Aaaaaaand WE'RE BACK! Hopefully I didn't keep you waiting too long for the thrilling conclusion to this past weekend's events. What happened this past weekend, you ask? Well it was only the biggest social media event of the year, duh! SOCIAL GLOVES: Battle of the Platforms touched down in Miami Gardens and shook the city to its core with the bout of the century: TikTokers vs. YouTubers in a truly unparalleled match-up. Excited yet?
When we left off, DDG had just laid down the PAIN on Nate Wyatt, and things were edging more and more in Team YouTube's favor. Team TikTok needed a miracle.
Enter the underdog: Vinnie Hacker, the scrappiest 18-year old this side of the Pacific Ocean, as he prepared to square off against the comedy gamer himself, Deji Olatunji. To the surprise of EVERYONE (except for his legion of screaming fangirls), TikTok's favorite pretty boy took the dub in just three rounds. Of course, outside of the smack-talk, both fighters were respectful and kind to each other. Once the adrenaline wears off, we're all just human, and Hacker proved to be an excellent sport.
After Hacker spelled disaster for Deji, I was left wondering: Could Team TikTok turn it around? Thankfully, rap trio MIGOS delivered an excellent rendition of their latest hit single "Straightenin" to quell the masses. While the audience was hyped up, I was biting my nails ringside as Tayler Holder and AnesonGib emerged, ready for the penultimate bout.
An UNBELIEVABLE 5 rounds followed, with Gib acting as the dark horse for Team YouTube, delivering blow after blow to Holder. However, this bout brought about one of the evening's biggest upsets: Gib and Holder finished their bout in a draw. Gib and Holder were both clearly upset, and within the past few days, the International Sports Karate Association (ISKA) has finalized their decision in favor of Gib. At the time though, fans were upset, and the true nature of the evening was settling in: we're about to reach our final fight of the night.
Lil Baby kept fans hungry as he performed a selection of his new tracks and big hits, including "Drip Too Hard", and before long, the house was in hushed anticipation as captain TikTok, the digital bad boy whose name was on everybody's lips, Bryce Hall himself stepped out. He seemed relaxed, confident, and ready for war. That was, of course, until his opponent, ACE Family head honcho and captain of Team YouTube Austin McBroom launched himself onstage. His brother Landon and Lil Baby, as well as the rest of his posse, joined Austin as he made his way to the ring. Clad in black robes with orange fur, Austin was the epitome of excellence. Hard Rock Stadium was about to explode, and a year's worth of smack talk, bottle throwing, press conference brawling and social media slander paid off with the first ringing of the bell.
The final bout of the night culminated in 3 fantastic rounds of high-intensity boxing, and by the end, Bryce Hall seceded to Austin McBroom. This final showdown, a year in the making, went to Team YouTube. Austin, in a blaze of glory, kissed his wife Catherine, and squashed whatever remaining beef existed between him and Bryce. Smiles and hugs all around, good vibes!
However...this may not be the end. After the fight Austin was quick to say he'll fight again: "I think everyone knows his name, I'm not gonna say his name or call him out, we're gonna let the fans decide what they want, and I guarantee you I'm gonna fight again!" Not even a full day ago, Bryce posted on TikTok, showing off his shiner, and hand gesturing "0 - 1", possibly implying a scorecard that may need future updating. If both men are planning on fighting again, each other or other opponents, it's too soon to tell.
BUT, it's not too soon to tell YOU that it was an incredible weekend. Leading up to this moment, bad blood was clear to exist, but we can see now that these guys have nothing but respect for each other. Who knows? Maybe we'll see some casual, friendly sparring in the near future. Or better yet, Team TikTok may seek redemption. Either way, thanks for tuning in. Aaron, out. SOCIAL GLOVES 2 COMING SOON!!!!