Brennan Lee Mulligan’s WWE Journey: From Dante’s Inferno to Titan Takedown

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Brennan Lee Mulligan, known for creating numerous intriguing worlds on “Dimension 20” as a Dungeon Master in the Dropout tabletop game series, is venturing into an entirely different sphere – the world of professional wrestling.

In the most recent series of “Dimension 20,” titled “Titan Takedown,” instead of their regular team of comedians and Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts, the show features a group of four WWE wrestlers: Bayley, Chelsea Green, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods, also known as Austin Creed. This new season offers four episodes that are essentially side missions or adventures.

Although Dungeons & Dragons and professional wrestling might appear to be worlds apart, the concept for a wrestling season within “Dimension 20” has been in development for some time according to Mulligan. He mentioned that these wrestlers have a significant following among both the Dropout team and the “Dimension 20” team, as he shared with EbMaster.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, hearing about Austin Creed’s passion for D&D sparked an immediate connection within me. I found myself pondering if there were any other wrestlers who shared this interest. When the moment arrived to delve deeper into this idea, casting director Jazzy Collins masterfully orchestrated everything seamlessly.

Despite having little knowledge about wrestling at the start of the season, the Dropout group was eager to provide the necessary information and bridge the knowledge gap.

In the time leading up to ‘Titan Takedown’, I transitioned from having a casual understanding to being thoroughly guided, much like Virgil and Dante in Dante’s Inferno. Danielle Radford, a wrestling expert par excellence, was my guide, enlightening me. It was almost like a trip down memory lane, with her saying, ‘Here are the crucial episodes you should watch. Here are the significant matches you need to observe to comprehend these characters.’ There’s no one more qualified than Danielle to instruct and induct you into this circle.

Radford isn’t the only enthusiastic wrestling fan on “Dimension 20”: when the “Titan Takedown” trailer debuted, viewers were quick to point out the noticeable absence of Brian Murphy, who has been incorporating WWE references into D20 campaigns since as early as “The Unsleeping City: Chapter II.

As a devoted movie enthusiast eager to clear up misconceptions, let me address the assumption that I’ve been disregarding Murph amidst the much-anticipated wrestling season. Far from it! In truth, I’ve established a makeshift abode outside Murph’s house, and every morning, I knock on the door, plead, and implore him to join me. Alas, he’s engrossed in his creative endeavors, laboring tirelessly in a dimly lit room filled with an organ, diligently working on NADDPOD 24/7.

I keep asking ‘Murph, please, please,’ and he responds by saying his ghosts are whispering to him. Then, he retreats into a deeper part of his room to create even more impressive podcasts. Let me make this perfectly clear: Murph was not the first person I contacted. This needs to be stated for the record. Everyone should know that I am the world’s biggest fan of Brian Murphy. If you have any doubts about where Murph is, rest assured, so do I!

In his exploration for “Dimension 20”, Mulligan found himself particularly attracted to the wrestler known as Mankind. He praises the authenticity of Mick Foley’s persona, who was famous for carrying sock puppets in the ring. This character is one of the numerous wrestlers active during the peak era of professional wrestling, an atmosphere that Mulligan combines with ancient Greece to establish the backdrop for “Titan Takedown”.

He explained that the pairing was incredibly humorous, much like a classic comedy duo. For many seasons of ‘Dimension 20′, we aim to combine two elements that generate comedic conflict but still make sense. In this case, something fantastical and magical for the D&D aspect, while also incorporating something that matches the performers’ style – think oiled-up 1980s machismo.

Incorporating the comical contrast between ancient Greek mythology and an ’80s-style depiction of Zeus brings a unique twist to this production. The actors find it straightforward to portray their roles as they understand and tap into the energetic essence of these characters.

Even though many of the wrestlers were novices when it came to understanding the intricacies of Dungeons & Dragons, Mulligan felt reassured that they would quickly grasp the notoriously complex rules of the game.

After collaborating with the remarkable talents Austin, Chelsea, Bayley, Kofi, Bob, Monét, Jujubee, and Alaska, along with Hank Green joining for a side mission, I can confidently say that they are at the pinnacle of their respective performance fields. They’ve dedicated their lives to engaging audiences, and their skills have been honed through years of experience. In essence, they’re rapid learners who thrive on challenges. That’s why, when it comes to diving into a storyline, these individuals were more than prepared.

When compared to other Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) seasons I’ve managed, Intrepid Heroes stands out because I don’t need to spend as much time explaining the game rules or offering coaching. Moreover, the players in this season are not shy about pestering and teasing me more.

However, prior to “Titan Takedown,” Mulligan’s companions Kofi, Bayley, and Chelsea were unfamiliar with the difference between a rogue and a ranger. Yet, Mulligan had Xavier Woods as a resource to guide his fellow wrestlers.

It’s very pleasant when you play games with people who are beginners, as having someone like Xavier at the table is beneficial. He not only shares a genuine camaraderie with his peers, but he can also help clarify things and make our joint activities more understandable.

Mulligan went on, expressing his fondness for teaming up with fresh faces. He even mentioned four expert wrestlers who’ve been playing Dungeons & Dragons for years. Yet, there’s a charm in collaborating with newcomers as they navigate the game’s learning curve. For those joining this season for the first time, unfamiliar with D&D, they can embark on this adventure alongside one of their favorite performers.

After the filming of “Titan Takedown,” Mulligan has remained interested in the developments within the WWE ranks, particularly those of his honorable wrestlers. This group includes The New Day duo, consisting of Woods and Kofi Kingston, whose recent heel turn has stirred some controversy.

I’m entrusting my heart to Austin and Kofi. If they decide to take a turn towards controversy or dishonesty, if it’s time for some mischief, I will follow them to the ends of the earth. I stand by their side.

Apart from Kingston and Creed, other former “Titan Takedown” participants are also generating wrestling buzz: following their work on “Dimension 20”, Chelsea Green was crowned as the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Champion.

Although Green originates from Canada, she has taken on a playful nickname, “Madame President,” since winning her title, and is currently building her team, which is known as a cabinet. On the other hand, Mulligan acknowledges the champion and expresses that he would be honored to work under the Green administration, offering himself for the role of “Secretary of Dice.

I believe she could benefit from having someone manage the dice for her, which is a role I’d be more than willing to take on. To Chelsea, if you decide to include me in your cabinet, I assure you that our business will not be shared publicly on any app store group chat. Any confidential dice-related matters won’t be disclosed carelessly like a reckless individual.

“Dimension 20: Titan Takedown” streams Wednesdays on Dropout.

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2025-04-03 03:17