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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:05:11 GMT -5
Welcome to the 2021 Class of the Action Wrestling Hall of Fame
The video shows Ryan Lockhart holding up the All-In briefcase, the Television Championship, the Tag Team Championship and the World Championship all in quick scenes. We next see TFK beating Pauly Shore and having fun with celebrities then hoisting the United States Championship. We see Katta Pult holding the American flag. We next see Donald Deruty holding up the WCF World Championship, we see him pinning Torture (lmao) we see him holding up the AW World Championship all in quick frames. We next see OG Bishop winning the Television Championship not once, not twice but three times. We next see OG Bishop and Gravedigger in a Hell in a Cell from the first Evolution. We finally see a rare backstage photo of OG Bishop and Gravedigger hugging breaking all kayfabe.
Narrator: Please welcome our hosts for the evening; your announcers every Monday Night! Billy and Chris Avery!
The crowd cheers as Billy and Chris Avery come out to the podium with the theme song from Monday Night Clash playing in the background. They step to the podium.
Billy: Welcome everybody to the 2021 Class for the Hall of Fame and tonight we honor legends, greats, and heroes!The crowd applauds. Chris Avery: Tonight we get to hear from wrestlers who not only made their mark on Action Wrestling but Professional Wrestling as a whole. Tonight we get to remember the great times that were had by our 2021 Class!The crowd applauds. Billy: Without further ado, please welcome our good friend from CBS Sports. You can hear him call the prime time games on Sundays for the NFL, and the inductor for Katta Pult, put your hands together for Tony Romo!The crowd applauds as CBS Sports music hits and Tony Romo comes out from behind the stage with a notepad and waves to the crowd.
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:07:34 GMT -5
Katta Pult
Tony Romo sets his notepad on the podium as he shakes the hands of Billy and Chris Avery. The music fades and Tony begins. Tony Romo: When someone is so great so early, it's often mesmerizing. It's almost unbelievable. Infact.. it IS unbelievable. We have to keep reminding ourselves that what we are witnesses directly in front of us is actually real. That's what we did every week when we saw the rise to greatness that is.. Katta Pult.The crowd sort of applauds. Tony Romo: Being a woman who trailblazed for all woman, being an incredible athlete who break through glass ceiling after glass cieling, and becoming a Champion in and out of the ring, it's no doubt that she was destined to be in the Hall of Fame. The crowd isn't sure what he's even talking about. Tony Romo: Folks, I'd like to introduce to you a 2021 Hall of Famer! Please welcome my friend, Katta Pult!The theme music hits and the crowd sort of boos as Tony smiles and Katta Pult comes walking from the back. She waves to the crowd and hugs Tony Romo. After they're done embracing she continues waving and taunting to the crowd as a professional. She smiles and sets her binder down on the podium. Tony is off to the side. She ahems herself ready to begin when her music stops. The crowd pops before she can begin cause Gravedigger walks out from behind the curtain in the most serious-business face he's ever had. He walks straight up to the podium and shakes his head no. Gravedigger: You're not in the Hall of Fame. Get the hell out of here.The crowd pops as Gravedigger takes the binder and rips it in half and throws it into the crowd. The first few rows is all wrestlers clapping and laughing catching the paper debris. Gravedigger isn't having any of this shit tonight. Katta yells but Gravedigger looks at her and intimidates her. She just throws a fit and leaves the stage. Gravedigger speaks into the microphone. Gravedigger: Officially speaking.. Katta Pult is NOT in the Hall of Fame.Crowd pops. Gravedigger: We're moving on.Gravedigger walks off back towards the back as he gets a standing ovation. He stops half way through the curtain. The crowd POPS even bigger as Gravedigger slowly turns his head towards Tony Romo who begins to also realize what is happening. Gravedigger takes a few steps back before completely turning towards Romo and walks towards him. The crowd pops again as Gravedigger grabs the throat of Romo. Gravedigger lifts Romo up and chokeslams him onto the stage! Gravedigger walks off back to the back. Romo is coughing and holding his back. The crowd is popping and chanting for Gravedigger. We fade to a commercial.
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:09:19 GMT -5
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:13:16 GMT -5
Donald Deruty
Billy: It's time to induct our good friend, Donald Deruty, the General Manager of CruiserClashChris Avery: I have been a fan of Deruty for so long. His wars with Torture were top notch in WCF, and in Action Wrestling he was a World Champion proving that his WCF reign was no fluke.Billy: To introduce his inductor, well, I don't know how to say this...Chris Avery: We literally just found out a few minutes ago..Billy: He was a WCF World Champion, he was regarded as one of the greatest of all time.. folks, we introduce to you, he'll induct Donald Deruty into the Hall of Fame.. please stand up and make some noise.. FOR SLICKIE T!The crowd pops as Slickie T comes out to generic music. He looks a bit aged, but wealthy as fuck. He comes out and hugs Chris Avery and hugs Billy. He walks to the podium and continues waving to the crowd as they're all standing up and popping for him. Slickie begins. Slickie T: Thank you for having me, fans and it's good to see you all again.The crowd cheers. Slickie T: My brother, Donald Deruty is one true warrior. The crowd cheers. Slickie T: I've made my millions and millions by merging businesses, creating industries and bringing a National Football Team to Los Angeles and Las Vegas but it was my brother who had more tenacity, and a stronger backbone than me. You see, when WCF was done and we all moved on, Deruty stayed with that dying ship and continued working matches and picking up wins. Then WCF closed for good and he moved to Action Wrestling a start-up company that needed star power and needed a face of the company..And thats when my brother called me to tell me he signed a 2 year deal with Action Wrestling and was going to try and compete for the Heavyweight Championship. I just knew it would be a matter of time until my brother, D-Day would be standing tall with that Championship belt and yaknow what? He did it. Deruty became one of the best in year one for Action Wrestling and I was so proud of what he accomplished.The crowd applauds. Slickie T: After his body started to slowly give up on him he turned to do what he does best; and that's management. He was hired as the Cruiserweight division General Manager where he's had the job ever since and he's been proving week in and week out that he's one of the best to do at the General Manager position.The crowd cheers. Slickie T: He's no longer in my shadow and I want to welcome you to a Hall of Famer for Class of 2021.. Please welcome, DONALD.. D-DAY.. DERUTY!!The crowd cheers as D-Day comes out to his music. He walks straight to Slickie T and the brothers hug. Slickie T holds up the arm of D-Day as the crowd continues to cheer. Finally the music fades as D-Day comes to the podium and begins. The following is written by TortureDonald Deruty: I just want to thank my brother, Slickie T, Billy and Chris Avery for the kind words they had for me. I want to thank Gravedigger and Torture for allowing me to showcase my talents in Action Wrestling from day 1 and I want to thank them for choosing me to represent the AW Hall of Fame for 2021.
