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Had to change the format so I followed the community rules.
The 2020 college football season has come to a close with the Alabama Crimson Tide once again on top of the college football world. Bama won an exciting, albeit lopsided, national championship game over Ohio State as Nick Saban claimed his seventh title.
As you might expect, this mock is going to feature a lot of soon-to-be former Tide players and a few Buckeyes as well. I have six Alabama players coming off the board in the first round, including quarterback Mac Jones.
Speaking of quarterbacks, there are six that I could see drafted in the first two rounds at this point. There is still a ton of assessing to be done with the Senior Bowl coming up, hopefully, followed by the NFL scouting combine.
There are two trades that occur in the first round of this mock, both involving quarterbacks.
Cincinnati trades 1.5 and 5.133 to San Francisco for 1.12, 2.43 and a 2022 first-round pick Detroit trades 1.7 to New England for 1.15, 2.46 and 2022 first-round pick
The draft order is according to Tankathon and updated through the wildcard weekend. Time to dive in!

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) - Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

I know there is some buzz about Urban Meyer landing with the Jaguars and taking Justin Fields. I don't buy it. Trevor Lawrence is one of the best quarterback prospects of all time. His poise, athleticism and arm strength make him a Day 1 starter. He would give Jacksonville it's most exciting quarterback situation in franchise history.

1. New York Jets (2-14) - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

This comes down to Justin Fields vs. Zach Wilson. It's going to be close. As of right now, I give the edge to Wilson. He has incredible zip on his throws and a lightning quick release. Wilson is a proven runner as well. He will need to take care of his body at the next level, but he looks the part of an NFL quarterback. It is no secret he works hard either. The Jets would find a potential new leader for their offense.

1. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-6) - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

There is some buzz about the Dolphins trading this pick back to the Texans in a deal for Deshaun Watson. If that is on the table, Miami should pull the trigger. Otherwise, this team should stand pat and protect Tua. There are plenty of other receivers to take later in this draft. There are not many offensive tackles like Penei Sewell though. He is a polished pass blocker with good functional athleticism and plenty of play strength. He sat out the 2020 season, but he will remind everyone at the combine (assuming it happens) just how talented he is.

1. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) - Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

While some will advocate for a quarterback here, Matt Ryan likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon because of his contract. Instead, the Falcons take a talented player at a huge position of need. Drafting Patrick Surtain II gives Atlanta a tandem of young corners to build the defense around. Surtain has great ball skills and an NFL pedigree. Not to mention he brings plenty of big-game experience coming out of Alabama. This defense allowed the most passing yards per game in 2020. Don't overthink it. Grab a top-end corner and move forward.

1. San Francisco 49ers via Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

With two of the top four quarterbacks still on the board and Penei Sewell already gone, phones in Cincinnati would be lighting up! The Bengals move down, allowing the 49ers to find their quarterback of the future. Cutting Jimmy Garoppolo saves a ton of cap space. Justin Fields' ceiling is higher than that of Garoppolo's too. Fields brings a ton of intangibles to the table with his arm strength and speed. He definitely needs to improve some of his decision making and work on consistently hitting his release. Working with Kyle Shanahan would be a great way to help him reach his full potential.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

If Patrick Surtain was still here, that would have been the pick. However, it is hard to be mad about landing the top receiver in the class. Ja'Marr Chase is a matchup nightmare with a great blend of size and speed. He dominated the SEC in 2019 before opting out in 2020. He would give whomever the Eagles decide to start at quarterback a clear No. 1 receiver. Philly has been looking to fill that void for a long time.

1. New England Patriots via Detroit Lions (5-11) - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Detroit has a ton of holes to fill and a new general manager coming in. I think we could see them trade down come April. The Patriots jump up to find a succession plan to Tom Brady, probably a few years too late. Trey Lance is a bit more raw than the other top quarterback prospects, but he has some special physical tools. If he gets a year to get up to speed in the NFL and improve his deep accuracy, he could be a long-term solution at quarterback for years to come. With his effortless arm strength and impressive mobility, the sky is the limit for Lance.

1. Carolina Panthers (5-11) - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Sometimes, things just fall into place perfectly. Carolina needs a new linebacker to roam the field and match wits with opposing quarterbacks. Micah Parsons could step in from Day 1 and provide a huge boost to an exciting young defense. He has the prototypical size teams want for modern day linebackers with some added pass rushing potential. Parsons won't be Luke Keuchley, but he is probably the team's best option to attempt to fill the void he left when he retired.

1. Denver Broncos (5-11) - Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

I'm not forgetting about Bradley Chubb or Von Miller, with the latter hopefully coming back from injury at full strength in 2021. Gregorey Rousseau has the potential to take over at one of the defensive end spots though while Miller and Chubb play on the outside. Rousseau is huge at 6'7" with room to add some muscle to that frame. He looks most comfortable rushing the passer from the interior in the limited tape I've watched so far of him at Miami. Denver needs a jolt in its front three. Rousseau has the potential to become a cornerstone player on this defense.

1. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

When you allow the most points in franchise history and fire your defensive coordinator after one season, it's probably a good sign that you need to add some talent to your defense. Caleb Farley is a big, physical corner who can command a spot on the outside for this Cowboys defense. After sitting out the 2020 season, he will get a chance to solidify his draft stock at the combine. Dallas desperately missed Byron Jones this year. While Farley is not a like-for-like fit, he can help fill the void and create an exciting young tandem with Trevon Diggs.

1. New York Giants (6-10) - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

If you want to rank the Alabama receivers over the past two years, Jaylen Waddle is second on my list behind Jerry Jeudy. Yes, I would take him over DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs. While Smith, deservedly, won the Heisman, Waddle was in the conversation this year before he got hurt. He was the go-to player in the offense, amassing 557 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his four games before the injury. Waddle is electric in the open field. I like how he projects to the next level just a bit more than Smith. If the Giants are determined to see Daniel Jones succeed, finding a playmaker like Waddle will make a huge difference.

1. Cincinnati Bengals via San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Slide down seven spots and land an offensive line prospect with tons of potential? Sign every Bengals fan in the world up for that. Probably sign Joe Burrow up for that too. Christian Darrisaw has a bit of developing still to do, but he looks very comfortable playing on the left side of the line. His size and athleticism point to tons of untapped potential. He has room to improve in his footwork and technique, but those are coachable aspects of the game.

1. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Protecting Justin Herbert should be the top priority for the Chargers this offseason. For a team that seems to be growing into a potential championship window with a rookie quarterback, finding a franchise tackle to grow with it would be a great fit. Samuel Cosmi's ceiling might be the highest of any offensive tackle in this draft. At 6'7", 309 lbs, Cosmi is huge, but he moves like a much smaller man. He looks comfortable pulling, blocking in space and anchoring down on the quarterback's blind side. He is extremely raw and will need some good coaching to perfect his technique, hand usage and footwork to reach his potential. In two years though, he could be one of the top five tackles in the league. There is some risk though that he ends up being a guard if he cannot develop.

1. Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Mike Zimmer called this the worst defense he has ever had. Let's assume they will look to rebuild it then during the 2021 offseason. Jaycee Horn has lockdown corner potential. He is an elite man-to-man corner. South Carolina moved him all over the formation, allowing him to gain some experience in the slot, blitzing off the edge, playing off coverage and playing zone. He should upgrade the secondary right away. This does not mean Minnesota is bailing on Jeff Gladney after a rough rookie season. Adding Horn just creates more depth and potential for a turnaround next season.

1. Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (7-9) - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

Cue the "did you even watch the national championship game?" reactions. DeVonta Smith has been the best offensive player in college football this season. The combination of speed, route running and catch radius makes him lethal. Opposing defenses have had no answer. The main concerns are about his size. He has a very slight frame at 175 lbs, which begs questions about his ability to survive in the NFL. He will also face some major better defenses at the next level. After trading down, the Lions can invest in either a replacement for Kenny Golladay or someone to line up across from him in the future.

1. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

This has become one of my favorite prospect-team pairings in these early mock drafts. Kyle Pitts would thrive in the Cardinals offense. It would hide a number of his shortcomings as a blocker by allowing him to flex out and make plays in space. He would give Kyler Murray a great target over the middle of the field and in the red zone and open up more opportunities for DeAndre Hopkins. The drop off from Hopkins to the next-best receiving option in this offense is steep. Pitts would bridge the gap.

1. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) - Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama

Las Vegas' defense was not what many had hoped for after some signs of progress in 2019. The pass rush regressed and the secondary struggled. Enter Christian Barmore. Fresh off a dominant national championship game, he showcased his talent and potential heading into a potential NFL career. His ability as an interior pass rusher would fill a huge need for the Raiders.

1. Miami Dolphins (10-6) - Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Still not a receiver. I will get there, I promise Dolphins fans. Miami got solid production out of Andrew Van Ginkel and Kyle Van Noy, but neither one is irreplaceable. Azeez Ojulari is a polished pass rusher with an array of moves at his disposal to beat opposing offensive tackles. He would provide the Dolphins with a situational rusher who can develop into a long-term starter at outside linebacker in Brian Flores' defense.

1. Washington Football Team (7-9) - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

Taylor Heinicke and Alex Smith are both great stories, but neither projects as the long-term answer at quarterback for Washington. Mac Jones went from being Tua's backup to the Davey O'Brien winner and Heisman finalist. He is incredibly accurate, looks comfortable in the pocket and has great touch on his deep ball. He might not be as athletic as the four quarterbacks who went before him, but he can use his legs to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. He benefited from a great supporting cast, but he deserves some credit for Alabama's success this year as well.

1. Chicago Bears (8-8) - Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Allen Robinson seems headed for an exit this offseason. With Jones off the board, there are no quarterbacks worth taking here, so receiver becomes the next position of focus. Rashod Bateman has the size and playmaking skills to make Bears fans feel a little better about likely losing Robinson. He had a bit of an off 2020 season, opting out, then opting back in and opting out again after five games. He has the size to be a possession receiver, but flashes good run after the catch ability too. Expect whoever is Chicago's quarterback in 2021 to benefit from having him in the offense.

1. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh

The Colts defense was one of the best in the league this year against the run, but pretty average against the pass. The best way to disrupt an opponent's passing attack is to generate pressure. Patrick Jones II excels in that department. He has 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He fits the mold of a 4-3 defensive end and would give the Colts a successor to Justin Houston, who turns 32 later this month. Jones is one of my favorite edge rushers in this class and I think this would be a great fit for him.

1. Tennessee Titans (11-5) - Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

It took me a bit, but I think I have figured out my pro comp for Zaven Collins. Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. Both are outside linebackers who can hang in pass coverage but make their biggest impact rushing the passer. Collins is a little bit heavier than Barr, but both fit similar size profiles as well. Tennessee desperately needs a playmaker like that. The Titans had just 19 sacks as a team this season. Collins had 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in eight games. He is the type of disruptive force this defense is lacking.

1. New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks (2-14) - Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State

After grabbing Zach Wilson, protecting him needs to be the priority. Wyatt Davis is the best interior lineman in this class. He has great size and lots of experience after starting for the past two years. He would provide a nice boost to the interior of this Jets offensive line and some much needed run blocking. Joe Douglas spent a lot on the offensive line in free agency without much success. Davis and Mekhi Becton would give the Jets two great building blocks to rely on as they reshape the unit.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Did Pittsburgh throw it more than anyone else strictly by design or because they lost faith in the running game? Hard to know which is true, but either way, the Steelers cannot continue to rely on Ben Roethlisberger throwing the ball 50+ times per game. That's not sustainable. Najee Harris is the top running back in this class and could very well come off the board before this. He is physical, fast and consistent. His blend of quickness and power is pretty impressive. What makes him worthy of a first-round pick is his ability as a pass catcher. Harris caught 65 passes over the past two seasons. A 230-pound back who can get involved in the passing game? That is a special combination.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (1-15) - Liam Eichenburg, OT, Notre Dame

Cam Robinson did not have a great 2020 season and it is time that the Jaguars think about moving on from him at left tackle. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is going to be a big priority. Liam Eichenburg is one of the most pro ready tackles in this class. He is incredibly polished and technically sound. His upside is limited by a lack of speed, but he can be the anchor on the left side of the line.

