Board 8 > Lopen books WWE in real time in TEW Wrestlemania Insanity Edition TURBO #Reload

(+) Yeah! (+)

inb4 russo reboots everything
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Next page initiated. I eagerly await the update I know is comi-hahahaha
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I believe in a thing called lopen
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Tic
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Next page status: On

Day or two status: Given

Lopen status: ERROR ERROR ERROR
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I'll never stop believing in lopen

Archpriestess akia will return to us one day. AND she'll get glowing weapons
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I wanted to make my first post on the next page an update, but the cards simply didn't fall.

I guarantee an update tomorrow though. As in, within 28 hours, because I work on the time zone of Roman Reigns, in Roman We Trust. 100%. I've put in the meat of the planning over the week.

100%. ONE HUNDRED. PERCENT.
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https://imgur.com/fzKtY7U
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Is it too late to make sterling a manager instead if Russo
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Storyline summaries so far (this is for me as much as you as I'd forgotten what the hell was going on after a few months without doing this on the regular-- show write-up coming in the next half an hour or so)

Main storylines:

GM Chaos
- KO and Sami Zayn totally brutalized Shane and Bryan in their mania victory, leaving both GMs unable to do their GM duties.
- Ronda Rousey broke steph's arm in the mania match. Kurt Angle was destroyed by FUMING Triple H, leaving Angle unable to do his GM duties.
- Triple H comes to Raw the next day, still FUMING, disses Curt Hawkins and threatens to destroy him. Strowman, partner to Hawkins, doesn't appreciate this, and dunks Triple H into a limo and shoves the Limo off a ledge, leaving Triple H unable to run Raw.
- KO and Sami Zayn have run roughshod over both shows with no GMs. Vince McMahon comes to try and resolve the situation. Vince is destroyed by the two of them before he can.
- The "executive WWE Shareholders" in a panic give a message that they'll be giving some top investors the GM slots to help alleviate the situation
- EC3 is made the GM of Smackdown cause his Rich Aunt D has a lot of money and so he has a lot of stock, makes peace with KO and Sami Zayn by being smarmy
- MVP is the GM of Raw. Is a dick to everyone, but Miz mostly. Mark Henry is his second of command, with the Authors of Pain being Mark Henry's enforcers, who successfully stare down KO and Sami's attempts to intimidate the new regime

Universal championship
- At Mania, Carmella tried to cash in on Asuka (who is still champion and undefeated here), and Nia Jax, having second thoughts twice. Eventually she settled on a mangled Roman Reigns who fluke pinned Lesnar and was brutalized by him. She became the universal champion.
- She has been avoiding defending her title, abusing the lack of leadership on the shows to aid her in this
- Has successfully defended once against "#1 Contender" Sin Cara by kicking him in the nuts.
- EC3 abuses his power, attempts to book himself in rigged matches with Carmella
- She learns on Raw due to meddling Mark Henry that the GM can't actually book themselves in title matches under the new regime. It's in the manual look at the adjective
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Side storylines:

Miz retained his IC Title at Mania, but then was dicked over by new GM MVP due to Miz being a jerk to him. Miz lost his title last week, one day short of being the all time longest reigning IC champion ever.

Ziggler won Andre battle royal. He smashed the trophy on John Cena who did not get his taker match and was too injured to have a mania match. He later publically denounced and discarded the broken Armbar trophy.

Matt Hardy is teaming with Jeff Hardy. Matt Hardy is acting very broken while Jeff is acting very normal, causing a near total disconnect when they team and leading to Jeff doing most of the work. Bray has not reappeared since losing to Matt.

Strowman teamed with Curt Hawkins to basically win the tag titles solo, but Hawkins has put in his work, subtly. They are still champions.

Liv Morgan won the women's battle Royal. She is happy about her trophy to the detriment of the Riott Squad.

Ronda Rousey is a LOOSE CANNON and brutalizing opponents rather than having proper wrestling matches.

Nia is women's champion. Alexa realizes she can't beat her and is trying to get others to. Mickie James, mostly.

Sasha and Bayley are actually fighting. In a comically over the top way by brawling all over the place all the time.

Styles retained vs Nakamura at Mania who did not heel turn.

Cedric Alexander is struggling to make the Cruiserweight Title important on Raw, calling out non-cruiserweights such as Miz to help get some credibility for the title.

Some slight tension between Rollins and Reigns. Reigns been losing. Also Samoa Joe hates Roman Reigns and is going to make sure he never gets a title shot again.

Orton has been so intense lately that I've been saying intense several times per segment.

