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Post by Action Reel on Jun 21, 2022 12:56:02 GMT -5
Welcome to the 2022 Hall of Fame!
The show opens up with an immediate montage of all four being inducted into the Hall of Fame as Chris Avery and Billy, the famous voices of Monday Night Clash and AW the last four years welcome us in.
Billy: Thank you for joining us for the 2022 Hall of Fame and Chris, it looks like we're about to get started!
Chris Avery: I just love Evolution weekend and tomorrow nights Evolution V looks to be massive, a game-changer, but tonight is about the past, the heroes, the LEGENDS! Lets get to it!
We fade into the first one.
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 21, 2022 13:01:41 GMT -5
Narrator: Please welcome, inducting Quixote Della Torre into the Action Wrestling 2022 Hall of Fame...*Checks notes* audibly. Narrator: Uh... Quixote Della Torre himself!"The Warmth" by Incubus booms around the building as more than warmth exudes from the crowd's response to the Cruiserweight legend. QDT walks to the podium like he's floating on clouds, as calm as we've ever seen him and beaming from ear to ear. A shot to the audience reveals his wife Jenna Della Torre (née Bauer) with proud tears filling her eyes. She has her arm round toddler Debonair sitting on the next seat, looking quite the striking little girl now, and a new baby on her lap. QDT waves to everyone and takes a minute to regulate his emotions before addressing the fans. QDT: I didn't even bother asking anyone. There's no one who wants to induct me. I was an asshole here and basically have no friends!A "WE'RE YOUR FRIENDS" chant starts, provoking belly laughs from QDT. QDT: But you people caring about me means more to me than you could ever imag...The lights in the arena go out. When they return on, an ominous figure lurks behind QDT. The crowd erupts in shock and disbelief. Billy: SHITFIRE! WE'RE SEEING A DAMN GHOST!!!!Chris Avery: JAMES NIGHTINGALE IS ALIVE!!!!!QDT freezes in terror. Nightingale leans over him aggressively and bellows into the microphone. James Nightingale: No one wants to induct you? I went out in a blaze of glory... it's only fair you do too! I WILL INDUCT YOU!Mixed reaction as no one, especially QDT, can intuit Nightingale's tone. James Nightingale: As you all can see, rumours of my demise proved unfounded. Why did I let the myth perpetuate itself, Quixote? Well... because, in a sense, there was indeed a death. Last July at Tokyo Fite, we wrote the perfect ending to the James Nightingale nightmare. I needed YOU to dispel the Angel of Death, to confine The Matriarch back to the deepest bowels of Hades, to sever the malevolent marionette strings, to deliver me from the darkness. QDT, you bought James Harrison back.James removes the gothic face mask and menacing trench coat. Underneath, he looks really rather normal and bears a genuinely kind expression. He embraces a still rather discombobulated QDT. James Harrison: The horrors of our personal warfare provoked us all to sink to the lowest depths we could conceive. Yet ultimately, its fire purged me of the demons that tormented and oppressed me. Quixote, just like you did in your entanglements with Leviathan, you gave me everything. Where other men cowered, you stood eye to eye with the evil inside me and wouldn't back down until it was vanquished. Thank you!Harrison starts to leave the podium before turning back to offer a final reflection. James Harrison: But what compelled you to hunt the monsters, Quixote? Could it be that your most ferocious blood feud was with the monster inside YOURSELF?!Gasps from the people as Harrison's visage seems to adopt remnants of Nightingale's mannerisms. James Harrison: Don't think we've forgotten the kid who cockily dominated the Cruiserweight division, the punk who beat down his own parents, the swine who faked retirement to conquer Corey Black, the arrogant son of a bitch who slept around and crowed endlessly about being the Honcho of Havoc after three consecutive top four finishes. For a man who loved to look in the mirror, you never truly gazed hard enough to see the monster you had become.They square up. Tension rises. James Harrison: But, as I look you in the eye, I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Nightingale and Leviathan weren't the only monsters you slayed. That girl over there, Debonair your daughter, she was your salvation like you were mine. You have become a man Action Wrestling can be proud of. A man more than worthy of our love. A HALL OF FAMER!
