Luchador Corner
THE TEMPLE
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Different speed here - Marvolo. Not a competitor, but he’s clearly involved in some kind of dealings which carry some heavy potential consequences. Interesting mix of sombre and slapstick which still proved cohesive, and helped push some stories. More than meets the eye for sure.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
The Custodians’ Messenger - Lovely noir cold-open. Very moody and leaves you with plenty of questions…
Pure Wrestling - Enjoying Standard’s spiel. His straight-shooter gimmick makes for an easy story device and you can pair him with anyone. Laughed at Marvolo addressing Colossus uncertainly.
Boundaries - I dig Starshield being more hard-nosed and showing some edge. Overzealous guardian is an interesting character to explore.
The Cloaked Ensemble (accidentally repeats) - Awesome pre-match stand-off. Lost Boy’s desperation shines through, and Morcant, of course, is a force to be reckoned with.
Lights Out - Freakin’ horror-movie stuff, with the Family swarming Lux, his life-or-death prayer, then the brutal sticking with the syringe. Grim and gnarly!
Invasion - Short and sweet hype-piece for what’s sure to be a brutal match chock full of sick spotz.
The Cloaked Ensemble - Kickass mystery to top & tail the show, giving us the hook for Slam 400! Super intrigued what’s going on, natch.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
Know what? Every match delivered.
Ok, obvious answer is dat Wargames main, right? Hard-hitting, insane spots, popped like a motherfucker for Pixelshift’s comeback (could hear the Smash Bros. star music in my head), and all the interplay woven throughout was magical. Definition of a match pushing the story forwards.
Honourable mentions, however, go to: Cometa IV vs. Del Toro, for being a violent lucha ballet with counter after counter; Lost Boy vs. Blacktide, for its David vs. Goliath action; Perdido vs. Glitter, for excellent character work mid-match.
Wonderful work all-round.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Pixelshift’s fiery Wargames comeback was incredible to read. It was made possible by Newton, of course, but that glitchy bastard still got the shine. White-hot babyface of the entire Volume, early doors.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
Fantastic show. We appear to have the first strands of a bigger web being spun, and everyone has gotten themselves into a nice groove. The seeds are planted for which feuds are continuing, and I’m invested in who winds up with who elsewhere.
Mars continues to be a fire-breathing wrecking ball. Love how the motherfucker went shopping to IKEA under that ring apron, and he was suitably destructive in the match.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?): Warlord Mars - My answer is two fold. First, character side of things. I picture this guy as a love-child between Stan Hansen, Vader, and the Juggernaut from X-Men ... Love reading your stuff every week, which has lead to a big part and my second as to why he's my most compelling this week ... WHY IS HE IN TROUBLE FOR CHOKESLAMMING PIXEL!!??!! Does this have to do with the Custodians!? I love the way things played out following the main event and Warlord Mars is front and center for me this week!
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?): Custodians Messenger - The mystery behind all of this is quite something. Who is the Intruder? Who are the Custodians? IS the messenger going to be back again? Have to imagine it's linked to what took place in the last scene too, which I also enjoyed. But this one kicked off the show, I am really excited to see what unfolds here.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?): War Games - What a match! My goodness! Start to finish, action packed and the finish was perfect because everyone fucking brought it! Dr. Cube is a lovely heel, and the win is perfect for who he is. Great showing all the way around by all 6 involved in the match though, could have went any way. You're all at the top of the game right now and it's awesome to see the quality you're putting out each week!
Luchador of the Night (and why?): Warlord Mars & Pixleshift - Great showing in the main event, playing a big part in what seems to be quite a big deal with this storyline (on both sides) and both are white hot in terms of characters on the good & bad side of the coin. I love seeing the interactions that take place with these guys each time they're involved with each other and I am happy it seems to be far from being close to finishing anytime soon!
Your Overall Feedback Remarks: I thought the show was great. The beginning hooked me in, leaving me wondering who the fuck the Custodians are and just what it is that Marvolo can't let happen! Then came the matches, fast and furious, along with some great segments all through the show. The beginning and ending with Marvolo has me hooked, he played quite a big role in the show this time around which was cool to see (in terms of storyline movement) and I look forward to more in the future. Wargames was an awesome main event and the repercussions from Warlord Mars actions(?) with Pixle, I am interested in all of it and can't wait to read more in the future!
