Texasrangers13

Top of the Table Update After Episode Four ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I also debated a draw, but I haven't quite figured out how I want to incorporate things like that into the standings. SCHAFF is a monster and the Sao Paulo Hitman learned that the hard way! You are right nZo is technically the most over on the roster, and can put on the best "in-ring" performances, so I'm using him in a number of ways to make the programs better. Thank you sir! The 6-man tag was a toss-up; and probably could have gone the other way honestly.

<p>The Collective: Snow Fight Club (Episode Four of Eight Mini-Season)</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="WDgbg6w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WDgbg6w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#8B0000;"><strong>Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></p><p> <strong>February Week 4, 2021</strong></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Exclusive Show Report: The Collective: Snow Fight Club (Mini-Season Episode 4 of 8)</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52268" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><em><span style="color:#8B0000;">Opening Match</span></em></strong><p> <strong>Gods of War (Kratos (2-0) and Odinson (2-1)) vs. Local Talents</strong></p><p> </p><p> The show opened with local luchadors in the ring, and <strong>The Gods of War</strong> making their entrance. This one was as expected, a squash, but the local talents actually did get one move each in... ultimately <strong>Kratos and Odinson</strong> overpowered and destroyed their opponents for another victory.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Promos</em></strong></p><p> Post-Match<strong> The Gods of War</strong> want the cameras attention and they yell about wanting an actual challenge, that prompts <strong>Stephen Amell</strong> to step-out from the back... He says, <strong>Gods of War</strong>'s point is pretty valid, but in order to be the king of mountains, they'll have to watch this... A video airs opening with a panorama of the mountain ranges around the studio, the drone shot appears to zoom in on a trophy sitting on a chairlift at the top of a mountain. <strong>Amell</strong> appears on the obviously pre-taped video... and reveals that the next episode will be for the <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">"Kings of the Mountain"</span></strong> trophy. It will be an eight-team, one night tournament, and teams will sign-up tonight... Starting with the number one seed, <strong>The Gods of War.</strong></p><p> </p><p> The next promo sees us at <strong>"Da Pope" Elijah Burke</strong>'s <em>Sanctuary</em>. <strong>Burke </strong>is standing at what king of looks like a pulpit, but it's in the home itself. <strong>Steve Pain and "Freak Beast" Nick Comoroto</strong> are seated and appear to be attentive. <strong>Burke</strong> speaks slowly and with a purpose. "When I saved you from yourselves, I had a vision for success that would lead you to find your purpose. We've trained violence with violence and allowed you to feel what your purpose is. I know what it is that will bring you to the top of the mountain and I have brought you to the base. Now you will climb... Consider this officially our entry,<strong><em> The Madness and The Cure</em></strong>, will be in the Kings of the Mountain tournament."</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em><span style="color:#8B0000;">Match Two </span></em></strong></p><p> <strong>Chris Dickinson (3-0) vs. Bronson Steiner (1-2)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Steiner</strong> made his way out with his uncle and father by his side, and seemed to be pretty focused as the bell rang, but this one was dominated by the much more experienced and technically strong <strong>"Dirty Daddy"</strong> who took home a victory after a solid bout. <strong>Bronson</strong> is getting better every time out and he's being challenged at the highest level week in and week out.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Promos</em></strong></p><p> After the bout, <strong>Scott and Rick</strong> pulled <strong>Bronson</strong> aside as the camera got inside their huddle. <strong>Rick and Scott</strong> made it clear they were proud of <strong>Bronson</strong>'s effort, but that effort wasn't always good enough, they'd be heading back to the lab where they'd prepare for the next big challenge; but that they weren't letting Bronson back into competition until it was clear he was ready. <strong>The Steiners</strong> are winners, and 1-3 isn't what they signed up for.