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* 2004-05 AWARDS *
Esther Boyer Theater @ Temple University’s Liacouras Center

Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

 

The PWA logo flashes onto the screen and gives way to a montage featuring each of the superstars of The PWA at their very best in action. The video package closes after showing the highlights of Bryan Conroy and Kerry Cox, who will be enshrined in the Progressive Entertainment Hall of Fame this evening. After the montage ends, we are taken inside the Esther Boyer Theater in The Liacouras Center at Philadelphia’s Temple University. The camera spans the live audience, which applauds as “Butterflies and Hurricanes” by Muse plays over the sound system and we our taken to our hosts for the evening, Victor Troy and Paul Ferrara.

 

Troy: Hello everybody and welcome to The Esther Boyer Theater here at Temple University for the third-annual PWA Awards Show and the second-coming of the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony! This is going to be a spectacular and memorable evening Paul.

 

Ferrara: It sure will be. We are here in our home away from home in Philadelphia, and I’m just excited Vic. Tonight we will see Bryan Conroy, Kerry Cox and the late Allison Kelly inducted into the PWA’s Hall of Fame, not to mention the awards show which is always amazing. I can’t wait Troy, let’s get this show on the road!

 

Troy: That we will do, let’s send things up to the stage for our first award presentation!

 

“Things Done Changed” by The Notorious B.I.G. plays, and a smattering of boos welcomes Jackie Baccaro to the stage. The PWA’s second Rookie of The Year approaches the podium and his music stops as he begins to speak.

 

Baccaro: First of all, let me just express that it is an outrage that I am not even nominated for Wrestler of The Year tonight. (Crowd boos) I’m sure I’ll be back up here for another award tonight, but this show is already a sham due to the highway robbery committed against the brightest superstar in this room. (Crowd boos) But I digress. Last year, I was named the runaway choice for PWA Rookie of The Year. There is nothing like getting your career off to an award-winning start, and we know this year’s winner won’t have the same unprecedented success that I have had since the last year, but it’s time to announce the nominees anyway:

 

The shot cuts to one of the big screens on either end of the stage, where video packages accompany the names of the nominees.

 

Keiko Ishida – Arrived in the PWA in late 2004 to claim The Women’s Championship from Camieko on Frequency in December. Has successfully defended her title against Camieko, Liz Rush, and Jade on numerous occasions and has yet to be defeated in any PWA competition.

 

Victor Simon – Debuted at The Symphony of Destruction in San Francisco and became the top contender for The Progressive Championship by defeating Damien Fields, Dean Nash and Darrin Giles in his first month of PWA action.

 

Darrin Giles – Along with the leadership of Justin Schenck’s Legacy, captured The Progressive Championship from Dynamite Dean Nash at Revival and became the longest-reigning champion in PWA history, holding it for over four months.

 

Dexter P. Wellington – Debuted in January and defeated Justice in his first pay-per-view contest in a Loser Leaves PWA matchup at Forsaken. Went on an impressive unbeaten streak that carried for over four months before his first and thus far, only singles loss to former PWA Champion Scythe at Animosity. Defeated Renegade at Symphony of Destruction to win The Progressive Championship and has successfully defended it against Renegade, Dean Nash, Victor Simon, Damien Fields and others.

 

Damien Fields – Earned a PWA contract by defeating Darrin Giles at Madison Square Garden on Frequency last July. Captured the Tag Team Championship along with Dean Nash by defeating The Naturals and became a top contender for The Progressive Championship.

 

The shot cuts back to Baccaro onstage as he opens up the envelope.

 

Baccaro: And the winner is…Dexter P. Wellington.

 

Troy: And Dex is our first winner of the evening.

 

Ferrara: And very deserving of it too.

 

Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” begins to play, and the number of boos is much louder this time as Wellington rises from his seat. His butler Winston jumps with joy as Wellington smugly slings his Progressive Title over his shoulder and makes his way up to the stage. He shakes hands with Baccaro, who hands over the same award he claimed one year ago. The music ends as Wellington begins to speak.

 

Wellington: Oh come on people, as if it was even close. Look at who I was up against. Three nobodies and a woman? Please. Anyway, I would love to tell each and every one of you that I told you so. I said months ago that I would be the best athlete that the PWA has ever seen, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. This weekend at Everlasting Epic, I will once again prove my superiority over the rest of my competition and continue my reign as the greatest Progressive Champion of all-time. I thank none of you, and the pleasure has been all yours.

 

“Marriage of Figaro” replays and the boos continue as Wellington exits the stage. Rick Madsen is in the audience and stops next to Victor Simon to get a word.

 

Madsen: Victor, you just heard everything that Dex had to say up there. How do you feel about that?

 

Simon: It’s hard to argue with the guy’s success, but its about time that someone shuts him up by kicking his teeth down his throat, and that’s exactly what I plan to do at Everlasting Epic Rick.

 

Madsen: Alright thanks man, let’s head back to the stage.

 

“The Horror”by RJD2 begins to play, and a nice ovation welcomes PWA newcomer Morgan Day up to the stage. The British beauty smiles to the crowd and begins to speak as her music ends.

