#intercontinental cup

[retropopcult]

RIP Pelé (October 23, 1940 – December 29, 2022)

Pelé (born Edson Arantes do Nascimento), the Brazilian soccer legend who won three World Cups and became the sport’s first global icon, has died at the age of 82 from complications related to colon cancer.

For more than 60 years, the name Pelé has been synonymous with soccer. He played in four World Cups and is the only player in history to win three, but his legacy stretched far beyond his trophy haul and remarkable goal-scoring record.

“I was born to play football, just like Beethoven was born to write music and Michelangelo was born to paint,” He once said.

Averaging almost a goal per game throughout his career, Pelé was adept at striking the ball with either foot in addition to anticipating his opponents' movements on the field. His dribbling skills were on a higher level, and the best and most experienced defenses were rarely able to stop him. In all, Pele's pro career totaled 1,280 goals (a Guinness world record) and he scored 77 goals for Brasil in World Cup games, also a record.

He won many titles with his Brazilian club, Santos FC, and is their all-time goals leader. He also represented Brasil in four World Cups starting at the age of 17, winning in 1958, 1962, and 1970.  FIFA then dubbed him simply, “The Greatest”; Brazilians called him O Rei (”The King”). 

After retiring from Brazilian (and International World Cup Play) soccer in 1974, he signed on with the New York Cosmos and wowed American fans for three years.  Pelé finished his official playing career by leading the Cosmos to their second championship in 1977.  He then enjoyed his international celebrity status, including a starring role in the film “Victory”, shown above.

[chaos64sprinkles]

Bayern Munchen In Pixel Art! (Made By N-Slash-A)

N-Slash-A: Bayern Munchen is the most famous German team not only in Germany but also in Europe sometimes, their mascot is the bear and their main rival is Borussia Dortmund, whose mascot is a bee, what a coincidence right and I think it's humiliating because Bayern always wins against its rival in almost everything, just like Flamengo and Vasco for life, their stadium is called Allianz Arena which is the most beautiful stadium in Europe which is very colorful, the team has won 4 World Cups , 6 champions league and since the 2012-13 edition, the team has been fighting for German championship titles all the time, despite its relegation in the 1900s, this does not take away all the merit that Bayern Munchen has recently achieved all glory!

[viper-motorsports]

Nighttime at the 2022 Spa 24 Hours

[trustherkindheart]

I'm sorry TWENTY-TWO minutes of added time???? In a world cup qualifier??? With a player stretchered off the field in the twenty second added minute???

AND a red card to a goalie resulting in the dreaded field player stepping in to keep scenario???

[anxiousmillennialcowboy]

interesting!! I was not expecting ricochet to win. santos looked really strong in a loss, so I'm not too upset about it - EXCEPT that this drills home the narrative that he can't win without the rest of LDF. I'm hoping they build on that and build story around that, because santos absolutely can and should win without them.

good smackdown. see ya at the next show ✌🏻

[usanews-now]

Iranian in protest solidarity gesture in Dubai event | The Express Tribune

Iranian in protest solidarity gesture in Dubai event | The Express Tribune

PARIS: An Iranian beach soccer player was Monday applauded on social media but risked sanctions at home after an apparent gesture at an international tournament in solidarity with the anti-regime protest movement. The Iranian team on Sunday won the Emirates Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup in Dubai 2-1 against Brazil thanks to a goal from Saeed Piramoun. Rather than celebrating his strike,…

[viandclintbarton-supremacy]

The Unkillable Lion (GN Wrestler Reader x Russio)

Warning: Mentions of blood, swearing and bad writing

W/N = Wrestler Name

Your heart beat was bumping, nerves settled in, its happening!!

You are going to walk out at Wembley Stadium for the match of your life. A match in your home country, the biggest ever and in front of a sold out crowd. But not infront of your family....It sucked. Not only was your family stuck in Australia but your sister and girlfriend lost the finals of the Women's World Cup and all you could do was call and text them since thier flights were delayed. You could physically be here for them. You sighed resuming your stretching

*Crowd roars*

You glanced at the backstage monitor the screen just showed the graphic of the next match

For the Newly reinstated NJPW Intercontinental Championship

NO HOLDS BARRED

"The Unkillable" W/N

VS

"The King" Minoru Suzuki (C)

Excalibur on the commentary team "Up next will The King Suzuki be knocked off his throne? Or will The Unkillable be Killed on their home soil"

Jim ross would respond "There is no doubt that this match with be a slobber knocker"

You smiled before feeling a hand on your shoulder, you turn to see Kenny Omega

Y/N:"Great match out there today Kenny" He smiled

Kenny:"Do I ever have a bad match" giving you a really look

F/N:"Fair Point"

Kenny:"This crowd is red hot, they are gonna have your back I'd say even against Suzuki. And i have ni doubt your family and gal are gonna be watching from Australia"

You looked at him with a determined smile "Thanks Ken"

"5 minutes F/N" You hear from the gorilla position.