Huge pop. QDT and Harrison shake hands as the latter leaves the stage. Suddenly, a streaker runs on stage. Billy: THAT'S FLOP! OH MY GIDDY GAWD HE'S BUCKASS NAKED AND I WANNA GOUGE MY EYEBALLS ALL THE WAY OUT!!!!!Chris Avery: That little thing doesn't look like it's Flopping to me!Flop stops behind QDT, gives his penis an airplane spin and keeps running across the stage as security tackle him. Flop: HE'S A GOOD GUY I TELLS YA!QDT laughs at his former tag partner as he is escorted from the premises. He composes himself to speak. QDT: Being a Cruiserweight specialist, I'm used to keeping things short and sweet so I'll try not to stop now. I don't miss all the red eye flights across the world, the thousands of miles accumulated on the road, the bumps and bruises and the ruthless striving to ascend to the top and to stay there, here in Action Wrestling. I don't miss what that did to the soul, as James pointed out. The only thing I truly miss... is you.Major applause. A "PLEASE COME BACK" chant commences as QDT smiles bashfully. QDT: Whether I was an asshole or a "Good Guy", The Fortress, Guillotine or The Spitfire or anything else I called myself, whether I was a 201 and Fun or Cruiserweight or Clash superstar, the only constant was you people. I miss your love, your hate, your cheers, your boos... fundamentally, your CARE for me. Thank you for being the best fans in the whole world, of any entertainment field. Action Wrestling Galaxy, you're the best and you made me want to be better. He peers around him at the Hall of Fame set in sheer awe. Tears start to flow now. QDT: I don't feel worthy of this honour but if I wake tomorrow and discover this ain't a dream and I'm actually a Hall of Famer, it's because of each and every single one of you. Much love. Maybe we'll meet again."The Warmth" plays again as Della Torre raises his arms to rapturous cheers and a "QDT" chant. OOC From the handler of QDTI joined Action Wrestling in late October 2018 with more than a little trepidation. Things hadn't ended especially well for me in WCF, one of the major federations that this community partly spawned from. I took things way too seriously there and had a meltdown of sorts. While WCF was incredible in many ways, most of the alumni here would agree that the atmosphere had grown increasingly toxic there.
For my first few months here, I had hidden under anonymity without any OOC presence. I wanted a clean slate but was too afraid to dip in and get the full experience as a handler. However, as the QDT character picked up steam, I noticed more and more appreciation from the community and it was obvious - and indeed surprising - that the culture that Torture, Gravedigger and others had nurtured is deeply supportive and encouraging. This gave me the courage to own up to my previous identity in WCF as Brent Alpine. I was worried certain key individuals, with whom I had engaged in conflict with back in WCF, would still have heat with me. In fact, the exact opposite happened. The three I had most tension with were actually super kind.
I would love to name names and give some individuals some much deserved "succ" but, ya know, word caps and all There's so many incredible people for whom I'm very grateful. We told some elaborate and fun stories together. My fondest memories include three major feuds I had which spanned multiple PPVs. I loved the Discord live chats, especially for Havoc which is my most enjoyable experience in e-wrestling by a long way. It's generally been so cool just to shoot the shit with you people. I especially remember all the video podcasts we filmed in 2020 (https://actionwrestling.freeforums.net/board/48/handsomecast-collection).
Speaking of HandsomeCast (thanks for the name, Tort!)... it was an utter pleasure to speak to so many of you "face to face" and share our love for e-wrestling. Some of you I already considered friends. Others I was initially less sure about. But I went away from every interview feeling uplifted and glad to speak to you rather than just type over a computer screen. I met such awesome people in this community. Maybe we can do it again sometime... but perhaps not for 3 hours like most of the chats I had back then!
