out and stand with Riott in the ring. Riott begins to speak to address the two teams but is cut off by Naomi...

"Zip it. You're the relic in this equation and the official so anything you have say is irrelevant. I'M the Women's Champion so I'LL start the talking."

Jenna: All you seem to have been doing lately is talking. Talking and scheming to be more specific. If you were that confident about yourselves you wouldn't have tried your little trick on Raw to try and drive a wedge between Faith and myself.

Eclypse: You'd be wise to dial things down a bit. Whether you're on the same page or not, you still have to contend with us and we're set to dominate this division like nothing you've ever seen.

Faith: That's pretty bold coming from someone who's just being used. Hey, don't shoot the messenger, but Naomi went to YOU, Eclypse, not the other way around. You think this is going to last much longer after SummerSlam when you get beat?

Naomi: IF we get beat and believe me, that's a big 'if'. You may not understand this since you're just two loners who happen to bond over the same crappy fashion sense, but Eclypse and I are blood. That's a bond. That's REAL.

Eclypse: She's right about that. I wouldn't have gone along with this if I didn't have faith in our ability to be unified. Losing is absolutely out of the question.

Jenna: So you say, but reality is often disappointing. And the reality is, these belts just look so much better on us.

With that last statement goes to pick up the championships but is cut off by Naomi. Faith goes to step up to her but Eclypse counters with some stepping up of her own. Things look to get physical but Riott exercises her right to be a bad ass and keeps things from getting out of hand. We go off the air with the two teams sniping at each other.

Overall Show Rating: 87%

SEE YOU AT SUMMERSLAM!

Hell of a go home show there. :lol: Hotbody getting busted using his injured arm, what brilliant shitheadery

The women's division is so loaded I really have no way to know idea which way you're going. My heart says Jenna and Faith but my head says heels getting the honor of being the "first ever" is a great bragging right to keep forever. Can't go wrong either way, presumptive 8 star match.

SummerSlam: August 26, 2040

Pre-show Match: The Wyldhearts and The Dillingers vs. WWE Unified Tag Team Champions The Future Foundation and Galino & Farnes
Was tempted to do a four-way for the titles but changed my mind. Maybe the next big show. Besides, these are always a fun way to warm up the crowd. Madison helps nullify the Vivian Merrick factor as she's beginning to pay dividends for her newest clients. This allows Rick Hilton to suffer a Heartstopper and the faces get the win. ****1/2, 91% overall.

-----------------------------------------
SUMMERSLAM BEGINS NOW! Your theme is "Going to Hell" by The Pretty Reckless

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Opening Match: WWE Intercontinental Championship: Title vs. Career
Brandon Reigns (c) vs. Seth Von Kamp
It's all or nothing for Seth here. Nine damn years with me and no singles championship to his name. The cruel thing to do here would be to say 'fuck him' and job him out and leave him to fend for himself in the purgatory that is the wasteland that I've left in the wrestling world. But I'm not that kind of person...to everyone. Seth gets the duke here after the Collapse of Society and becomes THE NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION for the first time!!! Match quality? Well, I'll let the report do its thing:

https://i.imgur.com/XSt8yZ7.png

Second Match: Alexander Piero vs. Orlando Kincaid
Boy, do these guys have a lot to follow. This is under no DQ rules and probably the biggest moment for Piero as he tries to hang with the big boys on the big stage. This is the first PPV for him period, let alone the first SummerSlam. The kicker is that were this real, a guy like Piero would be dead in the water having to follow a MOTY opener like the Reigns/Von Kamp one. Well, they get through this well enough, Kincaid being a smart veteran. Basically I have to fish or cut bait when it comes to who to add to the upper parts of the card and it might as well be a guy who's had a pretty good first year. Thus Piero overcomes Kincaid's tactics and scores the pin after a Flashpoint to make the most of his SummerSlam debut. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Third Match: Submission Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Title
The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody (c) vs. Martyn LaSalle
That name is getting out of control. If this were real life, I would absolutely force the production team to squeeze it all into his name display on screen. LaSalle does his best to keep going for the arm in an attempt to seal in the Martynizer. The ref is bumped as after Hotbody rams LaSalle into the corner in an attempt to break free from another go at it. LaSalle looks like he's got things well in hand in the end but he's forced to constantly break the hold to deal with Hotbody's goons. Officials have to come down to get Zed and Galino & Farnes out of there but that silly forgetful Jimmy Farnes leaves the GAVEL OF DOOM behind and Hotbody, in his dazed state, confuses LaSalle's head for a judge's desk and thus slams the gavel into it. Hotbody comes to his senses and realizes where he is and thus locks in the Dragon Sleeper with expert precision and the referee begins to come to. LaSalle can't tap so Luscious offers to help with that by tapping his arm for him. The ref sees the submission and thus calls for the bell. Hotbody retains the title! ****1/2, 91% overall.

Fourth Match: Kerry Cemenko vs. Quentin McDaniels
Damn, these guys work well off each other. I wish I had more do with Cemenko. I'm sure I'll figure it out. Until then, we can all appreciate the sweetness of this match. I figure I've given Quentin the short end of the stick on his big matches this year and he has the better upside in the grand scheme of things. The ref gets blinded momentarily as Cemenko sets up for the Curb Stomp. He comes down but unfortunately lands balls-first on McDaniels' fist. Quentin nails the Great Depression to pick up the pin. *****, 95% overall.

Fifth Match: Kyle Jacobs vs. Xavier Cross
Cross is another guy who I feel like I've been short-changing. I think I can do an extended program between these two instead of just a one-off. And the best way to kick off something like that is to let the heel steal a cheap win. Jacobs sets up for the Legacy Bomb but Cross rakes the eyes to block that and he reverses it into a Cross Cutter and uses a rope-assisted pin to score the victory. *****, 95% overall.

Sixth Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Special Guest Referee Riott
WWE Women's Champion Naomi Bailey and Eclypse vs. The Lonely Girls
Aaaaaaaand here we go. I feel like this was going to be the main event with the way I was booking the shows leading up to this. Anyways, Riott pays homage to Mick Foley with a homemade referee shirt with the painted stripes and everything. She does her complete entrance INCLUDING THE PIPE LICK!!! Lisa Benton comes out in the middle of the entrance to ask Riott to surrender the pipe as she has no actual use for it in this role in a funny bit. The heels, of course, overpower the Lonely Girls. Faith, in particular was born to get tossed around like a rag doll and sell it like death. Jenna manages to get the hot tag and level things out but it's the double face-in-peril trick as she gets dominated. Riott keeps calling things even but also has to put up with Jenna begging her to not stop the match. We eventually get to the second hot tag and it's BONZO GONZO as Faith gives no fucks and flies around with abandon. It comes down to Jenna and Naomi after Jenna makes a blind tag when it looks like Faith is on the outs and Eclypse is down and out on the outside. Naomi doesn't realize it and goes to punt Faith but Faith catches it and counters into the Crisis of Faith! Jenna comes in and puts an exclamation point on it with the Kyle Driver! Riott goes to make the count! 1....2...3!!! JENNA AND FAITH HAVE DONE IT! Riott awards the title and raises their hands and we get an extended celebration as Jenna and Faith go into the crowd. *****, 96% overall.

Seventh Match: Wrakk vs. Haven
Last year's planned main event finally gets realized here. It's a battle of monsters as they each try to one up the other. I don't feel like either guy should job here as Wrakk just barely came back. So let's go this route: they brawl like madmen up the ramp as the ref has no choice but to call for the double countout. Wrakk tries to give Haven the Demon Cross off the stage but Haven escapes and takes them both off the stage to the clutter below with a belly-to-back suplex! We get medical personnel down there to check on the two behemoths. *****, 96% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Hell in a Cell for the WWE Unified World Championship
Butch Fleming (c) vs. Noah Carmichael
So no matter the winner here, I plan on this being the last encounter between these two. This feud was started in 3.0 and it feels funny finishing it off in 4.2. Of course, if Fleming hadn't been such a fucking idiot this would've been blown off a long time ago. It just seems like an obligation, at least from my perspective as I've been the one booking this crap. Anyways, as neither man has it in them to do sick bumps they must resort to other creative brutal measures to handle things. The canvas has so little white left on it at the end it might as well be a Jackson Pollock painting. It's years of frustration unleashed on each other and it's just great stuff. Carmichael ultimately finds it in him to go Lizzy Borden on Fleming but with the steel steps instead of an axe. He decides to finish things with the ultimate insult: USING FLEMING'S OWN SLAUGHTERHOUSE SPECIAL ON THE STEPS!!! He manages a lazy cover but it's academic at this point as the ref counts the three and thus Carmichael wins the title for a fourth time! The cell raises so we can get some help. Both men do the stretcher job BUT SALVATORE SCABBIA COMES DOWN TO ATTACK CARMICHAEL. He steals the stretcher and rams it into the set causing some of it to crash down on Carmichael. How rude can one man be? That's going to take forever to clean up. *****, 98% overall.

Overall show rating: 96%

Well that PPV ruled all sorts of ass. Nice to see SVK finally get his moment in the sun, hopefully he gets a nice run with the strap while Reigns goes back to strategizing for his WrestleMania cash-in.

Poor LaSalle being confused for a judge's desk. Happens to the best of us. Silly Farnes forgetting the gavel in the ring. Trying to fit the full name on the chevron might cause some production team members to quit.

Jenna and Faith always = ratings

I love the idea of seeing a SummerSlam main event being done a year later, at least you don't just drop what was planned, and always come back to tie up the loose end later on down the line.

Bah gawd Carmichael wins the feud of the century! Hopefully Fleming doesn't vent his frustration on Twitter. And bah gawd the big wheel keeps on turning as here comes Scabbia to piss in Carmichael's Cheerios!

96% rating, damn.

It would be my luck if Seth went and got himself injured for a year just as things are starting to look up for him. Or went on a Alex Jones-style meltdown or something. I think I can pull another PPV match out of him and Reigns before moving them both on to other pastures. That cash-in is always looming. A part of me wanted to make Reigns an ultra dick and break his word and have him cash in after Hell in a Cell but I'm maintaining the course.

I'm sure Galino & Farnes are all over the public relations in regards to Hotbody's match. Clearly Hotbody was in some sort of fugue state and wasn't in complete control of his actions. Now to see what more I can add to the name. They'll have to switch to 8-point font size eventually.