1. Cleveland Browns (11-5) - Jeremiah Owusu-Komaroah, LB, Notre Dame

Cleveland's postseason run is going to continue for a little bit longer, but it is clear where they could use some help on defense. With no clear secondary pick here, the Browns can grab a high-upside linebacker. Jeremiah Owusu-Komaroah is a fantastic cover player with sideline-to-sideline ability. Given the Browns struggles in pass coverage this season, this would be a useful addition to the defense.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) - Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

Tampa Bay is in win-now mode with Tom Brady, but they can afford to go with a raw, high-upside edge rusher as they continue to build depth on defense. Kwity Paye has all the physical tools you hope for in an edge rusher at 6'4" and roughly 270 lbs. He didn't produce much at Michigan with just 11.5 sacks in 28 career games. However, teams will be betting they can help unlock his potential and turn him into a physically dominant edge rusher.

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma

Another prospect and team pairing that I really like, Baltimore's offensive line has not been the dominant unit we have become accustomed to watching in recent years. Ronnie Stanley went down after just seven games. Matt Skura had issues snapping the ball at times this season. Plugging in a pro-ready option like Creed Humphrey at center would be a great move for Baltimore. Humphrey has plenty of experience blocking for mobile quarterbacks, playing with Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Blocking for Lamar Jackson should be a seamless transition.

1. New Orleans Saints (12-4) - Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC

The Saints are in for a big offseason as the team figures out its direction after Drew Brees' career ends. New Orleans has been searching for linebacking help for years now. Finding a high-character and dynamic leader like Chazz Surratt at the end of the first round would be a great addition. Surratt is a former quarterback who is still learning the position. However, he has thrived under Mack Brown over the past two seasons starting for UNC. He could take over for Demario Davis, who just turned 32, when he decides to retire.

1. Buffalo Bills (13-3) - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State

Another great fit for both prospect and team here. Buffalo could use an upgrade at tight end. What makes this such a great fit is Pat Freiermuth's ability as both a blocker and inline receiver. He is not the same type of receiving threat as someone like Kyle Pitts, but he is a well-rounded player that fills a huge need. Giving Josh Allen an elite tight end to work with is only going to elevate his game further.

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3) - Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

There is a time and place to grab a receiver, but that is probably later in the draft. Green Bay has David Bahktiari locked up for a while, but he suffered a major injury and Bryan Bulaga left last offseason. Suddenly, this once stout offensive line is starting to deteriorate. Letting Rashawn Slater start his career at right tackle could be great for his development. He has a long way to go when it comes to hand usage and has some flaws in his pass blocking technique, but he shows flashes of being a punishing blocker. Investing in protecting Aaron Rodgers, or eventually Jordan Love, is a good plan.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) - Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee

Kansas City has not looked quite as sharp over the final few weeks of the season. Part of that has been inconsistent offensive line play. Andrew Wylie has struggled and could be in danger of being replaced in 2021. Trey Smith is a physical specimen at 6'6", 330 lbs. He started his career at tackle before kicking inside to guard. He played really well for Tennessee in 2020 and could be in line to start on Day 1. Worst-case scenario, he provides some crucial depth for the defending champs at either guard or tackle spot.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) - Carlos Basham Jr., DL, Wake Forest

With two exciting edge rushers in Josh Allen and K'Lavon Chaisson, Jacksonville could use an upgrade along the inside of the defensive line. Carlos Basham Jr. is a bit of a tweener, playing snaps at defensive end and defensive tackle. That versatility would be valuable to a Jaguars defense that was one of the worst in football this past year.

1. New York Jets (2-14) - Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas

New York is in desperate need of some edge rushing help. Ranking in the bottom third in sacks for what feels like the 10th year in a row has to end at some point for the Jets to turn things around. Joseph Ossai is an intriguing prospect, having played more of an off-ball linebacker role prior to the 2020 season. However, he showed enough promise as an edge rusher for the Jets to add him here.

1. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) - Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

Atlanta continues its search for an edge rusher. After spending several premium picks and some cap space in recent years, this could be the end of the line. Jaelan Phillips flashed tons of speed and potential to produce at the NFL level in his one year at Miami. The Falcons would be banking on that being a sign of things to come and not a one season wonder.

1. Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-6) - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

Miami finally grabs the receiver fans have been waiting for. Chris Olave made a huge impact on this Ohio State offense this year. He has good size to compete for pass downfield and has shown flashes of high-level route runner. He might need to bulk up a little bit to survive in the NFL.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse

The direction of this Eagles defense is in flux with Doug Pederson fired and Jim Schwartz taking a year away from football. There is no question that the pass defense needs a boost though. Andre Cisco is a centerfield safety with great ball skills. He had 12 interceptions in his first two seasons before slogging through an injury-riddled 2020. He would help Philly deal with the big plays that plagued the secondary all season long.

1. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) - Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa

Carlos Dunlap is gone. Geno Atkins turns 33 in March. Cincinnati could use an infusion of talent along the defensive line. Daviyon Nixon flashed enough upside that the Bengals would be happy to land him in the second round. He moves incredibly well at 305 pounds, but there is room for improvement when it comes to his technique. If he can get that final layer of polish, he could be a force along the interior of the defense.

1. Carolina Panthers (5-11) - Kyle Trask, QB, Florida

Is Teddy Bridgewater the long-term answer at quarterback? It is unclear at this point. Matt Rhule would likely be excited to work with a polished passer like Kyle Trask. He has great accuracy and anticipation. However, he really lacks mobility and does not have the biggest arm. He could be a bit of a project behind Bridgewater.

1. Denver Broncos (6-10) - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

Alex Leatherwood has played every position along the offensive line, other than center, in his time at Alabama. In this scenario, I envision him potentially taking over at right tackle after not seeing Ja'Wuan James play much in the past two years. His ability to play left tackle is important too if Garrett Bolles regresses.

1. Detroit Lions (6-10) - Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington

For a few years, Detroit has been searching for an edge rusher. Joe Tryon has above average play strength and a solid set of pass rushing moves. We didn't get to see him in 2020 because he opted out, but he has room for improvement and the size to play as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.

1. New York Giants (6-10) - Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami

The Giants will be disappointed to see Tryon off the board, but Quincy Roche is a nice consolation prize. He did not put up the same eye-popping numbers he did during his time at Temple, but his one year in Miami was productive. New York's defense made huge strides in 2020 under Patrick Graham, but needs some more pass rushing help to take the next step.

1. Cincinnati Bengals via San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC

If the Bengals spent every pick in this draft on the offensive line, I don't think anyone would fault them. That's probably unnecessary, but investing another premium pick on an offensive lineman is smart roster building here. Alijah Vera-Tucker brings some experience at both guard and tackle. He is a developing player that should make Joe Burrow's life better when he returns from injury.

1. Dallas Cowboys (6-10) - Jevon Holland, DB, Oregon

Dallas' defense is headed for something of a major rebuild. With a ton of question marks in the secondary, finding a player who can play in multiple roles carries a lot of value. Jevon Holland is disruptive and can line up at either safety spot or play in the slot. The Cowboys just need to find talented players to turn this defense around.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars via Minnesota Vikings (1-15) - Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami

Jacksonville is in desperate need of an upgrade at tight end. Brevin Jordan has not had the fanfare that Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth have, but he plays the position well. He does a lot of the little things right and would give Trevor Lawrence a strong target across the middle.

1. Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (7-9) - Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

The backend of Detroit's defense needs a lot of work. Trevon Moehrig is a reliable safety option with plenty of range to make plays. He was one of the best players on a solid TCU defense. His biggest area for improvement is keeping proper positioning. Moehrig got burned deep a few times in 2020.

1. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

The Chargers might not bring back Mike Williams. Even if they do, there is room for another playmaker on this squad. Kadarius Toney looked incredible as part of Florida's offensive resurgence this season. He is dynamic in the open field and great at making plays with the ball in his hands. Toney could be uber productive playing with Justin Herbert.

1. Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia

Keep rebuilding this defense. The Raiders have swung and missed on a lot of corners in recent years, but Eric Stokes could help steady the unit a bit. He has impeccable speed and solid coverage skills. Stokes showed some signs of being a real difference maker with four interceptions in 2020. His stock could rise a lot if he posts a ridiculous time at the combine.

1. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State

Marvin Wilson was a potential first-round selection a year ago, but did not have a great senior year after returning to Tallahassee. I think Wilson could bounce back with some better coaching. There was a lot of animosity at Florida State this offseason and it seemed like Wilson's heart was not in it this year. If he can reclaim his 2019 form, this would be a steal for a Cardinals team in need of some help along the defensive line.

1. Miami Dolphins (10-6) - Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

I have Travis Etienne ranked at No. 14 on my big board, so don't go thinking I hate Etienne. However, NFL teams are continuing to devalue this position to the point where only one running back was selected last year in the first round. This is a great fit for the Clemson running back, who would join an exciting offense. His big-play ability could easily see him go sooner than this.

1. Washington (7-9) - Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest

Assuming that Washington does opt for Mac Jones, they are going to need to give him some receivers other than Terry McLaurin to throw to. Sage Surratt sat out the 2020 season, but he was last seen torching secondaries in the ACC. He is a big-play threat with great size and ball skills.

1. Chicago Bears (8-8) - Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

We won't get to see Landon Dickerson workout at the Senior Bowl or combine this year because he suffered a season-ending injury in the SEC title game. He made a brief cameo at the end of Alabama's championship win, but he might not be ready for the upcoming season. Once he is back to full health though, he could be a steady starter for the Bears. This offense would look a lot better with an improved line and some additional playmakers.

1. Tennessee Titans (11-5) - Jay Tufele, DL, USC

This mostly projecting how Jay Tufele could develop as a prospect. He flashed some interior pass rushing ability in his first two seasons before opting out of the 2020 season. The Titans will take pass rushing help however they can get it at this point.

1. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

T.Y. Hilton had a strong second half and Michael Pittman Jr. showed flashes of his potential to be a No. 1 receiver, but Indy needs more receiving options. Parris Campbell has yet to make an impact and Zach Pascal is better off providing depth. Terrace Marshall got overshadowed by Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase last year, but he made some big plays for a much worse LSU offense this year.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State

Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled a lot between injuries and poor play all season. Dillon Radunz is a bit of an unknown coming out of North Dakota State, but he has some great physical tools and dominated the FCS. He could compete for either tackle spot from Day 1.

1. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan

There is no question the Seahawks need an edge rusher, but Russell Wilson also needs time to make plays. Saturday's loss to the Rams should underline how much the offensive line needs an upgrade. Jalen Mayfield held down the right side of the line for Michigan. He should do the same thing for Seattle, replacing Brandon Shell.

1. Los Angeles Rams (10-6) - Cade Mays, OT, Tennessee

Andrew Whitworth cannot play forever and Jared Goff is not mobile enough to compensate for a bad offensive line. Cade Mays, like his teammate Trey Smith, has featured mostly at guard, but has the size to play at tackle. He has played at every position at some point in his college career at Georgia and Tennessee. His versatility would be hugely valuable even if he does not start right away.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) - Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh

Building depth along the front seven is pretty much the only clear need this team has, pending any losses in free agency. Jalen Twyman was a disruptive force in 2019 for Pittsburgh. He racked up 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in a dominant season. He will need to measure in well at the combine to answer some questions about his size, but he could provide some pass rushing depth right away.

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC

There is no question the Ravens need another receiver to add to this offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown has the agility and route tree to fit well as a possession receiver in this offense. He can get open in small spaces and has shown the ability to stretch the field as well.

1. Cleveland Browns (11-5) - Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina

I'm not totally sure where Israel Mukuamu fits at the next level. He has played both safety and outside corner in his time at South Carolina. He is huge at 6'4" and shows flashes of being a lockdown corner. He is a step slow in the speed department, but his versatility would be extremely useful for a Browns secondary that has struggled to keep players healthy.

1. New Orleans Saints (12-4) - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

Ronadale Moore has looked like a human joystick when at full strength. That type of playmaking could be a huge boost to the Saints offense. It is not totally clear what this team will look like without Drew Brees, but New Orleans has needed a long-term solution across from Michael Thomas for a few years. Moore could be a top candidate if his medicals check out.

1. Buffalo Bills (13-3) - Chris Rumph II, EDGE, Duke

Buffalo's defense took a step back in 2020 after a dominant 2019 season. The Bills can look to reclaim their 2019 form with a couple of fresh faces in the front seven. Chris Rumph II had a great career with Duke, posting 14.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss over his final two seasons.