I have to say, I'm in a great class too. All four of us are AW originals and we all four pushed Action Wrestling to new heights in different ways so with that I'm very thankful and appreciative that this class gets to represent Action Wrestling from top to bottom. I want to thank you the fans as well. Without you guys, I wouldn't be standing here today. It's you fans who catch Action Wrestling on CBS, on PPV, on AW Network, anyway you consume it, it's great for us and we just wouldn't be here without you fans, so thank you!The crowd cheers and applauds. Donald Deruty: It's been a great run. A great ride. I'm happy that I got to do it, I have no regrets and now I'm fully prepared to push CruiserClash to a whole new level! Thank you fans! Thank you Action Wrestling!!The fans cheer as he raises his arms and his music hits. Donald Deruty's real handler OOC:
I'm getting ready to get married in October! Thank you guys so much for inducting me into the Hall of Fame. I love that you guys have done D-Day right in using him as an NPC. You guys deserve all the credit and I thank you (Tort) and GD so much!
I always had faith in you guys because you guys showed faith in me at every turn. You guys helped me so much and you def molded D-Day into what he is today. Thank you so much guys. Hope all is well in Action Wrestling! It really is the best efed!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:14:42 GMT -5
Billy: Welcome back to 2021 Hall of Fame right here on CBS and fans right now we want to talk about a new Legacy wing being built at the Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada.Chris Avery: Yeah, every year we'll announce 4 more Legacy names to our Legacy wing at the Hall of Fame. This year we'll announce 8 special names to get us started!Billy: This is awesome! Sometimes its great to showcase some of the lesser known superstars who may not have had that break out success they were hoping for, but still made an impact in Action Wrestling!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:18:47 GMT -5
TFK The Most Hollywood Elite of The Action Wrestling Hall of Fame
Narrator: Please welcome back once again to the AW stage, “The Handsome Half-breed” Shadowlove along with “The Fashionista Sensi”, Miss Miyamoto…The crowd starts marking out and popping for The Original First Couple and Dynamic Duo of Professional Wrestling. They make their way up to the podium dressed to the nines, to save on time, since this time is for an old friend to stand in the Hollywood spotlight. Shadowlove: Thank you, thank you… no applause, just money… But, what can you really say about The Most Elite Member Of The Hollywood Elite?…She was mysteriously conjuring up a mystical spell over him just by her mere presence in her proper place against his muscular body and moving very little, never turning her head, or revealing any kind of expression that gives the viewing audience at home a clue as to her innermost thoughts with the exception of a very sharp and penetrating affection and devilishly delicious, malevolent and pleasurable, mischievously smile coming from her very luscious and very alluring lips while caressing his muscular chest with her fingers. Miyamoto: I’m back!…The crowd started to POP for Miss Miyamoto. Shadowlove: But in all seriousness, what can be said about the most electrifying pro athletic pornstar ever to step into AW and Boogie Night his way into the hearts of fans with his foot long (Subway endorsement)?…They both look at Gravedigger and Torture. Shadowlove: Well, when you can’t afford the very best of the best at the beginning of AW, and you have to settle for the sloppy seconds of a Chinese knockoff, there’s no better man for the job than Thaddeus Franklin King…Miyamoto: Well, there’s still Sam…The crowd starts POPPING for Thaddeus Franklin King before she could finish saying Kidsgrove. Shadowlove: Thaddy, Green Eggs & Sam I Am will always be OUR daddy. But when you look at the modern day history of AW, and you will find yourself filling out who in AW should be on Mount Rushmore of this organization, if you will, there’s only three initials that really comes to mind…The crowd started CHANTING: T.F.K.!, T.F.K.!, T.F.K.! Shadowlove: That’s right! T…F...K…! When AW was looking for a real live action hero, who was the model for success, and could direct AW into the promised land as the FIRST EVER longest reigning AW U.S. Champion, there was no one better on the AW roster at the time than…The crowd starts CHANTING: T.F.K.!, T.F.K.!, T.F.K.! Shadowlove: Just ask that piece of shit John Frost who fucking flushed his professional wresting sports entertainment career down the AW toilet thanks to…The crowd continues CHANTING: T.F.K.!, T.F.K.!, T.F.K.! Shadowlove: You’re still 0-2 against yours truly, my friend…Miyamoto: The Hollywood Elite…The crowd starts MARKING OUT and POPPING for THE HOLLYWOOD ELITE. Miyamoto: Thaddeus Franklin King-san. Sam Kidsgrove-san. And Shadowlove-san…Shadowlove: When you have stables like The Brotherhood, The Following, The Royal Family, The Guardians, and #BeachKrew, all those chicks with dicks combined couldn’t even match the successful popularity and unpopularity of The Hollywood Elite…The crowd continue MARKING OUT and POPPING for THE HOLLYWOOD ELITE. Shadowlove: You just might say that The Hollywood Elite broke the fucking mold of how to be a successful stable in the professional wrestling sports entertainment business. I mean, Sam, Thaddy, and yours truly, were so OVER in AW as The Hollywood Elite even before there was The Hollywood Elite in AW…Miyamoto: Philidor Holdings, LLC, The Hollywood Elite would’ve crapped all over you like you were THE butt-ugly red headed stepchild for even thinking that you could match the party lifestyle when it comes to partying like it’s 1999 in this organization…He looks over at Philidor Holdings, LLC. Shadowlove: Philidor Holdings, LLC, you don’t fucking want any of this, my friends. Your stock has been short saled and your stock has been in the tank ever since my sweet and lovely Miyamoto and myself’s Seductive Handsomeness showed back up on the AW StockMarket…He runs his fingers through his classically masculine and modern mussed, razor-textured, choppy finished dark brown hair, down his neck, over his muscular chest and washboard abs, flicking fake beads of sweat off his fingers towards Philidor Holdings, LLC while oozing God-given laissez-faire attitude and Hollywood Blockbuster Superstar Fashion Model Machismo. Miyamoto: But, tonight isn’t about what it means to be