As far as Jenna and Faith getting the honor, I kind of figured I'd been kicking the fans in the dick with all of the heels constantly triumphing in championship matches as of late plus it seemed like a natural conclusion to what they went through this year. Also, there's the Jesse Ventura aspect of avoiding the image of a face like Riott raising the hands of heels. And who wouldn't want to be part of that crowd as Jenna and Faith make their way through it? :drool:

With Wrakk and Haven, I think it's turned out for the better doing it this way. Last year, I planned on Wrakk simply worming his way past Haven in a one-off as he moved on to his next challenger. His suspension put a halt to that, obviously, and now with the title not being in the picture I can extend this a bit more.

Fleming had better have learned his lesson. The question is where do I stick him now? On the bright side I can keep him on the shelf to 'sell' the brutality of Hell in a Cell while I ponder it over. I need more heels to break into that main event threat level. It might as well be a monstrous brute who's only ever lost twice. It'd be good for a one month program at the very least.

I think I'm at the point where I should let you pick an upcoming PPV's matches and I have to book to make it a reality. Hopefully the end of the month doesn't bring any nasty surprises.

Ugh, pondering things over the last couple of days and seeing the segment ratings for Riott's involvement is really making me tempted to bring her back into the fold. Why does she have to be so awesome? :(

And after a two month creative hiatus, Vito has returned to EWR! We've got the fall out to Crossroads and begin the 5 week build to Double or Nothing.

I pick the game up the day after the PPV on Sunday, April 25th. And one day into advancing the game, Riho announces she has a drug problem that is ruining her life, and I decide to send her to rehab. Suppose this is a lesson to never judge a book by its cover, because this certainly doesn't look like a raging drug addict:

https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/wp-co...20/05/Riho.jpg


AEW Dark: April 27, 2021:
-The Butcher and The Blade def. QT Marshall and Billy
-Serena Deeb def. Mel
-Matt Sydal def. Serpentico
-Dr. Britt Baker def. Yuka Sakazaki
-Matt Hardy def. Evil Uno


AEW Dynamite: April 28, 2021

Segment 1:

AEW World Champion Kenny Omega is in the ring with Don Callis and Karl Anderson, all three dressed to the nines to celebrate Omega's triumphant victory over PAC and Jon Moxley to retain his title at Crossroads.

Kenny says for the last three days he's had people inundating him with tweets and DMs about how Miro pulling Moxley off the cover is the only reason he retained the belt. Who was he to know Miro had gotten involved at all? He had been suplexed through the announce table and was busy picking shrapnel out of his back. Anderson was busy tending to his friend. Callis himself had something in his eye at the time. But rest assured if we were aware of what was going on, we would have stopped Miro to ensure this triple threat could finish in the fairest manner possible!

As the heels continue to heel it up, PAC has seen enough! He and Death Triangle teammate Rey Fenix hit the ring to put a stop to the proceedings, and Omega skedaddles out of there leaving Anderson to fall victim to a Black Arrow. 92% overall


Segment 2:

Frankie Kazarian was last seen shoving down longtime tag partner Christopher Daniels in frustration after their loss at Crossroads. Tonight he faces off against Chuck Taylor. Normally both men are fan favorites and tag team specialists but I figured their styles would mesh well and they did not disappoint, putting together a 97% quality match. Kazarian picks up an impressive win with the Wave of the Future.

After the match, Kazarian takes a mic and wants to publicly apologize for his actions on Saturday. Sometime his temper gets the better of him, and as one half of the inaugural AEW Tag Team champions, he's been so eager to get those titles back. He doesn't want this to fracture his decade-long relationship with Daniels. Before he could continue to apologize though, Tully Blanchard appeared on screen telling Kazarian to shut his trap. SCU are the reason FTR didn't get their rightful match for the Tag Team Titles, and they are making it their personal mission to destroy every member of SCU. ****1/4, 84% overall


Segment 3:

Backstage, Sting is walking the halls, shaking hands with various wrestlers and stagehands ahead of giving his retirement address tonight. He comes face to face with his fellow facepainted ally Darby Allin, and hands him his trusty black bat.

74% overall...guess I figured I'd use the "retired wrestler passes the torch" segment I never get to use, it did nothing for Darby and only caused Sting to lose overness, oops


Segment 4:

Miro is here, fresh off of a fluky cage match loss to Orange Cassidy and subsequently screwing Jon Moxley on Saturday and apparently giving him a severe beating backstage. Tonight he faces Dustin Rhodes. I love Dustin and all, but as is the case with most of the 50+ year olds in AEW, he is here to put over others and make them look good. They have a solid brawl but Miro wins decisively with the Game Over and keeps hit locked in afterward. ***, 77% overall


Segment 5:

Jon Moxley soon emerges on the screen from a back alley and he essentially tells Miro he's fucked with the wrong guy. He might be held out of being at the building tonight but next week he'll be back, and maybe this time Miro will have the balls to face him man to man. 92% overall


Segment 6:

AEW Women's World Champion Awesome Kong is right back in action to continue her warpath through the women's division. She's facing Thunder Rosa. Kong vs. Rosa is a match that should totally be a bigger deal than it is in this world but Rosa insists on remaining a freelancer and won't sign a contract. And so it goes. They have a decent match but Kong puts it away with the Soul Collector before continuing her gimmick of cutting hair off of her opponents. Who wants to step up to Kong now?

A shrill"EXCUSE ME!" emanates from the PA system....it's Vickie Guerrero! We haven't seen her in months! VICKIE GUERRERO IS ANSWERING THE CALL!

Okay not really, but her client we also haven't seen in months is....former Women's champion "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose walks out on stage. Points to Kong and gestures that the belt will soon be back around her waist. **3/4, 72% overall


Segment 7:

Backstage interview with Team Taz. Taz talks up the group, especially "The Machine" Brian Cage who vanquished Darby Allin on Saturday and now has both the AEW TNT Title AND the FTW Title draped over his shoulders. Best Friends (Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, and Kris Statlander) inadvertently walk past the camera which causes Taz to pause his interview in annoyance. Cassidy gives them the thumbs up in an aloof manner before walking off.


Segment 8:

With The Young Bucks having retained their Tag Team Titles on Saturday, their opponents for Double or Nothing will be determined via a mini tournament over the coming weeks. Despite losing his first 6 months of income, "Big Money" Matt Hardy had enough in offshore savings to talk the powers that be into allowing his clients Private Party a match against the champs, possibly to jump their way up the rankings.

So the Bucks and Private Party had absolute bangers against each other IRL and in this game the Bucks seem incapable of producing anything but gold, so this match of course ruled to the tune of 100% quality. High flying spotfest in the best way. Hardy tries to hop on the apron to interfere but it is mistimed, Double Superkick and the Bucks get the win.

3-on-2 beatdown after the bell only for Hangman Page to rush out to the ring for the save. Page is rocking a studded leather jacket, no doubt something he just bought with Matt's money. Even though Page is now with Dark Order, he and the Bucks go way back to their Elite days with the founding of the promotion, so they are appreciative of the save. ****1/2, 91% overall


Segment 9:

Matt Hardy gets on the mic and screams at Hangman Page. He stole his money from him, all because that corrupt Kurt Angle cheated as the referee! He will not let this stand! Matt Hardy's bank account WILL NOT DIE!

To the surprise of Hardy, Kurt Angle's music hits. What is he doing back here?

Angle thanks Hardy for bringing him into AEW for that special guest referee spot. While he was backstage he enjoyed meeting so many of the talent and crew. And in particular, he enjoyed talking to Tony Khan. As it turns out, Tony Khan was looking to abdicate some day-to-day responsibilities with the company, both with talent management and matchmaking. And he wanted someone intelligent and with plenty of experience for the job.

So I introduce you to the new Commissioner of AEW: Kurt Angle! And as his first act, he announced the Hardy Party will face Adam Page and the Young Bucks next week! 78% overall


Segment 10:

Our main event of the evening sees "The Murderhawk Monster" Lance Archer and "The Mad King" Eddie Kingston settle their differences in a Street Fight. The two tough bastards slugged each other in a really hard hitting contest, Archer seeming to get the better of the exchange after a while, extracting revenge on Kingston for putting him and Jake Roberts on the shelf for months.

But alas, with it being a Street Fight it was only a matter of time before there were shenanigans from The Familie. Butcher, Blade, and Allie made their presences known. Allie kicks Jake in the nads at ringside, Butcher and Blade jump Archer but he's able to fight them off. What he didn't see was Kingston wrapping his fist with a chain, spinning backfist and Kingston collapses on top of Archer for the win. ****, 85% overall


Segment 11:

Our main event segment sees Cody Rhodes in the ring along with Darby Allin, Dustin Rhodes, and a host of legends including Cody's manager/coach Arn Anderson, DDP, and new AEW commissioner Kurt Angle. Also there are Tony Khan and road agents and staff including Dean Malenko, Ricky Steamboat, Fit Finlay, Jerry Lynn, Billy Kidman, and Glacier. Most of the face locker room is on the stage in Sting shirts, and a couple dozen Sting superfans were given the chance to stand around the ring too to witness the moment. Tony Schiavone does the honors one last time.......

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Rousing ovation for Sting from the locker room and the crowd. Enters the ring, shakes hands and hugs everyone in the ring.

Cody starts things off by apologizing to Sting, he was the one who got pinned on Saturday and therefore he feels personally responsible for Sting's career having to end. But Sting gives him his assurance that Cody did nothing wrong here, the Inner Circle stooped to their usual lows. He thanks Cody and the Khan family for giving him the chance to compete in AEW. Six years ago he was forced out of in-ring competition. He wanted to go out on his own terms, and maybe the Inner Circle are robbing him of that opportunity, but he's forever grateful he got to lace up the boots again and get in the ring again at all.

Sting goes on to start thanking many of his greatest friends and foes over the years, including Dusty which gets the Rhodes boys choked up. He also starts to thank the fans when all of a sudden...

"BOOOOORRRRRIIIIINNNNNG!"

The Inner Circle appear on the tron to massive heel heat. MJF says Sting had a nice run, but you're yesterday's news and Inner Circle wrote the final chapter of your obituary. A few of the members speak about how nauseating it is to see AEW ending a show with a nostalgia celebration when the focus should be on how Inner Circle is the greatest faction in wrestling, led by men who are the future of this business. And with that, they're going to put a stop to it.

