Overall I think this show is yet again another example of why people say that the FWA is at its peak right now in terms of writing and presentation. The promo window for this show showed that, as a group of RPers we are at one of our strongest ever. But the way our shows are presented in terms of writing, quality, and overall shine I think show that for a mod team we are being led by one of the bests in FWA's near 20 year history. That is something I don't say lightly, and it reflects on the leadership from Man, SS, Jimmy, Dubb, Battletank, and everyone sle who has helped out over the last year that led to this buildup. We wouldn't have the FWA without the work that they do, on a volunteer basis, and putting together a massive two-night PPV like this is one of the hardest things. It is greatly appreciated beyond measure.
As for the show, one of the things that actually makes the shows as good as they can be are the engagement from us as users. Our mod team can only do so much. And so I think you get reflections of that in the payoffs here to BIB. It's evident by Tommy Bedlam vs Shawn Summers, a feud that had some of the best buildup leading into BIB. I think it was clear the amount of effort and work that both CBK and Tommy had put in leading up to this one, and the way that it all paid off reflects on all of that.
I think overall this two-parter was well balanced between Night One and Night Two, that together make two really amazing shows to give us that sweet grand finale that Back in Business was known for. A lot of stories wrapped up here, and some new ones began. So I'll go through a quick rundown for both nights and say my favorite match, most shocking moment, etc.
Night One
Favorite Match - For this I have to say it was Krash vs Jeremy Best. It goes back to what I was saying in regards to buildup, but part of that comes from the promo thread as well. Both of those promos were so good I didn't know WHO was going to win. I think out of all the Night One matches in fact, most of them I think were fairly easy to predict, but this one wasn't. I think from a kayfabe standpoint also it made sense for Krash to get the win here and break free from Jeremy Best. It was a good feel good moment, and the way the match was written helped capsulate the emotion that was in this intense feud. Honorable mention to the tag team title bout of course.
Favorite Segment - I low key loved the short Reagan Cole/Tommy Bedlam interaction. It's sort of awkward at first, but it plants a seed for maybe some more future interactions with Bedlam and Cole, and it's sort of like this shared "Yeah we both hate Shawn Summers" energy. I didn't really care for it as much on the first read, but after what went down with Cole and his partners in the trios tournament on night two, it would be fun to see Cole and Bedlam end up interaction in more of a mutual respect sort of deal going forward. I feel bad for Reagan, it feels like the dude just keeps getting betrayed. He can't trust a single person, but he wants to. You can see it with this interaction with Tommy, he's giving him all this support hoping that maybe Tommy will have his back someday. Honorable mention to the Trevor Walker vignette. Exciting to see what's going on with him? He sounds super cocky and I always laugh at characters who think past fed achievements mean something, but in a good way because it brings this super cocky heel energy that's always fun for new characters.
Most Shocking Moment - I think for me it's the MvH vs Snowmantashi ending. I'm not sure what I think about the countout ending specifically, but I'm glad that this happened to open the show instead of close it out. This was one of those matches I was excited about going in, but after the promo window it sort of was obvious going in so it lost some of the appeal. I in no way was expecting MvH to lose. But this was interesting because although she wins, Snowmantashi still looks super strong, and it sort of leaves MvH in this new limbo. I'm assuming we might get another short hiatus, akin to what we got following the Parr attacks a couple years ago. I'm not sure if it's the last we'll ever see of Snowmantashi vs MvH, a feud that has a long history, but I definitely think it's the end of that chapter. For MvH, I can't wait to see the chapter that she goes on from here. Low key wouldn't mind seeing her go after the NA or TV title soon, only two titles she hasn't won yet right? Another fun angle would be for her maybe return and restart the Woman's title division. It could reignite her feud with Bell Connelly, and also give spotlight to some female characters now that we have A LOT more than when that title went under.
