We’re previewing Schmoedown Spectacular this week with a look at the four title matches. Today is the battle for the Innergeekdom championship between the current champion, Mike Kalinowski, and the number one contender, Robert Parker.
What’s At Stake
While there is a GOAT championship on the same card, the Innergeekdon title match will have much more of an impact on the GOAT debate. Mike Kalinowski already broke the consecutive Innergeekdom defense record against Amaru Moses, but he has the chance to further the record in this match with his third defense. A third consecutive defense is a huge milestone within the Schmoedown, as it moves you into a different caliber of dominance as a champion. Just like Shazam!, Kalinowski is trying to join the Patriots and Alex Damon as the only champions to defend that many times. If Kalinowski can accomplish this, then we must have a hard look at his case for the GOAT. What gives Murrell the advantage for the GOAT title is that the gap of defenses between him and Kalinowski is that the gap is too large, Murrell’s seven vs Kalinowski’s two. However, the more defenses Kalinowski gets, fans can start to make the argument, since Kalinowski could accomplish three consecutive defenses, and he has been succeeded in three different divisions, as well as leading his faction to a title in Season 7, and these are all feats Murrell has not accomplished yet. Kalinowski may even lead his faction to a second title if he wins against Parker. This would be a decisive edge for Kalinowski over Murrell, who has only been part of underachieving factions during the faction-focused era. After Spectacular, fans may question if Murrell is the GOAT, and this fact may have nothing to do with his match against John Rocha.
On the other side, Parker is trying to win that elusive belt. With the hype around Parker, anything other than a win would be a huge disappointment. Fans expect Parker to win a belt given his accuracy. Parker possibly finally getting the monkey off his back and joining the list of champions could be historic. He could finally be considered an Innergeekdom great. Any time a competitor has a chance to be a first-time champion is a massive deal. It’s obvious why there is not early a lot of pressure for Parker to win this match and why he needs this win. A more interesting aspect of a possible Parker win, which is being unnoticed, is how important this match will be to the Dungeon. Not because the Dungeon has always prioritized the IG championship, but because next season the Dungeon will have tough choices to make. They are rumored to only have one slot for an Innergeekdom player and must choose between Parker, Mara Knopic, and possibly Kevin Smets. This match could decide who Kaiser is going with in Innergeekdom next season. If Parker loses, assuming Smets is not available, could Kaiser really justify staying with Parker, a player who has not been able to convert in the biggest moments, over Mara Knopic, a proven champion who always brings her best in those moments? If Parker wins the belt, the choice becomes either much tougher or easier for Kaiser. If Smets is available, can Kaiser truly give up the belt for Smets, given their deep personal connection and history? Or would Kaiser stick with Parker and keep the Innergeekdom champion? Any choice Kaiser makes will probably have a large impact on the storyline. This match will not only decide if Parker is an Innergeekdom legend, but also the fate of the Dungeon next season in Innergeekdom.
The Argument for Kalinowski Winning
Kalinowski has been clutch when his faction needs it. He is more experienced in the five-round format which matters in these matches, especially since Parker’s speed round against Saul was very unimpressive. Kalinowski being more comfortable in the speed round could be the deciding factor of the match. Kalinowski is coming into this match hot. He is having arguably his best Innergeekdom season and in every match that he has played, he has looked very impressive. His worst performance was possibly against Amarú Moses, and he did not play terribly at all – Moses just played great. Kalinowski is going against an opponent who has never played or felt the pressure of a title match. While Parker is great, he hasn’t always turned the pressure or the hype around him into important wins. Lastly, Kalinowski is just going to come into this match motivated and ready. Not just because he has one of the best factions behind him for training or because he’s playing for the faction title, but because he most likely wants to avenge his previous Spectacular Innergeekdom performance. It’s tough to bet against a motivated Kalinowski.
The Argument for Parker Winning
History may repeat itself. The last time Kalinowski tried to defend the Innergeekdom belt against the Dungeon at Spectacular, it didn’t go so well for him. And it may not this time either, especially when is he is going against a beast like Parker. Parker has a 92% accuracy in Innergeedom. That seems like a Star Wars player’s number and having that accuracy through nine matches is insane. Parker is coming into this match hot after a very impressive KO of Saul. To beat Parker, you must almost go perfect, and while Kalinowski is great, he usually doesn’t have perfect matches. Parker seems like the type of player that can take advantage of any small mistake and inch you give him. He has had enough experience in this high pressure to possibly overcome his previous struggles in these matches, and some may consider his match against Saul finally putting the big game weakness behind him. Parker at his best will beat anyone. It’s likely we will see that at Spectacular. Parker has the whole Dungeon training him and great champions helping him prepare for the five-round format. Parker knows he needs to win this match. Will Parker show he is the Innergeekdom great which most expect he is? He’ll show up to this match and put on a performance for us to find out.
Predictions
This is the toughest match for me to pick. However, it just feels like it’s Parker’s time. Overall, Innergeekdom is a tough division to defend in and there is no shame in Kalinowski failing to get a third straight defense. I’m willing to bet on the history of it being tough to retain prevailing and I think Parker will finally get the monkey off his back. However, I would not be surprised one bit if Kalinowski won.