 

Day: It is such an honor to be here with you all tonight, and I’m here to announce the winner of The Woman of The Year Award. The PWA boasts many excellent female athletes and not to be anything like our previous presenter Jackie Baccaro, but none of them will hold a candle to me once I begin competition here. I will even go so far as to guarantee myself being the winner of this award one year from now, but that is enough about me. Here are the nominees:

 

Keiko Ishida – Arrived in the PWA in late 2004 to claim The Women’s Championship from Camieko on Frequency in December. Has successfully defended her title against Camieko, Liz Rush, and Jade on numerous occasions and has yet to be defeated in any PWA competition.

 

Dee Licious – Managed the International Champion Mike Grieco for several months before getting back into the wrestling ring and becoming the top contender for The Women’s Championship.

 

Camieko – Claimed her first Women’s Title by defeating Lauren Tantalus at Everlasting Epic III in Philadelphia. Defended the title successfully against Tantalus before regaining the gold from her in a rematch on Frequency in November.

 

Liz Rush – Arrived in The PWA and instantly became a top contender for The Women’s Championship. Challenged for the title unsuccessfully at Symphony of Destruction and Live From Rockefeller Center.

 

Lauren Tantalus – Turned on Vulture in a memorable display at Everlasting Epic III just moments after losing The Women’s Championship to Camieko. Regained the title from Camieko at Hellbent in New York City by beating Camieko in a two-out-of three falls match, but later had her career cut short by a severe concussion suffered in her final match against Camieko. Became a personal chef for Mike Griffin and later Vulture, before being put out of The PWA by Vulture and Jackie Baccaro this past June on Frequency.

 

Day: And the winner is Keiko Ishida.

 

Kazu Matsui’s “The Stone Monkey” blares through the building as Walter Gindin accompanies Ishida to the stage. The Women’s Champion carries her belt over her shoulder and walks up to the stage without taking her eyes off of her presenter. Gindin grabs the award from Morgan Day and begins to speak, but Day and Ishida are locked in a stare down with neither woman budging an inch.

 

Ferrara: Uh oh, look at this Troy! I think they’re gonna go right now!

 

Troy: Now isn’t the time or place, come on ladies.

 

Security comes out to make sure they are separated and Gindin cuts off his abrupt speech as we cut to a quick commercial break.

 

- COMMERCIAL BREAK -

 

We return from the break to find Traci Reed in the audience, next to a seated Briggs.

 

Reed: Briggs, this has been an incredible evening thus far, but I wanted to get your thoughts on your upcoming match in Johannesburg against Solomon this weekend.

 

Briggs: It’s definitely a challenge for me Traci, but after all that I have been through in the last year, it would be the cherry on top for me to go in South Africa and beat Solomon. I know the guy has such an impressive record and has such an aura about him, and yes, I have not beaten him. But you know what? He hasn’t beaten me either. He has never had to contend with someone that mirrors him in size the way I do. I am gonna bring everything I’ve got to Solomon in South Africa, and I will come out on top Traci.

 

Reed: Alright thanks Briggs. Good luck with your nomination momentarily..

 

“War Machine” by KISS begins to play, and a standing ovation comes for Commissioner Kerry Cox as he walks out onto the stage. Cox motions for the crowd to be seated and they comply as his music goes off.

 

Cox: Thank you for that welcome guys, but this moment truly is not about me. I will get my moment in the sun later tonight, but what I am out here to do now is present an award that I have once claimed: The Most Inspirational Performer of The Year. We have witnessed tremendous performances from some amazing men and women, but the five that I am about to announce have endured exceptional hardships and have come back from them to show the passion that makes us do what we do. However, only one can take home the hardware, so let’s get to the nominees:

 

The Iceman Jason Calysto – After being retired for over eight months, returned to PWA action with a win over The Machine in a Street Fight at Everlasting Epic III, retiring him from active competition in the process. Returned to the main event scene instantly, challenging for The PWA and ORA Championships, and defeated Tony Annetta, Infernus, and Solomon in pay-per-view bouts.

 

Showtime Damon Savage – Dropped The International Championship to Jon Dulberg at Forsaken and suffered career-threatening internal injuries at the hands of Dulberg and Vydrina. Returned to action in The Symphony of Destruction and defeated Dulberg at Meltdown.

 

The Miracle Mike Troha – Sustained a career-threatening torn quadriceps muscle that kept him on the shelf for 10 months. Returned to action at The Symphony of Destruction and teamed with Paul Epton and John Wolfe to defeat The Legacy at Meltdown.

 

Briggs – Returned from a shattered leg at the hands of The Legacy to return to action in April and run through the group. Defeated Darrin Giles, Scott Hosemann, Greg Price, Kris Anthony, Steve Beovich and Jonathan Brett during some point or another while facing The Legacy. Teamed with Jaguar to defeat Solomon and Infernus twice and challenged for The Tag Team Championship at Live From Rockefeller Center.

 

Superstar Scott Hosemann – Returned to main event status after being discharged from The Legacy. Defeated Darrin Giles at Meltdown and challenged Mike Griffin for The PWA Championship at Live From Rockefeller Center.

