Brutally Honest Take ... on Rudolph

Brutally Honest Take: April 24th
Rudolph: The Reindeer Champion on Thin Ice?
By Dave “The Brute” Kent

When the history books are written on NPCW, Rudolph will undoubtedly be a name that stands tall. As a legacy wrestler, he’s been a fixture of the company for years, celebrated for his tenacity and loyalty—qualities that earned him a place in the spotlight alongside Santa Claus himself. But as the reigning NPCW Champion, there’s a murmur rippling through the locker room and fanbase alike: does Rudolph have what it takes to carry the banner of NPCW as the top star?

Rudolph’s wrestling pedigree is undeniable. As a tag team specialist, he has seen tremendous success, winning the NPCW Tag Team Championships both as part of the Reindeer Coalition and in a legendary run alongside Santa Claus. In fact, his partnership with Santa cemented his status as one of the “Big Man’s” closest allies—a loyalty that culminated in Santa selecting Rudolph for the pivotal Six-Man Tag Team Match against Monster Bash at the Madness event.

But let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the monstrous truth behind Rudolph’s championship reign. Anonymous sources inside NPCW have whispered some interesting details about that six-man showdown. While Rudolph was eager to ensure Santa retained the NPCW title, it was Rudolph himself who took the pinfall over Frankenstein’s Monster to seize the championship, rather than tagging Santa for the final pin. Was it a strategic choice or an opportunistic grab for glory? Santa has been publicly supportive of Rudolph since that night, declaring him a worthy champion and a fine representative of the company. But backstage, some are less convinced.

Let’s be frank here. Rudolph’s transition from tag team specialist to singles competitor has been rocky, to say the least. Yes, he’s impressed in recent matches, scoring wins over Monster Bash’s members Dragon King and Ogre, the latter showcasing Rudolph’s sharp instincts and growing confidence. But Ogre and Dragon King aren’t exactly main event caliber talents—they’re mid-carders, perhaps upper mid-card at best. These victories, while respectable, don’t silence the doubts surrounding Rudolph’s ability to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of NPCW’s heavy hitters. Against Big Bad Wolf and Yeti, Rudolph faltered, suffering clean losses that highlighted his struggle to dominate in singles competition.

And that’s the crux of the issue, isn’t it? Being champion isn’t just about holding the belt—it’s about proving that you deserve it. Until Rudolph secures decisive wins against top-tier competitors like Krampus, Jack Frost, Big Bad Wolf, or the man who sidelined Santa himself, Frankenstein’s Monster, his legitimacy as champion will remain under scrutiny. Rudolph has all the tools to succeed—the ring knowledge from years in the Reindeer Coalition, the unyielding loyalty of the NPCW fanbase, and, most importantly, the endorsement of Santa Claus. But potential doesn’t win matches, nor does it quell the skepticism of those who feel his reign is on borrowed time.

Let’s not forget the optics of this situation. Santa may have given Rudolph his public blessing, but the very act of Rudolph pinning Frankenstein’s Monster instead of tagging Santa has created a narrative that Rudolph seized the opportunity for himself. While it’s a bold move worthy of debate, it also casts a shadow on his reign. Champions are supposed to be decisive, dominant, and capable of leading the charge. Right now, Rudolph looks like a work in progress—admirable for his effort, but unproven when it counts.

To be clear, this isn’t a condemnation of Rudolph. The truth is, Rudolph has shown flashes of greatness. His match against Ogre proved that he can rise to the occasion when needed. And as a legacy wrestler who’s been a loyal cornerstone of NPCW, the idea of Rudolph rising above the doubts and silencing his critics is tantalizing. But until Rudolph stands across the ring from NPCW’s big guns and leaves them lying flat, the skepticism surrounding him won’t go away.

So, here’s the Brutally Honest Take: Rudolph has the potential to be a great champion. But at this moment, he’s skating on thin ice. The pressure is mounting, the criticism is real, and Rudolph’s reign depends on how he handles the heat. Will he rise to the challenge and prove himself worthy, or will history remember him as Santa’s loyal sidekick who couldn’t make it as the leading man? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Rudolph has a lot to prove, and he needs to prove it fast.

Stay tuned for the next Brutally Honest Take—because the truth doesn’t care how cold it gets.