Above Average

Now this, will be fun

I like the directness of this promo. I think you do a great job of getting over King's frustration, now that it's set in his mind, that Thugg really rallied the face troops against him. The last line is especially dark and foreboding. Who will join the experiment, when King gives Andrew Blackwell the names. I like plot.

slight edit2: I forgot a line about the Asai... somewhere in there... oh yeah and my actual opinion of the match. Franchisable Review by the guy that was stuck in an emergency room for 4 hours, after yanking a nail out of his foot... damn shots. Ejiro Fasaki vs Dante Crane Collar and elbow to start. Standard crisscross and the face ends up in control. The pace is pretty damn fast so far, and that makes sense with two cruisers. It's going to be spotastic... I can tell. Although, this should be like a Noble vs. Rey match. Flippy flippy and kicky kicky, leads to an Asai to the outside... that misses... uh, never have I seen an Asai miss on the outside. Now maybe it's just me, but, this spot seems to kill suspension of disbelief for me. I mean it could happen, but that'd be one hell of a bump. Now the reasoning behind missing the move is very good, Ejiro has adapted to Wildchild's speed somewhat, but I've just never seen a missed Asai in that situation, so it may seem wonky, when it isn't. I still can't quite get over it, as I type this now. No pin after that too?! Ah well. Fun spot, with the three point stance/Old glory knee drop. The next thing you should have done is have Wildchild give you the American flag and then wave it while doing a cocky pin. I especially like the ONE! TWOOONOOOOOOOOAREYOUKIDDING! You've definitely done well with the cocky heel persona. One of the things that I had to work hard to do while around the M7 was, being different than Tom, while staying true to my own character. You come off, more like old school, super over the top heel than him, with a nice prop. The US title. Taunting Wildchild leads to a crotching, which is a solid, but cheap transition - by cheap I mean good, because it's not like everyone doesn't use it - followed up by a super hurricanrana. Dante takes risks and some pay off some don't. I guess that's why he misses the Asai? They dont call it high risk for nothing. False face comeback was done well, the pacing into it was superfast, which makes it super. But missing another Asai. Well, he needs to hit one during this match, and the real face comeback would be a great time for that, but I digress. Then we slow it down, with a little ground and pound. I don't need to go into detail about it, but nice job with that. I reframe from commenting on the Wildchild stuff for now, but the surprise roll up would have been bought as a near fall, more than likely. This is the real face comeback, which is very nicely done. I'd have liked to see an Asai of somekind come into play, as you countered both of them... it's like Dante learned nothing from earlier in the match. Makes him look stupid. Maybe an Asai fake and then knockdown leading into him hitting the Asai would work in that comeback situation. That's has him learning, adapting and hitting the move. Plus it would have been the most convicing near falls since he's been trying all match to hit one and was foiled at every turn. High profile spots should always come back. The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread Number Two, doesn't get the win... well it puts over Dante and sets up your finish by working the neck, so I'm not complaining. Although I didn't buy it as the finish, a live crowd would have. Maybe a little better spacing of your pin counts would help with that... but thats just ascetics. More than likely, going into a third match with Danny in the tournament, the cobra crossface is the logical finish. Onto the Wildchild stuff. I see where you are coming form with the sportz entertainment questions, but if it's your angle, run with it. It gives the match a personal touch and 'cute' spots that help entertain me as a reader. I think comedy and things such as, Kriss Kross and Quiz/Show antics are a great way to personalize your match, as long as you give your opponent an idea of where your trying to take your angle and if you want Wildchild to do something. I love it. But then again, I like the WWE so I'm an idiot by association. So, from an idiots perspective this was quite the match. You're definitely in a groove. I'm just being overly critcal because it's what you wanted. The only thing that I saw, that could have added more to the match was the Asai stuff, everything else tied up nicely and it was a awesome spotfest, in my opinion.

Ejiro, I'll get on that match review tomorrow. I've had a bad 4 hours.

In a sense that, you, being a heel, would go into the triple threat and make it a more rounded contest. But still, Ash is the better choice to do that, as he has more heat with the possible combinations, in a logical booking way. And thanks for the ICTV number, Stryke.

The overarching story of todays show is... wrestlers band together! Yea! On a serious note, I'm pretty please with the way things worked out. Thugg likes to run with WWE like ideas, and I see no problem with that. I just hope that Mark wasn't fodder and gets in on the action, in some way, the best of which being an in ring return and proper blow off to the feud with King. Never let it be said that Thugg doesn't put his work boots on. Seemed like six promos or something like that, he did. Maybe even more. One has to wonder what will happen when the heel troops try to rally. The ICTV title stripping and subsequent renstatement, was a nice touch and will help me further some things that I hope will lead into my Genesis feud. But what else can I say about it since I actually knew ahead of time. Nothing else to talk about in general, except I hope some people actually comment on the show, other than whats been said now. And Ejiro I'll get to your match after I get off work.

Nathaniel Kibagami vs Andrew Blackwell This is your Smarkdown main event, by default, since the show ends on a in ring promo. Leg lariat and a quick, makes sense and it doesn't. On one hand Sacred is a vet and an early pin gives a psychological advantage, but on the other hand he should know not to waste a pin fall attempt early after that attack and just continue on the offensive. It would be a good thing to point out through Riley/Comet antics, since it was a weak move to make a cover on. Quick and dirty counter wrestling early. Basic transitions and the like and a tease of the doushime sleeper. I would have liked to see this come back in the match later, since it was such an important move that Blackwell went into the ropes to break it. I like working off the headlock to start and the mat sequence is well though out and described. It's a good spot to work with, but it definitely drags - I assume you wanted it to from commentary. Pissing off the crowd is fine, and you explain it, but people didn't like Michaels/Jericho, the Wrestlemania rematch for the same reason. Definitely adding some other shoot style/MMA or amateur moves to the sequence, would have made it, so that it hadn't dragged as much as it did and still given the desired affect. Working off the headlock is fine, actually getting me bored while reading it isn't. The teased face comeback, was well timed, because as a fan fromed the audience I'd have really been ready for some action, and as a reader I was starting to think: 'okay, this is the part where he'll stop trying to bore the crowd, right here'. A backdrop suplex landing high and tight is a very solid transition to end the false comeback and firmly puts Sacred back in control. In chat, you said you character could get any head drop over and it rings true here, giving Sacred time to sell your offense and regain his wits. If you had gone back to the side headlock here, as a resthold, I'd have killed you. Blackwell is all about repeated strikes, so a few more knee drops before the cover, would have been more in character, but thats not even important in the grand scheme of things. It's a striker vs. all around grappler match up and you put that over, by having Kibagami take control of brawling situations, but the crafty Sacred pulling out nice moves like the R.K.O into Superman 3 combo. The 3/4 facelock comes back nicely with the Diamond Cutter, because now that Sacred is more in control he hits the move he wanted earlier. The Superman 3 in addition to it, is a great near fall device. It's the perfect combo m in that situation, with Muzz's moveset, when you need a close count, but not a three. Muzz said you guys had worked something out and the 'Join the Experiment' in Kibagami's marker, is a great touch. Kicks a go-go and a 'cute' way to finish the match, with the enlarged X. I, like Z and Tom, expected a little more description on the Demonstar, (yes, it gets bold font) set-up, but whatever. To tell you the truth, it's a good match, but threads are missing that tie the beginning to the end. Also if the head drop transition was such a big attack, why wasn't there a dealyed pin following it to help get it over? There was, but, it felt a little too delayed, if you can understand that. It took away from the supposed, near falls believablity. Once again, a good match. It has flaws, which can be corrected, fairly easily. Next: Whatever match somebody asks for I'll get to more general comments after lunch.

