Twenty-nine other guys were in Grand Rampage.  Maybe half of that truly showed up with their work boots on, and to that determined few I say thank you.  You made me work, you made me sweat, and you made me question whether or not I was going to win this.  Anybody who blew up the boards and put out quality content while doing so, anybody who promoed a handful of times and still put out masterpieces, you deserve to question why you didn't win because everyone who showed up killed it.  So if you want to throw shade at this victory of mine, go ahead.  Do so knowing that any single one of you, be it Ryan Marx, Rex McAllister, Chris Elite, Lars Grier, or any other person who put pen to pad and flooded those boards will get their opportunity to be the star of the evening very soon.  Talent and persistence doesn't go unnoticed in EAW.

To the poor saps who have to write Grand Rampage with the hearts, minds, and egos of everyone involved on the line I also say thank you.  I haven't read Grand Rampage yet, but even if I spend the entirety of the match in a Roman Reigns like Odinsleep on the outside I'll be happy.  If you're one of their 29 casualties and you feel like you got thrown out early don't take that discouragement to heart.  Odds are they've been writing for quite some time now and it's no reflection of your performance. If anything, let that creatively drive you.  If you're a heel, let it piss off your character.  If you're a face, let it fill you with Undertale-like determination.  

And finally, to close out this rant I'd like to say that I'm incensed that I wasn't in chat when Grand Rampage went down.  Strike that title, even if I hadn't won I would be upset that I didn't get to see everyone's reaction to entries and the victors.  EAW is a passionate place full of talented people who take this shit way more seriously than they'd like to let on, and I love every single one of you for it.

P.S.: Uh, this is awkward, but if I happened to be taken out by oh, I don't know, a royal scepter or a goon squad from behind, or some other sort of ambush post-win, let me enjoy this moment of glory with PB concussion free in my mind for now.  No spoilers. 

Congrats homie!

Congrats. Great victory!

Well deserved, awesome thread as well, much needed

PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA!

Congrats pb

Avoid the chat during Pain for Pride, You might win the world title and keep it.

congrats, it couldn't have happened to a sweeter guy legitimately~!

I would also like to thank all of those who took whatever happened to their characters in the match (and all of the matches at the show in general) with maturity whether they won or lost. Perhaps at times it doesn't feel like it, but we work very hard to give you guys an awesome show and we do everything we can to make sure everyone is content with how they've been written, which isn't easy by any means with so many people here to maintain. Just know we don't ever disregard the hard work you've put out, and I hope you feel the same about our writing and booking - even if things aren't going your way, as long as you continue doing your best and keep a good attitude, it will work out. I thank DEDEDE and Senn for writing one of the best GR matches we've ever had, and I thank all of the other writers who busted their ass to make it such a great show and who always bust their asses to do so.

I really appreciate your words, Candle, and I'd like to personally congratulate you on your win because you've busted your ass nonstop here since early-ish 2015 and you've been nothing but a class act about whatever direction your character has taken in-script and any losses you've endured. You've earned this, and I completely agree that many others gave it their all and put out some great work on the promos page, and that will no doubt pay off for them as well in the future.

Can I have one large buffalo chicken pizza and a side of breadsticks?

late, but congrats! You've earned it !