The 2024 FWA Hall of Fame Ceremony.
Oct 22, 2024 20:55:36 GMT
Dubb, Jimmy King, and 3 more like this
Post by supinesnake on Oct 22, 2024 20:55:36 GMT
The camera opens up to an establishing shot of the exterior of the Firebrand Hotel in downtown San Juan, perhaps the most luxurious hotel in all of Puerto Rico. We can hear the sounds of the street: mostly passing traffic and footfall, as well as the idle chatter in mostly Spanish or these passers-by. Parked on the roadside outside the hotel are several fancy vehicles (as well as some not-so-fancy ones), the paid drivers still waiting outside for the eventual return of their patrons. Ostensibly from inside the convention suits of the hotel, we hear mounting applause. The show is about to begin.
Cut to interior, and a packed out hall of well-dressed people, all of whom are applauding as a man in a tuxedo - Meltdown play-by-play commentator Rod Sterling - walks towards the podium on the stage. Those in the upper roles are unfamiliar, being the fanatical members of the FWA Cosmos who had the money and contacts to get hands on invites to this exclusive event. The front half of the theatre, though, is filled with far more familiar faces. They belong to members of the FWA roster, both past and present, who have assembled on the night before Fallout 045 to pay homage to the two 2024 inductees to the Hall of Fame.
Rod arrives at his appointed position and looks directly at the camera, which is positioned (rather helpfully) directly above the teleprompter.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to one of my personal favourite evenings in the FWA calendar. For the vast majority of the last nineteen and a bit years, the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance is known for its pulsating action, its unrivalled excitement, and its unprecedented - and perpetually escalating - violence. But, on this one night, we gather together, free from the intention of destroying one another. Instead, tonight is about honouring the very best that the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance has to offer. It is about heaping due praise onto the few - the meagre few - who have risen to the very top of this company and stayed there, as well as found a similar residency in our hearts and minds. Welcome, all, to the 2024 Fantasy Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame ceremony.”
There is the vague suggestion of applause for Sterling's warm but generic sentiments. He smiles, mostly to himself, pleased that he's seemingly doing a good job.
Rod Sterling: “And so, without further adieu, on with the induction! Jim…”
Jim, working hard in the production truck, queues up a video package, which plays on a big screen in the hotel behind Rod. We are treated to highlight clips of PAJ’s illustrious career: him capturing the North American Championship on two separate occasions, with wins over Darnell Porter and Clay Reitmeier, all the way back in 2012. His tag team championship victory in 2018 features next, alongside Viktor Maximus as part of the Phillip A. Jackson Project, as the two overcome the Sin City Vultures. More recently, we see Phillip becoming the second ever FWA Television Champion in 2022, with him defeating Shawn Summers to win the belt. The longest featured clips are those of Jackson’s two World Championship victories: first against Shane McClean in 2014, and then again by defeating Chris Kennedy at the end of 2015. These championship victories make up PAJ’s Grand Slam, with images of him holding each of the four belts in the air rounding out the package.
After the video package, we hear…
[”Heights Above” || Siamese]
There's a huge pop in the hall as Phillip A. Jackson walks out onto the stage, appearing in the FWA for the first time in well over a year. There's a slight smile on his face, and it's fair to say he looks comfortable in himself. He heads over towards the podium as the applause swirls.
Kurt Harrington: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome onto the stage: FWA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees: PHILLIP… A… JACKSON!!”
Jackson arrived at the pulpit and rests his hands on the top of it, staring out over the sea of people - both his fans and his peers - with a look of contentment about him.
Phillip A. Jackson: “Wow, the FWA Hall of Fame. The years of calling myself a future hall of famer finally paid off. Congratulations to me! In all seriousness, I want to let you know that you are going to hear from 2 people tonight. The man you know and hated, Phillip A. Jackson and someone none of you have met, the man behind the man before you.
