Post by Star Stormz on May 8, 2021 21:32:49 GMT -5
(The cameras kick live and pan around the room. There was a crowd of roughly 200, roster members, staff and crew, family, and friends only. There was a podium at the front with the 2021 Hall of Fame logo on the front. The rest of the stage was rather simple in design. The spotlight focused on the podium as a voice came across the loud speaker.)
Voice: Please welcome to the stage, your hosts for the evening… Hall of Famer, and former No Limits Champion… and his wife… a 2 time Queen of the Ring… MARCUS CAGE AND CANDY!!!
(The crowd applauded loudly as Marcus and Candy walked on stage towards the podium, waving to the crowd. Marcus was wearing a very simple, yet well fitted, black suit with a white shirt under it and a black tie. His long hair was pulled back sleekly in a low ponytail. Candy was wearing a full length sleeveless dress that was covered in pink sequins with silver accents at the top. Her hair fell over her shoulders in beautiful, loose waves. She smiled from ear to ear as they took the podium.)
Candy: HI EVERYONE!!! I’m so excited to be here, hosting the 2021 PWS:APEX Hall of Fame ceremony!! When they called me and asked if we would do it… it was such a surprise and we said OF COURSE with no thinking at all!!! There was no place I’d rather be tonight than standing up here in front of all of you guys…
Marcus: It’s an absolute honor to stand on this side of things, and watch as we celebrate some of the best superstars from the PWS’s long history.
Candy: The 5 people being inducted tonight deserve this honor so much. Well, 4 of em do. I still don’t get the Reverend Synister thing…
Marcus: It’s a peculiar thing. But, we are here to honor him too. Regardless. Now, let’s not waste time and welcome the first person for the night who will be inducting a good friend of his.
Candy: Please welcome to the stage, a dear friend of mine, and a big time lover of... yogurt… DAZ!!!
(Daz emerges from the curtain, a tight-fitting suit framing his plump body. He approaches Candy and Marcus, and they both share a hug with him. They take their leave as he waves and approaches the podium.)
Daz: Well, it's certainly been a hot minute since I've had to do this, but it's like a riding a bike, right? Not that I'd know how to ride a bike anymore either... I'm fat as hell now... Anyways, whether it's my love life in the bedroom or long speeches, I like to keep things short and sweet so here we go!
And I apologize for the tangent, but let me just say it's so good to see some of the people here tonight. There's tons of new talent ripping it up on the current roster, but damn is it good to see some old face. My boy Alpha, my girl Candy, my boy Marcus Redd also getting the much deserved induction as well, and everyone else who I haven't seen in so long. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little touched that I was asked to come out here and introduce you to the next inductee.
Tonight is by no means about me, tonight is about someone who is very, very close to me. In this business it's no secret that finding true genuine friends is very difficult. So is finding people who truly has your best intentions at heart, but I've been lucky enough to find multiple people like that from my time at PWS. However few compare to the man I'm here to honor tonight... The one and only Antonio Banks!
(The crowd pops loudly at the mention of Antonio Banks.)
Daz: Anyone who knows Antonio knows our history together, but what they might not know is how deep it goes. Now I've taken a few shots to the head and have listened to far too many Trisha Lee Moore rants, so frankly my brain is rather fried these days, so if my details are a little foggy forgive me. But Antonio and I started in the PWS pretty much at the same time, and let me tell you this straight up and I know he'd agree with me: boy did we suck when we first started. That's not a joke, I mean it, we were awful. We were young and full of these grandiose ideas that we were going to have everything handed to us because we knew how good we'd eventually become, but hot damn were we garbage. But frankly I wouldn't have it any other way, because Antonio and I grew up together. We grew as athletes, as wrestlers, as performers, as men but mostly importantly as friends. I remember many times where things just get a little lonely, you know? And he was always there for me. Even when I was at my lowest and there was a shit-storm all around us, Antonio was always there with something positive to say and a smile on his face. That's the type of dude he was. He didn't sit and belittle people, he didn't bitch and moan and complain about his spot, he worked his ass off and he climbed the mountain with his bare hands. And no matter what anybody says, that man deserves more than anybody to be inducted into the PWS Hall of Fame.
Not just for his technical accomplishments, though those are there as well. Banks held practically every championship and won every type of match you could want to win in PWS, so there's no doubting that. But he deserves it because he's the poster boy of a man you want on your roster, on your team. When we formed Black Blood Mafia it was originally going to be just myself and Alpha Dog, but we were already good friends with Banks and knew that if anybody else knew the type of struggles we were going through it was him. Honestly I don't know if I'd have gotten as big as I did if it wasn't for Banks picking me up when I was down, and helping me make Trisha's life a living hell with me. Both very important traits for a friend to have.
