Aired - August 7, 2026
PART 1 HERE:
0. SHOW RUNDOWN 1. SHOW OPENING 2. WELCOMING 3. MATCH 1 4. TERMS OF SERVICE 5. MATCH 2 6. MATCH 3 7. ENTER THE WARDEN 8. MATCH 4 9. MATCH 5 PART 2: 10. FALSE IDOLS 11. MAIN EVENT 12. CLOSING
The camera remains inside the ring.
King Arthur stands beneath the white light with the Mythic Crown Championship resting across his shoulder.
Merlin stands to his left.
Sir Lancelot stands to his right, still breathing heavily after his victory over The Huntsman.
The crest of Camelot fills the stage screen behind them.
Blue banners hang across the entranceway.
At ringside, The Huntsman has disappeared from view.
The crowd settles as King Arthur raises the microphone.
King Arthur: “Camelot has become crowded.”
He turns slowly, surveying the coliseum.
King Arthur: “Crowded with borrowed titles. Crowded with self-appointed rulers. Crowded with those who believe that wearing a crown is the same as possessing the right to rule.”
The crowd begins to react.
King Arthur: “Tonight, two women entered this ring calling themselves queens.”
The image of Regina and Malice appears upon the stage screen.
Their black crowns rise through dead roses.
King Arthur: “False queens.”
The image fractures.
King Arthur: “One calls herself a magistrate. The other surrounds herself with cold darkness and punishment. Neither possesses a throne recognized by Camelot. Neither has been given authority by its people. Neither has earned the right to place that title before her name.”
Merlin watches the screen.
Sir Lancelot remains beside the king, though his attention moves briefly toward the entranceway.
King Arthur: “There are false princes as well.”
The image of Prince John appears.
His royal seal forms behind him.
King Arthur: “Men who inherit fragments of power and mistake possession for legitimacy.”
A murmur passes through the audience.
King Arthur: “They gather sheriffs, chapels, enforcers, and desperate followers around themselves. They build small courts inside the kingdom and expect the rest of Camelot to pretend those courts carry meaning.”
The image of Prince John burns away.
King Arthur: “False queens.”
The black crowns appear again.
King Arthur: “False princes.”
The broken royal seal returns.
King Arthur: “False idols.”
The words form across the screen.
FALSE IDOLS.
King Arthur: “Every one of them asking for loyalty they have not earned. Every one of them demanding reverence for an authority they do not possess.”
He removes the Mythic Crown Championship from his shoulder.
The gold catches the light.
King Arthur: “There is one throne in Camelot.”
The crowd grows louder.
King Arthur: “There is one Crown.”
He raises the championship.
King Arthur: “And there is one true sovereign.”
The reaction becomes divided.
Some rise in support.
Others answer with hostility.
King Arthur: “The only true royalty in Camelot stands before you.”
Sir Lancelot looks toward King Arthur.
His expression remains loyal, but concern begins to show beneath it.
He leans slightly toward Merlin.
Sir Lancelot: “He speaks as though the Crown stands alone.”
Merlin keeps his eyes upon King Arthur.
Merlin: “A king must sometimes remind the kingdom where authority rests.”
Sir Lancelot: “And if the reminder becomes the kingdom?”
Merlin glances toward him.
Merlin: “You have endured twenty minutes of combat. Do not mistake exhaustion for revelation.”
Sir Lancelot looks back toward King Arthur.
The concern remains.
At the centre of the ring, King Arthur lowers the championship.
King Arthur: “While pretenders gather beneath false titles, the roads of Camelot have been surrendered to disorder.”
The stage screen changes.
A dark forest grows around a winding path.
King Arthur: “Outlaws move through the kingdom as though defiance were virtue.”
The image of Robin Hood appears between the trees.
King Arthur: “Rogues hide beyond the reach of law and call theft justice.”
Green arrows cross the screen.
King Arthur: “Hunters stalk through other people’s battles, striking from beyond the field of competition and pretending their cruelty is purpose.”
The image of The Huntsman appears.
King Arthur: “Every road has become crowded with men who believe freedom means the absence of consequence.”
He turns toward Sir Lancelot.
King Arthur: “But consequence stood in this ring tonight.”
The crowd responds for the First Knight.
King Arthur: “At the hands of Sir Lancelot, one of the worst among them was shown his true place.”
Sir Lancelot lowers his eyes for a moment.
King Arthur: “Not above the law.”
The image of The Huntsman falling beneath the Running Bulldog appears.
King Arthur: “Not beyond judgment.”
The count reaches three upon the screen.
King Arthur: “At the feet of order.”
The crowd reacts loudly.
King Arthur turns back toward the camera.
King Arthur: “That is what awaits every outlaw, every rogue, every false ruler, and every creature that mistakes movement beyond the walls for freedom from the Crown.”
A hunting horn sounds.
The stage screen goes black.
King Arthur stops speaking.
The camera turns toward the entranceway.
The Huntsman stands at the top of the ramp.
He has one hand against the back of his neck. The damage from his match with Sir Lancelot remains visible in his posture, but he stands without assistance.
He carries a microphone in the other hand.
The dark forest reforms behind him.
The Huntsman: “Strong words.”
The crowd rises.
King Arthur looks toward him with open irritation.
The Huntsman: “Strong words from a man standing between his wizard and his finest knight.”
Sir Lancelot steps forward.
King Arthur raises one hand.
The knight stops.
The Huntsman: “You speak of feet, order, and consequence.”
He takes one slow step down the ramp.
The Huntsman: “Perhaps you should step into that ring with me and explain where I belong yourself.”
The crowd reacts.
Sir Lancelot immediately looks toward King Arthur.
Sir Lancelot: “Your Majesty.”
King Arthur does not acknowledge him.
The Huntsman: “No knight.”
His eyes remain on the king.
The Huntsman: “No wizard.”
He raises the microphone toward King Arthur.
The Huntsman: “You.”
The challenge hangs inside the coliseum.
King Arthur smiles.
It is not warm.
King Arthur: “You have misunderstood tonight.”
He walks toward the ropes.
King Arthur: “You were not defeated because Sir Lancelot prevented me from entering this ring.”
The king rests one hand upon the top rope.
King Arthur: “You were defeated because you were not worthy of requiring me.”
The crowd responds with a mixture of approval and hostility.
King Arthur: “You are a tracker who follows the orders of women wearing stolen crowns.”
The expression of The Huntsman hardens.
King Arthur: “You interfere in contests that do not concern you. You attack from the floor. You hide behind the word hunt because it sounds more noble than ambush.”
The Huntsman begins walking farther down the ramp.
Sir Lancelot moves closer to King Arthur.
Sir Lancelot: “He is trying to draw you into something.”
Merlin: “He is wounded and angry.”
Sir Lancelot: “That does not make him harmless.”
Merlin: “No.”
The wizard looks toward the advancing hunter.
Merlin: “It makes him predictable.”
Sir Lancelot remains unconvinced.
King Arthur raises the microphone again.
King Arthur: “You ask for a match with the Mythic Crown Champion.”
He looks down the ramp.
King Arthur: “You have not earned the privilege.”
The Huntsman stops halfway to the ring.
King Arthur: “You are beneath me.”
Silence follows.
The words settle across the arena.
The Huntsman lowers his microphone.
For several seconds, he says nothing.
Then he begins to smile.
It is small.
Cold.
Certain.
The Huntsman: “We will see.”
He looks first toward Sir Lancelot.
Then toward Merlin.
Finally, his eyes return to King Arthur.
The Huntsman: “We will see who is beneath whom.”
The lights above the ramp flicker.
The forest behind The Huntsman becomes darker.
The branches twist upward around the crest of Camelot displayed above the ring.
For one brief moment, they resemble hands closing around a crown.
Sir Lancelot sees the image.
He turns toward Merlin.
Sir Lancelot: “Did you see that?”
Merlin watches the screen.
The branches return to their ordinary shape.
Merlin: “A projection.”
Sir Lancelot: “It changed when he spoke.”
Merlin: “Then production has learned timing.”
Sir Lancelot: “You do not believe that.”
Merlin turns toward him.
Merlin: “I believe concern is useful when it sharpens judgment.”
He lowers his voice.
Merlin: “It becomes dangerous when it begins questioning the man you have sworn to protect.”
Sir Lancelot looks toward King Arthur.
The king remains at the ropes, staring down The Huntsman.
Sir Lancelot: “Protection sometimes requires questions.”