young and insane. Tonight is about introducing “The Director of Action Wrestling” Thaddeus Franklin King-san to the one place where he rightfully belongs in this organization, The AW Rock N’ Roll Hall-Of-Fame…Shadowlove & Miyamoto: Ladies and gentlemen, all-rise, and please allow us to introduce the first member of The Hollywood Elite to be inducted into the AW Hall-Of-Fame… “ The Director Of Action Wrestling” Thaddeus Franklin King… better known as….The crowd starts MARKING OUT, POPPING, and CHANTING: T.F.K.!, T.F.K.!, T.F.K.!The Director of Action Wrestling himself steps out to the stage wearing an all gold Armani suit with his Hollywood Million Dollar smile pairing perfectly together. Thad puts his fingers and thumbs together measuring up the fans in the crowd for the perfect shot. Thad hugs Shadowlove and Miss Miyamoto before taking the podium. TFK: Give it up for the most polarizing/nonpolarizing couple in sports entertainment today! Love ya, guys and I HAVE TO SAY, what a very Shadowlove inspired introduction, i'm not sure how you kept that under an hour?Thad chuckles and Shadow golf claps as him and Miss Miyamoto exits stage left. TFK: I kid, I kid, I love ya though. Now how about we move onto what everyone has come out for tonight! The induction of THEE 1st United States champion in Action Wrestling and ONE of the very first pillars that held this company up in the beginning! I was everything you didn't realize you wanted, wasn't I? I was home grown and I gotta say through it all, I realized that I'm YOURS forever… And I MEAN FOOOOOREEEEVERRR! We've been drinking the Bubbly nightly since Havoc and we've been shooting the skin flicks with all THE CHICKS since THE fizzled out! But I digress, because I had a freaking blast at Havoc and when you all marked out with Sammy and I standing together out there with our very own little THE reunion... Man, what a killer feeling! Goosebumps ran up places I didn't even realize they could go and you all ate it up like the ravenous bunch you are!Tears begin to the bellow in the corners of Thad's eyes. TFK: To be here tonight, I'm telling you, it is unbelievable. When I was making Pauly Shore relevant again and making the most must see story in Action Wrestling history, I never would've imagined standing here in this moment… When I was following Beachkrew around and shooting their fluff pieces, everyone laughed me off the set, and it felt like everyone was done with yours truly… AND NOW I gotta say, look at Mr. King's baby boy with his all gold Armani suit! I took a name like The Franchise Killer and I didn't let it define my place in Action Wrestling. I took the hate and I spun that shit into freakin gold, pun intended. So I'm taken back when I look at the guys and girls in the back lacking that, so called "spark" and I can't help but want to offer some veteran advice… And it is crazy to think that this is where I'm at in my career now.
Tears fall in bigger streams down Thad's cheeks. TFK: And I'm totally okay with it. Because look at where I'm at now.. I find myself entering Action Wrestling's Hall of Fame with the likes of my boy Ryan Lockhart and Mr. Cruiserclash, Donald Deruty. I'd say that's some pretty cool company already, but adding us to the ranks of Wade Moor and Roy Speede… Damn, can you say Legends? Freakin legit damn legends in this industry and here your boys are standing shoulder to shoulder with them…Thad brushes the tears from his eyes. TFK: The best part is now, I can stand here in front of you all and say… I fucking did it. Your very 1st and your longest reigning AW US champion and now member of the Action Wrestling Class of 2021 Hall of Fame. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all and most importantly thank my brothers in The Hollywood Elite, Craig my voice over guy, and even bitch tits, Zander Hobbs for keeping my suits pressed. I look around here tonight and you know… These credits may be rolling, but as they say,, never say never in this business… Remember,The Director of Action Wrestling always has a shot in mind… And for one last time for all the boys and girls in the back… And all of THE STANS around the world… This is YOUR DIRECTOR, saying… HIT THE LIGHTS! LINE UP THE CAMERAS! And… ACTION!Thad angles and his thumbs and fingers together measuring up the fans and his peers in attendance. The music slowly to play him off the stage and Thad obliges by blowing kisses to everyone, then yelling at the camera still pointed at him. TFK: Tell Oldin Balfore that I FUCKING DID IT!!!
TFK raises his arms as his music plays once more and the crowd gives a standing ovation.OOCFrom the Handler of TFKAction Wrestling, thank you so much for allowing me to continue to write with my crazy cast of characters and allowing me to continue to world build amongst all the feds I have had the pleasure of writing for. But, this community is one of a kind and I am overjoyed that I was able to be here in the very beginning. I mean, I took an idea of a Hollywood-esque Jericho type character who was the son of a famous porn director and you guys didn't turn it away, even when you could have easily. Lol But, you allowed me to write a crazy story about Pauly Shore, which was a random fake news story I just threw together out of the blue. You gave me the chance to kill myself against the likes of Odin Balfore (a sweetheart and super nice guy for sure) and I even threw insane ideas around with John Frost before he went crazy. Lol
Digger and Tort, I'm sure I drove you crazy most times with how I liked to fly from the seam of my pants with the stories for the matches and what not, but I appreciate you continuing to work with me through the years. I like to think I'm fluid and able to change on a dime with my approach. Out of nowhere, I geeked out when you mentioned TFK for the Hall of Fame and I'm honored to be able to retire TFK in the place I enjoyed efeding with the most. You guys are truly awesome, as well as the freaking community here! I loved the battles with Curt (Black) and always trying my damndest to get over my kryptonite in Spencer Adams. BUT as we see, The Director is put to rest and in his wake… I do see myself getting that good itch back in Action Wrestling… So don't count me out as a writer, because my universe will continue to grow and hopefully I can make fans out of all of you going forward with some fresh ideas! I love Action Wrestling and I love you all! So happy to have such a welcoming place who allows us to write what we can and give us great feedback in our efforts.