“To be standing here is a great honour. The end of a great journey down a long road. Full of lows and highs. I'm not going to stand here and bore you with a million stories, I can make paid appearances on podcasts for them but what I came to talk about was the lessons I learned in my career, the moments I want you to remember and the people I want to thank. I came to this company three times and failed, I started my career in FWA and I don't think people remember that. I walked into a locker room in disarray and I split. I ended up at everyone's favourite former 'rival' company back in 2011. I've already given a speech like that over there, so I'm not going to bore you with that. Again, I got to get my appearance fees now that I'm not earning like I used to.“
Some laughter circulates around the audience, although the camera picks up Jon Russnow and Cal Robinson. Neither look particularly pleased about the mention of a rival company…
Phillip A. Jackson: “I conquered that company but I still had an itch to be scratched. I couldn't have a failure like that in my career. I needed to come back to FWA once the other company was said and done because guys from that place couldn't come here and be successful. I couldn't be a Legend Of Wrestling with a resume based in one company, so I came back. I had nowhere else to go but I promised commitment, I promised to work hard and I promised I would bring everything I had. I came into FWA as “PAJ” an unsophisticated, one trick pony who could destroy anyone with a microphone but then I became something greater, Phillip A. Jackson, a re-brand, a new me, purely for FWA. The boy that became a man. A sign of the man behind me growing, changing and maturing.
“I had shed the angry little man syndrome because that is what had failed me before. I had no rage left to give. No anger to unleash on my opponents. That is who I was back then but the man who is being inducted into the hall of fame, was matured, refined and an all round legend. A world champion and in the end a Grand Slam Champion, the 4th ever but I wouldn't be standing here without a few key people. I'm going to start with the man who meant a lot to me, the man who believed in me to bring me into his group....
“Chris Kennedy...He bought me into The Syndicate. One of the most successful groups in FWA. He gave me belief, not Phillip, but me. It was my springboard. It gave me my first taste of gold in FWA and Chris Kennedy also gave me my second world title but look at us now, Chris. Times do change indeed. We both are immortalised in these halls forever, that is what you saw at the time. To Shane MacLean, for our epic summer. The Summer of Shane being ended as I captured my first world title. To guys that most of you won't know, Eamon and Anthony, the guys who got FWA on my radar. All the guys from back in the day that supported my ascension to the top. As well as guys who tried to betray me, like Jason, for teaching me that this is not always the nicest industry. You have all made me the man who I am today. The man who Phillip grew up and became. That's the biggest legacy I will leave, not what I did in the ring, in this company but it gave me outside of it. It's why I left this all behind because I no longer need an outlet for the directionless, boring life I led because I have purpose, I have direction and I am using it in a way that is better for me, that is what I learned.”
Each of these names is given a fond round of applause, even if they are unknown to most or all in the hall. Jackson lets out a deep breath, as if the wave of nostalgia is threatening to overcome him. He steadies himself with a firm hand on the top of the pulpit.
Phillip A. Jackson: “I said I would talk about some moments and I want to finish with those because ultimately, my legacy in FWA and wherever it goes, is defined by the moments that I created. I have got it down to three, but there is so many more I could have. The obvious, winning the world title twice, nothing is better than that. Standing unopposed as the king of the industry. The second is related, the golden opportunity cash in, leading to the second world title. Kicking the head off my former mentor and ended Executive Excellence in one kick of my boot and still almost winning and unifying the belts, that night will stick with me forever. Finally, the most recent memory. Walking out at the Carnal Contendership in 2022, not so much what came after, but that moment of joy that it all bought us. The cheers that shook a stadium and a city. I've never been greeted like that in my career. Given I spent a decade as a serial asshole it isn't a surprise. A moment and a night that comes close to toppling everything that came before. Do I have regrets? Absolutely, but I left them all behind me because I understand how good I had it. Before I go, I just want to re-confirm that I am truly The Last Great Englishman, that I am now truly The Immortal and this finally confirms that nothing I ever said was bullshit. Thank you everyone for this tremendous honour, I'll see you down the road.”
As Jackson’s voice finds its old power to words at the end of the speech, building in a crescendo as he references his past sobriquets, the audience find themselves caught in the orator's spell. The applause mounts as he backs away from the podium, his music hitting again and the majority of the crowd getting their feet to show their appreciation for the man's career.
There's a brief shot of Jean-Luc Watkins, who can't stand, as he's leaning on Konchu Hao's shoulder with tears in his eyes. We lipread him saying ‘I'm so proud to his tag team partner as the camera cuts back to the stage. Rod shakes Jackson's hand, the former world champion subtly wiping it on his trouser leg as he walks off the stage. Sterling reassumes the position.