Bittersweet Moment - Kayfabe wise, I am lowkey disappointed that Mike Parr didn't get the win against Bryan Baxter. In a way! I didn't actually read either promo for this one, and so I wasn't sure what to expect. But Mike Parr is the face of the NA Title, and it felt right for him to reclaim it AGAIN at the grandest stage of them all. However, I said when I reviewed the promo where Parr won the Number One Contendership for this match, that it'd be better for Parr if he didn't win (and low key I didn't think he was going to for that match). Parr has proven all he has to for the NA Championship. Like all he has to. He could never touch it again and he'll go down as the face of that championship. So he didn't need this win. What winning would've done is held him back...I think Mike Parr is one of the last few names who are LONG LONG LONG due for a world title reign. Saint Sully, Randy Ramon, Danny Toner, Krash, Alyster Black...they've all had their moment now. Chris Peacock wasn't waiting in the wings as long but he has it now too. Parr I think it's ten years now in the fed, and he's still waiting for it. Maybe right now it seems like there are other things going on, but I don't know, I think this is good news for Parr. I think Parr's goal should be to stop at NOTHING to get that world championship. Hopefully this loss motivates him more than ever, and doesn't take a blow to morale.
Night Two
Favorite Match - Tommy Bedlam vs Shawn Summers to open things up was perfect. The way that match was written perfectly encapsulated all of the raw emotion and heat in this feud, and also the work that was put into it. I low key LOVE the way that this played out, with Summers keeping the TV Title but Tommy claiming the X Title. If Tommy wins both belts, we're still stuck in this situation where we have yet another double champ, and so...does he keep defending the belts at the same time, does he defend both belts in one night? How does it work going forward? It's awkward, and plus I sort of think a double champ should earn that...by winning one title and then winning another. Beating a former double champ for both belts seems like a shortcut? So either way I'm glad that it's avoided, and it gives a super mega heel Summers something to keep bragging about. It appears as though he'll be vacating the TV title, so if he comes back he can brag that he's never lost it...maybe win it for a third time and be the face of that TV Title himself? Meanwhile Tommy Bedlam gets a well deserved first championship with the X Title, a belt that seems like it just fits him, and he gets the second win to get a 2 out of 3 victory over his rival...which kayfabe wise seems like a fitting ending to this story. Honorable Mention goes to the Trios Tournament, because how can I not? I absolutely LOVE the push that Trixie got throughout this match. I'd like to think that in like 2 years time we can talk about the moment that Trixie showcased herself to the world as a legitimate competitor, and we'll be able to pinpoint her performance in this battle royal. It was awesome to read as one of Trixie's biggest fans, and OOC that promo wasn't going to ever win if I was writing it alone. My boy Welsh has been a fantastic partner, and I feel like the two of us just make a really good team.
Favorite Segment - I LOVED the XYZ segment. It was silly and yet intense at the same time, and I felt like I had shivers running down my spine reading it. Like it legit got my hyped the fuck up for XYZ. It sort of also was like this message from TGO the handler saying...I'm here, I'm refreshed, and I have this energy and motivation that I haven't felt in quite some time for this character, so be on the lookout because he's coming. Honorable mention to the backstage interview with FTN to low key hype us up for the upcoming WP vs DP match, and the segment soon after between Alyster and Peacock before the main event. Both really show the chemistry between Peacock and Alyster. There is a lot of intensity between the two right now, and I'm sort of curious to see how it ends up boiling over now that we have a former rival of Alyster's returning to challenge Peacock.
Most Shocking Moment - THE RETURN OF THE ROCKSTAR. It's fitting...it was a year ago when he went down to Krash? Or has it been longer? I think a Randy Ramon return has been long overdue, but with him being inducted into the Hall it is perfect timing. I think if anything was going to bring Ramon back it was a Chris Peacock feud. And like I alluded to above, with Alyster and Peacock not exactly being in a great loving partnership, but Alyster also HATING Ramon...things might get interesting? Honorable mention to the return of Josh Drake.
Bittersweet Moment - For the bittersweet moment of the night, it's the main event. I sort of went back and forth on who I wanted to win this one, and truly deep down couldn't pick a side. I think both had a lot at stake here. For Chris Peacock, winning here was something that I think would establish him as the best world champion since Saint Sully's 407 day reign. The title has been a proverbial hot potato since the brand split, but I have to count up the days...I feel like Peacock now has held it longer than anyone in this new era? Beating a legend like Cyrus Truth in the main event of BIB is something that I think establishes Peacock officially as the face of this current crop of elite. Meanwhile, the bitter part is the loss for Cyrus Truth. I felt like Cyrus Truth returning to World Title glory has been a story long in the making, but it also felt sort of like Gabrielle's hunts (and fails) for the World Title, with this lingering idea that maybe the prime is over. This loss to Peacock definitely brings up this question of...is Cyrus Truth's prime done? Have new stars like Peacock, Alyster Black, MvH, Randy Ramon, Danny Toner taken over for good? Or is this just another chapter on the long road for the Vagabond King? No matter who WON this match, a fantastic promo was going to be given a loss. But you don't belong in the main event of Back in Business if that's not the case right?
