May 2, 2025 - Iqaluit Nunavut
By Dave "The Brute" Kent, Ace Wrestling Reporter
There’s no place like Iqaluit, and there’s no event like NPCW’s House Show 006 to light up the great white north. With the snow and ice outside providing the perfect backdrop for the action, inside the crowd was white-hot as wrestlers battled it out in a night full of storylines, rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
Match 1: Queens of Punishment (w/ Mad Hatter) vs. The Tinsel Twins
House Show 006 opened with a tag team contest that brought the chaos right out of the gate. The Queens of Punishment, Crimson Viper and Dark Duchess—with their ever-disruptive manager Mad Hatter at ringside—faced off against the spirited Tinsel Twins, Sparkle and Twinkle. While the match had its moments of excitement, it was marred by familiar problems: interference, uneven pacing, and a finish that left the crowd wanting more.
Referee: Honest Abe (+0)
The Tinsel Twins kicked things off with their trademark double-team offense. Sparkle and Twinkle landed a crisp Lance Crab and a spectacular Flying Body Splash, giving them early control of the match. However, the Queens of Punishment, particularly Crimson Viper, proved resilient and quickly turned the tide with power moves like the Belly to Back Suplex and the methodical Sharpshooter.
Mad Hatter, as expected, was a constant presence at ringside. His antics—including a mid-match distraction by “talking crazily and pushing the referee”—distracted both the audience and the Tinsel Twins, allowing the Queens to regain control. While the interference didn't lead to a disqualification, it tilted the momentum in favor of Crimson Viper and Dark Duchess.
The match came to an abrupt end in the fifth minute when Crimson Viper locked in her devastating Regal Reign (Arm and Leglock) on Sparkle, forcing a submission. The Tinsel Twins fought valiantly, but their double-team efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Queens' brutality and Mad Hatter's interference.
Winner: Queens of Punishment (Submission via Regal Reign by Crimson Viper)
Kent’s Take: This was a match that had potential, but it ended up feeling more like a formulaic tag team bout than a feud-defining battle. Sparkle and Twinkle showcased some creative teamwork, but their momentum was frequently derailed by Mad Hatter's involvement. Crimson Viper and Dark Duchess had flashes of dominance, but the finish felt anticlimactic for an opener, especially with Sparkle tapping out after just five minutes.
If NPCW wants to make these Queens a credible force, it’s time to tone down the constant outside interference and let their in-ring skills tell the story. This feud could heat up, but as of now, it’s still on simmer.
Rating:
2.5/5 |
Match 2: Regina vs. Maid Marion
Match two brought intense action to Iqaluit as Regina battled Maid Marion in a grueling 26-minute contest. It was a display of resilience, strategy, and a touch of underhanded chaos—a match that kept the crowd on edge from start to finish.
Referee: Slow-Count Sam
Both wrestlers came out swinging in this Northern clash. Maid Marion started strong with her signature blend of technical acumen and sudden offense, including an impressive Surprise Small Package and the devastating Robin’s Arrow (Superkick). Regina, however, proved herself a crafty and ruthless competitor, employing punishing moves like the Flying Dropkick and Dark Enchantment (Sleeper) to wear down Marion.
The turning point came when Regina’s associate, Mad Hatter, interfered by shoving the referee—a move that could have led to disqualification under stricter officiating but went unchecked thanks to Slow-Count Sam’s leniency. While Marion neutralized many of Regina’s attacks and earned several near falls with moves like the Kiss Goodnight Roundhouse Kick, Regina showcased her resilience and cunning, ultimately sealing the victory with a clean Scoop Powerslam and a decisive pin.
Winner: Regina (Pinfall via Scoop Powerslam)
Kent’s Take: This was a compelling match that told a story of determination on Marion’s part and sheer grit on Regina’s. Maid Marion continues to solidify herself as a fan favorite, while Regina thrives in her role as a tactical, rule-bending heel. However, the shadow of Mad Hatter’s interference hangs over the match, slightly detracting from the purity of Regina’s victory. Slow-Count Sam’s notoriously lenient officiating also allowed too much chaos, raising questions about whether a stricter referee would have changed the outcome.
Rating:
3/5 |
Match 3: Jingle & Merry vs. Nutcracker #1 & Nutcracker #2 (w/ Nutcracker General)
Match three brought the intensity of tag team action to Iqaluit, as Jingle and Merry, the festive duo of NPCW, faced off against the disciplined and relentless Nutcracker duo. With the crowd roaring in approval, both teams left everything in the ring in this back-and-forth battle.
Referee: Honest Abe
From the opening bell, this match showcased the stark contrast in styles between the lively, acrobatic offense of Jingle and Merry and the hard-hitting, disciplined approach of the Nutcracker duo. The match began with fireworks as both teams engaged in double-team chaos, including Jingle All the Way from Jingle and Merry and Nutcracker #1 landing the punishing Nutcracker Cannon. The energy never dipped for a moment.
As the bout progressed, it became clear that Nutcracker General’s interference would play a pivotal role. His Distract Foe for Sneak Attack and chair slide into the ring shifted momentum in favor of his team, allowing the Nutcrackers to capitalize with devastating moves like the March to Victory (Strut) and Russian Leg Sweep.
Jingle and Merry had the crowd firmly behind them, landing moves like the Elven Twist and Elfin Driver. Their double-team attacks, including the spectacular Tinsel Time, brought them within striking distance of victory on multiple occasions. However, the Nutcrackers’ teamwork and ruthless efficiency proved too much. In the final moments, Nutcracker #1 landed the March to Victory (Strut) on Merry, securing the pinfall while Nutcracker General celebrated from ringside.
