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Hmm, maybe with enough momentum he can overcome that jobber name stigma I have in my head.

I should probably take the time to finally addressing Kazarian's moniker. It's just at the right amount of stupid that I'm actually OK with it. I also love finisher names that are just acronyms. I gave one of my guys the finisher name the C.O.D. (Concussion On Delivery) and of course now I have the Academy rocking the PHD (Pretty Humiliating Defeat).

I don't even want to imagine J.R.'s commentary for a match like this at this stage of his life.

If I were that audience, I'd almost feel like standing up and clapping for the guy FINALLY getting a win after all this time. Must've been a cold shoulder night from Lana.

I'd like to imagine after the previous match that the crowd spent this entire match chanting "THAT WAS BULLSHIT!" :lol:

LOL, things getting spoiled left and right.

Did these two ever have an encounter in the WWE? I'd have remembered something like that because it would've been fucking great.

He managed it so easily it's almost as if King cooperated and helped Penta deliver the move. :shifty:

There's something to work with here, what with the "Spanish God" moniker and One-Winged Angel thing. I'm drawing blanks at the moment.

With the way the night went I don't think it could've ended any other way for Starks.

I'm glad that all the blocks seem to have something going for it, I've done tourneys like this before and it's such a wet fart when someone clinches a block before the final show.

If there's at least one A/B block and C/D block match that becomes a no-doubt "win and in" situation for the final day, that would be great.

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I was actually going over this in my head and I was thinking how evil it would be towards my announcers if I gave all of Hotbody's crew ridiculously long bullshit monikers making it a test of endurance every time they came out together.

I actually have some time free of major responsibilities this week so I can try to crank out more shows.

:lol: that would be great

The closest I've seen to something like this in real life is Kenny Omega's entrance. He doesn't have a long moniker, but he has Justin Roberts read out an assortment of facts before his name is announced.

This past week, he used his entrance to properly troll his opponent Will Ospreay.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kenny Omega trolled Will Ospreay hard asf with this entrance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AEWDynamite</a> <a href="https://t.co/JS4kwItSmh">pic.twitter.com/JS4kwItSmh</a></p>&mdash; Legit_Boss36 (@SashaMania36) <a href="https://twitter.com/SashaMania36/status/1565163513328402438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Finally sitting down and laying out the next show. The problem is getting around potential bankruptcy by having Simon Bennett and Adam Hail both on the same show.

Hopefully I'll actually get around to finishing my tournament :o work's picked up considerably and now I finally got a PS5 that takes up my downtime

Go figure the AEW landscape has changed considerably since I started the tourney. Now MJF actually is back (shame he's shit the bed in this tourney) while Punk and Omega who are very much alive in their blocks are suspended.

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Finished Raw, just have to do the report. I'm eager to jump into Superstars but I'm at a point where I'm debating if it's a good time to debut a few of the noobs. I've got 3 women ready to go but I'm wondering if it'd be better to hold off on their introductions until later down the road. I have an idea for one of them but it might ruin what I had in mind for WrestleMania. Again, I'm bumping my head into the problem of too much talent to know what to do with it all.

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Raw: November 12, 2040

Opening Match: Moses McKay vs. Robbie Greer
This is, of course, a taste of the little rivalry between the tag team champions and their challengers. McKay makes it clear that he doesn't care that the Wyldhearts got their dumb little sweetheart, Madison, back in their corner. McKay and Kavovit don't get their inspiration and drive from some cheerleading tramp who's trying to relive her glory days by living vicariously through other people. The Royal Effect know that they're the best and that's good enough for them. If the Wyldhearts feel that the only shot they have at winning the tag titles is with their skirt at ringside, then they shouldn't be wasting the champions' time. First Survivor Series, then the title match, and everyone will see just how pathetic the Wyldhearts really are! If this match is anything to go by, their inevitable match for the titles is going to be fire. Like, this is a fucking amazing outing. You might have had something there in picking the Royal Effect as Tag Team of the Year. The end comes when Greer knocks McKay to the outside next to Madison. McKay is flustered and decides to threaten Madison as a response who stumbles over as she backs away. Greer responds by taking out McKay with a baseball slide. Greer checks on Madison but McKay uses this opportunity to send Greer into one of the ring posts. Back into the ring we go as Greer is dazed and McKay uses a roll up with some assistance from the ropes to score a cheap pin. *****, 96% overall.

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody! Hotbody knows that the people are just waiting with baited breath to see who will end up with a shot at his Cruiserweight Title. Hotbody, however, is going to have to keep that close to his chest because he wants to address something just as important. You see, we're approaching Thanksgiving, and it's a time when you're supposed to look at your life and be grateful for what you have. Hotbody is nothing if not the most generous person and humble person in the entire WWE locker room, if not the entire WWE corporation. His exploits are important enough but it's only fair and right to shine a light on the talents of his crew. One man in particular has been put on the backburner for far too long, and it's high time that his talent and presence get the recognition they deserve. "You all know him as the Mean Bodyguarding Machine, but I know him as my dear friend and confidant, the man standing next to me, Zed Jones!" Zed stands menacingly in the center of the ring as Hotbody continues his rant. "Zed, I know you're a man of few words, but the important thing is that you're a man of many actions! How many times have you been at my side making sure things are fair and on the up-and-up? The way you stood up to tyranny at Night of Champions by protesting me being in that steel cage match! All the times you've been my generous substitute when I've been under the weather. And just a few weeks ago at No Mercy, when you came out on top in a battle of giants by beating that meathead Eddy Clash! Forget the Survivor Series main event and whoever ends up as Unified World Champion. You, Zed, are the hoss of hosses. The monster under the bed of the entire WWE. Never in the annals of history has there been such badassery in a powerhouse machine like you! The Big Show? More like the Big Slow, am I right? Andre the Giant? More like Andre the Giant Pansy! No, now is the time, Zed, where you're marking your territory, breaking out, and staking your claim and I can guarantee that it's making everyone back there behind that curtain pee their pants! But I think I've said enough of my piece. Zed, you wordsmith, why don't you drop some truths on these people?"

Hotbody lifts the mic to Zed's mouth but before he can say anything the music of Clubber Harris hits and the Ebony Empire himself comes out looking incredulous. He pulls Hotbody's mic hand towards his own mouth and Zed gives him a death glare and points as a warning. Harris is undeterred and speaks his mind: "You're gonna have to excuse me but I needed to come out to make a point. As you can see, Hotbody, my pants are quite dry and piss-free. Your boy over here has a loooooong way to go before all he can be doing all this puffing with his chest. Zed, you think long and hard about the places this little punks talks you into. There are some fights that ain't worth the paycheck."

Hotbody decides to interject and offer a rebuttal: "Harris, you're such a simpleton it's almost embarrassing. You think money is the only thing that motivates Zed? Zed craves violence. Zed craves the challenge. Zed craves the fight. Money is temporary. Glory makes you immortal. And when it all comes to pass, Zed will stand on the shoulders of victims and pretenders and people like you, Harris, will ask themselves why they thought to question his words. Why they thought it was a good idea to ever stand in his face like you're doing right now. Little by little, battle by battle, you'll be a believer. I pride myself on being associated with only the best, Harris, and if I thought that included you, I'd have been knocking on your door long ago. And let's be honest, nothing has really been knocking on your door for quite some time."

That right there is enough to trigger Harris and he grabs Hotbody by the throat. Zed is quick to jump in and sends Harris reeling backwards with a forearm. He charges Harris but Harris drops down and pulls the top rope down, causing Zed to stumble over and to the outside. Hotbody, brilliant strategist he is, leaps on Harris's back but Harris merely throws him off by flipping him over forward. Harris looks to punish Hotbody some more but Zed pulls Hotbody out and tries to get back into the ring to get him some more of Harris. Hotbody grabs Zed and calls him off. The two back away with Zed still wanting to fight as Harris stands tall in the ring.

Second Match: C4 vs. The Lonely Girls
Brooke is with C4 and she's still in a mood. She berates the Academy for ditching her but luckily there still those who know what loyalty is and know how to get their bread buttered. Carmella and Cordelia here deserve to be commended for not being crybabies and following the example set by Randy Ellis and Justin Mitchell. Brooke claims that the Academy aren't going to find anyone willing to put with them and take them to the top like she did! Later in the night, Carmella's brother Ronnie is going to set an example himself when he lays waste to Justin Mitchell. And it's only going to get worse once Survivor Series rolls around. Salvatore Scabbia wanted to be here tonight so bad but he's afraid of what he might do to the Academy and they might not make to Survivor Series. It's all about sending messages. Which leads us to right now as C4 have to deal with the entitled little princesses known as Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle. The Academy picked the wrong time to leave this gravy train because Brooke is set to take over all aspects of the WWE, including the women's division. So the match goes off with little problems as the rating will demonstrate. Faith and Jenna look good as they're still in the hunt for those Women's Tag Team Titles. The finish comes down to Cordelia and Jenna as Jenna lands a Kyle Driver. Jenna goes for the cover and Brooke puts Cordelia's foot on the rope but the ref sees it and calls for the DQ against C4. Jenna shares some words with Brooke and Carmella nails her from behind. Faith, however, comes to the rescue and clotheslines Carmella over the top. Brooke continues to have a bad week. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Third Match: Jason Sorola vs. Lyle Morris
Michael Hotbody comes out for guest commentary at ringside. Jason Sorola gets on the mic and declares that he demanded this match because he took great offense to the idea of someone like Lyle Morris trying to cut in line and expecting to be the number one contender to the Cruiserweight Title. Sorola goes on to say that after Shawn Dangerson was taken out of the picture, all claims to being the number one contender should have been immediately transferred to himself. Sorola is going to take care of this little problem and send Lyle Morris back to the trash heap where he belongs. This is another fucking great match. Hotbody continues to brag about his accomplishments and all the people he's conquered as he sits on commentary. Things spill to the outside and Lyle ends up in front of Hotbody. As great as the match is, unfortunately it looks like Lyle must've said something about Hotbody's mother because the Cruiserweight Champion leaps out of his chair and nails Lyle from behind as a strike for justice. He towers over Lyle and looks like he's going to punish Lyle some more but Jordan Demiras comes running out of nowhere to chase him off, no doubt approving of the tactic of insulting one's mother. Problems continue to mount for Hotbody. *****, 96% overall.

Backstage we've got Paul Andrews with Simon Bennett. Andrews wonders what the real reasons are that Adam Hail decided to leave him and Bennett. Did they snore too loud on the road? Did they pick some fries off of Adam's plate? Do they have bad breath? Or is Adam Hail really just that damn full of himself? A phone call explaining himself before all of this mess would've been nice. Things would've been a lot easier on him in the long run. Now it's going to get a whole lot uglier. There's no way around it. Survivor Series is where Adam Hail is going to have to put his money where his mouth is as he leads his team to the victory that he has in mind. One small hitch that Hail is going to have contend with, however, is Simon Bennett here is out to prove himself that night, too. He's got the winning team at his disposal and we'll all get a small snippet of that later on tonight when Mathias takes on Lonny Richards. Just remember one thing after all is said and done, Adam; you asked for all of this.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with the challenger for the Unified World Championship at Survivor Series, Haven! He wants to talk about the one prize that has eluded him for so long. He has the respect from his peers. The admiration from the masses. And the fear from the weak. Now he demands the title from the unworthy. Wrakk is merely a placeholder. The Unified World Title begs to be carried by strength and security. This business between the two of them will culminate in ugliness come Survivor Series, one way or another. There is no avoiding that for either one of them. But the brutal and bitter failure that comes with defeat and being dethroned, there is no avoiding that for you, Wrakk.

This looks like the perfect time for Quentin McDaniels to interrupt the proceedings. He gets right up in the grill of Haven and stands defiant. McDaniels wants to make it clear that despite his misgivings about Butch Fleming, he has to credit Fleming for being a much stronger and better figurehead that Haven ever was. It may sound like throwing stones in glass houses, but Haven should probably ask himself if he's just not good enough and that's why the Unified World Title has eluded him. Quentin McDaniels may not have worn that title himself, either, but that's only because he's been cheated countless times over. He can win any title he wants, it's just a simple matter of things being fair and having a proper opportunity. Case in point, Survivor Series, when he swoops on in that night and ends the farce that is the fairy tale championship reign of Seth Von Kamp. And when the night is over, there will the extra bonus of being able to wave that Intercontinental Title in Haven's face while he goes slithering off into whatever dark hole he comes from with nothing!

Haven is not amused and calls McDaniels a flailing body in a sea that threatens to swallow him whole and leave him drifting amongst the flotsam and jetsam, lost with no purpose. Survival is for the fiercest and for the most merciless. When survival is at stake, it's people like McDaniels and Wrakk that get devoured. That right there is enough to anger McDaniels and he decides to slap Haven. Haven fires back by knocking McDaniels down with a forearm. Haven moves in and picks up McDaniels and takes him to the corner to deliver some more punishment BUT HERE COMES WRAKK FROM BEHIND! The champion grabs Haven in a choke hold, pulling him away from McDaniels. A two-on-one beating on Haven starts up BUT HERE COMES SETH VON KAMP!!! The Intercontinental Champion runs down to even things out and McDaniels takes his cue and bails. Meanwhile, Haven is able to clothesline Wrakk over the top rope. Haven and Von Kamp stand tall as everyone exchanges finger pointing and words as we go to break.

Fourth Match: Justin Mitchell vs. Ronnie Costello
Brooke is out with Ronnie Costello. Before things get underway, Justin Mitchell gets on the mic and says that a very important announcement needs to be made. Earlier, Brooke made the claim that the Academy leaving her was a mistake and that there wasn't anyone that was going to be willing to be in their corner other than her. Well, to clarify a couple of things, both Justin and Randy Ellis have never felt better now that this big weight has been lifted off their shoulders. And secondly, and perhaps more importanly, as luck would have it, there actually was somebody who was eager to jump at the chance to be in the corner of a team like the Academy. That being said, no need to stand on ceremony, let's introduce everyone to the new manager of Justin Mitchell and Randy Ellis...SOPHIE WATERS!

The crowd goes wild and Brooke is in disbelief as the woman, Sophie Waters, herself does in fact walk on out and join Justin Mitchell in his corner. Brooke is beside herself but what can she do as the match gets underway. A pretty good match, by the way. Things come to a head when Brooke tries distracting the referee but Sophie runs interference, yanking her off the apron, leading to a chase around the ring. Mitchell takes advantage of Ronnie's attention being diverted to catch him in a jack knife roll-up for the pin. Sophie Waters is already paying dividends as Brooke throws a tantrum. It just hasn't been her week. ****1/2, 89% overall.

Fifth Match: Lonny Richards vs. Mathias
As promised by Paul Andrews earlier, here we are. We've got some good hosses being trotted out here, each with their respective managers in their corners. Adam Hail tries to get involved by hopping on the apron but that just brings out Simon Bennett to try to even things up. Hail yells at Simon and ends up getting knocked off when Mathias reverses a whip from Lonny. Mathias hits the Goliath Gore on Lonny off the rebound and that's enough to get him the win. MOMENTUM HAS BEEN ACHIEVED! ****1/2, 91% overall.

More In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time in the form of another edition of Getting Ziggy With It with Ziggy Styles! He knows that we all endured another talk show earlier in the night but we can never have enough of a good thing, especially when Ziggy can do it better! Ziggy knows what the people want and he's going to do his best to deliver it to them tonight. Ziggy knows that deep down what they all really want to see between himself and Michael Haywood...is a reconciliation! That's right, they don't want to see them week in and week out just at each other's throats. Michael Haywood has been through enough these last few months. He lost his tag team partner. He lost his entire band of buddies. He's been on his own and the people feel sorry for him. Ziggy is hosting tonight's edition of Getting Ziggy With It to let Michael know that he doesn't have to be alone anymore. Now, Ziggy isn't as dumb or untalented as Michael's former buddies but for the sake of peace between himself and Michael Haywood, Ziggy is willing to try! And in a world like this, sometimes trying your best for the sake for greater good is the most noble thing you can do! So, if everyone here is ready to see this move forward, Ziggy Styles would like to ask Michael Haywood to come on out right now, hug it out, and move on from all of this unpleasant business between the two of them!

Some time passes but eventually the music of Haywood hits and the man himself comes out looking incredulous. Ziggy stands in the ring with a smile on his face and encourages Haywood to enter. Ziggy sticks out his hand in an offer of a handshake as Haywood stands in front of him. Ziggy asks Haywood to go with his gut and give the people what they crave. There isn't any more of a reason for the two of them to be enemies. They call a truce right now and Michael can learn to get Ziggy with it and not be such a stick in the mud. Haywood stares at Ziggy's outstretched hand for a bit, looks at the crowd with a questioning look on his face, and then decides to shake. Ziggy is ecstatic. Haywood gestures that a hug is in order and he pulls Ziggy in and he locks in an embrace...and then suplexes Ziggy into his set. Haywood picks up a chair and smacks Ziggy across the back and that's enough to get Ziggy motivated to get the hell out of Dodge and run away wounded.

Backstage we're set to hear from Xavier Cross. Cross wants Kyle Jacobs to understand why he did what he did when Cross refused to be his servant. If Cross is ever to be subservient to anyone, then that person would legitimately have to be superior to Cross in almost every way imaginable. Facts being what they are, Kyle Jacobs is nowhere near superior to Xavier Cross. Xavier Cross headlined WrestleMania 50 for crying out loud. He's a legend in his own time. The wannabes come to him, not the other way around. And if you think there isn't any truth to that, then think back to how all of this between Cross and Kyle got started. Kyle was the one full of himself and wanted to get attention so he made it a point to come to Cross. Xavier Cross is no one's whipping boy. He's no one's servant. And he's no one's stepping stone. Kyle can dream of the immortality that his dad and uncle achieved all he wants. But he has no right to get all in a fuss when reality smacks the crap out of him. Xavier Cross will be there at Survivor Series as part of one of the 5-on-5 matches and he hopes it comes down to just the two of them.

MAIN EVENT: Brandon Reigns vs. Ryan Pattillo
The Money in the Bank holder declares that he once again feels the need to reiterate that he is NOT interested in stepping into the ring with Eddy Clash. He'll be happy to teach him some manners and respect but it's not going to be on anyone's terms but his own. He doesn't need a match with Clash to show everyone the severe gap between the two of them. People like Kyle Jacobs, Conner Buchanan, and Jake Connelly were speed bumps on the road to his destiny. Eddy Clash is a bug on the windshield. Barely a blip on the radar. He's welcome to give Reigns a call when he's got some more mileage under his belt. Of course, by that time, it may not even matter anymore because that WrestleMania cash-in is getting closer and closer and before long, the WWE will be dealing with a new breed of Unified World Champion. So this match kicks ass, as you would expect. It's heartening to see Reigns can hang with a big name like Pattillo. Things come to a head when Eddy Clash comes through the crowd and makes off with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Pattillo and Reigns continue their match and it spills to the outside. Reigns gets to his feet first as the ref starts his count. As Reigns walks around the ring, he notices his briefcase is missing. He looks around angrily and he catches Clash just as he disappears behind the curtain. Reigns gives chase as Pattillo makes it back into the ring. The ref reaches ten and counts Reigns out but he's got other matters on his mind as he runs around the back looking for Eddy Clash. Pattillo stands in the ring afterwards but Orlando Kincaid takes this opportunity to run out and attack Pattillo, laying him out with the OK Corrall. Kincaid stands tall as we go off the air. *****, 95% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%

Nice to see the show return but yeah you’ve run into precisely the same problem I’ve had trying to run my EWR game, or ironically the problem real-life AEW had. So much talent, so little time. Basically impossible to feature everyone consistently and it results in good talent being “benched” even if unintentionally.

Even reading it through on my phone, Hotbody’s intro is 8 lines of text and counting :lol:

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Finished booking Superstars and not to spoil what's going to be on the show, but afterwards Clubber Harris e-mailed me asking for he and Jordan Demiras to be a regular tag team, which would be...interesting, all things considered. Imagine Mr. T hanging out with someone like Zac Efron.

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Hey, is there a certain threshold I'm supposed to reach before the game starts making relationships between the workers on my roster? I've been at this in 4.0 for half a year in game time and nothing's come up as far as that department goes. Plus, is it possible for there to be homosexual relationships? Just saying, Faith and Jenna can explore a little further between them...:shifty:

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Superstars: November 15, 2040

It's 20-MINUTE OPENING PROMO OF DOOM TIME! OK, maybe not 20 minutes but we do get Sonya Braddock joining us to kick things off in the ring. She's always one to get down to the point. And her point is that she's been looking forward to knocking Naomi Bailey's lights out for what's seemed like a lifetime. You'd have thought that after WrestleMania, Naomi would've just taken her licks and gotten the point. But, hey, give her some degree of credit for eventually doing the impossible and managing to take the Women's Title from Sonya. It only took her another match and her scepter to pull it off but who's keeping track of these things, right? The important thing is that Sonya has been generous long enough in allowing Naomi Bailey to continue being the champion, sitting back and preparing and watching her try her best to build something out of her victory at Night of Champions. It's an impressive house to be sure, but the big bad bitch is back to knock it all down at Survivor Series, whether anyone likes it or not.

Cue someone who doesn't like it, namely Vivian Merrick of all people, who comes out and joins Sonya in the ring, looking perturbed. Vivian claims that no one cares about Sonya's belly-aching. Vivian's boys, The Future Foundation, are the real victims of highway robbery. The tag team titles were yanked from them in the most undeserving of fashions but yet, where is the outcry and vitriol from the people? Isn't her plight just as sympathetic as Sonya's? Vivian came out here to demand equal time to air her own grievances. Vivian tells Sonya that her downfall at Night of Champions couldn't have happened to a better person because Sonya isn't owed anything! After what Sonya did to Vivian's jaw, it was worth the pain when she laughed at Sonya losing the title. Sonya is not infallible and it's going to be a repeat performance at Survivor Series and Vivian promises that the laughter will be even...

...*BAM*!!! Sonya interrupts the tirade by delivering another Left Hand of God to Vivian's mouth and she goes down. The crowd voices their pleasure at this turn of events as Sonya stands tall and strong heading into Survivor Series.

Backstage we have Sophie Waters on her phone. It's not long before Brooke comes onto the scene to get in Sophie's face. Brooke demands to know who the hell Sophie thinks she is and what kind of crap she's trying to pull by managing The Academy. Sophie replies by pointing out that Ellis and Mitchell were free agents and Brooke seemed more than happy to be rid of them, so why not scoop them up? Brooke claims that Sophie was always jealous of her and that Sophie should know better than to get on her bad side. Sophie has always been inferior to Brooke and it's still the case because Brooke still has a better clientele. Sophie thinks that should be put to the test. How about tomorrow night on SmackDown!, Sophie's girls The Internet Darlings take on Brooke's girls, C4? Brooke is fine with that, but tells Sophie to be prepared for a wake up call.

First Match: Debra Phillips vs. Ainsley
I'm debuting both women here. I have higher hopes for Ainsley as she's got charisma up the wahoo. The announcers preface this by pointing out how both women trained together in the hopes of getting to the WWE and this is their opportunity to make an impact on the higher-ups. No surprise, it suffers in the crowd reaction department, despite being technically good. Debra manages to get the win by stacking Ainsley up after a sunset flip from the apron. Debra soaks in the moment and Ainsley offers a handshake, which is promptly ignored as Debra takes her leave, still in euphoria. What was that about? ***1/4, 65% overall.

Second Match: Neil Quint vs. Clayton North
The Quint-Essential Cruiserweight continues to shine! If he keeps his head on his shoulders he's got himself a nice spot in my inner circle. Some good shit, as you'd expect, and Quint gets the win after hitting the Quint-Essential Top Rope Maneuver. ****1/4, 89% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with Dusk. She says that she's somewhat satisified with her time in the WWE, despite its short length, but she thinks she can do more in order to instill the type of fear and despair in the women's locker room that she envisioned. She thinks she should aim a little higher. Think bigger. There are so many top names that could stand to dance in the darkness...and get devoured by it. Then, we'll begin to feel that shiver going up the spine of the WWE. All this talk of surviving, but the unfortunate truth is that sorrow leaves no survivors in its wake.

Cue Phoebe Hansen who wants to interrupt this shiznit. Phoebe says that you can call her crazy but she didn't sign up for the WWE to be "swallowed by darkness" or whatever the hell Dusk is selling. Phoebe says that Dusk might be reaching far beyond her grasp because people around here aren't going to be set back by a Hot Topic employee. Of course, Dusk is more than welcome to try to put the fear of God in her if she's so sure of herself.

Dusk is not amused at Phoebe's take on this matter and says that she can humble Phoebe anytime she wants. Bravado rarely lasts once reality sets in. Phoebe gets irritated and says this isn't a literature course and asks that Dusk talk like a normal person. Dusk fires back by telling Phoebe that's the point: Dusk isn't normal. And with that, Dusk boots Phoebe in gut, doubling her over. Dusk tries setting Phoebe up for the Final Sunset but there's still some life in Phoebe! We get a short back-and-forth as things spill to the outside until Dusk manages to drop Phoebe across the barrier. Dusk backs away glaring at her fallen prey.

Third Match: Clubber Harris and Jordan Demiras vs. Galino & Farnes
This is continuing from the ordeal on Raw. Demiras declares that he's determined to not let Michael Hotbody have a moment's peace. It's only fair considering the act of slamming a cage door into his head still resonates with him. Harris makes it known that he's still up for a fight with Zed Jones if Jones wants to back up all that talk from Hotbody on Raw. The faces certainly make for an odd pair like I pointed out before. It's good solid tag action all around. It comes down to Harris and Farnes on the outside. Farnes tries whipping Harris but it's reversed and Farnes ends up colliding with Zed. Back in, Harris looks to put this away. He runs to the ropes, no doubt looking for some sort of clothesline or tackle, but Zed low-bridges him and Harris tumbles over the top to the floor. That's enough for a DQ. Zed and Michael Hotbody look like they're going to assault Harris but Demiras comes flying over the top rope with a dive but he's caught by Zed before he can hit Hotbody. Zed follows up by launching Demiras into the ring post. Lyle Morris tries coming down to get him some but he's horribly outnumbered as Hotbody's crew just lays waste to the three faces. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Fourth Match: Ethan Lang vs. Ozzy Mandias
Martyn LaSalle comes out to be part of the announce team. He's disappointed that Ozzy still hasn't agreed to a match with him, but he's taking it as a sign that maybe Ozzy doesn't want any hostilities between them, which LaSalle is fine with as Ozzy was the one who started all of this. But maybe with him being out here on commentary, Ozzy will find it in him to deliver a clear answer. So this match is great, as Lang is making tremendous progress. Things come to a head when the action spills to the outside and Ozzy is knocked back and falls down next to LaSalle at the table. Ozzy makes his way up but instead of getting back to the match, he starts getting in the face of LaSalle, asking if he's bad mouthing Ozzy on commentary. LaSalle claims innocence and tells Ozzy to worry about the match. Ozzy tells LaSalle that he doesn't tell Ozzy what to do. Meanwhile, Lang has made it back into the ring and the ref counts Ozzy out. Ozzy is livid and gets back in the face of LaSalle. LaSalle stands up in response but gets a shove for his troubles. The referee comes between the two and Ozzy decides to bail, still yelling at LaSalle. ****1/2, 89% overall.

More backstage goodness as we're joined by Madison and one of her clients, Alexander Piero. Madison wants to thank Piero for carrying the torch for her while she was gone. Chris Collins has been avoiding the ass kicking that's been coming to him for what seems like forever. Nothing against the teammates that will be beside her at Survivor Series, but she hopes their match comes down to just Collins having to face her three boys. Not only would the fans get their money's worth, but so would Madison. She tells Collins to sleep on that thought.

Fifth Match: Isaac Wolff and El Silencio vs. Tom Foley and Doug Michaels
You might find it weird that I'm featuring El Silencio more and more but just bear with me for a bit in that department. I think I've got something good here, if only for a one-off thing. Just some good cruiserweight shit that ends with El Silencio getting the pin on Foley after coming off the top with the Careless Whisper. ****1/2, 89% overall.

Sixth Match: Gavin Jones vs. Vinnie LaPaige
Gavin declares that he's on the same page as Jordan Demiras as he also has no intention of letting Michael Hotbody off the hook as far as his responsibilites go. Jason Sorola would be better off not meddling in affairs that don't concern him. So this match is all about giving Gavin a stage to look good and LaPaige is a good punching bag for this task. Jones gets the pin after the Frog Splash, naturally. No time to celebrate as Jason Sorola apparently has taken umbrage to Gavin's words and runs down to lay out the former Play Pal with a chair. Sorola yells some harsh words at the fallen Jones before taking his leave. ****1/2, 89% overall.

God damn, three times in a row with that fucking rating?

MAIN EVENT: Simon Bennett and the Perfections vs. Adam Hail and the Southern Belles
Do you have any idea how much this main event is costing me? Hell, this show combined with Raw is probably enough to make me cut catering costs. So there is animosity all over and it comes out in spades during the whole ordeal. It comes down to Hail and Bennett and Bennett looks like he's getting the better of that exchange. Nathan Quinn must sense it, too, because he grabs a hold of Bennett's leg as he's in the corner, waiting on Hail to stand up. This obviously distracts Bennett, and causes the ref to call for the bell, but it's enough to allow Hail to blindside Bennett and stomp him down into the corner. The ladies brawl to the back leaving the men alone and Hail decides to send a message by crushing Bennett with a couple of Hailstorms off the top. Hail keeps looking strong as we get ever closer to Survivor Series. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Overall show rating: 86%

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BREAKING FROM THE DESK OF THE GENERAL MANAGER:

Coming off the heels of Superstars, Lisa Benton has put together two more 10-person traditional Survivor Series elimination matches for the PPV. The first will come from the women's division as Dusk, C4, and the Women's Tag Team Champions The Southern Belles will face Phoebe Hanson, The Lonely Girls, and The Perfections. The second match will pit the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody, Zed Jones, Galino & Farnes, and Jason Sorola against Lyle Morris, Gavin Jones, Clubber Harris, Jordan Demiras, and an additional teammate that Lyle Morris will announce on SmackDown!. Be sure to tune in to keep up with the latest updates surrounding this year's Survivor Series!

I feel like the relationships remain largely static throughout the game with the exception of people marrying unknown daughters of your owner. It's definitely one area in which TEW and other iterations improved a bit, since relationships can and do change over time.

A shame though as Faith and Jenna would be quite the pairing.

Of course, modern TEW also allows workers to die which, while incredibly morbid, would probably present a fun challenge as long as it only happened like once a decade or something.

Classic Survivor Series matches really were the best. It was nice to have at least one big stable where the team made perfect sense to be in the match, but then being able to pair together other sensible teams made for some fun interactions in the build up.

Wayyyyy back during my old WWE games I used to remember Survivor Series being the easiest month for me to book because I could do singles or tag matches involving so many pairings of the upcoming Survivor Series matches.

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Was typing up the SmackDown! recap when it came to me that I overlooked another Slammy category. By all means, look over the nominees and take your pick for FUED OF THE YEAR!

Salvatore Scabbia and Kyle Jacobs
Noah Carmichael and Butch Fleming
Naomi Bailey and Sonya Braddock
The Royal Effect and The Play Pals
Michael Hotbody and the Cruiserweight Division
Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle
The Wyldhearts and The Future Foundation
Wrakk and Haven
Seth Von Kamp and Brandon Reigns

I WANT to say Hotbody and the Cruiserweight Division because it's consistently the most entertaining part of the show, but the dude's already gonna win some other Slammys.

Faith and Jenna feels like a strong choice given their entire story arc.

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Between Hotbody and Luscious that's three Slammys and I was thinking about how hilarious it would be if along with his usual dumb entrance, each member of his crew pushes an individual award down the aisle on some kind of mobile pedestal also getting an introduction while Hotbody and Luscious look on with tears in their eyes.

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SmackDown!: November 16, 2040

Opening Match: Lyle Morris vs. Jimmy Farnes
Not wasting any time here. Well, Galino & Farnes want to waste some time running their mouths, first. They talk about how they're not sure why Lyle Morris is even wasting Michael Hotbody's time with this ridiculous challenge for the Cruiserweight Title. Of all of the surefire epic feud of the year contenders that Michael Hotbody has entangled himself in, Lyle seems like the odd man out. Besides, with no Chet Morris, technically Lyle doesn't even qualify for a shot based on the criteria Hotbody laid out. The law offices of Galino & Farnes will be seeking a CEASE AND DESIST ORDER against Lyle Morris and that's only the cherry on top of what's going to go down here tonight right now!

So this is a typical big man vs. little man match. Lyle manages to get the upper hand as we start to head home. Lyle stands perched on the middle rope, ready to strike at a dazed Farnes, but Galino pushes Lyle off. The ref calls for the DQ but it's a mere formality as Galino & Farnes start the 2-on-1 beatdown. HOLD THE PHONE!!! IT'S CHET MORRIS RUNNING DOWN THE RAMP AND INTO THE RING!!! He's got a steel chair with him and Luscious alerts Galino & Farnes to this turn of events and they take the hint and run out of the ring, avoiding any physicality with Chet. Chet checks on his cousin and pulls him up. Lyle takes the mic and says that he promised that he'd name his fifth team member for Survivor Series tonight. Well, we're looking at him. The Morris Cousins are back so Galino & Farnes can go tell Hotbody to get that Cruiserweight belt shined up, nice and pretty. ****1/2, 91% overall

Second Match: The Internet Darlings vs. C4
This was set up last night on Superstars between Sophie Waters and Brooke. Brooke wants to make it clear that while she is looking to show anyone who's ever been ungrateful to her what happens when she's crossed, her team Ronnie Costello and Salvatore Scabbia are not here tonight, so Randy Ellis and Justin Mitchell can breathe a bit easier. They'll feel the full wrath, however, come Survivor Series. Right now is all about letting everyone else know that they're not safe either. Brooke is the woman that runs the show and she runs it because she doesn't tolerate weakness in her camp, male or female!

As much as I want to do more with the faces, right now it's all about Brooke's team so this match is all theirs. Brooke puts Carmella's foot on the rope to break up a near fall. Sophie sees this and goes to confront her. Brooke, in a panic, pulls a dazed Cordelia in front of her to block Sophie. Cordelia isn't sure what's going on but Lauren Franklyn assumes Sophie is in trouble and delivers a baseball slide to Cordelia, knocking her down. Carmella takes advantage of the chaos by rolling up Lauren and grabbing the tights to score the cheap pin. ****1/2, 88% overall

Third Match: Chris Collins vs. Blaine Bellamey
Chris Collins declares that he's getting tired of facing all of these weaksauce simps who can't handle a woman getting the slightest bit hurt. Where are all the REAL men at? He can't even remember the last time he got to challenge for a title and that's probably the biggest insult in all of this. He wants to fight for gold, not for a woman. And that right there is what separates him from a wimp like Alexander Piero. So let the match at Survivor Series come down to him and all three of Madison's little petting zoo. Chris Collins is so much of a man that all three of them combined can't even add up to an alpha like himself!