</p><p> </p><p> Up next we head out to the ranch we've seen <strong>TK O'Ryan</strong> on during most of his promos. "<strong><em>The Man With No Country</em></strong>" surveys the land around him, a grey horse is in the snow-covered field, wind whistling and blowing snow around. <strong>TK</strong> looks intently. He looks into the camera and speaks slowly and deliberately. "Kings of the Mountain? I made my name as a tag team specialist, so its natural for everyone to assume this event was made for me; but you easily forget that being the third-man in a trio, or the second man in a tag is a great way to be left behind. I watched as my so-called allies climbed the proverbial ladder, watched as they main evented Madison Square while I was relegated to a dark match. I watched as they moved on without me. I sat at home faced with darkness and pain and rehabbed... but I rehabbed for me, not you, not them, and certainly no one here... JUST FOR ME. I am the Man With No Country, and that means no allegiances, so to answer you question... no... I am not entering." Solid, truthful words from one of the more intriguing characters in the Flight Club division.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em><span style="color:#8B0000;">Match Three</span></em></strong></p><p> <strong>nZo (3-0) vs. Patrick Scott (0-2)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>"Entertainment's Hottest Free Agent"</em></strong> <strong>nZo</strong> was out to the ring with the Real1 Krew by his side; heeding the words of a his unnamed agent, <strong>nZo</strong> took this match to build his clout, and keep the eyeballs on the "brand". He delivered a solid performance and took home the decisive victory against the young highflier <strong>Scott</strong>.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Promos</em></strong></p><p> Post-match <strong>nZo</strong>'s cell phone is ringing, and <strong>Liam Gray</strong> hands it to him while <strong>Adrian Alanis</strong> jumps around excitedly in the background. nZo answers, and while we can only hear one side of the conversation its clear that he is discussing the Kings of the Mountain tournament. He hangs up and says... "You are in, just discussed with our agent, and we've agreed, you guys are entering and keeping the eyes on the brand... and more importantly, with this win, things are looking on the up and up and major labels are reaching out."</p><p> </p><p> The next promo shows <strong>"Grizzly" Kal Jax</strong>'s cabin in the woods, as the camera approaches there is a man on the doorstep about to knock... The cameraman approaches but the man walks inside... a short while later, <strong>Artemis Spencer</strong> emerges, he briefly tells the cameraman that they are in for the Kings of the Mountain.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em><span style="color:#8B0000;">Match Four</span></em></strong></p><p> <strong>SCHAFF (4-0) vs. Cezar Bononi (1-2)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Cezar</strong> picked this fight when he jumped <strong>SCHAFF</strong> at the gym and this was a wild brawl from the start. The Sao Paulo Hitman brought the fight, but every strike seemed to merely power-up <strong>SCHAFF</strong> further. <strong>SCHAFF</strong> took the brunt of the fight early, but then swung the tables decisively and delivered the DD214 (Reverse TKO) for the victory, planting <strong>Bononi</strong> squarely in the middle of the ring.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>Promos</em></strong></p><p> We jump to the back where<strong> Sugar Dunkerton</strong> is hosting a round-table with the trio of <strong>Davey Boy Smith Jr, "Big" Sean Studd and Eddie Colon</strong>. They discuss tonights main event, and other subjects, including their respective hall of fame fathers and what it means to carry on that legacy. <strong>Sugar Dunkerton</strong> then asks about the Kings of the Mountain tournament and <strong>Studd and Smith</strong> confirm they've entered... that prompts <strong>Colon</strong> to look at <strong>Dunkerton</strong> and say "Hey Suge, I'm new here and all, but I think you damn well know my experience as a tag team artist... so why don't we team up as well..." <strong>Sugar Dunkerton and Eddie Colon</strong> are confirmed as another team!</p><p> </p><p> That leads into a promo filmed earlier this week at the <strong>Samoan Bloodline</strong>'s training compound. <strong>Junior Fatu</strong> is leading a large group through a workout, some faces are familiar but others are new. <strong>Sefa</strong> delivers a massive Super Kick which draws praise from his father... in the ring behind them, <strong>Afa and Lance</strong> are working well together and <strong>Junior</strong> speaks for them saying "<strong>The Anoa'i's</strong> will be representing the Bloodline in the Kings of the Mountain"</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em><span style="color:#8B0000;">Main Event</span></em></strong></p><p> <strong>"Big" Sean Studd (2-2), Davey Boy Smith Jr (4-1) and Eddie Colon (1-0) vs. The Bloodline (Afa Jr (1-2), "The Future" Lance Anoa'i (0-1) and "The Problem" Sefa Fatu (1-1))</strong></p><p> </p><p> Our main event saw the long-running feud between the <strong>Bloodline and Smith/Studd</strong> take another twist in its long road. The first 6-man tag match in company history wound up being a bit sloppy. There are a number of near falls. The finish saw <strong>Sefa</strong> got for a Super Kick on <strong>Eddie Colon</strong> but <strong>Eddie</strong> ducked it sending <strong>Sefa</strong> stumbling right into a <strong>Big Boot</strong> from <strong>Studd</strong>. This left <strong>The Anoa'i's</strong> in a 3 on 2 scenario which <strong>Colon </strong>took advantage of, driving <strong>Lance</strong> from the ring... With <strong>Afa</strong> isolated<strong> DBS and Sean Studd</strong> took advantage hitting a monster Running Big Boot, followed by the Powerslam to give their team the win as we went off the air following another disappointing loss for the <strong>Bloodline</strong>.