Although I had lots of successes I'm proud of, I think QDT may be remembered as a "nearly man" or wasted potential in some ways. If any of you feel I let you down if I bolted in the middle of a storyline or anything, I deeply apologise and would love to chat to put it right with you. Having said this, I'm at peace with QDT arguably not hitting the heights he was predicted due to life getting in the way. I hope people remember me more as the guy who was super invested for over two years rather than the inconsistent, flaky guy I've been more recently.
I'm still lurking around, occasionally flurrying with new characters to test whether the love of the game is back and whether I can balance AW with major priorities of life. I read things here sporadically and browse the Facebook chat regularly. Although I'm hesitant to engage socially (fearing I'm the irrelevant guy outstaying my welcome), I enjoy seeing the buzz here and seeing what old friends are up to. I read results and roleplays occasionally and I'm always stunned by the calibre of talent in this place. Sorry for losing touch with most of you. I'm poor at keeping up contact in general so please don't take it personally. If you ever feel like it, feel free to say hi. I'm happy to be someone you can bounce ideas off, catch up with or even be someone you can talk to when life's hard. There's no one I knew from before that I have any bad feelings about and I'd also welcome contact from anyone who's joined beyond my departure and I didn't get to know. Facebook Messenger is the best place to reach me. If we're not already friends there, search Mark Seabourne and you should find me; probably with several mutual friends from AW on my friends list.
However things progress here in AW or in my personal life, please know I have a lot of love for this community and it was special to be one of you. Maybe I'll be fully back some day. Havoc, particularly, always kindles at least a flicker of the old flame so maybe you'll see QDT as a surprise entrant in like 2054 or something when my kids stop waking me up in the early hours
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 21, 2022 13:03:19 GMT -5
The lights dim and the screen lights up with the Hall of Fame image of Raging Dead as “Rage 25/8” by Z Mann Zilla starts to play.
I RAGE TWENTY-FIVE EIGHT!
ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO GUST! THEY WILL TOPPLE AND CRUMBLE AND TURN TO DUST! NATHAN GUST IS THE RAGE BURNING FURIOUS TWENTY-FIVE EIGHT!
A highlight video of his time in Action Wrestling plays. Highlights include his battles against [redacted], QDT, Man Made Gods, Carter Shaw; as well as teaming with Carnivore, Corey Bull, Alice, [redacted]. Ending with clips of him dominating Frank Lowe at Evolution 3 in the Lion’s Den Match. The fans are going apeshit for the video. The song dies down and the lights return, revealing Raging Dead’s widow Sara Pettis at the podium. RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! Her smile radiates an array of emotions. Sara Pettis: Thank you all for--RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! She laughs, then motions for them to simmer down. Sara Pettis: Come on, guys. We don’t have all night.The fans pop, then simmer down so she can do her thang. Sara Pettis: As some of you may know… when my husband first competed here at Action Wrestling… he wasn't even under contract. His intention was to do the one match, just to prove to himself that he could still go… and then hang up his boots for good. Nearly three decades in the business behind him, he knew it was time to slow down and focus on the next chapter of his life outside of the ring. But then… when he felt the roar of that crowd in Las Vegas… he suddenly felt the desire to give this place his all. After he won the Cruiserweight Championship that night, he went right to Torture and asked for a contract on the spot. From there, he put in the work like I hadn't seen from him in years. Physically… he was in the best shape of his career. Mentally… he was laser focused on being a company man rather than allowing his ego to drown him out. In the history of this business… there has not been a more selfless individual. He gave everything to Action Wrestling…She pauses. Tears start to well up in her eyes. Sara Pettis: … even his life.FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! FUCK FRANK LOWE! She shakes her head and waits for them to simmer down. Sara Pettis: No, no. We’re not here for that. That chapter of our lives is over… and this new one can begin. Tonight, we honor a man who excelled at every level of competition over his thirty year career. Tonight, we remember a man who helped further the careers of such stars as Corey Bull… QDT… Carter Shaw…Each of ‘em got a gradually louder pop. Sara Pettis: … and even Derrick--Her mic cuts out, and she laughs. She looks to the side of the stage and shrugs. Her mic is turned back on. Sara Pettis: My bad, guys. I thought I could slip that one in for fun.The crowd laughs, pal. Sara Pettis: On behalf of my entire family… and the entire team at Showtime Championship Wrestling… I want to thank Action Wrestling for bestowing this great honor on my late husband. His time here in Action Wrestling began in Las Vegas… and now my time in Action Wrestling… ends in Las Vegas. Thanks to everyone in the back, everyone in the truck, everyone in the office. Thank you, Action Wrestling. All of the ups… all of the downs… and everything in between. This has truly been the time of our lives.“Rage 25/8” by Z Mann Zilla kicks in again. RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD! RAGING DEAD!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 21, 2022 13:09:15 GMT -5
An expectant hush falls over the crowd. Smoke billows in from all directions, diffusing the illumination from a solitary spotlight as it obscures the stage. Above, the ActionTron flickers to life with static. A deep, resonant voice echoes through the arena.
