Aired - September 20, 2026
The screen opens in darkness.
A cold wind sweeps across the frozen North as the camera races over snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and the glowing streets of the North Pole. Above it all, the aurora borealis burns across the night sky in ribbons of green, blue, and silver.
The opening notes of the NPCW Polar Power theme begin to rise.
The North Pole Arena comes into view.
The music explodes.
A brilliant burst of white light fills the screen.
NPCW POLAR POWER — ONLY THE FIGHT. ONLY THE NORTH.
The opening montage begins.
VAN HELSING
Van Helsing steps into the light, eyes locked forward.
Rapid cuts capture disciplined strikes, violent counters, and the relentless precision that has carried him toward the biggest opportunity of his career.
The final image shows Van Helsing staring up at the North Pole Championship displayed high above the arena.
Tomorrow night, the hunt reaches Grondar.
The image fractures into ice.
GRONDAR THE REVENANT
A thunderous impact shakes the screen.
Grondar the Revenant drives an opponent into the canvas before rising slowly to his feet, the North Pole Championship clutched firmly in one hand.
The next image shows Grondar standing motionless with the title across his shoulder.
No fear.
No hesitation.
Only the champion waiting for his challenger.
The screen flashes white.
INFERNUS REX
Flames erupt across the entranceway.
Infernus Rex strides through the fire as the montage tears through brutal strikes, crushing power, and violent collisions inside the ring.
For one final moment, Rex stands surrounded by rising flames.
Tomorrow, there will be no disqualifications.
Only Rudolph.
Only destruction.
The flames vanish into darkness.
YETI
The sound of howling Arctic wind fills the screen.
Yeti emerges through a raging snowstorm, his massive frame almost disappearing beneath the blowing snow.
Rapid images show raw power, crushing throws, and the giant standing over fallen opponents.
The final shot places Yeti alone in the frozen wastes.
Waiting for Bigfoot.
The storm consumes the screen.
MR. MASON
A sharp musical break cuts through the montage.
Mr. Mason marches toward the ring with cold purpose.
The footage flashes through heavy takedowns, punishing offence, and the unforgettable image of him tearing the mask from Ghost of Christmas Past.
For one instant, the screen freezes on Mr. Mason holding the mask in his hand.
His eyes lift toward the camera.
The image cuts to black.
The music reaches its crescendo.
Rapid images flash across the screen — Van Helsing preparing for war, Grondar the Revenant raising the North Pole Championship, Infernus Rex surrounded by flames, Yeti roaring into the Arctic storm, and Mr. Mason standing with the stolen mask in hand.
The five images collide in an explosion of white and electric blue.
The NPCW POLAR POWER logo fills the screen.
ONLY THE FIGHT. ONLY THE NORTH.
The screen transitions to a sweeping live aerial shot of the North Pole Arena.
Pyrotechnics erupt from the entrance stage in brilliant blue, silver, and white as thousands of fans rise to their feet.
The broadcast settles into a sweeping live shot of the packed North Pole Arena. Signs rise throughout the crowd as blue and silver lights sweep across the stands.
The camera moves to the commentary desk, where Johnny Michaels and Eddie Ellington are seated.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Welcome once again to the North Pole Arena, everybody. I'm Johnny 'The Mic' Michaels alongside Eddie Ellington, and tonight there is one fact hanging over absolutely everything we do."
The FAULT LINE logo fills the arena screen.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night is FAULT LINE."
The crowd erupts.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which means tonight is the worst possible night to get hurt, lose your confidence, make an enemy, or do anything else stupid."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow, championships will be defended, grudges will be settled, and some of the most personal conflicts in the Polar Division will finally reach their breaking point. But before we get there, we have six matches tonight."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And if I'm competing tomorrow, Johnny, I'm sitting somewhere very comfortable watching everyone else take the risks."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing apparently disagrees with you."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's because Van Helsing has questionable judgment."
The first match graphic appears.
NEGROPOLIS VS. MARI LWYD
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "We begin tonight with Negropolis of the Misfits of Mayhem going one-on-one with Mari Lwyd of the Demonic Legion."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "There is nothing friendly about that matchup. Negropolis hits like a wrecking ball, but Mari Lwyd may be the one person in this building who can make him wonder exactly what he's dealing with."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Two extraordinarily physical competitors opening Polar Power tonight."
The graphic changes.
POLAR BEAR 2 AND POLAR BEAR 3 VS. RIVER REAPERS
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Then we move to tag-team action. Polar Bear 2 and Polar Bear 3 face Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, the River Reapers."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "The River Reapers better hope they've recovered. Last week the Crimson Maulers dragged them through thirty-four minutes of punishment before beating them."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The River Reapers showed tremendous resilience in that match. Tonight they have an opportunity to get immediately back into the win column."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Assuming the Polar Bears are feeling charitable."
The next graphic fills the screen.
TORVALD STONEHELM VS. BELSNICKEL
A loud reaction comes from the crowd.
A still image appears of Torvald Stonehelm grinning with his tankard in hand.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And after one of the most unforgettable introductions we've seen in quite some time, tonight Torvald Stonehelm makes his official wrestling debut against Belsnickel."
Footage flashes briefly of Torvald Stonehelm smashing the tankard across the head of Count Vlad Dragomir before taking out the knee of Infernus Rex.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Official wrestling debut. That's the important distinction. Apparently assaulting two men backstage with a drinking vessel doesn't count."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Count Vlad refused his ale."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That is not justification!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "I didn't say it was."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You were thinking it."
The crowd laughs as the graphic changes.
WICKED WITCH VS. PEARL
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wicked Witch is also in action tonight as she goes one-on-one with Pearl."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's a difficult assignment for Pearl. Wicked Witch doesn't need many openings before a match starts moving exactly where she wants it."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Pearl will have to remain disciplined and refuse to be drawn into Wicked Witch's pace."
Another graphic appears.
GRIZELDA VS. ASTRID IRONVALE
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Then Grizelda steps into the ring against Astrid Ironvale."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Now that one interests me. Astrid Ironvale doesn't strike me as someone who's easily intimidated."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Nor should she be. But Grizelda brings an unconventional style and plenty of experience manipulating the rhythm of a match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "In other words, don't let the witch start dictating terms."
The arena reaction rises as the final match graphic appears.
VAN HELSING VS. MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER
The FAULT LINE logo appears behind the image of Van Helsing, followed by the North Pole Championship.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And then our main event."
The crowd gets louder.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Twenty-four hours before Van Helsing challenges Grondar the Revenant for the North Pole Championship at FAULT LINE, Van Helsing steps into this ring against Marcus the Beastmaster."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which is madness."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing wanted the match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That doesn't make it less mad. Marcus spends every week controlling monsters like Karnyx and Varak. You think he doesn't know how to hurt somebody?"
Footage from last week shows Marcus the Beastmaster standing proudly beside the Universal Tag Team Champions.
The screen then shifts to Van Helsing staring toward the North Pole Championship.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing could have chosen to protect himself tonight. Instead, the number-one challenger wants competition before the biggest championship opportunity of his career."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And somewhere backstage, Grondar the Revenant is probably delighted. Let Marcus soften him up tonight, then the champion gets whatever is left tomorrow."
A split-screen appears.
Van Helsing on one side.
Grondar the Revenant, North Pole Championship across his shoulder, on the other.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night, Van Helsing and Grondar the Revenant settle it for the North Pole Championship."
The graphic expands to show several FAULT LINE images in rapid succession.
Infernus Rex and Rudolph.
Bigfoot and Yeti.
Polly Mason and Dr. Violetta Voss.
Wilber "Terrorfang" Townsend and Krampus.
Lilith and Velora Synn.
Finally, Grondar the Revenant and Van Helsing.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "FAULT LINE is tomorrow."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "If everybody survives tonight."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Six matches. One final night before FAULT LINE. And it begins with Negropolis against Mari Lwyd."
The camera pulls away from the desk as the crowd rises and the entrance stage comes into view.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Polar Power continues, next!"
The camera returns to ringside as the North Pole Arena settles in for the opening contest. Honest Abe checks the ropes while Celeste Orion stands ready in the centre of the ring.
The lights dim.
A heavy, grinding rhythm rolls through the arena as Coach Cal Mercer emerges onto the stage.
A moment later, Negropolis steps through the curtain.
The massive member of the Misfits of Mayhem pauses beneath the lights, staring directly toward the ring. Coach Cal Mercer immediately moves beside him, speaking with animated intensity and pointing toward the squared circle.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "We open tonight with a battle between two competitors who can change the direction of a match with one impact. Negropolis has enormous power, but with Coach Cal Mercer beside him, we've also seen a much more disciplined competitor."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Discipline? He's enormous, Johnny. Sometimes the best strategy is being built like a collapsing building."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And Coach Cal Mercer has been instrumental in helping him channel that power."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wonderful. Maybe Cal can teach him how to duck."
Negropolis starts down the aisle while Coach Cal Mercer continues talking to him, keeping his attention focused on the ring.
They reach ringside.
Negropolis steps onto the apron and climbs through the ropes while Coach Cal Mercer takes his position on the floor.
The arena lighting changes.
A strange, hollow rhythm echoes through the building.
Grinch Heyman emerges onto the stage first.
He pauses beneath the entrance lights, a calculating smile on his face.
Then Mari Lwyd appears behind him.
The reaction from the crowd immediately changes.
Mari Lwyd moves slowly onto the stage, head tilted slightly to one side, her presence unsettling without ever breaking stride.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Now THERE is somebody I understand."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That may be one of the more concerning things you've said tonight."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Look at Mari Lwyd. No wasted movement. No nerves. No concern about what Negropolis looks like. That's confidence."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And with Grinch Heyman beside her, you know there will be a plan."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Of course there will. That's why he's good at what he does."
Mari Lwyd reaches ringside.
Grinch Heyman leans close and says something quietly before Mari Lwyd steps onto the apron and enters the ring.
Across the ring, Coach Cal Mercer is still speaking to Negropolis.
Celeste Orion raises her microphone.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall."
She turns toward the first corner.
CELESTE ORION: "Introducing first, accompanied to ringside by Coach Cal Mercer... representing the Misfits of Mayhem... NEGROPOLIS!"
The crowd responds strongly as Negropolis raises one arm.
CELESTE ORION: "And his opponent, accompanied to ringside by Grinch Heyman... representing the Demonic Legion... MARI LWYD!"
Mari Lwyd steps forward as Grinch Heyman applauds from the floor.
Honest Abe checks both competitors and signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Before the two competitors fully engage, Coach Cal Mercer calls sharply from ringside.
Coach Cal Mercer pounds one fist into his palm, points toward Mari Lwyd, and gives Negropolis a rapid series of instructions designed to sharpen his focus.
Negropolis nods and starts forward.
But Mari Lwyd gets there first.
Mari Lwyd catches Negropolis around the upper body, hooks him into position, and powers him over with a pumphandle slam.
The impact shakes the ring.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "What a start from Mari Lwyd! Coach Cal Mercer was trying to get Negropolis mentally prepared, but Mari Lwyd didn't give him time to settle."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's exactly what I was talking about! Mari Lwyd saw Cal giving a speech and decided she'd rather give Negropolis a landing."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That was a tremendous display of strength."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And against a man that size. That wasn't just strength, Johnny. That was a statement."
Minute 2
Negropolis rises quickly, clearly angered by the opening exchange.
He closes the distance before Mari Lwyd can reset and blasts her with a thrust kick directly to the upper body.
Mari Lwyd absorbs the strike, staggering backward but remaining upright.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Thrust kick from Negropolis, and that one landed clean."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "It landed. Mari Lwyd is still standing."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "It certainly moved her."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Moving somebody and hurting somebody are two very different things."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You have decided very quickly where your loyalties are."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I recognize excellence."
Minute 3
The pace increases.
Negropolis catches Mari Lwyd moving forward and surprises the arena by launching himself into a hurricanrana.
The crowd erupts as Mari Lwyd is thrown across the ring.
But Mari Lwyd gets back to her feet quickly.
As Negropolis advances, Mari Lwyd catches his wrist, yanks him inward, and levels him with a short-arm clothesline.
Both competitors hit the canvas almost in succession.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "A hurricanrana from Negropolis! You don't expect that kind of agility from a man his size!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And you also don't expect him to run directly into a short-arm clothesline afterward."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Mari Lwyd answered immediately."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. Negropolis gets one impressive moment and Mari Lwyd reminds him that gravity still exists."
Minute 4
Negropolis gets up first and immediately fires another thrust kick into Mari Lwyd.
This one drives her backward toward the ropes.
Mari Lwyd rebounds, closes the distance, scoops Negropolis off his feet, and drives him down with a bodyslam.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another thrust kick from Negropolis, but Mari Lwyd comes right back with the bodyslam."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Look at that power. Negropolis is not a small man, Johnny."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "No argument there."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Mari Lwyd just picked him up and put him down like she was rearranging furniture."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "This has been remarkably even through four minutes."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Only if you're ignoring all the good parts from Mari Lwyd."
Minute 5
Negropolis creates space and suddenly leaves his feet.
He launches forward with a flying elbow that catches Mari Lwyd high across the upper body.
The crowd reacts as Mari Lwyd drops to one knee.
Negropolis tries to follow immediately.
But Mari Lwyd explodes forward.
She lowers her head and drives a running headbutt directly into the chest of Negropolis.
The impact sends Negropolis backward through the ropes and down to the arena floor.
Honest Abe begins the count.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Negropolis slides underneath the bottom rope at five.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Flying elbow from Negropolis, but Mari Lwyd answers with that running headbutt and sends him all the way to the floor!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. That's called changing the geography of the match."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Negropolis is back in at five."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because apparently he hasn't learned enough yet."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That headbutt caught him directly in the chest."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And moved a man that size through the ropes. I repeat: beautiful."
Minute 6
Negropolis comes back into the ring with much more urgency.
Mari Lwyd steps toward him.
That is exactly what Negropolis wants.
He catches Mari Lwyd, lifts her violently, and drives her into the canvas with Black Doom.
Mari Lwyd tries to shift her weight during the lift but cannot escape.
The impact draws a huge reaction.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "BLACK DOOM! Negropolis caught Mari Lwyd and planted her!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "All right, that one was unpleasant."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Mari Lwyd tried to defend against it and couldn't."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "One mistake. That's all it was."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That is a very dangerous move to dismiss as one mistake."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm not dismissing the move. I'm dismissing your excitement."
Minute 7
Mari Lwyd forces herself back upright and immediately reaches for Negropolis.
She tries to turn him into position for another pumphandle slam.
Negropolis recognizes it.
He drops his weight, traps the arm, and prevents Mari Lwyd from completing the lift.
Negropolis shoves her away.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Excellent defense from Negropolis. Mari Lwyd wanted the pumphandle slam again, and he stopped it before she could get him elevated."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Congratulations. He remembered something from the first minute."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's called adapting."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fine. He adapted. Now let's see whether he survives the next thing."
Minute 8
The two collide again in the centre of the ring.
Negropolis gets his hands on Mari Lwyd first.
He hoists her up and drives her down with another Black Doom.
The crowd erupts.
But Mari Lwyd responds almost immediately.
As Negropolis pulls her upright, Mari Lwyd catches him around the torso, turns sharply, and drives him into the canvas with a Uranage.
Both competitors remain down momentarily.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another Black Doom from Negropolis, but Mari Lwyd answers with the Uranage!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's why I like Mari Lwyd. You hit her with one of your biggest moves and she gets up and throws you down."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Both competitors are absorbing tremendous punishment."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "But Mari Lwyd keeps answering."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "So does Negropolis."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You had to ruin it."
Minute 9
Both competitors rise slowly.
Negropolis strikes first.
He catches Mari Lwyd, lifts her high, and drives her down with the Doom Bomb.
The ring shakes beneath the impact.
But Mari Lwyd forces herself upright again.
She catches Negropolis and answers with another bodyslam.
Negropolis rolls through the impact and immediately gets back to his feet.
Mari Lwyd turns.
Negropolis is already waiting.
He catches her again.