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3) - Seth Williams, WR, Auburn

Seth Williams' skill set is a bit more limited than some of the receivers that have gone before him, but what he does, he does very well. He has the size at 6'3" to make plays down the field in traffic. Most importantly, he has good hands, which is something Green Bay desperately needs. The Packers had one of the highest drop percentages in the league this year.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

Kansas City can stay close to home with this pick. Nick Bolton was a huge factor in Missouri's surprising season. He was one of the leaders of the Mizzou defense and made some impact plays with eight tackles for loss this season. Bolton would compete for a starting spot on a defense in need of some improvement in the linebacking corp.
https://aftermathsports.com/2021/01/12/2021-nfl-mock-draft-49ers-trade-up-for-fields-while-jones-lands-in-washington-after-cfp-final/

Staring off into the distance and takes in the cool night sky from his hotel room balcony, Thaddeus Hemmingway, listens to his television playing in the background, as the Carnage Night 3 post show recaps the show highlights, and the breaking news that James Scott has won the Lifeline Classic and is the new no. 1 contender for Thad’s World Heavyweight Championship. Thad walks back into his room, takes off his suit jacket, pulls out a bottle of champagne and a single glass for himself to drink.
So it looks like you and I are going to do this little dance one more time. James Scott. My old buddy. Firstly, please allow me to congratulate you on winning the Lifeline Classic tournament. Not an easy task by any measure and you were up against some of FBE’s finest. Desmond Caid. Inferno. My good friend Capital STEEZ. Each of them was a former World Champion in their own right and you were the heavy underdog heading into the tournament. Despite all the odds stacked against you, it was Mr. One By One who came out on top. All I can say to that is bravo and kudos to you, sir.
Thad pours himself a glass of champagne and toasts it to the camera.
Now that the formalities are out of the way, I think it is time we have a brief recap of our shared history James, shall we? If my memory is correct, it was way back in August at BTE II that you and I had our first… shall we say “infamous” encounter. Myself, the Intercontinental Champion, and you, the former Junior Heavyweight Champion utilizing option C and cashing in your title for a shot at mine. At the time, I was the only other man to have walked that route and I was admittedly happy to see another walk the same trail I blazed. But as I told you then, this is my time, and I’m nowhere close to being ready to give it all up. Our match ended on, let's say less than ideal terms. You had to head to the back with an injury and I bravely threw out an open challenge to the world, faced off against another challenger and became the first men EVER to win two matches at BTE in the same night.
After that night, we all watched as you deteriorated mentally. You called yourself my “parasitic nemesis”. You became obsessed with little old me. You swore every hardship on God’s earth on Thaddeus Hemmingway and were determined to take me down and take away my title, the one thing in this world I loved, as a means of retribution. For your sake, and for Jennifer’s sake, I’m glad you recovered and managed to move past all of that. Our rematch came and went, and like so many of my opponents beforehand, it ended with you laying flat on the mat staring up at that lights and with me holding gold high above my head. After that night, I recall recommending you form a tag team and try you luck in that division. I always saw talent in you James, even if you failed to… but I’ll be completely honest, I never thought I would see you in the main event scene with me again any time soon.
Our last meeting came approximately 3 months ago and in that time frame, I have risen to highs unseen in FBE. I ran a nearly 7 month undefeated streak in singles competition. I rose to my rightful place at the top of the card in FBE and thanks to a “presidential decree”, I became the first man ever in FBE to hold the World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships simultaneously.
Thad reaches towards his front table and lifts his World Heavyweight Title Belt onto his shoulder
You’ve had some big matches and stacked up quite a few wins for yourself in the few months since our last encounter. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. But what have you really achieved since then. No titles to show for it. Infact, this is your first taste at single’s gold since you stood across me in the ring. In a way, it’s almost kind of poetic. Ever since you made the jump to the heavyweight division of FBE, every time you have tried to get to that next level, to win yourself a championship and prove that you belong here, it's always been Thaddeus Hemmingway standing in your way. Ever since BTE, you haven’t been able to live with your own failure, and where did that bring you? Back to me.
Thad pours himself another glass of champagne and takes a sip
There is an old saying that people like to throw around that “history is destined to repeat itself.” By that logic, seeing as I have beaten you twice in the past in title matches, it would mean that I’m destined to beat you a third time and retain my World Heavyweight Championship, however, that it a misquote, and I am not ignorant enough to believe I am stepping in the ring with the same James Scott. The exact quote is “those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”, and by the looks of your recent record, you are an excellent student of history. In just 3 months, you went from an afterthought, a blimp on the radar, to one of the hottest rising stars in the business, and now have a shot at the FBE World Champion. Maybe after getting the shit kicked out of you by me twice taught you how to be resilient and how to get up and keep fighting no matter the odds. I’ve shocked the wrestling world more than once in my career and you yourself just made history tonight. I bet there are a lot of gamblers in Vegas right now pissed they bet against James Scott.
You are a different competitor now than you were in our first encounter. Hell, you're twice the fighter you were when we faced off just 3 months ago. Caid. Inferno. STEEZ. I’ve been in the ring with all of them multiple times. I know how hard they are to beat and the face that of the four of you, you climbed the mountain first is damn impressive. You are different… but so am I. I’ve got the top prize. I’ve got a Hall of Famer in Aperigone in my corner, and I’ve got the 2020 Booker of the Year award sitting in my trophy case at home. People have been warning me not to take you lightly and I surely am not, but I want to warn you not to let your head get too big before our match. As you already know, becoming no. 1 contender isn’t the same as winning the damn title. Not even close.
A long time ago, I asked you if you could hang in the big leagues, and clearly, the answer is yes. But now I ask, do you have what it takes to climb to the top. This World Heavyweight Championship. I damn near killed myself trying to get it, and if you think that I’m gonna lay down and let you take it without putting up a fight, you’ve got another thing coming mate. You once said that throughout our old “rivalry”, you went through a series of emotions. Respect, regret, hatred, remorse… but not satisfaction. You couldn’t find any at BTE. You didn’t get your satisfaction at Highly Suspect either, so why should our third encounter at New Beginning be any different.
Thad finishes off his glass of champagne
I’ve been proven wrong before. Maybe the third time’s the charm for James Scott. Maybe at New Beginning you’ll defy the odds and beat me for the World Title, just like you defied the odds in the Lifeline Classic. I won’t deny that isn't a possibility. But none of the men you faced, as great as they all are, are the World Champion. Only one person can say that, and that’s me. And do you know why I hold this title? Why I’m called the Franchise? Because on any given night, I am the most dangerous man anyone dare step across in the ring. I wish you good fortune in our match James. Truely, I do. But this title is everything to me. I stand to lose everything in this match. You claim to be a changed man. A more dangerous opponent. You have never stepped foot in the ring with a man on the same level as me. You may think you know my game after our first two matches, but you’ve never been faced with an animal like me. At New Beginning, you’ll be taking your shot at the king and you best not miss, because you’re only going to get one and I don’t take prisoners.
All roads in FBE go through Hemmingway. Benediximus, Mr. Scott.

