QAW: Passing The Torch

Dr_Avalanche · December 10, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MrWolf101" data-cite="MrWolf101" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This is a hell of a card. I'm excited to see how things play out, and for the big reveal of Paige's opponent to see if it's who I think it is. <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Glad to hear, hope it lives up to expectation. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MrWolf101" data-cite="MrWolf101" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>- Who is the mystery wrestler that Paige Croft faces for the world title? A newly signed wrestler with main event status. I think I know, but I won't say. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div></blockquote> I feel telepathic today, so let's say I know who you're thinking of, and I will give you the point if you are correct, ok? <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> There is precedent for this kind of judging, I feel. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MrWolf101" data-cite="MrWolf101" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>- The Contender Series as a whole. Is it a worthwhile endeavour? Is a long tournament like this even interesting? In the past, I have also run Queen of the Ring in October as a smaller kind of knockout tournament over 2-4 events. You could change the format of that tournament based on your answer here. I like having the two different tournament styles, and a bracket tournament should be fun, so I'm looking forward to that. Doing all these shows must have been a lot of work, but it was a good way to go with the diary to have a good look at the different characters without having to do too much storyline progression with the tournament being the focus. </div></blockquote> Honestly, the biggest hurdle with the tournament has been that there is so little progression of time. It feels like the game stands still. Otherwise, it is a good way to mask that storylines probably isn't my strong suit... <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MrWolf101" data-cite="MrWolf101" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>- A favorite moment during Contender Series? To be honest, Perez's movie skit sticks out in my mind for whatever reason. It was something different and that was probably when I started rooting for her. Chitose beating Paige and the way you built up Kass over the course of the tournament were highlights for me as well. </div></blockquote> Glad to hear that. If anything, that's a direction I think I will be heading more towards. I have invested so much money in production values, I don't think it's unreasonable to think we can produce pretty good video packages. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MrWolf101" data-cite="MrWolf101" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>- A favorite worker? Teresa Perez for me. She's someone that I'm not familiar with, so I enjoy getting to know her character and I feel like she's someone I'd root for in real life. I also really love your portrayal of Paige.</div></blockquote> I don't think it's any surprise that who resonates with you as a reader is someone I like to write. Sometimes you just feel you 'get' a character, and suddenly the words come automatically. There are others I'm still figuring out. The highlight interviews really pushes that process on me which is great. Contenders Ball is almost ready to be posted. I might give it until tomorrow for some final touches.

kingjames · December 10, 2016

Card for Contenders Ball

Dark Match 1: Maria Guest vs Darkness Cat

Dark Match 2: Juana Huracán & Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado & Purple Viper

Opener: Foxxy LaRue & Thea Davis vs Special Edition (Young & Sweet)

Foxxy & Thea probably have more upside as solo workers.

Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Brooke Tyler for Shockwave title shot

All red everything.

Match 3: Dogs of War © (Capitano & Kass) vs The Untouchables (Quinzel & Winters) for the tag team championship

Quinzel's great, and the combination of Quinzel & Winters is a strong team. Cappy and Kass are, like Foxxy and Davis, probably better solo main eventers than in the tag division.

Match 4: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

I'd like to think this is the start of better things for Christy.

Match 5: Mystery wrestler vs Paige Croft for the World Title

Let's do something shocking. Someone comes in and changes everything.

Main Event: Chitose Ariwara vs Jillian Jarvis for the Contender’s Crown

Bonus questions:

- Who is the mystery wrestler that Paige Croft faces for the world title? A newly signed wrestler with main event status.

QAW is flush with cash, but I don't know if they can get a written-contract level star. But if Joanne Rodriguez is still available, she fits the bill.

- Match of the night?

Mystery wrestler vs. Paige Croft

- Number of title changes?

One, I think

Tie breaker: What is the attendance? Contenders Ball is held at Ranch of San Antonio.

7,150

Wrapping up Contender Series

In addition I'd love to hear your thoughts on a few more general questions.

- The Contender Series as a whole. Is it a worthwhile endeavour? Is a long tournament like this even interesting? In the past, I have also run Queen of the Ring in October as a smaller kind of knockout tournament over 2-4 events. You could change the format of that tournament based on your answer here.

I'm not a big fan of tournament arcs, personally. Dunno, they've never been compelling to me, in the sense that the reason that people are fighting is because they want to win the tournament. Which is an acceptably reasonable and compelling goal, and definitely not wrestling for wrestling's sake, but I tend to prefer more personal reasons for people to fight.

Dr_Avalanche · December 11, 2016

You missed predicting the main event, kingjames. It could be the difference between victory and defeat... <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

kingjames · December 11, 2016

OH MAN. The pressure! That's like own-goaling in the World Cup final levels of dropping the ball. Let's see...let's go with the homegrown Jillian Jarvis to take the whole thing!

Dr_Avalanche · December 11, 2016

Actually, I have not compared your predictions, so it totally might not hang on that prediction...

Any others, you have approximately 30 minutes, maaaybe an hour to get some last minute prediction in.

I have just decided on a prize for winning the Contender's Crown prediction contest, sorry for coming in a little late with the prize, but there you go.

I have need to hire a worker (or possibly more) for a specific storyline starting a few weeks from now. I'll give the winner final input on that hiring, in effect getting to act as wisened booking advisor Bossman Brayfield as I move forward into new story territory.

Dr_Avalanche · December 11, 2016

Contenders Ball

Contenders Ball, Friday week 4 of July 2018

The Ranch of San Antonio, before 7,919 people

http://i.imgur.com/IwAhPIR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UsrKpsP.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/bwuFVc8.jpg

Dark Match 1: Maria Guest vs Darkness Cat

Having the doubtful honor of being the only one to finish Contender Series with zero points, Maria Guest enters the ring going through all the pre-match rituals with studious carefulness, as if failure or success could hang on a poorly tied shoestring.

Once the match starts, it becomes quite clear that Maria gets to do pretty much all the wrestling herself, as Darkness Cat’s repertoire largely consists of being thrown around, and throwing herself around, preferably from tall places. Even so, she gets a few good shots in, but Maria finds that often the best way to fight the cat is to simply get out of the way. When Darkness Cat frog splashes the vacated mat, Maria is right there to pick her up for a Michinoku driver, and then just to drive home who’s the more complete wrestler goes top turnbuckle for a flying cross body, right into the pin attempt, which Darkness Cat can’t kick out of in time.

Maria Guest wins by pinfall in 9:45

Match Rating: D

http://i.imgur.com/koWhAJc.jpg http://i.imgur.com/oz8ZpSz.jpg

Backstage we see Maribel Mercado sneaking around, and it becomes clear from short exchanges with event crew that she’s doing her best to avoid Paige Croft after the steel chair incident at Contender Series VII. Turning a corner, she bumps into someone and screams as though she’s seen a ghost, leading us to think it is Paige Croft, but with a new camera angle, we see it is in fact Purple Viper, which makes Maribel relax, visibly.

Purple Viper first looks surprised herself, considers for a moment, then nods satisfied. “You’re probably the best I can hope for. Come.”

Maribel looks flabbergasted but meekly follow Purple Viper. “What? Where are we going?”

Viper dismisses her concerns with a wave of her hand. “I need your help with a little thing.”

Segment Rating: D

http://i.imgur.com/TsoCedO.jpg http://i.imgur.com/aI0ZR2b.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/koWhAJc.jpg http://i.imgur.com/oz8ZpSz.jpg

Dark Match 2: Juana Huracán & Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado & Purple Viper

As they make their entrance, it becomes clear that this is the first time Maribel realizes that she’s now trying to hide from Paige by stepping out in front of nearly 8000 people. She does not look thrilled about the development.

Maribel and Purple Viper could conceivably be a tag team one day, but this night, they are disjointed, Maribel’s mind is elsewhere and there is just no team work. Juana and Etsuko doesn’t have hours in the ring together either, but they clearly makes an effort.

At the end, they even deliver a synchronized drop kick on Purple Viper leading to Juana locking in her Time-Square Lock, while Maribel isn’t even paying attention, more concerned with whether Paige Croft is going to walk down the ramp at any moment. Deserted by her oblivious team mate, Purple Viper has little choice but to tap out.

Juana Huracán wins by submission in 12:16

Match Rating: C+

http://i.imgur.com/vrW0gLX.jpg http://i.imgur.com/em2ooh7.jpg http://i.imgur.com/nI873Lc.jpg http://i.imgur.com/KMaU7bZ.jpg

Foxxy LaRue and her partner for the night, Thea Davis are chatting between themselves, perhaps sharing some final tactics tips, when music hits and the Special Edition make their entrance. They pose at the top of the ramp, Deborah making a strongman pose, while Charity make sure to remind the fans that she’s all curves in all the right places. Having had a rather small role in the last week’s events, she does the most of her time in the spotlight, making beelines on her way to the ring to various young men - and one woman - and with a lustful expression practically climb up in their laps before dismissing them with a laugh at the last moment. All except the young lady who receive a full on french kiss before Charity leaves her with a wink and the international hand sign for “call me”. Looking back at the lady, she looks a bit like she’s been through a hurricane, but she’s also suddenly holding a business card in her hand which she has to defend with her life when the idea spreads that it has Charity Sweet’s phone number on it.

Once Charity and Deborah - who has been taking the role of Charity’s body guard - enters the ring, Foxxy is impatiently tapping her foot.

“Are you done now, turning this respectable establishment into a seedy stage for your exhibitionism?”

“Oh honey,” Charity says with a tone that indeed reminds of honey, “We can be much dirtier than this.” As she says that, she locks eyes with Foxxy and gets close to her, very close, so close that their lips nearly touch - that is, if Foxxy didn’t headbutt Charity first, which she does, sending the sexy heel backwards, landing flat on her butt with a shocked expression.

Deborah is more than prepared for a fight and she launches herself at Foxxy with all her might, slamming the shield of QAW into the corner post. Thea looks caught like a deer in headlights, first she doesn’t know what to do, but eventually she goes to throw Charity out of the ring, which referee Erin Lawrence takes as signal that she can start the match, as soon as Thea also leaves the ring.

Segment Rating: B

http://i.imgur.com/vrW0gLX.jpg http://i.imgur.com/em2ooh7.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/nI873Lc.jpg http://i.imgur.com/KMaU7bZ.jpg

Match 1: Foxxy LaRue & Thea Davis vs Special Edition (Young & Sweet)

Foxxy is on her heels right away as Deborah got the jump on her. She does her best to even the odds, but it’s a difficult task against someone with such a physical presence like Deborah Young. The best she can achieve is to temporarily stun Deborah, long enough for Thea to tag in. Thea’s time in the ring isn’t very long however as her initial offense is met with overwhelming force. A big boot and a big power slam later from Deborah and Thea is spasming in pain on the mat. Feeling that her work is done, Deborah goes to tag in Charity, but taking her time, enough that Thea just manages to get back to her ring corner to tag in Foxxy again.

Sensing an opportunity to get revenge for the headbutt before the match started, Charity won’t give Foxxy any more time than necessary to recover from her time in the ring with Deborah. Perhaps her senses are a little dulled, because Foxxy walks straight into a DDT the first thing she does in the ring. Charity goes on to put Foxxy in a surfboard and Foxxy looks to be in agony, as much from pain as from being so helpless, her body suspended in the air with no visible escape.

