THE VIRTUOSA 👑

Deonna Purrazzo

Considered possibly the best "Technical" women's wrestler on the planet.

NEW ROH Women's World World Champion

The New ROH Women's World Television Champion Billie Starkz

ROH Women's World Champion Athena

🎙️ Big night at ROH Final Battle 2023! Athena (c) vs. Billie Starkz for the ROH Women's World Championship - a match that's gonna be absolutely tremendous! We are covering the show so don't miss out! Leave your thoughts in the comments, your opinion matters, folks! Let's make wrestling majestic again! 👊🌟 #ROHFinalBattle #WomensChampionship #WrestlingDebate #ControversialOpinions #Winning

KARLACH WRESTLER??!!!

Butterflies

Title: Butterflies

Pairing: Nikki Bella x Reader

Summary: Nikki tries to get a kiss after Y/n wins her first championship.

Word Count: 420

"One!" Y/n held her breath and pushed her body against her opponent's as the referee slapped his hand against the mat and counted. "Two! Three!"

Y/n's eyes shot wide open as the bell rang. She let the referee help up onto her feet. The crowd was losing their mind cheering for her. It didn't feel real, and a part of Y/n doubted that it ever would. She had worked for years and years at this company, and now she was finally realizing her dream of being the champion.

"And new WWE Women's Champion, Y/n Y/l/n!" Samantha's voice shook a little as she announced Y/n's win. Y/n glanced over at the commentary table and the announcer's area. Everybody over there looked supportive, as if they all undersood the importance of this moment.

Y/n tried to hide the tears streaming down her cheeks, but it was no use. She had just won a championship after fifteen years of coming up short. Y/n glanced over towards the corner where Rhea was huddled up with Judgement Day doting on her. Slowly, Y/n walked over and offered her hand to Rhea. She expected Rhea to smack her hand away, but instead, the younger woman shook it.

"It was an honor, really," Rhea told her. Y/n nodded and pulled Rhea in for a hug. The cameras had cut by this point, and they were being rushed out of the ring. Y/n walked ahead of Judgement Day to find Nikki waiting for her backstage.

"Oh my god, I think that was a match of the year contender," Nikki said. Y/n blushed as she tried to look away. Nikki pouted as she stepped towards Y/n. "Hey, don't go shy on me now. You're the champion."

"I'm still me though," Y/n mumbled. Nikki moved in for a kiss, but the timing was off. Y/n hadn't noticed and tried looking away once again. This time, Nikki grabbed onto Y/n's cheeks and forced the woman to look at her.

"Love, don't hide your face. Don't," Nikki said. Y/n cleared her throat to speak, not trusting her voice to stay even otherwise.

"You make me flustered, I can't help it."

"You fluster me more, sweetheart." Y/n didn't believe it, she wouldn't for a second. Still, she let Nikki end the sentiment with a kiss. It was slow and sweet, and Nikki let Y/n completely melt into it. "You give me butterflies."

Tony Khan Criticized Oklahoma State Athletic Commission For Their Transphobia Against Nyla Rose

The owner of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) says he’s “disappointed” in the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission (OSAC) after the OSAC reprimanded the company for featuring transgender wrestler Nyla Rose in a match against a cisgender woman.

On December 20, 2023, Rose (the first trans woman to be hired by a major U.S. wrestling promotion, and the second-ever AEW Women’s Champion) appeared on a show in Oklahoma City under AEW’s Ring of Honor subsidiary brand, facing off against competitor Alejandra the Lion. As fans are well aware, professional wrestling matches are predetermined, and while violent, involve realistic stage combat rather than attempts to permanently injure one’s “opponent.” But wrestling is still legally a “professional combative sports event,” so Oklahoma athletic regulators swiftly stepped in to object to the match, based solely on the fact that Rose is trans and Alejandra is not.