 

Cox: And the winner is….this guy does live up to his name, give it up for The Miracle…Mike Troha!

 

Arcarsenal” by At The Drive-In begins to play and a huge ovation comes for The Miracle as he rises from his seat and walks up the stage. Troha shakes hands with Cox, who raises his arm for the crowd to applaud until Troha begins to speak.

 

Troha: Wow. This is incredible. I have never won an award here in The PWA and I’m happy for my first one to be this one. Coming back from my torn quad was the hardest fight of my life and it truly means a lot to me to come back to the city I was injured in and win this award. But besides that, the comeback is not complete. It’s nowhere near complete. At Everlasting Epic, I take on the man who I thought was my friend. Jonathan Brett, I fought for 10 months to come back to the PWA and take you on. And this Saturday in Rio, it will be you who is in for the fight of your life. Thank you.

 

Arcarsenal” plays and Troha is cheered upon his exit, but the song immediately goes into VAST’s “Falling From The Sky” and the cheers turn to boos as Vulture comes out from the back and walks up to the podium.

 

Vulture: What a difference a year makes, huh Philly? Just one year ago, I stood on this very stage and accepted my induction into the Hall of Fame with grace, pride and dignity. And one year later, I see this place as the pathetic and decrepit town that it is, and I see the downward spike this company has taken since my retirement one year ago. Jackie Baccaro was up here earlier, and you know what Giacomo, you’re exactly right. It’s a joke that you weren’t even so much as nominated for Wrestler of The Year. But maybe you’ll take this one and take home one of the many awards that you deserve. I’m presenting the award for Most Hated Performer of The Year, and I love this award because having you people hate us means we are the best at our jobs. So with no further adieu, the nominees are:

 

Anthony Failla

Jackie Baccaro

Hollywood Mike Griffin

Romeo

Solomon

 

Vulture: And the winner is…you guessed it Jack, robbed again. The winner is Mike Griffin.

 

Troy: Robbed? How can anyone be more hated than Griffin?

 

Ferrara: All those guys are up there to me. I don’t hate them, but these fans are all over them constantly.

 

“Parabola” by Tool hits and Griffin climbs up the steps with The PWA World Heavyweight Championship in his arms and looks decked out in his smoothest white Armani suit as he walks up to the podium. Griffin tugs his shades off and places them in his top pocket to stare Vulture right in the eyes. The two once-hated enemies look hard at one another before smirking and shaking hands to a terrible groan from the crowd. Vulture begins to walk away, but Griffin tugs his arm and motions for him to remain on stage as the music stops.

 

Griffin: No, Vulture, I want to ask you to stay on stage with me for this one. You know all about why I’m up here, especially right now. For those of you that might have come late, and more especially our TV audience, this is actually my second award of the night. Earlier on, I won Feud of The Year for my matches against Greg Tantalus, but think about something. Why did I win that award? Isn’t a feud a two-sided thing? How can there be a feud when one side wins all, and I literally mean ALL the time?! (Crowd boos) I’m just stating the truth like I have all along and you all hate me for it. That’s fine. But I asked Vulture to remain up here for one thing. Vulture, you lost your retirement match to Greg last year under some shady circumstances that we won’t get into right now, but ever since that night, haven’t you wanted so see something taken from Greg the same way he took your moment away from you?

 

Vulture: Absolutely, and it will be so sweet to me to tune in from Russia to find Greg Tantalus beaten and left laying yet again by you at Everlasting Epic. Give em hell Mike.

 

Griffin: You see? Production people, put the spotlight on Greg Tantalus; I don’t want him to miss this. (Spotlight shines on Tantalus, who has fire in his eyes as he stares at Griffin) This is it Greg. All these accolades, they are no fluke. I am the best in this industry. In a few more moments, you’re gonna see me walk up on that stage as I become The Wrestler of The Year. Do you realize what you’re in for Greg? At Everlasting Epic, it’s all over for you. I am the real deal, you cannot beat me and you will not on the biggest stage in the history of this sport. At Everlasting Epic, I am going to run right through you like a hot knife through butter, and just like butter, you’ll do what you always do, melt right before me.

 

Griffin smirks at Tantalus, who doesn’t take his eyes off of his main event opponent as he exits to his music.

 

Ferrara: Wow.

 

Troy: What a jerk that Mike Griffin is, let’s send things over to Nick Cade, who is with Scythe.

 

The shot cuts to another part of the crowd, where Scythe is seated.

 

Cade: Scythe, we have just heard Mike Griffin’s comments as he was named The Most Hated Performer of The Year, you are also in an Everlasting Epic main event for the second straight year. What are your thoughts about your marquee matchup with Jason Calysto?

 

Scythe: Well first off, Mike Griffin is just absolutely deplorable. I can’t believe he just did that. But about Jason Calysto, I can’t wait. I’m excited about the opportunity to wrestle him, but at the same time, it’s gotten a bit personal. He cost me a shot to win The ORA Championship, then says he has no respect for me and beats up my former tag team partner to send me a message. I have earned my stripes around here. I have been PWA Champion just as he had, and if he doesn’t respect me now, he will when I cut right through him at Everlasting Epic.

