FMW Wrestling Fantasy League 2011 DISCUSSION THREAD

HELLO OLD FRIENDS

NEW SIGN-UPS POST HERE

So it looks like we will not have a second league. Too bad, fellas. That is, of course, unless you all find five new players within the next five or so days.

That said, the Draft is scheduled for Friday MORNING, American time. The exact hour is yet to be decided.

Please reply to this post to acknowledge that you have read this.

Kthanx!

I have read this

Read this, I have.

I don't like the word "morning". Fuckshit.

You better mean the 12-3am kind of morning, Ray.

We'll see. I haven't finalized shit yet.

Everyone post here regarding the hours or time of day (in EST) that they are free, and we'll figure something out.

I have read this and I am free usually in the early afternoons Friday will prob be good this week

In!!

And Friday 8-10pm EST works for me.

Hey.

I'd like to redeem myself because for lack of a better term, a brainfart handed some schmuck (who I do not hate at all, actually like to be honest) MY WFL title.

I'm usually free on Fridays, but this may or may not change between now and then.

I'll do it but I dont have cable so I dunno whos good and what not.

But whatever, I'll win anyway.

I really don't know my schedule, and it often changes on a whim. I'll try to remember to draw up a cheatsheet for you this week since I'll probably end up not making the draft.

Friday evening GMT should be fine for me, anything past 5pm GMT will be grand that day, I hope

RCA wrote:

Hey.

I'd like to redeem myself because for lack of a better term, a brainfart handed some schmuck (who I do not hate at all, actually like to be honest) MY WFL title.

I'm usually free on Fridays, but this may or may not change between now and then.

I feel all warm and fuzzy and deep whip your ass hatred for you all at once Ed...I think WFL title number 2 is coming home with Daddy, um yeah that's this guy right here by the way. I am a shmuck but you like me....Where is the lion facepalm when I need it

the nick bryson wrote:

I'll do it but I dont have cable so I dunno whos good and what not.

But whatever, I'll win anyway.

You're not even in the game, lol.

Also, yes, cheatsheets. Still not sure when I will hold the draft, but just in case.

I would simply like to point out, "American Time"? Also, yes, yes, I have returned, and I will not let that SoB Edge keep the title away from me.

Let's see, EST is 1 hour ahead of me and I have a class from 11 to 1:30. That means I'm not free from 12 to 2:30 EST.

Axel Van Osbourne wrote:

RCA wrote:

Hey.

I'd like to redeem myself because for lack of a better term, a brainfart handed some schmuck (who I do not hate at all, actually like to be honest) MY WFL title.

I'm usually free on Fridays, but this may or may not change between now and then.

I feel all warm and fuzzy and deep whip your ass hatred for you all at once Ed...I think WFL title number 2 is coming home with Daddy, um yeah that's this guy right here by the way. I am a shmuck but you like me....Where is the lion facepalm when I need it

I like certain schmucks, LOL

RCA wrote:

Axel Van Osbourne wrote:

RCA wrote:

Hey.

I'd like to redeem myself because for lack of a better term, a brainfart handed some schmuck (who I do not hate at all, actually like to be honest) MY WFL title.

I'm usually free on Fridays, but this may or may not change between now and then.

I feel all warm and fuzzy and deep whip your ass hatred for you all at once Ed...I think WFL title number 2 is coming home with Daddy, um yeah that's this guy right here by the way. I am a shmuck but you like me....Where is the lion facepalm when I need it

I like certain schmucks, LOL

I am glad to be considered one of those then lol

Kyrian Hunter wrote:

I would simply like to point out, "American Time"? Also, yes, yes, I have returned, and I will not let that SoB Edge keep the title away from me.

Let's see, EST is 1 hour ahead of me and I have a class from 11 to 1:30. That means I'm not free from 12 to 2:30 EST.

I SURE HOPE YOU LIKE FAILURE.

Before anyone does a cheat sheet, I'll write up a draft primer.

Fellas, the Draft is tentatively scheduled at Friday, April 1, 9:00 PM EST. That should only be a problem for PX, but as usual Cheat Sheets will be allowed.

That said, it's time for...

