April 25, 2025 - Labrador City, Newfoundland
By Dave "The Brute" Kent, Ace Wrestling Reporter
Match 1: Friar Tuck vs. Howler #1
NPCW delivered the latest chapter of the ongoing Merry Band vs. Wolf Pack feud. The opening match featured Friar Tuck taking on Howler #1 in what should have been a compelling contest between two gritty competitors—but the actual execution fell a little short.
Referee: Honest Abe
Despite the feud’s significance, this match felt more like a footnote than a standout moment in the rivalry. Friar Tuck wasted no time asserting his dominance, locking in a Sleeperhold almost immediately and forcing Howler #1 to submit within the first minute of the match. While Friar Tuck showcased his technical expertise, Howler #1 barely had time to make any meaningful impact, save for a well-executed Samoan Drop that provided a brief glimmer of offense.
The match was over before the crowd had a chance to fully engage, leaving fans unsatisfied. While Friar Tuck’s quick victory solidifies him as a credible threat in the Merry Band vs. Wolf Pack storyline, it didn’t elevate the feud or provide the drama that NPCW fans have come to expect.
Winner: Friar Tuck (Submission via Sleeperhold)
Kent’s Take: A one-minute squash match in the opening slot is a tough sell for any house show, especially one tied to a broader feud. Friar Tuck’s decisive victory certainly serves a narrative purpose, but it lacked any sense of competitiveness or storytelling. NPCW needs to give these feud matches more time and substance to make them matter.
Rating:
 |
| 2/5 |
Match 2: Little John vs. Howler #2
The Merry Band vs. Wolf Pack feud continued with this matchup between Little John and Howler #2, showcasing raw power and tenacity from both sides. While this match lasted much longer than the opener, interference from the Wolf Pack and uneven pacing ultimately left something to be desired.
Referee: Honest Abe
Little John started strong, displaying his impressive offense with moves like the Towering Suplex and Headlock Punches, keeping Howler #2 on the defensive for a significant portion of the match. However, Howler #2 managed to flip the script with counters and reversals, including a well-executed Piledriver and Howler Drop, which would later seal his victory.
The Wolf Pack’s constant interference, including distractions and a blatant gang-up on Little John, overshadowed what could have been a hard-hitting contest. While Little John fought valiantly to overcome the odds, the interference sapped the match’s overall quality, leaving fans wondering how a clean match might have turned out.
The final blow came in the 22nd minute, with Howler #2 landing a decisive Howler Drop to pin Little John. Despite the interference, Howler #2 showcased his skills as a formidable competitor, and Little John’s resilience solidified him as a fan favorite in the Merry Band.
Winner: Howler #2 (Pinfall via Howler Drop)
Kent’s Take: There were flashes of greatness in this match, particularly Little John’s offensive sequences, but the Wolf Pack’s interference prevented the match from reaching its full potential. NPCW needs to dial back the constant distractions and focus on creating more balanced matches that highlight the performers’ abilities. Howler #2 earned his win, but the narrative felt more frustrating than satisfying.
Rating: 3/5
 |
| 3/5 |
Match 3: Reindeer Coalition (Comet & Prancer) vs. Nutcracker Legion (Nutcracker #1 & Nutcracker #2)
The Reindeer Coalition squared off against the Nutcracker Legion in a tag team match that carried significant stakes, as both teams were looking to solidify their positions for a future title shot. With the atmosphere in Labrador City buzzing, this match was all about teamwork, resilience, and a few unfortunate distractions that slightly marred an otherwise strong showing.
Referee: Honest Abe
The match started explosively, with Comet immediately setting the tone by landing a crisp Shooting Star Press on Nutcracker #1. Throughout the contest, the Reindeer Coalition showcased their superb teamwork with tandem moves like the Reindeer Kick and Reindeer One Two (Double Punch). Their fast-paced offense kept the Nutcracker Legion on the back foot for much of the match. Prancer’s Face in the Mud (Flying Bulldog) in the final moments sealed the deal, clinching the pinfall for the Coalition.
Despite the Coalition’s strong performance, Nutcracker #2 managed to shine with his devastating Nutcracker Cannon (Spear) and Powerbomb, bringing the Legion back into contention. However, the involvement of Nutcracker General in the 10th minute—using a Distract Foe for Sneak Attack—undercut the Legion’s efforts. While his interference wasn’t disqualifying, it detracted from the match’s competitiveness and the Legion’s credibility as contenders.
The Reindeer Coalition earned a decisive victory, but the match lacked a memorable finish or high-stakes drama that would have elevated it to the next level.
Winners: Reindeer Coalition (Pinfall via Face in the Mud by Prancer)
Kent’s Take: This was a solid tag team match with flashes of brilliance from both sides, particularly Comet’s aerial offense and Nutcracker #2’s raw power. The Reindeer Coalition showed why they’re top contenders, blending cohesive teamwork with individual skill. However, the Nutcracker Legion’s reliance on outside interference dulled the match’s overall impact. NPCW needs to either tone down these distractions or make them a decisive part of the narrative to avoid undermining the wrestling itself.
