NO WORDS BARRED
By Dave "The Brute" Kent NPCW House Show Recap – St. John’s, NL (March 21)
Match #1: Maid Marion vs. Wicked Willow
Referee: 'Honest' Abe
The NPCW house show in St. John’s opened with a thrilling women’s match pitting Maid Marion against the dark and foreboding Wicked Willow. Both competitors brought their distinct styles to the ring, and what followed was an engaging clash of agility and brutality.
From the start, the crowd was solidly behind Maid Marion, whose speed and precision made her a clear fan favorite. Early in the match, she dazzled with a Diving Seated Senton and a crisp Kiss Goodnight Roundhouse Kick, keeping Wicked Willow on the defensive. But Marion quickly learned that Wicked Willow wasn’t going to be intimidated, as the shadowy competitor answered back with crushing offense like her signature Chokebomb and Widow's Peak Neckbreaker.
Momentum shifted repeatedly throughout the bout, with Marion’s technical prowess being matched blow-for-blow by Willow’s raw power. Highlights included Marion’s beautifully executed Low-Angle Front Dropkick and a gritty Bulldog, but Wicked Willow’s resilience allowed her to absorb much of the punishment and hit back hard.
By the 13th minute, it became clear that Marion’s high-energy style was wearing her down. After narrowly escaping a count-out following a vicious Superkick Out of Ring, she struggled to maintain control as Willow ramped up her offense. In the match’s final moments, Wicked Willow planted Maid Marion with a devastating Spider's Web Sidewalk Slam. There was no escape for Marion, as Wicked Willow secured the three-count to claim the victory.
Winner: Wicked Willow via Pinfall (Spider's Web Sidewalk Slam)
Kent’s Take: This was an excellent opener for the show, with strong chemistry between the two competitors. Maid Marion’s quick offense and technical expertise make her a delight to watch, but Wicked Willow’s relentless aggression was the difference-maker here. Willow is proving herself as a legitimate force in NPCW, and this win should bolster her standing in the women’s division. Meanwhile, Marion continues to grow her connection with the fans, and a rematch down the road would certainly be welcome.
Match #2: Krampus (with Grinch Heyman) vs. Scarecrow
Referee: 'Honest' Abe
This second bout of the evening showcased the cold and calculating Krampus, flanked by his ever-scheming manager Grinch Heyman, going head-to-head against the scrappy underdog Scarecrow. While the outcome may not have shocked the crowd, the match itself delivered high-impact action and tense exchanges that left the audience hooked.
Krampus wasted no time asserting dominance, opening with a thunderous Krampus Krush (Running Powerslam) that rattled Scarecrow to his core. But Scarecrow, true to his underdog reputation, countered smartly with a Small Package attempt, nearly catching Krampus off guard. The back-and-forth continued into the second minute, with Scarecrow using his agility and cleverness to lock in a tight Headlock. Yet, Krampus’s raw power became the story of the match as he consistently fought his way free.
The tide fully shifted by the third minute, as Krampus once again delivered his crushing Krampus Krush. Scarecrow answered valiantly with a Front Cradle, but by this point, it was clear that Krampus and his brute force were wearing him down. The turning point came in the fourth minute, when Krampus locked in his devastating Evil Embrace (Cross Arm Choke). Despite Scarecrow’s spirited attempts to fight out of it, the sheer ferocity of Krampus’s hold proved too much, forcing Scarecrow to tap out.
Winner: Krampus via Submission (Evil Embrace)
Kent’s Take: This match was a fine example of Krampus’s relentless dominance under Grinch Heyman’s guidance. While Scarecrow showed moments of brilliance, his quick counters and technique weren’t enough to overcome Krampus’s overwhelming physicality. Grinch Heyman’s presence loomed large throughout, and one can’t help but wonder how much of Krampus’s intimidation factor comes from that smug mastermind lurking at ringside. A solid showing for both competitors, but Krampus remains as terrifying as ever.
Match #3: Belsnickel vs. Jolly Green
Referee: 'Honest' Abe
The third match of the evening was a clash of physicality, with the mischievous Belsnickel squaring off against the ever-resilient Jolly Green. This encounter showcased hard-hitting action from start to finish, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The match kicked off with both men testing their strength, trading power moves like Belsnickel’s Elbow Off the Turnbuckle and Jolly Green’s signature Belly-to-Belly Suplex. While Jolly Green initially gained the upper hand by utilizing his raw power, Belsnickel’s tenacity and scrappy offense, including a pinpoint Knecht Kick, kept him firmly in the fight.
Momentum continued to shift throughout, with both men landing impactful moves—Belsnickel’s Ringing the Bell (Flying Lariat) earned a huge reaction from the crowd, while Jolly Green’s Backbreaker sequences and a jaw-dropping Belly Laugh Slam nearly sealed the deal multiple times. Belsnickel’s resilience was on full display as he kicked out of a pin attempt, refusing to go down without a fight.
However, Jolly Green proved why he remains a fan favorite. As the match entered its final moments, Green delivered one more punishing Belly Laugh Slam, this time leaving Belsnickel unable to answer the three-count. With the victory secured, Jolly Green stood tall, soaking in the cheers of the St. John’s crowd.
