31 Best Watch Microbrands, Boutique, and Independent Brands

No incentives given for this review. I just wanted to (over)share.
I kinda fell headfirst down the rep rabbithole! Family photo of loot. It started while looking at the JUC with diamonds in the Cartier shop, with every intention to purchase it right there. However, the price difference between the non-diamond vs diamond version gave me pause. Those are MINISCULE diamonds and they want to upcharge how much??
Taking more time to think about this matter, I decided I needed more reference photos and googled 'small juc review' that night. Lo and behold, a review of this item from repladies was the first hit. I was flabbergasted that this sort of thing was possible, and done SO well.
I immediately contacted WenZhi based on that review, and the rest is... a slippery slope. Here's the timeline:
11/11 - Chat up WenZhi, he doesn't accept Paypal so I gotta go through the bank.
11/18 - Payment confirmed for JUC after bank fussing. WenZhi lets me know it'll be about 20 days.
11/22 - While waiting for item to be made, stalk Repladies for more eyecandy, accidentally stumble upon Reptime... oh boy.
11/24 - Contact Anna for some of those tasty watches. Immediately sent payment for Ballon Bleu 33mm since she accepts Paypal F&F. This happened after midnight and I'm wondering if lack of sleep is making me impulsive. Keep browsing photos of BB reviews until I pass out.
11/25 - Anna delivers!! Feeding my greedy eyes with beautiful, beautiful PSPs. I immediately GL because I want it, like, yesterday.
11/26 - As if I didn't know better, I went browsing through Anna's other albums way past my bedtime and aggressively impulse-buy a Datejust.
11/30 - BALLON BLEU ARRIVES (33mm, via EMS post)! That very same night, WenZhi sends PSPs and I'm just giddy. Instant GL because I have no chill.
12/1 - Anna sends PSPs for Datejust! Looks better than example photos, so I GL even though there's some issues (more on this later).
12/3 - Package from WenZhi arrives?! Wow that was quick (SF Express). I can't stop myself from ordering one more BB from Anna, in 28mm this time. Do you see how slippery this rabbit hole gets?! They're just like one message away from sending you fine things at reasonable prices.
12/4 - Datejust arrives (via EMS) from Anna, it looks BETTER than the PSPs!
12/5 - PSPs for BB28 arrive while I'm out taking a stroll, instant GL without even looking through them because my BB33 was so amazing. I trust their QC.
12/10 - Oohhh the BB28 is delivered! And now I can finally post this review.

RG SM JUC w/diamonds ($850 shipped)

Auth | Factory | PSP | Mine
If Cartier just charged a bit less for their silly diamonds, I would've bought auth that day and never found this world.
Quality - 10/10
It's real gold and diamonds, what can I say. White, sparkly diamonds, high-polish gold. Top notch. I don't feel like I'd be getting additional value by going auth.
Accuracy - 9.75/10
Good Stuff:

Pretty much exactly how I remember the one I tried on was like.
Size (15) is accurate.
RG color is beautiful and subtle, matches auth pieces because why wouldn't it, same material (RG does fade with time, so when comparing a new RG to an older piece expect it to be rosier).
Groove markings, diamond sizes, and nail tips all look accurate to me.
Springy enough to click shut, like auth.
Engraving starts at the right place, in the correct font and neat.

Bad Stuff:

The part connecting to the head is slightly messy. (-0.25) This is literally the ONLY flaw after going over it with a loupe, and it's minor. You can't see it when worn.

Other Stuff:

This is quite a light bracelet (as is the auth), since it's hollow wire inside. Very comfortable to wear.
I asked if it was possible to modify the design so it wasn't a rip-off, but was told no. Just as well, I'm pretty happy with it as is.

Satisfaction - 10/10
They've literally NAILED this piece, it's a steal. I have no desire to buy the auth, because this IS real to me - a real 18k gold and diamond bangle that does a bang-up job decorating my wrist. I'd feel 100% comfortable walking into Cartier with it on.
Also, another thing worth noting -- while this bangle is stronger than the Tiffany T wire (those are ALWAYS bent out of alignment, even the new ones in-store), it still is possible to bend out of shape by nature of the design. So far I've worn this nonstop since I got it, sleeping/showering, catching it on sweaters, flipping it the wrong way, and nothing happened yet. I've seen a few reviews where it got bent, though (including auth), so just keep that in mind. I still think it's worth the risk, especially at this price!

Ballon Bleu 33mm ($139 shipped)

Auth | Factory | PSP | Mine
This is a watch that's always been on my radar, but I didn't like it $$$$ enough to ever seriously consider buying. However, I do like it $$$ enough, hell yeah!
Quality - 10/10
The watch came in a Chanel box, labeled as a bag. Complete with cute Chanel ribbon and bow (testament to all the bags Anna must sell). Watch itself was wrapped securely in some nice, thick plastic, the good stuff, the stuff expensive stuff gets wrapped in.
I'm COMPLETELY SHOCKED at the quality of this watch for the price. Comparing to my nice, authentic, $$$$ watch (and also my parents' $$$$$ watches), I'm not seeing much difference between them. It is worlds better than my Seiko (supposedly a great 'bang for buck' brand) in the same price range, at least on the outside.
Accuracy - 9.5/10
Good Stuff:

Uses imported Swiss Ronda quartz, reliable workhorse that should last quite a few years.
The bracelet is weighty, solid, satisfying.
The sapphire glass is perfectly domed, high quality, and distorts light when bent at an angle (like auth).
Cabochon and hands are a nice shade of blue.
The clasp is smooth and easy with a nice click.
Hidden 'Cartier' signature is well aligned, neat and thin. Looks just like part of the V from a distance. I think they do this better than AF, which uses a thicker font. From a distance, V6F is much closer to gen in this regard. Comparison pic
'Swiss Made' in correct position, legible.
Guilloche nice and shiny and neat. Beautiful finish.
The shape is perfect, soothing and just a joy to rub.
I feel really posh when I wear it.

Bad Stuff:

'Swiss Made' is a bit wavier than some auth, but this is super tiny font. (-0.25)
If I'm gonna nitpick, the hidden 'Cartier' signature could be more centered between the V and I. It's just a smidge too far from the V. Mind you it's even smaller than 'Swiss Made', so this is not an issue unless you're taking macro photos to resell as auth (tsk tsk). (-0.25)
Logo on back is etched instead of engraved (not as deep). Who cares about the back though?! No points deducted.

Other Notes:

Face color is a little bronzy in some lighting. Some older auths are also this way but if you prefer whiter faces try AF.

Beware! While researching auths, I noticed many so-called auths on consignment sites also had these tells. They were being (successfully) sold for $2500-5000! :( Basically this rep stands up to scrutiny, enough to fool serious buyers unaware of the rep market. I'd confidently wear it anywhere (and never resell it as an auth!).
Satisfaction - 10/10
I'm suuuuper satisfied with this purchase. It is a lot of watch for the money, regardless of rep or not. Finishing is excellent, just really beyond my expectations. I love how flat and pebble-y this watch is, the smoothness is addictive to touch. Gotta hand it to Cartier for their sleek designs. Husband doesn't like it because he claims it's too big for my wrist, but he only likes me wearing watches for ants. This is REALLY comfortable to wear!
People have said this watch is NWBIG (not worth buying in gen), and I concur with this assessment. We are completely spoiled having this option as a rep (and at this price!!), they did a really great job.
I forgot to ask Anna to adjust the size before she sent it, but it was no problem taking it to a local watch shop and getting a few links removed (cost $3.50).

Datejust 28mm ($261 shipped)

Auth (doesn't come in 28mm anymore) | Factory | PSP | Mine
Nearly double the price of the BB, but I had much lower expectations since I've seen 0 reviews of the factory (GSF) for any watches. The combination of diamond dial + fluted bezel is what my dad always wore, so it would be fun to match. Even from the example photos I could tell the fluted bezel was too large and the date was badly off-center. BUT this is a sentimental piece so whatever!
My dad wanted to buy me a Rolex so I've tried on a bunch at the AD, but they were all just 'OK'. And since that's not the kind of feeling you try to buy with $$$$$, I turned down his kind offer. While not personally a fan of Rolex designs (boring?), it makes me feel closer to my dad who I rarely see now.
Quality - 10/10
Oh my god? It's way better in person than in photos?! What is this sorcery?!?!? From the photos I expected a toy since it looked too shiny, bezels too big, etc. In person though it looks absolutely fine? All the details are there and done with care.
Accuracy - 9.5/10
Good Stuff:

It's automatic using a rep of the actual Datejust movement (2235), so not only does the second hand sweep at auth frequency (4Hz) but the way you set it is the same too. It's very fun to set.
Pretty dial, nice texture.
Cyclops zoom looks about right to me.
Rolex written around rehaut is accurate.
Even has the hidden serial number and nearly invisible crown at 6 o'clock.
Solid, comfy bracelet, smooth links. Easy to open yet secure clasp, a joy to use.
Crown logos, etc are immaculate.

Bad Stuff:

Fluted bezel seems a touch large, or angled slightly too flat. Honestly it could be my eyes playing tricks, and it's just the different material under lighting (mine is SS not gold as it should be, so it looks 'harder'). (-0.25)
For about half an hour before midnight, the date starts rolling over slowly. Real Rolex should just instantly flip the date at 12, so this is a huge callout if anyone looks at it at 11:30 PM~ (-0.25)
Datewheel numbers not centered, and a bit thin. Apparently Rolex has variations on the thickness (according to Gamma_NZ at Reptime), and I see auth with offcenter date, so no points deducted.

I pointed out to Anna that the Datewheel numbers weren't centered, but still GL since that's how it is in the factory photos. In person, it's actually a lot better than the factory example! Still leans a little to the top and left, but not at all obvious.
Other Notes:

I thought 'Datejust' font was SLIGHTLY too tall/wide, but realized I was comparing it to 31mm and up. The rare photos of 28s I found all matched; this dial is on-point.
Same with the BB28, can't tell CZs are not diamonds. They just give off a little sparkle.

Overall this is actually a more solid rep than I'd bargained for.
Satisfaction - 10/10
I expected a sentimental fun toy that wouldn't pass at all, but it exceeded that by miles. This might be GS Factory's first (english?) review, and I'm giving them a 10/10. Here I thought good reps of smaller watches (other than BB) didn't exist since I've never seen them reviewed... Anna has just about all the dial options, too.
Anna did remove a few links as requested, still ended up loose but no big deal, took it back to the same watchshop that adjusted my BB33 earlier ($3.50 again). At this point I feel bad letting him assume it's gen, he was kinda reverent with it, but how do I just blurt out "it's a rep!!" when he didn't even ask?
This watch has plenty of competition for time on my wrist, but I reach for it surprisingly often. The date is just so useful to have! This makes me reconsider Rolex despite the thick old-fashioned case; maybe I would enjoy owning an auth one day.
Best bang for buck (and imo more stylish) will still be the quartz BBs though, at over $100 cheaper. However, if you value mechanical movements and/or just like Rolex, these are actually so great.

Ballon Bleu 28mm ($156 shipped)

Auth | Factory | PSP | Mine
Ok seriously this was just me binging on BBs because I loved my 33mm so much. This is the last to arrive so I've only had it an hour as I'm writing this post, but so far it's my least favorite of the watches. It's undeniably beautiful, but I wish the bracelet was a tad thinner to match the smaller face size. I feel like the proportions on the 33mm is better, and the thinner bracelet on the Rolex is daintier.
Quality - 10/10
Same as its 33mm big sis, the 28mm doesn't fail to disappoint. Great finish, solid materials, much attention to detail. The color of the RG is good too, not at all fake or overdone. However, I prefer the brushed middle link on the 33mm to the shiny finish on the 28mm. Just personal preference.
Accuracy - 8/10
Good Stuff:

Everything good about the 33mm.
Face is whiter than the 33mm, which goes nicely with the 'diamonds'.
CZ markers cut well, spaced evenly.
'Swiss Made' is actually pretty neat, even under loupe.

Bad Stuff:

The 'C' on Cartier is a little lower. It's obvious when placed next to my BB33. I have to deduct more points because it's hard to miss once spotted, a shame since the rest of the watch is so nice. (-1.75)
Well the RG color is still gonna be a bit more coppery than real 18k, and won't have the lustre of gold. (-0.25)

Other Notes:

I asked if the CZ could be swapped for lab diamonds and the answer was no. :'( However! I actually can't tell the difference at this size anyway. I thought I might since I own lots of jewelry but, no. I would not go for fake bling on the outside of a watch, since it oxidizes and easily turns dull, but on the inside will last quite a good while. I have old fashion watches with CZ inside which still blings on.
Anna again helped me remove a few links, but was still 1 link too big.

Satisfaction - 9/10
Once I noticed the C was a bit low I couldn't fully enjoy it, since it's right there on the face of the watch in bold. Can't unsee it. It's still a great model for helping me test the waters and figure out what I really want in a watch, otherwise I'd always wonder.
Now I know for sure the 28mm BB is not for me, because I like either dainty or solid watches, and this falls into neither camp. The face is dainty, but the bracelet is as thick and tall as the 33mm. It's like, make up your mind! Perhaps it'd do better on a leather strap but I prefer metal bracelets. It also helped me realize I just don't like two-tone bracelets (my mom loves it on me so this is really preference).
I think it's amazing we can get nearly 1:1 reps to wear around the house and judge at leisure instead of making up our minds on the spot in the shop, under bright lights while people wait on you.

Seller Service and Communication - 10/10

WenZhi: Friendly, professional, easy to communicate with. I like the gloves whoever takes the PSPs is wearing, makes it feel extra fancy.
Anna: Will probably "ok dear" and "honey" you a lot, professional, easy communication. Sends nice high-def photos + vids (as you can see from the PSPs), and happy to send more for any reason.
Both sellers don't rest and are responsive 7 days a week. O_O Quick to ship with secure packaging. 10/10 would recommend and buy from again (and again).

