Post by Scorpion's Den on Nov 23, 2008 20:48:11 GMT -5
OK, so here's the Den in the saddle, with a review of Hobo's WCWA HURT PPV event. I promised, earlier in the week, that I'd dive in by the end of the weekend. So a promise is a promise. Let's go in:
* Hobo stayed true to his assurance that the 1-hour pre-show would be helpful in getting familiar with all of the major feuds & situations in the company, being addressed tonight on PPV.
* Hey, I fully understood Jack Evans... wonder what's wrong with Gertner. The fact that Hobo knows what swag is... impressive.
* Impromptu: Cruz vs. Necro Butcher, per Eastman: The announcement makes Butcher come off looking badass before he even gets out there. Good job there. Good verbal exchanges between the commentators during. Although, if you can, resist the urge to slip too much dialogue in between individual moves, as it can serve the slow the action down just a tad in the mind's eye. Otherwise, job well done here. Necro looked strong the whole (Albeit brief. But that's the point in this case, I wager) time & I dig the sudden left-field ending to the match. Enjoyed the ambush afterwards. Although, I must say Butcher's recovery skills seem almost Undertaker-esque, circa 1990. He's left laying as security get his assailants off of him, and within seconds, he's nailing an over-the-top dive onto the humanity below, with seemingly no recovery time figured in. I can tell the dude's mad tough & all, but nothing is given as to him pulling himself up in the ring meanwhile, or so much as even a stagger back to his feet - they get pulled off him, he dives. Certainly written from a TV P.O.V., which I can relate to for sure, but I might've given him an extra few moments to compose himself before he suicides it over the top. That said, I think I have a new favorite wrestler!
Kloss gets nailed in the face when Damage lunges at Necro for a punch. I'm sorry, were the announcers standing at the time? That'd be the world's biggest punch lunge without the puncher hitting the brakes, if not. Just trying to reconcile the image in my mind's eye is all. Douglas has a great first reaction though.
* Solid promos from Hero & from BLK Out backstage, and good PPV hard-sell from Shane back in the arena. Always necessary (And yes I'd still say that even if I weren't me
) I'm honestly liking Shane on commentary in the WCWA & I think it's mostly because of your writing, quite frankly. Outside these walls, I'm not so big on the guy, so good work from you.
* Hey, what do ya know, it's Lance Storm, I know that guy! (I kid because I care
* Ring Announcer: "from Very Long Beach, California, weighing in tonight at two hundred and twenty pounds, plus five pounds of COCKMEAT! This is SeXXXy EDDY!" I soooo wanna see Lillian Garcia make that ring announcement just once in my lifetime. Preferably in a black skirt to show off the legs, and extra gloss on the lips, and speaking extra slo-- ahem. Moving on.
Lots of oil being wasted on these people. I smell gas prices going up again. Thanks a lot, Hobo.
Hard to believe Master-desky is still alive. Funny, the irony of him not making it to the PPV in WCWA was actually something I'd considered before Douglas said it. Aaand we've got a Masterlock. Sure, why the hell not. I tell ya what, I'm a fan of Elsa already, just based on the writing. That's 2 people you've sold me on, just on account of your writing. Something to be said for that, as I'm a hard sell that way.
PPV Time: You've got a handle on that Copyright Infringement statement.
1. Menage et Trois Tourney 1st Round - Corbin vs. Lee vs. Roc: Seems like a solid opener for this company's big event. 3 words capture it best, for my taste: Reverse, Rana, Buster. The commentators left the Buster part off, but that's what it was. Again, too quick a recovery time. The guy makes it back to his feet essentially 1 move later. Call me nuts, but I think it under-sells that move for the guy to be back to his feet, woozily or not, just 1 move later. Understandably, these are smaller guys & it's necessary for the action to keep popping, but a move like that should earn a guy a few down minutes under the bottom rope while the other 2 go at it, or a slow roll to the floor while the action continues, giving him time to recuperate & refresh the action upon return. Just a thought. Gives the moves themselves the drama & the sense of "Oh Shit" that they deserve. Some really innovative offense throughout, however, with Dustin getting the Gin & Tonic.
Sweet, it's Sheikie. Good word capture there. Nailed the verbiage. My only suggestion for added authenticity? "Medee-SUN". That's how Sheiky Baby says it.
2. Knuckles vs. LuFisto: My, these 2 had a heck of throw-down actually. Pleasantly surprised on this one. Very stiff & seems like it could hold its own with any solid hardcore guy match. Good commentary banter as well. Liked the aggression from both these ladies, as I could sense a storied rivalry with these 2.
BLK Out should be kicking 10% upstairs to the writers of "Passenger 57". The Wesley Snipes line, "Always bet on black" apparently is an institution with these boys. But for future reference: If this show is based beyond the year 2004, the "izz¡" effect to the ebonics is beyond outdated. Unless that, in itself, is part of the joke.