Merlin: “Not before the kingdom.”
The exchange ends.
The Huntsman backs slowly toward the stage.
He never turns away from the ring.
King Arthur raises the Mythic Crown Championship above his head.
King Arthur: “Run back to your forest.”
The crowd responds.
King Arthur: “Hide beneath your branches.”
The hunter reaches the top of the ramp.
King Arthur: “When you are worthy of the Crown’s attention, Camelot will send for you.”
The Huntsman lowers the microphone to his side.
He gives no final answer.
He simply watches.
Inside the ring, King Arthur stands between Merlin and Sir Lancelot, the championship held above all three.
The camera closes upon the First Knight.
Sir Lancelot is not looking at The Huntsman.
He is looking at the king.
His concern remains visible.
At the top of the ramp, The Huntsman fades into the dark forest.
The final image holds upon King Arthur beneath the crest of Camelot while black branches continue gathering at the edges of the screen.
The scene fades to black.
Referee: “Honest” Abe
The camera returns to the interior of Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
The ring stands beneath a deep red light.
Every banner surrounding it has been lowered into shadow. Only the Eternal Flame Championship remains illuminated, resting upon a black pedestal beside the timekeeper’s table.
Gold and crimson fire move across the central screen.
Three words form within it.
NO TIME LIMIT.
The crowd rises.
The camera travels slowly along the front row.
Near the centre of the audience sits Severin Crowne.
He is alone.
No guards stand beside him. No royal insignia marks his seat. His dark suit and composed posture distinguish him from the surrounding crowd without demanding attention.
The narrow black package he delivered earlier is nowhere to be seen.
Severin Crowne looks toward the championship.
Then toward the entranceway.
His hands remain folded in his lap.
Julian Ward: “Among those gathered to witness this match is Severin Crowne.”
Brick Brody: “Of course he is. He gave the challenger a folder full of secrets. Now he wants to see whether the man can read.”
Julian Ward: “We do not know the full contents of what Severin Crowne provided to the Sheriff of Nottingham.”
Brick Brody: “We know it concerned Raigen. We know the Sheriff accepted it. Everything else is just the size of the advantage.”
The lights darken.
A royal seal appears upon the screen.
Black wax pours around its edges.
A heavy iron stamp descends.
The seal of Nottingham is pressed into place.
The sound of marching boots echoes through the coliseum.
Red-and-gold light is replaced by cold gray illumination.
Prince John steps onto the stage.
He wears deep royal crimson beneath black outer robes, his expression carrying the assurance of a man already imagining the championship within his court.
He raises one hand.
The marching stops.
A single drumbeat follows.
The Sheriff of Nottingham emerges.
He wears dark leather and reinforced black metal, the design severe and without ornament beyond the mark of Nottingham. His movements are deliberate. His eyes remain fixed upon the ring.
The black package is no longer beneath his arm.
Whatever information it contained has already been studied.
Prince John gestures toward the championship pedestal.
The Sheriff of Nottingham begins walking.
Julian Ward: “The challenger enters after receiving detailed information regarding Raigen’s training patterns, injuries, counters, and the circumstances under which the Maryu flame may weaken.”
Brick Brody: “The important part was not a move. It was the sentence at the end. The flame falters when the vessel is forced to doubt.”
Julian Ward: “That raises the question of whether the Sheriff of Nottingham intends to defeat the champion physically or convince him that the strength he carries can fail.”
Brick Brody: “Why choose? Break the body until the mind begins asking questions.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham reaches the floor.
He stops beside the Eternal Flame Championship.
For several seconds, he studies the gold and red surface.
Prince John steps beside him.
Prince John: “Bring it home.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham gives no verbal answer.
He climbs the steps and enters the ring.
The Nottingham seal remains upon the screen.
The challenger moves into his corner while Prince John takes his position on the floor.
The lights extinguish.
Silence holds for several seconds.
Then a single flame ignites at the centre of the stage.
It burns red.
A second flame rises beside it.
This one burns gold.
The two spiral together.
The roar of a dragon rolls through the building.
The crest of the Maryu forms within the fire.
Raigen steps through it.
The Eternal Flame Championship is fastened around his waist.
His dark hair moves beneath the heated air. Red-and-gold markings catch the light across his gear. His expression remains controlled, though his eyes lock immediately upon the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Taro Okami does not accompany him.
Lady Ayame Ryu does not accompany him.
The champion walks alone.
Julian Ward: “Raigen has chosen to enter without support. After weeks of accusations, ambushes, and uncertainty surrounding the Blood Oni Syndicate, the Eternal Flame Champion will meet this challenge by himself.”
Brick Brody: “That may be honorable. It is not intelligent. Prince John is already at ringside, and Severin Crowne is sitting close enough to watch the champion breathe.”
Julian Ward: “The Eternal Flame has become a symbol of transformation for Raigen. Tonight, retaining it will require more than one successful finish.”
Brick Brody: “He must defeat the Sheriff twice. The Sheriff only needs to discover which part of the champion breaks first.”
Raigen reaches the ring.
He steps onto the apron and looks across the ropes at the challenger.
The Sheriff of Nottingham does not move.
Raigen enters.
He removes the championship and holds it before him.
The fire upon the stage screen grows brighter.
“Honest” Abe approaches.
Raigen gives him the title.
The referee raises it above his head.
The crowd erupts.
At ringside, Severin Crowne leans forward slightly.
Louie Linville steps to the centre of the ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is the main event of the evening.”
The crowd answers.
Louie Linville: “It is a two-out-of-three-falls match with no time limit, and it is for the Eternal Flame Championship.”
A chant begins.
“RAI-GEN!”
“RAI-GEN!”
“RAI-GEN!”
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, the challenger, accompanied to the ring by Prince John.”
The black Nottingham seal fills the screen.
Louie Linville: “He carries the authority of Nottingham as weapon and law. He delivers punishment without appeal and judgment without mercy.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham steps forward.
Louie Linville: “He is the Sheriff of Nottingham!”
The challenger lifts his chin.
Prince John applauds from the floor.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent.”
The Maryu flame rises.
Louie Linville: “He entered the fire divided and emerged with its power under his command. He stands as the vessel of the Maryu and the reigning guardian of the Eternal Flame.”
Raigen steps forward.
Louie Linville: “He is the Eternal Flame Champion… Raigen!”
The crowd rises again.
Raigen looks toward the championship held above them.
“Honest” Abe displays it to both competitors before handing it through the ropes.
Louie Linville exits.
The referee calls the men to the centre.
Raigen and the Sheriff of Nottingham stand almost chest to chest.
“Honest” Abe explains that the first wrestler to earn two falls will leave as champion. Falls may occur by pinfall, submission, count-out, or disqualification. There is no time limit.
The Sheriff of Nottingham looks past the referee.
Sheriff of Nottingham: “Every flame dies.”
Raigen: “Then stand close enough to test this one.”
They separate.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Both men advance immediately.
Raigen throws the first strike, driving a forearm into the body before forcing the challenger backward. He follows the Sheriff of Nottingham toward the ropes and raises both hands.
The Double Axhandle falls across the upper back.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the strike and turns beneath a second attempt.
He catches Raigen across the shoulders.
The champion struggles, but the Sheriff shifts his weight and drives him down with the Execution Order.
The Death Valley Driver sends Raigen hard against the canvas.
Julian Ward: “The Execution Order in the opening minute. The Sheriff of Nottingham has shown the champion immediately that he can lift and redirect him.”
Brick Brody: “That folder did not tell him to wait. It told him where to begin.”
Raigen rolls onto one knee.
The Sheriff stands above him, measuring the champion’s response.
Prince John shouts for him to continue.
Raigen rises before the challenger can secure another grip.
Minute 2
Raigen catches the Sheriff of Nottingham’s wrist and turns beneath the arm.
He forces the challenger down and extends the limb into an Armbar.
The Sheriff attempts to clasp his hands, but Raigen separates them and leans into the shoulder.
Julian Ward: “The champion moves to the arm. That could weaken the challenger’s ability to deliver the Execution Order or secure the Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “It could also make the Sheriff angry enough to stop wrestling carefully.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns his hips and attempts to rise.
Raigen maintains the extension.
The challenger reaches the lower rope with one boot.
“Honest” Abe calls for the break.
Raigen releases cleanly and backs away.
The Sheriff rises with one hand against the shoulder.
At ringside, Severin Crowne watches without reaction.
Minute 3
Raigen presses forward again.