RO'S 2011 DRAFT PRIMER

I'm not even going to try to predict a Mock Draft because honestly, none of you are predictable, and I don't mean that in a good way.

What I'm going to do is go through everyone in alphabetical order, do a short write-up, and give them a lettered draft value. I won't put the projected round so as not to influence and manipulate the draft too much.

Let's begin!

***

Alex Riley - The Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Awesome One himself, there is both a good and a bad side to Mr. Riley. The good side is, on a good night he will earn you a respectable amount of points, because Alex rarely wrestles, and thus is only occasionally prone to the deductions that losses bring. The bad side is, because he doesn't wrestle, the amount of points he earns depends on how much Miz appears in a given night, as they usually appear together. And because he doesn't wrestle, he is also occasionally prone to the bonuses wins and losses bring. Panzer utilized him well last season, mostly relegating him to the Jobber position - which is the right way to use Alex Riley, until such time he finally breaks out on his own. When that time is, however, nobody knows.
Draft Value: B-

Alicia Fox - I haven't seen Alicia Fox being used properly ever since NXT Season 3. As long as the Divas scene focuses on LayCool, Eve, Kelly Kelly, Trish, and Snooki, you can expect Alicia Fox to be flying largely under the radar.
Draft Value: F

The Bellas - The feud between the Bellas and Gail Kim has quietly ground to a halt, and because of that they seem to be relegated to random appearances on RAW. Again, I expect the Divas scene to return to form after SnookiMania, but I'm not quite sure where that puts the Bellas.
Draft Value: D

Beth Phoenix - The last time I saw Beth Phoenix on my TV was at Elimination Chamber, and after that she and Natalya were no longer anywhere to be found. Because she's ideally higher in the Divas totem pole than Alicia Fox, I expect her to resurface after WrestleMania, but right now that seems like more of a gamble than a guarantee.
Draft Value: D-

Big Show - Big Show is the kind of guy who is quite predictable, no matter how crappy the match-up he's in seems to be. Actually, you can't say the same for his WrestleMania match (Santino, Kozlov, Show and Kane vs. The Corre) because you don't know if ShowKane will dominate shit like it was 2005 all over again, or the Corre's push will continue enough that they will go over. But after that, you know that Big Show almost always wins.
Draft Value: B

Booker T - Technically draftable, but nobody knows if he'll ever return to the ring after the Rumble. It'll be doubtful until such time he gets kicked out of the SD! announce team.
Draft Value: F

Brodus Clay - Brodus's star is on the rise. Regardless of whether Alberto del Rio does actually win the World Heavyweight Championship on Sunday, you know he'll be a main player on SmackDown, and you know Brodus is definitely along for the ride. The only problem is that Brodus is quite hard to play with; he's the one being fed to Edge and Christian so as to protect ADR, but outside of matches he utterly dominates. Eventually I predict a Brodus turn akin to Batista/Triple H back in 2005, but that probably won't be for a long time. You could do worse than not draft Brodus, though.
Draft Value: B-

Byron Saxton - The NXT Season 4 castoff is back for NXT Redemption, but it doesn't look like he's one of the favorites. Still, you know my philosophy on NXT people, and one day Byron might actually make the main roster. But that may not be for quite a while.
Draft Value: C-

Chavo Guerrero - Good news: Chavo, who had on-again, off-again performances last season due to being booked rather inconsistently, is definitely a money player early in this season. Chavo is an NXT Pro in NXT Redemption, mentoring Darren Young, and you know NXT Pros haul in some of the highest points in the game. The only downside is that Superstars, Chavo's domain, is going to be cancelled soon, and unless Chavo gets a program on SmackDown after NXTR, he'll be aimless after a couple of months.
Draft Value: B

Chris Masters - Chris Masters is aimless so far, showing up on Superstars and jobbing on SmackDown. However, if the rumors are true, he may be in line for a mini-push after SmackDown. And why not? The guy's stepped up and he deserves it. But if that doesn't happen, he may be released this year.
Draft Value: C