 

Cade: Okay thanks Scythe, good luck to you.

 

The shot cuts to the indoor parking garage, where a long black limousine drives down the ramp and pulls to a stop inside The Liacouras Center.

 

Troy: I’m hearing in my headset that the limo on our screens contains our next mystery presenter!

 

Ferrara: Mystery presenter? Whoa! I wonder who it is!

 

Troy: We’ll find out when we come right back folks!

 

- COMMERCIAL BREAK -

 

We return from the break to hear Lee Palmer’s voice over the PA system.

 

Palmer: Ladies and gentlemen, here to announce The Manager of The Year, please welcome…. “The Standard Sleaze” Don Cerrone!

 

Troy: WHAT?!?!?!

Ferrara: Don Cerrone?!?!

 

Troy: That scumbag was in the limo?!

 

“Smooth Operator” by Sade plays over the speakers and Don Cerrone walks out to a chorus of boos with a book in his hand. Most of the superstars are shocked, but laugh at the sight of the man who has not been seen in the PWA in years as he approaches the podium.

 

Cerrone: Well, look who has come back to the PWA! (Crowd boos) No, no. I’m not back here for long. You see, my best-selling book, “Don Cerrone’s Standards of Sleaze” has now gone paperback and I have moved into my new career as an accomplished author. It was just about a week ago when I got a phone call from Bryan Conroy asking me to present the inaugural award for Manager of The Year here tonight. I mean, who better to introduce the winner than the original top manager of The PWA?

 

Troy: Oh please.

 

Cerrone: Anyway, onto the nominees:

 

Vulture – Returned to the PWA in February to manage Jackie Baccaro to his first PWA singles title after Baccaro defeated Paul Dawkins for The International Title at Requiem. Also managed Baccaro to wins over GI Jew, Renegade, James Biamonte and nearly helped his charge capture an Everlasting Epic Title match against Greg Tantalus.

 

Walter Gindin – Managed Solomon to The PWA World Heavyweight Championship during his win over Scythe at Hellbent, aligned with the still undefeated Women’s Champion Keiko Ishida and still serves as the agent of Infernus, a top Progressive and International Title contender.

 

Justin Schenck – The leader of The Legacy managed Scott Hosemann, Darrin Giles, Briggs and The Naturals before jettisoning Briggs and Hosemann from the group and re-tooling to add Jonathan Brett, Steve Beovich and Hollywood Mike Griffin – along with The PWA Championship and Tag Team Championships, to the fold during the spring and summer.

 

Winston – Co-serving as Dexter P. Wellington’s butler, Winston managed the rookie to his first PWA Title, a Progressive Championship win over Renegade at Symphony of Destruction, along with a sparkling one-loss singles record.

 

Dee Licious – Managed Mike Grieco throughout his entire International Championship reign before splitting ways to get back into the wrestling ring herself.

 

Cerrone: And the winner is, Justin Schenck!

 

Bon Jovi’s “Bounce” hits the speakers, and the cocky Schenck looks as though no other result was possible as he rises from his seat and approaches the stage. He shakes hands with Cerrone, who hands the award over before he begins to speak over the hisses from the crowd and other angry managers that did not win.

 

Schenck: Oh come on guys, like it was even close. Nobody else has done what I have done in creating The Legacy. We are the most dominant group in history and it will only continue as we defend our titles at Everlasting Epic and claim even more thereafter.

 

Before Schenck can get out another word, “Not That’ Rodney King rushes out from the backstage area and shoves him away from the podium!

 

Ferrara: Wait, Rodney is up on stage now!

 

King: This is an outrage! What kinda sham is this?! I have the most dominant fighter in the world, and a former International Champion and I don’t even get nominated?!?!

 

King unleashes a tirade over the mic in a bizarre scene until security escorts him off stage and we are taken back to the announce position.

 

Troy: That was insane Paul!

 

Ferrara: Well he does have a point. How did Rodney King get left off the ballot?

 

Troy: Good question, but it’s time to send things over to a man that is not unhappy about that result. Showtime Damon Savage, how are you this evening?

 

The shot cuts to the image of Showtime Damon Savage, who is chuckling up a storm via satellite from Moscow, Russia.

 

Savage: (Laughing) I’m great after seeing that fellas, how are you?

 

Troy: Good, thanks.

 

Ferrara: Alright Showtime, you’re in Moscow, still training for your big matchup against Vladimir Vydrina at Everlasting Epic. How ready are you to take on this guy?

 

Savage: As ready as I’m gonna get. I know Vlad is a big bruiser of a man, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that he’s really a punk. He’s a backfighter. The guy put Showtime out of action for over five months after attacking me from behind. He has never had to go up against me face-to-face, and in a straight up fight, he will not beat me, size difference or not.

 

Troy: But on another interesting note, this match will be held on Vlad’s home turf of Moscow, where this whole saga began. What do you expect from the crowd?