I digress. I could go on for hours about why this man is the absolute best, a phenomenal wrestler and an even more upstanding friend, but I'll let him tell you that on his own. So ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome a man I consider to be family to me. He is a former member of the Black Blood Mafia. He's a former PWS Heavyweight Champion. He is NOW a member of the PWS Hall of Fame class of 2021...but most importantly...
THE MASTER OF THE BOOB-LOCK AND THE TIT-BAR... PLEASE WELCOME ANTONIOOOOO BANKSSSSSSSS.
(Antonio Banks’ music hits as Daz is standing at the podium and looking back at the entrance to the stage. As 'I AM COMIN'' hits during the entrance theme, Antonio Banks steps out wearing a navy blue suit with a walking stick in his hand. He stops and looks around the crowd clapping and cheering for him. He walks towards the podium and gives a big tight hug to Daz. It can be easily made that he said “Thank you Brother” to Daz while hugging him. He walks to the podium and stands at the microphone and gives another look around. He lets out a big breath.)
Antonio Bank: Oh WOW.
(He pauses for a second.)
Antonio Banks: … I don’t think there is anything else I can achieve in my life which can ever come close to the biggest highlight of not only my career, but my life, the BOOB LOCK.
(Antonio Banks chuckles as the crowd gives a big laugh. Camera zooms into Trisha Lee Moore as she can be seen saying “You are famous because of me”. Antonio Banks saw Trisha's reaction on the screen.)
Antonio Banks: Can’t argue with Trisha on that…. Or on anything else on that matter. I mean she would produce a thesis on how 2+2=5 instead of accepting she is wrong.
(Antonio Banks winks and mouths “Love you Baby girl”. He then looks at the microphone for a couple of seconds and then back at the audience.)
Antonio Banks: This …… all of this….still feels surreal. When I received the call from PWS management informing me they are inducting me into the class of Hall of Fame 2021, I honestly thought it was some kind of a prank call….. most probably by Lenny Jenkins.
(Antonio Banks smiles.)
Antonio Banks: To be honest, right now I am having the same goosebumps which I had when I was making my wrestling debut in PWS, when I had won the PWSR World Heavyweight Championship. It is the feeling that….that you have finally achieved something you were not expected to. Was I expected to be here when I made my debut? Did I expect myself to be in the Hall of Fame one day? No and no. But did it stop me? Never. I didn’t let those doubts stop me from giving my 100%. I went out, get beat up, came back and I went out again a week later. I will be quite honest here, I didn’t enter into this business to be a wrestling great…. A legend. No. I came into wrestling to be able to provide to my family. I busted my ass so we could have two meals in a day. And that’s what I did.
I do not shy away from reality. I embrace my past. During the initial period of career, I was nothing more than a jo…….. no, what’s that fancy word that’s thrown around now a days, OH YES “enhancement talent”. *Chuckles* From barely winning any match to my first championship to the Destination Next Money in the Bank matches and then the PWSR World Heavyweight Championship ….. I got to that point not because I was technically gifted or a great worker, but because I gave everything I had to survive in this business. Surely everyone wants the Big Gold around their waist, but I was not solely motivated by that goal. My wife, girlfriend of the time, we had gone through the phase in our lives where we didn’t have money to even buy a single meal for the day for one person. So I knew what I had to do and it was that hard work that I had put in which took me to the top of this company.
And to be quite honest, I did not realize when that hard work transferred me from a mediocre wrestler to someone who can be represented as the face of the company. So never let your current limitations stop you from achieving the best you can by putting in the hours. Don’t ever settle for less. Just because you BELIEVE that that’s the best you can do, it doesn’t mean you just stop there. Invest your time, don’t ever stop improving yourself and with time, the previous best you had thought you can do ….. would only feel like a stepping stone. And most importantly, DO NOT EVER LET ANOTHER PERSON TELL YOU WHAT YOU CAN OR CAN NOT DO…. WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE OR NOT. You are the only one to decide for yourself. You are the only one who has to realize and understand to what extent you want to pursue something.
(Antonio Banks takes a pause.)
Antonio Banks: I can’t take complete credit for everything I have achieved in my career here in PWS. Fans have been a driving force for me throughout my career. If it was not for their love and support, my ride to the top would surely have been even more bumpy. But there are some people in my life, who not many know, but helped me transform into becoming a better wrestler and a better human. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my brothers of Black Blood Mafia
(Camera pans to the Alpha Dog and Daz.)
