Page 400 – Upcoming Ultimatium
So maybe Gabrielle isn’t as altruistic as originally thought. Kat’s still in the TV tournament and now Sabrina’s got one chance to stay in Rival Angels. Things can change quickly around here.
Next update: Sun, Krystin and Brooke discuss the situation and what options there might be.
Page 400!
W00t! 400 consecutive updates! I’ve had great help along the way from Justin Riley (Editing monster), Lora Innes, Kristen Perry, Scott Sava, and the Daves. At times, I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of giants.
I’m happy to say that my 3-4 week buffer is holding strong and I look forward to many more updates.
Rumble Awards!
We’re taking some nominations over at the Forum, so if you’ve got a name that deserves some consideration make your voice known!
Voting Incentive!
To help celebrate the occasion of 400 pages, I thought I would pay homage to a famous foursome. Turtle power!!
The best thing about being GM, besides the nice pay, is the free benefit of playing mind games with your employees. Lets see: undermine the power structure in Hell Belle’s to get back at DeSade *check*, “motivate” the mentor of the company’s next franchise star for PPV (despite potential injuries) *check*, and fianlly go swimming in your own Scrooge McDuck money pool (pencil that in after lunch). A ticked off boss is going to cause a lot more problems for the Belles and who ever else stumbles into the cross hairs. The boss is putting it in clear terms and the only possible options for Sabrina rehab/minors or do the PPV/win/then fix any damage later. I know Gabby is in damage mode for company and the PPV, plus a little ticked off; however this seems like a risky gamble trying to play a vet like Marina without causing some sort of internal backlash from the performers.
Nice job on the 400 celebratory artwork, turtle power sums it up nicely.
PS: I think the voting incentive would be an interesting stable theme for the Upstarts to consider. RA could have next PPV with the Catgirls versus Turtle Power or Turtlegirls lol
Oof, she’s not taking any prisoners.
I notice she still hasn’t said what happens to Kat after the tournament. I guess that probably depends on whether or not Kat becomes the new “alpha-wolf” of the group, since Gab is clearly fed up and through with Chloe. This is a chance for her, and I’m curious to know if HB will maintain it’s current image if she takes the reigns (Assuming the other two ever get off the bench that is)
That’s a bottomline boss for you…
Though I guess she figures that Sabby may no have a long future in Rival Angels… is sad. But, it happen all the time, business burn you up and spit you out.
Congrats on 400 straight updates, I’m glad to have been here for… however many it’s been since I discovered Rival Angels at Wizard World last year, hehe.
That voting incentive is outstanding, plus you made my favorite Angel represent my favorite turtle (Yes, there are actually people who like Donatello the best).
400!
That there is a boss with her eyes on a prize, no matter what the cost.
bleh I don’t like how mean gabrielle was to sabrina.. that wasn’t even a rookie mistake on her part. Maybe she shouldn’t have given dude the time of day.. but the belle’s didn’t have to jump her, Chole didn’t HAVE to put her arm in the dumpster. I just have this worry in the back of my head that Sabrina was probably about to get sent back to dev regardless..she wins awesome you have a pushed rookie sensation champ.. she loses she had a nice taste of the big show to get her to work her ass off and come back 10 times better, kind of lose lose imo for sabrina.. nothing like working with the sword of damocles over your head. Is it just me or would “the sword of damocles” be a great finisher name ;).
small panel 4: Marina Ortiz, past by Katherine Smith.. it’s also or maybe assume that Marina past by Chloe and Jennifer.. I wonder there’s a stare down of anger between the time line.. or small insult chat..
small Panel 6: Gabrielle regret that she got Sabrina too early.. could this probably, Sabrina heading back to the developmental territory… hmmm!! I remember I suggested it.. could it be? hmmmm!!
She could still wrestle. Like I said a bulk of her offense does not even involve her arms. The only real move she can not perform is that hell’s gate(I can not remember what you call it so I will go what they call the Undertaker’s version). Her two finishers is a crescent kick and dive.
And the boss is not suing any descent in the hells belles ranks. She is a bit bitchy though. I do not see how she would also send someone back down for getting injured…that just dos not make any sense to me.
Well now that she has been all beat up by a group of thugs it is time for someone to take her under then wings and teach her Wrestling. As a nice, well learned fight I would be glad to do that.