Kairi Sane is managed by Vince Russo, bro, and she's a real spitfire bro. She hasn't had a match, seems borderline oblivious to Russo claiming to be her manager, but gets angry and shouts about being REAL PIRATE when yachts are brought up. Appears to just want a match but Russo is negotiating hard for her.

Bludgeon Bros have won the SD Tag championship.
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Smackdown Live April Week 4 2018:

We start off the show with EC3 in the ring... he calls out Carmella, and says he'll be facing her at the upcoming Backlash PPV at Hell... in a CELL. Carmella comes out, points out he can't do that and shows the 10 second clip from Raw. EC3 flips out in disbelief and storms to the back. Carmella gloats a bit, says that she'll be a fighting champion, much like her predecessor the great Brock Lesnar, and that she'll see everyone at Summerslam. (84)

A redebuting Chavo Guerrero Jr is in the ring, talking about how he and Aunt Dee go way back and how EC3 hired him because of that, and how EC3 is such a great GM he even gave him a US Title Match! He calls out Rusev! Rusev comes out. (68) Rusev CRUSH Chavo Guerrero Jr to retain. (68)

We see EC3 backstage, thumbing through some tome looking thing, looking upset. MVP shows up with Mark Henry, says he wanted to bring back the DRAFT tonight, it's gonna be so hype. He gives him a list of proposed moves and that he'd like EC3 to look em over and sign the agreement if he thinks they're fair. EC3 is clearly not interested, says he needs to go and asks if MVP can handle SD for the night, and just signs the paper blindly as he walks off screen, phone in hand. (87)

Bludgeon Bros d. The Ascension easily as The New Day are on commentary for the match talking about how they want to get back into the tag title hunt (58) Disco Inferno(??) randomly comes to the ring after the match to the Ascension. He says he sees potential in the team, but they lack direction! He offers his services as a manager, so they too can become legends like himself. The Ascension are unclear of who he even is as The New Day flip out on commentary as though Disco Inferno were The Rock or something. (53)

MVP is in the ring, announces that Carmella WILL be defending the title at Backlash as he's made a number one contenders match for tonight between Orton, Rusev, Kevin Owens, and Shinsuke Nakamura, but more importantly that THE DRAFT has begun, and we'll get the draft picks revealed over the course of the show! We get the fancy graphic from the drafts of yore a few times where the wrestlers cycle through the screen and it ends with _____ HAS GONE TO RAW/SMACKDOWN, even though they've all been decided previously and this is EMPTY HYPE~. We see that the following moves have been made. Thew New Day have gone to Raw. Sheamus, Cesaro, and Elias have gone to Smackdown. New Day, still at ringside, ask WHAT THIS COULD MEAN FOR THE WWE UNIVERSE!?? More to come! New Day leave. (69)

The Riott Squad (Sarah Logan and Ruby Riott) vs Charlotte Flair and Asuka in a random match. Liv is not ringside. Asuka starts the match, has things in hand-- Charlotte tags herself in breaking Asuka's momentum, argues with Asuka, nearly gets rolled up before Asuka breaks the count. Asuka tags herself back in, shouts at Charlotte, dominates Logan, wins the match. (61) Competitors still in the ring, Liv Morgan comes out with her trophy, says she was told to come out to announce draft picks. We see the following picks: Randy Orton, Asuka, and Sarah Logan to Raw. Finn Balor, Mickie James, and Bayley to Smackdown. The Riott Squad yell at Liv like it's her fault for sending Logan to Raw. Asuka looks hyped. (60)
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AJ Styles d. Jinder Mahal (74) Kairi Sane comes out, talking in Japanese. We clearly make out that she's talking about Asuka and Carmella-- Russo comes out just after, saying that MVP has told Carrie Sane and himself to announce the next draft picks, bro. The following moves are shown (with Russo commentary) Nakamura (Cheapskate Nakazuma), Ziggler (with his hair in a bun), Carmella to Raw. Nia Jax, Hideo Itami (H.. Hadou Eye Tammy), Gran Metalik (Grand Metalic) to Smackdown. He stresses Dolph Ziggler MUST have his hair in a bun or he will be STRIPPED of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Trophy as Kairi Sane gets bored and walks off during his rant (46)

Gable & Benjamin d. Breezango (54) AJ Styles comes out to announce the last batch of drafts. Samoa Joe, BRAUNNN, Mickie James to Smackdown, Benjamin, Gable, Roode, and Becky Lynch to Smackdown. The announcers explain the rest of the draft results can be found on WWE.com (60)