**January 4th 2021 RAW*\*
Legends Night, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander ,MVP, and Lashley are all huddled backstage, with MVP playing cards with APA, having the rest of The Hurt Business backing him up, betting on matches against APA.
“Well boys, I’m going to need to head out, big business as you all know, Lashley is going to get rid of that Riddle scum, throwing him into the trash, of course. Then Shelton & Cedric are going to lay out Lucha House Party, proving that Hurt Business is on top, and I’m willing to bet money on THAT.”
MVP throws a few bucks onto the table with a smirk.
“All in on it. Guarantee.”
Bobby Lashley vs Riddle – Non Title Match
Lashley and Riddle, the second match of Legend’s Night. The two MMA fighters squared in the middle of the ring before going after each other, sending fists into each other. Riddle started off with the upper hand, using his typical speed advantage against Lashley with kicks sent into Lashley’s leg and palm strikes into the face of Lashley. Riddle did a springboard off the second rope which led to the mistake of allowing Lashley to get the higher advantage. He caught Riddle in the air and sent Riddle into the ground, then sat up continuing to beat down on Riddle, taking him down to the mat and out grappling him. Riddle would try his best to try to escape, but Lashley would just throw him around, before dropping him down to the mat and going to the corner. Riddle stood up and Lashley went for a spear, but Riddle jumped over Lashley’s body.
Riddle went for his own German, but of course Lashley was able to fend it off with his elbows, sending Riddle backwards. He walked away and started to aim for the body with hooks and uppercuts, then throws him over to an opposite corner with a biel throw, before bouncing off the ropes and spearing Riddle! Lashley lifted up Riddle and locked him in the Hurt Locker, while Riddle tried to throw him off, he just tightened it, causing Riddle to start tapping out.
\Lashley defeats Riddle (05:35)**
MVP walked into the ring and raised Lashley’s arm, pointing at him and raising his finger up for a 1, symbolizing the first win of the night for the Hurt Business.
Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin vs Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado) – Non-Title Match
The bell rings and immediately Metalik and Alexander lock up, speeding up the match almost immediately, springboards and strikes combined, sending both crashing down. Metalik would typically be the one springboarding, trying his best to keep Cedric from being flat footed, then as he went for a springboard elbow, Cedric dropkicked him out of the air before tagging Shelton in, letting Cedric and Shelton corner him in the turnbuckle, stomping him out and throwing them into the corner to injure his shoulder. Shelton lifted up Metalik and sent him crashing down with a German Suplex, then he put him in a tight armbar, almost as if he was trying to break it.
Metalik grabbed his hands together to counteract the move, pressing himself against Shelton as if for a roll up, allowing Benjamin to kick out, causing Metalik to crawl over and tag in Lince. He climbed to the top of the turnbuckle and jumped over Shelton, then knocking Cedric off the apron before turning around, Shelton threw a clothesline which allowed Dorado to duck under and did a pele kick to Benjamin that knocked him down. Lince jumped up to the top rope, and went for a 450 splash, but Shelton got his knees up before he managed to connect.
Shelton kipped up and stared down Lince, superkicking the side of his head before picking him up and wrapping his arms around his waist, lifting him up and taking him down, landing elbows and knees to the side of Lince before standing back up. He threw Dorado into the opposite side and went for a running dropkick. He grabbed Lince and put him onto the top rope, following up and lifting him up, doing a suplex off the top rope. He went for another pin, hooking the legs, but still didn’t manage to get the win. He picked up Lince, but out of no where Dorado laid him out with an enziguiri, and managed to reach Metalik, tagging out a long with Shelton tagging out to Cedric.
Cedric and Metalik once again met in the ring and smacked each other down, before Alexander managed to grab Metalik by the tights and threw him into the ropes, but this allowed Metalik to bounce off the middle ropes and managed to get a school boy on Cedric, which got him the 3 count!
\Lucha House Party defeated Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin (13:04)**
MVP stood in shock as Lucha House Party had defeated the current reigning Raw Tag Champions, but also made him lose his bet against the APA, as he then proceeded to beat down on the winners with Lashley, putting Metalik into a Hurt Locker, making him tap out!
**January 11th, 2021 RAW*\*
Hurt Business are seen in the locker room, all conversing about what had happened the previous week, MVP looked around at the camera finally making his announcement about what is going to happen with Hurt Business with the next few weeks.
“Well, as you all know not everything went to plan, but that is perfectly fine, as we have knocked Riddle out of title contention, yet we have the Lucha House Party to deal with. They managed to sneak a win over Cedric and Shelton here, and well, what we should do about this, is something simple. I have decided to allow them to receive a title shot at the Royal Rumble. For Riddle though, I want him to get the hell out of here, as he has lost to Lashley every turn he has taken, which means he should not get a title shot. Simple as that. Now, what will they do? I don’t know, but Lashley has decided, instead of defending his title at the Rumble, he will defend it next week on Raw, and then at the Rumble he will enter, and DESTROY the entire competition. Along with myself.”
**January 18th, 2021 RAW*\*
Lashley’s Open Challenge
Lashley had entered the ring, and allowed anybody to enter the ring, the only ruling was that you had to be on the Raw Roster, and as he waited in the ring, MVP laughing as he expected no body to come out, but of course Riddle came out, which angered Lashley. He allowed Riddle to enter the ring, but before the bell speared Riddle almost in half, stomping him out in the corner. He then grabbed Lashley by the hair and threw him over his head with a biel throw. He then walked out the the body of Riddle, kicking him out the ring. He then lifted up Riddle and speared him through the barricade, crashing both men through.
Adam Pearce came out after this, with a microphone.
“WOAH WOAH WOAH LASHLEY! THERE IS NO REASON TO DO THIS, AND FOR YOU DOING THIS, I AM NOW GOING TO ADD ONTO THIS MATCH, NOT ONLY WILL *ALL* OF HURT BUSINESS BE BANNED FROM RINGSIDE, INCLUDING MVP! IT WILL ALSO BE A NO DQ MATCH! GET YOUR ASSES INTO THE RING RIGHT NOW!”
The match shortly went to commercial, with the 4-minute ad break, Lashley and Riddle were already in the ring, with Riddle beaten down already. The two went after each other and started to go at each other, sending strikes to one another, into the ribcage and skull, trying to knock each other out basically. This then let allowed Riddle to pick up Lashley and slam him into the corner, making him back up and smacked Lashley across the face.
Lashley then immediately pounced onto Riddle, sending him across the ring, before sprinting at him and kicking him in the rib cage, taking the wind out of him. He then picked him up into a powerbomb position, slamming him back into the mat. He threw him across the mat, stomping down onto his sides as hard as possible. Lashley rolled out of the ring and grabbed a chair and threw it into the ring, before also throwing the kendo stick into the ring. He then rolled back into the ring and stared down at Riddle.
Riddle started to climb back up and tried to lay out Lashley with a single punch, but Lashley managed to dodge it and grabbed the kendo stick, sending it crashing into Riddle’s ribcage, breaking the stick immediately. He then grabbed the chair and aimed it at Riddle’s cage still, sending it down repeatedly, taking all the wind out of Riddle.
Riddle was barely able to breathe as Lashley picked up Riddle, throwing him into the corner, then bounced off the ropes and crashing into Riddle for a corner spear, then throwing him over his head with a biel throw, before walking over to Riddle’s body and lifting him up by the hair. He put in the Hurt Locker that had only put him a way two weeks prior, but this time Riddle kicked his leg back and low blowed Lashley as everything was legal, then picked him up, laying him out with a Bro-Derek into a pin! “1! 2! 3!” Riddle is the new United States Champion!
*Riddle defeats Lashley for the United States Championship (14:37)\*
After the match Riddle is finished, backstage Lucha House Party is receiving a promo. In the middle of their promo though, Shelton and Cedric grabbed them and threw them into the wall! They grabbed a chair and slammed it into the side of Gran Metalik’s head and then threw Lince Dorado into a box right on the edge, laying the both of them out, with both Shelton and Cedric staring down at the two laid out men.
“Don’t ever! AND I MEAN EVER TRY TO STEP INTO THE HURT BUSINESS’S BUSINESS EVER AGAIN!”
Shelton and Cedric both lay a kick into the two prone men before leaving the building with their titles wrapped around their waists.
**January 25th, 2021 RAW*\*
Hurt Business were standing in the locker room, before Adam Pearce knocks on the door and opens it, looking at the 4 men.
“Well, it seems that Lucha House Party will still be getting their title shots at the Rumble, and Lashley, you will not be able allowed to get your rematch against Riddle at the Rumble as you’re already announced for the Royal Rumble, but you will be allowed to get a shot after the event.”
M.V.P. interrupts Adam Pearce, shushing Pearce.
“Alright, Alright, well, that is all fine and dandy, but we won’t need it considering Lashley is going to win the Rumble, thanks for even considering it though buddy.”
M.V.P. gave Pearce a pat on the back, and sent him out of the locker room.
**January 31st, 2021 Royal Rumble*\* \Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin vs Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado for the Raw Tag Team Titles\
Shelton and Cedric make their entrance with the belts on their shoulders as MVP and Lashley are nowhere to be seen with them, as they are still preparing for the Rumble later tonight, while Metalik and Dorado come out after them, clearly empty handed. Cedric and Benjamin give their titles to the ref and he holds them up, then the bell rings.
Cedric goes to the apron a long with Gran Metalik, leaving Shelton and Lince starting off, they start off with an immediate dropkick from Lince into Shelton, sending him flying back, but not tagging out yet, as he takes down Lince shortly thereafter, mounting him and throwing strikes down into his face, tearing up on his mask as well to help distract them. Shelton lifts up Lince from the ground and throws him across the ring before following it up with a kick to the side of the ribs.
Lince was thrown into the corner, allowing Metalik to tag himself in and springboard in off the top rope onto Shelton with a clothesline, laying him out. Gran Metalik picked up Shelton and kicked his legs, trying to kick him down to his knees, then received a kick in the face before Metalik bounced off the ropes and landed an elbow drop in the middle of Shelton’s back. He then proceeded it with a double stomp to the back, but when he walked off, Cedric Alexander managed to strike him in the face to daze him. Shelton then tagged out to Cedric after throwing Metalik into the corner.
They both stomped down onto Gran Metalik, sending him into a sat down position in the corner before Cedric kneed him in the face, Cedric grabbed Metalik’s mask and started to tear it, before kicking him in the face repeatedly to distract and hurt him more than before, Cedric threw him into the corner before lifting him up in the air and nailing the Lumbar Check!
Shelton though tags in and lifts up Metalik and lays him out with a Paydirt into the pin, allowing Shelton to win the match for the both of them, doing the exact same thing that Cedric previously did to him against The New Day, Shelton smirked and clapped, while Cedric licked his lips then laughed at the man.
\Shelton and Alexander defeats Lucha House Party to retain the Raw Tag Belts in 09:35**
30 Man Royal Rumble
Lashley and MVP didn’t enter until the 27th and 28th spot… so let’s skip until then.
In the ring were Lashley, MVP, Daniel Bryan, Keith Lee, Sheamus, and finally Jey Uso. The Hurt Business was taking care of Keith Lee and Sheamus, while Jey Uso and Daniel Bryan were fighting on the side, both tired, but wanting to fight as long as possible as almost an act of revenge for what Jey Uso had done to Kevin Owens.
Keith Lee and Lashley were the two big men in the match, throwing sluggers against each other, knocking eachother back and down eventually, while MVP used his BJJ to try to take care of Sheamus, both men were clearly occupied while facing each other, which kept going with every men facing off their separate challenges, then #29 came out with Shinsuke Nakamura!
Nakamura immediately ran in and dropped Jey Uso with a Kinshasa, before dumping him over the top rope. That was when The Hurt Business, and then Keith Lee and Sheamus backed off from each other now tired. They faced off with the two Smackdown stars, with all 6 men battling one another in the middle of the ring, the strikers and strong style fighters clearly going for the stronger and harder strikes to knock their opponents to the ropes to hopefully eliminate them, then MVP and Daniel Bryan trying to take them down more technically with kicks to the legs, this continued until the #30 spot… which was…
\**BROOOOOOOOOOOOOCK! LESNARRRRRRRRRRR!**\**
While Nakamura was distracted with Brock Lesnar making his entrance, Jey Uso entered the ring and dropped him with a superkick to the back of the head, before throwing him outside the ring. That was when Brock had truly entered the ring and started tearing apart shop, dumping Jey over the top rope, before dropping Sheamus over the top rope with a huge Belly-to-Belly, then finally MVP with a F5 to over the top rope.
The final four were Daniel Bryan (the iron man), Keith Lee, Brock Lesnar, and finally Bobby Lashley. Keith Lee and Daniel Bryan both went after Lesnar, with Lesnar germaning both men, but this did not eliminate either men, and when it seemed like they were going to be eliminated, Lashley managed to take down the Beast with a Spear! Brock got back up though, but he was holding onto the top rope. Lashley sprinted at him and clotheslined him over the top rope, eliminating him!
There was only 3 men left, Bryan, Keith, and then Lashley. Lashley stared at the two men with intensity in his eyes, but Keith managed to eliminate him after both a Spirit Bomb and a BBC, followed by a Dragon Knee from Daniel Bryan!
Lee and Bryan stared off, being the final two men. Keith pounced onto Bryan, sending him clear back. They had a back and forth for a while before Keith managed to get the advantage and lifted him up for a powerbomb! He walked to close to the outside, but Bryan grabbed the top rope and dragged Keith out to the apron with him. The two men fought on the apron, and when Keith went to throw Bryan into the corner post, Daniel slipped through the top and middle rope so he sent himself crashing into the corner, before Daniel Bryan bounced off the ropes and sent Keith off the apron with a Dragon Knee, meaning DANIEL BRYAN HAS WON THE RUMBLE!
\Daniel Bryan wins the Royal Rumble after finally eliminating Keith Lee in 1:01:52**
**February 1st, 2021 RAW*\*
The Hurt Business are seen backstage, Shelton and Cedric still carrying the tag belts they had successfully retained at the Rumble, but MVP and Lashley were empty-handed, but still had a smirk on their faces.
“Last Sunday at the Royal Rumble, Lashley may have failed to win the Rumble, but he did NOT fail at being the toughest dude in that match, when he eliminated Mr. Brock Lesnar from the match, all by himself! Keith Lee and Daniel Bryan were lucky he was there, if it weren’t for him, who would have won? Most likely Lesnar, and then my boys Cedric and Shelton, despite a very small miscommunication, at the end of the match, so where do we go from here? Well, Mr Riddle, I believe you owe Lashley one more match for that title to even the scores 1-1. So, at Elimination Chamber, here’s what we’re gonna do. Lashley vs Riddle, final match for the US Championship, then Cedric and Shelton, well they don’t care who they face! Rack up the opponents and they’ll knock them all down with ease! In fact, we will just watch from the sidelines if they need us to, until they find us some worthy opponents.”
\X vs Miz and Morrison– Raw Tag Team Number One Contendership**
The Miz (with his Money In The Bank) walks out to the ring along with John Morrison, as they have some way managed to get their way into this match, as if Miz was aiming to hit double champ status. Then the lights turned black and turned back on, and it revealed the return of… **The Viking Raiders**!
The match almost ends as quickly as it starts, as The Miz runs straight into a big boot from Erik, then Ivar gets tagged in to land The Viking Express! Instead of saving Miz, Morrison just stands there and watches The Viking Raiders pinning his partner.
\Viking Raiders defeated The Miz and Morrison to with the Raw Tag Team Number One Contendership in 00:15**
**February 8th, 2021 RAW*\*
Riddle pops up in the scene, the US belt wrapped around his waist with his patent smirk across his face, “Broooo! Lashley dude! I heard you wanted a title match at Elimination Chamber for my title belt! Well you’re on bro! Just don’t involve your little bros on the side and let me beat ya clean bro! Alright good to hear!” Riddle dances off and walks away from the scene, as Adam Pearce is seen in the locker room giving the news to the Hurt Business, letting MVP applaud the notion.
Cedric and Shelton are seen cruising the hall way of the Raw set, then an announcer runs up to them with the microphone going to interview the both of them.
“Hurt Business! Good to catch you here, what is your opinion about last week’s match with The Viking Raiders that established them as your official Number One Contender?”
Cedric is the one to respond with “Simple, Hurt Business is thriving, Viking Raiders have one match back and now they’re a hot commodity again? Who cares? We’ll mess them up any day of the week. I wish them luck at the Chamber, but they know they’re gonna get messed up. Ain’t that right?” Shelton nods and takes the microphone now. “Viking Raiders haven’t done anything impressive on the Main Roster, they’re another NXT Flop, and when we beat them, that’ll establish that role.”
**February 15th, 2021 RAW**
Lashley vs Random Local Competitor
The Local Competitor is in the ring as Lashley comes down, and as the bell rings, an immediate spear collides with the Local Competitor, basically breaking them in half, then Lashley lifts him up and puts him in the Hurt Locker, and as they pass out from pain he drops him, before MVP walks into the ring with a microphone, clapping.
“That is a warning Riddle! You meet the Big Man in the ring, and you’re gonna get crushed! No matter what you even attempt, so good luck, you’ll need it!”
The Viking Raiders are backstage, but all of the sudden, they get jumped by Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin! A chair to the back of the both of them to take them out, before a chair slam to the side of the head, before running away just like they had done to Lucha House Party before their previous title defense!
Hours later, it is revealed that despite the brutal attack, the WWE personnel and doctors have deemed them safe to wrestle at the Elimination Chamber, but some damage had to be done to that? What was it?? Find out at the Chamber!
**February 21st, 2021 Elimination Chamber*\*
Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander vs Viking Raiders – Raw Tag Team Championships
The Hurt Business and The Viking Raiders meet in the ring, in a more classic Big Men vs Smaller Men, Cedric and Erik meet in the middle of the ring, where Cedric tries to use his speed for his advantage to knock Erik off his balance and to manipulate the match into his team’s favor, but as they would start getting their advantage, the size advantage would finally be in pain as Erik would knock them flat with a big boot!
Cedric tagged out to Shelton and as Shelton went for a lariat, Erik lifted him up and planted him with a Uranage! He then bounced off the ropes and did a senton onto Shelton, before standing up and throwing Benjamin into the corner and tagging out to Ivar, doing a double powerbomb to Shelton together! Ivar focused on Shelton’s back, taking the elder’s man back with breakers and chops before he was forced to tag out to Cedric.
Cedric would once again try to use his speed advantage against Ivar, but when he would gain momentum, he was sent crashing down with a strong move, sending him inside out. Finally, though Cedric would gain the upper hand as he managed to finally crack through Ivar’s leg toughness to weaken it to the point he could bring him down to a knee, then sending him down with a knee into an standing elbow drop.
He tagged out to Shelton who went to the top rope and aimed at Ivar, jumping off the top rope for an elbow drop and landing, then repeating stomps to his chest and face, to hopefully knock him loopy. But when Ivar finally got up, he tagged in Erik who was a house of fire, immediately knocking down Shelton then shotgun dropkicking Cedric off the apron before doing a belly-to-belly onto Cedric, knocking all the wind out of him, before tagging Ivar back in and landing the Viking Express into the pin and win for The Viking Express to win the Raw Tag Titles!
*The Viking Raiders defeat Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin for the Raw Tag Titles in 10:22\*
Bobby Lashley vs Riddle
Unfortunately, this match didn’t happen, as backstage a scuffle between Lashley and a soon to be named assailant happened, breaking through equipment before strikes were landed into each other and their rib cages, losing their breaths. They didn’t stop though as Lashley speared the man into the wall, but the unknown assailant grabbed Lashley and lifted him up into the air and threw him with a belly to belly! He then lifted up Lashley and finally his face was shown as he lifted him into the Fireman Position and planted with a… F5! THE UNKNOWN ASSAILANT IS BROCK LESNAR GETTING REVENGE FOR BEING ELIMINATED AT THE RUMBLE!
Riddle and Bobby Lashley never started, Riddle had a replacement match later in the night against Ricochet, which he would win.
**February 22nd, 2021 RAW*\*
MVP and the rest of The Hurt Business were revealed in the locker room, as the stable were now beltless after Viking Raiders had beaten them for the belts, but this did not discourage the men as MVP started to talk. “Well Riddle, plans didn’t exactly go to fruition now did it? So instead, how about at Fastlane, you face some people… named Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin, hell they’ll both prove themselves right now too, face off in the ring against you!”
Riddle actually happened to overhear the man talk and entered the Locker Room, smiling. “Well Bro, you don’t have to make them earn a shot, I’m a man of honestly, and the fact Lashley got screwed, isn’t cool bro, so I’ll face off both men, cause bro Lashley better kick the Beast Incarnate and his lil Walrus bro’s ass!”
Riddle then immediately left, confusing MVP as he didn’t even have to try to get the title shot with matches or anything.
**March 1st 2021, RAW*\*
Cedric Alexander vs Local Competitor.
The Local Competitor is already in the ring, with Cedric entering the ring and facing off with him by himself, and as the bell ring he immediately clocks his jaw, sending him crashing backwards, then grabbing him and pulling him up and doing the Lumbar Check! But he wasn’t finished, he picked up the competitor once again and basically picked with his food, punching and kicking the man across the ring, before throwing him into the corner and then doing his own German Suplex, picking him up and sending him down with a final Lumbar Check for the win!
\Cedric Alexander defeated Local Competitor (05:35)*
MVP applauds and enters the ring, standing in front of Cedric with his microphone. “Brock, when Lashley manages to get his hands on you in a match, that will look like nothing compared to what he does!”
**March 8th. 2021 RAW*\*
Shelton Benjamin vs Local Competitor
Clearly another match MVP basically got for The Hurt Business so they looked good going into the match against Riddle, as Benjamin faced off against a random Local Yokel, which Benjamin immediately superkicked, sending him crashing backwards, before Shelton lifted him and planted him with a Paydirt and pinned him
MVP and Lashley enter the ring, applauding Shelton and getting the microphone for MVP. “Good Luck Riddle, but there is no way that belt doesn’t leave with The Hurt Business at Fastlane, Hell we’ll even take next week off so we can’t even attack you, so you don’t have some bull excuse on why we won.”
**March 15th, 2021 RAW*\*
The Hurt Business follows up on their promise, as they are shown at most over satellite at a party, with MVP cutting a short and sweet promo against Riddle saying, “See Riddle! We told ya, we aren’t there today, so good luck with whatever you’re doing, but we will just sit back and relax.”
**March 21st , 2021 Fastlane*\*
MVP and Bobby Lashley start the show off, entering the ring with a microphone in hand and not holding anything back.
“Brock Lesnar, either you show your face tomorrow at RAW, and accept our match, or we’ll fly out to Minnesota and beat you so hard that you never show up for WWE ever again, so either we get our match at the Granddaddy of them all Wrestlemania, or you’re a little BITCH!”
MVP and Bobby leave the ring, nodding and expecting their answer at Raw.
\Cedric Alexander vs Shelton Benjamin vs Riddle – WWE US Championship Match\
Riddle, Cedric, and Shelton all meet in the ring, but the intention is clear from the beginning as both Cedric and Shelton go after Riddle, cornering him and sending strikes into him from all different angles to wear him down easier. Shelton and Cedric each delivered kicks to the thighs and ribcage, before throwing punches directly into their faces. Shelton then ran across the ring and ran back to do a corner Big Boot, knocking Riddle loopy, but Cedric didn’t let him breathe as he hooked his leg and threw him across the ring with an Exploder Suplex!
Shelton lifted Riddle by the hair and sent him into the corner post, which effectively eliminated Riddle from the equation, at least just for now. Shelton and Cedric met in the center of the ring and spread their hands out, locking in a test of strength with one another, they pushed each other back, but Shelton was the one who won the battle, before Cedric took him by the head and put him in a headlock.
Cedric and Shelton backed to the ropes, Shelton pushed Cedric off as he bounced off the ropes, Shelton jumped over Cedric with a leapfrog then went down to the floor making Cedric hop over them before standing up and arm dragging him, before wrenching on his arm, pulling it backwards, before elbowing him in the ribcage, then standing up, still holding on the arm, walking to the corner before kneeing the arm.
Shelton went to the top rope still though, and put Alexander’s arm in a Armbar, but instead of panicking, Cedric just kicked the top of Benjamin’s head from the bottom rope and shoved him off. When Shelton fell off, Cedric bounced off the middle rope and hit him with a dropkick, knocking him off the apron near Riddle, Cedric looked at them and shrugged, running over to the ropes and bouncing off, going for a suicide dive, and connecting.
Cedric threw both men back in the ring and went to the top rope, before turning and pointing to the sky, and going for a moonsault onto both men, connecting. He stood up, but stumbled back and held his ribs due to the elbow from earlier still hurting them. He lifted Riddle, but unfortunately for Cedric, he got cracked him immediately with a hook, sending him crashing backwards.
Shelton stood up and saw this, knowing his opportunity, he superkicked the back of Riddle’s head. He threw him to the ropes and then hit him with a T-Bone Suplex into a pin, which only got him the two count. He then lifted Riddle by the hair and chopped his chest before bouncing off the ropes himself and landing the Paydirt! Shelton went for the pin, but… Cedric was there, and he threw Shelton out of the side and pinned Riddle for the win, stealing Benjamin’s win and title!
\Cedric Alexander defeats Riddle and Shelton Benjamin for the United States Championship in 10:02**
**March 22nd 2021, Raw*\*
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are in the ring to start off the show, just like how Lashley and MVP wanted, with Paul clutching the microphone in his hands. “Bobby, MVP, Brock Lesnar accepts Lashley’s challenge at Wrestlemania! He wishes you good luck, because you’re going to need it after he puts you two in the hospital.”
Lashley and MVP are shown backstage, applauding, happy they finally got the match Lashley had been promised ever since he joined WWE.
Cedric and Shelton are shown in a locker room, the tension was thick, as if you could drag a knife through it. They stared at each other, with no one in the room to separate the two, Shelton points at the belt and then himself. “That belt should have been mine Cedric.” Alexander opens his mouth to talk, but Shelton quickly lays him out with a superkick, knocking him out, before leaving.
**March 29th, 2021 Raw*\*
“Mr Paul Heyman!” MVP encounters Paul in the locker room, offering him a handshake which Heyman gladly shakes. “Nice to hear that Brock wasn’t gonna try to deny our request, and we cannot wait to meet you at the show of all shows!
Shelton Benjamin is out in the ring, a microphone in his hand as Lashley and MVP were still busy with the Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley situation, so he is out by himself, and he smiles before starting to talk.
“Cedric Alexander. Me, You. Wrestlemania. United States Championship on the line.”
Shelton throws the microphone onto the ground and leaves the building.
**April 5th, 2021 RAW*\*
Cedric Alexander opens the show, the microphone in his hand. He paces around the ring, rubbing his face, before starting to talk. “Shelton, at Wrestlemania Night 2, me and you will face off, but you better savior this match, because I am going to retire you after this match old man.”
After the main event of Raw, there is commotion in the backstage area, so the camera crew go on and crowd what is going on, and it shows Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley brawling once more, slamming each other against the wall, and breaking stuff over each other like chairs and trash cans! The scene ends with Lashley spearing the both of them through the wall!
**April 10th, 2021 Wrestlemania Day 1*\*
*Bobby Lashley vs Brock Lesnar\*
The bell rings as Brock Lesnar and Lashley meet in the center of the ring, instead of doing any grappling they immediately start their slug fest, slamming their fists into the other’s skulls, a long with elbows. Very few big man moves actually being thrown in the beginning of this match until Bobby hits a belly-to-belly onto Brock before standing him up and slamming him down, before running the ropes and splashing onto Brock! Lesnar though holds onto Lashley and started to stand up, throwing Bobby across the ring, he then walked over to the body and lifted him up, going for 3 Germans in a row! Brock throws him into the ropes, but he spears Brock! Lesnar is in trouble, Brock lifts him up and puts him in the Hurt Locker, but Brock manages to escape! Lashley bouncing off the ropes, Brock catches him! F5! Brock isn’t done though, he lifts up Lashley again, but Lashley racks his eyes! He bounces off the ropes, another spear! He gets him up for a third time, a final spear for the pin and win for Lashley!!
\Bobby Lashley defeats Brock Lesnar in 07:37**
**April 11th, 2021 Wrestlemania Day 2*\*
\Cedric Alexander vs Shelton Benjamin – US Title Match**
The bell rings as both of the men meet in the ring, starting the match off with a test of strength, which just like in the 3 way, Shelton has the advantage during. Cedric goes for a headlock, but Shelton grabs him by the waist and lifts him up, planting him with a backdrop suplex before kipping up and flexing to taunt Cedric. Cedric laughs softly as he starts to get back up and locks up with Shelton once again, this time taking his back and throwing him up in the air before planting him down, spinning on his back and taking elbow shots into his sides and head whenever he got the shot to.
Shelton and Cedric both stood up, Shelton shot for a takedown, which he grabbed Cedric’s legs and brought him crashing down to the ground before grabbing his arm and putting him in an armbar, which Alexander quickly got out of by interlocking his fingers and standing up, planting Shelton back down with a powerbomb. Cedric pushed Shelton off, and bounced off the ropes for a quick enziguiri to the side of the head, before kipping up and going behind Shelton, lifting him up for a deadlift german suplex! Cedric held onto it and held the pin, before letting go of it as he hears the number 1 hit the mat, where he sits up and knees Shelton in the side, then grinding his knee in, before taking a step back and kicking him right in the rib cage.
Cedric held the advantage here, as he just keeping abusing Shelton’s body with kicks and knees, before lifting him up in the air, sending a regular kick to the side of Shelton, but Benjamin managed to catch it and lift Cedric into the air, sending him crashing back down to the canvas, grabbing Cedric’s leg and putting him in a heel hook, stretching it out, to hopefully injure it, so the Lumbar Check would not be of use. He lifted up Cedric, but Cedric headbutts Shelton, and jabs him in the rib cage then elbows him in the face, then does a spinning kick right into the stomach of Shelton, grabbing him by the waist and hitting the move that Goto had perfected in Japan of the GTR, but then he lifted up Shelton and sent him into the air with a Lumbar Check for the pin and win!
\Cedric Alexander retains over Shelton Benjamin for the US title in 15:35**

