Lucha Libre #1
A back and forth conversation between two luchadores over the various hot topics around the DSFL, ISFL and life in general.
Hey everyone, it’s another week and the first official installment of the Lucha Libre where Tonzy and Cincyfan96 give you more insights on their careers so far and their thoughts on the league. Yes this is coming out a little late in regards to the Ultimini and Ultimus but wanted you all to continue to get to know the two coolest Tijuana rookies from S23. Hope you enjoy as we continue to figure out the best way to format the series.
Where is your preferred NSFL Draft destination? Why there? Is there any place you absolutely do not want to go?
Cincyfan96 – Trying to get me into trouble right out of the gate! To all you scouts and GMs out there, first of all, I would be happy to play for anybody who will take me! I'm certainly not about to hold out for anything in particular. That aside, my strongest ties are to NOLA. As I think you know, about half of the Luchadore alumni plus both of our GMs play for NOLA, including Mithrandir who is the reason I joined the league in the first place. So to stay in the same locker room with him and get to play for championships together would definitely be a lot of fun. Anywhere I don't want to go? Actually no. If I'm on a team that's struggling it'll fit right in with my Bengals heritage and I'll work to bring us to relevance. If I'm with a winning team right away it's gonna be a culture shock, but winning sounds like fun too and from what I've heard around the league there really are no bad locker rooms around here. As long as I'm with a group of players who want to win and don't mind me being sarcastic and sending a dramatic GIF every now and then, I'll be happy!
How about you Tonzy? Where would you like to go the most in the NSFL? ... Oh wait the ISFL! And is there anywhere you don't want to end up?
Tonzy – Well I had to just put you on the spot like that because I have to keep you on your toes. I have a pretty similar attitude to you in the fact that I really am open to going to any team in the league but I do have some favorites. I honestly would love to end up somewhere like Austin or NOLA as well just because I do have some ties with some people in those locker-rooms, but I also would love to go to somewhere like Baltimore or Honolulu who seems to be building for something really exciting in the coming seasons. There's definitely nowhere I wouldn't want to go because like you said, I haven't really heard anything bad about any of the locker-rooms around the league. It's definitely exciting to get to be going through the scouting process again, I remember watching the DSFL Draft and how much fun that was and I am even more excited for the ISFL Draft.
Cincyfan96 - Agreed! Now that I know a bit more about the league and what I'm looking at, watching the ISFL draft and finding out what the future holds is super exciting for me.
Speaking of getting more involved, I've noticed your name out there with some audits and tasks around the league - not something most first season players (myself included) do! How'd you get involved in league jobs and what's your plan in that area moving forward?
Tonzy – Yeah the auditor job has been a nice fit for me because it is pretty flexible in the time frame you can have to get things done, plus it is a nice way to get to know what other teams are like. I did not really have any expectation to get a job this quickly but I just followed the lead of a couple of my friends in the league who already had positions. I definitely am trying to learn everything I can about the league so having a league job is definitely part of that. I am just trying to learn everything I can and be a help to the league.
What about you? Any league jobs on your radar?
Cincyfan96 – That makes total sense. You're certainly the ambitious type, Tonzy! I think that's awesome that you've been able to get connected so quickly and find a good niche you learn more about the league. I've been more focused at this point on researching and creating media to learn more about the league. I have enjoyed writing a few pieces solo, but am also excited about building more partnerships in media - so far you're the first! If the right opportunity comes up in the future I would definitely be open to it, but for now I'm excited to keep pouring into some cool media pieces and supporting my career that way.
What are your thoughts on the DSFL season so far? Any surprises or teams underperforming? Who is your pick to win the ultimini?