Randy Orton vs Rusev vs Kevin Owens vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the number one contendership for Carmella at Backlash. Rusev is hyped as a bit of an underdog here as he's already had a match tonight. Late in the match, Orton does work, going on an RKO rampage and laying out Owens, Nakamura, and ringside Sami Zayn. He's about to get Rusev but is distracted by English who launches into a RUSEV DAYYYYY~ song on the apron. Orton grabs him, pulls him over the ropes, hits the RKO turns to Ruse-- but then MACHKA KICK! MACHKA KICK! ORTON IS DOWN. 1... 2... 3! Rusev is the number one contender and will face Carmella for the Universal Title at backlash! The fans chant RUSEV DAY as Rusev helps English up and celebrates and a recovering Orton sorta sits there, laughing to himself (82)

Show Rating 81 - Popularity Increase in 26 regions
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Notes:
Mark Henry's General Manager Gimmick (that I forgot to set last show) got a rating of Above Average. Mark Henry's turn to heel (that I also forgot to execute last show) was a success.
Chavo's The Chosen One Gimmick has gotten a rating of Very Good
Disco's Dancing Fool (Manager) gimmick has gotten a rating of Very Good
There's a lot of "important" stuff I needed to handle on this show before Backlash (there's another week but still) so apologies there wasn't much silliness.
Chavo was Tom's rando midcarder pick. Also no CPU your GM STILL isn't here (SORRY!)
I feel confident updates are going to resume now on the regular-- well, quicker than on the regular because I need to catch up. I guess time will tell.

Final results of the draft:

SD -> Raw
Kofi, Woods, Big E
Benjamin, Gable
Dolph Ziggler
Randy Orton
Shinsuke Nakamura
Bobby Roode
Asuka
Becky Lynch
Carmella
Sarah Logan
Zack Ryder

Raw -> SD
Braun Strowman
Sheamus, Cesaro
Samoa Joe
Finn Balor
The Club
Elias
Dash, Dawson
Bayley
Mickie James
Nia Jax
Alicia Fox
R-Truth
Hideo Itami
The Brian Kendrick
Gran Metalik
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And uhh... just for completion's sake, roster differences I have vs WWE currently (well, in May) (again this is partially for my internal bookkeeping as much as you-- also if I'm wrong on any of this correct me).

On SD for me, on Raw in WWE:
Braun Strowman, Elias, Finn Balor, Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Tyler Breeze, Fandango, Mojo Rawley, Konnor, Viktor, Alicia Fox, Bayley, Liv Morgan, Mickie James, Nia Jax, Ruby Riott

On Raw for me, on SD in WWE:
The Miz, The New Day, Shelton Benjamin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, Zack Ryder(?
NOT SURE.), Asuka, Becky Lynch, Carmella, Mandy Rose, Paige, Sonya Deville

Still in NXT or unhired for me (for now):
Almas & Vega, The IIconics, Ember Moon, Drew McIntyre, Sanity, Bobby Lashley

Pre-emptively called up from NXT or hired/given more of an onscreen role:
EC3, Kairi Sane, MVP, Mark Henry, Chavo, Robbie E, Disco Inferno

Matching drafts were:
Samoa Joe, Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro, Gallows, Anderson, Sarah Logan, R-Truth

Moves only WWE made were:
Miz, Jeff Hardy, Baron Corbin, Fandango, Tyler Breeze, Jinder Mahal, Mojo Rawley, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville

Also I haven't given up on the cruiserweight divsion and want to keep them on Raw/SD so 205 guys are actually on the main roster, though as you can see I've moved some of them around to remove it from being a Raw exclusive thing.
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yessssss
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Don't worrrry, Lopen, considering who it is, in WWE terms, it's not unusual. ^_^'
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Wait what is this wrestling write up stuff
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I'm actually kinda looking forward to doing the next 3 shows. We may even see a new show TONIGHT.
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:ooo
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People stayed later than expected so I can't book TONIGHT.

TOMORROW NIGHT, however... ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. Yeah we're pullin that one again.
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Lopen no how can I finish my shift without tee updates
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excitement
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Oh phew, we're back to normal. I was worried for a while there
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Dantezoid posted...

Lopen no how can I finish my shift without tew updates

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100 percent.

