Croquemitaine

WEEK FOURTEEN CARD ALPHA DIVISION (y-1) Nuclear Templeton (11-2, OVR 583)* vs. (5) Mel O'Hallister (6-7, OVR 559) - Neither man has anything left to fight for. I'm pretty sure neither man cares. (2) George Mastachas (8-5, OVR 561)* vs. (4) Brian Blackfield (6-7, OVR 595) - If "#1 Contender" was a thing in the League, Mastachas would be it. Blackfield hasn't achieved that level yet. LAST ONE STANDING MATCH: (6) The Mastodon (5-8, OVR 552)* vs. (3) Brandy McDonald (7-6, OVR 548) - One of the tougher picks this week. Match type settled it for me. (7) Jean-Paul Ouilette (5-8, OVR 543) vs. (z-8) De'siree Mitchell (4-9, OVR 523)* - We all expected it, but I'm a little sad that JPO is going to be relegated after his strong start. Alpha claims another victim. BETA DIVISION (6) Angela Wassermann (4-9, OVR 500) vs. (2) Christian Priest (10-3, OVR 618)* - Safest pick of the week? (5) Billy Norris (6-7, OVR 540) vs. (4) Yoshii Nakamatsu (8-5, OVR 543)* - Yoshii evens up a rivalry that's going to continue for at least one more season. (7) Pulsar (4-9, OVR 505)* vs. (3) Reverend Johnny Gross (9-4, OVR 540) - Since this match will probably happen before Priest's and Molina's, Gross wins to keep up the pressure. (z-8) Blood River (1-12, OVR 512) vs. (1) Lucas Molina (10-3, OVR 519)* - No, THIS is the safest pick of the week. GAMMA DIVISION (4) Indigo Rose (8-5, OVR 532) vs. (y-1) Monty Dhillon (13-0, OVR 570)* - I am way less confident about this pick than you might expect. (3) Diego Rodriguez (8-5, OVR 548)* vs. (6) Markus Clay (4-9, OVR 497) - Diego's last chance to escape the Gamma Vortex that seems to have both him and Rose locked in. (z-8) Terrance Stevens (1-12, OVR 496) vs. (5) Big Scott Weathers (6-7, OVR 518)* - Ladies and gentleman... here is your MAIN EVENT!!! ... of the pre-show... (2) Kichi Hida (8-5, OVR 498)* vs. (7) Lance Heartilly (4-9, OVR 466) - Lance would like a do-over on this entire season. DELTA DIVISION (3) Diamond (8-5, OVR 513)* vs. (4) Leon de Ramos (8-5, OVR 437) - Picking the veteran over the rookie is always safe. You may be wrong, but you don't look like an idiot. 😜 (1) Nocturne (9-4, OVR 464)* vs. (z-5) Sterling Silver (6-7, OVR 476) - I never want to count Silver out, but Nocturne's got too much on the line. (2) Rock Sheridan (8-5, OVR 440)* vs. (6) Mickey Steele (6-7, OVR 431) - The most homer pick that ever homered a pick! (7) Scott Stevens (5-8, OVR 443)* vs. (8) George Stevens (2-11, OVR 420) - Scott's got a season's worth of experience advantage

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 13 Cro's Thoughts: - The MegaWOW!!! MOVE OF THE WEEK! goes to De'siree Mitchell. She may be headed to Beta, but she's not going without a fight. - It's been a season of wildly-different halves for many competitors. Jean-Paul Ouilette was the biggest surprise of the first half and the biggest disappointment of the second. Pulsar and Markus Clay weren't exactly tearing it up in the first half, but their disastrous second-halves have put them both in danger of relegation. On the flip-side, Indigo Rose has completely turned things around post-TTT. Mickey Steele has doubled his first-half victory tally and earned himself a (very slim) shot at a .500 record. - There are currently three wrestlers with unbeaten records in the second-half. Two of those (Dhillon and Rose) meet in the final week, guaranteeing at least one wrestler finishes with a perfect half (or a perfect season if Dhillon wins). Christian Priest can make it two with a victory over Angela Wassermann. Note that if Dhillon beats Rose, that will give him three perfect halves in a row! - It's not often that this ranking system highlights current short-term trends (nor is it intended to), but the late-season trajectories of Diego Rodriguez and Kichi Hida are plain to see in this week's graphic. A promotion battle that seemed to be wrapped up four weeks ago now comes down to the final week's match-ups. Beta and Delta's promotion slots are also in fierce contention. That's the great thing about The League... there's always something on the line, even after the overall championship has been clinched.