3. Backseat Boys vs. BLK Out in a Ladder Match for the Tag Titles: Backseat Boys with that Philly connection, I'm definitely not mad at that. An entertaining match that seemed it could've gone either way, which is more than anyone can ask for. Strong ladder match, I'll admit. I had a feeling BLK Out would come away victorious tonight, given the fact they've had quite a bit of camera time this evening so far.
Marty getting the respect he so richly deserves -- Nuff said.
4. Beef Wellington vs. Marty Jannetty for the TV Title: Lots of commentary in this one. While I like the clever banter, considering not everyone can capture it effectively, and I¡¦m well aware this is the comic relief match of the show, a little less of the commentary would've gone a longer way here. Oh & Marty wins. Sure, why not. Could make for some humorous content in future shows, coming out of this.
2 straight backstage promos with the interviewee walking away without uttering a word. Now now.
5. Cage Match: An Electric Chair-Driver. You've seen him do this, I'm guessing? Now I want to. Again, I'm just floored at the recovery skills of these WCWA performers. Granted, I've seen those skills seem to be more commonplace in many independent shows, because of the high-impact, more extreme offensive style of many of the movesets, shorter recovery times are expected in order to keep the match flowing & I understand that, but... wow. Guy gets planted essentially in a yanked Tombstone off an Electric Chair, and he's right back to his feet less than 10 seconds later when the opponent is headed for the cage door? Right on. We'll add Damage to my list of new favorite wrestlers. This appears to be a doozy of a cage match here. Interesting to see Storm come in & cause waves, helping Damage to victory. Storm planted the seeds earlier, so good way to tie up those loose ends.
6. Menage et Trois Tournament 1st Round - Ricochet vs. Evil Ninja #2 vs. Evans: Had a feeling someone else was posing as Ninja, based on the context of the commentary. Lots of high spots per capita, as I anticipated, with Evans getting the duke. Right in the wheelhouse of what I anticipated. Enjoyable match to follow.
A beat-down ensues backstage. Like the French-speaking, it's a nice touch & a good character trait.
Good ad placement for laying the groundwork for future stars arriving to the company.
7. Light Tubes/Barbed Wire Nets Match for Death Match Title: Younger vs. Bailey: I expected grueling & I didn't find myself disappointed. Although I'll admit I'm not terribly wild about the idea of title vacancy on account of a draw.
8. WCWA International Title Tourney Final - Chuck Taylor vs. Delirious: Good back & forth. Interesting persona on this Delirious cat. Plenty of 2-counts, holds the attention... aaaand Taylor gets the duke. This Awful Waffle & that Electric Chair spike from Joker have got to be the damndest moves to get put in.
Again, solid package placement to set the stage for the main event.
9. WCWA World Title Match - Hero vs. Messiah vs. Kingston: Heck of a way to end the show. Strong description on the final Cravate that spelled the end for Kingston. And the fact that Hero went back to the Figure-Four in spite of Kingston being blacked out from the impact¡K good visual. Person I picked to win did just that. And that puts the night on ice.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: OK, this is the first-ever WCWA show I've reviewed. I admit I definitely enjoyed the show & it held my attention throughout. In spite of any criticisms shared throughout, this is a show I'd recommend for sure.
One major complaint I do have -- and perhaps this is just me -- would have to be the formatting visual. In other words, perhaps this is a suggestion that's completely counter to your creative styling, but is there any particular reason you don't use segment breaks of some kind, to visually separate the matches from the backstage activities? Unless someone reads a show of this length in 1 sitting, it can become quite the damning experience re-finding one's place in the show. Perhaps a simple use of the dotted line, much like you did to separate pre-show from the PPV start, just to make it a bit easier on the eyes? Just a suggestion.
I did quite enjoy the commentary bantering between Douglas & Jordan. I bought it, even though a tad bit less during the matches might've gone further with me, so as to not slow the visual flow down. But nothing grossly excessive here.
The action stayed hot & heavy, and even without following WCWA every step of the way, I could still sense the rivalries & the sense of culmination to various bad bloods between the combatants. The little nitpickings I've shared about the overly-quick recoveries from some of the most hellacious moves ever, I stick by them, as I think it might add a tad more to the drama if there's a bit more time given to selling some of those insane moves -- especially when many of them involved head & neck trauma on impact. It gives the moves themselves more life & adds a splash more realism to the action. Not to mention it adds more awe when a guy finally does make it back to his feet after suffering 1 of these horrific moves at the hands of an opponent. But again, I recognize this is designed to have more of an indy feel. These are merely ideas, based on my own creative sensibilities. So take them for what they're worth.
