Recently, we got the confirmation of teams participating within the teams tournament, and there were some surprise exclusions. For example, the loser of Lightning Time/Final Exam, Odder Couple, and Barbarian/Lieberman. Therefore, I thought I would update this bracket and give some new predictions for the upcoming teams Ultimate Schmoedown. To see what my first bracket looked like, click here.
MY BRACKET
EXPLANATIONS OF MY FIRST-ROUND MATCHUPS
- KOrruption vs Midterms
- Same reason as before. I always enjoy when Zipper and Kalinowski faces off. One of the most underrated rivalries within the game. The Midterms took Danger Zone to their 5, let’s see if they can do the same to KOrruption. This is as interesting as a 1st round KOrruption match can get since its unlikely anyone expects KOrruption to lose in the 1st round.
- Chaos Theory vs King Arthur
- Four rookies battling it out! This should make for an interesting first round dynamic, since Chaos Theory will have hype from their very impressive first match, while on the other hand King Arthur will have hype based on how successful Griffin Newman and King Kan have been in singles. It will be also to see Bancroft vs Newman again and it’s always a good time when we get Bobby Gucci vs Roxy Striar.
- Press Room vs Mark Reilly/Alonso Duralde
- We get to see another Reilly vs Perri Nemiroff tournament match which is nice. We have the known quantity of Press Room against the unknown quantity of Reilly/Duralde. Sure, both Reilly and Duralde are great teams players but we have yet to see them play together. Given some of the intense rivalries within this first round it is a nice change of pace to have two likable teams with little beef, have a fun trivia match. Either way a team with great promise moves into the second round.
- Danger Zone vs Drew McWeeny/Paige Frabetti
- Given both McWeeny and Frabetti have beef with Bateman this seems like a no brainer, especially after it was confirmed Bateman vs Frabetti will be the second round matchup of the singles tournament. This is a typical trap game for Danger Zone, coming off two losses they must face one of the best teams’ players of all time and a rookie on a hot streak. With storyline potential of Bateman vs McWeeny/Frabetti and the intrigue of Danger Zone avoiding the first round exit this is easily a PPV worthy first round match.
MY POTENTIAL SECOND-ROUND MATCHUPS
- KOrruption vs Chaos Theory/King Arthur
- No matter who KOrruption faces, the storyline aspect stays the same. KOrruption the veterans of not only the teams division but also the league, has to beat two rookies with momentum in order to continue on. The aspect of the seasoned vets, vs the hotshot rookies will always make for an interesting second round matchup.
- Midterms vs King Arthur
- Kan must face Lon Harris in the singles tournament. Now in the teams tournament, Kan has to face Lon’s brother Jonathan Harris. With the idea of two of the more likable faces within the league, Eric Zipper and Jonathan Harris, having to face against the Exchange, this gives the fans a classic heels vs face second round matchup. Can Midterms continue their Cinderella story? Or will King Arthur cement Kan and Newman in the Rookie of the Year discussion?
- Midterms vs Chaos Theory
- Both factions are well out of the faction race. But despite this both these teams were able to play spoiler against a contender for that faction title. Given the large personalities they faced, neither team was probably favored to win that match. In a semi-finals very few expected, one of these teams will continue their unlikely run with the chance to possibly play at spectacular, which would be a huge deal for any player involved.
- Press Room vs Danger Zone
- After Nemiroff’s sudden death loss to Bateman, having her face Bateman once again in the semi-finals would be great. Huge implications for the faction race, no matter who wins. All the pressure will be on Danger Zone to win this match against a very dangerous team. Can Press Room pull up the upset? Or will Danger Zone fulfill everyone’s lofty expectations.
- Reilly/Duralde vs Danger Zone
- The Who’s the Boss civil war continues! Given Bateman and Reilly’s history in teams this is a must watch. Also, I think it will be interesting to see how Murrell and Reilly interact given they both left the Exchange but on different circumstances. Either way to see after Who’s the boss split up, Reilly and Bateman on their new teams competing in a semifinals is too perfect. Easily a PPV worthy match.
- Press Room vs McWeeny/Frabetti
- A very important match for the faction race. With McWeeny/Frabetti taking out one of the favorites to win, fans will most likely intrigued to see how far they go. Both teams have a mountain of potential, both teams with a lot to prove. No matter who wins, the fans win because there is new exciting blood within the teams division.
- Reilly/Duralde vs McWeeny/Frabetti
- Two recently formed teams in the semi-finals! This would be great for the teams division given how it currently lacks depth. Reilly and McWeeny are both looking to cement their place as one of the greatest teams players of all time, while Duralde and Frabetti are looking to possibly make their first tournament final, and a chance to play for their first belt. All four players need the momentum and would greatly appreciate a chance at playing at Spectacular.
MY MOST INTERESTING POSSIBLE FINAL MATCHUPS
- KOrruption vs Danger Zone
- Anytime we get Kalinowski vs Bateman always leads to an entertaining match. Add that with Murrell’s history with KOrruption and the pressure on Danger Zone to not lose to KOrruption twice and you’d get a fantastic teams final. Also has huge implications for the faction race.
- King Arthur vs Danger Zone
- Another Exchange vs Dungeon teams final! That alone makes it a must watch. Now add the fact we get two rookies looking to take out two of the veterans within the league, it’s a great matchup no matter how you slice it. Will experience win out? Or will new blood take over within the division? Also has huge implications for the faction race.
- KOrruption vs Press Room
- Given last year’s matchup between Nemiroff and Kalinowski, to see them face off in the tournament finals would be great. KOrruption also have a score to settle with the Mercs after this year’s Collision. KOrruption will have a lot to play for, while Horowitz and Nemiroff would be a win away from their first title match.
- Midterms vs Danger Zone
- As I said last time, who would’ve thought the first round match from the last tournament would be this tournament’s final. Would be a fantastic story.
- King Arthur vs McWeeny/Frabetti
- Suspects vs Exchange has been a very nice rivalry. And with both being in similar positions in the faction race it’s a very important match. McWeeny is looking to get his second teams belt, and Frabetti, Kan, and Newman are looking to win their first belt. A fun finals which probably will catch most fans by surprise.
- Chaos Theory vs Reilly/Duralde
- Maybe the most unexpected or unpredictable finals but that is not bad. Would be a crazy underdog story no matter who wins. It would also be refreshing to see a final full of friendly faces rather than the normal intense rivalry between competitors with history. Think it would be an create an interesting dynamic and finals for fans to watch.