This is another big man vs. little man affair. It comes to a head when Moses McKay makes his way down to ringside and stalks Madison. Naturally, Blaine is a bit peeved and reaches over the top rope and grabs McKay by the hair. This allows Chris Collins to pop up and snatch Blaine into the Fall From Heaven and get the pin. Alexander Piero runs down afterward to fuck shit up royally for the heels but they decide to bail. ****1/2, 93% overall

Fourth Match: Jason Sorola vs. Gavin Jones
I mean, why not do this match? Gavin is distraught over how things have turned out regarding the Hunters and Jason Sorola but if it means he's got a shot at once again wearing that Cruiserweight Title, it's something he'll just have to live with, especially if Sorola wants to continue being a bloody jackass about everything. Gavin may not have the Hunters behind him, but he is going to have a team at Survivor Series, and they're going to be looking for a clean sweep. This match is looking like it's going to be match of the night. The blow off between these two is probably going to be fire. Not Match of the Year, mind you, but it's tracking to be a highlight. Of course that means that nothing can be settled here just yet, as Michael Hotbody decides to make himself known. Clearly he's just here to show everyone how shiny he made his Cruiserweight Title belt, like Lyle Morris asked for earlier. It's so shiny that Gavin can see his own reflection in it and Hotbody even offers Gavin that chance. It's quite a close look and for some reason the ref calls for the bell, disqualifying Sorola. Hotbody tries slapping Gavin awake in order to get him back on his feet so he can see the shiny Cruiserweight title some more. Jordan Demiras comes running down, no doubt looking to ask Hotbody how he got the belt so shiny, seeing as he was never capable of such an accomplishment. Hotbody, wisely, isn't going to share such a trade secret with just anybody and decides to split and Sorola accompanies him out of the ring. *****, 96% overall

Fifth Match: The Academy vs. Southern Gentlemen
Man, am I spoiling the audience with this parade of matches or what? Justin and Randy aren't fazed and have no regrets about their decision to split from Brooke. Brooke demonstrating earlier just how little she actually cares about people not constantly jumping at every little snap of her fingers. They give a warning to the rest of the pack still under Brooke's watch that it's only a matter of time before Brooke finds little use for them when things don't go her way. The Academy aren't going to be the scapegoats for Scabbia's failures and too bad for anyone over on Brooke's side who doesn't like that. Things go a bit better for Sophie Waters here, as her new clients have quite the handle on this match. Brody Lee falls victim to Today's Lesson from Randy Ellis and that gives the Academy the pinfall victory. BUT WAIT!!! SALVATORE SCABBIA IS HERE! What about what Brooke said earlier. Scabbia does what he does best, and that is just wrecking shit. Both Mitchell and Ellis get absolutely annihilated by Scabbia's rampage until Scabbia decides to put them both out with the Omerta. Scabbia has made quite the case for himself being a key part of his Survivor Series team. *****, 94% overall

Backstage we go to the Lonely Girls, Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle! Five matches in a row is a bit excessive, even for me. Anyways, Jenna wants to know what Lisa Benton has been smoking because the Lonely Girls can't see anything positive coming out of them having to team up with Leah and Bonnie Beckham at Survivor Series. Jenna says that she can still feel the spot on her face where Leah smashed a camera. And speaking frankly, Jenna still gets a feeling of giddyness every time she thinks about the time she got to repeatedly introduce Leah's face to the mat that one time. Things may never be copacetic between the two teams. They've still got their eyes on those tag team titles. Faith and Jenna will do their best to behave themselves at Survivor Series, but once that's over, all bets are off.

Sixth Match: Leah vs. Bobbi Jo
Speaking of the devils, we've got this match to tackle. It is, of course, awesome as hell. They brawl to the outside and the count commences. Leah tries climbing back into the ring but Bobbi grabs her legs to try to stop that. They struggle for a bit until Leah shoves Bobbi off, sending her into and over the announce table. Leah makes it back in while the count continues on Bobbi. Bobbi starts making her way back to the ring as the count reaches 8 but she's apparantly had enough for the night and decides to grab her belt and walk away, giving Leah the countout win. Leah is not satisfied and tries to get her hands on Bobbi but Bobbi responds by plastering Leah's face with her title belt. The drama continues. ****1/2, 91% overall

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with Orlando Kincaid! He thinks it's been a long time coming that he and Ryan Pattillo have a heart-to-heart about their issue. Ryan shouldn't be such a baby about what Orlando has been doing. You'd think Ryan would have some degree of empathy. You see, much like Ryan Pattillo, Orlando is also the former member of a great faction. Now Orlando's faction was without question far superior as the Order was about dominance and ferocity. Ryan's little pack of embarrassments was about acting like idiots. That image and the desire to keep that image up and running for the sake of the morons in the crowd is to blame for Ryan not being part of that upper echelon scene. Orlando, however, has legitimate gripes with other people. People who know how dangerous he can be to that status quo. That barrier is going to get broken by Orlando Kincaid, one way or another, and poor Ryan Pattillo is going to left laying among the pieces. There's only so much room at the top and Ryan Pattillo just isn't vicious enough to stop Orlando from getting there. Ryan Pattillo had his time in the sun and whether he likes it or not, after Survivor Series he's going to end up even worse off than where he is now and he'll have plenty of time to reflect on what went wrong. The sad thing is that it's not even that big of a mystery. Ryan squandered all of his potential being a damn jester and Orlando would be willing to wager that the real reason Michael Haywood and Gavin Jones decided to break ties with him is that even those two were getting beyond embarrassed about what a loser and failure as a leader Ryan Pattillo has become!

Things have finally reached the boiling point for Ryan Pattillo and he decides to make himself known and runs down to the ring to get a piece of Kincaid. Unfortunately there's some kind of theme going on here with the heels tonight as he doesn't want any of Pattillo's rage and decides to vamoose through the crowd.

Seventh Match: Ziggy Styles vs. Martyn LaSalle
Ziggy tells that audience that he hopes everyone will tune into his first Survivor Series where he will lead his team to a dominant victory. He also hopes that they spend Thanksgiving giving thanks that Ziggy Styles graces their screen, week in and week out, bringing the best thing going on in the WWE today. He blesses everyone's Thanksgiving meal and declares that everyone is going to be getting Ziggy with it that day! This match is more goodness as the rating clearly shows. LaSalle looks like he's about to lock in the Martynizer for the submission but Ozzy Mandias makes himself known by coming out onto the stage with a mic looking like he's in a hurry with something important to say. "Martyn, Martyn, Martyn...I'm so glad I caught you. I thought I wasn't going to be able to get a hold of you tonight. This was super-duper important!" LaSalle takes his eye off the ball due to this distraction as he yells back at Ozzy. Styles takes advantage of the interruption by hitting the Thinga-Ma-Zig and getting the pin. However, during all of this, Ozzy continues his speech, claiming that it was important for him to be out here because he wanted to be sure Martyn and all of the people here heard Ozzy's announcement loud and clear. Ozzy declares that he is, in fact, accepting Martyn LaSalle's challenge to a match...and even better, it will be at Survivor Series! Isn't that great Martyn? LaSalle of course can't respond as he's in a daze after the loss. Ozzy tells him not too worry about getting back to him immediately. LaSalle can take his time. And with that, Ozzy takes his leave. ****1/2, 93% overall

More In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with a very pissed off Brandon Reigns. "Are we seriously doing this again?" he starts. "Am I seriously going to have to deal with Eddy Clash taking my damn briefcase AGAIN? Eddy, it wasn't funny the first time around and it sure as hell isn't funny now. You are down right pathetic. You have nothing but nip at the heels of people better than you, hoping to get even the slightest bit of attention. Well, mission accomplished, because you are priority number one in my book. I'm not simply asking for you to come out here and hand over my briefcase. No, no, before things could've been forgiven because you were a mere simpleton who just didn't know any better. Well now, you're clearly just trying to piss me off and asking for the beating of a lifetime, so come on out here and take your ass kicking like a man! I'll make it quick but memorable enough for you to ever think twice about ever believing you were worth my time. GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE RIGHT NOW!"

Time goes by with no response but eventually Eddy pops up on the tron. Eddy says that he's absolutely willing to go through whatever Reigns has in mind and he is absolutely willing to hand over the Money in the Bank briefcase. The problem is that Eddy just finished sending the briefcase to a hotel room in Miami. The same hotel room where Eddy will be staying Survivor Series weekend. The same hotel room that's in the same city as this year's Survivor Series! What a coincidence. It seems that the best way for Brandon Reigns to get everything he wants is to show up to Survivor Series and face Eddy Clash in that match that he proposed a while back. Everyone walks away happy! That is if Brandon Reigns wants it that badly. "See you in Miami, Brandon!" And with that, the tron goes black and Reigns throws a tantrum by smashing things on the outside of the ring.

MAIN EVENT: Wrakk, Quinten McDaniels, and Xavier Cross vs. Haven, Seth Von Kamp, and Kyle Jacobs
Quite the packed main event here. There's still debris around the ring after Brandon's tantrum. In fact, Reigns is still there as the faces start coming out for the match. He yells at Seth and Kyle while puffing out his chest but Haven's entrance finally makes him change his mind about sticking around. This all kicks ass on so many levels. It's a "Katy, bar the door!" scenario as things break down and it comes down to McDaniels and Seth. The ref is busy getting things under control with Kyle and Cross and McDaniels takes advantage by KOing Seth with the Intercontinental Title and that's enough to get McDaniels to get the cheap pin. Quinten stands tall holding up the belt as we go off the air. ****1/2, 93% overall

Overall rating: 91%

I love building to Survivor Series. So many different ways to mix up the roster and match people up together who normally wouldn't be in programs together. Especially all the big man vs. little man stuff. God forbid the WWE of old ever allowed the cruiserweights to occasionally branch away from their own division (except Rey, seemingly).

Nice to see a return of The Morris Cousins, Survivor Series is always a great place to bring back a returnee.

The Internet Darlings is a fantastic team name. They be chasing snowflakes for sure.

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Damn, I shot into second place as far as number of posts in this thread. :o

Another new sim game out called Pro Wrestling Sim. Seems like it might be somewhat of a happy medium between the bare bones simplicity of EWR and the overwhelming complexity of TEW.

The game itself comes with a generic fake database but there are tons of mods out there already and, perhaps more importantly, the game is constantly getting new support.

Cool thing is the mods include skins to change up how your game looks depending on the promotion and time of the scenario you're booking.

https://imgur.com/lNzJFGT.png

https://imgur.com/Qa3WoUS.png

https://imgur.com/d4dwbLi.png

https://imgur.com/Sgws887.png

https://imgur.com/oQrkGKh.png

https://imgur.com/5PslYTN.png

https://i.ibb.co/v1fpR4p/Screen-Shot...8-20-17-AM.png

https://i.ibb.co/GPYWKQ1/Screen-Shot...8-07-51-AM.png

https://i.ibb.co/ZNgf83D/Screen-Shot...8-17-27-AM.png

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That actually looks pretty slick. Is it free?

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Ooh, better question: is it possible for you to be removed from power via sex scandal?

Alas, it is on Steam and costs $20. But I’ve got some Steam money to blow and will probably get another gift card for Christmas so hey, I’m not averse to giving it a whirl and providing feedback at some point.

Of course…with my penchant for not following through on things :o couldn’t even finish my damn Fire Pro tournament

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LOL, I'm thinking of all the hardcore simmers of TPWW past who've moved on to bigger and better things suddenly coming back one day and stumbling across this thread and trying to make heads or tails of the stuff we've been doing over the last year+. :lol:

Funny enough, former sim thread mainstay loopydate is way into Fire Pro simming, much like my big AEW tournament.

But alas, he left TPWW back in 2015 or so and has no interest in returning.

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Raw: November 19, 2040

We're in the home stretch on the road to Survivor Series. Let's see what fuckery gets spawned here tonight!

Opening Match: The Morris Cousins vs. Galino & Farnes
Luscious is with the heels and announces that Lisa Benton has pulled yet another corrupt move by officially granting Lyle Morris a Cruiserweight Championship match with her boo, Michael Hotbody! As vile a move that this is, all of Hotbody's many, many fans can rest assured that the legal team of Galino & Farnes are ON TOP OF THIS! Lyle can't just pull a fast one by bringing in his drug-addicted cousin out of nowhere just to steal an undeserved title shot! The Morris Cousins, naturally, take offense to this and storm the ring and chase the heels a bit. The ref gets in Chet's way and they hash it out, but that allows Lyle to get double-teamed as the match starts. Lyle does his damndest to fight while getting abused by all three heels. Finally, Chet can't stand not being tagged in anymore and grabs and chair and starts the chase again, causing the ref to call for the DQ. The heels don't want anymore and Chet tends to Lyle. Lyle recovers enough to where he grabs the mic and yells at Galino & Farnes, telling them to send a message their little bitch of a boss. Lyle is coming for the title, whether he likes it or not. *****, 95% overall.

Second Match: Phoebe Hanson vs. Arianna
Phoebe wants to talk about what a trip it's going to be at Survivor Series. She's teaming up with a hell of a collection of ladies but she hopes that they'll understand if she goes off the deep end and just destroys Dusk. Dusk isn't dealing with some bright-eyed, naive babe in the woods that fell off a turnip truck. Dusk wants darkness? Phoebe will knock her God damn lights out. How's that for darkness? So of course this is a fucking banger of a match. Speaking of things to bang, Dusk creeps her way on out to observe. Phoebe is razor focused, though, and still manages to crank out the pinfall victory after nailing the Stardust. Phoebe goes to glare at Dusk but Dusk merely sics Sorrow on her and then takes her leave after calling the raven back, leaving Phoebe flustered. *****, 96% overall.

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time with the Women's Champion Naomi Bailey! Naomi wants to make it clear what's going to be difference between the women's elimination match and her title match against Sonya Braddock at Survivor Series. There's easily going to be more chaos in the title match. And the only animal everyone will see is herself, when she absolutely mauls Sonya into paste. Everyone knows the real reason Sonya Braddock waited so damn long to try to get back in the ring with the champion. Sonya got embarrassed at Night of Champions! She knows that's true because she walked into that night with all the confidence in the world but got bitch-slapped by reality! She got bitch-slapped by the Queen of Queens, the rightful Women's Champion, and she had to crawl into some little dark corner of her home to mope about it and think about what it meant. Well, Naomi is going to tell you all what it meant. It meant that Sonya's days as the top bitch were done. She can make up this excuse about her letting Naomi be champion these last few months, but it's a damn lie. She needs to try to save face because everyone knows the damage Naomi did to her that night when she took this belt and carried it like no other. "This Sunday is supposed to be survival of the fittest? Well, Sonya you sure aren't the fittest...and you for damn sure ain't gonna survive!"

This, naturally, calls for Sonya Braddock to come out and deliver some smack talk of her own. The challenger makes her way out to the stage...with a pumpkin? Well, it is Thanksgiving in three days so maybe she's going to share some pumpkin pie reci...no, wait. She just crushes it by squeezing it with her bare hands and glares at Naomi. Sonya really does have a way with words. How much trouble is the Women's champion in this Sunday?

Backstage, it's time for some more talking but with Brooke as she stands with her guys, Salvatore Scabbia and Ronnie Costello. Brooke wants to clarify that she didn't lie on SmackDown! about Salvatore Scabbia because she specifically said the TEAM of Scabbia and Costello weren't there that night. No Costello meant no team, so she didn't lie. She was just smarter than Randy Ellis and Justin Mitchell. And that has been the defining characteristic of her entire career. She can outthink anyone on the roster and she knows a bad decision when she sees one. The Academy tucking tail and running and turning their backs on her is certainly one of the worst decisions anyone could've made. They'll learn...oh, they will absolutely learn the hard way at Survivor Series. In the meantime, Randy and Justin can watch as she leads her other team to victory right now.

Third Match: The Perfections vs. C4
I'm getting some good mileage out of turning Leah and Bonnie face. This is, of course, a preview of the traditional elimination match involving the ladies that will happen on the pre-show this Sunday. Some chicanery on Brooke's part allows C4 to get Bonnie in the "face-in-peril" scenario. Fast forward to the end as Leah gets the hot tag and cleans house, even knocking Brooke for a loop. She has Cordelia in position to begin the sequence leading to the Sultry Splash but the Women's Tag Team Champions The Southern Belles decide to run down and ruin everything by attacking the Perfections, causing the DQ. Cordelia is all "WTF, bro?" and looks upset with the champions. Things look tense but that gives enough of a delay to allow the Lonely Girls to run down and even things out. The heels are cleared from the ring and we get a lot of pointing and yelling at each other as we go to break. ****1/2, 90% overall.

Fourth Match: Adam Hail vs. Michael Haywood
Ziggy Styles is on commentary and he expresses extreme disappointment and sorrow over the destruction of his set when he had Michael on as a guest. There is opportunity in disaster, however, and Ziggy promises to deliver even bigger and better than before, and it starts at Survivor Series when he single-handedly will eliminate all of Michael's team. Speaking of which, this match is a bit of a preview of Survivor Series as each man will be on opposite teams this Sunday. Haywood has been doing what he can to shake off the Hunter image he had while in that group. He holds his own well enough here with a guy like Hail, even with Nathan Quinn sticking his nose in the match here and there. On the outside, Quinn finally gets busted trying to help and the ref orders him to the back. Looks like we'll finally get a fair matc...no, wait. Ziggy just clobbers Michael from behind with the announcer headset and tosses him back into the ring. Hail races to the top and comes off with the Hailstorm and gets the pin. Ziggy dances over the fallen Haywood as we go to break. ****1/2, 92% overall.

More In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with Brandon Reigns. He wants to set the record straight with everyone and ESPECIALLY Eddy Clash. Truth be told, whether or not Brandon is in possession of the Money in the Bank briefcase, he's still cashing it in at WrestleMania. Brandon doesn't actually need the case to make history happen in just a few months time. But to shut the mouths of all the haters and mockers and jealous people who are creating whispers, Brandon will show up to Survivor Series and he will finally put an end to all of the silliness that's been plaguing him. This isn't even about the briefcase anymore. Brandon will happily shove it down Eddy's throat so he can choke on it. This is about reminding the WWE about what they're dealing with when they get on Brandon's bad side. Ask Jake Connelly. Ask Connor Buchanan. Ask Kyle Jacobs. Reigns didn't ask for the fight that Eddy is going to get this Sunday, but it's become clear now that it's a necessary fight. A means to an end, and Eddy can't say he wasn't warned.

This calls for Kyle Jacobs to make his way on out to confront Reigns, face-to-face. Kyle had hoped that Reigns hadn't forgotten all about their little spat. Unfortunately Reigns is remembering things a bit differently from what Kyle recollects. Kyle will confirm that Reigns is quite dangerous once he's in the zone; but he'll take the easy way out just like any other common coward. How else would you explain Mr. Money in the Bank, Mr. Future of the WWE taking it upon himself to assault two veterans sitting at ringside in order to steal a win? Jacobs understands that, at the moment, both he and Reigns have some separate business to attend to come Survivor Series. But Reigns needs to understand that the dream WrestleMania moment of him cashing in that contract isn't the only date with destiny that's on his calendar. The two of them still have a lot to hash out and on the chance that Reigns does manage to become Unified World Champion, it'll be Jacobs who will get to show off just how dangerous he can be.

Jacobs turns to walk away but Reigns isn't done and grabs Jacobs by the arm and spins him back around. Jacobs shoves Brandon's arm off and Brandon responds with a shove to the chest. Kyle slaps Brandon in return and we've got a scuffle as Reigns tackles Jacobs to the mat. Jacob manages to get into the mount BUT HERE COMES XAVIER CROSS! Cross kicks Jacobs in the head and that puts him down. The heels stomp away on Jacobs in a two-on-one affair until Cross decides to finish things off with the Cross Cutter. Cross glares at the fallen Kyle as Brandon looks into the camera and shouts at Eddy Clash, hoping that he's watching.

Fifth Match: Clubber Harris and Jordan Demiras vs. Zed Jones and The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody
Well, everyone looks ready to go but Hotbody declares that participating in this match is not really in his best interests. You see, this year the responsibilities of handling the annual Hotbody Thanksgiving Feast has fallen to him. Hotbody has a lot to take care off ahead of the holiday. HE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE THE CRANBERRY SAUCE! Plus, he now has to worry about that little backwater runt, Lyle Morris, getting an UNDESERVED SHOT at the Cruiserweight Title! Besides, there's also the responsibility of him having to lead his team to victory this Sunday. He can't formulate a winning strategy unless he's sure all of his players can function as a team. So to get things in working order and so he can watch and learn and plan, Hotbody is allowing a very capable substitute to join Zed as his partner for this match. Without further ado, let's all welcome JASON SOROLA!

Actual Fifth Match: Clubber Harris and Jordan Demiras vs. Zed Jones and Jason Sorola
Hotbody sticks around FOR PURELY OBSERVATIONAL PURPOSES! Demiras and Sorola do most of the heavy lifting. Gotta save the hosses for down the road. Plus, they're infinitely more talented. Fast forward to the end, we do end up with Harris and Zed as the legal men. If JR were still around in this universe he'd be all over this. Anyway, Harris is really giving it to Zed. Perhaps a bit too hard because Hotbody, no doubt concerned over Harris needlessly overexerting himself, grabs Harris's leg and holds on, obviously trying to get the big man to slow down and bit and check his pulse. The ref calls for the DQ as Zed nails Harris from behind and the three-on-two commences. HOLD THE PHONE!!! Gavin Jones comes running down to try to even things out a bit but Sorola chop blocks him while he's distracted by Hotbody. Sorola locks in the STF to really punish Gavin as officials come down to try to get control back. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Backstage we go so we can hear from Martyn LaSalle. LaSalle is asked if he's glad that Ozzy Mandias finally came around to accept the match between the two of them for this Sunday. LaSalle doesn't know if he's glad but he knows that he can beat Ozzy Mandias. At this point, LaSalle isn't even concerned with getting an apology out of Ozzy. Once LaSalle has Ozzy's arm twisted and ready to bend and snap, he'll be more than content with Ozzy saying that he gives up.

Even more In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with the Intercontinental Champion Seth Von Kamp. He can somewhat relate to Quinten McDaniels and the frustrations that he's been putting on display these last few weeks. It can really stick in your craw when you're so sure of something, so deeply devoted to an idea, and then it gets taken away from you. Be it by simple chance or facing superior odds, it can be soul crushing. Finally capturing the Intercontinental Title after so long has reignited that belief that all things are possible, stronger than ever. This ride can't end at Survivor Series. He can't let it end at Survivor Series. It's only the beginning and there's always the lure of the biggest prize the industry has to offer. And just like he plowed through every brick wall to get to this point, reaching that Unified World Title will be no different.

Cue Haven, the challenger for the Unified World Title this Sunday, who most certainly has a different perspective on the matter. Haven knows that Seth is all about anarchy. Haven is all about order. Disruption, however well-intended, will not be tolerated. Order will be brought to the Unified World Title after all of the chaos surrounding it, and it begins when Wrakk falls victim, once again, to the Dark Shepherd, the Beacon of Hope, the Savior of the WWE.

And with that bit of promo, we're treated to another interruption, this time by the Unified World Champion himself, Wrakk. Wrakk declares that Haven can give himself as many monikers as he wants. It's not going to intimidate Wrakk and it's all irrelevant anyway because there is one moniker that Haven can't claim and will not be claiming anytime in the near future, and that is Unified World Champion. Order has already been brought to this title, and it doesn't need Haven sticking his hand in its business. Wrakk is the fittest and the strongest and no one in that ring right now on their best day is man enough to take down the empire that Wrakk is building. If anyone thinks that Wrakk is giving this up anytime soon after one whole God damn year away, they're in for a very rude, very painful awakening.

What's this? More interruptions, you say? This time it's the challenger to Seth's Intercontinental Championship this Sunday, Quinten McDaniels. Quinten isn't about to be overlooked, what with all of this talk of who's going to be the big dog around these parts. He's sick of Haven thinking he's owed something and he's definitely sick of Seth Von Kamp running his mouth and thinking he's got one over on Quinten. Seth is doing everything he can to make up for all of his past failures and it's almost embarrassing how much he's overcompensating. Seth couldn't get the job done against Quinten during King of the Ring and he got out of No Mercy by the skin of his teeth. There's only so much borrowed time Seth can be on before it all comes crumbling down and when Quinten takes that Intercontinental Title at Survivor Series, there will be no more overlooking his name.

Seth and Haven glance at each other as they stand side-by-side. Seth takes the mic and points out that there's nothing standing between the four of them but air and opportunity right now. While neither Seth or Haven have any fear of the two blabbermouths up on that stage, they're more than welcome to come on down and try to beat some fear into them because that's really the only hope in hell the two of them have come Survivor Series.

Wrakk and McDaniels glare at the two faces in the ring as they ponder this over and sure enough they eventually decide to start making their way down to try to start some shit. Unfortunately, the usual gang of idiots and security run down and get in between the two pairs and try to get some sense of order as we go to break.

MAIN EVENT: Alexander Piero and the Wyldhearts vs. Chris Collins and the Royal Effect
Madison announces that next week, the Wyldhearts will be getting their shot at the Royal Effect's Unified Tag Team Titles. It's something long overdue for her boys, kind of like the ass kicking that Collins has been asking for these past few months. Collins and the Royal Effect will get embarrassed tonight and at Survivor Series, and next week will be the cherry on top of it all when Blaine and Robbie finally take home those tag team titles. So of course, this is another six-man main event that rocks everyone's balls off. It comes down to Piero and Kavovit as Collins and McKay want to threaten Madison but the Wyldhearts cut them off and they brawl on the outside. The ref is distracted with this chaos and Madison takes the opportunity to trip up Kavovit as he runs the ropes and that allows Piero to hit the Flashpoint and pick up the pin. Collins decides to bail when he sees that Piero is up and about and looking to get a piece and it's basically a 3-on-2 scenario. How will things unfold at Survivor Series?!? *****, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 90%

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So Survivor Series is looking like this:

WWE Unified World Title: Wrakk vs. Haven

WWE Women's Title: Naomi Bailey vs. Sonya Braddock

WWE Intercontinental Title: Seth Von Kamp vs. Quinten McDaniels

Brandon Reigns vs. Eddy Clash

Kyle Jacobs, Alexander Piero, Ryan Pattillo, The Wyldhearts vs. Xavier Cross, Chris Collins, Orlando Kincaid, The Royal Effect

Simon Bennett, Mathias, Michael Haywood, The Academy vs. Adam Hail, Lonny Richards, Ziggy Styles, Salvatore Scabbbia, Ronnie Costello

Michael Hotbody, Zed Jones, Jason Sorola, Galino & Farnes vs. Jordan Demiras, Clubber Harris, Gavin Jones, The Morris Cousins

Ozzy Mandias vs. Martyn LaSalle

Dusk, The Southern Belles, C4 vs. Phoebe Hanson, The Lonely Girls, the Perfections

Hopefully nothing fucky goes down these next few days.

:shifty::shifty:

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LOL, no fucking way!!!

I started reading the thread when I couldn’t for the life of me work out what the security question was all about

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Yeah, I booked like a madman during our lockdown and thus I'm in the year 2040 as a result. Vito sort of prodded me into posting my progress and reinvigorating the thread, so to speak. I have less time to go wild like I used to, what with the world sort of back to where things were and all so I update when I can.

I haven’t played any wrestling sims in years. Don’t get the time and lockdown didn’t result in any free time at all, in fact resulted in less free time.

Good to see that you and Vito are going strong. At least Vito’s is a name change that I can follow!

Also laughed at a topic suggesting this should be closed.

Holy shit @ The Mackem

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Holy shit @ me not getting around to more booking.

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Man, it's been a while....

Superstars: November 22, 2040

Only 2 more shows until Survivor Series!!!

Opening Match: The Morris Cousins vs. The Tokyo Titans
The cousins get on the stick and want to rag on Michael Hotbody and his crew. They call it a carnival of fools that haven't had a threat like the Morris Cousins standing in their way. Chet and Lyle were part of one of the most dangerous and dominant forces in the WWE, but even on their own, they can break anyone. Any team. Any group. The countdown until the inevitable has begun and hopefully Hotbody is watching. I figure I should have an actual proper reunion of the Morris Cousins that goes smoothly and this is that match. Wu is the unfortunate victim tonight as he falls victim to the Backwoods Bomb from the Cousins and Chet picks up the win, GAINING MOMENTUM as they head into Survivor Series. *****, 97% overall.

Second Match: Ethan Lang vs. Doug Michaels
Nothing too special here as I figure I help increase Lang's exposure. I mean, I saddled him with fucking Jake Connelly, I might as well make it matter. It's not Doug's night as Lang has too much momentum and coaching on his side and he falls to the Bitter Languish and Lang picks up the pin. ****1/2, 88% overall.

Backstage we've got Nathan Quinn with his clients, the Women's Tag Team Champions. Quinn lets us know that neither Bobbi nor Hannah are sweating Survivor Series. Besides the fact that they're the best team in the women's division, the simple fact is that there is no chance in hell the Perfections are going to be able to co-exist with the Lonely Girls on the same team. There's simply too much bad blood there for them to be on the same page. They're going to self-destruct probably before the bell even rings this Sunday. And when that happens, all that's needed is for the Southern Belles to take charge, swoop on in, and devour what's left. If nobody wants to believe that, well let's just get Leah and Jenna Kyle together and ask them who is going to be the team captain? We'll see how much "teamwork" they've got going then. A little something Leah should ponder while she's out there tonight.

Third Match: Leah vs. Maya
If there is any sort of fretting going on in Leah's head she doesn't show it as she's all about business with this match. She does say that she and Bonnie have a pretty big surprise in store tomorrow night for Nathan Quinn, the Southern Belles, and any ladies out there that think the Perfections have lost their edge. It's going to be an incredibly rude awakening. So this match is indeed the shit as Leah comes out looking good ahead of Survivor Series. Perhaps a case can be made for her leadership for her team on Sunday? The end comes when Maya is down and Leah capitalizes with a Sultry Splash for the pin. ****1/2, 87% overall.

Fourth Match: Simon Bennett and Mathias vs. The Agents of Change
Bennett feels the need to demonstrate cohesion between himself and Mathias to his opponents this Sunday, especially Adam Hail. Hail's betrayal hurt, but it didn't break Simon Bennett. If nothing else, it gave Bennett a new goal to strive for; knocking Adam Hail off his course and claiming that top spot for himself. As with the other "preview" matches here tonight, this follows the same idea in that we've got to make Sunday's participants look good and strong. It comes down to Clayton North and Simon Bennett and Bennett is able to reverse an attempted backslide into the Bennett Lock, giving his team the submission win. ****1/2, 93% overall.

It's In-Ring Super Special Talky Time, this time with Ozzy Mandias. Ozzy wants to help anyone out there who may still be wondering where things went wrong between himself and Martyn LaSalle. It's actually quite easy to pinpoint if you've been paying attention. Ozzy has nothing but love for LaSalle, but all LaSalle had to do was fess up to the mistake and incompetence he demonstrated at No Mercy. Now we've gone past the point of no return. A simple "sorry" isn't going to be enough. LaSalle can try coughing out an apology after Ozzy is done with him this Sunday, after his superiority has been proven once and for all. Ozzy would've walked out of No Mercy the Cruiserweight Champion if it hadn't been for LaSalle being so ineffectual. Ozzy means no offense, but it might be time for LaSalle to admit that his time has come and gone. Ozzy might just have to step up and be the focal point of the cruiserweight division and fill that role in a way that LaSalle never could. But in the interest of fairness and to show LaSalle that Ozzy is indeed the bigger man, on the extremely off chance that LaSalle can bust out a miracle this Sunday and get one over, Ozzy is willing to do what LaSalle can't seem to find in his heart to do, and that is admit defeat and acknowledge the better man. Ozzy highly doubts LaSalle is willing to do the same and he's more than welcome to come on out and say otherwise...unless he's scared.

A short time passes but soon enough Martyn LaSalle decides to take Ozzy up on his offer and walk down the ring and get face-to-face with his opponent for Sunday. LaSalle declares that he's always able to recognize when someone has the better goods when he's faced with defeat...it's just that it doesn't happen very often because he's the top dog in the cruiserweight division and he believes Survivor Series is going to be no different. LaSalle doesn't want anymore talking; he wants to shut Ozzy up...after he makes him squeal like a little bitch.

Ozzy is a bit ticked off at this statement and decides to get in LaSalle's face. They trade words off-mic and Ozzy decides to shove LaSalle. LaSalle ponders this turn of events over for a bit...before slapping the taste out of Ozzy's mouth. Ozzy is taken back and looks pissed...but decides to ask for a truce by backing up out of the ring and walking away, all while trading some choice looks at each other.

Fifth Match: Jason Sorola vs. Patrick Dean Quartermaine
Sorola needs the momentum heading into his 5-on-5 match at Survivor Series. He declares that it's his special mission to personally eliminate Gavin Jones come Sunday, and that none of his teammates better have a problem with that. Pretty straightforward encounter here and Sorola polishes off Quartermaine with the STF for the win. ****1/4, 93% overall.

We've got more talking to listen to backstage, this time from the Unified Tag Team Champions, The Royal Effect. They want to make it clear that the Wyldhearts are just a couple of pretty boys. If they weren't able to capture the championship before, they sure as hell have no hope now that the belts are in the possession of the Royal Effect. The Royal Effect are looking forward to a clean sweep this Survivor Series and showing the world that they have the ability to dominate and it will go a long way towards humiliating the Wyldhearts ahead of their scheduled match for the titles. Another word of warning to Greer and Bellamy: keep that hussy Madison out of the way.


Sixth Match: Zed Jones vs. Raymond Delaney
Luscious is with Zed and she wants to deliver a message from her boo, Michael Hotbody. Hotbody and his legal team, the incredible duo of Galino & Farnes, have heard from Lyle Morris and Lisa Benton. They understand that Hotbody may have put himself in this corner with his open challenge, and he will agree to honor the proposed match between himself and Lyle for the Cruiserweight Title. HOWEVER, nobody on Team Hotbody still believes Lyle really deserves this shot, so a proposition is at hand for Lyle if he wants to agree to it. If Lyle Morris and his team are victorious at Survivor Series, the title match can go on as planned and Lyle can even pick the stipulation. But if Hotbody's team can win at Survivor Series LYLE GETS NOTHING!!! GOOD DAY, SIR!!! Michael Hotbody will be waiting for your answer.

So with that out of the way, Zed does what he does best and that's being an impressive, dominant big dude. Delaney is no cruiserweight, but it's not his night as he not only has the monster in Zed to deal with, but Luscious's lusciousness, too. She plays distraction and that's all the opening Zed needs to yank Delaney from behind and hook him in a Dragon Sleeper and get the win by getting Delaney to pass out. Clubber Harris observes the post-match celebration from the stage with a glare on his face. ****1/2, 91% overall.

More backstage goodness as we sit down with newcomer Ainsley who debuted last week. Ainsley is so excited that she's finally here in the WWE after working for seemed like an eternity. Ainsley brings up the fact that Debra Phillips trained and travelled in the same circles as she did and the two of them sort of gravitated towards each other, propping each other up because they both wanted to make it to where they are now. Ainsley is asked about Debra's actions after their match last week where she didn't seem to be too thrilled with sharing in the joy of the two of them debuting together. Ainsley isn't sure how to answer that because she hasn't had a chance to speak with Debra, but she can't worry about it right now. The dream is happening for her and she can't get too bogged down by something like that. Right now she's looking forward to her first SmackDown! appearance tomorrow night.

MAIN EVENT: Salvatore Scabbia and Ronnie Costello vs. The Wyldhearts
Brooke and Madison both get tossed from ringside fairly early after they get a bit physical with each other. TENSIONS ARE HIGH!!! Brooke, of course, has a lot on her plate, what with the Academy splitting from her and her crew. Madison has a tag team title match for her boys soon, plus making sure Alexander Piero is ready for Survivor Series. It's a lot of pressure! Anyway, the match is some good dominant heels/underdog pretty boys shit. Costello gets isolated towards the end of the match and it looks like the faces are going to put him away with the Heartstopper BUT HERE COMES THE ROYAL EFFECT!!! The champions attack the Wyldhearts and that's going to be an obvious DQ. WE'RE NOT DONE YET!!! The Academy runs down and they get themselves a piece of Scabbia and Ronnie and it's a wild 8-man brawl to close out the show. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Overall show rating: 87%

It's back :eek:

Props for being able to jump right back in, being so close to an already-booked PPV definitely helps things out.

Always nice to end a go-home episode of weekly TV with a massive brawl, especially when it's Survivor Series.

I'm now almost 2 years (both in game and real life) removed from my AEW game. And I'd just finished off a PPV and only had maybe one match booked for the next one. I'd be hard pressed to go that far back knowing how much things have changed since then.

That said, Double or Nothing is like 2 weeks away in real life. Then in June they're expected to be debuting a new weekly TV show, reportedly centered around the return of CM Punk and at least some rumors of there being a loose roster split.

I'm SORTA tempted to launch a new game in June...maybe with a harder roster split because this is a gigantic roster and it helps me to stay organized.

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I managed to get the final SmackDown! before Survivor Series and the PPV booked and in the can. It's all about being able to sit down and do the report. Being on vacation is a big boon to getting time to do this shit. I wonder if I can make to December by next week.

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Fuck, I missed my deadline. Well, it was self-imposed, but still; I should have a bit more commitment.

