May 15, 2025 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
By Dave "The Brute" Kent, Ace Wrestling Reporter
The cold streets of Yellowknife set the stage for an unforgettable night of wrestling at NPCW’s House Show 008. With the cold winds howling outside, the action inside was anything but icy, as passionate fans witnessed heated rivalries, stunning athleticism, and the unrelenting drama that defines NPCW. This night proved once again that when the squared circle calls, Yellowknife answers with a resounding roar.
Match 1: Mina Harker vs. Lady Frost, Snow Queen (w/ Mad Hatter)
House Show 008 kicked off with an intense bout between Mina Harker and Lady Frost, Snow Queen. This opener set the tone for the night, delivering hard-hitting action, technical mastery, and a sprinkle of outside shenanigans courtesy of Mad Hatter.
Referee: Honest Abe (+0)
The opening bell saw Mina Harker waste no time establishing her technical dominance with moves like the Bodyscissors Sleeper Hold and the punishing Black Widow Octopus Hold, which she locked in multiple times during the match. Despite her early aggression, Lady Frost demonstrated her own prowess with high-impact moves such as the Wheelbarrow Facebuster and Exploder Suplex, keeping the match competitive.
As the minutes ticked on, Mad Hatter made his presence felt, distracting the referee with nonsensical antics, including weird poems. While these distractions disrupted Harker’s momentum, she fought valiantly, delivering precision strikes like the Shining Wizard and Swinging Neckbreaker. However, Lady Frost capitalized on these interruptions, showcasing her resilience and landing crucial offense, including a perfectly executed Ice Cutter.
The climax came in the 18th minute, as Lady Frost sealed the victory with a devastating Backpack Stunner, securing the three-count and silencing Harker’s final rally.
Winner: Lady Frost, Snow Queen (Pinfall via Backpack Stunner)
Kent’s Take: This was a well-paced opener that showcased both competitors’ unique skill sets. Mina Harker’s technical ingenuity was impressive, but she struggled to maintain her rhythm under the weight of Lady Frost’s power moves and Mad Hatter’s antics. While the match delivered entertaining moments, the reliance on outside interference detracted from what could have been a cleaner, more definitive contest. NPCW’s continued overuse of distractions risks becoming a crutch, and it’s time to let the wrestlers’ abilities shine without constant interruptions.
Rating: 3/5
Match 2: Abaddon (w/ Lilith) vs. Jolly Green
The second match of House Show 009 in Yellowknife featured an ominous showdown between Abaddon, accompanied by her ever-menacing manager Lilith, and the towering Jolly Green. What unfolded was a brutal back-and-forth contest with dark tactics and power moves aplenty.
Referee: Honest Abe (+0)
The match began with Lilith immediately setting the tone, passing a mysterious object to Abaddon to use as an advantage. While Jolly Green’s resilience allowed him to absorb early punishment, Abaddon soon gained the upper hand, executing a Hellbreaker (Backbreaker) and a string of powerful suplexes. However, the towering giant wasn’t about to back down, responding with hard-hitting offense like a Sidewalk Powerslam and a devastating Backbreaker.
The match saw momentum shift repeatedly, as Jolly Green displayed his strength and endurance, landing impactful moves like the Belly to Belly Suplex and a sharp Uppercut. Meanwhile, Abaddon relied on her cunning and relentless use of the Hellbreaker to wear down the towering competitor.
In the dramatic climax, Lilith sprayed dark mist into Jolly Green’s eyes, stunning him just enough for Abaddon to capitalize with another well-timed Hellbreaker. This devious act paved the way for Abaddon to secure the pinfall victory.
Winner: Abaddon (Pinfall via Lilith’s Dark Mist + Hellbreaker)
Kent’s Take: This match delivered in terms of physicality and character work, with Jolly Green playing the brave, resilient powerhouse to Abaddon’s sinister, methodical predator. However, the constant interference by Lilith, particularly the dark mist finish, overshadowed what could have been a more dramatic conclusion. NPCW needs to decide whether it wants its villains to win by skill or by shenanigans—because leaning too heavily on interference risks undermining the wrestlers' credibility.
Rating: 3/5
Match 3: Regina and Malice (w/ Mad Hatter) vs. The Hunters Enclave’s Scarlett Howl & Gretel
The third match of the evening brought tag team action to the forefront as Regina and Malice, guided by the ever-mischievous Mad Hatter, took on Scarlett Howl and Gretel of the Hunter’s Enclave. What followed was a chaotic encounter blending teamwork, power, and—of course—a heavy dose of Mad Hatter’s antics.
Referee: Honest Abe (+0)
From the opening bell, Regina and Malice showcased their synergy, employing frequent double-team tactics, including a Powerbomb by Malice and a sneaky Rake Eyes with Fingernails by Regina. The Hunter Enclave, however, proved equally coordinated, with Gretel landing sharp strikes like an Enzuigiri and Scarlett Howl delivering high-impact moves such as the Basket Buster (Pedigree).
Mad Hatter’s presence at ringside added layers of chaos, most notably when he threw hot tea in Scarlett Howl’s face during the seventh minute. Scarlett, showing her fiery spirit, retaliated by attacking Hatter, temporarily neutralizing his interference. This turn of events allowed the Hunter Enclave to rally with precise double-team maneuvers like an Electric Chair Facebuster by Scarlett and a Shining Wizard by Gretel.
Despite the Enclave’s efforts, Regina and Malice’s teamwork, bolstered by their raw power, ultimately proved too much. Malice capitalized with a series of impactful moves, including a Cradle DDT and a decisive Headbutts, pinning Scarlett Howl for the victory in the 21st minute.