The Commission’s rules prohibit athletic competitions “between males and females,” as defined solely by their chromosomes, a rule which is printed in the state’s official pro wrestling license application. OSAC officials claimed that Rose violated the law by marking “female” on her application, issuing a formal warning to AEW with a promise of “punitive action” should the company run more matches between trans and cis wrestlers in Oklahoma going forward. Under Oklahoma law, violating an OSAC statute can result in a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail for a first infraction, with additional infractions carrying penalties up to $5,000 or one year in prison. Oklahoma’s chromosomal regulations have been in place since 2012.

Rose regularly works with cis women in her matches, such as her longtime in-ring rival Hikaru Shida. Though her “Native Beast” character references Rose’s Oneida heritage, AEW has not referenced her trans identity in its storylines. During a media call on Wednesday in advance of AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view event, co-owner and president Tony Khan expressed “shock” at OSAC’s warning and said he fully supports Rose and other trans athletes.

“I was really surprised by this [...] and of course, I was disappointed by the commission’s position and by that warning,” Khan told reporters during the call, “I don’t think we did anything wrong.”

“I don’t think there should be discrimination against transgender wrestlers or transgender people at all,” Khan went on to say. “They have rights, and to that end, I absolutely stand by Nyla Rose. AEW stands by Nyla Rose and all transgender people who want to play sports. And this is wrestling. There was nothing wrong with it [...] if everybody in the locker room can embrace Nyla, I would hope that the Oklahoma Commission could do the same thing.”

When asked if AEW would continue running events in Oklahoma following the warning, Khan demurred. “We have great fans in Oklahoma, they’re important to us,” he said. “And great fans all over the country, and so we’ll do anything we can to support those fans. So, it’s something we’re gonna have to think about.”

Her First Gold -P2-

Bloodline x Wrestler!Black! Fem Reader

SFW! 18+! Minors DNI!

Part one is here!

~

“I’m such a fuckin idiot…” Y/N sighed out as she realized what she’s done. She was at the private gym on a treadmill chatting with Liv and Asuka walking along. She sighed stressed from the situation she put herself in. “Oh we know.” Asuka stated in her thick accent laughing. “I mean look at the-“ “I swear to god if you say the bright side of it imma beat yo ass, there is no bright side to this liv. I’m gonna lose…” she turned off the mill and got a break with some water. “Y/N, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s just bianca.” Asuka said as she just scrolled on her phone. “Y’all don’t understand. It’s not just Bianca, what if I do lose thou? I don’t wanna leave. I don’t wanna go back to NXT and do all that work again.” Y/N was worried about her career and her boys. “I don’t wanna fail my boys…” Liv and Asuka looked at her and smiled getting off their treadmills. “Hey, you are not gonna lose.” Liv said giving eye contact. “Yea! You work so hard Y/N! And on top of that,The bloodline has your back.” Y/N smiles at her friends words. “Besides…you’re a heel right?” Liv smirked. “Well yea I am.” Y/N understood her look and smirked too. “Then be a heel.” Y/N nodded and she hugged her friends getting a text from Roman saying that he was outside. “I’ll see y’all later.”

In the car, she looked at Roman smiling but so her thoughts came over her. “You had a nice workout babygirl?” He asked kissing her cheek as he started on the road. “It was ok, I’m just worried about…next week…” she said biting her nails. “Come on baby stop that. U want me to put bandages on your fingers like ur spy kids?” He asked smirking. She shook her head no and stopped putting her hands between her thighs. “Baby you are gonna be fine. You’ve been working so hard, yes this moment is a bit risky but you are gonna do great.” He smiles as he drove towards the house. “Baby would you be mad if I lose…and I had to go back to NXT?” Roman sighed and looked at her some. “Baby, me or the guys could never be mad at you. You are our princess, our little royal. And we will support you no matter what. Even if you went back to NXT.” Roman smiled as he peeled at Y/N as she was wiping her tears away. “I don’t wanna embarrass you guys. I wanna make y’all proud.” “And you will.”