Winner: Jolly Green via Pinfall (Belly Laugh Slam)
Kent’s Take: This was a fantastic display of power and grit from both men. Belsnickel brought his usual ferocity, but Jolly Green’s sheer strength and determination ultimately carried him to victory. This match highlighted Jolly Green’s ability to weather a storm and rally at key moments—a quality that continues to cement him as one of NPCW’s most beloved competitors. Meanwhile, Belsnickel’s tenacity ensures he’ll remain a dangerous foe moving forward.
Match #4: Dasher & Cupid (Reindeer Coalition) vs. Yukon Trappers
Referee: 'Honest' Abe
The fourth match of the night delivered a solid tag team encounter as the Reindeer Coalition’s dynamic duo of Dasher and Cupid battled the rugged Yukon Trappers, Josh and Lou. While the Reindeer Coalition brought their trademark speed and teamwork, the Yukon Trappers grounded them with their brute force and methodical tactics.
The match kicked off with an immediate statement from the Trappers, as Josh and Lou combined for a punishing double-team on Cupid, hitting a Shoulder Breaker and a Knee to Midsection that left Cupid scrambling. Cupid fought back admirably with a Running Shoulder Tackle, tagging in Dasher to shift the momentum briefly. However, the Trappers were relentless, isolating their opponents and targeting their limbs with moves like Lou’s Standing Arm Bar and Josh’s Top Wristlock.
Dasher brought the fans to life with bursts of energy, hitting a powerful Blitzing Spear and a Reindeer Kick (Mule Kick) that had the crowd chanting for the Coalition. But the Yukon Trappers countered with brute strength, as Josh’s Shoulder Breaker continually proved to be a game-changer. A highlight came when Dasher barely beat a nine-count back into the ring after a vicious exchange of toss-outs, showcasing his resilience and determination to keep the Coalition in the fight.
The match reached its climax when Cupid re-entered the ring to deliver a Running Shoulder Tackle, only to be stopped dead in his tracks by Josh with another devastating Shoulder Breaker. Josh made the pin, securing a hard-fought victory for the Yukon Trappers.
Winner: Yukon Trapper Josh via Pinfall (Shoulder Breaker on Cupid)
Kent’s Take: This match told a compelling story of contrast between the Coalition’s speed and spirit versus the Yukon Trappers’ rugged and grounded approach. Dasher and Cupid showed plenty of heart, but it was the Trappers’ consistent targeting of key body parts that led them to victory. Cupid and Dasher’s teamwork is always fun to watch, but they’ll need to find a way to overcome powerhouses like the Yukon Trappers if they want to climb back into title contention. Meanwhile, Josh and Lou continue to showcase why they’re one of NPCW’s most underrated teams.
Main Event: Frosty vs. Jack Frost (with Grinch Heyman)
Referee: 'Honest' Abe
The main event of the evening saw Frosty and Jack Frost step into the ring for a highly anticipated rematch from their brutal Nightmare at the North Pole showdown, where Frosty emerged victorious. Unfortunately, this outing fell short of expectations, wrapping up far quicker than fans had hoped. Despite the star power on display, the action failed to reach the heights of their prior encounter.
The match began with a flash of promise as Frosty and Jack Frost locked up, trading moves like Frosty’s spinning Snow Globe Spin (Airplane Spin) and Jack Frost’s sharp Icy Edge (Knife Edge Chop), which had the crowd rallying early. However, the momentum began to shift in Jack Frost’s favor when he locked in his brutal Frostbite Clutch (Cobra Clutch), sapping Frosty’s energy with his methodical style. Though Frosty fought valiantly and landed a powerful Blizzard Buster (Sit Down Powerbomb) in the fourth minute, Jack Frost managed to turn the tide with consistent counters.
By the sixth and final minute, Jack Frost strategically applied his signature Snowstorm Sleeper, leaving Frosty unable to escape. The submission victory was swift and decisive, marking an upset victory for Jack Frost, much to the delight of his ever-smug manager, Grinch Heyman.
Winner: Jack Frost via Submission (Snowstorm Sleeper)
Kent’s Take: To call this match a letdown would be an understatement. Following the excellent storytelling and intensity of their Nightmare at the North Pole clash, this felt like a rushed affair that never had the chance to build to anything meaningful. Jack Frost’s victory here will no doubt elevate his stock, but the lack of drama left the crowd deflated. Here’s hoping these two get a proper stage to rekindle their rivalry in the future—because this match didn’t do their talents justice.
Kent’s Overall Take: The NPCW house show in St. John’s was a mixed bag, showcasing flashes of brilliance while leaving room for improvement in certain areas. The standout performances from talents like Wicked Willow, Jolly Green, and the Yukon Trappers demonstrated the depth and variety within the roster, and the audience’s investment in these characters was palpable throughout the night. Matches like Jolly Green versus Belsnickel and the Reindeer Coalition’s tag battle against the Yukon Trappers offered thrilling action and solid storytelling, keeping the crowd engaged from start to finish.
However, the quick finish to the main event between Frosty and Jack Frost—two competitors with a storied rivalry—felt like a missed opportunity to deliver a memorable clash worthy of their history. The underwhelming pace and lack of buildup left the crowd deflated, which unfortunately dampened the energy of an otherwise entertaining evening.
That said, NPCW’s ability to craft engaging narratives and foster crowd-pleasing characters continues to shine. With stars like Krampus, Wicked Willow, and Jolly Green proving their worth, and a hungry roster eager to make their mark, the company shows tremendous promise heading into their next big event. Here’s hoping NPCW takes these lessons to heart and continues to fine-tune their recipe for success—because when they’re firing on all cylinders, there’s magic in their madness.
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