Battles Without Honor or Humanity Feedback | 10.01.23

[REQUIEM Puroresu]

For anyone who wishes to give feedback for Battles Without Honor or Humanity, this is the place. I'll post feedback for both shows within the next couple of days. This cycle has left me tired and beat up beyond all recognition. I'll be around in Discord and my DMs are always open, here and on Twitter. I just need a minute or two to recover, haha.

Please understand.

[Jack Sullivan]

Like I said on Discord, I need a cigarette. So many questions answered and so many more raised with this show. Getting the backstory for the Muramasa Blade and the implications it presented to all of the action going on in the margins was incredibly satisfying.

The payoffs with the twists taking place on the show itself were quite satisfying as well (RIP Mark Romero, warned him the Island was haunted). Had a few things I had been suspecting confirmed for me, which was fun. Was fun seeing Jack there after circumstances had derailed the original plans.

It says a lot about you and your desire to tell the story that after the effort that went into Intrepid Odyssey you didn’t short-change the matches here. Each one felt impactful, with the main event especially delivering on the promise put forth (the house always wins, doesn’t it?)

It’s crazy how much material you’ve put out there for us to take and run with, and you should take a bow my friend. You see yourself up for a 7-10 split and crushed it.

[Nijima]

Did Live Feedback around slowly reading as I could around things, so here goes:

