Post by slowgraffiti on Jul 30, 2013 17:20:58 GMT -5
And so, THE BALLAD OF F*CK ALL has came and went, and the ROP train of destruction continues to roll on down those tracks, and we're heading straight into one of the biggest events in ROP history, this year's LETHAL LOTTERY! With that in mind though, it seems pertinent to introduce you to each of the sixteen men who will compete in the mystery partner tag tournament, aiming to earn a shot at our tag team championships...
#1 - 'PRINCE' FERGAL DEVITT
Perhaps the best junior heavyweight wrestler in the world today, Devitt has wasted no time in rising straight to the top of New Japan Pro Wrestling's illustrious and historic junior division. Defeating names including Jushin Liger and Tiger Mask on the way to the top, the Dublin-born wrestler comes to ROP for the first time hoping to make his mark on the tournament, and on ROP as a whole.
#2 - 'THE ZOMBIE PRINCESS' JIMMY JACOBS
An ROP regular, and former Cruiserweight Champion, Jacobs isn't hoping to use the tournament as a springboard to make his mark - instead, the devious 'Zombie Princess' is hoping to infiltrate another division. His long running feud with Jigsaw and Hallowicked also continues to rumble, with Jacobs continually ripping the masked men's hoods away from them - what part will they have to play in the tournament?
#3 - ROP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION - CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI
Another of our established Ring of Poison stars, Claudio currently holds the second most important prize in the company, and is a former ROP Tag Team Champion. Having spent the last few months embroiled in a continual series of oneupmanship against Nigel McGuinness, Claudio will be looking over his shoulder for the actions of Nigel, who is also entered in the tournament, ahead of their final showdown next month.
#4 - 'THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMAN' CHUCK TAYLOR
It's been some six or so years since Chuck Taylor was last seen here in ROP, competing in a six man scramble match for the Cruiserweight Championship. 'The Kentucky Gentleman' is now heading back towards our shores with his sights set firmly on tag glory. Taylor has achieved tremendous success in almost every United States independent promotion, and ROP will be next on his list.
#5 - JON MOXLEY - REPRESENTING THE UNHEARD
Moxley was the third part of Kevin Steen's plan to destroy Ring of Poison, alongside himself and El Generico. This will be Jon Moxley's first match in Ring of Poison, management having finally relented on their hardline stance against the men. After taking out ROP legend Rob Van Dam and running Kevin Steen close, two of the three members of The Unheard will be looking to project their message.
#6 - MIKEY WHIPLASH
Coming across from Scotland, Mikey Whiplash joins the list of ROP debutants on this show. Whiplash is far from inexperienced though, having over a decade of experience in British wrestling. What makes Whiplash stand out from the legions of classic British technical wrestlers though, is his predilection for all things, well, strange - the man enjoys entering in women's clothes, and wrestling in fishnet tights. Don't be fooled though - Whiplash, in the classic British style, can stretch you in ways you can't even imagine.
#7 - 'THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT' RICOCHET
Ricochet has been a member of the Ring of Poison roster for a long time, but has, as yet, found it difficult to make his mark. The Lethal Lottery could be an ideal opportunity for one of the best high flyers in the business today to make an impression, and challenge for the prestigious tag belts. With experience in Japan and Europe with Dragon Gate under his belt, Ricochet could very well be one of the sleeper choices in the Lethal Lottery.
#8 - 'THE SUBMISSION SPECIALIST' GREEN ANT
Following on from the impressive, if unsuccesful, debut of his Colony brethren last month, ROP management extended an invitation to the third member of The Colony, 'The Submission Specialist' Green Ant. Whilst Fire Ant and Soldier Ant are more known for their tag team wrestling, Green Ant can be just as much of an effective team player as Fire and Soldier. Much like Ricochet, Green Ant could sneak through the cracks amongst heavyweights and former champions to be one half of a winning team.
#9 - NIGEL McGUINNESS
As mentioned above, Nigel has made it his mission to defeat Claudio Castagnoli, the man who ended his rather impressive unbeaten run in ROP from his debut until two shows ago. More known as a singles specialist, the former multiple time champion in other promotions could see the Lethal Lottery, and its subsequent shot at the ROP Tag Championships, as a chance to get a foothold in ROP, and gain his first championship.
#10 - TOMMY END
The European contingent in the Lethal Lottery grows even stronger with the arrival of Dutch superstar Tommy End. With a very rightful claim to being the 'Best in Europe,' the former kickboxing champion combines high impact strikes with risky top-rope offence to great effect, with an unpredictable in-ring style that has won him numerous titles, including a great deal of tag titles, worldwide.
#11 - 'THE DESTINY FLOWER' KENNY OMEGA
Omega made his debut at our Seventh Anniversary Show in a losing effort against Samoa Joe, cashing in the first of the open contracts for a shot at the ROP World Championship. Though Omega came up short, the Japanese-based, Canadian-born superstar made enough of an impact for an extension to be extended his way to compete in the first ROP Lethal Lottery - after losing out on the World Championship, the Tag Championship shot up for grabs could be the perfect way for Omega to establish himself.