The Doom Bomb crashes Mari Lwyd into the canvas.
This time Negropolis immediately hooks both legs.
Honest Abe drops into position.
One.
Two.
Three.
The bell rings.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "DOOM BOMB! Negropolis gets the three! What an opening fight!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I don't like it."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You don't have to like it. Negropolis caught Mari Lwyd at exactly the right moment and finished the match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Mari Lwyd threw him around for most of nine minutes."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And Negropolis survived it, found his opening, and won."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Technicalities."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "A pinfall is not a technicality."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Depends who you ask."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "This is an important victory for Negropolis. He absorbed everything Mari Lwyd brought, neutralized that second pumphandle attempt, and finished decisively with the Doom Bomb."
NEGROPOLIS DEFEATS MARI LWYD VIA PINFALL AT THE 9:00 MINUTE MARK.
CELESTE ORION: "Here is your winner... NEGROPOLIS!"
Honest Abe raises the arm of Negropolis.
At ringside, Coach Cal Mercer applauds and immediately points toward his wrestler, shouting his approval.
But across the ring, Grinch Heyman does not move.
He stares at Negropolis.
Then at Mari Lwyd.
A slow smile appears.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wait a minute."
Grinch Heyman raises one hand.
He points toward Negropolis.
The crowd begins to react.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "What's wrong?"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You know exactly what's wrong."
From the entrance aisle, Jack Frost suddenly charges toward the ring.
Coach Cal Mercer sees him coming and begins shouting toward Negropolis.
COACH CAL MERCER: "NEGROPOLIS! BEHIND YOU!"
Too late.
Jack Frost slides beneath the bottom rope and attacks Negropolis from behind.
The impact drives Negropolis forward.
Mari Lwyd immediately joins the assault.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Jack Frost is here! This is two-on-one!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Maybe Mari Lwyd simply wants a more complete post-match evaluation."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Oh, stop it!"
Jack Frost clubs Negropolis repeatedly across the back while Mari Lwyd drives heavy shots into his ribs.
Coach Cal Mercer climbs onto the apron, shouting at Honest Abe and calling for help.
Grinch Heyman remains outside.
He never enters the ring.
He simply directs traffic.
A gesture toward the corner.
Jack Frost drags Negropolis upright.
Another gesture.
Mari Lwyd drives a violent headbutt into the chest of Negropolis.
The big man collapses.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "This is exactly what Grinch Heyman wanted! Jack Frost and Mari Lwyd are dismantling Negropolis after the match!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Well, if Negropolis wanted everyone to remember the victory, this will certainly make the footage memorable."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "This is completely unnecessary!"
Coach Cal Mercer finally gets through the ropes.
He steps between Negropolis and the attackers.
Jack Frost starts toward him.
But Grinch Heyman raises a hand.
Stop.
Jack Frost freezes.
Mari Lwyd turns toward Grinch Heyman.
He points toward the entrance.
Withdraw.
Mari Lwyd and Jack Frost step backward through the ropes.
The crowd rains boos down upon them.
Coach Cal Mercer drops beside Negropolis and checks on him as Honest Abe kneels nearby.
At the top of the aisle, Grinch Heyman stands between Mari Lwyd and Jack Frost.
He looks back toward the ring.
Smiling.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Negropolis won the match, but Grinch Heyman made certain the Demonic Legion had the final word."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And that, Johnny, is why you never celebrate too early."
The camera closes on Coach Cal Mercer helping Negropolis sit up while Grinch Heyman, Mari Lwyd, and Jack Frost disappear through the curtain.
The broadcast cuts away from the North Pole Arena.
The screen fades into a pre-taped vignette.
The camera moves slowly through the Hunters Lodge.
Maps, weapons, old books, and framed records line the walls, but tonight the focus is on one room.
The office of Van Helsing.
The door stands open.
Inside, Van Helsing is standing behind a heavy wooden desk.
He does not sit.
Behind him, almost every section of the wall has been covered with photographs from recent matches involving Grondar the Revenant.
Grondar driving opponents into the canvas.
Grondar surviving submission holds.
Grondar raising the North Pole Championship.
Grondar standing beside Magnus Blackwell.
Some photographs have handwritten notes beneath them. Others are connected by lines, circles, and small markings identifying recurring tendencies.
On the desk in front of Van Helsing are two pieces of paper.
One reads:
24-3-1
Beside it:
6 MATCH WIN STREAK
The camera moves closer.
Van Helsing looks down at the numbers.
Then toward the photographs.
Finally, he looks directly into the camera.
VAN HELSING: "Twenty-four victories."
He glances down at the desk.
VAN HELSING: "Three defeats."
A pause.
VAN HELSING: "One draw."
His eyes move toward the second sheet.
VAN HELSING: "Six victories in a row."
He lets the numbers sit for a moment.
VAN HELSING: "That is what stands between me and the North Pole Championship tomorrow night."
He looks back toward the wall.
VAN HELSING: "I have watched every match."
The camera slowly pans across the photographs of Grondar the Revenant.
VAN HELSING: "Every strike."
A photograph of Grondar landing a massive clothesline.
VAN HELSING: "Every throw."
A photograph of Grondar driving an opponent into the canvas.
VAN HELSING: "Every time someone believed they had finally found the weakness."
The camera settles on an image of Grondar trapped in the Lycan Lock.
Another image beside it shows Grondar standing again.
VAN HELSING: "And every time the Revenant stood back up."
The camera returns to Van Helsing.
VAN HELSING: "That is why they call him a monster."
He steps around the desk.
VAN HELSING: "Not because he is unbeatable."
A pause.
VAN HELSING: "Because people convince themselves he is."
Van Helsing walks toward the wall and studies one photograph in particular — Grondar the Revenant holding the North Pole Championship across his shoulder.
VAN HELSING: "I have spent my life hunting monsters."
He removes the photograph from the wall.
VAN HELSING: "You do not hunt them by charging blindly into the darkness."
He studies the image.
VAN HELSING: "You learn them."
VAN HELSING: "You learn how they move."
VAN HELSING: "How they strike."
VAN HELSING: "What makes them dangerous."
He places the photograph carefully on the desk.
VAN HELSING: "And eventually..."
His eyes lift toward the camera.
VAN HELSING: "...you learn what makes them vulnerable."
Silence fills the room.
VAN HELSING: "Tomorrow night, I am not stepping into the ring believing Grondar the Revenant is less dangerous than everyone says."
He shakes his head.
VAN HELSING: "That would be foolish."
VAN HELSING: "He is powerful."
VAN HELSING: "He is relentless."
VAN HELSING: "He has survived everyone who has tried to take that championship from him."
His expression hardens.
VAN HELSING: "Good."
A beat.
VAN HELSING: "That is the monster I wanted."
The camera slowly pushes closer.
VAN HELSING: "Tomorrow, there will be no theories left."
VAN HELSING: "No photographs."
VAN HELSING: "No notes."
He places one hand beside the numbers on the desk.
VAN HELSING: "Just the hunter."
His other hand settles over the photograph of Grondar.
VAN HELSING: "And the monster."
A long silence.
VAN HELSING: "At FAULT LINE, Grondar the Revenant discovers something every monster eventually learns."
He stares directly into the camera.
VAN HELSING: "Sooner or later..."
A slight narrowing of the eyes.
VAN HELSING: "...the hunter finds you."
The camera holds on Van Helsing.
Behind him, the wall remains covered with images of Grondar the Revenant.
In front of him, the numbers remain clearly visible.
24-3-1
6 MATCH WIN STREAK
The image fades slowly to black.
The camera returns to ringside as Honest Abe checks the ropes and Celeste Orion takes her position in the centre of the ring.
A heavy, pounding rhythm begins.
The entrance stage washes in icy white light as Polar Bear 2 and Polar Bear 3 emerge together.
The two massive competitors stop at the top of the ramp and stare toward the ring before beginning their march down the aisle.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Polar Bears have an opportunity tonight to make a statement in the tag-team division. Polar Bear 2 and Polar Bear 3 bring tremendous size and physicality."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And common sense, Johnny. Look at them. They know what they are. They're big, they're strong, and they aren't coming out here trying to win a gymnastics competition."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Nobody suggested they were."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm heading you off before you start."
Polar Bear 2 and Polar Bear 3 climb onto the apron and step through the ropes. They move immediately to their corner, watching the entrance.
The music changes.
The crowd rises.
Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer emerge together onto the stage.
The River Reapers acknowledge the fans briefly before turning their attention toward the ring. After their punishing thirty-four-minute battle with the Crimson Maulers last week, neither man appears interested in wasting time.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "One week ago, the River Reapers went thirty-four hard minutes with the Crimson Maulers. They didn't leave with the victory, but there was absolutely no questioning their toughness."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wonderful. Put toughness on a certificate and hang it on the wall. They still lost."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And tonight is an opportunity to respond."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Against those two? That's your recovery plan? I'd have booked a massage."
Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer reach ringside and enter together.
The two teams stare across the ring.
Celeste Orion raises her microphone.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a tag-team match scheduled for one fall."
She turns toward the first corner.
CELESTE ORION: "Introducing first... POLAR BEAR 2 and POLAR BEAR 3... the POLAR BEARS!"
Eddie Ellington applauds from the desk as the two massive wrestlers step forward.
CELESTE ORION: "And their opponents... HUCK FINN and TOM SAWYER... the RIVER REAPERS!"
The crowd responds strongly.
Honest Abe directs the teams to their corners.
Polar Bear 2 remains in the ring.
Across from him, Huck Finn starts for the River Reapers.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Polar Bear 2 immediately closes the distance and claws his fingers across the face and eyes of Huck Finn.
Huck Finn recoils, but he answers almost immediately.
He gets underneath the larger opponent, hooks him securely, and drives Polar Bear 2 into the canvas with a Fisherman Buster.
The crowd reacts as Huck Finn rolls toward his corner and tags Tom Sawyer.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Polar Bear 2 goes straight to the eyes, but Huck Finn answers with that Fisherman Buster before making the tag."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You say goes to the eyes. I say establishes control of the face."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "With his fingers."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Hands are important in wrestling."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And Huck Finn still managed to put him down."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "For a moment. Look at Polar Bear 2. He's already getting up."
Minute 2
Tom Sawyer enters, but the Polar Bears immediately change the complexion of the match.
Polar Bear 3 storms through the ropes and joins his partner.
Polar Bear 2 catches Tom Sawyer around the body and spins him violently into the canvas with the Snowstorm Spin.
Before Tom Sawyer can recover, Polar Bear 3 charges and crashes through him with a shoulder block.
Honest Abe begins shouting for Polar Bear 3 to return to the apron.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Immediate double-team pressure from the Polar Bears. Snowstorm Spin from Polar Bear 2, followed by that shoulder block from Polar Bear 3."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's tag-team wrestling. Don't give the other man time to think."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "There is also supposed to be one legal competitor at a time."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Details. Tom Sawyer is learning a valuable lesson."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Which is?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Don't stand between two polar bears."
Minute 3
The double-team continues before Honest Abe can restore order.
Polar Bear 2 catches Tom Sawyer again and drives him down with another Snowstorm Spin.
As Honest Abe focuses on Polar Bear 2, Polar Bear 3 steps in and kicks Tom Sawyer directly below the belt.
Tom Sawyer doubles over.
But he refuses to stay down.
As Polar Bear 3 comes forward, Tom Sawyer catches him, traps both arms, and spikes him into the canvas with the Sawyer Snap double underhook piledriver.
The crowd erupts.
Honest Abe finally forces Polar Bear 3 back toward the apron and ends the extended double-team.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another Snowstorm Spin, and Polar Bear 3 followed with a blatant low blow!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I didn't see where the kick landed."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Naturally."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "What I DID see was Tom Sawyer nearly drive Polar Bear 3 through the ring with that Sawyer Snap."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's the resilience we talked about. Tom Sawyer absorbed the double-team and still found a major counterattack."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Resilient people still lose matches, Johnny."
Minute 4
With Polar Bear 2 remaining legal, he moves back onto Tom Sawyer before the River Reaper can build momentum.
Tom Sawyer tries to brace himself.
It does not work.
Polar Bear 2 catches him and drives him down with another Snowstorm Spin.
This time Tom Sawyer cannot prevent the spinning side slam.
Polar Bear 2 immediately reaches his corner and tags Polar Bear 3.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Snowstorm Spin connects again, and now Polar Bear 3 officially enters the match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Smart. Keep rotating fresh power into the ring."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tom Sawyer has absorbed a lot in these opening minutes."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And the Polar Bears have barely started."
Minute 5
Polar Bear 3 steps forward looking to establish control, but Tom Sawyer moves first.
Tom Sawyer slips around behind, locks the upper body, and launches Polar Bear 3 overhead with a three-quarter nelson suplex.
Polar Bear 3 lands hard and rolls away.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Excellent three-quarter nelson suplex from Tom Sawyer. Polar Bear 3 never established his base."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "One throw."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "A very effective one."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wake me when Polar Bear 3 stays down."
Minute 6
Polar Bear 3 recovers and catches Tom Sawyer near the ropes.
With a violent shove and throw, Polar Bear 3 sends Tom Sawyer over the barricade and into the crowd-side area.
The fans scatter backward.
Tom Sawyer pulls himself upright quickly, regains his footing, and gets back toward ringside.
Before Polar Bear 3 can completely capitalize, Tom Sawyer surges forward and catches him with the Crucible Falson Arrow.
The impact sends Polar Bear 3 down.
Tom Sawyer is still outside the ring when Honest Abe begins his count.
One.
Two.
Three.
Tom Sawyer slides back beneath the bottom rope at three.
He immediately reaches the corner and tags Huck Finn.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Polar Bear 3 threw Tom Sawyer all the way into the crowd area, but Tom Sawyer still came back with the Crucible Falson Arrow and beat the count comfortably."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Comfortably? He got thrown into the audience!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And came back."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's the problem with the River Reapers. They never know when they've been given an excellent opportunity to leave."
Minute 7
Huck Finn comes through the ropes.
Polar Bear 3 catches him almost immediately and launches him overhead with a backdrop suplex.
Huck Finn lands hard but springs back to his feet and cracks Polar Bear 3 across the chest with a backhand chop.
The sound echoes throughout the arena.
Huck Finn then reaches his corner and tags Tom Sawyer back in.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Backdrop suplex from Polar Bear 3, answered by that hard chop from Huck Finn."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And then Huck Finn leaves."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He makes the tag."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You have your terminology. I have mine."
Minute 8
Polar Bear 3 charges the returning Tom Sawyer with another shoulder block.
Tom Sawyer sees it coming.
He braces, turns his body, catches the attacking arm, and redirects Polar Bear 3 before the shoulder can connect.
Polar Bear 3 stumbles past.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Excellent read by Tom Sawyer. He neutralized the shoulder block before Polar Bear 3 could get his weight behind it."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "All right. That was smart."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "High praise."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Don't get used to it."
Minute 9
Polar Bear 3 resets and charges again.
This time the shoulder block connects flush and drives Tom Sawyer backward.
But Tom Sawyer rebounds almost immediately.
He gets Polar Bear 3 across his shoulders and drives him into the canvas with a Death Valley Driver.
Tom Sawyer rolls toward his corner and tags Huck Finn.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Shoulder block from Polar Bear 3, but Tom Sawyer answers with the Death Valley Driver."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He had to use everything he had just to move him."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He moved him very effectively."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And now Tom Sawyer is leaving again."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tagging."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Leaving legally."
Minute 10
Huck Finn enters and immediately finds himself overwhelmed.
Polar Bear 3 drives repeated forearm smashes across the upper body of Huck Finn.
Polar Bear 2 enters behind him.
The larger Bear catches Huck Finn, turns him sharply, and drives him into the canvas with the Blizzard Slam powerslam.
Huck Finn somehow gets back to his feet and cracks Polar Bear 3 with another backhand chop.
Honest Abe orders the Polar Bears to separate.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Polar Bears are double-teaming again. Forearm smashes from Polar Bear 3, followed by the Blizzard Slam from Polar Bear 2."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Beautiful combination wrestling. One softens him up, the other plants him."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Huck Finn is still fighting."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Yes, Johnny. That is generally what people do before they lose."