- Christ what a dramatic opening. So intense like the intro to a movie. I loved it. Though who is... or was... Hyuga Nijima?! Intrigue!
- Momoka already stirring up shit and... HOLY CRAP ROMERO SIGHTING!
- Poor Mark... waaaaaay out of his safe world and not even aware of the danger.
- Dillon as ever the father of the century
- Okay the Kumite Arena from Bloodsport adapted for Requiem just popped me HUGE.
- NAO HAS ARRIVED (Yes, I'm biased)
- Epic show down for the Key is a go! Also, Rolf is in for a long night with Dementia Hwang.
- Haha, Nao's comment that the babyfaces are now the "villains" in the enemy's territory. I love a touch like that. Reminds the reader to reframe things.
- I really can't say it enough. The attention to detail in these matches are incredible. I have no clue how you manage to keep track of all these moving parts so well but my hats off.
- Poor Hwang, absolutely lost and confused while Rolf makes Colors sound like the Demons.
- Gods, those series of "THREEEEEEEE...." false finishes in rapid sequence. I could easily visualize that chaos and drama.
- Haha Nao realizing she better play along with the narrative while Rolf's accelerated to demanding maiming.
- Big victory for the as ever monstrous... err "heroic" Shukos!
- Mariposa unmasked! Devastating for the Colors. I'll be curious how they recover from such a brutal match and post-match. Lots to draw on and develop for sure if they dig deep.
- Holy shit that scene with Shiro-Sojiro-Kasumi. I knew at some point something would happen but... damn. Even expecting it, that was... wow. So many layers to that. RIP Shiro. Or is it? I know Josh too well to think this is really it when it was off-screen.
- That said, the double tragedy of being horrifically tortured (in theory) by his sister who is currently possessed by a personality construct built off the profile of his ruthless, uncaring mother who never loved him. Oof.
- Maddy vs Chloe was every bit as epic a battle as I expected it to be. Ouch Chloe becoming the Dahlia Killer though. But mad respect to both. They're incredible writers and I can't imagine how difficult this one had to be to judge.
- Also I love it was kept a pure wrestling match legit showing their skill and making them stand out from the rest. And that they stuck to who they were despite the corruptive influence of the island (so far anyway...)
- Wow that scene between Haruka and Alexei. I'm sure this will turn out tragic, but I look forward to seeing all the same.
- "...earning the Hi-Score medal and a shot at Nijima Kasumi's Valkyrie Championship... assuming there's even a Nijima Kasumi to challenge after tonight." -- Haha ominous.
- Heroic effort by Tora/Matsuda. The Heartkillers are just unreal in skill and danger and clearly the Alpha Shukos. While Tora really is the heart of MGP and it's good to see Cloud get some shine with her protegé.
- Great scene between Shiori and Mr. Sakamochi, adding to the events from Odyssey with the fun Kill Bill line as the capper. It's been great to see such huge development for the two characters. Especially giving a whole new side/perspective into Shiori.
- And Goto finally admititng he's King Kota while Kotohiki on the war path... until she runs into the fist of Isla Villin.
- Haha Rolf getting on Nao for supposed to be on Requiem's side, love it. Hwang is just... Hwang lol
- Vex remaining ever the hero and getting her win over KAZNEN. But it doesn't sound like the story's over yet.
- These graphics are just so incredible. Your growth in skill keeps making my jaw drop. It adds so much to the storytelling too.
- Yeah this Alexei/Haruka story is so fucking warped yet even moreso massively compelling. I'm trying to figure out what character they'll be tied to ultimately in the end.
- And the Lovesong match beyond living up to its name. Also poor Hwang being traumatized and not understanding why all this is going on lmao
- And the HK proving no one is safe from their ruthlessness and ambition for the top spot.
- Shino immediately cowed by the presence of the Scorpion Sisters. How you know when real badasses have entered the room.
- Yuna's goodbye and ominous message for Vex. More and more intrigue!
- CC/Anya as brutal as expected, Nao commenting on Rolf's drooling over CC, love it lol
- Hwang saying the reasonable plea to stop the fight, Nao not having that one bit. This is such a fun ride.
- Love the reflection of the injury where CC doesn't quite connect the Conquistato so she has to hit it again. Epic and amazing match reflecting the work of two supremely talented handlers.
- Anya shoving Chloe in her frustration. First signs of cracks in the GAA or just a blip in the radar? Tora as ever there for her ride or die.
- Christ, the movie gif. Seriously... this is so incredible with these graphics. It takes it to a new level.
- Wow... did she actually say "not yet" or did he dream it? Either way, such a powerful scene.
- And The Crow quote... as if I couldn't state how much I love this enough.
- So far, I've identified Bloodsport, Kill Bill, and The Crow. Sadly I don't know where the Alexei screens are but this is hitting all my boxes of "beloved action movies". Just need some Hard Boiled/A Better Tomorrow, Fist of Legend, and... probably John Wick 1 or something. Either way, I'm hyped.
- And Shino with the shocking pin on the faction leader. This won't bode well for Shino's future. Huge target will be on her back. Also, will this further fracture the GAA?
- Haha Aoi summarily dismissed as no longer needed.
- Kasai just egging Demonico on worse. THis is going to be nasty when he explodes. Poor Mark unaware of the ticking timebomb he's next to. Dillon... just being Dillon.
- Dillon with the save. "Wrestling people!" Totally obvious reason Mark said it.
- Romero dropping the Ol' SMB Super Show Zelda "EXCUUUUUUUSE ME..." So glorious.
- Holy shit... WHAT THE FUCK AS COSTI DONE?! *eagerly reads more*
- OH FUCK. RIP MARK ROMERO. Getting the "Ellis in Die Hard" death. *takes off non-existent hat and holds it over chest* Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine...
- And the graphic to sell it even more... goddamn lmao
- And the BDL fracture continues. Lines clearly being drawn. Though what was CC going to say regarding Maddy?!
- I can't get over how epic that cryo chamber graphic is. It can't be stated enough.
- Wow that chair graphic is creepy as fuck but fitting.
- "Relax... and enjoy the show. Besides, who are you to tell me how to raise my fucking daughter?" -- *fucking dies* LMAO
- Yeah this match is already epic, also picturing the setup with the light dimmed, the hush, really set the mood and stakes.
- "I just hope they have fun!" -- Oh, Hwang.
- Oh wow, forcing them to rely on each other... big plot twist. I love it!
- I should have known this would go beyond mere match. Games of chance? Here we go!
- Haha, Yomi with the betrayal and pinning Yuzuki in place. Pretty much Yomi, yup.
- Oh shit... Rath going straight to the heart with throwing that surprise at Soji.
- Haha not structurally accurate. No shit, Rolf.
- YESSSS... Mirror Room. Covered in many movies but I'll call this "Enter the Dragon" or I suppose one of the later Wicks, regardless, YESSSSS.
- And total mindfuck for Yuzuki. Also YES the Yomi smashing through mirror spot.
- And had a feeling at the start that Rinko would be the true recipient.. that "pout" is only strengthening that thought haha.
- Haha "Friends". Hwang always there for the right moment.
- Wow... what a match... just... damn... and yet I know before even going past this moment with the gong, the real story is probably only just now beginning. Especially since Rath isn't showing any upset and Rinko is there.
- Rolf... showing kindness and mercy? Damn.
- "When did it start?" Oh Hwang. You're a treasure.
- "groovy mystical arts" Rath is just a delightful monster.
- Wow those twists and turns with Rath and Soji... I think I'll have to read that a few times to completely process it all. Just damn... so many questions, so many thoughts on where it could go... I'm floored. And there's still a scene left, goddamn!
- Also, RIP Mr. Sakamochi...
- Jessa and Jack loyal as ever to Endo. That will continue to have repercussions.
- And again, poor Mark Romero. RIP. I'm sure Kotohiki and Luna will dance on his grave... also... where IS Kotohiki?
- Oh dear... is Momoka having her "Alexei" moment and in love with Cap? Bwahaha that should make Cap's life even MORE chaotic.
- Oh wow. The Maggie/Isla connection gets more layers. Wonder how that'll spill into Aria's life.
- And Aoi doesn't escape unharmed. Also major PTSD for poor Vex.
- And Shuko seeing Sakamochi. The feels.
- And then she's back to her murderous self. RIP Guard #1. I lost track of the body count lol
- Oh shit. The GAA trio turning the screws to Maggie.
- Okay thought I misunderstood, but Rath IS Alexei. Holy fuck. Now so much makes sense with him.
- And damn. Hello Haruka. *cues Bobby Caldwell & Tupac*
- Shiro lives! Mostly. Also Maddy now given a way to disable Yomi. Oh dear...
- OH SHIT. THE DEVIL AWAKENS. Ypu the real story has only just begun.