He catches the challenger near the ropes and uses the upper body to force him over the top strand.
The Sheriff of Nottingham falls to the floor.
“Honest” Abe begins the count.
“One!”
The Sheriff rises onto one knee.
“Two!”
Prince John moves toward him but is warned away by the referee.
“Three!”
The challenger grips the apron.
“Four!”
He pulls himself upright.
“Five!”
The Sheriff of Nottingham slides under the bottom rope.
Julian Ward: “The challenger returns at five. Raigen has begun forcing him to expend energy outside the ring.”
Brick Brody: “A count-out would still earn a fall. In a match like this, making the other man climb back inside is part of the punishment.”
The Sheriff rises.
Raigen waits near the centre.
Minute 4
Raigen attempts to force the challenger toward the ropes again.
The Sheriff of Nottingham plants one foot and reverses the motion.
Raigen turns.
The Sheriff charges and drives a Lariat across the champion’s chest.
Raigen attempts to raise an arm but cannot prevent the full impact.
He falls heavily.
Julian Ward: “The second attempt to remove the challenger is reversed into the Lariat.”
Brick Brody: “That is the first adjustment. Raigen showed him the direction once. The Sheriff made sure it did not happen twice.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham pulls Raigen upward.
The champion strikes the ribs and creates separation.
Both men reset.
Minute 5
Raigen steps forward with a Front Kick.
The boot drives into the challenger’s chest.
The Sheriff of Nottingham stumbles toward the ropes but uses them to spring upward.
He launches from the middle strand and drives both boots into Raigen with a Springboard Dropkick.
Both men fall.
Julian Ward: “The Front Kick lands, but the Sheriff turns the ropes into momentum for the Dropkick.”
Brick Brody: “He is attacking from directions Raigen does not expect from a man built like an enforcer.”
Raigen rolls onto one side.
The Sheriff rises first and moves behind him.
The champion senses the approach and turns before the arms can close.
Minute 6
Raigen catches the challenger around the head and neck.
He twists behind and secures the Demon Sleeper.
The grip closes beneath the jaw.
The Sheriff of Nottingham reaches for the arms but cannot immediately separate them.
Julian Ward: “The Demon Sleeper is locked in. The champion has found the neck.”
Brick Brody: “And now we learn whether the information in that package included an escape.”
The Sheriff lowers his centre of gravity and drives backward.
Raigen absorbs the collision and keeps the hold.
“Honest” Abe moves close.
“Honest” Abe: “Do you submit?”
The Sheriff of Nottingham refuses.
He reaches toward the ropes.
They remain beyond his grasp.
Raigen pulls harder.
The challenger drops to one knee.
Prince John strikes the apron.
Sheriff of Nottingham: “No!”
The Sheriff forces himself upright and turns enough to drive Raigen into the turnbuckles.
The hold breaks.
Julian Ward: “The challenger survives the first Demon Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “But now Raigen knows it can be closed.”
Minute 7
Both men hesitate near the centre.
The Sheriff of Nottingham protects the neck.
Raigen watches the weakened arm.
Neither commits.
They circle once.
Then again.
Raigen suddenly drives forward and forces the challenger over the top rope for a second time.
The Sheriff falls to the floor.
As Raigen approaches the ropes, the challenger reaches upward, catches him, and snaps him down across the upper rope before returning to the apron.
The Sheriff of Nottingham slips through the ropes and drives Raigen into the canvas with a Snap Brainbuster.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff returned from the floor with the Snap Brainbuster.”
Brick Brody: “He was willing to accept the fall outside because he knew where Raigen would be waiting.”
The challenger rolls back to the floor from the momentum.
“Honest” Abe begins another count.
“One!”
The Sheriff reaches the apron.
“Two!”
He pulls himself up.
“Three!”
Prince John points toward the ring.
“Four!”
The challenger returns.
Raigen remains down after the Brainbuster.
Minute 8
Raigen rises as the Sheriff of Nottingham advances.
The champion drives a Knee Lift into the body.
The challenger folds forward but uses the closing distance to move behind him.
The Sheriff wraps one arm beneath the chin and locks in the Sleeper.
Julian Ward: “The first Sleeper from the challenger.”
Brick Brody: “That is not accidental. The package said the flame weakens through doubt. Nothing creates doubt like feeling yourself fade.”
Raigen reaches for the arm.
The Sheriff tightens the grip.
“Honest” Abe checks the champion.
Raigen: “No.”
The champion drops his weight and turns toward the ropes.
The Sheriff follows.
Raigen reaches the top strand.
The referee orders the release.
The challenger holds until four before letting go.
Prince John applauds.
Raigen turns slowly, one hand against his throat.
Minute 9
Raigen closes before the challenger can retreat.
He captures the head and applies the Demon Sleeper again.
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns inside the grip and lifts.
He drives Raigen down with another Snap Brainbuster.
The champion’s hold breaks upon impact.
Julian Ward: “The Demon Sleeper was secured, but the Sheriff converted the position into the Brainbuster.”
Brick Brody: “That is what preparation looks like. The hold was dangerous, but the challenger knew which direction remained open.”
Raigen rolls toward the ropes.
The Sheriff stands over him, breathing more heavily than before.
The repeated pressure upon the neck has begun to affect him.
Minute 10
Raigen pulls himself onto the middle rope.
He climbs and turns as the Sheriff of Nottingham approaches.
The champion raises both arms and drives another Double Axhandle across the challenger’s shoulders.
The Sheriff falls forward.
Raigen turns him over and covers.
“One!” “Two!”
The Sheriff of Nottingham kicks out.
Julian Ward: “The first pinning attempt belongs to Raigen.”
Brick Brody: “And it made the Sheriff use more strength. The fall did not end, but the cost continues.”
Raigen rises without protest.
The Sheriff rolls onto one knee.
Prince John urges him upward.
Severin Crowne remains still among the spectators.
Minute 11
Both competitors rise near the centre.
Neither advances immediately.
The previous ten minutes have slowed them.
The Sheriff of Nottingham feints toward the injured arm.
Raigen withdraws.
The challenger steps closer.
Raigen reaches for the neck.
The Sheriff pulls away.
They circle.
The crowd begins to murmur.
The Sheriff of Nottingham suddenly charges.
A Lariat crashes across Raigen’s chest.
The champion absorbs the full impact and falls.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff breaks the pause with another Lariat.”
Brick Brody: “He waited until Raigen began expecting the hold. Then he struck through him.”
The challenger does not cover.
He pulls the champion upright and turns behind him.
Minute 12
Raigen drives another Knee Lift into the body before the grip can close.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the blow and reaches around the head.
The Sleeper is applied for a second time.
Raigen drops onto one knee.
Julian Ward: “The challenger returns to the Sleeper. The pattern is becoming deliberate.”
Brick Brody: “Every application tells Raigen the same thing. The fire does not matter when the brain loses air.”
Raigen reaches toward the ropes.
The Sheriff pulls him back toward the centre.
“Honest” Abe asks for the submission.
Raigen: “No!”
The champion forces one foot beneath himself.
He rises and drives the challenger backward into the corner.
The hold breaks.
The Sheriff immediately steps away before Raigen can retaliate.
Minute 13
Raigen catches the challenger around the body and drives him down with a Bodyslam.
The Sheriff of Nottingham lands hard but rises quickly enough to catch the champion from behind as he turns.
The Sleeper closes for a third time.
Julian Ward: “The Bodyslam lands, and again the Sheriff uses the recovery to secure the Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “He is willing to accept the impact because the position afterward favors him.”
Raigen reaches upward and attempts to pull the arm away.
The challenger keeps his hands locked.
“Honest” Abe checks the champion.
Raigen refuses to submit.
He turns toward the ropes and reaches them with one hand.
The Sheriff releases at four.
Raigen remains leaning against the strands.
His breathing is heavier.
Minute 14
Raigen turns sharply and attacks the lower body.
He catches one leg and forces the Sheriff of Nottingham down into a Leglock.
The challenger twists toward the ropes.
Raigen attempts to extend the knee.
The Sheriff reaches the bottom strand and pulls himself partially beneath it.
The referee calls for the break.
Raigen releases and rises.
The Sheriff of Nottingham uses the ropes to spring upward again.
A Springboard Dropkick drives into the champion’s chest.
Julian Ward: “The Leglock attacked the challenger’s base, but the Sheriff again used the ropes to deliver the Dropkick.”