WEEK THIRTEEN CARD ALPHA DIVISION (5) Jean-Paul Ouilette (5-7, OVR 543) vs. (y-1) Nuclear Templeton (10-2, OVR 579)* - With the post-championship-hangover-loss out of the way, Nuke returns to his unstoppably violent ways. (4) Brian Blackfield (5-7, OVR 589)* vs. (7) The Mastodon (5-7, OVR 550) - I almost flipped a coin, but went with Blackfield because he won last time. (2) George Mastachas (8-4, OVR 560) vs. (6) Mel O'Hallister (5-7, OVR 555)* - The Championship is gone, but Mastachas is still a top tier performer. (8) De'siree Mitchell (3-9, OVR 519) vs. (3) Brandy McDonald (7-5, OVR 547)* - This may be the last time we see this match-up. Brandy's been in control so far. BETA DIVISION EUROPEAN RULES MATCH: (1) Lucas Molina (10-2, OVR 519)* vs. (2) Christian Priest (9-3, OVR 612) - Molina wants to prove he's surpassed Priest, but it's going to be a long night. (4) Yoshii Nakamatsu (7-5, OVR 538)* vs. (6) Pulsar (4-8, OVR 504) - Yoshii's too good for Pulsar. (z-8) Blood River (1-11, OVR 512) vs. (3) Reverend Johnny Gross (8-4, OVR 536)* - Gross stays in the hunt with an easy match-up. (5) Billy Norris (6-6, OVR 538)* vs. (7) Angela Wassermann (3-9, OVR 494) - Wassermann needs a miracle to remain in Beta. She's not getting it this week. GAMMA DIVISION (5) Big Scott Weathers (5-7, OVR 513) vs. (2) Diego Rodriguez (8-4, OVR 547)* - Weathers has exceeded expectations this season, but he's not beating Rodriguez. TABLES MATCH: (y-1) Monty Dhillon (12-0, OVR 567)* vs. (7) Lance Heartilly (4-8, OVR 465) - This one should go as expected. (z-8) Terrance Stevens (1-11, OVR 496) vs. (4) Indigo Rose (7-5, OVR 528)* - Stevens has thrown in the towel, while Rose is riding a hot streak. (6) Markus Clay (4-8, OVR 497)* vs. (3) Kichi Hida (7-5, OVR 494) - After this match, Clay might want to be relegated... DELTA DIVISION (2) Rock Sheridan (8-4, OVR 440)* vs. (3) Diamond (7-5, OVR 510) - Rock beats rock (4) Leon de Ramos (7-5, OVR 434)* vs. (1) Nocturne (9-3, OVR 464) - Could go either way. SUBMISSION MATCH: (6) Sterling Silver (5-7, OVR 470)* vs. (8) George Stevens (2-10, OVR 417) - Experience and desperation (7) Mickey Steele (5-7, OVR 427) vs. (5) Scott Stevens (5-7, OVR 442)* - Homer pick

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 12 Cro's Thoughts: - The MegaWOW!!! Energy Drink MOVE OF THE WEEK! goes to The Mastodon, who gets a statement win while fighting to stave off relegation. - The logjam at 5-7 in Alpha is both hilarious and tragic. A very good wrestler is going to be relegated in two weeks. Someone is going to absolutely terrorize Beta next season... but enough about Monty Dhillon... 😜 - After what felt like a predictable season for the first nine or ten weeks, we're seeing some tight races down the stretch. First and Eighth were settled in most divisions fairly early on, but the battles for second and seventh are all going down to the wire. In fact, almost half the League's wrestlers are in legitimate contention for both Second and Seventh in their division. - Season Twelve is shaping up to be even more competitive, as some of the last few "loose leaves" are finally going to fall. I expect the divisions be be more evenly balanced as these weak links sink to their rightful level and stronger competitors move up. That being said, is anyone capable of stopping Nuclear Templeton from repeating? - The potential spanner in the works is injury breaks. Fitting Simmons and Gibson back into the picture is already going to play havoc with the seeding. If another two wrestlers take next season off, it may even out. If we get a longer list of injuries, that projected balance I was talking about may evapourate.

