Post by BookerShark on Sept 25, 2011 18:35:10 GMT -5
OOWF Hall Of Fame 2011
<We open to the inside of the Dayton Civic Center Annex. It has been decorated lavishly – folks THIS is where the OOWF budget goes! Every single OOWF wrestler is there and is well-dressed for the occasion. We focus on the podium in the middle of the stage as GM Selena walks out, dressed in her best. Selena stands in front of the podium for a moment, and seems a little nervous about addressing the gathered roster. Before Selena can speak, a smattering of applause starts from somewhere back in the crowd, and soon everyone is clapping for Selena, and she gets a standing ovation. GM Selena blushes a bit, but this seems to relax her>
GMS: Thank you all. When I came to the OOWF, I never thought for one second that I would end up being the General Manager. Omar brought me in because I wanted to see the kind of life he lived. He had told me how things were, but I couldn’t believe it, I had to see it. What I saw was more than I could ever have imagined. I know professional wrestlers are often looked down for their craft; there is still a perception that we are little more than a carnival side show attraction. I wasn’t sure what to think, surely the stories couldn’t be true, but they were……and then some. What I saw was an insane bunch of men and women, people who nightly put their lives on the line, people who bleed, sweat, cry and fight for one another. People who swear death on a man one minute, then turn around the next and perform some of the most remarkable acts of charity that I have ever seen. I know not everyone likes me, I know not all of you respect me, but I felt like I was embraced by this insane community and when I was asked to be the General Manager, and try to lead this company, I couldn’t say no. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to thank each and every one of you for allowing me into this life of pro wrestling.
<Selena gets another standing ovation from the gathered crowd. She waits for that to calm down, then speaks again.>
GMS: Our first inductees’ tenure in the OOWF was brief. He came to us from Japan, and made his debut on May 21, 2008 in Taipei, Taiwan defeating Taipei Viper in short order. His final match as an OOWF regular was at Hell on Earth 6 in Dayton Ohio in 2010. In just over two years he was able to win the OOWF World Heavyweight title on two occasions, the OOWF World Tag Team titles three times, and the OOWF Campeonas de Trios titles once with Eric O’Mac and Tytan. He was also voted the OOWF Wrestler of the Year in 2009 and was a founding member of the Five. Ladies and Gentlemen, here to induct Omi……I mean……Poe……Moosehead Jack
<Moose walks onto the stage and gets an ovation from most of the crowd, he gives Selena a hug and a peck on the cheek, then stands at the podium>
MHJ: Two years ago, I was asked to induct Ecosystem. My history with Eco is well known, but doesn’t go much further than being business associates and casual acquaintances. Last year, I was asked to induct Concrete TG. My history with Crete is also very well known. Crete and I spilled each other’s blood up and down the road, across the country, across the world. We had a feud that stretched for three years, leaving one of us a shadow of his former self. This year, I was asked to induct Poe, I was honored. My past with Poe is known to some, we were associates in Japan when I wrestled as Ketsueki Seishin and was one of Poe’s trusted advisors. When Poe came to the OOWF, I knew we would either remain friends, or become bitter enemies. Much to my relief, we stayed on good terms and eventually teamed to form one of the greatest factions in OOWF history, the Five.
I try not to throw this word around much, because few men have earned the right to hear these words from me, but Poe has. I respect Poe, more importantly I trust Poe. You may not like what he says, or how he does things, but you know that if you have a match with Poe, you are in for the fight of your life. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to induct to the 2011 OOWF Hall of Fame, the one and only…….Poe
<"Mausam & Escape" and Poe rises up from beneath the stage. He shakes Moosehead Jack's hand and as the ovation dies down, he takes to the podium. He Selena steps in and gives him a big hug and Poe lifts her off her feet. He sets the GM down and looks out over the crowd, Poe speaks>
Poe: I came to the OOWF not for money, not for titles, not for American recognition. I came here for one thing, and one thing only.
Poe points to Alexander Darling's table.
Poe: I came for revenge. I came here to end the career of the man who attempted to end mine. So when I came here, I came here with scorn. I came here with malice in my heart. I cared little for this organization and even less of those in it. For that, I apologize. To all of you. For, you see, once I was here, something changed within me. My views of the wrestling business, those in it, as well as America I guess you could say changed. I saw the passion, the will, the heart. I met true champions, such as LD Williams, Stank, Davin Moreland, and yes, even Alexander Darling himself. I developed friends and relationships I continue to treasure to this very day. And of course, it is here, in OOWF, that I met my beloved.