TONIGHT. (Gotta get my 100 percent rate back up)
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Raw Week 1 May 2018

We start the show with Miz TV. An uncharacteristically deflated Miz pleads with MVP to be his guest and to give him a shot at Strowman at Backlash. MVP comes out as his guest, with Mark Henry and the Authors of Pain flanking him. He says he's a fair man, and he'll give Miz the title shot if Miz TV is converted into the VIP Lounge for tonight. Miz agrees before he can finish-- MVP adds he'll need to beat Roman for a shot, since it's everyone on Raw's last chance for the IC Title at Backlash, not just Miz's. MVP kicks Miz off his show, then announces several matches for tonight, as well as a gimmick for Backlash-- every last match on Backlash will be affected by the Backlash of the draft, as the card will be stacked from front to back with matches that can never happen again. He adds that he'd better check this is all okay with EC3-- luckily he has him on speed dial. He pulls out his cell and we get audio of the dialed call over the PA, MVP starts to run down matches and EC3 is like "sure, whatever, do whatever, I'm busy!" and hangs up. "And so there you have it!" What a high leverage Raw.(90)

We start with Raw draft picks Randy Orton vs Shinsuke Nakamura, with the winner to face AJ Styles at Backlash as explained in the opening segment. The match is competitive to start, but Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn brutalize both competitors before the match even gets off the ground. Taunting them and the WWE, saying they'll never be contained to one show. Security and the AoP try to stop em, but they escape through the crowd. The match is a no contest as we cut to a commercial. (71)

Shinsuke Nakamura shows up in MVP's office, demanding retribution against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at Backlash. MVP says sure why not, get a partner, but it must be someone who was drafted to Raw from Smackdown-- Nakamura leaves, and Orton shows up soon after, but instead of retribution demanding a title shot vs AJ at Backlash. MVP asks if he wants to help Nakamura instead-- Orton isn't interested and would rather have the title shot. MVP shrugs and admits someone should face AJ, and gives it to him. (83)

New Day (Kofi and Woods) vs Gable & Benjamin, with the winner to face the Bludgeons at Backlash. New Day win in a competitive bout (72)

Sasha Banks is having an interview with Renee Young. She rambles on about how she'll find a way to face Bayley, who has been drafted to Smackdown, and finish their feud yet. She'll accomplish this by winning this next match against Alexa to get a title shot vs Nia Jax. Renee Young asks how that's going to help-- Sasha shushes her and heads to the ring. (54) Alexa Bliss d. Sasha Banks with cheatyface maneuvers to face Nia. Sasha is VERY upset. HOW WILL SHE FACE BAYLEY NOW. (55)

We see Nakamura searching backstage for a partner... Zack Ryder is there all like "yeah pick me bro!" Nakamura pretends not to notice him and slinks away. He sees Bobby Roode, asks that he be his partner to crush. Roode has history with them too, so he's glad to help. (80)

Paige approaches newly drafted Sarah Logan and asks that she take the injured Sonya Deville's place in Absolution. Logan is unsure. Paige convinces her to at least come out with them for Mandy Rose's match tonight to protect her from a vile Ronda run in. Logan is okay with this. (51) Mandy Rose v. Newly Drafted Asuka. Sarah Logan stands vigilant. Ronda Rousey does not appear! Well done Sarah Logan! Meanwhile Asuka destroys Mandy Rose in a squash. Paige chastises Sarah Logan for not helping. Sarah walks off. (48)

Carmella appears via satellite. She's a big star, so she doesn't need to be there on Raw. She rips into the weak opponent Rusev a bit. F. A. B. U. L. O. U. S. REPEAT. She is booed to hell, shouts "oh whatever!" and cuts off the feed before she can repeat that long winded mess.(73)
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Matt Hardy is in the ring with Brother Nero. He suggests that a gathering of nations be held to resolve the issue of the Mankind Dwelling Monster leaving to Smackdown. He calls out Slater + Rhyno, The Miztourage, and Titus Worldwide for council on what should be done. They all jibber jabber a bit, getting their piece in on why they're the best. Jeff Hardy finally speaks up and says "why don't we just have a match to face them at Backlash?" Everyone nods... yeah... that makes sense... (64) The Hardy d. The Miztourage, Apollo + Titus, Rhyno + Slater in a four corners tag. Jeff Hardy once again does most of the work, usually choosing to tag another team instead of Matt when he's tired. The Hardyz win pretty easily anyway because the state of the Raw tag division. Just look at it. (67) Hawkins comes to MVP's office asking if that was legit and what will happen with the tag titles as the champs are on different shows. MVP says if they retain, he can go to Smackdown for all he cares (67)

Becky Lynch is here to kick lass and chew gum, and she's all out of gum. She calls out THE STRONGEST. Ronda appears, claiming to be THE STRONGEST. Becky's about to talk some more, Ronda takes her down, tries to brutalize her in Sonya Deville fashion from last week, is pulled off by security. Ronda slams some security. Becky is held back as well despite wanting to rumble. RONDA's OUT OF CONTROL. (68)