At the same time, Talia has made her way around the outside and has surprised Thea, continuing beating her up until the referee notices and tell her to return to her ring corner.

Eventually, Charity tires and can’t hold Foxxy in place any longer and they tumble to the mat together. Not allowing Foxxy any time to recover, Charity goes on to kick the kneeling LaRue in the side, over and over until Foxxy loses her balance and tumble over. Charity bounces off the ropes for speed, intending to deliver a low drop kick, but this time Foxxy is prepared enough to make Charity attack empty air as Foxxy rolls out of the way. She’s just about to lunge for her ring corner and the tag that would save her, when she sees how bad off Thea looks, barely hanging on to the ring ropes to stay upright, clearly not recovered yet from her Talia’s assault.

Foxxy hesitates for a moment with the tag hand raised in the air. Making her decision to spare Thea the inevitable defeat, Foxxy turns around, staggers a bit as she steps back into the center of the ring where Charity is waiting for her. With a burst of energy, Foxxy shows why one of the is a former world champ and the other isn’t, dodging Charity’s grappling attempt, swings her around into a half nelson, rushes Talia for an elbow knocking her off the apron, but she’s clearly spent from all the beating she has taken. Seeing Talia knocked down she takes a moment to breathe which is all Charity needs to sneak up on her from behind and double chop her in the back, swings her around for the DDT.

The end of the match is drawn out. Charity teases tagging in Deborah, but each time she seems to relish beating up the helpless Foxxy so much, she can’t bear stepping out of the ring. By now Thea has recovered, but she can only watch on as Charity beats up her partner. Foxxy is in such poor shape, it doesn’t matter if Charity takes some time to taunt the fans for a bit, Foxxy doesn’t even seem aware of where her ring corner is.

Even so, she refuses to get pinned, over and over again, before Charity delivers her patented Sugar Smack, which is the final straw that breaks the camel’s back. The referee counts to three, and Foxxy doesn’t move. Charity looks down on her defeated foe, and plants a kiss on Foxxy’s lips.

Charity Sweet wins by pinfall in 16:08

Match Rating: B-

http://i.imgur.com/2sYuUTT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/9pIGoQA.jpg

In Dharma Gregg’s immaculate office, Pamela Rojo and Brooke Tyler is flanking Dharma who is sitting in her chair with a pained expression.

“I want a shot at the Shockwave title.” Rojo says simply.

Dharma Gregg looks at Rojo with a somewhat bored expression. “What makes you think you deserve a title shot?”

“It’s not that complicated. I beat Purple Viper fair and square in the Contender Series, and I figure I can do it again,” Rojo says, emphasing her words with hand gestures if they weren’t clear enough.

“Her, next in line? Allow me to laugh,” Tyler replies, and adds a laugh, just to make sure.

“What’s so funny about that,” Rojo asks.

Dharma looks at Pamela, then at Brooke. “Yeah, what is so funny about that? She makes a good point.”

Brooke makes a grimace. “C’mon. Are you really going to hang gold on *that*?” she says, pointing at Rojo. “The marketing department will be thrilled, I’m sure.”

“Now you,” Rojo clutches after Tyler who fortunately have a desk between the two, so a step back and she’s safe, for the moment.

“Now now, calm down. You speak to my business sense Brooke. I won’t say Pamela isn’t marketable (but it is true, she isn’t), but I also recall signing you for a reason you haven’t delivered on yet, so let’s decide this the traditional way. You will face each other right now, for a shot at the Shockwave title. Now, off you go, shoo, out of my office.”

Segment Rating: C-

http://i.imgur.com/9pIGoQA.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/UQQevgf.jpg

Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Brooke Tyler

Rojo is an image of stoicism as she look at enter the ring as though she owned it. As the bell ring, they go at each other right away, fist and elbows flying in a barrage that ultimately seems to benefit Rojo more. Tyler can see that the approach isn’t working instead gets even closer, turning to grappling to throws and mat wrestling where it seem she at least has a technical advantage.

The tide of the match turn for real when Pamela has Brooke in a fireman’s carry and accidentally knocks over referee Erin Lawrence. Brooke notices what’s going on, and as she manages to slip out of Rojo’s grip, she drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring, soon with Pamela in pursuit. Sensing the opportunity is now, Brooke find a steel chair, hitting Rojo hard, but the mexican brawler has managed to get an arm up to deflect some of the impact.

Brooke raises the chair for a second blow, this time hitting straight across the back. She lines up for a third and final blow, not noticing that the referee is shaking the cobwebs out of her head, and witnesses the steel chair come down in the head of Rojo. Getting to her feet, Erin Lawrence give the sign, and Brooke is disqualified.

Pamela Rojo wins by DQ in 11:43

Match Rating: C

http://i.imgur.com/ZGbvgUH.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SrJMR1G.jpg

To the beat of Motörhead’s March or Die, Capitano and Killer Kass appear at the top of the ramp, stopping long enough to hold up their tag team titles in the air. Having made their point they march to the ring to the steady beat of the music. Kass climbs into the ring while Capitano flips over the top rope, landing right in the middle of the ring to receive the jeers of the crowd. Even facing another team of heels, the Dogs of War are not popular.

Segment Rating: A

http://i.imgur.com/ZGbvgUH.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SrJMR1G.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/LqQJWHu.jpg http://i.imgur.com/vzm4Q0V.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zPHrFwk.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/zPHrFwk.jpg

Match 3: Dogs of War © vs The Untouchables for the tag team championship

In a match that is played remarkably straight up, maybe because there are no babyfaces to mistreat, Kass and Quinzel starts out going toe to toe, and excitement builds as there actually seem to be someone able to step with the behemoth, but Kass gets the final word, slamming Talia to the floor with a wicked lariat. With a look of shock, Talia backs to her ring corner, not even bothering to get back up on her feet, just wanting out of that ring.

Claire gets in, but even though she’s a brawler at heart, she realizes that taking on the same tactics as Talia is only going to spell disaster, so she decides to duck and weave, let Kass come to her, and with the occasional MMA-style low kick wear out the dangerous opponent. The tactic seems to work, at least so far as frustrating Kass enough that she tags out, leaving Capitano to deal with Winters.

Suddenly the roles are reversed as Winters is the clumsy one trying to catch the elusive prey, but unlike a moment ago, this prey isn’t afraid to bite back. Winters swing, Capitano goes low, tripping Winters. Winters go for the high kick, her leg is caught and she eats an enziguiri. Another drop kick sending Claire into the ropes which she desperately holds on to just to stay upright, and the crowd seems to forget they’re supposed to boo the arch heel. Capitano climbs through the ropes to the apron. Claire senses danger though not sure what Capitano’s plan is and start fighting back, but Capitano manages to stun Claire with a precision elbow giving her time to execute a hanging figure four lock over the top rope with Claire clawing frantically to escape, but it is the referee that - eventually - come to her aid, demanding that Capitano stop using the ropes. Capitano waits for the count to run out before she reluctantly lets her opponent go.

Winters survive to tag in Talia who levels the playing field considerably, giving at least as good as she gets, dominating the center of the ring forcing Capitano to take on ever more risky maneuvers, some which succeed, some which fail. In a little bit of chikanery, Capitano makes her way toward her ring corner for a tag, but as Talia approaches to stop the hot tag, it’s suddenly clear that Capitano was acting worse for wear than she really was, tripping Talia into the ring corner where Kass is waiting to make her life unpleasant. In some well executed team work, Kass and Capitano takes Quinzel apart. It is only a supreme act of willpower that allows Talia to tag in her partner, but Claire hasn’t more than stepped into the ring when she’s met by a charging Kass who slam Claire into the turn buckles. A couple of slams to the mat later, Kass throws Claire into Dogs of War territory where Capitano holds Claire in place for the Feast on Bones, and Claire is down for the count, 1-2-3.

Killer Kass win by pinfall in 19:45

Match Rating: B (81)

http://i.imgur.com/JDg7ZNg.jpg http://i.imgur.com/tjDJHC2.jpg http://i.imgur.com/2sYuUTT.jpg

The camera follows Dharma Gregg as she’s walking down a corridor, impeccably dresed as always in an Italian cut business dress. As she come down the corridor, she can hear the bickering of Christy Higgins and Teresa Perez.

“I’m telling you, I don’t care if you partnered with Jesus Christ himself. I don’t care.” Teresa says.

“Oh yeah? Is that why you interfered so me and Foxxy lost what was going to be a sure fire win?”

“I didn’t…”

Dharma watches them for a moment before going between the two.

“That’s quite enough. This spat is unworthy of QAW. If you have a beef to settle, I say let’s do it in the ring and be done with it.

Christy pecks Teresa in the chest. “It’s going to be a pleasure to kick your ass once and for all. Show who carried who.”

Segment Rating: B+

http://i.imgur.com/JDg7ZNg.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/tjDJHC2.jpg

Match 4: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

Usually when the two members of Bubblegum Brawlers butt heads it is as part of their pre-match ritual to get each psyched. Now, it is only to establish dominance. The staring contest ends with Christy slapping Teresa across the face, who despite the recent animosity looks shocked, but not more than to return it with a back hand of her own.

As the bell rings the two throw themselves into action, both attempting drop kicks which hits empty air. The match become a series of high spots, hurricanrana from Christy met by Shooting Star Press from Teresa. It’s only when the fighting moves to the outside that it turns into a brawl. Teresa suicide dives Christy into the barriers, Christy counters and throw Teresa into a just vacated section of seats. Christy grabs Teresa by the hair and finds a naked floor of concrete where she sets up to pedigree Teresa into the ground as referee Erin Lawrence ha started to count them out.

Listening to the count, Christy considers for a moment if she should desert Teresa, return to the ring and presumably pick up the win, but decides against it, is just about to execute the finisher when Teresa comes to life, start fighting back, and just as they hear the “8… 9…. 10” the two are toe to toe trading punch after punch after punch, and it’s only when ring staff goes in and separate them that they stop fighting.

Christy Higgins & Teresa Perez draw following a double count out in 10:02

Match Rating: B-

http://i.imgur.com/WSqBaZQ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Ejm21gp.jpg http://i.imgur.com/qyk7nTU.jpg

Alfonso Garcia: Any other night, a world title defense would be a main event, but the excitement level is the same.

Farrah Hesketh: I still don’t know who the mystery opponent is!

Pyrotechnics go off. The Hives Tick Tick Boom starts playing,

'Cause I have done it before and I can do it some more

I got my eye on the score

I'm gonna cut to the core

It's too late it's too soon or is it?

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, boom

http://i.imgur.com/Dw8k489.jpg

With fists raised in the air, head band in place, Cherry Bomb makes a grand entrance.

Farrah: Oh my god, it’s Cherry Bomb!

Alfonso: Paige’s old nemesis from AAA. They had a long feud that ended with Paige running Cherry Bomb out of the company after defeating her in a Loser Leaves match. I guess Cherry is here for revenge?

Grace Harper: It’s petty, is what it is. Bringing old grievances to harass our great champion. She should have retired. Old gunslingers shouldn’t hang around past their time. It’s just sad. Disgraceful, even.