Poe looks off stage to where Selena is standing. She gives a small wave and smile.
Poe: It was also here that I realized that certain elements of this business had passed me by. Unlike most seem to believe, this is truly a young person's business. I did not want to be one of those men who clung to my spot and made those that loved me resent me because I couldn't hang up the boots. It was time to move on with my life, for which now I can truly enjoy the fruits of my labors. But just remember, just because I am retired, doesn't mean I am done. If I need to make my presence felt again, I will not hesitate.
So to all who came before me, all that are currently here, and all the stars of the OOWF to come, I thank you. I thank you for considering me one of you. One of your peers. A Champion among Champions. I am deeply humbled and honored by your love and your respect. I cannot thank you enough. What a long, strange trip it has been. Namaste.
"Mausam & Escape" plays again as Selena comes out. She hugs Poe and they kiss. Poe leaves the stage as Selena once again takes to the podium.
<The audience gives Poe a standing ovation and he bows and thanks them. Selena comes back out and gives him a big hug, then he leaves to the back. The ovation dies down some and GM Selena speaks again>
GMS: I am so proud of him. Ok, our next member of the OOWF Hall of Fame, class of 2011 was only the second ever Grand Slam champion. His reign as OOWF World Heavyweight Champion remains one of the longest in OOWF history. He was a founding member of one of the most feared stables in OOWF history. Ladies and gentlemen, here to induct “The Main Event” Chris Cole, Davin Moreland.
<Davin gets up from his seat and makes his way to the podium and gets a nice ovation from the crowd. Davin waits for the crowd to quiet down, then speaks>
DM: The history between Chris Cole and I is well-known. When I came here from Japan, I was still a bit of a green rookie. I knew I had the potential to be great, but I didn’t know how to get there. After I had been here for a few months, Cole pulled me aside and told me “look, I saw your work in Japan, you are better than this. This is the OOWF, not the WWE, you are not going to get over by talking to a piece of rebar……not to the level you are capable of. Ditch the rebar, and just be who you are.” I took that advice to heart, so much so that that is the advice I give to any of the new kids that come into the OOWF. A few months after this conversation, Cole approached me and said he wanted to work with me. Now, that may not sound like much, but when a veteran approaches a rookie and tells him he wants to work with him, that is an honor. We worked together, and it clicked, and I never looked back. The fans may not know this side of Cole, when he was in the ring, he was as brutal as anyone on the roster, but away from it, he was willing to help and did all he could to get the company, not himself, over. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to announce “the Main Event” Chris Cole as a 2011 inductee into the OOWF Hall of Fame.
<Chris Cole makes his way out on the stage and is congratulated by Davin. The crowd rises as one and gives him a standing ovation. Cole stands there and soaks it in for a moment. The applause lasts a long time, but finally dies down and he speaks>
CC: You know, I believe for the first time in my life I am at a loss for words. When I joined the OOWF I really didn’t know what to expect. Eco had called me while I was working in Puerto Rico and asked me if I was interested. I have to admit, I wasn’t really chomping at the bit for change. I was doing pretty well for myself there and saw no reason to uproot. Then Eco sent me some tapes of what was going on up here in their first few months of existence, and right then, I knew I wanted to be part of it all. I had many tremendous highs in the OOWF – winning the World title, forming 3Piece Set – I want to give a shout out to Ax Man and Firechild too – and winning the Grand Slam. But without question, the biggest low for me while I was here was having to walk away. It is well known that I suffered a pretty serious neck injury, I wrestled with it for a long time, but it kept getting worse. Much like what Edge had to do recently, I was forced to walk way. One wrong hit could leave me paralyzed…….or worse. The prospects of spending my days out of wrestling struggling to do……..something, was not a real pleasant one. The OOWF Board of Directors stepped in and offered me a position backstage helping with the new talent. I can still be part of the show, helping the kids become the best wrestlers they can be, and I don’t have to worry about getting dropped on my head! <general laughter from the crowd> All in all, like so many before me have said, it has been a long strange trip. I have been all over the world. I have wrestled in towns of 20 and inside arenas with 60,000 people. I have seen more than one man can ever reasonably expect to see in ten lifetimes, and I wouldn’t change one second of it for anything in the world. Thank you all.
