Pick Your Five

[DuncanAries]

For those of you on facebook, you should be familiar with this concept, for those not on facebook, you are given a category and told to pick your top five for that given category. I thought about this, and wondered, just who are our top five characters in NAPW and Rebel Pro. Choose whatever criteria you like as how to judge them. My only request is that they are CURRENT members of the respective rosters. Also try to give us your explanation why in choosing them, if you have the time.

My Rebel Pro Top 5

5)Cuzin Zeke-I've always been a fan of the character since I first laid eyes on Rebel Pro. While there are various characters who represent the many "vibes" of the company, I think Zeke is the heart and soul of the promotion, and the fans, whether he's on top of the world or down at the bottom level cheer him on to victory. His promos are simple, straight forward, and the character really comes across as a very genuine "aw shucks" kind of way.

4)Chad Kurtis-Another guy who is the "face" of the promotion, as it were. As much as Chad is equally a part of NAPW's success(obviously!) I think his reign as champion in Rebel Pro is more prominent to most folks. I will admit, sometimes I read his promos, and while I enjoy them, I always want more(which I don't think is a real knock against him) but he does a good job of being concise, while still getting his point across. In most classic contests in either promotion, he's the guy the fans get behind, and for good reason, he usually achieves whatever he sets out to do.

3)J.T. Whiplash-If my pal Brody was here competing longer, this character would probably be ranked a bit higher. I've encountered Brody's work with other characters many times over the past few years, but in my view, with all due respect to Damien Black and Justin Moreno, none capture the realism of Whiplash. He's a tragic hero of sorts, and I'm a huge fan of characters like that, someone who tugs at your heart strings. I also feel Whiplash's promos, while a little heavy on the sex(sorry Brody!) are still exciting to read. J.T. Whiplash represents both the good and bad things about the business of pro wrestling, and you want him to succeed, even if you want to chew his ass out for making such poor choices in life. To me, a character that elicits so many different responses from you is what good writing is all about.

2)Marcus Marion/Chris Casino-I just couldn't bare to leave one of these guys out of this list, and I couldn't dare put one of them above the other because I feel that would be discrediting the hardwork the handlers of these iconic wrestlers put in time after time. Now saying that, this doesn't mean I think they are both alike, or that they are equal in all facets of e-wrestling, because that wouldn't be true. I like them both, and rank them this high for different reasons. I have seen Marcus Marion grow from the very beginning of his career, to now in Rebel Pro, and I'll be honest, I was a little concerned the character wouldn't make the transition from "a big fish in the ocean" to a "big fish in a small pond" but I'm delighted to see he has fit in very well. Marion, to me, is both a classic heel with all the tendencies that make a bad guy great, with superb wit and intellect to boot. Not trying to downplay Marion, but he's kind of like a heel Triple H or a Ric Flair in that you hate his guts, but you respect what he brings to the table. The same could be said for Casino, but to me, there's no respect factor from most folks, mostly because he's a total tool you want to shoot in the face with a tommy gun. He's the smug rich kid in your school that gets special privileges. He's talented, but he's often overshadowed by his huge ego. You may hate him, but you'd die to be on his side. Same with Marion. To me, both are sort of the unsung heroes of Rebel Pro, but I think that's not going to last long.

1)Thomas Young-I wasn't around for Young's early work in Rebel Pro, but I certainly wish I was. Young shocked the world by winning a tournament and the World Title in grand fashion, but it wasn't his shock value that got me. I like the way he's probably the most "human" character in Rebel Pro. Sometimes he's cool, calm, collected. Other times, like his run with Massacre, he's a raving lunatic that wants to hurt people. Either way, the message is conveyed well in his promos, and you can really get inside his head and see what's ticking. To me, Young gives the face persona an edge to it, and that's one of the many reasons he's my favorite read in Rebel Pro.

My NAPW list is coming soon.

[The Show Chad Kurtis]

I have to do my list in two parts since I have been here since the beginning of Rebel I felt I needed to do my 'pick your five-all time' and 'pick your five-current roster' so here they are:

'All-time'

5.(tie) Nick Everhardt - The ones of you that remember him remember how good he was.
5 (tie) Mystic Ninjas - I loved me some ninjas it took the team of two legends to take down this team that tore thru the company.
4. Derrick Steele- While he wasn't here long he left a lasting mark.
3. Mikey Massacre- Broke the fans hearts when he turned on them but became the best heel the company ever saw.
2. Rex Caliber - It was hard for me not to put Sexy Rexy at number after all the guy held the world title longer then anyone in Rebel history.
1. Kyle Roberts - Kyle was the face of Rebel from the time it opened it's doors until he called it quits defeating Kyle in the steel cage for the world title is the highlight of Chad's career.