Farrah: Well, I think I’m not the only one who is convinced Cherry Bomb still has some left in the tank. And those grievances were justified - those who were there remember there was quite a bit of cheating involved in Paige’s victory and Cherry Bomb’s loss.

Grace: That’s not what the history books say. They say: Paige Croft 1, Cherry Bomb 0.

Alfonso: Well, let’s see what the score is after tonight.

Segment Rating: C

http://i.imgur.com/Dw8k489.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/0Hskf5g.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0Xqs2IY.jpg

Match 5: Cherry Bomb vs Paige Croft © for the World Title

Facing each other before the bell rings, Cherry says: “I have watched you since your rise here. Just like you took away from my family, my home in AAA, I’m going to make you wish you hadn’t made QAW yours. I’m going to take away your title, I’m going to hound you everywhere you go. They way you torment your peers, I’m going to torment you. And one day you’ll beg for forgiveness and maybe I will be the better person and grant it. Or maybe I won’t.”

Paige stares at Cherry like she’s seen either a crazy person or a ghost, or maybe both. Referee Dale Kenney is not keen on waiting, so he decides to start the match then and there.

The match starts out as a slugfest which Paige can’t help but go losing out of. Cherry pushes the champion around the ring like a boxer cutting off territory, never giving much room for Paige to escape. After a rare successful counter bouncing Cherry’s neck against the top rope hard, Paige leaves the ring apron taking a breather outside. Seeing Cherry pursuit her, Paige jumps at her when she’s at her most vulnerable, delivering a flying knee to Cherry’s head, momentarily stuck on the ring apron. Seizing the initiative, Paige grab Cherry by her hair and uniform and tries to slam her into the ring post. Cherry first tries to push back, but after a knee to the gut she’s not in a position to do anything about Paige’s vicious attack.

Avoiding the ten-count, Paige roll Cherry into the ring. She make a pin attempt, but Cherry raises a shoulder well before three. Paige start to lock in her patented submission hold, but Cherry struggles her way up to her knees, intent to keep the match going. Paige goes for an armbar instead, Cherry looks to be in agony, but gets to her feet, start lifting Paige as a package wrapped around Cherry’s arm and is about to slam Paige into the mat when Paige shifts her weight a bit, Cherry stumbles, loses her balance and suddenly Paige is on top, Cherry’s shoulder on the mat. She struggle, Dale Kenney start counting, 1-2, Cherry gets a foot on the ropes, Dale gives it a glance, and counts ...3.

Paige gets up jubilant, Cherry looks with shock at Kenney. Paige grabs her belt quickly and rolls out of the ring before Cherry is even up on her feet. Kenney waves off Cherry’s complaints, suggesting he didn’t see anything. Cherry yells after Paige. "You're not getting away this easily! Don't think this is over!"

Paige Croft wins by pinfall in 11:44

Match Rating: B

http://i.imgur.com/2zOvo4O.png

http://i.imgur.com/HVIJsmp.jpg http://i.imgur.com/nI873Lc.jpg http://i.imgur.com/KMaU7bZ.jpg

Backstage, the camera zooms in on the Ronin 3 - Jillian Jarvis, Deborah Young and Charity Sweet. Without making out much detail, we get the impression that Jillian is giving instructions to her two colleagues.

She gives them each a pat on the shoulder. “You know what to do,” she says, and leave to make her entrance, ready for the final.

http://i.imgur.com/vrW0gLX.jpg http://i.imgur.com/em2ooh7.jpg

Charity and Deborah share a knowing look, and devious smiles, which disappears when Foxxy LaRue and Thea Davis walk into the frame.

“You thought you were going to interfere in the final? Let’s see about that,” Foxxy says while Thea crack her knuckles and we cut to the ring.

Segment Rating: B+

http://i.imgur.com/Heo5HkZ.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/HVIJsmp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NcMddkn.jpg

Main Event: Chitose Ariwara vs Jillian Jarvis for the Contender’s Crown

Not having forgotten the assault last week, Chitose is not her usual cheerful self, giving Jillian Jarvis a grim look as the Ronin 3 leader mockingly holds out a hand for a handshake. Trying to make Chitose look like the unsportsmanlike provides Jillian with a moment, but is mostly met by booing.

Bell rings, and the difference in style is immediately apparent. The old school heel is economic of motion, often a joykill as she’s early to interrupt Chitose when she’s lining up aerial maneuvers. Chitose, the japanese luchadora is a mix of two schools of wrestling where every maneuver seems aimed at creating a crowd reaction either through the otherworldliness of how a body can move through the air and still be in full control, or through the sense of physicality of the stiff strong style.

The two trade hits for a while in their own characteristic style until they clash big in the moddle of the ring only to back off again, realizing something extra is going to be needed to finish this fight.

As the two circle each other again, the camera cuts for a moment backstage, where Foxxy, Thea, Charity and Deborah fight out a rather informal rematch of their earlier encounter. With no rules to break the Special Edition loses an important edge, and the two pairs seem more even matched, but in what could be considered a counting error, Foxxy and Thea at one point double team Deborah Young, allowing Charity to leg it, cuts a corner toward gorilla position, and she’s just about to run out on stage when suddenly out of nowhere she’s tripped up by what appears to be an honest to god, actual real life ninja. In black and traditionally masked, it only takes the ninja an instant to lock Charity up in a sleeper hold. The ninja whispers to Charity in Japanese, subtitled for the audience’s benefit:

“Holy ritual allow no interference.”

By the time the camera cuts back to the action in ring, Charity lies unconscious and the ninja has disappeared in a flash.

During the video, Jillian has been busy working a rather painful submission lock, which from Chitose’s expression looks agonizing. Chitose is forced to an advanced piece of technical maneuvering to get Jillian to release her grip. Jillian now looks a little distracted, glancing up the ramp as if she was expecting reinforcements by now, but none appear.

Instead Chitose, having found freedom goes top rope, launching herself into a drop kick, which makes Jillian roll outside. Again, she’s looking for her teammates and is caught blind sided when Chitose launches herself between the top and middle rope into a suicide dive that has them both crashing to the floor in a pile that momentarily is terrifyingly still.

Ring workers rush up to check on them, and it is Jillian who is the first to show sign of life as she struggles to get up on her knees, while referee Erin Lawrence probably contemplates what would happen if the final ended in a double count out, which is probably why it takes her a while to get started with the counting. On six, Jillian crawls into the ring, at which point Chitose is just stirring. On seven, she’s on her knees, on eight, she tries to climb the ring apron but fails, the referee counts nine, and she lunges herself into the ring, a move which seem to have taken everything out of her.

A motionless opponent looks like an invitation to Jarvis, who lifts Chitose like a sack of potatoes over her shoulder, and slams her back first into the mat. Seeing an opportunity to put her opponent away for good, Jillian goes, slightly uncharacteristically for the top turnbuckle, looking for the senton bomb, but by the time she hits the air, Chitose has found strength to at least move out of the way, and Jillian makes a grimace how bad the landing hurt.

Now, Chitose unsteadily gets to her feet, seeing Jarvis vulnerable. She bounces off the ropes, run over Jarvis back basically trampling her, bounce off the opposite ropes for a stiff running soccer kick, before leaping for the middle rope, bounces off it into a wide arc into a corkscrew splash for the pin. The referee counts 1, 2, but Jarvis kicks out!

Chitose start lifting Jarvis for some kind of throw, but all it does is helping Jarvis to her feet where she rakes Chitose across the eyes, momentarily blinding the japanese wrestler. Jarvis swings big, Chitose reels but somehow find the resilience to return the blow. Jarvis is now the one to be stunned and is rewarded with a flight through the ring with a hurricanrana. Chitose raises a finger in the air signaling it is time, goes for the top turn buckle, and just as Jarvis gets up on her feet, Ariwara delivers a flying tornado DDT into the Victory roll. There is another count, 1, 2 and time seems to slow down as there’s a twitch from Jarvis shoulder just as Erin Lawrence slams her hand down a third time and declares the match over.

Chitose Ariwara wins by pinfall in 23:09

Match Rating: B-

http://i.imgur.com/Heo5HkZ.jpg

With the match over it's as if all adrenaline runs out of Ariwara's body. As referee, general manager and assorted roster members flood the stage to celebrate, Chitose herself can barely stand. As she’s presented the crown, the trophy and flowers she looks like she has entered a strange fugue state, happy but almost sedated. It’s only when the “Chi-to-se, Chi-to,se” chants from the nearly eight thousand fans that she seems to wake up from her reverie. Bursting out into a big grin, she pushes the flowers into the hands of a surprised Thea Davis, leaves the trophy in the middle of the ring and throws herself into the crowd of fans in an attempt to hug every single one of them.

Segment Rating: A

Event Rating: C+ (68)

Next Event: Army of One, Monday week 1 of August 2018 at Ranch of San Antonio

Dr_Avalanche · December 11, 2016

Prediction Contest & some miscellaneous stuff

Results:

Dark Match 1: Maria Guest vs Darkness Cat

Dark Match 2: Juana Huracán & Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado & Purple Viper

Opener: Foxxy LaRue & Thea Davis vs Special Edition (Young & Sweet)

Despite S.E winning, this was more about characterization of Foxxy than anything else.

Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Brooke Tyler for Shockwave title shot

Match 3: Dogs of War © (Capitano & Kass) vs The Untouchables (Quinzel & Winters) for the tag team championship

Match 4: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

This ain't over yet...

Match 5: Mystery wrestler (Cherry Bomb) vs Paige Croft for the World Title

Main Event: Chitose Ariwara vs Jillian Jarvis for the Contender’s Crown

Bonus questions:

The mystery wrestler that Paige Croft faced for the world title: Cherry Bomb. MrWolf101 had a bit of an advantage having selected Cherry Bomb to be signed out of a selection I had presented way back, but there were a few clues along the way, and I honestly wasn’t sure if they were too subtle or too obvious. Not too obvious, it appears.

Match of the night? Dogs of War vs The Untouchables Tag team matches do really well. Tha’ Dogs aren’t ready to drop them titles yet…

Number of title changes? Zero. The heel champions retain.

The end result being that yes, that main event prediction *did* decide the winner. The penalty kick went wide I guess you could say... I considered a scenario where Cherry would winyhe title in her debut, and in that case I probably would have either let Jillian win, or if I had made the decision a little earlier, allowed Kass to win, but Chitose was gaining popularity so crazily, I felt I wanted to let her go all the way. Plus, even though she is going straight into the main event, Cherry Bomb is considerably less over with the QAW fans than our established upper card scene. Give her a few good wins, and she’ll get there.

MrWolf101: 5/11

kingjames: 4/11 (closer on the tiebreaker too…)

The prize, a hiring decision, will come eventually, closer to Christmas… like the prizes for the whole Contender Series. I’ll PM you sometime when I’m back home and have a moment to spare.