Action Wrestling FOREVER, BAY BAY!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:19:45 GMT -5
Billy: Welcome back to the Hall of Fame! I love Action Wrestling and I just love our fans!Chris Avery: As do I, Billy, right now lets take a look at another two names for Legacy Awards!Billy: How awesome! L Verez and Jessica Cannon were two great woman who we supported non stop in AW!Chris Avery: Yes we did! Wouldn't mind seeing them again! Easy on the eyes, and tons of fun! Congratulations to both of them!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:26:06 GMT -5
OG Bishop
We open up to Billy and Chris Avery in front of a backdrop backstage. Billy: Fans, we just wanted to have a few words about the upcoming Hall of Fame. OG Bishop was by far and away the nicest, funniest, charming man we ever knew in Action Wrestling and beyond.Chris Avery: We both knew OG Bishop years ago in WCF and just like back then he was always a friend first before being a competitor. We just want to give a shout out to his friends and family as this was a surprise to all of us. There is no replacing real life friends no matter how hard you'll ever try and we know there will always be a void in our hearts where OG Bishops memories will forever be.Billy: We love ya, OG Bishop. Wrestle in Peace big guy.We fade from Billy and Chris as we cut to inside the arena. Narrator: Please welcome Co-President of Action Wrestling, Gravedigger!“Change” by Deftones hits the speakers as the lights go out. A spotlight hits the entryway behind the podium and out from the back walks Gravedigger in a suit. Everyone, wrestlers and fans alike, stand up and clap solemnly. Gravedigger walks up to the podium and shuffles some papers as everyone quiets down and takes their seats. Gravedigger: Last year I stood up here inducted into the Hall of Fame in such a great honor and THIS year I induct my friend, OG Bishop, into the Hall of Fame under sad circumstances. As everyone knows, OG Bishop passed away earlier this year and Torture and the board came to the decision to enter OG Bishop into the Hall of Fame.I said earlier that he's my friend, but the truth is that he was more like my friend turned enemy turned friend turned enemy turned friend turned enemy.The crowd laughs. Gravedigger: No, a more accurate description of him is that OG Bishop was my brother.Gravedigger nods at OG Bishop's two brothers Tiny and Priest who are seated in the front row next to Gravedigger's own brothers Chester and Brian. Gravedigger: We basically broke into this business together and pretty much never really parted ways up until his passing. Our brothers Chester and Tiny also broke into this business together and both myself and OG Bishop decided to become wreslters a few years later. I joined a company by myself and after a couple of months where I met Jayson Stasiak, I left. I got a call from OG Bishop saying he wanted to do what Chester and Tiny did in the fed they were in and dominated. Se we joined forces and wrestled all over the company for various organizations. We dominated these companies so badly together that they shut down after a few months because no one wanted to face us.I would win the world title, often having to face OG Bishop in the finals or elswhere in the tournaments and as everyone found out in 2018, those matches always ended with me winning. Bishop would then go on to win the secondary title in the fed and we'd shut down company after company. Until we came to WCF. I got there a little earlier than Bishop and established myself with Chester as a tag team wrestler and then later as a singles star. OG Bishop once again joined me in another fed and we reformed the stable that Chester and Tiny started previously, The Dark Side.
I made the reference earlier about us being friends then enemies then friends then enemies, and so on. And it was true. We fought like brothers. We battled each other over and over. We became known for our Hell In A Cell matches. OG Bishop was also known for his ladder matches where he had only lost one in his entire career. But those Hell In A Cell matches were where we excelled and brought out the best in each other.
When I started Action Wrestling with Torture, I knew it would only be a matter of time before OG Bishop would want to join and sure enough just days before the first show, I got the call from him wanting to join. If you go back and watch our first show, you'll see OG Bishop walking out from the back to his music to reveal a AW t-shirt.
Bishop loved being part of Action Wrestling. He may have not had the greatest record, but he was a large part of the heart and soul of this place. He was a three-time television champion, a record he held alone for two and a half years until Claire Hawkins tied it a couple of months ago. OG Bishop finally defeated me for the first time in our careers in our specialty match, Hell In A Cell. And what most people don't realize or don't remember is that a couple of months later he almost defeated Wade Moor for the world title the week after Wade Moor won the belt.
Think about that for a moment. One of the guys who was inducted into the Action Wrestling Hall of Fame last year could have had his Hall of Fame career sidelined by the man we induct here tonight. Last year during my Hall of Fame speech, OG Bishop booed me.Everyone laughs. Gravedigger: Yeah, it was great. Classic OG Bishop. Well, tonight, while I induct him into the Action Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2021, OG Bishop will cheer me on.Gravedigger pauses and smirks. Gravedigger: Oh, who am I kidding? We all know he's been booing me during this entire speech!Everyone laughs again. Gravedigger: To OG Bishop! It is my honor to induct my friend and my brother to the Action Wrestling Hall of Fame class of 2021! You deserve it, buddy!OG Bishop's music plays as his face shows up on the big screen behind Gravedigger. OG Bishop's brothers Tiny and Priest walk up onto the stage followed by Gravedigger's brothers Chester and Brian. The five men all embrace on the middle of the stage and turn to look at the picture of OG Bishop on the big screen. The fans in attendance and the wrestlers in the first few rows begin chanting: THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP!THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP! THANK YOU, BISHOP!We slowly fade to a commercial.
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:28:40 GMT -5
Billy: Welcome back fans and we're almost done with the Hall of Fame here!Chris Avery: I have to add, I'm glad Gravedigger kicked Katta Pult out of the Hall of Fame!Billy: As am I! We just got official word though, she'll still be announcing during Evolution IV for the Cruiserweight division.Chris Avery: Well, we can't win them all!Billy: Heres another look at some superstars who will be heading into the Legacy wing!Billy: Wow! What a kick off to the Legacy Wing!Chris Avery: Lincoln was a fantastic superstar as was KEG!Billy: Who can forget Maloney or Massaro! They were here for a very short while but I mean, the impact those two made on Action Wrestling. It will now last forever.Chris Avery: Absolutely!