Minute 11
The double-team continues briefly.
Polar Bear 3 hangs back defensively while Polar Bear 2 traps Huck Finn from behind in an inverted bearhug.
The pressure bends Huck Finn backward.
But Huck Finn fights his way free.
He catches Polar Bear 2 around the body and drives him into the canvas with a Uranage.
Honest Abe finally forces Polar Bear 3 back outside.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Inverted bearhug from Polar Bear 2, but Huck Finn fights through it and answers with the Uranage."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He escaped because Polar Bear 2 decided to give him hope."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's an interesting interpretation."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm an interesting man."
Minute 12
Huck Finn tries to keep the momentum going with another backhand chop.
Polar Bear 3, now legal again after the scramble, gets both arms up and catches the strike before it can land cleanly.
He controls the wrist, shoves Huck Finn backward, and immediately reaches his corner.
Polar Bear 3 tags Polar Bear 2.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Polar Bear 3 neutralizes the chop and makes the tag."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's awareness. He doesn't stand there trying to prove he's tougher than Huck Finn. Bring in the bigger fresh man."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Both Polar Bears have been very effective with their rotations."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You see? You're learning."
Minute 13
Polar Bear 2 comes in aggressively and immediately calls Polar Bear 3 back into the ring.
The Polar Bears swarm Huck Finn.
Polar Bear 2 drives Huck Finn down with another Snowstorm Spin.
Polar Bear 3 follows by throwing Huck Finn overhead with a backdrop suplex.
But Huck Finn refuses to stay overwhelmed.
As Polar Bear 2 moves back toward him, Huck Finn catches the legal man and drives him down with the Cut Throat Driver.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another double-team, but Huck Finn survives the Snowstorm Spin and backdrop suplex long enough to catch Polar Bear 2 with the Cut Throat Driver!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Survives. That's the word. He's spending this whole match surviving."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Survival creates opportunities."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "So does winning. I'd recommend that instead."
Minute 14
The Polar Bears attack again before Huck Finn can reach his corner.
Polar Bear 2 scoops him up and crushes him with another Blizzard Slam.
Polar Bear 3 follows with a backdrop suplex.
Huck Finn absorbs both impacts, staggers upright, and suddenly blasts Polar Bear 3 with a superkick.
Polar Bear 3 falls backward.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Blizzard Slam, backdrop suplex, and somehow Huck Finn still finds that superkick!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He's throwing desperation kicks now."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "It connected."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Desperation can connect."
Minute 15
The extended attack continues.
Polar Bear 2 rises over Huck Finn and unleashes the Primal Growl.
The roar momentarily freezes Huck Finn in place.
Polar Bear 3 immediately takes advantage, hooks Huck Finn, and holds him suspended before dropping him with a Hanging Suplex.
Huck Finn rolls through the impact, catches Polar Bear 3 as he turns, and launches him with a Saito Suplex.
Honest Abe finally restores order and forces the illegal Polar Bear out.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Primal Growl creates the opening, Polar Bear 3 connects with the Hanging Suplex, and Huck Finn somehow answers with the Saito Suplex."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "How many times are the Polar Bears supposed to hit this man before he gets the message?"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Huck Finn has shown tremendous endurance."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He's stubborn. There's a difference."
Minute 16
With Polar Bear 2 legal, Huck Finn catches him before the larger wrestler can establish another attack.
Huck Finn hooks him and drives him down with another Fisherman Buster.
Polar Bear 2 tries to shift his weight during the lift, but Huck Finn completes the move.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Fisherman Buster from Huck Finn! Polar Bear 2 couldn't stop it."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fine. Good move."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That sounded painful for you."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm being objective."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "For the first time in sixteen minutes."
Minute 17
Both men rise cautiously.
Neither immediately commits.
Polar Bear 2 reaches for control.
Huck Finn pulls away.
For several seconds, the two circle without either man finding an opening.
Then Huck Finn suddenly breaks toward the corner.
He climbs quickly to the top rope.
Huck Finn launches himself with a top-rope elbow.
But Polar Bear 2 reads it.
He shifts away from the direct impact, catches Huck Finn as he lands, and immediately drops him with the Northern Lights Drop atomic drop.
Huck Finn collapses.
Polar Bear 2 covers.
One.
Huck Finn kicks out.
Huck Finn rolls urgently toward his corner and tags Tom Sawyer.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "What a reversal! Huck Finn went airborne, but Polar Bear 2 turned the entire exchange into the Northern Lights Drop!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "THAT is why I like these Bears. Huck Finn climbs all the way up there, flies through the air, and Polar Bear 2 turns it into pain."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Only a one count."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because Huck Finn still has some bad decisions left in him."
Minute 18
Tom Sawyer comes in immediately and catches Polar Bear 2 before he can completely reset.
Tom Sawyer drives through and plants the larger opponent with the Crucible Falson Arrow.
Polar Bear 2 tries to brace during the lift but cannot prevent the impact.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Crucible Falson Arrow! Tom Sawyer entered fresh and immediately changed the pace."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fresh is relative. He was thrown into the crowd earlier."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He has had time to recover."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Then Polar Bear 2 should correct that."
Minute 19
Polar Bear 2 rises and unleashes another Primal Growl.
Tom Sawyer pauses only briefly.
Then he shoots underneath, catches the leg, and turns Polar Bear 2 down into the Briscoe Crab.
Polar Bear 2 immediately begins fighting the pressure.
Honest Abe checks for the submission.
Polar Bear 2 refuses.
He works himself toward the ropes and forces Tom Sawyer to release.
Polar Bear 2 immediately tags Polar Bear 3.
Across the ring, Tom Sawyer tags Huck Finn.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Briscoe Crab was locked in, and Polar Bear 2 had to work for that escape."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "But he escaped. That's the important part."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Now both teams rotate."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Good. Fresh Bear."
Minute 20
Polar Bear 3 and Huck Finn collide in the centre.
Polar Bear 3 batters Huck Finn with repeated forearm smashes.
Huck Finn absorbs the blows, creates half a step of separation, and fires a superkick directly into the jaw of Polar Bear 3.
Both men stagger backward.
Polar Bear 3 tags Polar Bear 2.
Huck Finn tags Tom Sawyer.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Forearm smashes from Polar Bear 3, answered by the superkick from Huck Finn."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And both sides wisely make the tag."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Twenty minutes into this match, fatigue is becoming a major factor."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Especially for the River Reapers. The Polar Bears are built for this."
Minute 21
Tom Sawyer enters as Polar Bear 2 steps through the ropes.
Tom Sawyer gets underneath the larger man before he can establish control.
He hoists Polar Bear 2 across his shoulders and drives him into the canvas with a Death Valley Driver.
Polar Bear 2 attempts to shift his weight but cannot escape.
He rolls toward his corner and tags Polar Bear 3.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Death Valley Driver from Tom Sawyer, and Polar Bear 2 needed that tag."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Needed? He chose it."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "After being driven into the canvas."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Good timing."
Minute 22
Polar Bear 3 enters and immediately reaches for Tom Sawyer.
Tom Sawyer traps both arms first.
Polar Bear 3 tries to fight the position.
He cannot.
Tom Sawyer drives him headfirst into the canvas with the Sawyer Snap double underhook piledriver.
The crowd erupts.
Tom Sawyer then reaches his corner and tags Huck Finn.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "SAWYER SNAP! Polar Bear 3 tried to defend it and couldn't!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I admit I hate that move."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Because it's effective against the team you're supporting?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because I have excellent judgment."
Minute 23
Huck Finn steps through the ropes.
Polar Bear 3 meets him immediately.
As Honest Abe changes position, Polar Bear 3 drives a kick directly into the groin of Huck Finn.
Huck Finn doubles over.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Excellent body attack."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Body attack? That was another low blow!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You are obsessed with geography tonight."
Despite the illegal strike, Huck Finn fights back.
He gets Polar Bear 3 across his shoulders and drives him down with a Rolling Death Valley Driver.
Huck Finn then tags Tom Sawyer.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Rolling Death Valley Driver from Huck Finn after the low blow, and the River Reapers are still fighting."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "They've been fighting for twenty-three minutes and still haven't beaten the Polar Bears."
Minute 24
Tom Sawyer advances.
Polar Bear 3 catches him first.
He scoops Tom Sawyer backward, turns him over, and drives him hard into the canvas with an inverted bodyslam.
Tom Sawyer cannot prevent the impact.
Polar Bear 3 hooks the leg.
One.
Two.
Tom Sawyer kicks out.
The crowd reacts loudly.
Tom Sawyer rolls toward his corner and tags Huck Finn.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Two count! Polar Bear 3 almost finished it with that inverted bodyslam."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Almost? Tom Sawyer was a fraction away from losing."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He kicked out."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "At two. That's dangerously close to three."
Minute 25
Huck Finn enters.
Polar Bear 3 immediately grabs him and drives him down with another inverted bodyslam.
Huck Finn rolls through the punishment, gets back onto his feet, and catches Polar Bear 3 with the Cut Throat Driver.
Both men hit hard.
Huck Finn crawls toward his corner and tags Tom Sawyer.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Inverted bodyslam from Polar Bear 3, answered by the Cut Throat Driver from Huck Finn."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Nobody is giving anything away now."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "This has become a battle of endurance."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which still favors the Bears."
Minute 26
Tom Sawyer enters aggressively.
Polar Bear 3 catches him with repeated forearm smashes across the chest and shoulders.
Tom Sawyer absorbs the punishment, catches Polar Bear 3 as he comes forward again, and drives him down with the Crucible Falson Arrow.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Crucible Falson Arrow again from Tom Sawyer!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Polar Bear 3 is still moving."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "But more slowly."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Twenty-six minutes into a fight, everybody moves more slowly."
Minute 27
Tom Sawyer immediately attacks the leg.
He catches Polar Bear 3, turns him over, and locks in the Briscoe Crab.
Polar Bear 3 tries to defend before the hold is completely secured but cannot stop Tom Sawyer from sitting back.
Honest Abe drops beside them.
Polar Bear 3 refuses to submit.
He drags himself forward inch by inch until he finally reaches the ropes.
Honest Abe orders the break.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Briscoe Crab locked in! Polar Bear 3 had to fight all the way to the ropes."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And he made it."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That lower back and those legs have taken significant punishment now."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He's a Polar Bear. He'll walk it off."
Minute 28
Polar Bear 3 forces himself upright.
Tom Sawyer advances.
Polar Bear 3 clasps both hands together and hammers them down across Tom Sawyer with an overhead double smash.
Tom Sawyer staggers.
Then he fires back with a superkick.
Both men stumble toward their respective corners.
Polar Bear 3 tags Polar Bear 2.
Tom Sawyer tags Huck Finn.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Overhead double smash from Polar Bear 3, superkick from Tom Sawyer, and both teams make the tag."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "This is where experience matters. Twenty-eight minutes in, you don't waste time pretending you're fresh."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "For once, we agree."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I knew you'd get there eventually."
Minute 29
Polar Bear 2 and Huck Finn enter slowly.
Both men are exhausted.
They circle.
Huck Finn reaches for control.
Polar Bear 2 pulls away.
Polar Bear 2 tries to grab the wrist.
Huck Finn breaks free.
For several seconds, neither man is able to establish an advantage.
Then Polar Bear 2 suddenly calls toward his corner.
Polar Bear 3 storms back through the ropes.
The Polar Bears attack together.
Polar Bear 2 traps Huck Finn in the inverted bearhug, bending him backward and immobilizing his upper body.
With Honest Abe trying to separate them, Polar Bear 3 drives another kick directly into the groin of Huck Finn.
Huck Finn tries to twist free of the double-team.
He cannot.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Again! Polar Bear 3 with another low blow while Polar Bear 2 has Huck Finn trapped!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I saw a kick."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You saw exactly where it landed."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I was watching Polar Bear 2's excellent inverted bearhug."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Huck Finn is being overwhelmed with one minute remaining!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's what the Polar Bears do. You survive twenty-nine minutes and they still have enough left to maul you."
Minute 30
Honest Abe finally restores order.
Polar Bear 3 is forced back to the apron.
Polar Bear 2 turns toward Huck Finn.
But Huck Finn suddenly explodes forward.
He catches Polar Bear 2, powers the massive wrestler upward, and drives him into the canvas with a Sitout Powerbomb.
The crowd rises.
Huck Finn hooks both legs.
Honest Abe drops for the count.
One.
Polar Bear 2 kicks out.
At that exact moment, the timekeeper signals.
The thirty-minute limit has expired.
The bell rings.
Both teams initially look confused.
Then Honest Abe moves between them and signals toward the timekeeper.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The time limit has expired! Thirty minutes, and neither team could finish the other!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Polar Bear 2 kicked out before the bell. Make sure you say that part."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He did. Huck Finn connected with the Sitout Powerbomb and got only one before the time expired."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. The River Reapers had thirty minutes and couldn't put the Polar Bears away."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Polar Bears had the same thirty minutes and couldn't put the River Reapers away."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Why do you always have to spoil a perfectly good analysis?"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Because both teams deserve credit. The Polar Bears controlled long stretches with their size and double-team offense. The River Reapers repeatedly fought back and had major opportunities late."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'll give the River Reapers one thing. They lasted. But if there's another five minutes, I know which team I'm taking."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "We may never know. Tonight, after thirty hard-fought minutes, neither side leaves with the victory."
POLAR BEAR 2 AND POLAR BEAR 3 VS. RIVER REAPERS ENDS IN A 30:00 TIME-LIMIT DRAW.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, the thirty-minute time limit has expired. This match has been declared a DRAW!"
The crowd gives both teams a strong reaction.
Polar Bear 2 sits against the ropes catching his breath while Polar Bear 3 enters and stands beside him.
Across the ring, Tom Sawyer helps Huck Finn back to his feet.
The two teams stare across at one another.
No celebration.
No handshake.
Just four exhausted competitors who know exactly how close the match came to breaking either way.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Thirty minutes and nothing settled between these two teams."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Nothing settled? I learned the Polar Bears can go thirty minutes and still kick out of a powerbomb at the end."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And I learned the River Reapers, one week after a thirty-four-minute fight with the Crimson Maulers, can come right back and push another powerful team to the limit."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You always have to give everybody a compliment."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "After what we just witnessed, both teams earned one."
The camera holds on the Polar Bears and the River Reapers staring across the ring as the broadcast prepares to move on.
The camera returns to ringside as the North Pole Arena settles for the third match of the evening.
Honest Abe checks the ropes while Celeste Orion waits in the centre of the ring.
A harsh, old-world rhythm begins to echo through the arena.
Fenwick Grimbough appears first.
He steps onto the stage with his usual severe expression, glancing toward the crowd before turning back toward the entrance.
Belsnickel emerges behind him.
There is nothing hurried about the entrance.
Belsnickel walks with a deliberate, almost judgmental confidence, carrying himself like a man who has already decided exactly what he thinks of his opponent.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Now this is someone I can support tonight. Belsnickel understands that professional wrestling is supposed to involve wrestling, not assaulting people with drinking equipment."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You are referring, of course, to what happened last week between Torvald Stonehelm and Count Vlad Dragomir."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm referring to the dwarf who introduced himself by smashing a tankard over a man's head, taking out another man's knee, and then running away laughing."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He certainly made an impression."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "So does a runaway cart."
Belsnickel reaches ringside.
Fenwick Grimbough speaks quietly to him before Belsnickel climbs onto the apron and enters the ring.
The music cuts.
For several seconds, nothing happens.
Then a low drumbeat begins.
The crowd starts to react.
A burst of warm amber light floods the entrance stage.
Torvald Stonehelm steps through the curtain.
The reaction grows immediately.
At four feet ten inches, Torvald Stonehelm is considerably shorter than most of the competitors on the roster, but there is nothing slight about him. His broad chest, massive forearms, powerful legs, and enormous braided copper-red beard make him look like a blacksmith carved directly out of the side of a mountain.