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SmackDown!: November 23, 2040

SURVIVOR SERIES THIS SUNDAY!!! ***SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAL!***

Opening Promo of Doom Time with the WWE Unified World Champion Wrakk. He wants to address anyone who has been taken back by the levels of violence and brutality that he and Haven have gone through. He understands their concerns and so being the generous champion that he is, he wants to issue a piece of advice: if anyone feels that they might not be able to stomach any more, they should probably pass on Survivor Series this Sunday. Definitely pass if you're hanging on to any hope of Haven walking out as the new Unified World Champion. Wrakk just won the damn thing so he's not coughing it up any time soon, certainly not to someone who Wrakk has had the number of ever since he made his return. It's ironic that Haven has the name that he does, because there is no refuge from what Wrakk is going to unleash on him this Sunday. Haven will be the first victim in Wrakk's new era. He has a lot of time for which to make up and Survivor Series is just the beginning. And after that, everyone will be pissing themselves at the very thought of getting a shot at the most dominating Unified World Champion!

This obviously calls for...Michael Haywood? The former Play Pal decides to get into the ring and interrupt the champ's business as he grabs a mic. Haywood will admit that he's known for some silliness from time to time, but even he has his limit. Namely dealing with that idiot Ziggy Styles, who by the way will be eliminated by Michael at Survivor Series. This seriousness from Wrakk is refreshing to Michael. And seeing as how it looks like neither of them have anything to do tonight, it seemed like a good idea to come on out here and make a proposal to the Unified World Champion. You see, Ziggy Styles needs to understand what he's getting into. He needs to know that Michael Haywood isn't the tree he wants to be barking up. And Michael figures if he can get one over the "most dominating Unified World Champion" tonight, that'll probably send a strong message to not just Styles, but the rest of the team he has to deal with at Survivor Series. So what does the champ say? How about the two of them as the main event tonight? What does he have to lose?

Wrakk smiles creepily and accepts, claiming that it's not himself that has anything to lose. Michael on the other hand, can most certainly lose his health. So it looks like we got ourselves a main event!

Backstage Nathan Quinn and his client Adam Hail want to sling some garbage towards Simon Bennett. It's a shame that things have taken this turn, but Simon has only made the situation worse by not going away. What Hail did to Simon wasn't personal. He would've done the same thing to anyone else who was his partner at the time. If Simon can't get over it, Hail will make him get over it.

First Match: Ainsley vs. Dusk
Ainsley, of course, talked about this last night in her sit-down interview. Quite the opponent to make a first appearance on SmackDown! against, though. Dusk is all business and seeing how she's the one with a Survivor Series match, she's the one who gets the momentum here. The two tumble to the outside and Debra Phillips makes her way out to ringside in front of them to observe. The count is on and Dusk is the one to her feet first and makes her way back in. Ainsley struggles a bit more and Debra "offers" a hand in helping her up. Ainsley takes a step back when she realizes what's going on and she asks WTF Debra is doing out here. This exchange is enough to keep Ainsley out long enough for the ref to reach the 10 count and Ainsley is livid. Debra just gives a "oh well" shrug and takes her leave. ****1/4, 81% overall.

Second Match: The Morris Cousins vs. Zed Jones and The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody
Lyle Morris announces that he's accepted the terms laid out by Hotbody last night. He doesn't mind putting his title shot up because he knows he's got a winning team this Sunday. This match, unfortunately, doesn't go Lyle's way as he's isolated from the get-go and is double-teamed. Chet keeps trying to make his way into the match to stop the heel shenanigans much to the ire of the ref and when he sees Luscious trying to slip Hotbody the Cruiserweight belt, it's too much for Chet to take and he grabs a chair and starts chasing everyone around with it. That's obviously enough for a DQ as Hotbody and Jones take their leave but Clubber Harris and Jordan Demiras make their way out to the stage to intercept them. Zed calls an audible and picks up Hotbody and takes Luscious by the hand and cuts through the crowd to escape. *****, 95% overall.

Backstage, we see Gavin Jones talking with Michael Haywood about the match with Wrakk later in the night. They exchange a few pleasantries before Gavin leaves. Outside, he's met by Jason Sorola, one of the members of Gavin's opposing team at Survivor Series. Jason makes it known that he's not itching for a fight right now. He's got that covered come Sunday. Right now Jason just wants to mock Gavin and Michael for apparently not being able to move past their break-up. Here they are months later after they were supposed to have gone their separate ways, still being sad and pathetic together. Them not being able to move on is one of the biggest things holding the two of them back. It's the reason Michael is going to fail tonight, and it's the reason Gavin is going to fail at Survivor Series. Gavin takes this chance to interrupt Jason and lets him know that he actually can get over things. Namely, Jason's betrayal all that time ago. Jason is going to learn just how much Gavin has moved past that ordeal when Gavin obliterates him this Sunday. And with that, Gavin takes his leave.

Third Match: The Perfections vs. The Brooklyn Sisterhood
Leah and Bonnie need some MOMENTUM!!! But first things first, they promised a surprise for everyone that they were going to reveal tonight. Seeing as how Nathan Quinn would rather hang around those two skanky yokels, Hannah and Bobbi Jo, and when you consider that the Lonely Girls can't be trusted to be team players, Leah and Bonnie have decided that real back-up is in order. So allow them to introduce their new manager...PAUL ANDREWS!!!

The heels are aghast at this as Andrews makes his way down to be in the corner of his newest acquisitions. He's collecting quite a portfolio. Maybe this can even the odds between the Perfections and the Southern Belles? Nevertheless, this match rules as you'd expect. Things come to a head when the Southern Belles come out looking upset at this turn of events but Andrews moves to intercept them. Emma is distracted with these proceedings and Bonnie drops her throat on the top rope and that leaves Emma open to a Sultry Splash from Leah leading to the pin for the faces. The game has been changed! ****1/2, 93% overall.

Sports Entertainment Segment Time as we're told that Brandon Reigns has made it to Miami for Survivor Series and the WWE took it upon themselves to follow him around as he was on a quest to locate Eddy Clash and the Money in the Bank briefcase. The video consists of Reigns going around the city in various establishments and hotels demanding that someone tell him if they've seen Eddy. His frustrations lead him to yell at people to tune into Survivor Series and he'll get Eddy anyway seeing as how everyone's just wasted his time.

Fourth Match: Cameron Harper vs. Marc Fury
This may seem kind of random, but this will be sort of leading to something in the near future...I hope. I'm not really stacking the show with matches involving a lot of Sunday's participants so why not do this here? Harper eeks out a win here by reversing an attempted off-the-top rope belly-to-back. Harper goes into overdrive mode with the celebrating and looks into the camera while asking "Were you watching?" Who is he talking to? ****1/2, 85% overall.

Fifth Match: Xavier Cross vs. Ryan Pattillo
I figure one match involving Sunday's proceedings couldn't hurt as these two are on opposite teams. It rules as you'd expect but I can't really choose who to give the upper hand. Let's just do a double countout instead and then have Kyle Jacobs run out trying to get his hands on Cross. That works, no? Yeah, let's do that. *****, 95% overall.

Backstage, Quinten McDaniels has some last minute truth to drop on Seth Von Kamp ahead of their match this Sunday for the Intercontinental Title. Seth's current reign as champion is an anamoly and nothing more. It's like the universe decided to just play a joke on the WWE and it doesn't want to let up. Quinten accomplished more in his first few years in the WWE than Seth ever dreamed of doing in his entire time here. Seth doesn't impress Quinten and it still sticks in his craw that ONE GOD DAMN SECOND was the thing that prevented Quinten from getting that World Title. That one second is so representative of Seth's entire being. Happenstance. Fluke. The joke isn't funny anymore. The laughter ends this Sunday.

MAIN EVENT: Wrakk vs. Michael Haywood
Haywood tries his best here, and manages to look good surviving Wrakk's completely dominating nature. Haywood would most certainly work in the Intercontinental Title ranks. It's a great main event and it comes to a head when Ziggy Styles sneaks his way down and hides under the ring close to where Michael has been knocked to the outside. The count is on and Michael tries making his way in but Ziggy holds on to the leg and the count reaches ten. Haywood eventually breaks free and joins Ziggy under the ring for a brawl, leading Ziggy to hastily crawl out and run away in a funny visual with Michael giving chase. Wrakk stands tall in the middle of the ring but the lights go out! Everyone is confused until the lights come back on again and the scene in the ring has changed to Haven standing over a fallen Wrakk as he holds the two title belts in his hands. WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AT SURVIVOR SERIES?!?! *****, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 87%

Bah gawd look at all the stars! I would say Dave Meltzer must've run out of stars by this time, and then remembered it was 2040 and Meltzer would be 81. Wouldn't he be tired of this shit by now? :lol:

Seems like a good go-home show, I too try to play it safe in terms of not burning through a bunch of my PPV competitors, because the last thing I need in that situation is an injury.

Seeing the former Hunters still interacting both makes me happy and sad because man, do I miss the golden days of Rooster Teeth.

I have a wide computer monitor and Hotbody's intro is still up to 3 lines!

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He's most certainly going to earn some more stuff for that introduction after Survivor Series.

Speaking of which...

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Survivor Series: November 25, 2040

Pre-Show Match: The Lonely Girls, The Perfections, and Phoebe Hanson vs. The Southern Belles, C4, and Dusk

First Elimination: Faith, of course, just has to do a dive to the outside onto a sea of bodies at the beginning. Faith's willingness to kill herself ON THE PRE-SHOW says a lot about her. The first elimination honors are going to have to go to poor Cordelia Capriati as her partner Carmella Costello whiffs on an attempted crossbody on Jenna Kyle. Faith runs interference and tosses Carmella and Cordelia falls victim to Jenna's Kyle Driver and the pin is academic.

Second Elimination: Dusk and Phoebe end up the legal women for this one. Phoebe gets enough of a flurry that Dusk needs to retreat to the corner but as Phoebe moves in for the kill, Dusk yanks her forward and Phoebe's face hits the middle turnbuckle. That leads to the Final Sunset and Phobe is out of here.

Third Elimination: Dusk continues her rampage as Faith ends up legal on the face team. Faith gives no fucks about her body as, damn it, she's going to get Dusk over or die trying. The two of them end up outside and they brawl around. Dusk looks like she's reeling from a kick to the face from Faith but she comes back with a chair to Faith's face. That's going to be a DQ and Dusk has to say good night.

Fourth Elimination: Faith isn't getting back in the ring anytime soon and that's a countout to end her night.

Fifth Elimination: Bonnie gets the call and she's legal against Carmella. Brooke tries running interference but Paul Andrews moves in to put a stop to that. Brooke "accidentally" leaves behind a chain as she retreats from Paul. Carmella puts it to good use and KOs Bonnie and that's enough to send her packing.

Sixth Elimination: It's Leah and Jenna alone for the faces and CAN THEY GET ALONG?!?!?!? Leah is in for what's left of the team and she wants revenge against Carmella. The ref is busy with Andrews and Brooke's shenanigans so Leah steals the chain from Carmella returns the favor by knocking her ass out. Nathan Quinn steps in and pulls Brooke away to break things up and the ref sees the pin and thus counts Carmella out and Brooke is furious.

Seventh Elimination: So it's the Wacky Tag Team Partners Who Don't Get Along against the Women's Tag Champions. Quinn and Andrews are the only managers remaining after Brooke goes off to pout. Jenna wants to rag on Leah for using the chain but Leah fires back because she wants to win. Bobbi Jo takes advantage by attacking Leah from behind. Jenna makes a blind tag unbeknownst to either of the other two women. Bobbi has Leah down and she preps herself for some more damage but Jenna rolls her up from behind for the pin, leaving Hannah alone.

Eighth Elimination: Leah and Jenna get into it verbally as each are upset with the actions of the other. Hannah tries a surprise attack but the faces knock her down. Leah gets ordered back onto the apron as Jenna continues the match. However, Leah tags herself back in once Jenna gets in range and she assaults Hannah. Jenna does the same and deals out some harsher abuse. They trade off back and forth, trying to one up the other at the expense of poor Hannah. Ultimately, Jenna decides to just shove Hannah into Leah and then hit the Kyle Driver for the pin.

Survivors: Leah and Jenna Kyle, ****1/2, 81% overall.

Fuck the DUD show.

SURVIVOR SERIES STARTS NOW!!! The official theme song for the show is "Hunting Grounds" by In This Moment.

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Opening Match: Ozzy Mandias vs. Martyn LaSalle
This is the culmination of a lot of tension after what happened in the fatal four-way for the Cruiserweight Title last month. It's a solid opener, despite the DUD show's greedy little hunger. The end comes as we have a virtual repeat from happened between the two the last time. Ozzy hits a top rope superplex but LaSalle shifts himself over Ozzy in a roll-up upon impact, but makes sure that his own shoulders are off the mat, and that's enough to give LaSalle the pin. Afterwards, Ozzy reluctantly applauds LaSalle and takes his leave. ****1/2, 80% overall.

Second Match: The Morris Cousins, Jordan Demiras, Clubber Harris, and Gavin Jones vs. The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody, Zed Jones, Galino & Farnes, and Jason Sorola

First Elimination: Chet Morris gets himself thrown out by deciding to start out by chasing the heel team with a chair like a lunatic and not listening to the ref. A bit too much rage on his behalf. Understandable, but that kind of screws his team over.

Second/Third Elimination: The match continues as best as it can under the circumstances. It comes down to Harris and Zed and they're too involved in beating the fuck out of each other and they brawl to the outside and into the crowd leading to a double countout. Security tries to break things up as they fight through the audience to the back.

Fourth Elimination: It's still an advantage for the heels as Jordan and Jason go at it next. It's some more good shit as you'd expect. Gavin eventually gets the tag so Jason decides to tag in Farnes and keep himself safe. Ultimately we have to say bye to Farnes as a botched double team attempt from Galino opens things up for Gavin to hit a victory roll to pin Farnes.

Fifth Elimination: Farnes is upset and he gets Galino to help him hit SERIOUS INQUIRIES! on Gavin. Jason Sorola sneaks in for the pin to send Gavin packing.

Sixth Elimination: Lyle is in now and tries to get him some of Sorola. Galino makes a blind tag and becomes legal. He knocks down Lyle from behind while the ref tries to get Sorola out. Hotbody calls an audible and tries tossing in the GAVEL OF DOOM to Galino. Lyle intercepts, however, and nails Galino with it and knocks Hotbody off the apron with it. He goes for the pin and that's enough to send Galino to the back.

Seventh Elimination: Things go into a regular tag format here as it's 2-on-2. It comes down to Demiras and Hotbody and Zed Jones comes back to ringside, no doubt to peacefully request that he be reinserted into the match. He tries pleading his case with the ref and Luscious takes advantage by sneaking in and low blowing Demiras. Zed decides the ref has heard enough of his proposal and allows him to do his job by counting Demiras out after Hotbody hits the Hot Ticket.

Eighth Elimination: Hotbody tags Jason back in as he doesn't want to deal with Lyle. Lyle and Jason go at it and eventually end up outside. The ref tries to keep Hotbody from getting involved as the count is on. Zed looks to take advantage by trying to kick Lyle's head off with a big boot but Lyle ducks and Sorola takes the hit. Lyle rolls back in and the ref ends up counting Sorola out.

Final Elimination: Despite it being one-on-one, Lyle still has to contend with Zed and Luscious. The match goes on with Hotbody taking an ass whipping. Clubber Harris eventually comes out to continue his beef with Zed and we've got more chaos. Chet Morris eventually decides enough is enough and comes out to do more of his chair shenanigans. Everyone's running all over the outside and this confusion allows Hotbody to find the GAVEL OF DOOM and KO Lyle with it to get the final pin.

Sole Survivor: Michael Hotbody, ****1/2, 82% overall.

Third Match: WWE Women's Title
Naomi Bailey (c) vs. Sonya Braddock
I love how this match says "Fuck you" to the DUD show. Both women are AWESOME here as it's just another brutal affair between the two of them. Things don't seem to be lining up for Naomi tonight, though. The end comes when Sonya locks in the Calf Crusher. Naomi fights for her life as she scrambles for the ropes, her arms waving wildly. It's just too much to take, however, and she eventually taps to give the title back to Braddock. *****, 86% overall.

NEW CHAMPION: Sonya Braddock

Fourth Match: Adam Hail, Lonny Richards, Ziggy Styles, Salvatore Scabbia, and Ronnie Costello vs. Simon Bennett, Mathias, Michael Haywood, and The Academy

First Elimination: After a good start with some awesome exchanges between everyone, we're going to have to say adios to Ziggy as Haywood's rage cannot be contained and he squeezes the shit out of him with the Rage Quit and Ziggy taps.

Second Elimination: Did I mention that Haywood's rage cannot be contained? He keeps the hold on way past the point of what is considered acceptable parameters and the ref has no choice but to DQ him.

Third Elimination: We get officials out here to separate Haywood from Ziggy's limp body. The match continues nonetheless. More back and forth goodness is forthcoming. Bennett ultimately ends Lonny's night by getting him to submit to the Bennett Lock.

Fourth Elimination: We march on and the match turns to the rivalry between Brooke's former clients, the Academy and her current boys, Scabbia and Costello. It's a good back and forth and eventually Ronnie is isolated enough to where the Academy can double team him by Mitchell launching Ronnie into Ellis for Today's Lesson, and that's enough to pin and eliminate Ronnie from the equation.

Fifth Elimination: Scabbia goes scorched earth and clotheslines the shit out of the Academy. He manhandles the two while the ref tries to get the non-legal man out. Scabbia locks in the Omerta on Ellis to send him out of the match.

Sixth Elimination: Mitchell gets isolated as the heels do the double team thing. He tries fighting back but Quinn pays dividends by tripping Mitchell up and that sets him up for a Hailstorm off the top from Adam. So long Justin Mitchell.

Seventh Elimination: Mathias in now as the legal man for the faces. Brooke and Quinn work their magic to make sure the ref can't deal with the double team from the heels. Scabbia ends up finishing off Mathias with the Omerta and we're down to one man for the faces.

Eighth Elimination: By now Andrews says fuck it and decides to take the fight to Quinn as Bennett is alone with the heels. They take their leave as they fight up the ramp. Brooke hops up on the apron for moral support but Bennett sends Hail into her with a drop kick. Scabbia comes from behind with the Omerta but Bennett refuses to tap. He escapes by ramming Scabbia back into the corner. Hail blind tags himself back in and floors Bennett with a bulldog and that leads to him capitalizing with a Hailstorm off the top to get the win for his team.

Survivors: Adam Hail and Salvatore Scabbia, ****1/2, 81% overall.

Fifth Match: Brandon Reigns vs. Eddy Clash
Reigns attacks from behind after coming through the crowd. He grabs the briefcase and gives it to security, telling them to take it to his dressing room. Eddy recovers and drags Reigns back in to continue the match. It's actually more of a fight than anything else. Eddy accidentally trucks the ref after Reigns avoids a charge. Reigns still isn't safe as Eddy still looks to deliver some more punishment. WAIT A MINUTE!!! SOMEONE IS IN THE RING!!! It's Hugo?!?!? WTF? We haven't seen him in a while. He clobbers Eddy Clash and just manhandles him. Hugo takes his leave when he feels like he's done enough damage. The ref comes to and sees Reigns hit the Reignfire on Eddy and that's going to give him the pin. WTF is the deal with Hugo returning now??? ****1/2, 82% overall.

Sixth Match: WWE Intercontinental Title
Seth Von Kamp (c) vs. Quinten McDaniels
We've had one title change hands tonight. Is in the cards for it to happen a second time? They deliver another quality outing, all things considered. It would be a bit mean to end things for Seth here and now, but that's not in the cards. Seth reverses the Great Depression and connects with the Collapse of Society to score the pin and successfully retain the title. ****1/2, 82% overall.

Seventh Match: Kyle Jacobs, Ryan Pattillo, Alexander Piero, and the Wyldhearts vs. Xavier Cross, Orlando Kincaid, Chris Collins, and The Royal Effect

First/Second/Third/Fourth Elimination: This match has a much longer start before any eliminations than the other 5-on-5 matches we've had tonight. Of course, things just can't go that smoothly and organized before TENSIONS RISE!!! The Royal Effect keep Robbie Greer isolated and doubled team very effectively until Robbie gets the hot tag to Blaine Bellamey. It's BONZO GONZO as Blaine cleans house. McKay is alone and Blaine tags Robbie back in so they can try the Heartstopper. Kavovit runs in to save his partner however and the four men just go apeshit on each other, ignoring the ref. He finally decides to throw all four men out and calls for officials to get them out of here. They don't go quitely as they continue fighting as they make their exit.

Fifth Elimination: Down to 3-on-3. It proceeds like a regular match until it's down to Pattillo and Kincaid. Pattillo reverses an Irish whip attempt and hits a surprise Shutdown on Kincaid and gets the pin to send him packing.

Sixth Elimination: Collins tries his hand next. He actually manages an upper hand moment and makes Pattillo play face in peril for a bit as he trades on and off with Cross. Pattillo makes the eventual comeback and hot tags Piero! A hot exchange ends with Piero drop toe holding Collins making him land across the middle rope. Madison gets a bit of payback by slapping the taste out of Collins's mouth while the ref is busy with Cross. Piero nails the Flashpoint to eliminate Collins.

Seventh Elimination: Well, Xavier Cross is fucked to say the least. He tries running away but Madison gets in his way. Cross yells some threats and looks to move her out of the way but Piero grabs him from behind and tosses him back into the ring. The three faces all take turns with their abuse. Piero hits the Flashpoint and tags in Pattillo who nails the Shutdown and finally, Jacobs gets the tag and he finishes poor Xavier with the Legacy Bomb. That will obviously be enough to put Cross down for the count and the faces get the win.

Survivors: Kyle Jacobs, Ryan Pattillo, and Alexander Piero, ****1/2, 83% overall.

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified World Title
Wrakk (c) vs. Haven
This is No Holds Barred. It's more monster on monster brutality as you'd expect from these two. We even get some color from the two, which really stands out against the white of Haven. Wrakk looks like he's on the ropes as the match comes to conclusion. Haven looks ready to strike BUT THE LIGHTS GO OUT!!! What is up with tonight? The lights return and WTF IS THIS??? Someone is standing in the ring in front of Haven. Haven looks surprised at this man who is as big as he is, and just as scary. Wrakk takes advantage of this staredown and clobbers Haven from behind with a chair. He continues the assault on the fallen Haven as the mystery man just looks on. Wrakk gets bored from all of the chair shots and decides to just end things with the Demon Cross, and that's enough for him to retain the title. Someone needs to explain what the hell is going on!!! *****, 84% overall.

Overall show rating: 83%

Seriously, fuck the DUD show.

That absolute bastard of a DUD show :( having it land on a PPV is definitely deflating.
I think the odds are 1 in 25 and even that seems high for how frequently it tends to happen.

Honestly though, when I have Scott Keith doing the ratings and the match ratings and quality is high, that's all I really care about. Then again I'm not seriously competing with WWE in my game, even if we are both global promotions. I don't even care about money since Shad Khan is richer than Vince. I just want to do enough to stay in business and have fun booking.

So yeah, the DUD can stick it up its ass.

:cool: @ Hotbody being the sole survivor. Yet another accolade! Immediate ratings draw.

As played out as the "spend most of your time outside the ring or get stretchered out just to return and win" spot is.....I'm chortling imagining a world where Hotbody takes the Rumble from #1. The egotism rating would be 99.

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Lisa Benton messed up her back apparently (how'd that happen? :shifty: ) and will be out for the rest of the month. Never fear! I have just the replacement authority figure for the next show and thus we shall begin the slow march towards Bragging Rights and the Slammys in just a few more shows.

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Raw: November 26, 2040

It's time for another edition of the Hot Button with everyone's favorite host, The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody! He wants to brag about yet another amazing accomplishment that happened last night at Survivor Series. It's actually a 2-for-1 deal. Not only did Hotbody manage to be the sole surviving member and win the match single-handedly, he snuffed out any championship hopes that Lyle Morris had! This year just keeps getting better and better and Hotbody's star just keeps burning bigger and brighter. It's almost unfair if you really think about it! Hotbody isn't sure what's in store for his immediate future regarding the Cruiserweight Title, but in the meantime everyone can now refer to him as the Sole Survivor! This is a ride that's exceeded even his own expectations and there's just no end in sight!

Cue the interruption as HOLY SHIT!!! IT'S IAN GOD DAMN MOORE!!! The legend himself!!! What's he doing here other than deciding to join Hotbody on the Hot Button. Hotbody is equally shocked and excited at the sight of this as the rest of the crowd and gets down to it.

"Well, this is a surprise! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the show, the great Ian Moore! Ian, I have to ask, what brings you here tonight. No, wait, I can guess. You heard about me wanting to celebrate my milestone achievment and wanted to get in on the action so you can recapture some of that excitement from your glory days! Well, you're most certainly always welcome to come onto the Hot Button anytime because if there is one iconic WWE Superstar that I would've enjoyed beating if I had been around back in the day, it's definitely you, Ian. That's why you're here, right? Am I right? I think I'm right."

Ian looks annoyed as he delivers his response. "Well, actually, I was supposed to be here to open the show but I come to understand that you just hijacked this time. Allow me to get things started properly here, if you don't mind, Michael. Lisa Benton is unable to be here tonight as she is taking part of a company retreat. Nevertheless, as one of her direct superiors, I have been appointed to carry out her duties in the time being. First and foremost is the announcement of the Slammy Awards! This annual tradition is one of my personal favorite events and I'm here to confirm that proceedings will take place next week on December 6th, live on Superstars. This event, of course, relies heavily on fan voting so tonight, immediately after the conclusion of Raw, I encourage everyone to log on to the WWE website or use the app to vote for your favorite nominees on all the different categories, ranging from Woman of the Year to Match of the Year and of course, the big one, Superstar of the Year."

"Oh, that one is definitely going to me. I know it. The people here know it. All of you go do what this guy just said and go vote for me. I am going to clean up at the awards, that's a fact. I may even win more than you, Ian!"

Ian continues with his promo while still looking annoyed with Hotbody. "Uh, yeah...anyways, the other major thing is the next PPV at the end of this month. We need a new challenger for the Unified World Title in the main event. So tonight, we will hold two triple threat matches. The winners of those matches will face each other one on one in the main event of SmackDown! this Friday where the winner will get the right to wrestle for the Unified World Title at Bragging Rights. And the participants for those triple threat matches? None other than the six men who managed to survive their elimination matches last night at Survivor Series."

"Wait, that includes me!!!" exclaims Hotbody. "I get a chance at the World Title? Ian, this is huge!!! And here I thought you were just going to bore everyone by telling a bunch of stories of the good old days. But you know what? You're alright. I'm glad you wanted to be part of the show because this is probably the best news I could've gotten today. I may be overselling that sentiment, but still, I'll take you over that hag of a general manager, Lisa, I'll tell you what. Am I right, dog? I can't wait for SmackDown! where everyone is going to watch me become the number one contender and go on to end one hell of a year by adding the World Title to my accomplishments! Suck on that, Lisa!!!"

Ian looks fed up with Michael as he has more to add. "Well, see, about that. Lisa not being here doesn't mean she can't perform her duties. In fact, she had a message to deliver to you specifically. See, it's good that you're looking forward to SmackDown!, because if things do indeed go your way, you're going to have a busy night on that date. See, the stipulation surrounding your match last night was that Lyle Morris wouldn't get his title shot for the Cruiserweight Championship if your team won. But as you so eloquently put it earlier, your team didn't win last night; only you did. So using the logic you tried pulling a while back, this would mean that Lyle Morris still gets his chance at your title...and he's going to get that chance this Friday on SmackDown!. Have a nice week, Michael." And with that Ian takes his leave, waving to the crowd while Hotbody loses his shit in the ring.

Backstage, both Xavier Cross and Chris Collins want to air their grievances about last night's events. Xavier is particularly irate at the fact that people have been dunking on him for losing. Those so-called winners should feel nothing but shame because it took three of them just to beat the mighty Xavier Cross! Collins calls out Alexander Piero for needing a woman to fight his battles and help him out. The two of them challenge Kyle Jacobs and Piero to face them on Superstars if they're not afraid of a fair fight.

Opening Match: Ainsley and Debra Phillips vs. C4
Brooke gets on the stick to talk about her mixed feelings. Salvatore Scabbia did her proud last night and is most certainly going to do the same when he emerges victorious later tonight. However, Carmella and Cordelia need to show a bit more promise and cohesion that they did last night. Jenna and Leah shouldn't have been able to pull off what they did and the fault lays with C4 needing to act as one. Brooke demands perfection tonight. That being said, things don't look so peachy on the other side as Ainsley looks upset having to team with Debra, no doubt because of Debra's recent actions. Debra insists on handling the match herself. It comes to an end when both Carmella and Debra stuggle to their feet after a collision. Debra refuses to go for a tag and tries to go on the offense. Cordelia tags herself in as Debra tries pulling Carmella off the ropes. Cordelia comes in by nailing a Crowning Achievement from the top and that's enough for the pin. Ainsley is all "WTF, bro?" on the apron as Carmella looks annoyed at what Cordelia did. ****1/4, 72% overall.

Not sure if this another DUD show because both Ainsley and Debra are really low in terms of overness and the charisma from C4 is kind of balls.

It's more Sportz Entertainment! time as Ozzy Mandias makes his way out to the ring for some more gab. Ozzy isn't going to try make excuses for what happened last night. A loss is a loss and he's man enough to admit that LaSalle was able to get the duke. It took a while to swallow a lot of his pride, but now Ozzy is ready to man up and call Martyn LaSalle out here so he can be personally congratulated. Ozzy honestly didn't think it was possible, but he's a man of his word. "So Martyn, come on out here and get what you're owed."

It takes a while, but reluctantly Martyn LaSalle comes on out to joing Ozzy in the ring. LaSalle makes it clear that this had better be good because he's kind of tired of this at this point and really isn't in the mood for any more nonsense. Ozzy assures him that everything is on the level. LaSalle made the claim that he'd walk out victorious at Survivor Series and hed did so. Ozzy feels bad about leaving Martyn hanging last night so he's ready to make up for that by offering a handshake. "Come on, man, you earned it."

LaSalle looks at Ozzy with hesitation, but ultimately accepts the shake and Ozzy is content and says that LaSalle is free to go. LaSalle takes him up on that and turns to start to leave.

"Although," Ozzy continues, "I can't help but recall the claim that you made before that you were going to break my arm and make me squeal and tap or what not. It seems odd that you're just going to take all the praise and applause for winning without actually doing what you claimed you were going to do, isn't it?"

LaSalle closes his eyes and takes a deep breath as he looks fed up with this shit. Ozzy continues his rant: "I mean, those were your words, not mine. It just seems like you're more than happy taking the easy way out and being a liar."

That's enough to get LaSalle to snap and he turns back around and grabs Ozzy by the shirt collar forces him into a corner and yells at him. Things look bad BUT HERE COMES HUGO!!! WTF?!? Didn't he already make a mess by screwing over Eddy Clash last night. He attacks LaSalle from behind as Ozzy looks shocked and decides to do the smart thing by getting out of the ring. LaSalle gets tossed around some more until Hugo decides he's done enough and exits as hastily as he entered. Is no one in the locker room safe now that this lunatic monster is back?

Backstage, old buddies Paul Andrews and Ian Moore catch up with each other as Ian is about to head out. They exchange pleasantries about the past until Paul brings up the fact that he's got a favor to ask. He'd normally try to ask Lisa Benton, but that's not an option right now so he's kind of hoping Ian can do him a solid for old times sake. Leah has been on his ass about the whole situation she's got going on with Jenna Kyle. Andrews is kind of hoping to get something juicy enough to placate her. Ian Moore suggests giving her the opportunity to take out all her frustrations on Jenna herself. How about the two of them, one-on-one on Superstars? Oh, and to make it even juicier, let's give the winner a shot at the Women's Title at Bragging Rights. Andrews thinks that will be more than enough and with that they say their goodbyes and part ways.

Second Match: Adam Hail vs. Alexander Piero vs.The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, The Sole Survivor, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody
Why yes, that didn't take long for the new addition to the moniker to get added. Nathan Quinn accuses Paul Andrews of politicking and using his friendship with Ian Moore to get ahead. Now he's going to have a chance to be managing the Women's Champion? Well, we'll all just see how he likes it when Adam Hail goes onto to Bragging Rights and captures the Unified World Title! And he's going to do it not by sucking up to anyone, but by being the best! Hotbody spends most of the match macking on Luscious and making kissy faces at her, only getting involved when he needs to break up a pin. It finally comes to an end when Lyle Morris decides to come out and chase Hotbody out of the arena, leaving Piero and Hail. Chris Collins comes out and makes his way down the ramp and glares at Piero, getting the rookie's attention. This allows Quinn the opportunity to pull Piero's throat onto the top rope and that sets him up for a Hailstorm off the top from Hail, allowing Hail to advance to SmackDown!. ****1/2, 81% overall.

Third Match: Ethan Lang vs. Steve Hayes
This match seems out of place BUT I'VE GOT PLANS!!! Once again, this is all about Ethan making the most of his association with Jake Connelly and continuing his push. He manages to get the win after the Bitter Languish. Afterwards, Cameron Harper of all people runs down to join Connelly and Lang, but he looks more interested in pestering Connelly, much to the annoyance of both him and Lang. What's the deal here? ****1/2, 79% overall.

Still not sure on the DUD show-ness.

Fourth Match: The Morris Cousins vs. The Dillingers
Lyle is over the moon about his opportunity at Michael Hotbody. He's been given a second wind and he's not going to squander it. He's reached the point where he has the chance of this being the greatest year of his life. He has Chet back at his side and he's got gold in his future. The countdown begins, Hotbody! So this match kicks ass as you'd expect. It's two well established veteran teams. The Morris Cousins get that lovely momentum by hitting Joey Dillinger with the Backwoods Bomb and Chet gets the pin for the victory. *****, 86% overall.

OK, I think we're good.

Fifth Match: Ryan Pattillo vs. Kyle Jacobs vs. Salvatore Scabbia
Brooke is confident as all fuck and declares that she can't wait for Scabbia to get what he's been due for so long. It's a chaotic affair to say the least. Xavier Cross watches from the stage. It comes to an end when Jacobs has Pattillo down but Scabbia pounces on the opportunity and locks in the Omerta on Jacobs! Jacobs manages to keep fighting and pushes Scabbia back into the corner. Scabbia won't let go and Jacobs looks like he's screwed. WAIT A MINUTE!!! The Academy comes down to ringside and they each grab one of Scabbia's legs and yank him down, causing the hold to be broken. They then post his nuts. Jacobs is dazed and Pattillo has recovered and he hits the Shutdown on Jacobs to get the pin and punch his ticket for SmackDown!. ****1/2, 81% overall.

OK, now I'm really not sure. Maybe Scabbia's charisma dragged things down?

More In-Ring Super Special Talky Time this time with the challenger for the Unified World Title last night, Haven. Haven is aware that last night left many questions unanswered. However, the only one Haven is interested in is how long is Wrakk going to hide like a coward behind the smoke and mirrors? Haven makes it clear that he knows who that man was who showed up in the match last night and wants to know from where Wrakk dug him up because he's ready and willing to send him back there.

The Unified World Champion Wrakk decides to come on out and address these concerns. Wrakk claims that he had nothing to do with whoever the hell that was last night. If that guy has any sort of issue with you, that's Haven's problem, and no one else's. Wrakk didn't even need that guy in the first place. He was well on his way to retaining his title without him and everyone knows it! He's not going to listen to anymore whining and excuses from a loser like Haven. He has more important things to focus on, namely who's going to be the next victim at Bragging Rights.

Haven doesn't look particularly amused by this and decides he's just going to beat some answers out of Wrakk. He leaves the ring and starts making his way up the ramp while Wrakk begins his way down. THE LIGHTS GO OFF!!! This looks bad. They come back on and that same man from last night is behind Haven!!! He spins Haven around and once again Haven looks shocked. Then he starts to look like Wrakk is kicking his ass. Wrakk commences a beat down all while this still unnamed man just gazes on. Wrakk eventually looks like he's had his fill and decides to leave, leaving this man to crouch over the fallen Haven. We need answers!!!

MAIN EVENT: WWE Unified Tag Team Titles
The Royal Effect (c) vs. The Wyldhearts
As promised, the Wyldhearts finally get their shot. They pick where they left off from last night but enough officials come out to get things somewhat organized into standard tag team parameters. Aside from being awesome, that is, because this is a great way to cap off the night. The end comes when McKay tries to toss in one of the tag belts to Kavovit while the ref is down. Madison runs interference and snatches it away from him. She gets stalked by McKay for this but Robbie Greer dives onto him from the ring to put an end to that. Bellamey recovers and continues the fight with Kavovit. Kavovit tries an Irish Whip but that gets reversed and Robbie makes his way back in time to help hit the Heartstopper with Bellamey. The ref comes to and counts the pin for the Wyldhearts giving them win and the titles! WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!!! *****, 86% overall. Well, we ended on a high note at least.

