HCW Fanfest Recap: Fans Flock to Meet Their Heroes (and Villains!) before the Hall of Fame Ceremony
This year’s HCW Fanfest was nothing short of electric, as fans from all corners of the globe packed the convention center to rub shoulders with their favorite wrestling icons. From legends of the ring to current stars heading into Critical Mass, everyone had one thing on their minds—getting up close and personal with the talent before the chaos erupts.
The Dark Dominion had a dedicated booth, bathed in shadowy lighting and framed by gothic banners. Jack Lumber and Korbi Kong sat side-by-side, their brooding silence broken only by ominous stares and the occasional snarl.
Things took a turn, however, when one nostalgic fan approached and pleaded with them to “return to their old ways.” Jack’s glare could have frozen fire, and without saying a word, he snatched the fan’s drink and dumped it over the poor guy’s head. Then Jack stormed off, leaving Korbi shaking her head with a sinister grin.
Dr. Red Fang, posted nearby, delivered his signature scream before signing anything:
“VAMPIRE LUNGES FOR YOU!”
Kids loved it. Some cried. The line still moved.
Count Vlad remained composed and charismatic as always, greeting fans with cryptic wisdom and the occasional unnerving chuckle. He was flanked by Selena ‘Widow’s Fang’ Blackfang, Nightfang, and Yeti, whose hulking presence kept the line in check more than any security guard could. Azrael, Terror Fang, and others also made appearances throughout the day, making the Dominion table one of the most heavily trafficked.
Count Vlad Beastfang Azrael Selena
Talia Bloodfang Shadowfang Nightfang
Terror Fang The Morningstar Yeti
Jax Brenner and Molly Mason sat separately with Jax’s distrust of his former confidante growing by the minute.
After Molly was left her table, she was seen roaming the floor with some fans actually saying that she was telling them how good Yeti is (and she changed her look).
Surprise of the day? Goldie Locks drew one of the longest lines of the afternoon, with fans chanting her name and bringing homemade signs. She was glowing the whole time, thanking each fan and even signing a kid’s guitar.
Not far behind were Dominic and Rolf Marconi—La Famiglia Marconi—who brought an old-school aura of respect and intensity. Their table felt like a shrine to honor and tradition, and fans lined up to pay tribute. They were joined by Lou Albano III and the US Champion Zack Brown.
Dominic Rolf Lou Zack
Meanwhile, at the quieter end of the room…
Apollo Gyze may have insisted “APOLLO GYZE DON’T APOLOGIZE,” but judging by the empty chairs and his loud complaints about the air conditioning, the fans weren’t buying what he was selling.
Waldo Winchester, sporting his full patriotic regalia, had only a trickle of visitors—most of whom seemed to be confused tourists looking for the bathroom. He tried to get people to sign a petition and offered to hand out checks but the value wasn’t worth anyone’s time.
Waldo
One notable absence was Doofus Covfefe, who no-showed the event entirely, likely still recovering from the brutal beatdown he received at the hands of TV Champion Cara Loco. No update yet on his status for Critical Mass, but his absence was barely noticed.
Doofus Cara Loco
We see NPCW’s Grinch Heyman taking in the activities this weekend.
It seems he was not offered a special box since his firing as manager of the Demonic Legion. One only has to wonder what he is up to by attending these shows. Could he be scouting potential talent from HCW to bring to NPCW. Some anonymous sources have stated it is believed he has already signed former Dark Dominion members Negropolis and Madman Mason as they have not been seen since they left HCW. He is looking to put together a Pink Slip Posse. When approached by Larry Morton and asked Grinch Heyman what he is doing, he just says enjoying the festivities. When questioned about Negropolis and Madman Mason, he looked at him quizzically and laughed as he walked away.
Finally, Truth Wayne didn’t have a booth—but that didn’t stop him from working the crowd, recording footage for a future episode of The Truth Hurts, asking fans “the hard questions” like, “Would YOU trust Count Vlad with your soul?” or “Is Jack Lumber misunderstood… or dangerous?”