WEEK TWELVE CARD ALPHA DIVISION (7) The Mastodon (4-7, OVR 545) vs. (y-1) Nuclear Templeton (10-1, OVR 578)* - I suppose there's a chance Nuke might let up now that he's clinched, but I'm not going to bet on it. (4) Mel O'Hallister (5-6, OVR 554) vs. (6) Brian Blackfield (4-7, OVR 584)* - I flip-flopped hard on this pick. Gimme another minute and I'll change my mind again... (3) Brandy McDonald (6-5, OVR 544) vs. (4) Jean-Paul Ouilette (5-6, OVR 543)* - Alpha's middle-six has become a crap-shoot, so I'm throwing my pick on the side of maximum chaos. (8) De'siree Mitchell (3-8, OVR 518) vs. (2) George Mastachas (7-4, OVR 555)* - Mastachas may no longer be in Nuke's class, but Mitchell isn't in his. BETA DIVISION (2) Christian Priest (8-3, OVR 607)* vs. (5) Billy Norris (6-5, OVR 537) - The faithful shall be rewarded with victory and the coming ascension! (1) Lucas Molina (9-2, OVR 514)* vs. (4) Yoshii Nakamatsu (7-4, OVR 537) - Is Molina ready for Alpha? Is Alpha ready for Molina? (3) Reverend Johnny Gross (7-4, OVR 533)* vs. (6) Angela Wassermann (3-8, OVR 493) - The Reverend stays in the hunt. (7) Pulsar (3-8, OVR 499)* vs. (8) Blood River (1-10, OVR 511) - Pulsar has owned this match-up. GAMMA DIVISION (y-1) Monty Dhillon (11-0, OVR 563)* vs. (5) Big Scott Weathers (5-6, OVR 513) - Perfect season still on track, but you gotta stick that landing, big guy. EUROPEAN RULES MATCH: (2) Diego Rodriguez (8-3, OVR 542)* vs. (4) Indigo Rose (6-5, OVR 515) - This is probably the 5* match. Rose is on the better run, Diego's had the better season. HARDCORE MATCH: (z-8) Terrance Stevens (1-10, OVR 494) vs. (3) Kichi Hida (6-5, OVR 488)* - The good news for Stevens is that he won't have to wrestle Hida next season. If he survives, that is. (6) Markus Clay (4-7, OVR 495)* vs. (7) Lance Heartilly (3-8, OVR 460) - I keep waiting for the real Lance Heartilly to show up. DELTA DIVISION (1) Nocturne (8-3, OVR 461)* vs. (3) Diamond (7-4, OVR 509) - This is Nocturne's chance to finally create some separation from the pack. (2) Rock Sheridan (7-4, OVR 435)* vs. (6) Scott Stevens (5-6, OVR 441) - Rock sweeps the season series. (7) Mickey Steele (4-7, OVR 422) vs. (5) Sterling Silver (5-6, OVR 468)* - Homer pick (4) Leon de Ramos (6-5, OVR 430)* vs. (8) George Stevens (2-9, OVR 416) - Leon still has a shot at promotion, or at least keeping his spot in Delta.

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 11 Cro's Thoughts: - The MegaWOW!!! Energy Drink MOVE OF THE WEEK! goes to... Big Scott Weathers?!? - Honorable Mentions go to Monty Dhillon and Brandy McDonald. - Alpha Division has been both fascinating and hard to follow this season. It's very much devolved into "Nuke > everyone else > De'siree", where anyone in that middle tier can beat anyone else. - Beta, the second division, is all about the battles for second slots. Molina and River seem to be locked in, but the second promotion and relegation slots are still being fiercely contested. - Gamma is probably going to finish the way it currently stands, barring a last-ditch surge or collapse. Kudos to Markus Clay for making the most of his second chance. Meanwhile, WTH happened to Lance Heartilly? - Delta has possibly been the most competitive division this season, due to an influx of superior rookies (well, if you want to call Sheridan and de Ramos an "influx"). I'm pretty sure someone like Mickey Steele or even George Stevens would have had perfectly respectable records in Season Eight Delta, but the standard this season is too high. I expect next season's rookies to get eaten alive as well. - Rumours that George Mastachas received several well-dressed Italian-looking visitors to his dressing room minutes before his match with Brandy McDonald are completely unfounded.

WEEK ELEVEN CARD ALPHA DIVISION (3) Jean-Paul Ouilette (5-5, OVR 541)* vs. (8) Brian Blackfield (3-7, OVR 578) - At the beginning of the season, I would have expected to make this pick, but I wouldn't have expected it to be a risky upset pick. (4) Brandy McDonald (5-5, OVR 540) vs. (2) George Mastachas (7-3, OVR 555)* - There's only two wrestlers left in Alpha's top tier, and Mastachas is the other one. (1) Nuclear Templeton (9-1, OVR 572)* vs. (7) De'siree Mitchell (3-7, OVR 517) - Easiest pick this week? (6) The Mastodon (4-6, OVR 544) vs. (5) Mel O'Hallister (4-6, OVR 547)* - A tale of two wasted seasons. BETA DIVISION (2) Reverend Johnny Gross (7-3, OVR 532)* vs. (3) Christian Priest (7-3, OVR 602) - As of right now, this is the battle for the second promotion spot. HARDCORE MATCH: (5) Billy Norris (5-5, OVR 532)* vs. (8) Blood River (1-9, OVR 510) - Is this where River surprises us? If it is, I'll go ahead and be surprised. (4) Yoshii Nakamatsu (6-4, OVR 534)* vs. (6) Angela Wassermann (3-7, OVR 493) - No reason not to side with history here. (1) Lucas Molina (8-2, OVR 510)* vs. (7) Pulsar (3-7, OVR 499) - Molina puts a virtual lock on promotion here. GAMMA DIVISION (3) Kichi Hida (6-4, OVR 487) vs. (1) Monty Dhillon (10-0, OVR 560)* - Hida can win any match, but Dhillon is still the favourite. (2) Diego Rodriguez (7-3, OVR 537)* vs. (8) Terrance Stevens (1-9, OVR 492) - Second-easiest pick this week? (4) Indigo Rose (5-5, OVR 510)* vs. (5) Markus Clay (4-6, OVR 494) - Clay's been hanging in there this season, but a rejuvenated Rose should out-class him. (6) Big Scott Weathers (4-6, OVR 509)* vs. (7) Lance Heartilly (3-7, OVR 460) - In a straight match, Heartilly should be able to handle Weathers. DELTA DIVISION (8) George Stevens (2-8, OVR 415) vs. (3) Diamond (6-4, OVR 505)* - Diamond is fighting for promotion, George is running out the clock. (6) Scott Stevens (4-6, OVR 438) vs. (5) Sterling Silver (5-5, OVR 468)* - This is the kind of match-up Sterling usually wins. (1) Nocturne (7-3, OVR 457) vs. (7) Mickey Steele (4-6, OVR 422)* - He did it before? FIRST BLOOD MATCH: (2) Rock Sheridan (6-4, OVR 431)* vs. (4) Leon de Ramos (6-4, OVR 429) - Match type favours Sheridan, I think.