Overall Satisfaction 100/10

This was a tough time and all the researching/review reading/squinting at comparison photos until passing out late into the mornings really helped take my mind off real life. Luxury brands are selling ~the dream at a price unaffordable to most peasants, but reps make dreams reality and it's fun! Saving up for a grail piece is also exciting, but reps help me determine better what actually is worth buying and will fit my life.
For example, when I first tried on Rolex at the AD years ago, and when I wore the rep Rolex on day 1, I couldn't stop thinking it looks so old-fashioned and it's so not my style. But somehow, around day 3 or 4, when I realized I kept choosing it over my other watches, I'm like... yes. I could get used to this. I can actually see this as a watch I'd wear 24/7, as my dad does, so... that's how I'm saving up for a Rolex now, thanks replife...!
On the other hand I will never get the auth JUC with diamonds, or even the BBs, because I can't sense any further value. YMMV if you love the history of the brand though!
At first I thought I'd enjoy these less than auth, sort of like when I purchase costume jewelry and they end up being a waste of space since wearing them brings me no joy. BUT this is actually not that! These items possess the quality to backup the look and DO make me feel all fancy pants.

Ratings and Assessments Summary

Item	Pics	Price	W2C	Quality	Accuracy	Satisfaction
RG SM JUC w/diamonds	PSP / Mine	$850	TS WenZhi	10/10	9.75/10	10/10
Ballon Bleu 33mm	PSP / Mine	$139	TS Anna	10/10	9.5/10	10/10
Datejust 28mm	PSP / Mine	$261	TS Anna	10/10	9.5/10	10/10
Ballon Bleu 28mm	PSP / Mine	$156	TS Anna	10/10	8/10	9/10

[WTS] Gear Cleanout

We are 32 years old, make 95k combined, and live in the Midwest working in education.

/moneydiariesACTIVE is woman-centric, which I 100% love and appreciate. However, I am married, and all of our income and spending is combined. Hence, I treat everything in this diary as "our" income and "our" spending. I'm combining our retirement accounts in this list as well, and I've rounded to the nearest hundred dollars, just to make the list easier to read.

Section 1: Assets and Debts
Debt: None! We paid off our student loans this year. We use our credit cards for regular expenses so we can earn cash back and have that extra anti-fraud protection, but we pay them off every week.
Equity: None. We rent.
Retirement Accounts (401a, 457b, Roth IRA): $65,000
Brokerage Accounts (individual stock account and ETF account): $1,600
Emergency Fund: $10,300
Other Cash Savings: $13,100. We're saving up for a new car, which is most of what you see here. We also have sinking funds for travel, clothing, petsitting, veterinary care, car maintenance, medical costs, home supplies, beauty products, Christmas gifts, and any other large or irregular purchases.
Checking Account: $3,900

Section 2: Income Progression
We've both been teaching for just over a decade. Unfortunately, we didn't make much the first few years. My husband can't remember his starting salary, but as an adjunct, I started at about 10k per year. I eventually picked up some other part-time jobs, mostly in education, and was able to make 15-20k per year. I was lucky to live in a Medicaid expansion state, and I lived with my parents for free. (Obviously, this was before I was married.) My work was irregular--if they gave me three classes one semester, they'd give me one the next semester--so throughout my 20s, most of my saving was me preparing to supplement a low-income semester.
After a few years, I became disillusioned with higher education. I moved to be with my then-fiance, who had obtained a full-time position in his preferred field, and began the switch to adult education. I started part-time at a local school while also working online, 10-15 hours per week, for a large education company. At the time, we were making about 65k combined. After a year, I left the online company and became a full-time employee at the local school.
Our combined salary is currently 95k per year, though my husband is up for an important promotion, and I think that will push us to 100k in 2021. Including employer contributions to retirement, our monthly gross income is $8,720. After taxes and insurance, the total is $7,319.
As for side hustles, we're so busy with our full-time jobs that we don't have much time for extra work.
I make a few dollars completing online surveys every month, and my husband is sometimes commissioned for various art projects. We also earn cash from our cash back cards and apps. Most of this extra money is put in our brokerage accounts.

Section 3A: Retirement and Savings
Now, retirement and savings is a huge part of our budget, and that really drops what we spend on regular expenses each month. The current breakdown (again, combined) is:
- $1,116/month in to our 401As (including the employer matches)
- $800/month in to our 457Bs
- $1,000/month in to our Roth IRAs
- $0 - $350/month in to our brokerages, depending on the month's variable expenses
- ~$1,700/month in to cash savings, mostly because we're saving for a new car
This means that we have, on average, $2,600 set aside for our monthly expenses.

Section 3B: Fixed Expenses
Rent: $820. We live in a two-bedroom, pet-friendly apartment with a laundry room and a guaranteed parking spot...in a rural area. Yeah, it's cheap, but there's not much here! Also, when we were moving in together, we actively looked for programs that offered reduced rent to service workers, and we found one that applied to us. If you have any sort of public service job, definitely look for these programs!
Renter's Insurance: $13 for a middle-of-the-road policy.
Cellphones: $109. This charge KILLS ME, but we live in a rural area where only one provider works well, so they gouge you.
Internet: $68.59. See above.
Electric: This varies wildly from month to month because we have electric heat and winter is so cold here. I'd say it's about $35/month in summer, $90/month in winter. The average is around $50, so that's what I'll use in my calculations here.
Streaming Services: $58.46 for Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, ESPN+, Adobe Cloud, and YouTube Premium.
Transportation: < $50. We walk to work.
Pet Supplies: This also varies from month to month, since we get our cat's supplies in a Chewy autoshipment roughly every three months. Looking at our year-to-date calculations in our tracking software, however, I can estimate the monthly costs to $60/month. Her veterinary care and petsitting costs come out of the sinking fund as is necessary.
Patreon: $8 for some of our favorite YouTubers.
Donations: $200; this can include actual monetary donations or the cost of supplies for a gift. For example, a local church asked my husband to build something for them, and he gave it to them free of charge. We put the cost of the supplies in our donations column.
Total Fixed Expenses: ~$1,437.05

Section 3C: Variable Expenses
Some of these will obviously appear in the money diary, but I just wanted to list the general categories we have under "variable" in our budget spreadsheet:
- Pharmacy
- Food
- Fun Money
- Annual Fees (for things like car insurance and Quicken)
- Miscellaneous (postage, wedding license, etc.)

Section 4: Additional Questions
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
It was expected that I get SOME form of education, be that college, trade school, or an apprenticeship. I earned a Master's Degree. Some money came from small inheritances from late loved ones, but with three children in college at the same time, my parents couldn't stretch it far. I earned some scholarships and grants thanks to my high grades, and the rest was funded by student loans, which we just paid off this past summer.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
I think my parents were so stressed about money for most of my childhood that they avoided talking about it as much as possible. They encouraged us to work hard and save money, and they often spoke about my grandparents living through the Great Depression, but it didn't go much further. My parents weren't educated on money in their early adulthood, either, so I'm not shocked. Now that I'm all grown up, I talk to my parents about money all the time. Part of that is me being the "responsible one" who will care for my parents' affairs if they're unable to later in life. My siblings are still willfully ignorant on the topic in general, though one of them has finally started to work on paying off their student loan debt.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My sibling and I worked at a grocery store when we were 16. We wanted some pocket money, of course, but I also had a weird sense that working would be good for me. My parents emphasized that we'd have to quit if it impacted our grades, but we only worked 15-20 hours per week, so we were totally fine.
Did you worry about money growing up?
Never; my parents were MASTERS at hiding how much they struggled when we were young. Looking back at it, I'm a little flabbergasted by how much they managed to do with very little.
Do you worry about money now?
Sort of. My husband and I are DINKs, and we're good savers now, so I rarely worry about the short-term. But long-term catastrophes like major medical expenses and house fires will always scare me a little.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
Ahahahaha--yeah, I was about 30. It's not that I didn't TRY to be more responsible when I was in my 20s, but I rarely made enough. I'd make a dent in my student loans one semester, and then they'd cut my course load the next semester, forcing me to stop making payments and live off of savings instead. I started taking investing and finance classes both online and in person around my 30th birthday, and that initiated a better-late-than-never change for me.
Thanks to this recent financial education and my husband's conservative nature, we have a solid emergency fund, which definitely helps us feel secure. We're saving and investing a lot so we can have an even bigger safety net when we leave our current location/jobs.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
I received a thousand dollars here or there from loved ones who passed away, which immediately went toward my tuition. If I had to come up with a total, I'd say it's just under 10k. Some of our investments also pay out dividends, which we've set to automatic reinvestment for now.

Section 5: Money Diary
(WARNING: We're really boring, especially during a pandemic. Also, rest assured that we are always wearing masks at work, stores, and restaurants.)

**Friday**

8:00am - I wake up with a long-lasting headache still slamming around in my brain, so I take some ibuprofen and curl up on the couch. My husband wakes up, plays with and feeds the cat, and we head off to work.
12:30pm - After an incredibly difficult week, my half-day at work goes really well! Lots of students are succeeding, and our community appointments are quick and easy. I leave in the afternoon, prepare some lunch, and cash out our credit card cash back, which will go on to our December budget.
2:00pm - My husband finishes his day a little early, so we head out to complete some errands. First, we deposit a $175 reimbursement check from our dental insurance; this will balance out to $0 when our $175 bill arrives in a week or so. Then, we return a (very generous, but not workable) wedding gift from some friends, which nets us an eye-bulging $180 gift card. Finally, we top off our gas tank ($23.63) and pick up our groceries for the coming week, including some goodies for a two-person Thanksgiving ($71.77).
5:00pm - We order out once a week, usually on Friday nights, and my husband picks pizza ($34.00). I bake a boxed cake from the pantry, and we watch the newest episode of Great British Baking Show. Yes, I'm aware of the irony.
8:30pm - I start a Zoom call with a friend of a friend to go through specialty product recommendations. When that's finished, I reserve a few books from the library, as they've been closed to the public since March and are currently doing carryout only. Then I take a shower, settle in for a bit of reading, and am asleep shortly after midnight.
Friday Total: $129.40

**Saturday**

9:30am - Sleeping in feels AMAZING, especially since it's my first day in a week without a headache! This feels less amazing, though, when my boss tells me that several students have tested positive for COVID or may have COVID. Now I'm worried that that's what made me feel sick this past week, so I sign my husband and myself up for a free testing event on Monday. (We like to get tested monthly, anyway.) Then I settle in with a homemade caramel soy cafe au lait made with premium grounds from a small coffee shop and start playing with some spreadsheets.
12:00pm - My husband tells me he isn't crazy about the premium coffee...well, nuts. I make a note to pick up some good ol' Folgers for him this coming week before putting on my makeup. Then I reheat pizza for both of us and spend my afternoon watching YouTube and browsing Reddit. I'm especially interested in French press-related content, since I've always wanted one and that $180 gift card is burning a hole in my pocket. My husband heads out to work on some commissions.
4:00pm - Unfortunately, our town doesn't have a shoe shop, so my husband picks up a pair of boots to replace his current, damaged pair ($151.19); he'll get the damaged pair resoled the next time we travel out of town. I pull $100 from our clothing sinking fund to offset the costs. He feeds our cat and I call my family. Then I cook shakshuka for dinner, which we eat while watching the newest episode of The Mandalorian. After dinner, my husband games with his friends and I browse home listings on Zillow.
10:15pm - I force myself to turn off the computer, take a shower, and crawl in to bed for books and lo-fi music streams. I fall asleep around 1:00am.
Saturday Total: $151.19

**Sunday**

9:30am - Another great day of sleeping in! This weekend has been good to me. I feed our cat, start the laundry, and run through my skincare routine before making my cafe au lait and checking out some of the once-a-year sales that are popping up. I repurchase a few 20% off staples I'm running low on using our beauty sinking fund ($46.40). The other gifts and items I had planned to buy aren't on sale yet, so I move on to my daily financial check-up. I notice my husband's annual XBox Live payment hasn't come out of our account yet; we realize they have combined some of their products and are converting to a monthly payment cycle. With that figured out, I switch over to Zillow and look at condos I'll never be able to afford.
12:00pm - We eat the last of our leftover pizza. My husband leaves to finish more commissions, and I, slug that I am, keep browsing Zillow and watching YouTube for over an hour. Then I force myself to take a walk--it's cold, but dry and sunny. After my walk, I eat a snack and crawl in to bed with a library book.
5:00pm - For dinner, I make spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread, and we watch a few episodes of Schitts Creek. My husband leaves to help someone with an errand. I wash the dishes and watch a short documentary. When he gets back, we spend some time together, shower, then head off to separate rooms to play games (Fortnite for him, Magic: The Gathering for me).
11:00pm - I've been trying out a few different planner layouts and sizes, and I've landed on a planner I've been using at work as the best option. I purchase a similar planner for my "day to day" plans and notes ($36.92). That finished, I get ready for bed with books and therapeutic list-making. I check my alarms, then hit the hay around midnight.
Sunday Total: $83.32

**Monday**

5:45am - Our cat starts chewing a cardboard box as loudly and obnoxiously as possible. I'm afraid she'll wake up my husband, so I spend a few minutes with her before tossing the offending box in to the complex hallway, giving her a treat, and crawling back in to bed.
8:15am - The box fiasco makes me sleep in a half hour past my alarm. Still, I have time to run through my usual morning routine: play with and feed the cat, check our financials, check my email, and relax a little before work. I still haven't heard back about a surprise $200 medical bill that may have been coded wrong, and it's shooting me the evil eye from my desk. I ignore it and leave for work with my husband. Between prep work, classes, and meetings, it's an insanely busy morning.
1:30pm - I finally make it home for lunch, which is an air fried potato with some broccoli in cheese sauce on top. I eat while petting my cat and watching the newest episode of Folding Ideas. Then it's back to work; I spend the afternoon lesson planning and sending emails, taking a five minute break to get a COVID test.
6:00pm - No students come for my evening class, so I leave early. My husband and I eat leftovers while watching Schitts Creek. Afterward, I do some chores and post a few items we don't need on our local "buy nothing" Facebook group. Then I eat ice cream while browsing the internet and playing video games. By eleven, I'm showered and in bed with my book.
Monday Total: $0.00