The tron shows Inner Circle leaving their locker room and walking down the corridor. The face locker room head backstage to cut them off.

Wait a second - what's happening in the ring??? Cody, Dustin, and Darby have been pulled out of the ring by some of the fans at ringside and they're beaten down. Several of the legends and staffers (the ones who can't physically do much) hightail it while anyone who is able to take basic offense tries to fight it off and gets stomped too.

Eventually Sting finds himself on the receiving end of a Cross Rhodes. But it's not the Cross Rhodes, it's the Double Cross because the masked fan reveals himself as MJF. The other five fans participating in the beatdown naturally unmask as the rest of Inner Circle too.

The face locker room eventually charges back out as Inner Circle leave through the crowd. Inner Circle exit through the crowd. Faces tend to Sting and the other legends as Inner Circle all laugh like dicks and Jim Ross has a coronary and says MJF is a no good sonofabitch!

97% overall with MJF gaining overness...used the other retiring worker angle (retired worker beaten down) and it worked to perfection. Thank you Sting.

85% overall show rating

Hey, it takes all types. I had a friend in high school that I thought to be fucking awesome to be around and ran into her 10 years later to discover that her life went to shit after becoming a druggie. Also, MARKING OUT for the return of Vito's AEW, which I can only assume is light years better than the real AEW from what I've been told.


You can't have more than one women's match on a show!!! Are you some kind of madman?!?!

I love it when heels are portrayed as disingenuous by claiming they would have done the right thing when it's blatantly obvious that they're dicks. Topped off with the classic "save my own ass while sacrificing my buddy" gag and that's a nice one-two punch.

All things considered, I'm guessing we haven't really seen the last of Daniels in this program?

Oof. Well, it was a risk worth taking. I can only guess that Darby's over rating was a factor?


Yikes. How many people over 40 are on AEW's roster? I mean, you're using them the way they should be used but is that the case for the real deal?

You should have had Scott Hall come out later in the show and mock Moxley for being a punk who can't even get into the building.


LOL, you actually had me with the Vickie Guerrero reveal. I was like, "Wait, what?" The Soul Collector is a boss name.

So what role does the TNT Title have? Is it a mid-card belt or something along the lines of a television title? It can't be a cruiserweight belt because everything I've heard about AEW tells me that like 90% of the roster is cruiserweights.

Please tell me that you're going to have Page come out every week with some absurdly expensive knick-knack. :lol:

LOL @ the game expecting me to buy Riho as a person with a drug problem but Kurt Angle being fit to be an onscreen authority figure.

Seems like an odd way to finish a match that was built as the face looking to get revenge in a stipulation match but I'm sure there will be more to it. Murderhawk Monster is a certainly interesting moniker.

Holy hell, Schiavone looks rough. I know the years haven't been kind to me, either, but jeez...

This would never fly in WWE and that's one of the major reasons I just gave up. Your legends aren't going to live forever. Hell, they're not going to be hard up for cash forever. You need to have your actual full time people with all of the heat. I remember one of the bullshit defenses of Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, and Steve Austin beating up the League of Nations at WrestleMania being, "Well, they've got to make sure the fans are happy!" Well, for starters, booking Roman Reigns against HHH as the main event already puts a bullet in that idea. Secondly, you know what could have made the crowd happy? Letting the faces win the fucking match. Or all of the other God damn times Austin dropped somebody after a fucking beer drinking session? Why not let one of the heels get one over on him for once and get some heel heat for daring to deny the people a beer drinking session and stunner? Get people to actually care about your roster and that way you don't have to dip into the reserves to pay off a part-timer or a C-list celebrity. Do shit like this where Sting gets his ass handed to him and now a younger potential big star can get some face heat by looking to avenge him. But what do I know? I'm just a schmuck behind a keyboard who has a thing for Australian blondes.

Good to see the show back. :)

LOL you can tell I'm shaking off the cobwebs because those weren't even the Dark results, oops. So what I do is typically book Dark quickly, then Dynamite is the next day which takes more time. When I run Dynamite I fire up TPWW, go to my latest Dynamite and start typing the results to maintain formatting. Usually I then type Dark in at the end since I've already forgotten what I booked by the time I get here.

Anyway, Dark results are barely worth even posting because I strictly use it as a show to keep people busy. I have people wrestle who didn't wrestle on the previous Dynamite (as it's a pre-taped show...I like how in the later TEW games you could actually tape things like Heat, Velocity, etc pre-show) and I usually throw main eventers in interviews/hype packages to maintain morale.

The real Dark results:

-The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Stu Grayson) def. Bad Romance (Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss)
-Kris Statlander def. Shanna
-Karl Anderson def. Brian Pillman Jr.
-Rey Fenix def. Angelico
-Inner Circle (Santana, Ortiz, and Jake Hager) def. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, and Marko Stunt)

Also after that show, it was announced that Sonny Kiss ripped her bicep and she'll be out until November. So I'm down a tag team but it's a loaded division anyway.

I mean, personally I love AEW. It's by no means perfect and I don't agree with all of their decisions and booking methodologies, but I do like quite a lot of what they do. Usually at least one or two really good matches per Dynamite, lots of programs being built, long-term storytelling and callbacks to past history when appropriate. Peoples' previous history with one another isn't ignored, which I appreciate. It's a hell of a lot more lively than the soulless, effortless booking of modern day WWE but that's not a high bar to clear.

I'm guessing if you watched an entire Dynamite you'd like some of it and come away thinking it wasn't a total waste of time BUT that it's not enough to stick around. That's been pretty much the consensus of friends I have who used to watch wrestling and gave it a try. One of my buddies actually watched one of the better Dynamites and liked the entire show, but still didn't watch the next week cause "eh, I don't want to go back to spending 2 hours a week on this stuff". Getting lapsed fans back on anything more than a part-time basis is very difficult, if not impossible.


I've got at least 2 more matches lined up for him. Not sure about past that, as a non-wrestler my booking opportunities for him are limited since he can't wrestle on TV but my god he's still delivering the goods on PPVs so benching him will feel difficult.


Possibly. Darby's an 84 which is not bad, it climbed considerably after the Brian Cage feud. But Sting had a 97 overness so maybe the game computes the passing of the torch as feeling "forced"?


The wrestling world has changed a lot since this game came out. When it came out in 2002 I'd say the median age of the WWE roster was late 20s/early 30s and so their stats age accordingly. People in their mid 40s and later were largely on an indy nostalgia run.

Well guys wrestle a hell of a lot longer now, and with advances in conditioning, training, etc guys stay on form a lot longer. Half of the 2021 Royal Rumble was over 40 years old. And while yes, WWE have trouble creating new stars, even in NXT you've got most of their prominent names hovering around 35 years old already. People start their careers later, get to the point where WWE wants to sign them later, etc. and it cycles accordingly.

AEW has far more guys under 40 than above it but case in point - Kenny Omega is 37, Jon Moxley is 35, PAC is 34 going on 35 in August. EWR deems all of these guys old when none of them are by today's standards. Hell there's a chance Adam Page who is super talented and really over turns 30 in July could see a stat hit if EWR slaps him with the "old" tag. Gonna be tough to navigate.

That said the legit old dudes (like Dustin) might win some matches against enhancement guys on Dark but he's putting guys over when it counts on Dynamite.


It is the secondary singles title. So far it's been held by Cody (twice), Brodie Lee (RIP), and Darby Allin. In real life Miro just won the belt as well, but obviously that didn't happen in my game as I gave it to Brian Cage. Darby's the only one of those guys that would be deemed a cruiser by today's standards.

Like age, average weight's another thing that's changed a lot over the years. WWE brought back the cruiserweight division and had to lower it down to like 205 lbs and even then dudes on the main roster like Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio, or Finn Balor were plugging along away from the division. Tough to imagine it used to be like 230 lbs or something, like 80% of both the WWE and AEW rosters are under that weight. There are way less "big guys" now which doesn't bother me personally but it's a barrier for some.


I don't actually want to see AEW get an onscreen authority figure IRL as I think authority figures have been done to death. But authority angles are useful in EWR, I had planned Sting for the eventual role but then he retired on me so I looked for the most over, charismatic non-wrestler I could find on the market.

At least there's some headcanon reasoning for the choice as well given that Angle was SmackDown GM in 2004 and Raw GM in 2017/18, so it's a good spot for him. Just hope he lays off the drugs.


When I first wrote off Archer that was my plan. But then I put Kingston in a feud with Cody and it absolutely exploded his overness. He went from like an 80 to a 95. Super charismatic guy (92) so every promo or beatdown on Cody got him more over. Can't really justify putting a 78 over Archer over him given that Archer is 43, although he's at least protected by a screwy finish. Kingston's another guy I'll have to play the EWR age landmine with because he turns 40 in December. So I've got at least half a year of him being a really great hardcore brawler before I see what happens to his stats. He'll put guys over but I have to do it judiciously. I'm planning on having him ride the wave and getting some snowflakes out of him for now but I've got at least one big program in mind for him for later in the year.


Getting an in her prime Emma into bed would've been an excellent 75 seconds for me.

Pfft, I could have done 76 seconds. :p

End of month notes for April:

Thunder Rosa once again increases her wage demand by 10%. JUST SIGN WITH ME DAMMIT!!!

Happy birthday to: Diamond Dallas Page (65), Vickie Guerrero (53), Dustin Rhodes (52), Jack Evans (39), Scorpio Sky (37), Chuck Taylor (34), Dasha Fuentes (31), Dr. Britt Baker DMD (30), Nick Comoroto (29), Marq Quen (27)

And with that, I have two more retirements as Vickie and Dustin have decided to leave at the end of the month. I'm losing nothing in Vickie, she was off-screen for 2 months and has a bad charisma rating so I'd never actually book her in an interview segment with Nyla Rose. I just didn't release her and I mostly am just letting contracts lapse if I don't want to keep people.

Dustin on the other hand is a more unfortunate worse. He was a solid brawler still but of course the ring work took a bigger hit with that age jump. Still, 87 charisma meant he could've had some use in another non-wrestling capacity. It's a shame non-wrestlers can't be converted to managers. Maybe he'll decide to become a staff member or something, I wonder if you have to re-sign workers who convert to staff or if they just move over automatically, if it's the latter Dustin's on an unsackable deal.

Elsewhere in the wrestling world...Chris Payne, Miguelito Perez, Pimpinela Escarlata, Shawn Daivari, Super Shisa, and Villano IV have announced they will retire at the end of May.