Overall show rating: 82%

Is there a sim that can be ran on a android phone? Just curious because I miss wrestling sims.

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There's nothing that I found where there is a way to do the WWE, but I did find AEW Elite General Manager on the Google Play Store. There's also Wrestling GM which looks fairly generic.

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Superstars: November 29, 2040

20-Minute Opening Promo of Doom Time! It's the new Women's Champion, Sonya Braddock coming out to join us. Braddock brings up the fact that this is her 6th championship and winning it the sixth time was every bit as sweet as the first time. Actually, that's a bit of a lie, because she savored every minute she was beating down Naomi Bailey at Survivor Series and hearing her scream out and bang the mat puts that night above almost everything else. Naomi's reign was a house of cards that was bound to collapse and Sonya was more than happy to be the bulldozer that ruined everything for Naomi. Sonya is ready to put her own house back in order and she wants to let both Leah and Jenna Kyle know that whoever wins tonight, they'll be walking into the same force that obliterated Naomi.

Well that's obviously going to be enough to cause Naomi Bailey herself to come out to the stage to snap back at this. Naomi scoffs at Sonya's choice of words as everyone can see that she's clearly up and about and ready to kick ass at a moment's notice. Naomi is here to rain on the parade of the phony champion because she has proof that Sonya does not deserve to be holding that title! She wants everyone to pay attention to the Tron as she replays the final moments of the match from Sunday and she'll explain. We, of course, see Naomi locked in the Calf Crusher as she's fighting for the ropes trying to get a break before ultimately submitting. Naomi asks us if we all see what she's talking about. "Here, I'll play it back again, slow enough for you morons to see it!" The footage replays the part where Naomi is flailing her arms towards the ropes and she narrates the proceeds. "THERE! You see that? I'm waving my arms and you can CLEARLY SEE that my fingertips pass under the bottom rope! That should've broken the hold! The referee should've broken the hold and the match should've continued and had it continued, I would've obliterated YOUR ass, Sonya, and I would've kept MY Women's Title! How can you stand there in front of everyone and be proud of stealing that title. If you were any kind of woman, you'd hand that thing over RIGHT NOW!"

Sonya doesn't look like she's keen on that idea as she offers her take on the matter. "First of all, I don't even see what the hell you're even talking about. But if you want the belt so much, you're more than welcome to come and get it your damn self." With that, Sonya tosses both the mic and Women's Title in front of her on the ground and gestures for Naomi to come on down. Naomi ponders this for a bit and ultimately decides to take Sonya up on that offer and makes her way down. We got ourselves a fight! It's a back-and-forth bit before Sonya is able to take Naomi down and looks to lock in a Calf Crusher but Naomi escapes that pretty quickly and decides to fight another day by bailing. She leaves still angry and yelling back at the champion.

First Match: Orlando Kincaid vs. Michael Haywood
Fucking awesome opener. Kincaid declares he's going to beat on Ryan Pattillo's boy to send a message, but that's easier said than done as Haywood isn't going down so easily. Ziggy Styles, of course, just has to come down to make a niusance of himself. This triggers Haywood's programming and he goes into his rage subroutine to get him some of Ziggy. Ziggy tries running back into the ring as Haywood chases him down with a chair. He takes a swing but Ziggy ducks and runs away and Kincaid takes the hit instead. That's enough for the DQ, but Haywood's CPU doesn't register this and directs him to continue the pursuit on Ziggy. *****, 94% overall.

Backstage, Jenna Kyle is prepping for her match tonight against Leah when she's joined by her partner Faith Connors. Jenna is happy to see Faith back up on her feet after Sunday, but Faith clarifies that she's still not cleared until Monday. That Dusk bitch really knows how to make it hurt. Faith is here in support of Jenna's efforts tonight. Jenna is grateful and declares that this has been a long time coming between her and Leah and hopefully things get settled. Then Jenna can go on to become Women's Champion at Bragging Rights. It'll go great with all the Slammys she's going to win next week. Faith points out that the two of them are going to win some Slammys. She's heard talk that the two of them are leading in the Moment of the Year category. Jenna, however, points out that only one of them can win Woman of the Year. Faith isn't worried as she thinks she's got it in the bag. Jenna counters that she's got tonight in the bag. We'll see how it all plays out next week. Faith wishes her luck as she takes her leave.

Second Match: Zed Jones and Galino & Farnes vs. Nigel Gallagher and the British Infection
Michael Hotbody is FURIOUS over Ian Moore's appearance on Monday. He hogs up almost all of Hotbody's time and then drops the nonsense that Lyle Morris is still going to get a Cruiserweight Title shot tomorrow?!? UNACCEPTABLE!!! Michael Hotbody means business! He led one of the most dominant teams in Survivor Series history to GLORIOUS VICTORY on Sunday and they're going to demonstrate that again here tonight! Lyle Morris is in for one of the worst nights of his life on SmackDown! because Hotbody is going to take out all of his frustrations on him and walk out the champion! This is another sweet outing. It comes down to Zed and Exley as the legal men. The British Infection look to end things by setting up Zed for the Queen's English but Luscious grabs their legs. As they each turn around, Zed clobbers them both from behind and he stacks up Exley using the ropes for the pin. Clubber Harris makes his way out looking like he wants a piece of Zed, but Hotbody calls him off and the heels take their leave. ****1/2, 89% overall.

Backstage once more as this time Jake Connelly is walking down a hallway until he gets confronted again by Cameron Harper. Harper wants to know if Connelly has made up his mind about Harper's proposal. Harper feels slighted that someone like Connelly hasn't come to him to be his mentor. What does Ethan Lang have that Cameron Harper doesn't? Connelly answers that Lang has patience for one thing. Connelly is always keen on picking up more clients but he's got to do it wisely. He's open to managing Harper, but right now he's got his hands full as he's got the Lady Liberties in a match next. He promises Harper they'll talk later.

Third Match: Ainsley and Debra Phillips vs. The Lady Liberties
Debra wants to apologize to Ainsley for what went down on Raw. She knows she overstepped by hogging all the spotlight and not working with Ainsley. She promises to make up for that tonight. Debra keeps her word and allows Ainsley the chance to start the match. Actually, she pretty much just lets Ainsley do all the work and doesn't even want to tag in, even when Ainsley is in trouble. The Liberties end it by hitting Stars and Stripes on Ainsley for the win as Debra walks away. What a bitch. ****, 77% overall. Hey, they didn't get smoked from following the previous match.

Fourth Match: Seth Von Kamp vs. Jason Sorola
Sorola is quite full of himself as he brags about eliminating Gavin Jones on Sunday. He's riding a high that he hasn't felt in a while. He deserves some kind of reward for his efforts. He calls out Seth on his claim of being a fighting champion and dares him to put his money where his mouth is and agree to make this match for the Intercontinental Title. Sorola deserves it. He's a former champion himself and it'll be one more thing he can rub in the face of Gavin Jones! Seth has no problem with this idea and agrees so we have ourselves a bonus for this match as it's now a title affair. Sorola levels the playing field by keeping it on the mat and working the arm to make up for the size difference. Here comes the finish as Sorola knocks down both Seth and the referee off a springboard crossbody. He gets cocky and goes to grab the title belt but things aren't done yet between him and Gavin Jones as Gavin himself runs down to get him some of Sorola. Sorola does the smart thing by getting the hell out of there and the two go into the crowd. Both the ref and Seth recover to find no one else in the ring so the ref decides to just count out Sorola and award the match to Seth. *****, 95% overall.

Fifth Match: Leah vs. Jenna Kyle
Paul Andrews makes it clear that there is respect for Jenna Kyle from both himself and Leah, but it's a dog-eat-dog business and the prize of getting to wrestle for the Women's Title at Bragging Rights is too tempting and it's only fitting that a top talent like Leah gets that spot, no offense to Jenna. This match rules, of course. Probably their best outing to date. Things unfortunately have to get a bit screwy as Nathan Quinn wanders out here and gets the attention of Paul Andrews. Andrews and Quinn exchange some words and the ref gets on their case. Hannah McCormick sneaks in from behind with her Tag Team Title belt unbeknowst to either competitor and jumps onto the apron as Leah whips Jenna towards her. Jenna reverses, however, and Leah collides with Hannah and Jenna catches Leah off the rebound with an inside cradle and the ref turns around to count the pin, giving the win to Jenna and sending her to Bragging Rights. ****1/2, 91% overall.

More SPORTZ ENTERTAINMENT! time as Eddy Clash sees fit to join us in the ring and address Survivor Series. He was having the time of his life on Sunday beating up Brandon Reigns. Then, out of nowhere, we've got the return of the lunatic known as Hugo. Why now? What does he want? Eddy thinks he's entitled to some answers so he's offering Hugo the opportunity to come on out here like a sane person and bare his soul to everyone. Maybe he has some deep reasoning behind his thought process. Maybe he can captivate us with his words and feelings. Eddy is certainly open to hearing Hugo out...then he'll shove this giant fist of his down Hugo's throat. "So come on out here, Hugo. You obviously have something on your mind if you were going to be such a party pooper this week. You're more than welcome to come out here and ruin this party if you got the guts."

Eddy remains facing the stage during his pleas and thus doesn't see Hugo coming up from behind him and entering the ring and commencing a beat down. This guy really is out of control. It's hoss on hoss brutality that spills to the outside. Hugo preps the announce table and sends Eddy through it with a powerbomb. Hugo evidently is going to pass on explaining himself verbally as we get some officials down to check on Eddy.

Sixth Match: Mathias vs. Ronnie Costello
Brooke wants to rundown her clients and especially gets on Ronnie's case for not backing up Salvatore Scabbia when he really needed it on Raw. She demands that everyone fall in line. Everyone on her team needs to be on the same page. No petty personal gripes, no egos. She's seen the interactions between Carmella and Cordelia these past few shows and she wants to nip this in the bud. The match goes on fine enough. The end comes when Ronnie pulls the ref in front of him to block a charge from Mathias. Mathias pumps the brakes and moves the ref out of the way, but that opens him up to getting whacked in the nuts from kick by Costello and he gets stacked up with Costello putting his feet on the ropes for leverage for the win. Randy Ellis decides to get him some of Ronnie and he comes down afterwards to get a few shots in before Ronnie retreats. ****1/2, 89% overall.

MAIN EVENT: Kyle Jacobs and Alexander Piero vs. Xavier Cross and Chris Collins
Collins dares the faces to show how good they really are now that it's going to be an actual level playing field. He also wants to challenge Piero for one final one-on-one encounter between them to finally settle things and hopefully Collins can move on to better things. Cross adds that it's a travesty that he and Collins were denied the opportunity to be in the hunt for the Unified World Title, all because of these two young punks. The one saving grace is that they didn't get past Monday and now they're going to get their punishment for Survivor Series on top of that! This is an awesome close to the show as the rating will attest. The end comes down to Piero and Cross as the legal men. Cross tries a roll up, using his feet on the ropes, but Madison is all, "That was the finish to the last match" and thus knocks his feet off. Collins sees this after disposing of Jacobs and starts to go after her. She tries another slap like on Sunday, but Collins catches her and picks her up and starts to carry her off. Piero sees this and tries to go after the two but Cross yanks him back and into a Cross Cutter to steal the pin. Collins dumps Madison and laughs at their misfortune as we go off the air. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Overall show rating: 88% overall

Much better than the last two outings. This sparks joy.

Hotbody’s intro is now up to 9 lines if I read it on my iPhone :lol: love it

Ian Moore’s return got a pop out of me. I remember his name from one of the really old save files back in the day, close to 20 years ago now. Love the idea that so many of these guys retired and stuck around as occasional on-air authority figures.

Raw was weird because it didn’t seem like a total DUD show but it did seem some ratings were lower than usual. Superstars was all steam ahead.

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Believe me, it's only going to get worse/better after the Slammys and Bragging Rights.

Moore was probably my greatest prospect that the game developed for me. I obviously kept him in training until everything was maxed out but he had a natural charisma stat of 97 right off the bat. If I'm remembering correctly, it was him who unified the two world titles at my iteration of WrestleMania 40, which marked the end of the split rosters era. I also picked him to be the guy to break the 3-year+ undefeated streak of this one douche heel in Chris Sylvain, so I had a lot of confidence in him and it warms my heart that I can still get mileage out of him. He's in his late 50's though, so I'm not foreseeing any in-ring action for him anytime soon.

I'm blaming the charisma ratings for some of the participants involved. They can really drag down the crowd reaction unless they're propped up by more engaging workers. I'm hoping to get SmackDown! done tonight.

If anything this puts me to shame because it’s been SO long since I played a game long enough to make it to 13 months in to get the first batch of new training camp graduates. Kinda just assume that if I play a new EWR game it’ll be more of the same :lol:


Personally I’ve never really noticed charisma having much of an impact on match rating. I used to be very heavy on the speed and technical guys who could produce bangers but not talk, and they still got over.

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SmackDown!: November 30, 2040

Opening Match: The Wyldhearts vs. The Future Foundation
The new Unified Tag Team Champions are ready to get down to business by welcoming all comers. They run down the Future Foundation as to how the show is on the other foot. Rick Hilton fires back that the Wyldhearts shouldn't be bragging about anything since they couldn't become champions by beating him and Julian when they were the ones holding the belts. The Future Foundation will bring these posers crashing back down to Earth with just this one match! The rating reflects just how awesome an opener this is. I should've made the Wyldhearts champions a long time ago. Well, either way, they'd have brought out some sick matches with the Royal Effect. Speaking of which, the former champions run down during this affair, looking none to happy about no longer having the belts. They attack Robbie and Blaine as they're setting up Rick Hilton for the Heartstopper. It's a DQ win for the champions but they're in a bad here. Luckily, The Love Connection runs down to make things even again and we have a 4-on-4 stand off to end things here. ****1/2, 93% overall.

SPORTZ ENTERTAINMENT! TIME as Jason Sorola wants to rap with us and comes out to the ring. He wants to talk about how sick he is of his past. He left that pack of village idiots in Ryan Pattillo, Michael Haywood, and ESPECIALLY Gavin Jones so he could spread his wings and make his own name. By the way, everybody should be voting for Jason Sorola for Cruiserweight of the Year! Putting up with the crap he does on a weekly basis should guarantee him that even though he's not the champion. But Sorola realizes that he can't get another crack at that title until he's finally dealt with the garbage at his front porch. So right now he's DEMANDING that Gavin Jones get his ass out here and hear Sorola out, because this business needs to be addressed one way or another.

Gavin eventually comes out looking well annoyed. Gaving declares that he hopes Jason isn't going to try to pour on the guilt because Gavin feels no shame in knowing what loyalty is. He is ashamed of Sorola and he's more than happy to deal with him physically so by all means, let's all hear how Sorola wants to address this business.

Sorola smiles and says that he knew Gavin wasn't going to be able to get over the fact that Sorola eliminated him at Survivor Series, just like how he hasn't been able to get over being apart from his "bros". Maybe if Gavin spent less time moping and more time following Sorola's example, things wouldn't be where they are right now. But as things stand now, Sorola is infinitely superior to Gavin and any one else in the cruiserweight division! And Sorola will prove it if Gavin is willing to accept his challenge. This Monday, one-on-one, in a 2 out of 3 falls match!

Gavin asks if Sorola has truly gone off the deep end. He's basically asking for Gavin to embarass him TWICE in one night. So of course he accepts and he hopes Sorola will regret the day he ever betrayed the crew.

Ian Moore pops on the Tron to interrupt this bit and asks the two of them to pump the brakes because neither one of them is in charge and they can just go around making things for the show on their own accord. "Besides, you guys didn't even think of what I'm going to add on top of this match on Monday. The winner will get to go to Bragging Rights as the number one contender to the Cruiserweight Title! Have fun, you all!" So that settles that.

Second Match: Dusk vs. Phoebe Hanson
Phoebe is looking to right a perceived wrong from Survivor Series. Dusk continues to make great strides in getting over. They stumble out of the ring and continue to slug it out as they ignore the count and that's going to be a draw as they both fail to get back in the ring. Dusk has Phoebe down and looks like she's going to really put the hurt on her but Faith Connors comes on down to get in the way of that. Dusk merely glares at Faith as she decides to back away and take Sorrow with her. Dusk has managed to make another enemy in such a short time frame. ****1/4, 89% overall.

Backstage Jenna Kyle is PUMPED about being named the number one contender to the Women's Title. She knows that it's not really over between herself and Leah because she knows that once she reclaims the gold, they're all going to be coming for her. And her next reign will be no different from any others; she'll take them all on. Naomi Bailey decides to get in Jenna's face as she's still not letting go of the fact that she feels Sonya robbed her at Survivor Series. Who the hell does Jenna think she is? Jenna says that she's the woman who embarassed Naomi at SummerSlam. She's the woman who alongside her partner, Faith, made history as the first ever Women's Tag Team Champions. Jenna accuses Naomi of talking a good game but all she's going to be known for in this year, is being such a whiny sack of tears that even her own cousin couldn't take it anymore. Naomi shoves Jenna in response to this and Jenna leaps onto the former champion and we might have ourselves a fight but officials step in to pull the two apart.

Third Match: WWE Cruiserweight Title
The Hero to Millions Around the World, the Host With THE Highest Rated Interview Show In All of Entertainment, The New Age Intellectual Savior to the Masses, The 2031 Fulton County First Place Conga Award Winner, The Luscious Lover and Undefeated Steel Cage Master and REAL 2040 King of the Ring, The Supreme Submission Machine, Mister Twenty-Forty, Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion-Elect, the Cruiserweight Champion Michael Hotbody(c) vs. Lyle Morris
Ian Moore makes the decree that all of Hotbody's associates are banned from ringside for this. Hotbody declares that this just another piece of evidence of the LUNATIC CONSPIRACY against him! Lisa Benton had better hope she never comes back because she's going to be DROWNING IN LITIGATION! Hotbody is on the cusp of immortality and he keeps having to deal with nonsense like this! So with that little tirade out of the way, Lyle takes the fight to Hotbody and doesn't let up. Lyle has the champ on the ropes so naturally Hotbody must resort to his superior strategy. He rolls out of the ring and tries to hide under the ring. Lyle follows and raises the apron to try to get to the champ while the ref looks on. Hotbody comes out the other side and grabs his title belt and slips back in and nails the ref from behind with it. Lyle realizes what's happening and slides back in to get his hands on Hotbody. Hotbody takes a swing but Lyle ducks and snatches the belt away but Hotbody, using his cat-like reflexes and ingenuity, punts Lyle in the balls and the challenger goes down. Hotbody looks to capitalize BUT HERE COMES CHET MORRIS!!! And his chair friend! Hotbody is fucked! He starts backing away as Chet enters the ring....and then watches as Chet blasts Lyle in the head as he's trying to get back up! WTF?!?!?!? Chet gets the ref back to his senses and then rolls out as Hotbody hits the Hot Ticket on the fallen Lyle and the ref counts the pin and that allows Hotbody to retain!

CHET ISN'T DONE!!! He stands over his fallen cousin as Luscious comes down to take her boo away. Chet ponders his next move for a bit and then commences to just rain fists down on Lyle. He's still not done! He flips Lyle over and proceeds to abuse him with the chair repeatedly until the damn thing is bent out of shape. Not to fear, as there are spares around the ring and thus Chet drage Lyle to the outside and proceeds to use more chair-related brutality on his cousin. Lyle is a bloody mess and it's only going to get worse as Chet sandwiches Lyle's head in between the seat and then stomps on it, crushing Lyle's throat. What the hell has gotten into Chet for him to do this?!?!? *****, 94% overall.

Fourth Match: Michael Haywood and The Academy vs. Ziggy Styles, Ronnie Costello, and Salvatore Scabbia
We're shown what went down at Survivor Series between Styles and Haywood, where the latter refused to let go of the Rage Quit. Ziggy declares that he shouldn't even be here! Michael Haywood is a lunatic and thus he leaves Ziggy no choice but to PERMANENTLY REVOKE his standing invitation to join him in getting Ziggy with it!!! Ziggy hates that he has to resort to such drastic measures for punishment, but maybe it'll go a long way in teaching Michael Haywood to not be such a sour puss all the time! The match is kick ass despite all that word salad. The end comes when Scabbia tags himself in as Haywood whips Styles into the ropes. Haywood flapjacks Ziggy and then starts to lock in the Rage Quit but Scabbia comes from behind with the Omerta! Haywood struggles in agony as Ziggy recovers enough to mock him to his face and eventually Haywood passes out. ****1/2, 90% overall.

In Ring Super Special Talky Time with the Money in the Bank briefcase holder Brandon Reigns! He actually has it handcuffed to him and he explains that it's necessary to do so in order to prevent any more Eddy Clash wannabes or even Eddy himself from taking what's rightfully his! He's somewhat disappointed to see that his Money in the Bank win isn't a nominee for any Slammys but if can walk away with Superstar of the Year, then he can overlook that little slight. The year 2040 is going to be synonymous with Brandon Reigns and next year is going to be more of the same. The days until the inevitable are getting smaller in number. Second by second, minute by minute, we are all slowly inching our way to the moment of truth, where Brandon Reigns makes his ascension to the top of the mountain and claims the Unified World Title with the power of this briefcase. So this offer is on the table to anyone who thinks they can sour the mood and make a last minute ditch effort to make a name for themselves, Brandon Reigns is opening the door for anybody to come take a swing. Just be aware of all the bodies right in front, like Jake Connelly, Connor Buchanan, Eddy Clash, et cetera, et cetera!

This is going to call for Kerry Cemenko to make himself known and he joins Reigns in the ring. Kerry brings up the fact that he feels even more terrible about not winning the Unified World Title earlier this year. It would've been even sweeter to be at WrestleMania and watch the look on Brandon's face after he failed to cash in the briefcase after so much talk. Reigns is aghast that Cemenko is insulting him but Cemenko counters by asking how could he not? Reigns threw away an opportunity to have another title shot by refusing to be in the King of the Ring tournament. He also didn't bother to use the case to claim the title when it was vacated not that long ago. Reigns is putting A LOT of eggs in this one basket, and all Cemenko is trying to say is that it's going to be open season on Reigns if WrestleMania comes to pass and this whole master plan doesn't pan out.

Reigns points out that at least he actually has eggs, unlike Cemenko. Cemenko counters that he has the "huevos" to stand up to a guy like Reigns. Reigns says good on him but this isn't the World Standing Federation. Cemenko says it's also not the World Get Knocked On Your Ass Federation, but that's what's going to happen to Reigns anyway. Cemenko clotheslines Reigns down. Reigns tries to bail but the handcuffs prove to be a hinderance as Cemenko merely grabs the case and prevents Reigns from leaving. Cemenko pulls Reigns in but Reigns meets him with a forearm, causing Cemenko to lose his grip and allowing Reigns to bail.

Fifth Match: Hugo vs. Raymond Delaney
We're back to HUGO SMASH!!! He still hasn't explained his actions and I don't foresee that happening here tonight. I do foresee a lot of pain and loss in Delaney's future though as he suffers the Moonsault Crush from Hugo and gets pinned. Hugo gets on the mic and stares off into space with a crazed look and merely says, "I've been set free..." WTF does that mean? ****1/2, 91% overall.

More SPORTZ ENTERTAINMENT! Time as the lights go out and when they return, the mystery man who was all up in Haven's business on Sunday and Monday is in the ring. He says that it's only appropriate that introductions are finally in order. He is named Victor Dark and he is here to save everyone from the fraud that is Haven.

"I need to make it clear that I am not here to fight Haven. I don't even consider him an enemy. He is merely a disappointment. A disappointment like that does not deserve to be called a champion in any walk of life, much less a champion all of you should praise and encourage. Here is the ugly history between myself and Haven. The WWE isn't the first tent he's tried to bring his brainwashing message under. I met Haven at a commune many years back, and like so many unfortunate minds that fell under his sway, I was what you would call a lost soul. So desparate was I for guidance and acceptance that I came to believe in him and his message. But the truth eventually came to fruition. He wasn't about saving us. He was about power. That's the only explanation one can draw from his decision to ditch us all and come here. Haven would have had all that power if he had won on Sunday. I couldn't live with myself if I saw him get his hands on the thing that would allow him to have unlimited influence on so many innocent minds. I would have been here sooner, and it's a shame to have witnessed so many victims get suckered in by him, but I'm here now and Haven can't escape his past anymore. He's going to have to face up to it. And as much as I don't actually want to get physical with him, I'll have to force him to face it if he is inclined to be stubborn."

Well, we all knew this wasn't going to be a solo outing for long as the music of Haven hits and the Dark Shepherd himself walks out on stage. He addresses Victor in an angry tone. "Victor, I know that there's no way you came here under your own devices. Someone had to have brokered a way in for you. So where is she?"

"Oh, are things unraveling for you, Evan? That's right, his real name is Evan. You people don't have to keep him on that pedestal anymore. I'm here to save you all. Look at him. He knows what kind of force I am. He knows that I can undo him. But since you're so curious about 'her', well, by all means you're welcome to see for yourself. Andrea, come on out!"

Haven looks perplexed and right behind him appears a young lady with a haunting expression on her face as she gazes at the now shocked Haven. "You weren't really expecting this, were you?" Victor asks. "Well, Andrea is also going to be at my side from here on out. And everything that happens by our hand, Evan, is all on you." Andrea takes her leave without saying a word as Haven continues to look bewildered. Seriously, WTF is going on???

Backstage, Nathan Quinn runs into Ian Moore. Quinn wants to rip on Moore for playing favorites with Paul Andrews after giving one of his clients the deal that he asked for. Quinn was always better than Moore and it makes him sick that Moore has the position that he does. Quinn doesn't rely on crap like that to get ahead. Paul Andrews interrupts the proceedings by asking what's going on. Quinn accuses Andrews of trying to get another favor from his buddy. Andrews claims that his girls can get the attention and accolades without any politicking. Ian says that's good to hear because he's got an idea for the two of them. They can each pick one of their women to have a match on Raw. If Nathan's pick wins, she'll get added to the Women's Title match at Bragging Rights. But if Paul's pick wins, the Southern Belles defend their Women's Tag Team Titles against the Perfections at Bragging Rights. "Have fun on Monday," Ian says before leaving. Nathan is all smiles and declares that Paul is set for even more humiliation come Monday. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I've got a client that's about to become the number contender for the Unified Title."

MAIN EVENT: Adamn Hail vs. Ryan Pattillo
This will determine who will face the Unified World Champion at Bragging Rights. I actually don't recall if these two ever had a match when Adam was around on his first run. Either way, they know how to have a good main event, Adam's lack of charisma notwithstanding. It comes to an end when Nathan tries some heel manager chicanery but Simon Bennett comes running down to get him a piece of his former manager, yanking him off the apron causing him to hit the edge. Adam Hail is beside himself and yells at Simon, but Pattillo isn't done with the match and he hits the Shutdown on a distracted Hail and gets the pin, sending him to the main event at Bragging Rights. ****1/2, 91% overall.

Overall show rating: 87%

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End of the month notes:

BIRTHDAYS!!! Tokyo Kid turns 28. I might need to change that name already.
Joey Dillinger: 36
Ronnie Costello: 25
Justin Mitchel: 27
Maya: 35
Caleb Greene: 39
King Kavovit: 34
Sarah Moore: 28

Canadian Golden Combat has opened its doors as a new promotion.

Nobody wants to retire from my roster. Good news I suppose, but it'd be nice to have a way out of those giant contracts I gave to Hail and Bennett.

Three guys from NXT want out as they think they're ready for prime time. They are as follows:

Karl Hodder: 26 years old. A guy with a name like that and the game can't even be asked to give him the Menacing attribute?
Leo DeNucci: The only cruiserweight of the bunch. 22 years old. All his wrestling attributes are in the 90s.
Shawn Damon: 25 years old.

The charisma of all of these guys sucks dong. I need to think hard on how I'm going to introduce and utilize them, if at all.

Gotta say, I give you props for writing out your promos the way you do. I generally can visualize what is being said but I don't think I'd have the patience to actually write it all out word for word.

Tough for me to find the happy medium between fully writing up my shows vs. just quick rapid fire results. The latter means I can blow through shows way quicker even if it's not always the most interesting thing to read.

:lol: always nice to not have any retirements. Your managers will be busy with some new clients for these charisma-less call-ups.

It's almost jarring to see how relatively young your roster is. Modern wrestling is packed to the brim with guys who are still really good but in their late 30s, 40s, even 50s. I know people who do modern day EWR games who have to use Arsenic to at least ease the blow slightly and make the regression less steep, because the game really does think you can't move at all once you hit 40 and that's not how wrestling is now.

If/when I get my new game rolling, the retirements are gonna be plentiful.

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I probably could just go with simple points when it comes to the promos but I feel you can't really appreciate the depths of Hotbody's douchebaggery without going into detail. Patience isn't the problem for me so much as just having the time. I can do bit by bit when I can, but having a whole open day to get anything done is a rarity so I do what I can, when I can.

The thing is I do have people above the threshold for retirement. Lisa Benton and Ian Moore in particular REFUSE TO DIE! Riott should at least be a non-wrestler at this point. If she chooses to retire come WrestleMania time I've got a tough decision to make as to whether or not I should bring her in for one more match where she gets her streak ended.

If wrestling nowadays is as you described, I'm glad I'm not part of it anymore. There needs to be a cut-off point because it starts getting sad after a while. Jericho, from what I understand, has become a parody of himself, and he was my favorite wrestler for a time. I'm sure it's different for everyone because not everyone trains the same way or what have you, but when fucking Goldberg is a major part of your show in the God damn 2020s, we've got problems. At the very least I imagine it's not like Mexico where you've got out of shape Mil Mascaras running around the ring, no-selling shit acting like he's still the belle of the ball.

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Sweet, another page!

So basically we've got this for Bragging Rights:

Wrakk vs. Ryan Pattillo for the Unified World Title

Sonya Braddock vs. Jenna Kyle for the Women's Title

Michael Hotbody vs. the next poor sap who has to put up with his buffoonery. I'd like to believe a character like Hotbody would get over in real life.

Jericho's an interesting one. Even into his early 50s he's shown he can still produce bangers when the moment calls for it. At some point in 2021 or so he was looking severely alcohol bloated and slower in the ring, he seemingly took the criticism personally and ended up getting himself into damn good shape for his age and wound up putting on good matches again for a time.

To his credit, after getting a run as the inaugural world champion, which I felt was a sensible move for a new company to put the title on someone lapsed fans would know, he's spent most of the last few years putting people over, which is what he should be doing at this stage of his career. My biggest criticism though is his feuds feel like they drag too long. You know he'll do the right thing and put the other guy over, but not EVERY feud needs to be half a year FFS.

Most recent program he had with Adam Cole was the first time I felt Jericho really laid an egg in a big spot. Dunno why but those guys just didn't gel in the slightest, which is a shame since the program leading in was pretty good as both guys can talk. Another flop like that and I'll be ready to send Jericho to the NJPW-esque "multi man tag" stage of his career.

In EWR land I have no doubt the game will either force him into a non-wrestler role if not outright retire by the fall, so he'll be doing a significant amount of job duty for me :lol:

Someone like MJF feels like such an anomaly now because at 27 he's the world champion and top guy in the company. Most guys don't get their first "big break" on a national wrestling promotion until their mid-30s by now, which is roughly the age where EWR decides you must start to suck. I will probably sign fuckloads of early 20-something talent to cheap development deals and see if any gems surface down the line.

It's baaaaaaaack!

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AEW Dynamite
June 7, 2023

Pyro and ballyhoo to begin the broadcast, seguing directly in to "Tarzan Boy" by Baltimore. We've got some high octane tornado tag action right from the jump!

<b>Tornado Tag Match: ”Jungle Boy” Jack Perry and Hook vs. La Faccion Ingobernable (Preston Vance & Dralistico)</b>

A wild brawl to start us off with as these four men battle all over the arena, getting the crowd into a frenzy from the get-go. Vance is the largest man in the match by far and he starts cleaning house, forcing Jungle Hook to break out the weapons. A few well-placed trashcan lid shots send Vance down, leaving Dralistico all alone. Hook locks in the Redrum for the tap out victory win for the faces.

As they celebrate, fellow LFI members Rush and Jose the Assistant charge down to the ring, with Rush wanting more of Jungle Boy after their match a few weeks ago. Just as Rush is about to enter into the ring, he throws poor Jose in instead and gets a Brainbuster for his troubles. <b>***, 72% overall rating</b>

---

<b>MJF Promo</b>

AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman makes his way out to the ring to a chorus of boos, sporting his trademark smirk. This is the first we’ve seen MJF since he defended his title in a Fatal Four Way match at Double or Nothing.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, let's face it. A week and a half ago, you had the privilege of watching me annihilate your so-called heroes at Double or Nothing. Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy, lined up like dominos. And just like dominos, they fell one after the other.

Darby Allin, the emo skateboarder who somehow thought he could step in the ring with me. You think facepaint and a skate punk attitude is enough? Oh please! You're lucky I didn't shove your skateboard down your throat!

And then there was Sammy Guevara, the Spanish God? More like a Spanish Mouse. Couldn't hit a vlog shot if his life depended on it. And as for Jungle Boy... *chuckles* If you ever decide to crawl back from the depths of the jobber jungle, call me. I'll gladly put you back in your place again.

But now, apparently, it's about what's next. The so-called 'Forbidden Door' is opening, and I'm being forced to defend the AEW Title against a...a...[chuckles]...New Japan Pro-Wrestling superstar?

Seriously? In just six months I can walk out that door and Tony Khan is going to force me to defend this title against someone from a company where the biggest thing going on is the number of hip replacements its wrestlers need!

Rumor has it that Uncle Tony and the New Japan front office have got me going up against one of their "best", Tetsuya Naito??? Naito, the self-proclaimed 'Uncontrollable Charisma'? More like 'Uncontrollable Boredom'. I mean, has anyone ever actually made it through one of his matches without dozing off?

[He laughs and shrugs, the crowd's boos growing louder.]

But hey, it's not all bad. Once I'm done with Naito, I can start charging the rest of the New Japan roster for wrestling lessons. Maybe then they might rise above their status as a mid company. And I’ll remind everyone once again that I’m better than you, and you know it!

---

<b>TNT Championship: Wardlow (C) w/ Arn Anderson vs. QT Marshall w/ Aaron Solo and Powerhouse Hobbs</b>

Wardlow is back in action following a ladder match title defense over Christian Cage at Double or Nothing. Poor ‘ol QT really doesn’t have much of a prayer here as all of his underhanded tactics are quickly thwarted and Wardlow treats him to a bevy of Powerbombs for his troubles as Wardlow retains.

Post-match, Aaron Solo tries to intervene and gets Powerbombed as well. Wardlow joyfully takes turns Powerbombing both QT and Solo. QT helplessly watches his “friend” Powerhouse Hobbs on the ramp and calls for Hobbs to help, but Hobbs just walks off, leaving QT and his underling to get the fuck beaten out of them. <b>**3/4, 69% overall</b>

---

<b>Christian Cage and Luchasaurus video promo</b>

Wardlow celebrates with Arn Anderson, when the lights dim and Christian Cage appears on the tron with Luchasaurus.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: (chuckles and starts applauding) Bravo, Wardlow. Bravo! I must admit, you put on quite the show at Double or Nothing.

(The crowd hushes, intently focusing on the screen. Christian’s eyes narrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm.)

CHRISTIAN CAGE: And beating me, no less. Truly commendable. But let's not forget, you needed to scale ladders to do it.

(He points to the towering Luchasaurus next to him, a smirk playing on his lips.)

CHRISTIAN CAGE: So, you want to be the biggest monster in this company, huh?

(Luchasaurus grunts affirmatively, cracking his knuckles.)

CHRISTIAN CAGE: Alright, then. Prove it. If you're as tough as you claim to be, why not put that shiny TNT Title on the line?

(Christian glances at Luchasaurus, the giant dinosaur-man towering over him, flexing his muscles.)

CHRISTIAN CAGE: Against my monster, Luchasaurus. Next week.
(The crowd erupts in a mixture of cheers and boos, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. The camera pans back to the ring where Wardlow, now serious, gazes directly at the screen.)

(He smirks and gives a confident nod. The challenge is accepted.)
WARDLOW: (Mouths silently, confidently) Next week.