**Tuesday**

7:45am - It's time for my usual routine--cat, coffee, financials--before I get ready for work. I'm honestly a little exhausted at this point in the semester and can't wait for a four day weekend. I complete a few online surveys for some extra pocket money, and then we're off to work. I spend the rest of the morning prepping for and teaching classes.
1:15pm - I head home and cook a quick lunch. I'm already regretting putting free stuff on the buy nothing group, since I'm getting pinged by half a dozen people asking me to have the items ready at very specific times. In the end, we agree to meet up tomorrow when I'm done working.
5:00pm - The medical office has finally called me back and they inform me that, yes, I owe them $200 after insurance for--get this--having a prescription renewed. Frustrated, I decide to just pull the money from our medical sinking fund and be done with it ($200.00). I also leave work late because one of our students never lines up her transportation correctly. My husband and I treat today as our "takeout night" and get Chinese food, since I'll be home and cooking for the rest of the week ($34.81). We enjoy our food while watching Schitts Creek. I do the dishes, then read articles on the web and watch "morning routine at work" videos for a bit.
10:00pm - Typical night-time routine: play with our cat, shower, crawl in to bed with books and music streams, asleep just after midnight.
Tuesday Total: $234.81

**Wednesday**

7:45am - I don't have to be at work as early as usual, so after caring for our cat and calling in a prescription, I take my time with my coffee. I also purchase my parents their Christmas present, since it's finally $50 off ($208.95), and I buy a small gift for my sibling's new girlfriend as well ($35.00). (All of our Christmas gifts are covered by a sinking fund.) I drop my medical bill in to the outgoing mail box and leave for my assortment of meetings just after 9:00am.
12:30pm - Our early dismissal leaves us plenty of time to run some quick errands. We pick up our library books, then a medication ($17.44), and since we're already in the grocery store, my husband asks if we can get everything on our list now so we don't have to go out for the rest of the month ($39.16). When we get home, we eat some of our leftover Chinese food. My husband leaves to work on some art for an hour, and I wait for responses from the "buy nothing group" folks. I pass the time by eating a slice of the day-old birthday cake we got from the grocery store at half-price--no regrets there. What I *do* regret is the sudden realization that I accidentally dropped my medical bill in to the rent drop box this morning. I call the property manager (who lives upstairs), and she puts it in the correct box for me.
2:45pm - Finally, it's time to mask up and hand off the buy nothing stuff! One party arrives, the other never does, so about 2 hours after their original meet-up time, I tell them I will just donate the items. In the future, I will probably tell people, "This stuff will be available at X time on X day; I will not hold things or arrange another time." I'm too old and cranky for this. Now partially unburdened, I make my husband and I half-caff cafe au laits and get ready for a night of video games, YouTube, books, and Zillow.
5:30pm - I make breakfast-for-dinner, my husband's favorite. After eating, I do a little cleaning, then engross myself in more YouTube and books until bedtime. I fall asleep around 1:00am.
Wednesday Total: $300.55

**Thursday**

9:00am - I wake up and try to let my husband sleep in, but the cat wrestles out of my arms and jumps right on his chest. I play with her and feed her. Then my husband sweeps the floor and I start the first of four loads of laundry. (We go through masks and towels like crazy right now.) We get our coffee, and then I read and he plays video games for about an hour. Around 11:00am, it's time for what is simultaneously the most disgusting and satisfying monthly chore: scrubbing the litterbox and accoutrements. Afterward, I wash up, make myself another coffee, and log on to Goldbelly's 20% off sale to purchase some more Christmas gifts with our sinking fund: gluten-free truffles for our friends down south ($55.20), and some cheesecake to share with our friends here ($82.00).
12:00pm - We have the last of our leftover Chinese food for lunch. Honestly, I'm always a little shocked by how much food that restaurant gives us for the price.
4:00pm - I buy one last Christmas gift from Sephora for my best friend ($26.75). Then it's time to start my Thanksgiving-for-two prep: macaroni and cheese, brussels sprouts in bacon, roasted carrots, and turkey-swiss sliders. (I originally wanted to cook up some turkey legs, but there were none to be found in our local store, just whole turkeys and ducks.) Most of the recipes are brand new to me, so I'm really anxious, but my husband helps a bit and it all turns out pretty good! We mask up and do a "contactless food exchange" with our friends living upstairs. We watch Run on Hulu while we eat, then call my parents and his grandparents to chat.
10:00pm - I finish the laundry, play with and feed our cat, shower up, then crawl in to bed with my water bottle and a book. Just before midnight, my COVID-19 test results arrive via text: NEGATIVE. All in all, this was the perfect start to a long weekend.
Thursday Total: $163.95

Section 5: Discretionary Spending Total: $1,063.22
Food and Drink: $179.74
Home and Health: $217.44
Clothes and Beauty: $197.59
Transportation: $23.63
Gifts: $407.90
Other: $36.92
NOTE: $754.30 came from our sinking funds.

Section 6: Reflection
Frankly, I think every money diary will look a bit "off" for the next month or so due to holiday spending. That said, some of our purchases this week were "unusual" things like new boots for my husband and an absurd bill for a 10-minute visit to the doctor's office. As for the gifts, this was spending we had saved and planned for for an entire year. Expenses like these are what prompt us to maintain sinking funds.
I figured we would spend more on our days off, and that was definitely the case. Is some of this having time to shop and browse? Definitely. I probably would've put off purchasing the planner for another month or so if I'd been busier on Sunday, for instance. That said, we're still on track to stay within our budgeted "pockey money" allowances this month, so I'm not upset about it. And our annual saving and spending trends remain relatively consistent. Living in a rural area with next to nothing to do, especially in COVID times, is helping us keep that spending low!
All in all, I think we do a pretty decent job. I really wish we had larger 457b and taxable brokerage contributions, but saving for a car with four wheel drive takes a lot of cash, even when you're buying used. Once we have said car, however, we're hoping to increase those contributions and up our travel savings.

[SOTC/Suggestions] Super Humble Collection and Suggestion for a first luxury watch (Warning: really long post)

Howdy all,
After 7 years of collecting, I just wanted to finally show you guys my super humble collection that I am extremely proud of and absolutely adore.
A little bit of backstory. Like most users here in Watches, I randomly stumbled across this subreddit back in 2013 during my first year of college while I was sitting in biochem browsing reddit. I remember that exact week after finding Watches, I was searching endlessly for that perfect first timepiece. I ended up purchasing a simple Seiko quartz chronograph for around $110 and was in love with it - this watch has since been passed onto my brother since my style of watches has evolved since first discovering this hobby. But anyways here is the current collection with all the pieces in one picture: https://imgur.com/4q8KwVO. I'll also be asking you guys for suggestions for my first ever luxury watch purchase at the end of this post. Sorry for the bad quality pictures - never been much of a photographer.

Seiko SKX013 (https://imgur.com/kk4ctF0): This is my first and only dive watch that I have in my collection. Prior to purchasing it, I was debating between the 007 or the 013. I finally decided on the 013 as I suffer from small wrist syndrome. After hitting the purchase button, I was reading up on the 007 and a lot of 007 owners stated that the 007 wears much smaller despite the 42mm diameter. I was kind of regretting purchasing the 013 after reading the comments from the 007 owners. However, once the 013 arrived on my doorstep and I put it on my wrist, I loved it. The mid-size dimensions fit perfectly on my 6.75 inch wrist and has a more subtle presence on the wrist despite being a dive watch.
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm ref. H70455533 (https://imgur.com/TJTX3gs): Currently my favorite piece in my collection. The watch fits like a glove. I cannot get over the style and elegance of this piece. This is, in my opinion, the best casual watch. It literally goes well with every casual outfit on a weekend night out with your friends. I bought this piece as a celebratory gift to myself for graduating from university and also getting into one of the top nursing schools in the country in the same summer.
Orient Vintage Power Reserve ref. FFD0F002B (https://imgur.com/GF4BJmS): This was kind of a random and unexpected purchase. I was browsing Amazon one evening and came across this watch for a great price so I just pulled the trigger. It has a power reserve complication so I thought it would make a unique addition to the collection. This piece doesn't get must wrist time at all (I think the last time I wore it was well over a two years ago) but I still love it.
Yema Rallygraf Panda ref YMHF1572-BU (https://imgur.com/eieJajS): This is the most recent purchase I've made and is by far the coolest watch I have. I've always envied the Paul Newman Daytona but would never be able to get my hands on one and if I did, I would not be able to afford the 200k+ price tag on it. I've searched around for a cool panda chronograph throughout the years but have never found one that I really loved. While browsing the Yema site about a month ago after hearing about their Black Friday sale, I came across this Rallygraf panda and that it was currently on sale for $280. Once I saw that it had the Seiko V64 mecha-quartz movement and a 39mm case, I immediately pulled the trigger. When it arrived in the mail two weeks ago and I unboxed it, I knew this was a purchase that I did not regret one bit.
Seiko Chronograph SND367 (https://imgur.com/fOW0hTf): Do you guys remember this popular post a few years back? When that post hit my front page feed on reddit, I had to get it after seeing how great the price was for a JDM piece. The dimensions and the looks of it was perfect. i used some of the Christmas money I got that year to purchase this piece. This watch receives the most wrist time out of all the watches i have. It came on a janky bracelet that I wasn't a fan of and just replaced it with a Barton strap. Wears so comfortably and is kind of my beater watch (but I do take extreme care of it - only small hairline scratches and no dents or dings on the case).
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical ref. H69439531 (https://imgur.com/wd4tbVf): This piece here I got about a year ago. After graduating from nursing school and passing my nursing board exams, I had to get something for myself to mark this milestone in my life and as a memento of the start of my career as an RN. After about two months of looking at what watch to get, I pulled the trigger on this Khaki Field Mechanical. It had a vintage look and feel to it which I loved but what mainly attracted me to it was that its design inspiration was based off the MIL-W-3818B which were issued by the government to the troops who were sent off to the Vietnam war in the 60s. Being an avid amateur war historian and with nursing having such rich history in the military, I decided that this was the most suitable watch to add into my collection to mark the start of my career as a nurse.
Orient Bambino Version 3 (2nd generation) ref. SAC0000CA0 (https://imgur.com/ifVfTyz): This was a total impulse buy. A few months after the Bambino V3 2nd generation came out, I saw an eBay posting on this watch for $80 brand new shipped from Japan. I originally thought it was defective or a scam but saw the good reputation the seller had. Decided to roll the dice and bought it. Luckily the watch was perfect. Only thing is that it runs really fast (+40sec/day - could be magnetized). It's a nice little versatile dressy piece that goes well with a suit but doesn't look out of place when worn with jeans and a t shirt.
Tissot Le Locle Automatic ref T41.1.423.53 (https://imgur.com/dpK3glC): I got this watch as a gift from my parents during a family trip to Asia back in 2015. We were in Singapore visiting the Sentosa island resort and I was just browsing the watches at a boutique called the Swiss Watch Gallery. I was looking at this specific watch at the boutique and was thinking about buying it but decided not to as it was too expensive for me at that time and I didn't have a summer job that year. A few days later when we were in Kuala Lumpur while in the mall below the Petronas Twin Towers, my parents asked if I wanted to stop by the Tissot boutique there just to take another look at the watch. I told them that I wasn't going to buy the watch. They then said it'll be a gift from them to me and as a souvenir of our family trip to Asia. I was completely ecstatic and was incredibly grateful. It actually ended up being a little cheaper than buying it back home due to the currency rate and it being tax free when we claimed it at the airport on our way home. It's also worth mentioning that this model has the ETA 2824-2 movement. This was before Tissot replaced the 2824-2 with their Powermatic 80 movement.
Seiko SARB033 (https://imgur.com/HgkENVW): The poor man's Grand Seiko. I've always loved Grand Seiko from the beginning. The conservative design of their watches just attracted me to them since day one. But being a student at that time, I did not have 5K to drop on a GS. So when I came across the SARB033 I knew I had to get it. i purchased this watch from Seiya Japan. Prior to buying it, I reached out to Seiya to inquire some general information and this man was seriously the most professional individual I have ever interacted with online. He also took extreme care when sending the watch. When it arrived, the packaging was immaculate. You could tell he took extreme care and time packaging this watch for shipping so that it arrives safely. I highly recommend buying from Seiya Japan.
Timex Marlin Reissue ref. TW2R47900V3 (https://imgur.com/pAdLArF): I love the aesthetics of the 60s and have considered buying a vintage watch from that era. However, I never dipped my toes into the world of vintage timepieces so I don't exactly know what to look out for when buying vintage. This Timex Marlin reissue was the perfect watch to scratch that vintage watch itch without the worries of buying a vintage watch.
G Shock G-Rescue G7900-1 (not pictured): I currently use this watch as my work watch. Being a nurse, I need a watch that is extremely water resistant and can take a huge beating. I got this watch at the beginning of nursing school knowing that I needed something durable. This watch has been with me through all clinical rotations throughout nursing school and it currently my work watch as an RN.