<the crowd gives Cole a standing ovation, and as he steps away from the podium, Firechild and Ax-Man surprise him and come out. The members of 3Piece Set share a hug and they raise Cole’s arms as if in victory. The crowd roars louder and the cheers last a long time. Finally they settle down and GM Selena comes back out>
GMS: Our final inductee of the evening……well I wish I could say this was on a happy note. Our next inductee is a former intercontinental champion, and a three time tag team champion. His influence in the OOWF goes beyond his contributions in the ring. Starting the day after Hell on Earth, the OOWF will institute a much more stringent concussion policy in hopes of avoiding the same pitfalls that ultimately led Spin to take his life. <crowd applauds that> Here to induct Spin “Freakin” Hansen……Ladies and Gentlemen, DH Magnusson
<DH walks out to the podium and looks out at the crowd. The assembled OOWF audience stands and gives him a standing ovation. DH looks somewhat uncomfortable then motions for everyone to sit down. They do and DH takes a moment to collect himself and can’t seem to do it. To give him time, a screen lowers and we see a highlight reel of the Best of Spin Hansen (available soon at OOWF Shop Zone) the highlight stops and a picture of Spin remains on the screen. DH finally speaks. (I am not even going to attempt that accent)>
DH: I know a lot of you haven’t seen me in awhile. <deep breath> Spin Hansen was my friend. No matter how I try to say this, this is going to sound more like a eulogy rather than a celebration of him getting into the Hall of Fame. Spin was one of the toughest bastards I have ever known, but as I said, he was also my friend. The Midnight Sons may not have been around as long as either of us would have liked, but while we were……….. <DH takes a moment again> When I heard what had happened……I didn’t know what to think or how to feel. I was dealing with my own injuries and as I was, after understanding the road Spin had gone down……..I realized I was headed down the same road. I had to get out. I had to get healthy. I had to get hold of things before I ended up……….well, you know. Spin was a lot of things. Spin was a tough as nails fighter. Spin was a great tag team wrestler. Spin was one of the funniest guys I have known. And Spin was my friend. Most importantly though……Spin was the man that saved my life. For that alone, you deserve to be in every Hall of Fame on earth. Rest in peace my friend.
<the camera pans around and there is hardly a dry eye in the audience. The people slowly come to their feet and give DH another standing ovation. The applause lasts forever. A tearful GM Selena comes out and hugs DH>
GMS: <choked up> Ladies and Gentlemen, the OOWF Hall of Fame, Class of 2011
and the members of the audience come to the stage and shake hands with the OOWF Hall of Fame 2011 as we fade to black>
<We open to the inside of the Dayton Civic Center Annex. It has been decorated lavishly – folks THIS is where the OOWF budget goes! Every single OOWF wrestler is there and is well-dressed for the occasion. We focus on the podium in the middle of the stage as GM Selena walks out, dressed in her best. Selena stands in front of the podium for a moment, and seems a little nervous about addressing the gathered roster. Before Selena can speak, a smattering of applause starts from somewhere back in the crowd, and soon everyone is clapping for Selena, and she gets a standing ovation. GM Selena blushes a bit, but this seems to relax her>
GMS: Thank you all. When I came to the OOWF, I never thought for one second that I would end up being the General Manager. Omar brought me in because I wanted to see the kind of life he lived. He had told me how things were, but I couldn’t believe it, I had to see it. What I saw was more than I could ever have imagined. I know professional wrestlers are often looked down for their craft; there is still a perception that we are little more than a carnival side show attraction. I wasn’t sure what to think, surely the stories couldn’t be true, but they were……and then some. What I saw was an insane bunch of men and women, people who nightly put their lives on the line, people who bleed, sweat, cry and fight for one another. People who swear death on a man one minute, then turn around the next and perform some of the most remarkable acts of charity that I have ever seen. I know not everyone likes me, I know not all of you respect me, but I felt like I was embraced by this insane community and when I was asked to be the General Manager, and try to lead this company, I couldn’t say no. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to thank each and every one of you for allowing me into this life of pro wrestling.