Final Word:
The excitement, tension, and anticipation were off the charts. Whether you're Team Hero or riding with the darkness, Fanfest 2025 gave fans unforgettable moments, unexpected drama, and a few spilled drinks to remember. All eyes now turn to one destination: Critical Mass.
After the festivities of the fan fest commenced, we had a lull where everyone got to go back and take breaks before the Hall of Fame ceremony. Once everyone was seated, it began.
The lights dim to a soft gold glow. A single spotlight hits the center of the stage as a hush falls over the packed arena. From the side curtain steps the ever-suave Larry Morton, HCW’s backstage announcer, clad in a sharp tuxedo and holding a polished microphone.
Larry Morton:
“Ladies and gentlemen… boys and girls… wrestling fans around the world… welcome to the HCW Hall of Fame Ceremony! I’m Larry Morton, and it is my distinct honor to be your host for this unforgettable evening, live from the grandest stage in professional wrestling!
“Tonight, we pay tribute to the titans, the trailblazers, and the legends whose names are etched forever in the annals of HCW history. From groundbreaking pioneers to unforgettable characters, these inductees have given us moments of glory, heart, and pure adrenaline. Whether you cheered their triumphs or booed their betrayals, one thing is certain: their legacies will live on.
“But before we begin our journey down memory lane, let’s bring out the man who makes it all possible—our General Manager, the one and only… Max McGillicutty!”
Larry Morton steps back with a gracious nod as the spotlight shifts to the ramp. GM Max McGillicutty strides forward to thunderous applause, ready to kick off the induction festivities.
HOF #1: Starbuck Steel
Max McGillicutty’s Introduction:
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we honor a man whose name is synonymous with dominance, resilience, and an unbreakable bond to this great sport. A man who has bled, sweat, and fought his way into the history books of HCW. A man who, for decades, has defined what it means to be a champion.
(pauses for applause)
Starbuck Steel isn’t just a wrestler—he’s a legend. Alongside his late brother Buzz, he formed one of the most formidable tag teams this industry has ever seen, the Steel Curtain.
(crowd cheers)
Together, they held the HCW World Tag Team Championships six times, setting the standard for teamwork, grit, and sheer toughness. But Starbuck’s legacy doesn’t stop there. With Buzz and Biceps Bannerman, he helped capture the World 6-Man Tag Team Titles four times, proving that his dominance extended far beyond just one partnership.
And then, when the time came to stand on his own, he didn’t just survive—he thrived. He held the HCW World Television Championship, showing the world that his ability wasn’t confined to a team. And when the opportunity presented itself, he did the unthinkable—he reached the pinnacle, not once, but twice, becoming a two-time HCW World Heavyweight Champion.
(crowd erupts in cheers)
Through every battle, every triumph, and every setback, Starbuck Steel has exemplified what it means to be one of the greats. And tonight, he takes his rightful place in the HCW Hall of Fame—not just as a member of the Steel Curtain, but as an icon in his own right.
(pauses for standing ovation)
It is my absolute honor to welcome to the HCW Hall of Fame—Starbuck Steel!"
[The fans pop as Starbuck makes his way out.]
Starbuck Steel’s Acceptance Speech:
"Wow… man, this is something else. (pauses, soaking in crowd reaction) Standing here tonight, looking out at all of you, hearing that introduction—it’s overwhelming in the best possible way.
First off, I want to thank Max McGillicutty for those words and for everything he's done for this business. Max, you’ve always been fair, you’ve always been straight with me, and that’s something I’ll always respect.
(crowd applauds)
I’ve been in this business a long time, and I’ve fought damn near everybody who laced up a pair of boots. Some of the toughest men, some of the fastest high-flyers, some of the most ruthless brawlers—this ring has given me everything, and I’ve given it everything I had right back. And that’s because of my brother, Buzz. (crowd cheers) Buzz was my rock, my partner, and my best friend. We walked into HCW together as a couple of green kids with a dream, and we built a legacy that will live forever. I know he’s watching tonight, and I hope he’s proud.
(crowd chants “Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!”)