With Contender’s Crown over, QAW goes into a new season, with a more regular schedule. Speaking of the schedule, what do you think of this: When I started the game, I created Scars and Stripes as an easy way to create a regular monthly ‘big’ show where storylines could have their climax, where most title matches would be held. But now, I feel it looks a bit unimaginative and is also a bit in the way for what could be there instead - unique, themed shows, a new one every month instead. What “PPV” shows could be a good idea? I already have four - Contenders Ball (July), Queen of the Ring (October), New Beginnings (January) and Roll the Bones (April). New Beginnings is basically themeless, but you know, usually new feuds start, might introduce some interesting new name. Roll the Bones have always in my mind been more crazy than I have actually run it, but now that I’m actually running it, there will be gambling elements to it. Randomized opponents, stipulations, opportunities to play the odds to win - or lose - big. But what else could there be that would fit?

I’m not sure I have more updates I can write during my vacation. Maaaybe the next Army of One, but I think I probably want to hold it off until I have posted some updates, fact sheets (like an updated roster with face/heel and overall roster status) and I have three highlight interviews mostly finished as well, though I may portion those out.

Regardless of when I actually post the event, here is the the next event:

Card for Army of One, week 1 August 2018

Dark Match 1: Juana Huracán vs Joella Parent

Hard hitting Huracán takes on the virtually unknown new signing Parent.

Dark Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado vs Darkness Cat

Will someone rise from the midcard/opener mire?

Opener: Thea Davis vs Charity Sweet

Bad blood brewing from Contender's Ball.

Match 2: Winters & Svelte vs The New Wave

After the Uprising and the Untouchables, what other name on U will these two use? And will Quinzel get involved?

Match 3: Cherry Bomb vs Deborah Young

Having failed when reaching for the very top, can Cherry get her first win here?

Match 4: Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler

Jarvis wants revenge for being robbed of her Contender's Crown.

Main Event: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

The feud intensifies, demands a winner.

Bonus Question:

What is the match of the night?

Tie Breaker: What is the rating of the main event? (in numbers)

As always, comments are super welcome and helpful. What matches, workers and angles did you like best? Who deserves a push? And finally, thank you for reading.

DarEatWorld · December 13, 2016

Ok, let's try and finally join in here.

Card for Army of One, week 1 August 2018

Dark Match 1: Juana Huracán vs Joella Parent

I figure the newcomer can afford to take the defeat on the pre-show.

Dark Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado vs Darkness Cat

Rojo could probably use the momentum before her Shockwave title match?

Opener: Thea Davis vs Charity Sweet

This is a hunch in the blindest sense of the word...

Match 2: Winters & Svelte vs The New Wave

I'm really not sure who The New Wave are... <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Another show or two and I'll be up to speed.

Match 3: Cherry Bomb vs Deborah Young

I'm used to Deborah being a monster in DPW but I feel that Cherry Bomb is a big deal who needs the win.

Match 4: Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler

Keep building Ariwara and prevents LaRue from back to back defeats.

Main Event: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

I have a crush on Teresa Perez.

Bonus Question:

What is the match of the night?

Mmmm... Ariwara/La Rue Vs. Jarvis/Tyler?

Tie Breaker: What is the rating of the main event? (in numbers)

63? I'm not sure I have them pegged as genuine Main Eventers.

This is what happens when I don't have time to follow a dynasty in as much depth as I'd like to! I have only a vague idea of what is really going on. That was a great previous show though.

Dr_Avalanche · December 13, 2016

Sorry, I usually include who make up the tag teams in parentheses. The New Wave is Alexis Lee and Maria Guest.

Glad you liked Contenders Ball. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

MrWolf101 · December 13, 2016

Happy to see Chitose pick up the win. Should be an interesting feud with Paige if Paige can survive Cherry.

I think you're right to push Chitose the way you are too if she is getting over rapidly. Sometimes, you just have to strike when the iron's hot. There isn't really anyone I think should get a bigger or smaller push. Everyone seems to be falling into place, and you're showing just the right amount of vulnerability with Paige to keep her strong but make her losing (whenever she does) believable.

For the event names, I think you are fine keeping it the way it is if you want. Kind of has an "In Your House" feel, so maybe you can add a subname to each one to give them a distinctive feel (doesn't have to be in game).

Dark Match 1: Juana Huracán vs Joella Parent

I'm interested to see who Joella is (regen or random), but unless she's got superstar stas, Juana takes this one.

Dark Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado vs Darkness Cat

Ah, I can't bet on Darkness Cat, even for all of Maribel's money. Mercado's shown the most character to date in my opinion, so that's my reasoning here.

Opener: Thea Davis vs Charity Sweet

Should be a hot opener. Just feel like Charity is more established than Thea in QAW right now.

Match 2: Winters & Svelte vs The New Wave

I think Quinzel will get involved, and her group needs this more. Maybe call this pairing the Unstoppables?

Match 3: Cherry Bomb vs Deborah Young

Depending on her destiny roll, Cherry might be nearing the end of her career already, but I think she still needs a win here unless she is only on the roster to put other people over, and beating Deborah would be a good legitimizing win.

Match 4: Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler

Something weird could happen here, but Chitose needs to stay strong after picking up the big win.

Main Event: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

Perez's fan club is growing.

Bonus Question:

What is the match of the night? Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler seems like a good pick based on Foxxy's popularity and Chitose's momentum.

Tie Breaker: What is the rating of the main event? I'll say main event has a lot of heat built up from the rest of the show, so 65.

Dr_Avalanche · December 13, 2016

For the event names, I think you are fine keeping it the way it is if you want. Kind of has an "In Your House" feel, so maybe you can add a subname to each one to give them a distinctive feel (doesn't have to be in game).

I guess this would be suitable for the small questions thread, but is there no in game benefit from annual events as opposed to monthly?

That would be the big reason to go the route of 12 unique ppvs. Otherwise yes, just giving a subtitle to each Scars and Stripes would be a fine way to deal with it and retain the tradition.

Dr_Avalanche · December 13, 2016

I forgot to mention, but the prize for the prediction contest is as usual the choice of a highlight intervieww with the worker of your choice, plus points are kept through the month of August, and there will be a prize to be determined for the total winner after Scars and Stripes, the fifth and last show of the month.

MrWolf101 · December 13, 2016

I guess this would be suitable for the small questions thread, but is there no in game benefit from annual events as opposed to monthly?

That would be the big reason to go the route of 12 unique ppvs. Otherwise yes, just giving a subtitle to each Scars and Stripes would be a fine way to deal with it and retain the tradition.

Not that I know of. I haven't seen any benefit to running annual shows. In the 91 real world mod, the WWF PPVs have ranks such as Legendary, Historic, and Normal, but I'm not sure how long it takes to build those different levels up, or if it is related to having a PPV broadcaster.

kingjames · December 15, 2016

Finally catching up on my prediction making! I'm excited now that the Contender's Crown has been completed, how the fallout continues on throughout the year.

Also, HECK YEAH CHERRY BOMB!!! Obviously, you know how much I love her, and it seems like you're using her as a face here. I'm assuming you kept her "Bad Ass" gimmick? If so, I think you did a great job getting that across while still keeping Cherry on the face side of things. "Tick Tick Boom" is an awesome song for Cherry (and way less obvious than my choice of "Cherry Bomb").

Dark Match 1: Juana Huracán vs Joella Parent

Welcome to the bigs, Joella, hope you don't mind getting smacked around by someone more established.

Dark Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado vs Darkness Cat

Someone has to win this; I'm going to go with Arihyoshi to begin her ascension.

Opener: Thea Davis vs Charity Sweet

I think you're sweet on Sweet. Which is understandable, since Sweet is sweet.

Match 2: Winters & Svelte vs The New Wave

After the Uprising and the Untouchables, what other name on U will these two use? And will Quinzel get involved?

Of course Quinzel gets involved! This is pro wrasslin'!

Match 3: Cherry Bomb vs Deborah Young

I can't imagine you'd bring in someone as skilled both in and out of the ring as Cherry just to job her straight into midcard hell, so I'm saying, yes, she's got this one. Maybe as a DQ win if Paige Croft sticks her nose in again.

Match 4: Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler

Jarvis gets her win back, though I expect through shenanigans so as to not disturb Ariwara's momentum too much.

Main Event: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

Higgins might break through soon, but I don't think this is where it happens.

Bonus Question:

What is the match of the night?

Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler

Teddy Long would be so happy that you made a tag team match, playa!

Tie Breaker: What is the rating of the main event? (in numbers)

78

Dr_Avalanche · December 15, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="kingjames" data-cite="kingjames" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Also, HECK YEAH CHERRY BOMB!!! Obviously, you know how much I love her, and it seems like you're using her as a face here. I'm assuming you kept her "Bad Ass" gimmick? If so, I think you did a great job getting that across while still keeping Cherry on the face side of things. "Tick Tick Boom" is an awesome song for Cherry (and way less obvious than my choice of "Cherry Bomb"). </div></blockquote> I *have* changed her gimmick, to "Man on a mission", or Woman on a mission, I suppose. I don't remember exactly, if there was a gimmick conflict that I wanted to avoid or if I just felt it was more appropriate for what she's actually in QAW to do. Deep down, she's always going to be bad ass.

