Aired - August 29, 2026
(Black screen. A low arctic wind rolls in. Ice groans beneath unseen pressure. A faint heartbeat joins the wind, slower this time. Heavier.)
Voice-over (deep, controlled):
“From the top of the world…”
“Where winter doesn’t forgive—”
“…it decides who survives.”
(Northern Lights flare across the darkness. Snow lashes the screen. The sound of a crowd begins to rise beneath the storm. The POLAR POWER branding forms in frost, steel, and cracking ice.)
Voice-over:
“This is the flagship.”
“This is the proving ground.”
“This… is POLAR POWER.”
SIGNATURE MONTAGE
1) Santa Claus
Santa Claus plants his feet in the center of the ring, absorbing a heavy shot without going down. A hard cut shows him powering an opponent up and driving them into the mat with veteran authority. He rises slowly, battered but unbroken, the North Pole Championship held tight as the crowd roars around him like a blizzard.
2) Infernus Rex
Flames flicker across the screen before the cold swallows them. Infernus Rex steps through the smoke, massive and merciless. A brutal impact shot follows — Infernus Rex crushing an opponent with raw force, then standing over the wreckage as the light behind him turns blood-red and black.
3) Jack Mason
A door swings open backstage. Jack Mason steps through with no hesitation, no warmth, no wasted motion. Hard cut: Jack Mason levels an opponent with a lariat that turns the body inside out. He doesn’t pose. He doesn’t shout. He just stares into the camera like the fight is already over.
4) The Sisters of the Hood
A flash of deep crimson cuts through the snowstorm. Ruby Howl, Scarlet Howl, and Crimson Vane step into frame together — not imitators, not followers, but the dangerous progeny of Red Riding Hood. The montage snaps between them in violent rhythm: Ruby Howl striking with fierce precision, Scarlet Howl cutting off an escape with cold intensity, and Crimson Vane finishing the sequence with sudden, ruthless impact. The final shot catches all three standing shoulder to shoulder, eyes forward, united by bloodline, legacy, and the warning that the woods still belong to them.
5) Polly Mason
The noise drops for one clean heartbeat. Polly Mason steps into frame, calm but burning underneath. A quick burst shows her fighting from underneath, refusing to stay down, then snapping back with a precise counter that changes the match in an instant. She rises first, breathing hard, eyes locked ahead.
6) Grondar the Revenant
The lights dim colder. Grondar the Revenant emerges through blue-white fog, slow and inevitable. He drags an opponent up with terrifying control, then drives them down like a sentence being carried out. The camera catches him looming in silence, unmoved by the panic around him.
7) Yeti
Snow explodes across the screen. Yeti charges forward with monstrous force, smashing through an opponent like an avalanche breaking through timber. Another cut shows Yeti roaring in the ring, shoulders rising, fists clenched, the entire arena reacting to the sheer weight of him.
8) Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend
A sharp growl cuts through the wind. Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend snaps into motion — wild eyes, sudden speed, vicious impact. He attacks in bursts: strike, takedown, mauling pressure. The final shot catches Terrorfang crouched over a fallen opponent, head tilted, daring anyone to get closer.
(Drums hit — slow, heavy, warlike. The crowd rises. Wide shot of the North Pole Arena under bright white lights, frost-blue spotlights sweeping across the building.)
Voice-over:
“No myths.”
“No shortcuts.”
“No mercy from the cold.”
(The POLAR POWER logo slams onto the screen. Ice cracks outward from the impact.)
Voice-over (final):
“Only the fight…”
“Only the North…”
“Only POLAR POWER.”
The broadcast does not immediately cut to the live arena following the opening.
Instead, the screen fades into the executive offices inside North Pole Arena.
A small graphic appears in the lower corner.
EARLIER TODAY
The camera settles inside the office of NPCW President and CEO Kristine Kringle.
The room is clean and understated.
A large desk sits near the center.
Several folders have been arranged neatly across its surface.
One document has been separated from the others.
A black pen rests directly beside it.
Standing behind the desk is Kristine Kringle.
She wears a fitted dark blue executive suit, her expression calm and businesslike.
Across from her stands Yeti.
The enormous Alpha Beast nearly fills his side of the office.
Beside him is Marcus the Beastmaster.
Neither man is seated.
Neither looks particularly interested in doing so.
Mounted against one wall is a large television monitor.
On the screen is footage from HCW television.
The replay begins with the final moments of Yeti's confrontation from last week's Polar Power.
Yeti fills the television screen.
Yeti: “Sign it, Timberfang.”
The image tightens on his vicious grin.
Yeti: “Or I come looking.”
The replay changes.
Now the television shows the office of HCW General Manager Max McGillicutty.
Sitting opposite Max McGillicutty is Convergent Champion Jack Lumber, the championship resting across his shoulder.
Neither Yeti nor Marcus the Beastmaster says anything as they watch.
The replay advances.
Max McGillicutty: “Kristine contacted me earlier this week. Everything she said is accurate. She's asking us to sanction Yeti against you at Reign of Champions.”
Jack Lumber looks toward the television inside Max McGillicutty's office.
Jack Lumber: “He wants his rematch.”
The footage jumps forward.
Max McGillicutty: “And she's asking for Bigfoot to be barred from the building.”
Jack Lumber: “Fine.”
Inside Kristine Kringle's office, Yeti gives a satisfied grunt.
Marcus the Beastmaster folds his arms.
Then the replay continues.
Jack Lumber: “With one change.”
The expression on Marcus the Beastmaster's face changes immediately.
On the television, Jack Lumber looks directly at Max McGillicutty.
Jack Lumber: “If Yeti wants to know whether he can beat me without Bigfoot anywhere around, I'm willing to find out.”
A pause.
Jack Lumber: “But he doesn't get to remove the man in my corner while keeping the man in his.”
Marcus the Beastmaster's eyes narrow.
Yeti turns his head slowly toward him.
The footage continues.
Jack Lumber: “No Bigfoot.”
Another beat.
Jack Lumber: “No Marcus the Beastmaster.”
The Alpha Beast's expression hardens.
Jack Lumber: “No excuses.”
The replay jumps to its final moments.
Jack Lumber stands at the door of Max McGillicutty's office.
The Convergent Championship remains over his shoulder.
Jack Lumber: “Tell Yeti I'll see him at Reign of Champions.”
The final clip shows Jack Lumber looking into the camera.
Jack Lumber: “If Kristine approves it, August 30 he gets exactly what he's been asking for.”
A pause.
Jack Lumber: “Just me.”
The television goes black.
Silence fills the office.
Yeti continues staring at the blank screen.
His breathing becomes heavier.
Marcus the Beastmaster slowly turns toward Kristine Kringle.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “No.”
Kristine Kringle remains behind her desk.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Absolutely not.”
Kristine Kringle: “I assumed that might be your initial reaction.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Initial reaction?”
He gestures toward the television.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “I'm his manager.”
Kristine Kringle: “Yes.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “I have every right to be there.”
Kristine Kringle: “Under normal circumstances.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “These are normal circumstances.”
Kristine Kringle looks toward Yeti.
Then back toward Marcus the Beastmaster.
Kristine Kringle: “Last week, Yeti threatened to tear through the NPCW locker room.”
She pauses.
Kristine Kringle: “Then the HCW locker room.”
Another pause.
Kristine Kringle: “Wrestler by wrestler.”
Yeti finally turns away from the television.
Yeti: “Because Timberfang was hiding.”
Kristine Kringle: “Apparently not.”
That answer stops him for a moment.
Yeti's jaw tightens.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “This isn't the agreement we accepted.”
Kristine Kringle: “Correct.”
She reaches down and places one hand on the document resting on her desk.
Kristine Kringle: “It is the agreement Jack Lumber accepted.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “He changed the terms.”
Kristine Kringle: “He proposed an amendment.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “An amendment designed to keep me out of the building.”
Kristine Kringle: “Yes.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “How is that fair?”
Kristine Kringle does not answer immediately.
Instead, she picks up the contract.
She steps around the desk.
Then she stops directly in front of Yeti and Marcus the Beastmaster.
Kristine Kringle: “Last week, you stood in front of me and told me what you wanted.”
She looks toward Yeti.
Kristine Kringle: “You wanted Jack Lumber.”
Yeti: “Yes.”
Kristine Kringle: “You wanted the Convergent Championship.”
Yeti: “Yes.”
Kristine Kringle: “And above everything else, you wanted Bigfoot removed from the equation.”
Yeti: “Because he cost me my championship.”
Kristine Kringle: “We have already had that discussion.”
A low growl comes from Yeti.
Kristine Kringle does not react.
Kristine Kringle: “You said you wanted no Bigfoot.”
Yeti: “I do.”
Kristine Kringle: “You said you wanted no excuses.”
Yeti: “I don't need excuses.”
Kristine Kringle: “Good.”
She holds the contract slightly higher.
Kristine Kringle: “Then Jack Lumber has given you exactly what you asked for.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “No, he hasn't.”
Kristine Kringle turns toward him.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “He removed me.”
Kristine Kringle: “Because Bigfoot is being removed.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Bigfoot is not Jack Lumber's manager.”
Kristine Kringle: “No.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “I am Yeti's manager.”
Kristine Kringle: “Yes.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Then this is not equal.”
Kristine Kringle: “It is considerably more equal than the alternative.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “What alternative?”
Kristine Kringle: “No match.”
The room goes silent.
Yeti takes one heavy step forward.
Yeti: “What?”
Kristine Kringle: “The contract has been amended.”
She places it flat on the front edge of her desk.
Kristine Kringle: “HCW General Manager Max McGillicutty accepted Jack Lumber's condition.”
She taps one section of the document.
Kristine Kringle: “I accepted Jack Lumber's condition.”
Another tap.
Kristine Kringle: “Bigfoot is barred from the arena tomorrow night.”
She looks directly at Marcus the Beastmaster.
Kristine Kringle: “And so are you.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “That's ridiculous.”
Kristine Kringle: “You are entitled to that opinion.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “I guide this man.”
He points toward Yeti.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “I prepare him.”
Kristine Kringle: “Then prepare him before he enters the building.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “You expect me to send him into a championship match alone?”
Kristine Kringle: “I expect Yeti to decide whether he actually meant what he said last week.”
That lands.
Yeti glares down at her.
Kristine Kringle: “Because I listened very carefully.”
She steps toward him.
Kristine Kringle: “You didn't say, ‘Give me Jack Lumber as long as Marcus the Beastmaster can stand beside me.’”
Yeti says nothing.
Kristine Kringle: “You didn't say, ‘Give me the championship as long as every condition favors me.’”
Another step.
Kristine Kringle: “You said Jack Lumber.”
She raises one finger.
Kristine Kringle: “You.”
A second.
Kristine Kringle: “The Convergent Championship.”
A third.
Kristine Kringle: “No Bigfoot.”
A fourth.
Kristine Kringle: “No excuses.”
Yeti's breathing grows louder.
Kristine Kringle: “Those were your words.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “And now his opponent gets to dictate whether I can even enter the arena.”
Kristine Kringle: “His opponent is the champion.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “So?”
Kristine Kringle: “So Jack Lumber already defeated Yeti.”
The Alpha Beast's head snaps toward her.
Yeti: “Because of—”
Kristine Kringle: “Bigfoot.”
She finishes the sentence for him.
Kristine Kringle: “Yes.”
A pause.
Kristine Kringle: “And tomorrow night Bigfoot will be nowhere near you.”
She points toward the contract.
Kristine Kringle: “Neither will Marcus.”
Yeti: “I don't need him to beat Timberfang.”
Marcus the Beastmaster turns sharply toward him.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “That's not the point.”
Yeti: “I know what the point is.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Then don't let them manipulate you into giving up an advantage.”
Yeti looks toward his manager.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “You don't know who HCW will have around that ring.”
Kristine Kringle: “Nobody who isn't authorized to be there.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “And I'm supposed to trust that?”
Kristine Kringle: “Yes.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Convenient.”
Kristine Kringle: “You may also stay home tomorrow evening and watch the broadcast.”
Marcus the Beastmaster's expression darkens.
Yeti pounds one fist onto the edge of the desk.
The pen jumps.
Yeti: “I want Lumber!”
Kristine Kringle: “Then sign.”
Yeti: “I want that championship!”
Kristine Kringle: “Then sign.”
Yeti: “I have been waiting for this!”
Kristine Kringle: “Then I would stop wasting time.”
That quiet answer visibly infuriates him more than shouting would have.
Yeti stares at the contract.
Then at Kristine Kringle.
Yeti: “You need me in that match.”
Kristine Kringle: “No.”
The answer comes immediately.
Yeti looks almost offended.
Yeti: “No?”
Kristine Kringle: “You want the match.”
Yeti: “I earned it.”
Kristine Kringle: “You earned consideration.”
She points toward the contract.
Kristine Kringle: “This is the opportunity.”
Yeti: “And if I don't sign?”
Kristine Kringle: “Then there is no Convergent Championship Match for you tomorrow night.”
Marcus the Beastmaster: “You'd cancel one of the featured matches at Reign of Champions less than twenty-four hours before the show?”
Kristine Kringle: “I didn't say the championship wouldn't be defended.”
Both men look at her.
Yeti: “What?”
A small smile appears on Kristine Kringle's face.
Not smug.
Not mocking.
Almost pleasant.
That seems to bother Yeti even more.
Kristine Kringle: “If Yeti chooses not to sign, I will tell Max McGillicutty that we are withdrawing our request on his behalf.”
Yeti: “And then what?”
Kristine Kringle: “Then we offer the opportunity to another competitor.”
Yeti stares at her.
Then an ugly laugh escapes him.
Yeti: “What other competitor?”
He throws one enormous hand into the air.
Yeti: “That ugly skull-faced Negropolis?”
Marcus the Beastmaster watches Kristine Kringle carefully.
Yeti: “Old man Santa Claus?”
He laughs again.
Yeti: “That nut job Jack Mason?”
Kristine Kringle's smile grows by the smallest amount.
Yeti: “Who?”
She lets the silence build.
Kristine Kringle: “Actually…”
Yeti's laughter stops.
Kristine Kringle: “I was thinking Bigfoot.”
Silence.
Absolute silence.
For the first time since the camera entered the office, Yeti has no response.
His mouth opens slightly.
Nothing comes out.
Beside him, Marcus the Beastmaster slowly turns his head toward Kristine Kringle.
Even he appears momentarily unsure whether he heard correctly.
Yeti: “You…”
He stops.
Kristine Kringle: “He's already barred from the building under your contract.”
She gives a small shrug.
Kristine Kringle: “If there is no match with you, there is no reason for that provision to remain in effect.”
Yeti's eyes widen.
Kristine Kringle: “And considering how much attention Bigfoot has paid to the Convergent Championship situation…”
She allows the thought to hang there.
Kristine Kringle: “I imagine he'd answer the phone.”
Yeti lunges toward the desk.
Marcus the Beastmaster initially reaches toward him, but stops when he realizes what Yeti is doing.
Yeti snatches the contract from the desk.
He scans the page.
His eyes lock onto the stipulation.
BIGFOOT — BARRED FROM THE ARENA.
MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER — BARRED FROM THE ARENA.
Yeti looks toward Marcus the Beastmaster.
Marcus the Beastmaster is furious.
But after several seconds, he gives the smallest possible nod.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “Take the championship.”
That is enough.
Yeti grabs the pen.
He slams the contract back onto the desk.
Then he signs his name with enough force that the pen nearly tears through the paper.
He throws the pen down.
Yeti: “There.”
Kristine Kringle calmly picks up the contract.
She checks the signature.
Yeti: “Tomorrow night.”
He points toward the paper.
Yeti: “No Bigfoot.”
Kristine Kringle: “Correct.”
Yeti points toward Marcus the Beastmaster.
Yeti: “No Marcus.”
Kristine Kringle: “Correct.”
Yeti: “Just me and Timberfang.”
Kristine Kringle: “That is what you said you wanted.”
Yeti slowly turns toward the camera.
His anger settles into something colder.
Yeti: “Good.”
He looks directly into the lens.
Yeti: “Then tomorrow there is nobody left for him to hide behind.”
Marcus the Beastmaster steps beside him.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “You wanted your answer, Lumber.”
He gestures toward Yeti.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “You have it.”
Yeti: “No Bigfoot.”
A pause.
Yeti: “No Beastmaster.”
Another.
Yeti: “No excuses.”
He bares his teeth.
Yeti: “When I take that championship from you, Timberfang, there will be nobody left for you to blame.”
Kristine Kringle: “Then we're finished.”
Yeti turns sharply toward her.
Kristine Kringle slides the signed contract into a folder.
Kristine Kringle: “The match is official.”
She looks toward the camera.
Kristine Kringle: “Tomorrow night at HCW Reign of Champions, Jack Lumber will defend the Convergent Championship against Yeti.”
A beat.
Kristine Kringle: “Bigfoot is barred from the arena.”
She looks toward Marcus the Beastmaster.
Kristine Kringle: “Marcus the Beastmaster is barred from the arena.”
Her attention returns to Yeti.
Kristine Kringle: “Champion and challenger.”
A small pause.
Kristine Kringle: “Nothing else.”
Yeti stares at her.
Then he turns and storms toward the office door.
Marcus the Beastmaster remains behind for another second.