$7,000 OBLIGATION MATCH...
Inner Circle & Best Friends banned from ringside
“The DemoGod” Chris Jericho vs. “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy
Orange Cassidy and Chris Jericho, the self-proclaimed “DemoGod”, have been at each other for many weeks now both inside and outside the ring. Whether at the commentary area, or with an orange juice bath, or through the debate footage embedded above, Cassidy has found his own ways to push Jericho's buttons, and to embarrass the thirty year veteran.
But the one time they competed in the ring one-on-one back at FYTER FEST 2020 NIGHT 2, it was the former AEW World Champion who picked up the win via Judas Effect elbow, the same elbow Orange tasted last week on DYNAMITE. But the difference this week is that there will be no Jake Hager to help Jericho so he doesn't have to get his hands dirty. There won't be a Santana, Ortiz, or Guevara at ringside to help Jericho win and get that $7,000 (what Jericho's OJ soaked jacket costs he claims) because the members of The Inner Circle have been banned from ringside. That being said, The Best Friends of Chuck Taylor and Trent are also barred but it's not as if they would be interfering to help their pal, their presence would serve to rally OC and to counter the members of The IC. Without one, no need for the other...
So with no outside distractions or worries of interference, Orange Cassidy and Chris Jericho will lock up in a greatly anticipated rematch this Wednesday night on DYNAMITE! Can the Freshly Squeezed One make good on his promise to embarrass Jericho once more, this time with a loss to “the guy who puts his hands in his pockets”? Or will it be the original AEW World Champion turning the aspirations of Orange Cassidy to pulp? Either way, each competitor has to do it on his own, without a friend or ally at ringside, and prove who is the better man.
TNT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“The American Nightmare” Cody(c) vs. (#5)Scorpio Sky
There is fire, and then there is what Scorpio Sky brings to the table. As fans can see in that video embedded above, this is a man coming to the ring on Wednesday night with a chip on his shoulder, and with a great deal to prove to a locker room, and perhaps an audience, that seems to have forgotten what Sky brings to the table.
Look at his track record since the inception of All Elite Wrestling, and you will see one worthy of top contention for any championship. He was one-half of the first World Tag Team Champions alongside Frankie Kazarian, he was the first man in AEW to pin Chris Jericho back in November in a Tag Team Championship Match. That pinfall earned him a shot at Jericho's AEW World Title, and although Sky was the loser in that contest, he demonstrated to the world that he deserved to be spoken of in that same rarefied air in the singles ranks as Jericho, Moxley, Omega, or Cody, to name a few. It's hard to argue, Sky is 7-1 in singles competition, has essentially made AEW DARK his kingdom, and now he is coming to take Cody's, specifically that TNT Championship Title.
Having just passed his eightieth day as champion, Cody has successfully defended his prize seven times against seven wildly different athletes. Be it the No DQ war with Eddie Kingston, the surprise debut of Ricky Starks, or the jaws from the victory of defeat win over Jake Hager, The American Nightmare has found a way to win no matter what his opponent brought to the table, and has no intention of ending this open challenge anytime soon. In fact, Cody's focus on the TNT Championship has been so laser-like that last week was the first time since winning the title that he competed in a match that wasn't a championship situation.
But it's back to the grind this week after that tag team victory with Matt Cardona, and with a versatile opponent like Scorpio Sky standing across the ring, there is a good chance this could be the night Cody's kingdom comes tumbling down, and Sky beats The American Nightmare for the first time in their careers.
AEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (c) vs. (#5) Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy w/ Marko Stunt)
Sitting at the number five spot in the tag team rankings, Jurassic Express will receive their very first opportunity at the AEW World Tag Team Titles this Wednesday night on DYNAMITE, and on an evening dubbed TAG TEAM APPRECIATION NIGHT, this championship contest will certainly have extra special attention. The eyes of the two legendary tag teams mentioned at the top of the article will certainly be watching, as well as those of FTR as they aim for future shots at the championship. Safe bet to say every tag team will be watching this bout to see if Hangman Page and Kenny Omega will make it any deeper into their 200-plus day title reign that began January 21st on the Jericho Cruise.
Adding another layer to this match-up, as if they championship wasn't enough, is the actions of Kenny Omega towards the third member of JurEx, Marko Stunt, several weeks ago. As seen in the video embedded above, Omega inexplicably lost it on Stunt after The Elite defeated Jurassic Express in Trios competition. It was a side of Kenny that has barely been glimpsed in AEW, something his Elite compatriots even mention in the most recent BEING THE ELITE episode (Watch Here), and left quite a foul taste in the mouths of the Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus.
This is their first shot at revenge on behalf of Marko, and what would be sweeter than upsetting Page and Omega just after their landmark 200th day as champs, making their ninth title defense their last, and doing it on TAG TEAM APPRECIATION NIGHT as well. It's a longshot for sure, the odds are certainly in the defending champions favor, but to paraphrase former NFL Commissioner and Philadelphia Eagles owner Bert Bell “Any Given Wednesday, any team in AEW can beat any other team”...
(#4) The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. (#3) The Dark Order (Evil Uno and Stu Grayson)
As seen above, The Elite and FTR were on the losing end of a devastating defeat to The Dark Order last week, with Hangman Page the one to eat the deciding fall courtesy of Mr. Brodie Lee's lariat. With the World Tag Team Champions otherwise engaged in the aforementioned title defense, The Young Bucks will meet The Dark Order as part of TAG TEAM APPRECIATION NIGHT, and this is one that has been stewing for quite some time.
See despite previous instances involving these two teams, the brothers Jackson have yet to meet Evil Uno and Stu Grayson inside the AEW ring, not in a traditional tag team situation anyway. And while Matt and Nick may have collided with these foes elsewhere in the past, notably in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla years ago, those two men were not the individuals they will be facing Wednesday night. The men they knew once upon a time have (d)evolved into The Dark Order, into disciples of the rhetoric of Mr. Brodie Lee, and have a sadistic streak that runs deep. Grayson, for one, lives for the fight and would have no problem heading into this battle all by himself if the situation called for it. But together, with a great many years of tag team experience under their collective belt, this Dark Order pairing is one of the biggest threats to the tag team division, to anyone holding the championship, and to The Young Bucks this Wednesday night in particular.
But it's TAG TEAM APPRECIATION NIGHT, and that is something Matt and Nick Jackson have been synonymous with for the last fifteen years. As a tag team, they helped change the landscape of the industry and redefine what tag team wrestling could be for this, and future, generations of wrestlers. There are likely no tag teams more decorated over the last fifteen years than The Young Bucks, with over 30 championship reigns around the globe to their title lineage.
In many ways, as much as it may irk FTR to recognize, Matt and Nick Jackson ARE tag team wrestling today. And that is why Wednesday night, on a night to celebrate the art that is tag team wrestling, The Dark Order needs to defeat their opponents and defeat them soundly. Collectively they took one huge step by winning the twelve man a week ago, took a stumble when Silver and Reynolds dropped the ball, but now this is the next necessary step if that...cult...wants to firmly establish the dominance they have tasted on occasion.
MOXLEY & MJF
One thing that must be acknowledge, even though neither man is scheduled to compete this Wednesday night, is the assault perpetrated by MJF on Jon Moxley during the midst of his AEW World Championship defense against Darby Allin. The number one ranked contender for the ALL OUT pay-per-view event on September 5th took the AEW Championship title and cracked Mox across the skull with it, hoping that would be enough to cost Jon his title to Darby. Clearly the intent was to shift the championship onto someone who MJF (wrongly) views as lesser competition for ALL OUT, but his machinations failed and Moxley retained.
What will be the fallout from that attack that left Moxley bleeding? Are there repercussions in the near future for Mister Salt Of The Earth? Or will he hide away from his future opponent, tucked away in the office of his MJF 2020 campaign headquarters, Wardlow guarding the door, believing himself safe and secure? Max, sorry not sorry to inform you, there isn't anywhere safe from Jon Moxley if he decides it is your time...