Antonio Banks: For the longest part of our career, Alpha Dog and I had been at our odds. We never saw eye to eye….. but off screen, he was one of the best supporters and friend I had in this wrestling industry. He stopped at nothing to help me improve…. And Daz, man what a great ride we have had together. We surely started together but you peaked much before me in your career …. But you didn’t abandon me, you instead stuck around. Alpha Dog... Daz….. we had some intense rivalries. We shared some big moments as a team together. From returning as the masked wrestler to take out Alpha Dog to “Banks can’t beat Daz”, man what a time we have had. So a big thank you to both of you guys. I can’t imagine what my career would have been without you two.
And Trisha *Banks smiles* I don’t think I ever have shared this with you and I think this is the best time to let you know. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. You have been a great friend, and most importantly a better person. You are a role model for everyone out there. I used to have more of a traditional outlook on many things, men wrestle men and produce the best wrestling matches for the fans. Women wrestle women, have somewhat decent matches…. Have a bra and panty match every now and then ….. may be a few HLA ….. okay last one may have been a fantasy of mine
(Antonio Banks laughs.)
Antonio Banks: But you Trisha, you walked into this company and you shook things up single handedly. You didn’t let the conventional ways of this company stop you…..or limit you from achieving your goal and rise to the top of the company. You made me believe in you. You helped me grow as a person. You didn’t only wrestle men, you proved you are better than most of us. And if I had not seen this from my own eyes, I would still be in denial. So thank you Trisha, for not only helping me in becoming a better wrestler, but most importantly, helping me become the better version of myself. And I would be a proud father if my daughter follows you in your footsteps and defy the odds no matter where she goes.
Wow I have taken quite some time here. It’s been years since I had cut a promo so I kind of was nervous to walk out here and deliver my speech. But it all came out naturally. I guess I still have got it. Don’t let this walking stick fool you, I can easily move around like a cat. I just thought this goes with the look….with grey hair and all.
(Antonio Banks laughs as the crowd is amused.)
Antonio Banks: Again I would like to extend a big thank you to the management for inducting me into the Hall of Fame…… well I was their 3rd longest World Heavyweight Champion of that time, amongst all the Dozen or more champions we had then, so it was inevitable.
(Antonio Banks winks and the crowd reacts with laughter.)
Antonio Banks: Thank you so much for trusting me with this privilege. Thank you everyone for your time. I would not be here without you. God bless you and love you all.
PWS Hall of Fame is now officially BALLIN'
(Antonio Banks does his signature BALLIN’ move and waves to the crowd as everyone is standing up clapping. As Antonio Banks walks off stage, Candy comes back on stage and takes to the podium with a smile.)
Candy: Congratulations, Antonio! Now, please welcome our next induction… inductor… well inductors… Please welcome to the stage, to induct our dear friend David Shane… my husband Marcus Cage, and one of the nicest guys ever, Dynamite… Shock and Awe!!!
(Candy steps aside as Marcus and Dynamite come out onto the stage riding in what can only be described as a go cart with the top off that has been decorated up to resemble a tank, with the Shock and Awe logo in bright green on the side. Dynamite was driving as Marcus was trying to get the crowd into an uproar. As they approach the podium, they stop the “tank” and get out, both sharing a hug with Candy, before she goes offstage. They take the podium.)
Dynamite: Thank you all for the warm welcome.
(He looked over to the “tank” and grinned)
Dynamite: We had to make this happen in the Shock and Awe manner… or at least as much as we could possibly get away with…
Marcus: Yeah Star, you can’t fully stop us from being us.
(He grinned as the camera caught Star in the crowd nodding her head a little bit with a slight smirk, a little impressed.)
Marcus: What can we say about our brother in arms, David Shane? The man was born into this business, and he has dedicated his life to this business and this company. We’ve known him for a really long time, and there’s no better friend to have in your corner than David Shane.
Dynamite: This is true. He is the only other person who has ever been officially initiated into the family of Shock and Awe.
Marcus: Started off back in the old PWSi days, I had to run a solo act thanks to a CERTAIN SOMEONE having baby momma drama...
(He shoots a goofy glare at Dynamite who just shrugs)
Marcus: Things started off with him as a rival, when he brought APEX INC in with his good ole buddy Flex Johnson…
Dynamite: Wow that’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time.
Marcus: I know, right. But David and Maria, Flex… and of course this wouldn’t be complete to discuss the early days of David’s career without mentioning War. Rest in peace, man. But once the rivalry situation ended… we both had a hole that we were trying to fill.
Dynamite: That’s what she said?
(Marcus looked at Dynamite with a grin.)
Marcus: Nice one.
Dynamite: Thank you. But from day one, there was always a mutual respect between APEX and Shock and Awe. When I had to leave to handle things, David stepped up and filled in for me as Marcus’s friend and brother. And from there… well… you all know the story.
Marcus: David Shane is just proof that sometimes a stranger is just a brother you haven’t met yet.
Dynamite: David, you deserve this more than anyone else I know. You are truly a legend in this business, and one of the best people we know. You have done pretty much everything this business has to offer… and then some...