Cody Rhodes - Cody is flying under the radar right now, but rest assured that his program with Rey Mysterio right now is designed to make him a star. Win or lose at 'Mania, the feud will only have just begun, and I am confident that the Dashing One will break out after Rey puts him over. Cody is definitely in line for at least the Intercontinental Championship this year.
Draft Value: B

Conor O'Brian - The Rat is back to redeem himself, but again I don't think this guy is going to win. He's definitely good for NXT points, though.
Draft Value: C

Curt Hawkins - Hawkins is in danger of being released in the annual spring cleaning sessions. Unless a great boost of charisma and politics saves him, you shouldn't really bother. But if he is given a chance, then he's the kind of guy who can definitely run with the ball given to him.
Draft Value: E

Darren Young - This is my guy to win NXT Redemption. Criminally underrated, Black Cena doesn't even have to be in NXT; I mean, this guy was in the main event of last year's SummerSlam, he frequently competed in Superstars, he should not be fighting for a spot on the roster he technically already is in. But even if Young doesn't win, I expect him to be back on the roster pretty soon.
Draft Value: C+

David Hart Smith - Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Going from the tag titles to virtually being bumped from Superstars in favor of Tyson Kidd, you know these are hard times for the Bulldog's son. Not even dignified with a PPV feud or anything, it's hard to predict Harry's future even if he's got a more favorable look than Tyson. For all we know, he may be released.
Draft Value: C-

David Otunga - Technically, even though they were supposedly punted by Orton back to FCW, the New Nexus are still listed on the main roster. I think the stipulations were if Orton beat each of them one-on-one, they would be banned from ringside at 'Mania. That said, I think Otunga and the rest of the NN will be back after Sunday, and if my gut feeling is true, may even be turning on Punk.
Draft Value: C

Drew McIntyre - The absence of a Money in the Bank ladder match in this year's WrestleMania is a damaging blow to all the midcarders who aren't currently in a program. Thankfully, however, this season goes beyond Sunday, and while Drewie Mac seems to be in the doghouse right now, at the very least you can count on him to be on SmackDown almost every week, even if only to job to the big names. It'll only be a matter of time until he turns that corner, but until then he's Jobber position fodder.
Draft Value: B-

Evan Bourne - Right now, Air Bourne is lost in the WrestleMania shuffle, which is a damn crime because even a quick, slapped-on Money in the Bank match would have fixed all these aimless midcarders' problems. But now that he's back in action, things should pick up for him after 'Mania. Hell, I even expect some contention for the US Title, and maybe even a move to SmackDown.
Draft Value: C+

Eve - Eve gets a lot of hate right now just because her name isn't Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Awesome Kong or even LayCool, but the fact of the matter is she's still the Divas Champion. As long as she's got the butterfly belt around her waist, she has value, and I expect that she'll be in some contention even after she loses that title.
Draft Value: B

Ezekiel Jackson - You know it. You know... there will be no stoppin'. Even if the focus lately has been on Barrett, Slater and Gabriel winning titles, it's hard to deny that Big Zeke is really just on the verge of a major breakout push, and if he's not on the verge, he's definitely on the way. It absolutely helps that the Corre is technically the most dominant force in the WWE right now, going on their way to become Evolution Lite. If the next step in their belt collection is really for Zeke to win the World Title sometime down the line (which is strange, as Wade is the leader... who only has the Intercontinental Championship), then Zeke may just be *the* Sleeper Pick of 2011.
Draft Value: B+

Gail Kim - Gail gets most of her points on accompanying on-screen boyfriend Daniel Bryan alone, but once in a while she'll be in a mixed tag match or divas match on Superstars. She's not a bad Diva to round out your team with, but unless she finally gets a deserved shot in the Divas title picture, she won't be busting out huge gains for you.
Draft Value: C

Goldust - Currently injured for quite a while, Goldust won't be doing anything for you, and probably won't have anything to come back to as Superstars will be gone from US television. I doubt that he'll be released due to his dad Dusty Rhodes working on SmackDown creative, but I have a feeling he'll be back on NXT in a future season as a Pro.
Draft Value: E

The Great Khali - Khali, like Big Show, is one of those guys that will win no matter what the storyline or matchup is. The problem is, though, unlike Show, Khali is not booked or exposed as much. He'll be on Superstars, and occasionally on RAW, but when he does you know he cannot lose.
Draft Value: C+

