Just running through a few things from reading the card.
- I know this is more my fault than EPW's but with this kinda my first foray into reading a full EPW card (I did do a little research for First and Cruise but not a whole card, as well as reading some of the Teddy stuff because <3 u Voss) I was a little bit lost on the commentators, who they were, what their roles were. I picked up a few things reading along but again, that's a hard thing to deal with when you only have a few outsiders involved from either people who have been in EPW before or are current fed members. Really though, that was really the only part that stood out as a negative if you could even call it that.
- Wolves of the Sea/Aninemazing Dragons segment was wonderful. If only this card had went up a few days earlier it would be paying true homage to International Talk like a Pirate Day, a day where students around the world become even more punchable. I have an odd affinity for "out of time" gimmicks such a booty-hunting pirates. It'll be interesting to see how Karl roleplays against himself in fervent competition in the next round.
- I noticed we didn't get much of a way of a follow-up to this possible big ole huge ass mega massive signing that Dan Ryan has in store but I imagine more will come to light from that in Aggression 69. (AHAHAHA 69)
- Without knowing much about Rezin, I really appreciated the segment as it really put across the gentleman as being really slimy and just a tad fucked up in the old noggin. Again, stuff where I can get to grips with a characters direction just from a segment is a testament to character consistency and direction.
- SCARF/Viagra came across as match of the night to me, certainly read as the most heated and back and forth affair. I think this also links to the RPs for the match. I couldn't really judge who had the upper hand from the RP threads and the match really put that across, both teams looking really competitive. I'm sad to see my picks go out so early but if Ford fires up, he's going to be a real contender in this tournament, already off the back of one successful tag tournament victory, a possible Ultratitle victory... Ford is the Nega-me.
- Stevens/Impulse are again, amazingly strong contender in what Stanton put so kindly as the bracket of death. Well deserved win here that done a good job not really hurting the Defiance guy's credibility. Another well written match that really hits both the ideal pace and length for a tournament opening round. I think this would've been my other match of the night contender but there was more personal intrigue in SCARF/VIAGRA as I really couldn't guess who would've came out of this match with the win but I was pretty certain that Impulse and Stevens were moving on. Actually just checked the RP threads again to remind myself... now I'm surprised the Defiance guys got as much of a look-in as they did.
- At this point I would like to point out the commercials are why I will not be sleeping tonight.
- Commentary raises a very valid point about The Heatseakers, where the hell did that a come from? Short and sweet match here, puts the champs over as they progress to the next round in a giant self-masturbatory RP contest. I suppose it's a way to ensure the belts can be around Karl's waist for at least another round... I feel like I've missed out on some valuable tactics here.
- The main event was fun, done a good job continuing the Cruise/First situation, kinda justifying why they were working together and showing really how fragile the team can be from a story stand point. From an actual RP stand point, we're looking at a different matter entirely. Jesus christ, Bracket 2, what madness are you going to bring. With all the players involved in First/Cruise vs. Impulse/Stevens, I think the four gents will break mine and First/Cruises opening round RP tally. That match is going to be insanely competitive. I'm actually a little relived not to progress in the tournament because after going at it full steam in the first round and already was claiming it to be the death of me. I dread to imagine what that would lead to with Pete yelling at me on the radio show. Good luck guys. I know it's going to be a good one... I mean Cruise was already focused on it during the first round
- Although anyone who listens to EFG can probably attest to, if in doubt, I'll predict a loss for myself but I'd be lying if I didn't think by the time the RP threads closed that I had a shot at winning against First/Cruise. I could be way off base but I think it's fair to say that I put up a fight for Siegel and Stanton, although I'm sure they'll have much more of a fight come round 2. That's one I'll be watching closely.
The contest really pushed me into really fleshing out my new guys really quickly, developing a dynamic and personality for the team that I'm really pleased happened. The more I got involved with the match, the more I really liked the idea of the team I had and I'm certainly going to keep Dirk Dickwood Presents together in some form, whatever that may be.
Anyway, I just wanted to thank Stanton and Siegel because I legit had a blast being involved in such a challenge for myself and you guys certainly helped in making me push myself to keep up pace with you guys. Now I'll admit, I did openly yell "what the fuck" at my monitor as Siegel devoted a whole RP to Stevens and thought that
may have improved my chances but other than that, you guys are damn good and there's a reason you are where you are.
It was a great experience, and EPW is really welcoming. Brunk is an incredibly hospitable fed head and although tournaments can sometimes feel a bit like a detached meat grinder in feds, I really felt included as an outsider here. So yeah, thanks guys.