Brick Brody: “The leg hurt. It did not stop him from launching.”
Both men remain down momentarily.
Prince John calls for the challenger to continue targeting the neck.
Minute 15
Raigen catches the Sheriff of Nottingham in an Abdominal Stretch.
He pulls the arm across the body and drives one knuckle into the exposed ribs.
The challenger struggles.
Julian Ward: “The champion changes targets again, stretching the ribs and torso.”
Brick Brody: “He is searching for the part the folder did not prepare.”
The Sheriff shifts his hips and throws Raigen forward.
The champion releases.
The challenger reaches the ropes and launches with another Springboard Dropkick.
The boots strike Raigen near the shoulder.
Both men fall.
Julian Ward: “Another even exchange. Neither man has maintained control for long, but each attack is leaving something behind.”
Brick Brody: “That is what no time limit means. They do not need to win the minute. They need to make the other man remember it later.”
Minute 16
Raigen rises first.
He drives a Front Kick into the challenger.
The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to cover his body but cannot prevent the full impact.
He falls onto his back.
Raigen covers.
“One!” “Two!”
The Sheriff kicks out.
Julian Ward: “A second near fall for the champion.”
Brick Brody: “And the challenger is spending more time looking toward the corner.”
Prince John strikes the apron and shouts instructions.
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns toward him briefly.
Raigen watches the exchange.
At ringside, Severin Crowne leans back in his seat, studying the challenger rather than the champion.
Minute 17
Raigen pulls the Sheriff of Nottingham upright and drives him down with another Bodyslam.
The challenger rolls through the landing and rises.
As Raigen turns, the Sheriff drives another Lariat through the champion’s chest.
Both men fall.
Julian Ward: “Bodyslam and Lariat. Each man answered before the other could consolidate the advantage.”
Brick Brody: “This has become a contest of who can remain dangerous while exhausted.”
Raigen rolls toward one corner.
The Sheriff crawls toward another.
“Honest” Abe checks both men but neither requires the contest to stop.
There is no time limit to save them.
Minute 18
Raigen catches the Sheriff of Nottingham as he rises.
He hooks the arms, lifts, and drives the challenger down with a Piledriver.
The crowd rises.
The Sheriff’s head and shoulders strike the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Piledriver from Raigen.”
The champion covers.
“One!” “Two!”
The Sheriff of Nottingham forces one shoulder upward.
Brick Brody: “That was close.”
Julian Ward: “The challenger survives the deepest count of the match.”
Raigen sits beside him, breathing heavily.
The Sheriff turns onto one side.
Prince John shouts for him to rise.
The champion looks toward the Eternal Flame Championship at ringside.
Then back toward the challenger.
Minute 19
Raigen pulls the Sheriff of Nottingham toward the ropes and forces him over the top strand again.
The challenger falls to the floor.
As Raigen moves toward him, the Sheriff reaches the apron.
He springs upward from the outside and drives both boots into the champion with another Springboard Dropkick.
The force sends Raigen backward.
The challenger falls again to the floor.
“Honest” Abe begins the count.
“One!” The Sheriff remains seated.
“Two!” Prince John urges him upward.
“Three!” The challenger grips the apron.
“Four!” He returns beneath the bottom rope.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff again turned the effort to remove him into an attack upon his return.”
Brick Brody: “Every time Raigen believes he has created distance, the challenger comes back with both boots.”
Minute 20
Raigen steps forward with another Front Kick.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the strike and catches the champion around the waist.
He turns and drives Raigen down with a Russian Legsweep.
Julian Ward: “The Front Kick lands, but the Sheriff uses the extended leg to create the Legsweep.”
Brick Brody: “He is converting the champion’s offense into position.”
The Sheriff rises first.
He looks down at Raigen, then toward Prince John.
The prince points to the throat.
The challenger moves behind the champion.
Minute 21
Raigen turns before the Sleeper can close.
He catches the challenger and applies the Demon Sleeper again.
The Sheriff of Nottingham struggles but drives forward with one arm.
He breaks partially free and delivers a Lariat while still entangled.
The strike knocks Raigen backward.
The champion retains enough of the grip to pull the challenger down again.
Julian Ward: “The Demon Sleeper is secured through the Lariat.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff struck him and still could not escape completely.”
“Honest” Abe asks for the submission.
The challenger refuses.
Raigen pulls harder.
The Sheriff reaches the rope.
The referee orders the release.
Both men remain against the strands after the hold breaks.
Minute 22
Raigen drives a Knee Lift into the body.
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns through the impact and catches him with another Russian Legsweep.
The champion falls hard across the back.
Julian Ward: “Another Knee Lift. Another Legsweep.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff has built an answer for the champion’s forward movement.”
Raigen rolls onto one side.
The challenger rises slowly and reaches for the neck.
The champion catches the arm before the Sleeper can be secured.
They struggle near the centre.
Minute 23
Raigen turns beneath the challenger’s arm and moves behind him.
The Demon Sleeper closes again.
The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to defend, but the fatigue prevents him from turning into the hold.
His knees begin to buckle.
Julian Ward: “The Demon Sleeper is secured at the centre of the ring.”
Brick Brody: “No rope within reach. No immediate counter.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham drops to one knee.
Raigen pulls backward.
The challenger’s arms slow.
“Honest” Abe checks him.
The Sheriff refuses to submit but can no longer rise.
Raigen guides him onto his back without releasing the pressure.
The champion covers while maintaining control of the head and shoulder.
“One!” Prince John steps toward the apron.
“Two!” The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to turn.
“Three!” The bell rings.
The crowd erupts.
Louie Linville: “The winner of the first fall… Raigen!”
Julian Ward: “After twenty-three minutes, Raigen has earned the first fall through the Demon Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “He did not force the submission, but the hold left the Sheriff unable to prevent the pin. The champion is one fall away.”
Raigen releases and rolls onto his back.
He is visibly winded.
The Sheriff of Nottingham remains down, exhausted after the prolonged hold.
“Honest” Abe checks both men and gives them a brief period to return to their corners.
Prince John speaks urgently to the challenger.
Across the ring, Raigen kneels alone.
Among the audience, Severin Crowne shows no disappointment.
He simply watches.
Minute 24
The referee signals for the contest to resume.
Raigen attacks immediately.
He drives the Sheriff of Nottingham toward the ropes and throws him over the top.
The challenger falls heavily to the floor.
“Honest” Abe begins the count.
“One!” The Sheriff remains down.
“Two!” Prince John moves toward him.
“Three!” The challenger reaches one knee.
“Four!” He looks toward the ring.
“Five!” Raigen waits at the centre.
“Six!” The Sheriff grips the barricade.
“Seven!” He stands.
“Eight!” The challenger reaches the apron.
“Nine!” The Sheriff of Nottingham slides beneath the bottom rope.
The crowd reacts as the fall continues.
Julian Ward: “The challenger returned at nine. One additional second would have ended the match.”
Brick Brody: “That is what twenty-three minutes inside the Demon Sleeper leaves behind.”
The Sheriff lies near the ropes, drawing air.
Minute 25
Raigen reaches for the weakened arm and applies another Armbar.
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns through the pressure before the champion can extend fully.
He catches Raigen across the shoulders.
The Execution Order drives the champion down.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff answers the Armbar with the Execution Order.”
Brick Brody: “He needed a major impact, and he found it.”
The challenger remains on one knee after delivering the move.
Prince John shouts for the cover.
The Sheriff does not have enough immediate strength to make it.
Raigen rolls toward the ropes.
Minute 26
Raigen rises and catches the challenger with a Bodyslam.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the fall and returns to his feet with desperation.
He catches the champion again.
A second Execution Order drives Raigen into the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Bodyslam from the champion. Another Execution Order from the challenger.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff has stopped conserving anything. He is throwing the largest answer available.”
Prince John strikes the apron and urges him to cover.
The challenger reaches toward Raigen, but the champion rolls away before he can settle across the chest.
Minute 27
Raigen catches the Sheriff of Nottingham and drives him down with another Bodyslam.
The challenger rises behind the champion.
He delivers a Lariat.
Both men fall again.
Julian Ward: “Neither man can hold the advantage beyond a single action.”
Brick Brody: “That first fall changed everything. The champion is winded. The challenger is exhausted. Technique is giving way to endurance.”
Raigen reaches one knee.
The Sheriff uses the ropes to stand.
At ringside, Prince John looks increasingly desperate.