AEW Dark: May 4, 2021:
-Serena Deeb def. Yuka Sakazaki
-The Butcher and the Blade def. Billy and Colten Gunn
-Colt Cabana def. Matt Sydal
-Allie def. Leva Bates
-Adam Page def. Joey Janela


AEW Dynamite: May 5, 2021

Segment 1:

MJF and the Inner Circle are out to open their show and explain their actions from last week, when they disrespected Sting in his farewell to wrestling. The group again states their goal in trying to purge the company of all the old-timers holding back the business.

Cody comes out to express disgust, even for MJF, those actions were a new low. MJF says the Inner Circle's disdain isn't just with the legends, but with all of the nostalgia for yesteryear, and being a Rhodes boy running a promotion he's too blind to see he's stuck in the ways of his old man.

Cody's heard enough and begins to walk down the aisle, he is soon joined by his brother with a bullrope in hand, as well as Darby Allin with his skateboard who has a score to settle after his mentor got jumped. They're outnumbered 3 on 6 but as so fired up they manage to hold their own for a hot minute before security break up the brawl.

Dustin grabs the mic and lays into the group for disrespecting the legacies not just of the legends but all of the second and third generation stars in the business. One of those Inner Circle guys better step up to the plate because they're gonna get a Natural ass whooping. 87% overall


Segment 2:

Spoiler alert: Dustin is retiring so The Natural will not in fact be whooping ass and he's in full blown "put over everyone" mode.

The challenge is answered by MJF's bodyguard Wardlow. The two big guys have themselves a nice old school hoss fight. It's not a squash but the purpose is very much to put Wardlow's strength over. It got a solid 82% quality but the overall rating was lower than the quality and crowd reaction, so I think my streak of Dudless Dynamites is over. ***, 67% overall


Segment 3:

Backstage with Kenny Omega, Don Callis, and Karl Anderson. They talk about Karl's match with PAC tonight. Callis says there has been way too much slander about Omega's talents. So out of the goodness of his heart and for the benefit of the viewers, next week he'll be running an open gauntlet. The sign up sheet is behind them, and next week Kenny will be showing the whole world that there is not a wrestler in the world who can match his technical proficiency, cunning, and endurance.

As the group takes their leave, PAC and Rey Fenix walk into view from the other side, and appear to be the first names on the gauntlet sheet. Kenny might be getting more than he bargained for!


Segment 4:

"The Native Beast" Nyla Rose makes her in-ring return against Big Swole. The two appear to have some decent chemistry and put together a solid hard-hitting match as a result. Rose gets the Beast Bomb for the victory as Awesome Kong watches from the stage. I think we know who her next challenger is going to be. Alas, another bad rating. I'd gotten lucky with my Dud shows only landing on Dark, but that streak is definitely over. ***, 66% overall


Segment 5:

Jon Moxley is backstage searching for Miro, but can only find Penelope Ford. Knowing her association with Miro, Mox demands answers on where to find him but Ford plays dumb. Mox is eventually jumped by Miro as well as Kip Sabian for the two on one beatdown. Mox and Miro dropped a bit of overness, Kip gained. I swear this is like the 3rd or 4th time I've done this, one really unover guy drags others down. Gotta stop doing that. Silly me. In any event between the three of them, three very sexy blonde wives so good on them. 72% overall


Segment 6:

TNT Champion "The Machine: Brian Cage is out but tonight he's actually defending the FTW Championship because I forgot I even had it (though it's mostly just a prop). He's facing Scorpio Sky of SCU. They have a really good match that the snowflake rating reflects but, alas, non-clicky show.

The ref ejects Team Taz from ringside during the match but doesn't see Shawn Spears clobber Sky at ringside with a chair, Spears acting at Tully/FTR's behest in their vow to get revenge on SCU. Cage bring Sky in for the Drill Claw and gets the win. ****, 74% overall

Cage doesn't get to celebrate long before the Best Friends music hits as out comes Orange Cassidy and Chuck Taylor for our next bout!


Segment 7:

It's our first match in a 4-team mini tournament to decide who will get a Tag Title shot against the Young Bucks at Double or Nothing. Orange Cassidy and Chuck Taylor vs. Santana and Ortiz of the Inner Circle. Much like the last match, this one was awesome with a lot of fast paced offense sprinkled in with some damn good psychology from the very experienced Santana and Ortiz.

Match eventually breaks down with all 4 guys in the ring going at it. For some reason, Taz is out on the apron for a distraction which leads to Brian Cage pulling Orange outside the ring and ramming him into the barricade. I guess he felt upstaged by OC the last couple of weeks. This throws Chuckie T off as well and he takes a Street Sweeper to end it. Santana and Ortiz advance. ****, 81% overall


Segment 8:

Eddie Kingston puts himself over in an interview. He boasts about his victory over Lance Archer last week, shrugging off accusations that it was an ill-gotten win because it was no DQ, anything goes. Kingston goes on to declare himself the toughest son of a bitch in this business, and he's gonna prove it when he takes his place as AEW World Champion. And that starts in a few weeks as he's the first man to throw his name into the hat for the Casino Battle Royale at Double or Nothing. 92% overall


Segment 9:

We're supposed to be getting Hangman Page and The Young Bucks vs. The Hardy Party......but somehow The Dark Order's dressing room has been welded shut! Who could have possibly paid someone off to do that? Certainly not "Big Money" Matt Hardy!

Anyway the trios match proceeds on with The Young Bucks recruiting childhood friend Brandon Cutler as their replacement partner. Cutler's been slumming it development at AEW Dark for the past few months, and this is our first time seeing him on Dynamite in some time.

Bucks vs. Private Party was a classic last week but adding Hardy and Cutler dragged it down a bit (but still good). Hardy can go against the right opponent but at his age he can't really keep up with fast paced Young Bucks offense. Lucky for him though Cutler is effectively a jobber and here to eat the pin, punches Cutler in the nads and rolls him up for the win as the tag teams brawled outside. ***, 69% overall

Matt celebrates his win over a man with one of the worst records in AEW history way too much, and suddenly the Dark Order theme hits as Hangman leads the group's charge out. The whole Dark Order group has flashier gear on! Crowd in a frenzy as Private Party eat Buckshot Lariats.


Segment 10:

As Matt retreats up the ramp, Kurt Angle's theme hits - apparently he's here to deliver even more bad news for Matt. Last week Angle booked Hardy Party vs. Bucks and Page as his first ever order with AEW, and Matt went ahead and ruined it. And it sure seems like the Hardy Party, Dark Order, hell even Angle himself can't seem to stop themselves from getting involved. So how bout we settle it one final time. Hangman vs. Matt Hardy next week, steel cage. Matt is not happy with this, but Hangman can drink to that. 88% overall


Segment 11:

PAC vs. Karl Anderson in the main event - a good match for sure but the outcome is something of a foregone conclusion as we continue to build to the final stage of the PAC/Omega feud. Omega attempts to intervene but Rey Fenix cuts Kenny off at the pass. PAC forces Anderson to submit to the Brutalizer. Imagine the horror Kenny will have when he realizes both of these guys signed up for the Gauntlet. PAC and Fenix stand tall to close us out. ***1/4, 75% overall

77% show rating...not bad for a non-clicking show

I don't see how they can get away with demanding a wage increase just for the fuck of it. Like, what metrics is the game using to justify that?

Fucking DDP is in his sixties but it's Dustin that decides to hang things up. I'm wondering how long Page hanging around will last. If I'm recalling correctly, any time a worker retires but moves on to another job you have to sign them all over again. I'm sure any bells and whistles they had before will be demanded. Still waiting on Lisa Benton to make that transition to trainer. :|

Dear God, the fucking Villanos...


Just the idea of Billy Gunn still wrestling in the God damn 2020s pisses me off. Luckily imagining Allie and Leva being all hot and sweaty together calms me down and eases my tension...


The faces should have pulled an Ultimate Alliance and combined their powers, so to speak, and tie Darby's skateboard to the bullrope and have Dustin swing it around. Cody then hangs back and uses his healing skills to rejuvenate the party.

See, Cody should have buffed Dustin with a defensive attribute skill. Seeing the dud come into play is always rough.

Open challenges are always fun. I may have to steal that gauntlet idea for one of my titles.

3 stars is a good enough showing to give the finger to the dud show. I'm guessing Nyla Rose is also some monster type wrestler?

If I had to choose between Lana, Penelope, and Renee as to who is the hottest my dick would just erupt on its own and be down for the count for about a week due to the difficulty of such a decision.

I'm imagining the two titles being unified into the FTWTNT Championship.
Clearly Taz is miffed at Cassidy because he's no longer the lone orange dwarf of the wrestling world. Be proud of those 4 stars giving more middle fingers to the dud show.

Are there special rules for that match?

Hahah, Page continuing to bring more expensive shit with him. A good ol' punch to the nads is the perfect ploy to use against a clearly unstoppable monster in Cutler.

Page should finance the cage and have it be decked out with bling.

I imagine the gauntlet can't have that many people participating since I think the game sets the limit of three times a worker can be on the same show before it claims the audience got sick of seeing them. It's the one thing stopping me from doing an all Jenna show. :shifty:

Open contract, so the worker is a freelancer and can therefore demand whatever they want. Usually they'll then want a little more than that per month to ink a written deal but at the rate things are going I'm not booking her more than once a month so she's kinda screwing herself.

It seems retirements are always in line with birthdays so presumably DDP's hanging around for another year, although he's a non-wrestler on an open deal so I don't see myself using him much. If I get a second TV show I'll probably want another charismatic legend as an authority figure for the other show, but that age means he's a retirement risk at any time.

I laughed really hard when I saw that. There are so many people in this database, and those luchadores hang around forever and a day. Meanwhile Daivari can actually still work yet calls it quits at 38.

:lol: he's a trainer/coach but with AEW giving so many indy workers paydays during the pandemic by bringing them in to work matches for Dark they've had Billy in there to work with some young guys. I highly suspect he'll be another one that will either become a non-wrestler or go to retirement land once his birthday comes around this year so for the time being I'm having him put over the Dark talent.

Not gonna lie, even though Dustin is a "natural" tie in to this angle, the retirement kinda accelerates things a bit. It's pretty clear I'm gearing up for Cody/MJF at the PPV and there's also a demand for Darby/MJF too but now with Dustin going out I gotta work him in here while I can. May might be a busy month for MJF.