"Now go show them what the Elite is all about " you smirked and winked before leaving to go tear the house down

"Calm down mum, F/N will be fine."

"Well you know what i am like Jorge"

"They are a Bronze they will survive anything, right Luc?" Jorge would turn to his sister who had a far away look in her eye. Jorge slightly frowned, the impact of losing the World Cup final was still being processed.

"Luc?" Lucy felt a nudge of a leg moving her leg, she looked to her side to see Keira "Jorge was saying Bronze's can survive anything, personally i think he is correct" Bronze smiled as she looked at the tv and starred at her sibling face. She felt so much pride seeing her sibling being apart of something so big and living their dream.

"Yeah they will survive, though knowing Y/N there will be blood"

"BLOOD!" the room would jump at the sound of Alessia Russo sudden outburst.

"Bloody hell Les!" Ella Toone would say placing her arm on her chest from being startled "Sorry i just didn't know, i don't even know what this match actually is. will their actually be blood" Alessia would say looking at Bronze with slight worry but also embarrassment. She felt bad as she still didn't understand Y/N's job fully. She hated watching them get hurt but to star bleeding???

"Well basically a No Holds Barred Match is anything goes. No count outs they can use any sort of weapon, go anywhere in the stadium." Lucy would say earing the attention of some of the lionesses who were also watching and those new to the sport. Since the flights were delayed, the group decide to have a massive hang out with the team and families "And yes Y/N has a history being busted open" Lucy would say with grimace on her face. Making Alessia more nervous and scared for Y/N.

Alessia met Y/N on her first match for the Senior England Team, Y/N was supporting their sister Lucy during the match and the duo would have a brief encounter but would greet each other everytime. One of the things Russio like about Y/N was they always greeted everyone and shook peoples hands. no matter if they were players, team's family's or staff. As a wrestler Y/N always showed respect and etiquette to everyone.

It wasnt until Alessia moved to London after signing for Arsenal, That their paths would cross at a gym from there the duo would grow closer. Everytime Y/N would go across the country or abroad, Alessia would miss the charming wrestler. And when Russio did the same Y/N would miss the clumsy but talented footballer.

It wasn't until a gym session 2 months ago after the duo both hadn't seen each other for nearly two months that one thing led to another that the duo would engage in a heated night of passion..........in the gym bathroom.........and then Y/N's Car......and then Y/N's bed. Basically a LOT of PASSION happened that night.

The duo would become an item, keeping it on the low and eventually would tell thier families tho both were SCARED TO FUCK to tell Lucy. Given the fact that the last time Lucy found out F/N had a partner.....well F/N doesn't know actually their partner just vanished, no sign of where they went but it smelt of Lucy's involvement.

When the duo announced to Lucy, it was a surprise as she seemed to beam with happiness seeing her teammate and her siblings together. She knew Russio well and trusted her and when Lucy embraced Russio, she would whisper "If anything happens to them, remember it's very easy for me to find you" Before hugging her sibling leaving Les gulping slightly before smiling nervously.

Alessia's worry grew she struggles to watch F/N wrestle, seeing them getting hurt and thrown around scared her. and now blood? She would be lying is she said she understood wrestling. She was snapped out of her trance by a hand on her shoulder "Les? They will be ok. this is their job" Alessia turned to the voice and smiled at her best friend Ella Toone. "She's right. They will fuck that guy up" Russio smiled at Mary Earps comment.

*Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne plays at Wembley"

The crowd roars as the lionesses and focus on the screen.

You hear the rumble of the crowd, you wanted for your cue to leave, you couldn't wait to leave and see the crowd and start the walk to the ring.

Lucy breathed out, feeling nervous for you as Les got excited

You started to walk down the Hallway, every step the view of the crowd getting more and more in view. As you step out the crowd cheered like maniac and wanted for you to remove your hood and ignite your pyro.

"Oh my god, the colour of their gear" Stanway pointed out. Gaining the attention of the lionesses "Its the same colour scheme as our away kit" The lionesses couldn't help but feel flattered at the gesture whilst the Bronze family were filled with pride

You removed the hood revealing your face and the pyro went off to loud cheers as you screamed and shouted to the fans to cheer. you felt the breeze against your skin as you stood there for the moment to take it all in. you looked out to the sea of people. Your fellow countrymen and fans that came to see you. Lucy watched with pride, She knew the feeling you had right now. whilst Les smiled at the cute reaction you showed You nodded as you began to walk down the ramp high fiving the fans and kids in the front row.