Wow... what a show. There is SO MUCH to process. Holy shit. First Josh, seriously, you need to find a way to get stuff like this written for being published. Your writing is off the charts and stories like these would easily be snatched up and the world needs to know your talent.

Also, while i don't drink, HAVE A MASSIVE DRINK (at the safety of your home), because holy shit what a massive undertaking this would be for a few people let alone ONE PERSON.

Past that, shout to everyone who made this happen. Since without the efforts of the handlers, the RPs, etc., Josh wouldn't have the motivation to take such a passion project so far.

And the ride is just going to continue. Onward to Pillars and just... wow!

[DS(Jessa Wells)]

I DMed Josh during my entire read and during the times i had to do other things and was frustrated because I wanted read. So he had hours of me today. Poor guy lol.

This was an amazing show. What was put into it was insane. Josh, youre a madman who must not be stopped.

I am loving MGP. Have since I joined. Best fed Ive ever been in. Im looking foward to getting further into my time here as I am constantly excited about something.

Great job to all the RPers. Ive enjoyed reading a lot. Really great month for it.

[qqforyou]

The best ending so far. Do not ask me why.

[wasabi]

I loved this show, as I was reading along there were little lore pieces that were making so the ending felt really satifying and a hook like always. While this definately felt like a one and done for the shrine show side of things. it also feels like so many story beats were set up.

I did have to read this over a couple times to make sure I got everything but I really loved the scale of the main event. Gave a huge "cinematic" vibe

[maya]

I may do a more "in depth" review later But I'm going to say this. Big thank you to Josh Writing was top-notch 100%. It is a lot to be proud of. both shows are hype and have me excited for what is next.

THANK

YOU

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.

I find it very funny that the comedic character I made to bring levity to things is somehow queen of the death match, I'm new to this hobby and I wasn't expecting any success whatsoever. So winning a belt so soon in Maya's run is the last thing I expected. Given that and the wonderful community people...guess I have to stick around eh?

[REQUIEM Puroresu]

Hiya.