Work is boring and I feel like commenting. This is a Franchisable comment, so if you no-sell it, you'll get an ICTV belt shot to the head. 47 days and no belts shots yet, don't be the first. John Duran vs. Aecas I liked the way you established Duran early by the sneak attack. It isn't as cliché as people think. Both men work the back, Duran more than Aecas, and Aecas works the rib cage, slightly. This is a brawl and I'm not the best at stringing those together, but, maybe you need a bit more description, cause I couldn't get into it. I like how Aecas keeps going back to the boot, while Duran seems to use knees to take control. I would have done something with that, like, have both men realize how the other gets control and counter it at some point, only to be surprised by the opponent using their own strike against them to gain control. I like that the Boston crab spot came back latter in the match, too. Key spots always need to come back later in a match. It's one of the basic ideas behind ring psych. The Fujiwara seems like a rest hold, here. It's a little wonky cause it doesn't work the back, after Aecas just keyed in on it. A standing surfboard or rear chinlock with his spine posted against the knee, would have been better, although you do explain it. Still though, it's not a great explaination. To add to it, put over how Duran's arm is a vital part of his Chokeslam and like the back, is necessary to lift somebody into the Ultimate Sin. I think the face comeback wasn't timed as well as it could have been, unlike your teased one early, which was at the perfect time. Duran had gotten the upperhand and Aecas pulls out a big strike to turn the tide early, only to loose control after a knee to the gut, of all things, which is a running theme. It's hard to say exactly when you should do it, it's more of a feel thing. It's all about the pacing. I, personally, think it came a little late and hampered the amount of offense, Aecas could get during his comeback. The selling after the Duran Boston crab could have been better, maybe even a delayed cover after holding the back/rib cage on the Gore. I really would have liked to see another high impact move and pin, before the Gore. The Gore getting kicked out off, then followed by the Aecas crossbody spot, put over how desperate he was at the time to win, since, being 7', he doesn't go up top a lot. Also, I swore that you were going to roll through the top rope crossbody, the way you were setting it up, but allowing it to get a near fall, was a much better way to go. Nice job with that. The backwork comes into play at the end, which is always good, and ties the match together. A good match with things that could have been improved, but they aren't that hard to fix, at all. Next up: Nathaniel Kibagami vs Andrew Blackwell Eh, give me a minute Thugg

Meh, you expect me to remember that far back. We'll just call it a momentary laspe, cause I should have remembered that. By the way, how long have you had that title... and on that note, how long have I been ICTV champ? Pete? You still around?

XCalibur v. Annie Eclectic I said earlier that it might be better for Annie to move into the losers bracket, for storyline purposes. XCalibur is finally starting to get into his grove, but Annie needs the a win and a win here, she shall have. CIA v. Judge Mental Drew is about as AWOL as it gets. So I guess that means Judge moves on. "The Sinner" John Duran v. Dante Crane I'm going to go with Duran, because he could use a high profile win and he felt very good after writing that match against Aecas. DC is always solid and I'd like to pick him, but I think Duran's gonna win. Crow v. Quiz The fuckin' bird is a great writer and seems like the pick here. Mike's coming off a loss to Danny and probably wants to show up strong. Crow has only lost so far if he no-shows and that may happen, so I'll go Quiz, although, if Crow didn't have so much stuff to deal with, I might have switched this. "The Franchise" Mak Francis v. Jay Dawg This is a pickle, cause JD isn't around, and I'm not sure how to handle this match. I'll have to mull over some things, but I know what things I can't do. Man, this'll be wonky. Viktor Tarankov v. "The Sacred One" Andrew Blackwell They met once before and that match was won by teh Muzzums. I'd say that he'll do the same here. Give Vik some more time, like to the next bump and he'll be ready for the WF, but as of now, this just ain't fair. Show v. Michael Craven I wouldn't call it a fluke, but both guys have had fairly easy roads to where they are. They shouldn't be burnt out in any way and hopefully will bring the quality. I don't think Show wants to win this one... so Ash might. Scary, I know. It completely depends on if SS makes this a match. Too tough to call. But either pick is logicial in a booking sense. Ash more than Show, though. Nathaniel Kibagami v. Apostle I wouldn't go as far as to say 'no fuckin' way' but Apostle, while solid, did win by no-shows... this will be the match to prove that he's got what it takes. Kibagami has been on a path to the title and to quote Frost logical booking says he should go over here, being the vet to end the plucky JLers run. Main Event Danny Williams v. Ejiro Fasaki Very close contest, but I think Danny Williams is the better choice. Either man could win, but if my predictions hold true, the triple threat would be much better off with a Face, Tweener, Heel dynamic, than Heel, Tweener, Heel. Logicial booking says Danny goes over, but the fact that Ejiro is from Schwenksville, makes him the darkhorse.

MWHAHAHAAHAHA HE'S BAAAAAA-CK! *fires up DMX* And he handled that little ICTV thing. Good for him.

Happy Birthday Ejiro, have a good one SCHWENKSVILLE! We had a couple kids from there in my freshman dorm... I've heard stories about Schwenksville, being small and whatnot. But still, I will always say that it has the greatest name ever.

tried to no-sell Zed's birthday, but I couldn't. Happy belated Birthday

Man, honestly Johnny, you write a great promo. I don't know why this isn't getting comments because it's quite an engaging storyline concept. It's so hard to think of WildChild as anything but the young kid that flies through the air to please the crowd. I do await learning more about this conflict.