Nyla is transgender and size wise would have something of an advantage over much of the women's roster, but Kong's got way more mass. Kong's AEW stint was so brief they never got the chance to go one on one so that feels like a match worthy of a spot on one of the big PPVs before my next plans for Kong go into effect.

That seems to be nearly an impossible call and I'd have to do a lot of, erm, research to reach a possible conclusion. If any of them cared to influence my decision I'd be open to it.

It's similar to the Royal Rumble but the difference is the wrestlers enter in groups instead of one at a time, except for the person who drew the joker card who gets to go in last. Either way the main gimmick of the winner getting a title match is the same.

As much as I think heels need to win clean now and again to establish they can actually wrestle when the chips are down, someone like Matt could totally get away with always pulling shenanigans.

Lol yeah I suspect the gauntlet won't be what people are expecting. Having said that, if I actually were to ever do a full show gauntlet I feel like between 3 Kenny matches and 3 PAC matches would cause the world to combust.

After thinking long and hard about it and listening to all they had to offer, I couldn't decide between Lana, Renee, and Penelope so I simply chose all three. As I wrote this show Lana gave me a shoulder massage, Renee fanned me with a huge leaf and Penelope fed me grapes. I gotta say this whole "being the head booker" thing is pretty swell.


AEW Dark: May 11, 2021:
-Kip Sabian def. QT Marshall
-Powerhouse Hobbs def. Billy
-Dr. Britt Baker def. Yuka Sakazaki
-Frankie Kazarian def. Peter Avalon
-The Inner Circle (Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager) def. The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds and John Silver)
-Cody Rhodes def. Jack Evans


AEW Dynamite: May 12, 2021

Segment 1:

Kenny Omega is out with Don Callis, sign up list in hand, to open the show and run the gauntlet. Or is he? You see, Kenny's stamina is unmatched in this business. As Callis explains, between the number of wrestlers who signed up and Kenny's unmatched stamina, he could easy wrestle for over an hour, maybe even the entire two hours of the broadcast. That's simply not fair to the other matches that had been signed for the card.

But instead, he'll give fans the next best thing - a title defense! Kenny Omega believes in rewarding people who take initiative, and so he is more than happy to grant a title opportunity to the very first person who stepped up to the plate and signed up for the gauntlet.

He hands the list over to Kenny to make the big announcement. Kenny looks at it, turns the list upside down, and calls in his next challenger, come on down MICHAEL NAKAZAWA!!!!! 89% overall


Segment 2:

The crowd boos ferociously. Michael Nakazawa is possibly the biggest jobber in the company (and also the least over at 47 overall), hell he's only in the company as a favor to Kenny as they go way back to their days at DDT Wrestling in Japan. How the hell is he getting a title shot?

The whole thing is a big sham as Kenny dispatches of Nakazawa with haste, and Callis towels him off after his hard fought victory. But the crowd gets what they really want as PAC and Rey Fenix run in afterwards to run off Kenny and keep the feud going. He also delivers some news straight from the desk of Kurt Angle: Kenny will face Rey Fenix next week! Give Naka's abysmal overness the rating for this was never going to be great in-game but I don't care, this whole scenario would pop me. **3/4, 74% overall


Segment 3:

Miro arrives backstage, asking Kip Sabian over the phone where he is, apparently Kip has some car trouble. It looks like someone slashed a tire in the parking lot. Before Miro even knows what hit him, Jon Moxley has pounced on him and gets Miro right where he wants him in a 1 on 1 situation. The two throw haymakers as officials intervene. 88% overall


Segment 4:

Over the weekend, it was announced that Awesome Kong vs. Nyla Rose was officially signed for Double or Nothing. Both women picked partners for a tag match, Kong went with her recent rival Hikaru Shida who share mutual respect with one another. Nyla went with Mel, Kong's former associate in the Nightmare Collective.

Mel's substantially less over than everyone else in the match so it's fairly clear what her purpose is here. At one point Mel goes to make a desperate tag but Rose decides to fuck off as she and Vickie retreat, leaving Mel to take the brunt of the beating and the loss. ***, 74% overall


Segment 5:

Team Taz runs down Best Friends, especially Orange Cassidy. Taz attempts to justify Brian Cage's assault on Cassidy last week. Who does that aloof moron think he can upstage "The Machine"? Enter Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor, and Kris Statlander. Orange points at Cage's TNT Championship and looks at the Double or Nothing poster in the background. Orange lays down a challenge without saying a single word. 83% overall


Segment 6:

Another match signed over the weekend sees Dustin Rhodes back at it, attempting to beat some sense into MJF in a Bullrope match. MJF deplores having to waste his time wrestling someone who should have retired years ago, but quickly gets a reality check when Dustin beats the ever loving fuck out of him early on.

MJF has to get on the defensive and eventually find his mean streak, conveniently after Wardlow intervened. MJF goes to town with the bullrope, using the no DQ nature of the match to beat Dustin bloody with the bell at the end of the rope. South Hamptons Plunge onto the bell and MJF wins.

MJF tells everyone that Cody has challenged him to a match at Double or Nothing, but MJF has already beaten Cody once. Why should he grant him another match? Just like the last time they faced off, MJF will only do it on HIS terms. Last time he gave Cody three stipulations to get to the match, and it's gonna be no different this time. Cody will learn these stipulations in due time. As a final insult, he busts out the Double Cross (Cross Rhodes) on Dustin right onto the bell to get the win. ***, 80% overall


Segment 7:

Last week Eddie Kingston became the first man to announce his entry into the Casino Battle Royale, tonight he faces another man who has declared in Matt Sydal. I thought these two might be a clash of styles with Eddie being a brawler and Sydal being a speed guy, but they ended up meshing extremely well. Despite being the self proclaimed toughest man in wrestling, Kingston once again couldn't close the deal without help from Butcher and the Blade, spinning backfist after a distraction finishes it.

"Everybody Dies" hits as Lance Archer appears on the ramp with Jake Roberts. Archer has not forgotten Kingston screwing him over a couple of weeks ago. On the tron, they show the finish of the 2020 Casino Battle Royale in which Archer eliminated Kingston to win the match (referencing events from previous years? That's allowed?) History is gonna repeat itself in a few weeks because Archer is back in the Casino Battle Royale too. ***1/2, 85% overall


Segment 8:

A video package for Darby Allin plays. He speaks of unfinished business with MJF for what he did to Sting, but he'll wait until MJF's done getting his reckoning from the Rhodes boys. After losing his TNT Title, he's keen to get back into the title picture, so he too is entering the Casino Battle Royale. 74% overall


Segment 9:

We have our second tag match in the #1 contender mini tournament. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson of The Dark Order face off against FTR, with the winners to face Santana and Ortiz next week for the Double or Nothing title shot against The Bucks.

I'm seeing firsthand how much the tag experience rating comes into play. FTR have teamed for 7 years and Uno and Grayson (formerly the Super Smash Brothers on the indies) have been teaming for 15 years, so both teams gel very well and they've got similar in-ring stats to boot. So yeah, this was easily match of the night to the tune of a 95% quality.

With Tully Blanchard and Shawn Spears being nuisances at ringside, it seems FTR will connive their way victory only for the music of SCU to hit. Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky emerge and corner Spears at ringside. Spears tries to leave for the crowd but OH SHIT Christopher Daniels is in the crowd waiting for him! SCU are on a united front putting a beating on Spears, which distracts FTR in the ring. Dax Harwood is thrown out and Cash Wheeler takes a Fatality as Dark Order pick up the win! ****1/4, 84% overall


Segment 10:

Medics are checking on Dustin backstage as Cody is checking in on him. Dustin wants nothing more than to see Cody get his hands on MJF. But after the beating he took tonight, he's coming to a conclusion he thought he never would: it might be time to put this old body down.

Cody tries to talk some sense into Dustin and tell him he's still got fight in the tank. Before he can get too far with his speech though, the Inner Circle show up "coming in peace" as MJF tells Cody his first stipulation: Dustin better get his old ass back in gear if he wants Cody to get his match, because next week the Rhodes Boys have to wrestle Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager.


Segment 11:

The AEW cage looks a bit more bedazzled than usual, courtesy of Hangman Page as he looks to build off of the momentum the Dark Order just built by settling the score once and for all over Matt Hardy.

The two more or less have a prototypical cage match hitting the usual spots as the announcers remind us of their history while also saying that while this match will be their last one on one encounter for now, they may cross paths again sooner than they'd like as both men have also been confirmed for the Casino Battle Royale.

At one point, Matt manages to hit Hangman with a sick looking Twist of Fate from the top. He instinctively goes for the pin but alas, no pins allowed in AEW cage matches. Matt slowly makes his way up the cage, looking like he's actually going to pull it off! He gets to the corner of the cage, looks down at Hangman and his hatred of Hangman seems to have him contemplating a leg drop from the top as the crowd dares him to do it.

He then scoffs and asks the fans "what do you think I am, some kind of spot monkey?" and starts laughing in amusement at his triumph. He laughs a bit too long as when he opens his eyes, Hangman is straddling the top of the cage with him. Matt sells it with great facial expressions and Hangman lariats Matt off the top, sending him crotch first into the rope below. Hangman climbs down and jumps to the floor for the big win. Matt looks in disgust as Hangman drinks a celebratory beer as Dynamite goes off the air. ***1/4, 88% overall

82% overall show rating

Guys there is a new booking game in development called Pro Wrestling Promoter. Seems to be a response to TEW 2020, which many people didn't like. I'm playing 2020 still but I understand. https://twitter.com/prowrespromoter?s=09

Renee has to deal with Moxley so I can only assume she's into some kinky shit which is a bit of a turn off but she has the Canadian thing going for her. Lana is just straight up hot with a hell of a figure. Penelope...oops, there went my dick....:o


The fact that you're back into things with a vengeance and pumping out the shows fairly quick is kind of lighting a fire under my ass to get back to work on my shows. I'm sure Jenna and Faith miss me....

OK, I know I've seen that pulled off before by another dick heel but I just can't remember who. I remember laughing my ass off, though, because that's such an awesome dick thing to do and this was further proof of that.

I'm telling you, if the game had a way to make it clear that a match is intended to be merely a squash so it won't penalize you, it'd be great.

Kip should have just tried turning it off and then on again.

Awesome Kong needs to get her hands on Vickie and power bomb all of the "Excuse Me" right out of her. Like, to the point where she'd be physically incapable of uttering those words ever again.