Rod Sterling: “It's wonderful to have Phillip A. Jackson back on an FWA show, even if it's not in the ring. Hopefully, it won't be for the last time. But now, we must move onto our second and final inductee this evening, who has left an equally impressive and unmistakable mark on this company and our industry. Jim…”
Once again, Jim spurs into motion to press a few keys on his computer. The screen behind Sterling comes to life again, this time showing a montage of highlights from Sull(e)y’s career - from Dave to King to Saint. We see brief clips from the genesis of his record-setting four FWA X Championship reigns, with victories over Lord Vincent Takaab Blackbird, PASSION, Thomas Jordan, and Kevin Cromwell, as well as the triumph over Starr that gave him his FWA North American Championship reign. His win over Cyrus Truth to capture his first FWA World Championship is featured, but the videographers responsible for the package were unable to find suitable footage from his second world title win. The package ends with an image of Sully draped in gold, all three of his championships from his historic triple-reign adorning his body.
Cut to interior, and a packed out hall of well-dressed people, all of whom are applauding as a man in a tuxedo - Meltdown play-by-play commentator Rod Sterling - walks towards the podium on the stage. Those in the upper roles are unfamiliar, being the fanatical members of the FWA Cosmos who had the money and contacts to get hands on invites to this exclusive event. The front half of the theatre, though, is filled with far more familiar faces. They belong to members of the FWA roster, both past and present, who have assembled on the night before Fallout 045 to pay homage to the two 2024 inductees to the Hall of Fame.
Rod arrives at his appointed position and looks directly at the camera, which is positioned (rather helpfully) directly above the teleprompter.
Rod Sterling: “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to one of my personal favourite evenings in the FWA calendar. For the vast majority of the last nineteen and a bit years, the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance is known for its pulsating action, its unrivalled excitement, and its unprecedented - and perpetually escalating - violence. But, on this one night, we gather together, free from the intention of destroying one another. Instead, tonight is about honouring the very best that the Fantasy Wrestling Alliance has to offer. It is about heaping due praise onto the few - the meagre few - who have risen to the very top of this company and stayed there, as well as found a similar residency in our hearts and minds. Welcome, all, to the 2024 Fantasy Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame ceremony.”
There is the vague suggestion of applause for Sterling's warm but generic sentiments. He smiles, mostly to himself, pleased that he's seemingly doing a good job.
Rod Sterling: “And so, without further adieu, on with the induction! Jim…”
Jim, working hard in the production truck, queues up a video package, which plays on a big screen in the hotel behind Rod. We are treated to highlight clips of PAJ’s illustrious career: him capturing the North American Championship on two separate occasions, with wins over Darnell Porter and Clay Reitmeier, all the way back in 2012. His tag team championship victory in 2018 features next, alongside Viktor Maximus as part of the Phillip A. Jackson Project, as the two overcome the Sin City Vultures. More recently, we see Phillip becoming the second ever FWA Television Champion in 2022, with him defeating Shawn Summers to win the belt. The longest featured clips are those of Jackson’s two World Championship victories: first against Shane McClean in 2014, and then again by defeating Chris Kennedy at the end of 2015. These championship victories make up PAJ’s Grand Slam, with images of him holding each of the four belts in the air rounding out the package.
After the video package, we hear…
[”Heights Above” || Siamese]
There's a huge pop in the hall as Phillip A. Jackson walks out onto the stage, appearing in the FWA for the first time in well over a year. There's a slight smile on his face, and it's fair to say he looks comfortable in himself. He heads over towards the podium as the applause swirls.
Kurt Harrington: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome onto the stage: FWA Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees: PHILLIP… A… JACKSON!!”
Jackson arrived at the pulpit and rests his hands on the top of it, staring out over the sea of people - both his fans and his peers - with a look of contentment about him.
Phillip A. Jackson: “Wow, the FWA Hall of Fame. The years of calling myself a future hall of famer finally paid off. Congratulations to me! In all seriousness, I want to let you know that you are going to hear from 2 people tonight. The man you know and hated, Phillip A. Jackson and someone none of you have met, the man behind the man before you.