VOICEOVER: From the dawn of time, mankind has stood ever on the brink between light and shadow; poised to fall into darkness or be lifted into the sun. Once in every generation, a chosen few stand as Guardians between the innocent and the Night. They wage battle after battle for the very soul of humanity, played out across the millenia; from vast warzones to the smallest personal struggle… and even to the squared circle. The static on the ‘Tron resolves itself into grainy, black-and-white footage of a wrestling match; two combatants locked in fierce opposition. One figure gets the upper hand, immediately climbs the ropes, and delivers a devastating blow from above. The footage pauses at the moment of pinfall, revealing the face of Alex Richards. Similar scenes play out, each featuring a decisive victory for Andre Holmes, L Verez, Preecha Kamon, Damian Kaine, Claire Hawkins, and Sam Kidsgrove. VOICEOVER: And these are YOUR Guardians!
The smoke clears from the stage, revealing, one by one, each of the Guardians in turn. The fans erupt in cheers. Alex Richards steps forward, microphone in hand, and motions for the crowd to quiet down. ALEX RICHARDS: Tonight, we gather to honor one of the most respected names in recent wrestling history. A woman who, if I’m being real, is responsible for the unparallelled success of the Guardians -- as a brand and as a team. Without her dedication, our team would have been a novelty act, forgotten after each of us went our separate ways.ANDRE HOLMES: She kept us together, inspired us to reach greater heights, and taught us all what it takes to make a great leader. More than that, she showed us that family doesn’t always end with blood. DAMIAN KAINE: She took me under her wing when I was struggling to find my way, so early in my career; she was there to pick me up when I stumbled and help me stay on my feet.CLAIRE HAWKINS: She’s alright, I guess. Nah, for real though… I didn’t get to really experience her leadership, but she was always an inspiration to me -- to every woman who steps through those ropes to show she has just as much right to be in that ring as any man. She is a real trailblazer in this industry. SAM KIDSGROVE: Generous, kind-hearted, determined, and as tenacious as they come. She’s never let anything stand in her path for long. And that’s why, tonight, it is our great pleasure to induct into the Action Wrestling Hall of Fame: the one and only Daughter of Time herself… BONNIE BLUE!