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Post by Action Reel on Jun 25, 2021 21:33:12 GMT -5
Ryan Lockhart
Billy: Well guys, it's time for our final Hall of Fame entry. Chris Avery: He was a Champion among Champions. The longest reigning World Champion who never backed down from a fight and was always willing to get it in on the ring.Billy: He never lost an opportunity at a Championship belt when he was given it, and was the driving force behind many superstars goals to one day reach. Folks, to induct Ryan Lockhart into the Hall of Fame please welcome the General Manager of Monday Night Clash Alexander Pasternak!Narrator: Here to induct Ryan Lockhart, please welcome Monday Night Clash General Manager Alexander Pasternak!The crowd cheers as Alexander Pasternak makes his way to the podium. Alexander Pasternak: I had a hard time trying to figure out how to start this, truth be told. You sit down, try and write a nice speech for your boy and everything, but the first question you ask yourself is "what is there to say about Ryan Lockhart, that he isn't going to say himself the second he gets up here?"The crowd gets a sensible chuckle out of the quip. Alexander Pasternak: In all honesty though, this is one of those inductions that already feels well overdue, as absolutely insane as that sounds. Nothing against the rest of this years' class, but there are guys you look at and go "yeah, they could make it to this point" and then there are guys you just know are gonna end up right here on this stage one day. Ryan was one of those guys. I'm talking before he won the world title, before he won All-in, even. From day one, his career ending here was inevitable, and truth be told I'm honored to be up here as the man tasked with inducting him.
A beat. Alexander Pasternak: Though, of course, that I am the one up here is probably a reminder of the time Ryan Lockhart went from the once and future face of AW to, well, an insufferable dickbag. I can say 'insufferable dickbag' up here, yeah? I never know, given that I'm not exactly privy to how much we wind up paying in FCC fines the minute any of our talent is placed in front of a microphone. In all honesty, though, it's hard to talk about Ryan's legacy without talking about the #BeachKrew run; I think that's still the mode most people remember him the best in.Because to stay that long at the very top of this sport isn't something you just sorta luck your way into. People can clown all they want about three straight matches with Jaice Wilds; that's what happens when you're so firmly entrenched on that mountaintop that wouldbe contenders tuck tail and run in the opposite direction. Ryan Lockhart puffed out that little fuckin' bird chest of his and shook more of the toughest people on this planet than you'd ever expect someone who looks like him.
That was what he did. That's why this was inevitable. We can talk about what a force a guy like Walter is, how indomitable some of the biggest men this business has ever seen felt, but Ryan wasn't any of that. He was a fighter. He was a winner. And most importantly, he was a champion. And while there's so much of this business that can be taught, at the end of the day the mentality that Ryan Lockhart brought to even his least inspired efforts is so far beyond most of the people who will ever lace up a set of boots that it's like you're watching a different breed entirely.
He isn't just the greatest 'AW Original' of all time; he's the greatest wrestler to ever do it in this company and that's a goddamn fact. So please, give it up for the man whose name is so synonymous with greatness that everyone assumed he was in the Hall of Fame already: Mr. Ryan Lockhart!
Lockhart arrives, dressed in a royal blue three-piece navy suit, an amicable grin spread over his face as he greets the crowd who cheer loudly for him. Lockhart: Hey Action Wrestling. It’s been a while, huh?
He laughs. Lockhart: I can’t lie, I’ve missed this place. A big part of me always will. That’s what happens when you work hard for something. When you make the sacrifices few others are willing to make. You end up feeling… obligated, in a sense. To keep pushing, to keep aiming for bigger and better, rather than taking a step back to see the bigger picture.
He pauses, a look of thought coming over him. Lockhart: When I retired last year, I did with no-one by my side. I remember walking out there feeling more nervous than I did for any of my world title matches. More nervous than I was during my first match where I didn’t know what I’d be getting into by signing up here. More nervous than staring across the ring from legendary competitors like Wade Moor and Howard Black.
A smile. Lockhart: Looking back on it? It’s sad. I grew up from humble beginnings, where everyone knew everyone and helped lift each other up. That’s what it was all about. That’s where I got most of my spirit from, those early days where I was part of something bigger. A community. That’s what I tried to do when I first got here, too. Put on a show for you guys, earn the respect of the locker room, and maybe even make some friends while I did it. After all, we’re all people, right?
But I started to lose all of that when… well… when I started winning. Those lights get a little brighter, the sponsorships start coming in, people start recognizing you’re name and everywhere you go, you’re getting asked to sign autographs and get told about how you’re some little kids hero. It gets to your head. You start feeling like some type of ethereal figure or some shit, like you’re on a different plane of reality from the rest of the people who are looking up to you. Suddenly, those same kids and hard-working parents I used to be able to relate to wholeheartedly? I barely saw them as people.
Winning All-In was simultaneously the best and worst thing that could’ve happened to me. I never felt more proud of anything than I did in that moment, toppling legends, up-and-comers and AW mainstays all at once to claim what was basically a guaranteed World Championship. But at the same time? That’s when things started going downhill. That’s when I…He glances over at Pasternak, exchanging a smile with him. Lockhart: That’s when the whole #BeachKrew thing happened, and we all know the story from there. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t fun: it was. I got to do whatever I wanted, I had the keys to the castle and everything that came with it. I got to the top villain of the biggest federation on the planet for nearly a year, all eyes on me. That’s something you just don’t forget. But eventually I got to thinking… at what expense?
I didn’t bring anyone up with me, I just tore them down.
I didn’t get the respect I always wanted; I just ended up with enemies and people who feared me.
My personal life became non-existent. Everything became wrapped up in this singular idea of keeping the belt at any cost, including throwing away any semblance of honor and integrity I had. The one thing I prided myself on for years, thrown away just like that.A shake of the head. Lockhart: But it taught me a lot, more than I’ll ever be able to pass on to others, and it’ll continue to help me as I move onto the next stages of my life. There’s more to life than being ‘successful’ by the traditional standard. Winning isn’t everything. Take the time to recognize your own needs and how to take care of them. Check in with those around you, even if you feel like you just don’t have the time to. Trust me, you probably do.
Ah, who am I kidding? This isn’t a mental health seminar by Ryan Lockhart. This is meant to be a celebration, not some sad boy going on about his mistakes and how he can make them better.The crowd in attendance laughed along with him, his hands gripping the edge of the pedestal tightly, as if to prevent him from falling over. He bites his bottom lip, uncertain of how to continue. Lockhart: But I think it’s important that I make my apologies, before I get given any credit. Before I officially get inducted into the Hall of Fame and have people reminiscing about the ‘good times’ and the ‘classic matches’, because there’s more important stuff to set straight.