'Current'

5 (tie) Thomas Young - I love Thomas but without being any disrespect he would be higher but he seems to disappear sometimes.
5 (tie) The Freak Show - I just like them they are as original a tag team as we have had since those damn ninjas.
5 (tie) Yung Mula- I am sure the team of Jersey and Mack will shoot up this list but with them just return I thought this would be the spot for them.
4. Duncan Aires - Took me a little while to get use to his unique style but I am now a fan.
3 Marcus Marion - This guy could easily be on top of my list. I have kept my eye on him since he debut and continue to love what I see.
2. JT Whiplash- I haven't been so exicited by the debut of a new roster member is forever.
1. Chris Casino - He has been here long and I maybe giving him this spot just because of his history but I have always been a big mark for Casino. Hell the man almost turned Chad heel. Enough said.

Will those are my lists and while I left some people off on purpose ('The Show' Chad Kurtis) others I left off simply because I had to make some tough choices (last two off the current list was Cuzin Zeke and Vincent Black, last two off the all-time list was SBK and Mike Trey) but there are others that I still really enjoy such as Wrath so don't take my list personal if you didn't make my cut it was all done in fun.

[The Freak Show]

Well, I've given this some thought and here's my list.

REBEL

5-Mack - Because, well it's my list and this is where he stands on it.

4-Aeolus Wrath - What can I say, I've always had a soft spot for the lonley, brooding type.

3-Chad Kurtis - I normally don't like the Uber face types but Chad makes this work.

2-J.T. Whiplash - I've always been a Jake Robeerts mark, and ol' J.T. reminds me of him.

1-Chris Casino - Because he's better then you.

NAPW

5-Krenshov - The True Honour Champion just keeps getting it done.

4-Astros - He gets it done. Any way he can.

3-Jeffrey Roberts - He is the perfect Psycopath

2-Kumquat Kid - He's just that damn... funny

1-Steve Parker - He just plays the "Heel Patriot" perfectly.

[J.T. Whiplash]

Wow guys, I'm blown away by all the commendations and praise I've received. Consider, really (outside of a brief run in SHOOT), this is the first RP fed I've been part of in five years or so, I'm glad everyone has taken to the J.T. Whiplash character like they have. And to address one thing Nick mentioned with the sex in the promos, it's really not done for shock value, there is an actual reason for it... you'll just have to keep reading future J.T. Whiplash promos.

Anyway, my NAPW Top 5

5. Krenshov
4. Jeffrey Roberts
3. Donovan Astros
2. Kumquat Kid
1. Steve Parker

REBEL Top 5

5. Cuzin Zeke
4. Aeolus Wrath
3. Chad Kurtis
2. Chris Casino
1. Marcus Marion

[Team Brion]

My REBEL Top Five!

5. Cuzin Zeke - I absolutly heart this guy lol. Any character that comes out to the theme to the Beverly Hillbillies is money in my book. Great promo style and a guy who could probably beat anyone on any given night. hands down one of the guys I always whose RP's I always read.

4. Duncun Aries - Kinda shocked no one mentioned him yet. Really like his style and his last few RP's have been awesome. Depending on where he wants to take the character he could be the next big heel or face of REBEL.

3. J.T. Whiplash / Marcus Marion - Love both of these guys. Marcus could and maybe should have beaten me for the Carolinas title (but hey he still has that trophy!) and he's a lock to someday very soon to have some kinda gold around his waist. I dig the realism in Whiplash. Very interesting character and someone I'd love to lock horns with soon.

2. Chad Kurtis - The absolute face (no pun) of REBEL. Won every title multiple times and has taken on and usually beaten the toughest most evil guys REBEL has thrown at him. I LOVE that if he loses a match he just shakes it off and comes back twice as hard. easily the top face and one of the most respected guys here.

1. Thomas Young - I've watched Young for a long time and his improvment has been amazing. From jobber in NAPW to triple crown champ in REBEL. Was once a member of my favorite tag team in The Foundation. Even though we've only faced off once, he took it to me and had me sweatin' every second lol. I know he's currently dealing with personal issues (thus the loss to Phoenix) and I hope everything works out for him. But for me, Young could be the darkhorse that leads REBEL into the biggest run this place has ever had.

NAPW pick 5's to come later!

[YoungMoney]

If I include myself in the list, no doubt I'll be #1. But this is not about me, this for the people I thought was the best in the game, since the day I started.

NAPW::

5.(Tie) Hatework/The Outlaw

4.(Tie) Chris Casino/Evan Cartwright/KKP

3. Steve Parker

2. The Show Chad Kurtis

1. Sick Billy Kryenik

REBEL::

5.(Tie) Vincent Black/Cuzin Zeke

4. El Corazones

3. Bubba J

2. Rex Caliber

1. Michael Massacre

[Bean]

NAPW
5. Krenshov-A monster with awesome promos, great skills, and a person I fear to encounter.
4. Taboo-just... awesome.
3. Kumquat Kid-A talking kumquat? That gets my vote. Not to mention playing the NES... awesomness.
2. Chad Kurtis-This guy is just balls to the wall awesome.
1. Steve Parker-Was really a tie between Steve and Chad, but one has to win over the other and the fact that Steve reminds me of "The Patriot" in WCW with a heel persona gave him the nod.