Minute 28
The Sheriff of Nottingham advances before Raigen can fully rise.
He catches the champion and drives him backward with a Russian Legsweep.
Raigen absorbs the full impact.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff finally creates an unanswered exchange.”
Brick Brody: “Now he needs to stop admiring it.”
The challenger drags Raigen away from the ropes.
He turns toward Prince John.
The prince points toward his own sleeve.
The Sheriff’s eyes remain on him for a second longer than necessary.
Minute 29
Raigen rises and drives a Knee Lift into the challenger’s body.
The Sheriff of Nottingham folds forward and falls to one knee.
Julian Ward: “The champion interrupts the challenger’s attempt to build momentum.”
Brick Brody: “But Raigen is not following as quickly. The first twenty-nine minutes have reached him.”
Raigen pulls the Sheriff upward.
The challenger pushes him away.
Both men stand unsteadily.
Minute 30
Raigen drives another Knee Lift into the body.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the strike and moves behind him.
He catches the waist and drives Raigen backward with a German Suplex.
The champion lands across the shoulders.
Julian Ward: “The German Suplex turns the champion’s attack into another impact against the neck and upper back.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff keeps returning to the area required for the Sleeper.”
The challenger remains on the canvas after the release.
Prince John moves closer to the corner.
His hand disappears inside his robe.
Minute 31
Raigen rises first.
He advances with another Knee Lift.
The strike lands.
The Sheriff of Nottingham falls backward toward the ropes.
Prince John reaches through the strands.
A small metal object passes into the challenger’s hand.
Julian Ward: “Prince John has given the Sheriff something.”
Brick Brody: “And Honest Abe is checking Raigen’s position.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham closes his fist around the object.
As Raigen reaches for him, the challenger drives the concealed metal into the champion’s head.
Raigen falls.
The object disappears beneath the Sheriff’s wrist guard.
Julian Ward: “A foreign object. The referee did not see it.”
Brick Brody: “The champion did.”
The Sheriff of Nottingham covers.
Prince John points toward the shoulders.
“One!” The crowd erupts in protest.
“Two!” Raigen’s hand moves too late.
“Three!” The bell rings.
Louie Linville: “The winner of the second fall… the Sheriff of Nottingham!”
Julian Ward: “The match is tied, but the second fall was stolen through the involvement of Prince John.”
Brick Brody: “The official result does not carry an explanation. It carries a number.”
Raigen remains on the canvas, one hand against his head.
He is exhausted.
The Sheriff of Nottingham lies beside him, equally depleted.
Prince John retrieves the object from beneath the bottom rope while “Honest” Abe checks the champion.
Among the audience, Severin Crowne watches the challenger.
His expression remains composed.
The deciding fall is about to begin.
Minute 32
“Honest” Abe confirms that both competitors can continue.
The final fall begins.
Raigen drives a Front Kick into the challenger’s body.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the strike and moves behind him.
The Sleeper closes again.
Julian Ward: “The deciding fall begins with the Sheriff returning immediately to the Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “The foreign object tied the match. The hold is meant to finish it.”
Raigen reaches for the ropes.
The Sheriff pulls him toward the centre.
“Honest” Abe checks the champion.
Raigen: “No!”
The champion turns his hips and drives the challenger into the corner.
The hold breaks.
Both men remain against the turnbuckles, unable to move quickly.
Minute 33
Raigen turns and applies the Demon Sleeper.
The Sheriff of Nottingham struggles but catches the champion’s leg.
He turns sharply and drives Raigen down with a Russian Legsweep.
The hold breaks.
Julian Ward: “The champion attempted to answer with his own Sleeper. The Sheriff used the leg to escape.”
Brick Brody: “Each man knows where the other wants the match. The question is who can still prevent it.”
Raigen rolls toward the ropes.
The Sheriff rises slowly, one hand against his throat.
Minute 34
Raigen catches the challenger with another Bodyslam.
The Sheriff of Nottingham rises behind the champion and catches him across the shoulders.
The Execution Order drives Raigen down once again.
Julian Ward: “Another Execution Order. The challenger continues attacking the upper body.”
Brick Brody: “Every landing makes the Sleeper harder to escape.”
Neither man can cover.
They lie several feet apart.
Prince John shouts toward the Sheriff, but the challenger does not immediately respond.
Minute 35
Raigen catches the challenger’s arm and attempts another Armbar.
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns beneath the pressure.
He reverses the hold and drives the champion down with a Russian Legsweep.
Julian Ward: “The Armbar is reversed.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff has an answer for the arm now. That preparation continues paying.”
Raigen holds the back of his head.
The challenger reaches toward him but pauses to draw air.
At ringside, Severin Crowne watches without moving.
Minute 36
Raigen catches the Sheriff of Nottingham and drives him down with another Bodyslam.
The challenger rolls through the impact and falls beneath the bottom rope.
Raigen approaches.
The Sheriff rises on the floor and launches through the ropes with a Suicide Dive.
His body drives the champion backward.
Both men crash to the floor.
Julian Ward: “Suicide Dive from the challenger.”
Brick Brody: “At thirty-six minutes, the Sheriff threw his entire body through the ropes because walking back inside was no longer enough.”
“Honest” Abe moves toward the ropes and begins counting both men.
They use the apron to rise.
The champion returns first.
The challenger follows before the count becomes dangerous.
Minute 37
Raigen attacks the lower body and secures another Leglock.
The Sheriff of Nottingham reaches forward, catches the champion across the chest, and pulls him upward.
A Lariat sends Raigen backward before the hold can be fully applied.
Julian Ward: “The Leglock is interrupted by another Lariat.”
Brick Brody: “The challenger is striking through the pain in the leg.”
Raigen rises near the ropes.
The Sheriff stands near the centre.
Both men appear close to collapse.
Neither withdraws.
Minute 38
Raigen climbs onto the middle rope and drives another Double Axhandle across the challenger’s shoulders.
The Sheriff of Nottingham turns beneath the landing and catches the champion.
A Russian Legsweep drives Raigen down.
Julian Ward: “The Double Axhandle lands. The Legsweep answers.”
Brick Brody: “Neither man has enough control to produce two consecutive actions.”
Raigen rolls onto his stomach.
The Sheriff reaches one knee.
Prince John continues demanding the Sleeper.
The challenger looks toward him but does not move immediately.
Minute 39
Raigen forces the Sheriff of Nottingham toward the ropes and throws him over the top again.
The challenger falls to the floor.
As Raigen approaches, the Sheriff reaches through the ropes, catches one leg, and drags the champion down with another Russian Legsweep.
The challenger remains outside.
“Honest” Abe begins counting.
“One!” The Sheriff reaches toward the apron.
“Two!” He pulls himself up.
“Three!” The challenger places one knee on the edge.
“Four!” He returns to the ring.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff again converted the position from the floor into an attack.”
Brick Brody: “At this stage, getting thrown out may be the only rest either man receives.”
Minute 40
Both men rise slowly.
Neither commits.
Raigen reaches for the challenger.
The Sheriff of Nottingham withdraws.
They circle with unsteady steps.
The champion catches the body and drives the challenger down with another Bodyslam.
The Sheriff attempts to brace but cannot stop the impact.
Julian Ward: “The champion finally earns an unanswered Bodyslam.”
Brick Brody: “Now he has to decide whether there is enough left to follow.”
Raigen stands above the challenger.
He looks toward the crowd.
The Maryu flame rises faintly upon the stage screen.
The champion reaches for the neck.
Minute 41
Raigen pulls the Sheriff of Nottingham upright and applies the Demon Sleeper again.
The challenger swings one arm backward.
A Lariat catches Raigen while the hold closes.
The champion staggers but keeps his grip.
Julian Ward: “The Lariat lands, but Raigen refuses to release the Demon Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff has been trapped in this hold throughout the match. Every escape has cost more than the last.”
The challenger falls onto one knee.
“Honest” Abe checks him.
The Sheriff refuses to submit.
Prince John strikes the apron.
Severin Crowne leans forward.
The Sheriff of Nottingham reaches the rope with one hand.
The referee orders the break.
Raigen releases.
Both men collapse near the strands.
Minute 42
Raigen forces himself upright.
He drives forward with a Knee Lift.
The Sheriff of Nottingham raises both arms and catches the leg.
The attack is neutralized.
The challenger pushes Raigen backward.
Julian Ward: “The Knee Lift is stopped.”
Brick Brody: “The champion has used it repeatedly. The Sheriff finally had enough time to see it coming.”