Winners: Nutcracker #1 & Nutcracker #2 (Pinfall via March to Victory)
Kent’s Take: This was a thoroughly entertaining match that highlighted the strengths of both teams. Jingle and Merry brought their festive charm and high-octane offense, while the Nutcrackers countered with grit and precision. The Nutcracker General’s interference, while effective, raises questions about the Nutcrackers’ ability to win cleanly, and Honest Abe’s officiating couldn’t fully prevent the chaos. Despite the assist, the Nutcrackers proved why they’re a force in NPCW’s tag team division.
Rating:
3.5/5 |
Match 4: Cheshire Cat (w/ Mad Hatter) vs. Frosty
Match four was a spirited contest marred by interference and ultimately an anticlimactic finish. Cheshire Cat and Frosty brought charisma and intensity to the ring, but once again, Mad Hatter’s antics overshadowed the in-ring action, leaving fans both entertained and frustrated.
Referee: Honest Abe
The match kicked off with Cheshire Cat taking an early lead, capitalizing on his unique mix of agility and unpredictability. Moves like the Standing Diamond Dust and Shotgun Front Dropkick showcased his ability to blend athleticism with flair. Frosty, however, proved to be a formidable opponent, using his powerful Snow Globe Spin and Snowball Slam to keep the match competitive.
Mad Hatter’s interference was a constant throughout the match. While his nonsensical taunts and referee distractions initially added a chaotic charm, they quickly became the defining factor of the bout. Cheshire Cat had Frosty on the ropes at multiple points, including a close pinfall attempt in the fourth minute, but the repeated interference from Mad Hatter eventually led to Cheshire Cat’s disqualification in the 12th minute. Frosty walked away with the victory, but it was clear that neither competitor had a chance to fully showcase their potential due to the external distractions.
Winner: Frosty (Disqualification via Mad Hatter’s interference)
Kent’s Take: This match had all the ingredients for a show-stealer: two charismatic performers, a variety of high-impact moves, and a lively crowd. Unfortunately, Mad Hatter’s antics stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While his role added entertainment value, it ultimately detracted from the match’s competitive integrity. Frosty looked solid despite the interruptions, and Cheshire Cat’s athleticism shone in brief moments, but the disqualification finish felt unsatisfying. NPCW needs to address the frequency of such interference-heavy matches to maintain credibility in its storytelling.
Rating:
2.5/5 |
Match 5: Robin Hood vs. Belsnickel
The main event of House Show 006 delivered a hard-fought battle as Robin Hood and Belsnickel clashed in a physical, evenly matched contest. With the fans firmly divided in their support, both competitors put on a performance befitting their main event status, leaving nothing in the ring.
Referee: Honest Abe
Robin Hood and Belsnickel wasted no time setting a high-energy pace for the bout. Robin started strong, locking in a Sharpshooter in the opening minute, setting the tone for his technical prowess. However, Belsnickel countered with brute strength, employing moves like the Claw and the devastating Knecht Kick to slow Robin’s momentum.
Both competitors traded offense in a back-and-forth contest, with Robin showcasing his versatility through high-impact moves like the Arrow’d End (Stunner) and Senton, while Belsnickel relied on his grit and powerful arsenal, including a crisp Elbow Off Turnbuckle and multiple Knecht Kicks. The match featured some standout moments, including Belsnickel reversing a pin attempt in the 10th minute to nearly steal the victory, forcing Robin to dig deep.
The decisive moment came in the 14th minute, when Robin Hood reversed Belsnickel’s Hip Toss into a thunderous Pop Up Powerbomb. The move left Belsnickel unable to kick out, allowing Robin to secure the three-count and claim a hard-earned victory in front of an elated Iqaluit crowd.
Winner: Robin Hood (Pinfall via Pop Up Powerbomb)
Kent’s Take: This was a solid main event that played to the strengths of both competitors. Robin Hood continues to impress as a well-rounded performer, blending technical ability with high-impact offense. Belsnickel, on the other hand, delivered a physical and convincing performance, coming within moments of victory on multiple occasions. While the match lacked a truly groundbreaking or dramatic moment, it maintained a steady intensity throughout and gave the crowd a satisfying finish.
Rating:
4/5 |
Overall Take
House Show 006 in Iqaluit had all the makings of a memorable event—a unique venue, a passionate crowd, and a roster of NPCW’s finest ready to deliver. While the show had some high points, it wasn’t without its flaws, as interference and inconsistent storytelling clouded a few matches that might have otherwise stolen the night.
Highlights of the Evening:
Match 1 - Crimson Viper vs. Sparkle: A solid opening bout that established Crimson Viper’s dominance and kept fans intrigued. Though entertaining, Mad Hatter’s interference felt unnecessary in a match Viper could’ve won cleanly.
Match 3 - Jingle & Merry vs. Nutcrackers: Tag team action at its finest. Both teams brought the energy, and while the Nutcracker General’s interference played a role, the Nutcracker duo delivered some of the night’s best teamwork to earn their victory.
Main Event - Robin Hood vs. Belsnickel: A hard-fought, well-balanced battle that showcased the strengths of both competitors. While not groundbreaking, the steady pace and satisfying finish left the audience on a high note.
The Low Points:
Mad Hatter’s Overreach: His repeated interference in Match 4 ultimately led to Cheshire Cat’s disqualification, which frustrated fans and overshadowed the performers’ efforts.
Slow Ratings Momentum: While the crowd stayed engaged, the night lacked a standout, show-stealing match that elevated the card beyond the expected.
Overall Rating:
3/5 |
The show delivered steady entertainment with a mix of competitive bouts, but the reliance on interference and absence of truly standout performances kept it from reaching its potential. NPCW can, and should, aim higher in its storytelling and match execution as it heads into future events. That said, House Show 006 provided enough drama and action to keep the fans satisfied in Nunavut’s icy heart.
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