Ziggler comes out, gloats about he'll be facing BIG MATCH JOHN at Backlash. Starts to run down Cena. He's interrupted by Kairi Sane. She yells some stuff in Japanese at him clearly yelling something about "Andre the Giant." Vince Russo shows up behind her, cutting her off.. shouts about how he's been talkin with Carrie, bro, and she is PISSED about how you didn't show up this week with your hair in a bun, Ziggler! And now, as a result, he had NO CHOICE but to strip Ziggler's Andre the Giant Memorial trophy. Ziggler has no time for this nonsense, kinda ignores them, says "see you Sunday John" and leaves the ring. Kairi sighs and walks off too. Russo shouts "don't you ignore Carrie Ziggler! You piece a garb" and is cut off by a commercial break. (67)

Seth Rollins d. Goldust clean in a random match (66) Roman is backstage, Rollins wishes him good luck against Miz. Roman says he knows Rollins has been through "hell" with Goldust out there, smirks, and says he doesn't need luck. (92)

Miz vs Roman Reigns. Late in the match, Miz tries to load up the turnbuckle again with a foreign object, but is caught by the ref. As the ref is distracted Roman tries to spear Miz, but Miz dodges and the ref is speared. Miz hits a Skull Crushing Finale, but there's no ref! Samoa Joe rushes out, chokes out the battered Roman while Miz keeps a safe distance. He releases the choke a bit before the ref recovers. The ref recovers. Miz goes for the pin. 1! 2! 3! Miz wins! He'll face Strowman for the IC Title, this Sunday! (74) Samoa Joe continues the assault as Miz celebrates. Grabs a mic, says Roman doesn't have to feel bad about not getting a title shot, because he can get his revenge this Sunday... if he dares! Joe challenges him to an I Quit match! Will Roman accept?!? Tune in to Smackdown!(81)

Show Rating 82 - Increased Popularity in 26 regions

Notez:
Rollins and Goldust have great chemistry. Shame I told them to warm up a hot crowd expecting the RUSSO segment to get a much lower rating than it did.
Sasha and Alexa have awful chemistry. I believe it.
I apologize for throwing together builds for 10 matches at once due to STORYLINEZ gettin in the way before. Hey it beats a lot of WWE builds though. Some of these feel organic. I think. Maybe?
These Raw write-ups are bloated but 3 hours, man. Need more Susan G Komen promotion to fill time obv.
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I can't remember what stories are even going on in this so I'll just pretend it all makes sense
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Bro what do I even do those recaps for.

Heck I can't even put workrate into these write-ups what do you even follow this for bro.
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Congratulations 100 percent. TONIGHT.
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Smackdown May Week 1 2018

We start the show with MVP in the ring, talking about how he hasn't heard anything from EC3 all week, and he's still got the reins from last week, so he's about to start booking some matches, when EC3 interrupts him. He says MVP can calm down as EC3's here to relieve him of duty. He's got a new hiring!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGIAaRf2Gzc" data-time="

Some sorta CFO$ bastardization of this theme plays to mixed reaction, and the new hiring Christopher Daniels appears! He shakes EC3's hand, talks about how he's eager to wrestle some of the great stars on this show like AJ Styles, Samoa J-- EC3 cuts him off. He didn't hire Daniels as a talent. He hired him... as the new General Manager of Smackdown, and announces that he will be wrestling for the Smackdown Brand going forward-- and also as his last act as GM he's added himself to the match between Rusev and Carmella this Sunday! Daniels protests that he doesn't want to be a damn GM but EC3 stresses that that's an ironclad contract and he must do his duty or be in breach... lawsuits are ugly, and gives Daniels some encouragement that he'll do fine as Daniels stands there, visibly upset. MVP hands Daniels a match layout he'd planned for the night to help him out as he also leaves, which mostly just makes him grimace as we cut to a commercial. (80)

We start with a four team match, The Revival vs The Bar vs The Club vs The Usos. After entrances, Daniels said with those 10 minutes of entrances he's had some time to think on this, and he's going to make this match a qualifier to battle Strowman and Hawkins + The Hardyz in a three way match for the Raw Tag Team Titles this Sunday! (66) The Revival seem thoroughly off their game, and are the target for all teams to try and beat to win. The Bar eventually put everything together to capitalize on their weakness and win the match as Cesaro neutralizes Dawson. (73) After the commercial, the Revival are looking real bummed backstage-- they're tired of being treated as irrelevant, losing all the time. They're wrestling machines! Disco Inferno comes to them... says he's got a great idea to turn their careers around. They're desperate enough to go along with him as they walk off frame together (42)