Heath Slater - Believe it or not, but this man may just be the highest-rated available pick in the current pool right now, thanks to the fact that he was not retained by Slegna. You cannot argue against being not only in the Corre but also being a current Tag Team Champion, so you know you are going to get quite the mileage from him. Definitely going in the first round.
Draft Value: A-

Hornswoggle - Another believe it or not pick: Hornswoggle is actually an NXT Pro. Yes, and while he's on the Yellow Brand he's definitely going to have some value. But as with any of the Pros this season, as they are all midcarders to jobbers, they're going to lose a lot of that value right after NXT Redemption ends.
Draft Value: B-

Husky Harris - See David Otunga.
Draft Value: C

Jack Korpela - For those of you who don't know, Jack Korpela is the guy who calls SmackDown matches on Superstars, and is that backstage interviewer guy on SmackDown whom you do not know. He's good for those interview points, but nothing more, really.
Draft Value: D-

Jacob Novak - See Byron Saxton and Conor O'Brian.
Draft Value: C

Jerry Lawler - Another man I expect to see go in the first round, due to name value alone. The only problem with King is that his future is uncertain after WrestleMania; he might only be good until Sunday, which dampens his draft value a lot. If you are thinking of drafting the King, do so at your own risk.
Draft Value: B-

Jimmy and Jey Uso - Uh-oh. When this team debuted last year, they held so much promise. Today they are the definition of the word "afterthought," but you can't really blame them. Creative hardly ever threw them a bone. Right now they're relegated to losing on Superstars. The WWE is big on the second- and third-generations right now, but if Manu's status as an Anoa'i couldn't save him, what makes you think the Usos, the sons of one of the most popular Anoa'is in the business, will be any different?
Draft Value: E

John Morrison - Another guy that is most likely going in the first round, this Mania he won't be fighting for anything huge. But if the first three months of this year are any indication, JoMo has really nowhere to go but up. One day, maybe it will be this year, maybe it will be next year, but that day is definitely coming, John Morrison will finally be the big one. And you can't go wrong with riding the JoMo train.
Draft Value: A-

Josh Mathews - As long as Michael Cole is reading announcements from the GM, Josh isn't going to leave that booth.
Draft Value: F

JTG - See Hornswoggle. Yes, JTG is also an NXT Pro, but the difference between him and Hornswoggle is that JTG isn't as over. When NXT ends, unless he's really damn lucky, I expect him to be released.
Draft Value: C+

Justin Roberts - Since I don't really give points for the announcer (that would just be unfair), don't draft Justin Roberts. He's not going to get any points, unless he gets choked with a tie again.
Draft Value: F

Kaitlyn - Despite winning NXT 3, I have only seen Kaitlyn appear once in like three months. Nothing more was really made with the angle with Vickie and Dolph, and unless she gets pushed to the Divas title scene, you're better off leaving her alone.
Draft Value: F

Kane - Kane is a man who has been through so much bullshit, and the guy is such a team player that he apparently does it all with no complaints. That's all right though as he has pretty much accomplished everything in his career, and it seems like he'll take TV time as long as he is offered it. You can apply what I said about Big Show to Kane, but the difference is that Kane doesn't win as much. That's what you get when you have a guy who doesn't have any problems putting people over.
Draft Value: C+

Kelly Kelly - Kelly is better off than Kaitlyn, that's for sure, because she still shows up on TV even if only to job to LayCool - and hey, that's enough for her. There's always a place on everyone's team for a jobber, and you could do worse than draft Kelly for that job.
Draft Value: C

Layla - LayCool is on top of the Divas game right now, and even if they are ever dethroned, you know there's still a built-in break-up storyline between her and Michelle that is guaranteed to give them both a lot of mileage. And even after that ends, Layla has come such a long way that you can expect her to be one of the singles mainstays in the Diva scene. Let's just hope she doesn't go the way of Candice and Maria.
Draft Value: B