Dr_Avalanche · December 20, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">The Wrestling Gazetteer Podcast <hr> Superstar Highlights: Paige Croft http://i.imgur.com/0Xqs2IY.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Qz1443V.jpg http://i.imgur.com/0Hskf5g.jpg </div>Billy Barton: This week, I have a guest it took some work to get access to. I have been vetted by managers, agents, company lawyers, and finally the interview was sanctioned. It is a pleasure to welcome none other than the reigning World Champion, Paige Croft! Paige Croft: Will you cut to the chase? As much as I like to sit and chat, I don’t have all day. Billy: Ahem, sorry. I’m sure you have a very busy schedule. Paige: Comes with being the champ. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/MvdHpsB.jpg</div> Billy: No personal experience, but I can imagine. So, where do we start? Let me ask you this: Cherry Bomb seems to have come to QAW with a singular goal of making your life difficult. What’s your comment on that? Paige: She’s a sad woman. A poor loser. Can’t take a loss like an adult. We made a simple bet. Her contract vs my Femme Fatale title. One match. She lost, I got the pleasure of tearing up her contract with AAA. And now she's made it her life goal to make my life miserable. As if I didn't have enough of that kind in social media. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/B7O10o2.jpg</div> Billy: I have reports suggesting the match was preceded by an attack on Cherry Bomb by Steph Blake, a frequent associate of yours. Comments on that? Paige: You know, I can't control what other people choose to do. Unless you have evidence I was involved I think you should shut your mouth. If you know what’s best for you. Billy: No no, just malicious rumours. You have made it a signature move to if not break so at least severely damage the arms of wrestlers you defeat, though I notice you’ve let up on it during Contender Series. Can you defend, or explain these actions? Paige: I don’t need to defend my actions to anyone, but if you want an explanation, there are many. You can choose one, or mix and match. One reason is that it is a price they pay for the experience of sparring with a world champion. Another is that it is a punishment for the temerity of thinking they could match up to me. A third is that I enjoy the way their faces contort in agony. A fourth is that it makes them think again if they ever consider challenging me again. As for the Contender Series, it’s simple. Their actions later in the tournament could affect me, and it is in my best interest if opponents I have already defeated are in the best shape possible when they encounter my competition. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/koWhAJc.jpg</div> Billy: That was more answer than I could have hoped for. Now, that proved to be insufficient to take you to the final, of course your unfortunate back injury has a lot to do with that. Both times, Maribel Mercado has been central in hurting your back. What is your relationship right now? Paige: We have still to talk since then. The little punk knows that there is punishment to come, and that is regardless if she want to stay under my wing or not. Billy: Is it fair to say you have a teacher/student kind of relationship? Paige: I’d say more mistress and servant, except that sounds way too sexual, ew. Eh, I guess teacher/student is fair. Billy: *coughs* The tag team name Princesses of Pain suddenly becomes more apt than I could have imagined. Paige: I’m not a super fan of that name. It kind of implies that we are equals, but I guess we’re stuck with it now. Billy: But back to the Contender Series. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/Heo5HkZ.jpg</div> Paige: I don’t know what else there is to say. I was undefeated until the injury, and I would have been undefeated through the tournament if it wasn’t for it. Not much to do about it. I’m very pleased Chitose Ariwara came out on top. I look forward to take her apart as thanks for last time. Billy: She is the only one to defeat you in singles wrestling for how long? Paige: Because. I. Was. Injured. You are starting to make me angry. Things that anger me tends to break. Capiche? Billy: Yes, let’s move on to another topic, what a great idea. Through your career, what is the best match you’ve gone? Paige: I’m at my peak right now, you know? Unless I get even better from here on out, of course. You’re the nerd who assign letters and numbers to all the matches I go. Why don’t you tell me? Billy: Well, *cough*, I’m interested in your own opinion. I’m just a fan expressing my view. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/W9znUzz.jpg</div> Paige: A very opinionated fan. Ok, everyone knows my title defense against Zoe Ammis in June this year was the most epic battle this company has ever seen. I didn’t get to break her arms, but I sure broke her spirit. Billy: Would you say you made Zoe Amiss leave QAW? Paige: Well, who else? Of course I did. Billy: Someone else might have felt remorse rather than take it as a badge of honor… Paige: Ding dong, the witch is dead. Replaced by the harder, better, faster witch. Why should I feel remorse? Now I’m on top of the hill that she used to defend against all comers. Now I do the same. Should I feel bad for showing her the difference in class between us? Nobody gets to be that coddled. We’re in the most competitive women’s wrestling company in the world, not kindergarten. Even if you’re not as talented as me, the least you need to develop here is thick skin. Billy: Alright. From matches to colleagues. Are there any workers you particularly like facing? Paige: I don’t understand the question. I don’t care who they are, they’re all just obstacles I need to overcome. Billy: *sighs* Ok, are there any wrestlers you don’t like facing then? <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/xYuulxj.jpg http://i.imgur.com/KMaU7bZ.jpg </div>Paige: That’s the same thing...no wait, ok. Higa is awful to wrestle against. So awkward. Like trying to dance with someone with two left feet. Not that she’s bad, just...well, whatever. Charity Sweet is the same way by the way. Wrestlers like that should be outlawed. Billy: You sound almost emotional about this. Is it possible that facing these wrestlers have...rattled our champion? Paige: Ok, now you stop right there. Are you an idiot? I beat them easily. All I’m saying is, in the old days, left handed brats were taught to write with their right hand, like normal people. All I’m saying is, the same should apply to these southpaws. Billy: I find that a bit offensive. It was a terrible thing left handed children were forced to undergo in those times, denying their nature. I’m left handed myself. Paige: I’m not surprised. I always said there was something wrong with you. <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/nK7mmda.jpg </div>Billy: I take umbrage at that, but this interview isn’t supposed to be about that. We focus primarily on QAW here, but I still have to ask about your absolute dominance of AAA. Besides being QAW World Champion, you also hold the AAA Femme Fatale title, the AAA Tag Team with Wendy Anderson AND the AAA Top Contender. Has anyone ever been so dominant? Paige: Well, you know when to go all in on the flattery, I was just thinking your puny arm looked temptingly twig-like. You are right, of course. I am singularly dominant. There is nobody in AAA that can challenge me, and QAW is no different. Billy: Isn’t the Top Contender title supposed to be contested by the, you know, contenders? Paige: I don’t vacate titles. If someone wants it, they can try and take it. Billy: One last question before I let you go. You have faced most wrestlers in the industry by now, but do you have any dream match left, someone you would like to face? <div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/SrJMR1G.jpg http://i.imgur.com/LqQJWHu.jpg </div>Paige: I’m a professional, Billy. I don’t particularly care who they are. I make them submit, and cash my check. Easy peasy. Buuut, I imagine there are a couple of matchups in QAW I’m sure there are people who would like to see - I have yet to face Killer Kass, and she has made some waves lately. Same thing for Talia Quinzel. I didn’t know who she was until a couple of weeks ago. From what I’ve seen, I’m almost impressed. Billy: But you don’t sound intimidated by either of them. They are physically imposing opponents.... Paige: You’re being silly again. Wrestling is about more than power. The most effective weapon you have in the ring is your brain, and I have filled mine with my enemies’ attack patterns, the flaws in how they defend and countless ways to exploit them. My playbook is the critical advantage my opponents can’t replicate. Billy: That is such an illuminating answer, I think we’ll end it on that note. Thank you Paige for taking the time. Paige: Media access is an unfortunate part of my job. I hope you have asked all the questions you wanted answers to. Billy: No, let’s not do this again anytime soon. <div style="text-align:center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x2rQzv8OWEY" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/x2rQzv8OWEY"</a> frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Thanks to kingjames who picked reigning champion Paige Croft for a wrestler highlight as prize for winning the prediction contest for Army of One, week 4 of july. </div></blockquote>

DarEatWorld · December 20, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Billy: I find that a bit offensive. It was a terrible thing left handed children were forced to undergo in those times, denying their nature. I’m left handed myself. Paige: I’m not surprised. I always said there was something wrong with you.</div></blockquote> Genuinely laughed. #IHeartPaige

kingjames · December 20, 2016

Oh, man, that turned out better than I could have expected, and I expected a lot!

What a piece of work your Paige Croft is. Just thoroughly mean-spirited, like any good heel. I didn't realize how dominant she was in your universe's AAA as well - she's going to end up looking like <a href="https://theamateurhourpodcast.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/ultimo-dragon-j-crown.jpg" rel="external nofollow">Ultimo Dragon with the J-Crown </a>with the number of belts she's holding.

Also, seconding Dar on the utter sickness of that left-handedness burn Paige dropped on poor Billy. That might have exceeded my Zoe Ammis in levels of sheer obnoxious, mean-spirited jerk, which ain't no easy feat <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Dr_Avalanche · December 20, 2016

I only just noticed her triple belts in AAA myself while I was writing it. Holding the Femme Fatale belt *and* the Top Contender belt seems a bit against the spirit...

Temes1066 · December 20, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Dr_Avalanche" data-cite="Dr_Avalanche" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I only just noticed her triple belts in AAA myself while I was writing it. Holding the Femme Fatale belt *and* the Top Contender belt seems a bit against the spirit...</div></blockquote> Personally I'm more impressed with her tag title reign, after all she had to carry that talentless leech Wendy Anderson to victory.

kingjames · December 21, 2016

Personally I'm more impressed with her tag title reign, after all she had to carry that talentless leech Wendy Anderson to victory.

Now, now, Wendy Anderson has a role.

That role is being the perfect lower midcard/midcard gatekeeper for much better wrestlers to defeat on their way up.

MrWolf101 · December 22, 2016

I've said it on here before, but Paige Croft as an evil Daniel Bryan is genius, and this interview is tremendous in building the character.

I've always thought of her as a mix of Alexa Bliss and mid-90's Shawn Michaels, but I like this portrayal a lot better.

It's also crazy that she holds all of the titles in AAA. In my playthrough, Paige has held the AAA tag titles and the Top Contender's title at the same time, but man, she really is an unstoppable force in this universe.

Dr_Avalanche · December 22, 2016

The Wrestling Gazetteer

<hr>

While the Gazetteer spend a lot of attention on what's going on in QAW, many readers have wanted to get the hard data, the bare bone facts. So for them, we have provided the Fact Sheet.

http://i.imgur.com/o4fPJU5.jpg

Before we move on to the fact sheet, a little bit of news from QAW headquarters. Houston Handley has quietly been released from her contract during the month of July. A long time niggling neck injury combined with creative apparently having no idea what to do with the long time member of the company made them release her from her contract. Rumour tells me, this decision has not been popular with some veteran members of the roster. There might be reason to return to that later.

QAW Fact Sheet

Product:

Key Feature: Mainstream, Lucha Libre

Heavy: Traditional, Modern

Very Low: Cult, Risque, Realism, Daredevil

(Trends, American market: Traditional and Mainstream - popular, Risque - very popular)

Popularity:

Great Lakes: 10; Mid Atlantic: 12; Mid South: 58; Mid West: 24; North West: 12; South East: 32; South West: 23

Northern Mexico: 17; West Central: 10

QAW has only ever put on shows in the Mid South, the South East and the Mid West.

Production:

Production Values: High Quality

Live Event Experience: Large

Broadcast Quality: In House

Music: Minor Licensed

Finances:

(as of the end of July 2018)

Cash at hand: $1,801,166

Profit in 2018: $1,091,692

Roster

Main Eventers

http://i.imgur.com/Heo5HkZ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/MvdHpsB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/vrW0gLX.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/0Hskf5g.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ZGbvgUH.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HVIJsmp.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SrJMR1G.jpg

Chitose Ariwara (Contenders Crown), Cherry Bomb, Foxxy LaRue, Paige Croft (World), Capitano (Tag Team), Jillian Jarvis, Killer Kass (Tag Team)

Upper Midcarders

http://i.imgur.com/JDg7ZNg.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TsoCedO.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tjDJHC2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oz8ZpSz.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/KMaU7bZ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LqQJWHu.jpg

Christy Higgins, Juana Huracán, Teresa Perez, Purple Viper (Shockwave), Charity Sweet, Talia Quinzel

Midcarders

http://i.imgur.com/9MSufEA.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/xYuulxj.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9pIGoQA.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SbVmDJz.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/vzm4Q0V.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/nI873Lc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/omWPFiT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/URwMR50.jpg

Alexis Lee, Higa, Pamela Rojo, Ava Anderson, Claire Winters, Deborah Young, Laura Flame, Lily Snyder

Lower Midcarders

http://i.imgur.com/UsrKpsP.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/UQQevgf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/koWhAJc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/2QUyjcm.jpg

Maria Guest, Brooke Tyler, Maribel Mercado, Selina Svelte

Openers and Enhancement Talent

http://i.imgur.com/aI0ZR2b.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/em2ooh7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/bwuFVc8.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/8tsKEih.jpg

Etsuko Arihyoshi, Thea Davis, Darkness Cat, Joella Parent

Tag Teams:

Anderson & Snyder (Ava Anderson, Lily Snyder)

Bad Girls (Foxxy LaRue, Laura Flame) (inactive)

Bubblegum Brawlers (Christy Higgins, Teresa Perez) (inactive?)