"A year ago a team of Lionesses walked onto the pitch of Wembley and played with pride and passion to become champions of Europe. One of those Lionesses was Lucy Bronze" Nigel McGuiness paused. The lionesses ears were listening at the commentator with smiles. they may have lost the finals but they did achieve greatness with winning the euros. As Lucy's name was mentioned

"Now a year later, W/N Bronze walks into the same Arena. With the goal to become champion like their sister. This isn't a try and fail for Y/N this is a must for them. They HAVE to walk out of Wembley champion" Les couldn't help but the amount of pressure you must be under, she didn't think of the story of his match and started to worry what if you did lose. She has lost the finals of the World Cup, she couldn't bear to see you lose too "They need to win, so when they walked down the streets, people will come up to then and say. 'Hey you are the NJPW Intercontinental Champ, W/N Bronze right?.' And Not 'oh isn't Lucy Bronze your sister.'"

The group would frown as you entered the ring. Did the commentator really say that. They thought it was harsh, but Lucy knew. She hated seeing you accomplish so much but still be referred as the other sibling. Alessia also knew she would see interviews of you and every time you were undermined and Lucy was brought up you can feel your energy switch.

As you made your way to the ring, the crowd's energy continued to surge and you couldn't help but feel the support from your home country. The cheers and chants were overwhelming and it motivated you even more for the match. You knew that this was a critical moment in your career, and you had to give it your all and you couldn't LOSE

The Lionesses and your family continued to watch with bated breath. Lucy felt the pride of being your sister and couldn't help but recall her own moments of glory at Wembley. She understood the immense pressure you were under, and her heart swelled with hope for your success. Alessia, on the other hand, was torn between her excitement for you and her deep concern. She wasn't familiar with wrestling and seeing you in a No Holds Barred match with the potential for blood made her uneasy. The support and reassurance of her friends helped ease her worries, but she couldn't help but feel a knot in her stomach.

"F/N started in the outskirts of Sunderland before heading to Japan, Joining the Faction Chaos by recommendation of Will Ospreay, there Y/N would win multiple tag titles and tournaments before betraying Okada and leaving Chaos and Joining the Bullet Club. A year later F/N would be kicked out of the BC with the Elite and headed to AEW. And now to Wembley. What a journey for this Youngblood" Jim Ross said as he praised you. the commentary about your journey and the pressure to succeed struck a chord with Lucy, Alessia and your Family. They knew how much this meant to you, not just as a wrestler but as an individual trying to step out of your sibling's shadow.

The atmosphere in Wembley Stadium shifted as "The King" Minoru Suzuki made his way to the ring. He was a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his no-nonsense, hard-hitting style and a reputation as one of the toughest men in the business.

Suzuki's presence alone exuded an aura of intimidation. His face bore the scars of countless battles, and his cold, unflinching stare made it clear that he had no intention of relinquishing his Intercontinental Championship without a brutal fight.

You watched as he swaggered down the ramp. You prepared yourself mentally as you knew he was gonna try and murder you but you were prepared to fight no matter the cost

The crowd which had been firmly behind you, was now divided. Some cheered for the local hero, "The Unkillable" W/N Bronze, while others cheered to the reigning champion, Suzuki, Hoping that he would tear you apart. The air was electric with anticipation and you could feel the weight of the moment pressing upon you.

The referee checked both competitors for any concealed weapons, making it clear that in a No Holds Barred match, anything could and would happen. The tension in the ring was palpable as the official signaled for the match to begin.

You and Suzuki locked eyes and for a brief moment, He tilted his head before smiling like a maniac, You replied with a smirk. Both of you understood the magnitude of the battle about to take place.

So you decided to throw a chop to the Japanese legend. A loud smack can be heard as Suzuki was caught off guard before accepting the challenge "Come on then wanker" You say trying goad him

Then he did, You felt the chop ripple threw your body sending electricity throughout your body. The each delivering thunderous knife-edge chops to the other. The sound of flesh meeting flesh reverberated throughout the stadium, and the crowd's cheers and gasps grew louder with each strike. Your chest and Suzuki's were both bright red from the onslaught of chops, and neither of you showed any signs of backing down. It was a test of willpower, a battle of endurance, and the audience couldn't believe the spectacle they were witnessing.

"Why why are doing this" Alessia had her hands to her face, During the chop off. She hated seeing you het hit like this and hearing the sounds of the smack echoing around the area "Fucking hit hm F/N" But lucy on the other hand was invested and wanted you to slap the shit out of your opponent

But in a sudden turn of events, Suzuki let out a deep, guttural laugh, his sadistic grin never leaving his face.

"Oh shit" You regretted your challenge

*Chop*

The crowd's gasps turned into collective exclamations of shock and your friends and family watched as the chop sent you to the ground like a bag of potatoes. Alessia squealed as she turned into her father's direction who was laughing at his daughters reaction. "Jesus Christ" Lucy would hear from her brother as he held his child in his arms. Meanwhile you laid there as Suzuki was taunting you "I think my chest is caved in" You would say feeling like you got shot. This was gonna be a war.