Marcus the Beastmaster: “You enjoyed that.”
Kristine Kringle looks down at the signed contract.
Kristine Kringle: “Which part?”
Marcus the Beastmaster gives her a long look.
Kristine Kringle remains perfectly composed.
Finally, Marcus the Beastmaster shakes his head and follows Yeti out of the office.
The door slams behind them.
The room becomes quiet.
Kristine Kringle looks toward the closed door.
Then toward the contract.
A faint smile returns.
She places the folder neatly in the center of her desk.
Kristine Kringle: “No excuses.”
The camera closes on the signed agreement.
JACK LUMBER VS YETI
CONVERGENT CHAMPIONSHIP
HCW REIGN OF CHAMPIONS — AUGUST 30, 2026
BIGFOOT BARRED FROM THE ARENA
MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER BARRED FROM THE ARENA
The screen fades to the Polar Power logo.
The broadcast returns live inside North Pole Arena.
Blue-white spotlights sweep across the packed building while the Polar Power logo fills the massive screen above the entrance stage.
The crowd remains on its feet following the opening.
The camera moves through the stands.
Signs rise above the audience.
“GRONDAR SURVIVED FALLOUT”
“THREE TIMES LILITH”
“THE MASONS WILL RISE”
“WHO IS MARI LWYD?”
“TERRORFANG FEARS TOM SAWYER”
The camera finally settles at the broadcast desk.
Johnny “The Mic” Michaels sits behind the table in a dark navy suit and silver tie.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington adjusts his headset and looks across the arena with the satisfied expression of a man who has spent the entire week preparing to remind everyone when he was right.
Johnny Michaels: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome once again to Polar Power, coming to you live from North Pole Arena! I am Johnny ‘The Mic’ Michaels, and beside me, as always, is Eddie Ellington.”
Eddie Ellington: “As always? You say that like you've been assigned a burden.”
Johnny Michaels: “I was attempting to be welcoming.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then you're doing a wonderful job. I'm delighted to be here.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be the most suspiciously pleasant thing you've said all year.”
Eddie Ellington: “Give me time.”
The camera pulls back to reveal the enormous crowd behind the commentary position.
Johnny Michaels: “This is our first edition of Polar Power since last Sunday's Fallout 2026, and the landscape of the Polar Division looks considerably different tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Some of it looks different. One very important part looks exactly the same.”
Johnny Michaels: “I believe I know where you're going.”
Eddie Ellington: “The North Pole Championship is still around the waist of Grondar the Revenant.”
The crowd responds with loud boos.
Eddie Ellington smiles.
Eddie Ellington: “Go ahead. Boo mathematics.”
Johnny Michaels: “I don't think they're booing mathematics.”
Eddie Ellington: “Four men walked into that main event. One walked out champion. That's arithmetic.”
Johnny Michaels: “And whatever anyone thinks of Grondar, his performance deserves to be discussed.”
The screen behind them changes.
Footage from Fallout begins rolling.
Grondar the Revenant battles Santa Claus.
Then Infernus Rex.
Then Rudolph.
The montage shows the champion absorbing punishment from all three challengers over the course of the match.
Johnny Michaels: “For forty-six minutes, Grondar the Revenant defended the North Pole Championship against three challengers under Fatal Four-Way rules. He could have lost that championship without ever being involved in the deciding fall.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Which is why this wasn't merely another title defense. Everybody kept telling us the rules were stacked against Grondar.”
Johnny Michaels: “They were certainly dangerous for the champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Dangerous? He had Santa Claus, Rudolph, and Infernus Rex trying to take his championship. That's not a title defense. That's management putting a target on one man's back and handing out three rifles.”
Johnny Michaels: “And yet Grondar remained composed throughout much of the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because that's what Magnus Blackwell has been telling everyone. Grondar doesn't panic. He doesn't need the match to go according to some beautiful little plan.”
The footage advances to the closing sequence.
Rudolph battles Infernus Rex outside the ring.
Infernus Rex catches the charging Rudolph and drives him down with a gutwrench powerbomb.
Rudolph struggles back inside.
Waiting for him is Grondar the Revenant.
Johnny Michaels: “And this was the decisive moment. Rudolph's unresolved issue with the man who injured him, Infernus Rex, pulled him into one more confrontation.”
Eddie Ellington: “And he forgot something.”
Johnny Michaels: “The champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly.”
On the screen, Grondar pulls Rudolph upright.
THE AFTERMATH.
The Jackhammer drives Rudolph into the canvas.
One.
Two.
Three.
The footage freezes on Grondar raising the North Pole Championship.
Eddie Ellington: “That's championship awareness, Johnny. Grondar didn't cause Rudolph to go chasing Infernus Rex. He didn't ask Rudolph to come crawling back into the ring hurt. He simply recognized the opportunity and ended the match.”
Johnny Michaels: “And that's the part that deserves the most credit. After forty-six minutes against three extremely different opponents, Grondar still had enough awareness to recognize the opening, hit The Aftermath, and retain the championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “You sound surprised.”
Johnny Michaels: “I'm impressed.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. You're finally learning.”
The footage changes.
Now the screen shows Jack Mason staring toward the JumboTron at Fallout.
The mysterious woman's face remains obscured.
Johnny Michaels' tone changes.
Johnny Michaels: “Unfortunately, the same night produced very different memories for the Mason family.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's a polite way of saying they went zero for two.”
Johnny Michaels: “It was not a good night for the Masons.”
The replay shows Jack Mason becoming distracted by the image on the screen.
Ace MacDougal shouts a warning from ringside.
Count Daculescu throws the loaded glove into the ring.
The Master of the Night catches it.
The loaded European uppercut connects beneath Jack Mason's jaw.
Johnny Michaels: “In the No Disqualification Match, Jack Mason appeared to believe the woman on the screen might be his wife, Edie Hartwell Mason.”
Eddie Ellington: “And that's when the lesson fell apart.”
Johnny Michaels: “While Jack was distracted, Count Daculescu supplied the Master of the Night with a loaded glove.”
Eddie Ellington: “No disqualification.”
Johnny Michaels: “You've reminded us.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because people keep pretending the rules disappeared when they became inconvenient.”
Johnny Michaels: “The glove was legal under the stipulation. The question is how much of what happened was orchestrated in advance.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course it was orchestrated. That's why it worked.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is not the defense you think it is.”
The replay shows the Master of the Night covering Jack Mason.
One.
Two.
Three.
Then the footage shifts again.
Polly Mason and Dr. Violetta Voss are shown battling around ringside during their Last Woman Standing Match.
Johnny Michaels: “Then later in the evening, Polly Mason entered the Last Woman Standing Match against Dr. Violetta Voss knowing her brother was already backstage being attended to.”
Eddie Ellington: “And she still went twenty-five minutes with Voss.”
Johnny Michaels: “She did. Polly survived extraordinary punishment. So did Dr. Voss.”
The closing moments play.
Dr. Violetta Voss launches from the apron onto Polly Mason.
Both women crash to the floor.
The referee begins counting.
Voss reaches her feet at eight.
Polly struggles upward.
Nine.
Ten.
The bell rings.
Johnny Michaels: “But when the final count reached ten, Dr. Violetta Voss was standing and Polly Mason was not.”
Eddie Ellington: “Two matches. Two Mason losses.”
Johnny Michaels: “And both were deeply personal defeats.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which makes them worse.”
Johnny Michaels: “I suspect we have not heard the final word from either Jack Mason or Polly Mason.”
Eddie Ellington: “Oh, I'm certain we haven't. That family doesn't exactly suffer quietly.”
The replay disappears.
A different image fills the screen.
Krampus stands in the ring after defeating Marax the Deceiver.
Then Abaddon, Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend, and Marax surround him.
Johnny Michaels: “But perhaps the greatest surprise of Fallout came after Krampus defeated Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “You mean after Infernus Rex decided the evening needed more violence.”
Footage shows Infernus Rex appearing on the JumboTron.
Then Abaddon, Wilber Townsend, and Marax attack Krampus.
Jack Frost races to the ring.
Three against two.
The arena in the replay goes dark.
The unfamiliar music begins.
When the lights return, Mari Lwyd stands in the ring.
The live crowd cheers at the replay.
Johnny Michaels: “For the first time in NPCW, Mari Lwyd appeared.”
Eddie Ellington: “And nobody knew why.”
Johnny Michaels: “For several seconds, nobody knew where Mari Lwyd stood.”
The footage shows Mari Lwyd looking toward Krampus.
Then toward Abaddon.
A pause.
Then Mari Lwyd charges Abaddon.
The crowd in North Pole Arena erupts again.
Johnny Michaels: “Then the answer came.”
Eddie Ellington: “At least one answer.”
Johnny Michaels: “Mari Lwyd went directly after Abaddon, evening the numbers and creating an extraordinary three-on-three confrontation.”
The screen freezes on the two sides separated by NPCW security.
Krampus.
Jack Frost.
Mari Lwyd.
Across from them—
Marax the Deceiver.
Abaddon.
Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend.
Johnny Michaels: “The arrival of Mari Lwyd changed the balance immediately.”
Eddie Ellington: “For one night.”
Johnny Michaels: “You still aren't convinced?”
Eddie Ellington: “I saw Mari Lwyd attack Abaddon. I did not see anybody sign membership papers.”
Johnny Michaels: “Fair enough.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you.”
Johnny Michaels: “But whatever the long-term implications, Abaddon now knows Mari Lwyd is here.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I suspect Abaddon has spent the week thinking about that.”
The screen changes one more time.
The Queen of the North Championship hangs above the ring.
Crimson Vane climbs the ladder.
Lilith lies below.
Johnny Michaels: “And then there was history.”
The crowd reacts strongly.
Johnny Michaels: “Lilith became the first three-time Queen of the North Champion in NPCW history.”
Eddie Ellington: “Three times!”
Johnny Michaels: “But you cannot discuss that victory without discussing Count Vlad.”
Eddie Ellington: “Here we go.”
The replay shows Crimson Vane climbing.
She reaches higher.
Her fingertips near the championship.
Count Vlad climbs onto the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane had the ladder positioned. Lilith was down. The championship was within reach.”
Eddie Ellington: “Within reach isn't the same as in your hands.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then Count Vlad intervened.”
The Transylvania Spike drives into Crimson Vane.
She falls from the ladder.
Boos roll through North Pole Arena.
Johnny Michaels: “The Transylvania Spike knocked Crimson Vane from the ladder.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Lilith did what champions do.”
Johnny Michaels: “She climbed.”
The replay shows Count Vlad pointing upward.
Lilith reaches the championship.
She unhooks it.
Eddie Ellington: “And now the history books say three-time champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “They do. But they will also show that Count Vlad directly prevented Crimson Vane from retrieving that championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “You want history to include footnotes. I want it to include winners.”
Johnny Michaels: “For Crimson Vane, I doubt this issue is remotely settled.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then she should get in line. Being champion means everybody suddenly remembers they have a grievance.”
The Polar Power logo returns to the screen.
Johnny Michaels turns toward the camera.
Johnny Michaels: “And all of that brings us here tonight.”
The crowd cheers.
A graphic appears displaying the complete card.
Johnny Michaels: “Six matches are scheduled, and we begin with a tag-team contest carrying plenty of unfinished business.”
The graphic highlights the opening match.
ABRAHAM VAN HELSING & RUDOLPH
VS
THE CRIMSON MAULERS
Johnny Michaels: “Abraham Van Helsing teams with Rudolph against the Crimson Maulers.”
Eddie Ellington: “Outstanding planning by Rudolph. Lose a forty-six-minute championship match and then come back six days later to volunteer for the Crimson Maulers.”
Johnny Michaels: “Nobody said Rudolph volunteered.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then somebody dislikes him.”
The graphic changes.
BIG BAD WOLF
VS
ASHEN VICAR
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf returns to singles competition after taking Ghost of Christmas Past thirty-five minutes for the Universal Championship at Fallout. Tonight he faces Ashen Vicar.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Big Bad Wolf needs to remember something very quickly. Impressive championship losses are still losses.”
Johnny Michaels: “But that performance demonstrated he belongs among the Polar Division's strongest competitors.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then beat Ashen Vicar.”
The next graphic appears.
FROSTBOUND COMMAND
VS
THE HOWL SISTERS
Johnny Michaels: “Tag-team action continues when Frostbound Command meets the Howl Sisters.”
Eddie Ellington: “Two teams looking for position. That's the kind of match where one victory can change who gets noticed.”
The graphic changes.
WICKED WITCH
VS
LA BRUJA MUERTE
Johnny Michaels: “Then Wicked Witch faces La Bruja Muerte in singles competition.”
Eddie Ellington: “That one has the potential to become unpleasant very quickly.”
Johnny Michaels: “Both women have very different approaches, but both know how important momentum is at this stage of the season.”
Another graphic.
HUCK FINN
VS
MARAX THE DECEIVER
The crowd boos at the sight of Marax.
Johnny Michaels: “Later tonight, Huck Finn faces Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “And before anybody starts talking about Marax losing to Krampus, remember what happened afterward. Marax left Fallout standing beside Abaddon and Wilber Townsend as part of something considerably larger.”
Johnny Michaels: “Something Infernus Rex called the Infernal Legion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly.”
Finally, the main-event graphic fills the screen.
The Northern Lights Championship gleams between the competitors.
NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP
TOM SAWYER
VS
WILBER “TERRORFANG” TOWNSEND
The crowd responds loudly.
Johnny Michaels: “And in tonight's main event, championship gold is on the line.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now we're talking.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer challenges Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend for the Northern Lights Championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “And everybody who watched Fallout saw Wilber Townsend standing beside the Infernal Legion. Tonight he doesn't have Krampus, Jack Frost, or Mari Lwyd standing across from him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tonight he has Tom Sawyer, and the championship is what matters.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's supposed to make me feel better?”
Johnny Michaels: “No.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer has earned this opportunity, but Wilber Townsend has proven repeatedly that taking the Northern Lights Championship away from him requires more than simply earning the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that is analysis.”
Johnny Michaels: “The challenger gets his opportunity tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Terrorfang gets another victim.”
Johnny Michaels: “We will see about that.”
The camera begins to pull away from the desk.
The crowd rises as the lights around the entrance stage begin changing for the opening contest.
Johnny Michaels: “Fallout changed championships, created new enemies, deepened old rivalries, and left more than a few competitors looking for answers.”
Eddie Ellington: “And tonight some of them are going to find answers they don't like.”
Johnny Michaels: “Six matches ahead. The Northern Lights Championship in our main event. And coming up right now, Abraham Van Helsing and Rudolph take on the Crimson Maulers.”
Eddie Ellington: “I hope Rudolph stretched.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because after last week, I assume everything hurts.”
Johnny Michaels: “The opening bell is next, live on Polar Power!”
The camera swings toward the entrance stage as the Polar Power match graphic fills the screen.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The crowd remains energized following the contract-signing footage, but the atmosphere changes as the camera settles on the ring.
Referee “Fast Count” Frank is already inside, checking the ropes before walking toward each corner.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks down at his notes.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington appears considerably more interested in the entrance aisle.
Johnny Michaels: “We are ready for our opening contest, and this brings together several issues that have been developing across the Polar Division. Rudolph is less than a week removed from competing in that forty-six-minute Fatal Four Way for the North Pole Championship at Fallout, and tonight he teams with Abraham Van Helsing against the Crimson Maulers.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means Rudolph has made another outstanding career decision. Six days after getting flattened by Grondar the Revenant, he volunteers to stand across from Brakk Bloodmaw and Vereyk Nightclaw.”
Johnny Michaels: “You make it sound as though Rudolph selected the match himself.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then whoever selected it dislikes him.”
Johnny Michaels: “And there is another element here. At ringside for the Crimson Maulers will be Count Daculescu.”
Eddie Ellington: “A distinguished strategist.”
Johnny Michaels: “A man whose involvement has caused considerable problems for more than one competitor.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what I said. Distinguished strategist.”
The arena lights begin to dim.
A stark white light spreads across the entrance stage.
The sound of church bells rolls through North Pole Arena.
Then comes the metallic snap of a weapon being drawn.
Abraham Van Helsing steps through the curtain.
The crowd responds strongly.
He stands motionless at the top of the ramp for several seconds, dressed for competition and carrying himself with the same severe focus that has defined his presence whenever the darker forces of the Polar Division have come into his path.
He looks directly toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “There is Abraham Van Helsing, and very few men in NPCW understand the world surrounding Count Daculescu better than he does.”
Eddie Ellington: “Oh, wonderful. The professional vampire hunter has arrived. Maybe after the match he can inspect the building for bats.”
Johnny Michaels: “You joke, but Van Helsing has spent much of his life dealing with threats connected to men like Daculescu.”
Eddie Ellington: “And yet somehow Daculescu keeps showing up for work. Very inefficient vampire hunting.”
Van Helsing begins walking down the aisle.
He acknowledges only a few fans.
Most of his attention remains fixed forward.
He reaches ringside, climbs the steps and enters through the ropes.
Rather than pose, Van Helsing moves immediately toward one corner.
He looks toward the entrance.
The lights brighten.
A familiar burst of energetic music hits.
The crowd rises.
Rudolph emerges onto the stage.
The reaction becomes considerably louder.