---

<b>AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm (C) w/ Ruby Soho and Saraya vs. Riho</b>

A really strong match here between these two women as Storm will always bring the goods in the ring, and Riho is the perfect opponent for Storm to throw around like a ragdoll. Some pretty decent blending of brawling and technical acumen here with Riho trying to avoid the distractions from The Outcasts on the outside. As Saraya distracts the ref, Ruby trips up Riho in the corner, setting her up for a Hip Attack from Storm as she retains. <b>***1/2, 77% overall</b>

---

<b>Don Callis backstage with Konosuke Takeshita</b>

[CAMERA ON: The scene opens backstage, red curtains behind, lighting overhead. DON CALLIS stands tall and proud in his tailored suit, his signature sunglasses perched atop his head. By his side, KONOSUKE TAKESHITA, whose strong silent gaze beams confidence.]

CALLIS: [Adjusts tie, clears throat] "You know, Omega, I remember when I took you under my wing, polished you into the gem you are today. [Chuckles, wry smile] Or, maybe I should say, the gem you were. I made you, Kenny. I carved you into the icon, the legend, the Cleaner. But it's always the creator who knows the creation's every flaw, every crack."
[Camera cuts to a close shot of Takeshita, listening intently to Callis' every word. Camera switches back to Callis.]

CALLIS: "And at Forbidden Door, you've got your work cut out for you. Will Ospreay, huh? You know, in another lifetime, I might've called Ospreay a step-down from you. But, Kenny, things have changed. Ospreay has become a titan in his own right, while you… Well, you've lost your luster."
[Callis leans in closer, his voice turning into a hushed whisper.]

CALLIS: "But let's imagine, just for a moment, that you do survive Ospreay. That you do somehow hold onto your precious IWGP United States Championship. You still have to contend with this man standing beside me, Konosuke Takeshita. My 'son'. And let me assure you, Kenny, if Ospreay doesn't do the job, Takeshita will be more than happy to."
[Callis steps aside, motioning to Takeshita.]

CALLIS: "Kenny, meet your destiny. Meet the man who's going to make you wish you stayed in Winnipeg. Konosuke Takeshita is coming, and he's bringing a storm with him. And I promise you this... the aftermath is going to be a sight to see."

[CAMERA OFF: Callis, smirking, drapes an arm around Takeshita, both men looking directly into the camera as the scene fades to black.]

---

<b>AEW International Championship: “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy (C) vs. Swerve Strickland</b>

So far, the real-life June 7th edition of Dynamite has three matches booked – the tornado tag, Jay White vs. Ricky Starks, and this one. I suspect this match will rule and EWR apparently agrees as these two provide to have fantastic chemistry, along with Orange being one of the most over acts in the company.

Orange remains mostly nonplussed even when Swerve’s associate Brian Cage ambles his way down to the ring, but even the slightest distraction proves costly as Swerve hits him with a back suplex. Swerve ascends the top looking for the Swerve Stomp, but Orange was playing possum and moves last second, getting the flash pin and the title retention.

After the match, Cage hops in as he and Swerve put the boots to Cassidy, only for the music of “Limitless” Keith Lee to hit! Lee has some unfinished business with his former tag partner Swerve, and his presence sends the heels heading for the exits. <b>****, 83% overall</b>

---

<b>Chris Jericho and Adam Cole promo battle</b>

Chris Jericho, flanked by the Jericho Appreciation Society, makes his way out to the ring to boos. He grabs a microphone and makes his address.

Jericho: "Adam Cole, Baby! You think you're all that, don't you? You might have one-upped me these past two times, but that doesn't change anything, Bay-Bay. The Forbidden Door is coming up and I've got something in my sights that you failed to grab hold of last year - the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship!"

Jericho: "That's right, the Championship that eluded you, the one that you were too weak, too timid to seize. But me? I'm Chris Jericho, the living legend, the Demo God, The Ocho the man who redefined professional wrestling. I'm not just going to seize that Championship, I'm going to claim it, brand it, make it MINE!"

[As he finishes, Adam Cole's music hits. He comes out to the ramp, a confident look on his face as he walks down, microphone in hand]
Cole: "Jericho, Jericho, Jericho... you're living in the past, man. You're so obsessed with being the 'Best in the World' that you're willing to make a fool out of yourself, time and time again. But this time, you're just barking at the wrong tree."

Jericho: "Oh, is that so? Because last I checked, Forbidden Door was the very show that nearly ended your career. You were broken, beaten, humiliated. You were concussed beyond measure, barely survived, and you think you can tell me to step aside? You think you can deny 'The Ocho' his rightful claim to become 'The Nueve'?"

Jericho: "You see, Cole... For your own sake, and to save you from another career-threatening beating, maybe you should just step aside and let the big boys play. Because if you don't, and if you dare to stand in my way, I promise you this - I will make sure that your career doesn't just nearly end. It will be over. Completely and unequivocally. You won't be 'Adam Cole, Bay-Bay!' anymore. You'll be 'Adam Cole, Bye-Bye!'"

---

<b>“Absolute” Ricky Starks vs. “Switchblade” Jay White</b>

Starks and White have been at each others’ throats for over a month now, and this match figures to be where the tension finally comes to the boiling point. White’s Bullet Club Gold teammate Juice Robinson is banned from ringside, as are FTR who have come to Starks’ aid in recent weeks. So this should be it, mano-y-mano with no fuckery, right?

Of course not, Switchblade is the catalyst for a reason. The two have a pretty solid match, but just as it appears Starks is getting the upper hand, White desperately heaves him to the outside and then ties up the referee. Meanwhile, who should emerge from the crowd but Powerhouse Hobbs! He has a bitter history with Starks, and he’s here to rekindle that rivalry. He spinebusters Starks into the steps, and throws him back into the ring where White hits him with a Blade Runner and a win.

White laughs and points to his head, after all – only Juice Robinson was banned from helping him. White and Hobbs do the all too familiar “Too Sweet” gesture. Guess we know why Hobbs walked out on the QTV crew earlier, because he’s on to better things as apparently the newest member of Bullet Club Gold! <b>***, 77% overall</b>

---

<b>Kenny Omega backstage interview</b>

Renee Paquette stands in the backstage area of AEW Dynamite. Kenny Omega appears in the frame, the IWGP United States Championship draped over his shoulder. His eyes, cool and focused, gaze directly into the camera.
RENEE: Kenny, earlier tonight, Don Callis made some pretty strong statements. He called Konosuke Takeshita his son, and said you're ripe for the picking for Will Ospreay, and that. Any comments?

Before Omega can answer, the frame widens to reveal Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley of the Blackpool Combat Club entering the shot. The crowd, even from the backstage, roars their arrival.

DANIELSON: The Invisible Hand isn’t wrong, Omega. Ospreay's ready for the hunt. But then again, so am I. At Forbidden Door I'm gearing up to face Kazuchika Okada, the so-called best wrestler in the world.

Moxley steps forward, an unmistakable edge in his voice.

MOXLEY: And as for me, I'm issuing an open challenge. Any NJPW wrestler who thinks they've got what it takes can step through the Forbidden Door.
Danielson turns back to Omega, his gaze stinging.

DANIELSON: You, Omega... You're just an amateur compared to us. AN AMATEUR! How do you possibly think you’ll get out of Toronto with your title. Don’t you remember at Double or Nothing when WHEELER YUTA pinned you?
In a quick, unexpected move, Yuta enters from behind and, strikes Omega with a cheap shot. Omega reels back, and before he can recover, Danielson and Moxley join in.

The camera shakes as the three of them lay into Omega, the interview turned into a backstage brawl. The segment concludes with Blackpool Combat Club standing triumphant over a fallen Omega, their message loud and clear.

---

<b>Main Event: Claudio Castagnoli vs. “Hangman” Adam Page</b>

Following that backstage assault of Kenny, we jump right into this main event to write another chapter in the ongoing war between the Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite. Not much too say here other than that these two also have fantastic chemistry and they put on an absolute belter of a performance.

As the match begins to draw to a close, we see on camera that the Blackpool Combat Club have also taken out The Young Bucks backstage, and they begin to walk out and surround the ring. The Dark Order appear on the ramp to a huge pop, but rather than come out to help...they look at Hangman with a look of disappointment, upset that Hangman has been spending more time with The Elite than with them, and they turn around and leave.

Hangman and Claudio continue their battle only for the hobbled Young Bucks to make their way back out to try to fight the BCC. Through the fracas, Yuta tries to distract Hangman as Claudio prepares for a running uppercut, only for Hangman to duck and Yuta is sent flying off the apron. Buckshot Lariat and Hangman retains, as the tension between the Elite and BCC is far from over. <b>****1/4, 88% overall

82% overall show rating</b>

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Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, sheeyat!!! :eek:


Smart move with the Assistant Sacrifice. All great heels need to do this at least once, be it with a valet or even an animal if they really want to get some heat/whining on Twitter.

So I'm going to assume this is a reset because last I recall you had Omega as your champion and from what I understand MJF is the current champion in real life. There's been such a large amount of time since your last EWR run and you had the Fire Pro tournament in the meantime...that still needs a conclusion!

But, yeah, definitely points for another great heel tactic: The Rubbing It In Your Faces Celebration Promo.

LOL, even more heel sacrificing? I love it. I love the concept of a dude getting powerbombed repeatedly that it leads to a pin. I'm surprised that doesn't happen in real life. Instead of one major move to finish a guy off, do multiple instances of one regular move and it's enough to wipe a guy out. Maybe they do it in Japan?

Is Christian still actively wrestling? Being a mouthpiece for someone would really suit him as he's just so good at being a little shit.

For some reason when I saw Hip Attack I immediately thought of R. Mika's Flying Peach from Street Fighter.

A fucking great promo that I can absolutely visualize Callis doing. It sucks that he got the shaft in the WWE because he could've been gold. Like WTF is he supposed to do with Kurrgan?

Swerve Strickland...the name returns to draw my ire once again.

"The Ocho" becoming "The Nueve"??? That's fucking hilarious. Jericho showing off that Spanish he picked up way back when. :lol:

Bullet Club Gold? Is there a Platinum Membership, too? Does it allow for discounts at Chez Pierre?

Now that I think about it, I don't think I ever saw the Bullet Club in their heyday. I certainly never saw them in WWE, other than Styles. I wonder what I missed out on.

God damn, Renee, you're just going to stand there and let your husband fuck up your job? He'd have better spent the night on the couch for that shit.

It said Hangman retains, but I didn't see anything on the line. Is he a champion? If nothing else, that's a pretty strong way to end the show with that kind of rating.


Good as it is that this is back in swing, I'm saddened that we're left hanging as far as the tournament goes. I was behind Dustin all the way!

Yes, this is a reset to modern day AEW, picking up right through last year's real-life programming and storylines. I would just be really hard pressed to dive 2 years back into AEW with how much the landscape has changed since then. Their roster has grown exponentially (including tons of dream match potential) and it just feels like it'll be way more fun to book, even though I'm almost overwhelmed with the amount of options.

That's actually part of Wardlow's schtick, he'll go into a Powerbomb Symphony where he powerbombs the fuck out of his opponent multiple times. Really makes squash matches feel more epic.

Officially he's part of the active roster, but his last three matches on record were on PPVs so he's more along the line of what EWR would consider a non-wrestler. Right now I've got him set as a manager which is closer to his real-life role, but I know I'll give him some occasional in-ring work. The guy can still go, but the gift of gab will make him an asset for me.

Pretty much. I'd sign up for being concussed if my last memory was getting trucked by this glorious posterior.

https://media.tenor.com/YL37_te83V0A...hil-attack.gif

Last week on Dynamite, Callis got possibly the loudest heel heat I've ever heard someone get in AEW. He stood in the ring with Takeshita, explaining his betrayal of Kenny Omega and the crowd booed him solidly the entire time, forcing him to talk over them. It was brilliant. He plays such a great slimy piece of shit.


The Ocho being one of his many nicknames he took on last year after winning the ROH World Championship, his 8th World title in pro wrestling. So winning the IWGP Title would make him the Nueve. Definitely works as a corny Jericho line.

Bullet Club's now been going on for more than a decade although I'd argue the group's original purpose shifted considerably years ago. They usually do have a strong leader up front, possibly not so much now as the current leader in Japan is Fit's oldest son, David Finlay.

White was the leader from late 2018 through the beginning of year. Held the IWGP title multiple times, headlining the Tokyo Dome multiple times including this year. His contract was up and NJPW wrote him off with a "Loser Leaves NJPW" match.

He hit the market as one of the hottest free agents in recent memory. WWE were reportedly very confident they'd sign him, but he opted to go to AEW instead, where he's promptly set up his own stateside branch of Bullet Club.

Oops, meant to just say he wins :o no titles involved in this match. It was late when I finished up.

So confession about the promos...as said, they're not my strong suit. I went into ChatGPT and asked for some promos, supplying it with bullet points and you got the promos you saw. Notice how they don't all follow the same format...but they do seem very true to character. I asked ChatGPT to include the Nueve line but flipping the "Adam Cole, Bay-Bay" line into "Adam Cole, Bye-Bye!" was all AI.

Pretty impressive for AI. All the match recaps I wrote myself since it was mostly just focused on the results, but pretty damn impressive promos that got across everything I wanted. We'll see how repetitive it gets after a while.

Oh shit I forgot about the tournament :lol:

So it was really a perfect storm of events. Last August, mid-tournament, I finally was able to procure a PS5 so basically all of my free gaming time went to playing the shit out of that. Then when I thought about picking the tourney back up, AEW was in hell in a handbasket with probably the worst creative time I've seen from them paired with huge portions of the roster hurt, backstage drama, etc. and I just couldn't get into it.

The trouble now is the way Fire Pro works, if any of the CAW edits I was using have been revamped by the original creator, I won't be able to use them unless I download a shitload of updates. I'll have to see. Would be nice to finish the thing out since it was coming to a photo finish.

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<b>AEW Rampage
June 9, 2023</b>

Last week's (real life) Rampage featured a quartet of championship matches featuring champions of AEW's partner promotions. It was probably one of the better Rampages in recent memory. So I figure, hell, let's double down and make it another Championship Friday!


<b>ROH Television Championship: Samoa Joe (C) vs. AR Fox</b>

Always a good time to see Samoa Joe in a wrestling ring, although his opponents would surely disagree with that. Fox tried his hardest here, but the size difference was evident as Joe killed him dead with a variety of suplexes before eventually locking him into the Coquina Clutch for the submission victory.

After the bell, Joe's not done. He begins to stretch Fox in a variety of brutal locks and holds. A direct shot at IWGP Television Champion and submission expert Zack Sabre Jr. who last week challenged Joe to a Champion vs. Champion match at Forbidden Door. <b>**3/4, 71% overall</b>

---

<b>AEW Trios Championship: The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews) (C) vs. Action Andretti, Brian Pillman Jr. and Matt Sydal</b>

The House of Black are always quick to remind people that the door is always open for any three men who wish to step inside to their dark world to try to take the titles from them. Tonight the bell was answered by a makeshift trio of babyfaces trying to come in get their first taste of AEW gold.

There was a styles clash in this one but in a good way, as the brawling and striking style of House of Black meshed pretty well with the speedster style of their opponents. But the House always wins, as Black puts away Pillman with a Black Mass to get the victory. <b>***, 71% overall</b>

---

<b>The Acclaimed promo</b>

As House of Black are in the ring, the rap music of The Acclaimed hit as the crowd get on their feet. The Acclaimed and Daddy Ass make their way out of the tunnel to big cheers, apparently making their intentions known that they want another shot at the Trios Titles after coming up just short at Double or Nothing.

Max Caster: Last time we tangled, you might've had us beat,
But this ain't no rerun, House, so take a seat.
You three goths are looking oh so dark,
But we're the Acclaimed, lighting up the charts.

We might've lost the battle, but we'll win the war,
House of Black, we're knocking on your door.
Any day you want, any place, any weather,
You can wish your titles the best in their future endeavors.

Anthony Bowens: THE ACCLAIMED HAVE ARRIVED! And we're gonna take your titles. Now scissor me, Daddy Ass!

https://wrestlingheadlines.com/wp-co...d-1140x568.jpg

The House of Black look at the Acclaimed with dismissive disdain, clearly they don't sweat the challenge.

---

<b>TBS Championship: Kris Statlander (C) vs. Diamante</b>

Still riding a high from ending Jade Cargill's 50-match undefeated streak at Double or Nothing, Statlander intends on being a fighting champion and tonight she faced a challenge from a game Diamante. The match was pretty similar to the others - good action but not great crowd reactions, which in fairness is par for the course for how Rampage is run in real life and how I'll be using it in game. Stat hits the Big Bang Theory for the victory. <b>**3/4, 69% overall</b>

---

<b>AEW Collision hype video</b>

A video plays reminding everyone that we are just 8 days away from the debut episode of AEW Collision on the TNT Network. The episode will broadcast live from the United Center in Chicago, IL and will feature the AEW return of CM Punk!

---

<b>AEW World Tag Team Championship: FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) (C) vs. The Jericho Appreciation Society's "Cool Hand" Angelo Parker and "Daddy Magic" Matt Menard</b>

Bullet Club Gold stand on the rampway to watch this one, still smugly proud of themselves for their antics on Dynamite.

Holy hell did this match ever deliver, which I guess is par for the course for FTR matches but these teams have hella chemistry together, to the tune of a 98% match quality. They had an absolute back and forth belter, even if the outcome was never fully in question. FTR put away Parker with the Big Rig to get the title retention, as FTR turn up the ramp and stare down Bullet Club Gold, daring them to come get them some. <b>****1/4, 84% overal

79% overall rating for Rampage.</b> In all honesty this is probably as good, if not better, of a rating than I'll usually get for Rampage. I'm sure the Punk video that got 100% didn't play a big part of this, not at all.</b>

Some housekeerping: In EWR, I had to set AEW Collision up before I started my save. But I used autobook to do the first two episodes so that I can set up the booking of the first REAL episode of it for June 17th.

At some point shortly after that show starts, I plan on doing a roster split between Dynamite and Collision, as it'll be easier for me to manage my huge roster and give everyone some appropriate shine. Anyone that I'm "benching" to sell an angle or rotate out for a while gets turned into a Manager so they don't have a morale hit.

Rampage will turn firmly into a C-show and mostly be a chance to get guys and gals I'm not using much on the main shows reps akin to Heat, Velocity, Superstars or any other C-show of yesteryear.

Also, my save originally had all of the ROH Titles in the game. I chose to delete those belts. While AEW is actually running ROH as a standalone show right now, I don't want to run another company on top of everything else I'm doing. In my game's headcanon, any ROH titles held by ROH wrestlers will be gradually lost offscreen and those wrestlers will then be fully dedicated to the AEW side of the business.

In-game, Ring of Honor is the name assigned to the development territory where I'm shoving tons of young workers to see if anyone can grow into something usable.

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I do occasionally like doing TV shows where I put a good chunk of, if not all, the titles on the line. In the game, there's really no consequence for it so why not? Plus, in real life, it'd make for a great special episode. Like to commemorate an anniversary or something. Of course, it makes something like Night of Champions redundant, but fuck it. It's my promotion and I will use any excuse to use more of my women on my show.


I feel kind of bad that Joe has essentially ended up right back where he started after all these years. This motherfucker should be at the Performance Center stretching out new hires and weeding out all the pussies. He should be smashing all the pussies, too.

Still waiting for you to do that Pillman, Jr./Dustin angle I suggested a while back. The loss of Cody takes out some of what you could do but I think it still has legs, Twitter sheep be damned.

I want to smack him for rhyming 'dark' with 'charts', but managing to work in 'future endeavors' wins me back over.

Oh, thank God for that picture. The phrase "scissor me" has a very different and immediate visual in my brain.

Isn't Diamante a singer?

https://i1.wp.com/musicmayhemmagazin...26%2C838&ssl=1

Yup, and a damn fine one, too. Very, very damn fine...

Anyways, I imagine Statlander and her juicy ass celebrated that streak-ending win like crazy. A big bang indeed....

Truth be told, I don't know what they're expecting to get from another show. This would be their third one, right?

That is a pretty solid finish to the proceedings. Imagine sending the crowd home with a DUD match. :lol:

Honestly it's an easy way to boost title image. I can't recall ever seeing a note that a title lost image from being defended, even if it was in a battle royal or a horrendous match. In-game I only have the official AEW titles but through working partnerships with NJPW, CMLL, Impact, along with owning ROH there's always the chance to throw random title matches on the card.

Maybe this is too simplistic but I always felt that, at minimum, if a champion was in a standard 1 vs. 1 match. If the tag champs were in a standard 2 vs. 2 match etc. The titles should be on the line. I mean why not? "Non-Title Matches" were always just WWE's way of letting the champ lose endlessly in the build up to the PPV match where they'd win.


I love Joe. He's been battling some injuries over the last few months but watching him just obliterate folks is always a joy. Lately he's been working more on the ROH side of things just to keep him busy before he gets his next major AEW storyline, which is rumored to be happening on Collision.


It's possible I'll go with something of that ilk before long. Pillman's a bit of a nothing job guy at the moment, but Dustin's gonna need to be kept busy until until next May when the game will presumably force him to retire. Gotta love how in my last game Dustin retired and now, because he has a May birthday, he's likely gonna be usable for me for a year.


Yeah, it's their third show but the more apt comparison is that Collision is their SmackDown to Dynamite's Raw. Rampage is an hour-long show that airs at 10 PM on Friday nights. Aside from being the place where Punk made his AEW debut, it's largely been treated as a B-show and sometimes even a C-show without there being a B-show. It's basically Sunday Night Heat.

Contractually, what they're getting out of it is a metric fuckload of money from WarnerMedia to the tune of a $1.2 billion contract that included the creation of Collision and rumors of an HBO Max streaming deal that might see the entire AEW library end up there as well as future PPVs. Networks want content, promotions want money and exposure, and so it goes.

Creatively I do see some benefits to it. One look at the AEW roster and you'll see how enormous it is. There's just way too many people to feature with only one main 2-hour show without some guys being taken off the road, lost in the shuffle etc. Collision is going to be the platform a bunch of guys return to who haven't been seen in a while due to injury, suspension, creative disputes etc. CM Punk, Thunder Rosa, Miro, Andrade El Idolo, and Samoa Joe are among the names confirmed to be on the new show.

I think any "brand split" between Dynamite and Collision will be loose in reality, but in my game I'm probably going with a relatively hard split just to make it easier for me creatively. I always did well treating Raw and SmackDown as near exclusive entities, aside from maybe the main champions.

As a fan, I'm glad AEW is growing and raking in the big bucks, becoming a viable alternative etc. But I don't really see myself sitting down for 4 hours of wrestling a week like I used to. More likely for me is that I'll DVR both shows and parse through them to watch my favorites.

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There are solutions to the problem of too many people on your roster, especially if they're not really worth putting on TV. At some point, Tony or whoever has to be the boss and cut his losses. Rotating people out might seem like a fine idea, but what if you wind up with a dude who just absolutely catches fire with the audience? Yeah, doing another show sounds good but it's going to depend on who you put on there and how that affects the others. I presume Dynamite is still the flagship show, right?

I need to see if I can resume my report writing on Monday. I've got Raw in the books and your selections for the Slammys helps majorly with Superstars. Street Fighter 6 has been demanding my attention, and that's stretched thin as it is. Sadly, I'm not keen on the idea of using an AI. Writing was always my strong point and it's the best avenue for my creative juices, so typing shit up for the shows doesn't bother me. Hotbody in particular is great to write for as I kind of live vicariously through him. Fucker gets to make out with Luscious.

Somewhere in an office building you have ascended to CEO and demand a full Hotbody-request introduction every time you walk in

https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/...45-600x338.jpg

<b>AEW Dynamite
June 14, 2023

TNT Championship: Wardlow (C) w/ Arn Anderson vs. Luchasaurus w/ Christian Cage</b>

A good 'ol fashioned hoss fight to kick us off tonight. Both guys have very brawl-heavy arsenals mixed with the occasional surprise aerial maneuver. Their stats suggest they'd gel well and the match quality for this one agrees. Christian tries to run interference in the heat of the moment only for Arn Anderson to pop the crowd by giving him a Spinebuster at ringside. Wardlow muscles up the big man for a Powerbomb to retain his title. <b>***1/2, 79% overall</b>

---

We see "Hangman" Adam Page, not booked to wrestle tonight, having a beer in the locker room with fellow members of The Elite. As they discuss their ongoing business with the Blackpool Combat Club, their convedation is cut short as the ominous presence of The Dark Order approaches. The Elite members look on, unsure of what's about to unfold.

The leader of The Dark Order, Evil Uno, steps forward, his face obscured by his trademark mask. The other members, Alex Reynolds, John Silver and Stu Grayson flank him, their expressions serious.

"Hangman," Evil Uno begins, his voice echoing in the silent hallway, "we thought you were better than this."

Adam Page looks at them, confusion clouding his features. "Better than what?" he asks, putting down his drink.

"Than running back to The Elite," Silver responds bitterly, crossing his arms over his chest. "After all they've done to you."

Grayson steps up, nodding in agreement. "We were there, Hangman. We were there for you when you were at your lowest. When they betrayed you, cast you out, we were there for you. We put your on our shoulders after you won the AEW Title. And now, look at you...back with them."

Adam Page shakes his head, trying to form a response. "Guys, it's not like that, I-"

Evil Uno raises a hand to silence him. "Save it, Page. We've heard it all before."

The group turns and heads out of the room. Before departing, Reynolds has one last piece of advance for Hangman. "Maybe it's time for you to take a hard look in the mirror, Hangman. See who your real friends are."

Page stands there, speechless, as The Dark Order turns their back on him, walking away. The Elite members are silent, offering no comforting words as the scene ends with Page staring after his departing friends, a look of conflict etched on his face.

---

Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal along with Karen Jarrett and Sonjay Dutt make their way out to the ring. The music of The Acclaimed hits to a big pop, and the Acclaimed flanked by Daddy Ass enter next. As always, Max Caster has a microphone in hand.

"A lot of people wanna know what you're doing on our show,
When you haven't been relevant since two-thousand 'fo.
Failing upwards is just your way of life,
Stealing money like you stole Kurt Angle's wife.
And Jay Lethal, a guy who's imitating dudes,
20 years in the business, nobody's imitating you.
The Acclaimed are gonna hit you harder,
You can take the L and blame it on Dixie Carter."

<b>Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal vs. The Acclaimed</b>

Pretty decent tag match here which is no real surprise, all 4 guys do have some charisma to them, The Acclaimed are mega over and Jarrett and Lethal are two solid veterans for any young talent to work with.

Jarrett joined AEW in a backstage role last fall and he's also a midcard performer, and in all seriousness, he's been fun to watch because he totally understands his assignment, which is to put over a bunch of promising young guys and sell their acts accordingly. His role in my game will be nearly identical as I try to milk what I can out of his solid 80-something overness before the game makes him retire, very possibly soon with a July birthday looming.

Anyway, as you'd expect The Acclaimed get the W here with Caster hitting the Mic Drop on Jarrett. The Acclaimed grab some momentum as they gear up for a trios match against House of Black. <b>***, 78% overall</b>

---

A video package is shown announcing that NJPW's Minoru Suzuki, one of the most feared legends in the sport, will be coming to Forbidden Door to face Orange Cassidy for the International Championship. The match is billed as more than 3 years in the making, as it was supposed to happen in spring 2020 but was cancelled amid the pandemic.

(RENEE PAQUETTE steps into the backstage area, a microphone in her hand. Beside her, leaning against a wall with sunglasses perched on his nose and hands in his pockets, is the AEW International Champion ORANGE CASSIDY.)

RENEE: Thanks for joining us today, Orange. After watching that. How are you feeling about your upcoming title defense at Forbidden Door?

ORANGE: (Nonchalantly) Title defense?

RENEE: (Laughs a little) Yes, your championship match.

ORANGE: Oh, okay.

RENEE: You didn't watch the video we just showed?

ORANGE: (Shrugs) Nah.

(RENEE looks a bit taken aback but quickly regains her composure.)

RENEE: Well, your opponent is Minoru Suzuki. What are your thoughts on that?

ORANGE: (Pauses) Suzuki?

RENEE: Yes, Minoru Suzuki. One of the most respected and dangerous veterans in pro wrestling.

ORANGE: (Thinks for a moment, then shrugs) Sounds cool.

(RENEE stares at him, blinking in disbelief.)

RENEE: Just 'cool'? He's a legend, a feared competitor.

ORANGE: (Nonchalantly) Yeah, cool I guess.

(RENEE laughs, shaking her head.)

RENEE: Well, we all look forward to seeing your cool response to this match at Forbidden Door. Good luck, Orange.

ORANGE: (Nods, no change in expression) Thanks.

(They part ways, RENEE shaking her head in amusement, ORANGE strolling off, hands in his pockets, the very picture of indifference.)

---

<b>Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis vs. El Hijo del Vikingo</b>

This is pretty much just a showcase match for Takeshita, his first match since his heel turn at Double or Nothing. Poor Vikingo is really talented and has a near 100 speed rating, sending him to development doesn't help him. But he's also very much lacking in overness and will need to put on some good performances to get himself over or eventually be hooked up with a face manager. Anyway, Takeshita finishes him off with a Zahi knee for an impressive win. <b>***, 68% overall</b>

---

The backstage area is bustling, echoing with the roar of the crowd beyond. Renee Paquette stands with The Elite - Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson.

RENEE:
Tonight, I have with me The Elite. Gentlemen, we just saw an impressive win from Konosuke Takeshita. There's been quite a lot of action involving Takeshita, Don Callis, and the Blackpool Combat Club recently. Can we get your thoughts?

Before they can respond, the shot widens to include the members of the Blackpool Combat Club - Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta, stepping into the frame with determined expressions.

DANIELSON:
Renee, you needn't waste any time interviewing these amateurs. They've still not learned their lesson, they still don't seem to get enough ass beatings from the Blackpool Combat Club. Omega, you still seem to forget... Wheeler Yuta pinned you at Double or Nothing! And he's going to do it again tonight!

Yuta grins, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

MOXLEY:
And Bryan and I, we could use a little tune-up before Forbidden Door. So, we thought, why not take out the Young Bucks next week? If you two boys are man enough to take on the challenge, we'll see you next week.

There's a brief moment of silence, tension hanging thick in the air. And then, chaos ensues as both factions start throwing punches, transforming the interview into a brawl. Crew members scramble to break up the fight, but the members of the Blackpool Combat Club and The Elite are relentless.

The camera shakes, capturing the intense altercation. Amidst the confusion, Renee Paquette quickly wraps up the interview.

RENEE:
Clearly, tensions are running high. We'll have to see how this develops next week. Stay tuned for more AEW Dynamite!

---

<b>Dr. Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho w/ Toni Storm and Saraya</b>

Baker is probably the most over woman on the roster and has some decent charisma and character to her, but unfortunately her in-ring work just isn't that great particularly compared to the many women who have joined the roster in the past year or two. Britt and Ruby have tangled before but this one just worked into the "Perfectly Acceptable Wrestling" territory.

Toni Storm distracts Aubrey Edwards and Saraya attempts to jump Britt, but Aubrey is too smart for that as she turns anyway to catch Saraya in the act. She does what she feels is the right move by throwing the match out and giving Britt the DQ win. The Outcasts pounce on Britt after the bell, as NJPW Strong Women's Champion Willow Nightengale runs out for the save. <b>**1/2, 71% overall</b>

---

[Lights dim, then an arrogant MJF struts into the ring, microphone in hand, showered with boos from the DC crowd.]

MJF: Look at you, Washington DC! Booing the salt of the earth, the AEW World Champion. Just remember, the only reason I'm gracing your miserable presence is because my contract demands it. You should be thanking me!

[He smirks, basking in the crowd's disapproval.]

MJF: But let's move onto bigger and better things, or should I say, mediocre and overrated? Yeah, that's right, Tetsuya Naito, I'm talking about you. You're about to step into the ring with the best at Forbidden Door.

[He grins widely.]

MJF: Hope you're ready, Naito. Hope you're ready to get a taste of what a real champion feels like. Because once I'm done with you, you'll be crawling back to NJPW wishing you'd never left.

[He pauses, allowing the crowd to voice their displeasure.]

MJF: And then there's the debut of AEW Collision this coming Saturday in Chicago, and guess who's decided to make his grand return?

[He scoffs.]

MJF: CM Punk. A washed-up has-been who thinks he can waltz back into the company he abandoned, on a brand new show, no less.

[He shakes his head.]

MJF: Punk, I hope you're listening. AEW isn't your company anymore. It's mine. And if you think you can just show up in your city, in my company, and take the spotlight... You've got another thing coming.

[He drops the microphone and smirks, arms spread wide, drawing a deafening chorus of boos as his music blares from the speakers.]

---

<b>The Jericho Appreciation Society's "Red Death" Daniel Garcia and "The Spanish God" Sammy Guevara w/ Jake Hager vs. Adam Cole and Roderick Strong</b>

Chris Jericho is on commentary at ringside for this one as he spends the match cheering on his boys and talking trash about Adam Cole. He talks about his desire to add the IWGP Title to his list of accolades at Forbidden Door, and mentions it will be a great night for the JAS as Garcia looks to defend his IWGP Pure Championship against NJPW legend Katsuyori Shibata.

The match itself is quite solid, everyone puts their work in until the inevitable fuck finish where Hager tries to intervene and distracts Rick Knox. Cole takes out Guevara and Hager at ringside, only for Jericho to leave the booth and kick Strong in the dick. Dammit Knox, didn't you pay attention to the last match! Daniel Garcia vultures the pin and the win. <b>***1/4, 78% overall</b>

---

The audience boos as Jericho laughs and the Jericho Appreciation Society celebrates around him. A visibly frustrated Cole grabs a microphone.]

Cole: "You know what, Jericho? I'm sick and tired of this. I'm sick and tired of you constantly sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, and I'm definitely sick and tired of your little Jericho Appreciation Society constantly running interference."

[The crowd starts a "Jericho sucks!" chant]

Cole: "You want to play games, Jericho? Let's play a game that you can't cheat, a game where your 'Society' can't interfere. Let's settle this once and for all... next week, in a steel cage."

[The crowd goes wild at the prospect]

Cole: "And let's make it worth our while. Winner gets to face SANADA for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Forbidden Door. What do you say, Jericho? Are you man enough to accept?"

[The crowd chants "Accept! Accept! Accept!" Jericho grabs a microphone, smirking.]

Jericho: "Adam Cole... You want to trap yourself in a steel cage with me, knowing full well what I can do? And you want to put a title shot on the line? You want to get in the way of my destiny to become The Nueve? Well, that's music to my ears junior. I accept, and I'm gonna put you into the ground."

[Jericho drops the microphone, the crowd explodes, and both men stare each other down as the tension builds towards next week's steel cage showdown.]

---

<b>Wheeler Yuta w/ Claudio Castagnoli vs. Kenny Omega</b>

This match...actually didn't do as well as I thought it would. I knew Yuta's relative lack of overness would hold things back a bit but I figured it'd be one of those really good matches that automatically raise a guy's overness just from being involved in a banger. Alas, his lack of overness more than cancelled out Kenny's 90-something overness. The match was perfectly decent but not the barnburner expected so no overness change from Yuta.

Still, the story very much played a part here. We have more outside the ring shit with The Young Bucks ensuring Claudio Castagnoli doesn't get totally involved as Kenny hits the One Winged Angel to avenge his PPV defeat to Yuta. Omega stares down a pissed off Don Callis who watches the proceedings from the rampway. <b>***, 75% overall

78% overall show</b>

After the show I'm given a notice from Dean Malenko that he didn't think Kenny Omega and Wheeler Yuta gelled. No shit Dean, that surprised me too.

Britt Baker also says she doesn't want to face Ruby Soho any more as she doesn't feel they click, and she suggests Taya Valkyrie as an opponent.

I also had not one but two rehab notices. Jose the Assistant and Jeff Jarrett both checked themselves into rehab. So much for using him to put people over before he retires. :lol:

This post is sponsored by the Striders
 

The cynic in me is reading this secretly wanting an Arn/Christian match, but being sad that it's never going to happen. I'd like to imagine Christian doing an NWO-type parody, but in much better taste. Maybe make fun of Arn for being wrestling's most famous second banana. People don't really call this dude Luchasaurus, right? I can see it as a funny nickname like Booger Red or whatever the fuck, but that's about it.

See, "Hangman" is a great name. There's a lot to work with there. On the other side of this, I have to say it's hard to take something called The Dark Order seriously when it's got guys named "Stu Grayson" and "John Silver". I immediately think of the fucking restaurant when I hear that name...which is mysteriously still in business somehow.