#12 - 'MR WRESTLING' KEVIN STEEN - REPRESENTING THE UNHEARD
Steen is the leader of The Unheard, the same group Moxley enters the tournament affiliated to. Steen made his biggest impact to date in his first match in ROP at Teeth Like God's Shoeshine, where he competed against Rob Van Dam in an unsanctioned match, where RVD himself put up the money to cover Steen's booking and insurance. The match ended with RVD carried out on a stretcher, yet to be seen since then. Another good showing against Samoa Joe followed last month, and now, finally officially booked onto the ROP roster, Steen is a hot favourite to grab this opportunity.
#13 - 'THE TECHNICAL WIZARD' JOEY RYAN
One of the leading lights of the impressive West Coast independent scene, Joey Ryan will make his first ROP appearance in the Lethal Lottery. The man responsible for "bringing sleazy back" is much, much more than just an entertaining character. Beyond the mustache, aviator shades and chest hair is one of American pro wrestling's most gifted technical wrestlers, and whoever ends up teaming with Ryan gets a ring veteran experienced beyond his years.
#14 - 'THAT YOUNG KNOCKOUT KID' CHRIS HERO
An undisputed favourite in the tournament, Hero is one of ROP's more decorated superstars. One of the longest reigning Tag Team Champions, as well as the longest reigning Intercontinental champion, the former King of Wrestling knows exactly how to take advantage of opportunities here in ROP. With so much tag experience behind him, most of the competitors will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of teaming alongside Hero.
#15 - NOAM DAR
Joining Whiplash and End as the final European competitor, Noam Dar is also the youngest competitor in the tournament at the young age of 18. Dar has impressed not just in his native Scotland, but across Europe, with a strike/high flying hybrid offence that has defeated countless opponents. Dar's youthful energy could make him a very valuable partner in the Lethal Lottery.
#16 - 'THE AMERICAN DRAGON' BRYAN DANIELSON
Few men have made as much of an entrance into ROP as Danielson. Debuting under a mask as Dragon el Tire, he used the unknown character to work his way from the bottom up, eschewing the advantages usually offered to a wrestler of his calibre. Danielson has went undefeated in singles competition since his debut, winning each match rather comfortably. He has said his sights are set on the ROP World Championship, but Danielson knows it would be folly to pass up a chance to win the ROP Tag Team Champiponships.
#1 - 'PRINCE' FERGAL DEVITT
Perhaps the best junior heavyweight wrestler in the world today, Devitt has wasted no time in rising straight to the top of New Japan Pro Wrestling's illustrious and historic junior division. Defeating names including Jushin Liger and Tiger Mask on the way to the top, the Dublin-born wrestler comes to ROP for the first time hoping to make his mark on the tournament, and on ROP as a whole.
#2 - 'THE ZOMBIE PRINCESS' JIMMY JACOBS
An ROP regular, and former Cruiserweight Champion, Jacobs isn't hoping to use the tournament as a springboard to make his mark - instead, the devious 'Zombie Princess' is hoping to infiltrate another division. His long running feud with Jigsaw and Hallowicked also continues to rumble, with Jacobs continually ripping the masked men's hoods away from them - what part will they have to play in the tournament?
#3 - ROP INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION - CLAUDIO CASTAGNOLI
Another of our established Ring of Poison stars, Claudio currently holds the second most important prize in the company, and is a former ROP Tag Team Champion. Having spent the last few months embroiled in a continual series of oneupmanship against Nigel McGuinness, Claudio will be looking over his shoulder for the actions of Nigel, who is also entered in the tournament, ahead of their final showdown next month.
#4 - 'THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMAN' CHUCK TAYLOR
It's been some six or so years since Chuck Taylor was last seen here in ROP, competing in a six man scramble match for the Cruiserweight Championship. 'The Kentucky Gentleman' is now heading back towards our shores with his sights set firmly on tag glory. Taylor has achieved tremendous success in almost every United States independent promotion, and ROP will be next on his list.
#5 - JON MOXLEY - REPRESENTING THE UNHEARD
Moxley was the third part of Kevin Steen's plan to destroy Ring of Poison, alongside himself and El Generico. This will be Jon Moxley's first match in Ring of Poison, management having finally relented on their hardline stance against the men. After taking out ROP legend Rob Van Dam and running Kevin Steen close, two of the three members of The Unheard will be looking to project their message.
#6 - MIKEY WHIPLASH
Coming across from Scotland, Mikey Whiplash joins the list of ROP debutants on this show. Whiplash is far from inexperienced though, having over a decade of experience in British wrestling. What makes Whiplash stand out from the legions of classic British technical wrestlers though, is his predilection for all things, well, strange - the man enjoys entering in women's clothes, and wrestling in fishnet tights. Don't be fooled though - Whiplash, in the classic British style, can stretch you in ways you can't even imagine.