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 10 Cro's Thoughts - The MOVE OF THE WEEK! brought to you by MegaWOW!!! energy drink has to go to the Reverend Johnny Gross. - Gross's gain comes at the expense of Lucas Molina, but this is likely only a momentary setback. - Molina and JPO are the biggest positive surprises of the season. Kichi Hida may or may not also belong in that category. Blackfield, O'Hallister, Priest, and Heartilly have been mild disappointments. Everyone else is performing pretty much as expected. - I will continue to post the updated rankings every week, but I'm not going to have much to say about them. They're not really meant to highlight recent results but rather a summary of how a competitor has performed over a full two-season period. As a result the rankings have become very static of late. The flip side is when someone does trend upward or downward, that represents a significant improvement or decline in their effectiveness.

WEEK TEN CARD ALPHA DIVISION (5) Brian Blackfield (3-6, OVR 577) vs. (1) Nuclear Templeton (8-1, OVR 567)* - Cockroaches may survive the nuclear apocalypse, but Blackfield won't. (3) Jean-Paul Ouilette (5-4, OVR 541) vs. (2) George Mastachas (6-3, OVR 551)* - Mastachas is still in this! I mean, Nuke might get hit by a bus... and the bus has maybe an 8% chance of winning! (6) Mel O'Hallister (3-6, OVR 542) vs. (4) Brandy McDonald (5-4, OVR 539)* - It's Mel's turn, but I got a hunch. (8) De'siree Mitchell (3-6, OVR 515) vs. (7) The Mastodon (3-6, OVR 539)* - History favours the Mastodon. BETA DIVISION (4) Christian Priest (6-3, OVR 599) vs. (3) Yoshii Nakamatsu (6-3, OVR 533)* - Yoshii's tailed off badly. (1) Lucas Molina (8-1, OVR 510)* vs. (2) Reverend Johnny Gross (6-3, OVR 529) - Molina's been unstoppable of late. (6) Pulsar (3-6, OVR 498)* vs. (5) Billy Norris (4-5, OVR 528) - It's Billy's turn? (7) Angela Wassermann (2-7, OVR 489) vs. (8) Blood River (1-8, OVR 509)* - History says River. The future says... we'll be revisiting this feud in Gamma next season. 😛 GAMMA DIVISION (1) Monty Dhillon (9-0, OVR 555)* vs. (2) Diego Rodriguez (7-2, OVR 536) - Diego could win. He won't. But he could. (3) Kichi Hida (5-4, OVR 483)* vs. (4) Big Scott Weathers (4-5, OVR 508) - Just what the doctor ordered for Hida. (6) Markus Clay (3-6, OVR 492) vs. (8) Terrance Stevens (1-8, OVR 493)* - History says Clay? (7) Lance Heartilly (3-6, OVR 460)* vs. (5) Indigo Rose (4-5, OVR 508) - Rose has found her missing gear. DELTA DIVISION (3) Diamond (5-4, OVR 500) vs. (6) Scott Stevens (4-5, OVR 437)* - He beat her before? (4) Sterling Silver (5-4, OVR 466) vs. (2) Rock Sheridan (5-4, OVR 426)* - Iffy pick, but I think Silver can and will get her win back. (8) George Stevens (2-7, OVR 415) vs. (1) Nocturne (6-3, OVR 453)* - Nocturne's been working some variation of this match since she got here. (7) Mickey Steele (4-5, OVR 421) vs. (5) Leon de Ramos (5-4, OVR 424)* - Total homer pick

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 9 Cro's Thoughts: - MOVE OF THE WEEK! *brought to you by MegaWow!!! energy drink* goes to Lucas Molina. He's been on fire and it's starting to show in the rankings. - There is more shuffling than usual this week, probably due to the number of upsets (or at least, lower-ranked wrestlers beating higher-ranked wrestlers). Other than Molina's rise, I'm not ready to declare any of these moves as "trends", although both Blackfield and Ouilette's drops may be "correctional", indicating that their respective places in the pecking order may be a little lower than previously imagined. - The Season Eleven Championship is a two-horse race and the rankings reflect that. - Personally, I think it's actually a one-horse race at this point, but we still gotta sell tickets, so yeah, Mastachas is still in it!