“To be standing here is a great honour. The end of a great journey down a long road. Full of lows and highs. I'm not going to stand here and bore you with a million stories, I can make paid appearances on podcasts for them but what I came to talk about was the lessons I learned in my career, the moments I want you to remember and the people I want to thank. I came to this company three times and failed, I started my career in FWA and I don't think people remember that. I walked into a locker room in disarray and I split. I ended up at everyone's favourite former 'rival' company back in 2011. I've already given a speech like that over there, so I'm not going to bore you with that. Again, I got to get my appearance fees now that I'm not earning like I used to.“
Some laughter circulates around the audience, although the camera picks up Jon Russnow and Cal Robinson. Neither look particularly pleased about the mention of a rival company…
Phillip A. Jackson: “I conquered that company but I still had an itch to be scratched. I couldn't have a failure like that in my career. I needed to come back to FWA once the other company was said and done because guys from that place couldn't come here and be successful. I couldn't be a Legend Of Wrestling with a resume based in one company, so I came back. I had nowhere else to go but I promised commitment, I promised to work hard and I promised I would bring everything I had. I came into FWA as “PAJ” an unsophisticated, one trick pony who could destroy anyone with a microphone but then I became something greater, Phillip A. Jackson, a re-brand, a new me, purely for FWA. The boy that became a man. A sign of the man behind me growing, changing and maturing.
“I had shed the angry little man syndrome because that is what had failed me before. I had no rage left to give. No anger to unleash on my opponents. That is who I was back then but the man who is being inducted into the hall of fame, was matured, refined and an all round legend. A world champion and in the end a Grand Slam Champion, the 4th ever but I wouldn't be standing here without a few key people. I'm going to start with the man who meant a lot to me, the man who believed in me to bring me into his group....
“Chris Kennedy...He bought me into The Syndicate. One of the most successful groups in FWA. He gave me belief, not Phillip, but me. It was my springboard. It gave me my first taste of gold in FWA and Chris Kennedy also gave me my second world title but look at us now, Chris. Times do change indeed. We both are immortalised in these halls forever, that is what you saw at the time. To Shane MacLean, for our epic summer. The Summer of Shane being ended as I captured my first world title. To guys that most of you won't know, Eamon and Anthony, the guys who got FWA on my radar. All the guys from back in the day that supported my ascension to the top. As well as guys who tried to betray me, like Jason, for teaching me that this is not always the nicest industry. You have all made me the man who I am today. The man who Phillip grew up and became. That's the biggest legacy I will leave, not what I did in the ring, in this company but it gave me outside of it. It's why I left this all behind because I no longer need an outlet for the directionless, boring life I led because I have purpose, I have direction and I am using it in a way that is better for me, that is what I learned.”
Each of these names is given a fond round of applause, even if they are unknown to most or all in the hall. Jackson lets out a deep breath, as if the wave of nostalgia is threatening to overcome him. He steadies himself with a firm hand on the top of the pulpit.
Phillip A. Jackson: “I said I would talk about some moments and I want to finish with those because ultimately, my legacy in FWA and wherever it goes, is defined by the moments that I created. I have got it down to three, but there is so many more I could have. The obvious, winning the world title twice, nothing is better than that. Standing unopposed as the king of the industry. The second is related, the golden opportunity cash in, leading to the second world title. Kicking the head off my former mentor and ended Executive Excellence in one kick of my boot and still almost winning and unifying the belts, that night will stick with me forever. Finally, the most recent memory. Walking out at the Carnal Contendership in 2022, not so much what came after, but that moment of joy that it all bought us. The cheers that shook a stadium and a city. I've never been greeted like that in my career. Given I spent a decade as a serial asshole it isn't a surprise. A moment and a night that comes close to toppling everything that came before. Do I have regrets? Absolutely, but I left them all behind me because I understand how good I had it. Before I go, I just want to re-confirm that I am truly The Last Great Englishman, that I am now truly The Immortal and this finally confirms that nothing I ever said was bullshit. Thank you everyone for this tremendous honour, I'll see you down the road.”