~

The night has finally come and Y/N paced in the locker room with her custom gear on. She fixed her puffs sighing listening to music getting pumped. She got a text that the boys were coming down and she took her earbuds out soon hearing knocks on the door. “Come on in!” The boys came in rushing her for a hug for luck. “You’re gonna do great mamas.” Jey said kissing her cheek. Jimmy went to fix her hair helping out some and solo presented her with her bloodline wristbands. She smiled at the honor and she let solo put them on. “Baby you’re gonna be awesome, you’re gonna get that belt.” Roman said hugging her close, she nodded and she walked out with him. Roman is gonna be on ring side with her. “Let’s party.” She sighed.

Bianca came out first, in a beautiful pink custom gear wear, the crowd cheering her on, her music blaring around the arena. The WWE universe in the palm of her hand, that’s what Y/N wanted. The music for Y/N came in as a bloodline remix, she walked out with Roman a bit nervous, but gained her confidence seeing how he just glared at the crowd that acknowledged him. Y/N walked with him slow with her gear, red camo, her hair bouncing, she felt like the moment. “They aren’t just cheering me on babygirl.” He said in my ear as we made it to the ring. Y/N listened in to the crowd, she felt supported hearing her name.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this contest is scheduled to one fall, for the WWE Women’s Championship!!”

The announcer begun, Y/N leaned in the ropes watching bianca.

“In this Corner, we have our current WWE champion, miss ect., Bianca Belair!”

The crowd went wild and she smiled skipping around some winking at me taking off her jacket.

“And her opponent, the royal of the bloodline herself, Y/N!!”

She smirked getting a cheek kiss from Roman and smirks at Belair. The announcer left out and the ref signaled the bell. Let’s go.

~

She was thrown against the ropes growling at Belair sighing tired. Bianca was getting there too. Amazed how long she’s lasted, it being 15 minutes in the ring, about two specials on her , yet shes still standing. Bianca hit the ropes coming in hot but y/n opened the ropes making bianca go out the ring hitting the floor. She sighed needing a breather but she smirked. The words echoing in her ear. ‘Be a heel.’

Liv is right. She is a heel. Smirking as Bianca she speared her hard, giggling, seeing her flat on the ground. She was able to pin her and soon the bell rung.

She won.

Y/N soon heard the crowd cheer, she couldn’t believe it. She won. She has her title. Her boys ran out excited and hugged her close. They were so proud of her. Soon Roman pointed at Bianca, looking at Y/N smirking. “You’re not done are you?” He whispered chuckling. Something came over her, she shook her head no, Jey smirked handing her a black metal chair. “Get em baby.” He encouraged. Solo kisses her cheek feeding into the evil deed that need to be done. Y/N raised the chair and started to hit Bianca with it. Hearing her cry out in pain, it fueled her. Y/N tossed the chair to the side seeing a defeated Bianca, former champion. She got her belt from Roman, he kissed her hand helping her out the ring and they walked away. She felt this power, she liked this power.

“You will be acknowledged. Just like I do baby.” Roman said smiling. Y/N nodded and walked to the lounge with her Boys.

The new champion.

Pictured above: On the left, the first poster that was used to promote ROH Final Battle back in late october. On the right, the current version of that poster about a month later. We're just under 20 days until the event and I can't help but wonder how many more faces are going to change on this graphic between now and then.

I must say that I have been more or less enjoying Ring of Honor since it was purchased by Tony Khan and folded into the AEW tent. It's pretty light on promos or storylines, which is not terrible, and results in a far higher quantity of just pretty dang good wrestling, not to mention, probably the best women's division that is being utilized by Mr. Khan & co.

The fact that ROH is actually pretty good is why I've been getting really pissed off with how they seem to treat it as the embarrassing step sibling to AEW. Over the past year, more and more frequently AEW has made incredibly liberal use of ROH belts for their own promotion, to the point of making them seem fairly worthless.

I loved the MJF/Adam Cole bromance as much as the next guy, and them winning the tag belts (at an AEW ppv) was a fine decision, and could have been a way to kind of elevate the status of the titles... if Adam Cole hadn't busted his ankle. Now they've been treating the ROH tag team championship like it's their property and have just refused to let them lose it because what, it would be unfair if Adam couldn't defend his title? So what's the answer? They just get to have their reign artificially extended indefinitely, meanwhile every tag team in ROH can just kind of fuck themselves?