Lucky Cannon - See Byron Saxton, Conor O'Brian and Jacob Novak.
Draft Value: C

Mark Henry - Mizzark has said so himself that he is on his way out. He's that reliable hand that they call upon when they need a big man to prove a point, and he still appears sporadically on RAW and Superstars, but Superstars is also on the way out. Draft him only if you're desperate.
Draft Value: C-

Maryse - Bad news: Maryse is kind of at a dead-end, being with Ted DiBiase. Good news: she co-hosts NXT with Matt Striker, and this season I will start handing out points for these hosting gigs, so you KNOW they're going to be worth a lot. With that information, Maryse should now be going earlier than she would have if I didn't say this.
Draft Value: B-

Mason Ryan - See David Otunga.
Draft Value: C

Matt Striker - See Maryse.
Draft Value: B-

Melina - Like many other Divas, Melina is lost in the 'Mania shuffle. It also doesn't help that she's perennially in the doghouse. I'm not quite sure where she is on the Divas pecking order, but it's gotta be low, what with all the talent stacked in there. Lately she's been tagging up with Tyson Kidd, but that's not really of much value. Unless something big happens for Melina, she'll probably go undrafted.
Draft Value: D

Michael Cole - See Jerry Lawler, but the difference is that as long as the RAW GM is Anonymous and Cole is the one reading his messages, Cole still has quite the decent value to any team. Definitely the best announcer draft pick.
Draft Value: B

Michael McGillicutty - See David Otunga, Husky Harris, and Mason Ryan. I think they've got faith in the Imperfect One though, and one day he'll break out and find some singles success. But like the others, that day may still be a long time coming.
Draft Value: C

Michelle McCool - See Layla. Due to her connections (read: connection to zombie penis), though, she may end up winning more.
Draft Value: B+

Michael Tarver - This Tarver fella is an enigma. Once upon a time they used him lurking around, as if they had something big for him, maybe even something with the Corre, but now he's back to being nowhere to be found. It's a shame, because Tarver is another criminally underrated rookie.
Draft Value: E

Mr. McMahon - At his age, Vinnie Mac doesn't make very much appearances anymore, and he's not even booked himself to appear at WrestleMania this year. When he's on, he's ON, but when he's off, you can never predict when he'll show up again.
Draft Value: F

How many names go on our cheat sheets? Is there a bottom limit?

Why would there be a limit?

No limits, but 50 names is a good rule of thumb that usually covers the entire draft enough.

That said, remember that this is 9 PM EST Friday. You have UNTIL THEN to send in cheat sheets, because if you don't... I have no idea how to autodraft for you.

The second part of the primer will go up later.

I'm at 25 now, and beyond that, I don't really care. I don't particularly care which lowcarders I get on my team.

Shit, so now I'm thinking that I won't be making it after all. I'll hopefully get you a list this afternoon when I get home this afternoon.

Sorry to leave you all hanging, but here is...

RO'S DRAFT PRIMER PART 2

Natalya - See Beth Phoenix.
Draft Value: D-

Primo - Did you know that Primo and Zack Ryder are an official tag team? No? Well, neither did I, which does not really bode well for the man whose greatest statistical run was at NXT 3. Zack seems to be generating some notable buzz with his web shows, and if that leads to Zack breaking out, then Primo might be going the way of his older brother soon. That is, unless his cousin Tito gets called up to the main roster to do The Colons 2011.
Draft Value: D

R-Truth - The good news is R-Truth is still pretty over. The bad news is, when the big boys are out to play, Truth is aimless. After spending a year back on RAW, it might be time for Truth to head back to SmackDown where he fits in more, and if they're ever going to spend the Tag Title shot they won at NXT 4, then that's some mileage already built in.
Draft Value: C

Ricardo Rodriguez - See Alex Riley, but his role is a little more reduced than A-Ri's due to the fact that "Dashing" Ricardo Rodriguez's main appearances are mostly when he does his usual announcing spot. Unless he starts appearing with ADR in every segment, or he finally gets bumped up to being an active wrestler, it would be better to take Alex Riley over Ricardo.
Draft Value: C+

Rosa Mendes - See Kelly Kelly, but lower than her on the totem pole.
Draft Value: C-