As Jackson’s voice finds its old power to words at the end of the speech, building in a crescendo as he references his past sobriquets, the audience find themselves caught in the orator's spell. The applause mounts as he backs away from the podium, his music hitting again and the majority of the crowd getting their feet to show their appreciation for the man's career.
There's a brief shot of Jean-Luc Watkins, who can't stand, as he's leaning on Konchu Hao's shoulder with tears in his eyes. We lipread him saying ‘I'm so proud to his tag team partner as the camera cuts back to the stage. Rod shakes Jackson's hand, the former world champion subtly wiping it on his trouser leg as he walks off the stage. Sterling reassumes the position.
Rod Sterling: “It's wonderful to have Phillip A. Jackson back on an FWA show, even if it's not in the ring. Hopefully, it won't be for the last time. But now, we must move onto our second and final inductee this evening, who has left an equally impressive and unmistakable mark on this company and our industry. Jim…”
Once again, Jim spurs into motion to press a few keys on his computer. The screen behind Sterling comes to life again, this time showing a montage of highlights from Sull(e)y’s career - from Dave to King to Saint. We see brief clips from the genesis of his record-setting four FWA X Championship reigns, with victories over Lord Vincent Takaab Blackbird, PASSION, Thomas Jordan, and Kevin Cromwell, as well as the triumph over Starr that gave him his FWA North American Championship reign. His win over Cyrus Truth to capture his first FWA World Championship is featured, but the videographers responsible for the package were unable to find suitable footage from his second world title win. The package ends with an image of Sully draped in gold, all three of his championships from his historic triple-reign adorning his body.
With Renegade going off, the crowd pops as the Triple Crown Champ comes out. Saint Sully appears at the top of the stage. Around his waist is the vintage X Championship that Alyster Black gave him two years ago following Sully's retirement. He's wearing a black pinstripe suit and a gold tie.
Despite being a heel on camera, the crowd cheers for Saint Sully who is celebrating his induction into the FWA Hall of Fame tonight.
Sully walks up to the podium.
It takes a minute for the crowd to quiet down, but when they do...he begins his speech.
Saint Sully: "Oh man, it really is an honor...for this...it was two years ago, at the 17th Anniversary Show, that I wrestled my last match. That I learned I learned, the thing I loved and lived my whole life for, I would never be able to do it again. When I made that decision, to choose walking over wrestling, I had a lot of hesitation. I wasn't sure if it was worth it.
I was walking away from so much. I had dreams of becoming a Grand Slam champion. I had dreams of breaking Chris Kennedy's world title record. I had dreams of becoming the greatest in the world...but...in that moment, when I had to retire, it lead me to appreciate everything I had done.
I became the face of the X Championship. With the most wins, the most combined days, and the longest single reign to not end in a loss, that title was my baby. Before I came in, that belt was looked at as a rookie belt. A belt for young wrestlers to fight over when they first enter. It was never given respect, or considered to be a huge accolade. Now? It's considered to be equal to the rest, and some may hold it over any...I know I would. The history and legacy I left that belt is something that is still very much alive today, as now the love of my life has a chance to win it herself and follow in my footsteps.
I became the first ever Triple Champion. At that point in the FWA there were only three singles titles...the X Championship, the North American Championship, and the FWA World Champion. There was a stretch in our history, where I held every single one of those at the same time. The only belts I was missing were the tag team titles, and if I could've worn both of those I would have. The Triple Champ run was so good that Fight Night GM Vincent Blackbird had to end it himself by stripping me of the X Championship.
After that I proceeded to go on the second longest world title run in FWA history. Only the historic Matt Bordeaux reign holds supreme. I headlined two straight Back in Business main events. People tried to tell me at the time I didn't really fight any real opponents during this run, but yet the people who I defeated all went on to become world champions after I left the scene. Alyster Black, Nova Diamond, that guy who we can't even remember his name anymore, oh...wait...I guess there was one who never won the belt again...