Rudolph pauses beneath the lights and looks around North Pole Arena.
Only six nights earlier, he fought for the North Pole Championship at Fallout, surviving forty-six minutes before Grondar the Revenant caught him with The Aftermath to retain the title.
Tonight there is no visible hesitation.
Johnny Michaels: “Listen to this response for Rudolph. His return to active competition began only one week ago, and then at Fallout he went forty-six minutes in one of the most demanding championship matches of his career.”
Eddie Ellington: “And lost.”
Johnny Michaels: “He challenged the North Pole Champion in a Fatal Four Way.”
Eddie Ellington: “And lost.”
Johnny Michaels: “He battled Santa Claus, Infernus Rex, and Grondar the Revenant.”
Eddie Ellington: “You can list everyone in the building. The result does not improve.”
Johnny Michaels: “My point is that Rudolph proved his recovery was real.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wonderful. Tonight the Crimson Maulers get to test the warranty.”
Rudolph runs the last several steps and slides beneath the bottom rope.
He rises quickly.
Van Helsing approaches.
The two men exchange a firm handshake.
There is no long conversation.
Both turn toward the entrance.
The music stops.
The arena plunges into deep crimson light.
A low ceremonial drumbeat begins.
The crowd responds immediately with hostility.
Count Daculescu walks through the curtain.
He is composed.
Immaculate.
Entirely unconcerned with the boos.
He stops at the center of the stage.
Then slowly raises one hand.
Behind him emerge Brakk Bloodmaw and Vereyk Nightclaw.
The Crimson Maulers stand on either side of their manager.
Brakk Bloodmaw rolls his shoulders and stares toward Rudolph.
Vereyk Nightclaw tilts his head slightly while studying Van Helsing.
Eddie Ellington: “Now that is an entrance.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have selected your side.”
Eddie Ellington: “I selected the side with two monsters and a manager who understands the value of planning.”
Johnny Michaels: “The same Count Daculescu who threw a loaded glove into the ring during Jack Mason's No Disqualification Match at Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “No disqualification.”
Johnny Michaels: “You defended that last week too.”
Eddie Ellington: “Consistency is one of my finest qualities.”
The trio begins walking down the aisle.
Count Daculescu remains several steps ahead.
Brakk Bloodmaw and Vereyk Nightclaw move with him like two weapons being escorted toward their target.
Inside the ring, Van Helsing steps closer to the ropes.
His attention is no longer on the Maulers.
It is directly on Daculescu.
The Count notices.
A faint smile appears.
Johnny Michaels: “Look at Van Helsing and Count Daculescu.”
Eddie Ellington: “I see one man glaring and another man enjoying it.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is considerable history represented in that stare.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then perhaps Van Helsing should remember he is wrestling the Maulers, not their manager.”
Count Daculescu reaches ringside and stops.
Brakk Bloodmaw climbs onto the apron.
Vereyk Nightclaw joins him.
Both men step through the ropes.
The four wrestlers move toward the center.
Fast Count Frank immediately places himself between them.
Celeste Orion enters the ring with microphone in hand.
The crowd settles.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The audience cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, the team of ABRAHAM VAN HELSING and RUDOLPH!”
Rudolph raises one arm to a loud ovation.
Van Helsing gives the crowd only a short acknowledgment before returning his stare to the opposite corner.
Celeste Orion turns.
Celeste Orion: “And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by COUNT DACULESCU... BRAKK BLOODMAW and VEREYK NIGHTCLAW... the CRIMSON MAULERS!”
The boos increase.
Brakk Bloodmaw throws both arms outward.
Vereyk Nightclaw remains considerably quieter.
At ringside, Count Daculescu smiles approvingly.
Eddie Ellington: “That's the winning corner.”
Johnny Michaels: “The bell has not rung.”
Eddie Ellington: “Preparation, Johnny.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Vereyk Nightclaw moves onto the apron.
Van Helsing does the same.
That leaves Rudolph and Brakk Bloodmaw inside.
Fast Count Frank signals toward the timekeeper.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Rudolph immediately uses his speed.
Rather than meet Brakk Bloodmaw directly, he circles the larger Mauler and forces him to turn.
Van Helsing calls from the apron.
Rudolph darts toward the corner.
The tag is made.
Instead of leaving immediately, Rudolph stays inside during the legal double-team window.
Rudolph accelerates across the ring and launches himself into Brakk Bloodmaw with a CROSS BODY BLOCK.
The impact staggers Brakk.
Before he can reset, Van Helsing grabs the Mauler and twists him downward into the HOLY CROSSFACE.
Brakk Bloodmaw tries to brace and fight through the combination, but the rapid attacks prevent him from establishing a base.
Fast Count Frank orders Rudolph toward the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent opening strategy. Rudolph creates momentum with the Cross Body Block and Van Helsing immediately attacks the head and arm with the Holy Crossface.”
Eddie Ellington: “Four arms against two. Very courageous.”
Johnny Michaels: “It was a legal tag-team exchange.”
Eddie Ellington: “Legal does not automatically make it admirable. Brakk Bloodmaw walked into the ring against one man and suddenly found a reindeer flying at him while Van Helsing tried to unscrew his head.”
Johnny Michaels: “And yet Brakk is still fighting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. That's why I like the Maulers.”
Minute 2
The teamwork continues.
Van Helsing keeps Brakk Bloodmaw trapped near the corner.
Rudolph remains nearby but cannot find a clear opening as Brakk begins swinging his way free.
Van Helsing steps through the opening instead.
He plants his feet and drives the STAKE TO HEART directly into Brakk Bloodmaw's chest.
The heart punch forces Brakk backward.
But the Mauler answers immediately.
Brakk Bloodmaw lowers his shoulder and crashes into Van Helsing with a hard Shoulder Block.
The collision knocks Van Helsing backward and finally disrupts the early control.
Johnny Michaels: “Stake to Heart lands, but Brakk Bloodmaw responds with that Shoulder Block. That is the danger of staying within reach of him.”
Eddie Ellington: “There you go. No tricks, no elaborate plan. Brakk simply ran through the vampire hunter.”
Johnny Michaels: “After taking a significant heart punch.”
Eddie Ellington: “Apparently the heart still works.”
Johnny Michaels: “And now the Maulers finally have some room.”
Eddie Ellington: “They only needed one opening.”
Minute 3
Rudolph reenters the exchange as Van Helsing keeps Brakk Bloodmaw from escaping.
Rudolph launches another CROSS BODY BLOCK.
This time Brakk absorbs more of the collision.
Van Helsing follows by scooping Brakk Bloodmaw off his feet and driving him down with a Powerslam.
But Brakk refuses to remain defensive.
As Van Helsing rises, Brakk Bloodmaw hooks both arms.
He lifts Van Helsing and sends him over with the BEARTRAP, the Double Underhook Suplex driving Van Helsing into the canvas.
Fast Count Frank finally forces Rudolph back to his corner.
The prolonged double-team sequence ends.
Johnny Michaels: “The Cross Body Block and Powerslam land, but Brakk Bloodmaw answers with the Beartrap! That Double Underhook Suplex finally breaks the rhythm Van Helsing and Rudolph had established.”
Eddie Ellington: “Finally? He survived two men throwing everything at him for three minutes and still found enough power to launch Van Helsing across the ring.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was impressive.”
Eddie Ellington: “Say it louder.”
Johnny Michaels: “I said it was impressive.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. We are making progress.”
Minute 4
Rudolph tags himself back into the match.
He moves immediately.
Brakk Bloodmaw advances.
Rudolph hits the ropes, springs upward and crashes across Brakk with the FLYING BODY PRESS — GUIDING LIGHT.
The crowd erupts.
Brakk Bloodmaw goes down.
Rudolph turns him over and hooks the leg.
But on the floor, Count Daculescu steps closer to the ring.
He raises one hand.
For a moment, the lighting around Fast Count Frank's field of vision seems to distort.
The referee turns his head sharply toward the floor, distracted by the strange visual movement.
Johnny Michaels: “What is Daculescu doing?”
Eddie Ellington: “Standing.”
Johnny Michaels: “Something just changed around the referee!”
By the time Fast Count Frank looks back, Rudolph already has the cover established.
Frank drops.
One!
Two!
Brakk Bloodmaw kicks out.
Rudolph sits up and looks toward the referee.
Then toward Daculescu.
The Count gives him a polite smile.
Johnny Michaels: “That hesitation mattered! Rudolph had Brakk Bloodmaw down after Guiding Light, and Count Daculescu deliberately pulled the referee's attention away.”
Eddie Ellington: “You cannot prove what Frank saw.”
Johnny Michaels: “I saw Daculescu raise his hand!”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps he was asking for refreshments.”
Johnny Michaels: “During a pin?”
Eddie Ellington: “Bad timing.”
Minute 5
Rudolph refuses to let the frustration linger.
He pulls Brakk Bloodmaw upright.
Rudolph jumps and snaps both boots into Brakk's upper body with a FLYING DROPKICK.
Brakk staggers.
Then answers with a savage BLOODMAW UPPERCUT that catches Rudolph beneath the jaw.
Both men reel in opposite directions.
They look toward their corners.
Rudolph reaches Van Helsing.
Brakk Bloodmaw reaches Vereyk Nightclaw.
Both tags are made.
Johnny Michaels: “Flying Dropkick from Rudolph, Bloodmaw Uppercut from Brakk, and now both teams change personnel.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good decision by Brakk. He did his job. Let Vereyk Nightclaw take over.”
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph also made the tag.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because the uppercut reminded him where his corner was.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or because that is fundamental tag-team wrestling.”
Eddie Ellington: “You have your interpretation. I have the entertaining one.”
Minute 6
Vereyk Nightclaw enters cautiously.
Van Helsing wastes no time.
He grabs Vereyk as he steps forward and immediately drags him down into the HOLY CROSSFACE.
Vereyk Nightclaw absorbs the initial torque and refuses to panic.
Van Helsing locks his hands tighter.
Fast Count Frank drops beside them.
Van Helsing pulls back.
Vereyk Nightclaw refuses to submit.
He gradually shifts his body toward the ropes and forces enough space to escape.
The moment he is free, Vereyk reaches his corner.
Brakk Bloodmaw takes the tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing wasted absolutely no time going back to the Holy Crossface, and Vereyk Nightclaw had to work immediately to survive it.”
Eddie Ellington: “But he did survive.”
Johnny Michaels: “Absolutely.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's the important part. Van Helsing gets his favorite hold and the Mauler does not quit. Now Brakk comes back fresh.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Maulers are rotating effectively.”
Eddie Ellington: “You are beginning to understand them.”
Minute 7
Van Helsing attacks Brakk Bloodmaw the moment he steps through the ropes.
He hooks the head and tries to rotate into a Running DDT.
Brakk Bloodmaw plants his feet.
Van Helsing tries to pull him forward.
Brakk refuses to move.
He drives one hand against Van Helsing's body, breaks the grip and completely neutralizes the DDT attempt.
The two separate.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense from Brakk Bloodmaw. Van Helsing had the head, but Brakk stopped the Running DDT before the rotation ever began.”
Eddie Ellington: “Power and awareness.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound proud.”
Eddie Ellington: “I recognize craftsmanship.”
Johnny Michaels: “Five minutes ago you called a Cross Body Block two-on-one cowardice.”
Eddie Ellington: “Different craftsmanship.”
Minute 8
Van Helsing changes approach.
He steps inside Brakk Bloodmaw's reach.
Brakk tries to grab him.
Van Helsing catches the throat.
The crowd rises.
With a tremendous burst of strength, Van Helsing lifts Brakk Bloodmaw and drives him into the canvas with a CHOKESLAM.
The ring shakes.
Van Helsing covers.
One!
Two!
Vereyk Nightclaw flies through the ropes and breaks the pin.
Fast Count Frank immediately orders him out.
Johnny Michaels: “Vereyk Nightclaw saves the match! Van Helsing had Brakk Bloodmaw down after that Chokeslam.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is why the Maulers are such a tremendous team.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because Vereyk broke up a pin?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because he knew exactly when his partner needed him.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was absolutely a necessary save.”
Eddie Ellington: “There. You complimented them voluntarily.”
Minute 9
Van Helsing pulls Brakk Bloodmaw back toward the center.
Brakk swings first.
The BLOODMAW UPPERCUT crashes underneath Van Helsing's jaw.
Van Helsing attempts to turn away from the strike but cannot avoid the impact.
He staggers backward.
Brakk Bloodmaw stalks after him.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Bloodmaw Uppercut lands cleanly. Van Helsing saw it coming but could not get out of range.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Brakk is starting to time him.”
Johnny Michaels: “That strike has changed momentum twice already.”
Eddie Ellington: “It will change more than momentum if he lands enough of them.”
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing needs to create distance.”
Eddie Ellington: “Or start carrying dental insurance.”
Minute 10
Brakk Bloodmaw grabs Van Helsing before he can retreat.
He locks both hands around the waist.
Van Helsing tries to widen his stance.
It is not enough.
Brakk powers him high into the air.
CRIMSON CRUSH!
The Gutwrench Powerbomb drives Van Helsing violently into the canvas.
The crowd reacts.
Brakk Bloodmaw rises and immediately turns toward his corner.
Vereyk Nightclaw tags in.
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Crush! Van Helsing just got driven almost straight through the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Beautiful.”
Johnny Michaels: “You enjoy this far too much.”
Eddie Ellington: “I appreciate power applied correctly. Brakk Bloodmaw did not waste time admiring the damage. He hit the powerbomb and brought in Vereyk.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is excellent team discipline.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly.”
Minute 11
Vereyk Nightclaw enters and immediately signals toward Brakk Bloodmaw.
The Maulers attack together.
Vereyk catches Van Helsing, lifts him and sends him flying with the MOONFALL SLAM, the Fallaway Slam carrying Van Helsing across the ring.
Before he can recover, Brakk Bloodmaw charges in and plants him with the FANGBREAKER SLAM.
Van Helsing absorbs both impacts.
But as Brakk moves away, Van Helsing forces himself upright and throws a heavy Roundhouse Right that catches Vereyk Nightclaw across the jaw.
Fast Count Frank pushes Brakk toward the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Moonfall Slam and Fangbreaker Slam from the Crimson Maulers, but Van Helsing still finds that Roundhouse Right!”
Eddie Ellington: “That's fine. One punch does not erase being thrown halfway across the ring and powerslammed.”
Johnny Michaels: “It does show Van Helsing is still fighting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nobody questioned whether he would fight. I question how long fighting two Maulers remains healthy.”
Minute 12
Van Helsing catches Vereyk Nightclaw as he comes forward.
Another CHOKESLAM drives Vereyk into the canvas.
But Vereyk retaliates almost instantly.
He gets up and hammers CLAWING FOREARM CLUBS down across Van Helsing's upper back and shoulders.
The two exchange heavy blows at close range.
Van Helsing finally creates enough space to reach his corner.
Rudolph tags in.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing gets the Chokeslam, Vereyk Nightclaw answers with those Clawing Forearm Clubs, and now Rudolph comes back.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fresh legs for Rudolph, but he is walking into a match the Maulers have steadily made more physical.”
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph survived forty-six minutes at Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes. He also got pinned at the end of them.”
Johnny Michaels: “You truly refuse to let that go.”
Eddie Ellington: “Records are stubborn.”
Minute 13
Rudolph explodes through the ropes.
Vereyk Nightclaw is waiting.
He catches Rudolph near the ropes and drives through him with a CLOTHESLINE OVER THE TOP ROPE.
Rudolph crashes to the arena floor.
Fast Count Frank begins counting.
One!
Two!
Three!
Rudolph pushes himself upright.
Four!
He slides back beneath the bottom rope.
The crowd applauds.
Vereyk Nightclaw immediately backs toward his corner.
Brakk Bloodmaw takes the tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph back inside at four. Vereyk Nightclaw wasted no time testing him on the floor.”
Eddie Ellington: “Smart.”
Johnny Michaels: “Of course.”
Eddie Ellington: “Why wouldn't it be? Rudolph fought forty-six minutes six nights ago. Make him get up. Make him climb back into the ring. Make him spend energy.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is legitimate strategy.”
Eddie Ellington: “I know. That's why I said it.”
Minute 14
Brakk Bloodmaw enters and immediately calls Vereyk Nightclaw back into the exchange.
The Maulers overwhelm Rudolph.
Brakk locks around the waist.
CRIMSON CRUSH!
The Gutwrench Powerbomb plants Rudolph.
Before he can roll away, Vereyk Nightclaw scoops him up.
MOONFALL SLAM!
Rudolph is thrown across the canvas.
He tries to cover up, but the tandem assault has already done its damage.
Fast Count Frank begins ordering Vereyk back out.
Johnny Michaels: “The Maulers have isolated Rudolph now. Crimson Crush followed immediately by the Moonfall Slam.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is gorgeous tag wrestling.”
Johnny Michaels: “Gorgeous is not the word I would use.”
Eddie Ellington: “Timing, precision, brutality. It has everything.”
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph desperately needs Van Helsing.”
Eddie Ellington: “He needed a better schedule.”
Minute 15
The Maulers continue the sequence.
Vereyk Nightclaw grabs Rudolph and sends him flying with another MOONFALL SLAM.