 

Savage: Since last year, the crowds have been great to me. I love the cheers of the fans, but we’re on his home turf and my rep definitely ain’t good over there, so I’m expecting the boos. No doubt about that, but I’m just gonna focus on boxing and leave the crowd alone, and I’ll come out on top.

 

Troy: Alright Showtime, best of luck to you in your upcoming fight. We’ll be watching.

 

Savage: Alright thanks guys.

 

Savage’s imagine disappears from the screen as Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” plays and elicits a huge ovation from the crowd. Within moments, Rudy Montenora arrives onto the scene and approaches the podium.

 

Montenora: Thanks guys. It’s appropriate that I am here to announce the winners of The Match of The Year, because my job at Everlasting Epic is to officiate a match that promises to be a candidate for this award next year. As a former superstar here, I know what it takes to have a match of the year candidate, and it’s time for someone to be honored for it. But I’m only signed up to officiate on Saturday, not tonight. So when I announce the match, let’s only have the winner come up. We do not need to see another episode like Rodney King’s up here. Alright, now onto the nominees:

 

As the camera shows both Mike Griffin and Greg Tantalus looking up at the screen, the video package begins to roll.

 

Greg Tantalus vs. Vulture – Everlasting Epic III

Scythe vs. Jaguar – Walking Wounded

Solomon vs. Scythe – Hellbent

Anthony Failla vs. Mike Grieco – Hellbent

Seven Deadly Sins Match – Forsaken

Romeo vs. Jaguar – Salvation

Hollywood Mike Griffin vs. Greg Tantalus – Requiem

The Iceman Jason Calysto vs. Solomon – Animosity

GI Jew vs. Anthony Failla – Symphony of Destruction

Symphony of Destruction

 

Montenora: And the winner….Romeo and Jaguar!

 

B.G.’s “I Want It” plays, and boos pour in for Romeo as he rises from his seat. Jaguar looks a bit uneasy as Romeo cockily approaches the stage with The ORA Championship in his hand.

 

Romeo: Ah, so how does it feel Jag? Yeah, I know you’re sittin’ there tight because you didn’t win this award. Sure, you were in the match, but this was The Match of The Year because I did what no one thought I could do, beat you for The PWA Title. But get familiar to this scene bro, because after what I do to you in Hell In A Cell, I’m guaranteed to be back here winning this same award next year. I’ll holla.

 

“I Want It” replays for Romeo’s exit as Traci Reed scans the crowd and finds Jason Calysto.

 

Reed: Jay, everyone is excited about your match against Scythe in Germany. I’m excited to call it, but how are you feeling about it?

 

Calysto: I’m excited as well Traci. When I look at things, I see Scythe as a guy who just doesn’t get it. He’s got a lot of flash inside the ring, but he doesn’t yet know that nobody does it better than The Iceman. That’s a lesson that I fully intend to teach him at Everlasting Epic. Scythe has talked a big game without saying much. When we get to Germany, it will be time for him to shut up and wrestle. Then we’ll see who comes out on top.

 

Reed: Okay, thanks Iceman. Best of luck to you.

 

The attention shifts back to the podium, where Sevendust’s “Black” welcomes the International Champion Paul Dawkins up to the stage.

 

Dawkins: First off, it feels good to be home here in Philly (crowd cheers), but there is business to get down to. I was supposed to present this award with the man that I won it with last year, Jackie Baccaro, but as I proved last night, he is a big-mouthed chicken sh*t that refused to leave his seat. It’s rare to see a presenter nominated for the award he’s giving out, but for your sake Jackie, I hope we make it back-to-back. We won’t need to wait for Everlasting Epic kid. Now, onto the nominees.

 

Alpha Omega – The makeshift current Tag Team champions defeated Paul Epton and John Wolfe in their homeland of England to win the titles and have not lost them since.

 

Paul Epton and John Wolfe – British duo exploded onto the scene to take the Tag Team Titles from The Lost Souls and then defeat them in a rematch at Requiem. Also beat The Naturals, Jon Dulberg and Vladimir Vydrina in high profile title contests.

 

Lost Souls – Reconciled after a lengthy split to regain The Tag Team Titles for the third time at Revival by defeating The Naturals, Dean Nash and Damien Fields. Defeated the same men in a rematch at Forsaken and dominated the tag team scene until their disbanding in the spring.

 

The Naturals – Won their second Tag Team Championship at Hellbent by defeating TFU, The Hot Boy$, Paul Dawkins and Jackie Baccaro in a TLC match.  Defended successfully against Dawkins and Baccaro until dropping the titles to Damien Fields and Dean Nash, but remained top title contenders until Kris Anthony was injured by Briggs and replaced by Steve Beovich in the spring.

 

Paul Dawkins & Jackie Baccaro – Dominated the tag team division throughout the summer before and after defeating The Naturals for the titles at Everlasting Epic III. Remained top contenders until their fiery parting of ways in December.

 

Dawkins: And the winners…(chuckles) oh this is gonna be good. The winners are The Lost Souls y’all.

 

Troy and Ferrara: What?!