There was a post-show video showing that Kris had been attacked backstage. I haven't seen it, but I gather it was presented in a way that she could have been lying about it if they're planning a Statlander heel turn.

WEEK NINE CARD The * in each pairing denotes the winner of the previous match this season ALPHA DIVISION CAGE MATCH: (1) Nuclear Templeton (7-1, OVR 561)* vs. (2) George Mastachas (6-2, OVR 550) - The money match! I'm still all-in on Nuke. (5) Brian Blackfield (3-5, OVR 577) vs. (4) Brandy McDonald (4-4, OVR 536)* - Always weird betting against the Juggernaut, but Brandy beat him before, she can do it again. (3) Jean-Paul Ouilette (5-3, OVR 540)* vs. (7) The Mastodon (2-6, OVR 535) - JPO has proved he can hang. Now he needs to prove he can thrive. (8) De'siree Mitchell (2-6, OVR 512) vs. (6) Mel O'Hallister (3-5, OVR 542)* - Great opportunity for Mitchell to get back on track with an opponent she's dominated in the past. BETA DIVISION (4) Christian Priest (5-3, OVR 594)* vs. (7) Blood River (1-7, OVR 508) - Time for Priest to definitively put himself back in the promotion picture. TABLES MATCH: (2) Yoshii Nakamatsu (6-2, OVR 533) vs. (3) Reverend Johnny Gross (5-3, OVR 526)* - I think Yoshii's momentum has stalled. (1) Lucas Molina (7-1, OVR 506) vs. (5) Billy Norris (4-4, OVR 527)* - Billy may make a match of it, but the Molina Train is gathering steam. LAST ONE STANDING MATCH: (6) Pulsar (3-5, OVR 495) vs. (8) Angela Wassermann (1-7, OVR 482)* - Career trend continues? GAMMA DIVISION (1) Monty Dhillon (8-0, OVR 551)* vs. (6) Markus Clay (3-5, OVR 491) - It's Hammer Time! (3) Kichi Hida (5-3, OVR 482)* vs. (2) Diego Rodriguez (6-2, OVR 532) - I'm betting last week was a blip and not a warning sign. (5) Indigo Rose (3-5, OVR 504) vs. (4) Big Scott Weathers (4-4, OVR 507)* - Is Indigo back on form? Let's find out! (7) Lance Heartilly (2-6, OVR 455)* vs. (8) Terrance Stevens (1-7, OVR 491) - Both struggling, but in the long run, one of these careers is on the way up and the other is on the way out. DELTA DIVISION FIRST BLOOD MATCH: (7) Mickey Steele (3-5, OVR 417) vs. (3) Diamond (5-3, OVR 499)* - Total homer pick TABLES MATCH: (6) Scott Stevens (3-5, OVR 433) vs. (1) Nocturne (6-2, OVR 452)* - Match type almost made me flip this. Nocturne is winless in specialty matches. (5) Sterling Silver (4-4, OVR 462)* vs. (4) Leon de Ramos (5-3, OVR 424) - Stock market says Silver is gaining! (8) George Stevens (1-7, OVR 408)* vs. (2) Rock Sheridan (5-3, OVR 423) - Rock evens the season series

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 8 Cro's Thoughts: - Now that there's a matured points sample base in play, big weekly moves are relatively rare, and are often misleading when they do happen. Nonetheless, Jean-Paul Ouilette has definitely made the move of the week. Or was that the... *MOVE OF THE WEEK: brought to you by MEGAWOW! Energy Drink!!! - The Mastodon finally relinquishes the #4 spot, and may go into a freefall if he doesn't pick things up. - Des'iree Mitchell has stopped the bleeding, but has yet to close the wound. - Nocturne and Diamond seem to be joined at the hip this season. They've been trading spots continually and I expect that to continue this week.

Are you manually removing finishers from generated movesets? What I did when I created a new database for my own League-type project (which I've been too busy to do anything with) is remove all the Finishers from the Moves category in the database. When I add a new worker, I auto-generate their moveset, then import whatever Finishers they need from the default database (renaming and trademarking as necessary). Apologies if you're already doing that and I'm telling you stuff you already know.