XCalibur v. Insane Luchador I honstly don't know how to pick this one. IL didn't like his last match and has a little ring rust. XCalibur has to still work off his, but I think the IGNWF vet will pull this one out over the IGNML/JL vet. But I'm pulling for IL. Winner: XCalibur English Dragon v. Judge Mental ED is one of the talented new JLers that we've been hearing about. And while Judge is in this little funk, I think that he'll handle this match the same way he handled his match with SS. I think he'll win this one. Winner: Judge "The Sinner" John Duran v. Aecas Duran has the advantage of besting Aecas a few times in the JL and the Sinner could use this win, to help establish himself in a SWF title hunt, like the Hardcore belt, when the tournament is over. Winner: Duran "The Franchise" Mak Francis v. Dace Night Uh, I haven't started writing yet... and when I talked to Dace we had similar ideas on one spot in particular. Eh, we'll find out what goes down. Viktor Tarankov v. Stryke Will Stryke write? I don't know, but he should win if he writes. This match completely depends on that. Vik is just getting unlucky with his opponents because Stryke didn't win the ICTV title for nothing. When the guy shows, he is normally a winner. Winner: Stryke Annie Eclectic v. Michael Craven I think Annie's story will push her towards a win here. Although, if Craven wins here he'll have a ton of momentum in the lighter third of the draw. Winner: Annie CIA v. Show To my knowledge Drew hasn't been online much. I'd normally go with him here, because to be honest he's better than SS, but even if he writes here, I doubt that he'll win... having time to write, is too hard of a thing to overcome. Winner: Show Dante Crane v. Ejiro Fasaki Ejiro's bringing back some crediblity to the US title, by using it to further his character and that, combined with his win streak puts him over the top. Dante was always good, Ejiro right now, is better. Winner: Ejiro Quiz v. "Deathwish" Danny Williams Going over Danny is a tough win for anybody. Anybody. Mike has a good shot just like anybody else. Everyone was sure I'd beat him and that didn't happen. I wouldn't be shocked if he won, but the definite safe bet is Danny. Winner: Danny Jay Dawg v. Apostle JD, more than likely. Main Event "The Sacred One"Andrew Blackwell v. Nathaniel Kibagami Sacred should be the winner here. I don't know how close it'll be, but my pick tells me to 'join the experiment'. Hmmmm, maybe I will... Winner: Sacred