On the other hand if you want an OLD person like in the Karate Kid, she can ask Brenda.
Congrats on the 400 boss. And that incentive is wonderful! What a treat! I want the t shirt! 😀
BBD, even if Sabby focus on her aerial stuff – her arm is still a problem. I mean the list of holds and moves an opponent could do on that arm is very long, let alone just drop a knee on her elbow a few times.
And ai-ya Snow… you being awfully um… catty…
Problem is, I think Sabrina will go for it – even if she lie to the bosswoman about her condition cuz’ she don’ want to go back. And that could be BIG problem.
Meow
CRAP! I didn’t see that coming. But… I can’t help but think it’s partly Gabrielle’s fault. She didn’t take the other Upstarts and throw them in the limelight. If Sabrina got caught up in it and couldn’t handle it, it wasn’t all her fault.
yeah Gabby kinda lost me with the Brina swerve there. she’s the most over of the four upstarts (and must still be doing good merchandise numbers seeing how she was in the top ten after her first match- if i remember right) so don;t see the win or get sent down thing unless Gabby thinks Brina’s done already because of the injury and wants to get most she can out of her.
i can see going down to developement FOR rehab before making a return if Brina’s unable to compete but being banished down there regardless seems a bit odd. unless Gabby wants Brina to show she can work through her injuries given wrestling hurt happens quite often in wrestling.
I stand in awe of the Turtle Power…
“You’re the smart one. Start acting like it.” I love this line, Albone. It’s one thing I saw a lot of when I had a little restaurant near a high school, groups of teenagers who’d come in and make a nuisance of themselves because they thought they were cute and clever. There’d always be one person in the group smart enough to not take part, but usually they’d do nothing to stop their buddies from crossing the line. I always got the most angry/disappointed with them.
You gotta do what you gotta do. Not always the right thing, but what must be done… I guess that’s a Lawful Neutral thing to say.
Yeah, wrestling while injured happens, but Gabrielle is just as guilty as Chloe and Jen, if not moreso, in my opinion. If Sabrina took the fall in an event that was beyond her ability to handle, then really, it’s a sign the boss either cares too much about ratings to ensure that nothing untoward happens before the fact, or in the worst that she flatout doesn’t care about anybody’s well-being but her own.
I have to question..
Chloe have backstage power, but didn’t apply.. I was wondering if she can turn around her suspension and become headlining in Heaven and Hell..
as Albone said “we’re seeing Chloe’s backstage power”
but Chloe got suspended..
Thanks everyone for the 400 wishes. 🙂
jabberwocky, don’t forget that like Scrooge McDuck, she has a yacht made out of gold. XD The thing we know about Gabrielle is that she doesn’t waste her time or energy. Obviously, not all of her plans work like with this current Belle/Sabrina situation but she’s good at ‘thinking on her feet.’ We’ll see what kind of repercussions come from this. Glad you liked the voting incentive! Turtle Power vs the Catgirls! XD
Adder, you caught that Gabrielle hasn’t said anything about Kat’s future past the TV tournament and it is logical to think that a lot depends on what happens between now and the end of the PPV.
DynaMo, she has to make the tough decisions because she’s the boss. But just like everyone else, she’s got to wait and see what happens. MTC in the next few pages.
Thanks Chris! Will I be seeing you at this year’s Wizard World? I’m thrilled that DefTech/Donetallo delivered. It’s my opinion that they share a lot in common. 😉
Picky, making the tough decisions is why she’s the boss!
Drew, I totally know where you’re coming from. Things would be a lot different right now if the Belles wouldn’t have taken things so far but everyone’s got to deal with it. Right now, it’s a question of whether or not Sabrina can medically do it or not. She’s in a bad spot right now. Sword Of Damaculous is an awesome motivator and an awesome name for a finishing move. XD
MGC, it’s hard to tell what happened off camera there, if anything happened at all. For Sabrina, it’s too early to tell, but we’ll be finding out very soon. You have seen Chloe’s backstage power and it’s not much to Gabrielle. Gabrielle’s the boss, not Chloe.