Brakk Bloodmaw remains positioned nearby but cannot add another clean attack before Fast Count Frank begins forcing separation.
Rudolph rolls away.
He gets onto one knee.
Then suddenly straightens.
A familiar swagger returns.
Rudolph breaks into DASHING THROUGH SNOW, shaking off the damage and firing himself back up.
The crowd responds loudly.
Johnny Michaels: “Look at Rudolph! After another Moonfall Slam, he is trying to bring himself back into this match with Dashing Through Snow!”
Eddie Ellington: “He's strutting.”
Johnny Michaels: “He's showing the Maulers they haven't broken him.”
Eddie Ellington: “If someone powerbombs me and then throws me across the ring twice, I would spend less time strutting and more time locating the exit.”
Johnny Michaels: “That would make for a very short wrestling career.”
Eddie Ellington: “A healthy one.”
Minute 16
The situation explodes.
Rudolph charges Brakk Bloodmaw with another CROSS BODY BLOCK.
At the same time, Van Helsing enters and drives a Knee Lift into the advancing Vereyk Nightclaw.
The Maulers respond immediately.
Brakk Bloodmaw snaps another BLOODMAW UPPERCUT into Rudolph.
Vereyk Nightclaw catches Rudolph during the confusion and drives him through the ropes with another CLOTHESLINE OVER THE TOP ROPE.
All four men are involved.
Fast Count Frank tries desperately to restore order.
Outside, Rudolph hits the floor hard.
Frank turns and begins counting.
One!
Two!
Three!
Four!
Five!
Rudolph gets to his knees.
Six!
He reaches the apron.
Seven!
Rudolph slides back beneath the bottom rope.
Johnny Michaels: “Chaos everywhere! Rudolph and Van Helsing attacked together, the Maulers answered, and Rudolph just had to beat another count after Vereyk Nightclaw sent him to the floor.”
Eddie Ellington: “And he needed seven this time.”
Johnny Michaels: “He still beat the count.”
Eddie Ellington: “Four earlier. Seven now. That's called a trend.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or accumulated punishment.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is precisely what the Maulers are creating.”
Minute 17
Order is finally restored with Rudolph and Brakk Bloodmaw legal.
Rudolph tries to move first.
Brakk cuts him off.
He runs through Rudolph with the BLOODMAW LARIAT.
Rudolph tries to turn away but takes the full impact and crashes to the canvas.
Brakk Bloodmaw immediately covers.
One!
Rudolph kicks out.
The crowd cheers.
Brakk looks toward Fast Count Frank but does not argue.
Rudolph rolls toward his corner.
He reaches Van Helsing.
The tag is made.
Johnny Michaels: “Bloodmaw Lariat! Rudolph kicks out at one, but that strike landed with tremendous force.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was not a kickout. That was survival reflex.”
Johnny Michaels: “It still broke the cover.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then he tagged immediately. Rudolph knows exactly what that lariat did.”
Johnny Michaels: “Smart decision to bring Van Helsing back.”
Eddie Ellington: “The smartest thing he's done in several minutes.”
Minute 18
Van Helsing enters and goes directly after Brakk Bloodmaw.
He drags him down.
HOLY CROSSFACE!
Brakk refuses to submit.
He twists his body, gets underneath Van Helsing and creates enough leverage to rise.
The moment they separate, Brakk Bloodmaw grabs him.
MAULER DRIVER!
The Package Piledriver spikes Van Helsing into the canvas.
The crowd gasps.
But Van Helsing, somehow, has already damaged Brakk enough with the Holy Crossface that the Mauler cannot immediately capitalize.
Brakk rolls toward his corner.
Vereyk Nightclaw takes the tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Holy Crossface from Van Helsing, Mauler Driver from Brakk Bloodmaw! What an exchange!”
Eddie Ellington: “And tell me which move you would rather take.”
Johnny Michaels: “Neither.”
Eddie Ellington: “Correct answer. But Brakk just drove Van Helsing directly onto his head.”
Johnny Michaels: “After refusing to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Mauler toughness.”
Minute 19
Vereyk Nightclaw enters.
Van Helsing reaches Rudolph.
Suddenly everyone floods the ring again.
Van Helsing grabs Vereyk Nightclaw and plants him with a CHOKESLAM.
Rudolph catches Brakk Bloodmaw and tries to put him away with TO ALL A GOODNIGHT, cinching the Sleeper.
But Vereyk recovers and drives Van Helsing through the ropes with another CLOTHESLINE OVER THE TOP ROPE.
At nearly the same moment, Brakk Bloodmaw breaks loose from Rudolph, catches him and plants him with the BLOODMOON DRIVER, the Michinoku Driver hammering Rudolph into the canvas.
Fast Count Frank begins counting Van Helsing outside.
One!
Two!
Three!
Four!
Five!
Van Helsing pulls himself upright.
Six!
He reaches the apron.
Seven!
Van Helsing slides back into the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “This match has completely broken open again! Van Helsing with the Chokeslam, Rudolph with To All a Goodnight, Vereyk sends Van Helsing outside, and Brakk answers Rudolph with the Bloodmoon Driver!”
Eddie Ellington: “The Maulers thrive in this.”
Johnny Michaels: “So far both teams have landed major offense.”
Eddie Ellington: “But watch who keeps putting people on the floor. Vereyk Nightclaw is turning the ropes into another weapon.”
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing beat the count at seven.”
Eddie Ellington: “Barely enough for my liking.”
Minute 20
Order returns with Van Helsing and Vereyk Nightclaw legal.
Van Helsing is still recovering from the trip to the floor.
Vereyk attacks.
He drives repeated JUMPING STOMPS down across Van Helsing's torso.
Van Helsing tries to cover but cannot stop the attack.
Vereyk Nightclaw drops into a cover.
One!
Van Helsing kicks out.
Vereyk immediately sits up.
Count Daculescu gives a small approving nod from ringside.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing kicks out at one, but Vereyk Nightclaw is keeping the pressure directly on him.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. No time to recover from the floor. Stomps, cover, make him work.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Maulers have become increasingly effective as this match has progressed.”
Eddie Ellington: “You could have saved yourself twenty minutes and listened to me before the bell.”
Johnny Michaels: “The match is still very much alive.”
Eddie Ellington: “Unfortunately for Van Helsing.”
Minute 21
Van Helsing forces himself upright.
He fires the STAKE TO HEART into Vereyk Nightclaw's chest.
Vereyk absorbs the shot, hooks Van Helsing and launches him across the ring with another MOONFALL SLAM.
Van Helsing hits hard.
Then his attention suddenly turns toward the floor.
Count Daculescu has moved closer.
Van Helsing reaches through the ropes toward him.
The Count glides backward before Van Helsing can make contact.
Fast Count Frank immediately steps between Van Helsing and the ropes and orders him back into the match.
Daculescu smiles.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing finally tried to get his hands on Count Daculescu!”
Eddie Ellington: “And failed.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because Daculescu moved away.”
Eddie Ellington: “Excellent footwork.”
Johnny Michaels: “He has been inserting himself into this match from the fourth minute.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now Van Helsing is the one trying to attack someone outside the ring. Where is your outrage?”
Johnny Michaels: “I understand his frustration.”
Eddie Ellington: “How convenient.”
Minute 22
Both legal men initially hesitate.
Van Helsing and Vereyk Nightclaw circle, each visibly feeling the effects of more than twenty minutes of punishment.
Then the pace suddenly changes.
Van Helsing reaches back.
Rudolph enters.
The partners attack together.
Van Helsing catches Vereyk Nightclaw with a Roundhouse Right.
Rudolph follows with a DOUBLE PUNCH that sends Vereyk backward.
But Vereyk Nightclaw recovers and drives Van Helsing through the ropes with yet another CLOTHESLINE OVER THE TOP ROPE.
Frank starts counting.
One!
Two!
Three!
Four!
Five!
Van Helsing moves.
Six!
Seven!
He reaches the apron.
Eight!
Van Helsing rolls back inside.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing back inside at eight! That was his closest call yet.”
Eddie Ellington: “There is your other trend. Seven the last time. Eight now.”
Johnny Michaels: “Vereyk Nightclaw has been exceptionally effective at sending opponents to the floor.”
Eddie Ellington: “He's doing exactly what a Mauler should do. Why pin someone when you can also make him climb back into the ring?”
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing and Rudolph did land the double-team before that.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Vereyk still ended the exchange standing.”
Minute 23
Van Helsing shakes off the count-out scare.
He catches Vereyk Nightclaw coming toward him.
Van Helsing powers him up and drives him down with a Powerslam.
Vereyk rolls away.
Both men recognize the opportunity to change partners.
Van Helsing tags Rudolph.
Vereyk Nightclaw tags Brakk Bloodmaw.
The crowd rises as the two men from the opening minute meet again.
Johnny Michaels: “Powerslam from Van Helsing, and now we are back to Rudolph and Brakk Bloodmaw.”
Eddie Ellington: “Except neither man looks anything like he did in minute one.”
Johnny Michaels: “Twenty-three minutes of accumulated punishment.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I like Brakk in that environment.”
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph has tremendous endurance.”
Eddie Ellington: “He'd better.”
Minute 24
For several seconds, Rudolph and Brakk Bloodmaw simply watch one another.
Neither commits.
Then Brakk strikes.
He catches Rudolph and drives him into the canvas with the BLOODMOON DRIVER.
The Michinoku Driver plants Rudolph near center ring.
Brakk Bloodmaw covers.
One!
Two!
Van Helsing dives through the ropes and breaks the pin.
The crowd erupts.
Fast Count Frank orders Van Helsing out.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing saves the match! That Bloodmoon Driver had Rudolph down for two.”
Eddie Ellington: “The Maulers had it won.”
Johnny Michaels: “No, they had a two-count.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Van Helsing interfered with destiny.”
Johnny Michaels: “It is a tag-team match.”
Eddie Ellington: “You keep using that technicality.”
Rudolph crawls toward the corner.
Van Helsing takes the tag.
Minute 25
Van Helsing and Brakk Bloodmaw collide immediately.
Van Helsing wins the first exchange and drives Brakk down with a Powerslam.
Brakk rolls through and forces himself upright.
He catches Van Helsing charging and answers with the FANGBREAKER SLAM.
Both men crash hard.
Neither gains a lasting advantage.
Johnny Michaels: “Powerslam from Van Helsing, Fangbreaker Slam from Brakk Bloodmaw. We are twenty-five minutes deep and neither man is willing to yield.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is Mauler territory.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have said that several times.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because every minute makes it more true. They don't need pretty. They need attrition.”
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing appears perfectly comfortable fighting that kind of match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Ask his back how comfortable it is.”
Minute 26
Brakk Bloodmaw signals toward his corner.
Vereyk Nightclaw enters.
The Maulers attack together again.
Brakk cracks Van Helsing with another BLOODMAW UPPERCUT.
Vereyk follows by catching Van Helsing around the body and driving him into the canvas with the SHADOW WING SIDE SLAM.
But Van Helsing refuses to simply absorb the attack.
He snatches Brakk by the head as the Mauler moves past and plants him with a Running DDT.
All three men are momentarily down or staggered.
Fast Count Frank begins trying to push the illegal Mauler out.
Johnny Michaels: “Bloodmaw Uppercut, Shadow Wing Side Slam, but Van Helsing still finds the Running DDT!”
Eddie Ellington: “He is surviving, I'll give him that.”
Johnny Michaels: “More than surviving.”
Eddie Ellington: “No. He is taking two moves for every one he lands. That is called a poor exchange rate.”
Johnny Michaels: “But that DDT may have interrupted the Maulers' momentum.”
Eddie Ellington: “For about three seconds.”
Minute 27
The Maulers continue.
Brakk Bloodmaw surges forward with the BLOODMAW LARIAT.
The strike nearly turns Van Helsing inside out.
Before he can recover, Vereyk Nightclaw catches him.
MOONFALL SLAM!
Van Helsing is thrown violently across the ring.
He lies near the center.
Fast Count Frank finally forces the Maulers to separate.
Rudolph reaches desperately from the opposite corner.
Johnny Michaels: “This may be the most dominant stretch the Crimson Maulers have had all night. Bloodmaw Lariat into the Moonfall Slam, and Van Helsing is in serious trouble.”
Eddie Ellington: “There it is. Twenty-seven minutes and the superior team is taking over.”
Johnny Michaels: “There are still three minutes remaining.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then the Maulers have three minutes to finish the paperwork.”
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph is calling desperately for the tag.”
Eddie Ellington: “If Van Helsing can still hear him.”
Minute 28
Van Helsing forces himself to move.
He reaches the corner.
Rudolph comes in.
For one final sustained burst, Van Helsing remains beside him.
Van Helsing catches Brakk Bloodmaw and drives him down with a Powerslam.
Rudolph follows by driving his forehead into Brakk with a hard HEADBUTT.
Brakk Bloodmaw responds through the punishment.
Another BLOODMAW UPPERCUT snaps Van Helsing's head backward.
The crowd is now standing.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing and Rudolph have found another gear! Powerslam, headbutt, but Brakk Bloodmaw still answers with that uppercut!”
Eddie Ellington: “How many times has that uppercut rescued the Maulers tonight?”
Johnny Michaels: “Several.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Brakk knows exactly where his best weapon is.”
Johnny Michaels: “And we're approaching the thirty-minute limit.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then stop admiring him and finish them.”
Minute 29
Van Helsing presses forward.
Rudolph remains nearby but the pace has slowed.
Van Helsing catches Brakk Bloodmaw with another Roundhouse Right.
Brakk tries to protect himself from the continued two-man pressure but cannot completely stop the punch.
Fast Count Frank begins ordering Rudolph back toward the apron.
The timekeeper calls out the remaining minute.
The crowd becomes louder.
Johnny Michaels: “One minute remaining! Neither team has been able to put the other away.”
Eddie Ellington: “The Maulers have come closer.”
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing had Brakk down after the Chokeslam before Vereyk saved him. Rudolph had a two-count after Guiding Light.”
Eddie Ellington: “And who has spent the last five minutes getting thrown around?”
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing has absorbed enormous punishment.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly.”
Johnny Michaels: “But he is still standing.”
Eddie Ellington: “For now.”
Minute 30
The final minute begins.
Brakk Bloodmaw reaches toward Vereyk Nightclaw.
The tag is made.
The Maulers immediately swarm Van Helsing.
Brakk drives another BLOODMAW UPPERCUT into him.
Vereyk Nightclaw leaps and hammers JUMPING STOMPS down across Van Helsing's body.
The crowd begins counting down the final seconds.
Rudolph shouts from the apron.
Van Helsing is trapped beneath the pressure.
Twenty seconds.
Brakk Bloodmaw steps back, preparing another charge.
Vereyk Nightclaw reaches for Van Helsing.
Fifteen seconds.
Suddenly Van Helsing explodes forward.
He breaks through the opening.
SILVER BULLET SPEAR!
Van Helsing drives directly through Brakk Bloodmaw.
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “SILVER BULLET SPEAR!”
Eddie Ellington: “Get up!”
Ten seconds.
Vereyk Nightclaw grabs Van Helsing before he can capitalize.
Rudolph begins entering through the ropes.
Five!
Four!
The Maulers and Van Helsing struggle for control.
Three!
Two!
One!
The bell rings.
For a moment, nobody stops.
Fast Count Frank throws himself between the competitors and waves both arms.
The bell sounds again.
Johnny Michaels: “The time limit has expired!”
The crowd reacts with a mixture of applause and frustration.
Brakk Bloodmaw sits against the bottom rope after taking the Silver Bullet Spear.
Vereyk Nightclaw stands several feet away, breathing heavily.
Van Helsing remains on one knee.
Rudolph enters and stands beside his partner.
At ringside, Count Daculescu calmly adjusts his coat.
Celeste Orion rises with the microphone.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the thirty-minute time limit has expired! This match has been declared a draw!”
The audience applauds the sustained effort.
Eddie Ellington: “The Maulers had them.”
Johnny Michaels: “Neither team had the other beaten when the bell rang.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at the final five minutes. Bloodmaw Lariat. Moonfall Slam. Uppercuts. Stomps. Van Helsing was being dismantled.”
Johnny Michaels: “And with seconds remaining, Van Helsing broke through and hit Brakk Bloodmaw with the Silver Bullet Spear.”
Eddie Ellington: “After thirty minutes of the Maulers beating on him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Which makes it even more impressive that he had enough left to deliver it.”
Inside the ring, Van Helsing gets back to his feet.
His eyes immediately move past the Maulers.
Toward Count Daculescu.
The Count smiles from the floor.
Rudolph notices the stare and places a hand against Van Helsing's shoulder.
Across the ring, Vereyk Nightclaw helps Brakk Bloodmaw back upright.
The two teams remain separated.
Johnny Michaels: “There is no decisive winner tonight, but there is plenty to take away from this match. Rudolph again demonstrated remarkable endurance less than one week after Fallout. Van Helsing repeatedly survived the Maulers' heaviest offense. And the Crimson Maulers showed exactly why they remain one of the most physically punishing teams in the Polar Division.”
Eddie Ellington: “Finally.”
Johnny Michaels: “Finally what?”