Then it seemed almost as a follow-up to Better than you Bay Bay winning those titles, the Hung Bucks got to dethrone the Embassy for the trios belts (on an episode of AEW), which they held on to for just long enough to be included in the promotional art for Final Battle before just dropping the belts directly back to the Embassy again. What an utter waste of a reign.

Then, after MONTHS of building up Dalton Castle as the heir in waiting to the ROH TV Championship, with the promise of a Castle vs Samoa Joe rematch, they instead just have Joe, the KING OF TELEVISION unceremoniously forfeit his title (on an episode of AEW) and now our promised clash of Dalton and Joe just isn't going to happen, and allegedly there's supposed to be a tournament or something to see who gets to claim the vacated title, but it's been like 3 weeks and zero mention of who gets the shot at that belt or when.

Then, Eddie Kingston(who defeated Claudio to become ROH world Champion on an episode of AEW) just gets to go ahead and put the ROH World Championship up as a prize for the fucking Continental Classic tournament, which is exclusively happening during AEW tv shows, featuring amost exclusively AEW roster. Which ends at the next AEW ppv, World's End on December 30th.

And the latest utter bullshit example of the ROH titles being thrown around like a prize from a gumball machine, with less than a week's worth of build up to the match, Wheeler Yuta, the charisma vacuum, defeats Katsuyori Shibata for the ROH Pure championship (on an episode of AEW) And before anyone um actually's me, I know that Shibata had to go back to Japan for personal reasons, but the handling of this title change was lazy and serves as another example of how little of a shit they seem to give about ROH as a promotion.

Every single ROH title win since like, May has happened on a televised AEW program. Neither Better Than You Bay Bay or The Hung Bucks ever once defended their Ring of Honor titles on Ring of Honor. No member of Ring Of Honor's roster has ever gotten to win an AEW belt and represent it on ROH. It's a completely one-way street where all the biggest stars in AEW, main eventers like MJF, The Young Bucks, Eddie Kingston, get to win ROH titles as a way to make them seem important, but nobody from ROH ever gets to be put over by defeating them.

Of the SIX championships ROH has, Three are currently unavailable to any ROH competitors. The World Championship is now a door prize for an AEW tournament, which means Eddie presumably will not be defending it at Final Battle. And even if he does, he's guaranteed to retain so that it can then be given to the winner of the Continental Classic. Or, some shmuck wins it from him only to have to forfeit it to the winner of said tournament. The ROH TV Championship is in limbo. no one possesses it and can't until they announce some kind of gimmick match to see who gets it. And the ROH Tag Team championship is a big shrug emoji. MJF tore his shoulder at Full Gear, so in all likelihood, he's losing his AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe at World's end. But are they going to bother having him and a mystery partner defend the ROH belts at Final Battle? Given that entirely zero top guys from AEW ever dirty themselves by appearing on ROH, I would be shocked if MJF set foot in an ROH ring. More than likely, he's going to have to do a solo defence again on an episode of Dynamite and lose, or maybe he and Adam Cole will just forfeit the titles and we'll have another stupid tournament or royal rumble to fill more empty belts.

Of the remaining three belts, only the Women's World Championship title is ever regularly defended on ROH. The Embassy are currently on leave because Gates of Agony are in some NJPW tag team event. And Wheeler Yuta only appears on ROH to do Pure Rules squash matches and even then only if he's being used for a replacement pure champ.

Quite frankly Athena is carrying the entire promotion on her god damn shoulders and frankly she does not get nearly the respect she deserves for doing so. She has single handedly made the ROH Women's championship feel like a more important title than either the AEW Women's Championship or the TBS Championship.

They've updated this poster for the event every time one of these titles has changed hands since they first announced it and I really can't help but wonder if it was all just to try and drum up hype and try and trick some people into early ticket sales because frankly I'd ask for my money back at this point between what this event was originally advertised as vs what it's looking like now, vs how it's going to look in 2 weeks.