Her Schaski, her treasure
Only darkness surrounded her as she lay down on the lush bed. The comforting urge to sleep overwhelmed her as her eyelids became heavy. They fluttered once, twice and shut with the finality of a closing door.
She was six years old. Standing in the brightly lit parlor of her childhood home. The sunlight streamed in through the windows and reflected off the polished surface of Mrs. Kasch’s violin. The little girl watched intently as her mentor instructed her. “-and when you perform the reverb, we want to loosen our fingers, to prevent it from going flat. Yes?” The child nodded and loosened her fingers, the note that played was beautiful and serene. Mrs. Kasch did not display it, but her eyes misted with approval. This six year old had surpassed any expectations of a child. Her prize pupil, very studious, very intelligent. She would accomplish great things... and she was instrumental in her success she thought to herself.
She was nine now, and she was practicing more than ever. Playing her instrument to drown out the shouting match that was occurring between her parents in the kitchen. She glanced out the window to the darkening sky, blue streaked with muted tones of red. Like smeared lipstick on a starched dress shirt. She set her violin down for the night, rubbing resin down the temperamental strings and setting it carefully inside its velvet lined case. Her father had gifted it to her after a very long time away from the home. She remembered her mother's face when he gave it to her. Her face was pale and the corners of her mouth drawn tight. She held a lit cigarette between her fingers like a lifeline, ripping the thin paper. In consequence, a small amount of tobacco and ashes fell onto the carpeted floor. After her father announced he would be leaving again, the mother crushed her cigarette out into the crystalline ashtray on the coffee table and stormed upstairs. The young girl sighed inwardly as her father began his own journey up the stairs. Her thoughts were pushed back from the latest household dispute with the arrival of the new shiny lacquered instrument. It was not exceptional, or decorated even. But it was hers and she treasured it.
At twelve, she had no friends. Her days were spent on her own as she became more enamored with music and theory. She memorized the movements of long dead composers and new ones alike. At school she did not have many friends. She didn't mind it too much, she liked being alone. After all, independence was the only correct way to live a life according to her mother. A small voice in the back of her head told her that her mother was not independent out of personal choice but she left it there. The whine and hum of the violin could put her into a trance, it could close off her thoughts if only she could focus on the sweeping motions of the bow and the plucking of her fingers. She had not seen Mrs. Kasch in a while, she thought to herself. Her father had paid for the lessons and the little girl had assumed he had stopped paying for them.
By fourteen the young girl had won a few regional competitions with relative ease. Even including the fact that the men she was beating were a decade older than her. Without surprise she was overqualified for the school orchestra, however the band instructor asked if he could privately coach her. She mulled the thought over for less than a second. “If you want,” she said placidly while her mind raced with the thought of another mentor. Mrs. Kasch was far from her memory now, like a faded polaroid that was kept in a shirt pocket, something nice muddled by age. The band instructor visited every Wednesday. He mostly brought new pieces for the young girl to try and to his unconcealed excitement she was remarkably good at them, even when sight-reading. One day on a rather uneventful wednesday, her mentor brought with him an envelope. Unable to hide her curiosity, she asked him what was inside. “This is for your mother, it's a competition, statewide. You have incredible potential, it'd be a shame not to enter.” And so, with much deliberation and planning they set out for the state championship title. A few days later and the ornate gold trophy sat on the mantel in the parlor. She often found her mother staring at the trophy clutching a lipstick stained glass of strong smelling liquor.
Now that she was seventeen, she was confident in her talents, now more than ever. The past couple years had brought her nothing short of increasing popularity. She was sought after by newspaper editors and magazine printers all trying to get the same thing- the secret to the child prodigy. Now that her childhood was waning in the wake before her 18th birthday, she noticed how ruthless the writers were becoming, just to get the best article and the most readers. “How pathetic” -she began to tell her mother one day- “That they must exploit children to earn their wages?” her mother considered this for a time while sipping from her glass. “You are not a child anymore” and with that, her mother swayed to the kitchen, closing the door behind her. She heard the metallic clink of a lighter and concluded her mother just lit her afternoon cigarette. She drifted upstairs to the place where her one treasure, her Schatzi lay protected by layers of velvet, silk and leather. The instrument was no longer new but it still shined brightly. Well cared for and appreciated, the wood was polished and the strings were new, the bow tuned expertly to its owner's preferences. Everything was as it should be. She would play on a great stage shortly, in Miami. And she was ready. The night came all too quickly, and soon enough it was upon her. She looked out into the crowd, the bright stage lights all but blinded her to the ill-defined dark shapes of what must be hundreds of people, all well educated and educators in the field of musical arts. She raised her bow arm, demanding the crowd's attention and they gave it to her. The theater went silent. She closed her eyes and performed.