Eddie Ellington: “Proper appreciation. The Maulers nearly won this match several different ways. Vereyk saved Brakk after the Chokeslam. Brakk had Rudolph down after the Bloodmoon Driver before Van Helsing saved him. They repeatedly isolated both men, repeatedly put them on the floor, and controlled the closing stretch.”
Johnny Michaels: “And yet they could not finish.”
Eddie Ellington: “Neither could your heroes.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is why the official decision is a draw.”
Eddie Ellington: “Technicalities.”
Johnny Michaels: “A thirty-minute time limit is not a technicality.”
Eddie Ellington: “It is when I dislike the result.”
Count Daculescu steps onto the apron.
Van Helsing immediately moves forward.
Fast Count Frank gets between him and the ropes.
Daculescu does not enter.
He simply looks directly at Van Helsing and gives him a slow, mocking nod.
Johnny Michaels: “And Van Helsing has not forgotten Count Daculescu's involvement tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Involvement? The Count spent thirty minutes providing moral support.”
Johnny Michaels: “He distracted the referee during Rudolph's early pin, and Van Helsing tried to get his hands on him later.”
Eddie Ellington: “Tried.”
Johnny Michaels: “This issue clearly goes beyond tonight's result.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then perhaps Van Helsing should spend less time worrying about the manager and more time figuring out how to beat the team.”
Brakk Bloodmaw and Vereyk Nightclaw join Count Daculescu on the floor.
The three men begin backing toward the aisle.
Brakk points toward Rudolph.
Vereyk keeps his attention on Van Helsing.
The Count remains between them.
Inside the ring, Rudolph and Van Helsing stand together.
Neither looks satisfied.
Johnny Michaels: “Thirty minutes could not separate them. Van Helsing and Rudolph pushed the Crimson Maulers to the limit, and the Maulers returned every bit of punishment they received.”
Eddie Ellington: “And if somebody had given them another five minutes—”
Johnny Michaels: “I know. Your money would be on the Crimson Maulers.”
Eddie Ellington: “See? You do listen.”
Johnny Michaels: “Unfortunately.”
MATCH DECLARED A 30:00 TIME-LIMIT DRAW.
The broadcast returns to the commentary desk.
Behind Johnny “The Mic” Michaels and Eddie Ellington, the enormous production screen displays a frozen image from the closing moments of Fallout.
Grondar the Revenant stands with the North Pole Championship raised over his head.
Around him are the remnants of the forty-six-minute Fatal Four Way.
Johnny Michaels: “Before we continue tonight, we want to take another look at one of the most important matches from Fallout. Grondar the Revenant entered as North Pole Champion against three challengers, survived forty-six minutes, and left with the championship still in his possession.”
Eddie Ellington: “And unlike some people around here, I don't need a week of film study to tell you what happened. Grondar beat three men.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is considerably more to the story than that, and when we want somebody to break a match down without worrying about whose feelings might be hurt, there is one man we call.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's unfortunate.”
Johnny Michaels: “Here is Dave ‘The Brute’ Kent with a special edition of The Brutal Truth.”
The lights in the arena dim slightly as the broadcast transitions.
A heavy guitar riff plays over a black screen.
White lettering slams onto the screen.
THE BRUTAL TRUTH
WITH DAVE “THE BRUTE” KENT
The graphic fractures into footage from Fallout.
Grondar the Revenant.
Infernus Rex.
Santa Claus.
Rudolph.
Four men standing inside the ring before the opening bell.
The footage freezes.
The broadcast cuts to a dark studio.
A large monitor fills the wall behind Dave Kent.
Several still frames from the Fatal Four Way are arranged across it.
Dave Kent sits behind a simple desk with a stack of notes beside him.
No smile.
No dramatic introduction.
He looks directly into the camera.
Dave Kent: “All right.”
He taps the papers once against the desk.
Dave Kent: “Let's get something out of the way before somebody sends me another message telling me Grondar the Revenant got lucky because it was a Fatal Four Way.”
He leans forward.
Dave Kent: “No.”
A beat.
Dave Kent: “Absolutely not.”
The screen behind him changes to footage of Grondar controlling an early exchange.
Dave Kent: “You can dislike Magnus Blackwell. You can dislike the way Grondar carries himself. You can boo him until your throat sounds like somebody fed gravel through a wood chipper.”
He points toward the screen.
Dave Kent: “But if you watched that championship match and came away believing the champion survived because three other people tripped over each other, then you weren't watching the same wrestling match I was.”
The footage shows the opening portion of the match.
Grondar attacks Santa Claus.
Then Rudolph.
Then Infernus Rex.
Dave Kent: “From the opening bell, Grondar was the most productive wrestler in the match.”
A graphic appears.
EARLY MATCH
GRONDAR SETS THE PACE
Dave Kent: “And that matters because Fatal Four Ways are miserable matches for champions.”
He raises one finger.
Dave Kent: “No disqualification advantage.”
A second.
Dave Kent: “No requirement that somebody beat you.”
A third.
Dave Kent: “Three challengers.”
He lowers his hand.
Dave Kent: “One mistake by anybody can cost you the championship.”
The footage changes to Santa Claus controlling an exchange.
Then Infernus Rex attacking.
Then Rudolph rushing into another sequence.
Dave Kent: “You can't wrestle a conventional match because every thirty seconds somebody else is coming through the side door.”
He pauses.
Dave Kent: “It's like trying to win a bar fight while three different people keep changing which bar you're in.”
The footage freezes on Grondar standing between two challengers.
Dave Kent: “And Grondar handled that better than anybody.”
The screen shows a timeline.
EARLY
MIDDLE
CLOSING STRETCH
Dave Kent: “The champion was ahead of the field early.”
He gestures toward the next portion.
Dave Kent: “Then the match gets interesting.”
Footage from the twenty-second minute begins.
Grondar is hurt.
His movement becomes visibly compromised.
Rudolph attacks.
Dave Kent: “Right here.”
The footage slows.
Dave Kent: “This is where the match should have fallen apart for him.”
Rudolph hits Grondar while the champion struggles to defend himself.
Dave Kent: “For several minutes, Grondar is hurt badly enough that he cannot properly protect himself.”
The replay advances.
Santa Claus attacks the injured champion.
Dave Kent: “And when you're carrying the championship in a four-way match, this is the nightmare.”
He points sharply toward the screen.
Dave Kent: “You're hurt.”
Another gesture.
Dave Kent: “Everybody knows you're hurt.”
Another.
Dave Kent: “And nobody has to feel guilty about attacking you because there are no alliances.”
The footage shows Rudolph exploiting the injury.
Then Santa Claus.
Dave Kent: “Rudolph went after him.”
Dave Kent: “Santa Claus went after him.”
Dave Kent: “They were supposed to.”
He leans back.
Dave Kent: “That's not cheap. That's professional wrestling.”
The footage pauses on Santa Claus covering Grondar.
Dave Kent: “And Santa nearly got him.”
He nods.
Dave Kent: “That was Santa Claus's best opportunity of the entire match.”
The replay shows the near fall.
Dave Kent: “The champion is hurt, Santa lands Down the Chimney, gets the cover, and for a moment the championship is hanging by a thread.”
The footage resumes.
Grondar survives.
Dave Kent: “But here's the problem.”
He points toward the screen again.
Dave Kent: “Nobody finished him.”
The screen goes black except for the words:
THEY LET HIM RECOVER.
Dave Kent: “And if you're wrestling Grondar the Revenant, that is the equivalent of leaving a loaded shotgun on the kitchen table and hoping nobody notices.”
The footage changes.
Now Grondar is beginning to recover.
The pace becomes more violent.
Dave Kent: “Because once he got his legs underneath him again, the whole match changed.”
A graphic appears.
FINAL SIXTEEN MINUTES
GRONDAR SURGES
Dave Kent: “And this is the part of the match that impressed me most.”
He looks directly into the camera.
Dave Kent: “Not that he survived the injury.”
A pause.
Dave Kent: “That he got better after it.”
The replay shows Grondar attacking in the closing stages.
Dave Kent: “The final sixteen minutes were almost as productive for Grondar as the entire opening twenty.”
He shakes his head.
Dave Kent: “That's ridiculous.”
The footage continues.
Dave Kent: “Most heavyweights slow down late.”
Grondar drives another opponent into the canvas.
Dave Kent: “Most wrestlers who have already been hurt start protecting themselves.”
Another impact.
Dave Kent: “Grondar became more dangerous.”
He leans toward the camera.
Dave Kent: “That's the story.”
The replay switches to the thirty-fifth minute.
Grondar has Rudolph down.
The referee counts.
The fall does not happen.
Dave Kent: “Minute thirty-five. Rudolph almost gets put away.”
The footage changes.
Minute thirty-nine.
Santa Claus is down.
Another near fall.
Dave Kent: “Minute thirty-nine. Santa Claus nearly gets finished.”
Then minute forty.
Grondar attacks Infernus Rex.
The cover.
The kickout.
Dave Kent: “Then minute forty.”
He stops.
The replay freezes on Infernus Rex barely surviving.
Dave Kent: “This may be the single most important near fall in the entire match.”
He points toward Infernus Rex.
Dave Kent: “Because Infernus Rex had been the strongest challenger over the course of the match.”
The monitor changes.
INFERNUS REX
STRONGEST CHALLENGER
Dave Kent: “If you want to know who came closest to matching Grondar across forty-six minutes, it wasn't Santa Claus.”
The screen briefly shows Santa.
Dave Kent: “It wasn't Rudolph.”
The image changes to Rudolph.
Then back to Infernus Rex.
Dave Kent: “It was Infernus Rex.”
Footage rolls of Infernus taking control during the middle portion.
Dave Kent: “His best run came in the middle of the match.”
Infernus Rex brutalizes Rudolph.
Then attacks Santa Claus.
Then goes after the champion.
Dave Kent: “When everybody else was beginning to absorb fatigue, Infernus Rex was gaining momentum.”
He nods.
Dave Kent: “And that should scare people.”
A slight smile crosses his face.
Dave Kent: “Because there are very few sentences in professional wrestling less comforting than ‘the giant demon got stronger after twenty minutes.’”
The replay shows Infernus Rex surviving Grondar's near fall at forty minutes.
Dave Kent: “Then Grondar unloads on him late and still can't keep him down.”
Dave Kent: “That's why I leave Fallout saying Infernus Rex did not win the championship, but he absolutely proved he belongs in that championship conversation.”
The footage changes to Santa Claus.
Dave Kent: “Now let's talk about Santa Claus.”
A graphic appears.
SANTA CLAUS
STRONG START
DIMINISHING INFLUENCE
Dave Kent: “Santa was very good early.”
The replay shows Santa attacking aggressively.
Dave Kent: “Actually, better than very good.”
He nods.
Dave Kent: “For the first portion of this match, Santa Claus was the closest man to the champion.”
The replay shows Santa attempting an early pin on Infernus Rex.
Then another.
Neither succeeds.
Dave Kent: “But he spent opportunities.”
Dave Kent: “He had multiple early pinning attempts that went nowhere.”
The footage advances deeper into the match.
Santa's influence becomes less pronounced.
Dave Kent: “And as the match got older, Santa Claus became less effective.”
He raises both hands slightly.
Dave Kent: “That's not an insult.”
Dave Kent: “It's what happened.”
The screen shows the injured Grondar sequence again.
Dave Kent: “He had the champion hurt.”
Dave Kent: “He had one of the best chances anybody got.”
Dave Kent: “He couldn't finish.”
A pause.
Dave Kent: “And against a wrestler like Grondar, you don't get unlimited coupons.”
The image switches to Rudolph.
Dave Kent: “Then we get to Rudolph.”
The screen displays:
RUDOLPH
ACTIVE
RESILIENT
NO SUSTAINED RUN
Dave Kent: “I know somebody is going to hear this and say I'm burying Rudolph.”
He shakes his head.
Dave Kent: “I'm not.”
Footage shows Rudolph attacking the injured Grondar.
Dave Kent: “He recognized the champion was hurt immediately.”
Dave Kent: “Good.”
Another sequence plays.
Rudolph breaks up a dangerous pin later in the match.
Dave Kent: “He made important saves.”
Another.
Rudolph launches into another multi-man exchange.
Dave Kent: “He stayed involved.”
Dave Kent: “He competed for forty-six minutes less than a week after returning from a significant injury layoff.”
He taps the desk.
Dave Kent: “That's impressive.”
Then his expression hardens.
Dave Kent: “But he never controlled the match.”
A beat.
Dave Kent: “That's the difference.”
The footage shows the other three wrestlers having longer stretches of offense.
Dave Kent: “Rudolph had moments.”
Dave Kent: “Grondar had stretches.”
Dave Kent: “Infernus Rex had stretches.”
Dave Kent: “Even Santa Claus had a sustained early run.”
The image returns to Rudolph.
Dave Kent: “Rudolph never found one.”
He points toward the closing footage.
Dave Kent: “And when the champion finally needed one man to finish the match, he found Rudolph.”
Minute forty-six begins playing.
Rudolph is outside with Infernus Rex.
Dave Kent: “Now watch this.”
The footage slows.
Dave Kent: “Rudolph is still fighting Infernus Rex.”
Infernus Rex catches him.
Gutwrench Powerbomb.
Dave Kent: “He gets powerbombed on the floor.”
Rudolph struggles toward the ring.
Dave Kent: “And somehow he gets back inside.”
The replay shows Grondar waiting.
Dave Kent: “And this is where champions earn the belt.”
The footage pauses.
Grondar stands directly behind the recovering Rudolph.
Dave Kent: “No panic.”
Dave Kent: “No wasted movement.”
Dave Kent: “No running around trying to knock three people off the apron like a lunatic.”
The footage resumes.
Grondar grabs Rudolph.
Dave Kent: “He sees the man who has just been hurt.”
Dave Kent: “He knows where the other two challengers are.”
Dave Kent: “He knows exactly what he has left.”
THE AFTERMATH.
Rudolph crashes into the canvas.
One.
Two.
Three.
The replay freezes.
Dave Kent sits silently for several seconds.
Then he looks back toward the camera.
Dave Kent: “That's not luck.”
A pause.
Dave Kent: “That's situational awareness.”
Another.
Dave Kent: “That's championship wrestling.”
The monitor behind him displays a still image of Grondar holding the championship after the match.
Dave Kent: “And here's where I'm going to make some people mad.”
He leans forward again.
Dave Kent: “That was the best performance of Grondar the Revenant's championship reign.”
The image tightens on the champion.
Dave Kent: “Not because he retained.”
Dave Kent: “Not because he pinned Rudolph.”
Dave Kent: “Because the match gave him every excuse to lose.”
He begins counting the reasons on his fingers.
Dave Kent: “Three challengers.”
Dave Kent: “No requirement that anybody beat him.”
Dave Kent: “An injury in the middle.”
Dave Kent: “Multiple opponents attacking him while he couldn't properly defend.”
Dave Kent: “Three different challengers with completely different styles.”
He lowers his hand.
Dave Kent: “And he was still the most effective wrestler in the match.”
The replay shows the championship being raised.
Dave Kent: “Then he was the most dangerous wrestler in the closing stretch.”
A beat.
Dave Kent: “And then he personally ended it.”
Dave Kent folds his hands on the desk.
Dave Kent: “That's a champion.”
The footage changes to Magnus Blackwell standing beside Grondar after the match.
Dave Kent: “Now, I know Magnus Blackwell is going to hear this and spend the next six months telling everyone I finally admitted he created the perfect wrestler.”
He rolls his eyes.
Dave Kent: “Settle down, Magnus.”
A slight grin.
Dave Kent: “You didn't invent gravity either.”
The screen shows Grondar again.
Dave Kent: “But right now, if you're looking at the North Pole Championship picture, everybody has the same problem.”
He points toward the champion.
Dave Kent: “How do you beat a man who gets stronger after you've already hurt him?”
Silence.
Dave Kent: “That's the brutal truth.”
The studio lights dim.
The guitar riff returns.
THE BRUTAL TRUTH
WITH DAVE “THE BRUTE” KENT
The broadcast transitions back to North Pole Arena.
Johnny Michaels: “Strong words from Dave Kent, but I find it difficult to argue with his central point. Grondar the Revenant did considerably more than simply survive Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “I've been telling you that all night.”
Johnny Michaels: “You didn't provide nearly that much analysis.”
Eddie Ellington: “Why use ten minutes when ‘Grondar beat everybody’ works perfectly?”
Johnny Michaels: “Because that isn't what happened.”
Eddie Ellington: “The championship is still around his waist.”
Johnny Michaels: “That part is certainly true. And perhaps the most ominous question coming out of Fallout is the one Dave Kent just asked.”
The camera briefly shows a graphic of Grondar the Revenant holding the North Pole Championship.
Johnny Michaels: “What happens when hurting the champion only makes him more dangerous?”
Eddie Ellington: “You lose.”
The graphic fades as the broadcast prepares to continue.
5. MATCH 2
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The camera sweeps across the crowd before settling on the ring, where referee “Honest” Abe checks the ropes and exchanges a brief word with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels adjusts his headset.
Johnny Michaels: “We are ready for singles competition, and our next match features two men coming from very different places after Fallout. Big Bad Wolf challenged Ghost of Christmas Past for the Universal Championship and pushed the champion through a grueling thirty-five-minute fight before coming up short.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is a very sophisticated way of saying Big Bad Wolf lost.”