You're welcome by the way Gabs. Sure, I was helping my girlfriend get one over on Trixie, but...deep down I was glad it was you in the match against her. I think we're even now? No? I owe a lot of this career to you Gabrielle Montgomery. You were there when I started...in fact, I heard a fun little tidbit from someone recently that you were around during the Bush Administration. Which one is up for debate, but...we all know you're an expert on Bush, eh? Get it? But for real Gabby. If you weren't there to take that young Dave Sullivan under your wing, writing his name in your little black book, I don't know if I would've gotten the chances in the business that I did today. We had our moments, and I know my little wise cracks might contradict this, but I do truly consider you a friend. I have a hell of a lot of respect for you, and I'm rooting for you to win that championship. If not for friendship, the fact that us old heads need to stick together and not let this new age control the narrative."
The crowd takes Sully's break in talking to yet again chant.
"Thank You Sully!"
"Thank You Sully!"
"Thank You Sully!"
Sully nods his head in appreciation as he continues his speech, signaling for them to wait till the end by putting his hand up. ;
Saint Sully: "In the locker room, it hurt my soul that people didn't remember some names like Vodka and Venom, Stu St. Clair, or Jenny Ignito. It is easy in this business for your name to be forgetten. But the fact is, once it's etched into that Hall of Fame, you're there for history.
Gabby isn't the only one I have to thank. There's others on this list of mine that I owe a lot to. Devin Golden and Chris Kennedy are another pair. I can't say too much about them, and break our little kayfabe world, but the truth is that these two were big mentors for me backstage. Not through just leadership, but friendship. Devin Golden was one of the first people in the back to give me some pointers on my work in the ring. I was just a rookie at the time, but he took a vested interest in helping me learn the ropes and get better. I'm not the only one, we know all the people that come from the Devin Golden coaching tree. Joining him in the Hall of Fame is not just an honor, it is a dream I am living.
Chris Kennedy too. He's someone I modeled my career after. Someone I aspired to be. I had a Chris Kennedy poster on my bedroom wall, and I was already in the FWA for years at that point. He is a great person, and a better friend, and joining him in the Hall of Fame is something I have dreamed of.
My girlfriend Blair. While I met her after my career has ended, she has allowed me to continue living my career vicariously. She's allowed me to put all this knowledge and experience I have to use. I hope to continue to help her get better and stronger as she becomes an even greater wrestler than I was, so that someday she may join me in this Hall.
And last, but not least, but two daughters. Sammie Sullivan, and my adoptive daughter Kleio. Sammie is my purpose. When I talked earlier about how hesistant I was to walk away, Sammie is the reason why...since that moment, I haven't hesitated about it since. I haven't considered going back once, and it's because I am able to spend so much more time with her. She's a lot more grown up know, and she's quite the firecracker now, but while I retired as a wrestler I started my career as a Dad. I can only hope that someday I can get an even greater honor than being inducted into the FWA Hall of Fame, and that's to be inducted into the DAD Hall of Fame. The same goes for Kleio...I know she isn't happy with me right now, and we don't know where she is...but wherever you are Kleio, I am proud of you.
The last people I need to thank, are you fans. You fans are what make us who we are. You're why we're here. Your dedication, your passion, it's why we do what we do. It's why I did what I did all those years, even when I'm being an asshole and taunting you like I did the other night. Keep watching the FWA, and keep watching Ground Zero. As long as you do that, this will never die.
I end with you...one of my favorite poems".
Sully pulls out a paper from his suit jacket, and begins to read the poem.
Saint Sully: "I met a traveler from an antique land who said...Two vast and trunkless legs of stone ;stand in the desert. ;Near them, on the sand, half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown, and wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command tell that its sculptor well those passions read which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things..the hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed. ;
And on the pedestal, these words appear...
My name is Ozymandias.
King of Kings. ;
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!
.....
Nothing beside remains.
Round the decay off that colossal wreck, boundless and bare...
...the lone and level sands stretch far away.”
Sully lets that sit with the audience for a moment.
Saint Sully: "Eventually, my legacy on this world will be broken down and forgotten...but tonight, in this moment, I am in the Hall of Fame." ;
With that, Sully walks way from the podium.
The crowd pops at what plays next.
With Hail To The King playing, Blair Ravenwood soon comes out and places a new crown on Sully's head. The crowd pops as The King raises his hand with pride.
The crowd continues their chant.
"Thank You Sully!"
"Thank You Sully!"
As Saint Sully and Blair walk off the stage together and to the back.