Rebel Pro:
5. Macculloch-Now that he's back, one of my favorite e-wrestlers to write for.
4. Yung Mula-Got both Jer$ey and Mack in here so yeah, dedication, willingness, and full of great ideas.
3. Thomas Young-A real man's man, brings realism back to fantasyland.
2. The Freak Show-Was going to put in NAPW, but here is a great mention as well. My second fav team besides GAN.
1. JT Whiplash-Reminds me so much of Bubba J and is as hardcore real life as they come.

All-Time
NAPW:
5. Donovan Astros-a hard man to face, but fun to go up against.
4. Ravager-just... great.
3. Chris Casino-tells you like it is and if you don't like it... f**k you.
2. Krusty Kid Paul-hardcore, dedicated, awesome.
1. Big Mitch-just love reading his promos, they makea me a laugh-a.

REBEL PRO:
5. Cuzin' Zeke-Face, heel, one of the Icons of Rebel Pro.
4. Massacre-need I even say more?
3. Rex Caliber-A damn fine fed head, not to mention had some great ideas to counteract my suggestions in promos.
2. Sick Billy Kryenik-My favorite handler to go up against. Billy and Bubba J could just roll off of each other's promos and could have gone many more rps than just 3 many many times.
1. Extreme Elite-GAN, Vincent Black, Bubba J? Man, these was some fun times. I had to put them here because it gets Black in as Well as Great Alaskan Ninja(s), not to put me #1.

[SteveParker]

First off, it warms my heart that I'm on your guys' lists. I'm blushing, really!

Making these lists are hard, because there are so many great characters in these two feds, but if you held a gun to my head, here are my top fives:

NAPW:

5. Kenny Krenshov: The most badass monster heel since Sid Vicious in his prime, sans the crappy workrate .

4. Donovan Astros: I've always really dug smartass characters, and Astros walks that fine anti-hero line so well. By the way, I dig the slow heel tease.

3. Kumquat Kid: Old, dated trivia references? Old-school video gaming? EARTHBOUND? Yeah, I'm sold.

2. TIE - Style Clash: Taboo, the pseudo-tragic hero (with nods to certified badasses Taz and Steve Williams) and Chad Kurtis, the All-American (and Canadian) superstar are impossible NOT to cheer for... even when I'm fighting them.

1. TIE (again) - Roddy Mac and Bruce Richards: Two of my favorite feuds so far. Whether it was as Demo-Man or Rodderick, he was the first character that I saw when I get here and said to myself, "I want to feud with THAT guy!" And Bruce... need I say more, given our history? I love the intellectual monster, like the X-Men character Beast (hmm, I wonder... oh, and if I got that reference wrong, forgive me. I'm not much of a comic book guy).

REBEL Pro:

5. Cuzin' Zeke: Everybody loves a good ol' boy!

4. Thomas Young: Like I said in another thread, I see him as being the next Chad Kurtis, in terms of being Rebel's uber-face.

3. Marcus Marion: Smarmy AND classy. I love it.

2. J.T. Whiplash: Like Taboo, Whiplash is an awesome tragic hero. Hard not to cheer for the "washed-up, rode-hard-and-put-away-wet" veteran.

1. Chris Casino: Gotta love cool, cocky heels with attitudes. A guy you want to hang with because he knows a good time, but then you're at the bar with him, and then you want to smash your beer bottle over his smug noggin because his arrogance gets on your nerves.

There, now you can pull the gun away.

[Rodderick]

NAPW
5. Tie OCB and LDK, REES!- THE BEARD wins... no the Boys win... no I can't decide. LDK has done it all and the OCB are red hot tag team gold.
4. Taboo-What can you say about TABOO? Everything. I really liked the story of this character. Old man gets title! yay
3. Kumquat Kid-A walking talking 80's encyclopedia! Love it!! Now all the faithful kumquatian viewers need to slap on some slap bracelets.
2. Steve Parker-The man who I wanted to fued with! Nothing said cocky like Parker. He is easily one of my favorites.
1. Blood Harvest- [HORNS] Nuff said!


Rebel Pro:
5. Vincent Black- Hardcore Drinking and the Extreme Elite still one of my favorite storylines to follow.
4. Yung Mula- I never got the Jer$ey vs. Demo-Man storyline that I would have loved to had. Both men were so similar yet so different.
3. Marcus Marion-New blood who has definite potential.
2. KKP-I absolutely loved this character in the NAPW and I am glad he found his way back to wrestling.
1. Chris Casino-Arrogance and confidence rolled up with expert wrestling skill enough said.

All-Time BOTH FEDS: I just based these on my favorite characters who no longer wrestle. These are my fab five faves. No reasons needed just read the storylines and you will see why they are great.

5. Ravager
4. GAN
3. Massacre
2. Sick Billy Kryenik
1. Jake Phoenix