This is AEW. We're probably getting a tournament to determine who gets to be in the tournament.

*Sends a note to shoptheleague.com to stock up on cuddly Mastodon plushies*

Wait... Mastodon is a Face?!?

WEEK EIGHT CARD The * in each pairing denotes the winner of the previous match this season ALPHA DIVISION (4) Brandy McDonald (4-3, OVR 535)* vs. (1) Nuclear Templeton (6-1, OVR 556) - The temporary truce is over. Nuke gets revenge for the one blemish on this season's record. (2) George Mastachas (5-2, OVR 546)* vs. (7) The Mastodon (2-5, OVR 535) - Both need it, but one of them is a top-three guy. HARDCORE MATCH: (6) Mel O'Hallister (3-4, OVR 541) vs. (3) Jean-Paul Ouilette (4-3, OVR 536)* - Match type swung the pick. SUBMISSION MATCH: (8) De'siree Mitchell (1-6, OVR 509) vs. (5) Brian Blackfield (3-4, OVR 578)* - Des, the good news is that Blackfield isn't taking your spot. The bad news is that JPO is taking your spot. BETA DIVISION (6) Pulsar (3-4, OVR 494) vs. (5) Christian Priest (4-3, OVR 589)* - A new power is yadda yadda yadda (4) Reverend Johnny Gross (4-3, OVR 522) vs. (3) Billy Norris (4-3, OVR 526)* - Tough call. Gross has picked things up lately... but has he? (7) Blood River (1-6, OVR 507) vs. (2) Yoshii Nakamatsu (5-2, OVR 529)* - Season Eleven Yoshii don't care about the past. (8) Angela Wassermann (1-6, OVR 483) vs. (1) Lucas Molina (6-1, OVR 503)* - It'll be close for three minutes, then it won't be close. GAMMA DIVISION (1) Monty Dhillon (7-0, OVR 549)* vs. (8) Terrance Stevens (1-6, OVR 492) - The streak continues. SUBMISSION MATCH: (5) Big Scott Weathers (3-4, OVR 504) vs. (4) Markus Clay (3-4, OVR 491)* - The edge goes to Big Scott "Submission Master" Weathers! (2) Kichi Hida (5-2, OVR 482)* vs. (7) Indigo Rose (2-5, OVR 500) - A tale of two seasons... (6) Lance Heartilly (2-5, OVR 454) vs. (3) Diego Rodriguez (5-2, OVR 527)* - Diego's better at what Lance does. DELTA DIVISION (3) Diamond (4-3, OVR 496)* vs. (4) Sterling Silver (4-3, OVR 462) - I feel like Silver has a little more momentum. (2) Rock Sheridan (5-2, OVR 423) vs. (1) Nocturne (5-2, OVR 449)* - She beat him before? (5) Leon de Ramos (4-3, OVR 419)* vs. (6) Scott Stevens (3-4, OVR 432) - Technician bias. Also, he beat him before? (7) Mickey Steele (2-5, OVR 411)* vs. (8) George Stevens (1-6, OVR 406) - Let the battle for the basement commence!

The League is changing. Who now has the strength to stand against the Violence of the Church and the Hammer? To stand against the might of Priest and Dhillon, and the union of the Two Towers?