I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in that ring than Buzz. We were brothers in blood and in battle, and when we teamed up with Biceps Bannerman, we became something even bigger. The three of us held those 6-Man Tag Titles together, and every night we went out there, we brought the fight. Biceps, I see you out there tonight—stand up, man. (pauses as crowd cheers for Biceps) You were like family to us, and I’ll always be grateful for the wars we fought together.
(crowd cheers again)
But this business isn’t about one man, or even one team. It’s about the fans.
(crowd erupts in cheers)
It’s about all of you who cheered for us, who booed us, who packed arenas night after night to see us do what we love. Without you, there is no HCW. Without you, there is no Starbuck Steel.
(crowd chants "Thank you, Starbuck!")
To the guys in the back—keep pushing, keep fighting, keep making this business better than when you found it. Because this industry isn’t just about titles and wins—it’s about heart. It’s about passion. And most of all, it’s about respect. I respect every man and woman who has ever stepped into that ring, and I respect this business with every fiber of my being.
(pauses as crowd applauds)
To my family, my friends, my mentors—thank you for always believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. And to every fan who ever chanted ‘Steel Curtain’ or screamed my name, I just have one thing left to say—thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
(crowd stands and cheers)
This is the honor of a lifetime, and I will carry it with me forever. (pauses, looks out at the crowd)
HCW for life!" (drops mic as crowd roars)
Larry Morton comes back out and introduces Ruth Heartless.
HOF #2: The Banker
[Ruth Heartless approaches the podium, smiling warmly as the crowd rises with applause.]
Ruth Heartless:
Thank you all so much. It's a true honor for me to be here tonight to induct someone who's been a pivotal figure in HCW history—someone whose presence elevated everyone he stepped into the ring with. I'm talking about a man whose career I've had the privilege to guide, challenge, and yes, even occasionally antagonize: The Banker.
When I first met The Banker, it didn’t take long to realize he was destined for greatness. Ambitious, ruthless, and always calculated—every move he made was like currency: carefully planned and expertly invested. I watched him rise through the ranks, forming powerful alliances like the one with The Regulators, and dominating the competition. I saw firsthand his relentless pursuit of excellence and cunning tactics, which made him one of the most compelling characters and gifted performers in wrestling history. Later, when paths diverged and I teamed up with Evan Stockwell, The Banker became our most fierce and legendary rival. Those matches became unforgettable moments, cemented in the history of HCW. They drove each other to incredible heights, each becoming richer, though in very different ways.
In 2018, along with The Regulators, The Banker captured the 6 Man Tag Team Titles. It was the first payday in a long and prosperous career. Over the years, The Banker’s stock continued to rise. He became a two-time World Champion in 2019 and 2024. And let’s not forget his five reigns as the TV Champion, one of the most dominant runs we’ve witnessed in HCW history. It’s an honor, and a bit of poetic irony, for me to speak about a man who cashed in on every opportunity he was ever given.
{Audience chuckles warmly}
Tonight, I’m proud to induct a man who always knew how to balance the books and the body slams—a man whose legacy is truly priceless. He is my friend, my former ally, and my greatest rival. Please welcome my favorite investment, to the Hall of Fame: Ladies and Gentlemen: The Banker!
[The Banker enters, holding up his signature briefcase, smirking at Ruth before stepping to the podium.]
The Banker:
Ruth, thank you for that introduction, though I’m not gonna lie, I was half expecting a steel chair shot halfway through that intro. Old habits, right?
[Crowd laughs warmly.]
Standing here tonight, looking at all the faces I've worked with over the years, I can't help but think: it's about damn time.
[Audience laughs and cheers, clearly amused by the heel persona.]
The Hall of Fame is my final payday. I’m reminded of how incredibly fortunate I’ve been. After all, it’s not often that a villain like me gets to stand in front of his victims—excuse me, colleagues—and still receive applause.
[Crowd laughs again.]
First, let’s talk about my old partners, The Regulators. Mammoth, Mule—there you are, front row, sitting side by side just like the good old days. We had a good run, didn’t we? In 2018, we hit the jackpot together, capturing the 6-Man Tag Team Championship. Ruth took us misfits and turned us into champions. Boys, we were unstoppable. Together, we ruled HCW. You boys taught me what it truly meant to work as a team, even if I was the one usually getting us disqualified!