The roar of the crowd is deafening as Bonnie Blue slips from behind the curtain, drowning out the exclusive AW remix of Rihanna’s “Same Ol’ Mistakes”. Dressed in a stunning electric-blue silk jumpsuit that hugs her curves, Bonnie hesitates, momentarily overwhelmed by the reaction from the fans. She walks from one end of the stage to the other, face lit by a bright grin. Both hands raised to her lips, she blows a massive kiss to the audience, and is rewarded with another big pop. Tears of joy brim in her sea-blue eyes as she moves to join her fellow Guardians, hugging each of them in turn. A microphone appears in her hand, as if by magic. She gazes out over the sea of faces, details lost in the dazzling stage lights, and clears her throat. BONNIE BLUE: Y’know, when I started this long, crazy journey -- I never dreamed that it would culminate in this night. I couldn’t have even imagined such an honor. I was just this… this punk kid, with visions of golden victories playing out in my head. You don’t think about the work that goes into being a wrestler, starting out. You don’t think about the people who push you, make sure you get where you need to be. You don’t really think about much, except that next training session; the next city, the next show, the next match. And you want everything to go your way, right away. You don’t get that not every match can end in your favor; that those losses make you who you are and lay the foundation of your story.Bonnie pauses to gather her thoughts. BONNIE BLUE: Now, if I was to thank everyone who had a hand in making my career a success, we’d be here all weekend, and then some. And y’all still got that big Main Event to look forward to… Shaw vs DeVito -- y’all best bet I got my ringside seat reserved for that!So let me start by expressing my gratitude to the minds behind Action Wrestling, the men that make this whole thing come together week after week, and bring us the most electrifying action in sports entertainment: Torture and Gravedigger. You guys put up with a lot of shit from me, and some of it, y’all didn’t deserve. Despite our differences, we made it work, and I’ll always appreciate that.
I want to thank Spencer Adams and UCI for giving me a chance to really shine. Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here today, with these people who have become like a family to me -- my Guardians.
The crowd pops again, and Bonnie waits for them to quiet before continuing. BONNIE BLUE: Look at everyone on this stage with me -- Andre Holmes, the big brother I never had as a kid; Alex Richards, my best friend and favorite tag team partner; Damian Kaine, the little brother I always wanted; L Verez, my favorite alien, and one of my most reliable friends; Claire Hawkins, one of the most talented wrestlers I know; and Sam Kidsgrove, who will no doubt be standing here making a speech like this one day soon. These are the Guardians, one of the greatest factions to ever lace up boots; and the most supportive collection of people I’ve ever met. And somehow, I got lucky enough to be a part of this group.She pauses again, turning slightly to wipe away a tear before it falls. Smoothly, she eases back into a smile and goes on. BONNIE BLUE: I want to thank Pantheon for showing us the way; and in particular, Corey Black, for his continued encouragement, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Whatever our differences, I always respected you, my dude.
I want to thank #beachkrew for playing the perfect antithesis to the Guardians; for working with us to create amazing storylines; for never holding back. My appreciation and my love go especially to Wade, for everything we’ve been to each other: from enemies, to lovers, to friends. Let’s meet up for gelato again, for old times’ sake.
Perhaps one of my greatest rivals, Odin Balfore; you gave me the most intense feud of my entire career and drove me to become more than I was, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.
Thanks also to Zombie McMorris, who showed me the true meaning of HorrorKore; to David Sanchez, for the advice on gaining perspective and a dominant run as tag champs in the WCF.
And last, but assuredly not least, I want to offer my most heartfelt appreciation and my love to the incomparable Lissie Hope for giving me a retirement match that will echo through the ages! Girl, there is no one who deserves that AW World Title more than you. Here’s to the future queen of Action Wrestling!