Santino Marella - Seemed to be on the verge of a breakout at the time he and Kozlov were tag champs, but now is relegated back to a jobber role. It's a shame, but all it really takes is a heel or semi-heel turn (read: going serious) for Santino to go over huge. I'll be real: Santino is my dark horse to be Sleeper of the Year in 2011, but please, don't let that be a factor in your drafting of him. Instead, be reminded that he's over enough to always be on RAW.
Draft Value: C+

Scott Sanford - See Jack Korpela. Scott Sanford is his RAW counterpart; if you caught the past couple of RAWs, he's the guy who's been interviewing Randy Orton backstage.
Draft Value: D-

Skip Sheffield - Technically still on the roster, but also still out with an injury. He was somewhat over at the time he got injured, and if he can win his fans back when he gets back, you might find yourself a good Free Agent. But not worth a draft pick.
Draft Value: F

Snooki - Yes, Snooki. Good for the WrestleMania points. And who knows, if she draws ratings she might stay longer.
Draft Value: C+

Tamina - Tamina's presence is obviously based on Santino's. She might be good if you need somebody to round off your team, but there will obviously better Divas to draft.
Draft Value: D+

Ted DiBiase - Poor, poor Ted, always the butt of jokes and burials. The good news, though, is that he shows up on TV even if only to get buried, so that should count for something. The days of Ted even being relevant storyline-wise are long gone, and unless somebody pulls for him backstage, he'll just be a jobber to the stars.
Draft Value: C

Teddy Long - See Michael Cole. Not an announcer obviously, but has the authority figure advantage. However, lately he doesn't appear as much as Cole.
Draft Value: B-

Titus O'Neil - See Byron Saxton, Conor O'Brian, Jacob Novak, and Lucky Cannon.
Draft Value: C

Todd Grisham - See Jack Korpela and Scott Sanford.
Draft Value: D-

Tony Chimel - See Justin Roberts. Too bad Mr. Kennedy is no longer in the WWE.
Draft Value: F

Trent Barreta - See Curt Hawkins. Trent has gotten more of a rub lately due to his mini-angle with Drew McIntyre and Kelly Kelly, but has gone back to Superstars due to the 'Mania shuffle. I only hope he managed to impress someone backstage in his short stay in the main roster, but time will tell.
Draft Value: D+

Trish Stratus - See Snooki.
Draft Value: C+

Tyler Reks - See Chris Masters.
Draft Value: C

Tyson Kidd - See Hornswoggle and JTG. Yes, Tyson is an NXT Pro as well.
Draft Value: C+

Vickie Guerrero - Perhaps the best manager in the WWE right now, but of course, is tied down to Dolph Ziggler's appearances. Luckily, they're in a pretty high-profile feud at the moment, and you know there's nowhere else for Dolph to go but up. Unlike the other managers, though, Vickie competes in the ring every once in a while, which may throw a wrench in her predictability. I expect Vickie to not last the second round.
Draft Value: B-

Vladimir Kozlov - Good old Vlad. Not only is he riding Santino's coattails, but he's also positioned to be a big player early in the season due to being an NXT Pro. Unlike the other lower-carders who will most likely return to obscurity after NXT Redemption is over, you know Kozlov has staying power, even if it's only because of Santino, really.
Draft Value: B-

William Regal - I think they're slowing down Regal due to his age, as he is now relegated to commentary on NXT Redemption, and of course the occasional Superstars match. Whatever the case may be, his value has dropped since last season.
Draft Value: D-

Yoshi Tatsu - See Hornswoggle, JTG and Tyson Kidd - Yoshi is also an NXT Pro. However, when Yoshi is on Superstars, he usually wins, so take that for what it's worth, especially now that you know that Superstars is doomed.
Draft Value: C+

Zack Ryder - See Primo.
Draft Value: D

***

And that's everyone, I believe. I still don't have cheat sheets yet. Remember, everyone, that the Draft will start at 9 PM EST later. If you don't submit a cheat sheet I will assume that you will be showing up live for the Draft, which we will do like we did last year here in the forum.

Thanks for writing all that out. Good looking out, bro.

Oh yeah, isn't this today? What time was decided on?