Rating:
 |
| 3.5/5 |
Match 4: Furiosa Ardilla vs. Malice
The Queens of Punishment’s Malice squared off against Furiosa Ardilla in a match that promised high-stakes action. Unfortunately, interference and an overwhelming disadvantage for Furiosa left the bout feeling less like a contest and more like an inevitable conclusion.
Referee: Honest Abe
The match started with Furiosa Ardilla demonstrating her athleticism, landing a Hurricanrana Driver in the opening minute to spark the crowd. However, her momentum was immediately undercut by Mad Hatter’s confetti-blinding interference, putting her on the defensive for the majority of the contest.
Malice seized the opportunity, unleashing a relentless offense with moves like the Cloverleaf and Apron Somersault Plancha, systematically wearing down Furiosa. By the fourth minute, Malice locked in a brutal Modified Scorpion Crosslock, forcing Furiosa to submit. Furiosa fought valiantly despite her disadvantaged position, but Mad Hatter’s interference tilted the scales heavily in Malice’s favor.
Winner: Malice (Submission via Modified Scorpion Crosslock)
Kent’s Take: While Malice showcased her dominance with precision and power, the match itself lacked depth or competitiveness. Furiosa had flashes of brilliance, but the confetti stunt from Mad Hatter stifled any chance of a balanced fight. NPCW must consider limiting the constant reliance on interference to ensure matches deliver the competitive drama fans deserve. This bout was less of a clash and more of a showcase for Malice.
Rating:
 |
| 2.5/5 |
Match 5: Jolly Green vs. Black Knight
The main event of House Show 005 brought the ongoing feud between Jolly Green/Paul Bunyan and Sandman/The Black Knight to the forefront. While the bout showcased moments of power and precision, it ultimately lacked the fireworks expected from a feud of this magnitude. The questionable refereeing by Fast Count Frank added a layer of intrigue but also raised eyebrows.
Referee: Fast Count Frank (+1)
The match began as a strong, hard-hitting contest, with both competitors landing impactful moves like Black Knight’s Powerbomb and Kip-Up Frankensteiner and Jolly Green’s Cradle Slam and Backbreaker. The back-and-forth exchanges kept the crowd engaged, with neither competitor able to establish clear dominance early on.
Jolly Green’s offense shone brightest in the second half of the match, particularly with his multiple Backbreakers and a commanding Bearhug to force Black Knight’s submission in the 16th minute. Black Knight fought valiantly, showcasing his technical prowess with moves like the Knight's Fall (Styles Clash), but he struggled to maintain control against Jolly Green’s overwhelming power.
Fast Count Frank’s officiating played a role, especially in the pacing of the pin attempts. While the fast count didn’t drastically alter the outcome, it added a layer of tension that didn’t feel entirely necessary in a feud-based match.
Winner: Jolly Green (Submission via Bearhug)
Kent’s Take: Despite solid performances from both competitors, the match felt underwhelming given the stakes of the feud. The pacing seemed slightly uneven, and neither performer managed to deliver a truly standout moment. Fast Count Frank’s officiating was noticeable but didn’t detract enough to overshadow the wrestling. NPCW needs to deliver more intense, dramatic finishes in its main events if this feud is going to gain traction with fans.
Rating:
 |
| 3/5 |
Overall Take
House Show 005 in Labrador City had all the elements needed for a stellar night of NPCW action: high stakes, heated feuds, and marquee names in every match slot. But while the card delivered solid moments of entertainment, it also exposed weaknesses in storytelling and match pacing that prevented it from truly shining.
Highlights of the Night:
Tag Team Contest: The Reindeer Coalition vs. Nutcracker Legion featured flashes of great teamwork and some exciting sequences, making it the standout match of the night, even if interference played a role.
Main Event Drama: Jolly Green and Black Knight brought the intensity to cap off the night. While far from groundbreaking, the match showcased solid back-and-forth action and reaffirmed Jolly Green’s standing in the feud.
The Low Points:
Friar Tuck’s Quick Victory: The opener was undeniably decisive, and Tuck’s dominance was impressive—but at just one minute, it lacked substance and robbed fans of a chance to become emotionally invested.
Mad Hatter’s Interference: Yet again, Mad Hatter’s antics overshadowed matches (specifically Furiosa vs. Malice), detracting from the talent in the ring. NPCW needs to rein this in to preserve match integrity.
Lack of Standout Performances: The event lacked a true show-stealer—a match that grabs the crowd and elevates the card beyond the expected. Even the main event, while solid, left fans wanting more.
Overall Rating:
 |
| 3/5 |
Labrador City’s House Show was a middle-of-the-road event. While every match had strengths, none broke through to deliver the kind of unforgettable drama fans come to expect from NPCW. If NPCW wants to keep momentum heading into bigger events, it must work to balance interference-heavy storytelling with the athletes’ pure skill to ensure matches reach their full potential.
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