BBD, the thing about Sabrina’s injury is that it puts a big bulls-eye on it. Kat won’t hesitate to start working over that arm and causing severe pain and discomfort. It’s enough to alter Sabrina’s game plan. She could go all out defense and pull guard at the start of the match, but Kat’s too smart for that.
Hey Snowy! I’m sure Sabrina and the Upstart girls could learn loads from you or Brenda. I’m positive that Krystin and Brooke learned from their meeting with you. XD
Thanks Champ! A t-shirt you say? Hmmmm…. XD
Hey Lora! Gabrielle’s definitely a the heart of this with all of her merchandising deals built around the fresh young face of Sabrina and pushing her to the moon. And she’s not afraid to take it all away even if it’s not Sabrina’s fault for her injury despite Marina’s objection. Looks like Marina will have the ‘honor’ of letting Sabrina know her situation for the PPV.
jpiv, you DO remember correctly about Sabrina’s merchandising debut. The thing about Gabrielle is that she hedges her bets, and doesn’t waste time or energy. She’s certainly *hoping* Sabrina can perform for the bottom line and there’s probably a reason she’s confiding this to Sabrina’s mentor.
Cookie Ogre, it was time for Gabrielle to drop her strappy heeled shoe down for the smackdown. Even though Kat got a tongue lashing, it’s hard to argue that it was all bad for her. Plus, Kat does know better which is why she’s saddled with the guilty look.
Tarrasque, I would say that her actions are definitely Lawful Neutral but I’m not so sure what Gabrielle’s alignment would be. XD Gabrielle definitely shoulders the blame here with the moon-push she gave to Sabrina, but she’s not afraid to take it away. She knows there’s a dozen more that will gladly take her place. Maybe an Upstart would be willing to step up and take Sabrina’s spot?
Admitting you’re wrong and taking the worst possible path to rectify the situation is a Neutral Evil thing to do. So I’d venture the guess at this juncture that Gabrielle would be Lawful Evil.
I think the intent clouds the issue. I think succumbing to her emotions would make her chaotic but not chaotic evil. On second thought, I think Lawful Evil fits the bill. She’s using the rules to further her agenda.
Just wanted to add another tip of the hat on 400 consecutive updates. Far too many people overlook the importance of regular updates.
-Observations and Ruminations-
*If the Belles were to break up, I can see Kat being accepted into Damage Inc. complete with a 4-on-1 beatdown of Sun just to celebrate.
As for Jennifer, Sara Valentine looks like a good match for her. I saw a lot of Sara in Jennifer when she fought Sabrina, and the outfit will just bring more of that attitude out of her.
Of course, Jen and Kat can stay together and confirm what’s already been implied since they were first seen together. Chloe didn’t want Jen, but Kat begged and Chloe relented. Just like…
*Let me guess: Marina saw some tapes of Sabrina and fell in love with her potential, just like a pro scout does with the rookie phenom du jour just before draft time. She goes to boss lady to convince her to bring Sabrina in. Boss lady is reluctant at first, but relents to Marina’s suggestion, having already formulated a plan to get the most out of this rookie.
*This was all Marina’s idea. No wonder she’s always on Sabrina’s case while leaving the other three to their own devices. I bet Sun, Krystin, and Brooke weren’t even on Marina’s radar when she was considering new talent. All she wanted was a protege to call her own.
*<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbiT_ALfouc" title="With her
fivetwothree moves of doom”>Overcoming the odds + Jeff Hardy’s moveset + Matt Hardy’s weakness = A fearless wrestler who runs on odds and WILL NOT DIE = a broken character in any fighting game = an SNK end boss.She’s still getting busted down to the minors, though. Say hello to
April HunterDanielle Perfection. Now it’s Sun Wong’s time to shine–oh wait.*Katherine won’t be going after the arm much anyway. She’s a power wrestler, remember? She’s the Batista of the Belles. Why expose the weakness of a high-flyer when:
A) Sabrina is a high flyer and power wrestlers can swat them like flies.
B) It’s not Sabrina’s leg that’s hurt.
“Will I be seeing you at this year’s Wizard World?”
Yeah, I’ll probably go at least one day. I’m trying to figure out if this deal they have on the site is shady or not, hehe. It’s $30 to subscribe to Wizard and Toyfare for a year and in doing so, you get a free weekend pass.