And in one hand is a tankard of ale.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Of course."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You knew it was coming."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Why is that allowed in the building?"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "It's a beverage."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "It was a weapon last week!"
Torvald Stonehelm raises the tankard toward the crowd.
The fans roar.
He takes a long drink.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He's drinking before his debut!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He appears quite relaxed."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "So is a man who doesn't understand consequences."
Torvald Stonehelm wipes foam from his beard and begins walking down the ramp with a broad grin.
At ringside, he pauses.
He looks toward Fenwick Grimbough.
Then toward Belsnickel.
Then back toward his tankard.
Torvald Stonehelm takes another drink.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Oh, come on."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You seem unusually offended."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because this is supposed to be his wrestling debut, not happy hour."
Torvald Stonehelm sets the tankard near the ring steps, climbs onto the apron, and steps through the ropes.
He immediately walks toward Belsnickel.
The two stare at one another.
Belsnickel looks down.
Torvald Stonehelm looks up.
Then grins.
Celeste Orion raises her microphone.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall."
She turns toward the first corner.
CELESTE ORION: "Introducing first, accompanied to ringside by Fenwick Grimbough... BELSNICKEL!"
Belsnickel raises one arm while Fenwick Grimbough applauds from the floor.
CELESTE ORION: "And his opponent... making his official NPCW in-ring debut... TORVALD STONEHELM!"
The crowd erupts.
Torvald Stonehelm spreads both arms and grins broadly.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Official debut. Please emphasize official. Apparently everything before tonight goes under criminal activity."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You are really not letting that go."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Neither should Count Vlad."
Honest Abe brings both men forward, gives final instructions, and signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Belsnickel begins cautiously, circling the shorter but extraordinarily broad Torvald Stonehelm.
Torvald Stonehelm backs toward the ropes.
For a moment, Honest Abe turns toward Fenwick Grimbough, who is protesting that Torvald's tankard has been left too close to the ring.
That is all the opening Torvald Stonehelm needs.
He reaches down.
Grabs the tankard.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "NO!"
Belsnickel advances.
Torvald Stonehelm swings.
CLANG.
The tankard crashes directly across Belsnickel's upper body.
Belsnickel tumbles backward through the ropes and crashes to the floor.
The crowd erupts.
Fenwick Grimbough loses his mind at ringside.
Honest Abe turns around too late.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald Stonehelm just used the tankard!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "DISQUALIFY HIM!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Honest Abe didn't see the contact."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I SAW IT! Everybody saw it! Fenwick Grimbough saw it! Half the North Pole saw it!"
Honest Abe begins counting Belsnickel.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Belsnickel slides back underneath the bottom rope at five.
Torvald Stonehelm has already dropped the tankard back outside.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel is back in at five, but what an extraordinary way for Torvald Stonehelm to begin his first official match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Extraordinary? Illegal. The word you're looking for is illegal."
Minute 2
Belsnickel charges immediately, furious over what just happened.
Torvald Stonehelm lowers his centre of gravity.
He explodes forward.
The King's Hammer running lariat crashes across Belsnickel's chest.
Belsnickel is turned inside out.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "KING'S HAMMER! Torvald Stonehelm just ran through Belsnickel!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "After hitting him with a tankard!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The lariat was perfectly legal."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wonderful. One legal move. Give him a certificate."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That low centre of gravity creates enormous force when Torvald gets moving."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Yes, Johnny, he's compact. We've established this."
Minute 3
Belsnickel gets back to his feet.
Torvald Stonehelm catches the arm.
He shifts his weight and whips Belsnickel across the canvas with the Miner's Toss arm drag.
Belsnickel rolls toward the ropes.
Torvald Stonehelm looks toward ringside.
Then smiles.
He reaches through the ropes.
Retrieves the tankard.
And takes another drink.
Honest Abe immediately points toward him and orders the tankard out of the ring.
Torvald Stonehelm holds up one finger.
One more.
He drains another mouthful.
Then hands the tankard to the timekeeper.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "This is absurd."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Honest Abe has made it clear the tankard stays outside."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He should make it clear that this is wrestling, not a tavern."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald Stonehelm certainly seems comfortable."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's because nobody has made him uncomfortable yet."
Minute 4
Torvald Stonehelm moves back inside and reaches for a body slam.
Belsnickel plants his feet.
He shifts his hips, blocks the lift, and reverses the attempt.
Belsnickel gets underneath the compact powerhouse and drives Torvald Stonehelm over with a suplex.
The crowd reacts as Torvald lands hard.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "THERE!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Excellent counter by Belsnickel."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Actual wrestling! Remember that, Torvald? No mug. No ale. Just technique."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel used Torvald's forward momentum against him."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because Belsnickel came prepared for a match."
Minute 5
Torvald Stonehelm rises.
The grin is gone.
He rebounds from the ropes.
King's Hammer connects again.
The running lariat knocks Belsnickel flat onto his back.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another King's Hammer!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Belsnickel needs to stop letting him build momentum."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's easier said than done."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "No, it's called moving."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "When Torvald Stonehelm gets those short, powerful legs driving underneath him, that lariat carries tremendous impact."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "You sound impressed."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "I am."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's disappointing."
Minute 6
Torvald Stonehelm catches Belsnickel again and sends him rolling across the canvas with another Miner's Toss.
Belsnickel lands near the ropes.
Torvald Stonehelm immediately drops into a cover.
But Belsnickel anticipates it.
He shifts his weight, traps Torvald's shoulders, and reverses the pin.
Honest Abe drops into position.
One.
Two.
Torvald Stonehelm kicks out.
The crowd reacts loudly.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel almost caught him! Torvald Stonehelm went for the cover and got turned over!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Beautiful! That's what happens when you spend more time thinking about your next drink than your opponent."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That was excellent awareness from Belsnickel."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. He nearly spoiled this ridiculous debut in six minutes."
Minute 7
Both men rise.
Torvald Stonehelm catches Belsnickel first.
He hooks the upper body and drives Belsnickel forward into the canvas with the Stonebreaker gordbuster.
Belsnickel bounces off the mat.
He forces himself back upright.
Then launches forward.
Ringing the Bell connects.
The flying lariat crashes directly into Torvald Stonehelm.
Both men hit the mat.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Stonebreaker from Torvald, answered by Ringing the Bell from Belsnickel!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's the response I wanted. Hit him back."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Heavy offense from both men."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Belsnickel is proving he isn't intimidated by the beard, the tankard, or the little comedy routine."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "I don't think Torvald views himself as a comedy routine."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That makes one of us."
Minute 8
Torvald Stonehelm gets back to his feet and attacks the body.
He drives a heavy rib breaker across Belsnickel's midsection.
Belsnickel doubles over.
But he answers immediately.
The Knecht Kick catches Torvald Stonehelm across the upper chest and shoulder.
The force staggers the dwarf backward.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Rib breaker from Torvald, Knecht Kick from Belsnickel. Neither man is giving the other any sustained control."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And I like what Belsnickel is doing. Don't get drawn into Torvald's nonsense. Hit him."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That seems to be exactly the plan."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Good plan."
Minute 9
Torvald Stonehelm closes the distance and muscles Belsnickel off his feet with a body slam.
Belsnickel gets back up quickly.
He catches Torvald as he advances and powers him into the canvas with a powerslam.
The ring shakes.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Body slam from Torvald, but Belsnickel answers with the powerslam!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "There you go. Pick him up. Put him down. Do it again."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel is having more success now keeping Torvald from building momentum."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because he's wrestling intelligently."
Minute 10
Belsnickel tries another powerslam.
He catches Torvald Stonehelm around the body.
But Torvald drops his weight.
Belsnickel tries to lift.
Nothing.
Torvald Stonehelm shifts underneath, blocks the attempt, and shoves Belsnickel backward.
The crowd cheers.
Torvald looks toward the timekeeper.
His tankard is still there.
He points.
The timekeeper shakes his head.
Torvald points again.
Honest Abe turns and sees it.
He emphatically says no.
Torvald Stonehelm looks disappointed.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "GOOD!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Honest Abe is not allowing another refreshment break."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Finally, an authority figure with standards."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald did neutralize that powerslam."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Yes. Then immediately tried to order a drink."
Minute 11
Torvald Stonehelm turns back toward Belsnickel.
He drives a hard knee lift directly into the midsection.
Belsnickel folds around the strike.
Torvald Stonehelm hooks the leg.
Honest Abe counts.
One.
Two.
Belsnickel kicks out.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Two count after the knee lift."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Good. Belsnickel isn't going anywhere."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald Stonehelm is beginning to put together sustained offense."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "He's also beginning to annoy me."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Beginning?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fair point."
Minute 12
Belsnickel pulls himself upright.
Torvald Stonehelm steps forward.
Belsnickel explodes off the ropes.
Ringing the Bell connects again.
The flying lariat knocks Torvald Stonehelm flat onto his back.
Torvald does not immediately rise.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Ringing the Bell again! Belsnickel got all of it."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's exactly what he needs. Stop the dwarf before he starts running."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That may be the hardest strike Torvald Stonehelm has absorbed tonight."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Good."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You don't even pretend."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Why start now?"
Minute 13
Torvald Stonehelm forces himself to his feet.
Belsnickel comes forward.
Torvald suddenly accelerates.
King's Hammer crashes across Belsnickel's chest.
At nearly the same moment, Belsnickel fires the Knecht Kick into Torvald's upper body.
Both men collapse.
Torvald Stonehelm recovers first.
He throws himself across Belsnickel.
One.
Two.
Belsnickel kicks out.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "King's Hammer and Knecht Kick almost simultaneously! Torvald gets the cover, but only two."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Belsnickel took the King's Hammer and still kicked out."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That says a great deal about his toughness."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. If Torvald thought one big lariat was ending this, he was wrong."
Minute 14
Torvald Stonehelm gets behind Belsnickel and wraps an arm around the neck.
He drops his weight and cinches in Slumber Time, the sleeper.
Belsnickel immediately fights the grip.
He shifts his hips, catches Torvald's arm, and throws him over with a hip toss.
But Torvald Stonehelm refuses to release the hold completely.
He rolls through.
Gets back behind Belsnickel.
Slumber Time goes on again.
Honest Abe asks Belsnickel if he wants to submit.
Belsnickel emphatically refuses.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Slumber Time is locked in! Belsnickel escaped once with the hip toss, but Torvald went right back to the sleeper."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Get to the ropes."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel says no."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Of course he says no. He's not losing his match to a man who treats ale like a coaching strategy."
Minute 15
Belsnickel finally works himself free.
Torvald Stonehelm tries to re-engage immediately.
Belsnickel catches him.
He turns the compact wrestler across his body and drives him into the canvas with a powerslam.
Torvald hits hard and remains down.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Powerslam from Belsnickel! Torvald couldn't stop that one."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Excellent."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel may have found the opening he needs."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Now keep him away from the ropes, the tankard, and any nearby taverns."
Minute 16
Belsnickel moves forward.
Torvald Stonehelm explodes out of nowhere.
King's Hammer connects for the fourth time.
Belsnickel staggers but does not go down immediately.
He catches Torvald during the follow-through and drives him into the canvas with another powerslam.
The crowd erupts as both men collapse.
Torvald Stonehelm crawls over and drapes himself across Belsnickel.
One.
Two.
Belsnickel kicks out.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "King's Hammer! Powerslam! Both men landed enormous offense, and Belsnickel still kicks out!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's toughness."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "No argument."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And look at Torvald. He doesn't know what else to do."
Torvald Stonehelm rolls toward the ropes.
He looks toward the timekeeper again.
The tankard is still waiting.
The crowd starts laughing.
Honest Abe immediately points at him.
No.
Torvald sighs.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Stay thirsty."
Minute 17
Belsnickel pulls himself upright first.
He catches Torvald Stonehelm around the waist.
Torvald tries to drop his weight.
This time Belsnickel has the leverage.
He lifts and drives Torvald backward with a suplex.
The dwarf crashes hard onto the canvas.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Suplex from Belsnickel! Excellent leverage against Torvald Stonehelm."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. Belsnickel has adapted. He's figured out how to move him."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald is beginning to show the effects of this match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Maybe the ale finally wore off."
Minute 18
Both men are exhausted.
Belsnickel reaches for control.
Torvald Stonehelm ducks underneath.
He gets both arms around Belsnickel.
With a deep squat and explosive drive from his legs, Torvald Stonehelm lifts Belsnickel completely off the mat.
The crowd rises.
Torvald drives him down with a body slam.
Belsnickel hits hard.
Torvald Stonehelm immediately covers.
Honest Abe drops into position.
One.
Two.
Three.
The bell rings.
The crowd erupts.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "BODY SLAM! Torvald Stonehelm gets the three! His first official match in NPCW ends with a victory!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I don't believe this."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Belsnickel pushed him for eighteen minutes, but Torvald Stonehelm found the decisive opening."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "After beginning the match by hitting the man with a tankard!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Honest Abe did not see that strike."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I did! Should I fill out paperwork?"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Whatever anyone thinks of Torvald Stonehelm's methods, that finish was clean. He caught Belsnickel, drove him down with the body slam, and got the three."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Belsnickel deserved better."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He certainly gave Torvald a very difficult debut."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And if there's any justice, somebody confiscates that tankard before his next one."
TORVALD STONEHELM DEFEATS BELSNICKEL VIA PINFALL AT THE 18:00 MINUTE MARK.
CELESTE ORION: "Here is your winner... TORVALD STONEHELM!"
Honest Abe raises Torvald Stonehelm's arm.
At ringside, Fenwick Grimbough helps Belsnickel sit up.
Torvald Stonehelm immediately looks toward the timekeeper.
The crowd knows exactly what he wants.
The tankard is handed back.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Of course."
Torvald Stonehelm raises it triumphantly.
Then drinks.
Foam spills into his beard.
The crowd roars.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "A successful wrestling debut for Torvald Stonehelm."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Successful wrestling debut. Questionable public behavior."
Torvald Stonehelm climbs through the ropes, still carrying the tankard, and begins walking up the aisle.
He stops halfway.
The grin disappears.
At the top of the entrance ramp stands Count Vlad Dragomir.
Beside him are Wilber "Terrorfang" Townsend, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver.
The reaction inside the arena changes immediately.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wait a minute."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Oh, this is interesting."
Count Vlad Dragomir does not say a word.
He simply looks at Torvald Stonehelm.
Then gestures forward.
Wilber Townsend, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver begin walking down the ramp.
Torvald Stonehelm looks behind him.
The ring is occupied by Belsnickel, Fenwick Grimbough, and Honest Abe.
He looks back toward the four men blocking the entrance.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Go ahead, Mountain King. Offer them a drink."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald Stonehelm may finally be facing the consequences of last week's encounter with Count Vlad."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Imagine that."
Torvald Stonehelm slowly raises the tankard.
He takes one final drink.
Then looks toward the crowd.
His eyes brighten.
Torvald Stonehelm grins.
And runs.
Not toward Count Vlad.
Sideways.
Straight over the barricade.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "TORVALD IS INTO THE CROWD!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "HE'S RUNNING AWAY!"
Torvald Stonehelm barrels through an aisle between rows of fans, moving with startling speed.
Count Vlad Dragomir points toward him.
Wilber Townsend, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver immediately break into pursuit.
The crowd erupts as all three vault the barricade.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wilber Townsend, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver are after him!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Get him!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You are openly cheering for a three-man pursuit through the audience."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "After what he did to Count Vlad last week? Absolutely!"
The camera struggles to keep up.
Torvald Stonehelm disappears through one section of the crowd.
A moment later, he reappears several rows higher.
Still carrying the tankard.
Still running.
Wilber Townsend is the closest behind him.
Abaddon shoves through another aisle.
Marax the Deceiver cuts across a stairway, trying to intercept.
At ringside, Count Vlad Dragomir remains perfectly still.
Watching.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald Stonehelm won his debut, but this night is clearly not finished for him!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Run faster, Torvald! Apparently your low centre of gravity is useful for retreat too!"
The camera catches one final glimpse of Torvald Stonehelm vanishing through an upper concourse entrance.