Cincyfan96 – I think the biggest surprise to be has been our (Tijuana's) offensive struggles. It has felt like every time we start to get some momentum, we have had a turnover immediately follow which has made it hard to string together points when it matters most. I don't even want to know how many times our defense has forced a turnover only for the offense to turn right around with a pick on the very next play. I honestly thought that Slothlisberger had an awesome shot at POTY and that our offense with him and two maxed out WRs would tear folks apart. What I underestimated was the lack of depth on our team. With limited options the opposing teams have been able to focus their efforts on a few players in order to keep us in check. A positive surprise, again on the Luchadores, has been Crowbar Theeks. I mean come on! 1505 yards and 11 TDs on the ground! That's insane! He's been an absolute workhorse and I hope he gets the ROTY because I really think he's earned it. As far as teams, in the DSFL it seems like the team that finished first is most likely to miss the playoffs the next year and that is playing out pretty much as statistically would be expected. Last year's conference champion Luchadores and Grey Ducks are both sitting in 3rd place and are both eliminated from contention with one game left while the Birddogs and Coyotes have hopped into the playoffs in their places. It's strange to think that this is the norm and I was surprised initially that we were not winning more, but when you look at the classes lost by the Grey Ducks and Luchadores, it starts to make a lot more sense. As far as my Ultimini pick, I'm going with Dallas. They've got a great QB, an awesome two headed rushing attack, and an elite WR on offense and defensively they're getting after the QB leading the league in sacks to help keep momentum on their side. I think it'll be a close game against Norfolk but I give the edge to Dallas to take the banner home.
Tonzy – I would have to agree with you about our offensive struggles but looking at individual stats our team is killing it. Like you said Crowbar is the best back in the league and a definite contender for ROTY and even POTY in my opinion. Slothlisberger is also the 3rd ranked QB in the league in rating and leads the league in passing yards. I think turnovers and things just really held us back as a team this year, plus our defense was like 3 or 4th worst in the league, so that coupled with turnovers is a recipe for a losing season.
I think the biggest surprise for me personally was Norfolk's early success and London's early struggles. Both of these teams have seem to get back to normal now towards the end of the season but there was a period where it really looked like London was not going to make the playoffs and Norfolk was going to run away with the division which would have been a shock.
I agree that Dallas is my pick as well to lift the Ultimini but homefield advantage is going to be the deciding factor.
Cincyfan96 – Home field advantage is really crazy in this league. We must have some ROWDY fans!
So now that we've talked DSFL, how about the ISFL? With the playoffs happening now and the draft coming up, how are you feeling about joining the ISFL in the near future? Anything you're seeing happening in the league that has you most excited? I'm sure you've answered this to a dozen scouts already with your TPE numbers, but what's your goal for Maverick once you're in the big leagues?
Tonzy – Dude I am so pumped for joining the ISFL. Being scouted again has been so much fun and it has been great getting to know all the different teams in the league. I honestly think the rise of Baltimore is a super exciting thing going on in the league. I love seeing some of these teams who have been building something finally getting their shot at the Ultimus and although I know Baltimore missed the playoffs this season you can believe that the Liberty and Yeti are all on notice that their spots may be up for grabs in the coming seasons in the NSFC. I think it is really good for the league to see some different teams being competitive so it will be really exciting going forward to see how the hierarchy changes.
My goal for Maverick is to win as many Ultimus's as possible man. I just am going to continue max earning and doing everything I can to help wherever I go win games. I would love for Bowie to have a HOF career but that's not really up to me you know? The sim is going to do what it wants and all I can do is do the best build possible and hope for the best. Winning is the most important thing to me though.
What about you? Any trends in the league that are catching your eye and how about Schell? Is he ready for the big time?
Cincyfan96 – I’m also really pumped to join the big league! I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Tijuana and if I'm sent down for a season I'll settle for an Ultimini before starting my ISFL career!
What's caught my eye is actually really similar to what you're talking about. The hawks are a team to watch moving forward and the other that has caught my eye is the liberty. They've come out of a 7 year streak of missing the playoffs with a real solid year that was within a score of an appearance in the conference championship game. They've built a lock down defence and from conversations I've had with them they've got some big offensive pieces in the works as well. While the elite has stayed much the same with the otters and wraiths for quite a while, it certainly seems like there's some up and coming teams that are looking to dethrone them.