Overall, I enjoyed HURT very much & feel that it delivered on the hype given in its build. I think the show more than maintains WCWA's specific corner of the fantasy wrestling universe. Nice job.
-- Den
* Hobo stayed true to his assurance that the 1-hour pre-show would be helpful in getting familiar with all of the major feuds & situations in the company, being addressed tonight on PPV.
* Hey, I fully understood Jack Evans... wonder what's wrong with Gertner. The fact that Hobo knows what swag is... impressive.
* Impromptu: Cruz vs. Necro Butcher, per Eastman: The announcement makes Butcher come off looking badass before he even gets out there. Good job there. Good verbal exchanges between the commentators during. Although, if you can, resist the urge to slip too much dialogue in between individual moves, as it can serve the slow the action down just a tad in the mind's eye. Otherwise, job well done here. Necro looked strong the whole (Albeit brief. But that's the point in this case, I wager) time & I dig the sudden left-field ending to the match. Enjoyed the ambush afterwards. Although, I must say Butcher's recovery skills seem almost Undertaker-esque, circa 1990. He's left laying as security get his assailants off of him, and within seconds, he's nailing an over-the-top dive onto the humanity below, with seemingly no recovery time figured in. I can tell the dude's mad tough & all, but nothing is given as to him pulling himself up in the ring meanwhile, or so much as even a stagger back to his feet - they get pulled off him, he dives. Certainly written from a TV P.O.V., which I can relate to for sure, but I might've given him an extra few moments to compose himself before he suicides it over the top. That said, I think I have a new favorite wrestler!
Kloss gets nailed in the face when Damage lunges at Necro for a punch. I'm sorry, were the announcers standing at the time? That'd be the world's biggest punch lunge without the puncher hitting the brakes, if not. Just trying to reconcile the image in my mind's eye is all. Douglas has a great first reaction though.
* Solid promos from Hero & from BLK Out backstage, and good PPV hard-sell from Shane back in the arena. Always necessary (And yes I'd still say that even if I weren't me
) I'm honestly liking Shane on commentary in the WCWA & I think it's mostly because of your writing, quite frankly. Outside these walls, I'm not so big on the guy, so good work from you.* Hey, what do ya know, it's Lance Storm, I know that guy! (I kid because I care
* Ring Announcer: "from Very Long Beach, California, weighing in tonight at two hundred and twenty pounds, plus five pounds of COCKMEAT! This is SeXXXy EDDY!" I soooo wanna see Lillian Garcia make that ring announcement just once in my lifetime. Preferably in a black skirt to show off the legs, and extra gloss on the lips, and speaking extra slo-- ahem. Moving on.
Lots of oil being wasted on these people. I smell gas prices going up again. Thanks a lot, Hobo.
Hard to believe Master-desky is still alive. Funny, the irony of him not making it to the PPV in WCWA was actually something I'd considered before Douglas said it. Aaand we've got a Masterlock. Sure, why the hell not. I tell ya what, I'm a fan of Elsa already, just based on the writing. That's 2 people you've sold me on, just on account of your writing. Something to be said for that, as I'm a hard sell that way.
PPV Time: You've got a handle on that Copyright Infringement statement.
1. Menage et Trois Tourney 1st Round - Corbin vs. Lee vs. Roc: Seems like a solid opener for this company's big event. 3 words capture it best, for my taste: Reverse, Rana, Buster. The commentators left the Buster part off, but that's what it was. Again, too quick a recovery time. The guy makes it back to his feet essentially 1 move later. Call me nuts, but I think it under-sells that move for the guy to be back to his feet, woozily or not, just 1 move later. Understandably, these are smaller guys & it's necessary for the action to keep popping, but a move like that should earn a guy a few down minutes under the bottom rope while the other 2 go at it, or a slow roll to the floor while the action continues, giving him time to recuperate & refresh the action upon return. Just a thought. Gives the moves themselves the drama & the sense of "Oh Shit" that they deserve. Some really innovative offense throughout, however, with Dustin getting the Gin & Tonic.
Sweet, it's Sheikie. Good word capture there. Nailed the verbiage. My only suggestion for added authenticity? "Medee-SUN". That's how Sheiky Baby says it.
2. Knuckles vs. LuFisto: My, these 2 had a heck of throw-down actually. Pleasantly surprised on this one. Very stiff & seems like it could hold its own with any solid hardcore guy match. Good commentary banter as well. Liked the aggression from both these ladies, as I could sense a storied rivalry with these 2.
BLK Out should be kicking 10% upstairs to the writers of "Passenger 57". The Wesley Snipes line, "Always bet on black" apparently is an institution with these boys. But for future reference: If this show is based beyond the year 2004, the "izz¡" effect to the ebonics is beyond outdated. Unless that, in itself, is part of the joke.