I'll take a stab at this: Season Eleven Tag Team Turmoil Bracket Match 1 1. Divine Juggernaut (Brian Blackfield and Reverend Johnny Gross) vs. 16. Team Friendship (Lance Heartilly and Terrance Stevens) Match 2 8. High Velocity (Billy Norris and Markus Clay) vs. 9. Football Fanatics (De’siree Mitchell and Leon de Ramos) Match 3 5. The First Church (Christian Priest and Monty Dhillon) Vs. 12. Bloody Weather (Big Scott Weathers and Blood River) Match 4 4. Warriors of the Ring (Angela Wassermann and Diamond) vs. 13. The Stevens Dynasty (Scott Stevens and George Stevens) Match 5 2. Emerald & Silver (Mel O’Hallister and Sterling Silver) vs. 15. Aria of Thorns (Indigo Rose and Nocturne) Match 6 7. Rampage Carnival (Kichi Hida and The Mastodon) vs. 10. Hearts of the Zodiac (Jean-Paul Ouilette and Pulsar) Match 7 6. Grappling Geniuses (George Mastachas and Lucas Molina) vs. 11. Dissonant Grit (Diego Rodriguez and Rock Sheridan) Match 8 3. Nuclear Cocktail (Brandy McDonald and Nuclear Templeton) vs. 14. Steel Devastation (Mickey Steele and Yoshii Nakamatsu) - bringing that "Lethal and Briscoe in the Continental Classic" energy 😛 Match 9 Divine Juggernaut (Brian Blackfield and Reverend Johnny Gross) vs. Football Fanatics (De’siree Mitchell and Leon de Ramos) Match 10 The First Church (Christian Priest and Monty Dhillon) vs. Warriors of the Ring (Angela Wassermann and Diamond) Match 11 Emerald & Silver (Mel O’Hallister and Sterling Silver) vs. Rampage Carnival (Kichi Hida and The Mastodon) Match 12 - Match of the Night contender! Grappling Geniuses (George Mastachas and Lucas Molina) vs. Nuclear Cocktail (Brandy McDonald and Nuclear Templeton) Match 13 Divine Juggernaut (Brian Blackfield and Reverend Johnny Gross) vs. The First Church (Christian Priest and Monty Dhillon) Match 14 Rampage Carnival (Kichi Hida and The Mastodon) vs. Nuclear Cocktail (Brandy McDonald and Nuclear Templeton) Tag Team Turmoil Championship Match The First Church (Christian Priest and Monty Dhillon) vs. Nuclear Cocktail (Brandy McDonald and Nuclear Templeton) My overall thoughts are similar to SF's, except that I gave Nuke and Brandy the nod. Match 12 was the hardest pick for sure, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if the Grappling Geniuses took it and went all the way to the final (and probably winning it if they do). I also wouldn't be overly shocked if Rampage Carnival upset either of those teams. First Church over Divine Juggernaut is also definitely not a lock. So I expect the final winners to be one of Nuclear Cocktail, Grappling Geniuses, First Church, Rampage Carnival, or Divine Juggernaut. Then again, anything can happen in Tag Team Turmoil! Emerald and Silver may even raise the cup a second time. Wait, is there a cup? Some kind of trophy? A gift certificate from Walgreen's? Preferred parking for the remainder of the season?

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 7 Cro's Thoughts: - Nuke breaks the 1,000 point mark! - De'siree Mitchell, despite her quality performances, is experiencing the "losing streak freefall". The upside is that she's positioned for big gains if she can pull off a few wins. - Mastodon holding his fourth place spot based on last year's strong performance and, ironically, a weak showing in season nine (minimal points dropoff). However, he's now got Lucas Molina coming up hard in his rear-view. - Speaking of... Lucas Molina has the momentum right now. If the second half of the season follows current trends, he should pass both Priest and Mastodon in short order. - Nocturne enjoying the "second season bump", where points are gained but never lost. Scott Stevens and Lance Heartilly are largely wasting their similar opportunity. - We have a clear Top Three in the League right now, and it looks like a clear pecking order has developed within that top three. My pre-season bet on Nuclear Templeton is looking very safe.

WEEK SEVEN CARD ALPHA DIVISION (1) Nuclear Templeton (5-1, OVR 552) vs. (5) Brian Blackfield (3-3, OVR 577) - That wall everyone says Blackfield is going to hit? It's name is Nuclear Templeton. (2) George Mastachas (4-2, OVR 542) vs. (3) Jean-Paul Ouilette (4-2, OVR 536) - JPO has earned my respect, but defending champion is still defending champion. (4) Brandy McDonald (3-3, OVR 530) vs. (6) Mel O'Hallister (3-3, OVR 540) - They've been trading wins, and it's Brandy's turn. (8) The Mastodon (1-5, OVR 528) vs. (7) De'siree Mitchell (1-5, OVR 507) - I wanted to pick Mitchell here, but I suspect an adrenaline rush will be the difference maker. BETA DIVISION (3) Christian Priest (4-2, OVR 588) vs. (6) Reverend Johnny Gross (3-3, OVR 517) - I predict a glorious evening for the First Church. Possibly even a return to MOTN territory? (7) Blood River (1-5, OVR 507) vs. (5) Billy Norris (3-3, OVR 523) - This time it's River's turn. (8) Angela Wassermann (1-5, OVR 482) vs. (2) Yoshii Nakamatsu (4-2, OVR 526) - Wassermann always puts up a good fight and always loses. Maybe a spell in Gamma will rejuvenate her career. (4) Pulsar (3-3, OVR 492) vs. (1) Lucas Molina (5-1, OVR 497) - Pulsar is on an impressive run, but he's about to be grounded. GAMMA DIVISION (1) Monty Dhillon (6-0, OVR 546) vs. (2) Kichi Hida (5-1, OVR 482) - By all rights this should be a clash of two undefeated wrestlers. I give Monty the edge because he's actually more versatile. (8) Terrance Stevens (1-5, OVR 491) vs. (3) Diego Rodriguez (4-2, OVR 524) - Both need it, but Rodriguez is just better. (4) Markus Clay (3-3, OVR 491) vs. (7) Indigo Rose (1-5, OVR 498) - Absolute must-win for Rose, but Clay's been making the most of his relegation reprieve. HARDCORE MATCH: (6) Lance Heartilly (2-4, OVR 453) vs. (5) Big Scott Weathers (2-4, OVR 500) - Both men are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort. Could go either way. DELTA DIVISION (6) Diamond (3-3, OVR 492) vs. (7) Mickey Steele (2-4, OVR 410) - Optimism springs eternal! (3) Nocturne (4-2, OVR 445) vs. (5) Scott Stevens (3-3, OVR 431) - A few weeks ago I'd have said this was a lock for Nocturne. Now I'm not so sure. (2) Leon de Ramos (4-2, OVR 418) vs. (4) Sterling Silver (3-3, OVR 457) - Going with experience. (1) Rock Sheridan (5-1, OVR 423) vs. (8) George Stevens (0-6, OVR 403) - Two rookies heading in opposite directions.