Let me tell you, though. In all my scouting conversations and learning about the ISFL Schell is getting a real strong itch to help lock down ISFL competition. Be it this coming season or next, he's gonna make a huge splash. We'd better hope we're on the same team, because we both have our eye on building an Unltimus winning dynasty... If not, I'll be seeing you in lots of championship games!
Tonzy – Man it is tough to think of Bowie and Schell having to line up across from each other, but it would definitely make for a heck of a game.
Any sleepers for you in the draft, and yes you can totally say yourself if you want to give Schell some love!
Cincyfan96 – Psh… Schell isn't a sleeper if you're paying attention! He's gonna be a key piece in a defense wherever he ends up and a team captain in no time. If teams are sleeping on him, it's because his stats were boring in the first half of the season, but his sack numbers rose towards the end as his explosiveness and strength grew through the year.
For my sleeper I'm gonna go to the DSFL draft to a new user ShnarlyDude who has created Gary Goodman. This guy just found us and may fly under the radar for those who don't seek him out, but I have a gut feeling he's going to be a star. From the conversation I had with him, if you're looking for a max earning positive locker room impact this is your guy... And who isn't looking for that?? Also he plays linebacker so that immediately gets him points in my book.
What about you? See any sleepers out there? You can say Schell, it's totally okay... Or I guess Bowie...
Tonzy – I was honestly going to give Schell a shout out because I think he is good enough to be a first rounder and he did have a heck of a season down here in Tijuana. Plus, he is a pretty good dude even though I hear he never sleeps for some reason. It is definitely always good to find those guys that have a good locker-room presence because you can always get guys to earn a little bit more, but you can't really make them have a good personality.
But yeah if anyone is looking for a good locker-room presence who also is a bone-crushing linebacker, definitely shoot Cincy a message.
Cincyfan96 – Dude I'm honored! But also I cannot help but wholeheartedly return the endorsement. Tonzy is a bona fide star and by no means a sleeper. I can't wait to see where you land in the draft!
If anyone ever has any questions they want us to address in future installments, please message either Tonzy or Cincyfan96 on Discord!
For the grader, please split earning equally between Tonzy and Cincyfan96.
A back and forth conversation between two luchadores over the various hot topics around the DSFL, ISFL and life in general.
Hey everyone, it’s another week and the first official installment of the Lucha Libre where Tonzy and Cincyfan96 give you more insights on their careers so far and their thoughts on the league. Yes this is coming out a little late in regards to the Ultimini and Ultimus but wanted you all to continue to get to know the two coolest Tijuana rookies from S23. Hope you enjoy as we continue to figure out the best way to format the series.
Where is your preferred NSFL Draft destination? Why there? Is there any place you absolutely do not want to go?
Cincyfan96 – Trying to get me into trouble right out of the gate! To all you scouts and GMs out there, first of all, I would be happy to play for anybody who will take me! I'm certainly not about to hold out for anything in particular. That aside, my strongest ties are to NOLA. As I think you know, about half of the Luchadore alumni plus both of our GMs play for NOLA, including Mithrandir who is the reason I joined the league in the first place. So to stay in the same locker room with him and get to play for championships together would definitely be a lot of fun. Anywhere I don't want to go? Actually no. If I'm on a team that's struggling it'll fit right in with my Bengals heritage and I'll work to bring us to relevance. If I'm with a winning team right away it's gonna be a culture shock, but winning sounds like fun too and from what I've heard around the league there really are no bad locker rooms around here. As long as I'm with a group of players who want to win and don't mind me being sarcastic and sending a dramatic GIF every now and then, I'll be happy!
How about you Tonzy? Where would you like to go the most in the NSFL? ... Oh wait the ISFL! And is there anywhere you don't want to end up?
Tonzy – Well I had to just put you on the spot like that because I have to keep you on your toes. I have a pretty similar attitude to you in the fact that I really am open to going to any team in the league but I do have some favorites. I honestly would love to end up somewhere like Austin or NOLA as well just because I do have some ties with some people in those locker-rooms, but I also would love to go to somewhere like Baltimore or Honolulu who seems to be building for something really exciting in the coming seasons. There's definitely nowhere I wouldn't want to go because like you said, I haven't really heard anything bad about any of the locker-rooms around the league. It's definitely exciting to get to be going through the scouting process again, I remember watching the DSFL Draft and how much fun that was and I am even more excited for the ISFL Draft.