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn want a tune up match, they call out any team from the back out. Strowman comes out, says he's been looking for a tune up match too, calls anyone from the back out to come with him to be his partner. Fellow new Smackdown live member Hideo Itami shows up to be Braun's partner. (97) Hideo Itami proves to be a very capable tag partner. Capable enough that Owens and Zayn have their hands full-- they eventually get DQed for bringing chairs into the ring and laying waste to Strowman and Itami (78)

Daniels is backstage, comments how he hates the WWE and their stupid ass DQ matche-- just kidding he loves Double Double E! He announces that he's going to make EC3 earn that addition by defending his spot vs Finn Balor in the main event. Oh and also to dick with MVP's backlash card a bit more if Finn Balor wins he can make any match he wants, and also the winner of Mickie vs Bayley next segment will be added to the Smackdown women's title match, because why not (66) Kairi Sane shows up during the rant. She talks to him Japanese about Curry Man and SUGOI. Christopher Daniels is happy, talks to her back in Japanese a bit. Asuka is mentioned, and a handshake. Kairi leaves. Russo barges in, asks if Kairi has been signed and if she got her title shot. Daniels confirms this. Russo insists that, even if she hasn't mentioned it, the title match MUST be a ANDRE THE GIANT MEMORIAL ON A POLE MATCH, and it's in the IRON CLAD CONTRACT. Daniels blows him off. (60)
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Mickie James vs Bayley. Back and forth match-- Bayley is looking to have the upper hand when SASHA BANKS ATTACKS FROM THE CROWD. A BRUTAL ASSAULT. THE REF SOMEHOW MISSES THIS. Mickie James is quite okay with this and takes the easy win to advance to the three way with Alexa and Nia Jax (53) Sasha continues her assault on Bayley, grabs a mic, goes on a rant about how Bayley was just going to go have a title match without finishing this unfinished business. SCREW THE TITLE. THIS MUST BE FINISHED. (65) (Sasha's turn was a complete success)

Who wants to walk with Elias!? AJ Styles does. Hopefully to Raw since his opponent this Sunday is over there and he's got nothing to do tonight because of that. Elias does not find this to be amusing. (77) AJ Styles d. Elias (81)

Rusev is out there with Aiden English. Rusev talks about how he does not want to battle a woman, but he respects the Universal Title, and even Carmella, too much to give the match any less than one hundred. He belittles EC3 and says he will CRUSH him if he makes it to the match. RUSEV DAY!
Rusev 'officially' turns here, and joins the guest commentary team. (72) (Rusev's turn is a total success.)

Finn Balor vs EC3. EC3 yells loudly about how he was not prepared to wrestle tonight and how he had completely devoted himself to studying Carmella tapes. Finn Balor overwhelms him early. Rusev talks about how weak and spoiled EC3 is and how he would not survive for 12 minutes in the rough environs of Bulgaria. EC3 rolls out for a breather, attacks Aiden English. Rusev is about to chase but Aiden holds him back as EC3 backs into the ring and taunts him-- Balor capitalizes on this distraction with the running dropkick thing into EC3's back, into the Coup De Grace. (79)

Finn Balor humors putting himself into the Rusev/Carmella match, but says he's going to take something arguably more valuable than the Universal Title-- Seth Rollins's Dignity. He challenges Seth Rollins one last time this Sunday, to prove one last time he's the better man. (88) This appears to be the end of the show, but Samoa Joe comes out at the last second, says he hasn't heard from Roman. If Roman accepts the I Quit match this Sunday, and he wins, Samoa Joe will stop interfering in his matches. However, if he loses, Roman never gets another title match again ever until he beats Samoa Joe. And if he's too much of a coward? Joe will make sure Roman never gets another title match again. He's waiting. (82)

Rating - 86 Popularity increased in 37 regions

Christopher Daniels's Authority Figure (Annoyed) Gimmick has gotten an initial rating of Great.
Kairi Sane is getting better at being REAL PIRATE
Balor invented a catchphrase. Maybe I'll try and think of what that actually is.
Rusev and Sasha officially turned here and they both were a complete success.

Backlash next? A PPV? Incredible. No prediction thing for this one but I will be posting one for the KING OF THE RING just after it. Here is the card though.

WWE Title: AJ Styles vs Randy Orton
Universal Title: US Champion Rusev vs Carmella
Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor
Raw Tag Titles: Braun Strowman and Curt Hawkins vs Sheamus and Cesaro vs Hardyz
Smackdown Tag Titles: New Day vs Bludgeon Brothers
Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe (Not official)
Nakamura and Bobby Roode vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Smackdown Women's Title (Andre Memorial on a Pole?!): Asuka vs Kairi Sane
Raw Women's Title: Mickie vs Alexa Bliss vs Nia Jax
IC Title: Braun Strowman vs The Miz
Sasha Banks vs Bayley
Ziggler vs Cena? (Ziggler challenged, Cena still MIA)
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I predict that Carmella somehow wins every match
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YEAAAAAAAAH DANIELS!