Johnny Michaels: “He lost a championship match after giving the Universal Champion everything he could handle.”
Eddie Ellington: “There are no decorative columns for ‘everything he could handle’ in the standings.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tonight he tries to rebound against Ashen Vicar, the Master of the White Flame.”
A slight smile crosses Eddie Ellington’s face.
Eddie Ellington: “Now there is somebody worth watching closely.”
Johnny Michaels: “You've selected your favorite already?”
Eddie Ellington: “I prefer the term educated projection. Ashen Vicar is disciplined, technically vicious and understands that wrestling isn't about making the audience feel warm inside. And he has Elyra Moane with him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Which, judging by your tone, you consider an advantage.”
Eddie Ellington: “Have you met Elyra Moane? Of course it's an advantage.”
The arena lighting darkens.
A long, distant howl rolls through the building.
Another answers it.
Then another.
The crowd rises as Big Bad Wolf steps through the curtain.
Behind him comes the Wolf Pack.
The enormous challenger from Fallout pauses at the top of the entrance ramp, shoulders squared, looking toward the ring.
The frustration from his championship defeat is evident.
He does not play to the crowd for long.
He turns toward the ring and begins walking.
The Wolf Pack follows.
Johnny Michaels: “At Fallout, Big Bad Wolf proved he could compete at the very highest level of the Polar Division. Thirty-five minutes with the Universal Champion is not something that should be dismissed.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm not dismissing it. I'm simply explaining that thirty-five minutes followed by a loss means you worked very hard to accomplish nothing.”
Johnny Michaels: “There were moments in that match where Ghost of Christmas Past was in genuine danger.”
Eddie Ellington: “And yet the ghost still has the championship.”
Big Bad Wolf reaches ringside.
The members of the Wolf Pack fan out behind him.
He climbs onto the apron, steps over the ropes and moves toward the center of the ring.
He stares directly toward the entrance.
The howling fades.
For several seconds, there is silence.
Then the lights shift toward pale white.
A low choral tone begins beneath a slow, deliberate drumbeat.
The entrance stage fills with drifting white haze.
Elyra Moane appears first.
She stands beneath the light, calm and unreadable.
A few steps behind her emerges Ashen Vicar, the Master of the White Flame.
His presence is severe rather than theatrical.
No raised arms.
No acknowledgement of the crowd.
He simply looks toward the ring.
Eddie Ellington: “There.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound pleased.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at him. No wasted motion. No running around barking at the audience.”
Johnny Michaels: “I don't believe Big Bad Wolf was barking.”
Eddie Ellington: “Give the Pack time.”
Ashen Vicar begins walking toward the ring with Elyra Moane several steps ahead.
The crowd offers a hostile reception.
Neither reacts.
Johnny Michaels: “Ashen Vicar brings a very deliberate style into this match. He attacks limbs, controls positioning and has several submission options capable of ending a match quickly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which makes him a terrible opponent for Big Bad Wolf tonight. Wolf wants to charge, maul, overpower. Ashen Vicar wants you to give him an arm and make one mistake.”
Johnny Michaels: “And you believe the technical game favors Vicar.”
Eddie Ellington: “I believe thinking usually beats howling.”
The pair reaches ringside.
Elyra Moane remains on the floor.
Ashen Vicar climbs the steps.
Inside the ring, Big Bad Wolf walks forward.
Ashen Vicar steps through the ropes.
The two men immediately stare at one another.
The Wolf Pack begins howling from ringside.
Elyra Moane does not even turn toward them.
Referee Honest Abe moves between the wrestlers.
Celeste Orion steps into the center of the ring.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by the Wolf Pack... BIG BAD WOLF!”
Big Bad Wolf raises both arms.
A roar rises from sections of the crowd while the Wolf Pack howls from the floor.
Celeste Orion turns toward the opposite side.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent, accompanied by ELYRA MOANE... ASHEN VICAR, THE MASTER OF THE WHITE FLAME!”
Ashen Vicar simply raises his chin.
Elyra Moane gives a small approving nod from ringside.
Eddie Ellington: “No theatrics. Business.”
Johnny Michaels: “You complimented him during the entrance for not raising his arms.”
Eddie Ellington: “Restraint is a virtue.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe checks both competitors.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Both men move cautiously toward the center.
Big Bad Wolf keeps his hands high, expecting Ashen Vicar to attack.
Ashen Vicar begins to step in.
Before either man can establish control, Elyra Moane suddenly climbs onto the apron.
Honest Abe turns toward her.
Elyra Moane reaches through the ropes and shoves the referee backward.
The crowd erupts.
Honest Abe stumbles but remains upright.
Big Bad Wolf turns toward the commotion.
Ashen Vicar advances during the opening, forcing Big Bad Wolf to absorb the pressure even though neither man establishes a decisive attack.
The referee immediately points toward Elyra Moane and warns her.
She steps down from the apron without argument.
Johnny Michaels: “We are barely underway and Elyra Moane has already put her hands on the referee!”
Eddie Ellington: “She moved him.”
Johnny Michaels: “She shoved him.”
Eddie Ellington: “The man was standing in an inconvenient location.”
Johnny Michaels: “You cannot shove an official because he's inconvenient.”
Eddie Ellington: “Apparently you can. Ashen Vicar is still in the match.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Honest Abe is giving her considerable latitude.”
Eddie Ellington: “Reasonable officiating.”
Minute 2
Big Bad Wolf immediately tries to make up for the opening disruption.
He lowers his body and explodes forward.
SAVAGE SPEAR!
The shoulder drives directly through Ashen Vicar.
Vicar tries to turn his body and absorb the charge but cannot prevent the impact.
He crashes hard to the canvas.
Big Bad Wolf rises over him.
Johnny Michaels: “Savage Spear! There is the explosive offense that carried Big Bad Wolf through that Universal Championship match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Cheap shot.”
Johnny Michaels: “What?”
Eddie Ellington: “Ashen Vicar was still settling into the match.”
Johnny Michaels: “The bell rang a full minute ago.”
Eddie Ellington: “Technicality.”
Johnny Michaels: “You defended Elyra shoving the referee thirty seconds ago.”
Eddie Ellington: “Management.”
Minute 3
Big Bad Wolf stays aggressive.
He gets behind Ashen Vicar and rakes violently across his back with the CLAW AT BACK.
Vicar arches from the attack.
Then Elyra Moane steps closer to the apron.
She does not touch either man.
Instead, she says something toward Big Bad Wolf.
Her voice is quiet.
Too quiet for the camera microphone to catch.
Whatever she says causes Big Bad Wolf to turn sharply toward her.
For one instant, his expression changes.
Ashen Vicar uses the hesitation.
He surges forward and attacks before Big Bad Wolf can reset.
Johnny Michaels: “What did Elyra Moane say to him?”
Eddie Ellington: “Excellent question.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf completely lost focus.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then perhaps whatever she said was true.”
Johnny Michaels: “You don't even know what she said.”
Eddie Ellington: “Details. Ashen Vicar recognized the opening. That's intelligence.”
Minute 4
The two men reset and collide near center ring.
Big Bad Wolf overwhelms Ashen Vicar physically and forces him face-first toward the canvas.
He grabs the back of Vicar’s head and grinds his face across the ring mat.
The crowd reacts as Big Bad Wolf violently RUBS HIS FACE INTO THE RING MAT.
Ashen Vicar twists through the attack.
He traps one of Big Bad Wolf’s arms.
ASHES OF THE OATH!
The Arm-Trap Crossface is secured.
Big Bad Wolf immediately reaches toward the ropes.
Ashen Vicar pulls backward.
Honest Abe asks Big Bad Wolf if he submits.
He growls and shakes his head.
The Wolf Pack begins pounding the apron.
Big Bad Wolf drags himself forward inch by inch until he is able to break the hold.
Johnny Michaels: “Ashes of the Oath! Ashen Vicar transitioned directly from being driven into the mat into that Arm-Trap Crossface.”
Eddie Ellington: “Beautiful.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf did not submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “But now he knows what happens if he gives Vicar an arm.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was an excellent transition.”
Eddie Ellington: “Say it with enthusiasm.”
Johnny Michaels: “I'm not joining your fan club.”
Minute 5
Both men remain cautious after the submission attempt.
For several seconds neither commits.
Then Ashen Vicar steps inside.
He drives a vicious JUDICATOR'S BLOW European Uppercut directly beneath Big Bad Wolf’s jaw.
Big Bad Wolf absorbs it but is forced backward.
Ashen Vicar follows.
Johnny Michaels: “Judicator's Blow lands cleanly, and Big Bad Wolf could not get out of the way.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's because Ashen Vicar doesn't throw that uppercut from halfway across the ring. He waits until you're close enough that the decision has already been made.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf is still on his feet.”
Eddie Ellington: “For a wolf, he's very good at standing.”
Johnny Michaels: “Was that supposed to be analysis?”
Eddie Ellington: “Color commentary.”
Minute 6
Big Bad Wolf closes the distance before Ashen Vicar can strike again.
He moves behind him.
The Wolf hooks the head and arm.
LYCAN LOCK!
The Dragon Sleeper is applied.
Ashen Vicar immediately begins fighting the grip.
Big Bad Wolf leans backward, forcing Vicar to carry his weight while the hold tightens.
Honest Abe asks if Ashen Vicar wants to submit.
He refuses.
Elyra Moane watches closely from ringside but does not interfere.
After a prolonged struggle, Vicar forces enough separation to escape.
Johnny Michaels: “Lycan Lock from Big Bad Wolf! That was his best sustained control of the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Ashen Vicar never panicked.”
Johnny Michaels: “He was trapped in a Dragon Sleeper.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. A lesser man panics. Vicar solves the problem.”
Johnny Michaels: “He did escape.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you.”
Minute 7
As both men rise, the Wolf Pack suddenly becomes much louder.
Multiple members begin howling at ringside.
Honest Abe turns toward them.
He moves to the ropes and begins ordering them to quiet down and remain away from the apron.
Inside the ring, Big Bad Wolf tries to use the distraction.
But Ashen Vicar sees him coming.
He catches Big Bad Wolf across the body.
ASHEN WAKE!
The Flapjack drives Big Bad Wolf face-first into the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “The Wolf Pack distracted the referee, but it backfired! Ashen Vicar caught Big Bad Wolf with Ashen Wake.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is poetic justice.”
Johnny Michaels: “You had no objection when Elyra interfered.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was competent interference.”
Johnny Michaels: “You grade interference now?”
Eddie Ellington: “Everything deserves standards.”
Minute 8
The Wolf Pack does not back down.
Several members move around ringside as Ashen Vicar approaches the ropes.
They attempt to surround him from the floor.
Honest Abe is still trying to maintain order.
Ashen Vicar recognizes the attempted ambush.
He turns sharply, moves out of reach and avoids being trapped.
When Big Bad Wolf approaches from behind, Vicar uses the momentum against him.
EXCOMMUNICATION!
The Backdrop Suplex sends Big Bad Wolf crashing over and onto the canvas.
The Wolf Pack backs away.
Eddie Ellington: “HA!”
Johnny Michaels: “You're enjoying this.”
Eddie Ellington: “They tried to gang up on Ashen Vicar and he turned the entire thing around.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Wolf Pack absolutely tried to influence the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And failed. That's what makes this wonderful.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf just paid the price for his own entourage.”
Eddie Ellington: “Another reason Elyra Moane is better management.”
Minute 9
Big Bad Wolf recovers quickly.
He catches Ashen Vicar near center ring, forces him downward and grabs the back of his head again.
He grinds Vicar’s face repeatedly across the canvas.
Ashen Vicar covers up but cannot prevent the attack.
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf going back to that grinding, punishing offense. He is literally rubbing Ashen Vicar's face into the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Very sophisticated.”
Johnny Michaels: “It does not have to be sophisticated if it works.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's the first sensible defense of Big Bad Wolf you've offered.”
Johnny Michaels: “I'm calling the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I'm improving it.”
Minute 10
Big Bad Wolf stays on top of Ashen Vicar.
Again he forces him down.
Again the Wolf grabs the head.
Once more Big Bad Wolf grinds Ashen Vicar’s face viciously into the mat.
Vicar tries to block it but cannot.
When Big Bad Wolf finally releases him, Ashen Vicar rolls toward the ropes and pulls himself upright.
Johnny Michaels: “Two straight minutes of that attack, and Big Bad Wolf has begun wearing Ashen Vicar down.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporarily.”
Johnny Michaels: “You don't think this is taking something out of him?”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course it is. I'm simply confident Ashen Vicar has more tools.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf has controlled the last two minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then enjoy them. I don't believe they will last.”
Minute 11
Big Bad Wolf sees Ashen Vicar rise and charges.
SAVAGE SPEAR!
The impact drives Vicar backward.
But Ashen Vicar refuses to remain down.
As Big Bad Wolf turns, Vicar catches him.
ASHEN WAKE!
The Flapjack drives the Wolf into the mat.
Both men are down after the rapid exchange.
Johnny Michaels: “Savage Spear from Big Bad Wolf and Ashen Wake from Vicar! Neither man willing to give the other sustained control.”
Eddie Ellington: “But notice something. Ashen Vicar keeps answering.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf keeps answering too.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes, but I like Vicar, so mine was the more important observation.”
Johnny Michaels: “At least you've stopped pretending.”
Eddie Ellington: “I have never pretended.”
Minute 12
Big Bad Wolf rises first.
He moves toward Ashen Vicar.
Vicar steps directly into him.
JUDICATOR'S BLOW!
The European Uppercut snaps Big Bad Wolf’s head backward.
The Wolf tries to protect himself but takes the strike cleanly.
He staggers toward the ropes.
Ashen Vicar follows slowly.
Deliberately.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Judicator's Blow, and Big Bad Wolf is starting to show the effects.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's the difference between throwing everything and placing everything. Vicar doesn't need fifteen punches when one lands exactly where he wants it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf has been considerably more explosive.”
Eddie Ellington: “Explosions are impressive. Precision wins surgeries.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's a very unsettling comparison.”
Eddie Ellington: “But accurate.”
Minute 13
Big Bad Wolf suddenly explodes from the ropes.
He lowers his shoulder.
SAVAGE SPEAR!
The impact drills Ashen Vicar.
The crowd rises.
But Vicar uses the collision to reach for Big Bad Wolf’s arm.
Before the Wolf can completely recover from his own attack, Ashen Vicar twists beneath him.
He traps the arm.
He hooks the head.
ASHES OF THE OATH!
The Arm-Trap Crossface is locked in near center ring.
Johnny Michaels: “Ashes of the Oath! He caught him out of the Spear!”
Eddie Ellington: “Beautiful! Tighten it!”
Big Bad Wolf reaches forward.
The ropes are too far away.
The Wolf Pack begins shouting from ringside.
Ashen Vicar pulls harder.
Big Bad Wolf tries to turn onto his side.
The trapped arm prevents him from creating leverage.
Honest Abe drops beside them.
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf has nowhere to go!”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what I've been telling you! Every time Wolf charges forward, Ashen Vicar is waiting for one limb to be out of position.”
Big Bad Wolf tries once more to crawl.
Ashen Vicar cinches the hold tighter.
The Wolf's free hand rises.
He holds it there.
Then slaps the mat.
The bell rings.
Johnny Michaels: “Big Bad Wolf submits!”
Eddie Ellington: “There it is!”
Ashen Vicar immediately releases the hold and rises.
Big Bad Wolf rolls onto his back, clutching the shoulder and neck.
The Wolf Pack surrounds the apron but does not enter.
Elyra Moane climbs onto the apron with a satisfied expression.
Celeste Orion steps forward at ringside.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by submission... ASHEN VICAR, THE MASTER OF THE WHITE FLAME!”
The crowd reacts as Ashen Vicar stands beside Elyra Moane.
Eddie Ellington: “I told you.”
Johnny Michaels: “You certainly did.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thirteen minutes. Big Bad Wolf hit him with three Savage Spears. He tried to overpower him. He tried the Lycan Lock. He had the entire Wolf Pack out here acting like a furry marching band.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Ashen Vicar still found the opening.”
Eddie Ellington: “Not found. Created.”
Inside the ring, Big Bad Wolf sits against the bottom turnbuckle.
His expression is furious.
The Wolf Pack speaks to him from ringside.
Johnny Michaels: “The most impressive part of that finish was the timing. Big Bad Wolf landed the Savage Spear, but that forward momentum left his arm available. Ashen Vicar immediately transitioned into Ashes of the Oath and trapped him in the center of the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what separates somebody who knows moves from somebody who understands wrestling. Big Bad Wolf thought he was finishing the match. Ashen Vicar was already thinking about what happened after the Spear landed.”
Johnny Michaels: “And for Big Bad Wolf, this is now a difficult week. A Universal Championship loss at Fallout followed by a submission defeat tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Maybe he should howl about it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or perhaps he needs to regroup.”
Eddie Ellington: “That sounded less entertaining.”
Elyra Moane steps into the ring.
She walks beside Ashen Vicar and says something quietly to him.
The Master of the White Flame turns back toward Big Bad Wolf.
There is no celebration.
Only a long stare.
Then Ashen Vicar and Elyra Moane step through the ropes and begin walking up the aisle.