Raigen stumbles into the ropes.
The challenger attempts to move behind him.
The champion catches one wrist and prevents the Sleeper.
They struggle in the centre.
Minute 43
Raigen attacks the leg and secures another Leglock.
The Sheriff of Nottingham reaches downward and pulls the champion upward by the waist.
He lifts and drives Raigen into the canvas with a Powerbomb.
The ring shakes.
Julian Ward: “Powerbomb from the challenger.”
Brick Brody: “The Leglock created the grip. The Sheriff used the champion’s own position against him.”
Raigen lies flat on his back.
The Sheriff of Nottingham falls beside him.
Prince John shouts for the cover.
The challenger does not move.
At ringside, Severin Crowne’s eyes remain fixed upon Raigen.
The champion turns onto one side and begins to rise.
Minute 44
Raigen reaches his feet first.
He catches the Sheriff of Nottingham and drives him down with another Bodyslam.
The challenger rolls toward the ropes.
Raigen follows and pulls him upright.
The Sheriff turns suddenly.
He moves behind the champion.
The Sleeper closes.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff has the Sleeper.”
Raigen reaches for the hands.
The challenger locks them beneath the chin.
Brick Brody: “Forty-four minutes of damage. Repeated attacks to the neck and back. This is the circumstance Severin Crowne described.”
Raigen drives backward.
The Sheriff of Nottingham absorbs the collision.
The hold remains secured.
Raigen attempts to turn toward the ropes.
The challenger pulls him back toward the centre.
Julian Ward: “The champion cannot reach the ropes.”
The Maryu flame rises upon the stage screen.
It flickers.
Raigen forces one knee beneath himself.
The Sheriff pulls tighter.
“Honest” Abe moves close.
“Honest” Abe: “Do you submit?”
Raigen: “No!”
The crowd begins chanting.
“RAI-GEN!” “RAI-GEN!” “RAI-GEN!”
Raigen pushes upward.
The champion reaches his feet.
For one moment, the red-and-gold flame behind him burns brighter.
The Sheriff of Nottingham shifts his grip.
He drives one knee into the back and pulls the champion downward.
Raigen falls onto both knees.
Julian Ward: “The champion rose, but the Sheriff has broken the base again.”
Brick Brody: “Now the question begins.”
Raigen reaches for the arm.
His fingers close around the challenger’s wrist.
The Sheriff tightens the Sleeper.
The champion’s grip weakens.
The flame upon the screen flickers again.
“Honest” Abe: “Do you submit?”
Raigen gives no immediate answer.
The crowd grows louder.
Prince John screams from ringside.
Prince John: “Break him!”
The Sheriff of Nottingham pulls backward.
Raigen’s shoulders drop.
His head lowers.
The champion looks toward the Eternal Flame Championship resting beside the ring.
For the first time, uncertainty enters his expression.
The handwritten line from the black package returns in memory.
THE FLAME FALTERS WHEN THE VESSEL IS FORCED TO DOUBT.
Sheriff of Nottingham: “It does not answer you.”
Raigen attempts to rise again.
His legs fail.
Sheriff of Nottingham: “It never did.”
The champion’s hand hovers above the canvas.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff is speaking to him inside the hold.”
Brick Brody: “This is not only about air. He is forcing the champion to question the flame.”
Raigen’s hand closes into a fist.
He tries once more to pull the arm away.
The Sheriff tightens the Sleeper.
The champion’s resistance slows.
“Honest” Abe: “Do you submit?”
A long silence follows.
Then Raigen taps the challenger’s arm.
The referee calls for the bell.
The sound cuts through the coliseum.
The crowd erupts in shock.
The Sheriff of Nottingham releases the hold.
Raigen falls forward onto the canvas.
For several seconds, the new champion remains on his knees behind him.
He looks down at his own hands as though confirming what they have accomplished.
Prince John raises both arms at ringside.
Louie Linville enters the ring while “Honest” Abe retrieves the Eternal Flame Championship.
Louie Linville: “The winner of the third and deciding fall…”
The referee hands the championship to the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Louie Linville: “And the new Eternal Flame Champion… the Sheriff of Nottingham!”
The Nottingham seal consumes the stage screen.
Black wax closes around the remains of the Maryu flame.
The Sheriff of Nottingham takes the championship in both hands.
He looks down at it.
Then raises it above his head.
Prince John enters the ring and stands beside him, applauding as though the victory belongs equally to the court.
Raigen remains near the ropes, one hand against his throat.
The red-and-gold fire upon the screen has disappeared.
Julian Ward: “After forty-four minutes and three falls, the reign of Raigen has ended. The Sheriff of Nottingham survived the Demon Sleeper to lose the first fall, used the involvement of Prince John to steal the second, and forced the champion to submit to the Sleeper in the deciding fall.”
Brick Brody: “The second fall was stolen. The third was not. The Sheriff attacked the neck, exhausted the body, and then used the doubt Severin Crowne gave him.”
Julian Ward: “The path to the final fall was tainted, but the final submission was decisive. Nottingham now holds the Eternal Flame Championship, and the balance of authority within the Mythic Division has changed.”
RESULT: SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM DEFEATED RAIGEN TWO FALLS TO ONE TO WIN THE ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP.
FIRST FALL: RAIGEN PINNED SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM AFTER THE DEMON SLEEPER AT 23:00.
SECOND FALL: SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM PINNED RAIGEN AFTER USING A FOREIGN OBJECT SUPPLIED BY PRINCE JOHN AT 31:00.
THIRD FALL: SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM FORCED RAIGEN TO SUBMIT TO THE SLEEPER AT 44:00.
Inside the ring, Prince John reaches for the championship.
The Sheriff of Nottingham allows him to touch the faceplate but does not surrender possession.
The prince looks briefly surprised.
The Sheriff places the title across his own shoulder.
He turns toward the audience.
His eyes search the front row.
They find Severin Crowne.
The noise of the crowd continues around them, but the moment between the two men is silent.
Severin Crowne rises from his seat.
He gives the new champion a single, measured nod.
The Sheriff of Nottingham looks toward Prince John.
The prince is facing the stage, demanding that the Nottingham seal be raised higher upon the screen.
The Sheriff turns back toward Severin Crowne.
He returns the nod.
Small. Controlled. Knowing.
Severin Crowne buttons his jacket and steps away from his seat.
He disappears into the crowd without approaching the ring.
The Sheriff of Nottingham watches him leave.
Only when Prince John takes his arm does the new champion turn toward the hard camera.
He raises the Eternal Flame Championship.
Behind him, Raigen sits against the lower ropes, staring at the empty space where the Maryu flame had burned.
The final image holds upon the championship resting above the black seal of Nottingham.
The reign has changed.
The price has not yet been collected.
The camera returns to the commentary desk.
Behind Julian Ward and Brick Brody, the audience remains standing.
The celebration of Nottingham has moved beyond the ring, but the evidence of the main event remains.
Officials help Raigen through the side of the entranceway. One hand remains pressed against his throat. He does not look toward the crowd.
Farther ahead, Prince John leads the new Eternal Flame Champion through the curtain.
The Sheriff of Nottingham carries the championship himself.
The stage screen displays the seal of Nottingham over the remains of a fading red-and-gold flame.
Julian Ward: “Forty-four minutes have changed the balance of power within the Mythic Division.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff of Nottingham entered with a plan, survived the first fall, stole the second, and forced Raigen to surrender in the third. The Eternal Flame belongs to Nottingham.”
Julian Ward: “The second fall came through a foreign object supplied by Prince John. Yet the deciding fall ended with Raigen submitting to the Sleeper.”
Brick Brody: “That is the part the former champion will remember. He can blame the prince for tying the match. He cannot blame him for the final tap.”
Footage from the evening begins moving across the screen.
The Dark Duchess traps Rapunzel in the Straight Jacket Choke.
The Queen of Spades pulls her backward before securing the pin.
Julian Ward: “The night began with the Dark Duchess defeating Rapunzel. One week after the Blonde Bombshells retained their championships, Wonderland brought one of their own beneath the judgment of the Queen of Spades.”
Brick Brody: “The Dark Duchess found the same hold twice. The second time, Rapunzel did not escape.”
The footage changes.
Robin Hood dives with a Swanton Bomb.
Frankenstein’s Monster rises.
The Flat Liner drives the outlaw into the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Robin Hood pushed Frankenstein’s Monster through seventeen minutes, but the creation of Dr. Frankenstein continued rising until a second Flat Liner ended the contest.”