Not quite 'Point at the WrestleMania Sign' but it'll do.

This is great stuff and just the right way to use poor Dustin. I say 'poor Dustin' but the fucker's banged Terri Runnels so I'm never going to feel too bad for him.

Pretty sure anything past 6 months gets wiped from history according to modern day rules. I think the only time guys don't mesh is if the majority of their stats aren't close together enough. Like a guy with 85 brawl and a guy with 84 speed can still work well if the rest of the stats are like in the sixties. Don't quote me on that, though.

What's the limit on the number of entries?

[quote]Segment 9:

We have our second tag match in the #1 contender mini tournament. Evil Uno and Stu Grayson of The Dark Order face off against FTR, with the winners to face Santana and Ortiz next week for the Double or Nothing title shot against The Bucks.

I'm seeing firsthand how much the tag experience rating comes into play. FTR have teamed for 7 years and Uno and Grayson (formerly the Super Smash Brothers on the indies) have been teaming for 15 years, so both teams gel very well and they've got similar in-ring stats to boot. So yeah, this was easily match of the night to the tune of a 95% quality.

With Tully Blanchard and Shawn Spears being nuisances at ringside, it seems FTR will connive their way victory only for the music of SCU to hit. Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky emerge and corner Spears at ringside. Spears tries to leave for the crowd but OH SHIT Christopher Daniels is in the crowd waiting for him! SCU are on a united front putting a beating on Spears, which distracts FTR in the ring. Dax Harwood is thrown out and Cash Wheeler takes a Fatality as Dark Order pick up the win! ****1/4, 84% overall

I'm telling you, get enough teams with an experience rating high enough and you can smoke up all of them snowflakes with plenty to spare. Even more so if you do a TLC. Christopher Daniels still managing to contribute, I see.

Hmmm...tough to gauge where you might go with that tag match. I mean, Dustin SHOULD do the job but if we're building to Cody getting what he's after, there's room for a fluke win or something.

:heart::heart::heart:

Well, I mean....:o

A lot of what you're doing seems to be paying dividends, the tag teams in particular. Plus there was a strong ending to the show. Could've used some more Penelope but I imagine you're going to use all of that money to sign Mark Henry now. :)

That's good and all but I have virtually zero knowledge of any of the current product and little to no interest in learning about it for the sake of another game. Heck, I've had to slow up on my current game due to lack of time. Hopefully that'll change soon.

Haha, I wonder why I even bother posting the Dark results. There's little to no angles involved unless I happen to notice I can have members of a tag team work singles matches, etc. It's just keeping people I'm not using on Dynamite busy. With the size of my roster I'm not far off from doing an 11 match Dark card cause it's just a web show and can be as long as I want it to be.

You'd be right! Austin did it during the Invasion angle, instead of calling out Angle he called out Scotty Too Hotty. It was one of my favorite under the radar heel moments and something I'd love to see done again.

Come to think, she's much too annoying of a character to not get a proper comeuppance write off.

Oops, you said don't quote you on that :shifty: it is interesting to see the feedback I get in e-mails after shows, it's nice to get a surprise in there where guys worked better together than I expected.

The ratings might not be far off though, I remember getting far better ratings than I should in earlier saves for matches involving guys like The Miz and Nikki Bella, purely because despite not being above the 60s in any one in-ring stat, they were similar enough to their opponent for it to work.

It is traditionally a 21 man match. How I'll be able to book such a thing in EWR is beyond me, I'm sure it'll work itself out. :shifty:

I've got a nice idea planned for it. When all is said and done this will complete a 4 match story arc for Dustin in the span of a month. I've never booked someone to wrestle in 4 straight Dynamites but given the short retirement notice period EWR provides, I'll make do. I love Dustin, dude was always a bit underappreciated and all these years later a solid hand who helps the young guys. So I'm fine with giving him something compelling on the way out.

:lol: I assume Mark's getting a far cry from the 10-year megadeal he was on in WWE. All indications are he's purely there in a non-wrestling capacity (announcer, coach, talent scout) so I'm fine with bringing the big guy in for stuff like that.

One thing I do like about TEW that EWR doesn't have is that the blend between wrestlers and staff more closely mirrors real life. Like you can have a legend employed as a road agent but still book them in angles, etc. Aside from being able to assign certain wrestlers as announcers, you don't have any of that in EWR.

Thanks for sending, I might be keen to check it out when it's ready. :y:

I actually haven't played TEW 2020 yet. Everything I've read sounds like it has unmatched depth and is exactly the kind of thing I could get lost in for hours and hours. At the same time I remember earlier TEWs it would take me forever just to book one show and I'd end up going back to the simplicity of EWR.

I might give it another go at some point. Out of the Park Baseball is another example of a game with stupid amounts of depth that I eventually resisted but eventually fell in love with.

Ugh, of course it was heel Austin. No wonder I barely remember it. I would have thought it was someone like like JBL.

I could never go back to EWR. I've been on the TEW road since the beginning. It does take A LOT longer because the game is more in depth and detailed. But that's what I love about it. With 2020 the mods haven't been as plentiful for whatever reason. I think because they take a long time to make and people didn't play this one as much because it had a rough start. But I really like it. I do look forward to trying PWP for a quicker smoother interface. If you are playing EWR and want to bump up I'd suggest 2016 perhaps because it's a little simpler than 2020, but still a huge difference from EWR. It would still have quite the learning curve. Plus the mods for 2016 are the best available in my opinion.

Yeah 2020 had a ton of rollout issues, to the point where Ryland might be done with wrestling sims rather than dealing with the headache again. I'd definitely want a good present day mod in anything I play.

EWR is more of a writing activity for me since I book stuff that goes above what I'm actually booking in-game

This was a hilarious snippet on EW Battleground of someone describing their TEW 2020 game:

I don't think that's what Michael Cole means when he exclaims "HE JUST EXPLODED THROUGH THIS TABLE!!!"

:lol:

This type of thing is not very common.

Raw: August 27, 2040

Damn, it's almost been a month since my last show. I hope I'm still able to do this.

We open with Brooke in the ring looking proud as a peacock as she addresses the crowd. "I hope everyone who watched the ending of SummerSlam last night understands that what happened to Noah Carmichael was necessary and inevitable. You see, it apparently doesn't matter if you're one the biggest rising stars in the WWE. It apparently doesn't matter if you've went UNDEFEATED for more than TWO YEARS! It apparently doesn't matter if you're a former 2-time Intercontinental Champion. It apparently doesn't matter if you were within an eyelash of upsetting the World Champion on two separate occasions. None of that matters because as long as you don't feel like it, you can ignore all of that at your leisure and everyone just thinks it fine and dandy. Well, Salvatore Scabbia is tired of being ignored. He ticks all of those checkboxes I just listed and yet Noah Carmichael can just get away with ducking him as a challenger. Scabbia had you beat at No Way Out! He had you beat in the King of the Ring tournament! He had the Unified World Title taken away from him and you want to act surprised over what happened last night? Now, over the course of my career, both as a competitor and as a manager, I've done pretty much everything...with one exception. I have yet to manage a World Champion and I plan on checking that box, too. Sorry, Noah, but the running is over. On behalf of my client, Salvatore Scabbia, I am challenging you to defend your Unified World Title at Unforgiven against the man you dared to ignore for far too long. Now, we're perfectly aware that you're in no condition to answer right now, much less even be here tonight, but we will be expecting an answer....and it had better be the right one. You won't be taking this from me, Noah. I have the biggest and brightest up and coming star under my guidance and no one can dispute that!"

Cue somebody who is capable of disputing that, namely another former women's competitor turned manager, Madison. Madison joins Brooke in the ring and makes her own case. "Well, I don't know about everyone else here but what I saw last night was your client just throwing a temper tantrum. MY client, on the other hand, had quite the SummerSlam debut actually WINNING a match. Now, granted Alexander Piero has got a ways to go before I can start coming out here like you and throwing my own little pity party and making demands, but I can definitely make the claim that he's got himself quite the upside...maybe bigger than your guy."

"Hey, Scabbia has got no problem putting his money where his mouth is. You want to try running in this elite circle? Fine; let's see your guy drag his ass out here for tonight's main event. Scabbia vs. Piero! How about it?"

"We'll see you both out here later. You're on!" Looks like we've got our main event!

Backstage we've got an irate Brandon Reigns storming through the halls. He runs into an interviewer who questions him on what he's doing. He claims he's looking for Seth Von Kamp, the man who STOLE his Intercontinental Title last night! Reigns is informed that Seth isn't here tonight as he's off doing some promotional work on the late night circuit. Reigns says that it would be typical for a coward like Seth to be absent. Guess he was full of it when he talked about a champion not living up to their responsibilities.

First Match: The Play Pals vs. The Millennium Rebels
King Kavovit is on commentary making the claims that Moses McKay would be here at his side if not for the disgusting attack perpetrated by the Play Pals that sidelined him. The announcers press him on the fact that he has yet to provide any sort of evidence of that claim. Kavovit pushes back by claiming that it doesn't matter because McKay will be back soon, 100%. Then they'll put those children, Jones and Haywood, in their place. During this diatribe, quite the match is taking place. Kavovit can't contain himself and tries to ruin things for the Play Pals but Haywood turns the tables on him and manages to lock in Sammy Brady in the Rage Quit for the tap out. *****. 97% overall.

Backstage Luscious is on the phone with her boo the Cruiserweight Champion. Martyn LaSalle decides to storm in on the sick exchange of baby talk and gets in her face, no doubt upset over what went down last night. Luscious warns him of all the potential legal trouble Galino & Farnes will put him through if LaSalle does anything too drastic. LaSalle grabs the phone and tells Hotbody that since he can't make it here tonight, one of his stooges will just have to take his place. LaSalle tells Luscious to make her choice and send them out later.

Second Match: Faith Connors vs. Eclypse
Fresh off the historic match that crowned the first WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. This is another of Faith's specialties where she gets tossed around and plays underdog. Naomi and Jenna are on the outside, seconding their respective partners. Faith gets tossed to the outside in front of Naomi and the Women's Champion just can't help herself and decides to send Faith into the steps, causing the DQ. Naomi looks to cause some more damage but Eclypse wants to know what is Naomi's malfunction. Jenna breaks things up by shoving Eclypse into Naomi and gets Faith to safety. The heels don't look too happy with each other. *****, 95% overall.