I personally think it’s a snap judgment on the Commish’s part. She needs time to cool off and hit the shower’s as it were. I think Sabrina, being the competitor that she is will want to get back into the ring but she’ll be wearing a target on that arm…
I really don’t think the suspension will do anything to dissuade Hell’s Belles. If anything they’ll go after someone else, maybe Brooke? Would they really try something like that this soon? If they can’t fight in the ring then maybe some subterfuge would do the trick…
What about Sun, she’s going to be sooooo pissed as soon as her next fight comes up, not only looking to pound people into the ground but to make a statement as well. Damage Inc I’m sure will see that as a bonus for their rep.
As for Krystin, will the pressure of a high stakes match that she’s going in with her family watching ring-side be too much for her, or will she actually show us that she really is the “definition of technician of definition” 🙂
Thank you Chris!
Some very good observations and notes, Just Some Noob! You got the dynamic of Hell’s Belles down. Jen is definitely a lot like Sara. Pretty with potential but are on the vain end of the heel spectrum. I really look forward into getting into Marina and Sabrina’s relationship because page 14 IS NOT the first time those two met though probably the first time under normal circumstances. 😉 Danielle Perfection and a lot of other girls in developmental would like to reacquaint themselves with Sabrina.
Chris, I wouldn’t put it past them to be giving tickets away but I’ll be happy to say Hi 1 day or all weekend. XD
Kurt, I need to get you to write teasers for me. 😀 Chloe’s too smart to attack another wrestler, at least one in the locker room. Who would that leave for the outlet of her aggression? Hmmmm… Sun is going to make her intentions known about how she is going to handle the situation. She’s definitely not one to march back into the locker room and confront someone. Brooke’s flying right now, isn’s she? She’s got Michael leaving his finaceé, she got to take over as guest hostess and possibly eyeing up a possible open spot for the TV title? Krystin’s definitely got some pressure and wait til you meet her family!
Ya… I really don’t think Michael is going to leave his finacee for Brooke. I mean really a person that’s well off like she seems to be to be with Brooke who hasn’t proven herself, in the ring at least… Won’t happen and he’ll be left without a job and a potential wife if he keeps it up.
If you really want me to write your teasers, by all means I’m up for it. You have my email 🙂
Cool, on the teasers. I think I’ll have to hit you up. I really liked the one that you wrote for when you and Jesse interviewed me a while back. Michael did say he would leave Maddie for Brooke and we haven’t seen any of them since then so you never know! But, we will know soon. XD
You mean this one?:
“Wrestling is truly an artform. From the persona’s played by heroes and heels to the high flying antics and raw power, it all comes down to the delivery and a three count.
Tonight we have one of the best wrestling webcomics in the community with author Alan Evans begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting from Rival Angels!”
Hey nice for the 400e, gratz and wish you all the best for you albone, RV and Sab and all people in here! 😉
Wow I didnt see that coming from the GM…. sending Sab back to Dev if she cant wrestle!! 🙁 I dont really understand her decision, Sabrina is awesome and even if she is an upstart, nothing is her fault in what happened. Oh well, pretty sure Sab will get out of trouble like usual.
ceya later
So who will be taking the empty spot in the lineup for the TV Tournament?
Personally, I think this is a BRILLIANT move by Gabrielle (provided, of course, that I understand her motivations correctly). She knows that her card for the PPV has taken a pretty big hit after having suspended Chloe, and so she needs something to re-energize it. A fan favorite wrestling one of the villains of Rival Angels is already a great draw, but when said favorite is also making a comeback from a horrific injury (I’m sure the promos will exaggerate this bit) inflicted upon her by the gang of the woman she’s going up against…well that’s BIG TIME. Gabrielle knows this, and so she’s taking steps to ensure that the match happens, since otherwise most of Sabrina’s friends would probably be advising her to take it easy for a while. The threat of demotion back to developmental is really an empty one at this point now that Gabrielle also knows that Sabrina’s arm isn’t broken; there’s simply no way that Sabrina ISN’T going to compete now that the ultimatum has been given.