Marcus: Which is why it is our distinct honor to introduce to you… our friend…
Dynamite: Brother…
Marcus: And now, fellow Hall of Famer… David Shane!
(They start to clap, and the crowd joins in, as David Shane comes out from the side and makes his way to his friends, followed by good ole Mr Nanners wearing a suit. He shares a hug with both men before they hop on the go cart and sit in silence. David helped Mr Nanners onto his stool next to the podium.)
David Shane: Thank you all...My Brothers, thank you both for inducting me into the class of 2021. This class is the epitome of PWS back in the day and what it can be again...
(He looked back at them, then out of the crowd filled with his peers and the select fans, and a smile came to his face.)
David Shane: I started out in this industry, a cocky second generational star who walked into the doors of XDF...Yea some of you remember that place...
(David looked over to his father sitting with Maria and the kids.)
David Shane:I was trained by my father, who following my training handed me $100 and told me I had 2 days to get to Austin, TX for my first match. “You’ve come a long way” he told me “But you need to now get yourself to Austin for your first match.” as most of you know My Dad isn’t a man of many words. This was the most he’d say to me after saving me from the streets and my addictions.
David Shane: I walked up to that arena barely making the role call, I found my way to the locker room and changed into my gear. This was where I first met Eddie Lopez WaR and my wife Maria Angel...My first night I was in a fatal four way match against Eddie Lopez, Some guy that Maria was managing and WaR...Who would have thought that my entire career would change because of the first people I met in the industry.
(David looked out at Eddie sitting with Gracie, then over to his wife and then his father.)
David Shane: Believe it or not, I won. My very first match and I won against men that had been doing it longer than I had. Eddie still tries to say he let me win, but he wasn’t even a part of the pinfall.
David Shane: This is how I came into this Industry, I never wanted to compete but it was a living at the time. I started to date Maria, hung out with Eddie and WaR off camera. I met the three most important people to my career my first night on the job.
David Shane: Time would pass and XDF would close its doors, leaving me a free agent in the wrestling world. This is when I began to get phone calls from PWS International. I hung up on Star at least 20 times because it sounded like a shipping company over a wrestling company. Finally WaR approached me, and gave the pitch that helped Star land my signing with the company.
(David looked to Star…)
David Shane: and boy did she regret that signing. I came into this company demanding everything from title matches to my own locker room…
(David paused...he started laughing.)
David Shane: You all wanna know how I learned about my induction...Star came into my office in Orlando and told me that the team was inducting me into the PWS hall of fame...I responded to her “That's great, Buy Why?”...Star then proceeds to yell in my office “YOU PINNED DUKE RUSSELL!”
(David turned to Marcus and Dynamite “YOU PINNED DUKE RUSSELL!” he couldn’t help but keep laughing while Star tried to hide from the camera.)
David Shane: Of all of my accomplishments, you choose the one that actually meant the least to my career. A Pinfall on the World champion, during a Championship Scramble...Hell, The very next show Duke Russell put me on my ass…
(David shook his head, still laughing.)
David Shane: I have had a great career and a shit load of fun doing it all. While i could continue the path down memory lane...what matters most is that it all led to this moment. I stand before all of you, a very humble man excited for the future of this company, that we have all worked tirelessly for.
(David turns the page of his speech before just throwing it to the side. Nanners giving it a raspberry as it flies around him. He then pounds on the podium.)
David Shane: I’m apparently taking too long. I would like to finish tonight by thanking my friends and my family for putting up with me along the way. We have kept each other in check along the way.
Eddie Lopez, We’ve been friends since the very beginning. We’ve spent many nights talking about our father’s careers and even about our children. I am looking forward to your match with Nick Madison
Marcus Cage, The High Voltage Superstar...Never in a million years, would I think that you would become a father…
(David laughs, as Marcus looks at him shocked.)
David Shane: Obviously I kid, I have seen you with my daughter and son. After everything we’ve been through I am glad I can call you my brother and ultimately an uncle to my kids.
Dynamite, I mean you’re cool, sometimes…You’ve got muscles...and I mean Hulk Smash!
(Dynamite shook his head, smiling.)
David Shane: You’ve had my back since the day, You and Marcus inducted me into the ranks of Shock and Awe...most of the time I felt like it was because I had the money to afford the more elaborate plans...Like Air lifting the production Trailer...or Tank Jousting...We need to do that again.
(David then looks at his wife and kids sitting front row with his father…)
David Shane: I owe everything to my beautiful wife, who has been at my side since I first asked her out and has put up with all of my shit through the years...from renting helicopters and tanks to starting up this company...You have always been the anchoring voice for me, always supportive and not afraid to tell me when I’m being stupid...even though you knew damn well I was going to start this company with Star.
