NPCW: Behind the Curtain – Episode 001: “A New Era Ahead”

 

NPCW: Behind the Curtain – Episode 001: “A New Era Ahead”

Power rarely changes hands in the light.

As KWO quietly reshapes its future, Victoria Deschamps walks into a meeting expecting answers—and leaves with far more questions than she arrived with. A mysterious celestial figure appears, secrets are placed on the table, and a decision looms that could redefine the fate of NPCW forever.

Who are the new players moving behind the scenes?
What does Chairman Alexander know that Ardan Vantrell doesn’t?
And when loyalty and conviction collide… where will Victoria’s heart truly lie?

The curtain rises. The game begins.

Scene 1 – KWO Headquarters, Chairman Alexander’s Office

The marble-lined corridor of KWO Headquarters is unusually quiet, the soft echo of polished heels the only sound breaking the stillness. Victoria Deschamps, Vice Chair of the KWO Board, strides forward with purpose, a slim data tablet tucked beneath her arm. Her expression is controlled, but the tension behind her eyes betrays the weight of the moment. Recent weeks have brought too many closed-door meetings, too many financial restructurings, and far too many whispers about divestment.

As she nears the ornate double doors of the Chairman’s office, they open smoothly from within.

Stepping out first is a man Victoria does not recognize.

He is dignified, perhaps in his early forties, with light golden hair combed neatly back and calm, observant blue eyes. He wears a tailored white-and-gold suit, the fabric subtly embroidered with celestial patterns that seem to shimmer faintly under the corridor lights. There is something almost unnervingly serene about him—a quiet presence that feels deliberate rather than accidental. A soft, halo-like glow outlines him, so faint it could almost be mistaken for a trick of the lighting.

Behind him, Chairman Alexander emerges, composed and smiling.

Alexander:
“Victoria, I’m glad you’re here. Allow me to introduce you to Aurelius Valor.”

Victoria pauses, instinctively straightening.

Victoria:
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Valor.”

Aurelius Valor inclines his head politely, his smile warm but measured.

Aurelius:
“The pleasure is mine, Vice Chair Deschamps. I’ve heard much about your dedication to… stewardship.”

The word stewardship lingers a moment longer than expected.

After brief pleasantries, Aurelius excuses himself with a courteous nod.

Aurelius:
“I’ll leave you both to your discussion. I look forward to speaking again, Victoria.”

He departs down the corridor, footsteps soundless against the stone. Victoria watches him go for a half-second longer than she intends.

Alexander gestures toward the office.

Alexander:
“Come in.”

---

Inside the Chairman’s Office

The office is a study in restraint—dark wood, muted gold accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. Victoria takes her seat across from Alexander, wasting no time.

Victoria:
“I’ll be direct. I’m concerned about KWO divesting its ownership stakes in the wrestling federations.”

Alexander folds his hands calmly.

Alexander:
“Federations… plural?”

Victoria exhales, conceding the point.

Victoria:
“All right. It’s really one. NPCW.”

Alexander raises an eyebrow, inviting her to continue.

Victoria:
“GCW, IWF—those groups can survive on their own. NPCW is different. It’s vulnerable. Especially with Ardan Vantrell already controlling forty-eight percent. If KWO steps away—”

Alexander:
“—you’re afraid he takes the rest.”

She nods.

Victoria:
“Exactly.”

Alexander leans back, thoughtful rather than defensive.

Alexander:
“You’re not wrong about Vantrell applying pressure. We’re well aware he orchestrated much of the financial strain that forced KWO to reorganize.”

Victoria stiffens.

Victoria:
“Then why walk away now?”

Alexander’s gaze sharpens—not with anger, but conviction.

Alexander:
“Because KWO was never meant to be an ownership body. We were founded as an oversight organization. A guardian. Somewhere along the way, we drifted from that purpose.”

He stands and crosses to a side cabinet, retrieving a thin but heavy-looking file folder.

Alexander:
“This divestment isn’t retreat, Victoria. It’s a correction.”

He places the folder in front of her.

Alexander:
“Read.”

Victoria opens it. Her eyes move quickly at first—then slow. Her expression shifts from concern to disbelief.

Victoria:
“…These aren’t public buyers.”

Alexander:
“No.”

Victoria:
“And they’re not aligned with Vantrell.”

Alexander:
“Quite the opposite.”

She looks up sharply.

Victoria:
“Does he know?”

Alexander allows himself the faintest smile.

Alexander:
“Not yet. He’ll find out during our meeting the first week of January.”

Victoria closes the folder carefully, as though it might explode if mishandled.

Victoria:
“This changes everything.”

Alexander:
“It preserves everything.”

There is a pause—then Alexander’s tone shifts, becoming more personal.

Alexander:
“There’s something else. The incoming owners have asked whether you’d be willing to speak with them about a position.”

Victoria blinks.

Victoria:
“A position?”

Alexander:
“A significant one. However…”
(beat)
“…it would require you to resign from the KWO Board if you accepted.”

The weight of the words settles heavily between them.

Victoria:
“You’re asking me to choose.”

Alexander nods.

Alexander:
“I’m asking you to listen. Talk to them. Decide where your heart truly lies—oversight… or involvement.”

Victoria rises slowly, the folder still in her hands.

Victoria:
“You’re trusting me with a great deal.”

Alexander:
“I always have.”

She meets his eyes, determination returning.

Victoria:
“I’ll speak with them. And when I decide… you’ll be the first to know.”

Alexander inclines his head respectfully.

Alexander:
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Victoria turns and exits the office, the future of NPCW—and her own role in it—suddenly far less certain, yet filled with possibility.

---

End Scene.
A new era is already in motion… and not everyone knows it yet.