I'm sorry this is late compared to my normal feedback posts, but this wasn't exactly a normal cycle so I hope you'll forgive me. This cycle was extremely taxing. Not only were there two gigantic shows with significant amounts of hype, but I spent a good deal of the cycle sick or trying to recover from being sick. I lost the entire first weekend of the cycle, setting me back right out of the gate. I typically put the card together during the first week and then divide up how much I need to get done per weekend in order to enter the final week of the cycle with 10 or less things to write. Usually, those ten things are segments that require knowledge of who wins and loses, sometimes it's chunks of lore I'm still letting stew. Either way, there was a point where I should've been 12 deep and I only had 3 things done. The last two weeks were insane because I was so far behind that I had to break it down into writing 1 item per day Monday - Thursday, then 2 things per day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That left me with Monday to plan the entire Intrepid Odyssey match and build all 50 entrance gifs... Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to actually write the Odyssey, then Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to finish a significant portion of Battles Without Honor or Humanity. Luckily, I finished the Odyssey a day early, giving me an extra day for Battles. By Saturday, the only things I had left to write were the main event between Saito and Kasumi, the final segment where all the shit goes down rapid fire, and the segment where Kotohiki steals Harold Goto's gun. I got the main event done Saturday, wrote the ending segment Sunday morning, and wrapped up with the Kotohiki segment in the afternoon. And I was building images right up until I posted results. The image of Devil Matsumoto waking up in her chamber was made Sunday afternoon and I adapted a few other images to the style of the lore and plugged them in, too. By the time it was done, I was exhausted. I've never been so ready to be done with a set of results as this double shot. I'm proud of the effort that went into it, from myself and all of you. I'm proud of how it all turned out. I'm proud that there's not another double shot coming for a long, long time.

I knew that the stories being told during this double shot had the potential to turn people off. It was really over the top, really insane, and it asked you to stretch your imagination quite a bit in terms of what an e-fed experience can be... especially since many of you were sold on this being a straight forward joshi puroresu experience, and I swear that's all it was ever intended to be. When I first put pen to paper on Historic Big Bang Evolution 2023, there was no lore, no mention of The Shrine, nothing of that nature. The day that results went up, I had an idea to give the show a little flavor and inserted the two quick little segments involving Tatsumaki Aoi, Satoshi Kato, and the two masked women who would go on to be known as Yutaka and Kusaka. Those were well-received, so I came up with an idea for some Shiori Shuko lore at Straight On 'til Morning and, building off the Easter Eggs from Big Bang, the REQUIEM angle began to take shape. From the second episode (Straight On), the idea was to eventually get to Battles Without Honor or Humanity. How we get there? No idea. However, pieces kept falling into place. Along the way, we had handlers who had the right ideas, the right stories, and I lost my graphics guy that helped me out with the match cards for Big Bang, leaving us with some shaky match card graphics from Straight On 'til Morning until Lightspeed to Kyoto when I finally got a clue. This led to me learning how to make title belts which allowed me to replace the placeholder REQUIEM belts I was using for the RONIN Galaxy and Dual Wield Galaxy titles... and that allowed me to add another layer to the REQUIEM angle by introducing the Spirit of the Ronin and the Dual Wield belts. I had a rough idea for how things would ultimately play out at Battles but a ton of what you read came together during the cycle. Some people died that weren't originally supposed to die... some people lived that were originally going to die... and things got way crazier during the main event than I really anticipated. Way, way crazier. It honestly wasn't until I sat down to map out the card that I realized it needed to be more than a brawl around the ring and it just went sideways from there. Names changed 2-3 times for lore characters that were introduced... Haruka Yoshitaka was Saki Yoshitaka for two fully written segments before I remembered Saki Housako and realized that two Sakis calling people dog might get confusing or cause readers to draw parallels that weren't there. Alexei was originally Ricardus, which I changed when I decided that Alexei being Richard Rath should be a "twist." Most of you figured it out anyway.

Somewhere along the way, Demonico del Sol started demanding my attention and that led to him getting the nod to kill Mark Romero, a decision that myself and Mark Romero did not take lightly. We went back and forth on it for a couple weeks before I finally made the call that it was time for him to go and he accepted his fate with grace. Demonico killing him and the images accompanying are maybe my favorite parts of the entire show. Mostly, I just needed to see how Dave played off Cap getting big leagued by Demonico in the future. My original idea for Mark Romero's death was way more grim. Too dark, even for REQUIEM, and didn't serve to get anyone over... so I'm glad whatever it was in my brain telling me to push Demonico spoke up.