Johnny Michaels: “An important victory for Ashen Vicar tonight. He weathered Big Bad Wolf's power, survived the Lycan Lock, neutralized the Wolf Pack's involvement and forced a former Universal Championship challenger to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “You left out the important part.”
Johnny Michaels: “Which is?”
Eddie Ellington: “I picked him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Naturally.”
ASHEN VICAR, THE MASTER OF THE WHITE FLAME DEFEATS BIG BAD WOLF VIA SUBMISSION WITH ASHES OF THE OATH AT THE 13:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The camera sweeps across the crowd before settling on the ring, where referee “Honest” Abe checks the turnbuckles and speaks briefly with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks toward the entrance stage.
Johnny Michaels: “Tag team competition is next, and this brings together two teams with very different approaches. Frostbound Command, accompanied by Magnus Blackwell, face sisters Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl.”
Eddie Ellington: “And this should be an excellent opportunity for Frostbound Command to demonstrate what disciplined tag-team wrestling looks like.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have already made your selection.”
Eddie Ellington: “Naturally. Lady Frost has the experience, Sigrun brings tremendous physicality, and they have Magnus Blackwell managing the entire operation.”
Johnny Michaels: “The same Magnus Blackwell whose client Grondar the Revenant retained the North Pole Championship at Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Success leaves clues, Johnny.”
Johnny Michaels: “So does interference.”
Eddie Ellington: “You always have to ruin a compliment.”
The arena lights darken.
Cold blue-white illumination spreads across the entrance stage.
A sharp orchestral theme begins as artificial snow drifts from above the entrance structure.
Magnus Blackwell appears first.
He wears a tailored dark suit beneath a long winter coat and pauses at the center of the stage.
He adjusts one cuff.
Then turns toward the entrance behind him.
Lady Frost, the Snow Queen emerges.
Her posture is regal and controlled, her expression carrying the unmistakable confidence of someone who expects the arena to adjust to her presence rather than the other way around.
Beside her appears Sigrun.
Where Lady Frost carries elegance, Sigrun projects raw physical intimidation.
The three stand together beneath the cold lighting.
Eddie Ellington: “Look at that.”
Johnny Michaels: “A formidable combination.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's an understatement. Magnus Blackwell manages the reigning North Pole Champion, and now he has Frostbound Command operating under the same philosophy.”
Johnny Michaels: “Which philosophy is that?”
Eddie Ellington: “Win.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is generally everybody's philosophy.”
Eddie Ellington: “Some people are considerably better at implementing it.”
At a subtle gesture from Magnus Blackwell, the trio begins walking down the aisle.
Lady Frost ignores the boos.
Sigrun looks from side to side only occasionally.
Magnus Blackwell remains slightly ahead of both women.
Johnny Michaels: “There is a tremendous contrast even within this team. Lady Frost can wrestle at speed, attack from unusual angles and turn almost any position into offense. Sigrun brings the heavier power game.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which makes preparing for them miserable. You adjust for Lady Frost, they tag Sigrun. You brace for Sigrun, suddenly the Snow Queen is flying at you.”
They reach ringside.
Magnus Blackwell remains on the floor.
Sigrun climbs onto the apron.
Lady Frost enters through the ropes and slowly turns toward the entrance.
Their music fades.
A howl echoes through the arena.
The crowd reaction rises.
Red light begins pulsing along the entrance stage.
Ruby Howl steps through the curtain.
Beside her comes her sister, Scarlett Howl.
The two exchange a glance before looking toward Frostbound Command.
Then they start down the aisle together.
Johnny Michaels: “And here come Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl, two members of one of the most dangerous bloodlines in the Polar Division.”
Eddie Ellington: “They're tough. I will absolutely give them that.”
Johnny Michaels: “That sounded suspiciously reasonable.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm not unreasonable. I'm simply correct more often than you.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Howl sisters have one enormous advantage tonight. They know one another instinctively.”
Eddie Ellington: “Family familiarity matters until somebody drops you on your head.”
Johnny Michaels: “You used that exact logic last week.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good analysis remains good analysis.”
Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl reach ringside.
Both climb onto the apron simultaneously.
They enter.
Lady Frost steps toward them.
Sigrun joins her.
For several moments all four women stand near the center.
Honest Abe quickly inserts himself between the teams.
At ringside, Magnus Blackwell watches with a faint smile.
Celeste Orion steps into the center of the ring with microphone in hand.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Magnus Blackwell... the team of Sigrun and Lady Frost, the Snow Queen... FROSTBOUND COMMAND!”
Lady Frost raises one arm.
Sigrun remains motionless beside her.
Magnus Blackwell gives a short nod from the floor.
Eddie Ellington: “That's the team.”
Johnny Michaels: “The other team has not been introduced.”
Eddie Ellington: “I came prepared.”
Celeste Orion: “And their opponents... RUBY HOWL and SCARLETT HOWL!”
The sisters raise their arms as another strong reaction rolls through North Pole Arena.
Ruby Howl turns toward Frostbound Command and gestures for them to come forward.
Scarlett Howl gives her sister a quick slap on the shoulder.
Celeste Orion exits.
Sigrun steps onto the apron for Frostbound Command.
Scarlett Howl does the same for the sisters.
That leaves Lady Frost and Ruby Howl to begin.
Honest Abe checks both competitors.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Lady Frost moves first.
She hits the ropes, accelerates across the ring and launches herself forward with a Somersault Senton.
The attack catches Ruby Howl and drives her backward.
Ruby rolls through the impact and gets to her feet quickly.
When Lady Frost closes in again, Ruby Howl answers with a series of Knife Edge Chops across the chest.
The crowd reacts sharply to each strike.
Lady Frost retreats several steps but remains upright.
Johnny Michaels: “Immediate pace from both women! Lady Frost opens with the Somersault Senton, and Ruby Howl answers with those Knife Edge Chops.”
Eddie Ellington: “I like the approach from Lady Frost. Don't spend the opening minute circling and introducing yourself. Make Ruby Howl react immediately.”
Johnny Michaels: “Those chops certainly forced Lady Frost to react.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary adjustment.”
Johnny Michaels: “Naturally.”
Minute 2
Both women slow momentarily.
Then Ruby Howl reaches toward her corner.
Scarlett Howl enters during a sudden double-team opportunity.
Ruby Howl catches Lady Frost and drives her down with FULL MOON ECLIPSE, the Code Red folding the Snow Queen hard into the canvas.
Before Lady Frost can recover, Scarlett Howl launches herself from the apron with an Apron Somersault Senton.
The attack carries the action toward the ropes.
Lady Frost manages to counter during the chaos, trapping Ruby Howl with a Headscissors Facebuster.
The momentum sends Lady Frost spilling through the ropes and onto the arena floor.
Honest Abe begins counting.
One!
Two!
Three!
Lady Frost starts moving.
Four!
Five!
She reaches the barricade and uses it to steady herself.
Six!
Magnus Blackwell calls toward her.
Seven!
Lady Frost moves toward the ring.
Eight!
She reaches the apron.
Nine!
Lady Frost slides beneath the bottom rope.
The crowd reacts loudly as she barely beats the count.
Johnny Michaels: “Lady Frost back inside at nine! The Howl sisters nearly stole this match by count-out after Full Moon Eclipse and that Somersault Senton.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nearly.”
Johnny Michaels: “Very nearly.”
Eddie Ellington: “But she got back inside. That's what experienced wrestlers do. She knew exactly how much time she had.”
Johnny Michaels: “I think Magnus Blackwell shouting the count helped.”
Eddie Ellington: “Management.”
Minute 3
Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl immediately try to continue the attack.
Ruby fires another series of Knife Edge Chops.
Scarlett moves into position for a Bridging Northern Lights Suplex.
But Lady Frost sees the combination developing.
She twists away from Scarlett's grip and slips outside the angle of Ruby's chops.
Both attacks miss.
Lady Frost creates separation before Honest Abe forces Scarlett Howl back toward the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense by Lady Frost. The Howl sisters had another combination developing, but she neutralized the entire double team.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's why you don't panic after nearly being counted out.”
Johnny Michaels: “Ruby and Scarlett had her in real trouble.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now they don't. Wrestling is wonderfully current.”
Johnny Michaels: “Current?”
Eddie Ellington: “Yesterday's advantage doesn't help you today, and last minute's advantage doesn't help you now.”
Minute 4
Lady Frost attacks before Ruby Howl can reset.
She catches Ruby and drives her down with the ICE CUTTER.
The crowd reacts as Ruby hits hard.
But Ruby Howl refuses to remain underneath her.
She catches one of Lady Frost's legs and twists into an Inverted Cloverleaf.
Lady Frost immediately reaches toward the ropes.
The pressure increases.
She refuses to submit.
Eventually Lady Frost twists free and rolls toward her corner.
She reaches out.
Sigrun tags in.
Johnny Michaels: “Ice Cutter from Lady Frost, but Ruby Howl answered immediately with that Inverted Cloverleaf.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now Sigrun comes in.”
Johnny Michaels: “That changes the physical complexion of this match considerably.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Ruby Howl spent four minutes trying to keep pace with Lady Frost. Now she gets somebody who would rather run through her.”
Minute 5
Sigrun enters and immediately presses forward.
Ruby Howl tries to create distance.
Sigrun knocks her down.
She hits the ropes and comes back with a heavy Leg Drop across Ruby's upper body.
Ruby Howl tries to roll away but cannot avoid the impact.
Sigrun rises.
Rather than remain inside, she reaches toward her corner.
Lady Frost tags back in.
Johnny Michaels: “Heavy Leg Drop from Sigrun, and Frostbound Command goes right back to Lady Frost.”
Eddie Ellington: “Perfect.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was a very brief appearance.”
Eddie Ellington: “And an effective one. Sigrun didn't come in to deliver a speech. She came in, crushed Ruby Howl with a Leg Drop, and left.”
Johnny Michaels: “Efficient.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm rubbing off on you.”
Minute 6
Lady Frost steps through the ropes.
Ruby Howl immediately reaches toward Scarlett Howl.
The sisters attack together.
Ruby Howl catches Lady Frost and spikes her with a Swinging DDT.
Scarlett Howl follows by grabbing the Snow Queen and throwing her overhead with the WOLF TRAP Snap Suplex.
Lady Frost tries to brace against the combined offense but cannot stop either attack.
The sisters keep her trapped near their side of the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “The Howl sisters have Lady Frost isolated now. Swinging DDT from Ruby, Wolf Trap from Scarlett.”
Eddie Ellington: “Honest Abe might want to remember this is a tag match and not a family reunion.”
Johnny Michaels: “Both attacks occurred during the legal double-team window.”
Eddie Ellington: “Funny. You were much more understanding when Van Helsing and Rudolph did it.”
Johnny Michaels: “I was understanding here too.”
Eddie Ellington: “Your tone was accusatory.”
Minute 7
The sisters continue.
Ruby Howl muscles Lady Frost upward and drives her down with the Michinoku Driver II.
Scarlett Howl remains nearby but cannot add another clean attack before the referee begins demanding separation.
Lady Frost refuses to remain down.
She catches Ruby Howl coming toward her.
Headscissors.
Rotation.
HEADSCISSORS FACEBUSTER!
Ruby is driven into the canvas.
Both women remain down momentarily.
Johnny Michaels: “What resilience from Lady Frost! She takes the Michinoku Driver and comes straight back with the Headscissors Facebuster.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is exactly what I've been telling you. She doesn't need everything to go perfectly. She needs one opening.”
Johnny Michaels: “Ruby Howl landed extremely hard.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now the Howl sisters' double team has stalled.”
Minute 8
The exchange deteriorates into another rapid combination.
Ruby Howl catches Lady Frost first and throws her over with a Snap Suplex.
Scarlett Howl immediately follows.
She catches Lady Frost high and drives her into the canvas with an Electric Chair Facebuster.
The audience rises.
But once again Lady Frost keeps fighting.
She catches Ruby Howl as the sister closes in.
Another HEADSCISSORS FACEBUSTER drives Ruby down.
All three women involved in the sequence are left scrambling to recover.
Honest Abe finally restores order and forces Scarlett Howl back onto the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Snap Suplex, Electric Chair Facebuster, and somehow Lady Frost answers again with another Headscissors Facebuster!”
Eddie Ellington: “That is championship-level composure.”
Johnny Michaels: “Lady Frost does not currently hold a championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “I said championship-level.”
Johnny Michaels: “Fair distinction.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you. Mark the date.”
Minute 9
Ruby Howl recovers first.
She closes the distance and unloads another series of Knife Edge Chops across Lady Frost's chest.
One after another lands cleanly.
Lady Frost absorbs the punishment but is driven backward.
Ruby Howl looks toward her corner.
Scarlett Howl extends her hand.
The tag is made.
Johnny Michaels: “Ruby Howl has repeatedly found success with those chops tonight, and now Scarlett Howl comes in fresh.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is where Lady Frost needs Sigrun.”
Johnny Michaels: “Sigrun is reaching for the tag.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. One good opening and Frostbound Command can reset this entire match.”
Johnny Michaels: “Scarlett Howl may not allow that opening.”
Eddie Ellington: “We'll see.”
Minute 10
Scarlett Howl enters quickly.
Lady Frost tries to move toward Sigrun.
Scarlett cuts her off before she can reach the corner.
She moves behind the Snow Queen.
Lady Frost attempts to turn.
Too late.
Scarlett Howl hooks her.
She lifts.
Then swings Lady Frost violently downward with a Belly-to-Back Pendulum Facebuster.
Lady Frost crashes face-first into the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
Eddie Ellington: “No!”
Scarlett Howl immediately rolls Lady Frost over and hooks the leg.
Honest Abe drops into position.
One!
Sigrun steps through the ropes.
Two!
Sigrun rushes forward.
Three!
The bell rings.
Eddie Ellington: “She was almost there!”
Johnny Michaels: “But not in time! Scarlett Howl has pinned Lady Frost!”
Sigrun stops inches from the cover.
Scarlett Howl immediately rolls away.
Ruby Howl enters the ring and joins her sister.
Honest Abe positions himself between the two teams as Lady Frost turns onto her side and holds her face.
At ringside, Magnus Blackwell's expression has completely changed.
The smile is gone.
Celeste Orion rises with microphone in hand.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winners by pinfall... RUBY HOWL and SCARLETT HOWL!”
The crowd responds loudly.
Ruby Howl raises Scarlett Howl's arm.
Scarlett looks toward the opposite corner before allowing her sister to pull her farther away from Frostbound Command.
Eddie Ellington: “I don't like it.”
Johnny Michaels: “That much is obvious.”
Eddie Ellington: “Sigrun was coming through those ropes. Another half-second and that pin is broken.”
Johnny Michaels: “But she didn't have another half-second.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's my complaint.”
Johnny Michaels: “Scarlett Howl deserves enormous credit. She recognized Lady Frost was trying to reach Sigrun, cut her off, hit the Belly-to-Back Pendulum Facebuster and immediately made the cover.”
Eddie Ellington: “I will give her credit for the finish.”
Johnny Michaels: “How generous.”
Inside the ring, Sigrun kneels beside Lady Frost.
Magnus Blackwell climbs onto the apron and speaks toward both members of Frostbound Command.
Across the ring, the Howl sisters remain together.
Johnny Michaels: “And this is an important victory for Ruby and Scarlett Howl. They had Lady Frost in danger repeatedly, particularly with those extended double-team sequences, and when the opportunity arrived, Scarlett converted it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Let's not pretend Frostbound Command was overwhelmed. Lady Frost survived a nine-count. She fought out of multiple double teams. She repeatedly answered major offense with those Headscissors Facebusters.”
Johnny Michaels: “All true.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Sigrun barely got any time in the match.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be the biggest strategic issue for Frostbound Command. Sigrun was effective when she entered, but Lady Frost spent almost the entire match as the legal competitor.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. They should have gotten Sigrun involved more often.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is something Magnus Blackwell may be discussing with them right now.”
The camera catches Magnus Blackwell speaking quietly but firmly to Lady Frost and Sigrun.
Neither woman responds.
Across the ring, Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl climb onto opposite turnbuckles and raise their arms.
Johnny Michaels: “For the Howl sisters, though, this is a significant tag-team win. They stayed aggressive, continually isolated Lady Frost and ultimately prevented the tag that could have changed everything.”
Eddie Ellington: “Enjoy it tonight.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why do I suspect there's another sentence coming?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Magnus Blackwell does not look like a man who forgets.”
Johnny Michaels: “Whatever comes next, tonight belongs to Ruby and Scarlett Howl.”
RUBY HOWL AND SCARLETT HOWL DEFEAT FROSTBOUND COMMAND VIA PINFALL WHEN SCARLETT HOWL PINS LADY FROST WITH A BELLY-TO-BACK PENDULUM FACEBUSTER AT THE 10:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns to North Pole Arena.
For several seconds, nothing happens.
Then every light in the building goes out.
Not dimmed.
Gone.
The crowd immediately begins reacting.
At the commentary desk, even Johnny “The Mic” Michaels lowers his voice.
Johnny Michaels: “Ladies and gentlemen... we have been told that Mari Lwyd requested this time tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Requested it from whom?”
Johnny Michaels: “I don't know.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was the answer I was afraid of.”
Silence settles over the arena.