Many moments would happen during the match, You power bombing Suzuki through a table, him hitting you with a chair, brawling in the crowed. It wasn't until you took a barbed wire bat to the head that cut you open above the eye. Your family gave a grim look whilst Alessia shrieked and hid her face in Ella's shirt. You looked dazed as the blood dripped down your face and you spat out the blood that fell into your mouth. It was a site that made the crowd stare at you. The match went almost 28 mins before you found yourself in a Gotch powerbomb set up as he went to lift you, You countered with a DDT just as Alessia peeked out

"Focking hell" Toone would say as Your family and lionesses cheered. Alessia heart filled with excitement and amazement. You fighting with such passion made her heart flutter

And then you hit a Bronze Maker (Flatliner) when he ran for you

"BRONZE MAKER!! CAN THAT BE THE MOVE OT MAKE BRONZE, A GOLD MAKER!!" Nigel would say on commentary

As you laid down you heard the chants for you and the rhythm of claps from 81.000 strong behind you. The whole stadium was alive for Y/N Bronze. You staggered up and saw Suzuki now bleeding from the head was on one knee you had to stop him so you ran and dropkicked him into the corner

Alessia was in a trance.

Seeing your chance and the adrenaline pumping jumped to the top rope top, The crowd rumbling they knew what was next after sticking your tongue out with dried blood over your face, you hit your iconic The moonsault stomp "HERE IT COMES"

The crowd popped sending a massive shockwave throughout the arena

"HOLY SHIT!" Mary Earps said in shock

"THAT WAS FUCKING SICK" Stanway said in a hyped voice

"I FELT THAT ONE" Hemp would say as she grimaced

"GO ON Y/N" Millie Bright said a pumped up attitude

"COME ON Y/N" Lucy calm demeanour changed as she couldn't keep still and fully stood up bouncy.

"Come on babygirl/babyboy" Alessia whispered to herself

You stood over the body of your Suzuki and grabbed both arms and brought him to his knees "COME ON KID, MAKE A NAME FOR YOURSELF AND ARCHIVE GREATNESS" Jim Ross adding more excitement and goosebumps with his words and passion

"NIGHT NIGHT MOTHERFUCKER" You shouted as you used the last of your strength to drive your knee into Suzuki's head.

"LION KILLER!!!!" Excalibur shouted on commentary. The crowd roared with passion, as it was like a button you hit on Suzuki's head to make them roar. The room of Lionesses watched on with anticipation

You fall on top of Suzuki and pin him. You hear the referee land on the canvas. And everyone counted with him

"ONE" the ref screamed along with the crowd

"TWO" The Bronze's, Alessia and the lionesses screamed

It felt like forever that you watched the hand come down but eventually

Lucy had goosebumps all over her body. Could it be, Will she finally see you achieve your dream

Alessia was on the break of tears. The art of wrestling, her love and proudness of you was beaming

Finally

"THREE!" Your heart stopped. The crowd roared, your family was in a mixture of tears and joy.

Lucy was hugging and shaking Keira around with joy. She was overwhelmed by seeing you achieve your dream. She saw you start from a underdog to a champion. This meant more to her then the World Cup.

Alessia was tearing up as Ella and Mary were teasing but also cheering. She now understood the moments wrestling made and how it made fans feel. And to see you in such a moment made her cry and celebrate with her friends and lucy

"HE/SHE DID IT, W/N HAS ACHIEVED IMMORTALITY AT WEMBLEY" Jim Ross shouted with passio

You layed there, you did it. You thought looking up to the sky with the open roof of Wembley in view, you don't know how long it took until you realized the ref standing over you with the belt. You slowly sat up onto your knees and held the title staring at it like a new born baby. You then shot up with pride ignoring the pain and held it above your head and the crowd roared once again. A image will for ever be in the minds for Fans's Lucy and Alessia.

As the celebrations went on Omega, The Young Bucks, Ibushi and Hangman came out and praised you as you were lifted onto the Buck's Shoulders. Ella nudging Alessia as she saw the jealous look on her face. But then music hit

"Woah hold on here" Jim Ross said as out of the entrance way came Will Ospreay and members of the United Empire "Its Ospreay, we saw him earlier tonight when he beat Jericho." Excaliber would say "So is the Aussie Open and Jeff Cobbs but that snake Don Callis and Takashita are alongside them." You looked confused as the young bucks set you down. Kenny, Ibushi and Hangman glared at Takeshita and Don Callis due to Earlier events.