The image tilts upward toward the rafters.
The painted face of the mysterious observer appears between steel supports.
The screen then shows him stepping into the backstage corridor.
Broken chains hang from his forearm.
Julian Ward: “The man watching from above later revealed himself as the Blood-Moon Warden.”
Brick Brody: “A rebel in broken armor who claims somebody is building another kingdom beneath Camelot.”
Julian Ward: “He came seeking Robin Hood, warning that soldiers, weapons, and promises are being moved through roads beyond royal scrutiny.”
Brick Brody: “He also admitted that he does not yet know whose kingdom is being built. That makes him either a useful warning or the beginning of another trap.”
The footage changes to the thirty-minute clock.
Friar Tuck and Little John exchange attacks with Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain.
The clock reaches zero.
Julian Ward: “The Merry Band and the Virtuous Blades could not be separated within the thirty-minute time limit.”
Brick Brody: “They could have been separated if Merlin had allowed the referee to count when Little John had Sir Galahad pinned.”
Julian Ward: “The intervention of Merlin prevented certainty. The result remains a draw, but the issue between those teams is unfinished.”
The black crowns of Regina and Malice appear.
Gretel attacks The Huntsman at ringside.
The Fairest Hunters briefly control Malice.
The Cradle DDT ends the match.
Julian Ward: “Gretel removed The Huntsman from the equation, but the damage she carried from last week became the foundation of the victory earned by Regina and Malice.”
Brick Brody: “The Fairest Hunters found their opening. Malice found the injured arm.”
Footage shows King Arthur rising from the commentary desk.
His expression hardens as Regina touches the black crown upon her head.
Julian Ward: “The victory also drew the attention of King Arthur, who rejected their claim to royalty.”
Brick Brody: “The king has decided there are too many crowns in Camelot.”
The screen shows Sir Lancelot driving The Huntsman down with the Running Bulldog.
The referee counts three.
Julian Ward: “Sir Lancelot then defeated The Huntsman, fulfilling the lesson demanded by the Mythic Crown Champion.”
The footage continues.
King Arthur stands between Merlin and Sir Lancelot.
He declares all other queens and princes to be false idols.
At the top of the ramp, The Huntsman challenges him.
King Arthur dismisses the hunter as beneath him.
The Huntsman answers with a warning.
Julian Ward: “But the lesson did not silence The Huntsman. He challenged King Arthur directly.”
Brick Brody: “And the king laughed at him.”
Julian Ward: “The Huntsman promised that they would discover who truly stands beneath whom.”
The footage briefly isolates Sir Lancelot.
The First Knight watches King Arthur with concern.
Julian Ward: “Perhaps equally significant was the expression of Sir Lancelot. The First Knight questioned the danger surrounding the king.”
Brick Brody: “And Merlin told him concern becomes dangerous when it turns into doubt.”
Julian Ward: “The bond between king, knight, and wizard remains intact.”
Brick Brody: “Intact is not the same as untested.”
The screen returns to the main event.
The Demon Sleeper earns Raigen the first fall.
The concealed foreign object earns the Sheriff of Nottingham the second.
The Sleeper closes at the centre of the ring.
Raigen submits.
The image freezes upon the new champion raising the Eternal Flame Championship.
Julian Ward: “The greatest change came in our main event. Raigen’s reign has ended.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff of Nottingham now carries championship gold and institutional authority. That is a dangerous combination.”
The footage changes one final time.
Severin Crowne stands within the audience.
He gives the new champion a measured nod.
The Sheriff of Nottingham returns it while Prince John looks elsewhere.
Julian Ward: “And the final exchange may prove as consequential as the result itself.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff lied to Prince John about what Severin Crowne wanted. Then he used the information, won the championship, and thanked the man without saying a word.”
Julian Ward: “The Eternal Flame Championship has entered the court of Prince John.”
He watches the image of the nod remain on the screen.
Julian Ward: “But the loyalty of the man carrying it may no longer be as simple as the prince believes.”
The Nottingham seal fades.
A new set of images begins forming beneath the words:
NEXT WEEK ON DARK FABLE.
Black chapel windows rise around a snow-covered forest.
Julian Ward: “Next week, the Black Chapel face the Fairest Hunters.”
The images of Lady Isolde Blackthorne and Prioress Malveil appear opposite Snow White and Gretel.
Brick Brody: “The hunters are wounded. The chapel has already proven it enjoys preparing an altar before the victims arrive.”
The screen turns black.
A narrow white light reveals Severin Crowne standing alone.
Julian Ward: “Severin Crowne will make his in-ring Dark Fable debut.”
Brick Brody: “Tonight he changed a championship match without throwing a strike. Next week we see what he can do when the bell makes him accountable.”
A fractured red crescent forms over the trees of Sherwood.
Robin Hood, Allan A Dale, and the Blood-Moon Warden appear together.
Across from them stand Will Scarlett, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and the Brute Bailiff.
The Eternal Flame Championship rests across the shoulder of the Sheriff.
Julian Ward: “The rebellion and the authority of Nottingham collide in six-man tag team competition. Robin Hood, Allan A Dale, and the Blood-Moon Warden face Will Scarlett, the new Eternal Flame Champion Sheriff of Nottingham, and the Brute Bailiff.”
Brick Brody: “The Blood-Moon Warden wanted to speak with Robin Hood about a danger to Camelot. Next week, he will have to prove he can survive beside him.”
The North Star Tag Team Championships rise through golden light.
Alice and Dorothy appear beneath the crest of the Blonde Bombshells.
Across from them stand the Queens of Punishment.
Julian Ward: “The North Star Tag Team Champions, the Blonde Bombshells, face the Queens of Punishment.”
Brick Brody: “The champions survived the Black Chapel last week. Another dark court now wants to test whether that survival has weakened them.”
Red-and-gold flame returns.
Raigen stands beside Taro Okami.
Lightning divides the image.
Ares and Heracles, the Gods of War, appear opposite them.
Julian Ward: “After losing the Eternal Flame Championship tonight, Raigen returns beside Taro Okami to face the Gods of War.”
Brick Brody: “That is a brutal place to search for recovery. Raigen tapped tonight. Next week he has to stand across from two gods while deciding what remains of the flame inside him.”
The screen becomes an ancient sea beneath a black sky.
A damaged crown rises above one side.
A curved blade and the sails of a legendary voyager form upon the other.
Mordred appears.
Across from him stands Sinbad.
Julian Ward: “And Mordred faces Sinbad.”
Brick Brody: “A fallen heir against a man who has survived monsters, storms, and kingdoms that believed they could contain him.”
The complete card fills the stage screen.
BLACK CHAPEL VS. FAIREST HUNTERS
SEVERIN CROWNE MAKES HIS IN-RING DARK FABLE DEBUT
ROBIN HOOD, ALLAN A DALE AND BLOOD-MOON WARDEN VS. WILL SCARLETT, SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM AND BRUTE BAILIFF
NORTH STAR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS
BLONDE BOMBSHELLS VS. QUEENS OF PUNISHMENT
RAIGEN AND TARO OKAMI VS. GODS OF WAR
MORDRED VS. SINBAD
The camera pulls back from the commentary desk.
The ring remains empty beneath the final white light of the evening.
Julian Ward: “A new champion leaves the coliseum. A new rebellion has entered it. The authority of King Arthur continues to widen, while the number of those willing to resist him continues to grow.”
Brick Brody: “Tonight produced a champion, a rebel, an offended king, and a hunter who refused to stay beneath anyone. That is enough trouble for one night.”
Julian Ward: “Next week, those forces will no longer remain separated.”
The image of the new Eternal Flame Champion appears once more.
The Sheriff of Nottingham holds the title beneath the black seal of Nottingham.
Behind the seal, almost hidden, a narrow red crescent forms.
Julian Ward: “For Brick Brody, I am Julian Ward. Good night from Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.”
Brick Brody: “The flame changed hands.”
The red crescent cuts through the black seal.
Brick Brody: “Now we find out what else burns with it.”
The screen fades to black.
The broadcast appears to have ended.
The final Dark Fable graphic fades from the screen.
For several seconds, there is only black.
Then the image returns.
Not to the ring.
Not to the commentary desk.
To a reinforced wooden door deep within Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
A fractured iron crown has been fixed to its centre.
The camera moves closer.
A small brass plaque beneath it reads:
THE BROKEN CROWN
The door opens.