So what do you guys think of my current collection?
Also, after 7 years of building that humble collection, I have finally decided to purchase my first ever luxury watch in the upcoming new year. I'm looking to spend up to $3500CAD max. Currently, I am looking at the Nomos Orion ref. 309 or the Nomos Tangente ref. 139. I am really torn between the two right now. The Orion has a more timeless design which I think would age better. The Tangente has a modern Bauhaus design that I love but i'm not sure if it would age as nicely as the Orion. What do you guys think about these two? Any other watches you guys suggest I look into? My criteria is sub 38mm size, stainless steel case (no gold plating), and sub $3500CAD.
I hope you guys enjoyed my SOTC post. Sorry for this post being so long. I'm just extremely proud of my collection and just wanted to share it with you guys. Thank you for taking the time to read through and looking at this post. Hope you guys have an amazing weekend!
Cheers!

Knives (QC, Kizer, Klecker x Keybar), Freebies (Spyderco, Boker, Kriss Reefs), and Nermal's Favorite Watch (Hamilton)

[menacing guitar riff. D minor.]
Look... If you had one knife, and one community... To snag every piece you ever wanted... One moment... Would you YOLO it, or just let it slip?
Yo.
His keyboard's sweaty, mouse-wrist weak, fingers heavy
There's cuts on lock-bar thumb already, cut-test confetti
He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready to drop PMs
But he keeps on forgetting budgets set down, the whole sub goes so loud
His keyboard, clack-clack but the words won't type out
He's choking, low-ballers PM OP now
The clock's run out, time's up, "seconds? 😢" NO...!
Snap back to the 'Swappity
Oh, there goes Shamwari
Oh, there goes CRK,
no (not my birthday),
we won't, give up that easy, no
Chase that grail, we know, budget's on the ropes
It don't matter, knife's dope
He knows that... [mic to the crowd] "BUT WE'RE BROKE!"
But call dibs now, he knows if he don't, it won't show up again...that's when it's
Back to the 'Swap again, yo
Knife-life rhapsody
He better go YOLO this right now, and hope, it don't pass him...
...Lose yourself y'all. - ya' boy Nermal
****
I think I'll call him "Stampy"
****
- Quiet Carry iQ (Elmax dipped in PVD) // B- // visuals
An elegant weapon for a more civilized age. Fantastic condition, mirror edge but needs a good sharp'n'strop to the mirror edge to get the Elmax cutting again (hasn't been by myself or the knifebros before me, to preserve the metal for the future forever home of it's next owner). Just flipped and opened one box (to discover the tip is surprisingly nimble for the steep sheepsfoot blade shape). Lock-up, centering, action, without flaw. Hard to find. Came to me at a great deal, a little sauce on top to cover fees/shipping to her next home, and to include the bonus knife. Packaging not included.
~~SV: $179...a YOLO bundles you with one prize from the below...!~~ SOLD
- Kizer Gemini (Laconico Design, Brown Micarta) // A // visuals
NIB. I literally YOLO'ed it thinking it was red micarta (which is Nermal kryptonite let me tell you...), but it was more of a dark brown/burgundy upon arrival. Slicey Dicey's favorite EDC for September 2020.. Ray Laconico for the masses, slicey grind, dare I say TRM Neutron-esque. Action is phenomenal, shake shut (but can be drop with oil and tuning, I'm thinking - this thing is still factory) and with the materials (Micarta on liners), it feels way lighter and more svelte than your typical Kizer piece. Never carried.
~~SV $89... priced a bit higher than market since a YOLO bundles you with one prize from the below...!~~ SOLD
- Hamilton Khaki Aviation Watch (42mm case, Black on SS, Sapphire Crystal, Olive Strap) // B-/C+ // visuals // review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmOHtX8LE5Q (same watch, mine is a black variant with date on the 3pm)
My automatic EDC user. Pie pan piano black face, brushed SS, a classic Swiss made Hammy. She's a true all-arounder EDC piece. Goes with everything, works hard every day. Simplicity personified. I love this thing so freaking much (while we all just read this in HIS beloved voice...yes, there was a time we were saying "so freaking much" waaay before you came along, Mr. u/NickShabazz), but my use case has changed during these strange times, so it's ready for a new home. Purchased new in February 2019. 42mm case, sapphire crystal wrapped in SS, Self-wind AND hack-wind (so clutch) ETA 2824 Swiss movement (the PM2 of the automatic watch world). See pics for some decent SS bezel wear from EDC'ing this one for a year and a half (masked decently by the brushed finish in most light and angles), glass is perfect (as cared-for sapphire crystal usually is). OEM olive suede strap is brand new (I was rolling with all NATOs all the time, amirite, u/iArmen?). Still has 3 months left of warranty left, not sure if transferable but just sayin'.
Was going to sell on WatchExchange subreddit, but my wallet and I literally avoid that place like it's Central Park after midnight in the late '80s. Only parting with it because I'm a triathlete and have finally succumbed to a Garmin multisport watch thanks to Prime Day, and COVID has negated my need for a watch to go with buttoned-up middle-management office life for the time being. It's going for $550 on Amazon at the moment (discontinued everywhere else I believe), will come with all original packaging, pristine leather olive green suede clasp strap, and 4 NATO straps in varying conditions, box and all docs, as pictured. Letting my baby go to a gentleman knifebro.
~~SV $339 edit: OBRO... but a YOLO bundles you with ~~one prize from the below!~~ Spyderco "Pocket Excalibur" aka Resilience~~ WITHDRAWN
\**\**
Nermal's "After-the-Dentist" Treasure Chest Grab Bag! (visuals):
(True story: I was close to becoming a dentist in a past life. We all know that the after-appointment treasure chest of stickers and toys is the only reason we ever agreed to go as children...)
Pick ONE of the below to take home with you "FREE" with the purchase of the QC, Kizer, or Hamilton above:
- CRK Small Sebenza Clone // B+ // It's shiny. For sizing your hand to a Sebenza 21. For convincing Chris Reeve ownership posing. For easing the sting of missing out on the greatest deal of all time. For a left-pocket decoy to fool would-be pickpockets. For lending something elegant to your co-workers to cut sheet metal on concrete with. D2...maybe? It's fun to look at, acts like a slipjoint (wat), and did I mention it's shiny? It's shiny. Letting it go because now I know I am not a Sebenza guy. CLAIMED
- Boker Kalashnikov Reverse Tanto Wharncliffe // B- // It's murdery. For soothing the pain of missing the Dessert Warrior BHQ drop. For pantomiming the opening montage of Hot Fuzz with Santa and Nicholas Angel (don't actually do this). For some real hard use. Essentially in new condition blade and handle, just some blade coating flake at the tip (which will happen the moment you start using this guy), and Kalash-typical handle wear. Would keep it but letting it go because it's so very illegal for me to carry. CLAIMED
- Spyderco Resilience // C // It's long. For keeping in your pocket on to impress your next Tinder date as you stroll up in your favorite white khakis. For conveniently flicking out, holding over your head and screaming "ROMA VICTORRRRR" as you charge at your recycling with your EDC pocket-sword. Blade is scuffed and scratched, but action (Spydey-flickable!), lockup, fit and finish are all actually surprising. I'd actually keep this one... if I owned a farm and needed something to thresh wheat with, or if I wasn't already confident in my masculinity.
****
One more thing...
- Keybar with Klecker Knife and frickin' sweet Inserts // B // visuals
Picked this up because it looked interesting, and it arrived and overwhelmed me with it's many, many small parts and stuff. Klecker inserts included, modified, pretty sure there is someone out here who will make far greater use out of this than I, as I have not nearly enough keys to justify the organizational engineering marvel that this little guy is. Even comes with a pocket clip! See pics for all the goodies. Klecker inserts modded to fit the Keybar mount included, which run about $10 each alone.
~~Whole thing for SV $70... no wait...$69~~😘 SOLD
****
TL;DR:
~~QC iQ + extra knife: $179~~ SOLD
~~Kizer Gemini + extra knife: $89~~ SOLD
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Automatic Watch + Spyderco Resilience: $339 if YOLO ~~price-reduction edit: now taking BROs (best reasonable offers)...bros!~~ WITHDRAWN
~~Klecker x Keybar: $69~~ SOLD
All prices here are what I paid + a dab of sauce to cover fees and shipping onto the knext knifebro. CONUS only, PP G&S, payment before 5pm EST nets you USPS shipping tomorrow.
Thanks as always for checking out another Nermal joint. Love this place (a bit too much at times), and love y'all.

The Innovative Patek Philippe Movement You Probably Forgot About (Or Never Even Knew)

I am 33 years old make $43,000, live in Seattle and work as a House Manager. (HHI of $89,560)