Third Match: Jason Sorola vs. Josh Turmell
Sorola warns Shawn Dangerson that he's not off his radar just yet and there will be more to come between them. Anyways, this is nothing more than a solid outing for Sorola as Dangerson needs a good heel to beat on his way to the top. Sorola gets the tap out win with the STF. *****, 94% overall.

We get a video recap of the Haven/Wrakk feud culminating in what went down between the two at SummerSlam. Both men suffered some pretty nasty boo-boos but they'll be back.

Fourth Match: The Brooklyn Sisterhood vs. The Glitz Girls
Got to get the women jockeying for position to become future challengers to the new titles. Nothing decisive here as Billie Padgett gets counted out but we get a brawl afterwards. *****, 95% overall.

Fifth Match: Martyn LaSalle vs. Freddie Galino
Galino gets on the mic and claims that he wasn't necessarily picked so he could compete. He was picked so that he could ask Martyn LaSalle for forgiveness. You see, Jimmy Farnes can sometimes be really forgetful about things and it's not his fault. Galino knows Farnes very well and the severity of the condition that he has to suffer with but they work together regardless because Galino is understanding. He asks LaSalle to also be understanding and forgive Farnes for accidentally leaving behind their prized gavel. Besides, it's not like any of them made LaSalle lose the match anyway! LaSalle tapped out! The referee said so! So there's no need for hostility. LaSalle comes out to argue that point...namely by unleashing a shitload of hostility onto the face of Galino. This is more angle than match as LaSalle looks to lock in the Martynizer but Jimmy Farnes runs into to attack LaSalle for the DQ. LaSalle looks to be at the mercy of Hotbody's goons but JORDAN DEMIRAS RUNS DOWN AND MAKES THE SAVE!!! WTF?!?!? ****1/2, 92% overall.

Backstage, we see Luscious and her reaction as she's evidently getting an earful from Michael Hotbody over the phone. Luscious promises to try to handle things. She only makes it so far down the hall after hanging up before running into Sophie Waters. Waters finds it amusing what went down just now with Jordan Demiras making his return. Luscious claims that she doesn't have time for this. Waters can see that as there are apparently more balls than she can juggle. And that's not even taking into account the next person who might want to challenge Hotbody for the Cruiserweight Title. It could be anyone...even someone...dangerous.

MAIN EVENT: Salvatore Scabbia w/Brooke vs. Alexander Piero w/Madison
Ugh, the charisma of these two really dragged this down. Regardless, Brooke makes it a point to insult Madison some more, claiming that Madison always had a knack for biting off more than she can chew. Piero tries his damndest here and he gets a good showing. He certainly needs more miles under his belt and I don't think he should be beating someone like Scabbia anytime soon. So we get the overbooking torpedoes launched as the two ladies on the outside cause a fuss with their war of words and mild physicality. This is enough to cause Scabbia to take advantage of the bruhahah and lock in the Omerta causing Piero to pass out. Scabbia stands tall as he's made another case to be the number one contender. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%

Woooo it's back! :cool:

WWE moving all streaming to Peacock in <s>2021</s> 2040 confirmed!

I was running through the roster of late night hosts he could feasibly be sitting down with and then remembered you're so far into the future they'd all be in their 70s or dead by this point.

Behold the glory of 100 tag experience excellence!

Hotbody is totally doing baby talk on the other end. Reminds me of Zack Ryder when he was on his initial solo run in ECW and he literally said during a promo "Shout out to my girlfriend - WHAT'S UP BABY GIRL? I LOVE YOU - XO XO" :lol: so obnoxious

Double the tag division, double the snowflakes!

The Alliance to End Hotbodymania?

Hmm....who could that be? :shifty:

I SO hope Hotbody has Galino and Farnes do an inquiry into whether or not Dangerson is his real name all while everyone just blissfully looks past the ridiculousness of his own last name.

I don't know if I stumbled across a glitch or whatever the fuck but in 3.0 I had a weird phenomenon of none of my staff ever aging. Like, Michael Cole is still 39 right now. Granted anyone over the proper age still went through retirement but I basically have a ton of the old school crew still hanging around.

After a raucous few nights in the bedroom with Allie and trying to avoid being murdered by The Butcher and The Blade, I'm back for another week.

https://i.redd.it/eekvaru6m6i51.jpg


AEW Dark: May 18, 2021:
-Dr. Britt Baker def. Leva Bates
-"Absolute" Ricky Starks def. QT Marshall
-Chuck Taylor def. Brian Pillman Jr.
-The Dark Order (Colt Cabana, Alex Reynolds, and John Silver) def. Luther, Serpentico, and Peter Avalon
-Shawn Spears def. Brandon Cutler
-Darby Allin def. Angelico


AEW Dynamite: May 19, 2021

Segment 1:

We were scheduled to open with tag team action but instead, "Superbad" Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford hit the ring before the Dynamite intro could even finish and he immediately talked trash on Jon Moxley, accusing him of slashing his tires last week. He challenged Mox to a fight right there, right now.

I think everybody knew Miro would be just waiting to pounce to beat on Mox with his best friend, but I don't think it came soon enough for Kip. I also don't think Kip was expecting Kurt Angle to send referee Mike Posey out to the ring to turn it into an impromptu match. Mox didn't even take his jacket off, flattening Kip with a few lariats and a Paradigm Shift in a quick win.

As Penelope tends to her beau, out comes Miro finally. Miro marches down to the ring only to think better of it, wanting to save it for Double or Nothing in 10 days. ***, 78% overall


Segment 2:

And from that, we move into our actual scheduled opener. Cody and Dustin are out first to a big hand from the crowd. Sammy Guevara and Jake Hager are out next accompanied by MJF and Wardlow.

MJF addresses Cody on the mic on the way down, stating his second stipulation if he is to agree to face Cody at Double or Nothing. You might think he's going to make Cody put his career on the line against him, but he's not going to do that. He's going for something even more personal...he knows how hard Cody Rhodes fought to reclaim his name from some rich guy, well if Cody loses, he can sign those naming rights right back over to another one. Cody Rhodes will be dead forever and MJF will own him.

This seemed to just stoke a fire for both of the Rhodes boys, as they started the match with a house of fire and took Guevara and Hager to the proverbial woodshed. They end up having themselves a good tag match. Cody and Sammy brawl in the ring not as the legal man, Sammy slips to the outside to take a breather with MJF and Wardlow only for Cody to hit a Moonsault to the outside on all of them.

This distracts Hager long enough for Dustin to spin him around and hit him with the Final Reckoning! And it's over! The Rhodes brothers get the win and it's an enormous victory for Dustin as well, calling back to his loss against Hager way back at Revolution 2020. This seems to fire up Dustin who last week was questioning his future.

An incensed MJF gets back on the mic. "Hey Cody, remember how I said I wasn't going to make you put your career on the line against me? I was telling the truth. Instead, you're going to have to win a match next week when the opponent is putting his career against you. You want me next at Double or Nothing? You have to win a career threatening match against...DUSTIN RHODES!!!" Mic drop. MJF is the biggest dickhead of all time. ***1/4, 83% overall


Segment 3:

The Dark Order are backstage hanging out in a big locker room. Adam Page, Evil Uno, and Stu Grayson are talking about their wins from last week as Silver and Reynolds play foosball and Colt enjoys some fancy massage chair. Eddie Kingston, The Butcher, and The Blade make a surprise appearance. Kingston and Page, two of the favorites for the Casino Battle Royale, get in each others face and a brawl between the groups is teased. I love a good stable war. 81% overall


Segment 4:

"Where is My Mind?" by the Pixies hits which means Orange Cassidy is on his way to the ring with Chuck Taylor for more tag team action against Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks of Team Taz. Another pretty solid tag match that sees OC's Double or Nothing opponent Brian Cage attempt to interject himself only for Orange to send Ricky Starks into him, crashing him off the apron. Superman Punch to Starks and the faces get the win.

The big hosses Cage and Hobbs get back into the ring for the 3 on 2 beatdown until Kris Statlander appears on the ramp and waves somebody out from the back. It's........Trent? We haven't seen him in months coming off of a torn pectoral muscle! Trent hits the ring and helps rid Taz's minions. The four Best Friends all look at each other and have a big group hug. ***, 77% overall


Segment 5:

We have even MORE tag drama as we cut backstage to see FTR meeting Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian in the hallway, Tully lays down the formal challenge for Double or Nothing, as FTR wants to get the revenge on SCU they deserve. It leads to all 4 men brawling which leads to officials having to intervene. It's fun having so many teams and stables to book, imagine having actual tag depth? 79% overall


Segment 6:

Nyla Rose dipped out of her tag match last week but this week it was no such option as she was made to face Hikaru Shida and per orders of Kurt Angle, Nyla getting herself counted out would cause a forfeit. The two are no strangers to each other, with Shida hholding a 2020 triumph over Rose to win the AEW Women's Title.

The two continued the streak of good matches on this week's Dynamite, gelling well together. Vickie Guerrero at one point undoes one of the middle turnbuckle pads and Rose sends the unsuspecting Shida into it with a drop toe hold. Shida is out cold and Rose grabs the cheap win.

Vickie Guerrero laughs at the victory, but the face of elation turns to one of pure terror as Awesome Kong arrives at ringside and grabs Vickie by the hair, prompting her shrill scream. Kong doesn't hurt Vickie (yet) but does carve out a lock of her hair all as Rose looks on mortified. ***, 77% overall


Segment 7:

Young Bucks interview. Usual interview asking if they have any preferences on the #1 contenders match coming up (spoiler alert: they don't). Not much here, just had to get these over guys onto the show. 88% overall


Segment 8:

#1 contenders tag match: Santana and Ortiz of Inner Circle vs. Uno and Grayson of Dark Order. Do we continue our streak? You god damn right we do. This is turning out to be one of the better Dynamites in terms of in-ring quality and the crowd reactions have steadily been getting better too.

The heels turn to their weapon of choice (the madball/rock in a sock) in this one, Ortiz waffling Grayson with it when he was sent into the ropes. Santana, perhaps sending a direct message to the Bucks, follows up with a Superkick to finish it off.