So are large stables a major staple in AEW? I guess that's one way to handle a large roster, but it's the Vince Russo problem where he sticks everyone on TV when not everyone deserves to be on TV. Who was tuning in to see Viscera and Mideon every week?

Oh, Jesus Christ, Karen Jarrett?!? Also, it's way too easy to poke fun at the name Daddy Ass with just a simple reversal. :lol:

OK, that's actually a pretty awesome collection of disses.

I've always felt bad for Jarrett in some ways because he always seems to be surrounded by people better than him no matter where he goes. He's a good guy and understands the business, but imagine the locker room of the WWE in 1993. You've got him, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Curt Henning, and Scott Hall. Who are you picking to help lead the charge as an upper-card guy? It's why his run in WCW in 2000 stuck out so hard. You're world champion? OK, if you say so. If this is his role now, I suppose it works but much like what happened with Jericho in the WWE, it starts to not mean anything when you want to put over every Tom, Dick, and Harry, especially if they don't have any real upside. Fucking Fandango and JTG can claim to have beaten Jericho and look where that got them.

Actually I don't know because I haven't kept tabs on that shit. :o

Is this how he comes across in real life? People aren't really paying money to see this guy, right? Why would I want to care about someone who doesn't care himself? I can understand indifference when it's a confidence thing where you just believe you're superior. I don't know what this is. The angle should be that Minoru whips his ass so hard that he beats the indifference out of him.

Nothing wrong with a squash match here and there. Although it sucks that the game treats every match essentially the same and thus you end up with star ratings like this. If you could set matches to "Squash" or "Competitive" or what not, it'd go a long way.

Renee, always the shining beacon of professionalism in journalism.

I should take this time to point out how the WWE had her, Bryan, Moxley, and Claudio all under contract at one point and flushed them all down the toilet because reasons.

Strong Woman? You don't mean....???

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/URz-RYEOaig/maxresdefault.jpg

Is Punk/MJF the direction they're going in real life? I'm sure it's in your books because that's some easy stars right there.

Jericho just saw a giant spider on Strong's crotch and so had to think fast about how to handle it...so to speak.

That's some hardcore overreacting from Page over Jericho's arachnophobia.

I think the way it works is that all the participants in the match have to have really good stats, more or less on even ground in terms of overness, with the Superstar Look stat sometimes being a factor. Also if one guy is just way much higher in overness than the other, they'll actually lose morale for working with them.


Jarrett surprises me because I've never heard of him having any sort of issues in that arena. He's always been a "good ol' boy", God-fearing, and straight-laced. One of the benefits of keeping your talent in the training camp is that their behavior will improve, lessening the chances of them winding up like Tammy Sytch. Chet Morris was the last dude on my watch to do that to me. If he comes back in time for when he's due for retirement, you've got a ready made storyline right there.

Christian managing a heel stable is very much something I'm interested in getting to eventually, maybe sooner than later while I have him available. I hope EWR will take some mercy on forcing the older guys into retirement if I at least have them allocated as managers, but I somewhat doubt it. Pretty sure for retirement purposes the game views wrestlers and managers as one in the same, the only question is will the old guys retire or remain available as non-wrestlers.

Luchasaurus is a big dude that wears a dinosaur-inspired mask. As a face it totally works, he had a team with Jungle Boy for years as Jurassic Express. As a heel I'm kinda shocked they didn't try to give him a "real" name. I mean Jungle Boy is still face but he turned Jungle Boy into his nickname, now making Jack Perry his proper ring name. Surely good 'ol Luchasaurus could've gone the same route.

Can't remember if I described The Dark Order during my last AEW game but their origins in AEW were Evil Uno and Stu Grayson (the former Player Uno/Player Dos, Super Smash Brothers tag team on the indies) effectively trying to start an evil cult, claiming to be working for an exalted leader. They recruited Reynolds and Silver who were at the time working with AEW as a non-contracted enhancement jobber team and they recruited a few guys from the Nightmare Factory training camp as well. At the peak of their heel run they were all referred to by number, not by name...as you do in cults.

Anyway, Brodie Lee (Luke Harper in WWE) joined AEW and was revealed as the ultimate mastermind/The Exalted One. Though it was never said out loud, kayfabe-wise it was a pretty brilliant piece of casting because Brodie was a member of Bray Wyatt's cult for years in WWE and now here he is branching out and starting his own.

Sadly, Brodie tragically died of a lung illness in December 2020 at which point the Dark Order organically turned into sympathetic faces, going from an evil cult to goofball faces and reverting to their normal ring names. They befriended Hangman who I had join the group in my last EWR game but in real life AEW he never joined but still hung around them as friends for the last two and a half years.

They've been more or less treading water for a while and I feel like Hangman rejoining the Elite might be the last chance the Dark Order have to maybe go back to their original purpose.

I would say stables in AEW are inspired by NJPW pretty heavily. In New Japan, nearly everyone is in a stable, specifically one of 5 main groups. Not necessarily the case in AEW as the stables are smaller but most people on the roster at least have someone they're friends with.

Jarrett's picked up some wins in AEW, even was the number one contender for the International Title and Tag Titles at points. So I think it's one of those deals where you do treat him as something of a legend and let him build up before he does the right thing and loses to the bigger name they're trying to ultimately get over. His International Title match with Cassidy in particular was outstandingly fun IMO.

Alas, EWR is a bit of a different animal because I know there's a time clock here where these old guys are gonna retire soon. So rather than spend time giving them wins I kinda need to job them out while the getting's good, and the game doesn't know the wiser. :o

In general you can't really book like the real AEW in this game. Real life AEW doesn't have the same level of outside interference, but in-game it's the easiest way to build feuds.

Oh lord, I could probably write a book about Orange Cassidy because I'd say the single-most discussed wrestler in any discourse/argument about AEW.

So for starters, his gimmick can probably best be described as a wrestler who doesn't want to be a wrestler. A slacker. He's incredibly good at his job and he knows it, but that doesn't mean he wants to work. Which is why he's aloof in his promos and mannerisms. Any opponent to him is just "sure, whatever" another day at the office. During his International Title run he defends the belt almost weekly and as the months have gone on he's gotten more banged up, wearing tape around his ribs etc and despite clearly being hurt he still just plays it all off, knowing he'll keep suffering as long as he's got that title and it's just part of the job.

But this also plays into the psychology of his matches because he'll sometimes just fuck around at the beginning and lull the opponent into a false sense of security. Or the opponent will start beating his ass at the beginning and forcing Orange to tap into his more serious side ("whipping the indifference out of him"), as you say. Invariably in every match he ends up working his ass off, even though his character would suggest that's the complete opposite of what he actually wants to do. He had a multi-match feud with PAC last year that got so personal that Orange said in a promo "next week, I'm going to try" and the crowd collectively went OHHHH SHIT, because Orange actually wanting to try was unheard of.

As for if people pay to see him...the short answer is yes. Not only does he consistently get one of the loudest reactions on Dynamite every week, he's their top merch mover, is consistently one of their highest minute-for-minute ratings draws, there's countless anecdotes of lapsed and/or first-time viewers who immediately found him to be their favorite (I can personally attest to at least 3 people that watched AEW for the first time on my recommendation, all of them love Orange). Tons of pictures of kids dressing up like him on Halloween etc.

But he also has probably the most vocal detractors out there because he's about as polar opposite from "old school wrassling" as you can get. Jim Cornette practically issues death threats on the guy on his podcast every week. I got told last week in the AEW thread by the always pompous Mr. Nerfect that you can't POSSIBLY like Orange Cassidy and then claim to actually be a wrestling fan, etc. The people who don't like him view him as being the #1 guy who is "killing the business" and will prevent it from ever going beyond a niche audience.

Anyway, I can totally understand why people wouldn't like OC, but the discussion around him gets pretty toxic when people who take their wrasslin' so seriously act like he's worse than Hitler.

Alas, this is one thing the newer TEW games have that I wish were in the simplistic EWR world. There's even a nice middle ground between a squash and competitive, where it doesn't HAVE to be a full squash but the guy getting the shine can control like 85% of it.


So MJF returned from a hiatus in AEW at All Out last year, right after Punk won the AEW Title in Chicago. Signs were clear that they were headed to Punk vs. MJF Part 3 (they had feuded earlier in the year). But less than an hour after winning the title, Punk did a press conference where he went went into a complete out-of-character rant, shitting on company EVPs (Omega and The Bucks), Hangman Page, his personal heat with Colt Cabana and a bunch of other guys. Basically sounding like a crusty old veteran (he was meant to be the conquering babyface btw). All while Tony Khan sat next to him and squirmed. This led to Punk and The Elite having a legit backstage fight leading to them all getting suspended.

Oh I should also point out that he injured himself in the process, having to vacate the title for the 2nd time in a year. And shortly before his return he's also shit-talked Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, and others. There's a legit argument to make that he's too much of a cancer to be worth it. But the network wanted him back and would even give him pretty much his own show in Collision.

They might eventually get back to Punk vs. MJF, but politically it's probably tough to put him into a title program immediately, if at all. He's pissed off half the locker room. Thankfully, in EWR land it's easier to pull off.

Never really considered Superstar Look playing into it. I just figured that was more to do with Gimmicks, certain gimmicks will just fail if someone doesn't have the Superstar Look. Or if you give a Superstar Look guy a silly gimmick, it might fail.

I remember a WWE game a decade or more ago I got two nobodys into the mid-80s in overness just because their stats matched up so perfectly that they always put on a near 5-star match. Good times.

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AEW Rampage
June 16, 2023

The show opens up with the entrance of The Trustbusters, with "Smart" Mark Sterling taking the microphone.

Sterling: "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight you will be graced by the most potent, prosperous, and proficient group in wrestling today. I am Smart Mark Sterling, attorney at law, and these are my clients, The Trustbusters!"

The crowd roars, a mix of cheers and boos.

Sterling: "Now, I've been hearing a lot of chatter about our opponents tonight, The Dark Order. People are saying they're a force to be reckoned with. Well, I've got news for you, ladies and gentlemen. My clients here, they aren't just wrestlers. They are finely tuned athletes, the epitome of physical excellence. They're the human equivalent of a meticulously crafted legal document, every move calculated, every action precise."

He gestured to the members of The Trustbusters, smirking and flexing in the background.

Sterling: "And what about the Dark Order? They're nothing more than a disorganized horde, a group of misfits playing dress up."

The crowd boos and jeers, but Sterling remains unphased.

Sterling: "The Dark Order is all about chaos and mind games. They think they can disrupt our strategy, intimidate us with their numbers, their theatrics. But the Trustbusters, we thrive on order, discipline, strategy. We don't fear chaos, we break it apart, piece by piece. And tonight, we're going to do exactly that."

Sterling's voice drops, a hint of threat permeating his words.

Sterling: "And let me tell you something else, Dark Order. You want to play dirty? You want to try and bend the rules to your advantage? Well, I'm not just a manager, I'm a lawyer. And if you step over the line, if you try any underhanded tactics, I'll sue you faster than you can say Hangman Adam Page.

The crowd boos as the music of The Dark Order hits, they've heard enough and they charge to the ring to start the match.

<b>8-Man Tag Team Match: The Trustbusters (Ari Daivari, Tony Nese, Josh Woods, and Sonny Kiss) w/ Slim J and "Smart" Mark Sterling vs. The Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex Reynolds, and John Silver)</b>

It's always fun when a heel singles guy runs his mouth and then gets trucked, it's even more fun when it happens to a whole heel stable. The Dark Order in this match showed a side of them we haven't seen in a long while. A much more ruthless, unrelenting style, a far cry from the goofy guys the AEW crowd came to know over the past couple of years. Clearly this situation with Hangman Page has weighed on them, and now they're taking out their frustrations on the Trustbusters.

The finish of the match becomes your prototypical pier six brawl with bodies flying all over the place. Uno gets Tony Nese up on his back, Grayson leaps off the top rope for The Fatality tag finisher, and Dark Order grab the win. <b>**3/4, 65% overall</b>

---

Next we have a video package promoting the debut episode of AEW Collision tomorrow night! Featuring the return of CM Punk! Definitely not a cheap excuse to get an easy 100 rating on a show that is going to have a mediocre show rating because it's meant to feature mostly midcarders. Nope not at all!

---

<b>Mark Briscoe vs. Kip Sabian w/ Penelope Ford</b>

Not much to say here, Rampage for me will mostly be about throwing some matchups together with talent not actively in a major program and pretty much seeing who gels and who doesn't. In this case, they do gel quite well. Penelope tries to make a nuisance of herself and trip Mark up to no avail, Mark grabs the win with the CTD. <b>***1/4, 74% overall rating</b>

---

<b>Taya Valkyrie vs. "The Native Beast" Nyla Rose</b>

Britt requested to work with Taya and I haven't booked her yet in this game, so let's give her some reps here. What is the female equivalent of a Hoss Fight? Because that's what this one would be. Both ladies throw some high-powered offense at one another and are fairly evenly matched. But in the end, Taya prevails with the Road to Valhalla. <b>***, 71% overall</b>

---

[Scene opens with The Mogul Embassy, including Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, Toa Liona, Bishop Kaun, and Prince Nana, standing tall backstage. The camera finds Strickland's confident gaze as he begins to address the camera, the crew silent and serious in the background.]

Swerve: (Smirks) "So here we are again. My former partner Keith Lee, the 'Limitless One' and the... let's see... ah, yes, 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes. A man so natural, he's practically a fossil."

[He pauses for a moment, allowing a smirk to curl his lips as his crew chuckles in the background.]

Swerve: "Keith, we used to be brothers, but look at you now. Your limitless potential has somehow found its limit, hasn't it? You're busy chasing your own tail, while The Mogul Embassy is defining the game. Swerve's House is right here, making moves while you're tripping over your own ambition."

[Swerve points to the crew, emphasizing his point as the men behind him nod, every one of them exuding confidence.]

Swerve: "As for you, Dustin... Shouldn't you be at home, watching the sunset of your career, reminiscing about the good ol' days? Or are you so deluded that you still believe you have something to contribute? You're old, man. Just like your tactics. Predictable. Irrelevant."

[Swerve lets out a confident laugh, his stablemates joining him, the sound echoing in the backstage area.]

Swerve: "But hey, you're welcome to try, to step up. Come on, step into the Embassy. The cage is always open... right, Brian?"

[Brian Cage steps forward, flexing his muscles in a show of force, a sly grin on his face.]

Cage: "Anytime, any place."

[Swerve nods, stepping back into the forefront.]

Swerve: "So here's the deal. Keith, Dustin, any of you... We're right here, not going anywhere. And remember, this ain't just a game, it's Swerve's game. This is where you find out if you're just a player... or if you're built to last."

[With a final smirk and a nod to his team, Swerve turns, walking away as the camera lingers on the remaining members of The Mogul Embassy, their gazes challenging, ready for the next match.]

---

<b>Naturally Limitless ("Limitless" Keith Lee and "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes) vs. The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun) w/ Swerve Strickland, Brian Cage, and Prince Nana</b>

Keith's been wanting to get him some of Swerve Strickland for months now, but he always seems to evade his grasp and sends some of his minions after him instead. But the Gates aren't just your run of the mill minions, they're big dudes. And they put a hurting on the babyfaces early.

Dustin eventually makes the hot tag to Keith who clears house. Swerve and Cage unsuccessfully try to interfere and Lee finishes off Kaun with a Spirit Bomb for the victory.

After the bell, the rest of the Mogul Embassy pounce on the faces and go for the beatdown. The numbers game is too much, until the music of Darby Allin hits as Darby Allin and STIIIIIIIING make their way out for the save. Looks like Naturally Limitless have found some new allies, and the Embassy quickly take their leave. <b>**3/4, 65% overall rating

73% overall show</b>

Not a bad show rating for what will equate to a C-show moving forward.

Afterwards, Dean compliments me for pairing Kip/Mark and Taya/Nyla together, citing good chemistry.

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"Who ya gonna call?"

Oh, they sound so smooth and all that, but I'll put them up against the top legal expertise of Galino & Farnes any day.

I was expecting more stars from something like that. Usually slapping a bunch of people together in a match like this can get you over 3 stars easily.


100% rating you say? Guess xrod wasn't watching.

Nobody has tried to do anything with Mark as a result of of Jay's death, right? Sorry to ask, but with this being wrestling and the WWE exploiting anything and everything they can, it just seems like something that would happen. Penelope is never a nuisance.


Road to Valhalla is such a cool name. The move had better be fucking epic. Isn't a female hoss a cow? I doubt that would go over well with the audience.


Again, I need a better name than "Swerve" to take him seriously, but this is still good shit.

I'm trying to picture 60+ year old Sting running to the rescue. Also, props to Lee for not having to go through 3 episodes to pull off a Spirit Bomb, unlike in Dragon Ball. This all sounds about right for a non-flagship show. It may not be a main show, but there's no reason to not do some minor feuds on it to help a lower dude get noticed and move him up the ranks. There has to a prospect on the roster that looks good that would work well in a bigger storyline.

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Raw: December 3, 2040

Opening Match: Naomi Bailey and Dusk vs. The Lonely Girls
This seemed like a natural thing to put together after the events of the last few shows. Naomi is out in full Queen of the Ring garb as she says she's wearing it to remind us all about just who the hell she is! She tells us that we had all be voting for her as this year's Woman of the Year. She's more talented than her cousin Eclypse. She's much better looking and more of a real woman than that Barbie doll Jenna Kyle. And most of all, she was more dominant than that fake champion Sonya Braddock!

It might seem odd to open a show with a women's match, but holy fuck, these women have got it going on...so to speak. It breaks down towards the end with Jenna and Naomi as legal while Dusk just brutalizes Faith on the outside. Dusk threatens to smash Faith with the steel steps while the ref tries to disuade her. Naomi uses this opportunity to introduce Jenna's forehead to her Queen of the Ring scepter. Dusk backs off and drops the steps and the ref turns to count the pin giving the heels the win. Naomi just pinned the number one contender to the Women's Title. That's certainly not going to get her to shut up. *****, 95% overall. I mean, God damn....

In-Ring Super Special Talky Time as Chet Morris comes out, no doubt to explain his reprehensible actions on SmackDown!. He wants us to know that he doesn't feel sorry for what he did to his cousin and don't ask him to be. "It feels that ever since I arrived to the WWE with Lyle, I have been trapped in a box. And everyone, from Haven to Lyle, have all seemed to want to keep me in that box. All I ever was to any of them, was someone to be used. Someone to be loyal to their causes and their agendas. When I made my return, Lyle wasn't happy to have me back as a cousin. He was happy to have me as his back-up. Well, Lyle, in the time that I was gone, I outgrew you. I watched you make a damn fool out of yourself while I wasn't here. And you never even seemed to care about any of my problems. So you are not entitled to any kind of happiness. That's why I did what I did on Friday. You will no longer be the albatross around my neck, the anchor around my leg. It had to be done and I can assure all of y'all, I am not done with my purging. I...have been set free...." Huh. That's weird. Wasn't that the same thing Hugo said on Friday? Either way, Chet takes his leave as we're left to ponder his future actions.

Second Match: Galino & Farnes vs. Jordan Demiras and Martyn LaSalle
Demiras and LaSalle reunite to continue the good fight against Hotbody's crew! This shit is awesome as you'd expect, despite the charisma void coming from the heels. It's breaking down in Tulsa as Demiras gets sent into the ringpost on the outside. Ozzy Mandias makes his way on out. Is he here to lend a hand to LaSalle? Nope. He floors him with a clothesline and delivers the Blizzard of Oz and rolls out of the ring while the ref is distracted. The heels regroup and team up for SERIOUS INQUIRIES! on LaSalle to really knock him loopy and that's enough to give them the win. Ozzy decides he's not done for the night and pulls LaSalle out of the ring and proceeds to beat on him some more. Into the steps LaSalle goes and Ozzy decides to do what Dusk didn't and sandwiches LaSalle's head in between the two sets of stairs. Jesus, that looked brutal. That might put LaSalle out of commission for a while. *****, 96% overall. I guess people really dug Ozzy's heel turn. Glad I pulled the trigger on it finally.

Third Match: Seth Von Kamp vs. Cameron Harper
Harper gets on the stick and informs us that he's had a talk with Jake Connelly and the legend himself is open to being his manager, but said that he would like to see a bit more from Harper before making any kind of promises. Harper says that he thinks he knows what Jake Connelly has in mind. Connelly wants to see some initiative. He wants some bold statements. "Well, there's no time like the present and I can't think of a bigger and bolder statement to make under these circumstances. So seeing as how you, Seth, were game and man enough to accept a challenge for your Intercontinental Title on Superstars, I don't see a reason why you can't put it on the line again right here, right now! Jake Connelly will be tripping all over himself to manage the new Intercontinental Champion! So how about it, Seth?"

Seth looks perplexed at this request and doesn't seem too sure. Cameron asks him if he's scared. Well that's rather rude. Seth doesn't look happy about this proposal but ultimately agrees and thus we have ourselves a little bonus!

WWE Intercontinental Title: Seth Von Kamp (c) vs. Cameron Harper
Points for such a move and Harper certainly tries here. Seth handles things well as the veteran, making Harper look good. Gold, unfortunately, is not in the cards for Harper tonight, as Seth outmaneuvers the firey upstart in a pinfall reserval sequence that ends with Seth scoring the pin off a backslide to retain the title. Harper doesn't look pleased as the champ takes his victory lap. What'll be his next move? ****1/2, 90% overall.

Backstage, Luscious is with Zed Jones and of course, her man, Michael Hotbody. They hope that Clubber Harris hasn't forgotten about Zed because Zed certainly hasn't forgotten about Harris. Zed has been looking for some more fight ever since Survivor Series and he's eager to get that fight from Clubber Harris. However, he's going to get it on his own terms, on his own time, when he's ready. Zed isn't some impetuous child. He knows he's tougher and badder than Harris. Zed Jones doesn't need to be flailing about in brawls that aren't going to mean anything. He'll let us all know when he's ready to take on the challenge of the so-called Ebony Empire. All empires fall, some harder than others. Hotbody also wants to add on that while he's not sure of who is going to come out on top of the next match, Hotbody assures either one of them that there's nothing but disappointment waiting for them at Bragging Rights.

Fourth Match: 2 out of 3 Falls - Jason Sorola vs. Gavin Jones
Winner gets a shot at the Cruiserweight Title at Bragging Rights here. I may be showing my hand as to who's going to win this with that stipulation. Hey, it's the journey, not the destination, right? Make no mistake, this match is a helluva journey. Sorola gets the first fall with some rope-assisted shenanigans while Gavin gets back into it by submitting Sorola in the second fall with the STF. The final fall is all full speed ahead as they each want to get this over with. Sorola looks for a superplex off the top but Gavin shuts that down with a sunset powerbomb off the top to set Sorola up for a Frog Splash and that'll be enough to give him the final fall and the ticket to Bragging Rights. *****, 96% overall.

More backstage goodness as Nathan Quinn is with Adam Hail. Boy, howdy, are they mad at Simon Bennett or what? Hail wants to remind Bennett that what he did to him was nothing personal and he should've learned to not mess with him anymore, especially since Bennett's team lost at Survivor Series. But Bennnett just had to ruin things on SmackDown! by costing Hail a chance to go to Bragging Rights with a title shot! Bennett is just determined to make this personal so Hail is going to oblige him. Bennett is dared to try crossing the two of them one more time.

Fifth Match: Hannah McCormick vs. Leah
So these two are the representatives chosen by their respective managers. Leah has to win to get her and Bonnie Beckham a shot at the Women's Tag Titles while Hannah needs to win so she can get added to the Women's Title match at Bragging Rights. The ladies bring the goods as you would expect. Leah's charisma is rough to overcome, but they pull it out. Leah has Hannah set up for a Sultry Splash but Nathan trips her up as she goes for the ropes. Paul Andrews decides to go after Nathan in response while Hannah decks Leah from behind. She sneaks outside while the ref is busy with the two managers and she grabs her custom mic. Back in the ring she goes and she looks like she's going to clobber Leah with it BUT SIMON BENNETT IS IN THE RING!!! He snatches the mic away and Hannah turns to face him and is shocked as a result of what she sees. Bennett rolls on out while Leah hits a bulldog, setting up for another attempt at the Sultry Splash. She hits it this time and the ref is back in the game and counts the pin for Leah. Simon Bennett looks like he just took Nathan and Hail up on their dare. ****1/2, 92% overall.

Sixth Match: Alexander Piero and The Wyldhearts vs. Chris Collins and The Royal Effect
Piero gets on the mic and announces that he has accepted a No DQ match with Chris Collins that will take place on Superstars this Thursday. Piero agrees that things need to be settled between himself and Collins. Piero wants Chris to know that this war between them has never really been about vengeance for Madison or fighting for her honor. Those are important things to be sure, but the truth of the matter is that Piero just doesn't like Chris Collins. Collins is welcome to try to beat that respect he so craves out of Piero this Thursday. Collins is going to learn that not everyone that comes his way can be overlooked and dismissed so easily.

This is a crossroads between two big fueds of course. No doubt the Royal Effect want their rematch for those tag titles. This will have to do for now and it's a bunch of goodness. Piero is all fired up as we head home in this match and he's so overwhelming that Collins decides maybe waiting until Thursday is probably a good idea. He tags in Kavovit without the latter's knowledge or approval and bails. Piero brings Kavovit in the hard way. The Wyldhearts inctercept McKay and hit the Heartstopper on him while Piero nailes the Flashpoint on Kavovit and that's going to give the faces the pinfall win. What's in store for Piero and Collins on Thursday>!> *****, 94% overall.

SPORTZ ENTERTAINMENT TIME!!!~~~ as Haven once again makes his way to the ring. He's solemn as he addresses the crowd. "Explanations. How does one truly explain a matter when it is so deeply personal and quite possibly your greatest failure? My message of unity and cleansing of the wicked has always been my guiding purpose and it is a message that I have always believed because I know it to be righteous and true. Try as I might, I cannot always save everyone, for one reason or another. Perhaps one seeks the same goal, but is interested in another method to acheive it. Those are the ones that I can respect and forgive. However, there are those that would want to twist matters and be nothing but selfish. Victor Dark once came to me, eager to take part in my crusade to save the lost souls of this land and put them on a better path. But he was the Cain to my Abel. A jackal lying in wait to snatch away what he himself did not build nor earn. And caught in this crossfire, was a young woman...Andrea. I failed you most of all. You see..."

"Woah, woah, woah...," interrupts a voice. On stage Victor Dark and Andrea come out and look to respond to Haven's monologue. Andrea does the talking as she glares at Haven. "You're the failure. Your whole being and message is a lie. You crave power. Everyone here and everyone watching, ask yourself why he calls himself 'The Dark Shepherd'. That would imply that everyone following you is nothing more than some mindless bleating animal that you can exploit. But if you want to call me a failure, well you don't have to worry. Victor here, saved me. And while you may not have The Order anymore, the truth of the matter is that you haven't really suffered any major consequences from its fallout, have you? You still parade around here commanding fear and respect like the fraud that you are. Well, Victor Dark is here to take care of all that...brother."

Victor takes the mic and continues the browbeating. "Haven, it has been my mission ever since your departure to this place to bring you your day of reckoning. I have been hard at work setting people free from your nonsense. Some familiar to you, others that might've fallen under your sway had I not intervened. You see, unlike you, my purpose is not control, but to liberate. You have nobody to blame but yourself for what is to come."

Haven looks like he's heard enough and gets back on the mic. "If that is the case, then perhaps what is to come should happen right now!" He drops the microphone and starts making his way towards Victor. Victor steps in front of Andrea and looks prepared. Haven isn't stopping BUT HERE COMES HUGO!!! WTF is the deal with this lunatic?!? He stops Haven from reaching Victor rather violently and just assaults Haven, sending him into the set. He then decides to put the exclamation point on it by pressing Haven off the stage to the equipment below. WTF is going here?!? We need help for Haven!

MAIN EVENT: Ryan Pattillo vs. Orlando Kincaid
Pattillo wants to talk about how he's looking to get back on track and things are looking up for him now that he's the number one contender for Wrakk's Unified World Title at Bragging Rights. In some weird way, he has Orlando Kincaid to thank for this, as the focus that he's been on these past few weeks has seemed to do wonders for him. It's been a rollercoaster of a year for Pattillo, but he can cap it off by capturing the biggest prize in the business once again. This match is fire and a great way to end the evening as well as put this little feud to rest. Speaking of Wrakk, he makes his way out to watch the proceedings. I figure giving the number one contender a solid clean win will certainly help his standing, especially after a banger. It's a struggle but ultimately Kincaid falls victim to the Shutdown and Pattillo ends the night by getting a pinfall win. He trades glares with Wrakk as we go off the air. *****, 94% overall.

Overall show rating: 89%

NEXT: THE SLAMMYS!!!

Great shit as always in this one. Plenty of snowflakes all over the place, must be great to live in a hypothetical future where everyone just rules ass and everything is must-see appointment television. You fuckers would get the full 6 hours a week outta me :lol:

That ***** rating in the tag match, despite Galino & Farnes not having charisma is interesting. I'm still not entirely sure the extent to which charisma plays in vs. talent meshing well and, most importantly, overness.

If everyone is over, the crowd will always be shit hot and it'll impact the ratings in kind even beyond just the Crowd Reaction setting. Even way back in the day where the last version of EWR came out in 2003, I had to keep Hogan's annoying ass employed because he was guaranteed like a 90+ crowd rating every single match or segment he was in no matter how much of a slug he was in the ring. But I had to make sure he was facing reasonably over people to get him to agree to do the job. FACK HOGAN

Nice to see Ozzy's heel turn. Ozzy Mandias just FEELS like a heel name anyway.

Loved the Haven/Dark segment. Just really epic verbiage being thrown around. Poor Haven getting his ass whooped though. He needs some retribution!

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I've noticed than whenever you do a turn, heel or face, in a match, the crowd reaction rating goes up big time, sometimes even approaching 100%. I think because it's a major event or what not. The turn is essentially part of the match so I imagine that's what gives it the boost.

The thing with Victor Dark is that he was the jackass who evidently married a child of Linda McMahon so now I can't fire him and I'm worried it also gives him the ability to reject things. Like, will he agree to do the job to Haven should I ask for it? I don't really plan on him being a mainstay. I just need to give Haven something to do in the meantime. I'm not rushing to put the two together real soon as I've got a lot more twists and turns before this drama unfolds...completely.

Anyways, working on Superstars. I'm hoping to make some great acceptance speeches, especially from you-know-who.

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Bragging Rights looks like this so far:

WWE Unified World Title: Wrakk vs. Ryan Pattillo

WWE Women's Tag Team Titles: The Southern Belles vs. The Perfections

WWE Women's Title: Sonya Braddock vs. Jenna Kyle

WWE Cruiserweight Title: Michael Hotbody vs. Gavin Jones

You can bet there will be more gold on the line, plus I'll likely add Bennett vs. Hail. I'm debating who to leave off.

:lol: I do love how the owner of the company nevers changes no matter how much time passes.

Linda McMahon would be 92 by this point, which would also mean Shane and Steph are 70 and 64, respectively.

Wonder how old this unknown daughter of Linda McMahon is...because it would seem Mr. Dark is out for the cougars.

https://cdn-cache.wrestlingnewssourc...2_711_400.webp

AEW Collision
June 17, 2023

"Saturday's Alright for Fighting" by Sir Elton blares over the PA as pyro shoots off with lights flashing all over the Chicago. Our announce team Mauro Ranallo and Nigel McGuinness welcome us to the debut episode.

The familiar guitar riff of "Cult of Personality" blares through the sound system. The crowd erupts as CM Punk emerges from the tunnel, wearing his iconic hoodie and a grin that lights up the packed United Center in Chicago.]

CM Punk: What's that old saying, Chi-Town? You can't go home again? Well, hell with that because here I am!

[The crowd cheers.]

CM Punk: Now, I know there's been a lot of talk over the last nine months. Lots of conjecture, lots of people taking sides. Lots of people developing parasocial relationships based on a situation none of you were in the room for. Do you want me to talk about that?

[He pauses, holding back a laugh as the crowd cheers.]

CM Punk: But, the truth? The truth's always more complicated. I've been away. I've been dealing with stuff, personal and physical. I won't bore you with the details. What's important is I'm here now. I'm home.

[More cheers from the crowd.]

CM Punk: I'm standing in this AEW ring, with a clean slate. On a new show. Ready to kick ass and take names. And I've got one name in mind. One match that was stolen from me and the AEW fans last year when I got hurt: Hiroshi Tanahashi.

[The crowd erupts.]

CM Punk: Tanahashi, I respect you. I respect what you've done. But that match we didn't get to have? I want it. I need it. You owe it to me, I owe it to you, and we owe it to these fans. So, let's do this. Let's open that Forbidden Door one more time and give them all the match we should've had a year ago.

[Before he can continue, MJF's theme hits, and the AEW World Champion, sporting his signature smirk and Burberry scarf, interrupts. The crowd boos heavily.]

MJF: Punk! Punk, Punk, Punk... You always did have a way with words. It's almost enough to make us forget why you really left.

[MJF pauses to let the crowd boo.]

MJF: Now, let's rewind a bit. Last time you were in an AEW ring? You'd just won the title, in this very city. And who made his triumphant return and was was staring you down to end the show? ME!

[MJF points at himself, smirking.]

MJF: And then, suddenly, you disappeared. Ran away, tail between your legs, with some sob story about an injury and backstage drama. But we all know the truth, Punk. You were scared. You knew your little fairy-tale comeback would end in a hurry, and it would end with me.

[MJF shows his title, the crowd's boos intensifying.]

MJF: But that's nothing new for you, right Punk? That's what you do best - run away from a company when the going gets tough. Leave when you know you'll never win the big one. And with me as the champion, you will NEVER get your hands on this belt again. I will keep this bad boy right on through the bidding war of 2024, and who knows, maybe I'll be wearing it on Mondays and Fridays in Stamford.

[MJF's smirk gets wider as the crowd boos.]

MJF: And, Punk? Here's a little reality check. This company never needed you in the first place, and they sure as hell didn't need you back. And believe me when I tell you - there's an entire locker room back there that resents you. And if I were you, I'd be watching my back.

[He drops the mic, leaving Punk in the ring as the crowd boos and his theme blares throughout the United Center.]

---

<b>FTW Championship: "El Toro Blanco" Rush w/ Preston Vance and Dralistico vs. Hook (C) w/ "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry</b>

The first match in Collision history sees the dangerous Rush going up against the cold-hearted handsome devil Hook. Both men show a great degree of physicality, with Hook looking more challenged than he has in any AEW match to date.

Eventually the other members of La Faccion Ingobernable try to interject, but Jungle Boy throws caution to the wind and takes out both with a diving senton to the outside. As the referee deals with the chaos, another masked man sneaks into the ring and plants Hook with a Hammerlock DDT. He unmasks and it's ANDRADE EL IDOLO! We haven't seen him in months!

Rush picks up the pieces with a Rush Driver and gets the win! Hook has suffered his first AEW defeat, and Rush has stolen the FTW Championship away from Taz's son. LFI is even more dangerous, as it's a 4 on 2 beatdown on Hook and Perry. <b>***, 75% overall</b>

---

<b>Nick Comoroto vs. Miro</b>

Miro was advertised to return at Collision and "The Redeemer" made good on his word. He makes his return as something of a tweener, clearly getting cheers from the crowd but not looking like any less of a dangerous badass than he was when he was last seen.

Comoroto is a big hoss and he gives Miro a run for his money, but it's not too long before Miro locks in the Game Over to get a submission victory. Impressive return for Miro. <b>**3/4, 70% overall</b>

---

Backstage, Mark Henry is standing by with the Best Friends - Trent Beretta and Chuck Taylor along with International champion Orange Cassidy and TBS champion Kris Statlander.

Mark Henry: "We're standing by with the Best Friends. Guys, it's a big night for your group as you've got two title matches tonight. What are your thoughts?"

Trent Beretta: "You're exactly right, Mark! First off, our man Orange has a big title fight with Minoru Suzuki next week. He's taking on all comers, so it only makes sense that he fights another badass tonight, right Orange?"

[The always-aloof Orange simply gives a thumbs up]

Trent Beretta: "And let's not forget about Kris Statlander, as she continues to be a fighting champion and putting the title on the line in an open challenge."