Overall, I think if I had to pick one between Night One or Night Two I'd have to go with Night 2. The stakes were higher, with a lot of intense feuds coming in a close (Bedlam vs Summers, MvH vs Snowmantashi, Cyrus vs Peacock) along with some big title winning moments (Bedlam becoming X Champion, and the Trios Battle Royal conclusion).
The FWA Anniversary Show looks fire right now. The Golden Opportunity Match for starters...WP is still in, but rumor has it this will be opening up which adds some mystery. I think with the return of Randy Ramon into the fold, this match has even more at stake. I say this because looking at the opponents right now, I feel like Alyster Black is like two levels above the rest. That's not a slight to the rest, but more so just a note on how good Alyster has been. I really like the story possibilities of Alyster being the GO holder. If Chris Peacock is still World Champion...you've got a lot to work with, especially after some intense moments between the two at this BIB show. OR...maybe Randy Ramon is the champion, and then Alyster Black can redeem his partner with a reignition of Golden Rock vs Gangstars.
Tommy Bedlam defending the X Title against XYZ is also fun. Like I said, it feels like TGO has this energy I haven't seen in awhile, and I feel like he's going to come to play HARD to get that title. XYZ is definitely going to be a change of pace for Bedlam after going toe to toe with Shawn Summers, so it'll be interesting to see how Tommy adapts.
And lastly, it looks like we're going to be getting a tournament now for the Trios Championships. Something that we'll likely get to enjoy with some good buildup through the next set of shows.
Overall, a great showing for winners and losers both! If you won this weekend, congratulations to a well earned win. If you didn't, it happens. This is one of the hardest shows to get a win at because everyone is usually giving it their all. If you put in your best work, and you are leaving BIB with some sort of story to build off of for your character...you're still a winner. If you're feeling down and feel like this loss signals the end for your character, message me...we'll brainstorm together if you want just where you can take things.
Thank you again to the staff that helped put this together, and everyone else who helps engage with this fed to keep it going as strong as it has for the last 18+ years.
As for the show, one of the things that actually makes the shows as good as they can be are the engagement from us as users. Our mod team can only do so much. And so I think you get reflections of that in the payoffs here to BIB. It's evident by Tommy Bedlam vs Shawn Summers, a feud that had some of the best buildup leading into BIB. I think it was clear the amount of effort and work that both CBK and Tommy had put in leading up to this one, and the way that it all paid off reflects on all of that.
I think overall this two-parter was well balanced between Night One and Night Two, that together make two really amazing shows to give us that sweet grand finale that Back in Business was known for. A lot of stories wrapped up here, and some new ones began. So I'll go through a quick rundown for both nights and say my favorite match, most shocking moment, etc.
Night One
Favorite Match - For this I have to say it was Krash vs Jeremy Best. It goes back to what I was saying in regards to buildup, but part of that comes from the promo thread as well. Both of those promos were so good I didn't know WHO was going to win. I think out of all the Night One matches in fact, most of them I think were fairly easy to predict, but this one wasn't. I think from a kayfabe standpoint also it made sense for Krash to get the win here and break free from Jeremy Best. It was a good feel good moment, and the way the match was written helped capsulate the emotion that was in this intense feud. Honorable mention to the tag team title bout of course.
Favorite Segment - I low key loved the short Reagan Cole/Tommy Bedlam interaction. It's sort of awkward at first, but it plants a seed for maybe some more future interactions with Bedlam and Cole, and it's sort of like this shared "Yeah we both hate Shawn Summers" energy. I didn't really care for it as much on the first read, but after what went down with Cole and his partners in the trios tournament on night two, it would be fun to see Cole and Bedlam end up interaction in more of a mutual respect sort of deal going forward. I feel bad for Reagan, it feels like the dude just keeps getting betrayed. He can't trust a single person, but he wants to. You can see it with this interaction with Tommy, he's giving him all this support hoping that maybe Tommy will have his back someday. Honorable mention to the Trevor Walker vignette. Exciting to see what's going on with him? He sounds super cocky and I always laugh at characters who think past fed achievements mean something, but in a good way because it brings this super cocky heel energy that's always fun for new characters.