(David pulled from his jacket a bottle of Jack Daniels, he placed it on the podium)
David Shane: Obviously there is another person, I would like to thank. The man responsible for me asking my wife out and some of the greatest adventures I have ever been on. He’s also quite frankly why my entire home bar is stocked with Jack Daniels...I can’t give this stuff away anymore...Aaron “WaR” Warrick, If you were here my friend....you’d probably be hitting on Gracie, in all honesty…
(Nanners takes the bottle of Jack off the podium, and starts to chew on the cap and peeling at the protective seal.)
David Shane: Now before Nanners gets into the Jack Daniels, I want to thank my fans. If it wasn’t for all of you cheering and supporting me along the way. My career would have ended with WaR’s passing. You all gave me the drive and determination to keep competing and to keep going. You are the whole reason I am standing up here tonight, rambling like I am.
(David walks in front of the podium.)
David Shane: Thank you all
(The arena stands clapping as David takes his bow, before taking the bottle of Jack Daniels from Nanners and placing it on the podium. David picks the chimpanzee up and walks over to the “Tank.” David climbs inside and pops up through the top as the “Tank” turns to the crowd and begins to fire confetti from the cannon on the front, it then slowly drives off stage. At this point, Candy walks back on stage.)
Candy: Congratulations, David! We all love you so much and are so proud of you! But now, please welcome to the stage, one of my bestest friends... Bella Madison!!!
(Bella Madison walks out in a knockout of a dress that you can tell is mostly Mattie Cormier’s steak but Bella’s beloved “Chrissy” obviously definitely had his say on a few of the accessories. She meets up with Candy near the podium, and the two share a tight hug. She takes the podium as Candy walks off stage, and she smiles warmly to her loved ones in the crowd.)
Bella Madison: They asked me to induct this next...you know what? I’m gonna call it for what it is, the “thing” I’m here to talk about is none other...than the Reverend Synister.
(The fans erupt with boos as Bella nods her head and cheerleads him a bit.)
Bella Madison: That twatball haunted and hunted me since I was a child but we FINALLY put that sick sonuvabitch in his place! So I’m out here to accept this on his behalf because he has...NO one else and this? This is closure for me-
(Before Bella can continue every light kicks out...until a single spotlight shines down illuminating Bella who’s looking around frantically until we hear a gravelly voice whisper…)
“...Nuriel…”
(Suddenly we see Bella wince and then her body goes rigid as she looks to the left almost like she’s in a trance...mesmerized. Because where she’s looking, a circle of flames ignites and smoke begins to billow as we hear a harsh voice cackling and rising from the smoke through the fire and the flames...is a scarred, burnt, sinister new mask as The Reverend Synister holds his arms out and raises his head to the sky. Once he’s completely up he saunters to the podium and up to Bella. There is great commotion in the audience as Jack Russow and Malachi are both trying to storm the stage but some of the heels on the roster are holding them back and taunting them! Syn reaches out a hand to stroke Bella’s cheek as the boys go absolutely psycho thrashing as hard as they can.)
Reverend Synister: Ohhhhhh...my sweet, soft, sassy little Princess. I told you...I wasn’t done with you! But for now…
(Syn gently takes her hand and leads the still awestruck Bella to the back a bit as he turns around at the podium glaring at everybody through the mask...)
Reverend Synister: Y’know...this here’s an honor for ol’ Syn! And why not? I was your Champion with or WITHOUT that there title and you all KNEW...MY NAME...when I spell it out using the stacked bodies of the damned!
(The crowd is booing as loud as they can...Mal and Jack are being almost dogpiled now...until?)
...The Reverend Synister...takes off his mask.
Everyone lets out a little gasp as his dark eyes and scarred features scan the arena. He begins to speak but it’s different...his voice is crisp and clear.)
Reverend Synister: Ah was born...jus’outside o’ Nawlins in a lil’ ol’ cabin floatin’ in the Maurepas Swamp. Life weren’t so easy...but I guess it weren’t so hard neither, huh? Look at me...looka where I am t’day, ya’ll. If a lil’ ol’ swamp rat can grow up to snatch this world like a big o’l gator well...that’s somethin’ t’hang yer hat on, ain’t it? My birth name...is Jebediah Ezekiel Boudreaux. You can call me Jeb fer short. On account o’ my name bein’ Jebediah and my initials spellin’ it too. I actually ain’t see wrasslin’ ‘til I was 16 an’ I got ma first job at this lil’ gymnasium that had this lil’ ol’ company tryina work it out. I was always a scrappy young’n, y’know? Sometimes you gotta punch a gator to get ‘er goin’ from de goats, don’t you tink?