Seconds later, Wilber Townsend, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver disappear through the same opening.
The shot returns to Count Vlad Dragomir.
He looks toward the concourse.
His expression is cold.
Patient.
The broadcast cuts away.
The broadcast returns to the North Pole Arena.
The lights shift to brilliant white and gold.
The crowd rises as the entrance music of the Queen of the North Champion fills the building.
Polly Mason steps through the curtain with the Queen of the North Championship resting proudly across her shoulder.
The reaction is immediate.
Polly pauses at the top of the ramp, looking across the arena before beginning her walk toward the ring.
As she approaches the barricade, one voice rises above the others.
EXCITED FAN: "POLLY!"
The camera finds the same intensely enthusiastic fan from last week near the front row.
She is practically bouncing in place, clutching another handmade Polly Mason sign.
EXCITED FAN: "I LOVE YOU, POLLY!"
EXCITED FAN: "YOU'RE THE BEST!"
Polly hears her.
She turns toward the barricade.
For a moment, Polly makes direct eye contact with the fan.
Then she smiles.
Just a brief, friendly acknowledgment before continuing toward the ring.
The fan freezes.
Her eyes widen.
Then she grabs the arm of the person beside her.
EXCITED FAN: "DID YOU SEE THAT?!"
She points frantically toward Polly.
EXCITED FAN: "SHE KNOWS ME!"
The people around her laugh.
EXCITED FAN: "I TOLD YOU! SHE KNOWS ME!"
Polly reaches ringside, climbs the steps, and enters through the ropes.
She raises the Queen of the North Championship above her head.
The crowd roars.
Polly lowers the title onto her shoulder and takes a microphone.
She waits.
Then looks directly toward the camera.
POLLY MASON: "Tomorrow night..."
The crowd begins chanting.
FAULT LINE.
FAULT LINE.
FAULT LINE.
Polly nods slowly.
POLLY MASON: "Tomorrow night, Dr. Violetta Voss and I do this again."
The reaction immediately changes.
Boos pour through the arena.
Polly's expression hardens.
POLLY MASON: "And I'm not going to stand here and pretend that she hasn't earned the right to believe she can beat me."
A slight murmur moves through the crowd.
POLLY MASON: "Because she already has."
Polly lets the statement hang.
POLLY MASON: "Last Woman Standing."
She looks down briefly at the championship.
Then back toward the camera.
POLLY MASON: "She beat me."
No excuse.
No hesitation.
POLLY MASON: "I don't like saying it."
A pause.
POLLY MASON: "But I won't lie about it."
The crowd applauds.
POLLY MASON: "Violetta Voss knows exactly what it feels like to watch me stay down for ten."
Her expression grows colder.
POLLY MASON: "And I know exactly what it feels like to wake up knowing she was the woman who did it."
Polly begins slowly pacing the ring.
POLLY MASON: "But that's not why this one is personal."
She stops.
POLLY MASON: "You see, Violetta didn't just want to beat me."
The arena quiets.
POLLY MASON: "When Edie and I were captured..."
Polly's jaw tightens.
POLLY MASON: "...she had something else in mind."
She looks directly into the camera.
POLLY MASON: "She wanted to take me apart."
A pause.
POLLY MASON: "Not physically."
Polly taps the side of her head.
POLLY MASON: "Here."
The crowd becomes quieter.
POLLY MASON: "She thought the woman I used to be was still buried somewhere inside me."
Polly's expression becomes more intense.
POLLY MASON: "The angry one."
POLLY MASON: "The unstable one."
POLLY MASON: "The woman who could be pushed until she stopped knowing where the line was."
Polly lowers the microphone for a moment.
Then raises it again.
POLLY MASON: "Violetta thought she could bring her back."
A chorus of boos.
POLLY MASON: "She thought all the work..."
Polly taps her chest.
POLLY MASON: "...all the healing..."
Another beat.
POLLY MASON: "...all the people who stood beside me while I learned how to become something better..."
She shakes her head.
POLLY MASON: "...could just be erased."
Polly steps closer to the hard camera.
POLLY MASON: "She thought she could reach into my head, find the worst part of me..."
A pause.
POLLY MASON: "...and turn it loose."
The crowd begins chanting Polly's name.
POL-LY!
POL-LY!
POL-LY!
Polly waits until it settles.
POLLY MASON: "And that's where you made your mistake, Doctor."
Her voice becomes sharper.
POLLY MASON: "You thought the woman I used to be was stronger than the woman I chose to become."
The crowd erupts.
Polly raises the championship slightly.
POLLY MASON: "She isn't."
Another loud reaction.
POLLY MASON: "You didn't bring her back."
Polly points toward herself.
POLLY MASON: "You reminded me why I buried her."
The arena gets louder.
POLLY MASON: "You reminded me how hard I fought to become this."
She raises the Queen of the North Championship.
POLLY MASON: "Not perfect."
A small smile.
POLLY MASON: "Definitely not quiet."
The crowd laughs.
POLLY MASON: "But mine."
A beat.
POLLY MASON: "My mind."
POLLY MASON: "My choices."
POLLY MASON: "My life."
Polly turns toward the camera again.
POLLY MASON: "And this championship?"
She taps the centre plate.
POLLY MASON: "Mine too."
From the crowd comes the familiar voice.
EXCITED FAN: "THAT'S RIGHT, POLLY!"
Polly pauses.
She looks toward the fan.
EXCITED FAN: "YOU'RE GONNA BEAT HER!"
Polly smiles.
POLLY MASON: "Well..."
She looks toward the fan.
POLLY MASON: "At least I've got one excited fan who's completely confident."
The crowd laughs.
The fan freezes.
Then her hands fly to her mouth.
She turns toward everyone around her.
EXCITED FAN: "SHE WAS TALKING TO ME!"
She points at herself.
EXCITED FAN: "THAT WAS ME!"
The fans around her cheer and laugh.
EXCITED FAN: "SEE?! SHE KNOWS ME!"
Back in the ring, Polly gives an amused shake of the head.
Then the smile disappears.
Her attention returns to the camera.
POLLY MASON: "But tomorrow night, confidence isn't enough."
The tone changes again.
POLLY MASON: "Because Violetta, I remember what happened the last time we fought."
A pause.
POLLY MASON: "I remember losing."
She nods.
POLLY MASON: "Good."
The crowd reacts.
POLLY MASON: "I should remember."
POLLY MASON: "Losing teaches you where you failed."
Polly begins walking toward the centre of the ring.
POLLY MASON: "It teaches you where you hesitated."
POLLY MASON: "Where you made the wrong decision."
POLLY MASON: "Where the other woman was better."
Another pause.
POLLY MASON: "You were better that night."
Polly looks straight into the camera.
POLLY MASON: "You won't be tomorrow."
The arena explodes.
POLLY MASON: "Because tomorrow you're not fighting the woman you beat in Last Woman Standing."
She shakes her head.
POLLY MASON: "And you're definitely not fighting the woman you tried to drag back out of my past."
Polly holds the championship high.
POLLY MASON: "You're fighting the Queen of the North."
The crowd gets louder.
POLLY MASON: "The woman who remembers everything you did."
A beat.
POLLY MASON: "The woman who remembers you beating her."
Another beat.
POLLY MASON: "And the woman who has been waiting for the chance to prove that neither one gets to define how this story ends."
Polly steps directly toward the camera.
POLLY MASON: "Tomorrow, Doctor..."
Her expression hardens completely.
POLLY MASON: "...you don't get inside my head."
A pause.
POLLY MASON: "You don't bring back the old Polly Mason."
Another.
POLLY MASON: "And you don't take this championship."
Polly raises the title.
POLLY MASON: "Tomorrow night, I don't run from what I used to be."
She stares directly into the lens.
POLLY MASON: "I show you what I became."
The crowd erupts.
Polly lowers the microphone.
Her music hits.
She raises the Queen of the North Championship above her head before stepping through the ropes and beginning the walk back toward the entrance.
As she reaches the barricade, the excited fan immediately leans forward.
EXCITED FAN: "POLLY!"
Polly slows.
The fan's excitement becomes almost overwhelming.
She holds up her phone.
EXCITED FAN: "PLEASE! CAN WE GET A PICTURE?"
Polly looks at her.
Then smiles.
She steps toward the barricade.
The fan looks stunned.
Polly holds out her hand.
POLLY MASON: "Give me the phone."
The fan eagerly hands it over.
Polly steps closer.
POLLY MASON: "Come here."
The fan leans in beside her.
Polly angles the phone so both of them are in frame, the Queen of the North Championship visible across her shoulder.
The fan is absolutely beaming.
Polly smiles.
Click.
Polly hands the phone back.
EXCITED FAN: "OH MY GOD."
Polly laughs.
POLLY MASON: "Enjoy it."
EXCITED FAN: "THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
Polly gives her one final smile and continues toward the entrance.
The fan immediately looks at the photograph.
Her eyes widen.
She turns the phone toward everyone around her.
EXCITED FAN: "LOOK!"
She points at the picture.
EXCITED FAN: "SEE?!"
Then she looks back toward Polly disappearing through the curtain.
Her smile becomes almost dreamy.
EXCITED FAN: "She knows me."
The camera lingers on the excited fan for just a moment longer than normal.
Then the broadcast fades away.
The camera returns to ringside as the arena lights begin to dim.
A wash of emerald green and black spreads across the entrance stage.
Low, ritualistic percussion rolls through the North Pole Arena as several members of the Coven emerge through the curtain.
At the centre of them is Wicked Witch.
She pauses beneath the entrance lights, surveying the arena with a cold, superior expression while the Coven gathers behind her.
Among them, Grizelda watches quietly.
The camera lingers for a moment.
Next week, those two women will no longer be standing on the same side.
A graphic appears briefly on the arena screen.
HALLOWEEN HORROR — NEXT WEEK
WICKED WITCH VS. GRIZELDA
WITCH'S DUEL MATCH — LEADERSHIP OF THE COVEN
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "There is an enormous story surrounding Wicked Witch tonight. One week from now, at our Halloween Horror edition of Polar Power, she faces Grizelda in a Witch's Duel Match, and leadership of the Coven will be at stake."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which means Wicked Witch has exactly one week to remind everybody why there shouldn't even be a debate."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grizelda may disagree with you."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Then next week she gets the opportunity to be wrong publicly."
At ringside, Wicked Witch climbs the steps.
The members of the Coven spread along the floor.
Grizelda takes a position among them, her eyes fixed on the ring.
Wicked Witch steps through the ropes.
She briefly looks toward Grizelda.
Neither woman says anything.
The music changes.
A brighter reaction rises from the crowd as Pearl emerges onto the stage.
She pauses briefly, looking toward the mass of Coven members surrounding the ring.
Then she starts down the aisle without hesitation.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That is not an easy sight for Pearl. She isn't simply walking toward Wicked Witch. She's walking toward the entire Coven."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Then perhaps she should have reconsidered the match."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Or perhaps she intends to prove she doesn't need to."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Confidence is admirable right up until it becomes poor judgment."
Pearl reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron, keeping one eye on the Coven before entering the ring.
Honest Abe immediately moves between the competitors.
Celeste Orion steps to the centre.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall."
She turns toward Pearl.
CELESTE ORION: "Introducing first... PEARL!"
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion turns.
CELESTE ORION: "And her opponent, accompanied to ringside by the Coven... WICKED WITCH!"
The boos grow louder.
Wicked Witch slowly raises one arm.
At ringside, the Coven responds in unison.
Honest Abe checks both women and signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Neither competitor commits immediately.
Pearl and Wicked Witch circle carefully, each testing distance without giving the other an opening.
Wicked Witch reaches for control.
Pearl pulls away.
They reset.
Again, neither woman finds an advantage.
Then Pearl suddenly accelerates.
She charges across the ring and brings both arms crashing down across the upper body of Wicked Witch with running double axe handles.
Wicked Witch tries to brace for the strike but cannot stop it.
She drops to one knee.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Patient opening, and then Pearl suddenly changes gears with those running double axe handles."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "She surprised Wicked Witch. That's all."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Surprise still counts."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Enjoy the moment. I doubt she gets many."
Minute 2
Wicked Witch rises and immediately catches Pearl coming forward.
She turns her across the knee and drives her down with a Black Magic Backbreaker.
Pearl arches from the impact.
But she rolls through, gets back to her feet, grabs Wicked Witch by the head, and drives her face-first into the canvas with the Tooth Buster bulldog.
Both women separate.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Black Magic Backbreaker from Wicked Witch, answered immediately by the Tooth Buster from Pearl."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And I still like Wicked Witch's move better."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Based on what?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Taste."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Very scientific."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'll leave science to Violetta Voss."
Minute 3
Wicked Witch changes tactics.
She catches Pearl from behind, threads the legs, and wrenches her into Witch's Wrath.
The Muta Lock bends Pearl's neck and back simultaneously.
Pearl grimaces.
Honest Abe drops beside her and asks for the submission.
Pearl shakes her head.
She refuses.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Witch's Wrath is locked in! Wicked Witch has Pearl tied up badly."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Now THIS is why she should lead the Coven. Precision. Control. She knows exactly where she wants the match."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Interesting that you're already campaigning ahead of next week."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm observing the obvious."
Pearl claws forward until she creates enough space for Honest Abe to force the break near the ropes.
Minute 4
Wicked Witch stays on her.
She catches Pearl around the waist, muscles her upward, and drives her into the canvas with a gutwrench powerbomb.
Pearl absorbs the impact and immediately attacks the arm.
She traps Wicked Witch's limb between her legs and snaps into a scissored armbar.
The crowd reacts.
Wicked Witch twists immediately, trying to relieve the pressure.
Honest Abe asks for the submission.
Wicked Witch refuses.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Gutwrench powerbomb from Wicked Witch, but Pearl transitions directly into the scissored armbar."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Wicked Witch isn't quitting."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "She's in trouble."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Trouble isn't the same as defeat."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Pearl has that arm extended."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Wicked Witch is already working out."
Wicked Witch twists her body and eventually forces Pearl to release.
Minute 5
Pearl climbs quickly toward the top rope.
At ringside, members of the Coven begin moving.
One of them steps toward the apron.
Another raises both hands toward Honest Abe.
A strange commotion begins around the referee.
Honest Abe turns, momentarily distracted by the Coven.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Coven is getting involved now."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Getting involved? They're standing there."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "They're deliberately distracting the referee."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Perhaps Honest Abe is simply fascinated."
While the referee deals with the disturbance, Pearl launches from the top rope.
She crashes down across Wicked Witch with a diving elbow drop.
Wicked Witch absorbs the impact.
Pearl rolls away, clutching her own ribs from the landing.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Diving elbow from Pearl despite the distraction at ringside."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Wicked Witch absorbed it."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Coven is clearly trying to influence this match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "They're providing emotional support."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "With a hex?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Very supportive people."
Minute 6
Wicked Witch retreats toward the ropes.
The Coven gathers closer beneath her.
Several members begin speaking urgently toward their leader, encouraging her, steadying her after the elbow drop.
Pearl sees the opening.
She climbs again.
Pearl launches.
A second diving elbow drop crashes into Wicked Witch.
The crowd rises.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another diving elbow! Pearl is beginning to build momentum."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Temporarily."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's twice from the top rope."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Wicked Witch is still in the match."
At ringside, Grizelda watches without reacting.
The camera catches her expression.
Calm.
Unreadable.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And you have to wonder what Grizelda is thinking as she watches all of this."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Hopefully she's reconsidering next week."
Minute 7
Both women rise.
Wicked Witch strikes first.
She catches Pearl around the head and turns violently through with a swinging neckbreaker.
Pearl hits the mat.
But she forces herself upright as Wicked Witch approaches.
Pearl charges and hammers her with another running double axe handle.
Both women stagger away.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Swinging neckbreaker from Wicked Witch, running double axe handles from Pearl. This remains extremely competitive."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Pearl is hanging around longer than I expected."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's nearly a compliment."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Don't exaggerate."
Minute 8
Pearl sees Wicked Witch near the ropes and charges again.
She raises both arms for another running double axe handle.
This time Wicked Witch is ready.