Most Shocking Moment - I think for me it's the MvH vs Snowmantashi ending. I'm not sure what I think about the countout ending specifically, but I'm glad that this happened to open the show instead of close it out. This was one of those matches I was excited about going in, but after the promo window it sort of was obvious going in so it lost some of the appeal. I in no way was expecting MvH to lose. But this was interesting because although she wins, Snowmantashi still looks super strong, and it sort of leaves MvH in this new limbo. I'm assuming we might get another short hiatus, akin to what we got following the Parr attacks a couple years ago. I'm not sure if it's the last we'll ever see of Snowmantashi vs MvH, a feud that has a long history, but I definitely think it's the end of that chapter. For MvH, I can't wait to see the chapter that she goes on from here. Low key wouldn't mind seeing her go after the NA or TV title soon, only two titles she hasn't won yet right? Another fun angle would be for her maybe return and restart the Woman's title division. It could reignite her feud with Bell Connelly, and also give spotlight to some female characters now that we have A LOT more than when that title went under.
Bittersweet Moment - Kayfabe wise, I am lowkey disappointed that Mike Parr didn't get the win against Bryan Baxter. In a way! I didn't actually read either promo for this one, and so I wasn't sure what to expect. But Mike Parr is the face of the NA Title, and it felt right for him to reclaim it AGAIN at the grandest stage of them all. However, I said when I reviewed the promo where Parr won the Number One Contendership for this match, that it'd be better for Parr if he didn't win (and low key I didn't think he was going to for that match). Parr has proven all he has to for the NA Championship. Like all he has to. He could never touch it again and he'll go down as the face of that championship. So he didn't need this win. What winning would've done is held him back...I think Mike Parr is one of the last few names who are LONG LONG LONG due for a world title reign. Saint Sully, Randy Ramon, Danny Toner, Krash, Alyster Black...they've all had their moment now. Chris Peacock wasn't waiting in the wings as long but he has it now too. Parr I think it's ten years now in the fed, and he's still waiting for it. Maybe right now it seems like there are other things going on, but I don't know, I think this is good news for Parr. I think Parr's goal should be to stop at NOTHING to get that world championship. Hopefully this loss motivates him more than ever, and doesn't take a blow to morale.
Night Two
Favorite Match - Tommy Bedlam vs Shawn Summers to open things up was perfect. The way that match was written perfectly encapsulated all of the raw emotion and heat in this feud, and also the work that was put into it. I low key LOVE the way that this played out, with Summers keeping the TV Title but Tommy claiming the X Title. If Tommy wins both belts, we're still stuck in this situation where we have yet another double champ, and so...does he keep defending the belts at the same time, does he defend both belts in one night? How does it work going forward? It's awkward, and plus I sort of think a double champ should earn that...by winning one title and then winning another. Beating a former double champ for both belts seems like a shortcut? So either way I'm glad that it's avoided, and it gives a super mega heel Summers something to keep bragging about. It appears as though he'll be vacating the TV title, so if he comes back he can brag that he's never lost it...maybe win it for a third time and be the face of that TV Title himself? Meanwhile Tommy Bedlam gets a well deserved first championship with the X Title, a belt that seems like it just fits him, and he gets the second win to get a 2 out of 3 victory over his rival...which kayfabe wise seems like a fitting ending to this story. Honorable Mention goes to the Trios Tournament, because how can I not? I absolutely LOVE the push that Trixie got throughout this match. I'd like to think that in like 2 years time we can talk about the moment that Trixie showcased herself to the world as a legitimate competitor, and we'll be able to pinpoint her performance in this battle royal. It was awesome to read as one of Trixie's biggest fans, and OOC that promo wasn't going to ever win if I was writing it alone. My boy Welsh has been a fantastic partner, and I feel like the two of us just make a really good team.