Super pumped to have another fun match with JC, fun to see these two going back and forth and now they're on the same side ... sort of. I really enjoyed the way the match was written, definitely thought I was going in the fire at a couple points lol! Well written and loved it all! Interesting to see how this one will shake down this week! Also, pumped to be part of that Hardcore festival with some big names! This one is going to be a lot of fun!
Most Compelling Luchador:
There were a few strong contenders, but honestly? I’ll read anything involving Nigel Powers. His post-match segment with Blackheart was especially well done. You had two really distinct voices bouncing off each other, with Powers doing what he does best, somehow coming out on top of the whole situation. The fake five-pound note, the judo chop, and that closing line, 'keep the change, baby', were absolute comedy gold.
Most Enjoyable Segment:
The Custodian’s Messenger was a really cool way to set the tone for Turbo Violence. I liked seeing a slightly more serious side to Marvolo especially in that exchange with the hooded figure. It felt different from what we’re used to in a good way.
Now the big question as to who actually is the messenger. We’re told he and Marvolo go way back, which makes me think it could be someone we already know. And then there’s the bigger mystery… who are the Custodians of OSW? Is Marvolo answering to someone higher up the chain, and if that’s the case, did Warlord Mars just get Number Wahn into serious trouble with that stunt at the end - especially if it connects to the intruder mentioned earlier in the show. Loads of intriguing threads there.
Most Enjoyed Match:
War Games absolutely delivered and felt every bit like a proper main event. I liked how it was introduced and how it wove little character moments and interactions throughout. You don’t always see that level of detail.
Also, War Machine are on an absolute tear right now. Who in Marvolania is actually stopping these three?
Luchador of the Night:
I’m giving this one to the boss. Marvolo was right at the heart of the two most compelling segments of the night, and whatever’s going on now feels huge for both him and OSW as a whole. His reaction to what Warlord Mars did to Pixelshift at the end didn’t feel like acting. That felt like genuine fear.
It raises all sorts of questions. Was that looming figure the intruder mentioned earlier in the show? Where did they disappear to? Did they glitch into Pixelshift or something? Hopefully we’re not waiting too long to find out.
Overall Feedback:
Great night overall. Big win for Ram Jam over Blackhand, and it looks like that debt hanging over him might finally be cleared.
That said, the moment that really grabbed me was the scene in Marvolo’s office. We’d been speculating on Discord about the Invasion list, and I genuinely didn’t expect Jam to be on it.
With eight competitors making the cut this year, that’s going to be fun to be a part of.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
PIXELSHIFT
Sooooo many options. I could go with Propaganda for his win and strong showing. I was going to say Warlord Mars, because he had that really big moment in chokeslamming Pixelshift that led to all hell breaking loose and Marvolo freaking the hell out. But then I look again at Marvolo's reaction, and it's decidedly less about Warlord Mars in that moment. Anybody could have been the one to chokeslam him - it was about Pixelshift. Something specific about him in that moment, at that time, being chokeslammed in that way really got to Marvolo.
This surely has something to do with the glitch we saw and all the smoke and mirrors that seems to have surrounded Marvolo throughout the night, but WHY PIXELSHIFT?
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?): CUSTODIANS MESSENGER
This one reeks of the genius stroke of a Dean Mason paintbrush. A segment dripping with hidden meaning, deliberately placed to give us the biggest bite we can see almost out of context entirely, with no framing or reference to work out what's going on or who the Custodians are.
If that's not a cool way to open a show, I don't know what is.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
I didn't want to say the main event, because it seems almost too obvious, but man what a story that was. What work was put into that spectacle. What beautiful writing, and telling the tale of the match, the characterwork and the tension between the teams. It was a thing of beauty.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
MARVOLO
He was all over the show, balanced well between comic relief and actually deep moments. He was written in a really good way, came across to really push the energy and the drama of the show, as well as some other carrots danlged in front of us that we're yet to find out the meaning behind. The in ring segment where he was putting all of the 'happenings' down to technical difficulties was classic. Great characrterisation.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
What a show. The flow of the show really lived up to the name, that as things got going it just picked up pace and sped through towards the end. That Main Event, going into that ending segment, it was just hit after hit after hit. A spectacle.
Characterwise:
LUX
I honestly wasn't expecting to see something like a syringe of black goo injected into Lux's neck. At least not this soon into things - but these two are such natural rivals that it makes perfect sense. This was a hard hitting opening to what is going to be a longer standing story. I am so intrigued to see what will transpire here, and what effect this will have on Lux.