[Kris flexes her impressive muscles]

Trent Beretta: "As for me and Chuck, well, next up for us..."

Chuck Taylor [interjecting]: "I'm gonna say the S-word on live television!"

Trent Beretta: "What? No! You can't say that."

Chuck Taylor: "Why not? Someone says it every week!"

Trent Beretta: "It's a new show! You're gonna get us in trouble right out of the gate."

Chuck Taylor: "No way! The censors give us one S-bomb a week. I'm lucky MJF didn't already use the quota. It's my turn to say it. I'm gonna say it."

Trent Beretta: "No man! I'm telling you, you can't say shit on television.........oops"

[Trent and Chuck walk off-screen bickering, leaving Kris rolling her eyes as Orange just shrugs and heads to the ring for the next match.]

---

<b>AEW International Championship: "Freshly Squeezed" Orange Cassidy vs. Lee Moriarty w/ Big Bill</b>

Holy shit did these two ever have chemistry, 97% match rating! Unfortunately Lee's overness being in the 50s held things back in terms of overall, but with performances like this that might shoot up in a hurry.

Anyway, Cassidy's title reign has seen him get relentlessly punished week-in, week-out and Lee Moriarty's amateur background makes him a dangerous foe ahead of his match with the shoot fighter Suzuki at the PPV.

Big Bill tries to get himself involved only for Trent and Chuck to finish their bickering long enough to run him off as Orange puts down Lee with the Beach Blast. <b>****1/4, 81% overall</b>

---

The music of The Acclaimed hits as Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and Daddy Ass make their way out for their Trios Title match. As Caster raises the microphone to his lips to perform his rap, no sound comes out. The crowd boo at the microphone's malfunctioning, only for the lights to go out too.

We hear grunts and chaos happening, and when the lights come back on - all three members of The Acclaimed are down and out with the House of Black menacingly standing over them.

The House make their way to the ring, daring the Acclaimed to fight. But try as the Acclaimed might to get up and head to the ring, the officials won't allow it and force them all to the back.

---

The House of Black remain in the ring, smirking over the damage they caused The Acclaimed. But they still want to fight, and just like that, it seems we have an impromptu open challenge. The theme of the Hardys hits as the legendary tag team make their way out to the ring with Ethan Page reluctantly following behind them.

<b>AEW Trios Championship: The House of Black (Malakai Black, Brody King, and Buddy Matthews (C) vs. The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) and "All Ego" Ethan Page</b>

Hard to believe the Hardys are still doing their thing too, although even they've self-admitted that they see this as their final run before they hang up the boots and rest their surely wrecked spines. But hey, they're an asset in EWR because they're over, especially Jeff who is the very definition of the Unique gimmick.

Story of this match is the Hardys taking most of the damage with Page reluctant to be in this match at all. Page is a heel, and currently Big Money Matt "owns" his contract resultant from another feud that commenced at Double or Nothing.

When Matt goes to make a hot tag for Page, Page ducks off the apron and ignores his employer. When Jeff confronts him about it, Page and Jeff have a go at it. Jeff tries to give a Twist of Fate to Page on the ramp way only to get jumped by a returning Scorpio Sky! Ethan Page's former tag partner in the Men of the Year, and yet another return tonight.

As all this is happening, poor Matt's left for dead for the heels to pick the bones. Brody finishes off Matt with a Gonzo Bomb for the title retain. <b>***, 77% overall</b>

---

TBS Champion Kris Statlander is out next awaiting to see her opponent. The crowd is pleased to see the music of Hikaru Shida hit, and the longest reigning AEW Women's champion is out to look to reclaim gold.

<b>TBS CHampionship: Kris Statlander (C) vs. Hikaru Shida</b>

Holy Shida! I haven't booked her yet and I think this would be a good babyface vs. babyface match. Although the rating for this falls solidly into Scott Keith's "Perfectly Acceptable Wrestling" wheelhouse, it's kinda a shame that even the most talented women on the AEW roster have pretty bad stats in this save data. This match would be fantastic in real life. It will take years and years to get to the division to the extent yours is.

Anyway, the two have a solid, competitive match which sees Kris get the retain with the Big Bang Theory.

As she celebrates, a new challenger emerges as the music of Thunder Rosa hits. Yes, another return. Why the fuck not? She and Kris have an understanding staredown. <b>**3/4, 68% overall</b>

---

<b>AEW Tag Team Championship: The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Cero Miedo and Rey Fenix) w/ Alex Abrahantes vs. FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) (C)</b>

Yeah it's a debut show in a major arena, so let's give the crowd another guaranteed banger. And holy hell these two did not disappoint, which is not remotely surprising given their previous battles within AEW a couple years back.

Anyway, this shit ruled ass and unlike their former battles where FTR played dirty, everything was above board in this one and FTR got the victory with the Big Rig after an intense back-and-forth, high-drama match.

Both teams are visually exhausted after the match, and then manage to muster the strength to stand in the ring and shake hands. As this happens, they suddenly find themselves jumped by Bullet Club Gold! Jay White, Juice Robinson, and Powerhouse Hobbs might officially be outnumbered 3 to 4, but those teams just went through a war and makes them all easy pickings. <b>****1/4, 87% overall</b>

---

[Bullet Club Gold steps over the battered bodies of FTR and the Lucha Brothers as they strut to the center of the ring. The crowd’s boos are almost deafening, their heat for Bullet Club Gold palpable.]

[Jay White grabs a mic from the timekeeper's table and steps back into the ring. He raises the microphone to his mouth as the crowd's chants and boos get even louder. He smirks, basking in the animosity of the crowd.]

Jay White: "Hear that? That's the sound of fear. Fear, because you all know what's coming. You saw what we did to Ricky Starks last week, and you just witnessed what we're capable of."

[He points at the fallen wrestlers.]

Jay White: "You see this? This was your AEW Tag Team Champions. These were your warriors. This was your hope. And just like Ricky Starks last week, they have been decimated."

[White paces around the ring, his gaze focused on the crowd, feeding off their reactions.]

Jay White: "This isn't just about titles or championships. This is about dominance. This is about showing every single one of you that the Bullet Club Gold is the supreme faction in All Elite Wrestling. I've already proven that I'm the catalyst of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and now I'm gonna do the same here in AEW!"

[The crowd boos again, even louder than before.]

Jay White: "And let's not forget the newest addition to our family, Powerhouse Hobbs. A man who had previous history with Ricky Starks, his former friend-turned-enemy. The man who's become the embodiment of force and destruction. He is the future. He is the perfect edition to Bullet Club Gold."

[Just as White is about to continue, Ricky Starks hits and out comes Ricky Starks, armed with a steel chair.]

[Starks heads down to the ring. Seeing the babyfaces are beginning to stir again, Bullet Club Gold retreats, but not before White throws a last smirk at Starks.]

Jay White: "You're on borrowed time, Starks and the rest that dreck in the ring. We're not finished here. Not by a long shot."

[With those final words, Bullet Club Gold leaves the ring, leaving behind a chaos-filled scene as the crowd cheers for Starks.]

---

<b>CM Punk vs. "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels</b>

No way I couldn't have Punk headlining in his first show back. It's his first match in 9 months so he needs to work with a fellow experienced vet to knock off any ring rust, and preferably someone he has experience with.

Enter Christopher Daniels. A man Punk's had wars with in Ring of Honor. Also, while not acknowledged on commentary, he's AEW's head of talent relations and here he is working a match with the guy coming off of a major talent relations issue. I like to think of this as an extreme form of probation.

Anyway, Daniels doesn't really wrestle much anymore but even at 53 he can absolutely still go when the situation calls for it. This match unsurprisingly ruled with Daniels getting the chance to defy Father Time. The result was never much in question though, as Punk hits the GTS and wins to get the hometown happy.

After the bell, MJF who had been watching on commentary goes onto the ramp and points at Punk. Punk eggs him on and gets the crowd in a frenzy. However, while he's focused on MJF he doesn't see that SAMOA JOE had entered the ring! Joe chokes out Punk! MJF warned Punk to watch his back, but what is the meaning of this? We are out of time! <b>****1/4, 88% overall

81% overall show rating</b>

Dean Malenko praises me for putting together OC/Lee citing they have amazing chemistry. And the debut episode of Collision pulled a superb rating, the network appear to be very happy with me.

In real-life, AEW's already announced that Punk, Miro, Andrade, Rosa, and Sky would all be a part of Collision. The first 3 are all wrestling on the real debut show. So I said fuck it, you only get one debut...let's find a way to bring 'em all back!

This post is sponsored by Marie Curie's Nobel Prize
 

It's funny how linked Punk has become with "Cult of Personality". Like, can you imagine him coming out to any other song now? I remember way back when I had Punk get beat and retired by my douchiest of douche heels and in game I imagined that it'd be even more douchy for the heel to continue using "Cult of Personality" for the remainder of his career just to rub it in the faces of everyone.

I'm sure Punk's in-game stats are stellar but you're facing the same problem as some of your other older guys on the roster where the game might want to kick you in the balls and get Punk to hang things up sooner than you'd want.

A solid 3 stars is a perfectly acceptable way to start things off. I don't know how two major returns back-to-back in such a short span on the same show would play out in real life, but fuck it. Remember that one show I did where, like, 4 God damn people returned? :lol:

MIRO SMASH....LANA'S PUSSY!!!

I don't know what's funnier, the idea of Mark Henry just being part of the production crew or that final punchline. Reminds me of the South Park movie when the boys keep saying "fuck". :lol:

Lee Moriarty is a great name. Big Bill not so much. It sounds like a character in one of those 90s arcade fighting games. The cheap ones that tried copying Street Fighter. If Lee can hang, I don't see a reason why he can't get a push down the road.

I wish the game let you do more with stables. Like, an angle that's Stable vs. Stable brawl or what have you. You'd be able to do wild pre-Survivor Series go home brawls proper.

I'm just shocked that the game didn't just start with Jeff already in rehab/arrested for drugs. I could absolutely see this popping a live crowd, though. Wrestling fans tend to remember the good more than the bad.

God damn, this is putting that one show of mine to shame with all of these returns. The thing with my women's division is that it easily could've gone the other way, with me ending up with a bunch of failures. I mainly just kept checking the Other Workers list after the end of every month to spot any potential gems in the mix. I would narrow things down to wrestlers aged 19-24 and pick the ones that had strong charisma ratings and the Diva/Superstar Look box checked. Getting them trained wasn't an issue as I kept them in long enough to get everything ridiculously high. But becoming the next Lisa Benton or Riott or Jenna or Faith? That's rare, and that's why they're the stars that they are. As long as Statlander is still rocking that juicy planet of an ass, I see no reason to feel bad about this outing.

Look at that rating. That's the kind of shit that makes you proud. I keep wanting to read "Lucha Brothers" as "Lucha Dragons", which is silly because no fucking way Sin Cara is stumbling his ass into a 4-star+ match.

Personally I would've booked Starks to get destroyed again, but I'm kind of mean-spirited like that where I give the heels a lot of leeway in feuds. It's the result of seeing so many of them just absolutely neutered in the WWE.

Wait, did I miss this match being advertised? I know Punk's appearance was hyped, but I didn't expect you to put him in a match right off the bat. I'd have made Punk's return speech the main event segment with Daniels coming in to make a challenge for the next show, then do MJF's interruption. I feel that was something that the WWE would do well when they were hyping up something huge and they strung the viewers along to keep them tuned in to the very end. Of course, HHH/Steiner falls into that category so they can't all be winners. This main event was a winner, though. I think I can remember a few of their matches from way back when on the indies. It's just so weird seeing these guys who were so unknown. Kind of like that underground band you love, you know? Now Punk is making more money than he every would've imagined and he's such a presence that it sends every locker room he's part of in a tizzy.

I'm not sure I'd tune in to the actual AEW based on this, because I'm sure it's booked and structured completely different. The hurdle would be if the unknowns (to me) have enough of a mind for the business that they could get me to care about them. The imaginary world will have to do for now...especially if I can imagine Penelope and Allie...

This post is sponsored by Dr. Neo Cortex
 

God damn, I'm just realizing that it look me more than a year just to get through the month of November in the game. WTF was I doing? :(

So one big way that AEW differs from WWE - on your average episode of WWE TV you might have maybe 2 or 3 matches tops that you know of going in (and with all their promos and talky time, on a 2 hour show that might be the entirety of the matches)

Usually before the main event of each Dynamite, they announce big matches for next week’s Dynamite along with matches booked for Rampage and Collision. Before the main event of Rampage, they run down the Collision and Dynamite cards etc.

Any matches that aren’t announced during the broadcast usually are announced by Tony Khan over Twitter, usually with the explanation or lead-in. So you’ll never have an episode of Dynamite where you’re going in blind, you know the entire 5-6 match card before the show goes on the air

So no, you didn’t miss an announcement of Punk/Daniels but I assume in the game universe, the match was announced either during a pre-main event bumper add or online. I could totally hear Excalibur being like “and breaking news, CM Punk makes his in-ring return in Chicago against one of the most respected veterans in the sport, Christopher Daniels!” and the crowd would pop at the matchup graphic.

But alas, this is another example of where the game being 21 years old means you have to leave a bit more to the imagination. TEW gives you so much control and ability to book like a modern promotion since you have to allocate every minute of your TV time, but it’s complicated as hell.

And yes in the real life Collision debut tonight, Punk is wrestling. Teaming with FTR against Samoa Joe and Bullet Club Gold (Jay White and Juice Robinson…adding Powerhouse Hobbs to the group was my doing). Kinda glad to see the ‘OL Punker back in action but I hope he doesn’t fuck it up again.

Andrade is also returning to face Buddy Matthews. Miro is also said to be “in action”. “So and so in action” is one of the few times they don’t explicitly tell you a match…it’s basically just telling you Miro’s gonna squash some ROH/indy talent.

Life gets in the way! If I weren’t doing write ups I’d probably blitz through no problem.

Remembering being in high school and it was insanely easy to write out months of PPV cards and I only ever posted the PPVs, so I just plowed through year after year.

https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/...45-600x338.jpg

AEW Dynamite
June 21, 2023

Dynamite at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago opens up with the steel cage already assembled in the ring. A big #1 contender's steel cage match is opening up the broadcast, with the winner going to Forbidden Door on Sunday!

<b>Steel Cage Match: Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho</b>

So the actual feud between these two had some decent angles but their lone singles match at Double or Nothing was actually pretty disappointing. I gave them a chance to make amends and they more than lived up to their end of the bargain. Both are good workers in the game of course but moreover they also have the overness and charisma to get the crowd invested.

After a match that saw both guys get busted wide open, Jericho puts Cole down with a Judas Effect and then begins his ascent up the cage, taking his sweet time to rub it in. He gets to the top of the cage and taunts the crowd, not realizing Cole's found a sudden last second wind! Cole shoots up the cage and both men sit atop the cage throwing punches.

Both men look precariously close to falling, they begin to lean back and start kicking one another while perched. Cole grabs Jericho's leg and twists it into part of the top part of the cage, then throws a stiff elbow. Jericho falls backward toward the ring but his leg is stuck! He's stuck in the cage! Cole makes his way down to the ring and gets the win! He will face SANADA for the IWGP Title on Sunday! <b>***1/2, 88% overall</b>

---

Renee Paquette stands with The Elite - Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and Adam Page. Behind them, the backstage area bustles with activity.

RENEE:
I'm here with The Elite. Gentleman...

Before she can even say anything, Adam Page interrupts, looking slightly troubled.

PAGE:
Sorry, Renee. I've had a lot on my mind all week, I owe some people an explanation. I gotta go find The Dark Order.

Page quickly exits, leaving Renee with the rest of The Elite.

RENEE:
Alright. Well, Young Bucks, you have a match tonight with Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley. What's your strategy?

MATT:
Well, Renee, our strategy is simple. We're going to go out there and give our best. Danielson and Moxley are the cream of the crop, some of the tougest ecompetitors in the business, but we're not called The Elite for nothing.

NICK:
That's right. We're always ready, no matter who the opponent is. We know the Blackpool Combat Club are always going to have tricks up their sleeve, but they're making a mistake if they take us lightly.

Renee turns to Kenny.

RENEE:
Kenny, there's been a lot of talk about your upcoming match with Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door. How are you feeling about that, especially with a match against Kyle Fletcher coming up next?

Omega shakes his head, irritation flashing in his eyes.

OMEGA:
Don and his games. He managed to lobby management into setting up a match against Ospreay's underling Fletcher tonight. But I won't let that distract me. I have to focus on tonight. I have to focus on retaining my title on Sunday. Ospreay gave me one of the biggest fights of my career this past January, and I can't let this business with Callis and Takeshita get in the way of my preparation.

Tongiht, I take out United Empire. This Sunday, I will beat Will Ospreay in my home country of Canada to reclaim my IWGP United States Championship. This week The Elite will stand tall over both Blackpool Combat Club and United Empire.

Renee nods, wrapping up the interview.

RENEE:
Determined words from The Elite. We'll see how it all unfolds. Back to you.

---

<b>Kenny Omega vs. Kyle Fletcher</b>

Well, this was a "rookie" EWR move by me that I do every time I pick up a new game. I figured Jericho/Cole opening up would get the show on a hot start BUT I needed to put something after it that wouldn't be seen as a let down. I figured between Omega/Fletcher's talent and Omega being one of the most over and charismatic guys on the roster, it would offset Fletcher being a relative unknown. It was not so, and it went from being what might've been a high-60s, low-70s crowd reaction drop down to live 54.

Anyway, Fletcher is one half of the Aussie Open tag team with his currently injured tag partner Mark Davis. They were signed to NJPW until a month or so ago when they moved over to AEW. However they are canonically in the NJPW-based United Empire stable led by Omega's Forbidden Door opponent, Will Ospreay so this is a logical match to build to it.

Pretty straightforward here - Omega wins with the One Winged Angel. EWR gave it the 'ol squash match single line treatment but I imagined it was actually a solid match, with Don Callis possibly joining commentary. <b>***, 71% overall</b>

---

Backstage, we see La Faccion Ingobernable rolling up to the building in a limo with Andrade sporting his trademark smirk and Rush carrying his newly won/stolen FTW Championship. They don't get very far before "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry and Hook take aim at them and a brawl breaks out in the parking lot.

JungleHook are willingly outnumbered but the element of surprise worked to their advantage as they kept the fight going until security broke up the brawl. Taz on commentary, usually one to side with the heels, expresses happiness that his son Hook isn't taking any shit after having the family title stolen from him.

---

<b>Trios Match: Best Friends (Orange Cassidy, Trent Beretta, and Chuck Taylor) vs. Kip Sabian, The Butcher, and The Blade w/ Penelope Ford and The Bunny</b>

Trent and Chuck continue to try to run Orange through the ringer by booking him against dangerous opponents to get him ready for Suzuki, and that continues here with Butcher and Blade always being their menacing selves and Sabian being someone who has had a tightly contested title match against Orange before.

Your pretty standard decent trios fare here with everyone doing their thing and Orange waking up for the babyface hot tag. The Bunny tries to grab Orange's leg at ringside but accidentally grabs The Blade's instead, the temporary distraction leading to a Superman Punch and the win for the face team. <b>**3/4, 72% overall</b>

---

[The screen fades in on Renee Paquette, standing backstage with the members of The Jericho Appreciation Society. Chris Jericho's battle scars from the steel cage match against Adam Cole are clear on his face. He's a picture of despair, his expression a stark contrast to the confident smirks on the faces of his teammates.]

Renee Paquette: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm standing here with The Jericho Appreciation Society. First, Daniel Garcia, the reigning ROH Pure Champion. Daniel, you're facing Katsuyori Shibata at Forbidden Door. How are you feeling about this?"

Daniel Garcia: "Renee, let's be clear here. Katsuyori Shibata is a legend, a warrior... But he hasn't faced me yet. I respect him, but I won't hesitate to put him down. At Forbidden Door, the ring will be my battlefield, and I'll show him why I'm the ROH Pure Champion."

[The camera shifts to Sammy Guevara.]

Renee Paquette: "Sammy, two weeks ago, FTR beat Angelo Parker and Matt Menard. You're challenging them now, is that right?"

Sammy Guevara: "You're damn right, Renee! FTR, you had your fun with Parker and Menard, but now it's our turn. Jake Hager and I, we're not just another tag team. I'm the Spanish God, we're Sammy Hager, baby! We're throwing down the gauntlet, and we're coming for those Tag Titles!"

[Now the focus falls on Chris Jericho, and the atmosphere noticeably shifts.]

Renee Paquette: "Chris, I've noticed you've been quiet since your loss to Adam Cole earlier tonight. This has been a tough year for you with several high-profile losses. Now that your quest to become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has ended, what's your next move?"

[Jericho looks like he wants to answer. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. The silence stretches out, and the others exchange worried glances.]

[Jericho tries again, a determined look crossing his face, but once more, no words come. He seems to crumble, a man lost and defeated. Without a word, he turns and walks off set, leaving the others behind.]

[The camera lingers on the stunned faces of The Jericho Appreciation Society, and Renee Paquette looks equally shocked.]

Renee Paquette: "Well... it seems that tonight has taken a significant toll on Chris Jericho. We'll keep you updated on the situation as it develops. Back to you, guys."

[The camera fades out, leaving the viewers in suspense about the future of Chris Jericho and The Jericho Appreciation Society.]

---

<b>NJPW Strong Women's Championship: Willow Nightingale (C) vs. Saraya w/ Toni Storm and Ruby Soho</b>

Over the weekend at an NJPW show, Toni Storm laid out a challenge to Willow to do a title for title match on Collision, which Willow readily accepted. But The Outcasts then jumped her, and somehow this resulted in Saraya goading Willow into putting her title up for grabs against her first.

Pretty solid match all-in-all, very possibly Saraya's best AEW match to date with her heel antics playing well against the fiery babyface Willow. Willow seemed to have Saraya ready to be finished off only for Toni to just blast spray paint directly in Willow's eye, causing the DQ.

Willow keeps her title, but at what cost? The Outcasts perform a 3-on-1 beatdown until Britt Baker runs out to help, and the Outcasts take their leave, mocking the blinded Willow along the way. <b>***, 73% overall</b>

---


[Lights dim, then an arrogant MJF struts into the ring, microphone in hand. The crowd, already chanting "CM Punk", grows even louder.]

MJF: First of all, Chicago, will you shut up! You sound like a bunch of seals at the zoo. I'm the AEW World Champion, and you will respect me!

[The crowd's CM Punk chants continue, only growing louder.]

MJF: So, let's talk about last Friday's Collision. I warned Punk. I warned him to watch his back. And what does he do? He brushes me off and gets choked out by Samoa Joe.

[He grins, shrugging.]

MJF: Now let me clarify something. I had absolutely no idea Samoa Joe would attack Punk. But I can't say I'm surprised. Punk was never one for heeding warnings, was he?

[The crowd booing grows louder.]

MJF: Now, with Punk and Joe out of the way, let's turn our attention to the match this Sunday at Forbidden Door. Tetsuya Naito, the pride and joy of that rinky-dink indie promotion, New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

[He chuckles, shaking his head.]

MJF: Naito, do you honestly believe you stand a chance against me? Your boring, methodical style might fool the fans in Japan, but I see right through it.

[He smirks, arms crossed.]

MJF: New Japan Pro-Wrestling... It's funny how a company with 'Pro' in its name is anything but. But don't worry, I won't let this prestigious AEW World Title fall into the hands of that circus act you call a wrestling company.

[He raises the AEW World Title high, the crowd's booing reaching a crescendo.]

MJF: This Sunday, I'm not just fighting for myself. I'm fighting for every AEW fan, for every person who values real wrestling. I'm fighting to prove that AEW is the only company worthy of this title. And I'm the only man worthy of holding it. All of New Japan will know that I'm better than them, and they know it.

[He drops the microphone, his music blares, and he leaves the ring, the crowd's boos echoing around the arena.]

---

<b>TNT Championship: Wardlow (C) vs. Big Bill w/ Lee Moriarty</b>

Lee Moriarty had a helluva showing in a title match on Friday, so why not give Bill a go at gold as well? Though he isn't anywhere as good of an all-round worker as Lee, he's a good 7 ft tall brawler and that meshes well with Wardlow who is coming off of a hoss fight last week and now jumping straight into another one.

Anyway after a rough and tumble match and evading Lee at ringside, Wardlow finishes off Bill with one of his biggest powerbombs ever. After the bell, it sure seems like his string of hoss fights is just beginning as here comes Jake "The Snake" Roberts leading down Lance Archer to stare down the champion. Guess we have a new challenger! <b>***1/4, 77% overall</b>

---

Renee Paquette stands again backstage. Flanking her are Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley of the Blackpool Combat Club.

RENEE:
Jon, Bryan, in just a few moments you will be facing off against The Young Bucks just days ahead of Forbidden Door. What are your thoughts?

Moxley grins, a hint of ferocity in his eyes.

MOXLEY:
Two weeks ago I threw out an open challenge for Forbidden Door and guess what? Tomohiro Ishii stepped up. The Stone Pitbull himself. One of the toughest son of a bitches I've ever been in the ring with. Ishii, you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into coming at me again. The man you faced four years ago is not the same man you are stepping into the ring with now.

The crowd reacts, their excitement audible even from backstage. Renee turns to Danielson.

RENEE:
Bryan, your match with Kazuchika Okada at Forbidden Door is being called a dream match. What's your take?

Danielson smirks, his confidence unwavering.

DANIELSON:
It's not just a dream match, Renee. It's THE dream match. Okada might be the 'Rainmaker', but I've been making dreams come true in the ring for longer than he's been around. It's going to be a match that people will talk about for decades, and when all is said and done the American Dragon will do what he does best and kick someone's head in.

Renee nods, a question already on her lips.

RENEE:
And what about your match with the Young Bucks? Are you concerned about wrestling this match before doing battle against Okada?

Danielson laughs, dismissive and confident.

DANIELSON:
The Young Bucks? I've been saying this about The Elite for months. They're amateurs. Their flashy style might impress some, but it takes more than flips and superkicks to make it in this business. They're about to learn a tough lesson tonight.

RENEE:
Strong words from the Blackpool Combat Club. We'll see how this all unfolds in the ring. Back to you.

---

<b>Tag Team Match: The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley) w/ Wheeler Yuta</b>

Well, for the second TV show in a row I got a tag match that completely ruled and, in this case, it led to me getting the highest match rating I've had in this match save. The styles just blended perfectly here with the speedster Bucks, master technician Danielson and brawler Moxley. They was just something for everyone here.

Wheeler Yuta tries to involve himself in affairs one time too many, leading to his ejection. As he protests, the ref doesn't see Claudio Castagnoli enter from the crowd. He leaps onto the apron just as Matt Jackson was going to attempt a springboard, massive uppercut!

Matt is in the ring stunned, he gets up slowly, turns around and receives a Busaiku Knee. BCC get the win and some momentum heading into Sunday.

The BCC put the boots to the Bucks as the crowd boos. The crowd chants for help and after some time has passed Hangman Page finally runs out with a bullrope and the BCC decide they've had enough, leaving through the crowd laughing as Page tends to the Bucks. <b>****1/2, 92% overall

83% overall show rating</b>. Multiple 90-rated promos helped prop this show up even higher.

Card set for AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door:

<b>AEW World Championship:</b> MJF (C) vs. Tetsuya Naito

<b>IWGP World Heavyweight Championship:</b> Adam Cole vs. SANADA (C)

<b>IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship:</b> Kenny Omega (C) vs. Will Ospreay

<b>AEW International Championship:</b> Orange Cassidy (C) vs. Minoru Suzuki

<b>ROH Television Championship and IWGP Television Championship:</b> Samoa Joe (C) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (C)

<b>ROH Pure Championship:</b> Daniel Garcia (C) vs. Katsuyori Shibata

Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada

CM Punk vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Jon Moxley vs. Tomohiro Ishii

---

I would've put the Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale title for title match on the PPV because, in real life, not only do I think that match is happening on the card but also AEW would get understandably ethered if they had a PPV without a women's match. Similarly, there's no way there won't be tag matches on the PPV.

But this is just one of those deals where I have to book to the limitations of what the game gives me. Real-life AEW PPVs are infrequent so they load the cards up more than I'm allowed to in game. Plus, I have the entire NJPW roster available to me on Open deals, and I think they will be largely unavailable through most of July due to touring commitments.

Besides that, I have a huge roster and don't want to overuse NJPW talent. Both because it would get expensive in-game and also because it's not particularly realistic, the NJPW guys mostly just show up at certain times of the year. So this show is about just doing a 9-match "dream card" of AEW vs. NJPW singles matches while I can.

Technically Toni vs. Willow wouldn't fit there either because NJPW doesn't have a formal women's division. Their women come primarily through their sister promotion STARDOM, other joshi feds, AEW etc. But for all intents it would be an AEW vs. AEW match.

The one NJPW-contracted woman's wrestler I'd happily book is injured (in real life) so for realism purposes I'm avoiding using her right now. But I'm sure at some point, I'll have to look at my Bank Statement to see if I can afford to bring her in, if you catch my drift.

Fuck it, another show today. Trying to see if I can stay ahead of the pace of real-life AEW which means I'd need to hammer out Collision and Forbidden Door by the weekend.

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AEW Rampage
June 23, 2023

The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds and John Silver) w/ Evil Uno and Stu Grayson vs. The Workhorsemen (Anthony Henry and J.D. Drake)

Dark Order kicking off Rampage for a second week in a row. The Workhorsemen are the kind of team that probably would get the "already in the ring" treatment in entrances. They are among a handful of talent on the roster who are actually pretty talented in-ring wrestlers but nobody would know them unless they watched AEW Dark when that was around. This is reflected in their very low overness, like high 30s/low 40s.

At the same time, they also indy veterans who are nearly 40 years old each so there's no point in sending them down to ROH to build overness. And much like the real AEW I probably won't be future endeavoring people unless they cause issues or I start losing money in-game. So they will likely just top out at solid hands to put against my regular tag teams to get a decent match. 80 quality for this one but the lack of a crowd reaction impacted the star rating.

The announcers speculate on if Hangman was able to make contact and amends with the Dark Order on Wednesday, but their questions are seemingly answered with Reynolds and Silver showing the same mean streak the group showed last week. Reynolds puts away Henry with a Fisherman Buster for the victory.

After the bell, Drake returns to the ring for a cheap shot but Uno and Grayson hop in to save their mates and they hit him with a Fatality for his troubles. The Dark Order stand tall and as pissed off as we've seen them in a long while. <b>**3/4, 68% overall</b>

---

<b>TBS Championship: Kris Statlander (C) vs. The Bunny w/ Penelope Ford</b>

Kris Statlander has been keeping herself busy. First a Shida title defense, then being confronted by Thunder Rosa, and now issuing a challenge to either Bunny or Ford after they interjected themselves into the Best Friends' trios match on Dynamite.

The Bunny aka Allie is a veteran of the ring wars and her styles ended up gelling quite well with Kris'. Competitive all-around match ends with Stat finishing off Bunny with the Big Bang Theory. Penelope cheap shots her afterward, apparently wanting a chance against the champ too. <b>***, 73% overall</b>

---

Next up we have a video package hyping up the matches for Forbidden Door. It couldn't be that I created a stable called "Forbidden Door" featuring all of the AEW talent on the card and ran a stable video for it. Nope not at all!

---

<b>Konosuke Takeshita w/ Don Callis vs. Bandido</b>

Well last week I put Takeshita against a luchadore and the match was solid but suffered from crowd reaction. I'm giving it another go here, Bandido is not only more over than Takeshita's last opponent but the styles on paper seem they should mesh well.

And mesh they did. 92% quality match with Scott Keith admitting he was considering giving it 4 stars. Sadly, the crowd reaction did still play a part in this but not to the extent of last time. These two have a banger with Takeshita of course winning via Zahi Knee. <b>***1/2, 75% overall</b>

---

[The arena is raucous after that competitive match. BANDIDO is slumped in a corner of the ring, spent and beaten. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA stands victorious in the center, his breathing heavy but his stance unbowed. DON CALLIS makes his way into the ring, microphone in hand, a devilish grin on his face.]

CALLIS: [Raises mic, his voice booming over the cheers and boos of the crowd] "Ladies and gentlemen, what you just witnessed was not an upset. It was not a surprise. What you saw was an inevitability!"

[The crowd reacts, with boos filling the air. Callis raises a hand, waiting for them to quiet. Takeshita remains stoic, silently standing guard.]

CALLIS: "Look around you, at the landscape of AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Think of the names. [He chuckles] Adam Cole. Kazuchika Okada. Hiroshi Tanahashi. 'Hangman' Adam Page. Tremendous talents, no doubt about it. But there's a new force rising. A man who stands tall above them all!"

[He places an arm around Takeshita, squeezing his shoulder.]

CALLIS: "This man, my 'son', Konosuke Takeshita! He didn't just defeat Bandido tonight, no... he made a statement. A statement that he will be making over and over again from this day forward that says he's better. Better than all of them. And, most importantly, he is certainly better than you, Kenny Omega!"

[The crowd roars, a cacophony of boos flooding the arena. Callis pauses, soaking in the reaction, then continues.]

CALLIS: "So Kenny, listen up. You've got a mountain to climb this Sunday against Will Ospreay. And let me tell you, that's a steep climb. But even if you make it to the summit, even if you somehow keep hold of your IWGP United States Championship... what then, Kenny?"

[He pulls Takeshita in closer.]

CALLIS: "You'll find another mountain waiting. A mountain named Takeshita. And he's not just any peak, Kenny. He's Everest. He's K2. And when you're spent and gasping for breath... Konosuke by god Takeshita will be there, ready to cast you down."

[Callis drops the mic, the sound reverberating throughout the arena. He leaves the ring with Takeshita, their silhouettes receding under the blinding lights as the crowd's reactions continue to pour in.]

---

Darby Allin vs. "The Machine" Brian Cage

In my last EWR game I had these two wrestle and was impressed with how well they gelled, they have opposing stats but the big meaty but still agile powerhouse dude gelled well with the small underdog guy who throws his body around with reckless abandon. Now that Darby's involved himself in Mogul Embassy business, I can try running it back.

And sure enough, it still works! I imagine Darby spends most of the match getting ragdolled as he usually does, with maybe a few flash nearfalls that nearly take the big man out.

As one point, Cage is lying on the apron and that mad bastard Darby goes off for a Coffin Drop. He leaps up and...Swerve Strickland slipped into the ringside area and pulled Cage away! Darby lands onto the apron back first, bah gawd that's gotta hurt.

Darby is writing in the ground in pain and Cage slides into the ring before the 10 count for a cheap victory!

Swerve instructs Cage to bring Darby back into the ring to inflict more punishment. As Swerve heads up top for a Swerve Stomp, the lights go out. When they come back on, Sting is in the ring with his trademark baseball bat. The Mogul Embassy leave well enough alone and exit the ring. Sting checks on Darby as Rampage goes off the air. <b>****, 80% overall

78% overall show rating</b>

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Odd choice to not save something like a cage match for the main event, but I've done way sillier. Not sure if you're working towards making the title match a triple threat or it's a way to get Jericho out of the way and provide the rub. What kind of cages does AEW use anyway? Do they even do cage matches?

It's kind of funny how Page just bolted and the rest of the group didn't even bother acknowledging his departure. :lol:

Yeah, if you have even one dude who is just not over and even less so than people that went on before, the crowd isn't having it. I know the WWE and AEW have their ways of structuring their shows, but it's not feasible in a game like EWR if you're wanting great overall ratings throughout the show. Can you imagine if you did what WWE did for WrestleMania 18 and putting on something like a women's match immediately after something like Rock vs. Hogan? I mean, I'll take Trish and Lita over the Hulkadoofus any day of the week but a lot of wrestling fans don't have my sophisticated taste....

"JungleHook". I see what you did there. A good old fashioned backstage fight is one of wrestling's bare necessities after all...:shifty:

The Bunny can grab my leg anytime. I wonder if the expression "humps like a rabbit" applies.

I'm imagining doing something similar to this whenever I decide to finally job Michael Hotbody out. Imagine being so shocked over a defeat that it causes a cerebral malfunction.

Pssh, like that's the first time Willow has been sprayed in the face. I looked her up and it's an interesting change of pace to have a woman with that kind of build. It happens all the time in Japan, but the most we ever had over here was Awesome Kong. Speaking of which, she's not on your roster now, right? She could be a decent opponent for Willow.