Money history: I come from a family that has absolutely no money sense. My mom raised 3 kids as a single mom, and as a snapshot we often had power turned off for a few days or barely any food. When she eventually remarried and became a high earner, she still lived paycheck to paycheck. Money was not talked about and the example was to spend it while you had it. My dad similarly had no money sense. Both of my parents highly stressed the importance of going to college, as both didn’t finish high school. I had no support in really much of anything growing up, and figured it all out the long and hard way on my own. I did drag myself through community college to a 4 year degree at a university, but not without irresponsible loans and a late realized FAFSA error that kept me from grants for almost my entire time as a student. I didn’t start learning about money until my 30’s. I have heavily relied on online resources to educate myself and work on getting myself out of debt. I am super proud of how far I’ve come.
Section One: Assets and Debt
Retirement Balance: $0.00 I had some from 2 different previous jobs, but cashed them out at times when I was financially strapped (before I learned about managing my money!). We are moving this coming summer into an inherited house. We will get all debt paid off within one year (except my student loans). Once that happens, our goal is to put 50% away into savings/retirement. My husband also has not contributed.
Equity if you're a homeowner: We rent. We will inherit a house next summer in the sense that we will live there for free and have any house repairs will be paid for, but we won’t own it until way in the future.
Savings account balance: $10,650 (this was $0 six years ago and about $4,000 at the beginning of Covid-19). We realized we needed an emergency fund after covid hit, and then decided to put as much as possible here towards our move. We used to have multiple savings accounts with sub-categories, but we realized by putting it all in one account we were motivated by seeing a large number grow. We still have to access it for regular things, like the vet which you will see in this diary. This works for us.
Checking account balance: $1803.18
Credit card debt (and how you accumulated it): Yikes. The biggest regret of my life. I owe $9,065. My husband owes $7,318. Mine was accumulated from years of having absolutely no idea how to deal with money, not understanding saving, and basically financing my 20’s on credit. In the last three years we have paid off about $12,000 in credit card debt as we have become financially literate and started working towards financial goals. My husband’s debt was accumulated during his divorce, which was money well spent IMO!
Student loan debt (for what degree): I have $42,794 and my husband has $4,431. I have a degree in English, and he did not finish his degree. I loved earning this degree, but would 100% go back and do a STEM related degree, or a trade.
All of our finances and bills are completely shared and managed by me.
Section Two: $43,000 per year
Income Progression: I am not going to be too specific because I know a lot of people that read this sub-reddit.
2002 – 2006 $10 per hour at a box store
2006 – 2010 $29,000 per year at a small local company
2010 – 2011 $10,000 per year finishing university, lived rent free
2011 – 2015 $30,000 up to $50,000 through a salary evaluation that they did, and moving into a more client facing role that brought in more money.
2016 – 2020 $43,000 through main job and side jobs
This is really hard to explain because I have been all over the place. I used to have a much better paying job, closer to $60,000 with side job, but I went through a horrible depression and left that job. I started nannying and then house managing 5 years ago, and it was too comfortable to leave. I loved not being on a computer! Part of why I agreed to moving is to force me out of this job, that I am not happy or fulfilled in. I am actively looking for a job that is remote and I can keep when we move.
Monthly Take Home: $5,640 after all deductions
Main Job
Me: $2050 for 30 hours of work per week after basic taxes.
W: $2540, after taxes for both of us and insurance for both of us. I am honestly not sure on every single deduction, as it’s a lot, but we pay around $350 a month in insurance for the two of us.
Side Gig Monthly Take Home
I have a salaried side job that is $750 a month, and through other odds and ends I make another $300 a month on average.
Any Other Monthly Income Here
I use my sisters Hulu, my mom’s Netflix and my boss’s HBO Max. We actually do have our own free Hulu through Spotify, but hers is ad free. I pay for Amazon which my whole family uses.
Section Three: Expenses
Rent: $1730 for a 2 bedroom apartment
Storage Unit: $43
Car insurance, renters insurance and life insurance: $156
Car payment: $353 for new car, purchased certified pre-owned. The 2nd car, which I drive, was paid for in cash. It’s oooold but does the job. We owe $7829.95 on the new car, with a little less than two years left on the 1% loan we have.
Savings contribution: $1000. This varies by month and expenses that come up, but since covid it has been over $1000 a month. Before we were putting that money towards debt, but stopped to save for the move and an emergency fund.
Electric and alternating WateSeweGarbage: $200
Wifi/Cable/Security: $143
Cellphone: $110
Gym membership: Paid for by my main job
Pet expenses: recently more, $100 a month at this point
Spotify and MLB radio package: $15 per month
Debt payments: This is above the minimum on all of them
$300 Visa 1
$200 Visa 2
$100 Visa 3
$Balance Visa 4, this is a rewards card that is paid off at each pay check
$75 LOC
$320 Student loans (Me) on hold due to covid
$139 Student loans (W) on hold due to covid
Yearly Expenses:
Costco ($60 yearly)
Amazon ($120 yearly)
Oil changes ($90x 4 yearly)
Tabs ($550 yearly)
MLB subscription ($90 yearly)
NHL Subscription ($140 yearly)
Learned league ($30 yearly)
Microsoft office ($70 yearly)
Zoo membership ($110 yearly)
At the end of each day please tally up your daily expenses. Then at the end of your diary please tally up all expenses in the following categories:
Food + Drink: $261.18
Fun / Entertainment:
Home + Health: $2.82
Clothes + Beauty: $44.84
Transport: $51.02
Other: $218.93
Lastly, reflect on your diary! This week had more spending than normal due to the vet bill and the gift for my mother-in-law. That said, I am consistently disappointed in how much we are spending. I try SO HARD to spend less every month, and while we are trending way down in spending, it seems like there are always so many expenses that come up. Food also continues to be a huge expense during Covid. We enjoy cooking great meals, and it has been hard to cut back our grocery budget – which is where we spend most of our money. I also have some leftover issues from food insecurity as a kid, and I love being able to buy groceries and have options. This week was also driven up by a Saturday out, which we have only done 3 times since Covid, so I don’t feel too bad about this expense. We want to pay debt and save, but also enjoy our lives as much as possible.
On R29 people really seem to freak out when you mention your significant other a lot, but also freak out if you seem in an unhappy relationship. My husband is my best friend and I am obsessed with my cat, but I mostly left them out of this. I also ALWAYS wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, don’t go in anyone’s house ever, etc. We take Covid-19 very seriously and feel lucky to live in a state that is also taking is seriously.
Day 1: Pay Day
6:45am Wake up with my sunrise alarm clock and feel intense dread at needing to apply for a job a friend has recommended me for. This job is a stretch for me and I really don’t have the mental energy for this this morning.
7:15am: Finally roll out of bed and drink my leftover pour-over from yesterday as cold coffee with cream and eat a bowl of frosted mini wheats.
7:30am: Today is pay day so I log on to pay all my bills, which I love doing! I remember a time, not so long ago, I would just not even pay bills or put them off for as long as possible – which now seems so absurd! I look forward to pay day and knocking these things out for the month. I pay the balance on my rewards credit card, move money to savings, pay one of my visa cards, and Zelle my brother money for our phone bill. The plan is actually in my husband’s name but my brother set up his card for the automatic payments. This is fine with me since my sister never remembers to pay.
9:30am: Work, work work (while listening to podcast or audio book, always and forever).
12:00: Run to grab fish for my work family’s dinner and some hot food for my lunch from a high end grocery store. I end up getting myself some Okonomiyaki to eat for $3.99. They are also featuring lots of local restaurants and they have a famous coconut cream pie from a local place so I grab a mid-sized one to bring to a friends for her birthday today $16.99. Other grocery items go on work credit card. ($21.39)
3:30: Leave work and head home to prepare chili for dinner. I slow cooked beef chuck overnight in crushed tomatoes so it goes quickly.
5:00pm: Head to friend’s house to drop off birthday pie. Stop by the fancy pet store to get food for main side job and pick up $75 worth of cat food that goes on work card.
6:30pm: Home and eat chili with sour cream, cheddar and Budget Bytes freezer biscuits while watching the new Adam Sandler Halloween movie. I follow it up with some hot chocolate.
7:30pm: Feeling restless and decide to take a bath and listen to Crime Junkies podcast. After this I use our new Sonic massage gun on W’s back and then grab my computer and get in bed to finally apply for that job.
10:00pm: Finish up the application after a burst of creative energy and hit submit. Check email accounts for other side jobs and send some emails. Close the computer around 11pm, listen to Crime Junkies and fall asleep around midnight.
Daily Total: $21.39
Day 2:
7:45am: wake up from a dream that I had a new job working for Post Malone, but actually he and I were pulling an elaborate prank on a mutual friend. Okay? FaceTime my sister and niece to say good morning and drag myself out of bed. Drink some homemade chai I made this weekend and eat bowl of frosted mini-wheats while I chat with my sister.
8:20am: I see an email alert that my credit score has changed. Down 10 points??? Log on to see that it calculated my debt ratio while the payment on the card I use for monthly expenses was pending. So annoying. I also see that my main email account password has been published on the dark web since Monday. so I quickly log in and change passwords on multiple accounts and use the Gmail feature to do a security check. I see have 3 log ins for a chase account that I do not understand at all. I think these are from an old work credit card, but I make a note to call them.
9:15am: Leave for work with my hair looking like Legolas. Oh well.
9:30am: Arrive at work and make myself a latte and an americano for my boss on their espresso machine.
11:45am: Run to drop off an amazon return at a locker and pick up some supplies for my meeting with main side job, but the cost goes on my (other) work credit card (bill goes directly to them). Do some grocery shopping for work family and it goes on work card. I also pick up some fancy canned heirloom beans that went on sale for half off, milk and sleepy time tea for $7.25.
12:30pm: Back to work and make lunch for me and the kids.
3:30pm: Off work and head to a meeting at main side job. Drive to her house listening to Crime Junkies! I’m on a binge.
6:30pm: Leave meeting after preparing for some upcoming projects and taking about Schitt’s Creek a bunch. She also gives me a new hoodie and fancy water bottle that she doesn’t want. I see an email back from an interview I did earlier this week asking me back for a second interview next week – YAY!
6:45pm: My friend, P, just moved back to Seattle from the east coast and text me and asks me to meet up for a drink with our friend, S. I drive to the lake and meet them at an outside corner table. I don’t drink a ton so I only have one cocktail and a grilled cheese with small salad. $24.78 with 25% tip. My friend P also orders me a hot chocolate, but she covers this.
10: 30pm: Home, check emails and put out a couple fires. I take the time, now that I am on my computer, to email back the place I am interviewing to thank them for asking me back and give them my preferred times out of those they offered. It will be 2 hour zoom interview with multiple groups of their staff.
11:20pm: Lights out with Crime Junkies. I have a problem.
Daily Total: $32.03
Day 3:
7:00am: Wake up and make coffee in the Chemex. I make this every couple days and drink half fresh and hot, then save the other half to drink iced the next day. I eat oatmeal I bought at the beginning of the pandemic when I thought we should have a few shelf stable items in case we had to fully quarantine (if we had covid-19). To be clear, it was not a hoarding situation. I bought a few cans of beans, a couple things of pasta and sauce, oatmeal and a bag of rice. We have gone through all of it except the pasta sauce (since I normally make my own) and the oatmeal.
8:00am: Check work emails and do some work for my side jobs. Read Reddit for a while and finally get ready for work.
9:30am: Arrive at work and it’s busy all day.
12:30pm: Make a lunch of frozen dumplings for everyone, then take one of the kids, N, to the store with me as the kids want a treat. We grab last minute groceries for their family and Starbucks for the kids and myself. They each get a refresher and I get an iced chai with pumpkin spice foam on top and it is OUT OF THIS WORLD SO GOOD. My sister had seen this on Tik Tok and I feel blessed to know about it. This is paid for on my work card. I also need a bulk spice so I stop at the co-op and get that for work, as well as some Japanese yams, mushrooms, bulk corn meal and bulk polenta for myself. $12.87
4:00pm: Finally off work after a long afternoon. Stop at the grocery store because I forgot butter. I use the app to get some coupons so end up with regular butter, European butter, buttermilk, and klondike bars for $5.01 with a 50% off buttermilk since it expires tomorrow and a $5 credit on the app. Always check the app! $5.01
5:00pm: Home and running a meeting for a side job. There are 5 of us and it’s fun to meet some new people that I have been working with over email for months.
6:00pm: Meeting is over and start making skillet cornbread to go with the leftover chili. Usually I am on constantly listening to audio books but as you can tell I am on a podcast kick, which happens occasionally when something engages me. We eat dinner while watching Friends (the one where Joey and Rachel nearly hook up, WTF).
7:15pm: I take a long and luxurious bath.
8:30pm: Play a few rounds of a new (gifted) board game with W called Azul and we are hooked right away. The pieces are very satisfying, which will make sense if you are into board games. Do recommend.
10:00pm: Lights out.
Daily Total: $17.88
Day 4: 7:30am: I have the day off! YAY. I actually have a very abnormal amount of things going on this weekend so I still get up early because I have some stuff I want to get done today. I eat leftover cornbread for breakfast and facetime my mom and sister for about an hour while I eat, drink the cold coffee from yesterday, and check emails.
8:30am: W’s mom’s birthday is next week, and his parents are extremely generous with us, like too generous, so we try to give them nice birthday presents. I order a set of 2 olive oils from Brightland with 2 of the trendy spouts they have. Total cost is $95.98. This goes on my card for rewards, but will essentially come out of savings. $95.98
12:00pm: I spent the morning making Smitten Kitchen buttermilk biscuits (to freeze) with the buttermilk that “expires” today (it’s still fine a week later). I make half of the dough with cheddar and chives and freeze all but two. I eat one while it is piping hot, obviously. I work a little on this money diary, planning out my weekend, and watering my many, many…many plants. Head out at noon to the vet.
12:15pm: Very quick trip to the vet to get a blood draw on Z. They pick him up out of the car, I pay over the phone, and the whole thing is over in 5 minutes. Cost is $108.75. I pay with credit card for rewards, but this will come out of savings as well. $108.75
12:30pm: Home to drop off cat, and pick up a bag of Nordstrom returns for main side job. I head to the Rack to do the returns and end up doing a little shopping for myself since I am there. I get 4 Burberry lip colors for $7 each (2 for me, 1 each for my nanny kids. They love branded makeup), 2 hair clips, 1 fun headband and a pair of super cute Hudson jeans on super clearance for my niece for $4. Total cost is $44.84. I put this on my Nordstrom card and put a reminder on my calendar to make a payment in 2 days when it is no longer a pending charge. $44.84
2:00pm: W gets home from work and we talk for a while before he takes a shower and a nap. I continue to work on my side jobs.
3:15pm: I eat one of the cheddascallion biscuits from earlier with some sliced local mole salami for lunch. I text with my friend, T, about meeting up her and her husband at a brewery tomorrow and research locations with covered outdoor seating.
5:30pm: After fielding calls for a work emergency for my main side job and tidying up around the house, I go hard down a rabbit hole of FBI’s most wanted criminals on their website while drinking a Kitty Cat Blues beer. Look up and am surprised that it’s been 2 hours! Oops. Check the mail and see that my check has come from one of my side jobs. It’s for $265 which will basically cover the birthday gift and vet visit from today. Instead of going into savings like it normally would, I will deposit to checking and make an extra payment on my credit card.
6:00pm: W wakes up from his nap and we start playing our friends trivia on Twitch. In between the forms he sets up on his website I somehow manage to click a spam add and my computer starts freaking out an popping up all these warnings and freezing up. I am super pissed and spend the next hour running various scans.
7:00pm: I put frozen dumplings I made last week into the air fryer and steam some broccoli for dinner. We eat while we continue playing trivia and then do a call with W’s cousin. While on the phone we learn that he is having trouble reading small font in books (he is a person with a disability), so I tell him I will send him an e-reader that we don’t use so he can enlarge the font and get free books from the library. I set him up for a library card online and promise to set it up this weekend and send it next week. I also fill out his unemployment for the week, which I am managing for him. W cleans up while I do this.
8:30pm: I run more tests on my computer and we spend a couple hours playing Azul. I eat a Reece’s Klondike bar and drink another Kitty Kat Blues while we play. I work on this money diary a little bit and text with my best friend. We head to bed around midnight.
Daily Total: $249.57
Day 5:
8:15am: Wake up to my alarm and get ready to go a shredding event. I have a bag of our own paper items and several computers from a side job. I get ready and head out to the next city up the freeway to go to the event. The line is super long but it goes quickly. This is a free event so there is no fee.
9:30am: Meet my friend across the street at Starbucks. I get another of the iced chai pumpkin chai with the egg bites. I use points for the drink but spend $5.01 on the egg bites. We sit in the car with the windows all down and masks on when we aren’t drinking and catch up. $5.01
11:15am: Head home and stop at the Costco in this city for gas, as it is does much less volume and there is no wait. I fill up W’s car for $31.02.
12:00pm: Pick up W and head to an outdoor brewery to meet friends for lunch. We order Shake Shack ahead on the app, 2 burgers, 1 hotdog, 1 fry and 1 shake for $27.69 after a discount code I find online. We spend about 3 hours at the brewery catching up. One beer for me, four for W and one for our friend totals $52.
4:00pm: Home and facetime W’s parents for a while before I do a work zoom with a new volunteer from 6-7:45pm. I don’t love doing this on the weekend but in showing him how to do a bunch of my work, I get ahead for next week, which is fantastic. I also like making money.
8:00pm: W had walked to the local grocery store but forgot his wallet, so I meet him when my zoom is over. We get 2 delicata squash, broccoli, bananas, apples, pears, 1 cabbage, 2 russet potatoes, 1 green bell pepper, brussels sprouts, celery, 2 sweet potatoes, jalapenos, ellenos large yogurt, 6 small yogurts, cottage cheese, ground turkey, a pound of coffee, pretzels, 2 packs English muffins, cool whip, and an apple pie kit kat bar for $53.34.
8:45pm: Late dinner of lumpia that a friend dropped off for us a couple weeks and we froze. They come out perfect in the air fryer with no oil, with steamed broccoli on the side. I resist dessert after the milkshake and a tummy ache earlier. We watch American Utopia – the Spike Lee directed David Byrne concert and head to be around 12:30pm.
Daily Total: $169.06
Day 6:
9:55am: Wake up just in time to set my fantasy football lineup. This NFL season is absolutely absurd and it makes me so sad to see all these players getting injured. I start coffee and make breakfast sandwiches with the savory frozen buttermilk biscuits from earlier this week. I sauté mushrooms to go on the side. I want to listen to my podcast so I spend the morning meal prepping lunches for W – sauteed onion, Thai peppers, jalapeno, broccoli, delicata squash, and ground turkey over brown rice. I also make the Comforting Cabbage, Onion and Farro soup, from the 6 Seasons cookbook by Joshua McFadden cookbook, to have on hand this week.
4:00pm: I play Imposter with my sister and her friends while I snack on some pretzels and make myself a Frappuccino with the chai I made last weekend, some vital proteins collagen powder, maple syrup and ice. It turns out really good and helps my migraine. W walks to the store to pick up his medications ($2.82) as well as a wedge of parmesan and brown rice ($12.98). $15.80
6:00pm: I cook up two salmon fillets in the air fryer as well as some of the brussels sprouts. I freaking love our air fryer. It has 2 racks instead of a drawer and everything turns out so perfect. We top the brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and add a bowl of the cabbage soup on the side with some freshly shaved parmesan. W watches Monsterland and I play more Imposter before getting up to sit at the desk and check emails and work on this money diary. At some point W makes air popper popcorn for us to snack on and I eat a Reece’s Klondike bar.
9:30pm: W goes to bed and I continue working on my side jobs as well as reconfiguring the Kindle for W’s cousin. I also pay the charge on my Nordstrom card. I get in bed around 11 and play Imposter before going to sleep around 12:30am. I deeply regret the afternoon chai.
Daily Total: $15.80
Day 7:
7:15am: Sleep in a little before getting up and drinking the coffee I prepared last night so I wouldn’t have to this morning. Thank you past me. I eat some homemade granola with the Ellenos yogurt – it is extremely tart and not edible this way, so I slice up one of the Japanese sweet potatoes and bake that instead. I will have to make tzatziki or bake something with the yogurt. I facetime my sister and niece while we all get ready for the day.
9:30am: Busy morning at work. At some point head out to grab them some groceries and I get 3 cans of beans, hot chili oil, a cucumber, garlic, and 3 blood oranges to bring to a friend with a bottle of champagne tonight – her 30th birthday is coming up next week. $11.13.
12:30pm: I take the kids to lunch at Chipotle. The shut down the street at this outdoor shopping center and have tables spread out under a tent, so we eat there. This cost is covered by work, but I decide to get us some Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao from Din Tai Fung to share. $8.76 with tip. I regret this purchase due to the price tag, not the taste. YUM. I also stop at Paper Source to pick up an RBG birthday card for my mother in law, and this butterfly that will fly out of the card when she opens it. $14.20. $22.96
3:30pm: Off work and stop by local co-op to purchase some pork chops for hot and sour soup tonight. I also get a tiny but of swiss cheese from the “ends” section to have with some salami when I get home. Really craving protein today!! $7.97. My gas light goes on, so I do tomorrow morning me a favor and stop for gas. $20 even and this will last me 2 weeks. $27.97
6:00pm: After charcuterie and hot and sour soup, we pack up hot chocolate and warm clothes to head to an outdoor trivia our friend is hosting. We clip some rosemary on the way out to go with the blood oranges and champagne for our friend, when we realize we don’t have a bottle of champagne. We almost always keep some on hand for gifts! We stop at a gas station and get a bottle of Cooks for $11 even (smh).
9:00pm: Our friend does a phenomenal job transforming her backyard into a socially distanced trivia oasis and I feel like I am part of an incredibly cool secret society.
11:00pm: When we get home I take a hot bath and play Among Us with my sister and then get straight to bed thinking about how old I am after a satisfying teeth brushing with a new toothbrush head.
Daily Total: $73.06
Weekly Total: $578.79