Well, it was bound to happen. I'd like to know what people think and such. I waited until late to start, but hey, I always do that. If Edwin. Mark or King, Mark in particular could re affirm why I lost I'd be grateful. I told Mike in chat he'd probably win, and sucks for me, I was right... It was a little short, but I've been doing that a lot lately, anyways... read and mock ====================== Just incase people would like to know… CHOCOLATE THUNDER DARYL DAWKINS is in attendance here at the Kingdome in Fargo, North Dakota! I’m Bobby Riley, here bringing you all the action of this Genesis four World Title contendership tourney with CYCLOOOOOOOONE COMET here on Smarks Wrestling Federations own Lockdown!” “Yes Bobby, tonight is our grand tourney and I’m about as giddy as you are for a change. This thing has been heck on wheels so far!” “We’ve already seen Michael Craven vs. the Insane Luchador. "The Sacred One" Andrew Blackwell vs. Xcalibur, Nathaniel Kibagami vs. English Dragon, Jay Dawg vs. "The Sinner" John Duran and finally Crow vs. Apostle—“ Suddenly, Rod Roddy’s voice blares over the loudspeakers: “Quiz! Come on down!” In the ring, Vicky Black turns over the name “Quiz” on a green sparkle Wheel-of-Fortune board as Crystal Waters’ “Come On Down” begins, and a pair of sliding doors open to reveal Quiz! He steps out and onto the ramp, tonight wearing a midnight blue tie! He has a microphone in his hand as he walks down the ramp, smiling broadly and flashing his pearly whites as he speaks. “Welcome to tonight’s show! We have one contestant tonight, and his name is Mak Francis! This is what will happen to ‘The Franchise’!” The crowd yells jeers of some sort at him, and Quiz shakes his head sadly, pointing to himself and Show. "I'm sorry, but we were looking for WHAT IS AN ASS KICKING!" Vicky Black, in the ring, reveals the words “Ass Kicking” on the Wheel-of-Fortune board as Quiz walks up the ring steps and into the ring, waving to the crowd before getting prepped for his match. Show finds a nice spot outside the ring, as Vicky removes all of the stuff from the ring. “Making his way to ringside, accompanied by Charlie ‘The Show’ Matthews, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and weighing in tonight at ONE hundred and EIGHTY NINE POUNDS… He’s one half of the S-W-F, TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Double Jeopardy… QUIZZZZZZZZZZZ!” “Quiz here is the last guy to beat Francis in a match so you know that he has the psychological advantage. The tag team of Quiz and Show, Double Jeopardy, whooped up on International Incident AND the Unholy Trinity for the title at the PPV, GROUND ZERO, which will be available on DVD—” “And I’M the shill, eh Riley!” says Comet in a mocking tone. “By the way, Ground Zero was brought to you by Pepsi Max… for that great tasting, never better cola, that, unlike thesmartmarks.com may just be better than sex… it’s Pepsi Max, drink hard and drink fast, BABY… WHOOOOOOO!” finishes Cyclone Comet after taking a swig of the drink. Quiz sits in the ring, stretching a little as Long checks him for illegal weapons, then Suddenly— “So do you wanna’ be a Franchise… And live large… A big house… five cars…” “And his OPPONENT!” shouts Funyon, as the wispy sounds of a digital xylophone echo throughout the arena; a deep background beat, cleverly created by violins, and slightly overshadowing the original background rhythm. As the opening lyrics from Mak Francis’ Rock Superstar remix continue to blare over the PA system, the crowd bursts out of their seats, in recognition of the all too familiar music! “The rent charge… Comin’ up in the world, don’t trust nobody… Gotta’ look over your shoulder constantly!” The SmarkTron flares up with a blue and white photonegative image of Mak Francis, which is followed by ‘The Franchise’ in large green lettering, flashing on the screen in time with the beat, interspersed with signature spots and clips of Francis’ trademark smirking pose. Funyon takes a breath, “From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at TWO hundred and THIRTY-SIX POUNDS… the REIGNING, S-W-F, INTERCONTINENTAL TELEVISION CHAMPION…‘The Franchise’… MAAAAAAAAAK FRANCISsssssss!” After taking a few steps out and down the ramp, Mak tilts his shades down on the bridge of his nose, before smirking… looking left and then right, soaking up the crowds’ reaction… “I remember the days, when I was a young kid grownin’ up… Lookin’ in the mirror dreamin’ about blowin’ up!” *PWI-SHEW! PWI-SHEW! PWI-SHEW! PWI-SHEEEEEEW!!* He readjusts his shades with a smirk, before slowly strolling down to ringside and after walking up the ring steps, he cockily wipes his feet on the apron, giving a salute to the crowd, before entering through the middle ropes. Mak climbs the nearest turnbuckle and poses, as a wave of flashing lights go off. He steps down, and un straps the title belt, handing it over to Mark Hebner, who raises it into the air, to a loud pop, before giving it to a ringside attendant. “And if you’re looking for a hot wrestler Mak Francis is your man.” Says Comet afte checking his notes. “And not like that Riley. This guy has to be a challenger for the tournament winner, as he’s been the wrestler of the month in my book… yes even over Tom Flesher, Bobby.” Riley sulks as Quiz and Francis get ready to go. Eddy Long asks for the bell as this one on one match for a chance to advance is on. *DING! DING! DING!* The Franchise and the game show host circle each other, trying to feel out the ring as they go. Quiz side steps a shoot at his leg from Mak and the two men continue to move. Finally, both grapplers come together in a collar and elbow tie-up, which Francis, being stronger than Quiz, takes control of, easily backing his opponent, step by step, into a neutral corner. Eddy Long slides in between the two guys and asked for a clean break, getting it so far, as Francis backs away slowly… “As they break that grappler Riley, you must note that Mak was easily able to push that dastardly Quiz back into the corn—” *slap!* “Hah! But Quiz just showed him who’s the boss!” interrupts Riley, while Quiz juts his upper body under the ropes and smiles at Mak, as Long backs him away. “Tony Danza?” asks Comet, still wondering about Riley’s earlier statement. “No you comic book reject. Quiz, of course!” Mak stands center ring, a sour expression now showing on his face, as Charlie ‘The Show’ Matthews high fives his partner on the outside, through the ropes. “Quiz is such a role model. He’s like Bob Barker in Happy Gilmore. A take no guff, game show host, with the skills to back up his words!” Comet looks at him like he wants to smack him. “You’re getting more stupid and more outlandish, by the second, just to piss me off, aren’t you?” “You’re one to talk…” mumbles Bobby under his breath. Comet looks on at the action, missing that comment, as Quiz slinks out of the corner, riling up the crowd, as he goes. Francis’ features show concentration, as the two SWF superstars come together in their second collar and elbow tie-up of the night. “They’re going to give it another go,” says Comet, “and hopefully this time there won’t be any heelish shenanigans.” Riley looks over as the two men stress and strain, as they jockey for position, and once again, Mak takes control, effortlessly moving from the grapple into a back waistlock—Quiz, not wanting to find out what the self proclaimed Franchise could have in store for him, sprints forward and latches onto the ropes, yanking himself backwards, causing Mak to do a back roll! Francis stands, just after Quiz turns and the game show guru rushes forward, ducking under the Franchise’s attempt at a back elbow. “Quiz ducks a back elbow for the Franchise,” notes Riley, as Quiz continues on his way. “Quiz on the rebound, and Mak is ready for him. Francis scoops him up for a tilt-a-whirl backbreak—no, the gamer show guru lands on his