As they entered the ring, The Golden Elite stood behind you and the United Empire behind Ospreay as the two of you had a face to face. The stadium rumbled at the sight. Making this a match they wanted. Don would step forward and in response so would Kenny. A action that made Don step back. Kenny was now to you right making it Osprey's left. Kenny glared at will, He still wasn't done with the aerial assassin. As a gesture of he wasn't finished he held up the finger triggers to Ospreay

The Lionesses were Intrigued by this situation. Alessia was annoyed that you didn't get a full celebration and wanted you to have your moment. but Lucy knew something was off by your stance.

And then

"OH MY GAWD!" Jim Ross shouted

"WHAT!! Nigel was flabbergasted

Alessia was wide eyed as most of the Lionesses. Lucy eyebrow raised in surprise

You just SuperKicked Kenny

The arena was stunned, The Golden Elite were frozen. The United Empire then rushed The Elite and started to dismantle them. As you and Ospreay starred at each other, A growing smirk came to both of your faces

"Oh don't tell me" Jim Ross would say kn commentary. You would then make the United Empire hand sign and hug will laughing. "Oh that son of a bitch!" You both grabbed Kenny as you set him up for Will's hidden blade.

You would laugh and stick your tongue out

"Oh you two are definitely related" Lucy would hear Hemp say to which Lucy shrugged smirking "It's a family thing" . Alessia however was shocked at your evil side and couldn't help but blush at the cockiness you were showing.

You then decided to lift Kenny on your shoulders and hit him with his own move. The One Winged Angel

You sat there laughing with Ospreay as your girlfriend blushed more

"Oooh you like when your playmate is a baddie" Mary bumped Alessia making her more embarrassed.

There you stood at Wembley. With your new wrestling family and champion

A few days later

"BABY!!" Alessia was caught off guard but welcomed you picking her up and holding her "I missed you so much" you placed her down and kissed her to which see kissed you back after a minute of tongue twirling of you would part for breathe. "I missed you" You said to your girlfriend. "I missed you too sweetheart"

You smiled with pride " I am so fucking proud of you babe" You said. She smiled sadly but then she cupped your cheeks "Not as proud as me champ" You smiled smugly "Well i am a talented bastard." Alessia fought back a laugh before looking down and biting her lip. You placed your finger on her chin lifting her to look at you. "Whats wrong pet" You gave her a cocky smile. Alessia loved it and knew what was happening. One of her teammates blabbed to you about her liking your bad side. She inches closer.

"THERES MY BOY/GIRL!" all of a sudden you felt yourself picked up into the arms of you sister Lucy. To which you hugged back. The two of you started to playfight "LETS GO CHAMP" Lucy would start saying. You haven't seen her this happy since the Euros. You couldn't help but be happy with Lucy's reaction to your win. Ever since you were a child you wanted her approval and recognition. She was the best sister ever. You notice people at the airport started to look at you and so did lucy. Alessia couldn't help but smile at the cute behaviour before her

"YEAH MY BROTHER/SISTER IS A CHAMPION AND WHAT!" Lucy shouted as she wrapped her arm around your shoulder and leading you away. You reached out your hand to Alessia who grabbed her stuff and your hand and walked with you "Seriously Y/N i am so proud of you bro" Lucy squeezed you closer as you rested you head on her shoulder for a sec "Thanks Lu. I am proud of you two. You were amazing throughout" She smiled sadly before cheering up "Thanks child" You rolled your eyes "That reminds me i got both of you Souvenirs from the show and Keira also" The girls smiled, Lucy was extra thankful as you mentioned her partner is was having a hard time with her injury.

The duo mentioned they got something for you two as you walked out of the airport not before a squeak came from Alessia after you gave a cheeky squeeze to her bum, showing off the cocky side once more leading to you and Lucy laughing at her flustered look

The End

this took so long, like 2 - 3 months. kept dropping in and out of it but i hope my Wrestling readers and woso readers enjoyed it. If you are a fan of both then consider yourself spoiled.

but this leads to a question would you like more wrestling x woso? let me know

and all feedback is welcome.

[ineedtopost]

Random clips of Paolo from the 1989 Intercontinental cup tv special thing:

Theres the original but dont download it if you have low storage because its 1gb

[wrestlingisfake]

so... i need to know more about the House of Torture. any idea where to start?

I think the best thing I can do is run down the origins and history of the group, and link to some shows on NJPW world if you want to check them out for more information. Then I'll try to sum up their general vibe, and why Jack Perry fits into their faction.

House of Torture got its start as a part of Bullet Club, back in 2020. I think technically they're still a subgroup of Bullet Club, but the two factions don't have much to do with one another these days.

The thing about New Japan in 2020 is that the pandemic really screwed up their schedule, and the international travel restrictions left a lot of their non-Japanese roster stuck outside the country. Bullet Club was especially hit hard, since it's generally been an "evil foreigner" group. So New Japan needed to make a new star and also prop up Bullet Club with some new, domestic members.

