THOUGHTS FROM THE BUNKER …
BRUTAL TRUTH – Issue #3 – August 15 2025
By Dave “The Brute” Kent
FROM THE BUNKER
Well, Brutalists, here we go again—another week, another list of opportunities NPCW somehow managed to drop like a greased watermelon. This time, we’re talking about their women’s division, and more specifically, the giant “what if” they let slip right through their fingers: Scarlett Howl and Mina Harker.
These two were right there—both part of Van Helsing’s Hunters Enclave, both under contract, both popular with the fans, and both with a reputation for tearing through opponents like a hot knife through butter. But did NPCW ever think to pair them up? To create a powerhouse tag team that could have injected life into a stale division? Nope. Instead, they left them to drift in singles purgatory, occasionally crossing paths, but never cashing in on the obvious chemistry. HCW saw the opening and, surprise surprise, they took it. Now Scarlett and Mina are down South, running roughshod in the Iron Maidens Tag Tournament, and from the looks of things, they’re about to make that trophy theirs.
Meanwhile, back in NPCW, the women’s tag division is… what’s the polite word? Oh, right—anemic. There are maybe three or four credible teams total, and the Blonde Bombshells have already mowed through every one of them like a lawn service on double overtime. The Bombshells are talented, no doubt, but you can’t run a division on one act forever. Fans need variety, stakes, and rivalries that feel like they matter. Imagine a team like Nightshade Kin going toe-to-toe with the Bombshells—dark magic versus Hollywood glamour. It’s the kind of clash that could’ve sold tickets, popped ratings, and put the women’s tag belts on the map. But instead, here we are.
I’ll say it plain: Ms. Sweetins needs to wake up and realize that the women’s division can’t live off the Bombshells’ Instagram likes and shiny entrance gear forever. The clock is ticking, and the “new car smell” on that act is starting to fade. HCW is over there scooping up talent and turning them into stars while NPCW seems content to just run the same three feuds on a loop until the ring ropes rot.
And before anyone says, “Well, Brute, maybe they didn’t think it would work,” let me remind you—wrestling is about taking chances. The best teams, the biggest moments, the most shocking upsets… they come from pulling the trigger when the timing’s right. NPCW had the ammo and the perfect shot lined up—and instead, they handed the gun to HCW. And HCW didn’t miss.
— Dave “The Brute” Kent
From the Bunker.
NPCW HOUSE SHOW RESULTS - Edmonton, Alberta
Thanks to Brutalist Jenni “Pookie” Murphy for the results!
DAVE’S TAKES
Heracles vs. Peter Cottontail (Main Event – NPCW House Show, Edmonton, AB)
★★ out of 5
If you were expecting a main event worthy of the marquee, you got a fifteen-minute reminder of why NPCW house shows sometimes feel like creative just spins a wheel and books whatever falls off. Heracles came in looking like a Greek demigod but wrestled like he was stuck in slow motion, chaining together big-man power spots with all the urgency of a guy waiting for his Uber. Peter Cottontail, bless his fuzzy little heart, was working like his life depended on it—flying crossbodies, judo chops, arm drags—the man emptied his Easter basket of offense. Problem is, when your opponent’s selling is flatter than a week-old Pepsi, all that energy just evaporates. The match had a couple of nice bursts (Heracles’ Titan Breaker actually woke the crowd up for ten seconds), but the finish—another flying crossbody—felt like déjà vu since Cottontail hit that move so many times you’d think he was getting paid per leap. It wasn’t unwatchable, but for a “main event,” this was more “midcard matinee.”
Scarlett Howl & Mina Harker vs. Tinsel Twins (HCW Live Wire – August 9)
Courtesy of Fantasy Wrestling Newsletter
(★★★★ out of 5)
If there was ever a match that screamed “missed opportunity” for NPCW, it was the opener on Live Wire—Scarlett Howl & Mina Harker vs. Sparkle & Twinkle. On paper, it had everything: a ready-made clash of styles, established characters with distinct gimmicks, and the kind of visual contrast that could sell posters by itself. What we got was a great HCW match… but a frustrating reminder that NPCW had all four of these women under contract and never figured out how to use them right.