Favorite Segment - I LOVED the XYZ segment. It was silly and yet intense at the same time, and I felt like I had shivers running down my spine reading it. Like it legit got my hyped the fuck up for XYZ. It sort of also was like this message from TGO the handler saying...I'm here, I'm refreshed, and I have this energy and motivation that I haven't felt in quite some time for this character, so be on the lookout because he's coming. Honorable mention to the backstage interview with FTN to low key hype us up for the upcoming WP vs DP match, and the segment soon after between Alyster and Peacock before the main event. Both really show the chemistry between Peacock and Alyster. There is a lot of intensity between the two right now, and I'm sort of curious to see how it ends up boiling over now that we have a former rival of Alyster's returning to challenge Peacock.
Most Shocking Moment - THE RETURN OF THE ROCKSTAR. It's fitting...it was a year ago when he went down to Krash? Or has it been longer? I think a Randy Ramon return has been long overdue, but with him being inducted into the Hall it is perfect timing. I think if anything was going to bring Ramon back it was a Chris Peacock feud. And like I alluded to above, with Alyster and Peacock not exactly being in a great loving partnership, but Alyster also HATING Ramon...things might get interesting? Honorable mention to the return of Josh Drake.
Bittersweet Moment - For the bittersweet moment of the night, it's the main event. I sort of went back and forth on who I wanted to win this one, and truly deep down couldn't pick a side. I think both had a lot at stake here. For Chris Peacock, winning here was something that I think would establish him as the best world champion since Saint Sully's 407 day reign. The title has been a proverbial hot potato since the brand split, but I have to count up the days...I feel like Peacock now has held it longer than anyone in this new era? Beating a legend like Cyrus Truth in the main event of BIB is something that I think establishes Peacock officially as the face of this current crop of elite. Meanwhile, the bitter part is the loss for Cyrus Truth. I felt like Cyrus Truth returning to World Title glory has been a story long in the making, but it also felt sort of like Gabrielle's hunts (and fails) for the World Title, with this lingering idea that maybe the prime is over. This loss to Peacock definitely brings up this question of...is Cyrus Truth's prime done? Have new stars like Peacock, Alyster Black, MvH, Randy Ramon, Danny Toner taken over for good? Or is this just another chapter on the long road for the Vagabond King? No matter who WON this match, a fantastic promo was going to be given a loss. But you don't belong in the main event of Back in Business if that's not the case right?
Overall, I think if I had to pick one between Night One or Night Two I'd have to go with Night 2. The stakes were higher, with a lot of intense feuds coming in a close (Bedlam vs Summers, MvH vs Snowmantashi, Cyrus vs Peacock) along with some big title winning moments (Bedlam becoming X Champion, and the Trios Battle Royal conclusion).
The FWA Anniversary Show looks fire right now. The Golden Opportunity Match for starters...WP is still in, but rumor has it this will be opening up which adds some mystery. I think with the return of Randy Ramon into the fold, this match has even more at stake. I say this because looking at the opponents right now, I feel like Alyster Black is like two levels above the rest. That's not a slight to the rest, but more so just a note on how good Alyster has been. I really like the story possibilities of Alyster being the GO holder. If Chris Peacock is still World Champion...you've got a lot to work with, especially after some intense moments between the two at this BIB show. OR...maybe Randy Ramon is the champion, and then Alyster Black can redeem his partner with a reignition of Golden Rock vs Gangstars.
Tommy Bedlam defending the X Title against XYZ is also fun. Like I said, it feels like TGO has this energy I haven't seen in awhile, and I feel like he's going to come to play HARD to get that title. XYZ is definitely going to be a change of pace for Bedlam after going toe to toe with Shawn Summers, so it'll be interesting to see how Tommy adapts.
And lastly, it looks like we're going to be getting a tournament now for the Trios Championships. Something that we'll likely get to enjoy with some good buildup through the next set of shows.
Overall, a great showing for winners and losers both! If you won this weekend, congratulations to a well earned win. If you didn't, it happens. This is one of the hardest shows to get a win at because everyone is usually giving it their all. If you put in your best work, and you are leaving BIB with some sort of story to build off of for your character...you're still a winner. If you're feeling down and feel like this loss signals the end for your character, message me...we'll brainstorm together if you want just where you can take things.
Thank you again to the staff that helped put this together, and everyone else who helps engage with this fed to keep it going as strong as it has for the last 18+ years.