(Everyone looks completely confused…)
JEB: I wanna thank y’all that nominated and voted fer me on the committee. I wanna thank all y’all fans fer every death threat, close call, and fer jus’ playin’ along at all. We do this, put our bodies on the line an’ in each other’s hands an” I know, I know...I done some right shady shit. But I ain’t sorry…’cause all ma life, I wanted outta that dank, depressing, shithole of a shack. I wanted t’change the world. I wanted t’be...famous. An’ y’all done helped yer boy get ‘bout as famous as it can get! Thanks to the Russows, the Madisons, the O’Connells, the Cenas, the O’Neils, the McKanes, Mattie Cormier for being BRILLIANT at her job, everyone involved in the War. Miles Kasey, Lachlan Kane, thanks to everyone that put their trust and faith in me to pick up the ball and run with it. An’ now, I’m a Hall of Famer baby! I got the fame I always wanted, they can NEVER deny or forget me now! AHA! AHAHAHAHAHA!!!
(Suddenly “Jebediah” slides the mask back over his face and the gravelly voice returns.)
Reverend Synister: ...you woulda liked that to be true, wouldn’t you my Children?
(Suddenly everyone erupts with boos as Syn has a hearty chuckle onstage.)
Reverend Synister: The greatest thing the Devil ever did was convince the World he didn’t exist! But I... I HAVE SEEN THE PROMISED LAND...I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE! We are just gettin’ started ma lil’ beignet.
(Syn takes his plaque in hand and starts cackling maniacally as he strokes Bellas cheek one more time before the lights flicker and he’s completely gone when they come back on as Bella snaps back to reality and looks around fearfully as she makes a beeline off the stage to Mal’s arms. Candy and Marcus come out with confused looks on their faces.)
Marcus: Uh… what just happened?
Candy: I don’t know… but I think it’s best if we all just…
Marcus: Yeah… let’s keep things going...
Candy: And now, please welcome with that super awesome energy you guys got going on tonight!!! You guys have been amazing so far, and its my absolute and FANTABULOUS pleasure to introduce to you now the person who is going to induct one of my bestest friends EVER, Chaz Holiday, into this year's Hall of Fame!!!
(She then takes a step to the side and holds out her arms, expecting someone else to walk on stage. The audience starts clapping, but as no one comes out onto the stage the applause begins to slowly fade to the point it is awkward. Marcus leans over towards Candy.)
Marcus: Candy… sweety… that's you. You are the one inducting him. Remember, we sat down yesterday and finalized your speech and everything?
(Candy tilted her head a little bit, squinting her eyes, thinking. Her eyes light up as she remembers.)
Candy: OH YEAH!!! Silly me!
(Then, from stage left, Fluffy comes prancing out towards Candy with a piece of paper in her mouth. Fluffy was, of course, wearing a puppy dress that resembled Candy's, with a tiara, of course. Candy bent down and took the paper from Fluffy's mouth and pat her head a few times. The crowd was of course in a small uproar for the pooch,, who wagged her tail happily a few soaked it in.. Marcus placed his hand on Candy's shoulder quickly, before picking up Fluffy and exiting the stage area. Camera shifts back to Candy at the podium. She unfolds the paper and begins to read off of it.)
Candy: Chaz Holiday is one of the bestest and nicest people there is. He is a hard worker and is totally dedi… dedicated to his craft. Chaz has always been one of my bestest friends from the day he first showed up in the PWS locker rooms. He had to overcome so much advertising…
(She squinted a little and shook her head)
Candy: Adversity… in his career. Yet through it all, he always remained positive. People used to pick on him all the time, and I know exactly what that feels like. It's not fun. But he always smiled through it and never let it get the best of him. He worked SO HARD to always do his best. And he still does. I can honestly say I really admire so much about this man. He is himself and doesn't pretend to be anyone else. He doesn't care if you like him or not, and he doesn't change himself to fit in. People have called him many names, some I won't ever repeat cuz they are just so mean!!! And never once did that dampen his spirit. In a world of Starbursts… Chaz is VERY MUCH a pink Starburst. The best one!! Not a YUCKY yellow one. I have so many great memories in this business with him, which is why it is such an honor for me to welcome Chaz Holiday, one of the brightest stars in this industry, into the PWS Hall of Fame!
(The crowd erupted in applause as Chaz made his way on stage and shared a huge hug with Candy. She heads off stage as he takes the podium. With a large smile on his face, the former multi-time titleholder took the stage. He adorned a sparkly purple dress suit, showing off his signature flamboyant style. He took a moment, the smile still firmly planted on his features, as he waited and allowed the crowd noise to die down.)
Chaz Holiday: First off, thank you Candy, for that fantastic speech. And thank all of you, for that incredibly warm welcome. It truly makes me feel blessed. Which, I am.
