We start off with Fev vs Atlas. I'm not usually a fan of starting shows off with matches between two relatively unknowns. I feel like either a strong opening match or a segment should open most of these shows, to set the pace for the rest of the night. Aside from this match, stylistically, looking a little different from your average match, it was a decent read (I'm assuming the matchwriter was new, so I'm gonna cut some slack here), and it's nice to see the newbie pick up a win. I know nothing about Fev, but hopefully he sticks around and becomes a presence on OD.
Rebel and Jeff had a segment yet. I'd be lying if I said Rebel wasn't the most entertaining talker on Overdrive. He really is. This was a short, sweet segment, and allows a story to be told throughout the night-- does Rebel get his shot?
NewGen vs "The Hong Kong Surge" (?) was a short match, but it wasn't boring-- and I understand why it was short, OOC-wise. Anyway, NewGen
needed this victory heading into their huge tag match at ONIH, which I think is the hottest feud in APW right now. Tradition be damned-- the Tag Title match should headline the PPV. With all the effort these folk have put in, and how much energy this feud has behind it, it's only right. But I doubt it'll happen. Anyway, I think I would've liked to see some tension between Zing and Shione, considering they'll be opponents at ONIH, but it is what it is.
Level One and Jeff backstage was an entertaining read. The World Title story continues to be told, and continues to be entertaining segment-wise. I dug how L1 referred to this as the "PG Era" of APW, because a few days ago, I believe I had a conversation with someone, saying that it feels like that. The characters are becoming larger-than-life and almost more... I dunno... "family acceptable"?
Mumf picks up the win over KJE. I do think that eventually, KJE really needs to get a win on Overdrive. It seems that she's slipping a tiny bit further from Level One each week, and I'm not sure what the reasoning for that is. *Shrug* Maybe there's just a crucial part of the story that I'm overlooking. Either way, the Synndicate needs some REAL momentum sometime soon. But they're not gonna get that heading into ONIH, unfortunately. It seems to be too little, too late. The match was a good read though.
Dying Breed has a great segment to follow this. Over the past few weeks (and it might be by accident-- though, if not, kudos) I feel that Bailey has been speaking with a kind of "holier than thou" attitude, and it REALLY came to fruition in this segment. Dying Breed giving the DB t-shirts to NewGen was a nice touch, and their reactions were priceless. I could envision these actions taking place.
Havok vs Roberts happened. Definitely a necessary win by Roberts, but the commentary at the end didn't do either Megastar any favors. I feel that Havok got a little bit buried by the announcers and in doing so, it risks hurting Leon's momentum heading into the Xtreme Title match. Hopefully he can use a victory over a former World Champ to his advantage.
I LOVE that Niobe and Robina's Meltdown rivalry was acknowledged, even though the match was one-sided (with Robina's slump at least being acknowledged). Shame Robina couldn't show, but I like seeing Niobe get some shine. I think she has a character that could be a solid midcarder if she dedicated a tiny bit more effort. Niobe should be competing for the North American or Xtreme Title by the end of the year, if she keeps herself relevant, and sticks with Madison and Jennings.
I had a fun time writing the handicap match. I hope everyone enjoyed it.
I've become a fan of Smith's short backstage promos. They always have a purpose and they remind me of old school WWF promos. Glad to see another Fans Bring the Weapons match. The Xtreme Title math is one I'm excited to see, because I would like to see somebody FINALLY dethrone Smith so he can move on and compete for World Title gold. He's been a great champion with a great character, but it's getting to the point where the outcome of his matches are becoming predictable. The "younger" (?) members on the roster need a realistic title to contend for, and Smith has more than earned his slot in the main event.
Speaking of which, kudos to whoever wrote the main event. The coding was off, but it's something that I can easily dismiss. Mad Mumf ruining the ending of the match definitely adds to the "main event" feel of the Xtreme Title match right now, but it makes me wonder-- does the Overdrive Title have a contender for ONIH? It almost seems like this match teased a double-fall, double-title match kind of deal. I think that might be overbooking at this point in the game, but it would be a hella fun match to watch. Xtreme Rules/Fans Bring the Weapons/2 Falls/Four Way... Xtreme & Overdrive Championships, heh. Ah, forget it. That's definitely overbooking.
I liked the Rebel/L1/Jeff segment. I did. But the end had me rolling my eyes. This is the go-home show, and now we're heading into the PPV with me feeling like the World Title just isn't as important as the other titles being defended. Rebel's actions also give me the impression that Rebel's career is held in higher regard than the World Title. I just think that the "stipulations" and the match confirmation (if there's even gonna be a match) could've been handled differently. This segment almost seems like it was written with the handlers not realizing that it was the go-home show. I know the commentary at the end acknowledged it, but... still... Kind of a lame ending.
Overall, very average episode, but decent for a sendoff show.