I’m sorry to Mom and Dad for not seeing you guys enough after I joined Action Wrestling. You guys sacrificed so much to get me here, and you basically became an afterthought the moment I had a little bit of success. I’ll never forgive myself for that.
I’m sorry to Wade for not seeing the signs sooner. For not doing more to help you out when you needed people the most. For not taking it seriously enough. For not upholding my responsibilities as a friend. For seeing you more as a rival than a brother, when you’d wanted nothing but the best for me. I wish I could take it all back.He regards Pasternak standing next to him, eyes teary. Lockhart: I’m sorry to you too, Alex. You were right. I betrayed you because I needed to feel like the hero, not because I was actually deep down a really good guy. I should’ve pushed you to be better, rather than let you settle in your bad habits. We were both lost for a while there, but all I cared about was myself and how others would see me. That was wrong. You don’t know how much it means to see what you’ve managed to accomplish. And the fact that even after all the shit I pulled, you’re still willing to call me a friend? That means the world.The two share an embrace before Ryan returns back to the microphone. Lockhart: I’m sorry to everyone I tried to undermine and tear down while they were just trying to craft their own legacies or continue to develop them. They were doing the exact same thing I was trying to do, but I was self-absorbed. I saw it as a threat and something to get rid of entirely, rather than as a healthy challenge to improve myself. Lincoln Kuechly, Camila Gonzales, Kyle Kemp, QDT, TFK, Lissie Hope, Dandy DiVito, Spencer Adams… you are just some of the people who helped either build this place or make it even greater than what it already was. Instead of acknowledging that and trying to work with you or at least show appreciation for your talents, I wanted nothing more than to eliminate you from the picture entirely. Only now do I realize how damaging that could have been - I’m glad it didn’t stop any of you from going on to do great things.He grins, now. Lockhart: I’m sorry to management for being a pain in the ass. We had our ups and downs, huh? Maybe in another world, we ended up working to make some of those matches that should’ve happened during my time as World Champion against Casey Holliday or Corey Black. As much as it would’ve pained me to acknowledge during my time as an active competitor… without you guys? I make it nowhere. I’m probably still just the dumb kid from Boston going through a packet of cigarettes a day, barely making ends meet by fighting in random underground clubs, fighting and fighting my way to an early grave. That’s the reality of the situation, but I never saw it or showed my appreciation for what I’d been given the privilege to accomplish here. So thank you.He stops to catch his breath. Lockhart: There’s a lot of people to thank, actually. So much so that I”ll probably miss a few, but most of you know who you are.
Thank you to my Mom and Dad for everything you did to try and raise me the right way. I hope I made you guys proud.
Thank you to my best friend Mark, for getting me the call here in the first place.
Thank you to everyone in management for believing in the kid from Boston and giving him a chance when no-one else would have talen that risk.
Thanks to Spencer for giving me one last decent run here before I decided to call it quits. Even though some thought it was sudden, it felt right having my last match be with you by my side.
Thank you, Wade. For not only being the best mentor I could’ve asked for, but also a friend. Thank you, Alex. You were good to me - far better than I deserved or what I ever managed to give back. You’ll never know how proud I am of you.
Thank you to every single person I ever went up against for pushing me as a competitor. It’s because of a lot of people who are still in that locker room today that I was able to start seeing where I’d gone wrong in my career.
And last but not least? Thank you, Action Wrestling. I know I wasn’t always the guy I wanted to be: the loved hero who everybody liked. But that’s what made it all the more real, knowing that I had an effect on you guys just the same as you had on me. It’s a cliche, but without you guys? I end up nowhere. I end up forgotten.
So I guess if I had one last thing to say?
He’s choking on his words now, tears streaming down his face. Lockhart: Don’t forget about me, ‘kay?He smiles and winks, cheers going through the arena as he is given a standing ovation by the people. The graphic appears on the corner. CBS signs off for us as Lockhart continues standing on the stage and not a single person is sitting down. His music finally hits and the crowd pops one more time with a Lockhart chant. The 2021 Hall of Fame fades off the air. OOC:Hey, everyone. For those who aren’t familiar with me or haven’t spoken to me before, I’m Leigh. I’m a 21-year-old student who has been E-Fedding since I was 14. In 2015, I joined WCF for a brief period, which was around the time where a lot of big names in our community like Spencer Adams, Wade Moor, Kyle Kemp, Alex Richards, Mikey X, Odin Balfore, Howard Black and others were either just getting started or had been around for some time.
In 2016 I ended up becoming more acquainted with the community and my awkward 16-year-old self started to engage and become more active in the OOC community. It’s weird to think about now, but guys like Pasternak and Howie? I’ve known for nearly a third of my life to this point, which to me is just insane and shows how this fake nerd E-Wrestling can actually end up meaning so much more than that.
I initially started E-Fedding due to my interest in writing. I was also a fan of WWE, but I stopped watching wrestling almost entirely by the time 2017 came around. As someone who is both super competitive (I play/played a lot of sports, especially in high school) and passionate about creative writing, I ended up getting super invested into the hobby but could never really get solidified into the WCF community until my last run there in 2017. When I eventually quit there by the end of the year, though? I was pretty sure I was either gonna take an extended break from the hobby or quit it entirely.
Until Gravedigger decided to shoot me a message.
A lot of messages, actually. He’d check in I want to say at least once a week when Action Wrestling was starting up to see if I’d join. I agreed, but I wasn’t sure if I was gonna take it seriously or as competitively as I used to. I had some sour feelings from WCF in terms of my effort/reward ratio and I was going into my final year of high school which was going to be the busiest time of my life up to that point especially as I had a job to worry about as well.
I said fuck it and joined. What’s the worst that could have happened? I flame out on another character and end up just chilling in the OOC community anyway? It turned out though that seeing how motivated everyone was to be here, the work Tort/Digger/Spencer were putting in weekly, the positivity and effort the roster were putting into building the AW world and dropping high quality RPs for each and every show. That shit was motivating for me, it brought back my edge but also made me want to get more involved.
In terms of writing to that point, the stuff I was putting out with Lockhart felt like my best work, but how could I be sure? I had just spent a year busting my ass writing 8000 word RPs almost weekly just to not be sure if I was even seen as a main-eventer. Here, though? I could see the appreciation everywhere. In the way I was booked, the way my character was written, the OOC conversations I started having, the way people started interacting with Lockhart IC as well. Not only that, but I even started getting thrown into storylines that I had almost no part in initiating. In all my time E-Fedding, that sort of thing hadn’t happened yet.