[REVIEW] Direnzo DRZ-03 Eclipse Diver Unboxing & Review [VIDEO]

The Golden Star (Part 1: Rising Star)

Roadblock: End of the Line (December 18, 2016)

The new and improved Neville is out first for the night, with his pyro alerting the crowd to his appearance. With his new theme song, he storms down the ramp, sliding in the ring and leaping onto the middle rope to stare daggers into the hard-cam. Out next is our champion, who comes out and is immediately taunted by the challenger. Angry, the champion sprints down the ramp and into the ring, AND STARTS IMMEDIATELY TRADING FOREARMS WITH NEVILLE!!!

Cruiserweight Championship: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Neville

The bell rings and these two are already going at it, with Ibushi whipping Neville into the ropes as he looks for the Lariat. He turns around to hit it, BUT NEVILLE HAS SPRINGBOARDED OFF THE ROPES FOR A HUGE TORNADO DDT! The champ rolls onto his feet, NEVILLE WITH A SHOOT KICK THAT KNOCKS IBUSHI ON HIS BACK! AND A BIG STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS TO FOLLOW IT UP! ONE… QUICK KICKOUT BY IBUSHI! As soon as he kicks out, he rolls onto the apron, looking for a little break from Neville’s onslaught of offense. He stands up… NEVILLE WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE... IBUSHI DODGES IT AND CATCHES NEVILLE WITH THE APRON DOUBLE FOOT STOMP!!!

The Golden Star opts not to attack Neville on the outside here, instead tossing him back inside as he hops on the apron. Quickly, he slingshots himself over the top rope, springboarding off of the middle turnbuckle FOR A PICTURE PERFECT MOONSAULT AND A COVER! ONE… TWO… NEVILLE KICKS OUT! Already nearly exhausted five minutes into this high-octane match, Ibushi grabs onto Neville’s wrist, pulling him up as he looks for the Short-Arm Bicycle Knee… BUT NEVILLE DODGES AND STARTS TO LAY SOME NASTY ELBOWS INTO THE BACK OF IBUSHI’S HEAD! TIGER SUPLEX BY NEVILLE!!! Ibushi slowly gets back up from that, BUT NEVILLE HOPS ONTO THE APRON AND BACK OVER FOR THE SLINGSHOT CUTTER THAT PUTS HIM BACK DOWN!!! ONE… TWO… IBUSHI KICKS OUT!!!

Smiling as he’s back on top of the match, the cocky Brit starts to kick Ibushi’s face around, doing so until he finally gets back onto one knee. He looks for a brutal knee strike that’ll put the champion back down… IBUSHI CATCHES IT! DRAGON SCREW- NO!!! NEVILLE WITH THE SINGLE KNEE FACEBREAKER TO ESCAPE! Ibushi, still aware, manages to duck Neville’s Roundhouse Kick, looking for a big German Suplex THAT NEVILLE FLIPS OUT OF! The counter-trading ends once Neville catches Ibushi in the back of the head with a Superkick that knocks him back on the apron. Kneeling, Ibushi seems primed for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb onto the outside, BUT ONCE NEVILLE ATTEMPTS IT, IBUSHI MOVES!!! Neville goes crashing to the outside as Ibushi enters the ring, rebounding off the ropes FOR A GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT ATTEMPT… BUT NEVILLE DODGES IT!!!

The champ comes crashing down face first into the ground, as Neville quickly takes his opportunity by re-entering the room and LEAPING OVER THE TOP ROPE TO HIT A MOONSAULT PLANCHA!!! He hurls Ibushi into the ring, rolling in and covering FOR A KICKOUT AT 2.9!!! The challenger returns to his feet, climbing to the top rope as HE ATTEMPTS A 630 SPLASH… BUT IS MET WITH IBUSHI’S KNEES!!! Both men slowly return to their feet, WITH IBUSHI DODGING A HUGE LARIAT AND HITTING THE REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER TO TAKE NEVILLE DOWN!!! He climbs to the top rope, facing the ring post which leads the crowd to think he’s looking for a Phoenix Splash. Once he reaches the top rope… NEVILLE SHOOTS UP! He leaps onto the turnbuckle… AVALANCHE BACKDROP SUPLEX THAT DROPS THE CHAMPION ON HIS NECK!!! AND THE RINGS OF SATURN ARE LOCKED IN!!! Neville wrenches at Ibushi’s neck, FORCING HIM TO TAP OUT!!! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!!!

Neville def. Kota Ibushi (c) in 12:54 to win the Cruiserweight Championship

“BRING. ME. MY. CROWN!!!” Neville shouts as Ibushi rolls out of the ring, clutching his neck as multiple referees check up on him. Over the next month, he’s nowhere to be seen, not on 205 Live, Raw, not even on NXT. Many speculate that the inaugural champion was injured badly during the match with Neville, but all of these rumors are put to bed once the end of January comes around…

Royal Rumble ‘17 (January 29, 2017)

30-Man Royal Rumble Match

We return to our story during the 2017 Royal Rumble match, as Apollo Crews, Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler, Kalisto, Kofi Kingston, Sami Zayn, Zack Ryder, and 205 Live’s Cedric Alexander all fill the ring. The buzzer hits, signaling the 23rd entrant out to the ring… and it’s Jinder Mahal. He comes out to the ramp… BUT AJ STYLES RUNS OUT BEHIND HIM! HE’S NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE MATCH!!! Styles takes Mahal down with a big Lariat, leaping onto the ring apron and TAKING KALISTO OUT WITH A PHENOMENAL FOREARM!!!

Angry after losing his WWE Championship to John Cena earlier in the night, he dumps Kalisto out of the ring, earning himself an elimination. Ryder tries to run at the veteran, but he’s met with an Ushigoroshi. Zayn tries to run at the veteran, but he’s met with a Pele Kick. Cesaro gets a kick to the gut on the Phenomenal One, but his Vertical Suplex attempt is turned into a Brainbuster. When all men in the ring are downed, the 10 count appears on the titantron, signaling the 24th entrant. The Texas crowd count down from 10 as they wonder who’s going to come out…

IT’S KOTA IBUSHI!!!

The former Cruiserweight Champion returns for the first time since Roadblock, sprinting down the ramp as a smile grows on AJ Styles’ face. This isn’t the first time that these two have met in the ring, as the Golden Star once challenged Styles for his IWGP Heavyweight Championship during their stint in New Japan Pro Wrestling. And now, they’re both standing face to face inside a WWE ring.

The smile fades quickly from Styles’ face, as he charges for a lariat that Ibushi ducks. The Golden Star fires back with a devastating chop, whipping Styles into the ropes as he looks for an arm drag on the way back. Styles counters it however, leapfrogging over Ibushi as he comes to a dead stop, HITTING THE PELE KICK! Knocked back, Ibushi charges at Styles once more for a Big Boot attempt, stopping once Styles gets the Phenomenal Blitz off. A dropkick sends Ibushi onto the ropes, but as Styles charges for the elimination… IBUSHI PULLS THE ROPES DOWN AND SENDS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE! STYLES HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!!

As the referees escort an irate Styles up the ramp, the Miz makes his entrance as the 25th man. He immediately targets the downed Apollo Crews while Ibushi fends off Cesaro. A couple of forearms knock the Swiss Superman back, but once Sheamus comes out next to help his tag partner, the odds stack against Ibushi. Sheamus holds Ibushi’s arms behind his back while Cesaro uppercuts the hell out of him… BUT IT’S CEDRIC ALEXANDER HERE TO SAVE THE DAY! Big Lumbar Check to Cesaro as Sheamus releases Ibushi, charging Cedric as he attempts the Brogue Kick… CEDRIC DUCKS IT! STEREO DROPKICKS FROM IBUSHI AND ALEXANDER SEND SHEAMUS OUT OF THE RING!!! AND A GOLDEN STAR POWERBOMB ALLOWS ALEXANDER TO ELIMINATE CESARO!!!

Coming out at 27 is Roman Reigns, who enters the ring and immediately blasts Alexander with a huge Superman Punch. He rebounds off the ropes, looking to take Ibushi out with one as well, but the Golden Star sidesteps it, TAKING THE BIG DOG DOWN WITH A REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER!!! He watches him as he gets back up, charging as he looks for a Lariat… SPEAR BY REIGNS!!! AND HE TOSSES IBUSHI OVER THE TOP ROPE!!! And just like that, Ibushi’s run in the Royal Rumble is over.

SmackDown Live (January 31, 2017)

On the SmackDown after the Royal Rumble, Daniel Bryan opens the show to discuss the 2017 Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship. He says that Cena and Styles are already confirmed for the match, but four more people are going to have to earn their shot in four qualifying matches, all happening tonight. Among those qualifiers are Kalisto vs. Bray Wyatt, Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz, and Apollo Crews vs… THE DEBUTING KOTA IBUSHI!!! The fans are ecstatic at this announcement, but once they hear that Crews vs. Ibushi is going to happen RIGHT NOW, they erupt even more.

Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Kota Ibushi vs. Apollo Crews

Ibushi’s debut is a quick match, with the Golden Star going over in about six minutes. Crews gets a bit of offense here, but the main point of this match is to give the SmackDown audience a taste of what Ibushi can do in the ring, showing off his amazing athleticism and brutal strikes. Crews doesn’t stand a chance, getting pinned after taking the Golden Star Powerbomb and putting Ibushi over as the third confirmed participant in the Elimination Chamber match.

Kota Ibushi def. Apollo Crews in 6:21

The rest of the competitors are confirmed by the end of the show, with Ambrose, Wyatt, and Ziggler all picking up the wins in their matches to round out the Chamber competitors. On the final SmackDown before the Pay-Per-View, we see a Team Cena vs. Team Styles tag, with both men picking two of the competitors to team with in a 6-man tag team match. On Team Styles, we get the Phenomenal One teaming up with the newly heel Dolph Ziggler and the Eater of Worlds, Bray Wyatt. They take on Team Cena, which consists of Styles’ former rival last year, Dean Ambrose, and of course, Kota Ibushi.

SmackDown Live (February 7, 2017)

Team Cena (Cena, Ambrose, and Ibushi) vs. Team Styles (Styles, Ziggler, and Wyatt)

This match main events the go-home SmackDown, finishing the show strong with a solid 18-minute match. Ibushi gets quite the showing in this match, managing to fend off both Styles and Ziggler when all of his teammates are downed later in the bout. For the finish, we see Ziggler blast Ambrose with a Zig Zag before being taken out with a Springboard Flying Knee and a Golden Star Powerbomb. He gets back up… STYLES WITH THE PHENOMENAL FOREARM TO IBUSHI!!! BUT STYLES TURNS AROUND INTO AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!!! Cena prepares to exit the ring so that he can get the tag to Ziggler… BUT IT’S WYATT WITH THE SISTER ABIGAIL!!! Ziggler drapes the arm over Ambrose… ONE… TWO… THREE!!! TEAM STYLES WIN THE MATCH!!!