But above all, the most important people in this building right now, the ones who make all of this possible… are YOU, the Action Wrestling fans! None of us would be standing on this stage if it weren’t for your love and support. I might have been the one in the ring, but it was every single one of you who made me the superstar I became. I love you all, and once again, THANK YOU; from the bottom of my heart!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 21, 2022 13:14:52 GMT -5
Narrator: Please welcome the special guest to induct Howard Black... Lissie Hope!Lissie Hope stands at the podium in a black dress. She’s visibly nervous, shaking out her hands, her cue cards in the tips of her fingers. She waits for the audience to take their seats before beginning. Lissie Hope: People don’t always know when to do the right thing. Your heart may want one thing, and your mind may demand another, and unless you’ve trained them to be cohesive, you may need to act against your impulse when you ultimately make your decision. For some people, you might weigh the backlash - if you pick a side, what will the other side think? But the right decision tends to come naturally - if you’re The Natural.Lissie pauses, smiling as she looks up at the screen of a photo of Howard Black in his football uniform. Lissie Hope: A friend told me recently that “sometimes what we want to do isn’t what we need to do.” And I don’t know if I agree. I think, “what we need to do” is oftentimes married to “what we want to do”. You “want” to build those in this industry, those that can’t fight for themselves, and you “need” to throw yourself into the fire to do it. You display unmitigated courage and bravery, even in the face of those who try to tear you down. And there’s one man who exemplifies this - who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right, and who wasn’t afraid to stand up to what wasn’t - and that’s you, Howard Black.Lissie’s voice cracks, but she quickly regains her composure. Lissie Hope: Most people instinctively retreat from the things they fear. But you run towards them. And It wasn’t always about the championships with you. Your Hall of Fame induction means so much more. It’s true - you defeated a larger than life Thomas Bates for the WCF Television Championship. You were the first to make him submit. It’s true - you were a WCF Tag Team Champion until you nearly needed your arm amputated at the elbow. And that would’ve crushed a lesser man. But you stormed back, and it’s true - you were the second-ever UCI World Champion.The camera cuts to Spencer Adams and Alex Richards in the audience, clapping their hands. L issie Hope: It’s true, Howard - you had one of the most memorable returns in Havoc Rumble history. And it’s true, you became a United States Champion, before moving on and shocking the world by becoming the Action Wrestling Wrestler of the Year. You have had a storied career, one that any of us sitting in this audience - and on this stage - would someday want to replicate.She pauses, allowing the cheering and clapping to die down. Lissie Hope: But you know what else is true, Howie? Every time, when the deck is stacked against you, and when you’re carrying the world on your shoulders? You faced each challenge with grit and determination - it’s true, Howard. You are an inspiration - to every kid running suicides in the cornfields, and to every wrestler who was told he wasn’t big enough, or strong enough, or healthy enough. You’re a man of faith, of family, of honor. You are fearless, Howard. You inspire so much -She begins tearing up. Lissie Hope: And you inspire me. You’ve always inspired me. You challenge me to do what comes naturally to you - and that is the right thing. You have always known when to return to those who love you, and those who depend on you. In your final match in WCF, you returned to fight for the soul of your friend, Dune. In your final run in AW, you fought for the soul of the company - and even if I stood in your way, even if it wasn't popular, even if it didn't endear you to the masses - you have always returned to fight for mine.Lissie Hope: And from the bottom of my heart - for everything you’ve ever done, in Action Wrestling and beyond - I want to say thank you, Howie. And welcome to the Hall of Fame. Nobody deserves it more.A calmness comes over Lissie. As the ovation grows for Howard, for the first time all night, Lissie seems comfortable and at peace. She places her hand over her heart and holds her sobriety pendant in her hand. Lissie Hope: You didn’t need to. You didn’t need to be asked. You just did. The conviction you possess, the integrity you carry yourself with in every walk of life - it’s the hallmark of a true Hall of Famer. I need you to know, Howard, that everything you’ve done has not been in vain. You will not die before you see the fruit of your efforts blossom - you will see redemption from those you’ve saved. I owe you so much, and if I could repay the debt, I would give you everything. If I could give you the moon — I would give you the moon. But for now, all I can give you is my gratitude. But Action Wrestling can give you the honor. It can give you the prestige. It can welcome you into these sacred, hallowed grounds - because nobody deserves it more than Howard Black.The applause in the crowd nearly drowns her out. Lissie Hope: Congratulations, Howard. Welcome to the Hall of Fame.The crowd all stands and goes crazy as Howard Black comes out and is greeted by Lissie with a huge embrace. Howard waves at the crowd and takes the podium as the crowd showers him with praise. The music fades, the crowd takes their seats and he begins. Howard Black: You’re going to have to pardon me, I’ve never had to do this before and not sure how you start this. But I suppose the best place is to start at the beginning – back when I was contacted by Jay Mack about an entry into the 2020 Havoc Rumble. Or maybe the beginning is earlier than that, back when I signed my first contract with WCF and began my professional career. Or maybe I should start all the way back when I left UNL and began doing amateur fights to make extra money to support a wife and newborn child. No matter where I begin, the road I took lead me to this moment and this pinnacle, one that every person in this industry dreams of achieving.