I was blessed with an incredible career in professional wrestling. I was blessed to meet so many lifelong friends because of my decision to take my life from Hollywood dressing rooms to the squared circle. And I was blessed to have such a strong and loyal fanbase.
You know, when you've been away from a company for so long, you wonder if people remember you. If the fans remember you. If your contributions to the company are remembered. Or if it all faded away with time. And it's humbling to know that, that isn't the case at all. I've never been the type to seek validation for anything I've done in my life. But I'd be lying if I said this didn't feel damn good.
(A smirk grew across his face and he nodded his head, as the crowd gave a round of applause.)
Chaz Holiday: As most of you know, I went on to wrestle a few more years outside of PWS, before retiring. And while I thrived and enjoyed it, I've always considered PWS as my home. It's where I broke into wrestling. It's where I grew up and learned and matured, both in wrestling and in life.
So when I was told that the company wanted to induct me into the Hall of Fame… It was a no brainer to me. I'm honored. I'm humbled. I'm blessed. And I'm forever grateful. Grateful for everyone that was apart of my life and my career. From Candy to Drake DeMarco to Chris Wylde to all of you fans.
Now, I'm not gonna stand up here and bore you guys by rambling on and on. I will end this by, again, saying… Thank you. I love you guys. To everyone in PWS… I'll see you guys at the Destiny afterparty! And to everyone else… let's see if I still know how to say this… ahem… Staaaaaay faaaantabulous!!
(Chaz raised an arm in the air, waving to the crowd as they started applauding again. He gave them all a bow and another wave, as he made his way back through the curtain. Candy and Marcus came back out onstage)
Marcus: What can I say, that is one charismatic guy.
Candy: Yeah! I’m so proud of him!
Marcus: And we are moving on to our final induction for the night. A man that I, myself, have quite a history with.
Candy: And the same name! But first, to induct him, everyone please give Josie Cena a warm welcome.
(There was a sparse laughter through the room as Marcus leaned in with a chuckle.)
Marcus: Josiah Cena…
Candy: That’s what I said!!!
(“I Made It” by Kevin Rudolf plays over the sound system, as Josiah Cena walks out onto the stage, laughing to himself as he gets a quick hug from Candy and handshake from Marcus before they walk off stage. His music fades as he makes his way to the podium.)
Josiah Cena: Ahh, some things never change. Maybe one day she’ll get the name right, but I wouldn’t put much hope in it.
(He smiles out at the crowd.)
Josiah Cena: Tonight, we gather to celebrate some extraordinary characters in Pro Wrestling Smarks history. Tonight is truly a celebration of some pioneers and men who paved the road for so many PWS superstars of today. The man I’m here to induct tonight, he’s no exception. Coming from being told by a producer that he didn’t think we’d make it past the midcard because we “didn’t have the right look.”
(The fans boo, as Josiah just laughs.)
Josiah Cena: Well, I’m already a hall of famer...and Redd’s going in….shows how much that guy knew, I guess? Marcus and I had some great times, and I can honestly say he’s one of the closest friends I’ve made in this business. Whatever we were doing, whether if it was dealing with Blade and his body double….
(The fans boo at the mention of Blade.)
Joosiah Cena: Let’s see, I gotta try and be PC, so...messing with Harlow Michaels….
(A “Whorlow” chant starts out in the crowd. The camera cuts to Levi, Daniel, and Jesse Russow, who are all smiling from ear to ear.)
Josiah Cena: Or if we were….ahem….borrowing Dave Diamond’s company credit card to make some expenses...no matter what we were doing, we were having the best time. It was truly great to see him come so far in this company, from him winning the No Limits title, to the day he won the PWS World Championship...man that was a party.
(Cena laughs and shakes his head.)
Josiah Cena: I won’t take up anymore of your time, and I’ll let the man get out here and accept his accolade. It is my distinct honor and privilege here tonight, to induct Marcus Redd...the “Ghetto Rockstar” into the Pro Wrestling Smarks Hall of Fame class of 2021!
(After Josiah introduced Marcus “Party Like a Rockstar” played out. He moved to the side of the podium. A few seconds went by and Marcus hadn’t come out. Josiah looked a little confused when Marcus didn’t come out. He went to be back to check on him. The music died down while Josiah is in the back. He was still mic’d up.)
Josiah Cena: Where the hell is Marcus? ... What do you mean you don’t know?! How the hell do you lose a Hall of Famer with a suit that loud?!
(Josiah came back putting on a brave face.)
Josiah Cena: Ladies and gentlemen, we are experiencing some Technical Difficulties. We will be right back as soon as we fix the problem.
“JYEEEEEEEEEAH!!!!!!”
(Marcus Redd’s voice could be heard throughout the arena.)