Blind rage. That is what filled her. It coursed through her body just as hot and sharp as a knife. Back in her hotel room, the curtains were torn from the rung and the sheets were ripped from the bed. The room was trashed. She had destroyed it. Glass crunched underfoot as she stumbled to the mini-bar. It wasn't supposed to be for her but she might as well use it. Her mother was off somewhere, drinking elsewhere and with whomever. She did not care. Tonight the only thing on her mind was the beautiful underlying melody that she had rushed through, completely abandoning the grace notes. She was not focused. She slammed the door to the minibar shut and stood up and stared at the mirror on the wall. Her makeup was running down a tear-tracked face, her expertly coiffed hair was falling out in a sad display of her performance. She pressed another bitter shooter to her lips. 

Mother and daughter flew home the next day. Neither of the women mentioned the previous night to the other. To address a problem was to acknowledge that a problem in fact did exist. Both of them seemed perfectly content with their decision. It was later that night when they returned home, yellow lights from the streetlamps seeped into the house, elongating the shadows and stretching the darkness. And even at this late hour, she took her beautiful violin into her hands and played the melody to the piece she performed not 24 hours ago. It came with ease, Fresh tears sprung in her eyes as she hammered it into her brain, replaying until her fingers were raw and bleeding from the thin metal strings. 

She felt that she had lived a very fulfilling life by the age of twenty-one. Gracing the covers of several, well-read international magazines and newspapers and traveling to places many people could only dream of visiting. She had seen a lot, and done plenty. And next on her plan was to perform in New York, New York. And she got her opportunity. She clutched the envelope in her right hand, phone in the left and booked the flight to NYC. She flattened the letter out and smoother the paper on the cold counter. We invite you to perform at Carnegie Hall… She practiced everyday for months, replaying the twenty-one minute ballad as she ate dinner, as she drove to the airport, as she sipped on a drink. Miami was a long time ago now, and the papers didn’t bring it up much anymore, but she could still remember like it happened the day before. Once she arrived in the city she set off on a brisk walk through the streets. No one recognized her here. It was nice. Later that night she once again found herself on stage raising her bow arm hesitantly, the crowd held a collective breath as she brought down her right and started to play. The serene harmonies reverberated throughout the large chamber, so expertly crafted as if the music itself was made for her. After she had finished she took a deep bow and the audience leapt to their feet. Thunderous clapping greeted her as her face shined brightly under the sheets of tears that fell from her eyes. She had finally done what she wanted to accomplish.

A month later she still had not left her hotel room, she did not want to return home to an empty house. Her mother caught illness from her nasty habits and passed away two years previously. She still wrote quite frequently to her old mentor, but even his company could not cheer her. So she stayed in the city and roamed at night, hoping to find herself in a less becoming situation. On this night she stayed inside at the hotel bar, a glass of clear liquor in her delicate fingers, dark lipstick stained the rim of the cup. She was pawing through last month's edition of The Times. She was on the cover of this particular print, holding her schatzki on her shoulder as if she were about to play. ‘How different that girl is from me,’ she thought to herself as a young man sidled in the chair next to her. He blanched as he matched the face of the woman to the cover of the magazine. “You're the really famous violin player, aren't you?” She sniffed indignantly and took a long draught from her drink. “Yes I am.” she said curtly. The man's eyes widened in recognition. “I've heard you play- you are very good, truly. I heard you play in Dallas some three-four years ago, you've certainly grown up since them” He added with a smirk. “I Bet you want to perform internationally, in Italy and Poland.” he added hopefully. She considered him for a full minute before answering him, choosing to be honest. “I actually am not going anywhere next, I might retire.” The young man gasped, “you have exquisite natural talent, why would you retire?” The woman looked him in the eyes, her mouth was painfully thin and her smile did not reach her eyes. “You may be right” She chewed her lip thoughtfully, “but I am finished and I am tired.” he nodded as if he knew what she was talking about. She finished her glass and walked away. Feeling the young man's eyes bore into her back as she stepped into the elevator alone. Back in her room she had found what she was looking for. A bottle of unmarked tablets. She shrugged sloppily and tipped the contents into her mouth. The drinks from earlier seemed to catch up with her right then and there and she fell off balance into the wall, stumbling she sat on her bed too tired to take her shoes off as she stared into the gilded ceiling, and as the light began to fade she thought of her schatzki. 

Here's Part II of my breakdown on the Elite Four going head to head this weekend at the 2020 Silph Arena World Championships. (Part I can be found here, if you missed it.) Let's take a look at Teams Speediest and Meronp!

SPEEDIESTCHIEF2

SKARMORY
Just when Skarmory seemed to be on the outs with many, getting knocked down a couple pegs, here comes the big buff to Brave Bird and it's a whole new ballgame for the metal raptor. Shrugging off all Grasses, Psychics, and Fighters on opposing teams except sometimes Machamp, as well having the ability to pick off Mantine, Munchlax, and Alolan Muk, Skarmory is well positioned to be a thorn in the side of Speediest's opponents here.
Strengths:

• Directly counters the majority of two opposing teams
  
• Brave Bird boost is a nice renaissance for Skarmory that is still being felt out by opponents
  
• That sweet Steel/Flying combination resists Fairy, Flying, Ground, Normal, Psychic, Steel, Dragon, Grass (x2), Bug (x2), AND Poison (x2)
  

Weaknesses:

• Deathly afraid of Electric and Fire damage, and one of those is a BIG problem here (hint: ⚡)
  
• Each opponent has at least two reliable counters to Skarmory, somewhat offsetting its projected success
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis will surely turn to Zapdos and/or G-Fisk, both unwelcome sights for Skarmory
  
• Ventuski is weakest to Skarmory, with Machamp and Umbreon able to fend it off, but neither very convincingly... Skarmory is almost a must-play here
  
• Team Meronp is pretty well set with Melmetal, Stunfisk, AND Rainy Castform being among the very best Skarmory counters
  

SWAMPERT
Probably don't need any introductions here: Swampert is a known menace in all three GBL Leagues and, along with its fellow Mud Boys, is so good it's been banned from a few Silph Arena Cups for being too oppressive. (And got its cousin Whiscash banned in this format too.) It hits the hardest of the Mud Boys--and has arguably the best moves with Hydro Cannon and Earthquake for on-type beatings or Sludge Wave for above average coverage--but is also comparatively quite flimsy. With Earthquake you get Sableye while Sludge Wave wins Wigglytuff... and Wiggly is on this same team, so Quake is the best bet and what we can expect Speediest is likely running. Either way, if it's Ground, Poison, oe Steel (or Sable or Munchlax or Shadow Hypno or others in the right scenarios), Swampert can bury it.
Strengths:

• Able to punish anything that doesn't resist Water and/or Ground, even in losses
  
• Famed weakness to only Grass (x2) while resisting Electric, Steel, Rock, Poison, and Fire damage
  

Weaknesses:

• Helpless against Grass, needing a massive energy advantage to escape alive... and both drafted Grasses are on opposing teams
  
• Can beat everything on Speediest's team... so everything that can most easily best Swampert is on opposing teams
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis threatens Swampert with Cresselia, Dewgong, and can even win with smart Zapdos play
  
• Team Ventuski is best wielding Venusaur (basically forcing Speediest to run Skarmory or Forretress to counter), but can also win with Mantine, Umbreon, and even Machamp
  
• Team Meronp has the brutally oppresive Tropius, again basically forcing Skarmory or Forretress as Swampert bodyguards, but other than perhaps Medicham, nothing else wants to really face Swampert
  

OBSTAGOON
Goonie has made a name for itself primarily in Ultra League, but make no mistake: this is a very smart pick in Great League as well, and hats off to Speediest for what may seem like a reach, but is actually a good bodyguard for his Swampert, Skarmory, and Alolan Raichu especially (and is itself backed up pretty well by Wigglytuff). Obstagoon handles the Darks that threaten AhChu and Skarmory, Dewgong that's a pain to Skarm and Swampert, and even the Flyers (Zapdos, Tropius--thanks to the threat of Gunk Shot, primarily--and potentially even Mantine) that harrass Swampert, as well as doubling up with other teammates against Hypno, Munchlax, G-Fisk, A-Wak, and even Cresselia. Again, not playing favorites, but I really like this pick for this team.
Strengths:

• Piles damage on very quickly with moves that threaten a wide swath of the field, and the lurking threat of Gunk Shot keeps even savvy opponents on edge
  
• Swampert and especially Wigglytuff are among Goonie's harder fights, but happen to be teammates here!
  
• A shrewd pick on this team that backs up Swampert, Skarmory, and Alolan Raichu well
  
• Handy resistances to Dark, Psychic (x2), and Ghost (x3)
  

Weaknesses:

• Simply cannot tangle with any other Fighter, with a double weakness to Fighting damage (cannot even beat Superpower Melmetal as a result)
  
• Suffers a perhaps unexpected loss to Cresselia, and a known lpss to Venusaur, two matchups Speediesy must be wary of
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis threatens best with Toxicroak, but as noted, Psycho Cut Cresselia handles Goonie surprisingly well... but the rest of the team is at a disadvantage, with even Zapdos unable to guarantee a clean win
  
• Team Ventuski has much to fear with Umbreon, Hypno, and Munchlax all deathly afraid of Goonie... but Venusaur and especially Machamp get the job done with relative ease
  
• Team Meronp fends Goonie off best with Medicham and even Melmetal (as long as Menonp doesn't panic), and Stunfisk and Castform essentially draw even with Obstagoon too; Tropius does fine as long as it avoids a fatal Gunk Shot
  

ALOLAN RAICHU
I don't want to make assumptions about moves, because AhChu is a very flexible little mon that can be tricked out a couple different ways, but I think it's relatively safe to assume it won't include Grass Knot, since the only Mud Boy here is a teammate. Wild Charge is probably a safe assumption, and then likely Thunder Punch on top of that. Why? Because Psychic (the move) helps the most with the mirror (which won't happen in this format!) and possibly with Sableye, but all-Electric is plenty threatening there too. And double Electric is AhChu's best bet against Machamp (where sheer speed trumps the super effectiveness of Psychic), Tropius, and Cresselia, some of the more troublesome threats for this team overall. In short, though: AhChu bests all opposing Waters, Steels (with the notable except of G-Fisk, of course), Fighters, Psychics (as long as Cress isn't packing Confusion), and of course Flyers (Razor Leaf Trop is scary, but I'm betting Trop is being run with Air Slash, which is a nice win) and pairs well with several of its teammates.
Strengths:

• Other than Venusaur, many of AhChu's teammates can scare off all of AhChu's hard counters... it could have a lot of room to roam
  
• Represents the hardest counter in the field of 24 against Waters and even the Fighters that are key parts of opposing teams
  
• Built-in resistances to Fighting, Flying, Psychic, Steel, and Electric are all very relevant in this format
  

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerabilities to Ghost, Bug, Ground, and especially Dark unfortunately all just as relevant as the resistances
  
• Rather frail body means things that can stand up to its punishment--and/or deal super effective damage--stifle AhChu pretty quickly
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis counters AhChu hard with G-Fisk and Sableye, Cresselia can go either way, but rest of team very vulnerable
  
• Mixed bag for Team Ventuski, with Umbreon and Venusaur as solid counters, but again, rest of team doesn't really want AhChu making an appearance
  