ACADEMIUS
Loved the match. I thought the dynamics involved were well handled and despite the loss, it was great to see Mr Grim really getting over in some of his spots too. Looking forward to seeing what will happen next for Mr Academia.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?): has to be pixelshift for sure. i think hes the epitome of the word compelling right now. he had such a prominent role war games and then for the show to end the way it did with the glitches and shit, i cant wait to see where all this goes.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?): the custodians messenger was definitely intriguing but the reveal of this year’s invasion participants was cool as well. one of the coolest and most exciting annual things osw has, and this year should be amazing as well.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?): outside of the main event, i was particularly excited to read the inferno match. it lived up to the hype for me, and i wouldnt mind seeing more matches of this kind in the future. which im sure we will.
Luchador of the Night (and why?): marvolo definitely did have his hands all over this show as he should. but again, just such a big fan of mr warlord mars. he’s just teeming with personality and character in general. and for him to chokeslam pixelshift how he did at the end when its clear now that he shouldn’t have is pretty on brand for him.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks: this event didn’t disappoint from beginning to end. we’re really getting into some deep story shit now its looking like, so thats cool. i’ve enjoyed the portrayal of dr cube so far. im still trying to grow and learn this thing as well but its been a mostly positive experience so far. cant wait to see whats happens next.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Gonna give this to the mystery man at the beginning of the show. I have no idea who these Custodians are or why they have such a keen interest in OSW, but the fact that they're already plotting something is quite scary. Especially when you consider that one of their members, the one that Marvolo was talking to at the first segment, happens to be an old 'friend' of our authority figure. What are they going to do when the situation gets out of hand? Are we going to see a hostile takeover? I'm interested in knowing what's about to happen, and I hope we'll get some more answers regarding these Custodians are.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
The final segment takes it here. What started out as a segment celebrating Pixelshift's resilience in the eyes of defeat turned into something ominous with the reveal of whatever that glitching monstrosity is. Whatever it was, it had everyone (that was conscious) freaking out and seemed to be related to Pix in some fashion. Marvolo tried his best to calm everyone down, but the Warlord had to apparently make things worse by chokeslamming Player One into the mat. Marvolo seemed to be really scared by what happened, as evidenced by him going livid near the end of it. Why was it a bad move by Mars? Who or what was that entity that appeared? I can't wait to find out, but I'm kind of scared to know, ngl.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
Has to be the War Games match, really. It was really fun, with War Machine showing off how cohesive they are as a unit while Newton's team had fun underdog moments that saw them looking like they might steal a victory, only to ultimately have those hopes dashed. My favorite moment was when Newton input a cheat code and activated a brief invincibility period for Pixelshift, who proceeded to go ham on Mars and the rest of the Machine. A very fun main event that helped cap off Turbo Violence.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Marvolo takes it here, sure he didn't win any big matches like War Machine or Propaganda, but he stood out in his own way by standing up to Warlord Mars, Jack Standard and the Custodians on their respective issues. Dude showcased his authority well by not putting up with Mars and Standard's bullshit, while also demonstrating his reason for being an authoritative figure by saying OSW is running fine for the short time it's been open. This definitely ain't like the Marvolo of old, and I'm glad to see him change for the better like this.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
Ace - Had a chat with the writer of this storyline for this one since I was super conflicted about Ace being portrayed as abusive. After getting a look at what he said regarding his plan, I'm still a tad uneasy, but I am more willing to roll with the punches than I was before.
Ace coming off as abusive towards Benny wasn't what I imagined would happen when I brought him to OSW, but it gives the character a much needed darker edge that he sorely needed heading into OSW. I thought he was overreading the situation and believed Dolly was a bad person that wanted to separate Benny from Ace before making him a new toy to keep in her "Dream House". I don't mind being proven wrong, but I'm curious as to where this story goes. After essentially telling Dolly to stay away from the kid and walking off, I can't imagine how this will continue to play out the next time these two meet.
LB - Well I like how brave the Lost Boy is in terms of standing up to Morcant. He's got balls. No brains, but he's got balls. The storyline was resolved quite nicely, with him giving the goblet back before fighting Blacktide. LB had a good mixture of being childish while also coming across as someone who belonged. Not much else to say other than I'm eager to see what happens in the future with him.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?): Oooh Lotta choices here but I'll go with Warlord Mars, as I stepped back and wondered what a big takeaway of the night was. It really was Warlord Mars's chokeslam. There were a few other really good ones like Everything revolving powers and reverend was great as well. and so was standard. But giving it to Mars.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?): That segment will be Custodians messenger. I recall the tease for this was that we were getting into some big story. And yeah this is getting to feel like big story is getting to occur. It's dark, mysterious and a little ominous. I liked it.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?): War Games, it needed to be chaotic, and it was. It followed the curve of a war games match that I would expect it to have while also making the war machine group look like a dominant stable. It pretty much did say that it's gonna take a big force to knock these people down. Maybe it's Pixelshift getting his one on one match but either way with all 3 together they're going to be a terrifying force.