She steps aside, catches Pearl's arms during the swing, and redirects her past.
Pearl stumbles toward the ropes.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wicked Witch neutralizes the double axe handle."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "There. She learned the timing."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Pearl had gone to that attack successfully several times."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And that's the danger of repetition against someone intelligent."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wicked Witch may have found the adjustment."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "May have? She just demonstrated it."
Minute 9
The pace accelerates.
Pearl rebounds off the ropes and spins through with a running back elbow.
The strike catches Wicked Witch across the jaw.
Wicked Witch staggers.
At ringside, the Coven suddenly moves.
One member climbs onto the apron.
Another reaches toward Pearl.
Honest Abe turns sharply.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Coven is involved again!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "They're excited."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's not excitement!"
A burst of green mist suddenly sprays into the face of Pearl.
Pearl immediately recoils, clutching at her eyes.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Honest Abe sees it.
He immediately calls for the bell.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wait!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He saw it! Honest Abe saw the green mist!"
The bell rings repeatedly.
Wicked Witch turns toward the Coven.
For a brief moment, even she appears frustrated that the interference was so obvious.
Pearl drops to one knee, rubbing desperately at her eyes.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's it! The Coven just got Wicked Witch disqualified!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Now hold on. Wicked Witch didn't throw the mist."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Her people did."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. Her people."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "They were at ringside on her behalf."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That sounds like collective punishment."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "It sounds like the rules."
PEARL DEFEATS WICKED WITCH VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT THE 9:00 MINUTE MARK.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of outside interference, Wicked Witch has been disqualified. Therefore, your winner... PEARL!"
The crowd cheers as Honest Abe checks on Pearl.
Several members of the Coven gather around Wicked Witch.
She does not look pleased.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "This is ridiculous. Wicked Witch was in a competitive match and loses because somebody else lost control."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Coven interfered repeatedly, and this time Honest Abe caught them."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That doesn't mean Pearl proved she could beat Wicked Witch."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "It means Pearl wins the match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "On paper."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That's where results usually go."
As Pearl is helped toward the ropes, Wicked Witch turns toward the Coven.
Her eyes eventually settle on Grizelda.
The arena reaction begins to change.
Grizelda does not approach.
She simply stares back.
Next week's graphic appears again on the arena screen.
HALLOWEEN HORROR
WITCH'S DUEL MATCH
WICKED WITCH VS. GRIZELDA
LEADERSHIP OF THE COVEN
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And that brings us directly to next week. Wicked Witch and Grizelda will face one another in a Witch's Duel Match, with leadership of the Coven at stake."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which may be exactly what Wicked Witch needs after tonight. Remind everybody who's actually in charge."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tonight, though, the Coven's involvement cost her the match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Tonight is tonight. Next week decides something much bigger."
The camera closes on Wicked Witch and Grizelda staring at one another from several feet apart.
Neither speaks.
Neither looks away.
The broadcast fades toward the next segment.
The camera returns to ringside as Honest Abe checks the turnbuckles and Celeste Orion stands in the centre of the ring.
A hard metallic rhythm begins.
The entrance stage glows in cold silver light as Astrid Ironvale steps through the curtain.
She pauses at the top of the ramp, rolls her shoulders, and looks directly toward the ring.
There is no hesitation in her expression.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "A major opportunity here for Astrid Ironvale. She knows all of the attention surrounding Grizelda tonight is focused on next week's Halloween Horror, but Astrid has the opportunity to completely disrupt that momentum."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And that's exactly why this is dangerous for Astrid. Grizelda has something enormous waiting for her next week. People become very dangerous when they're fighting to prove they belong at the top."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You are already firmly in Grizelda's corner."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm firmly in the corner of intelligence, experience, and ambition."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Convenient."
Astrid Ironvale walks down the aisle and climbs through the ropes.
She moves to a neutral corner and waits.
The lighting changes.
Deep violet spreads across the stage.
A low, ritualistic rhythm rolls through the arena.
La Bruja Muerte steps onto the stage first.
A moment later, Grizelda emerges behind her.
The crowd reacts strongly.
Grizelda pauses beneath the lights and looks toward the ring, but there is another tension surrounding her tonight.
Next week, at Halloween Horror, she challenges Wicked Witch in a Witch's Duel Match for leadership of the Coven.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Everything surrounding Grizelda changes one week from tonight. At Halloween Horror, she faces Wicked Witch in a Witch's Duel Match, and the leadership of the Coven will be decided."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And people keep treating that like Grizelda should be nervous."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Shouldn't she be?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "No. She should be excited. If you believe you should lead, eventually you have to prove it."
Grizelda begins walking toward the ring with La Bruja Muerte beside her.
La Bruja says something quietly.
Grizelda nods.
They reach ringside.
Grizelda climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes while La Bruja Muerte remains on the floor.
Celeste Orion raises her microphone.
Before she can speak, another theme suddenly hits.
The crowd immediately reacts.
Grizelda slowly turns toward the entrance.
Wicked Witch appears at the top of the ramp.
She does not carry herself like someone arriving for another match.
She has come to watch.
Wicked Witch starts down the aisle.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And apparently Grizelda's opponent next week has decided she wants a closer look."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Of course she has. She'd be foolish not to."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "After what happened in Wicked Witch's own match earlier tonight, I'm not sure Grizelda is going to appreciate this."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wicked Witch has every right to watch."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "From ringside?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Best seat in the building."
Wicked Witch reaches ringside.
She does not join La Bruja Muerte.
Instead, she walks to the opposite side of the ring and folds her arms.
Grizelda stares at her.
Wicked Witch stares back.
Neither says a word.
Honest Abe steps between Grizelda and the ropes, reminding her that Astrid is the opponent tonight.
Grizelda finally turns away.
Celeste Orion begins the formal introductions.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall."
She turns toward the first corner.
CELESTE ORION: "Introducing first... ASTRID IRONVALE!"
Astrid raises one arm.
Celeste turns.
CELESTE ORION: "And her opponent, accompanied to ringside by La Bruja Muerte... GRIZELDA!"
Grizelda steps forward.
Her eyes briefly drift toward Wicked Witch again.
Honest Abe checks both women and signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Grizelda closes the distance first.
She reaches directly for Astrid Ironvale's face and rakes her fingers across the eyes.
Astrid recoils.
Grizelda tries to follow.
Astrid turns, accelerates, and crashes into Grizelda with a running hip attack.
Grizelda is driven backward into the turnbuckles.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grizelda goes directly to the eyes, but Astrid Ironvale answers with that running hip attack."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Good response from Astrid, but Grizelda established something important immediately."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That she's willing to break the rules?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That she's willing to do whatever the match requires."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Those are not the same thing."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Depends who wins."
Minute 2
Grizelda regains her footing.
She steps forward and cracks Astrid across the chest with a Hex Chop.
The strike echoes through the building.
Astrid gives ground.
Then she surges forward, leaves her feet, and drives her head directly into Grizelda with a diving headbutt.
Both women stumble apart.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Hex Chop from Grizelda, answered by the diving headbutt from Astrid."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Astrid is choosing a very physical match."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And so far she's matching Grizelda."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "For two minutes."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You always need the qualifier."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's why they call me an expert."
Minute 3
Grizelda grabs Astrid around the throat.
She drives her backward and clamps down with a blatant chokehold.
Honest Abe immediately begins counting.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Grizelda releases before five.
Astrid drops to one knee, catches her breath, then explodes upward with an axe kick that crashes across Grizelda's upper back.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grizelda pushing the referee's count with that chokehold."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "She released at four."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Because five would have gotten her disqualified."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Exactly. Excellent awareness."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Astrid answered with the axe kick."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I noticed. I'm still impressed by the count."
Minute 4
Grizelda again forces Astrid toward the ropes.
She wraps both hands around Astrid's throat and leans her weight forward.
Honest Abe starts counting again.
Grizelda releases at four.
Astrid immediately fights out of the corner.
She climbs quickly and launches herself forward.
Another diving headbutt connects.
Grizelda drops.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another chokehold, another diving headbutt."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Astrid is stubborn."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You say that like it's a criticism."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Not yet."
At ringside, Wicked Witch remains completely still.
She watches Grizelda rise.
La Bruja Muerte looks across the ring at her.
Wicked Witch never looks away.
Minute 5
Grizelda catches Astrid coming forward and drives another Hex Chop across the chest.
Astrid absorbs the strike.
She grabs Grizelda's arm, drags her down, and immediately transitions into the Northern Lockjaw.
The crossface is secured.
Grizelda grimaces.
Honest Abe drops beside her.
Astrid pulls backward.
Grizelda refuses to submit.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Northern Lockjaw! Astrid Ironvale has Grizelda trapped!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Grizelda isn't quitting."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "She is in trouble."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Trouble is temporary. Submission is permanent."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Astrid has that crossface locked deeply."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Grizelda is still saying no."
Grizelda drags herself toward the ropes.
Her fingertips reach the bottom strand.
Honest Abe forces the break.
At ringside, Wicked Witch gives the faintest smile.
Grizelda sees it.
Minute 6
Grizelda rises quickly, visibly irritated.
Astrid approaches.
Grizelda catches her by the head, leaps, and spikes her into the canvas with a flying DDT.
Astrid hits hard and rolls onto her back.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Flying DDT from Grizelda! That may be the hardest impact of the match so far."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's what happens when you make Grizelda angry."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "I suspect Wicked Witch's presence may have contributed to that."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Then perhaps Wicked Witch is accidentally helping her."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "I doubt that's the intention."
Minute 7
Astrid forces herself upright.
She catches Grizelda and begins setting for the Ironfall Driver.
Grizelda recognizes the danger immediately.
She twists free before Astrid can complete the underhook.
Astrid turns.
Grizelda cracks her across the chest with another Hex Chop.
Astrid falls backward.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Excellent reversal by Grizelda! Astrid wanted the Ironfall Driver, and Grizelda escaped before she could complete it."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's experience. That's exactly why I think Grizelda is ready for next week."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "One reversal proves that?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "No. Everything I've watched proves it. Keep up."
Minute 8
Astrid regains her footing.
Grizelda reaches for her.
Astrid moves first.
She swings her leg high and drives an axe kick into Grizelda.
Grizelda tries to cover and redirect the strike but cannot.
She collapses onto one knee.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Axe kick lands cleanly."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "One strike."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "A significant one."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Grizelda is still moving."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Astrid has been remarkably competitive tonight."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I never said she wasn't."
Minute 9
Grizelda catches Astrid by the hair.
She yanks her forward.
Snap mare.
Astrid lands.
Grizelda immediately grabs the hair again.
Another snap mare.
Then another.
Honest Abe warns Grizelda repeatedly.
Finally, Grizelda throws Astrid down and covers.
One.
Astrid kicks out.
Grizelda sits up immediately, annoyed.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Only one after that hair-pull snap mare series."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's fine. Make Astrid kick out."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grizelda did spend much of that sequence pulling her hair."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Hair is attached to the opponent."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That doesn't make it legal."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Very restrictive sport."
Minute 10
Astrid rises first.
She catches Grizelda bent forward and drives another axe kick down across the upper body.
Grizelda collapses.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another axe kick from Astrid. She's beginning to find that strike repeatedly."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Grizelda needs to stop giving her the angle."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Astrid is creating the angle."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I prefer my explanation."
At ringside, Wicked Witch slowly applauds.
Grizelda looks toward her.
The applause stops.
Minute 11
Both women rise cautiously.
For several seconds, neither commits.
Astrid finally advances.
Grizelda reaches for control but fails to establish anything cleanly.
Astrid immediately takes advantage.
She climbs onto the middle rope and launches herself forward.
The diving headbutt crashes into Grizelda.
Grizelda falls flat onto her back.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another diving headbutt! Astrid has gone back to that weapon again."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Grizelda needs to stop watching ringside and start watching Astrid."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Interesting that even you're noticing the effect Wicked Witch is having."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm noticing that Grizelda has an opponent in the ring and another woman staring holes through her from ten feet away."
Minute 12
Grizelda rises and immediately grabs Astrid around the throat.
Another blatant chokehold.
Honest Abe starts counting.
Grizelda releases at four.
Astrid rebounds from the ropes.
She accelerates across the ring and crashes into Grizelda with another running hip attack.
Both women tumble apart.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Chokehold from Grizelda, running hip attack from Astrid. Neither woman is giving much ground."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "This is good for Grizelda."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "How?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Next week is a Witch's Duel. She needs resistance tonight. Astrid is giving her exactly that."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Assuming she gets through tonight."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "She will."
Minute 13
Grizelda grabs Astrid by the hair again.
She snaps her down once.
Then twice.
Then a third time.
Astrid rolls through the final snap mare.
As Grizelda reaches down, Astrid catches her.
Astrid lifts.
Samoan Drop.
Grizelda crashes hard into the canvas.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another hair-pull series from Grizelda, but Astrid answers with the Samoan Drop."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'll give Astrid credit. She keeps finding ways back into the match."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That sounded dangerously close to respect."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Don't tell her."
Minute 14
Grizelda claws across Astrid's eyes again.
Astrid staggers blindly.
Grizelda advances.
Astrid hears her coming.
She turns and launches another running hip attack.
Grizelda is driven backward.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Eye rake from Grizelda, but Astrid still finds the hip attack."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That was instinct."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Good instinct."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fine. Good instinct."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You're becoming generous."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Temporary condition."
Minute 15
Grizelda closes the distance.
She grabs Astrid by the hair and begins another snap mare series.
One.
Two.
Three.
Astrid rolls through.
She springs to her feet and drills Grizelda with another axe kick.
Grizelda drops to the canvas.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Astrid answers again! Another axe kick after Grizelda tried to control her by the hair."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Grizelda needs to finish this."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You sound concerned."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I'm thinking about next week. She doesn't need a long, punishing match seven days before the biggest confrontation of her career."
At ringside, La Bruja Muerte slaps the apron and calls toward Grizelda.
Across from her, Wicked Witch remains motionless.
Watching.
Waiting.
Minute 16
Grizelda pushes herself upright.
She glances toward Wicked Witch.
Then toward Astrid Ironvale.
Grizelda catches Astrid with a quick strike and forces her backward.
Seeing an opening, Grizelda heads toward the corner.
She climbs onto the ropes.
One foot reaches the middle strand.
Then Wicked Witch steps closer.
Not onto the apron.
Not into the ring.
Just closer.
Grizelda looks down.
Wicked Witch smiles.
Grizelda's attention leaves the ring for one second too long.
Her footing slips.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grizelda's distracted!"
Grizelda falls awkwardly from the ropes and crashes onto the canvas.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Oh, come on!"
Astrid sees the opening.
She climbs immediately.
Grizelda tries to rise.
Astrid launches.
DIVING HEADBUTT.
It connects flush.
Grizelda collapses.
Astrid hooks both legs.
Honest Abe drops into position.
One.
Two.
Three.
The bell rings.
The crowd erupts.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "DIVING HEADBUTT! Astrid Ironvale gets the three!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because Wicked Witch distracted her!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wicked Witch never touched her."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "She didn't need to! She came down here for exactly that reason."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grizelda took her eyes off Astrid Ironvale, and Astrid capitalized."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's not the same as Astrid proving she was better."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "She still had to hit the diving headbutt, and she did."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "After Grizelda fell off the ropes!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And that mistake cost her."
ASTRID IRONVALE DEFEATS GRIZELDA VIA PINFALL AT THE 16:00 MINUTE MARK.
CELESTE ORION: "Here is your winner... ASTRID IRONVALE!"
Honest Abe raises Astrid's arm.
Astrid looks down at Grizelda for a moment before stepping away.
At ringside, La Bruja Muerte immediately slides into the ring and checks on Grizelda.
Grizelda pushes herself onto one knee.
Her eyes go directly toward Wicked Witch.
Wicked Witch is still standing on the floor.
She smiles.
Slowly.
Grizelda rises.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Look at this."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "She knows exactly what happened."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And one week from tonight, there won't be another opponent standing between them."
The arena screen changes.