Kitsune Warriors (Chitose Ariwara, Etsuko Arihyoshi)

Princesses of Pain (Paige Croft, Maribel Mercado)

Special Edition (Charity Sweet, Deborah Young)

The Dogs of War (Capitano, Killer Kass) (Tag Team Champions)

The New Wave (Alexis Lee, Maria Guest)

The Untouchables (Claire Winters, Talia Quinzel)

The Uprising (Selina Svelte, Talia Quinzel)

Dr_Avalanche · December 24, 2016

Army of One, Monday week 1 of August 2018

The Ranch of San Antonio, before 7,919 people

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/IwAhPIR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2sYuUTT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/8tsKEih.jpg</div>

Dharma Gregg is standing backstage, watching busy staff zipping past occupied with countless tasks needed to be done before the event can get going. Next to her, a female assistant with a harsh pony-tail and a smart pair of glasses balancing on her nose and what looks like an expensive business suit In her other hand, she’s balancing a cup of coffee which appears to belong to Dharma.

“Joella, you know I wasn’t happy with the celebrations after the final last week?” Dharma says with a distracted tone.

“Yes, miss Gregg. I had a talk with the creative team. I didn’t like the defensive tone I got from their lead, so I did what I know you would have done.”

“And that is…?”

“I fired him, of course.” Joella says with a blasé look and just the hint of eyes rolling as if the answer wasn’t obvious.

“Right. That is what I would have done. You pick up fast,” Dharma says with a slightly raised eyebrow.

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/TsoCedO.jpg

</div>From the right, Juana Huracán suddenly appears, in her usual MMA-inspired ring gear. “Dharma, am I having a match or not? I was supposed to wrestle Lily Snyder but she’s called in sick. I don’t know what she’s suffering from. Yellow pox, chicken fever or something I figure.”

Surprised by the appearance of Juana, Joella turns around, bumps Dharma’s shoulder with the cup of coffee, and the content spills down the front of Dharma’s suit, to a shriek from the general manager.

All the confidence seem to just run out of Joella. For a second, she just looks at the brown stain on Dharma’s chest.

Juana looks at it as well. “Whoa, miss… I had no idea this was going to be a rhorshach test. Because I think that brown stain looks a lot like your career prospects.”

“Oh my god I’m so sorry!” Joella sputters, realizing that’s not nearly going to cut it. “Please don’t fire me, miss Gregg, I’ll do anything…”

Gregg’s eyes shoot daggers in the direction of her assistant while Juana looks like she’s having a hard time to contain a laugh. Finally, Dharma has collected herself enough.

“Juana it’s a terrible shame Lily backed out of your match tonight, but you have a reputation for being one of the hardest hitting workers we have here in QAW. It would be a shame to drag you here for nothing, so Joella here will be your opponent for tonight. Don’t hold back, the fans won’t stand for that,” she says, pushing Joella Parent into Juana’s arms, who raises an eyebrow.

“Ok, you’re the boss, but she doesn’t look much like a wrestler to me.”

“I would say let’s hope she learns fast, but honestly, I’m fine either way.,” Dharma says, striding off in search for a clean outfit.

Looking at the young business woman that a moment ago looked haughty and confident now looking miserable like a wet kitten, Juana just shakes her head. “Well, no point postponing the inevitable. Let’s go.”

Joella points to her outfit, more appropriate at an expensive law firm than in a wrestling ring. “I can’t wrestle like this!”

Looking at Joella as if she hadn’t considered the problems wrestling in business attire before, Juana makes a slow nod. “You’re right. Let’s fix this.”

She goes on to take off Joella’s jacket, take off her glasses, make her kick off her heels, then proceeds to rip off the arms of her blouse, to ineffective protests.

Taking a step back to assess her handiwork, Juana looks satisfied. “Much better.”

Segment Rating: D

http://i.imgur.com/TsoCedO.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/8tsKEih.jpg

Dark Match 1: Juana Huracán vs Joella Parent

Huracán gets in the ring like she was getting on the bus to work. In contrast, Joella come out like she’s trying to make herself invisible, almost apologetic that she’s in the way for the spotlight - that is tracking her on her way to the ring.

She gets in the ring, looking like a deer in headlights. When the bell rings, she adopts a strictly defensive pose as Huracán go all out from the first second. There are no complicated twists and turns in the match, it shows Huracán as dominant as you would imagine, while Parent uses a couple of dirty tricks (like at one point getting Juana stuck in the twisted up ring ropes) that comes off as impulsive, and surprising. In the end though, there is never any doubt how the match will end. Huracán kicks Parent around the ring until the GM’s assistant has no fight left in her and Juana locks in the Time-Square Lock for a fast tap out.

Juana Huracán wins by submission in 8:41

Match Rating: D+

http://i.imgur.com/9pIGoQA.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/aI0ZR2b.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/koWhAJc.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/bwuFVc8.jpg

Dark Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado vs Darkness Cat

The match hasn’t even started yet, and Darkness Cat is sitting on the top turnbuckle, crouched. Maribel is whispering plans to the cat, seemingly about teaming up on the Shockwave contender Pamela Rojo who looks unconcerned at the attention from the opposite side of the ring. Etsuko meanwhile looks a bit forgotten over by herself, stretching while waiting for the bell to ring.

Predictably, you can’t herd a cat, so instead of a 2 on 1 on Rojo, Maribel find herself rushing Rojo without the backing she expected, leading to Pamela running her over with hefty shoulder tackle, while Darkness Cat throw herself at Etsuko Arihyoshi with a drop kick.

The action goes back and forth, Maribel make the perhaps wise decision of throwing Darkness Cat in between herself and Rojo, focusing instead on making life difficult for Etsuko. The two move to the outside, throwing each other against the ring apron, against crowd barriers and just generally duking it out, without one getting much of an advantage over the other.

Unfortunately for the two, Darkness Cat is much less capable of keeping Pamela Rojo occupied. When she’s bombed into the mat and the referee starts counting, Etsuko is the closest to breaking up the count, but she’s too late, and Rojo is declared the winner.

Pamela Rojo wins by pinfall in 12:15

Match Rating: D+

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/IwAhPIR.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/2sYuUTT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Heo5HkZ.jpg

</div>As the show opens, the ring has been decorated for a celebration - the Contender’s Crown trophy is on a pedestal, arrangements of flowers surrounding it. General Manager Dharma Gregg is in the ring, with microphone in hand.

“Contenders Ball offer no end of surprises, what do you say,” she says with a smile that at best can be described as forced.

“Let’s give the Contender’s Crown champion a warm welcome. Chitose Ariwara!”

The music hits, and Ariwara strides down to the ring in a more adorned version of her usual ring gear, a long white cape over her shoulders and the tiara, the Contender’s Crown on her head. Like usual, she’s all smiles, giving high fives to as many fans as she can. When she eventually steps into the ring she’s handed a microphone as well. Chitose isn’t naturally suspicious, but around the GM, she looks apprehensive. It’s not like Dharma has ever expressed any acknowledgement of Ariwara’s abilities.

“Congratulations, Chitose. What a...remarkable achievement. I don’t know if anyone saw that coming, but overcoming long odds seems to be your thing, hm?”

“Thank you miss Gregg. But you are wrong. Odds were overwhelmingly in my favor. I could not possibly lose.” Chitose says with an honest smile.

Dharma gets a look on her face like a parent tired of trying to understand a child’s trains of thought. “I’m sorry, you lost me. Whatever do you mean?”

“Jillian was all alone in the ring. I had eight thousand allies. Jillian is very good, but it occurred to me what an unfair advantage I had at that moment. With all these chanting my name,“ she says, making a sweeping gesture toward the crowd, who by now is trying to decide if they should go for the “Chi-to-se” chant, but the majority settles on “you deserve it” instead. “How could I possibly give up?”

Dharma looks at Chitose almost with a bit of sympathy. “That’s nice Chitose. Now, I’m sure you are curious when you get your title match against Paige Croft? Besides the nice tiara which suits you very well darling, the big prize is a title match for the World title.”

“I am ready to go,” Chitose says, demonstrating by showing off some footwork.

“Oh, it won’t be tonight. As you know, Paige Croft was injured during the Contender Series, no doubt explaining your win over her. She came back to finish the tournament, but she’s not in condition to fight right now. Together with our medical staff, it has been decided that Paige will make her return at Scars and Stripes in four weeks. You will get your title match then.”

Chitose cocks her head a little. “So Paige gets to rest her way back in shape. Good. I want to face her when she’s at her best. But she’s not the only one that feels a bit sore after this grueling tournament. I don’t assume I could have some time off myself to recover a bit?”

Dharma flicks through a pile of papers. “I’m terribly sorry Chitose, but our bookers count on you. You have a tag team match tonight against Jillian Jarvis and Brooke Tyler. Next week you wrestle one of our rookies, the week after that you face Special Edition and the week after that…” her voice trail off. “You’ll get valuable ring experience, and you get to maintain your good form. That gotta count for something?” Dharma says with a shrug that almost looks apologetic.

“It’s alright miss Gregg. I am ashamed I even suggested taking a rest. I want to be here in front of these guys” - and she points to the crowd that pops at every chance to interact with Ariwara - “I want to perform here in this ring before them every week. And the energy I get from their support will more than make up for any rest I miss out on.”

Chants of her name go round the arena as the Contender’s Crown champion leaves the ring and walk back off stage.

Segment Rating: B-

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/WSqBaZQ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/qyk7nTU.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Ejm21gp.jpg </div>

Alfonso Garcia: Last week, Charity Sweet and Deborah Young played dirty to take their win against Foxxy LaRue and Thea Davis. This week, Thea is looking to get one back at Charity.

Grace Harper: I think Charity Sweet has reason to want revenge herself. Thea and Foxxy ruined Ronin 3’s well laid plans to take the Contender’s Crown.

Farrah Hesketh: And good for them! Thank god we for once got a final without interference.

http://i.imgur.com/em2ooh7.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/KMaU7bZ.jpg

Opener: Thea Davis vs Charity Sweet

There’s not much psychology going into the match as both wrestlers go all out from the beginning with fast action, counters on counters and it’s not a minute into the match when Charity goes for the top turnbuckle for the first of many times. Thea fights back well, but when Charity Sweet lays her out with the Sugar Smack, she does not get back up to beat the 3-count.

Charity Sweet wins by pinfall in 10:51

Match Rating: C+

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/LqQJWHu.jpg http://i.imgur.com/vzm4Q0V.jpg http://i.imgur.com/2QUyjcm.jpg

</div>The posse of Talia Quinzel, Claire Winters and Selina Svelte is in their locker room. Claire and Selina is getting ready for their upcoming fight, while Talia looks on with a slightly bored look.

Selina looks at Talia with an irritated look. “This is a stupid idea. I have no idea why you think me and her is going to work as a tag team.”

Talia rolls her eyes. “Try it out, okay? I’ve told you, I aim for singles gold. You might as well pair up with each other in the meantime.”

“I’ll do this only because you ask me to, but you will see it’s not going to work,” Selina says. Claire meanwhile just share a look with Talia and shrug her shoulders.

