During his Schmoedown career, “The Animal” Frankie Alvarez competed in the singles division. Drafted by Samm Levine in the 2021 Schmoedown draft, he was a member of The Usual Suspects during Season 8: War. Here are his reflections on the show we all love, in his own words.
Looking back on the Schmoedown, what is the most memorable moment that you were personally involved in?
I would have to say the whole build to the match between Raddus and I. Beforehand, he and I spoke about what we wanted to do to build the match. The story we wanted to tell, the execution of our promos, and how we wanted everything to work. Getting to craft something that I was really proud of is a moment I’ll never forget. I truly believe we had the best feud last year for that reason. Then getting to be at the cantina with everyone was surreal. People I’ve been watching for years being so cool really blew me away.
What is the most memorable moment that you were not involved in?
Man, I have probably watched Amarú beating Saul a few times now. I’ve met Saul and he’s an incredibly nice guy but Ru was still somehow an underdog and I know how much work he put into that match. I really believe I’ve made a lifelong friend in Ru and only having known him for a few months at the time I was so tuned into his process that it’s hard for me not to put that in my top 5. Gotta also give a shoutout to Nicki Dimalanta and Paige Frabetti. I think both really outperformed given the expectations that were placed on them and it was super fun to watch.
Which of your matches would you say is the best you played?
I don’t think I ever really reached my potential in the league. Having only 3 matches limits the sample size but I think given the nerves and the come-from-behind win, I have to go with my first match against Brother Lomis. It was super crazy to me that I was even in the draft, to begin with, so having a chance to play a match and then coming out with a decent performance means a lot to me. I think I played better in round 1 against Schloth but overall, Lomis.
Which match that didn’t involve you would you say is the best you ever saw?
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. It’s either A. Dimalanta v. Damon 1 or McKee v. Jeannine. Both were compelling, passionate, entertaining, and wildly dramatic. Hard to find two matches that capture the league better than that.
How would you describe the Schmoedown’s impact on you?
I think the Schmoedown gave me the chance to appreciate what an “athlete” can truly be. It broadened my horizon. It’s so easy to look at someone that can dunk a basketball or hit a 99 mph fastball and use that to narrow your opinion on what an athlete is. But man these competitors brought it each week. Some even did so each day. They showed that mental toughness and preparation are just as important as physical skills. I was seriously blown away.
What will you miss most about the Schmoedown?
It’s got to be the people but not in the way you would think. I think I’ll be able to keep in touch with some and maintain a friendship with them. But seeing this eclectic group of (let’s face it) weirdos having so much fun and role-playing was so endearing and fun to watch. Its been one of the most inviting and loving groups on the internet in my experience. No gatekeeping, no hate. Just competition during the matches and prep and then love and friendship behind the scene. I felt that bit of sadness when I heard the league was ending. Everyone did. But there was this sense of optimism when thinking about what’s next. We now know the competitors, the people behind the scenes, and even those that put together the shows and podcasts based around the league. I’m excited to see what the league spawns from those people. Because the Schmoedown was the people. Always was, and always will be. The league isn’t “really” going anywhere because in a weird way; it stays alive in the memories we had discovering it, watching it, and loving it.
Frankie Alvarez can be found on Twitter @FAlvarez8085.