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52268" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Match Results</span></strong><p> </p><ul><li>Gods of War defeated Local Talent (Squash, that was used as a story-telling device to introduced next episodes tag tournament the Kings of the Mountain)<br /></li><li>Chris Dickinson defeated Bronson Steiner (Great match, Dickinson is just too skilled for the rookie)<br /></li><li>nZo defeated Patrick Scott (Match of the night, nZo really shined in this one and the in-ring work was great)<br /></li><li>SCHAFF defeated Cezar Bononi (Good ole fashion slobberknocker! Fun bout)<br /></li><li>Studd/Smith/Colon defeated Samoan Bloodline (Disappointing main event, but the story being told between these groups continues, and Davey Boy once again defeated Afa Jr after his team capitalize on some mistakes by "The Future and The Problem")<br /></li></ul><p></p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52268" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall Thoughts</span></strong><p> Solid show here for <strong>The </strong><strong><em>C</em></strong><strong>ollectiv</strong><strong><em>e</em></strong>; from the beginning they've emphasized the cinematic story-telling and in-ring "fight" component and that came through here with <strong>Stephen Amell</strong> announcing the Kings of the Mountain one-night, eight team, tag tournament for the next episode. They even debuted a nice trophy for the winning team. Consider this a bit like a Tag Title; and time will tell if they use this as a title belt or a special achievement. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>SCHAFF</strong> continues to be at the Top of the Table, and he's beaten all comers so far. It'll be interesting to see who will hand him his first loss! It sure looks like <strong>Chris Dickinson</strong> will have an argument to be the #1 Contender, and <strong>Davey Boy Smith</strong> is likely to remain for a potential rematch.</p><p> </p><p> In-ring, <strong>nZo </strong>has been somewhat protected and has been a focal of the story-telling but he delivered in the ring today and his faceless agent has been giving him good advice; they are a fun group and I suspect we'll be seeing this agent sooner or later... and maybe that "bag man" nZo has been clamoring for.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>TK O'Ryan</strong> delivered an impassioned promo about why he's taking his own path. He's had great character development and has delivered in the ring early on. He's one to watch.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Elijah Burke</strong>'s two "disciples" are entering the Kings of the Mountain tournament, so I suppose this means <strong>Eli Everfly</strong> will get a break from being subjected to torture in the Sanctuary that <strong>Burke</strong> uses to "teach". He's promising to help those who can't help themselves and says they are finding a purpose... now we will see them in tag action... that'll be unique.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Bronson Steiner</strong>'s heading "back to the lab" and I get the feeling he'll be seen in cinematic work for the remainder of the season to build him up for his next fight. Preparation is a key, and he's looking better and better, but he's had a hard schedule so far and his weaknesses are exposed by more experienced guys. Having coaches like his father and uncle will only speed up that learning curve though.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Artemis Spencer and Kal Jax</strong> is a bizarre team... Let's see if this is a one night only thing; same thing with <strong>Sugar Dunkerton</strong> (who spends most episodes as a color commentator) and <strong>Eddie Colon</strong>. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>The Samoan Bloodline</strong> has had a strange path.. so far they really haven't won a ton; but <strong>Junior Fatu</strong> is certain they have a plan and will dominate... so I have a feeling this one isn't over and there are more twists and turns to see. We saw a glimpse today that their training camps aren't just the four of them, so maybe the Bloodline has some other names coming as reinforcements.</p><p> </p><p> Overall, solid episode and looking forward to seeing Tag Teams highlighted next episode.</p></div></blockquote>