Segment Rating: C+

http://i.imgur.com/vzm4Q0V.jpg http://i.imgur.com/2QUyjcm.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/9MSufEA.jpg http://i.imgur.com/UsrKpsP.jpg

Match 2: Winters & Svelte /w Talia Quinzel vs The New Wave (Alexis Lee & Maria Guest)

Showing great chemistry, the New Wave show great initiative early on, pushing their opponents around with drop kicks and snap throws. Meanwhile the team of Claire and Selina show exactly the opposite. They tag either too soon or too late, visible irritation on their faces at their partner. Still, Claire in particular is a hard hitting opponent for the New Wave, so when Alexis Lee has her reeling, it looks like a significant moment in the match. Claire goes to tag in Selina, but when she approaches her ring corner, Selina isn’t there. Looking around quickly, Claire sees Selina down by the first row of fans, arguing and berating an (in her mind) obnoxious fan. Claire gets mad and starts yelling at Selina. Seeing the distraction is having everyone’s attention, Talia jumps up on the opposite ring apron and give Alexis Lee a brutal double chop in the neck, before returning to the floor. Turning around, seeing Alexis down, Claire shrugs, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, deliver a pumphandle slam for good measure before covering Alexis for the 3-count.

Claire Winters win by pinfall in 13:46

Match Rating: C+

The ring has barely been cleared from the previous match when music hits.

http://i.imgur.com/MvdHpsB.jpg

Cherry Bomb make her entrance, microphone in hand. She has a determined look on her face as she steps into the ring in time for her music to fade.

“Last week, I got the match against Paige Croft that I had been waiting for so long. But instead of a fair fight, what happens? She cheats, and runs away once again. So Dharma Gregg, I know you can hear me. I want a rematch. I *deserve* a rematch!” Cherry roars out the last words, looking expectantly toward the ramp. After just a moment of quiet, Dharma Gregg walks out to her own soundtrack:

http://i.imgur.com/2sYuUTT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/0Hskf5g.jpg

She stops at the top of the ramp, waiting for the music and the boos to quiet down before she speaks.

“Cherry, as you well know, you are in *no* position to make any demands here. Because I have great respect for our owners who vetted your signing, I agreed to give you the match you wanted, but now? Results speak for themselves. You lost. Normally, I’d tell you to go to the back of the line, but let me defer the decision.” Dharma looks expectantly behind her, and soon enough, a few bars of Engel hits the speakers as Paige Croft come out and stand next to the general manager, world title around her waist. Cherry Bomb looks like she’s about to blow a fuse.

“How can I help you, boss?” Paige asks.

“Cherry Bomb here thinks your match last week was decided in some unfair manner, so she has asked for a rematch. I don’t necessarily think she has deserved one, but I know you’re a magnanimous champion so I leave it up to you. Do you want to give her the rematch she asks for?” Dharma asks.

Paige quietly looks at Dharma, she looks at Cherry, then back to Dharma with a non-plussed expression on her face, until she finally loses it. She laughs and laughs, doubling over from the outburst.

“Oh, Dharma, you’re too funny. A rematch? Her? Oh, I can’t take it, it’s too funny.” she wipes a tear from her eye. “No, I’m not giving losers free rematches. Cherry, face it, your time is over. You got your shot, now it’s time to leave the stage for the next generation.”

Cherry has been listening in silence, her face growing red from embarrassed anger, until she can’t take it any more. She drops the microphone, slides out of the ring and charges up the ramp. Dharma trips out of the way in her very inconvenient high heels while Paige seems to have gotten the reaction she hoped for as she barges down the ramp, meeting Cherry halfway, but she seems to have underestimated an angry Cherry Bomb, because she’s instantly knocked to the floor as they ram into each other, and the rest of the fight consists of Cherry wailing down blows on Paige whose sole focus becomes backing away, trying to avoid the onslaught. Eventually ring workers run out and separate the two, and Paige quickly disappears off stage while Cherry keeps the ring workers occupied as she tries to go after Paige, long after she’s gone.

Eventually things calm down, and Dharma steps forward again, adjusting her power suit after her hasty retreat.

“Well, since you seem to be up for a match Cherry, let’s give you one. If you want to prove you are worthy of another title shot, you got to do what anyone else in your position would have to do. Work your way to the top. Let’s start with a proper challenge. Tonight, your opponent will be the mighty Deborah Young.”

Segment Rating: B-

http://i.imgur.com/MvdHpsB.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/nI873Lc.jpg

Match 3: Cherry Bomb vs Deborah Young

Cherry Bomb offers up her hand for a handshake, but Deborah just scoffs, instead giving Cherry a good push in the chest. As the match starts, Cherry Bomb is not shy to get involved in a brawl, but when she tries to lock up with Deborah, she gets tossed across the ring, and when she tries using her speed, Deborah simply meets with a strong shoulder, knocking Cherry to the mat. Bemused at the giant opponent, Cherry gets up to her feet, facing off against her opponent with a look that says “is that all?”

Deborah takes up the challenge, giving Cherry a knife chop across the chest that can be heard across the arena. Cherry grimaces, but returns the favor with a chop that sounds like the crack of a whip. Deborah almost no-sells it, but you can see how she’s biting back expletives. They go back and forth like this a number of times until Deborah has had enough, swings with a fist, but Cherry dodges under her arm, give her a low kick to the leg and while Deborah is still turning to face her opponent Cherry sends Deborah flat on her back with a lariat. Seeing the giant toppled, the crowd gets out of their seats, cheering Cherry Bomb on. Using the ropes for speed, Cherry hits Deborah with a running knee, toppling her once again. Cherry covers her for the pin, but Deborah kicks out.

Cherry tries lifting Deborah, but she struggles enough that Cherry has to put her down again. Deborah swings wildly, with Cherry using Deborah’s momentum against her, sending her to the mat with a half nelson, into another pin attempt which Deborah breaks.

Seeing Deborah struggling, Cherry picks her up in a package, delivering her namesake finisher, the Cherry Bomb, into the pin, and this time, Deborah can’t kick out.

Cherry Bomb wins by pinfall in 10:15

Match Rating: C+

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/xYuulxj.jpg http://i.imgur.com/tjDJHC2.jpg

</div>Backstage, Higa is seen leaving the locker room with a duffel bag over her shoulder. Right outside, she runs into Teresa Perez, who give Higa a strange look.

“Are you leaving? The show isn’t over yet.”

Higa doesn’t look Teresa in the eyes as she answers. “I know. I’m going home.”

Teresa studies Higa’s face. “You’re not talking about your Montrose apartment are you. You’re talking home home. Japan.”

Higa looks like she's finding the right words difficult, weighing them carefully. “Yes. My time here has not turned out the way I planned. Contender Series was a disappointment. I’m still so far from my goals. I need time to think over things. Also some unfinished family business.”

“But you’re coming back, right? You wouldn’t abandon a sister just like that?” Teresa says, putting a hand on Higa’s shoulder.

Higa looks straight at Teresa for the first time, perhaps not used to expressions of friendship in the hard business of wrestling. “Of course not. I just need some time to re-focus. Sisters,” she says, offering a fist bump.

Teresa smiles weakly. “Safe flight then. Say hi to the family.”

Higa waves behind her as she walks out the door, leaving Teresa behind. From the shadows, we see a shadowy figure, dressed remarkably like a ninja, witnessing the exchange.

Segment Rating: B-

http://i.imgur.com/Heo5HkZ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/vrW0gLX.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/HVIJsmp.jpg http://i.imgur.com/UQQevgf.jpg

Match 4: Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler

With her Ronin 3 henchmen busy elsewhere, sometime-hangaround Brooke Tyler gets an opportunity to share the stage with Jillian Jarvis while Chitose has recruited the aid of one of her saviours from last week, Foxxy LaRue - giving Jillian the opportunity to exact revenge on her at the same time, perhaps.

Foxxy and Brooke starts in the ring. They circle each other cautiously before locking up, trying grip after grip before Foxxy topples Brooke, but on the mat it becomes clear how good the Canadian star’s technique is, and Foxxy has to work for her life avoid pins and submission holds, until she finally manages to get a foot on the ropes. The referee asking Brooke to separate only leads to her taking the opportunity to stomp on Foxxy until the ex-champ rolls out of the ring. Brooke follows her, Foxxy fights back, they take turns throwing each other into barriers and ring apron until referee Erin Lawrence starts to count them out.

Meanwhile, Jarvis has snuck around the ring and attacked Ariwara from behind and laid out a beating which the referee only is noticed of when Chitose’s head with a bang hits the ring stairs. Erin Lawrence warns Jarvis, who shrugs and saunters back to her ring corner where she’s just in time to tag in for Brooke Tyler who, while seemingly less bad off than Foxxy LaRue still seems to be nursing her neck as she tags out. LaRue gets into the ring as well with flashbacks to the tag match with Thea Davis just last week - beaten down, her partner laid out but still fighting off cob webs to offer up a tag.

She makes the same decision as last time, does her best to fight off Jarvis, but the rested Ronin 3 leader can be held off for only so long. Foxxy goes for a cutter, but Jarvis reads it perfectly, steps aside, instead punching LaRue hard into the mat. Seeing LaRue out on the mat, Jarvis turns her over and locks in a cloverleaf hold, twisting LaRue’s leg to excruciating pain.

Chitose steps into the ring to break up the hold, but Brooke Tyler is on the ball, going for the clothesline to stop the attempt to interfere, but Chitose dives under her and sends Jarvis sprawling with a drop kick.

Brooke goes for a half nelson hold on Chitose, but is interrupted by a super kick from LaRue. Chitose hurries back to her ring corner to get the legal tag. Jarvis get a hold of the back of LaRue’s uniform and is about to stop the tag, but eats an elbow to the face instead, and Chitose is tagged in.

A series of drop kicks later, Jarvis rolls out of the ring to recover and is joined by Brooke checking up on her partner. Chitose bounce up on the top turnbuckle, raise a finger pointing to the skies, and moonsaults, landing on the two heels. As she lands, it looks like it took her out just as bad as her two opponents, and for a while, it’s a question who’s going to recover first.

It’s the battle hardened Jarvis who first stirs, looks around at the carnage, before slowly getting to her feet. Soon after, Chitose tries to get up, only for Jarvis to stomp her in the lower back. As Brooke starts coming to, Jarvis gives her a simple order. “Hold her.”

Brooke, an expert in submission holds, takes that to mean a surfboard, hoisting Chitose helplessly into the air, while Jarvis starts digging around under the ring apron, fishing out a kendo stick. Referee Erin Lawrence sees what’s going on and warns Jarvis against using the stick, but Jarvis seems more interested in revenge for her Contender’s Crown loss than winning the match, and unleashes over Ariwara’s torso, over and over again as Erin calls the match to Ariwara and LaRue. As Brooke drops Ariwara to the floor, Jarvis continue beating down on her back, not stopping until Foxxy LaRue come charging around the outside, spearing Jarvis to the ground, but only gets a few punches in before Brooke throws her in Chitose’s direction. There’s a brief stalemate where Foxxy and Brooke looks at each other, gauging the fighting spirit of the other, until Foxxy decides to help Chitose to her feet and backs up the ramp.

Ariwara & LaRue wins by DQ in 17:26

Match Rating: B+ (86!)