First, EVIL turned on Los Ingobernables de Japon. He won the New Japan Cup with help from Bullet Club's Gedo (July 11, 2020). Then he beat LIJ's leader, Tetsuya Naito, at Dominion (July 12) to win the IWGP heavyweight and intercontinental titles. Bullet Club never played fair, but there was absolutely no subtlety about Evil's heel act. That title win featured a ton of run-ins, low-blows, you name it. Dick Togo, a 50-something legend from the Japanese indies, debuted to join the group as Evil's personal henchman.

Yujiro Takahashi quickly became associated with Evil and Togo, simply because there weren't a lot of other Bullet Club guys left in the country to team with. Yujiro joined Bullet Club way back in 2014, and the pimp gimmick he developed back then hasn't changed much over the years. The most notable thing about him is that he saunters to the ring with a professional go-go dancer named Pieter, but unfortunately she hasn't been brought in much since the pandemic.

Evil's big title reign didn't last long, and pundits generally considered it a failure. He only managed to get one successful title defense, against his former LIJ buddy Hiromu Takahashi at Sengoku Lord (July 25, 2020). After that, Naito won back his two belts at Summer Struggle (August 29). Evil went back down to the midcard.

The final piece of the puzzle came a year later, after SHO turned on his tag team partner YOH. They had a grudge match at Wrestle Grand Slam (September 4, 2021). Right after the match, Evil, Dick Togo, and Yujiro came to the ring wearing "House of Torture" shirts, and gave one to him. From that point on, the four men were clearly distinct from Bullet Club, even if they never officially broke away.

The defining feature of House of Torture is that they have absolutely no redeeming virtues. The rest of Bullet Club cheats and takes cheap shots, but they tend to be kind of cool and sometimes they've got a good sense of humor. House of Torture doesn't want to entertain you. They don't even want to be entertaining villains. Sometimes I think they care more about frustrating the fans than they do about winning matches. Hence the name: We're the ones being tortured.

If I had to recommend a specific storyline to understand House of Torture, I guess I'd go with their feud with Just 5 Guys in the 2023 Destruction tour. J5G had a 5-to-4 advantage against the heels, but that still could keep them from pulling their bullshit heel tactics, because on September 24 House of Torture just convinced Yoshinobu Kanemaru to switch sides! Every time the good guys think they've got a fair playing field, Evil finds a new way to skew it.

A major criticism of House of Torture has been Sho's performance. Sho is genuinely a great wrestler, but ever since he turned heel he's become this craven psycho whose best move is to hit a guy with a wrench. Half of Sho's matches these days involve trying to get out of the match, by faking an injury or claiming his opponent forfeited when he's really tied up backstage. On the other hand, Sho's on-screen personality as a babyface was pretty bland, so I can't deny that being in House of Torture has helped his character development. I'm hoping that also benefits Ren Narita (who joined in December 2023).

Jack Perry should fit right in with House of Torture. His feud with HOOK last year was textbook cheap-heat heel work. If Hook had been feuding with Evil or Sho, I think they would've pulled a lot of the same shenanigans. The whole "scapegoat" thing fits in well too, and not just because the goat-head thing is spooky-looking. Jack has gone from not caring about the fans to feeding off of their scorn and ruining matches for the sake of spite. I don't even personally blame him for what happened with CM Punk, but his character wants me to resent him for it so he can revel in that hatred. That's the kind of attitude Evil, Sho, Ren Narita, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru can relate to.

[chaos64sprinkles]

Peñarol In Pixel Art! (Made By N-Slash-A)

N-Slash-A: Peñarol, which is the team from Uruguay, rival of the national team and its stadium is there in Montivideu, the team has played 3 World Cups against the team from Benfica, Real Madrid and Aston Villa, the team also has 5 Copa Libertadores, played against the Olympia team, Palmeiras (what the hell), River Plate, Copperloa and America de Cali and their recent final in this competition being lost was against Santos, who were recently relegated, but not Peñarol, not once , the team may have problems with the opponent when the team fights aggressively, but that doesn't take away the whole story of what the feared peñarol was like in the old years!

[holylulusworld]

Aahp (1) - A cold December night

Title: Aahp (1) A cold December night

Prompt filled for @writersmonth​​​​​ – Day: 25 - word: lips

Square filled for @sebastianstanbingo​​: Free Space - Nick Fowler

Summary: Mobster!Andy Barber x fem!Reader, Mobster!Nick Fowler x fem!Reader (for now)

Other pairings: Former Mobster!Ransom Drysdale x fem!Reader (implied)

Warnings: angst, language, unrequited love, sad reader, sadness, Ransom being an asshole (implied), soft Nick, grumpy Andy (but he’s got a weak spot for lost girls)

Words: 1,5 k

A/N: *Pookie = is a term of endearment for someone or something that you care about deeply in your life.