'This is the worst contract that I've ever had. ROH.' ..I apologise for everything
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That was literally the first Smackdown Daniels was actually available for me to use cause he took his sweet time signing and then I had to wait for his ROH contract to run out a week.

Although that was always my plan to bring him in anyway cause he made no sense as an "investor" I had to stretch it out one more week than I planned.
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Fiiiigured it was somethin' like that, it *can* be a bit of a bother finalizing a signing. Countin' myself lucky he wasn't loyal to ROH or the like. ...That or *seriously* thinking the multiverse didn't want him in WWE. @__@''

And yeaaah, I can't see Daniels as an investor, especially for the Dub Dub E. ^____^
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100%. TONlGHT.
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Failure level has increased. Our only recourse is...

100%. Tomorrow night.
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wowow
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Backlash May Week 1 2018

We open the show hot with Braun Strowman defending the IC Title vs The Miz. Miz sends The Miztourage away for some reason. He fights hard, pulling out many tricks to the point where it almost gets ridiculous how much cheating he gets away with, exploiting injuries given by Owens and Zayn on Thursday, even pulling out brass knuckles to work over said injuries under the radar of the ref, but Strowman just can't be kept down by Miz whatsoever. Through sheer willpower Miz takes most of the match, somehow, but is put down with a running powerslam. (79) Strowman celebrates, but he's clearly felt some damage. Recovering Miz is interviewed by Renee Young. Miz, exhausted, vows he'll be the Intercontinental Champion once again, even if the champion is on another show, he'll find a way.(83)

Bludgeon Brothers d. The New Day (Kofi and Woods) to retain the Smackdown Tag Titles in a glorified squash. First blindsiding manager Big E who is busy taunting with pancakes outside, then laying waste to Kofi and Woods one last time. (55) We cut to backstage where Orton is super focused on gameplanning for AJ Styles. We hear Aiden English singing RUSEVVV DAYYYY~ from somewhere. Orton is FUMING. He yells for Aiden to shut up or there will be consequences. (71)

Asuka vs Kairi Sane for the Smackdown Women's Title. Russo comes out well behind Kairi Sane with some random ring crew lugging a pole and the broken Andre the Giant Memorial trophy. Asuka and Kairi begin their match as the crew is still working on putting the pole up. Kairi proves to be one of Asuka's strongest opponents to date. Kairi hits a flurry of offense and drops the elbow. As she goes for the cover Russo jumps on the apron and yells to the ref about how Aska and Carrie need to get the Andre Memorial before going for pinfalls. The ref yells at Russo, and Kairi yells at the ref. This time to recover proves fatal as Kairi goes for another elbow and is reversed into the Asuka Lock this time, and must submit (60) Asuka helps Kairi up and they shake each other's hand and show respect as Russo and his goons take down the pole. (59)

Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor. Fairly balanced match but Rollins seems to be one step ahead throughout. Balor manages to hit a 1916 and covers Rollins. Rollins has his foot on the ropes but the ref doesn't see it, counting the three. (72) Balor celebrates a bit and leaves, seemingly oblivious to this, and Rollins gets up and argues with the ref about the foot being on the ropes but there ain't no proof so the ref can only shrug (80)

Alexa Bliss approaches Mickie James during Nia Jax's entrance, confirming that Mickie is going to work with her to take out that bully Nia Jax tonight. Mickie agrees. (63) Mickie vs Alexa vs Nia Jax for the Raw women's title. Alexa and Mickie do, true to promise, eliminate Nia from the match early. Alexa then asks for Mickie to lay down. Mickie isn't having it. They have an honest battle-- Nia then gets back in, attempts to destroy both, but mostly gets Mickie as Alexa gets out of the way, low bridges Nia back out, and pins Mickie to get the Raw women's title back. Raw has both women's titles! What can this mean?! (58)

We cut to Orton again, focused. After the awkward camera stays on the guy too long moment, suddenly another RUSEVVV DAYYYY~ Orton storms out to kill a man. (65) Ziggler comes out, calls out Cena. Cena does not show. Ziggler orders the ref to count Cena out. After ten, Ziggler declares himself the victor over John Cena. (71)
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AJ Styles vs Randy Orton. Orton seems slightly off his game. Styles wins clean. Orton does not snap. He is very calm about the loss. He shakes the hand of AJ Styles, with a grin. (82)