Miracle Galaxy Pro is not fully embracing everything that took place during Battles Without Honor or Humanity. It's all canon, of course. All of it happened... I just mean that every episode isn't going to be loaded with blood, guts, and murder. There won't be supernatural elements all the time... these are things you're free to do with your characters, and there might be some semblance of these elements on regular shows, but as far as the sheer volume that took place during Battles? It will not be a regular thing. This cycle, the vibe for Miracle Galaxy Pro finally clicked in my brain and that vibe is "grindhouse anime." So, there's always going to be blood and violence, there's always going to be something wacky going on, just don't expect it to be everything, everywhere, all at once like this double shot.

As stated, I knew going in that this double shot had potential to turn some people off. In the end, we only lost one who said it just wasn't for them and that's fine. For a double shot whose content had fed closing potential if shit went sideways, one loss out of 40+ is more than acceptable. I really appreciate all of you who have embraced the stuff that's gone on since the beginning, the changes, the evolution, the crazy stuff I've just asked you to accept. Without all of you following along on this ride, there's no reason to keep going and to keep raising the bar and that's the plan going forward. To some way, somehow one-up ourselves on the roleplay board, in the results, everywhere that matters.

The Intrepid Odyssey was its own mess in the build-up. Originally, this event was going to be called The Celestial Odyssey. It was going to be a trios tournament to crown the first Celestial Trinity Champions... but once I realized how difficult it was going to be to figure out the logistics of making that work with Battles in a double shot, I pivoted and decided to do a Rumble-style battle royal instead and crowned the Trinity champs in a one-off title match based on faction win percentages. It started out with me sourcing volunteers from Twitter to fill a forty-woman match... which quickly turned to fifty. For a minute, I thought I might have enough people for sixty but I cut it off... and thank God I did. I still ended up booking 51 women for the match because I knew that someone would no show. At the end of the day, we only had 6 no shows, which is incredible. I ended up filling those spots with two characters who were originally only booked for matches on the Odyssey card but not the Odyssey itself (Matsuda & Beckett), two IZANAMI talents (Ciara & Liberty), one debut who posted a CD (Alicia Rice), and one surprise (Donna DiFalco)... so all fifty spots were ultimately roleplayed for.

The match was a horrendous nightmare to write... and I love writing Rumble-style matches! Everyone tried so hard and the fact of the matter is that, no matter how hard you try to make it fair, not everyone gets a "run," not everyone can look as good as they deserve. I think I got about 10-11 entrants deep before I realized "shit, I've got to get some people out of here," and I hated that feeling. I hated having to throw someone out first. At the end of the day, I had to make the decision to honor the final four being the four best efforts and everyone else had to go based on a combination of performance, card placement, ongoing angles, upcoming angles, or just general match flow. I tried to give everyone some shine, even if they were in and out... so if you were one of those, it wasn't because you shit the bed or did any worse than the next guy. Sometimes it's better and more memorable to come in, get your shit in, and get tossed than to come in and lie around on the mat for 5-6 more entries before getting tossed like an afterthought during someone else's entrance flurry.

A couple apologies:

I'm sorry to Zelda for killing off Bison Kojima after telling you point blank months ago that I wasn't going to kill her. If POWER RISE had survived, someone else was originally earmarked for the pre-Battles death slot... but with POWER RISE out of the picture, it only made sense. If it helps, your development of Setsuna and continued use of Kojima is what inspired that segment and really helped me develop the heart of it, making it more impactful and emotional. So, in a way, it's kind of like YOU killed Bison Kojima instead of me.

And I'm sorry to Jessica Spivey for the revival spot. It truly wasn't intended as a humiliation spot or a "fuck you," or anything of that nature. With how Spivey has been portrayed as kind of GAA's lackey, doing her best to fit in, it felt like a fun thing to do and her sacrifice wasn't in vain as it directly resulted in the elimination of Black Tora, who probably would've won the whole thing if not for the revival of Khaos. Spivey's handler has not complained about this to me, in case any of the above implied that. Just stepping in front of it, in case. lol

One more apology for not doing my usual "tag everyone" feedback... but there were around 52 unique handlers involved on this show and since I usually break my feedback down by match... and all of you were in one match... that's just a lot to touch on, so please forgive me. I'm going to call out a few standouts from the double shot and if any of you would like one-on-one feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via DM.