Angel and her protectors masterlist

Sebastian Stan Bingo masterlist

It’s a late and cold December night as you aimlessly walk the streets of Boston. The cold wind bites your skin while you struggle to remember the direction you came from.

“Hell, get a hold of yourself, Y/N,” you wipe your wet cheeks with your gloved hand, making things even worse as you feel the soft wool touch your skin. Now you remember the day he bought them for you, and your heart shatters all over again.

You’d like to take the gloves off and throw them away, but it’s too cold to do so. You’re already freezing, and it will be no use to lose a finger only as you can’t bear feeling the gloves on your hands.

“Miss, did you get lost,” you glance at the elder man flipping his cigarette onto the sidewalk. “It’s too damn cold to be outside tonight. You should go home.”

“Home,” nodding you look around the almost empty streets. “Can you tell me where I am? I need to get back to my hotel.”

“Oh! You’re not from around,” he gives you a sympathetic smile. “What’s the name of the hotel? I can tell you where to go if I know the name.”

“I’m usually not getting lost,” you laugh while rubbing your cold arms. “I just…you know…” wiping your eyes again you try to focus on anything but the burning pain in your chest. “I lost my phone too.”

“Love or business?” the man seems to see right through you. Maybe it’s like your granny used to say. You get wiser with every passing year. 

“A little bit of both…no,” shaking your head you try not to cry again. “Love. If it even was love.” You sniff now. “It doesn’t matter anymore. He made his decision and I need to get back to my hotel before I freeze to death.”

“I can call a cab for you, miss,” he gets his phone out. “Where do you want to go?”

“I-InterContinental Boston,” the wind is so cold that your teeth begin to chatter as you try not to cry again. “Is it far from here? I just ran and ended up here.” You point around the area. 

“Not that far. But it’s too far to walk. It’s dark and cold,” you watch the friendly elder man call a cab. All you can offer are twenty bucks and a broken smile as he hands you a cup of coffee. “It’s alright, miss. One day, the sun is shining for you again.”

“Probably not so soon. I just quit my job and left my hometown only to come here and realize he didn’t want me here. I got it all wrong,” you sip at the coffee. “Thank you for your help, Sir.”

The hot shower didn’t help getting the cold out of your bones. You’re still shaking while you hide under the covers. At least you booked the hotel for a few more nights.

He looked so shocked to see you. All this time he came to your town, pretending to offer more than passion and a few stolen moments while he was around.

How could you have been so blind and stupid all this time? Two years down the drain. More of your precious lifetime wasted on a man lying straight to your face.

It takes you three more days to leave Boston. You had hoped for him to come to you and explain the situation. That it wasn’t what it looked like, or that you got it all wrong.

Now you feel like an even bigger fool. 

All you can do is walk toward the exit of the hotel and pray you don’t run into the man breaking your heart for nothing. 

“Whoa watch your step, miss,” you mumble an apology as you almost ran a stranger over. He grips your arm to keep you from falling over his suitcase. “Hey, are you alright?” you glance up at the man, shaking your head as he gives you a soft smile. “Can I help you?”

“I don’t think anyone can help me,” blinking more tears away you try so hard not to cry in front of a stranger. That’s the last thing you need. Pity…

“Hey, you are shaking. Let me know if you need help,” he softly says as he guides you toward the couch at the lobby. He forgets about his suitcase and helps you sit down. “I know life can be hard. Just don’t give up.”

“You should care about your luggage, not some sad girl you just met,” now he huffs. “What? Are you a social worker or something?”

“Or something,” the man dips his head to look you up and down. “What’s a pretty girl like you crying about? Did something happen?”

“Nothing serious. Only a man breaking my heart for money,” you wipe your tired eyes. “He wanted me to move to Boston only for him to announce his engagement with some other girl. I think his grandfather wanted him to marry…and…I wasn’t good enough.”

“What a douchebag,” he sits next to you to pat your thigh. “What’s that bastard’s name?”

“You should go now, Sir. I’m fine, okay? Life goes on,” you shrug. “It’s not a big deal when a guy breaks a girl’s heart and ruins her life. I only quit my job and my apartment. I have to move out by the end of the month.”

“Shit,” the man huffs now. “What do you want to do now?”

“Sit and wait,” you laugh as he makes a face. “I got no clue. I don’t have a job any longer and can’t go back. My apartment is gone and there is no one I could turn to. My life just went to shit and the only person I can blame is myself.”

“I would blame the guy leading you on,” this time you look the man straight in the eyes. His features soften, and if not for the hopeless state you are in, you would call him breathtakingly handsome.

