OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #2, from Mad Cave Studios on July 27th, 2022, turns the melodrama up to 11 when the AWF and SWF contestants agree to a grudge match to crown unified champions.
The Details
- Written by: Jay Sandlin
- Art by: Antonello Cosentino
- Colors by: Francesco Segala
- Letters by: Justin Birch
- Cover art by: Antonello Cosentino
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 27, 2022
Is It Good?
ShooooooWeeeeeee! Somebody get the popcorn and 2-liter of Orange Fanta because the telenovela vibes are kicking into overdrive in OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #2. There’s more relationship drama, family drama, and professional drama than a company cookout at a deep South hog-rendering plant. So, if you’re into wrestling and more drama than an episode of Real Housewives of Redneck County, this one’s for you.
The highlight of Sandlin’s writing is the absolute state of trashy drama dripping from every page by design. However, the difference here is how Sandlin infuses a surprising amount of emotional complexity into the story, particularly in the romantic relationship between Scorch and Phoenix. It’s not a shocking melodrama for its own sake but a genuine story about people with issues struggling to work things out amid the backdrop of wrestling.
While the series has mostly focused on Phoenix as the main protagonist, this issue is all about Scorch finding herself and her place in this crazy world of wrestling. There are no easy answers when she’s seen as only being in the champion’s circle due to her relationship with Phoenix, but Scorch works to figure it out with some sweet moves and determination in the ring when she’s challenged by AWF Women’s Champion, Yuri. She doesn’t get all the way there, but you can see how Sandlin opens the door and helps her step onto a path of her choosing.
The art is serviceable in this issue. Cosentino’s artistic style is sketchy but good enough to get the job done, and Segala’s coloring is adequate.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Relive the turnbuckle smash of the AWF’s grand entrance by first reading our OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #1 review.
We begin with the hosts of THE DIRT SHEET, a public access wrestling report show, discussing the shocking invasion of the AWF champions in the SFW: EXPLODE event. News has already spread that the champions of each federation will be facing off to declare a unified champion. Unfortunately, this is news to members of the SFW.
Backstage, Ricky Radison mediates a discussion between the two teams about the planned match. The discussion is less than cordial, but it’s up to Scorch to agree to meet Yuri in the ring for a championship match. Scorch wrestles (*heh*) with her conflict about her future and whether or not her carer in wrestling is something she wants or is something she was drawn into over her relationship with Phoenix. Scorch leaves the meeting undecided and heads home to Alabama.
Later, Scorch and Brody have a heart-to-heart talk over Scorch’s conflicting emotions and the decisions that lie ahead. We conclude the issue with new training, new fights, new champions, and a new challenge.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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OVER THE ROPES: BROKEN KAYFABE #2 is a bang-up (literally) entry in the arc with strong character development for Scorch, decent art, and more melodrama than an Alabama trailer park on the Fourth of July during a tornado.
Related Information
Is WWE real fighting or acting?
No, WWE is not real fighting. It’s sports-themed entertainment. Participants may get injured, but the majority of injuries are due to accidents or participants getting carried away. The outcomes of each match are scripted in advance to maximize drama for the viewing audience.
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