Team Styles (Styles, Wyatt, Ziggler) def. Team Cena (Ambrose, Cena, Ibushi) in 18:07

Elimination Chamber ‘17 (February 12, 2017)

Ibushi’s out first for the match, garnering quite the reaction as he steps into what’s so far the biggest match of his career. He definitely garners one of the biggest responses of the night entrance-wise, surpassing guys like Ziggler and Ambrose but not passing the certified stars like Styles and Cena. Once he gets to the ring, it’s straight to the pod for him, shaking off the pre-match jitters once he gets in.

WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kota Ibushi vs. Bray Wyatt - Elimination Chamber

Ibushi enters the match in the fourth spot, coming into a match with Cena, Styles, and Ambrose. With Cena down on the outside recovering and Ambrose taking Styles down with a big Snap DDT, Ibushi has only one person to size up: The Lunatic Fringe. Right off the bat, Ambrose points to his cheek, telling him to hit him as hard as he can. Ibushi does so, hitting him with a forearm, but Ambrose strikes back with one of his own! Ibushi with a forearm… Ambrose with another! This time he hits him with two, whipping him into the ropes afterwards and looking for a lariat on the rebound… BUT IBUSHI DUCKS IT! LARIAT TO THE BACK OF AMBROSE’S HEAD!

The Golden Star turns around… STYLES OFF THE ROPES FOR A SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICK! Ibushi sidesteps as Styles lands on his back… AND IBUSHI GETS THE DOUBLE FOOT STOMP OFF! ONE… TWO… STYLES KICKS OUT! By this time, Cena’s back in the ring, and he’s gunning for Ibushi. He hops in, sprinting at Ibushi as he turns around. CENA WITH A BIG FOREARM! He whips Ibushi into the ropes, hoping to catch Ibushi with a Dropkick on the rebound, but Ibushi grabs onto the ropes, clocking Ambrose as he gets back to his feet and charges towards him. He pulls the rope down, sending Ambrose over the top and onto the outside area. Ibushi prepares for a springboard move out of the ring, BUT CENA GRABS HIM AS HE REACHES THE TOP ROPE AND BRINGS HIM BACK DOWN WITH A HUGE GERMAN SUPLEX!!!

As Ibushi recovers, Ziggler makes his way out of his pod, instantly beginning to brawl with Cena in the ring. While this is happening, Styles makes his way over to the downed Ibushi, bashing his head into the pod once he’s finally standing up. Styles looks for the Belly to Back Wheelbarrow Facebuster, but Ibushi flips out of it! A dropkick to the back of Styles sends him face first into the glass, giving Ibushi some time to breathe… BUT NOT MUCH AS AMBROSE SHOOTS THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPES AND TAKES IBUSHI OUT!!!

Ambrose covers for a kickout at 2 from Ibushi, returning to his feet as soon as possible as he eyes the downed Golden Star. He leaps onto the middle rope, jumping off for an attempted Elbow Drop that misses once Ibushi gets out of dodge. Ibushi charges at Ambrose, looking for the lariat that misses as the Lunatic ducks and goes behind him. He notices that Ambrose is looking for a German Suplex off the bat, so he strikes away with some brutal back elbows to the face of Ambrose. Quick go behind from Ibushi, who’s now got back clinch position on Ambrose… AND HE TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A BEAUTIFUL BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX!!! ONE… TWO… TH-NO!!! DEAN KICKS OUT!!! Ibushi looks at the top of the pod, looking down at Ambrose once more. An idea has just been planted in the Golden Star’s head… He climbs to the top of the pod… TURNS AROUND… HUGE PHOENIX SPLASH OFF THE TOP OF THE POD ONTO AMBROSE!!! ONE… TWO… THREE!!! DEAN AMBROSE HAS JUST BEEN ELIMINATED!!!

The first elimination has just been scored, but the last man is still yet to come out. The clock starts to tick as everyone realizes that Bray Wyatt is about to enter, and once those glass doors open, all hell breaks loose. Wyatt sprints out, immediately taking an exhausted Ziggler down with a lariat. Cena steps to Wyatt, but he’s taken out via Uranage. He enters the ring next, blasting Ibushi and later Styles with a huge Running Crossbody. Wyatt sets his sights on Ibushi… SISTER ABIGAIL CONNECTS ON THE GOLDEN STAR!!! ONE… TWO… THREE!!! KOTA IBUSHI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!!! Yet again, Ibushi loses the match despite putting on quite the amazing performance, eliminating a former world champion in Dean Ambrose before succumbing to the Eater of Worlds, who would go on to win the match.

Bray Wyatt last eliminates John Cena in 34:20 to win the WWE Championship

SmackDown Live (March 14, 2017)

After another loss in a high-profile match, Ibushi looks to build his name back up, gaining three clean wins over the likes of Mojo Rawley, Kalisto, and Jack Swagger over the first three episodes following Elimination Chamber. After his victory over Swagger, Ibushi cuts a promo where he makes his intentions clear: his sights are set on the Miz’s Intercontinental Championship. However, there’s one more person who’s been targeting Miz ever since the Royal Rumble, and that’s Dean Ambrose. Ambrose was taken out of action by the Miz after a title rematch on the SmackDown after Elimination Chamber, when an angry Miz hit him with three consecutive Skull-Crushing Finale’s to win the match by referee stoppage. But with

Ibushi’s streak of victories and eliminations of both Styles and Ambrose in the past prompts the SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan to give Ibushi a shot at the Miz’s Intercontinental Championship on the March 14th episode of SmackDown. When this is announced, Miz goes on a tirade during a backstage interview, saying that this match is a ploy by Bryan to get the championship off of the Miz and onto some schmuck who doesn’t deserve to even look at it.

Intercontinental Championship: The Miz (c) vs. Kota Ibushi

The match starts and the Miz immediately dismisses Ibushi as a joke, going so far as to lay on the top rope and yawn at his challenger. Once Ibushi charges at Miz though, the cockiness flees, with Miz dropping onto the apron and hopping down to ringside with Maryse. The challenger gives chase, but Maryse steps in between the two while Miz gets back in the ring. Ibushi follows, but catches a Big Boot that knocks him down and gives the smug Miz the advantage for now.

Miz watches as Ibushi gets up, attempting a Running Bulldog, but failing as Ibushi frees himself. The Golden Star plants Miz with a Dropkick to the back, rebounding off the ropes afterwards and attempting a lariat that misses. Miz cautiously backs up from Ibushi here, ducking a Roundhouse Kick and lifting his opponent for a Stun Gun onto the ropes. Now on the defensive, Ibushi backs into the corner, allowing Miz to hit him with the Awesome Clothesline that gives him a 2 count.

On a high after taking the offensive in the match, Miz gets a little cocky, bringing Ibushi to his knees as he starts to perform the It Kicks as a diss towards Daniel Bryan. He backs up for the big Roundhouse Kick that concludes the kicks, BUT HE MISSES AS IBUSHI DUCKS IT AND FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A BIG BRIDGING DRAGON SUPLEX! ONE… TWO… MIZ KICKS OUT! Ibushi hops back to his feet, HITTING A BIG STANDING MOONSAULT TO FOLLOW IT UP AGAIN! ONE… TWO… AND MARYSE PULLS MIZ’S ARM ONTO THE ROPE!

Ibushi shouts at Maryse, telling her not to do that… BUT MIZ ROLLS HIM UP! ONE… TWO… KICKOUT! Realizing that he nearly lost the match there, Ibushi shoots for a Flying Knee, missing as the Miz dodges AND HITS HIM WITH AN INVERTED DDT! Miz prepares to follow it up afterwards… BUT STOPS DEAD IN HIS TRACKS ONCE HE HEARS DEAN AMBROSE’S THEME MUSIC!!! Ambrose runs down to the ring, BEATING ON MIZ AND CAUSING IBUSHI TO TAKE A DISQUALIFICATION LOSS!!!

The Miz (c) def. Kota Ibushi in 9:16 to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Ibushi pulls Ambrose off of Miz, shoving him into the ropes before promptly being shoved back. The referee tries to get in the middle of this, BUT IBUSHI SHOVES HIM OUT OF THE WAY AND LUNGES AT AMBROSE! He peppers him with forearms, eventually getting pulled off by another referee and ordered to leave, which he does.

SmackDown Live (March 21, 2017)

Ibushi is interviewed before the second match of the night, being asked about how he feels regarding his DQ loss against Miz. He goes on a tirade in Japanese, with the translator saying that he feels cheated out of the championship that he should’ve won that night. He tells Ambrose that he made an enemy that night after stepping in between him and his gold. Later on in the night, Ambrose cuts a promo on Ibushi backstage, saying that the gold was never his to begin with. Ambrose states that since he was cheated out of it first on the SmackDown after Elimination Chamber, it should be his, as Ibushi was only going to beat the fake champion. He accepts his status as an enemy of Ibushi’s though, saying that anyone that’s in his path automatically becomes his enemy as well, before exiting the frame.

The week before WrestleMania, Daniel Bryan comments on the recent controversy surrounding the Intercontinental Championship from his office, saying that both Ibushi and Ambrose have valid reasons to feel cheated out of the title. He says that the best solution is to make a triple threat for the IC Title at WrestleMania, with both Ambrose and Styles getting a chance to redeem themselves against the Miz.

WrestleMania 33 (April 2, 2017)

The Orlando crowd is pleased to see Ibushi enter first, cheering him all the way down the ramp and even chanting his name once he enters the ring. Cheers turn to an eruption once Ambrose comes out next, who receives the loudest reaction of anyone in the match from the crowd. Both Ambrose and Ibushi talk trash to each other once Ambrose enters the ring, forcing the referee to separate them both before the final entrant in tonight’s match comes out next. That being the champion, who gets a super negative reaction from the WrestleMania crowd. Despite the boos, Miz and Maryse almost bask in them, feeding off the negative energy as they enter the ring.

Intercontinental Championship: The Miz (c) vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Kota Ibushi

Here we get a solid 14 minute match between these three, seeing Ibushi and Ambrose finally clash in the ring. Their in-ring segments take up the bulk of the match, whether they’re simply brawling or reluctantly teaming up to beat up the Miz. We get to see these two give us an extended back and forth sequence near the end of the match, where Ibushi very nearly puts Ambrose away after hitting the Golden Star Powerbomb… BUT MIZ RUNS IN AND SHOVES HIM OUT OF THE RING! SKULL-CRUSHING FINALE TO AMBROSE GIVES MIZ THE WIN AND KEEPS HIS CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS HANDS!!!

The Miz def. Kota Ibushi and Dean Ambrose in 14:21 to retain the Intercontinental Championship

SmackDown Live (April 4, 2017)

It’s the SmackDown after WrestleMania, and Kota Ibushi is without a championship after the Miz capitalized on an opportunity to retain his championship. With the shake-up happening two weeks after SmackDown’s Backlash, there’s plenty of time for Ibushi to still get revenge on both the Miz and Dean Ambrose. Unfortunately for Ibushi, the Miz is set to defend his championship against AJ Styles that night, and he loses it there once Styles avoids the distractions from Maryse and is able to hit the Phenomenal Forearm.

SmackDown Live (April 18, 2017)

The week before this, we get Ambrose in a backstage promo where he challenges Ibushi to a match to settle their rivalry. Tonight, the General Manager steps in, saying that since both Ibushi and Ambrose are such great talent, one match can’t possibly be enough to determine the better man. Therefore, he’s announcing a Best of 5 series between the two to settle the score starting next week.

SmackDown Live (April 25, 2017)

Kota Ibushi vs. Dean Ambrose - Match 1

We start our first match with the two slow, with the two men locking up before engaging in a big strike-off. Ibushi ends up with the upper hand in the striking section, but Ambrose is ever-so resilient, eating Ibushi’s strikes and eventually getting back on top. This forces Ibushi to start utilizing a few high-risk moves in an attempt to put Ambrose away. However, a moonsault onto the knees allows Ambrose to roll-up Ibushi small package style, putting Ibushi away for the three count and giving Ambrose the edge in the first match.

Dean Ambrose def. Kota Ibushi in 11:05 to win the first match in the series (1-0)

SmackDown Live (May 2, 2017)

Kota Ibushi vs. Dean Ambrose - Match 2
Coming into this match with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, Ibushi starts out strong, instantly blasting Ambrose with strikes that are harder than ever. Ambrose can’t seem to keep up with these strikes, but a lucky dodge into a lariat reversal puts him on top. He spends the rest of the match attempting to dodge the strikes, but he slips up and catches a Roundhouse Kick into a Golden Star Powerbomb that gives Ibushi the win.

Kota Ibushi def. Dean Ambrose in 10:31 to win the second match in the series (1-1)

SmackDown Live (May 9, 2017)

Kota Ibushi vs. Dean Ambrose - Match 3

Here, Ambrose instantly makes a point of staying away from Ibushi’s strikes, wrestling him to the ground for the first half of this match. Each time Ibushi gets away from Ambrose, he uses his speed and agility to knock him back down, but after missing a 450 Splash and attempting to land on his feet, he ends up tweaking his knee. Ambrose jumps on the injury, targeting the knee and using it to ground Ibushi even more. Eventually, he ends up hitting the Dirty Deeds, giving him the victory and the advantage going into the next match.