Luchador of the Night (and why?): Marvolo was absolutely the one pushing the story forward the most for this night between the opening and closing segments there's been so many questions laid out that he clearly knows the answer to. Or at least he knows part of the answer to and it's going to be interesting to see the fall out from that.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks: GGs to Aranza I knew I was facing a beast when that was my first feud. He had a much more muted presence tonight. Knowing her thinking deeply. Perhaps I'm overthinking it, but it seems like he would've known she was going to escape due to the fact he was preparing for the match. Ah well can only speculate really.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Ace Starshield. Since his debut, I’ve been intrigued to see how he plays out, and now with the rift forming between him and Benny, I feel like we’re about to get some really interesting moments.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
CHARGE. I really liked the wording and how Cometa and Santiago interacted with one another. It flowed well and had some great intensity behind it.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
War Games. I’ve always been a fan of War Games, and seeing these badass characters go at it inside that environment was super entertaining.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Pixleshift. The dude is such a sick character the ultimate hero type and I really love his move set. This type of match showcased just how great of a wrestler he is.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
I could’ve sworn I posted my feedback earlier not sure why I let time get the best of me.
Super pumped for more Glitter vs. Idolo. I hope my guy is coming across the way I want him to. The segments have been killer, but I hope I’m pulling my weight and helping him shine in this feud
To Dr. E. Vinell and Aranza I hope I gave you both some strong segments. Your badass characters deserved it.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Marvolo
I know he's not a 'luchador' but I found him to be the most compelling. His appearance at the end and his anger towards Warlord Mars really has my interest peaked. It seems this is the beginning of something really big, and I'm here for it. For what its worth, i'm excited to find out if Marvolo is really 'in charge' here... something is brewin'.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
The Cloaked Ensemble
I probably am going to sound like a broken record throughout this feedback, but I feel like when something is excellent, is deserves to be recognized. Brilliant. From the figures appearing and disappearing, to the punishment of Warlord Mars. This segment has me HOOKED. I can't wait to see where this is going and how we are going to get there.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
Gotta be the main event. And its not close (no offense). The main event, war games, was excellent. I really felt each of the characters had a moment and shone through at some point. It was also refreshing to have something that was a bit longer than our typical match. Really excellent work, kudos to the writer.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Warlord Mars.
Very prevalent throughout the whole show, including a huge segment with Marvolo and on the winning team in war games! I think Mars has an uphill battle ahead of him after his actions this week, but he was definitely the luchador of the night.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
Truly excellent show, that really opened the door to some long term stories.
I might be nitpicking here, but the war games being 'won' by a roll up, seems a little anti climatic. But it was also fitting with the Dr Cube character, so I'm torn on that. Hopefully that isn't the end of the feud between them all.
I think we are really starting to find our place, as handlers and those involved with writing the show, things really seem to be moving in a great direction. Really excited to see what is next.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?): I’ll go with Warlord Mars here. I mean his choke slam was the big crescendo of the show really. And he’s just a big beast.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?): the custodians Messanger, I don’t know what’s going on and that’s why. Super intrigued with all that stuff for sure.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?): War Games….do I really have to say why? Oh I do? Ok! So in contrast to real life this felt less like a gimmick and more like an actual bloody war between groups with real hate!