Josiah Cena: Where the hell are you?!
Marcus Redd: I’m just hanging out. Hit my music!
(“Party Like a Rockstar” played in the arena. A spotlight appeared at the top of the arena. Marcus was seen in a harness and zipped down from the nose bleed section behind those in attendance. He landed just below the stage and took off the jumpsuit to reveal his suit that had a bunch of hundred dollar bills printed on it with gold trimming around it. Josiah was laughing at the stunt.)
Josiah Cena: Ladies and gentleman... “The Ghetto Rockstar” Marcus Redd!
(Marcus took the stage and greeted Josiah hand shake and hug. Josiah went to the back and Marcus stood behind the podium. He flashed a smile showing off his new grill with the PWS Hall of fame logo on it in gold and diamonds.)
Marcus Redd: Y’all actually thought I was gonna just come from the back. Y’all got me messed up.
(Marcus looked out at the crew in attendance. He smiled. After a long pause, he held up a hand.)
Marcus Redd: ‘Aight! Y’all. I’m out!
(Marcus turned to leave the stage. Josiah stepped out and looked at him with a “c’mon, man” look on his face. Marcus returned to the podium laughing.)
Marcus Redd: Y’all know I was joking. Damn, you’d think that y’all would appreciate a short speech. Tryin’ to save y’all some money.
Anyway, on a serious note. I want to thank all y’all for thinking about me for such an honor. And I honestly didn’t think that I would be up here accepting an invitation to the PWS Hall of Fame. But, me being here isn’t a one man journey. True success isn’t done alone. I want to start by thanking my mother. She was the first one that recognize that I was one creative little asshole and saw that I needed an outlet. I needed physical and mental outlets. So she got me into music and sports. I’m not gonna pity y’all with a long speech as to why my mother is awesome because we’ll really be here all damn night. Love ya, momma.
Let’s talk about why I’m up here acting a fool for the world right now. It actually involved a chance encounter by one Steven Xavior. I was fresh out of college and looking to which path I could go with my life. Wrestling or music. I met him at show I worked in the ring and he liked what he saw. He was like “I can get you a foot in the door. You’d have to break that bitch down.” He gave me an opportunity and I took advantage of it. So, I got to thank that hermit next time I see him.
You need a support system to be successful as well. Numerous people behind the scenes and in front of the cameras. Jack Dunn was that next man to help support me. Steven got me on the radar, Jack found me and strapped the rocket on my ass. He pushed for me to be a part of this pay-per-view as a debut. I still remember his words before that night. “Here’s your stage, shock the world.” And that’s what I did. They gave me the ball and I ran with it.
A support system is needed throughout. In the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. And to keep your head on straight, you need a ride or die. And mine is right there. Maria, the mother of my twins. While i was living the life of a rockstar, she held it down at home. The main reason I wanted this life was to provide for them. I wish I could have been there more. But all of them understood and was forgiving. In fact, Star. You see that young man right there? Simon, put the camera on my boy.
(Camera showed Marcus’s wife and two kids.)
Marcus Redd: He has been killing it and is almost done with his wrestling training. Don’t worry. I didn’t train him. I wasn’t the most technical in the ring but I got him the best teachers. He’s got a style all of his own. The new school is coming.
While having support at home is important, having that running buddy to keep your head on straight. Not just a yes man that’s wanting to stay in your posse. But a real one that’ll sit your ass down and tell you what you needed to hear and not what you wanted. I had all types of people and vets that wanted to see me shine. The PWS roster was all supportive some wanted me to thrive. Others wanted to see me fail and that motivated me more. But, if you manage a couple of friends in this business, then you’re truly lucky. Josiah was that dude. I was spiraling like more rockstars did and he kept me afloat. That white boy is always invited to the barbecue. Just don’t bring nothing, especially potato salad.
When I was a child, I wanted to become a successful wrestler or a music artist. I was lucky to be able to do both. And I couldn’t do both well signing the fans that got behind me and my work. Y’all are numero 1. You took kid form the south side of Dallas, Texas and made him a star, a Grand Slam Champion, and a Hall-of-Famer. If I could any words of wisdom to anyone is that you should do you. Be yourself and find your loyal ones and be confident. If you have that in anything you do, you’ll find success.
‘Aight, so boom, I gotta get going. Thank y’all for all the support and love. HOLLA AT’CHA BOY CUZ I GETS MONEY!
(Marcus’s music played and it started to rain down money with Marcus’s face on it. At this point, Candy and Marcus Cage came back out on stage with him. Candy shared a hug with him and the two men shared a handshake. Candy laughed as she got to the podium.)
Candy: And that’s all we have for tonight guys! See you all at the after party!!!!!
(With that, the cameras faded to black.)