• Team Meronp is particularly vulnerable, with Stunfisk as the only safe counter... not even Alolan Muk can outrace AhChu without energy or shield advantage
  

WIGGLYTUFF
They banned Clefable, but forgot to ban the best Charmer in Great League, the ruiner of Jungle Cups, the herald of the Wiggocalypse itself: Wigglytuff. Blessed with the highest HP of anything here, handy resistances, and lots of juicy targets on opposing teams (and three of its better counters on THIS team), Wigglytuff could run a little rampant here... but MUST avoid dangerous Steels, Grasses, and Poisons on opposing teams. As hard a counter as it can be, it can also be HARD countered if locked in itself.
Strengths:

• Leaves a WIDE wake, taking down nearly everything not Grass, Poison, or Steel, and shields cannot save the opposition
  
• Three of its few hard counters--Skarmory, Forretress, and Swampert--are all teammates
  
• Handy Fairy resistance to Dark bolstered by unique-to-Wiggly resistance to Ghost as well (Sableye, Munchlax, Hypno Shadow Ball)
  

Weaknesses:

• Getting locked in against a Steel, Poison, or Grass = sad, slow, farmable death
  
• Despite wide field of wins, each opponent has at least one very solid answer
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis' hard counter is G-Fisk, but Dewgong, Cresselia can win too, and even Toxicroak with a good Sludge Bomb
  
• Team Ventuski's Venusaur is an incredibly hard counter, but rest of team is worryingly vulnerable
  
• Team Meronp's best answer is Melmetal, A-Muk typically wins, and rest of team besides Medicham put up a lot of fight
  

FORRETRESS
Truly unique among these 24 picks; Bug is an underappreciated typing with its hate on Dark, Psychic, and Grass (all key pieces on their respective teams). Also blessed with the wonderful defensive typing of Steel, giving it a long list of resistances and a sole weakness to a typing that's nowhere in sight here (except MAYBE on Hypno). Can bait its way to a lot of wins and has a wide and varied movepool that can keep even the veteran players here guessing, but is at worst a good specialist against opposing Darks, Psychics, and Grasses.
Strengths:

• One of the very hardest counters here to the plentiful Psychics and Grasses, and handles enemy Darks capably as well
  
• Unpredictable movepool makes Forret a lethal shield baiter in the right hands that can flip the Fisks, Dewgong, Castform, and even Melmetal and Medicham to wins
  
• Only vulnerability is to Fire, seen ONLY as an optional move on Hypno; resists Psychic, Steel, Ice, Normal, Fairy, Bug, Dragon, Grass (x2), Poison (x2)
  

Weaknesses:

• Pretty helpless against Fighters, Grounds, and Waters slotted in on opposing teams
  
• May have a hard time finding actual play over other teammates
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis can shut the door pretty well with G-Fisk and Toxicroak, though a good Earthquake from Forret flips that table completely over
  
• Team Ventuski has Machamp and… uh… well, here's the good case for Fire Punch on Hypno!
  
• Team Meronp does best with Stunfisk and Castform (and decent with Medicham), though cannot get baited or even those can turn to disaster
  

MERONP32

TROPIUS
To at least some degree, this comes down to which fast move is settled on. Razor Leaf makes Galarian Stunfisk, Alolan Raichu, Cresselia and Waters in general easier, whereas Air Slash is the way to best guarantee wins over Venusaur and Toxicroak, and turns anti-Fighting matchups into more certain wins. Either way, Tropius is a very unwelcome sight for the many Waters, Fighters, and even Darks here, and Trop just outbulks things like Wigglytuff, Munchlax, Umbreon, and (usually) Cresselia. It is a flying tank that just hangs around and brutalizes most things that don’t resist it and/or have a very direct answer (usually Poison or Flying).
Strengths:

• Capably balances Grass role (anti-WateGround) and Flying role (anti-Grass/Fighting) in one flexible package
  
• Meronp wisely drafted several things with a direct answer to Trop by taking Melmetal, A-Muk, and Medicham with its worrying Ice Punch, setting Trop up for success
  

Weaknesses:

• Has worrying weaknesses to Flying, Ice, Poison, and Rock found on opposing teams, and struggles versus Steels as well
  
• High bulk a blessing, but also a curse if in a negative matchup… can be pretty heavily farmed
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis has no hard counters, but Zapdos and Dewgong do well, Cresselia can win out, and Toxicroak is actually a big problem with Sludge Bomb threats against Razor Leaf Trop
  
• Team Ventuski is in for a tough fight here, especially if Trop is packing Air Slash (taking away any advantage Venusaur would have with Sludge Bomb)... Mantine is actually the best hope, and that’s not a great place to be with steady Grass damage incoming
  
• Team Speediest is best equipped against Tropius with excellent counters Forretress and Skarmory, and everything but Swampert has at least a puncher’s chance
  

MEDICHAM
No longer the all-powerful beast it was throughout Season 1 of Silph Arena play, but Medicham still has some very good things going for it. It does all things you’d ask of your Fighter (pounding Darks, Steels, Ices, and Normals into dust), as well as threatening Flyers, Grounds, and Grasses with Ice Punch and nearly everything with Psychic, assuming that’s the direction Meronp has decided to go with Cham.
Strengths:

• Effective Fighter that can beat things like Zapdos, Machamp, Swampert, and Venusaur thanks to effective charge moves and/or unique resistances
  
• A Fighter that resists Fighting damage, always a nice perk
  
• While moveset is probably known, you can never be too sure it’s NOT trying to slam the door with Dynamic Punch or nab a shield with Power-Up Punch
  

Weaknesses:

• Still very afraid of incoming Flying, Ghost, or Charm damage, at least one which is present on all opposing teams
  
• Still loses to Toxicroak and all opposing Psychics and Flyers out there, which make up a large percentage of the field and are all on opposing teams aside from Tropius
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis is well set up with Sableye, Toxicroak, Cresselia, and Zapdos all ready to rally
  
• Team Ventuski is good with Mantine, okay with Hypno, but will gnaw off his nails with anything else
  
• Team Speediest is in good shape with Skarmory, Wigglytuff, and Alolan Raichu, though Medicham is a bully against the rest
  

MELMETAL
Bastiodon banned… no problem. Melmetal is here to ruin the day of those pesky Flyers, and Psychics and Grasses and Ice and Fairy, and most other Steels while it’s at it. Melmetal is arguably the top anti-Flyer in this format, brutalizing anything that takes to the skies along with that smattering of other goodness I just listed. And so spammy is it with Superpower that it turns the tables on Munchlax and even Obstagoon to beat them both. Melmetal goes “brrrrrrrr!”
Strengths:

• Flyers fly home to their mamas, crying about the boogyman
  
• Cresselia and Wigglytuff and Venusaur and Dewgong and Forretress are right behind them
  
• Relative frailty masked by incredibly spammy charge moves that force even hard counters to have to shield or risk giving the match away
  
• Huge list of resistances includes Flying, Fairy, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Steel, Rock, Normal, Bug, and Poison (x2)
  

Weaknesses:
-Can hammer Fighters and Grounds with Superpower, but really doesn’t want to have to take any of them on, taking rapid super effective damage

• Handles Zapdos but goes down to Alolan Raichu and even straight Thunder Punch spam from Shadow Hypno, a particularly disappointing loss

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis pretty well set with G-Fisk, Toxicroak, and Sableye all as solid counters
  
• Team Ventuski will want to lean on Machamp, but Umbreon and Hypno get the job done, or even Venusaur with very slight energy lead
  
• Team Speediest good with Swampert and alright with Alolan Raichu, but Obstagoon is NOT usually a winning proposition, and rest of team would be blown out
  

STUNFISK
As if Melmetal wasn’t enough to cover Tropius and Medicham against Flyers, here comes original recipe Stunfisk too. But that’s where their overlap ends, as Fisky goes from there to also handle opposing Electrics and Sableye that can cause Mel issues, as well as all Fighters on opposing teams (Machamp, Toxicroak, and Obstagoon). It may seem a little silly to run two heavy anti-air Pokémon on the same line of three, but then again, considering the large number of potent Flyers and Waters that Mel and Fisky can both handle, and how Fisky fills some of Mel’s bigger blind spots, don’t be completely shocked if at some point, the Asia Pacific champion does just that!
Strengths:

• Hates on Flyers, Waters, Fighters, and Electrics, a unique spread
  
• Super spammy moves can overwhelm in neutral matchups… a Stunfisk with any kind of shield or energy advantage can be extremely hard to stop
  
• All resistances (Flying, Steel, Rock, Posion, and 3x against Electric) relevant here
  

Weaknesses:

• Is the Ground type that loses to other Grounds and the Electric type that can lose to Waters, as well as Grass and Ice
  
• Excellent at busting down shields but lacks closing power, relying on multiple consecutive charge moves to get the job done on its own
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis can roll in with Dewgong and G-Stunfisk, but both can flip to devastating, blowout losses with just one misclick or improper shielding decision
  
• Crunch time for Team Ventuski… Mantine: nope, Machamp: no, Munchlax: nuh-uh; Venusaur, you’re our only hope (and Um-bre-on Kenobi, kinda)
  
• Team Speediest needs Swampert here… Stunfisk is more than capable of beating everything else head to head
  

ALOLAN MUK
A-Muk looks like a bit of a specialist here, capably handling Psychics and Grasses and emerging victorious over Mantine, Sableye, Zapdos, and Wigglytuff. All good wins, no doubt, but that’s about it in the head to heads. Decent backup for Stunfisk or Castform against Grass, or as an anti-Psychic assassin, but not sure that’s going to be needed, honestly. At least with it being on the same team as Tropius, that’s one less thing Trop has to care about.
Strengths:

• Pretty mean to those Psychics and Grasses, at least
  
• Single weakness to Ground and high bulk makes it a pretty safe swap option, not getting blown out except by heavy Ground (or sometimes Fighting) damage
  

Weaknesses:

• Has a pretty niche role and doesn’t do much outside of it
  
• Doesn’t suffer blowout losses, but wins are not often blowouts either… rarely will be able to farm energy to throw at following ‘mons, at least not without risk of wins tipping to losses
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis wants to keep Cresselia and Sableye away, but even they have wincons
  
• Team Ventuski must protect Hypno and Venusaur, but otherwise not too scary
  
• Team Speediest really just needs to watch it with Wigglytuff, but his entire team can beat A-Muk one on one in a pinch
  

RAINY CASTFORM
Some are probably wondering “why not Lanturn?” and may be surprised to hear that Rainy Castform is likely a better choice on this particular team. Why? They share a lot of wins, but what Lanturn (with Spark) can uniquely defeat between the two of them is Zapdos and Wigglytuff, with very close potential wins over Machamp and Obstagoon. Thing is… those are all rather capably handled by Meronp’s team already. What are NOT handled so well by anything not rhyming with “Cropius” are Swampert, Toxicroak, and Galarian Stunfisk, all of which Rainy Castform can beat and Lanturn usually cannot. Rainy C may often play the role of Lanturn’s understudy, but there are formats where it’s just the better bet. This looks like one them.
Strengths:

• Fully capable of beating every Water, Ground, Flyer, and Steel on opposing teams with no muss, no fuss
  
• Takes out Toxicroak and Sableye with relative ease too
  
• Weather Ball is very oppressive against anything that doesn’t resist it, and Castform is bulky enough to fire off several
  

Weaknesses:

• Very dead against any opposing Grass or Electric, weak to both with no effective answers
  
• Cannot overcome bulkier opponents, to include Cresselia, Hypno, Umbreon, Wigglytuff
  

Key Matchups:

• Team Mephis could be in a bit of trouble, with Cresselia outbulking Rainy C and Zapdos usually having the upper hand, but rest of team vulnerable
  
• Team Ventuski in good shape, with only Mantine a true write-off against Castform
  
• Team Speediest will want Alolan Raichu in there, as basically everything else but Wigglytuff is a very dicey proposition
  

And that's it! Like I said, I left the discussions on the draft and all to other analysts, but here's my piece of the picture. At this point, the Elite Four going at it this weekend likely don't need my help, but if this is able to help you guys as well, all the better. Good luck!
Be safe out there, Pokéfriends, and catch you next time! Until then, you can find me on Twitter for near-daily PvP analysis nuggets, or Patreon. Cheers!