Sasha Banks vs Bayley. BLOOD FEUD is strong, as they furiously flail at each other early. Sasha appears to have things in hand, but eventually does a needlessly complex flying move and injures herself as Bayley moves. Bayley capitalizes on this misstep with a Bayley to Belly for the win. (58)

Raw Tag Titles. Braun & Curt Hawkins vs The Hardyz vs Sheamus and Cesaro. Braun is still kinda worse for wear after the match with Miz earlier, surprisingly, but refuses to get much help from an eager to help Curt Hawkins regardless. Sheamus and Cesaro are able to muscle through the wounded Braun in a weird variant of a 2 on 1 handicap match as Matt and Jeff kinda just... do their own thing for the most part-- Jeff pretending to throw his shirt to people appearing bored, and Matt shouting WONDERFUL and DELIGHTFUL for various offense but making no attempt to involve himself, while Hawkins is never tagged in. Smackdown now has BOTH pairs of tag titles! What does it mean??(65)

Owens and Zayn vs Roode and Nakamura. Roode and Nakamura are strong, but Owens and Zayn are just the more experienced and capable team, and get the pin on Roode after a Helluva Kick. (80)

A returning James Ellsworth rips off Paul Heyman's schtick for Brock, but to introduce Carmella as the REIGNING, DEFENDING, etc as Carmella taunts the crowd a bit. (50) Rusev (w/ Aiden English) vs Carmella for the Universal Title. Immediately after entrances, a returning BIG CASS slides in the ring, appears to go for a big boot on Rusev, but his leg gives out and he crumbles in a heap. Carmella yells at him for being worthless, and kicks Rusev straight in the balls for the intentional DQ. (66) While Rusev is selling his groin injury and Aiden English is trying to help him up, Randy Orton slides in, RKOs Aiden English out of nowhere, and he gets a trademark crazed look in his face, backs into the corner. Rusev is conscious, tries to get up to stop him, but can't recover fast enough. He shouts NOOOOOOO! as Orton gives Aiden English the PUNT~. Orton scrambles out before a now recovered Rusev shouting ORTONNN!!! can get to him. EMTs come and Aiden is taken on a gurney. Rather than pursue Orton, Rusev stays with Aiden, going with as he's loaded into an ambulance. (77) (Orton's heel turn was a complete success)

Carmella is celebrating and preparing to leave, but Daniels orders her back to the ring, as he isn't going to let a world title match go down like that. She goes back to the ring. Daniels says Carmella is hosting an open challenge for the Universal Title, against any superstar on the roster, and if she's disqualified she loses the title. No one immediately shows up... Daniels says he knows a lot of the men on the roster must be hesitant to battle a woman, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, here! Finally, Asuka answers the call! (64) Asuka completely destroys Carmella, and is the new Universal Champion! (60) Asuka celebrates this momentous win a bit, as the dual champion, teasing the end of the show, but Roman Reigns interrupts, saying this show isn't over yet, and calls out Joe (89)

Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe, I Quit. A pretty lengthy match. Both men show much tenacity. Late in the match, as he's being choked out for like the 4th time, this time longer than usual, Roman gurgles out some response to the ref that could be construed as an I Quit, but it's kinda unclear. The ref calls for the bell and awards the match to Joe as Roman is basically unconscious and unable to continue. The argue about whether Roman really quit as we fade to black (81)

Show Rating - 81 Popularity increased in 27 regions
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Random side note I got the notes that Bayley has a strong connection with the young female demographic who really liked her winning and that Sasha and Bayley have great chemistry. I don't know why I found this so amusing but I did.

Also kinda impressed that those Carmella matches didn't totally tank considering what nonsense they were. They were both like 4 minutes each and Carmella is... well, Carmella. I guess not making Carmella wrestle a 24 minute classic is probably smart but still. Also surprised that the Universal Title's prestige hasn't tanked with all this buffoonery. I guess the matches were not rated low enough.
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I can't believe no one got the Andre the giant memorial trophy off the pole
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mah girl came close :(
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I feel like people just ctrl f Russo and/or Kairi and go on their way

Not that I can fully blame them

100%. TOMORROW NIGHT.
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I fully read every update
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Listen I'm just saying I wouldn't blame you. They're my favorite part too.

But if I keep this pace up we'll start seeing more plans get moving. It was easier with them cause they were untainted by WWE.
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Yeah the more you diverge the more freedom you get

Although I'm not sure how much is aligned at this point
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The aligning is pretty far off even with Backlash but I actually want to make some vaguely (you know, non wrestlecrap tier WWE standards minimum) reasonable attempt at passable character development rather than just spontaneously tossing everyone into the gimmicks I want so it takes time.
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