I didn’t enter this business for the accolades – they were a byproduct of my primary objective, which was to support my family. But as the years rolled by, I found that those accolades gave me a sense of fulfillment and dedication. I wasn’t just good at wrestling, I loved it. When I had dark times in my life, I found my serenity between those ropes – when I was at my lowest, the ding of the bell and the roar of the crowd gave me the highs I needed – and for all the blood and tears I’ve shed on that, I wouldn’t ask for a single drop back. This award is humbling, but this award was only achievable by the opportunities afforded me by Torture, Gravedigger, Pasternak, and the rest of the front office. Thank you.
But while one man does not make a team, a team can make one man. I would not be here today if it weren’t for the incredible support network I’ve built over the years. I’d like to thank my longtime strength and conditioning coach, Peter Halloran, who’s helped me achieve my goals since I was wrestling in roller rinks and auditoriums. Thank you to the mother of my child and my former partner, Sarah, who supported me more than anyone could ever ask. To my son Joey for his patience with my absences. My mother and father. And my best friend and agent, David Rogers.
There’s the friends I’ve made in this industry along the way. To the men who I’ve shared the ring with since the beginning, such as Corey Black, to them men I’ve shared long car rides with like Spencer Adams, it’s been a pleasure to know you. To the men who I now consider brothers: Kazward Mazerelli and Crow McMorris, it’s been an honor to create these memories with you. To the man who took me under his wing, Dune, I will always be in your debt. To the man who gave me the greatest rivalry of my career, Stuart Slane – I will never consider another man a more worthy rival than you.
Last, but not least, I’d like to thank Elisabeth Hope for the moving induction speech. Thank you for doing this to me, and good luck at Evolution.
To everyone here tonight and everyone who’s been there every night, whether to cheer or jeer me, thank you all. My career is nothing without you, and this honor is as much a credit to your belief in me, hero or villain. Thank you, and good night!
OOC From The Handler of Howard Black What’s up guys, some of you probably know me as Howie or Bacchus, but my name is Michael. I’ve been in and out of this community for almost a decade at this point, and Jesus Christ time flies, huh? I started efedding in college as a hobby, and I lapsed around the beginning of AW’s first year, returning during the COVID-19 quarantine. What started as a planned once a month IC and OOC retirement tour for this character reignited my love for this dumb nerd hobby, and monthly matches turned into weekly booking before impending retirement inspired the creation of Bacchus to continue sticking around after Howie’s story concluded. I can’t tell you how much this community means to me and how appreciative I am for everyone on the admin team who continues to do tireless work for us.
A couple quick shout-outs to some handlers who’ve made my time in efedding so fulfilling:
-Thank you Justin (Dune) and Chris (Joey Flash) for really taking me under their wings in the beginning back in WCF.
-Thank you Evan (Wade Moor) and Crow for all our idiotic but amusing run as #BeachKrew back in WCF and somewhat here. For those of you who only know #BeachKrew from the AW iteration, oh god the original was a beautiful disaster which would’ve never flown anywhere but the wild west of WCF but was so goddamn fun. And shouts out to Kemp who was a WCF #BK OG and really became a rockstar after.
-Once again thanks to the admin team (Aaron, Jordan, Curt, Gust, Digger, Chuck) for welcoming me and then putting up with me.
-Thank you Leigh, Shawn, Greg, and Slane who’ve written some of my favorite stories and RPs with me these past two years.
-Thank you to the guys in Philidor Chat and “The Toxic Bully Clique Chat” in WCF – I think I’ve mentioned most of you already, but shouts to Steve, Andre, and Ryan!
-Last but not least, thank you to Corey, who is so much more than just an efed buddy at this point. I love you, king <3
Cheers!
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