feet—Thumb to the eyes!” “Infidel!” says Comet in a menacing tone, shaking his fist at the ring. “What a cheap tactic by short stuff in the ring, over there.” Riley just shakes his head. “Now why’d you have to go to his height Comet? That’s really… low…” says Bobby not able to come up with any other word for the verbal jab to Quiz’s jaw. “I know… that evildoer is too, Riley.” Adds the would be super hero, cleaning up the easy set up, intentional or not. Francis covers his eye, as Quiz saunters towards his hunched over foe and locks in the dreaded, unbearably painful and quite frankly, down right boring… side headlock. Quiz cranks on the side headlock and grinds his bicep into Mak’s face, acting as smug as possible, while Francis looks for an out. The self proclaimed Franchise finally finds one, backing the interlocked duo into the ropes, before bouncing off into the middle of the ring, pushing Quiz off to run the ropes! Mak drops to the canvas as Quiz darts back, jumping over him, as the two wrestlers crisscross! Quiz makes his return and this time the Franchise hops up and over him in a leapfrog(!), which the game show guru ducks under. Quiz comes back once again and Francis catches him as he comes in. “Hip toss by the Franchise—nope, reversal!” says Riley, as Quiz blocks and hops over to the other side of Mak’s body. Francis is able to block the basic attack, so the both sit paused for a momentum, as Quiz attempts the hip toss again. “That was a close call for Francis.” Quiz realizing that he can’t hit the move, punches the Franchise in the gut and sticks his leg onto Mak’s neck. As the self proclaimed Franchise stands, Quiz flips and lands back on the mat, slightly behind Francis on his feet with a thump! The game show host latches onto Francis, attempting to toss him in a suplex – but Mak fires off a back elbow, catching Quiz flush in the jaw! Mak ends up with Quiz’s arm, before spinning inside, trapping his arm and poking his head underneath the game show guru’s armpit! Francis arches back, lifting all one hundred and eighty-nine pounds of Quiz over top! “Citizen Francis with a northern lights—no, another counter! Quiz’s shifting his weight… for a tornado DDT—but Francis counters sitting him atop the top turnbuckle before he could hit!” “By the way, how was he lucky earlier, you flaming farm hand?” “Well at least that one was original…” mumbles Riley, “Anyways, any hip toss attempt by Quiz can be turned into his ‘Survivor Driver’ and that hip toss piledriver is the ace up his sleeve!” Quiz not to be out done in the countering department, dives off the top rope, swinging away in a TOP ROPE tornado DDT!! But Mak finds his way out of the facelock and pushes Quiz off, causing him to splat in the center of the ring! ‘The Franchise’ races forward, raising his leg for the high kick—or would have if Show hadn’t grabbed him by the leg causing him to fall face first to the canvas… “Injustice! I just saw an injustice!!” shouts Cyclone Comet, as he shoots up to his feet and prepares to ‘handle’ the fiend that would do such a thing! “Hey, you can’t do that Comet!” “And why not?” “Because it’s not illegal unless the referee sees it.” Comet can only shake his caped and cowl in disgust, as Quiz goes back to the move that started it all. The dreaded and vile… side headlock. “Not this again!” shouts Comet, as Show cheers Quiz on. The game show guru REEEEALLY lays in the hold, as Francis attempts to find an out. Mak, finding no way to counter pushes his way up to a knee, as Quiz paintbrushes the back of his head. “This Quiz seems to be all about humiliation Bobby.” “Yup and that’s… say it with me Comet, a good thing.” The Franchise wallows in the hold of boredom, as Quiz finally takes control of the situation and punches Mak on the top of his head, with rapid fire rabbit punches!! He drags him towards the ropes, while Show gives him a big double thumbs up, looking as much like Chevy Chase as ever. Then Quiz pushes his face down across the top rope and walks him across it! “That’s just nasty!” Quiz sets him up in the corner and then… *slap!* “That’s even nastier!” says Comet. “Quiz starts by simply trying to humiliate Francis, which just isn’t… just.” “But it’s the start to the Quiz Show Combo! Nothing can be wrong with that!” Quiz continues with right armed forearm smash, followed by a lift of the chin— *Smack!* WHOOOOOOOO! —And knife-edge chop! But the Franchise with a fire in his belly grabs Quiz, and then tosses him into the corner by his neck… *Smack!* WHOOOOOOOOOOO! Francis press his advantage, rearing back once again— *Smack!* WHOOOOOOOOOOO! —And hitting another devastating knife-edge chop! Quiz can’t cover up, as Mak sets him up once more, lifting his chin, like he’s going to execute him— *SMACK!* WHOOOOOOOOOOO! —Which he practically does with a murderous, blood vessel popping, knife-edge chop!! Mak hooks Quiz in a capture and heaves him overhead in a belly to belly suplex… that sends him more than halfway across the ring!!! “HUGE Overhead belly to belly suplex!” shouts Cyclone Comet as Riley whimpers slightly at the impact. “Francis stalks over towards the game show guru—another HUGE Overhead belly to belly!! And Quiz takes a powder on the outside.” “Smart move by Quiz, as Francis has swung the momentum in his favor.” Francis slides under the ropes and goes outside, as Quiz stumbles around near Show trying to regain his bearings. Mak is quickly on him, tossing Quiz into the barricade. Show backs away, as the referee shouts instructions and begins to count. Mak picks the game show host up, but doesn’t get the chance to do anything else, as Quiz kicks him in the gut and dumps him on his head in a DDT… on the OUTSIDE!!! Quiz shakes his head and slides back into the ring, garnering Long’s attention, as Show takes his cue and lays the boots to Mak! Comet jumps from his seat and pulls off his head set, but luckily, Bobby how him back. Cyclone puts his head set back on in a huff. “That, game show goon and his partner—no, not his life partner Bobby…” Riley rolls his eyes to cover up him suddenly perking up. “are hoodlums and if I had my way, justice would be served!” Long begins to turn around, so Quiz waves off Show and then steps around the ref, hoping over the ropes, landing on the apron. Mak pushes himself up, before Quiz springboards off the middle rope, and flips backwards in a beautiful moonsault!!!! The cameras flash as the arching Quiz lands on Mak! “Monty Hall” Moonsault connects! I can take nothing away from this Quiz character, Bobby,” starts Comet, “he is a superb athlete, but a criminal none the less.” The game show guy gets back up to his feet and stumbles back into the ring, as Show grabs Mak and tosses him under the bottom rope, getting a warning from Long. Quiz and the ref argue for a second as he defends his partner, but Quiz finally stops his petty bickering with the referee and then grabs Mak by the arm and leg, dragging him away from the ropes, before diving onto his rib cage with a senton! Francis lets out a startled yelp, as Quiz pops up to his feet in front of the body and, after taunting the masked member of International Incident, he back flips, landing in a beautifully executed standing moonsault!! “B-E-AU-TIFUL combination from Quiz into a cover!” shills Riley, as he beckons the ref over for a count, hooking a leg… ONE…! TWO…! T H R— No! Mak raises a shoulder, although visibly weak. “Nice senton into a standing moonsault from Quiz, who despite his attitude, is quite talented in that ring—but Mak Francis will not give up that easy, Bobby!” Riley nods his head, at his announce partner. “Yeah, the bugger just doesn’t give up…” Quiz stands and taunts Mak, as Francis clutches his rib cage slightly, before trying to get up to his feet. The game show guru grabs the self proclaimed Franchise by the head and directs him towards the ropes with a few forearm shivers! As the Franchise’s back hits the ropes, Quiz slaps him across the face. “Irish whip by Quiz, after that nasty slap o’ shame—no, Mak puts on the breaks. The Franchise fires off a toe ki—caught, Quiz has him hopping around on his right foot!” calls Riley, as Mak looks to be preparing, to hit an enzuigiri! But the game show host doesn’t give him the chance to counter, dropping down to the mat and twisting Mak’s leg at a sick angle! The Franchise flops over, falling on his back, as Quiz pops up to his feet. “It looked like citizen Francis was going for an enzuigiri, but that Quiz guy—” “Said, NOOOOOO WHAMMY!” Comet looks at Riley like he’s crazy. “Who would actually say ‘NOOOOOO WHAMMY!’ Riley. That’s like me saying something like BLARGE…” As Francis lies on the ground, attempting to clutch his knee brace and calm the throbbing in his knee, from the Dragon screw leg whip, Quiz looks to the ropes and dashes forward, bouncing of the middle rope… “‘Wink Martindale’ Moonsault!” shills Riley, as Quiz rotates in the air… while Mak rolls out of the way!! Quiz, seeing this at the last second, tucks his legs in and lands in a surprising backflip! “Quiz, lands on his feet, just as the Franchise rolled out of the way.” Mak pushes himself up to a knee, and then to his feet, as Quiz rushes forward and drags him down to the canvas with a flipping neckbreaker!! “‘Lightning Round’—whatta’ flipping neckbreaker by Quiz!” shills Riley. But Quiz is not done, as he gets up to his feet and moves towards the closest corner, stepping outside and climbing the turnbuckle! As Mak gets off ground Quiz leaps off the top rope hitting… “GREAT Missile dropkick! Cover him Quiz! Cover him!” ONE…! TWO…! T H R E— No! Only a LONG two count, as Mak gets his shoulder up off the canvas! Quiz gets up very upset at the kick out and yanks the self proclaimed Franchise up with him, before sending him off in a cross corner whip! “Irish whip by Quiz—no, reversal! Quiz goes barreling into the corner—boot up! Quiz is climbing the turnbuckles like he’s going for a moons—OH MY GOD! SOMEBODY CALL 911!” says Riley to steal a catch phrase, as all you can hear is a deafening chant of… HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! HO-LY SHIT! Neither man is moving for what seems like minutes, until the Franchise slowly looks over towards the game show host. “A… Pop up… Spider German suplex… man, cover him Mak…” Riley can only let out a yelp, showing just how unbelievable that suplex looked. The crowd is STILL chanting as Francis crawls towards Quiz, and Show seeing this hops up onto the apron trying to distract him. Mak finally makes it over and drapes an arm on Quiz for a cover. Meanwhile Show still has the refs ear, until finally Long turns around and slides into position making the count. “Cover… finally. That’s a damn disgrace by the way Riley. Show is just here to commit injustice after injustice, it seems. But luckily there is NO way Quiz is getting up from that…” “ONNNEEE…! TWOOOOOOOOOO…! … THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAHHHHHHH… … —NOOOOOOOO!” THAT WAS THREE! THAT WAS THREE! THAT WAS THREE! THAT WAS THREE! But it is true, because Quiz’s arm is up in the air… “Dear god lets see that move again!” says Riley. “The crowd can’t believe he kicked out of that and quite frankly neither can I…” “I don’t know if I want to see it again…” A split screen graphic occurs, the right side showing the replay and the other showing real time action. The real time action has Quiz on his stomach, clutching the back of his neck and Mak on his back near the corner… while the SWF Replay shows— ========== SWF Replay ========== Quiz is shown climbing up the turnbuckles for what can only be assumed a moonsault – but as he gets up to the top, OUT OF NOWHERE, the Franchise pops up into the picture, leaps up the turnbuckle pads and snitches in a back waistlock, before GERMAN SUPLEXING El Scorcho and RELEASING HIM AT THE APEX… SO THAT HE FLIPS AND LAYS ON HIS BELLY IN A CRUMPLED HEAP OF HUMANITY…!! ========== End Replay ========== “And he kicked out of that… I don’t care if Show delayed him… that was a man sized kick out.” Francis stands unbelieving and talks with Eddy on his hands and knees. Mak showing his inexperience bickers back and forth with the ref, as Quiz slowly but surely regains his bearings, if you could call laying on the mat that. Mak continues to argue, clapping his hands three times, over and over and over again, still not believing what did occur. The game show guru did in fact, kick out. Meanwhile, on the mat, Quiz blinks a few times, trying to shake the cobwebs out, but the Franchise doesn’t give him much time, yanking him to his feet and into a standing headscissors!! “We don’t see this very often! Citizen Francis is going for a powerbomb to put this match away!” Riley looks on, definitely worried. “If Mak hits his spiral bomb this match will have to be over! HAVE to be OVER!” Mak lifts Quiz up, spinning around three hundred and sixty degrees, when suddenly Quiz rakes his eyes and lunges backwards, tossing him away in a Hurricanrana that sends Mak falling into the corner! The Franchise hits the turnbuckle head first and sits stunned as Quiz still tries to shake off the effects of that German suplex from the top rope. Quiz sets him up in the corner and then… *slap!* “The Quiz Show Combo! Nothing can be wrong with that!” Quiz continues with right armed forearm smash, followed by a lift of the chin— *Smack!* WHOOOOOOOO! —And knife-edge chop! And another lifts of the chin— *Smack!* WHOOOOOOOOOOO! Mak sits stunned in the corner as Quiz connects with the moonsault kick, finally completeling his combo. “Quiz Show combo, now Mak is being dragged out of corner… what is Quiz setting him up for…” Quiz hops over the downed body of the self proclaimed Franchise, splitting his legs and bouncing into the air, before flipping over and landing across the belly of his opponent, the current ICTV champ! “Split-legged moonsault! What a singles win this would be for the tag team champ!” “ONNNEEE…! TWOOOOOOOOOO…! … THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAHHHHHHH… … —NOOOOOOOO!” Francis darts a shoulder up off the canvas and Quiz can’t believe it himself! “Now the table have been turned!” says Comet. “Quiz was sure he had the win, just like Francis was only moments ago!” “Shut up… the diference is this time Francis won’t be able to pull something out of his ass to win… no facelocks are going to win this match!” Quiz, clearly upset, pulls the Franchise up and after a forearm to the face, sends him off in an Irish whip! Thcrowd gets ready, as Quiz sets up for his… “Hiptoss Piledriver—NOOO! Blocked! Leg sweep by the Franchise—cross arm breaker!!!” yells Comet as Francis stops the hip toss and kicks Quiz’s legs from under him sliding up to his upper body and scissoring his arm. Quiz is so shocked that he doesn’t have time to attempt to block and quickly taps out to saves his arm for another day, not giving Show enough time to do anything to help him. TAP! TAP! TAP!!!! *DING! DING! DING!* “The winner of this bout, by submission… moving on in the SWF World Title tournament… “THE FRANCHISE” MAAAAK FRAAAANCISsssssss!” “Mak Francis pulled out the win once again with a shoot fighting type move, the juji-gatame. A very smart move as anything that didn't get a quick tap out, would have been thwarted by the nere so-well Show on the outside." "Hey Riley," adds Comet, as the wrestlers clear the ring, "could Mak be sending a message to Danny Williams, a man that he has a storied history with and could quite possibly be his opponent in the next round. In fact if my notes are correct, he defeated Williams with that same more in a Ironman match.” “I don’t know about all that but we’ll see him, Danny Williams that is, and the SJL World Champion in a title tournament match, coming up next!” says Bobby Riley as SWF Lockdown goes to commercial break.