Santana and Ortiz earn the Double or Nothing title shot, as the announcers mention they're one of the few teams to have a victory over the Bucks in AEW. The Bucks stand up at the commentary table and face their new challengers. ***1/2, 82% overall


Segment 9:

The Rhodes Brothers are backstage. Cody is distraught. MJF's head games have reached a new low. He already agreed to put his Cody Rhodes name on the line, but that third stipulation MJF laid out is too far. He can't bring himself to put his older brother out of the very business his father brought him into.

Dustin gets in Cody's face, giving the kind of tough love only an older brother can give. Dustin basically tears Cody a new one for even considering to think about forfeiting this opportunity and surrendering his name over to that snot nosed, Long Island scumbag. "Besides, why are you assuming you'd win?" And with that, Dustin slaps Cody clean across the face and walks off. 80% overall


Segment 10:

Main event of the evening sees AEW World Champion Kenny Omega face off against Rey Fenix of Death Triangle. To say the least, this was a far greater challenge than what Michael Nakazawa brought to the table last week. The two are no strangers to one another and had an excellent, high octane bout.

Kenny throws Fenix out of the ring and hams it up to the crowd before distracting referee Aubrey Edwards. At ringside, Rey Fenix is suddenly jumped by a "fan" in a Fenix mask. The fan throws Fenix back in the ring as Don Callis on commentary blasts AEW security for having no control. Fenix is easy prey as Omega hits a V-Trigger for the win. The "fan" breaks away from security and hugs Don Callis, unmasking of course as Karl Anderson.

Callis and Karl laugh it up as Omega decides to put Fenix up for a One Winged Angel for good measure. But before he can, Anderson takes a lariat to the back of the head from PAC and PAC runs in to save his bud. ****, 86% overall


Segment 11:

Kurt Angle cuts off Kenny's retreat to the back with another big announcement for Double or Nothing. We already knew Kenny would be defending his title against PAC - but Kenny won't be able to be up to his old tricks. PAC's been screwed twice now by cheating and interference, and to ensure that doesn't happen again and the two have enough time to settle the score once and for all - everyone will be banned from ringside as they do battle in a 30 minute Iron Man Match! 89% overall

82% overall show rating

Superstars: August 30, 2040

Opening Match: Alexander Piero, Kerry Cemenko, Kyle Jacobs vs. Orlando Kincaid, Quentin McDaniels, Xavier Cross
Shoot, why not build off of SummerSlam's matches and feuds and kick things off with something sweet like a 6-man? Of course with that mentality of me wanting to go all in, guns blazing, the game decides to go "LOL, dud show". Well, regardless Jacobs gets the honor here to pick the pin for his team by countering Kincaid's OK Corral in the Legacy Bomb for the win. *****, 84% overall.

Who should decide to join us next but the new Unified World Champion himself, Noah Carmichael! He's not looking too good all things considered. He talks about the nightmare that was Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam. With all of the violence and brutality that went down, he has to admit to a grave mistake in making a huge underestimation...namely he underestimated himself as to how much damage he was actually capable. He surprised himself. The only thing that was an even bigger surprise was someone like Salvatore Scabbia finding the stones to do what he did after the match. Of course, if someone is on a stretcher barely capable of staying conscious, how much stones does Scabbia even really have? He sure as hell let his woman talk a big game on Raw, what with throwing around challenges and what not. He doesn't know about a match but he's definitely down with kicking Scabbia's ass right here and right now!

Cue Lisa Benton to come out and try to diffuse things. She gets the degree of how upset Carmichael is but all this talk about championship matches and fights needs to be tabled for another time. For one thing, Scabbia isn't even here. Secondly, Carmichael looks in no shape for any kind of physical altercation, sanctioned or otherwise. The best thing for the champion to do right now is to go home, recuperate, and let her worry about the i's and t's regarding his next opponent.

Carmichael scoffs at this but agrees to take his leave. However, he gets in her face and tells her he doesn't envy her position but the one person who's going to need to be doing all of the worrying is Salvatore Scabbia.

Backstage, Luscious is with TOP LEGAL COUNSEL Galino & Farnes. They want to talk about the OUTRAGEOUS actions undertaken by Jordan Demiras and Martyn LaSalle on Raw. Nobody was informed as to whether or not Jordan Demiras would be present at the show which constitutes a clear case of false advertising and fraud! Demiras and LaSalle are lucky they haven't been drowned after swimming in deposition documents after such blatant statute violations! Demiras and LaSalle's business with Michael Hotbody is over and done and they need to be warned about the potential consequences of any further aggression on their behalf.

Second Match: Billie Padgett vs. Tania
This is hardcore rules and will end the feud between these two and hopefully they'll be better off with their respective teams. Padgett has the advantage here, obviously, but Tania shows she can hang as she's no slouch herself. It's enough to overcome the DUD factor, too. Tania picks up the duke after hitting a Nose Dive on Padgett through a table. *****, 89% overall.

Backstage, WWE Women's Champion Naomi is with Eclypse, having just watched the previous match. Naomi fears that Tania is going to want to use that outing as a springboard into a potential rematch against her for the title. Naomi tells Eclypse that threats will come in all forms from all directions when you're the champion. Eclypse counters that she already knows that seeing that she's a former Women's Champion herself. But Naomi is right about one thing: the two of them are one hell of a threat to the Women's Tag Team Titles. They just need to regroup and get back on the same page. Naomi tells Eclypse to hold her horses as she doesn't see that as a priority right now. Besides, Eclypse has to admit that she kind of dropped the ball at SummerSlam. With that, Naomi takes her leave as Eclypse appears insulted.

Third Match: Nigel Gallagher vs. Zachary Vale
Well poop on a stick. Having these guys try to follow the last match was pretty stupid as they take a beating in terms of heat. It's still good but they got seriously short-changed. Nigel picks up the win with the Union Smack. ****1/4, 72% overall.

Fourth Match: The Dillingers vs. The Wolves of Wall Street
Come on, Dillingers, help me recover from that last segment. Another awesome outing from them, thankfully, as they still have their eyes set on Galino & Farnes. Ben gets the win over London after hitting the Dillinger Escape Plan. *****, 85% overall.

Backstage, Vivian Merrick is with the Tag Team Champions who wants to mock all of the other tag teams stumbling over each other in a mad dash to become the team that might be the ones to dethrone the Future Foundation. Every team from the Dillingers to the Wyldhearts needs to understand they're simply in the wrong time.

Fifth Match: Shawn Dangerson vs. Brody Lee
We finally get Shawn back in action after some not-so-thinly-veiled hints at a challenge to the Cruiserweight Title from his manager. We don't get any kind of update on that front but we do get Shawn strutting his stuff and making more and more of a stronger case to be the frontrunner. He picks up the win after getting Lee to submit to the Danger Zone. Jason Sorola runs down to be a dick and beat up Dangerson afterwards. ****1/2, 83% overall. CURSE YOU DUD SHOW!!!

Sixth Match: WWE Women's Tag Team Champions The Lonely Girls vs. C4
Brooke, of course, accompanies her girls and makes the claim that she's sitting on a boatload of future champions. She reiterates her challenge to Noah Carmichael and demands that he watch this match as proof of her managing and coaching capabilities. Anyways, Faith and Jenna always give the finger to the DUD show and have themselves another good outing. Jenna looks to be in trouble as Faith is on the outside with Carmella and Brooke looks like she's going to give an assist to Cordelia. HOLD THE PHONE! Noah Carmichael makes his way out to give Brooke the stink eye. Brooke pauses herself to talk some trash back and that's all the opening Jenna needs to send Cordelia into Brooke and finish things off with the Kyle Driver for the pin. ****1/2, 82% overall.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Intercontinental Champion Seth Von Kamp vs. Zed Jones
Luscious informs us that Michael Hotbody will be returning tomorrow night on SmackDown! to help address everything that's going on right now. She wants him to know that we're all thinking of him and that we all anticipate him coming back. In the meantime, Zed wants to dedicate this match to him and Luscious wants this to be a warning as to what's in store for anyone thinking about sticking their noses in the business of Michael Hotbody! This is a decent enough main event, all things considered. Seth looks like he's got things well in hand but that pesky Brandon Reigns is still furious over losing the championship and decides to run down for the DQ. We go off the air with Reigns continuing to beat the piss out of the Intercontinental Champion. ****1/2, 82% overall.

Overall show rating: 82%

Hmm...I think I might actually warm up to Allie if she got an attitude like that of just flipping off the camera...and for other reasons....

IMPROMPTU OPENING MATCHES REEK OF SPONTANEITY! There has to be a way to squeeze in more of the women in this, right....emphasis on 'squeeze'....


That's actually a terrific way of going about this and it would put so much heat on MJF. Question becomes does Dustin go out with a bang or does the DUD show pee on his parade?

What, Page couldn't spring for an actual masseuse? :p

[quote]Segment 4:

"Where is My Mind?" by the Pixies hits which means Orange Cassidy is on his way to the ring with Chuck Taylor for more tag team action against Powerhouse Hobbs and Ricky Starks of Team Taz. Another pretty solid tag match that sees OC's Double or Nothing opponent Brian Cage attempt to interject himself only for Orange to send Ricky Starks into him, crashing him off the apron. Superman Punch to Starks and the faces get the win.

The big hosses Cage and Hobbs get back into the ring for the 3 on 2 beatdown until Kris Statlander appears on the ramp and waves somebody out from the back. It's........Trent? We haven't seen him in months coming off of a torn pectoral muscle! Trent hits the ring and helps rid Taz's minions. The four Best Friends all look at each other and have a big group hug. ***, 77% overall

I'll take a hug from Kris...:shifty: I imagine we'll be getting some trios out of this?

What, you mean slapping two guys together for a couple of months and then splitting them up for whatever reason doesn't work?

Aww, I wanted Vickie to shit her pants. :( Maybe next time.... I also love how Rose didn't bother doing dick to stop Kong. :lol:

Someone needs to answer that question one of these days with the Mulkeys.

Bask in the stars when it happens. It's quality shows that are going to help you get to that next level past National, if you aren't there already.

^This. This is good shit. It's like the whole Batista/Michaels/Flair thing but with not quite as talented people involved. The dick in me would have Cody just mercilessly beat his brother but the generous side of me would just have Dustin be graceful about it and just lie down. We'll shall see...

All Anderson was doing was showing his support for Fenix. He really wanted him to get the win so that's why he helped get him back into the ring....


Iron Man Matches for the win!!! The next time I do one I'm going to have the heel demand that the match be a thirty-ONE minute match and when asked why he can answer because he likes to go one step extra.