It was the most natural push I think I ever had, and it only motivated me further. That first year of AW in 2018 was probably some of the most fun I’ve had in E-Fedding.
AW was a place where I achieved a lot of things I’m proud of, even if this is just a hobby that I refer to as nerd shit all the time. I still remember Uprising 2018 being dropped at like, 12am my time roughly and I saw that I had won All-In and I was freaking out. No matter how good I thought I was, I never really saw myself winning a big match like that. I wasn’t really sure if I’d ever win a World Title either, to be honest. Getting to achieve both those things and then having the reign I was lucky enough to have sort of brought this hobby full circle for me, in a sense.
My early years and even my first year of AW came with being obsessed with winning. I used to get unreasonably annoyed and frustrated at losing, even more so before I got to WCF/AW. It was to the point that I was dropping 10,000 word roleplays for opening tag matches in WCF, like what the fuck is that? It was insane and admittedly, a little bit unhealthy I think.
Even my World Title run came with some of the downsides of being ultra competitive, which I realize now more than I did back then for sure. From my perspective, I just wanted to defend against everyone and keep growing the record and the defenses and the record, but I can see how that probably turned people off from wanting to storyline with me or compete against me. Why put your character on the line against a guy who you think is gonna try and bury you? Obviously, I never intended or thought of doing that, but I know that a lot of the vibe I gave off wasn’t the best, especially in 2019.
I think it all came together for me though when I lost the World Title and I realized I was actually happy for Dandy. He was a guy I got to see grow leaps and bounds so quickly, the same guy who would come to me for advice about shoot and how his stuff was coming together. I got to see him win big matches and have those epic US title storylines, but also a great dude in general OOC who I had had good discussions with in the past. I think in the past, a less mature version of me would’ve been pissed that I lost it. But seeing him win it? I was legitimately happy for him, and I don’t think I would’ve got to that stage without AW as a whole, or at least it would’ve taken me a whole lot longer.
AW gave me the chance to do a lot of the shit I wanted to get done during my time as an E-Fedder, and not just as the Lockhart character. I got to write a tag-team with the best friend I’ve made from this hobby. I got to become closer and collaborate with the absolute best fucking writers you’ll find here in Wade and Howie. The crazy thing about the former is that prior to AW, we were pretty much just acquaintances. We had hardly talked, even though we occupied a similar circle to an extent. That’s the great thing about this hobby though, and about AW as a whole: it brought me closer to these guys.
Wade, if you’re reading this, I fucking love you bro. I know we don’t talk as much anymore, but I hope you know I think about how you’re doing often and hope everything is going well. Being a younger guy in this hobby, it was really cool to have someone as understanding and kind as you to serve as a kind of mentor for me. You always had time to discuss stuff with me, whether it be fedding related shit, writing stuff in general, talking about video games or just venting about shit that was going down in real life… or even just me sending you random pics of some chicken I cooked for (insert secret reason here lmfao). I appreciate you so much and I’m not gonna forget any of that. You’re one of, if not the best thing that came out of me joining AW. I’m glad we became friends.
There’s a bunch of other people I’d like to talk about as well, so here it goes! If I forget you, make sure you message me and roast my ass.
Corey Bull: Thank you for always being so supportive and kind! It was a small gesture from you, but every time you said something positive about my work in chat or spoke about Lockhart in general, it gave me another reason to keep writing! It’s been a pleasure seeing you keep growing as a writer. Your BPW stuff in particular was excellent and you help bring life to the community.
Shadowlove: You’re just fucking awesome, bro. Enough said. Always an entertaining read, and you were one of my favorite guys to interact with in RPs and on the IT boards. Shadow’s a larger than life character and I love that you’ve practically invented your own over-the-top style that can’t be forgotten. You the real GOAT!
Dandy/Aarron: I touched on it early, but seeing you grow and become embedded in this community has been such a pleasure to see. I’m so glad we got to go through a feud together in what was by far the smoothest, most well-communicated plot I’ve ever gone through with someone. You’re a class act both in terms of the way you approach this hobby, but also as a person in general. I have so much respect for how you hold people to a standard in chat and how you’re never afraid to stand up for others or pull people into line. It’s a really admirable trait and I hope you know how much of a positive impact it has around here. You’re a fantastic person and I love talking with you whenever we get the chance. <3
Shawn: You want succ? Lemme give you some fucking succ. In my very humble opinion, you are the best product we have had added to this community from a writing perspective. In terms of character development, you are pretty much in a league of your own, and your shoot has evolved leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. Have confidence in yourself and know how great you are! You’re gonna be at the very top again soon man, trust me. Aside from that though, it’s been great getting to know you better. You can hit me up whenever you need, man.
JMac: You are the biggest dweeb I’ve ever met, but I mean that in an entirely positive way. You’ve almost single-handedly given this place the best OOC environment I’ve seen in a fed. Between the effort you’ve put into recruitment, giving up-and-comers as well as established dudes advice and motivated people who aren’t feeling confident because of results, their story arc, or whatever… you’ve done it all. I also think it’s pretty accurate to say that out of everyone I’ve known from the WCF community through to now, you’ve far and away improved the most and become a consistent top level writer. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that both IC and OOC, you are the face of the Action Wrestling. In terms of dedication and effort as someone who has to both RP his ass off and also take the time to help this place grow, there is no-one who could do half as good a job as you. Watching you grow in confidence and comfort in terms of OOC shit has been great to see as well. I don’t give a fuck if you stutter, send those damn voice messages LMAO. You’ve always got interesting takes (and half of your NBA takes I disagree with and want to roast you for but it’s ok because I love you) and perspective on things. Also (and I’m writing this off the top of my head a 3 in the morning so I don’t care if this isn’t in chronological order or not fuck you) I’d say a big part of Lockhart becoming a big player in 2018 was because of the willingness you and Wade had to give me some of the spotlight during our feud. A lot of dudes in that situation would’ve treated me like the third-wheel in that situation (and rightfully so) but you guys didn’t let that happen and elevated me, even though I didn’t win. Watching how your career has panned out over the last few years has actually been a really good reference point for understanding some of the areas I went wrong. You built people up, you took less established people and made teams for them to develop their characters and their writing. You’ve waited plenty of times for shots at the big belts to instead work some smaller stuff, which is something I myself struggled with a lot. This is getting long and I’ve still got homies to get through so I’mma cut it off here, but just know you’re dope and I love you!