Nice surprise return (and win) for Juvi! I like the midcard/uppermid development here that could play into a fun TV title feud. Lots of good stuff for the DOTM!

The Collective Officially Announces Lance Anoa'i Lance Anoa’i Vitals Height: 6'1" Weight: 220 Hometown: Allentown, PA but representing the Isle of Samoa Theme:

Dalton: You've put into words so eloquently a difficult moment to navigate in a diary. And I really respect what you've chosen to do. I always try to incorporate real world "events" into my own games like signings and scandals, but deaths never feel right. I look forward to the return and the new direction you may take to respect the legacy of a worker that was very impactful in your diary.

Mullet Mike vs. Seth James Wilson -- SJW just can't defeat the namesake of the company! BP SWOLL & Nate DeMarcus vs. The Jet Set -- They have a real team name. Astro vs. Deathwish -- His name is DEATHWISH Jerry Pepper & Onslaught vs. No Remorse (Remmy Honeyman & Cip Conduit) -- Part of me likes Onslaught, but No Remorse makes more sense (I think) Devil Dog vs. Tavon Blake Jr. Langston “Lion Heart” Franklin vs. Raphael Conner Threepwood vs. The Masked Mauler VII

Mini-Season Episode Four Preview Wrestling Observer Newsletter February Week 4, 2021 Exclusive Preview: The Collective "Snow Fight Club" Episode 4/8 of the Mini-Season. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Love it, thanks for the comments. I'm on the TK bandwagon now myself; I liked the character he was hinting at on twitter last year and I just ran with it and made it my own. I'm enjoying trying to make him my own and make him someone people can look up to. I assure you, the cameraman in The Collective are well compensated and have great insurance policies through their union... Plus, Pope's Sanctuary is never dangerous; it's designed to help those who can't help themselves... ;-) That is a great way to view Bronson's storyline; as a one-man storyline with his father and uncle coaching him up live. It's a bit like a reality show theory, building a character and watching him face challenges. Using the promos to build his growth rather than purely challenging others. He's really raw, but it works nicely... plus his uncle has taken another worker under his wing as a protege, so double bonus! TK is definitely getting more of build-up; Artemis is a solid worker, he pulls big numbers for DEFY and PWG; but it's not translating great in my product so far, and he has virtually no charisma... I'm working on some stories for him, but it's a hard run right now. Bronson and Kal's match you nailed the thinking exactly. Both Lance and Eddie have a path for the remainder of mini-season; this was a toss-up and honestly, I let the game book the winner because I was good with either since it was designed to build-up the feud between The Bloodline and the other sons of Hall of Famers. SMW88, DyllanK17 (Thank you for the kind words, glad it is interesting to you!), Kanegan, Kijar; Appreciate it the predictions! Was a fun show with the uncertainty in the Open Fight Night working out well! Hope you all will enjoy the next episode! And just so it doesn't get lost here is the card again...