Cincyfan96 - Agreed! Now that I know a bit more about the league and what I'm looking at, watching the ISFL draft and finding out what the future holds is super exciting for me.
Speaking of getting more involved, I've noticed your name out there with some audits and tasks around the league - not something most first season players (myself included) do! How'd you get involved in league jobs and what's your plan in that area moving forward?
Tonzy – Yeah the auditor job has been a nice fit for me because it is pretty flexible in the time frame you can have to get things done, plus it is a nice way to get to know what other teams are like. I did not really have any expectation to get a job this quickly but I just followed the lead of a couple of my friends in the league who already had positions. I definitely am trying to learn everything I can about the league so having a league job is definitely part of that. I am just trying to learn everything I can and be a help to the league.
What about you? Any league jobs on your radar?
Cincyfan96 – That makes total sense. You're certainly the ambitious type, Tonzy! I think that's awesome that you've been able to get connected so quickly and find a good niche you learn more about the league. I've been more focused at this point on researching and creating media to learn more about the league. I have enjoyed writing a few pieces solo, but am also excited about building more partnerships in media - so far you're the first! If the right opportunity comes up in the future I would definitely be open to it, but for now I'm excited to keep pouring into some cool media pieces and supporting my career that way.
What are your thoughts on the DSFL season so far? Any surprises or teams underperforming? Who is your pick to win the ultimini?
Cincyfan96 – I think the biggest surprise to be has been our (Tijuana's) offensive struggles. It has felt like every time we start to get some momentum, we have had a turnover immediately follow which has made it hard to string together points when it matters most. I don't even want to know how many times our defense has forced a turnover only for the offense to turn right around with a pick on the very next play. I honestly thought that Slothlisberger had an awesome shot at POTY and that our offense with him and two maxed out WRs would tear folks apart. What I underestimated was the lack of depth on our team. With limited options the opposing teams have been able to focus their efforts on a few players in order to keep us in check. A positive surprise, again on the Luchadores, has been Crowbar Theeks. I mean come on! 1505 yards and 11 TDs on the ground! That's insane! He's been an absolute workhorse and I hope he gets the ROTY because I really think he's earned it. As far as teams, in the DSFL it seems like the team that finished first is most likely to miss the playoffs the next year and that is playing out pretty much as statistically would be expected. Last year's conference champion Luchadores and Grey Ducks are both sitting in 3rd place and are both eliminated from contention with one game left while the Birddogs and Coyotes have hopped into the playoffs in their places. It's strange to think that this is the norm and I was surprised initially that we were not winning more, but when you look at the classes lost by the Grey Ducks and Luchadores, it starts to make a lot more sense. As far as my Ultimini pick, I'm going with Dallas. They've got a great QB, an awesome two headed rushing attack, and an elite WR on offense and defensively they're getting after the QB leading the league in sacks to help keep momentum on their side. I think it'll be a close game against Norfolk but I give the edge to Dallas to take the banner home.
Tonzy – I would have to agree with you about our offensive struggles but looking at individual stats our team is killing it. Like you said Crowbar is the best back in the league and a definite contender for ROTY and even POTY in my opinion. Slothlisberger is also the 3rd ranked QB in the league in rating and leads the league in passing yards. I think turnovers and things just really held us back as a team this year, plus our defense was like 3 or 4th worst in the league, so that coupled with turnovers is a recipe for a losing season.
I think the biggest surprise for me personally was Norfolk's early success and London's early struggles. Both of these teams have seem to get back to normal now towards the end of the season but there was a period where it really looked like London was not going to make the playoffs and Norfolk was going to run away with the division which would have been a shock.
I agree that Dallas is my pick as well to lift the Ultimini but homefield advantage is going to be the deciding factor.
Cincyfan96 – Home field advantage is really crazy in this league. We must have some ROWDY fans!