<Selena gets another standing ovation from the gathered crowd. She waits for that to calm down, then speaks again.>
GMS: Our first inductees’ tenure in the OOWF was brief. He came to us from Japan, and made his debut on May 21, 2008 in Taipei, Taiwan defeating Taipei Viper in short order. His final match as an OOWF regular was at Hell on Earth 6 in Dayton Ohio in 2010. In just over two years he was able to win the OOWF World Heavyweight title on two occasions, the OOWF World Tag Team titles three times, and the OOWF Campeonas de Trios titles once with Eric O’Mac and Tytan. He was also voted the OOWF Wrestler of the Year in 2009 and was a founding member of the Five. Ladies and Gentlemen, here to induct Omi……I mean……Poe……Moosehead Jack
<Moose walks onto the stage and gets an ovation from most of the crowd, he gives Selena a hug and a peck on the cheek, then stands at the podium>
MHJ: Two years ago, I was asked to induct Ecosystem. My history with Eco is well known, but doesn’t go much further than being business associates and casual acquaintances. Last year, I was asked to induct Concrete TG. My history with Crete is also very well known. Crete and I spilled each other’s blood up and down the road, across the country, across the world. We had a feud that stretched for three years, leaving one of us a shadow of his former self. This year, I was asked to induct Poe, I was honored. My past with Poe is known to some, we were associates in Japan when I wrestled as Ketsueki Seishin and was one of Poe’s trusted advisors. When Poe came to the OOWF, I knew we would either remain friends, or become bitter enemies. Much to my relief, we stayed on good terms and eventually teamed to form one of the greatest factions in OOWF history, the Five.
I try not to throw this word around much, because few men have earned the right to hear these words from me, but Poe has. I respect Poe, more importantly I trust Poe. You may not like what he says, or how he does things, but you know that if you have a match with Poe, you are in for the fight of your life. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to induct to the 2011 OOWF Hall of Fame, the one and only…….Poe
<"Mausam & Escape" and Poe rises up from beneath the stage. He shakes Moosehead Jack's hand and as the ovation dies down, he takes to the podium. He Selena steps in and gives him a big hug and Poe lifts her off her feet. He sets the GM down and looks out over the crowd, Poe speaks>
Poe: I came to the OOWF not for money, not for titles, not for American recognition. I came here for one thing, and one thing only.
Poe points to Alexander Darling's table.
Poe: I came for revenge. I came here to end the career of the man who attempted to end mine. So when I came here, I came here with scorn. I came here with malice in my heart. I cared little for this organization and even less of those in it. For that, I apologize. To all of you. For, you see, once I was here, something changed within me. My views of the wrestling business, those in it, as well as America I guess you could say changed. I saw the passion, the will, the heart. I met true champions, such as LD Williams, Stank, Davin Moreland, and yes, even Alexander Darling himself. I developed friends and relationships I continue to treasure to this very day. And of course, it is here, in OOWF, that I met my beloved.
Poe looks off stage to where Selena is standing. She gives a small wave and smile.
Poe: It was also here that I realized that certain elements of this business had passed me by. Unlike most seem to believe, this is truly a young person's business. I did not want to be one of those men who clung to my spot and made those that loved me resent me because I couldn't hang up the boots. It was time to move on with my life, for which now I can truly enjoy the fruits of my labors. But just remember, just because I am retired, doesn't mean I am done. If I need to make my presence felt again, I will not hesitate.
So to all who came before me, all that are currently here, and all the stars of the OOWF to come, I thank you. I thank you for considering me one of you. One of your peers. A Champion among Champions. I am deeply humbled and honored by your love and your respect. I cannot thank you enough. What a long, strange trip it has been. Namaste.
"Mausam & Escape" plays again as Selena comes out. She hugs Poe and they kiss. Poe leaves the stage as Selena once again takes to the podium.
<The audience gives Poe a standing ovation and he bows and thanks them. Selena comes back out and gives him a big hug, then he leaves to the back. The ovation dies down some and GM Selena speaks again>
GMS: I am so proud of him. Ok, our next member of the OOWF Hall of Fame, class of 2011 was only the second ever Grand Slam champion. His reign as OOWF World Heavyweight Champion remains one of the longest in OOWF history. He was a founding member of one of the most feared stables in OOWF history. Ladies and gentlemen, here to induct “The Main Event” Chris Cole, Davin Moreland.
<Davin gets up from his seat and makes his way to the podium and gets a nice ovation from the crowd. Davin waits for the crowd to quiet down, then speaks>
DM: The history between Chris Cole and I is well-known. When I came here from Japan, I was still a bit of a green rookie. I knew I had the potential to be great, but I didn’t know how to get there. After I had been here for a few months, Cole pulled me aside and told me “look, I saw your work in Japan, you are better than this. This is the OOWF, not the WWE, you are not going to get over by talking to a piece of rebar……not to the level you are capable of. Ditch the rebar, and just be who you are.” I took that advice to heart, so much so that that is the advice I give to any of the new kids that come into the OOWF. A few months after this conversation, Cole approached me and said he wanted to work with me. Now, that may not sound like much, but when a veteran approaches a rookie and tells him he wants to work with him, that is an honor. We worked together, and it clicked, and I never looked back. The fans may not know this side of Cole, when he was in the ring, he was as brutal as anyone on the roster, but away from it, he was willing to help and did all he could to get the company, not himself, over. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to announce “the Main Event” Chris Cole as a 2011 inductee into the OOWF Hall of Fame.