The Pope & Marti Belle vs. Sal Rinauro & Maria Kanellis Jervis Cottonbelly vs. JR Kratos NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: Doug Williams & Thom Latimer © vs. Occam's Razor The Pope and Marti grab a win to further the Maria/Mike/Sal triangle. Kratos is a monster, and it's fitting he wins. Gotta go old school draw in the main event.

"Classico" Joins The Collective Eddie Colon Vitals Height: 5'10" Weight: 205 Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico Theme:

The Collective: Snowed In The Fight Club (Episode Three of Eight Mini-Season) Wrestling Observer Newsletter February Week 3, 2021 Exclusive Show Report: The Collective: Snowed In The Fight Club (Mini-Season Episode 3 of 8)

Ah; yes yes, I'm an idiot on Son of Havoc. The Chikara tie-ins make a lot of sense.

I'm just tinkering around with some things and noticed I have a worker in a company with (Company: 29 popularity; Worker: 18 pop) averaging 30 in-ring performance for one company; yet putting up a 55 in-ring is a company in the same region with 35 popularity. Is that purely product based; or AI vs. User etc?

Interesting take on Lucha Underground Season 5; good cast of characters, couple I don't recognize at all who is in the middle of the Puma King/Drago tow? and who is in the middle and far left of the Facade/Taurus row?... Also who is next to Zicky Dice?

<p><strong>Adam Cole</strong> vs. PAC</p><p> Joey Janela & Sonny Kiss vs. <strong>Kenny Omega & Karl Anderson</strong></p><p> AEW Women’s World Championship: <strong>Kris Statlander © </strong>vs. Thunder Rosa</p><p> AEW TNT Championship: <strong>MJF ©</strong> vs. Luchasaurus</p><p> SCU (Daniels/Kazarian) vs. <strong>Team Taz (Cage/Cobb)</strong></p><p> </p><p> Fun show, part of me wants to pick Thunder Rosa to win; just not sure it is time for that switch.</p>

<p>Mini-Season Episode Three Preview</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="WDgbg6w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WDgbg6w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#8B0000;">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</span></strong></p><p><strong> February Week 3, 2021</strong></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>Exclusive Preview: The </strong></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><em>C</em></strong></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong>ollectiv</strong></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong><em>e</em></strong></span><span style="font-size:14px;"><strong> "Snowed In The Fight Club" Episode 3/8 of the Mini-Season.</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52268" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><em>Promos</em></strong><p> 1) Fresh off another victory in the main event of the last episode, <strong>"Dirty Daddy" Chris Dickinson</strong> says he has a rightful claim to the top contender spot; but he respects the process and knows he'll have to earn his keep. He says he's off this episode but that won't keep him from making some noise. He's always looking for a fight.</p><p> </p><p> 2) Quick promo of the<strong> Steiners </strong>in the lab watching video like a football player of some of <strong>Kal Jax</strong>'s college wrestling days and breakdown his strengths and weaknesses, they are preparing the "New <strong>Age" Steiner, Bronson</strong> much like he would have prepared on the gridiron.</p><p> </p><p> 3) We see <strong>SCHAFF</strong> still perched at the Top of the Table after the latest board reveal. they recap the board and they show the promo from the last show: <strong>SCHAFF</strong> is seen in the gym, his long hair covering his face, he finishes his set and flips his hair back, he has a black eye... He smiles and says "This, oh this is merely a flesh wound... when you are a warrior... this doesn't phase you... this motivates you... I've got a target on my back and I love it..... As they say... COME AND GET IT"</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 4) In a surprise promo we get a look at <strong><em>Open Fight Night</em></strong> match that will main event the card. First, we see the promo that aired on the last episode... <strong>The Samoan Bloodline</strong> gets stronger, <strong><em>Open Fight Night</em></strong>, "The Future" is here... The promo ends with a young Samoan smiling at the camera and cracking his knuckles... <strong>"The Future" Lance Anoa'i</strong> is here... and then we see a tropic island type scene... it flashes back into vintage late 1980's/early 1990's footage with a raucous crowd in San Juan and a familiar yet semi-unplaceable voiceover says "I was there as a child, every week watching my father build the greatest promotion in Puerto Rico's history... Wrestling is in my veins... I'm <strong>"Classico" Eddie Colon</strong>; you may 'know' me; but not like this..."</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52268" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Confirmed Matches</span></strong><p> </p><ul><li>Artemis Spencer (2-1) vs. "The Man With No Country" TK O'Ryan (1-1)<br /></li><li>Bronson Steiner (1-1) vs. "Grizzly" Kal Jax (1-1)<br /></li><li>Davey Boy Smith Jr (3-1) and "Big" Sean Studd (1-2) vs. Local Talents (They Don't Win)<br /></li><li>Open Fight Night: "Classico" Eddie Colon (DEBUT) vs. "The Future" Lance Anoa'I (DEBUT)<br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote>