Luchador of the Night (and why?): I’ll go with my main underdog babyface legend Pixelshift. He’s just a rootable babyface. Very Ricky Steamboat esque.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks: Tropico’s first fued was fun if a bit…well. But in the end he got his win, got his drink and now he’s in a 1v3 Match and I love that. Very interested to see his dynamic with Jurassic and Crimson as a trio, and of course to see if they can get some egg on Jack Standard’s face.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Mars – Just his objective stance against Marvolo and PixelShift in general at the end of the night. It cast a light upon him, is he the “Intruder” or is he just out for himself? I am wondering where he’s going from here. I loved Marvolo’s reaction to the post match assault on PixelShift as well.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
The Custodians Messenger – This got me asking so many questions. Like, who’re the Custodians? Who is the Intruder? Can Marvolo keep his eye on the ball, and what will happen if he doesn’t? It was such a great hook.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
WAR GAMES! - Just the variety of weapons and spots just... DAMN! PixelShift diving off the top of the cage through Mars, wood, and barbed wire, definitely a Holy Shit moment.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Marvolo – I know it’s supposed to be for competitors, but I just feel like Marvolo was woven so brilliantly throughout the night’s show from opening to close. His presence and authority was truly felt, and I feel like as an Authority figure he’s becoming a brilliant part of the stories he’s involved with.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
Overall, I loved the use of Blackheart with Powers. I couldn’t stop laughing at the use of the fake five-pound bill. It was a wonderful turn, and the Judo Chop was brilliant.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Pixelshift. Even though his team lost, he stood out the most to me. He took so much punishment, had that big comeback moment, and still kept fighting.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
Nigel Powers giving Blackheart some fake money. That whole thing was hilarious. After getting beat up, he still had the nerve to troll him like that. The Judo Chop at the end was the perfect finishing touch. It was such a random but fun moment in a pretty intense show.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
Dolly Daydream vs. Ace Starshield. It had a good mix of wrestling and personality. Dolly getting the win felt like a big deal, especially since Ace clearly didn’t take her seriously at first. The post-match stuff made it even better because it added some tension instead of just ending clean and moving on.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Propaganda. Winning the UltraViolent Championship in that kind of chaos is huge. He survived everything; chairs, barbed wire, Grimm, and he picked his moment perfectly.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
This episode felt darker than usual and I loved it. A lot of the stories moved forward in serious ways instead of just spinning their wheels. There were some funny moments, but overall it felt intense and important. It definitely feels like things are building toward something bigger, especially with Invasion coming up.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
I still think Standard has legs to be a really interesting character in this volume, and his continued annoyance at just the entire vibe of OSW under Marvolo is funny and well written. I think the segment with Marvolo booking the match was one of the best ones on the show (but not the best one, see below answer for that!)
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
Has to be the opener. Our first proper taste of Vol 4 lore! Here we go! Who are the custodians? Who is the man? Who is the intruder. All these questions and more. I'm intrigued to know what the overall story is going to be for this season and indeed this volume, and this was a good taster. And of course Marvolo is completely oblivious.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
WAR GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMES. Hate to be a Homer but it was a great match. Everyone got involved. Everyone stayed in character. The heels won via a dodgy finish which keeps the faces looking strong. Couldn't have booked it any better if my name was Road Dogg (oops).
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
I'm going to give it to The Lost Boy. Picked up a solid win and also stood up to Morcant in the segment. I think we've got a lot more to see of this one, but this was the first show I felt him come out of the shadows a little.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
I must say I have literally no idea what to make of that last segment, but I love it, and I love that it seems that Pixelshift has a huge part to play in whatever it is. I presume that whatever happened is linked to the people being spoken about in the opener, but that is about as far as I've got. Looking forward to seeing what is next.
Most Compelling Luchador (and why?):
Pixelshift as you have to wonder why Marvolo freaked out when Warlord Mars chokeslammed him. The custodians must have something planned for him for Marvolo to panic. He also stole the show in the main event with multiple crazy moves and a cheat code that was used perfectly in the match.
Most Enjoyable Segment (and why?):
It's the final segment for sure, this screams the big story of this arc and one that could affect everybody. The custodians are going to be major players and Marvolo's reaction told us everything. You have to wonder how Pixelshift plays into everything and how much danger Warlord Mars has brought us.
Most Enjoyed Match (and why?):
A little homerish but as our first ppv level main event that wasn't everyone competing, it brought it and showed off every character well which in a 6-man match can be hard to do. Between the beginning of Ziggy being the proverbial David in this to the dominant moments for War Machine to the big hope spot with Pixelshift's cheat code. It culminated in Ziggy almost getting the big win but getting snuffed out in a way that made perfect sense. A great story with great spots.
Luchador of the Night (and why?):
Marvolo wears a mask so he counts as a Luchador right? He was throughout the show much more than usual tonight and it reminded us why he was chosen as the manager of this, hes a great reactor to big moments and makes you instantly care when he appears like any great gm should.
Your Overall Feedback Remarks:
I was wondering when this volume would start to show what matters and what we need to worry about beyond the individual wrestlers. This was the show that shows its bigger than us and Mars is about to feel the full wrath of it first. As for Ziggy, I loved how he was portrayed as a consistent fighter no matter what. I can't wait to see what's done with him next!
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