First off the bat, let me say, collectively, what a GREAT bunch of RPers these new guys are. Over the years, we've had our share of absolute nobheads try out in the TFWF - guys who couldn't RP their way out of a paper bag - your Dancing Dave Martinezs, your Razers, your Executioners... but I can safely say each and every one of you is a star. Right, let's break it down....
JC McDonald - Possibly the most talked about of the new guys. What Justin has is a strong use of language, coupled with a good understanding of promo psychology. I've always got admiration for someone who can really get to the heart of their opponents' personality within their promos. Justin has also started to give The Mould his own style, that of a well dressed clothes horse, which helps him stand out. I envisage a very close ladder match at Ice Storm.
Jost McLain - It's funny, Jost has probably been in the TFWF for months and months now, but, in a totally positive way, I still see him as one of the 'new blood'. His feud with Shane Anderson really put Mclain on the map, and Jost has really got to grips with what makes a memorable face character - the posing, the catchphrases, the playing to the crowd - when it's so much easier to be a standout heel. Good man.
Doc Holliday - Another of the older new guys, if that makes sense - Kirk was smart enough to give his character a strong identity, therefore making it easier to get noticed. He plays what could've been a cliched character well, and I fully expect him to push it to the hilt in 2005.
Mike Mitchell - Like Justin, John has a very good use of language, and is obviously well read. I must admit I had doubts at first about his ability to sell his opponents, but John seems to have settled in now, and he appears to be at ease with the TFWF way. As good as he is singly, I personally love the interplay between him and Rhys when they tag-up for RPs. Excellent heels both.
Jason Leary - Again, a strong identity - the patriotic Englishman -helps Leary stand out. Dazzman is a good, solid RPer, but I'd like to see more from him next year, as I feel he isn't winning as many matches as he should be.
Aaron Roberts - On the other hand, Aaron has demonstrated that hard work and enthusiasm pay off in droves. Hardcore champion, and his match with Grunt should be one of the most interesting at Ice Storm, thanks to the quality of RPs put into the match. He reminds me of the RP workrate of Hardcore Legend when he first started here (what the Hell happened there, Cliff? lol) Aaron also knows how heel heat works. Still, I should have expected him to be good - Gloucester IS a breeding ground for great RPers, after all *cough*....
Rhys Pect - I've got a lot of respect (yes, pun intended) for Rhys Pect. I've had a soft spot for him ever since his Train Trax days. What I particularly like about Rhys is that he's a damn good sport. When Twist RPed against him a few months back with the 'Don't Give A Fuck' horn RP, he could've got the hump and totally no-sold the concept. Instead, he ran with it, and made it all the funnier. And let's not forget the good humour he took the Hall Of Shame entry in. Top man. As I said earlier, he and Mitchell make a great double act, and an excellent pair of heels.
Beoux Brown - A bit early to call. Spelling obviously isn't his strong point, but that never held Steve-o back. RPs are a bit short at the moment, hopefully he's just finding his rhythm. At least he had the sense to leave his last RP open for someone to follow on. Once again, his Cajun character is different enough to get him noticed, let's see how he catches on.
OK, that's almost it. Two things - Firstly I'd like to say that ALL of the new guys have embraced the TFWF style, which I think is amazing. So many e-feds discourage, or outright ban, in-ring promos, but here... we kinda like it. In my eyes, in-ring promos help an e-fed seem more like a real fed, and not just a fantasy creative writing contest. So, it's great that you've all adapted to our idiosyncrasies.
Secondly, I decided to write this column out of a sense of public duty (and cos you guys have inspired me). Ever since Si Beck (Pimp In) left, I feel we've lacked somewhere where RPers can get positive and constructive feedback. So, here it is, one man's opinion.
Anyway, enough of my yakkin'. Have a good Christmas, y'all.
Till next time,
Chad says..... gobble gobble