 

American Head Charge’s “A Violent Reaction” booms through the speakers and even Reaper looks taken aback by the announcement as the camera catches him in the audience. Along with Loki and Bishop Cross, Reaper begins to make his way to the stage, but the entire Army of The Damned looks pensive as they proceed.

 

Ferrara: Is Speed Demon even here?

 

Troy: I sure haven’t seen him. Nobody has. But he’s an award winner this year nonetheless.

 

Reaper approaches the podium with Loki and Cross on each side of the stage as he accepts the award and begins to speak.

 

Reaper: I didn’t think that one man could carry a team to an award like this, but it seems that I have done it. I want you all to know that Speed Demon is not here tonight because of the choices that he made. He had the opportunity to join us and he declined, and because of that, no one knows where he is. But it’s okay, because after Everlasting Epic comes and we get done with him and GI Jew and Renegade, nobody will even care where he is!

 

The Army of The Damned begins to cackle evilly, that is until the lights inside The Theater go out. They come back up quickly and the disheveled audience looks around confused until a huge Speed Demon logo is shown on the back wall of the room, dripping beet red in a substance that appears to be blood.

 

Ferrara: What the hell is that Troy?!

 

Troy: That looks like that mark Speed Demon apparently left for GI Jew and Renegade a few weeks ago. He’s gotta be here somewhere!

 

Ferrara: Oh, this is too weird for me.

 

The Army of The Damned looks on in confusion and anger as we head out to another commercial break.

 

- COMMERCIAL BREAK -

 

We return to the broadcast in the lobby area, where Rick Madsen is next to Renegade and GI Jew.

 

Madsen: Guys, what was that we just saw in there?!

 

Renegade: It was that same sign we saw from Speed Demon a few weeks ago. I don’t know what it’s about or what it means; the guy hasn’t said a word to us.

 

Jew: And we’re fine with that. We don’t need to talk. We’re all unified by our hatred for The Army of The Damned, and him leaving his calling card to them means we know he’s got his head in the game and he’ll be ready come Everlasting Epic.

 

Madsen: Alright guys, let’s send things back inside to Mike Grieco.

 

We return to the stage, where Grieco’s music is just finishing as the former International Champion begins to speak.

 

Grieco: Unlike everybody else that came up here, I’m not big on speeches, so let’s get right into the nominees for Most Improved Wrestler of The Year:

 

Jackie Baccaro – Left the tag team ranks to become a top singles competitor. Defeated Paul Dawkins, GI Jew, and James Biamonte on consecutive pay-per-view events, became The International Champion and broke the record for most time spent in a Symphony of Destruction matchup in his second place finish to Greg Tantalus.

 

Paul Dawkins – Won his first International Championship by defeating Jon Dulberg and Mike Grieco at Salvation, then claimed his second by pinning Jackie Baccaro at Meltdown.

 

Renegade – Returned to PWA action in December and went on a roll in the spring after defeating Darrin Giles to become The Progressive Champion. Defended successfully against Giles, Mike Grieco, Jon Dulberg and a host of others before dropping the title to Dexter P. Wellington at Symphony of Destruction.

 

Showtime Damon Savage – Reached his highest peak of his wrestling career by defeating Mike Grieco for The International Championship at Revival, but lost the title and was sidelined for five months after meeting Jon Dulberg at Forsaken. Returned to action at Symphony of Destruction and defeated Dulberg at Meltdown.

 

Anthony Failla – Defeated Mike Grieco at Hellbent in the first-ever House of Horrors Match .Was given the ORA Championship after a controversial match against PWA Champion Jaguar in February. Defended The ORA Title against GI Jew, Greg Tantalus and Solomon and competed in his memorable final match against GI Jew at Symphony of Destruction under Last Man Standing rules.

 

Grieco: The winner is…Jackie Baccaro.

 

“Things Done Changed” plays again, and Jackie Baccaro and Vulture eagerly make their way back up to the stage. Both greet Grieco until Baccaro comes to the podium to speak.

 

Baccaro: Like I said, I’m back up here on stage, but instead of discussing my year of dominance, let me address you, Paul Dawkins. You jump me from behind in your hometwon and think you’re bad now? You call me out on stage? Paul, I am going to straight beat your ass in Russia and prove to everyone who really carried our team all that time. I’m not just gonna beat you Paul, I’m gonna make you tap out like a bitch! And one year from now, come up and explain why you won’t win this award while I take Wrestler of The Year like I should. Hit my damn music!

 

“Things Done Changed” replays as Baccaro and Vulutre storm off the stage and the shot cuts over to Nick Cade, who is with The Legacy in the crowd.

 

Cade: Justin, earlier tonight we saw you take home the title of Manager of The Year, and it will undoubtedly be an even bigger night for you all at Everlasting Epic.

 

Schenck: You couldn’t be any more correct Nick. Everlasting Epic is going to be a night of extreme proportions and frankly, we cannot wait. We are represented on three continents and have three chances to leave with gold. Alpha Omega will retain their titles in Russia, Darrin Giles will regain the Progressive Championship in Germany and of course, Mike Griffin will retain the PWA Title in Rio. Not to mention, Jonathan Brett trying to beat last year’s brief match time as he runs right through Mike Troha in Rio. The Legacy is on top of the wrestling world, and after the biggest event of the year, that’s exactly where we’ll stay.