HALLOWEEN HORROR — NEXT WEEK
WITCH'S DUEL MATCH
WICKED WITCH VS. GRIZELDA
LEADERSHIP OF THE COVEN
The crowd reacts loudly.
Inside the ring, Grizelda walks toward the ropes.
La Bruja Muerte stands several feet behind her.
Outside, Wicked Witch steps closer.
The two women stare directly at one another.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Enjoy that smile while you can, Wicked Witch."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You are choosing Grizelda next week?"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "After this? Absolutely. Wicked Witch just handed her every reason in the world to come into Halloween Horror furious."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And leadership of the Coven will be decided."
Wicked Witch slowly raises one hand.
She points toward herself.
Leader.
Grizelda's expression hardens.
She points directly back at Wicked Witch.
Then gestures toward the ring between them.
Next week.
The crowd erupts.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The match tonight belongs to Astrid Ironvale. But the battle waiting next week may determine the future of the entire Coven."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Wicked Witch wanted Grizelda's attention."
A pause.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "She has it now."
The camera closes on Grizelda and Wicked Witch staring one another down as Astrid Ironvale makes her way up the aisle with a significant victory.
The Halloween Horror graphic fills the screen once more.
The broadcast fades away.
The broadcast cuts backstage.
Smooth Samantha Satin stands in one of the darker interview areas of the North Pole Arena, dressed in a sleek black dress. Beside her stands Magnus Blackwell, immaculate in a tailored dark suit, one hand resting over the silver head of his cane.
And beside Magnus stands the North Pole Champion.
Grondar the Revenant.
The championship rests heavily across Grondar’s shoulder.
He does not acknowledge Samantha.
He does not acknowledge the camera.
He simply stands there — enormous, motionless, silent.
Samantha turns toward Magnus.
SMOOTH SAMANTHA SATIN: “Magnus, tomorrow night at Fault Line, Grondar the Revenant defends the North Pole Championship against Van Helsing. Earlier tonight, Van Helsing made his intentions very clear. He has studied Grondar. He has studied every match, every weakness, every opportunity. And he says that tomorrow, the hunter finally finds the monster.”
Magnus considers the question for several seconds.
Then a faint smile appears.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “The hunter.”
He almost seems amused by the word.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “How comforting.”
Samantha watches him carefully.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Van Helsing has spent his entire existence assigning himself a very flattering role.”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He is the hunter.”
Magnus gestures lightly with his cane.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Therefore, everyone standing across from him must be prey.”
His smile disappears.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “That is not courage, Samantha.”
Another pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “That is branding.”
Grondar remains perfectly still.
Magnus turns slightly toward him.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “This is not.”
He motions toward the championship.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “This is evidence.”
Magnus looks back toward Samantha.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Van Helsing has covered the walls of his little hunting lodge with photographs of my champion.”
A faint smile.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And sitting on his desk are four numbers.”
Magnus looks toward Grondar the Revenant.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Twenty-four.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Three.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “One.”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Twenty-four victories. Three defeats. One draw.”
Magnus gestures toward the North Pole Championship.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And six consecutive victories carrying him into tomorrow night.”
Grondar remains completely motionless.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Those are not Van Helsing’s research notes.”
His eyes narrow.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Those are the results of everyone else’s research failing.”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Twenty-eight men have stood across from Grondar expecting to discover something.”
Magnus gives the camera a thin smile.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Twenty-four of them discovered defeat.”
He steps slightly closer.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And the last six discovered it consecutively.”
Magnus points toward the camera.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “So by all means, Van Helsing. Study the record.”
A beat.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “It is not evidence that Grondar can be solved.”
His hand settles against the championship.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “It is evidence of what happens to men who try.”
Magnus takes one measured step closer to the camera.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Van Helsing has watched the footage.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Good.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He has studied the strikes.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Good.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He has catalogued the throws, the counters, the moments when Grondar appeared vulnerable.”
Magnus gives another slight smile.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Excellent.”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Preparation gives frightened men something to do with their hands.”
Samantha glances toward the silent champion.
Magnus continues.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Van Helsing believes that because he has identified moments when Grondar can be hurt, he has discovered a weakness.”
He shakes his head.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “No.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He has discovered something everyone already knows.”
Magnus looks directly into the camera.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Grondar can be hurt.”
A beat.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He can be knocked down.”
Another.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He can be trapped.”
Magnus steps beside Grondar.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And then he gets back up.”
Grondar’s eyes remain fixed ahead.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “That is the part Van Helsing cannot put onto one of his little photographs.”
The edge in Magnus’s voice sharpens.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He cannot diagram endurance.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He cannot annotate inevitability.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And he cannot circle the precise moment when another man realizes that everything he prepared…”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “…was not enough.”
Samantha turns slightly toward Grondar.
SMOOTH SAMANTHA SATIN: “Van Helsing would argue that every monster has a weakness.”
Magnus immediately looks at her.
There is no smile now.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “There it is.”
He nods once.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “The great comfort of men who hunt monsters.”
Magnus turns toward the camera.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Every monster has a weakness.”
A deliberate pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Every wall has a crack.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Every fortress has a gate.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Every champion can be beaten.”
He acknowledges the premise with a slight tilt of his head.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “All true.”
Then his voice lowers.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “But knowing that a weakness must exist…”
He points toward the camera with the silver tip of his cane.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “…and living long enough to exploit it are two entirely different achievements.”
Samantha remains silent.
Magnus continues.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Van Helsing has hunted creatures that feared him.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He has hunted creatures that ran from him.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He has hunted creatures that hid when they heard his footsteps approaching.”
Magnus slowly turns his head toward Grondar.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Grondar is not hiding.”
Grondar’s hand closes around the North Pole Championship.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “He is waiting.”
The camera moves slightly closer.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “That is the flaw in your metaphor, Van Helsing.”
A thin smile returns.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “You believe tomorrow is a hunt because you have spent your entire life deciding which creature is prey.”
Magnus shakes his head.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Tomorrow, you do not choose the terms.”
He taps the championship plate with one finger.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “The championship does.”
Another tap.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “The bell does.”
A third.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And Grondar does.”
Grondar finally moves.
Not to speak.
He simply removes the North Pole Championship from his shoulder and holds it in both hands in front of him.
Magnus looks at the belt.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “This title was once treated as a prize.”
He looks back toward the camera.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Under Grondar, it became something more useful.”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “A warning.”
Magnus straightens his cuffs.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “A warning that strength has consequences.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “A warning that hope does not equal capability.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “A warning that eventually every challenger reaches the same moment.”
Samantha watches him.
SMOOTH SAMANTHA SATIN: “What moment is that?”
Magnus looks directly into the lens.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “The moment he realizes he has prepared for a wrestling match…”
A long pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “…and Grondar has prepared for him.”
Silence.
Magnus turns slightly toward the champion.
Grondar raises the North Pole Championship and settles it back across his shoulder.
No expression.
No words.
Magnus faces the camera one final time.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “So bring your records, Van Helsing.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Bring your photographs.”
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “Bring every lesson learned from every monster you have ever hunted.”
Magnus's eyes narrow.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And tomorrow night, when the bell rings, remember one thing.”
A pause.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “You did not find Grondar.”
Another.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “You were granted an appointment.”
Magnus looks toward the North Pole Championship.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “And when that appointment is finished…”
His eyes return to the camera.
MAGNUS BLACKWELL: “…the hunter becomes another entry in my champion’s ledger.”
Magnus steps back beside Grondar.
The Revenant remains completely silent.
Samantha looks from Magnus to the champion.
SMOOTH SAMANTHA SATIN: “Magnus Blackwell. Grondar the Revenant. Tomorrow night at Fault Line, the North Pole Championship is on the line.”
The camera tightens on Grondar.
The North Pole Championship fills the lower part of the frame.
Magnus stands just behind his shoulder.
Still composed.
Still certain.
Grondar stares directly into the camera.
The picture fades to black.
The North Pole Arena comes back into full view.
The crowd is already standing.
The ring has been cleared.
Honest Abe waits inside while Celeste Orion stands in the centre with microphone in hand.
The camera sweeps across the arena before settling on the entrance stage.
A low, animalistic roar rolls through the building.
Heavy percussion follows.
Marcus the Beastmaster steps through the curtain.
The leader of the Primal Horde stops beneath the entrance lights, broad shoulders squared, eyes fixed entirely on the ring.
There is no entourage tonight.
No Ultimate Beasts.
No Primal Horde.
Just Marcus.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Thirteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour — whatever it takes, this is the final obstacle standing between Van Helsing and tomorrow night's North Pole Championship match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Obstacle? Don't insult Marcus the Beastmaster. This man isn't a warm-up. He's the leader of the Primal Horde, and if Van Helsing is thinking even one minute ahead to Grondar, Marcus can make sure tomorrow never matters."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That is the danger. Van Helsing voluntarily accepted this match twenty-four hours before challenging the North Pole Champion."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which is either admirable confidence or spectacular stupidity. I'm leaning toward the second one."
Marcus begins his walk down the aisle.
He ignores the crowd completely.
At ringside, he climbs onto the apron, steps over the middle rope and walks straight to the centre of the ring.
Marcus turns toward the entrance.
Waiting.
The arena lights drop.
A colder, harder atmosphere settles over the building.
Then the music of Van Helsing begins.
The reaction is immediate.
Van Helsing emerges onto the stage.
He stands beneath the lights for several seconds, studying Marcus from the distance.
Earlier tonight, the Hunters Lodge walls were covered with photographs of Grondar the Revenant.
Tomorrow, the hunt is for the North Pole Championship.
But tonight, Van Helsing's attention belongs entirely to Marcus.
He begins walking toward the ring.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Earlier tonight, Van Helsing told Grondar that every monster can be studied, understood and eventually hunted."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And now he gets to test that philosophy against something very large and very angry."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Marcus would certainly love nothing more than to derail the number-one contender."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Derail him? I'd like Marcus to flatten him so badly Santa has to find Grondar a new challenger tomorrow."
Van Helsing reaches ringside.
He climbs the steps and enters.
Marcus immediately moves forward.
Honest Abe gets between them.
Van Helsing does not back away.
Neither does Marcus.
Celeste Orion raises her microphone.
CELESTE ORION: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your MAIN EVENT, scheduled for one fall!"
The crowd cheers.
Celeste turns toward Marcus.
CELESTE ORION: "Introducing first... representing the Primal Horde... MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER!"
Marcus raises his arms slightly, never taking his eyes from Van Helsing.
Celeste turns.
CELESTE ORION: "And his opponent... tomorrow night's challenger for the North Pole Championship... VAN HELSING!"
The crowd erupts.
Van Helsing remains perfectly focused.
Honest Abe checks both competitors.
Then signals for the bell.
Minute 1
There is no feeling-out process.
Van Helsing explodes immediately.
He drives directly through Marcus with the Silver Bullet Spear.
Marcus crashes backward.
Van Helsing tries to remain on him, but the Beastmaster powers his way upright, gets one hand around Van Helsing's throat and drives him violently into the canvas with a chokeslam.
Both men have made their intentions clear in less than sixty seconds.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Silver Bullet Spear right out of the gate! And Marcus answers with a chokeslam!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "THAT is why you don't treat Marcus the Beastmaster like preparation. Van Helsing hits him with one of his biggest weapons and Marcus gets up and throws him through the ring."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing wanted to establish the pace immediately."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Marcus just told him he's not controlling anything."
Minute 2
Van Helsing gets back to his feet.
Marcus closes.
Van Helsing plants his fist directly into Marcus's chest with the Stake to Heart.
Marcus staggers.
Then drives forward through Van Helsing with a massive shoulder block.
Van Helsing hits the canvas and rolls toward the ropes.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Stake to Heart from Van Helsing, but Marcus keeps coming."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's what I like about Marcus. You hurt him and he doesn't retreat. He just decides you need to be hit harder."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That shoulder block nearly took Van Helsing off his feet completely."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Tomorrow Grondar should send Marcus a thank-you card."
Minute 3
Marcus grabs Van Helsing around the body.
He begins turning him into position for the Alpha Slam.
Van Helsing recognizes it.
He shifts his weight, slips free, and lands behind Marcus.
Marcus turns.
Van Helsing grabs him by the throat.
Chokeslam.
Marcus crashes into the canvas.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "What a reversal! Marcus wanted the Alpha Slam, but Van Helsing escaped and answered with a chokeslam!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That was good. I don't have to like Van Helsing to admit that was good."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He anticipated the spinning sidewalk slam and changed the entire exchange."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Marcus made one mistake. Don't start engraving tomorrow's championship yet."
Minute 4
Both men rise slowly.
For several seconds they circle, each unwilling to commit first.
Van Helsing finally moves.
He catches Marcus by the throat again and drives him down with another chokeslam.
Marcus absorbs the impact and gets back to his feet almost immediately.
He catches Van Helsing's arm, pulls him in and drives the shoulder hard across his knee with a shoulderbreaker.
Van Helsing falls away clutching the arm.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Another chokeslam from Van Helsing, but Marcus answers with the shoulderbreaker."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "There. That's smart. Tomorrow Van Helsing needs every limb working against Grondar. Start taking pieces away tonight."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "You make it sound like Marcus is wrestling tomorrow's match for the champion."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "If Grondar benefits, that's simply good fortune."
Minute 5
Van Helsing catches Marcus around the waist and attempts a powerslam.
Marcus drops his weight.
Van Helsing tries to turn him.
Nothing.
Marcus braces, blocks the rotation and shoves Van Helsing away.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Marcus neutralizes the powerslam. Van Helsing could not move him."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Because Marcus is built like a fortress."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing has dealt with power throughout his career."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Not this much power twenty-four hours before a title match."
Minute 6
Van Helsing attacks again.
He drives forward with a knee lift toward the midsection.
Marcus catches him.
He absorbs the leg, shoves Van Helsing backward and prevents the strike from landing cleanly.
Marcus follows him toward the corner.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Marcus stops the knee lift as well."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Two minutes in a row, Marcus has read him perfectly."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing needs to make another adjustment."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Or he can keep trying things that don't work. I'm comfortable with either."
Minute 7
Marcus charges.
Van Helsing suddenly ducks low and explodes forward.
SILVER BULLET SPEAR.
The impact drives Marcus backward and down.
Marcus tries to twist into the Alpha Slam during the collision, but Van Helsing's momentum overwhelms him before he can establish control.
Marcus crashes flat onto his back.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "SILVER BULLET SPEAR! Van Helsing got every bit of that!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Marcus tried to turn him into the Alpha Slam, but Van Helsing came in too fast."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That may be the most important adjustment Van Helsing has made tonight."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fine. One point for the hunter."
Minute 8
Van Helsing closes again.
He cracks Marcus across the jaw with a roundhouse right.
Marcus staggers but stays upright.
Van Helsing advances.
Marcus catches him coming in, drives him down and drops a heavy elbow across the chest.
Van Helsing rolls away.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Roundhouse right from Van Helsing, followed by the elbow drop from Marcus."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And Marcus put all of his weight into that one."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Neither man is allowing the other sustained control."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which is exactly what Marcus wants. Make Van Helsing work for every second."
Minute 9
Van Helsing gets underneath Marcus.
He lifts.
The crowd rises.
BACK TO THE GRAVE.
The Tombstone Piledriver plants Marcus.
Van Helsing immediately covers.
Honest Abe drops down.
But Marcus shifts his weight.
He hooks Van Helsing.
The cover is reversed.
Marcus has Van Helsing's shoulders down.
One.
Van Helsing kicks out.
Both men roll apart.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "BACK TO THE GRAVE! Van Helsing had the cover, but Marcus reversed it!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Beautiful! Van Helsing thought it was over and Marcus almost stole the match from underneath him."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Only one, but that was tremendous awareness."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's why Marcus is dangerous. Hurt doesn't mean helpless."
Minute 10
Marcus rises first and tries to catch Van Helsing for another Alpha Slam.
Van Helsing slips through the rotation.
He catches the arm.
Takes Marcus down.
HOLY CROSSFACE.
The hold is locked in.
Marcus immediately reaches toward the ropes.
Van Helsing cranks backward.