[Crowd laughs warmly; Mammoth and Mule nod appreciatively.]
And Ruth...the woman who made me into the star I became. You were the one who orchestrated it all. You saw value where others didn’t, guided my career to multiple World Championships and those five Television titles, making me richer every step of the way. You were the smartest investor in the room, and the very same woman who stabbed me in the back, teaming up with my arch-rival Evan Stockwell. Ruth, you broke my heart—but damn, you knew exactly what you were doing. Even when you left my side to put your money on Evan, deep down I admired your cold-blooded instincts. Our rivalry defined an era, and I'll always treasure the battles we created. Nobody ever maximized a talent’s value quite like you did. Thank you, Ruth.
[Audience acknowledges Ruth]
Truthfully, though, I'm incredibly grateful. Wrestling is a strange, beautiful world, isn't it? You spend years pretending to hate everyone—only to realize at moments like these how much respect and love you actually have for your so-called enemies.
Speaking of enemies...
Evan Stockwell…there he is, folks, my greatest adversary. Evan, you’re the only man I ever dreamt about hurting both financially and physically.
[Evan nods with respect]
Stockwell, we danced a violent dance for years. Some nights you were better. Most nights, of course, I was. But together, we wrote history. When Ruth joined your corner, our rivalry reached new heights, becoming legendary. I hated you, Evan—and man, I loved hating you. Thank you for making me a better wrestler and, dare I say it, a better man. Together we pushed beyond what we ever thought possible. We both became richer, both financially and in respect of one another. You’re the investment I never wanted, but the competitor I always needed. Thank you, Evan.
[Crowd applauds warmly as Evan nods back respectfully.]
Now, I can't stand up here tonight without mentioning this—my infamous briefcase.
[He raises the briefcase, audience cheers.]
This little beauty opened doors—often by knocking them down. It was my greatest ally. We cashed in championships, pulled off countless schemes, and, let's face it, probably ended a few careers. Don't worry, I won't name names—mostly because some of you are still trying to sue me.
[Audience laughter, playful booing.]
You know, people always wondered what I kept in here. Contracts, cash, maybe brass knuckles? Let’s just say all of the above. This little beauty made sure I always had the leverage to close the deal—whether it was cashing in championships or foreclosing on an opponent’s career.
[Crowd laughs warmly again.]
And thanks to Ruth, I’ve got a few permanent reminders of just how much damage this trusty briefcase can do!
But in all seriousness, there are many who helped pave the way for moments like these. To those that ensured our stories never lost value. They chronicled every hard-fought match, rivalry, and triumph, ensuring our legacies were safe. I'd be remiss not to give special recognition to HCW’s Owner Donald Bychowski aka The Original Big Daddy Donnie B. Don, your passion and tireless dedication in chronicling HCW stories immortalized our moments, and for that, you have my deepest gratitude. Thank you.
Lastly, to the HCW fans, you booed me mercilessly every single night, and yet, here you are tonight, and frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You fueled my ambition. You invested your emotion, your passion, and your hard-earned dollars into this business, and I hope I gave you your money’s worth. You made it worth being the most despised man in wrestling. Thank you for every insult and every thrown drink. I cherished them all.
The next stage of my life belongs to my family, the silent investors in my life. Your support behind the scenes was invaluable, worth far more than anything I ever kept in this briefcase. You all put up with a lot more nonsense than any family should have to endure. This honor tonight is yours as much as mine.
As I leave this stage, I close the ledger on a remarkable career. I offer this advice to the next generation: Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and never ever leave home without your briefcase!
Ladies and gentlemen, from the bottom of this greedy villain’s heart, thank you for this priceless honor.
The Banker then gets a standing ovation. After a moment, he is joined by Starbuck Steel and the two shake hands and take in the gratefulness of the crowd as the HOF comes to an end.
Stay tuned as Critical Mass begins…NEXT!
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