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 6 Cro's Thoughts: - Big movers going up: Ouilette, Molina, Pulsar (?!?), Heartilly, Diamond - Big movers going down: McDonald, Yakamatsu, Wassermann, Clay - Can Nuke break the 1,000 point barrier? (note: a win in week seven should do it!) - Mastodon holding position due to last season's strong performance and, ironically, a poor performance in the first half of season nine.

WEEK SIX CARD ALPHA DIVISION (4) Brian Blackfield (3-2, OVR 578) vs. (5) Jean-Paul Ouilette (3-2, OVR 533) - Juggernaut does Juggernaut things. TABLES MATCH: (3) George Mastachas (3-2, OVR 539) vs. (2) Brandy McDonald (3-2, OVR 529) - Mastachas may not be in championship form, but he's still a top-tier guy. EUROPEAN RULES MATCH: (7) De'siree Mitchell (1-4, OVR 506) vs. (1) Nuclear Templeton (4-1, OVR 546) - Mitchell is tough. So she just may be able to walk away from this one without assistance... (6) Mel O'Hallister (2-3, OVR 535) vs. (8) The Mastodon (1-4, OVR 527) - Two absolute monsters with something to prove. This one will be loud. BETA DIVISION (4) Billy Norris (3-2, OVR 522) vs. (3) Christian Priest (3-2, OVR 583) - Slow start to the season for Priest, but a win here is good for second-place and back in the promotion race. (1) Yoshii Nakamatsu (4-1, OVR 524) vs. (2) Lucas Molina (4-1, OVR 493) - Winner takes outright lead in the division, and my two bucks is on Molina. (7) Blood River (1-4, OVR 507) vs. (5) Pulsar (2-3, OVR 490) - There's no safe bets in a flier battle, but Pulsar is the less unsafe. HARDCORE MATCH: (8) Angela Wassermann (1-4, OVR 481) vs. (6) Reverend Johnny Gross (2-3, OVR 512) - Gross puts himself back in the picture with a win, and completely punts the season with a loss. GAMMA DIVISION HARDCORE MATCH: (3) Diego Rodriguez (4-1, OVR 524) vs. (1) Monty Dhillon (5-0, OVR 542) - First real test for Monty this season. (5) Big Scott Weathers (2-3, OVR 500) vs. (2) Kichi Hida (4-1, OVR 478) - Could be a short, ugly, beat-down. (8) Terrance Stevens (0-5, OVR 487) vs. (4) Markus Clay (3-2, OVR 490) - It's been a pretty one-sided match-up so far, and Stevens has done nothing this season to suggest he's ready to turn it around. (7) Indigo Rose (1-4, OVR 497) vs. (6) Lance Heartilly (1-4, OVR 450) - Who had this pencilled in as a relegation bout? DELTA DIVISION (6) Sterling Silver (2-3, OVR 455) vs. (4) Scott Stevens (3-2, OVR 432) - Silver does surprisingly well against large opponents. Except when she doesn't. SUBMISSION MATCH: (5) Diamond (2-3, OVR 488) vs. (8) George Stevens (0-5, OVR 402) - Diamond actually has a Submission finisher. CAGE MATCH: (7) Mickey Steele (1-4, OVR 407) vs. (3) Nocturne (4-1, OVR 445) - The longest of all long-shots. (2) Leon de Ramos (4-1, OVR 417) vs. (1) Rock Sheridan (4-1, OVR 419) - This match has probable promotion implications. It could go either way.

Points Rankings: The League - Season 11 Week 5 Cro's Thoughts; - Fairly static this week as workers are starting to settle in where they belong. - Hida back on the rise after last week's controversy. I shudder to think of the carnage if she'd been left in Delta for another season. - Mitchell dropping down the rankings as most expected. Ouilette, however, is not. - Poor Monty wins his match and still drops points and two ranking positions. That's what beating Terrance Stevens is worth, I guess. If he can pull off wins the next two weeks, he'll finally see some upward progress. "If". I'm already smelling another three-way-war for two promotion spots. - Mastodon/Priest/McDonald somehow holding down the same 4-6 positions for a fourth straight week. Given the gap above and below them, they may hold position for another week or two even if they continue their sub-par seasons.