WOW! Jake the Snake! Great reveal, great set of shows too! Loved it top to bottom; really never would have guessed Jake. Loved the RVD/Sabu match too. Dr. Death in Triple Threat is a surprise, but I love it! Great set of shows and moving towards a great new direction for the company!

Trevor Murdock vs. Aron Stevens Marti Belle vs. Serena Deeb World Television Championship Match: Anthony Bennett © vs. ??? BONUS QUESTION: Oh man, no clue, I'll go with a personal fav: James Storm

Fight Club: Top of the Table Standings (End of January 2021 Update) --------------------------------------------------- Through January 2021 the Top of the Table remains unchanged with SCHAFF standing at the top, there were thoughts that Chris Dickinson might move to #1 but alas he slots in at #2 behind DBS Jr who has maintained a strong record with only one loss, which came to the man at the top. Chris Dickinson who earned a full membership at the first Open Fight Night is powering his way towards the top. Kratos and Odinson slide in next after running like bulls in a china shop through local talents this month. Sefa Fatu holds the fifth spot, but that is a precarious position! Stay tuned as we roll into February. --------------------------------------------------- As you see with the standings Dickinson is creeping up the table, and is positioning himself nicely. I do suspect there will be a solid bout between the two in the future... especially with DBS engaged with the Bloodline still. I've really enjoyed thinking up Da Pope's character and segments; the Broken Universe/Lucha Underground Cinematic Style to character building is really intriguing to me and a bit of a central focus to developing these characters. I've kinda always wanted to create a character that people "knew" but didn't "know" in the form I've presented it and with Burke I think we are on our way to achieving that. Still have a lot more in the tank for him too. Glad the Pope visuals are coming through, I try to think them out myself and try to get them across in a relative quick way. Trying to not overdo it, but also make it dark and strange enough to keep people coming back for more. Plus, they are educational now, teaching about decanters and such! (I kid). I kinda write TK O'Ryan's promos in a southern voice despite him being from Massachusetts; but hey... it's wrestling! As for Steiner, he's going to have his ups and downs, and by giving him the win here I effectively erased Victor Benjamin and his consistent 10-14 performance ratings lol. I think Steiner will be a character that will develop over time; and frankly there are things I need to sort out with what I want out of him. The Real1 Krew have been a ton of fun. Trying to be mindful of the "covid-world" I'm trying to prevent presenting them as "at the club with 100 people" or the typical tropes, but still presenting them as enjoying themselves and being "Entertainment Stars"... The group is going to grow... I'm currently "Casting" for their bodyguard/bag-man + agent. So they have a bunch of fun things coming up as I continue to build that Flight Club group up. As always, to all, thank you for the support, predictions, and feedback. I love that people are connecting with certain characters and stories, and giving some life to the commentary. It really helps to know that people are seeing things the way I am trying to get them across!

WON: The Collective: Sundance (Episode 2 of Mini-Season) Review Wrestling Observer Newsletter January Week 4, 2021 Exclusive Show Report: The Collective: Sundance (Episode 2 of the Mini-Season)

The great state of Utah! Push Allan to the moon!