Good showings from all who showed. I haven't read much, but Mike wrote the better match. I have no excuses, and it looks like I'll have to put on my work boots if I want to stay in this thing. I could use a show off but this is the title tourney and all. Congrats especially go out to Annie on her HUGE win over Judge.

Uh... damn son.

Smarks Board Name: kelloggs Wrestlers Name: "The Franchise" Mak Francis Height: 6'2" Weight: 236 Hometown: Philadelphia, PA Age: 19 Face/Heel: Cocky face Tag team: International Incident (CIA/Mak Francis) Stable: teh same I believe (CIA/Mak/Annie) and more to come... Ring Escort: N/A Weapon(s): Steel chair Quote: Mak Francis: That's why I get the franchise bucks, the franchise perks and the franchise tag! Looks: A black male, pretty tall and well defined for a Junior Heavyweight, think Shelton Benjamin or Kenny from TE2. He wears a silver chain and cross around his neck, ice blue shades and has both ears pierced. In the back he’ll wear a silk shirt and jeans with tims. Red Phillies cap and walkman with headphones are optional. In ring, he’ll still come down with the shades. He wears black tights and boots with blue and white barbed-wire image on the sides. He has black athletic tape on his left wrist up to his forearm and white tape on his right wrist. Green tape covers some of both his wrists. The most noticeable changes are he gained a little weight, but wrestles shirtless anyway and a large black knee brace, much like Steve Austin’s over his left knee. Ring Entrance: The house lights shut off as the wispy sounds of a digital xylophone echo throughout the arena. You can feel the pulsation of the light dings, as a hard beat done by violins, suddenly strikes up slightly overshadowing the original background rhythm. “So do you wanna’ be a Franchise… And live large… A big house… five cars…” The SmarkTron flares up with a blue and white photonegative image of Mak Francis, which is followed by ‘The Franchise’ in large green lettering, flashing on the screen in time with the beat. “The rent charge… Comin’ up in the world, don’t trust nobody… Gotta’ look over your shoulder constantly!” As the opening lyrics from Rock Superstar by Cypress Hill, slightly altered of course, blare over the PA system, it takes a little while but eventually the self proclaimed franchise makes his way through the curtain. The lights come back up and Francis comes out onto the stage, tilting his shades down on the bridge of his nose, before looking left and then right… “I remember the days, when I was a young kid grownin’ up… Lookin’ in the mirror dreamin’ about blowin’ up!” That cues multiple short bursts of green pyrotechnics erupting from either side of him. He readjusts his shades with a smirk, before slowly strolling down to ringside and after walking up the ring steps, he cockily wipes his feet on the apron, giving a mock salute to the crowd, before entering through the middle ropes. Francis climbs the nearest turnbuckle and poses with both fists raised in the air. Entrance Notes: You can add or subtract Rock Superstar lyrics if necessary. Also, if he comes out second, Mak will usually stare down his opponent before hitting the turnbuckle. If first, Francis props himself in the corner and awaits his opponent with a smirk. On PPV, if the stage allows for it, Francis comes from under stage on a lift, think Gangrel, so his pyro is minimal except for two small bursts to either side after the elevator stops and Francis looks left and right. Can’t spend too much money on an entrance… Tag Entrance: There is a loud buzz of static, and the Smarktron, framed in stylized jagged metal and concrete fragments, flickers to life, showing a grainy, scratched looking shot of a news anchor behind his desk. “This just in. There are reports of tensions rising, and fighting on all sides. It looks like we’re on the way to a full blown International Incident.” At these last two words, the picture blinks off the screen, and the beats of ‘Double Trouble’ by The Roots fills the arena, Smarktron now showing a shot of two smiling faces in profile, looking towards each other from either edge of the giant screen. The words ‘International Incident’ fill the empty black space between them in bright red letters, columns of pyro rising all along the length of the stage. In the center of it all, a masked figure rises, kneeling, arms bent at his side in a flex. The Smarktron flashes with images of CIA flying through the sky, as he rises, and then shows Mak Francis locking in holds on various opponents, just when the current ICTV champ emerging through the entryway. Francis moves in behind CIA, hands straight out to his sides, camera flashes bathing both men. As the flashes die down, CIA pops up onto his feet, and both men move down the aisle towards the ring, the Canadian playing to the crowd, Francis looking much more serious. “Introducing first, weighing in tonight at a combined weight of FOUR hundred and SEVENTY THREE pounds, they are the team of CIA and Mak Francis, INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT!” Stats: ¯¯¯¯¯ Strength: 4 – Francis lost a little of that pop in his hips, but he’s training and lifting to get it back after his injury. Speed: 3 – He was a deceptively quick Junior Heavyweight. He can still motor AND his motor is always running, but sadly his injured knee has slowed him down a little. He’s not above taking risks though, but only when pressed to do so. Vitality: 6 – He bleeds like a white shirted Flair and attempts to bump around like Angle. Resilient is the word, think Vince McMahon shilling Shawn Michaels but he’ll go down to a finisher though. On a side note, he doesn’t like to tap, but will tap if the situation dictates (Although, in the JL he passed out rather than tap to Fugue Harmony). Charisma: 7 – He’s over with the crowd and I mean OVER! Great on the stick and well… he is Franchisable~! Style: Technical, dirty, counter puncher, now with Junior Heavyweight tendencies. He’s got some solid strikes and his high impact maneuvers help round out somewhat hard to categorize style. I guess you could call it an “Attack with Impact” style as each move, while having solid execution, has great speed and torque. He was never the greatest physical specimen known to man and coming back early from injury hasn’t helped that at all. Coming off of a concussion and an injury to his knee, Mak isn’t as quick or strong as he once was, but he still has great anticipation and ring savvy. He’s using more of his amateur roots to make up for the injuries, as finding his way out of a tricky situation with a counter is still a big part of his style. Game Plan: His fighting style is solidly based in the mat being an amateur wrestler, even more so after his injury, but he’s always out to show up his opponent at least once or twice a match, so a few flashy counters and combos are a staple of his repertoire. His main goal is to work the neck, shoulders and back with an array of suplexes and combination attacks, a neck and or shoulder breaker and strikes that lead into the Franchise Tag or Bittersweet finishers. If there is a glaring weakness, ex., an injured leg, then he’ll work it over with chop blocks, elbow drops into leg locks and STF variations hoping to set up for the Figure Four. He’ll pull out the Brotherly Love combo to pop the crowd, but it’s nowhere near as common, since he does it only when he’s feeling the electricity of the audience. Signature moves: 1. Gut-wrench suplex – His most common set up for the Frog Splash, this suplex helps work the ribs and is one half of the Brotherly Love finisher sequence. 2. Release German suplex, a.k.a ‘Filthy German™’ 3. Knife-edge chops – His most common strike used although he will use a closed fist punch often, when needing extra pop. 4. Overhead/Side belly to belly suplex - depending on weight, Mak will catch a light running opponent with an Railgun suplex and a heavier one with an Owen Hart like Side B2B. Overhead can be done without momentum, much like a Brock/Angle head capture suplex. 5. Yakuza Kicks – Probably his strongest strike as he gets a full head of steam before hitting it. He can also fall into a pin by sitting on his opponents’ chest, think Trent Acid. 6. Neckbreakers - (Pulling, Swinging, Hangman's) each for a different situation. Ducked clothesline, head down, and momentum swinger. 7. “The Truth Hurts” - Running bulldog into a Strutting Fist drop – This move is all about humiliation. Pelvic thrusts of truthittude optional. In serious situations no showmanship necessary. 8. “That’s Franchisable” - chickenwing jawbreaker into a StunGun/Hot shot - A combo that can lead to the “Million Dollar Exemption” and or “Million Dollar-plex”. 9. Dragon suplex - set-up for the Cattle Mutilation. 10. “Million Dollar-plex” – High angle Cobra clutch suplex. Dumps a body on their head, nuff said? Common moves: 1. Drop toe hold 2. German suplexes – (Bridging, Overthrow, Rolling) from weakest to strongest. 3. Single leg crab 4. Flying Forearm 5. DDT 6. Dirty tactics - Thumb to the eyes, Low blow, etc. 7. Northern lights suplex w/pin 8. Figure four leg lock – A possible variation is around the ring post and it’s also his most trusted leg submission. 9. Textbook dropkick 10. Fujiwara arm bar – Possibly into a cross face. 11. Kidney punch into a Side Russian leg sweep 12. Corner punches - Three snapping left hand jabs followed by a snapping right to the face. Mak hits these against opponents who’re propped up in the corner and then normally goes into a corner whip. 13. Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker (sparingly used) 14. Slingshot maneuvers - leg drops, cross bodies or a senton atomico are the most lucha he’ll pull out, sans an infrequent Moonsault or very well set up Hurricanrana. (sparingly used) 15. Cobra Clutch Rare moves: In order of frequency 1. Float over DDT – A little extra flare added on to show up his opponents. Has the added advantage of surprise. 2. Sit-out powerbomb or Spinning sit-out powerbomb [light opponents] 3. “Tribute” - Dragon sleeper Russian leg sweep – Former finisher, now he’ll pull it out of moth balls if the situation dictates. 4. Cross-arm breaker – serious submission not to be taken lightly. Taught to him by Mercury and Tom Flesher, after his run against Danny Williams it has become a very respected move. Rarest move: Cobra Clutch Suplex through a table propped up in the corner – The end all be all of finishers for Mak. This is a potential break your neck material move. Striking Notes: - Alternates between closed fists punches and knife edge chops - Repeated forearms and elbows to the head - Super & Yakuza kicks a little less than they once were due to injury Finishers: Striking: Franchise Tag - (Jumping fisherman's buster) - The Franchise Tag is a variation of a brainbuster. It starts out like a typical brainbuster but the opponent is placed in a cradle position (a vertical setup of the fisherman's suplex). Then as Mak jumps into the air, the opponent is dropped into a brainbuster. Submission: Bittersweet – (Cattle Mutilation) – Bittersweet is a Double arm bar with bridge. The opponent is face down on the mat and Mak snitches his opponents' arms in a double chickenwing, before flipping forward in a bridge. The announcers won't call it 'Bittersweet', but put over how the move is bittersweet. They'll just call it Cattle Mutilation, since that's the moves technical name and all... Arieal: Brotherly Love – (Frog Splash after Gut-wretch suplex) - No need for an explaination. But please note this is the rarest of his finishers, not due to power, but Mak’s new limitations. Notes: Mak Francis is cocky. You can see it in the way he walks and in the way he talks. But surprisingly the crowd has taken to this Franchise, getting behind him and his humorous antics. In fact, he’s getting a great response from the crowd since returning from his injuries. Tag team finisher: Def Con One - (Leaping Neckbreaker/'Filthy German' suplex) - Mak grabs the opponent in a back waistlock and heaves them overhead in a German suplex, then CIA, usually bouncing off the near ropes for momentum, leaps up and drags the opponent down, spiking them on their neck, in a neckbreaker. Think of it as a reverse 3-D, if that makes it easier. Bio: Mak Francis, a child prodigy born in Philadelphia, PA that competed in junior and US Amateur Tournaments. Nicknamed "The Franchise" by his amateur wrestling coach and teammates, Francis was top ten in the nation out of high school and was recruited to Michigan State University where he gained 2 time All-American status, 2 National Championships and a US amateur gold medal throughout his tenure there. Although he was considered by most to be the future of American collegiate wrestling he left amateur wrestling because there's no money in it and a true Franchise deserves to be living the high life... More bio coming soon...