Congratulations to Jack Sullivan on winning the Odyssey. You're a beast of a writer and the binding sequence in your roleplay was exceptionally creative and well-written. While the entire roleplay was good, that was the portion of yours that made me earmark it for a reread as we got closer to deadline. Just phenomenal work and a well-deserved rebound from the four-way match.

Heartkillers, man. We've talked a few times about you stepping it up and grabbing onto the main event scene and you really did that here. I went back and forth between yours and Jack's a few times... and it dawned on me a couple days ago that the final segment in your roleplay, that you might have figured out the kind of stuff I really like and weaponized it to gain my favor... because the final segment just really spoke to me. I loved it so much. Easily the best work you've posted for MGP, maybe the best thing you've posted with the Heartkillers, period. I'm so excited to see how your next two matches play out.

Kasumi Nijima and Yuna Saito, both of you did so awesome. Obviously, it's a huge feat earning the 3rd and 4th spots in the Odyssey, but ya'll really stepped up hard and made the main event of Battles Without Honor or Humanity something special. The work you two have done on your characters since the inception of MGP is what inspired me to really lean into some of the things I have. Ya'll have both helped me build the lore surrounding the fed without even realizing it in most cases. I think it's safe to say that if neither of you were here, Battles Without Honor or Humanity would have looked a hell of a lot different, if it even happened at all.

Xia Layne and Black Tora/Stephanie Matsuda, both of you really stepped it up this cycle. I was so pumped when I saw what you two put up. I know you both lost in regular matches over the weekend but the effort you put forth was top notch and I think if you both continue down that path, there's gonna be some potential shake-ups down the line and I'm here for it. Thank you both for everything you do.

Thank you all for participating. Those of you who read everything and do whatever you can to immerse yourself in the lore of Miracle Galaxy Pro, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Those of you who do all of that and take the steps to fight and improve your game, thank you. All of you are MGP's lifeblood. All of you are my motivation to keep going and push on to another show.

Without you, there is no MGP.

Thank you.

[theorchidvoid]

Even after reading it a few more times over with the whole show I still know I don’t exactly have the words for this event.

It is still a lot. From the wild intro with the explorers finding the cave and the shrine, the stuff with Alexei finding a new side of him he didn’t know existed and him growing fond/becoming a loyal dog which leads to probably the most insane twist I’ve had read ever and especially since joining up. The story and lore was just ridiculously good and there is still a lot of questions after.

I think it’s the first time I’ve felt the stories and such outshone the matches although they were also excellent and full of surprises in its own most especially Maya winning the Love Song Of Violence title albeit thanks to the HEARTKILLERS giving Tatsumi the boot, the battle between Cap and Anya, the rather..LU esque boneyard thing with Yuzuki and Kasumi (I guess now Yuzuki and Saito are separated and I’m definitely interested in what goes on there)

And as if we didn’t have enough nonsense, the big bad Matsumoto awaking from her cyro stasis.

All and all, spectacular stuff by you Josh and everyone else who participated. I’m looking forward toward to the upcoming Pillars Of Creation for sure.

[Aria Knight]

During this cycle, I talked with people and we tried imaging what Battles would be. I even sat down myself and tried getting in Josh's head as to what he could possibly write for this show.

And it was nothing like what we were presented. And that's a good thing. 

RQM turned into a love story of sorts. It had action, murder, scheming, secrets being laid bare.. and wrestling. The history of the Blade and us getting to this point was excellently written. I was on the edge of my seat during the cave-in, wondering how it would end, as it was straight out of a movie. Josh has a skill for attention to detail and using narration to further the story without dialogue. Fine piece of writing with these "cut scenes" of sort.

RIP Mark Romero. RIP Bison Kojima. RIP Aoi? RIP Maggie Crush when GAA is finished with her?

I will miss the Romero vs. LUNA discord battles. The only kayfabe member of our discord was now replaced by Vinny Li and Aubrey Cotton-Savage, so it's not a fair trade. 