3. Backseat Boys vs. BLK Out in a Ladder Match for the Tag Titles: Backseat Boys with that Philly connection, I'm definitely not mad at that. An entertaining match that seemed it could've gone either way, which is more than anyone can ask for. Strong ladder match, I'll admit. I had a feeling BLK Out would come away victorious tonight, given the fact they've had quite a bit of camera time this evening so far.
Marty getting the respect he so richly deserves -- Nuff said.
4. Beef Wellington vs. Marty Jannetty for the TV Title: Lots of commentary in this one. While I like the clever banter, considering not everyone can capture it effectively, and I¡¦m well aware this is the comic relief match of the show, a little less of the commentary would've gone a longer way here. Oh & Marty wins. Sure, why not. Could make for some humorous content in future shows, coming out of this.
2 straight backstage promos with the interviewee walking away without uttering a word. Now now.
5. Cage Match: An Electric Chair-Driver. You've seen him do this, I'm guessing? Now I want to. Again, I'm just floored at the recovery skills of these WCWA performers. Granted, I've seen those skills seem to be more commonplace in many independent shows, because of the high-impact, more extreme offensive style of many of the movesets, shorter recovery times are expected in order to keep the match flowing & I understand that, but... wow. Guy gets planted essentially in a yanked Tombstone off an Electric Chair, and he's right back to his feet less than 10 seconds later when the opponent is headed for the cage door? Right on. We'll add Damage to my list of new favorite wrestlers. This appears to be a doozy of a cage match here. Interesting to see Storm come in & cause waves, helping Damage to victory. Storm planted the seeds earlier, so good way to tie up those loose ends.
6. Menage et Trois Tournament 1st Round - Ricochet vs. Evil Ninja #2 vs. Evans: Had a feeling someone else was posing as Ninja, based on the context of the commentary. Lots of high spots per capita, as I anticipated, with Evans getting the duke. Right in the wheelhouse of what I anticipated. Enjoyable match to follow.
A beat-down ensues backstage. Like the French-speaking, it's a nice touch & a good character trait.
Good ad placement for laying the groundwork for future stars arriving to the company.
7. Light Tubes/Barbed Wire Nets Match for Death Match Title: Younger vs. Bailey: I expected grueling & I didn't find myself disappointed. Although I'll admit I'm not terribly wild about the idea of title vacancy on account of a draw.
8. WCWA International Title Tourney Final - Chuck Taylor vs. Delirious: Good back & forth. Interesting persona on this Delirious cat. Plenty of 2-counts, holds the attention... aaaand Taylor gets the duke. This Awful Waffle & that Electric Chair spike from Joker have got to be the damndest moves to get put in.
Again, solid package placement to set the stage for the main event.
9. WCWA World Title Match - Hero vs. Messiah vs. Kingston: Heck of a way to end the show. Strong description on the final Cravate that spelled the end for Kingston. And the fact that Hero went back to the Figure-Four in spite of Kingston being blacked out from the impact¡K good visual. Person I picked to win did just that. And that puts the night on ice.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: OK, this is the first-ever WCWA show I've reviewed. I admit I definitely enjoyed the show & it held my attention throughout. In spite of any criticisms shared throughout, this is a show I'd recommend for sure.
One major complaint I do have -- and perhaps this is just me -- would have to be the formatting visual. In other words, perhaps this is a suggestion that's completely counter to your creative styling, but is there any particular reason you don't use segment breaks of some kind, to visually separate the matches from the backstage activities? Unless someone reads a show of this length in 1 sitting, it can become quite the damning experience re-finding one's place in the show. Perhaps a simple use of the dotted line, much like you did to separate pre-show from the PPV start, just to make it a bit easier on the eyes? Just a suggestion.
I did quite enjoy the commentary bantering between Douglas & Jordan. I bought it, even though a tad bit less during the matches might've gone further with me, so as to not slow the visual flow down. But nothing grossly excessive here.
The action stayed hot & heavy, and even without following WCWA every step of the way, I could still sense the rivalries & the sense of culmination to various bad bloods between the combatants. The little nitpickings I've shared about the overly-quick recoveries from some of the most hellacious moves ever, I stick by them, as I think it might add a tad more to the drama if there's a bit more time given to selling some of those insane moves -- especially when many of them involved head & neck trauma on impact. It gives the moves themselves more life & adds a splash more realism to the action. Not to mention it adds more awe when a guy finally does make it back to his feet after suffering 1 of these horrific moves at the hands of an opponent. But again, I recognize this is designed to have more of an indy feel. These are merely ideas, based on my own creative sensibilities. So take them for what they're worth.
Overall, I enjoyed HURT very much & feel that it delivered on the hype given in its build. I think the show more than maintains WCWA's specific corner of the fantasy wrestling universe. Nice job.
-- Den