In short, Tony Khan, please stop treating Ring of Honor like the red headed step child to AEW. It just makes the entire promotion and all the talented wrestlers who work there seem like fucking chumps who just weren't good enough to move up to the big leagues. You're squandering so many good names by stealing belts from ROH to use as fucking accessories to guys who are already in incredibly safe positions.

Like, incredibly unfair to like, Top Flight, The Workhorsemen, Iron Savages, even the fucking Outrunners that none of them have been able to get a shot at those titles because TK or MJF or whoever are unwilling to make their big names lose to the fucking nobodies in ROH?

Incredibly unfair to set up Dalton Castle as the next in line for the TV Belt but then have him go and job to fucking Nick Wayne on AEW.

Why the fuck would anyone want to spend 15 dollars a month subscribing to Honor Club to watch a show that is treated like shit by it's own promotion? Like, ROH used to mean something? Some of the biggest names in the industry got their start there, but it's hardly a place for new, young talent to be able to make a name for themselves when it's just being treated like the kids table for AEW.

it was just a cool idea i had when i heard this song (this is the formerly titles 'perfect illusion' series. nothing else has changed)

|remember to leave feedback and i love all you heathens|

‘The Very First Night: Part I' Angelo Parker (Jeff) x fem!reader

^whatever they had abruptly ended, but was it really over?^

- Wheeler Yuta (James) - jericho being an ass - possible second part?

3rd Person POV

The current Ring of Honor Pure and World Champions stood in the ring across from three members of the Jericho Appreciation Society, with the rest of each faction at their respective ringside. Chris, Daniel, and Anna vs Claudio, James, and their mystery partner; who would become the first woman in the Blackpool Combat Club.

"Alright, enough with the waiting. Where's your girl? Ruby Soho perhaps? Maybe little Skye Bl-" There were many names thrown around on social media for who it was, but no one saw it coming when they heard her voice 'For it is just an Illusion' and the unmistakable beat of Lady Gaga's song. Justin Roberts got his cue "And their tag team partner, she is the Ring of Honor Women's World Champion; Y/R/N" She officially became a face as she walked down the ramp to the ring. A pop like no other. Clad in red, black, and white gear, with her unzipped BCC jacket, 'Illusion' printed on the back courtesy of Claudio. James held the middle rope down for her as she joined them in the ring and snatched the mic from Chris. The cheering quieted a bit, "Well I guess, now you see me."

Jon and Bryan took the trio's jackets and the match started. Jeff hadn't moved since her music started. 'Fuck.' he thought. It had been almost a year since they saw each other. Y/N and him had a little friends with benefits situation. What ended it was that he didn't return the feelings she had admitted on an unsober night. Or so she thought he didn't. He missed the pillowtalk, waking up tangled together, the pictures of her in his shirt that she would send; he missed it all.

Y/N had Anna worn down and in her sight for her finisher; the Hypnosis pumpkick. Right when Anna got to her feet, she was back down with the kick and down for the count. "Here are your winners the Blackpool Combat Club." Y/N turned her head to start to mock her foes, only to meet the eyes of her former fling. James had gotten her attention again when he handed her her title back. It did feel nice to be on the good side of wrestling again as she heard cheers when the 'Y/R/N' is All Elite' graphic went up.

The five of them had gone back to their locker room after the match. "How do you feel Y/N?" Bryan asked her. "Feels good to torture you again after all these years." The two of them had been like siblings as they always ended up in the same company at some point. They kept with the catch up and shop-talk until there was a knock at the door. James got the door and immediately had his guard up, "What the hell are you doing here?" 'I was right.' She thought as she looked to Jeff at the door. "I just want to talk to Y/N. I'm not here to fight." "Like we trust you, or any of your buddies." Y/N got up and nudged James out of the way, "It's fine guys. I'll be back in a bit." She zipped her team jacket halfway and followed Jeff down the hall.