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/2sYuUTT.jpg http://i.imgur.com/JDg7ZNg.jpg http://i.imgur.com/tjDJHC2.jpg

</div>Backstage, Dharma Gregg is walking down a corridor and come upon Christy Higgins and Teresa Perez making a ruckus outside the locker rooms. What might have been an argument has turned into shouting and pushes.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, can everybody calm down, please?” Dharma says, inserting herself verbally, if not physically between the two wrestlers. They stop pushing, look at each other momentarily, then turn to Dharma, and talking over each other, until Dharma holds her hands up for them to stop.

“Look, I understand your little spat didn’t get the resolution you had hoped for last week. So let’s try again, and this time, no count outs. You can fight it out until they close the lights in the arena if need be. How does that sound?”

“Good,” says Christy with a sneer towards Teresa.

“Frankly I think this is stupid, but if we can get it over with, so be it,” Teresa says, turning on her heel and walks away.

Christy looks after her. “You’re so arrogant, you don’t think there’s even an issue to resolve! Oh, I’m going to show how wrong you are!”

Dharma puts a supportive hand on Christy’s shoulder. “Damn right. You show her what happens when you mess with Christy Higgins,” Dharma says with her best Grima Wormtongue impression.

Christy looks at the hand on her shoulder and Dharma with disgust, brushes it off and walks off, leaving Dharma behind rubbing her hands together.

Segment Rating: B-

http://i.imgur.com/JDg7ZNg.jpg vs http://i.imgur.com/tjDJHC2.jpg

Main Event: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez

The match starts out remarkably stiff, emphasizing how the two have soured on each other, shoot kicks raining back and forth.

As the match goes on, the attacks become more varied and more opportunistic, but nobody is really getting the upper hand. They go to the outside where Teresa suicide bombs Christy into the barriers, but when they get up, it is Christy that counters and Teresa gets her own taste of the same barriers. Minutes pass and there’s no end in sight as the match ebbs and flows. As soon as one of them start getting an advantage, the other manages to find a counter and start an offense of their own.

After fighting their way through the arena they eventually end up back by the ring where Teresa pushes Christy into the ring, optimistically hoping she’s been softened enough for a finisher. Teresa gets Christy up in a fireman’s carry, but she’s not steady on her feet, and one particular misstep make them crash into referee Erin Lawrence, Christy headbutting the referee in the process.

http://i.imgur.com/LqQJWHu.jpg http://i.imgur.com/vzm4Q0V.jpg

Having lost her balance Teresa drops Christy on the mat. As Christy stands up and Teresa turns around to bounce off the ropes at the other side of the ring, Talia Quinzel and Claire Winters come rushing down the ramp towards the ring. The timing is just such that Christy freezes at the sight of her two nemeses while Teresa has her back to the threat and does not notice. Christy drops her guard completely, and the hit with a flying lariat is brutal, leaving her flat on the mat. Teresa gets up to her knees just as Talia and Claire slides into the ring. Teresa’s eyes widen as she first now notices the threat, and perhaps understands why Christy didn’t defend herself.

“You…” she starts, but doesn’t get further before she’s hit by a savate kick from Claire straight in the chest, and the two heels are all over her. They beat her down, deliver a couple of combo moves, finishing with a power bomb, double knee backbreaker combo. With Perez non-responsive in the middle of the ring, the two considers their work done, and get out of the ring.

For a while, nobody moves in the ring, but soon, Christy Higgins start to stir, slowly realizing that Teresa lies knocked out just feet away from her. Dragging herself toward her old best friend, Christy eventually collapses on top of Teresa. At first, she wonders why there is no count, then remembers the referee is out. So spent, there is nothing more she can do, so she just lies there, covering Teresa for what certainly would have been a ten count before Erin Lawrence start clearing the cobwebs out of her head, notices that Christy is covering Teresa, and counts 1-2-3.

Christy Higgins win by pinfall in 21:16

Match Rating: C

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/ZGbvgUH.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SrJMR1G.jpg

</div>As soon as the match is over, the sound of Motörhead’s March or Die blasts out of the speaker system. The Dogs of War make their entrance, striding down to the ring, and before Christy and Teresa has had any time to recover, they’re unceremoniously thrown out of the ring by Kass and Capitano.

Capitano grabs a microphone, with a smirk drawing energy from the crowd booing.

“What a pathetic pair of individuals. To think they once held these belts,” she says in the direction of Christy and Teresa who have been making their way to exit. Capitano pats the belt over her shoulder.

“Earlier today, Kass suggested we should make an open challenge to the tag team division. Let them know that the champions are here, ready to take on any challenger.”

Kass nods, and flexes a bicep for good measure.

“But I told her, it is pointless. There are no worthy challengers left. Like *gods* we have ascended, and now we look down at the hopeful contenders mill about like ants below us. So insignificant, we might stamp them out, *end their careers* without even noticing. Really, it is a responsibility we never asked for,” she says, pausing to let the magnitude of megalomania sink in.

“So here is our request to the powers that be. Declare us from now and forever the definite, the final champions of QAW’s tag team division. Retire these belts. Make. Us. Immortal.” Capitano says as she and Kass hoist their belts into the air to the general scorn of the crowd.

Half expecting Dharma Gregg to come out, Capitano waits a moment before she continues.

“Dharma, I know this message will reach you. Follow our request, for the good of this company you are caretaker of. I know you care more about some of the wrestlers here than others, but I promise, we will not make a difference which of your toys we break if you let us play unsupervised.”

Segment Rating: A*

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/Ejm21gp.jpg http://i.imgur.com/qyk7nTU.jpg http://i.imgur.com/WSqBaZQ.jpg </div>

Farrah Hesketh: "I think Capitano has gone mad."

Grace Harper: "Why do you say that? She's absolutely right! They are the greatest tag team women's wrestling have ever seen. Once you have achieved perfection, only the insane will try to improve it. Put tag team wrestling in in the record books, put it in a museum and focus our energy on something mankind hasn't perfected yet."

Farrah: "You're as crazy as she is..."

Alfonso Garcia: "And that's it from Army of One here at the Ranch of San Antonio. Thank you all for watching. Next week, Army of One visits the mid West for a show at the War Memorial Auditorium, see you all there!"

Event Rating: B- (71)

Next Event: Army of One, week 2 August 2018 at War Memorial Auditorium (Mid-West)

Dr_Avalanche · December 24, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i.imgur.com/IwAhPIR.jpg</div> Prediction Contest Results: Dark Match 1: Juana Huracán vs Joella Parent A squash match in the truest sense of the word. Dark Match 2: Pamela Rojo vs Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Maribel Mercado vs Darkness Cat Maribel could also have benefited from the win, but I felt it was more urgent to paint Rojo as legitimate. Also, and this is kind of backwards, but Etsuko’s loss kind of leads into a storyline that I’m not sure how major it’s going to be, but still. Opener: Thea Davis vs Charity Sweet Poor Thea. One day, she’ll get a push, I’m sure. Match 2: Winters & Svelte vs The New Wave The Talia Quinzel triangle drama continues, with friction building between the two, er, suitors? Match 3: Cherry Bomb vs Deborah Young As big a signing as I felt Cherry Bomb was, she is less popular around the mid-South than even upper-midcarders in QAW. She needs to be made a household name to fill her proper role as a main event draw. It shouldn’t take long. Match 4: Chitose Ariwara & Foxxy LaRue vs Jillian Jarvis & Brooke Tyler Jarvis gets her revenge, while Ariwara and LaRue gets the DQ win. Main Event: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez So Christy gets the (tainted) win. Nobody's happy, except perhaps Dharma. Bonus Question: What is the match of the night? Everybody spotted the match of the night a mile away. Ariwara & La Rue vs Jarvis & Tyler ties the QAW record for highest match rating; only two matches before has reached an 86: Paige Croft retaining her World title against Zoe Amiss as recently as June this year (in Amiss last match in QAW), and Foxxy LaRue & Capitano defeating Zoe Amiss & Alina America in January this year. The only member of QAW’s roster who has been in a better match ever is Fuyuko Higa who has *two* 87 matches under her belt from 5SSW. Tie Breaker: What is the rating of the main event? (in numbers) 71 The main event wasn’t super strong, but a phenomenal final segment helped save a pretty good rating in the end. Score: DarEatWorld: 7 out of 8 (tiebreaker 63) MrWolf101: 6 out of 8 (tiebreaker: 65 would have won it...) Kingjames: 4 out of 8 DarEatWorld is so close to a perfect result, and takes the win. Congratulations! <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> As prize you get to pick a worker for a highlight interview with. Send me a DM with your choice. Interviews already done: Charity Sweet, Foxxy LaRue, Christy Higgins, Killer Kass and Paige Croft. For the game month of August, wrapping up with Scars and Stripes, the player with most wins get to affect a roster-related decision I’m mulling over, and if more than one player ties, you’ll each get a say. For now though, the score is: DarEatWorld 1, everybody else 0. Card for Army of One week 2 August 2018 Held at War Memorial Auditorium (capacity 2000) Dark Match 1: Chitose Ariwara vs Joella Parent Dark Match 2: Maria Guest & Thea Davis vs Anderson & Snyder Dark Match 3: Etsuko Arihyoshi vs Brooke Tyler Opener: Alexis Lee vs Talia Quinzel Match 2: Juana Huracán & Pamela Rojo vs Special Edition Match 3: Christy Higgins vs Teresa Perez in a No DQ, No count outs match. Any interference will lead to a terminated contract, per Dharma Gregg’s instructions. Main Event: Cherry Bomb, Foxxy LaRue, Jillian Jarvis and Killer Kass in a Fatal 4-way Bonus Questions: - What is the match of the night? - Will someone interfere in the match between Christy and Teresa? Tie breaker: What is the event rating? (Last time in the Mid West, 4 weeks ago it was a 54, in the slightly smaller venue the Junkyard) The winner gets to pick a worker for a highlight interview. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm not sure I have them pegged as genuine Main Eventers.(Editors note: Re: Christy Higgins & Teresa Perez)</div></blockquote> I think that's spot on. Christy has come so far, but they aren't really at main event status. I think Teresa might have been up there for a moment about a year ago, but I think the roster is deeper now. Who knows though what the future may bring. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think you're right to push Chitose the way you are too if she is getting over rapidly. Sometimes' date=' you just have to strike when the iron's hot. There isn't really anyone I think should get a bigger or smaller push. Everyone seems to be falling into place, and you're showing just the right amount of vulnerability with Paige to keep her strong but make her losing (whenever she does) believable.[/quote'] It is strange with Chitose. Every number tells me she should be main event status. The only other two as popular as her are Paige Croft and Capitano. She has great skills, and her momentum is over the moon. But the game think she's upper midcard for some reason. So I force it to main event and let her have A* segments and some of the best matches in the company. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Perez's fan club is growing. </div></blockquote> Makes me so happy. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Welcome to the bigs, Joella, hope you don't mind getting smacked around by someone more established. </div></blockquote> Dear oh dear. Joella is a difficult one. I kind of feel sorry for her, but she's also kind of getting what she had coming, just for all the wrong reason? <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="42699" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Someone has to win this; I'm going to go with Arihyoshi to begin her ascension. </div></blockquote> I'll give you this much: You're not the only one who has noticed the quality and untapped potential languishing at the bottom of the QAW card... More upcoming. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote>

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