CSS Pro Wrestling Tournament Match: (5) Roddy Piper vs (12) Vader

The Cageside Seats (CSS) Pro Wrestling Tournament continues today with a first round match-up pitting number five seed Roddy Piper against number 12 seed Vader.

When you think of Roddy Piper, you either think of him as one of the best heel foils to Hulk Hogan during his big babyface run (and later babyface foil during Hogan's heel run) or "Piper's Pit" and one of the best talkers in the history of the business. Indeed, "Rowdy" could cut a promo with the best of them and in between a solid in-ring career, he became a successful color commentator.

Vader, meanwhile, wrote the book on how to work as a big man. He was powerful, so much so that he often legitimately injured opponents. He wasn't careless, however, as he was surprisingly agile and athletic for a man of his considerable size. All throughout his career, Vader hovered around the main event, though he was never the type to win championships. To this day he is a beloved character, as evidenced by his return to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) recently that saw him receive a loud ovation.

To the best of my recollection, these two never crossed paths, as Piper was with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) while Vader was with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and once Piper left for WCW, Vader left for the WWF. Now, all these years later, they meet right here on Cageside Seats.

Cast your vote in this opening round match-up and take a look at the updated bracket after the jump. For the complete round one schedule click here.

Bracket artwork by: June M. Williams