I know this show isn't going to be a reoccurring thing in MGP, which is good and keeps it fresh, but God bless did it just blow up a lot of things for a LOT of people. Every faction is feeling the fallout of that nuclear bomb that was Battles.

Props to Shino. I absolutely did not hold up my end of the bargain in our match. I spent time on the Odyssey, desperate to win it, and ran out of time to do 6k for our match. That's on me for the fumble.

Josh, you wrote 100k of results for a weekend double shot. You are an animal. We're not worthy of the work being done here. A great roster of personalities, a talented roster, and results like this. Can't ask for a better fed experience. Hope some of the outsiders saw what we do here and are kicking themselves for missing out.

[heartkillers]

Hey, I remember coming in when this was a straight joshi fed. How far we've come, invoking rated-R Indiana Jones as the opening to a PPV(or premium live event). Great setup to bookend the show. Love the island as a setting and how wrong everything about it feels. The tone feels very wrestling-as-a-fighting-game or wrestling-as-a-kung-fu movie and I'm into it. The minimalist set dressing around the ring added to the Mortal Kombat feel with some Squid Game touches to make it more modern. Hwank Hok-Joo's list of accolades had me rewatching MXC clips for about 20 minutes.



SMG v CoV - Digging the heel slant on commentary by Rolf, presenting the villains as heroes. Appropriately chaotic opener for the event, with the subsequent mugging of Mariposa after as a brutal cherry on top.



Storm v Satterfield - Keeping things "pure" at the evil death church island. Really liked the flurry of offense and dodges at the end before Storm wins it off a German Suplex with a roll-through.



Haruka threatens dick-flaying, this segment gave me grindhouse movie vibes. I see the Lucha Underground analog people mentioned, but pushing the envelope further. Then we find out later she offed three siblings to make herself the only potential heir to her father's empire. Kinda Shakespearean with some Game of Thrones(I'm sorry).



HK's v Cloud/Tora - This match was exhausting to read, not just from a results standpoint. Lots of quick action and pin attempts, both teams constantly struggling to maintain the advantage. My favorite spot was Cloud and Tora breaking out the stereo suicide dives early to show they're not screwing around, and the pace kept going from there.



Kasey Vex v Kanzen - Favorite spot was Vex blocking a fireball with a wooden chair and then exploding said chair over Kanzen's head. I like the addition of a chair variant with less durability, very appropriate for the setting.



Tsutsumi v Maya - Since it's a Love Song of Violence match happening on the murder island, I see you had to up the ante, and this one was pretty gruesome. Favorite spot was Maya going "Did I do that?" after knocking Tsutsumi into broken glass, holy shit. The title goes to Maya, the competitor least dead from an explosion.



Caponata v Bonecrusher - Favorite spot was Bonecrusher keeping the Russian Armbar on through multiple pin attempts, just clamping down like a hyena. Dug Caponata being disgusted by the Shrine and the audience.


Aoi/Suzuhana v Knight/Crush - Crush chucking the steps at Aoi was my favorite spot, not counting the post match where Crush gets knocked into Knight's arms and Knight just leaves her by the guardrail.



Yuzuki v Yomi - Loved everyone immediately disappearing at the background to add to the sinister ambiance, with the commentary confirmed that Saito and Kasumi aren't themselves. Unique setup that I don't think I've seen anything quite like in e-fedding. Great execution on the cinematic match, obviously this is not a one-to-one comparison and the method is very different, but the location changes reminded me of Mortal Kombat 3(it's been done in other games since) where you uppercut someone through the ceiling and then you're fighting on a different stage. Not necessarily a spot, but I think my favorite part was recreation of Sojiro's village and the subsequent brawl there. Congratulations to Project Yomi on winning the cursed belt, but this match read like it's going to irreparably damage both participants regardless of who won. Probably applies to everyone on the show considering the general 'wrongness' surrounding the Shrine.



More lore to cap the first Shrine show off, these are gonna be a lot of fun to come back to, possibly with less murder. Although I feel like now death is part of the vibe with any future shows. This would've been a great event on its own, and such a departure from most of the other shows, but the fact that this went up within days of Intrepid Odyssey is absolute insansity.