I know he's supposed to lay it on pretty thick with the exaggeration, but New Japan really was on the rocks last I heard when I had stopped following wrestling. The inevitable MJF/Punk payoff should give you a nice return, save for the hand of the DUD show sticking itself in the middle of it all.

It'd be a funny twist if Jake was the actual next challenger instead of Archer. :lol:

Not for nothing, doesn't anybody think it might be time for the "Young" Bucks to change their name? Just The Bucks would be fine at this point in time. Don't people bring it up when they do promos against them? Also, if I were Moxley and I'm doing an interview with my wife Renee, I'd do whatever I could to get her to corpse on camera. Sure, I'd be sleeping on the couch all the time, but I'd still be married to Renee.

Yeah, never underestimate the power of your non-wrestling segments fueled by the power of your most charismatic workers. Even when you've got your lower-card guys not bringing the crowd to life, 2 or 3 great interviews will most certainly get you over the top. The best is when you get the elusive 100% segment rating and/or your workers earn points toward their overness. I've had people get up to 6 points of additional overness sometimes. It's rare, but it helps when you've got the right people feuding.

I'm halfway through the Slammy edition of Superstars and I'm aiming to finish it by the end of the day. It came out better than expected, all things considered, but it helps that you picked winners that were going to add a lot to the proceedings.

This post is sponsored by the Alabama Jam
 

Oh, I definitely smell what you're drifting...

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Seriously, this is one of biggest reasons racism is stupid. You're gonna turn down a fine cut of prime dark meat like this? I don't think so.

This post is sponsored by Vorador's mansion
 

Superstars: December 6, 2040

SLAMMY NIGHT!!!

We're not wasting any time getting into it as Lisa Benton welcomes us to the show as she's out here to present the first award for the night: Tag Team of the Year. There are a few awards that won't be presented here live for the sake of time, but rest assured they will still be acknowledged throughout the night and everyone can view exclusive interviews with the winners on WWE.com or on the app. But back to the Tag Team of the Year. Some of these nominees are set to participant in the opening match so now is the best time to tackle this award. We're shown the nominees and ultimately Lisa announces the recipients of the award as the former Unified Tag Team Champions, The Royal Effect!

Moses McKay and King Kavovit make their way out looking ready to go, but even more so, looking thrilled and elated that they've been picked to receive this award. McKay gets on the mic and says that even with the limited capacity for thought that permeates the WWE audience, they still had no choice but to acknowledge the tremendous ability and presence of the Royal Effect! Kavovit adds that it's a testament to their superiority that they formed halfway through the year and they still came out on top of the heap. It's the perfect allegory for the situation with the Tag Team Titles. Blaine Bellamy and Robbie Greer may have those belts now, but the fruits of robbery are never savored very long and whether anyone likes it or not, The Royal Effect will come out on top of that situation, too, and get back what's rightfully theirs. If the Wyldhearts don't like it, they can try doing something about it right now in this match!

Opening Match: The Royal Effect and The Future Foundation vs. The Wyldhearts and the Love Connection
These kinds of matches are always great. I wonder if the tag ratings of each team gets taken into account for the overall score. It's a wild way to start things and it only gets wilder as it breaks down in the end as it turns into a pier six affair and Coleman and McKay are legal for their teams. Vivian hops up on the apron to distract Coleman and the ref but Aphrodite comes in to put a stop to that. Unfortunately, that gives McKay the time he needs to whack Coleman from behind with his newly acquired Slammy and that's going to give the heels the cheap pinfall victory. The Royal Effect walk away with their awards in hand, gesturing that they want the titles back. ****1/2, 93% overall.

Going to break, a video does the honors of Manager of the Year, which is snagged by Luscious. Oh, joy.

Back from break, Lisa Benton is ready to present another award, this time for Shocker of the Year! This award is presented to the people who created a moment in time worthy enough to rattle everyone in the WWE and the fans. 2040 was full of those kinds of moments, but which was the biggest? As before, the nominees play on the big screen. We await with baited breath as Lisa opens the envelope to read the winner...it's Butch Fleming for his shocking return at Backlash! Lisa informs us that, sadly, Butch Fleming is not able to be present here tonight as he is still recuperating from his time in Hell in a Cell. She's ready to accept the award on his behalf until Chet Morris comes out to interrupt.

"I will be accepting this award on his behalf, thank you very much. If there's anyone that knows shocking, it's me. You wouldn't know shocking if it hit you upside the head, Lisa. What I did to my cousin Lyle was shocking...and like I alluded to before, you haven't seen anything yet. Now I've got some business to attend to."

Second Match: Chet Morris vs. Patrick Dean Quartermaine
Business is being attended to, indeed, as Chet dominates here. Do I dare have a new potential hot singles heel on my hands??? I mean, probably not. I do have something in store for him come Bragging Rights so I might as well make him somewhat of a big thing. Chet gets the win here by showing he doesn't need Lyle by ending things with a one-man Backwoods Bomb for the pin. ****1/4, 93%

Back from break, it's time for the award for Woman of the Year, with a very special presenter...RIOTT!!! Holy shit!!! Riott begins by saying she knows a thing or two about taking this award home. She feels honored and thankful that she was able to impress the fans enough to win this award way back when, but now we'll see who managed to pull off a year amazing enough that the people chose them for this Slammy. Once again we take a look at the impressive list of nominees via the big screen. Riott takes the envelope and reads the winner...IT'S THE WOMEN'S CHAMPION SONYA BRADDOCK!

The crowd pops as Sonya's music plays and the champion herself makes her way out to the stage. She and Riott share a tense moment as they look at each other. There's a lot of history here, folks. Ultimately, Sonya takes the award and Riott applauds the champion as there doesn't look like there's going to be any incident and Sonya looks to give her speech.

Oops, never mind. Here comes someone to make an incident out of this, namely the former Women's Champion, Naomi Bailey. Bailey is irate at the fans. She asks them how stupid can they be in picking Sonya over Naomi for this award. The people have got to be the biggest bunch of ingrates she's ever seen! Naomi stole the show all year! Day in and day out, she was at the top of her game and she made bitches like Sonya Braddock kneel in front her!

Sonya looks like she's taking offense to this and she gets in Naomi's face. Naomi isn't fazed and she continues her tirade against the champ, accusing her of being a phony. Sonya knows that her win at Survivor Series should be reversed and Naomi should be crowned the rightful champ. Besides, Naomi would be able to handle Jenna Kyle at Bragging Rights way more than Sonya ever could. With that comment, Sonya shoves Naomi back and Naomi looks to fire back but we get the usual gang of idiots to get in between the two ladies and stop any more breaking down of the show.

Third Match: The Glitz Girls vs. C4
Brooke is with C4, talking about how none of them have picked up Slammys. Brooke knows that she's a top manager, so the problem must lie with her clients not pulling their weight. She demands that either Cordelia or Carmella win that Woman of the Year award next time around...if she can even tolerate them as her clients by then, that is. All that aside, this is a solid match all around. It comes to an end after Cordelia and Carmella stumble over themselves trying to outdo the other. Tania is legal for the faces and she whips Carmella into the corner where Cordelia is slumped. Carmella manages to pump the brakes to avoid a collision and the two heels share a bit of words. Carmella turns back around and sees Tania trying a Stinger Splash. Carmella dodges this and Cordelia takes the hit. Tania gets rolled up by Carmella and Carmella uses Cordelia's own crushed body for leverage to score the cheap pin. Cordelia is slighted at these turn of events and shoves Carmella afterwards, but Brooke steps in to play peacemaker. ****1/2, 92% overall.

We're informed that Michael Hotbody has taken the award for Douche of the Year as we move on. I'm sure that will go over well with him.

The awards continue as Lisa Benton is back out to present Rookie of the Year! This award honors the person who has made a huge splash with the WWE audience despite it being their debut year. We go to the big screen for the nominees and upon the conclusion of that showcase, Lisa is once again tasked with opening the envelope to reveal the winner. She glances at the card and looks disgusted at what she reads. Begrudgingly, Lisa announces that the winner of the this award is none other than...Michael Hotbody. Lisa continues looking none too thrilled about this task as the Cruiserweight Champion indeed makes his way out with a smile a mile wide and shaking his body like nobody's business. He yanks the award away from Lisa and gets on the mic with glee. He claims that he's here to rub all of this great success in Lisa's face so she had better not go anywhere. "Now normally I would be upset at you not addressing me my full moniker, but seeing as how we're pressed for time, all of that introduction would've just eaten into my speech time AND I AM NOT ABOUT TO WASTE THIS SPEECH!!! I have been expecting to win every single category in which I am nominated and so far, so good! I now have this second Slammy to go along with the one that I won earlier. I am officially the Rookie of the Year...AND the Most Envied Superstar of the Year!!!"

Lisa looks confused and tries to interrupt by correcting him. "Uh, actually you won the Dou..."

"That's right!" Hotbody continues. "It is no small feat to be the most envied person in the locker room, but it's a burden that I am strong enough to carry! Just like I'm strong enough to carry multiple Slammys AND the WWE Cruiserweight Title. Now, onto the thank yous. First and foremost, thanks are in order to the other nominees for being so inferior to me that I could easily take this award. I am Mister 2040 and no one can take that away from me. More thanks to Zed Jones, who is a brother like no other! Loyal and brave and firm. He's the biggest and the baddest out there and he has my endorsement so Clubber Harris had better be thinking twice about crossing him in the future. Another special thanks to the best legal team money can buy. The law offices of Freddie Galino and Jimmy Farnes deserve so much love and credit for standing by me and making sure I am free of any sort of legal shenanigans anyone tries throwing my way. Last, but certainly not least, behind every great man is a great woman. And there is none greater than the sexiest thing happening in the WWE today, other than me, fellow Slammy Award winner, my girl, my heart and soul...THE LOVELY LUSCIOUS! You had all better believe that there is celebration of the physical kind that's going to do down and it's well deserved. The only way this night can get any better is me also taking home the award for Cruiserweight of the Year! As a matter of fact, why not just get that out of the way right now! Lisa, make yourself useful and get to it. I've got places to be and I'm a lock for this category anyway. Get the stupid envelope out here and give me my third Slammy!"

Lisa Benton looks exasparated, but she agrees nonetheless and asks that the production crew bring up the nominees for Cruiserweight of the Year. Hotbody objects to this and demands that Lisa just open the damn envelope because it's a waste of time anyway. Benton takes the envelope and opens it up and looks at the winner. She gets a huge smile on her face and she gets on the mic to announce the winner. "Well, Michael, I can say one thing for sure. I am absolutely thrilled to present this award with you here to witness it." Hotbody is all smiles and is giddy as all hell and he beckons for Lisa to announce the name. "Your winner for Cruiserweight of the Year is...JORDAN DEMIRAS!!!"

The crowd pops and Hotbody's smile disappears, replaced with a shocked expression. He is outraged and demands to see the card and he yanks it from Lisa's hand, not believing what he reads. Jordan makes his way out to claim his prize, but Hotbody isn't done. "Woah, woah, woah, I demand a recount! This is an outrage! What in the hell makes YOU, Jordan, so special that you think you should have this award? Do you have the Cruiserweight Title? NO! Have you ever beaten me in a match? NO! You have a lot of nerve coming out here to accept this award. If you had ANY sense of pride or honesty you'll give up this Slammy AND PERSONALLY HAND IT TO ME!!! What's it going to be?"

Jordan looks at Hotbody then scans the crowd as if looking for an answer. He goes the route of slapping Hotbody across the face and then takes the award and goes to leave. Hotbody isn't finished and challenges Jordan if he really wants to fight. He tells Jordan to get some back up and head to the ring so they can get a piece if they want to go at it so bad. Jordan and whoever wants to team with him can get in the ring with Galino & Farnes!

Fourth Match: Clubber Harris and Jordan Demiras vs. Galino & Farnes
Harris answers the call much to the chagrin of Hotbody. No doubt Harris just wants to get under the skin of Zed. This is more good shit from these guys. Jordan and Harris mesh oddly well together. It comes to an end when Ozzy Mandias comes running down while the ref is busy trying to keep Zed and Harris away from each. Ozzy shoves Jordan off the top as the latter is looking for an Axe Kick. Galino & Farnes hit SERIOUS INQUIRIES! on the dazed Jordan and that's enough to put him away for the cheap victory. Ozzy backs up the ramp pointing at Jordan and claiming that he's next. ****1/2, 92% overall.

A video does the job of presenting us the Feud of the Year nominees. Faith Connors and Jenna Kyle are announced as the winners.

We have more Slammys to hand out and Lisa Benton comes out to present the award for Noteworthy Moment of the Year. She describes this award as being the one to recognize the single instance of monumental history that went down in 2040. We go to the nominees, each one just as big as the other. It is ultimately down to the votes and it's time to see what the people have to say about this. Lisa opens the envelope. The winner of the award is...Jenna Kyle and Faith Connors becoming the first Women's Tag Team Champions at SummerSlam!

Well, the Lonely Girls are already Slammy winners, but now they get their chance to come out to the stage and make a speech properly. Faith Connors begins by pointing out how funny it is that she and Jenna have an award for fighting each other, and now have an award for being a team. Personally, she'll take fighting by Jenna's side over getting punched in the face by her and there is no doubt in her mind that she and Jenna can make even more history in the next year. She wants to thank Jenna just as much as she wants to thanks the people for this honor.

Jenna takes over and agrees that she and Faith have much more to accomplish. They're still owed an opportunity to get back those same tag titles they worked their asses off to win at SummerSlam. Hannah McCormick and Bobbi Jo had better be watching and understanding what their in for when the chance for the Lonely Girls to step into the ring with them again comes around. But for Jenna personally, her first stab at making history is at Bragging Rights when she gets the chance to win that Women's Title for the fourth time. Naomi Bailey can take a hike because all of her blustering amounts to nothing. Jenna hopes that Naomi isn't causing Sonya Braddock to take her eye off the ball, because Jenna wants no excuses. She wants Sonya at the top of her game because if there's anyone worth beating, it's the so-called Woman of the Year. In the meantime, Jenna claims that she and Faith are going to celebrate. Pleasure now...business later.

The Lonely Girls start to take their leave but the next match is set to get underway and Dusk is the first participant to come out. Dusk gives Faith the stink eye as there is still business among the two. That'll have to wait as we've got this match to take care of...

Fifth Match: Ainsley and Phoebe Hansen vs. Debra Phillips and Dusk
I was a bit worried about doing this match here as both Ainsley and Debra are still low-tier. Ainsley, Phoebe, and Dusk are rocking it in the charisma department, though. Plus, who wouldn't react to a woman like Dusk? Debra and Ainsely are still in the infancy of their feud so I don't think there's a need to job someone out hard yet. We'll just have Debra get herself counted out to escape the wrath of Ainsley. That'll work. And the rating proves me right, apparently. ****1/2, 85% overall.

Another video does the job of presenting a Slammy, this time for Match of the Year. The Iron Woman Match between Jenna and Faith get the honors as that's 3 Slammys for both women, the most for the night. That has to be a record.

Sixth Match: Alexander Piero vs. Chris Collins
Collins gets on the stick and wants to emphasize that after this, he wants to be done with Piero. He's tired of playing with the little boys. Piero should be counting his lucky stars that Collins even granted him this much attention. Collins belongs amongst the titans of the WWE. He's won more accomplishments than Piero can ever hope to achieve. The one lesson that Collins hopes Piero takes away from this whole experience is that choosing your battle wisely is always paramount. More importantly, Collins hopes to move onto bigger and better things because now is one of the best times to start making moves. With all that is happening in the WWE right now, Collins will be damned if he's going to be lost in the shuffle. So with that said, he invites Piero to come on down and make that one final swing for the fences.

Issues aside, this match rules. It's No DQ so they take advantage of that fact, leaving a mess all around ringside. I have no doubt in my mind that Piero is going to far down the road, but right now I have immediate concerns for Collins. After a long and solid brutal affair, Collins escapes an attempt at the Flashpoint and shoves Piero into an exposed turnbuckle. That's enough to set Piero up for the Fall From Heaven and Collins is going to walk away with the pin and the victory. ****1/2, 92% overall.

And thus we've arrived at the big one. It's time for the Slammy for Superstar of the Year. Here to present this one is none other than a legend who has a few of these under his belt, among other accolades, IAN MOORE!

"I admit, coming back last week to take part in the show kind of gave me the itch to want to come back and do it some more. Now I will have to get back to my usual day-to-day activities but this is too big to just pass up. This award is a symbol of excellence of the highest order. The superstar who claims this award will be someone who made history, shocked the world, performed at the highest level on a consistent basis, and came out better at the end of the year than from where they began, all rolled into one. All of these men deserve praise, but there's only one Slammy here. So without further ado, here are the nominees for Superstar of the Year!"

The big screen goes through all 9 candidates, each one receiving highlight footage from their time in 2040. We go back to Ian Moore and he's ready to open the envelope!

"And your 2040 Superstar of the Year is...BRANDON REIGNS!"

The crowd begrudgingly shows respect as the man himself comes on out to receive the award. He gives Ian a cold look, but accepts the statue and gets on the mic. "If there is one reason, and one reason only, why I should be the Superstar of the Year over everyone else, it should be over the simple fact that unlike any of the others, there was no doubt in my mind that I was the biggest name in the WWE. I beat out so many former World Champions. Hell, I beat out the CURRENT Unified World Champion! I was at the top of my game all year and I told you all, week in and week out, that I was bringing change to this company. Only a true Superstar of the Year is capable of bringing change. And the best part of all of this, is that I'm not done. We are just months away from WrestleMania and whether Wrakk makes it to the show with his title still in hand or Ryan Pattillo pulls off an upset at Bragging Rights or anyone else who might be wearing those belts by that time, they get the honor of being the first victim of my new landscape when I cash in this Money in the Bank contract! I'm not just aiming for Superstar of the Year again, I am going to be the Superstar of the Decade and I challenge anyone to try to knock me off course!"

Cue someone who looks like he wants to take Brandon up on that offer. Kerry Cemenko makes his way out and gets in Brandon's face. Brandon mocks Kerry for not winning anything tonight, but Kerry points out that it's actually a good thing because that gives him time to take Brandon up on his offer and whip his ass. Brandon isn't going to slight Kerry for wanting to take a swing at the oh-so special Superstar of the Year, right?

Brandon is amused at this and welcomes the challenge...but not right now. There's celebrating to be done and Kerry's not invited. Brandon will, however, demonstrate his generosity and admiration for Kerry's chutzpah by letting Kerry have an up close look at the Slammy, seeing as how Kerry didn't win one. With that, Brandon tries nailing Kerry with the statue but Kerry ducks and then slams Brandon's head into the podium. Brandon goes down and starts to crawl away. Kerry moves in for the kill but Brandon shoves the Money in the Bank briefcase into Kerry's guy and that buys him enough time to escape.

MAIN EVENT: Wrakk and Xavier Cross vs. Ryan Pattillo and Kyle Jacobs
I want to do Cemenko/Reigns and Cross/Jacobs but I don't know which one to put on the PPV. Jacobs and Cross would probably give me a higher rating. I mean, look at the results of this match. Wrakk and Pattillo are helping, sure. Anyways, it's a kick ass main event and a great way to cap off the evening. Pattillo, of course, needs THE MOMENTUM as he heads towards Bragging Rights. It breaks down into a pier six and Pattillo escapes an attempt at the Cross Cutter from Xavier. Wrakk tries booting Ryan, but he ducks and poor Xavier gets the size 15 to his face instead. Jacobs comes back into take himself and Wrakk over the top and to the outside and Pattillo stacks up the dazed Xavier with a jacknife roll up for the pin. Things can only get more tense as we inch closer and closer to the PPV. *****, 94% overall.

Congratulations to all the Slammy winners!

Overall show rating: 89%

This post is sponsored by Ellis "Red" Redding
 

Aaaaaand fucking Naomi fucks up her ankle putting her on the shelf. Well, there goes what I wanted for the women's match at the PPV.

The Superstars Slammy Spectacular episode was a total home run. Loved the promos for this, just gradually building up as the night goes along.

Chet accepting the award for Butch and using it to further an angle. Riott and Sonya having a tense standoff playing off of previous history. Heels being incredulous at not winning the big one. Reigns being a complete dickhead about his own win.

And then of course the Hotbody arc. No-selling winning Douche of the Year (side note...hilarious to imagine a formal Oscars awards presentation video with "Douche of the Year" being in the graphics). Rubbing in his victories only to have the rug pulled out under him by losing out on the big one.

He's got every right to be upset! Demiras clearly was working some overtime on the voters and especially Lisa Benton to get that result.

Yeah this was a case of me trying to book like the real-life promotion. Major matches like this very often do get put out there to kick off the show, as modern ratings metrics have shown people are more likely to tune in for the beginning of the show than anything else. So the theory is you put something big and important out there first in hopes that fans stick around and want to see what else is cooking.

But alas, this goes in direct contrast to how EWR was programmed. Considering this game dropped AFTER WrestleMania 18 it's a shame there isn't a "Purpose" reason called "cooldown match" or something. I believe in TEW the game is much better at recognizing what you are trying to do.

Yes, AEW does do the occasional cage match. Pretty standard looking modern era cage, with the top designed with room for people to be able to climb over (or more realistically, dive off of, as was the case at Full Gear).

Normally in AEW they don't allow you to escape the cage, it's meant to be two guys battling to a result with no option to leave. But it worked in my angle so fuck it.

https://411mania.com/wp-content/uplo...r3-645x370.jpg


I'm definitely critical of how AEW book their women's division as despite having a ton of wrestlers under contract, it seems like there's just the token one women's match a week and maybe some sort of vignette or promo.

Of course, now I'm playing a game with an 11-segment limit and I'm doing exactly the same thing, granted in part because the women's ratings aren't all that great.

What they aren't lacking in, however, is hot women. I'd say they have at least a dozen smokeshows and a handful of other ones that are at least in the realm of "I wouldn't say no".

I have an idea in mind for Jericho and it's more or less in line with an angle he just started in real life, but in this EWR world he's clearly shellshocked and beginning to face the reality that maybe he's losing his touch or the young talent in AEW are starting to pass him by, leaving him trying to plot his next move.

Willow is interesting because even though she's got a bigger build, it's not like she's an overwhelming powerhouse either. She's got impressive agility for a woman who is more on the plus size side of things. It also makes her seem more credible against the brick shithouses like Jade Cargill, Kris Statlander, or Taya Valkyrie.

No Kong though sadly. In real life, she signed a 2-year contract beginning with AEW's first show Double or Nothing 2019. It was negotiated into her deal that she'd be written off in early 2020 so she could go film season 4 of GLOW. They wrote her off but then COVID happened, the season got scrapped by Netflix, and she didn't feel comfortable going to the bi-weekly tapings during the pandemic and AEW didn't force anyone in who wanted to stay in quarantine.

Add all that up and by the time AEW were getting ready to get back on the road just after Double or Nothing 2021, her contract expired and she had decided to retire. She did a one-off angle in NWA announcing her retirement formally and that was that.

Unfortunately both of her WWE and AEW runs are huge "what-if"s, a shame for one of my favorite female talents. But she's not in the game save.

Around the time you stopped watching, NJPW had lost AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson. Part of the reason they jumped was because NJPW had done a good job of re-establishing itself in the mid-2010s. Opinions of Bullet Club are mixed but objectively their presence got more American eyes on the product than ever before, which led to WWE looking to poach Finn Balor and those other guys.

The product remained hot for a few years with Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega having one of the best series of matches I've ever seen in 2017-2018. By 2019 Kenny, the Young Bucks, and Hangman left NJPW to go form AEW and unfortunately COVID itself brought the company to a grinding halt.

I think NJPW is better right now than it's been since 2020 but it took time to get there. They only just recently started allowing fans to cheer again as Japan is/has been far stricter with protocols.


I could swear somebody made a joke about the Young Bucks' name in a promo, might've been Mox himself when he and Eddie Kingston feuded with the Bucks in 2021. Alas I doubt they'll never drop their now-ironic name as it's so synonymous with their brand. You would think they are still young whippersnappers with how much the old-school guys like Cornette moan about them.

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AEW Collision
June 24, 2023

The fireworks explode in Toronto, Ontario as we have our go-home show for Forbidden Door. Let's see how I try to artfully construct a card that avoids getting my key players hurt with the PPV just 24 hours away!

<b>Title for Title: AEW Women's World Champion Toni Storm vs. NJPW Strong Women's Champion Willow Nightingale</b>

As expected, on the real-life Dynamite that just ended, this match got announced for the actual PPV. Glad they are getting the shine in real life. In EWR land though, sorry ladies, I only have so many PPV spots. But throwing them out there first when the crowd is often at a fever pitch is hopefully something of a make-good.

Anyway, they had themselves a strong match with a lot of NJPW-esque hard hitting befitting of the occasion. Toni uses some underhanded tactics throughout the match and Willow begins charging back.

However, as the match seems to be reaching a crescendo, both women are suddenly taken out by a crossbody by someone else! Is that who I think it is, yes it is! It's ATHENA!

The Ring of Honor Women's Champion Athena has been doing her thing on the red and black brand for months, and apparently she feels overlooked. She uses the element of surprise to her advantage, hitting Toni with the O-Face and locking Willow into a Crossface.

The surprise appearance of Athena has caught everybody off-guard The Fallen Goddess holds the ROH Women's Title above her head as we fade to commercial. <b>***, 75% overall</b>

---

Mark Henry: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm here backstage with none other than Samoa Joe. Joe, a lot has been said about your surprise attack on CM Punk last week, with people even speculating you're working on behalf of MJF. Can you clarify things for us?"

Samoa Joe: "Mark, I want to get one thing straight, I don't work for anyone but myself. People are quick to make stories to suit their own narratives, aren't they? MJF? No, that's not the case.

This is about CM Punk, and me. This goes way back, Mark, to the Ring of Honor days. Punk has always been selfish. He seems to think he can just waltz back into the business and hog the spotlight. The spotlight that those of us, who have been grinding and carrying this company on our backs since he's been gone, have earned. That doesn't sit right with me. He wants back in, he has to know that he's walking into my yard."

Mark Henry: "Strong words, Joe. Looking ahead, there's been a lot of buzz around your Forbidden Door match against Zack Sabre Jr. What's your take on that?"

Samoa Joe: "Forbidden Door, yeah, it's a buzzword. A lot of talent is booked for Forbidden Door, but it seems like they're all conveniently not booked to wrestle tonight. Are they scared? Do they lack the courage to step up on Collision?

But let me tell you something, Mark. I'm not like them. I'm here. I'm willing to put my ROH Television Title on the line right here tonight against anyone brave enough to step up to the plate. Because that's who Samoa Joe is. I'm not a coward. I'm a fighter, and I'm here to fight."

Mark Henry: "There you have it, folks. Samoa Joe is here and he's laying down the challenge. Whoever decides to step up, they've got a fight waiting for them. Back to you at ringside."

---

<b>The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) w/ Maria Kanellis</b>

The reunited Men of the Year, Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky, join the commentary table for this one as they spend the entire time egotistically running down the Hardys.

A pretty solid showing here all things considered, as all four guys are seasoned pros. Although I will likely not have the Hardys win too many matches in this universe, The Kingdom are an underneath ROH tag team I don't see myself doing too much with so a Hardys win to avoid jobbing them out too much makes sense as I build their program.

Jeff Hardy hits the Swanton Bomb on Taven for the win. The Hardys stand on the turnbuckles and point at Men of the Year, letting them know they haven't forgotten about the cheap shots last week. <b>***, 76% overall</b>

---

<b>Madison Rayne vs. Thunder Rosa</b>

Thunder Rosa was among the handful of AEW returnees who turned up for the Collision debut, and this is her in-ring return. As you could expect, she's going to be kept looking strong in this match.

I more or less visualized this as an extended squash with Rosa largely dominating proceedings, finishing it off with a Fire Thunder Driver. This was the worst match of the night and still got the Perfectly Acceptable Wrestling label, so that's a mark of a solid night. <b>**3/4, 71% overall</b>

---

Mark Henry is standing backstage with Ricky Starks, FTR, The Lucha Brothers, and Alex Abrahantes.

Mark Henry: Hello agin ladies and gentlemen. Joining me now are an intimidating assembly of talent. Ricky, there's no denying there's been some serious friction between you and Bullet Club Gold recently, especially with Powerhouse Hobbs. Could you enlighten us on this ongoing issue?

Ricky Starks: Mark, let me tell you something, man. Bullet Club Gold thinks they're the biggest game in town, but they're nothing more than a cheap knockoff brand. Jay White, Juice Robinson, and Powerhouse Hobbs – it's like a group project where no one did their homework.

As for Hobbs... now, that's a special case. We go way back, all the way back three years ago to the Team Taz days. But I've never seen such a massive man accomplish so little. His name is 'Powerhouse' Hobbs, right? More like 'Out-of-Power' Hobbs, if you ask me. He's all brawn, no brain. I've never met a man who could lift so much but understand so little. I beat him in a Street Fight last year, and I'll do it again if I have to.

Mark Henry: Tonight, Jay White and Juice Robinson are scheduled to meet the Lucha Brothers in tag team action. Do you have any thoughts?

Ricky Starks: I think Bullet Club Gold has forgotten what they're dealing with here. It's one thing to have issues with me and FTR, we've been dealing with their nonsense for a while now. But now, they've gone ahead and pissed off even more people.

Let me tell you something about the Lucha Brothers. Fenix and Penta don't know the meaning of fear. These boys were wrestling in barns and fields before any of these goons even laced up their boots. Tonight, they're going to show Bullet Club Gold what "cero miedo" truly means.

Mark Henry: Well, it sounds like Bullet Club Gold is going to have their hands full tonight. We look forward to seeing this intense rivalry unfold in the ring. Best of luck to you all.

---

<b>Dalton Castle w/ The Boys vs. Andrade El Idolo w/ La Faccion Ingobernable</b>

Similarly, this is Andrade's in-ring return after a surprise return last week. I don't view this one as quite as much of a squash though. Although Castle is mostly in ROH land, he's got charisma coming out the ass and has a compelling, entertaining personality for any great heel to play off of. I'm not sure how much I'll push him him as an in-ring competitor but worst case he should make a brilliant manager someday.

Be that as it may, these two have a solid-in ring showing with Andrade getting most of his big moves in as he starts to take charge. LFI and the Boys have a proper fuck-about at ringside and Andrade hits La Sombra for the win.

Afterwards, here comes JungleHook again to get them some and we've got a good 'ol brawl to send us into the next add break. <b>***, 75% overall</b>

---

<b>Miro vs. Jeff Cobb</b>

Now here's a juicy Forbidden Door preview. I didn't think I was going to book any NJPW talent outside of the PPV, but I was trying to think of an opponent for Miro and I was browsing through available talent and Cobb's name stood out immediately. Incredibly similar stats to Miro, overness in the high 60s which at worse isn't gonna drag a match down beyond repair. Figured it was as good a time as any to use him before he heads off on his next tour.

So I said fuck it, booked it, and magic resulted. These two guys blended insanely well together and now that I've done this I really wanna see this match in real-life. They're both similarly built barrel-chested dudes. Anyway, big meaty men were slapping meat in this one before Miro gets a pin with the Machka Kick. Consider this an early 1-0 edge for AEW as we head into Forbidden Door. <b>****, 83% overall</b>

---

[The scene opens in a dimly lit room, shadows dancing across the grim visage of the three members of The House of Black. Malakai's eyes, one darker than the night itself, look straight into the camera, as he begins to speak, his voice as cold as the grave.]

Malakai Black: "The Acclaimed, Billy Gunn... last week was merely the beginning. The reckoning that fell upon you... that wasn't personal. No, you were just... inconvenient obstacles, standing in the path of the inevitable. This is not about you, it is about me... and the darkness we must bring forth."

[Malakai walks slowly across the room in front of the other two members, his steps echoing in the eerie silence, the camera follows.]

Malakai Black: "You, like so many others, live in the light. But that light is not purity. It's an illusion, it's blindness... and we are the ones who will open your eyes."

[A slight grimace touches his lips, not quite a smile, as he continues.]

Malakai Black: "You wear your victories like badges of honor, but they are nothing. They are the shackles that bind you to the illusion. Each victory, each cheer from the crowd, they only tighten your bonds."

[He comes to a stop, turning back to the camera, his gaze piercing the darkness.]

Malakai Black: "The Acclaimed... Billy Gunn... we have already taken you out in the ring. You wanted to fight again, but last week you were forced to realize how quickly your reality can shatter. That was merely a glimpse into the void, a taste of the House of Black. You can no longer ignore the darkness at your doorstep, the rot within."

[He leans forward, his voice dropping lower, the gravity of his words echoing throughout the room.]

Malakai Black: "This is your fate. You are just lambs in the grander scheme, sacrifices on the altar of the inevitable. I didn't choose you... the darkness did."

[He steps back into the shadows, his figure becoming one with the darkness.]

Malakai Black: "You will understand, in time. When all the lights have gone out, when all the cheers have turned to silence... You will understand once and for all, that the House always wins.

[The scene fades, leaving only his chilling words hanging in the air.]

---

Samoa Joe cockily struts out, ready to defend his TV Title less than 24 hours before a technical war with Zack Sabre Jr. Perhaps the fans were expecting someone else from NJPW to walk through the Forbidden Door...but instead they got a hometown hero. It's Ontario's own Shawn Spears!

<b>ROH Television Championship: Samoa Joe (C) vs. Shawn Spears</b>

Feel like this is a good spot for a hometown guy. Wrestling fans are predominantly smarks now and I'm sure everybody realistically knows Joe would go over, but adding that hometown element is enough to plant even the slightest bit of doubt in the minds of even the jaded fans.

Anyway the story here is Joe was being arrogant and figuring he'd just roll through anyone he faced. Instead, Spears came in like a house of fire, catching him off guard and nearly pulling off the upset a few times. Eventually though he gets his shit together and pulls off a flurry of submissions, send a statement to Sabre ahead of their match. He gets the win with the Coquina Clutch.

Sending another statement, he leaves the Clutch locked in on the hometown guy long after the bell as the ref tries in vain to brain it up. Eventually Cult of Personality hits and Punk charges to the ring! Joe rolls out of there and takes his leave. <b>***1/4, 79% overall</b>

---

CM Punk, standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in hand, watches Samoa Joe flee the scene. There's a mixture of anger and determination on his face.

CM Punk: "Joe, you can run all you want but there's nowhere to hide. You see, I heard your cute little interview earlier. You don't like me 'waltzing' back into the business, 'hogging the spotlight'. Well, I'm sorry, Joe, but you've got it all wrong. This isn't about the spotlight. This is about the love of this business, the fans, the fight.

You attacked me, you took the shot. You had your reasons, and honestly, I don't give a damn about them. You thought it was about making a statement? Well, I'm here to tell you, Joe, you've just written a check your mouth can't cash.

Now, we've got some business at Forbidden Door, sure, and I'm not one to overlook a challenge. I've got Hiroshi Tanahashi to focus on. You've got your hands full with Zack Sabre Jr. But you best believe, once that's over, I'm coming for you, Joe.

Next week, on Collision... Joe, I don't want to hear any more of your interviews, I don't want to hear about who you are or aren't working for. I want you. No running, no hiding. You fired the shot, Joe... now it's time to pay the price.

See you next week, Joe."

And with that, Punk drops the microphone, leaving his message to echo through the arena, the fans erupting in cheers, as the tension for next week's Collision intensifies.

---

<b>Bullet Club Gold ("Switchblade" Jay White and Juice Robinson) w/ Powerhouse Hobbs vs. The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Cero Miedo and Rey Fenix) w/ Alex Abrahantes</b>

Four episodes of TV in a row where a really fucking good match is closing out the proceedings, including both episodes of Collision. That's always a damn good sign here.

My tag division feels like it's gonna be magic to book as I have so many combinations to work with. Jay White and Juice Robinson aren't even set up as an official tag team in-game but Dean Malenko told me afterwards their styles blend well as a team...meaning I think I got another bonus to the match rating.

Anyway, this ruled as you'd come to expect. Lots of nearfalls and drama, lots of Bullet Club shithousery. Powerhouse makes a menace of himself and the heels pick up the win with an illegal double team.

Afterwards, Bullet Club Gold pick up where they left off last week by putting the boots to the Brothers, and even look like they're gonna do some damage to poor Alex Abrahantes. But FTR and Ricky Starks run in for the save, I sense a trios match can't be much further into the future. <b>****1/4, 87% overall rating

81% overall show rating</b>

Checking some post-show overness ratings and yeah, Jay and Juice jumped way the hell up there after this one. You love to see it.