Let’s start with Scarlett Howl. In NPCW, she was a sideshow—thrown into random multi-woman matches, never allowed to show the physical intensity that she delivered here. In Live Wire, her vertical suplex early on wasn’t just a move, it was a mission statement. Every Basket Buster looked like it could break a spine. This was the predator version of Scarlett that NPCW fans were promised but never consistently saw.
Then there’s Mina Harker. NPCW always seemed unsure—was she a spooky valet, a tag partner, or a singles threat? HCW has her moving like a gothic assassin, hitting the Nocturnal Neck Bridge with precision and making saves at exactly the right moments. Here, she wasn’t window dressing—she was a difference maker.
As for Sparkle & Twinkle, the so-called “Tinsel Twins,” NPCW treated them like comedic filler. Here? They showed they could work. Multiple Lance Crabs, tight double-teams, smart psychology targeting Mina… they were more than glitter and giggles. They wrestled like a cohesive team that could hang in a tournament, not just pad someone else’s highlight reel.
The match was chaotic, physical, and told a clear story—something NPCW never committed to with these women. Instead of booking them in endless filler spots, HCW gave them time, let them lean into their characters, and—surprise—everyone came out looking better. Scarlett looked like a killer, Mina looked like her equal, and the Twins looked like they belonged in the conversation for future tag champs.
It wasn’t just a win for Howl & Harker—it was a win for what could have been if NPCW had the same vision HCW did on August 9th. Unfortunately for NPCW, the fans saw it too… and now they’re wondering why they had to come to another company to finally see it.
THE FINAL WORD
By Dave “The Brute” Kent
Alright, brutalists, gather ‘round because August 20 is looming, and NPCW’s Supercard Preview Show is about to drop. Now, don’t get excited—NPCW didn’t bother to ask your favorite no-nonsense truth-teller to pick winners. Guess they don’t like me shaking up their little scripted world with brutal honesty. But lucky for you, I’m here to spill the real tea. So, here’s Part One of my picks, direct from the bunker.
Match 1: Queens of Punishment vs. Queens of Despair. Yeah, yeah, we get it—Regina and Malice didn’t like Mad Hatter’s management style, so they stormed off and formed their own little club with Rosalyn Queen of Thorns. Meanwhile, Crimson Viper, Dark Duchess, and Lady Frost are left stewing in the corner, itching for a shot. But here’s the kicker: the Queens of Punishment were robbed of a title shot against the Blonde Bombshells and instead stuck in this six-woman tag. Absolute travesty. This feud has been simmering on low for far too long, and frankly, it’s a snoozefest. Still, I’m putting my money on the Queens of Punishment to come out on top—hopefully so we can all move on from this tired storyline.
Match 2: Gods of War (Ares and Mars) vs. Merry Band (Friar Tuck and Little John). Yawn. Another lukewarm feud that’s failed to ignite much passion. Both teams are stuck in the mid-card doldrums, but the Gods are at least trying to build some momentum. I’m reluctantly picking them here, but don’t expect fireworks.
Match 3: Finally, a match worth watching—Krampus vs. Van Helsing. Two superstars who’ve been lost in the shuffle for far too long. This one carries hope for a breakthrough and a well-deserved title shot for the winner. My money’s on Krampus—he’s laser-focused, while Van Helsing is still pining over Mina. Come on, Van Helsing, get over it!
Match 4: The first title match of the night: North Star Tag Team Champions Blonde Bombshells (Dorothy and Alice) defend against the Witch’s Coven’s Wicked Willow and Morrigan. On paper, this should be a slobberknocker. The Blonde Bombshells’ reign has felt inevitable, but this match has potential to steal the show. I’m calling it—the Bombshells’ title run ends here.
Match 5: Mrs. Claus vs. La Bruja Muerte from the Coven. Sigh. Yes, this feud drags on like an unsharpened knife. When will it end? Hopefully at Shadowfall. As much as I want to see La Bruja Muerte finally put Mrs. Claus away, I’m betting on the veteran Claus to eke out the victory one more time.
That’s the first half of the preview, brutalists. Stay tuned next week for Part Two, where I’ll break down the rest of this supercard with the same unfiltered truth. Meanwhile, don’t miss me bringing the heat on some HCW shows—I’ll be live on HCW After Dark August 16. Catch the brutal truth in action.
— Dave Kent
Until next time, keep your eyes open and your bullshit detectors on full alert.
No comments:
Post a Comment