Tort: Where the fuck do I even start with you, man? I remember back in WCF thinking you were just a mega troll who didn’t give a damn about anything and were just some old head going around talking shit to all the new people in the community. So yeah, I kinda thought you were a weirdo with a god complex or something, but I also remember you hyping up some of my work as EK as well, so I wasn’t sure how writing under you was ever gonna pan out. Turns out I’m the fucking best and you loved everything I did and we became lovers but also would argue like twice a week over random shit because we had different visions and shit. You know, just your normal everyday stuff. But seriously, I can’t thank you enough for how you welcomed me into this place and put confidence in me as a writer. That first year especially you took the time to build my character and give me shit to work with, and that was really what allowed me to reach my peak as the character and end up getting some really cool shit done. I know during my time as champ I probably caused hell for you with all of my dumb ideas, and the fact that I joined up in a super-team instead of letting you put me and Wade against each other for the belt, but you were always up for a discussion and tried to make this as fun as possible. You pushed me to do better and to work harder on storylines, you called me out when you thought what I suggested was dumb and tried to figure out ways to make it better. If we disagreed on something, we were always able to talk it out to some degree, and I really appreciated that. I know towards the end of 2019 and during 2020 as well I was being kind of sour with you, and I do want to apologize for that. I felt as though I was being phased out for a lot of the other talented writers around here, and that definitely got me in my feelings to a degree. It was unbecoming behavior of someone who had been treated so well by you. A lot of it just came down to miscommunication and unrealistic expectations on my part, but you never held a grudge and just kept doing your thing. I don’t know how you stay sane running this ship, but you’re the best in the game at what you do and I’m grateful that you keep doing it week in week out. I told you this recently but I do want to restate just how much I admire that you’re able to put so much passion, creativity and effort into this hobby while having all the responsibilities and shit that you have in your real life. TortDad da fucking best! <3
Michael: I said this the other day, but it’s still insane to me that you and I were each other’s introductory match into this community. And while I’ll never let you live down the fact that you lost to 15-year-old me, I think it’s safe to say that you have been the one to leave a huge impression on the community both as a writer and a person. You are such a loveable and cool guy, and I hope I get the chance to meet you in person one day. I admire the way you are able to craft narratives and also come up with such deep themes for your shoot. Stylistically, I’d say myself and many others have taken so much inspiration from you. On your best day? You are the best. Not a debate.
Sorry if this seems disjointed as fuck because I am getting sleep deprived, but I appreciate how kind you’ve been to me over these years we’ve known each other. Looking back on when I was pretty much just a kid, I probably pestered the fuck out of you but you were always nice and always motivated me to do better. You were one of the reasons I felt more comfortable becoming more involved in our community from an OOC perspective. I feel as though you have a way of relating to people and making them feel good about themselves. I remember having a terrible day where my brother had been in surgery and I was staying with him at the hospital for the night, and I stayed on a call wtih you and your friends for hours just chilling and chatting with you guys about all sorts of random stuff and it was really comforting and grounding for me in a time where I was having a bad day. I feel like I could come to you with anything I had on my plate and you’d give me good perspective on it, whether it be my work or any problems I had come up.
Also, you’re one of the few people who actively roast me (including both my online and real life friends) so thank you for keeping me humble. Xx
I could speak all day on you, which I think you already know. Thank you for being you. You’re my favorite.
Alongside this next fucker.
Corey: It’s a little weird writing about a guy who I literally talk to as much as my real-life best friend, but I’ll try to anyway.
For those of you who aren’t aware (though I’m sure a majority are since we beat this story to death all the time) Corey and I met in the first E-Fed I joined, XWF, in 2014. We literally hadn’t spoken to one another at all until we randomly got booked as tag partners on a card for one week, and since then we’ve basically been joined at the hip.
I guess it’s weird to talk about you since I’ve basically spent the majority of my adolescent and young adult life with you playing some part in it? I honestly can’t remember an extended period of time where you and I hadn’t communicated in some form, whether it be our 100% accurate and correct NBA takes (like when we said Trae Young would never be an all-star caliber lmfao rip) or random memes, or videos which 95% of the time you had to send to me because I didn’t understand some reference you made to a show or movie because I live under a rock and don’t watch anything.
I am honestly curious when the last day would’ve been where we didn’t actually talk, but I need to wrap this shit up so I’ll find that out some other time.
I think you’re also part of the reason I’m still even doing this hobby. Seeing you take this shit more seriously as Ash has been great to see and partially what made me want to make a new character here (which, for those of you who care and are still somehow managing to read this clusterfuck of a speech, I have revealed who my current new character is in the chat before! Maybe i’ll reveal it again soon). I also think that if we never started the Adlers, I probably disappear from here and don’t write again for a while. I was on the verge of burnout but that was rejuvenating. Getting to actually go through that creative process with you was one of my favorite times in fedding, and collaborating with you is something I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of.
Also I know I said Michael is the best but you are also the best. I can’t pick between you two. Please have a proper one on one against each other somehow I beg you. It would make me very happy.
This is getting more and more disjointed but I’ll just end it on this: I will fucking swim to America one day to come see you if I need to. You are my best internet friend and a massive nerd who I cherish and love whole-heartedly and will never miss the opportunity to either praise or dunk on depending on my mood.
Please never stop sending me memes.
(Also you are the source of at least 50% of my humor and recurring phrases that I use so thank you for that. My best talent is mimicking you.)
…
Okay, so that’s about it. I’ve probably missed people, but writing this has been emotionally draining and I’ve had to keep coming back to it in the early hours of several mornings to try and get it done.
Thank you to everyone included in this message and anyone I have interacted with over the last few years. I know I’ve never been a super active OOC presence or someone who is embedded in the community in that type of way, but I do appreciate all of you and what you’ve helped create here. Every RP, IT post, OOC post, chat message, podcast, network piece, and anything you can think ol contributes to the experience and helps make AW the best E-Fed around.
You are all awesome.
Let’s keep building each other up and have this place going strong for years to come.
Thank you!
-Leigh
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