#7 - 'THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT' RICOCHET
Ricochet has been a member of the Ring of Poison roster for a long time, but has, as yet, found it difficult to make his mark. The Lethal Lottery could be an ideal opportunity for one of the best high flyers in the business today to make an impression, and challenge for the prestigious tag belts. With experience in Japan and Europe with Dragon Gate under his belt, Ricochet could very well be one of the sleeper choices in the Lethal Lottery.
#8 - 'THE SUBMISSION SPECIALIST' GREEN ANT
Following on from the impressive, if unsuccesful, debut of his Colony brethren last month, ROP management extended an invitation to the third member of The Colony, 'The Submission Specialist' Green Ant. Whilst Fire Ant and Soldier Ant are more known for their tag team wrestling, Green Ant can be just as much of an effective team player as Fire and Soldier. Much like Ricochet, Green Ant could sneak through the cracks amongst heavyweights and former champions to be one half of a winning team.
#9 - NIGEL McGUINNESS
As mentioned above, Nigel has made it his mission to defeat Claudio Castagnoli, the man who ended his rather impressive unbeaten run in ROP from his debut until two shows ago. More known as a singles specialist, the former multiple time champion in other promotions could see the Lethal Lottery, and its subsequent shot at the ROP Tag Championships, as a chance to get a foothold in ROP, and gain his first championship.
#10 - TOMMY END
The European contingent in the Lethal Lottery grows even stronger with the arrival of Dutch superstar Tommy End. With a very rightful claim to being the 'Best in Europe,' the former kickboxing champion combines high impact strikes with risky top-rope offence to great effect, with an unpredictable in-ring style that has won him numerous titles, including a great deal of tag titles, worldwide.
#11 - 'THE DESTINY FLOWER' KENNY OMEGA
Omega made his debut at our Seventh Anniversary Show in a losing effort against Samoa Joe, cashing in the first of the open contracts for a shot at the ROP World Championship. Though Omega came up short, the Japanese-based, Canadian-born superstar made enough of an impact for an extension to be extended his way to compete in the first ROP Lethal Lottery - after losing out on the World Championship, the Tag Championship shot up for grabs could be the perfect way for Omega to establish himself.
#12 - 'MR WRESTLING' KEVIN STEEN - REPRESENTING THE UNHEARD
Steen is the leader of The Unheard, the same group Moxley enters the tournament affiliated to. Steen made his biggest impact to date in his first match in ROP at Teeth Like God's Shoeshine, where he competed against Rob Van Dam in an unsanctioned match, where RVD himself put up the money to cover Steen's booking and insurance. The match ended with RVD carried out on a stretcher, yet to be seen since then. Another good showing against Samoa Joe followed last month, and now, finally officially booked onto the ROP roster, Steen is a hot favourite to grab this opportunity.
#13 - 'THE TECHNICAL WIZARD' JOEY RYAN
One of the leading lights of the impressive West Coast independent scene, Joey Ryan will make his first ROP appearance in the Lethal Lottery. The man responsible for "bringing sleazy back" is much, much more than just an entertaining character. Beyond the mustache, aviator shades and chest hair is one of American pro wrestling's most gifted technical wrestlers, and whoever ends up teaming with Ryan gets a ring veteran experienced beyond his years.
#14 - 'THAT YOUNG KNOCKOUT KID' CHRIS HERO
An undisputed favourite in the tournament, Hero is one of ROP's more decorated superstars. One of the longest reigning Tag Team Champions, as well as the longest reigning Intercontinental champion, the former King of Wrestling knows exactly how to take advantage of opportunities here in ROP. With so much tag experience behind him, most of the competitors will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of teaming alongside Hero.
#15 - NOAM DAR
Joining Whiplash and End as the final European competitor, Noam Dar is also the youngest competitor in the tournament at the young age of 18. Dar has impressed not just in his native Scotland, but across Europe, with a strike/high flying hybrid offence that has defeated countless opponents. Dar's youthful energy could make him a very valuable partner in the Lethal Lottery.
#16 - 'THE AMERICAN DRAGON' BRYAN DANIELSON
Few men have made as much of an entrance into ROP as Danielson. Debuting under a mask as Dragon el Tire, he used the unknown character to work his way from the bottom up, eschewing the advantages usually offered to a wrestler of his calibre. Danielson has went undefeated in singles competition since his debut, winning each match rather comfortably. He has said his sights are set on the ROP World Championship, but Danielson knows it would be folly to pass up a chance to win the ROP Tag Team Champiponships.
Also on the show will be two singles matches, with the ROP World Championship on the line as Samoa Joe takes on CHIKARA superstar Brodie Lee, the latest to put his name to one of the open contracts, whilst in the other match ROP Cruiserweight Champion Jigsaw defends his belt against former Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion Cloudy. Join us live on internet pay-per-view later this month for the ROP Lethal Lottery!