So now that we've talked DSFL, how about the ISFL? With the playoffs happening now and the draft coming up, how are you feeling about joining the ISFL in the near future? Anything you're seeing happening in the league that has you most excited? I'm sure you've answered this to a dozen scouts already with your TPE numbers, but what's your goal for Maverick once you're in the big leagues?
Tonzy – Dude I am so pumped for joining the ISFL. Being scouted again has been so much fun and it has been great getting to know all the different teams in the league. I honestly think the rise of Baltimore is a super exciting thing going on in the league. I love seeing some of these teams who have been building something finally getting their shot at the Ultimus and although I know Baltimore missed the playoffs this season you can believe that the Liberty and Yeti are all on notice that their spots may be up for grabs in the coming seasons in the NSFC. I think it is really good for the league to see some different teams being competitive so it will be really exciting going forward to see how the hierarchy changes.
My goal for Maverick is to win as many Ultimus's as possible man. I just am going to continue max earning and doing everything I can to help wherever I go win games. I would love for Bowie to have a HOF career but that's not really up to me you know? The sim is going to do what it wants and all I can do is do the best build possible and hope for the best. Winning is the most important thing to me though.
What about you? Any trends in the league that are catching your eye and how about Schell? Is he ready for the big time?
Cincyfan96 – I’m also really pumped to join the big league! I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Tijuana and if I'm sent down for a season I'll settle for an Ultimini before starting my ISFL career!
What's caught my eye is actually really similar to what you're talking about. The hawks are a team to watch moving forward and the other that has caught my eye is the liberty. They've come out of a 7 year streak of missing the playoffs with a real solid year that was within a score of an appearance in the conference championship game. They've built a lock down defence and from conversations I've had with them they've got some big offensive pieces in the works as well. While the elite has stayed much the same with the otters and wraiths for quite a while, it certainly seems like there's some up and coming teams that are looking to dethrone them.
Let me tell you, though. In all my scouting conversations and learning about the ISFL Schell is getting a real strong itch to help lock down ISFL competition. Be it this coming season or next, he's gonna make a huge splash. We'd better hope we're on the same team, because we both have our eye on building an Unltimus winning dynasty... If not, I'll be seeing you in lots of championship games!
Tonzy – Man it is tough to think of Bowie and Schell having to line up across from each other, but it would definitely make for a heck of a game.
Any sleepers for you in the draft, and yes you can totally say yourself if you want to give Schell some love!
Cincyfan96 – Psh… Schell isn't a sleeper if you're paying attention! He's gonna be a key piece in a defense wherever he ends up and a team captain in no time. If teams are sleeping on him, it's because his stats were boring in the first half of the season, but his sack numbers rose towards the end as his explosiveness and strength grew through the year.
For my sleeper I'm gonna go to the DSFL draft to a new user ShnarlyDude who has created Gary Goodman. This guy just found us and may fly under the radar for those who don't seek him out, but I have a gut feeling he's going to be a star. From the conversation I had with him, if you're looking for a max earning positive locker room impact this is your guy... And who isn't looking for that?? Also he plays linebacker so that immediately gets him points in my book.
What about you? See any sleepers out there? You can say Schell, it's totally okay... Or I guess Bowie...
Tonzy – I was honestly going to give Schell a shout out because I think he is good enough to be a first rounder and he did have a heck of a season down here in Tijuana. Plus, he is a pretty good dude even though I hear he never sleeps for some reason. It is definitely always good to find those guys that have a good locker-room presence because you can always get guys to earn a little bit more, but you can't really make them have a good personality.
But yeah if anyone is looking for a good locker-room presence who also is a bone-crushing linebacker, definitely shoot Cincy a message.
Cincyfan96 – Dude I'm honored! But also I cannot help but wholeheartedly return the endorsement. Tonzy is a bona fide star and by no means a sleeper. I can't wait to see where you land in the draft!
If anyone ever has any questions they want us to address in future installments, please message either Tonzy or Cincyfan96 on Discord!
For the grader, please split earning equally between Tonzy and Cincyfan96.