They had found themselves in a hall with crates and trunks for equipment. They sat on the trunks until the silence broke "How does it feel to be 'forged in combat'?" he asked only to try to break the ice. "You got a lot of nerve coming to the lions' den like that. They really hate you guys." He knew it was stupid but he needed to talk to her. "Why, after all this time, do you now want to talk to me?" "Y/N, I know I hurt you. I thought you were going to wake up that morning and when I asked you about what you said, you were going to deny it. So, I left; save us both the embarrassment." She scoffed, "Jeff, I told you I was in love with you. We would go out and I would hope someone would assume we were a couple. There were nights when you walked me home and I would tear up because I knew that once you left, I would be reminded that it wasn't real. Yeah the sex was nice, but I wanted you. I wanted everything with you; but it was clear you didn't." When he sat there with his head hung and no reaction, she got up. "I see things clearly haven't changed, Jeffrey." The moment his full name left her lips with that tone, he knew he fucked up even more. He grabbed her wrist gently but enough to keep her from leaving him any more.

She looked up at him and he could see the hurt he had caused in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I really am. You didn't deserve that and I'm an asshole for doing it. Tell me; do you remember the time we went to the amusement park? The ferris wheel? Right when we started moving, I figured out you didn't like heights. We got to the top and you clung to me for dear life. You tried to pass it off as you were 'just cold' but it was the middle of June. That was the moment I fell in love with you, Y/N." Somewhere in his confession, his hands had come up to her cheeks. "Despite you being scared, you still looked perfect. I never wanted to leave. I know it will take a long time for you to forgive me, if you even give me the chance to make it up to you, but I promise you I will make it up to you." She knew she couldn't let him back in that easy, but the sincerity in those big brown eyes melted her. She pulled him down to her height by his suspenders and kissed him in what felt like forever. He moved her arms to go around his neck as he picked her up and sat her back on one of the trunks. They had pulled away from eachother and she couldn't help the bubbly feeling forming in her tummy again. Smiling, "Guess those stupid suspenders are good for something." "Oh, come on. You can deal with the suspenders if I have to deal with this." He was referring to her jacket as his hands dipped inside of it to rest them on her hips, feeling that she's still in her ring gear.

The two of them had finally parted and went back to their groups.

"What did he want with you?" Claudio asked as she walked through the door. "It doesn't matter." "Then why is your lipstick smudged?" Jon interrogated. Shit.