 

Cade: Okay, thanks a lot Justin, let’s head back up to the stage.

 

All eyes are focused on the stage area and no one can believe their eyes or ears as Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers” blasts through the speakers and the legendary Mike Tortorici appears on stage!

 

Troy: Oh my God! Mike Tortorici is here! He hasn’t been seen in a year!

 

Ferrara: These people are going crazy too!

 

Tortorici walks up to the podium to a standing ovation and he asks the crowd to sit, but they will have none of it. Superstars and fans alike both applaud the 7-time Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer while delivering a powerful Tort-or-ri-ci chant. Tortorici is extremely taken aback by the response and begs the crowd to sit before they finally do.

 

Tortorici: So have you missed me guys? (Crowd cheers) Thank you. I have missed you all too. It  was one year ago that I attended my last PWA event, and it was right here in this building when I was inducted into The Hall of Fame. That was the pinnacle of my career and a few more will join those ranks tonight, but we will also see the Hall of Famers of the future inducted within the coming years, and those men and women are sitting before me tonight. But I am out here to present the award for The Most Popular Performer of The Year, and that means a lot more than a popularity contest. These guys give you all reasons for showing up and turning on your TV sets and reading the website, they are the men that fight the good fight and should be rewarded for it. So now, it’s time to present that honor to one. The nominees are:

 

The Iceman Jason Calysto

Jaguar

Scythe

Greg Tantalus

GI Jew

 

Tortorici: And the winner is…..Jaguar!

 

“Real Big” by Mannie Fresh hits, and another huge ovation comes for Jaguar as he anxiously approaches the stage and embraces Tortorici at the podium. Jaguar refuses to let Tortorici off the stage as he begins to speak.

 

Jaguar: Ladies and gentlemen, Mike Tortorici! (Crowd cheers) Aww man. It feels good to finally win this one. I can come up here and be like everybody else and talk about this guy or that guy, but I’m not. Romeo, I heard you loud and clear, and I’ll take care of you at Everlasting Epic homie.  But right now, I just wanna thank the people that put me here, and that’s the fans. (Crowd cheers) Yeah. Trust me ya’ll, I hear you in the stands I see you rockin the t-shirts and it’s all greatly appreciated. You have supported me from day one and I do my absolute best to go out there and entertain you all every time I step through the curtain. Thanks again, this really means a lot to me to come back here to TU and win this award. One love ya’ll.

 

Troy: Look at this image, one stage, Mike Tortorici and Jaguar, standing tall!

 

Ferrara: That is a sight to see Troy.

 

“Real Big” replays and Tortorici and Jaguar pose some more for the crowd as we take another break.

 

- COMMERCIAL BREAK -

 

We return to the Esther Boyer Theater to find Scott Cornelius, who is in the crowd with Walter Gindin, Solomon, Infernus and Keiko Ishida.

 

Cornelius: Walter Gindin, you didn’t take Manager of The Year earlier, but you have a huge night ahead of you with your crew at Everlasting Epic.

 

Gindin: Yeah, Scott we do. Solomon will go to Johannesburg to finally get rid of that no good Briggs, and we know that Keiko and Infernus will take care of business in Germany, both leaving with gold.

 

Cornelius: And what are your thoughts about the Awards show tonight?

 

Gindin: The food is terrible. About not winning the Manager award, that’s fine. I don’t need any hardware to prove my worth. Combined, my clients have less losses than any group around, so the proof is in the pudding. We’re just gonna head to Everlasting Epic and do what we do, the rest will sort itself out and we’ll all have more hardware next year. Now let me get the big man ready to take home Wrestler of The Year again.

 

Cornelius backs off as the shot cuts to the lobby area, where Traci Reed is with Greg Tantalus.

 

Reed: Greg. It’s been a bit of a rough night here for you. One award for Feud of the Year and we heard what Mike Griffin had to say about that, but how are you feeling?

 

Tantalus: I feel very good Traci. I don’t let any of that BS get into my head anymore. I’ve been around Mike Griffin for a long enough time to know exactly how he is and I’m fine with that. I’m just ready to get to Rio de Janeiro to make him eat each and every one of his words.

 

Reed: Well I’ll be in Germany, so I’ll take the opportunity right now to wish you the best of luck. Now let’s head back to the stage for the final award.

 

Metallica’s “Sad But True” hits and a very mixed reaction meets PWA Owner Bryan Conroy as he walks out onto the stage.

 

Conroy: This has been an amazing evening thus far, and it will only get better in about an hour, but for now, it’s time for me to announce The Wrestler of The Year.  The nominees are:

 

Romeo – Finished up the year with the best action of his career by winning The Lethal Lottery at Temptation, defeating Jaguar for The PWA Title at Salvation and defending it against Scythe at Requiem before losing it in controversial fashion to Mike Griffin at Animosity. Responded by joining The ORA and claiming their title by defeating GI Jew at Meltdown and defending successfully against Scythe at Live From Rockefeller Center.