<Chris Cole makes his way out on the stage and is congratulated by Davin. The crowd rises as one and gives him a standing ovation. Cole stands there and soaks it in for a moment. The applause lasts a long time, but finally dies down and he speaks>
CC: You know, I believe for the first time in my life I am at a loss for words. When I joined the OOWF I really didn’t know what to expect. Eco had called me while I was working in Puerto Rico and asked me if I was interested. I have to admit, I wasn’t really chomping at the bit for change. I was doing pretty well for myself there and saw no reason to uproot. Then Eco sent me some tapes of what was going on up here in their first few months of existence, and right then, I knew I wanted to be part of it all. I had many tremendous highs in the OOWF – winning the World title, forming 3Piece Set – I want to give a shout out to Ax Man and Firechild too – and winning the Grand Slam. But without question, the biggest low for me while I was here was having to walk away. It is well known that I suffered a pretty serious neck injury, I wrestled with it for a long time, but it kept getting worse. Much like what Edge had to do recently, I was forced to walk way. One wrong hit could leave me paralyzed…….or worse. The prospects of spending my days out of wrestling struggling to do……..something, was not a real pleasant one. The OOWF Board of Directors stepped in and offered me a position backstage helping with the new talent. I can still be part of the show, helping the kids become the best wrestlers they can be, and I don’t have to worry about getting dropped on my head! <general laughter from the crowd> All in all, like so many before me have said, it has been a long strange trip. I have been all over the world. I have wrestled in towns of 20 and inside arenas with 60,000 people. I have seen more than one man can ever reasonably expect to see in ten lifetimes, and I wouldn’t change one second of it for anything in the world. Thank you all.
<the crowd gives Cole a standing ovation, and as he steps away from the podium, Firechild and Ax-Man surprise him and come out. The members of 3Piece Set share a hug and they raise Cole’s arms as if in victory. The crowd roars louder and the cheers last a long time. Finally they settle down and GM Selena comes back out>
GMS: Our final inductee of the evening……well I wish I could say this was on a happy note. Our next inductee is a former intercontinental champion, and a three time tag team champion. His influence in the OOWF goes beyond his contributions in the ring. Starting the day after Hell on Earth, the OOWF will institute a much more stringent concussion policy in hopes of avoiding the same pitfalls that ultimately led Spin to take his life. <crowd applauds that> Here to induct Spin “Freakin” Hansen……Ladies and Gentlemen, DH Magnusson
<DH walks out to the podium and looks out at the crowd. The assembled OOWF audience stands and gives him a standing ovation. DH looks somewhat uncomfortable then motions for everyone to sit down. They do and DH takes a moment to collect himself and can’t seem to do it. To give him time, a screen lowers and we see a highlight reel of the Best of Spin Hansen (available soon at OOWF Shop Zone) the highlight stops and a picture of Spin remains on the screen. DH finally speaks. (I am not even going to attempt that accent)>
DH: I know a lot of you haven’t seen me in awhile. <deep breath> Spin Hansen was my friend. No matter how I try to say this, this is going to sound more like a eulogy rather than a celebration of him getting into the Hall of Fame. Spin was one of the toughest bastards I have ever known, but as I said, he was also my friend. The Midnight Sons may not have been around as long as either of us would have liked, but while we were……….. <DH takes a moment again> When I heard what had happened……I didn’t know what to think or how to feel. I was dealing with my own injuries and as I was, after understanding the road Spin had gone down……..I realized I was headed down the same road. I had to get out. I had to get healthy. I had to get hold of things before I ended up……….well, you know. Spin was a lot of things. Spin was a tough as nails fighter. Spin was a great tag team wrestler. Spin was one of the funniest guys I have known. And Spin was my friend. Most importantly though……Spin was the man that saved my life. For that alone, you deserve to be in every Hall of Fame on earth. Rest in peace my friend.
<the camera pans around and there is hardly a dry eye in the audience. The people slowly come to their feet and give DH another standing ovation. The applause lasts forever. A tearful GM Selena comes out and hugs DH>
GMS: <choked up> Ladies and Gentlemen, the OOWF Hall of Fame, Class of 2011
and the members of the audience come to the stage and shake hands with the OOWF Hall of Fame 2011 as we fade to black>