ECW Heavyweight Championship Match Taz vs. Brian Lee (w./ Shane Douglas) -- Brian Lee is a good challenger, but Taz isn't dropping it here. Tag-Team Grudge Match The Sandman and Stevie Richards vs. Raven and ??? -- I'm really intrigued by this, Raven has a friend... or is it a follower?! Think this is a Raven win and build to a one on one with Stevie. Maybe Corino or someone? ECW Television Championship Match Tommy Dreamer vs. Steve "Dr Death" Williams -- Dreamer is the new "face" of the TV division! ECW Tag Team #1 Contenders Match The Chair Swingin' Freaks vs. The Dudleys vs. The Pitbulls vs. The FBI --- The Dudleys feel like the next big thing in the tag division and this sets up the inevitable feud for the titles. Should be a fun match though, and could see it going another way to draw out the story. Grudge Re-Match Sabu vs. Rob Van Dam --- Some of me has think Sabu wins with Fonzie being involved, but think RVD benefits from the win here.

Quick Predictions! AEW TNT: MJF © vs. Eddie Kingston Ricky Starks vs. Darby Allin Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker The Elite vs. The Dark Order Jon Moxley vs. Richard Holliday Angelico vs. Scorpio Sky

The Collective: Second Show on the Mini-Series Preview Wrestling Observer Newsletter January Week 4, 2021 Exclusive Preview: The Collective "Sundance and the Fight Club" Episode 2/8 of the Mini-Season. Looks like a weaker episode on paper, but I suspect this is a bit by design to build more and move us toward a bigger payoff down the road. Have to assume there are a group of cinematic promos.

Brian Milonas vs. The Question Mark Marti Belle & Kamille vs. Serena Deeb & Thunder Rosa [unrecognized] Inter-Gender World Championship: James Ellsworth © vs. Maria Jay Briscoe vs. Eli Drake

Comments Gotta keep the fans coming back! You know what they way, ABS, Always Be Selling... or something like that. I wanted to hype a big debut of a complete unknown and when I read about Bronson this summer I knew he was going to play a part in something. This was the perfect case to debut someone. I always don't always love the hyped debut winning, so this was a great way to do something unique. The Real1 Krew is fun and I've enjoyed booking it, I've been trying to keep the current climate in mind so they aren't out "clubbing" daily, rather partying on their own or on closed sets, but I have a bunch more planned for them. nZo hinted that he had an agent as an example... So this group may expand... I really like building characters and having fun with developing guys from scratch or near unknown so this has been a lot of fun. I hated The Kingdom too... so this was a real challenge. I really liked the tone and direction TK was taking last year via twitter but then with Covid he scrapped it... but I took the direction he was going and made it my own. I honestly didn't know Rick had a son either, then randomly when researching some of the unknown sons of stars (that's how I found Sefa Fatu too) I saw Bronson was training with Swinger and then actually signed in the NFL so I made him for the database I built in May 2020 with a January 2021 debut date... once I started this game (with a new DB, I imported Bronson and that's where we are now). Glad you bought liked the Pope segment, the whole Eli in a jar visual came to me when I was thinking about inspired cinematic type scenes and I just ran with it. Saving Yourself From... Yourself / The Madness and The Cure theme is one that I think we can really build off of and I like the dark charisma/dark vibes we can go with here. Cezar/Victor was a flop... enough said lol SCHAFF/Steiner was definitely intended to be a mystery as to the direction; some I'm glad it worked, and that you liked it. Sean is definitely the wink link, but Afa and Sefa not having chemistry sucked and actually forced me rethinking the Bloodline's next step (in a good way I think). Gods of War I have big plans for; and DBS/BSS too... Also I love the direction Real1 Krew will go in my mind, so I hope it plays out well! The thought about an open weight division is really valid; I may explore that as the current 205+ Fight Club is almost too wide of a gap to some route... I just don't want to bloat my roster. Thank you all for the predictions; always appreciated! Participation and commentary too, I love it!