Honest Abe asks for the submission.
Marcus shakes his head.
No.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "HOLY CROSSFACE! Van Helsing has it locked in!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Marcus isn't submitting."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He's trapped in the centre."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And he's still saying no!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing has the neck and shoulder twisted badly."
Marcus slowly drags himself forward.
One arm.
Then another.
Finally, he reaches the bottom rope.
Honest Abe forces the break.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "There! That's what I'm talking about. Marcus survived it."
Minute 11
Marcus pulls himself upright using the ropes.
Van Helsing comes forward.
Marcus stomps down hard, forcing Van Helsing to hesitate.
But Van Helsing catches him immediately afterward.
One hand around the throat.
He lifts.
Chokeslam.
Marcus crashes down.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Marcus got the stomp, but Van Helsing answered with another chokeslam."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Marcus keeps making him pay for coming forward."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And Van Helsing keeps answering."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That's why this match is costing him something. Tomorrow doesn't care whether he wins tonight."
Minute 12
Both men are slower now.
Van Helsing fires another roundhouse right.
Marcus absorbs it.
Van Helsing tries another.
Marcus drives him down and drops another elbow across the chest.
Van Helsing recoils.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Roundhouse right again from Van Helsing, but Marcus responds with another elbow drop."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Every one of those elbows makes tomorrow harder."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing knew the risk when he accepted this match."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Knowing the avalanche is coming doesn't make it hurt less."
Minute 13
Marcus rises.
Van Helsing does the same.
They meet in the centre.
Marcus strikes first.
He catches Van Helsing's arm and drives it across his knee with another shoulderbreaker.
Van Helsing staggers away.
Marcus closes in.
Van Helsing suddenly spins underneath.
He catches Marcus's arm.
Pulls him down.
HOLY CROSSFACE.
The crowd erupts.
Marcus immediately begins fighting.
He tries to roll.
Van Helsing shifts with him.
Marcus reaches toward the ropes.
Too far.
Van Helsing pulls back harder.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "HOLY CROSSFACE AGAIN!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Get to the ropes, Marcus!"
Marcus tries to crawl.
Van Helsing traps him deeper.
Honest Abe drops beside them.
Marcus refuses.
Van Helsing cranks again.
Marcus reaches.
Nothing.
Finally—
Marcus taps.
The bell rings.
The North Pole Arena erupts.
Van Helsing immediately releases the hold and rises.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "MARCUS SUBMITS! Van Helsing wins the night before Fault Line!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "I don't like it, but Marcus gave him thirteen hard minutes. Van Helsing did not walk through this man."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Absolutely not. Marcus pushed him, countered him and made Van Helsing work for every opening."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And tomorrow Van Helsing gets to wake up feeling every one of those shoulderbreakers, every stomp, every elbow."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "But tonight, he found the Holy Crossface twice. The second time Marcus had nowhere to go."
VAN HELSING DEFEATS MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER VIA SUBMISSION AT THE 13:00 MINUTE MARK.
CELESTE ORION: "Here is your winner... VAN HELSING!"
Honest Abe raises Van Helsing's arm.
The crowd cheers.
Van Helsing breathes heavily.
Marcus rolls beneath the bottom rope and drops to the floor, furious but exhausted.
Van Helsing stands alone in the centre of the ring.
Tomorrow night waits.
The North Pole Championship.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing survives the final test. Tomorrow night at Fault Line, he challenges Grondar the Revenant for the North Pole Championship."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Survives is the right word. Marcus made sure he's not going into that championship match untouched."
Van Helsing turns toward the hard camera.
He motions around his waist.
Championship.
Then—
The lights go out.
Complete darkness.
The crowd erupts.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "What happened?!"
A massive BOOM tears through the arena.
The sound shakes the building.
For several seconds, there is nothing but darkness and the roar of the crowd.
Then—
The lights return.
Grondar the Revenant is standing in the ring.
The reaction is enormous.
Van Helsing has not moved.
Neither has Grondar.
They are standing face-to-face.
Only inches apart.
The North Pole Championship rests across Grondar's shoulder.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "GRONDAR!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Where did he come from?!"
Van Helsing slowly looks down at the championship.
Then back into Grondar's eyes.
Grondar says nothing.
He does not need to.
The arena begins to roar.
Van Helsing takes one step closer.
Grondar does the same.
Chest to chest.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night becomes tonight if somebody doesn't get in there!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Don't stop them!"
Van Helsing raises one hand and points directly at the North Pole Championship.
Grondar slowly removes it from his shoulder.
For one tense moment, it looks as though he might swing it.
Van Helsing braces.
The crowd explodes.
Suddenly—
Santa Claus storms through the curtain.
Security floods out behind him.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Here comes the Commissioner!"
Santa reaches ringside and immediately slides into the ring.
Security pours in behind him.
SANTA CLAUS: "ENOUGH!"
Van Helsing never takes his eyes off Grondar.
Grondar never takes his eyes off Van Helsing.
Security forms a wall between them.
Van Helsing tries to step around one side.
Grondar moves the opposite direction.
More security rushes in.
SANTA CLAUS: "NOT TONIGHT!"
Santa plants himself between the two sides.
SANTA CLAUS: "YOU WANT EACH OTHER?"
He looks toward Van Helsing.
Then toward Grondar.
SANTA CLAUS: "YOU GET EACH OTHER TOMORROW."
The crowd erupts.
Van Helsing points past security.
VAN HELSING: "Tomorrow."
Grondar remains silent.
He lifts the North Pole Championship above the shoulders of the security guards.
Van Helsing stares at it.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Look at these two!"
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Santa better have twice this much security tomorrow!"
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "He won't need it tomorrow. Tomorrow they are supposed to fight!"
Security gradually forces Van Helsing toward one corner.
Another group pushes Grondar toward the opposite side.
Santa remains in the centre.
Grondar suddenly stops resisting.
He raises the championship.
Van Helsing stops as well.
The two men stare across the ring.
Twenty feet apart now.
But neither looks away.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing says he hunts monsters."
The camera tightens on the challenger.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Magnus Blackwell says Grondar doesn't hide from hunters."
The camera shifts to the champion.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night, at Fault Line, there are no more photographs. No more studying. No more promises."
A graphic begins appearing on the lower screen.
FAULT LINE — TOMORROW NIGHT
NORTH POLE CHAMPIONSHIP
GRONDAR THE REVENANT VS. VAN HELSING
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And after what Marcus did tonight, Van Helsing had better hope he's ready."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night, the hunt reaches the Revenant."
Grondar raises the North Pole Championship one final time.
Across the ring, Van Helsing points directly at him.
The crowd is standing.
Security remains between them.
Santa watches both men.
Neither champion nor challenger blinks.
The screen fades to black.
The broadcast returns to a wide shot of the North Pole Arena.
Security is still gradually clearing away from ringside after the confrontation between Grondar the Revenant and Van Helsing.
The crowd remains loud.
At the commentary desk, Johnny Michaels and Eddie Ellington sit beneath the glow of the Polar Power set as highlights from the night begin playing across the screen.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "What a night it has been here on Polar Power, and somehow all of it has only brought us closer to what happens tomorrow."
Footage rolls of Negropolis defeating Mari Lwyd, followed by the post-match attack directed by Grinch Heyman involving Mari Lwyd and Jack Frost.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Negropolis picked up the victory tonight, only for Grinch Heyman to send Mari Lwyd and Jack Frost after him once the match was over."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Winning the match is one thing. Getting out of the building intact is apparently another."
Highlights move to Polar Bear 2 and Polar Bear 3 battling the River Reapers through the full thirty-minute time limit.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Polar Bears and River Reapers fought for thirty minutes and could not settle anything."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "The Polar Bears were still standing. That's all I needed to see."
The footage changes to Torvald Stonehelm drinking from his tankard, defeating Belsnickel, and then spotting Count Vlad Dragomir, Wilber Townsend, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver waiting for him.
Torvald dives into the crowd.
The pursuit follows.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Torvald Stonehelm won his NPCW in-ring debut, and then discovered that Count Vlad has not forgotten what happened last week."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Nor should he. The little menace ran into the crowd the second consequences showed up."
The screen changes.
Polly Mason stands in the ring with the Queen of the North Championship raised above her head.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Queen of the North Champion Polly Mason delivered a powerful message to the woman who has already beaten her once — and the woman who once tried to drag Polly back toward the darkest version of herself."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Tomorrow she has to prove that speech wasn't just words, because Dr. Violetta Voss knows she can beat Polly."
Highlights show Pearl defeating Wicked Witch by disqualification after Coven interference.
Then Astrid Ironvale pins Grizelda after Wicked Witch's presence at ringside causes the crucial distraction.
Finally, the screen freezes on Wicked Witch and Grizelda staring one another down.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And the struggle inside the Coven intensified. Tonight did nothing to settle the issue between Wicked Witch and Grizelda."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "It made it worse."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Much worse."
The final replay is the main event.
Van Helsing forces Marcus the Beastmaster to submit to the Holy Crossface.
Then darkness.
The boom.
The lights return.
Grondar the Revenant and Van Helsing stand face-to-face.
Santa Claus and security flood the ring.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And then our main event. Van Helsing defeated Marcus the Beastmaster, but before this night could end, the North Pole Champion arrived."
The image freezes on Grondar and Van Helsing separated by security.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Van Helsing wanted to hunt the monster. Tonight the monster came looking for him."
Johnny turns toward the camera.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "But tomorrow there will be nobody standing between them."
The arena screen changes.
A massive graphic fills it.
FAULT LINE — TOMORROW
The crowd cheers.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night, NPCW Polar Division presents FAULT LINE."
The first match graphic appears.
INFERNUS REX VS. RUDOLPH
NO DISQUALIFICATION CAGE MATCH
Footage flashes of Infernus Rex and Rudolph.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Infernus Rex meets Rudolph inside a cage."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "No disqualifications. No excuses. Put them inside steel and let them settle it."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Rudolph has been waiting for this. Infernus Rex has promised destruction. Tomorrow there is nowhere for either man to go."
The graphic changes.
BIGFOOT VS. YETI
BATTLE OF THE ALPHAS
ARCTIC WASTES BATTLE
Snow whips across the screen behind both competitors.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And this one will not happen inside the Glacier Plex."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Which already makes it insane."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Bigfoot and Yeti leave the arena behind completely. Outside in the Arctic Wastes, the Battle of the Alphas finally happens."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "No ropes. No turnbuckles. Just snow, ice, and two monsters deciding which one is dominant."
The next graphic appears.
QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP
POLLY MASON VS. DR. VIOLETTA VOSS
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Queen of the North Championship is on the line. Polly Mason defends against Dr. Violetta Voss."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Voss has beaten her before."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And Polly remembers every second of it."
The graphic changes again.
NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP
WILBER "TERRORFANG" TOWNSEND VS. KRAMPUS
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Wilber 'Terrorfang' Townsend puts the Northern Lights Championship on the line against Krampus."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Krampus has wanted another championship opportunity. Tomorrow he gets it."
The screen changes.
LILITH VS. VELORA SYNN
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Lilith goes one-on-one with Velora Synn."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And there is enough bad blood there that I wouldn't stand anywhere near ringside."
Then the final Fault Line graphic appears.
The reaction becomes even louder.
NORTH POLE CHAMPIONSHIP
GRONDAR THE REVENANT VS. VAN HELSING
The image of their confrontation from minutes earlier fills the background.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And in the main event, the North Pole Championship."
A pause.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Grondar the Revenant."
Another.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Van Helsing."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "The hunter spent all week studying the champion."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow, the studying ends."
The Fault Line logo fills the screen.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "That is tomorrow."
The graphic fades.
Then an eerie orange glow begins spreading across the arena screens.
A jack-o'-lantern motif appears behind the Polar Power logo.
HALLOWEEN HORROR — NEXT WEEK
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And somehow you people expect us to come back next week after all of that."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "We absolutely do, because next week Polar Power becomes Halloween Horror."
The first graphic appears.
WITCH'S DUEL MATCH
GRIZELDA VS. WICKED WITCH
LEADERSHIP OF THE COVEN
Footage from tonight shows their stare-down.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The issue that exploded tonight reaches its conclusion next week. Grizelda faces Wicked Witch in a Witch's Duel."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "And this isn't simply about winning a match."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Leadership of the Coven belongs to the winner."
The next graphic appears.
UNIVERSAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
ULTIMATE BEASTS VS. CRIMSON MAULERS
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Universal Tag Team Championship will also be defended."
Images of Karnyx and Varak appear opposite the Crimson Maulers.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The Ultimate Beasts defend against the Crimson Maulers."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "That ring may need reinforcement."
The screen changes one final time.
Four shadowed silhouettes surround the North Pole Championship.
FATAL FOUR-WAY
WINNER EARNS A NORTH POLE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "And four competitors will collide in a Fatal Four-Way."
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "One fall. Four people. One future opportunity."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "The winner earns a shot at the North Pole Championship."
The graphic fades back to tonight's arena.
Johnny looks directly into the camera.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "But before Halloween Horror..."
The Fault Line logo suddenly fills the giant screen behind them.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "...there is tomorrow."
A final rapid montage flashes across the screen.
Infernus Rex.
Rudolph.
Bigfoot.
Yeti.
Polly Mason.
Dr. Violetta Voss.
Wilber Townsend.
Krampus.
Lilith.
Velora Synn.
Then—
Grondar the Revenant.
Van Helsing.
The final image is Grondar raising the North Pole Championship while Van Helsing stares at him from behind the wall of security.
EDDIE ELLINGTON: "Fault Line."
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "Tomorrow night."
The Polar Power logo fills the screen.
NPCW POLAR POWER
ONLY THE FIGHT. ONLY THE NORTH.
JOHNNY MICHAELS: "For Eddie Ellington, I'm Johnny Michaels. Good night from the North Pole Arena."
The camera pulls high above the crowd as the arena lights sweep across the stands.
The Fault Line logo appears one final time.
Fade to black.
Black screen.
Several seconds of silence.
Then—
A soft click.
A lamp turns on.
The camera slowly fades into an apartment somewhere undisclosed.
At first, it looks ordinary.
Then the camera begins to move.
One wall is covered almost entirely with photographs of Polly Mason.
Polly entering arenas.
Polly holding the Queen of the North Championship.
Polly celebrating victories.
Polly walking through backstage corridors.
Polly smiling at fans.
Some are official promotional photographs.
Some look like screenshots taken from broadcasts.
Others appear to have been photographed from the crowd.
Below them are shelves filled with memorabilia.
Programs.
Ticket stubs.
Signed photos.
Magazine clippings.
Homemade signs.
A replica Queen of the North Championship.
A carefully preserved wristband from an NPCW event sits inside a small display case.
On another shelf rests a scrapbook.
Its cover has been decorated by hand.
POLLY
The camera keeps moving.
More photographs.
More clippings.
More pieces of Polly's career carefully organized and preserved.
At the centre of the room is the newest addition.
A massive blown-up photograph.
The picture taken earlier tonight.
Polly Mason leaning beside the excited fan at the barricade, the Queen of the North Championship visible over Polly's shoulder.
Both women smiling into the camera.
The photograph has already been printed.
Already enlarged.
Already framed.
Standing beside it is the woman from earlier tonight.
The excited fan.
Except now there is no crowd around her.
No arena noise.
No cheering.
No bouncing excitement.
She stands completely still.
Her name is Fannie Wilkensen.
Fannie stares at the photograph with a satisfied smile.
She gently runs her fingertips across the edge of the frame.
Her eyes settle on Polly's face.
Then on her own.
Side by side.
Fannie tilts her head slightly.
The smile grows.
She looks toward the camera.
FANNIE WILKENSEN: "BFFs."
A small pause.
She looks back at the photograph.
FANNIE WILKENSEN: "Polly and Fannie forever."
Fannie smiles.
The camera slowly pulls backward.
As it retreats, even more photographs become visible beyond the edges of the frame.
Polly everywhere.
Wall after wall.
Fannie's smiling face remains beside the enormous photograph.
The lamp clicks off.
Black.
END.