The alternative to all of this is just that Gabrielle is being vindictive and unreasonable towards Sabrina right now, but that doesn’t seem to fit with what we’ve seen from her so far. Granted, the only way my argument makes sense is if Gabrielle can make this snap decision as soon as she hears that Sabrina’s injury isn’t long-term, but she’s a very smart woman and I don’t think it’s beyond her. You have to like how all of this plays out for her: literally the ONLY ways Rival Angels can lose right now is if Sabrina actually does forfeit the match and drop back down to developmental (extremely unlikely) or if she goes through with it but is too hurt to really compete and gets blown out (possible, but I think Sabrina has too much fight in her for that). Otherwise, we either have a HUGE win for an underdog over a bitter rival, or a heartbreaking loss which solidifies fan support for Sabrina and increases hatred of Hell’s Belles for their despicable actions outside the ring. Win-win for the commish.
Thanks Svan! Gabrielle’s motivations aren’t always clear but good for Sabrina or not, she’s got a plan. Of course, if Sabrina has her way, she’ll be fighting for the TV title.
Amanda, if I’m not mistaken, Jess and Trevor dropped your name in the hat and it looks like you’ll be facing Kat for the TV title. Good luck. XD
Anon, I think you’ve got a good understanding of the Commissioner and her motivations. Is there a reason she’s telling Marina this and not the VP Michael? I can say that Gabrielle’s motivations will be revealed before the PPV but it’s all going to come down to what Sabrina wants and how outside ‘influences’ affect her.
Panel 3: Gabrielle signally on Katherine Smith to leave Hell’s Belles..
I would really like to see.. “Ultragirl” Sabrina Mancini and “Powergirl” Katherine Smith on tag team together.. (they’re like RVD and Kane./ Rey Mysterio and Batista) high flyer and powermove..
Ultragirl/Powergirl nice tag team.. think of it.. Running powerbomb then Sabrina executed a Ultrasplash.. great combo..
if disband.. what will happen to Chloe.. Chloe and Brenda would make a great team.. but if they would cooperate.. hehehe
thanks for lovin the Gravatar pic cant be a comic hero with out a heroic symbol and since the Original Capt. is my all time favorite hero i barrowed his emblem, also Albone im really in love with this comic only wish i had the means to get it book form definatly would make me giddy as a school girl but in retrospect its probly a good thing i cant cuz a large man + giddy school girl = disastrous or a funny youtube movie which would probly break the internet any who con grats on the 40oth page . I wait with Baited breath to see what will be fall our quadray of heroine’s
MGC, she wasn’t suggesting that Kat leaves but that she asserts more control. She’s much more logical than temper tantrum Chloe. I agree with your assessment of Sabrina and Kat as a team. XD Chloe or Brenda would make a great team with anyone.
Comichero, very glad that you’re here reading Rival Angels. 🙂 And you can never go wrong with cap’s shield. Maybe we’ll be able to make you silly giddy someday. XD
They’ve probably already covered the bases as to what could happen, although I’m sure there’s some more swerving to be done. My thinking? Yeah, Sabrina will fight in the ring. Yeah, there will be a lot of heat. Yeah, we will be going all Cinderella Man with this one. Beyond that, I don’t know.
Sorry for the late comment, but I wonder if Gabrielle is under financial pressure. Assuming the same economic downturn in RA land, Gabrielle needs to keep the investors happy – and a big event like the PPV can help – or hurt – tremendously. She probably needs to prove herself to the guys in the corporate office, too.
Kurt, that be it! 😀
Darkmark, there’s always a swerve somewhere isn’t there? lol I think you will like the buildup and anticipation of the pay-per-view.
No worries, GhostEraser. We’re opent 24/7. Definitely a different angle to look at this situation with. Everyone’s got a boss, even Gabrielle.
Hmmmm maybe Al silly giddy is alot less dangerous then school girl giddy but still fair ly dangerous in it own right , and i dont know how you feel about bucky ex russsian super assassisn taking over for the cap but i am not a fan
Comichero, I was pretty much against Bucky taking over, but I like the new role that Cap has as leader of SHIELD so I’m optimistic. Plus, we know Steve will have the shield again, probably sooner than later.
Ahaha, I can take her! She is unprepared for the sheer amount of sass I can dish out.
400 pages and still going strong! Congrats! I’m truly looking forward to the next chapters!
Amanda, we’re booking it!! LOL
Thank Caimaru!! 🙂