One of the things I thought made this show, was the Spike/Atlas vs. Annie/Beezel match. It had wonderful flow and build, plus the addition of Cyclone Comet helped this a great deal. Tons of near falls... TONS! I bought the Spiker completely, but I knew who you were, so I definitely thought that was the finish. Then I thought Beezel was going to win after that kick-out, but the 'Nail in the Coffin' is an excellent finish. I love Elix Skipper's rope walk rana, so this move is an immediate mark out moment. The after promo had a definite vibe to it, and Annie seems quite ready to step it up. While Spike makes himself known. Hopefully your opening promo will rectify 'being cutoff'. When I found out about the tourney... I was, shocked and pleasantly surprised. Hopefully we'll still get a great undercard for Genesis, but this assures me at least, that the Main Event will be just that. A fed wide angle does that. This took longer than 25 minutes Edwin... I want retribution. Well okay it took like 10 minutes but still.

Michael Craven vs. ??? ??? huh... Mwhahaha... only two people could be making a return and have solid history with Ash. One retired recently, so I'll go craaaaaaaaaaazy, and say ??? to block. "The Sacred One" Andrew Blackwell vs. Xcalibur Muzz should win this match. I'm fairly certain that he has the best chance to make his way to the semi finals, without a loss. I haven't seen enough of Xcalibur, although I know of his history, too warrent him beating Muzz. Nathaniel Kibagami vs. English Dragon Kibs seems to be pumped up for this tournament in general, and unless ED is a ringer for somebody, he has TWO matches to write and a tough opponent. ED should write though as no-shows can happen if Kibs isn't into the match. Jay Dawg vs. "The Sinner" John Duran Duran gives himself no credit, but honestly, he's good. Sadly, JD's better. Jay Dawg to get the win, although this could end up being a close match. Crow vs. Apostle Crow, he's got teh skill. And I've only read a little of Apostle's stuff. Besides when is the last time he lost without it being a no-show or co-write. That's scary. Quiz vs. Mak Francis No prediction Danny Williams vs. Viktor Tarankov Danny. period. Dante Crane vs. Stryke Dante, since Stryke may no-show... because he said he's writing. Heh, this'll be close, but Dante, having changed his character should be recharged. Dace Night vs. Ejiro Fasaki Tough to pick, as both could use the win. Ejiro to put over the US title and Dace to gain some momentum in the Trinity's rematch with Quiz/Show. Ejiro to win, because he likes the Eagles. CIA vs. Spike Very tough pick. Hardest on the card, because of the storyline implications. Spike... excuse me, SPIKE~! is obviously writing at a high level, but Drew is always a threat to win any match. This is my only push. Show vs. Aecas Show has pulled out a win over Aecas before, and he should do it again. This was probably close before and should be even closer now, but SS should still pull out the win. Judge Mental vs. Annie Eclectic Annie and Judge as characters can suffer a loss here and come out the bottom half, stiill looking strong. Annie as the complete underdog woman, in a mans' sport that clawed her way into the finals, after nearly being eliminate early. Judge can lose here and play up his losing streak, overcoming his funk by slowly fighting his way up the ladder into a title match. Anyway, this gets the CIA treatment.

Well this was a very good promo. Nice hints were dropped, for a final farewell to Beezel. I liked it and stuff

I read the tag match but I'll just say "what Judge said".

Definitely a shame to see you go Frost. You actually had a great impact on my JL career, with all the wonderful comments you gave me about my matches and you've always encouraged me to move up in the WF card. You've brought great words like 'douchtard' to the forefront in your time here and wrote a few matches, or something, but you'll be back, eventually.

I'll comment on your promo quickly, Mark and the first person to pick out a match, will get it reviewed. Now, onto your promo. I'll admit here and now, that I may be closer to a WWE mark than most of the members in this fed, probably because I missed actually watching a lot of shows, while in school. But I also must admit, that like Ejiro, I don't know 'Grand Slam' the character. The most I saw was your retirement match with Edwin, which took a heck of a lot of searching a long time ago, by the way and your 'On the road' promos, plus seeing your character used, mostly dealing with Edwin leaving and Wargames. The King/Stevens dynamic in the promo, is pretty good. Not Trips/Foley, but then again, not much is. With two month to build and remind the reader, it should turn out great... depending on how it's booked. With Mark no longer in the fed, I feel it messes up King's control over him. He's already ruined Stevens' life, so now what can be worse than that? Unless like Ejiro said we see just how this effects Mark at home. That's the booking problem I see. I personally, want to see King pulling up old tricks like, the Raynor retirement spot, with the hundred dollar bills down someone's throat, or a throwback to Edwin/Stevens by pitting people against each other in retirement matches, while Mark still has the authority to fight back against King and get them out of it. In particular bringing up King's old 'carnie killer' stuff. Not that it's just 'King is acting like a jackass' so far, but I can't 'mark out' until those big time history type things happens. Bases Loaded was a great start, but honestly, it doesn't have the history behind it, since the JL angle was aborted by Kibs. You need something else bigger than that, in my opinion, for this to be the epic affair it should be. Just blow us away with a promo on Mark's home life troubles and it should be golden. Also, to tell the truth, in answer to Thugg's post... out of all the kliq, I got to read more of Edwin's stuff than anybody elses, while in the JL and it has impacted my writing, and development as a character, through my JL connection with Wilson. Thugg matches are next on that list, followed by Stevens and then King, which is in the order you guys retired. If you look at that, it would dictate, in theory, that I'd identify with you guys returns and angles, in that order. Basically, I barely got to see Thugg writing, until his return, which I loved, because I never had the proper chance to experience his talent and I figuritively grew up on Edwin/Wilson over the summer. I had to really look back hard to get the Mark stuff, as I wasn't an Insider, so that means no King matches, except for something an Insider found and gave me in chat. Now, try to imagine what it's like for the people that weren't even here when I was just getting bumped from the JL, like Ejiro. Since Stevens/King never got a proper blowoff, (I think I remember King saying you guys dropped the ball on that big time feud, in a thread once, while Stubby was still around) I'm really glad you guys will get to finish this thing, but you must understand that the connection will take a while to form.