 

The Iceman Jason Calysto - After being retired for over eight months, returned to PWA action with a win over The Machine in a Street Fight at Everlasting Epic III, retiring him from active competition in the process. Returned to the main event scene instantly, challenging for The PWA and ORA Championships, and defeated Tony Annetta, Infernus, and Solomon in pay-per-view bouts.

 

Hollywood Mike Griffin – Re-established himself atop the PWA by beating Greg Tantalus at Revival and Requiem before regaining Romeo’s PWA Title by pinning Jaguar at Animosity. Defended successfully against Scythe at Symphony of Destruction, Jason Calysto at Meltdown and Scott Hosemann at Live From Rockefeller Center.

 

Solomon – Claimed The PWA championship by defeating Scythe 2-0 in a Falls Count Anywhere Iron Man Match at Hellbent. Had his 18-month unbeaten streak broken with a title loss to Jaguar at Revival and lost a Submission match to Jason Calysto at Animosity, but dominated every other point of the year by defeating Calysto at Fallen Souls and Salvation and becoming a top Tag Team title contender with Infernus.

 

Jaguar – Began the year with a victory over Hollywood Mike Griffin at Everlasting Epic III, and reached its pinnacle with a victory over Solomon for The PWA Championship in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL at Revival. Won The Seven Deadly Sins match and defeated Romeo at Temptation before being injured in a title loss to Romeo at Salvation. Challenged for The Tag Team Championship at Live From Rockefeller Center with Briggs.

 

Conroy: And the winner is…..wait a minute. This is a first.

 

Troy: Come on Bryan, who is it?

 

Conroy: For the first time in history, we do not have A Wrestler of The Year.

 

Ferrara: What?!

 

Conroy: We have two!

 

Troy and Ferrara: TWO?!

 

Conroy: Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for your Co-Wrestlers of The Year and rightfully so, Romeo and Hollywood Mike Griffin!

 

Troy: What in the world?!

 

The production staff can’t decide whose music to play, so Griffin’s song plays first before stopping so Romeo’s theme can take over as both men approach Conroy on the stage.

 

Conroy: Gentlemen, this is definitely unforeseen, we only have one award, but both of you are extremely deserving and let me be the first to congratulate you both.

 

Griffin: Thank you Bryan, but it was a no-brainer. I called it earlier tonight, and being the best in the business as I am, I accept your congrats.

 

Romeo: Whoa, hold up a second there. You see Mike, you have a belt that you never beat me for and I have a belt that says that I’m the best in the business too.

 

Griffin: Well I am The PWA Champion.

 

Romeo: Well I am The ORA Champion.

 

Griffin: I’ll tell you what Romeo. You’re right. I didn’t beat you for this belt and I regret you being unable to earn a shot at it. I don’t concede anything, but you can go ahead and take that hardware home, because after I dispose of Greg Tantalus at Everlasting Epic, I’ll meet you in Rio and show you who is really the best.

 

Romeo: Oh? Well after I beat Jag once again, I accept that challenge and I’ll show you who the man really is. You do your job and I’ll do mine. I’ll see you in Rio.

 

Griffin: See you there.

 

“Butterflies and Hurricanes” takes over the sound system again as we head back over to the announce position.

 

Ferrara: Co-Wrestlers of the Year, I can’t believe that one.

 

Troy: It was shocking, and so far, this has been an incredible evening and we are only halfway done people. We will return with the second half of our broadcast, but let us take you to the break with the announcements of the awards that took place before we went live tonight.

Feud of the Year

Mike Griffin vs. Greg Tantalus

Jaguar vs. Romeo

Jason Calysto vs. Solomon

Anthony Failla vs. GI Jew

Paul Dawkins vs. Jackie Baccaro

Winner - Mike Griffin vs. Greg Tantalus


Pay-Per-View of the Year

Everlasting Epic III

Revival

Salvation

Hellbent

Symphony of Destruction

Winner - Everlasting Epic III

 

Moment of the Year

Jason Calysto returns to the PWA by ending The Machine's career - Everlasting Epic III, 8/21/04

Lauren Tantalus turns on Vulture in his retirement match - Everlasting Epic III, 8/21/04

The PWA pays tribute to the late Allison Kelly - Frequency, 10/26/04

Jaguar ends Solomon's 18-month undefeated streak and wins the PWA title - Revival, 12/31/04

The Hot Boy$ explode as Romeo turns on Jaguar - Temptation, 2/12/05

Vulture returns to attack GI Jew as Jackie Baccaro's manager - Frequency, 2/22/05

Bryan Conroy creates the ORA Championship - Frequency, 3/1/05

Paul Epton and John Wolfe shock the world and win the Tag Team Championship - Frequency, 3/29/05

Justin Schenck retools The Legacy and helps Hollywood Mike Griffin win the PWA title - Animosity, 5/7/05

GI Jew dumps Anthony Failla into McCovey Cove after ending his career - Symphony of Destruction, 6/11/05

Winner - The PWA pays tribute to the late Allison Kelly - Frequency, 10/26/04


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