His blue eyes seem to shine whenever you look at him. “What are you doing, Nick? We don’t have time to flirt with cute girls,” another man steps toward the couch. He doesn’t seem to be the kind of man taking care of crying girls.  “We got to get going.”

“She needs help,” your savior gruffly replies. “Some bastard lead her on.” That picked the other man’s interest.

He’s as tall as Nick, and his hair is neatly gelled back, but there is a stray strand fighting his perfectionism. A thick beard frames his face. His features are hard, but his eyes soften as you choke out a sob.

“Angel, what happened?” he suddenly crouches down next to you to touch your knee. “Did anyone hurt you? Where did they hurt you? Did they touch you?”

“I told you; someone led her on, Andy,” Nick grumbles. “We need to help her.”

“I’m not some stray kitten,” you protest as the men start to talk about you as if you aren’t even there. “Hello! You can’t just decide to help me. I can fix my mess on my own.”

“Of course, you can,” Andy mumbles as he runs his hand over your thigh. “You just need a little help, don’t you?” his Boston accent is thick as he looks up at you with big blue eyes. “Right, angel. You want us to make everything better.”

“I-“ shit, it feels like he’s hypnotizing you with his gaze. While Andy coos soft words, Nick strokes your cheek, whispering sweet pet names in your ear. “Wait, I’m not going to go anywhere with two strangers.”

“Angel, you know us. That’s Nick, and I’m Andy,” you feel like a scolded child as Andy gets back up to straighten his back. He looks around the lobby, nodding at someone while you try to not freak out. “Nick, you will stay with our angel. I’ll make a few calls.”

“He can be a bit bossy, but you’ll get used to it,” Nick whispers in your ear, lips brushing your ear shell. “How about we get your luggage, and you tell me about your apartment.”

“I don’t even know you. What is going on here?” Andy sighs deeply as you start to get louder again.

“Angel, you need to calm down. This is-“

“You see, we need you to come with us. It seems you are of interest to Ransom Drysdale, grandson of Harlan Thrombey, one of the most dangerous men in whole Massachusetts,” Nick hastily cuts Andy off. “You need to trust me now. Okay.”

“Why would I?” fear creeps into your thoughts as two more men walk toward you. “What? How can they look like you? How-oh my…this is all too much…”

“Great,” Andy grunts at the other men. “You couldn’t make it faster? We had to do all the work.”

“She passed out,” Nick carefully picks you up in bridal style. “I guess this way it’s easier to take her, huh?” He grins down at your unconscious form. “How did Drysdale manage to get this cute *Pookie in his clutches?”

“Oh, we are already on pet name base?” Andy cocks his head to look at you in Nick’s arms. “Fine. Go and bring her to the car. We don’t want anyone to watch us kidnap Ransom Drysdale’s fiancé…”

>> Part 2

Tags in reblog.

[viper-motorsports]

Burning through the Belgian countryside, the N°88 AMG Team Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo dominated the 2022 Spa 24 Hours to earn the overall victory for AKKODIS ASP.

[erayken]

AC Milan

AC Milan biography 🍊

AC Milan is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy. The club was founded in 1899 by Englishman Herbert Kilpin, and is one of the most successful clubs in the history of Italian and world football. AC Milan has won 19 national championships, 5 national cups, 7 national super cups, 7 European/C1 cups, 5 European super cups, 2 C2 cups, 3 intercontinental cups and 1 world cup clubs.

[trustherkindheart]

February International Window Rundown

1.SheBelieves Cup

- Begins: Thursday 2/16

- Teams Involved: US, Canada*, Brazil, Japan

- Schedule Link

- Watch (in the US): HBO, TNT, Peacock (Spanish), Telemundo (Spanish)

*Important to note the players of team Canada are being forced to participate in this tournament under threat of lawsuit from Canada Soccer (which has yet to compensate them for games played in 2022)

2. Arnold Clark Cup

- Begins: Thursday 2/16

- Teams Involved: England, Korea, Belgium, Italy

- Schedule Link

- Watch (in the US): Paramount+

3. Australia Cup of Nations

- Begins: Wednesday 2/15

- Teams Involved: Australia, Spain, Czechia, Jamaica

- Schedule Link

- Watch (in the US): Football Australia on Youtube

4. WWC Intercontinental Play-Off

- Begins: Friday 2/17

- Teams Involved: New Zealand (Friendly), Argentina (Friendly), Portugal, Cameroon, Thailand, Chile, Senegal, Haiti, Taiwan/Chinese Taipei, Paupa New Guinea, Paraguay, Panama

- Schedule Link

- Watch: Update - streaming on FIFA+

Comment info on any other tournaments happening and I’ll add them!

[princessxpunk]

Seriously, it doesn't matter if its the Heritage Cup or the Intercontinental Championship... Give Chad something. The man gives it his all.