"Where the hell have you been?! You just left us after that match!" Chris scolded Jeff. "Wait, hang on" Anna stepped in and examined Jeff's face, "Is that lipstick?" Shit.

~~~~~~~

lovely taglist babes (comment to be added) @josiewrites @slut4kennyomega @wwenhlimagines @plentyoffandoms @auburnwrites @im-just-a-mississippi-girl

1️⃣ TIMERS CLUB

Based on the popular Topps "5 Timers Club" set from their final WWE release.

Wrestlers who only held their iconic title ONCE.

Jr saying with his whole chest he wishes Athena would go on a roll and that she has the skill to accomplish whatever she wants and Nigel cutting in to remind him shes the RING OF HONOR WOMENS CHAMPION!!!

ROH Women's World Champion Mercedes Martinez

Tonight is ROH Death Before Dishonor 2023! For the ROH Women's World Championship, Athena (c) vs. Willow Nightingale! We will cover the show so don't miss out!

Fear

Pairing: Charlotte Flair x Fem reader x Becky Lynch

Description: Your anxiety acts up badly before your big match against Bayley at Summerslam

This was the biggest match ever in your career and here you were a mess of bottled up nerves sitting in your locker room as a match between Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan finished up which means the next match will be Charlotte and Sasha then you and Bayley. "Love what's wrong?" you share a hug and kiss with Charlotte before she goes to the ring even though she wanted to help you but she knew Becky would stay with you as becky holds you tightly in her arms "I'm scared to fucking death" you had been worried about the match ever since you won the match against Natalya to go against bayley in this match but you didn't expect your anxiety to act up this bad like it has over the last week and right now "Look at me breathe like I am" after a few quick uncontrolled breaths you slowly follow her breathing pattern while she holds you listening to her calm heartbeat and her voice softly speak "Fear is normal and it's okay to be scared this is a huge match for you but don't let it take over" you nod before calming down and sipping on water sharing a kiss and another long hug with becky as charlotte walks backstage victorious sharing a group hug and two final kisses before walking to the ring starting the match with a clothesline before the match grew very close from her hurricana to your kick to the face everyone was om the edge of their seats as the next long neverending hour passed. Finally with a good spear you get the pin and win yelling in joy and tears becoming women's universal champion sharing a handshake and hug with bayley who told you that you did great and the match was amazing walking backstage with a big smile jumping in the girl's arms who were proud of you and over the moon of your big win immediately changing and celebrating with dinner after a few interviews as the three of you left the arena sharing a big hug with Hunter who was proud and treated you like you were his daughter feeling honored that he cared and was proud of your first and big win in your career learning how to conquer your fear whenever it got to be too much thanks to the girls and their support.

I saw @turbulentpumpkin43 do this for Ariadne and thought, why the hell not ... I always love a chance to talk about my Most Archetype of All Time Guy! 💗

(More below, but the rows basically line up to his looks, themes, and personality in that order)

Boromir (Lord of the Rings) - From the start, Daren's whole concept was "what if Boromir escaped his tragedy?" [Daren's relationship with Alistair is basically a direct inversion of Boromir and Aragorn]. I love Sean Bean to death and when I needed a comfort character to recreate "just for fun" of course it was going to be him. I have him to thank for Daren's tenacity, protectiveness, and stunning profile (and for teaching me how to love my nose by proxy).

Peter Pevensie (Chronicles of Narnia) - The character I used to temper him on Daren's second playthrough! He's the source behind his idealism, dry humor, and faithfulness. I had just rewatched The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at Christmas for the first time in several years and reimprinted on Peter like a baby duck. If I was going to play a noble, I couldn't think of anyone nobler. Also they're both big brothers ... which is why I NEEDED to make Maeve Cousland canon.

Odysseus (The Odyssey) - I love Love LOVE giving characters classical mythology parallels, before or after the fact. This is a more recent inspiration ... I used to say he was my Achilles because of his struggles with rage and PTSD, but that didn't feel quite right. Then I realized his propensity for lying, bargaining, and above all enduring made him a perfect Odysseus. All he wants is his home and family back, and that's his reward after a harrowing journey, but it's changed and so has he. You can never truly go back :) .

Eliot Spencer (Leverage) - This slot was up in the air and for a while I strongly considered putting Murtagh or Jaime Lannister here, because I really felt like this list needed a villain. And specifically one that was charming yet had a very particular relationship with violence. But in the end I chose Eliot, because he has the exact right mix of self-aware control, gentleness, and absolute ruthless brutality. For Daren, this applies to both his battle prowess and political/social clout and he can wield both as equally deadly weapons. He knows how dangerous he is, so he's content letting the people around him forget from time to time.

Horace Altman (Ranger's Apprentice) - Just like Daren, Horace is a secondary protagonist and serves as the strong arm and reliable ally to the titular hero. He's a champion, a prodigy when it comes to warfare, and head-over-heels for the princess. While he started as a lunkheaded bully, he grew into an honorable, thoughtful man. I'm finally reading the last book in the series where he is in his late 30's and I realized that he and Daren got the exact same ending. All the way down to saving the world, marrying the queen, and having a precocious adventure-seeking daughter. Way to go, fellas.

Clark Kent (Superman) - I have been obsessed with Lawful Good Paladin-coded Heroes since I started reading Justice League comics at the age of 5. Although he has more internal ethical struggles than Clark (usually) has to deal with, they both respond to injustice with the same open, uncomplicated desire to save people and Do The Right Thing. Daren is, under all his stoic responsibility and PTSD, just a big fat goober who tries to hide his feelings so his friends never worry about him. He's used to being the strong one, the reliable one, and his most important and deepest bonds form with people who make him feel safe to be vulnerable and see the toll that shouldering the weight of the world takes. Also, they both love women who boss them around.