Inside, the dressing room has been arranged more like a war chamber than a place of preparation.
Black banners hang against the stone walls. Weapons rest upon iron racks. A long wooden table has been covered with maps of Camelot, match reports, and sketches of the corridors beneath the coliseum.
At the far end of the room, a monitor replays the address delivered earlier tonight by King Arthur.
On the screen, King Arthur raises the Mythic Crown Championship.
King Arthur: “There is one throne in Camelot. There is one Crown. And there is one true sovereign.”
The footage pauses.
Standing before the monitor is Mordred.
His arms are folded across his armor. His expression is severe, but beneath the anger is something less familiar.
Concern.
Beside the table stands Morgana LeFaye, watching both the screen and Mordred.
Sir Agravaine leans against one of the stone walls with his arms crossed.
The Black Knight stands near the door, silent and fully armored.
The Dread Knights remain farther back in the chamber, positioned beneath the black banners like guards awaiting instruction.
Mordred lifts the remote and rewinds the footage.
The image shows King Arthur dismissing false queens, false princes, outlaws, hunters, and rogues.
Mordred watches the speech again.
Mordred: “He is acting strangely.”
Sir Agravaine: “He is acting like a king.”
Mordred turns his head slightly.
Mordred: “No.”
He looks back toward the screen.
Mordred: “He is acting like a man who believes the kingdom exists only because he commands it to.”
The replay reaches the moment where King Arthur declares himself the only true royalty in Camelot.
Mordred pauses the image.
Mordred: “There was always pride in him.”
His eyes narrow.
Mordred: “This is something else.”
Morgana LeFaye: “The difference between pride and obsession is often visible only after the damage begins.”
Mordred: “Perhaps the Crown has finally gotten to him.”
Sir Agravaine gives a quiet, humorless laugh.
Sir Agravaine: “The Crown did not create that man. It merely gave him permission to stop hiding.”
Mordred lowers the remote.
He turns away from the monitor and looks toward Morgana LeFaye.
Mordred: “Where is Myrrden?”
The room becomes still.
The Black Knight looks toward Morgana LeFaye.
One of the Dread Knights shifts near the weapon rack.
Morgana LeFaye: “No one knows.”
Mordred: “That is not an answer.”
Morgana LeFaye: “It is the only answer we have.”
She steps closer to the table.
Morgana LeFaye: “No one has seen him in more than a week. He has not contacted me. He has not answered the summons placed through the old channels.”
Mordred: “His tower?”
Morgana LeFaye: “Empty.”
That draws a sharper reaction from Mordred.
Morgana LeFaye: “The doors were secured. The wards remained intact. Nothing appeared disturbed.”
Mordred: “Then he left willingly.”
Morgana LeFaye: “Or someone knew how to enter without disturbing what he placed there.”
Mordred moves toward the table.
His hand falls against one of the maps.
Mordred: “He was supposed to guide us.”
The frustration in his voice rises.
Mordred: “He spoke of the forgotten places beneath Camelot. He promised there were truths buried beneath the throne that even Arthur did not understand.”
He looks toward Morgana LeFaye.
Mordred: “Now the kingdom is changing, Arthur is declaring himself above every other authority, and our guide has vanished.”
Sir Agravaine: “Does it matter?”
The question cuts through the room.
Mordred turns slowly.
Sir Agravaine pushes away from the wall.
Sir Agravaine: “What guidance has Myrrden provided that brought us closer to defeating Arthur or breaking the Round Table?”
Morgana LeFaye: “Be careful.”
Sir Agravaine: “I am being practical.”
He gestures toward the paused image of King Arthur.
Sir Agravaine: “The king still holds the Mythic Crown Championship. Merlin still stands beside him. Sir Lancelot still fights his battles. The knights remain loyal, and Camelot continues bowing whenever the trumpets sound.”
His eyes move toward Mordred.
Sir Agravaine: “Perhaps our missing guide was never guiding us anywhere.”
Silence follows.
Mordred says nothing.
He simply stares at Sir Agravaine.
The expression is cold enough to still the room.
Sir Agravaine’s faint smile disappears.
Morgana LeFaye: “You confuse the absence of victory with the absence of purpose.”
Sir Agravaine: “And you confuse mystery with value.”
The Black Knight turns slightly toward him.
The movement is small.
The warning is clear.
Mordred: “Enough.”
His voice remains controlled.
That makes it more dangerous.
Mordred: “Whatever failures you believe belong to Myrrden, he possesses knowledge we do not.”
Sir Agravaine: “Then perhaps he should have remained long enough to share it.”
Mordred steps toward him.
Mordred: “Perhaps you should remember that you stand beneath my banner.”
Sir Agravaine meets his eyes.
For one tense moment, neither man moves.
Then Sir Agravaine inclines his head.
Not submission.
Acknowledgment.
Sir Agravaine: “As you command.”
Mordred looks toward the Black Knight.
Mordred: “Continue the search.”
The Black Knight steps away from the door.
Black Knight: “Every chamber beneath the western stands has been checked. The old chapel tunnels have been checked twice.”
Mordred: “Then search beyond them.”
Black Knight: “Where?”
Mordred: “Everywhere Myrrden told us not to go.”
The Black Knight considers that.
Mordred: “The sealed passage beneath the ruined throne room. The forgotten staircases below the east foundation. The old roads beyond the coliseum walls.”
Morgana LeFaye: “Those places were sealed for reasons older than this conflict.”
Mordred: “Then those reasons may explain why he disappeared.”
The Black Knight nods.
Black Knight: “I will take two of the Dread Knights and begin before dawn.”
Mordred: “Do not wait for dawn.”
The Black Knight turns toward the Dread Knights.
Two of them step forward immediately.
Mordred: “Find him.”
Black Knight: “We will.”
The Black Knight and two of the Dread Knights leave through the reinforced door.
The remaining members of the group stay behind.
Mordred returns his attention to the map.
Morgana LeFaye moves beside him.
Morgana LeFaye: “If Myrrden intended to leave, the search may reveal only the path he wanted us to follow.”
Mordred: “Then we follow it.”
Morgana LeFaye: “Even if it leads away from Arthur?”
Mordred looks toward the frozen image of the king.
Mordred: “Everything leads back to Arthur.”
Behind them, Sir Agravaine retrieves his cloak from the back of a chair.
Neither Mordred nor Morgana LeFaye acknowledges him as he walks toward the door.
Sir Agravaine leaves the dressing room.
The door closes behind him.
The corridor outside is narrow and dimly lit.
Most of the production staff have already cleared the area. Only distant footsteps and the hum of arena equipment remain.
Sir Agravaine adjusts the clasp of his cloak and begins walking.
A voice comes from the shadow beside the stone archway.
Severin Crowne: “You asked the correct question.”
Sir Agravaine stops.
He turns.
Severin Crowne steps into the light.
His dark coat is immaculate. His expression is composed. One hand rests behind his back while the other holds a narrow black envelope sealed with dark red wax.
Sir Agravaine: “You have a dangerous habit of listening outside closed doors.”
Severin Crowne: “Closed doors are where the most honest conversations occur.”
Sir Agravaine looks toward the envelope.
Sir Agravaine: “What do you want?”
Severin Crowne: “To speak with a knight who has begun recognizing the limitations of the banner above him.”
Sir Agravaine’s expression hardens.
Sir Agravaine: “Choose your implication carefully.”
Severin Crowne: “It was not an implication.”
Severin Crowne extends the envelope.
Sir Agravaine does not take it.
Sir Agravaine: “You approached the Sheriff of Nottingham earlier tonight.”
Severin Crowne: “And he is now the Eternal Flame Champion.”
Sir Agravaine: “You expect me to believe the same information can purchase every man?”
Severin Crowne: “No.”
A faint smile crosses the face of Severin Crowne.
Severin Crowne: “Every man requires a different offer.”
Sir Agravaine: “And what do you believe I require?”
Severin Crowne holds the envelope between them.
Severin Crowne: “A place where your judgment is valued before your obedience.”
The corridor falls silent.
Inside the dressing room, the voice of Mordred can still be heard speaking quietly with Morgana LeFaye.
Sir Agravaine glances toward the closed door.
Then back toward Severin Crowne.
Severin Crowne: “I have an offer.”
The camera closes upon the sealed envelope.
The dark red wax bears the impression of a crown divided by a single vertical line.
Sir Agravaine studies it.
The scene cuts to black.
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