Winner: Regina and Malice (Pinfall via Headbutts by Malice)
Kent’s Take: This match delivered frenetic action and highlighted the dynamic teamwork of both sides. However, Mad Hatter’s antics, while entertaining, sometimes overshadowed the wrestling, detracting from what could have been a cleaner storytelling experience. Scarlett Howl’s fiery retaliation against Hatter was a standout moment, but the match’s reliance on interference dampened its overall impact. That said, Regina and Malice looked strong in victory, cementing their spot as a formidable duo.
Rating: 3.5/5
Match 4: Hansel vs. Ogre (w/ Dr. Frankenstein)
The fourth match of the evening pitted Hansel of the Hunter’s Enclave against the lumbering force of Monster Bash’s Ogre, accompanied by the ever-scheming Dr. Frankenstein. This bout delivered a satisfying clash of technique versus brute strength, showcasing Hansel’s agility and strategy against Ogre’s raw power and Dr. Frankenstein’s meddling.
Referee: Honest Abe (+0)
Hansel came out of the gates with dazzling offense, landing early hits like the Flying Forearm Smash and a precise Dropkick, keeping the towering Ogre off balance. Ogre responded in kind, using his sheer strength to deliver impactful moves such as the Sledge to Chest and Big Butt Drop, but Hansel’s resilience and agility helped him stay in control of the match.
Dr. Frankenstein’s interference added a layer of chaos in the fourth minute, as he attempted to distract Hansel, only for Hansel to counter with a picture-perfect Belly-to-Belly Suplex. Hansel continued to outmaneuver Ogre, expertly applying submission holds like the Spinning Toe Hold and the decisive Boston Crab in the sixth minute.
As Ogre struggled to power out, Hansel tightened the hold, forcing the Monster Bash powerhouse to submit, much to the roar of the Yellowknife crowd. Hansel’s strategic approach proved to be the key to overcoming Ogre’s brute force and Dr. Frankenstein’s schemes.
Winner: Hansel (Submission via Boston Crab)
Kent’s Take: Hansel’s victory demonstrated the value of precision and strategy in the face of overwhelming strength. Ogre and Dr. Frankenstein played their roles well, but their reliance on brute force and distractions fell flat against Hansel’s technical mastery. The match flowed well, delivering an entertaining mix of styles and a clean finish—a rarity in NPCW storytelling that deserves praise. Let’s hope NPCW gives us more matches with decisive endings.
Rating: 4/5
MAIN EVENT: NPCW TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: Polar Bears (Polar Bear 1 & Polar Bear 2), Champions vs. Donner & Blitzen
The main event of House Show 008 delivered a tag team battle of epic proportions as the mighty Polar Bears clashed with the festive yet fierce Reindeer Duo of Donner and Blitzen. This contest brought power, precision, and teamwork to the forefront, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats for 25 intense minutes.
Referee: Honest Abe (+0)
The match kicked off with the Polar Bears asserting their strength through impactful double-team moves like the Arctic Avalanche and Massive Punch with Paw, earning early momentum. The Reindeer Duo quickly countered with their own precision teamwork, landing moves such as Reindeer Clomp (Stomp) and Sunset Flip, keeping the match competitive.
Both teams showcased impressive strategy, with the Polar Bears using their overwhelming size to dominate, while Donner and Blitzen relied on their agility and tag-team synergy to fight back. Donner’s standout moment came in the 21st minute with a thunderous Thunderclap (Powerbomb), nearly securing victory before the Polar Bears rallied with well-timed saves and high-impact moves like the Inverted Bearhug.
The match reached a chaotic peak in the 22nd minute when all four competitors entered the ring simultaneously, delivering a flurry of double-team offense that left the crowd roaring. Despite the energy and drama, neither team could secure the decisive fall, and the match ultimately ended in a time-limit draw.
Match Result: Draw (Time Limit Expired)
Kent’s Take: This match exemplified tag team wrestling at its finest—powerful moves, clever teamwork, and high-stakes drama. However, the time-limit draw robbed fans of a satisfying conclusion to what could have been a standout contest. NPCW’s frequent reliance on drawn-out finishes risks frustrating its audience, and it’s time for more definitive victories. Both teams looked strong, but the lack of closure dampened the overall impact.
Rating: 3.5/5
Overall Take
Yellowknife played host to NPCW’s House Show 008, delivering an action-packed night with moments of brilliance, chaotic interference, and a frustrating lack of definitive finishes. While the show succeeded in showcasing dynamic personalities and competitive matches, it fell short of achieving the clean storytelling needed to captivate its audience long-term.
Highlights of the Night:
Hansel’s Tactical Triumph: Match 4 stood out as Hansel used his agility and technical expertise to overcome the monstrous Ogre, bringing a rare clean finish to the night.
Tag Team Chaos: The third match between Regina and Malice versus the Hunter Enclave combined power and teamwork for an engaging, albeit interference-heavy showdown.
High Stakes in the Opener: Mina Harker and Lady Frost, Snow Queen delivered an entertaining start to the night, blending technical mastery with dramatic offense.
Low Points:
Mad Hatter, Lilith and Dr. Frankenstein’s Shenanigans: Their constant meddling added unnecessary chaos to matches, detracting from the in-ring storytelling.
Tag Title Time-Limit Draw: The tag team main event ended without a decisive winner, leaving fans yearning for closure.
Lack of a Show-Stealer: Despite solid performances, none of the matches rose to the level of a standout bout that fans will remember in the weeks ahead.
Overall Rating: 3/5
House Show 008 showcased NPCW’s ability to deliver engaging action and compelling characters, but the reliance on interference and inconclusive finishes dulled its impact. If NPCW wants to keep its momentum, it must focus on delivering decisive endings and letting its talented roster shine without distractions.
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