Dean Ambrose def. Kota Ibushi in 12:14 to win the third match in the series (2-1)

SmackDown Live (May 16, 2017)

Kota Ibushi vs. Dean Ambrose - Match 4

It’s crunch time for Ibushi, as a loss here means he loses the series to Ambrose. His knee is recovered a bit, but right off the bat Ambrose targets it, reaggravating the injury. However, Ibushi gets a good reversal here, leaping over a Basement Dropkick and landing on Ambrose’s chest for the Single Legged Foot Stomp. He makes good use of his arms here to survive, peppering Ambrose with all sorts of chops and forearms before Ambrose kicks the knee to quickly drop Ibushi. He goes for the Dirty Deeds to win the series… BUT IBUSHI REVERSES IT INTO A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! A big string of moves ENDS WITH IBUSHI PUTTING AMBROSE AWAY WITH THE GOLDEN STAR POWERBOMB TO EXTEND THE SERIES TO ONE MORE MATCH!!!

Kota Ibushi def. Dean Ambrose in 13:47 to win the fourth match in the series (2-2)

Backlash ‘17 (May 21, 2017)

Kota Ibushi vs. Dean Ambrose - Match 5

It’s a must-win situation for both men here, with this being the fifth and final match between the two. Ambrose immediately goes to work on Ibushi’s leg, tearing it apart with a brutal kneebar submission that Ibushi breaks using the ropes. Once Ambrose attempts an elbow drop onto the knee though, Ibushi dodges, hitting a Single Knee Facebreaker to put himself back on top. For now, it’s strikes galore, with Ibushi limping around and blasting Ambrose with forearms and kicks with his good leg. But once he attempts the Golden Star Powerbomb, Ambrose escapes. Over the course of match, Ibushi attempts the Golden Star Powerbomb about four times, but each time, his knee gives out or Ambrose counters it. Near the end, Ibushi counters the Dirty Deeds into a deadly Flying Knee with his bad knee, SLOWLY CLIMBING UP TO THE TOP ROPE TO HIT A ONE LEGGED PHOENIX SPLASH FOR THE SERIES WIN!!!

Kota Ibushi def. Dean Ambrose in 16:56 to win the Best of Five series (3-2)

After the match, Ibushi is helped backstage by officials, limping his way up the ramp and showing the effects of the five brutal back to back matches.

SmackDown Live (June 6, 2017)

Ibushi takes a couple weeks off to heal his minor knee injuries, with the Superstar Shake-Up taking place while he’s gone. It goes the same way it did in real life for the most part, with a few exceptions such as Finn Balor swapping brands with Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler switching brands while the Miz stays, and the Bar swapping brands with American Alpha. The most important thing is that Kota Ibushi stays on the blue brand. In his return match this week, he faces off with the Miz in a Money in the Bank qualifying match, finally getting a chance to avenge his past losses.

Money in the Bank Qualifier: Kota Ibushi vs. The Miz

We start this match with Ibushi immediately charging Miz, looking for a Big Boot but missing as the Miz moves out of the corner. Now behind Ibushi, HE GETS THE FULL NELSON IN, BUT IBUSHI GRABS THE WRIST AND TURNS AROUND FOR A BIG SHORT-ARM LARIAT! Ibushi goes behind the kneeling Miz, kicking him in the back of the head BEFORE HITTING THE BRIDGING DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! ONE… TWO… KICKOUT!!! With Ibushi off to a great start, Maryse grows worried. She hops on the apron, attempting to distract Ibushi… BUT THE REFEREE IMMEDIATELY SENDS HER OUT!!!

The Miz starts to argue with the referee’s removal of his wife, but the referee tells him that he isn’t taking none of the Miz’s shenanigans. Dejected, the Miz turns around AND CATCHES A HUGE ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM IBUSHI! He starts to kick Miz around on the ground, rebounding off the ropes TO HIT A PENALTY KICK! HE COVERS! ONE… TWO… BUT MIZ KICKS OUT AGAIN! Eager to get the pin and the victory, Ibushi lifts Miz, looking for the Golden Star Powerbomb… BUT IT’S MIZ WITH THE BACK BODY DROP REVERSAL! Ibushi returns to his feet, charging at Miz WHO LIFTS HIM FOR THE STUN GUN ONTO THE ROPES!

Ibushi crawls into the corner, attempting to use it to stand himself up, but ignorant to the fact that Miz is charging at him. MIZ WITH THE AWESOME CLOTHESLINE!!! AND A COVER! ONE… TWO… BUT IT ISN’T ENOUGH TO PUT IBUSHI AWAY! Miz watches as Ibushi slowly stands back up, getting behind him as he attempts the Skull Crushing Finale once more… IBUSHI REVERSES IT! He goes behind Miz… SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX!!! AND HE LEAPS ONTO THE TOP ROPE FOR THE PHOENIX SPLASH THAT HE PUT AMBROSE AWAY WITH!!! COVER!!! ONE… TWO… THREE!!! KOTA IBUSHI IS IN THE MONEY IN THE BANK MATCH!!!

Kota Ibushi def. The Miz in 10:22

With this win, Ibushi joins the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura, Dolph Ziggler, Rusev, Sami Zayn, and Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles in the 2017 Money in the Bank match.

Money in the Bank ‘17 (June 18, 2017)

MITB: AJ Styles vs. Kota Ibushi vs. Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Sami Zayn - Ladder Match

The bell rings and instantly both Ziggler and Styles exit the ring to bring ladders in. Nakamura starts to brawl with Zayn, while Ibushi dodges a Big Boot from Rusev to start. He shoves Rusev out of the ring, rebounding off the ropes AS HE LEAPS OVER FOR A TOPE CON HILO ONTO THE BULGARIAN BRUTE!!! With the crowd already behind him, he turns to Ziggler, who is in the process of entering the ring. Ibushi grabs onto his ankle, pulling him back out and blasting him with a few good forearm strikes. Ziggler drops to one knee from the strikes, eventually getting picked up into what could be a Powerbomb, but turns into nothing AS RUSEV BLASTS HIM WITH A LARIAT TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!

Both Ibushi and Ziggler crumble to the ground, with Rusev first picking Ziggler up to throw him into the barricade. The Bulgarian Brute focuses on Ibushi now, picking him up and ramming his knee into Ibushi’s ribs. He tosses him into the ring, throwing a lariat but missing as Ibushi dodges. As Rusev turns around, Ibushi blasts him with some leg kicks, whipping him into the rope BUT GETTING TAKEN DOWN BY A HUGE BODY BLOCK! Ibushi tries to roll out of it, charging Rusev BUT IT’S RUSEV WITH THE POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!!! Spotting a ladder leaned against the corner, RUSEV PICKS UP IBUSHI AND RAMS HIM THROUGH THE LADDER WITH A CORNER RUNNING POWERSLAM!!!

Instantly rolling out of the ring, Ibushi uses this time to recover from Rusev’s brutal assault while Rusev sets up the ladder and tries to climb it. Both Styles and Zayn notice this, quickly entering the ring and pulling Rusev off of the ladder. Rusev blasts Styles with a dropkick that knocks him out of the ring, focusing on Zayn next. Their brawl brings them by the ramp, alongside a brawling Ziggler and Nakamura. It’s around this time that Ibushi comes to, getting up and entering the ring to see all four of them congregated together by the ramp. Amped up, he sprints towards the corner… LEAPING OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OFF OF THE TURNBUCKLE FOR A HUGE GOLDEN TRIANGLE MOONSAULT ONTO ALL FOUR MEN!!!

Ibushi hops right back to his feet, taunting for the crowd before leaping in the ring and fixing the ladder up. He scales it, making it to around the fifth rung before Styles rolls in and rams his elbow into his spine. Styles takes him off the ladder in powerbomb position, attempting to drop him down for a Styles Clash, BUT INSTEAD HE GETS HIT WITH A HURRICANRANA THAT KNOCKS HIM ONTO THE APRON!!! Ibushi goes to reposition the ladder, spotting that Styles is back on his feet though. Primed, he leaps for the Phenomenal Forearm… BUT IBUSHI BLOCKS IT WITH THE LADDER!!! He drags Styles onto the ladder, climbing to the top rope as he stands tall… LEAPING FOR THE 450 SPLASH… BUT COMING CRASHING DOWN RIB FIRST ONTO THE LADDER AS STYLES MOVES!!!

Hurt from the ladder, Ibushi rolls out of the ring to recover, but falls into the clutches of Sami Zayn, who picks Ibushi up and forearms him into the corner of the barricade. Zayn picks up Ibushi again, HITTING HIM WITH THE CORNER EXPLODER SUPLEX!!! Zayn rolls into the ring, brawling with Ziggler as Nakamura attempts to get into the ring as well. Ibushi, barely conscious, attempts to pull Nakamura off of the apron, but Nakamura boots him away, backing up AND DIVING OFF THE APRON FOR A KINSHASA ATTEMPT… BUT IBUSHI MOVES AT THE LAST SECOND!!! Nakamura attempts a Roundhouse Kick once Ibushi dodges… BUT HE DUCKS IT AND HITS A HUGE SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX IN RETURN!

Done with Nakamura on the outside, Ibushi enters the ring to see Zayn attempting to climb the ladder and retrieve the briefcase. He blasts him with a few shots to the back, picking him up in powerbomb position AND HITTING THE GOLDEN STAR POWERBOMB!!! With the ring to himself, he quickly ascends the ladder, GETTING HIS HANDS ON THE BRIEFCASE! THIS COULD BE IT… BUT IT’S AJ STYLES WITH THE SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK TO KNOCK HIM OFF THE LADDER!!! Ibushi rolls onto the apron, where a ladder is bridged on the barricade. Styles follows him onto the barricade, giving him a few big forearms BEFORE LIFTING HIM FOR THE STYLES CLASH! He stands over the bridge… AND JUMPS FORWARD! KOTA IBUSHI HAS JUST GONE THROUGH THE LADDER VIA STYLES CLASH!!! AJ quickly re-enters the ring… ONLY TO EAT A KINSHASA FROM NAKAMURA!!! BUT RUSEV HITS NAKAMURA WITH THE MACHKA KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD AS WELL!!! Rusev climbs the ladder, ASCENDING TO THE TOP AND RETRIEVING THE BRIEFCASE!!! RUSEV IS THE NEW MR. MONEY IN THE BANK!!!

Rusev def. AJ Styles, Dolph Ziggler, Kota Ibushi, Sami Zayn, and Shinsuke Nakamura in 26:58 to win the Money in the Bank briefcase

Rusev celebrates with his briefcase on the top of the ladder while the other five men either writhe in pain or look angry at the Bulgarian Brute.

Post Money in the Bank ‘17

After Money in the Bank, it’s reported that the Styles Clash through the ladder bridge fractured the ribs of Kota Ibushi, sidelining him for potentially two months and leaving his SummerSlam status up in the air. Meanwhile, the man who injured Ibushi continues to defend his Intercontinental Championship, defending against Sami Zayn at Battleground. Following that match, Cena returns, challenging him to a match for his belt at SummerSlam, but Styles denies, saying that Cena hasn’t done anything to warrant a title shot as of late. Bryan, despite being at odds with the heel Styles, agrees, sanctioning a triple threat match with the winner getting to face Styles at SummerSlam. And the competitors in the match? John Cena, Finn Balor, and a mystery competitor. And who’s that competitor?

SmackDown Live (August 8, 2017)

Both men stand side by side together as they wait for the mystery competitor to make their entrance. The SmackDown crowd are shocked when they see Kota Ibushi come down the ramp, with the commentators saying that they thought that he would still be injured for at least a couple more weeks. He joins Cena and Balor in the ring finally, and the bell rings to start us off.

John Cena vs. Finn Balor vs. Kota Ibushi

This match runs for about 19 minutes, with each man getting an adequate amount of time to shine here. The overarching story of this match for Ibushi is him constantly brawling with Cena, but with Cena always coming out on top. Ibushi tries a Powerbomb? Cena goes for a Hurricanrana to escape. Ibushi tries a Roundhouse Kick? Cena ducks it and hits a German Suplex. Ibushi tries the Phoenix Splash? Cena rolls out of the way. We also get a decent amount of back and forth between Balor and Ibushi, with some nasty strike exchanges coming from these two. For the finish, we see Ibushi blast Balor with a Golden Star Powerbomb, but Cena comes in to break it up. He lifts Ibushi for the Attitude Adjustment… BUT IBUSHI BRINGS CENA DOWN WITH A CRUCIFIX PIN!!! ONE… TWO… THREE!!! KOTA IBUSHI HAS JUST WON THE MATCH!!!

Kota Ibushi def. John Cena and Finn Balor in 19:38

Ibushi stands tall at the end of the match, leaping onto the middle rope in victory as his SummerSlam match is made official. The graphic pops up: Kota Ibushi vs. AJ Styles for the Intercontinental Championship. After chasing the IC Title for about five months, he finally gets one more chance to right those past wrongs.

SmackDown Live (August 15, 2017)

The Intercontinental Champion opens the show for us tonight, coming out with a microphone in hand. Styles goes on a tirade about how Ibushi shouldn’t have been in the #1 contender’s match there, because he’s failed to win almost every big match that he’s been in so far. Out comes Ibushi with his translator following him. Before he can speak, the champion repeats his speaking points, saying that just like he lost his past IC Title matches, he’s going to lose this one as well. Styles then asks Ibushi if he’s going to ask his translator to speak for him, or if he’s going to be silent before he takes his third loss in his “quest for the IC Title.” The translator begins to translate…

Ibushi pulls the microphone away from his translator’s face…

AND AN ELBOW TO STYLES DROPS HIM TO THE GROUND!!! Styles shoots for a double leg takedown, BUT IBUSHI STUFFS IT! With Styles in a wrestling sprawl, Ibushi lifts him for what could be a Golden Star Powerbomb, but Styles punches his way to safety, dropping down to his feet and looking for a lariat… IBUSHI WITH THE FLYING KNEE!!! AND IT KNOCKS STYLES OUT COLD!!! Ibushi stands over Styles’ unconscious body, looking over him with a face full of malice like we’ve never seen before. The referees pull him back, and he complies, leaving the scene.

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