Then—
DING.
A single bell sounds somewhere in the darkness.
A long pause follows.
DING.
Another bell.
This one sounds slightly closer.
DING.
The production screen remains completely black.
There is no entrance music.
No graphics.
No announcement.
A narrow beam of cold white light slowly illuminates the center of the ring.
Mari Lwyd is already standing there.
The crowd erupts.
His skeletal horse skull is tilted toward the canvas.
The long, tattered white cloak hangs motionless from his shoulders.
His arms rest naturally at his sides.
No one saw him enter.
At ringside, Johnny Michaels stares toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “There he is.”
Eddie Ellington: “How?”
Johnny Michaels: “I don't know.”
Eddie Ellington: “Again, you continue providing deeply reassuring answers.”
A chant begins.
MARI!
MARI!
MARI!
The skull slowly rises.
A low chuckle slips from somewhere beneath it.
Not loud.
Not triumphant.
Amused.
Mari Lwyd: “Listen...”
The crowd becomes louder.
Mari Lwyd: “...to them.”
He slowly turns his skull toward one section of the arena.
Mari Lwyd: “They sing.”
A pause.
The chant continues.
Mari Lwyd: “Just as they have always sung.”
He turns toward another side of the building.
Mari Lwyd: “Before these walls.”
A beat.
Mari Lwyd: “Before these lights.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “Before any of you knew there was a North worth fighting over.”
The chant begins to fade as the audience listens.
Mari Lwyd walks slowly toward the center of the ring.
Mari Lwyd: “People sing when they are joyful.”
A tilt of the skull.
Mari Lwyd: “They sing when they mourn.”
Another tilt.
Mari Lwyd: “They sing when they are frightened.”
A faint laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “And sometimes...”
One bony finger rises and taps against the side of the horse skull.
Tap.
Mari Lwyd: “...they sing because silence has begun answering them.”
The building becomes considerably quieter.
Mari Lwyd: “That...”
A long pause.
Mari Lwyd: “...is why you saw me at Fallout.”
The crowd reacts at the reference.
Footage briefly appears on the production screen behind him.
Krampus and Jack Frost are surrounded.
Marax the Deceiver.
Abaddon.
Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend.
Then the lights going dark.
And Mari Lwyd appearing inside the ring.
The footage stops before his attack.
The screen returns to black.
Mari Lwyd: “Some of you believe I arrived last Sunday.”
Quiet laughter.
Mari Lwyd: “No.”
His skull turns toward the camera.
Mari Lwyd: “I was merely seen last Sunday.”
A murmur spreads across the arena.
Mari Lwyd: “There is a difference.”
He begins pacing slowly.
Mari Lwyd: “I did not cross the threshold for a championship.”
Mari Lwyd: “I did not come seeking your applause.”
Mari Lwyd: “And I did not awaken because professional wrestlers decided to quarrel over which little kingdom belonged to whom.”
He stops.
Mari Lwyd: “I came because an old acquaintance called.”
A few fans immediately begin shouting the name of Krampus.
Another quiet chuckle.
Mari Lwyd: “Ahhh.”
The skull tilts.
Mari Lwyd: “You do learn quickly.”
The crowd reacts.
Mari Lwyd: “Krampus and I have known one another far longer than your cameras have known either of us.”
He slowly looks toward the entrance.
Mari Lwyd: “We have walked different roads.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “Kept different doors.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “Collected different debts.”
His head turns back toward the camera.
Mari Lwyd: “But winter is old.”
A faint laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “And those who belong to it tend to recognize one another.”
He spreads his arms slightly.
Mari Lwyd: “When Krampus sought another presence for his Demonic Legion...”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “...he did not summon a servant.”
The statement is quiet but sharp.
The crowd reacts.
Mari Lwyd: “He did not find a soldier.”
Another pause.
Mari Lwyd: “And he certainly did not place a collar around my neck.”
His skull snaps slightly to one side.
Mari Lwyd: “He knocked.”
DING.
The bell rings.
Mari Lwyd: “I answered.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “That is all.”
He lowers his arms.
Mari Lwyd: “Our purposes cross.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “For now.”
That phrase hangs in the arena.
Mari Lwyd: “Because something else has been moving through the dark.”
The production screen slowly flickers to life.
One by one, images appear.
Infernus Rex.
Abaddon.
Lilith.
Marax the Deceiver.
Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend.
Finally—
Count Vlad.
The audience reacts.
Mari Lwyd looks toward the images.
Mari Lwyd: “Five creatures...”
His skull turns toward the final image.
Mari Lwyd: “...and one ancient nobleman who believes he understands creatures.”
A low laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “That may be the funniest part.”
The image of Count Vlad disappears.
The others remain.
Mari Lwyd: “They named themselves the Infernal Legion.”
The words are spoken almost fondly.
As though discussing children pretending at something important.
Mari Lwyd: “Infernus Rex.”
The corresponding image brightens.
Mari Lwyd: “A king who carries Hell in his name.”
Abaddon.
Mari Lwyd: “A destroyer who believes destruction is identity.”
Lilith.
Mari Lwyd: “A queen who has worn darkness long enough to mistake it for inheritance.”
Marax the Deceiver.
Mari Lwyd: “A liar clever enough to occasionally deceive himself.”
Then Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend.
The skull tilts farther than seems comfortable.
Mari Lwyd: “And the animal.”
A small laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “The animal interests me.”
The images disappear.
Only black remains.
Mari Lwyd: “Together they looked upon Krampus.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “They looked upon his Legion.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “They looked upon this division.”
The voice becomes softer.
Mari Lwyd: “And they decided Hell had come to conquer winter.”
Silence.
Then Mari Lwyd begins laughing.
Quietly at first.
The laughter gradually becomes rougher.
Then suddenly stops.
His skull snaps toward the hard camera.
Mari Lwyd: “How arrogant.”
The crowd erupts.
Mari Lwyd remains completely still.
Mari Lwyd: “Hell has had kings before.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “Hell will have kings again.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “Kings burn.”
His head tilts.
Mari Lwyd: “Winter remains.”
A strong reaction rolls through the arena.
Mari Lwyd: “When the Infernal Legion came for Krampus...”
He raises one hand.
Mari Lwyd: “I heard the challenge.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “I heard the violence.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “I heard the arrogance.”
DING.
A longer silence.
Then—
Mari Lwyd: “And somewhere beneath all of it...”
His voice drops almost to a whisper.
Mari Lwyd: “...I heard an old friend laughing.”
A low chuckle answers his own statement.
Mari Lwyd: “So I laughed too.”
His arms spread.
Mari Lwyd: “And I crossed the threshold.”
Footage from Fallout appears again.
Mari Lwyd staring first toward Krampus.
Then turning toward Abaddon.
Then charging.
The screen freezes at the instant before impact.
Mari Lwyd: “Do not mistake my choice.”
The footage vanishes.
Mari Lwyd: “I did not strike Abaddon because Krampus commanded me.”
He steps closer to the camera-facing side of the ring.
Mari Lwyd: “I struck Abaddon because I wished to know what sound he made when something older hit him back.”
The crowd reacts loudly.
A low laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “Now I know.”
He takes another step.
Mari Lwyd: “And he knows me.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “That is a beginning.”
His skull slowly turns toward the entrance.
Mari Lwyd: “Understand something, Infernal Legion.”
He raises one finger.
Mari Lwyd: “I am not Krampus's subordinate.”
A second.
Mari Lwyd: “I am not Lilith's enemy.”
A third.
Mari Lwyd: “I am not Abaddon's rival.”
His hand lowers.
Mari Lwyd: “Rivals want the same thing.”
A soft chuckle.
Mari Lwyd: “I doubt Abaddon even knows what I want.”
He begins pacing again.
Mari Lwyd: “I am not Marax's subject.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “I am not Terrorfang's prey.”
He stops.
His glowing eyes seem to intensify inside the hollow skull.
Mari Lwyd: “And I do not kneel to your king.”
The crowd reacts loudly.
Mari Lwyd: “But neither did I come merely to wage someone else's war.”
His delivery slows.
Mari Lwyd: “I have my own purpose.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “My own road.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “My own season.”
He looks down toward the canvas.
Mari Lwyd: “There are doors in this world that should remain closed.”
One finger traces an invisible shape over the mat.
Mari Lwyd: “There are songs that should never receive another verse.”
Another motion.
Mari Lwyd: “And there are things beneath the snow...”
He stops tracing.
Mari Lwyd: “...that should never be taught how to wake.”
The arena becomes silent.
Mari Lwyd: “Something is changing.”
His skull lifts.
Mari Lwyd: “I smelled it before I saw it.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “I heard it before any of you knew to listen.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “And your little war between demon and demon has begun making far too much noise.”
A quiet laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “Noise carries.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “Across valleys.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “Through forests.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “Beneath graves.”
He suddenly snaps his skull toward the camera.
Mari Lwyd: “Some things hear it.”
The crowd murmurs.
Mari Lwyd: “That is my concern.”
He lets the words settle.
Mari Lwyd: “So Krampus and I walk beside one another again.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “Not because one commands the other.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “Because for the moment...”
The skull slowly tilts.
Mari Lwyd: “...we are looking toward the same dark horizon.”
He spreads his arms.
Mari Lwyd: “Call it the Demonic Legion if names make you comfortable.”
A low chuckle.
Mari Lwyd: “Mortals love names.”
His hands lower.
Mari Lwyd: “Names make old things seem smaller.”
He steps toward the ropes.
Then stops.
Mari Lwyd: “But hear me, Infernus Rex.”
The crowd reacts.
Mari Lwyd: “Build your throne.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “Gather your Legion.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “Tell your followers that Hell has found its king.”
He slowly raises his skull.
Mari Lwyd: “I have met kings.”
A soft laugh.
Mari Lwyd: “The earth is full of them.”
The arena erupts.
Mari Lwyd: “Hear me, Abaddon.”
The voice becomes quieter.
Mari Lwyd: “You felt me once.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “You may feel me again.”
His head turns slightly.
Mari Lwyd: “Do not confuse familiarity with safety.”
Another pause.
Mari Lwyd: “The second knock is always worse.”
He taps the side of his skull.
Knock.
Knock.
Then waits.
The audience anticipates a third.
It does not come.
Mari Lwyd chuckles.
Mari Lwyd: “Not yet.”
A strong reaction moves through the building.
He faces the hard camera again.
Mari Lwyd: “Every kingdom keeps a monster.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “Every monster carries a fear.”
Another.
Mari Lwyd: “And every winter...”
The arena lights begin flickering.
Mari Lwyd: “...the dead come knocking.”
He raises one skeletal finger.
Knock.
A second.
Knock.
Then slowly—
Knock.
The lights stop flickering.
Mari Lwyd: “So build your kingdom.”
He lowers his hand.
Mari Lwyd: “Feed your fires.”
Mari Lwyd: “Gather your demons.”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “Convince yourselves that darkness belongs to you.”
His glowing eyes remain locked on the camera.
Mari Lwyd: “Because I am not coming to steal your darkness.”
A faint smile can be heard beneath the skull.
Mari Lwyd: “I am simply waiting to see what crawls out of it.”
Silence.
Then—
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “Eventually...”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “...the fire weakens.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “...the song ends.”
His voice drops to a whisper.
Mari Lwyd: “...and winter comes.”
The crowd begins chanting again.
MARI!
MARI!
MARI!
Mari Lwyd slowly turns his skull from side to side, listening.
Mari Lwyd: “There.”
A quiet chuckle.
Mari Lwyd: “Now you understand.”
He extends both arms toward the arena.
Mari Lwyd: “Sing while you can.”
The lights immediately go black.
The chant continues in the darkness.
Then one final bell rings.
DING.
A whisper fills the arena.
Mari Lwyd: “Come out...”
A pause.
Mari Lwyd: “...and sing.”
Silence.
The lights return.
The ring is empty.
The crowd erupts.
At commentary, neither man speaks for several seconds.
Finally—
Johnny Michaels: “Mari Lwyd has made one thing very clear tonight. His alliance with Krampus is real, but it is not obedience. These are two ancient acquaintances whose interests have intersected again because of the threat posed by the Infernal Legion.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what you got from that?”
Johnny Michaels: “Among other things.”
Eddie Ellington: “I got that somebody needs to check underneath this desk.”
Johnny Michaels: “You were making jokes before he started.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was before he started talking about things underneath graves hearing us.”
Johnny Michaels: “And perhaps the most concerning part was what he did not explain. Mari said he has his own purpose here, something beyond the conflict between the Demonic Legion and the Infernal Legion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wonderful.”
Johnny Michaels: “What?”
Eddie Ellington: “The horse-skull apparition that appears when the lights go out has a secret agenda. That makes me feel much better.”
The camera takes one final shot of the empty ring.
Three faint knocks echo somewhere inside North Pole Arena.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
The broadcast abruptly cuts away.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The lingering unease from Mari Lwyd’s appearance has barely left the building when the camera settles on the ring.
Referee “Honest” Abe stands near the ropes, speaking with the timekeeper before checking both corners.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks toward the entrance stage.
Johnny Michaels: “After what we just witnessed, we return to competition, although I am not convinced the atmosphere is about to become any less unusual. Wicked Witch, accompanied by the Coven, goes one-on-one with La Bruja Muerte, who will have Grizelda in her corner.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now this is my kind of wrestling match.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why am I concerned about the answer?”
Eddie Ellington: “Two women who understand that intimidation is part of competition. No smiling, no handshakes, no inspirational speeches about believing in yourself. Just two extremely dangerous women trying to make the other regret coming to work.”
Johnny Michaels: “And I assume you have selected Wicked Witch.”
Eddie Ellington: “I prefer experience, sophistication and proper support.”
Johnny Michaels: “By proper support, you mean the Coven.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. A good organization provides resources.”
Johnny Michaels: “They are supposed to remain outside the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Resources can remain outside.”
The arena lights dim.
A deep green glow spreads across the entrance stage.
Smoke curls along the floor.
A slow, ominous theme begins as silhouettes appear within the haze.
The members of the Coven emerge first.
They spread out across the stage, forming a loose semicircle around the entrance.
Then Wicked Witch steps through the smoke.
The reaction becomes immediately hostile.
She stops beneath the green light and looks slowly across North Pole Arena.
There is no smile.
She raises one hand.
The members of the Coven fall into formation behind her.
Eddie Ellington: “There. Organization.”
Johnny Michaels: “It looks more like a procession.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's because you have no appreciation for presentation.”
Johnny Michaels: “I appreciate presentation. I also appreciate knowing how many people are coming to ringside.”
Eddie Ellington: “Numbers are comforting.”
Johnny Michaels: “Not necessarily to the opponent.”
Wicked Witch begins walking toward the ring.
The Coven follows several steps behind.
Fans along the barricade shout toward her.
She ignores them entirely.
Johnny Michaels: “Wicked Witch can be exceptionally dangerous once she gets control of a limb. We have seen her attack the legs, slow opponents down and then dictate the remainder of a match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is why La Bruja Muerte needs to be careful. Speed is wonderful until somebody takes away your ankle.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Wicked Witch has no hesitation about making a match ugly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Ugly victories count exactly the same.”
The group reaches ringside.
The Coven spreads along the floor near one corner.
Wicked Witch climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes.
She walks directly to the center.
The green lighting fades.
A low drumbeat begins.
The atmosphere shifts.
Purple and pale white lighting washes across the entrance.
Grizelda appears.
She pauses at the top of the ramp and looks toward the ring.
A moment later, La Bruja Muerte emerges beside her.
The crowd responds strongly.
La Bruja Muerte keeps her eyes fixed on Wicked Witch.
There is no hesitation in her stride.
Johnny Michaels: “And here comes La Bruja Muerte, accompanied by Grizelda. Very different presentation, very different philosophy, but someone every bit as capable of changing a match quickly.”
Eddie Ellington: “She's fast.”
Johnny Michaels: “Very.”
Eddie Ellington: “Aggressive.”
Johnny Michaels: “Absolutely.”
Eddie Ellington: “And she's about to lose.”
Johnny Michaels: “You almost made it through an entire assessment.”
Eddie Ellington: “I completed the assessment.”
La Bruja Muerte and Grizelda walk down the aisle.
As they approach ringside, Grizelda looks across the floor toward the members of the Coven.
The Coven stares back.
Neither side approaches the other.
Johnny Michaels: “There may be another match occurring outside the ropes tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Grizelda should mind her own business.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Coven outnumbers her.”
Eddie Ellington: “Poor planning.”
La Bruja Muerte climbs the steps.
She enters through the ropes.
Wicked Witch immediately steps forward.
La Bruja Muerte meets her.
Honest Abe moves between them.
Neither woman backs away.
Celeste Orion steps into the center of the ring with microphone in hand.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following singles contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by the COVEN... WICKED WITCH!”
Wicked Witch slowly raises both arms.
The Coven responds from ringside.
Eddie Ellington: “Winner.”
Johnny Michaels: “Again, the bell has not rung.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm saving time.”
Celeste Orion turns toward the opposite corner.
Celeste Orion: “And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by GRIZELDA... LA BRUJA MUERTE!”
La Bruja Muerte raises one arm without taking her eyes from Wicked Witch.
Grizelda applauds from the floor.
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe gives both competitors final instructions.
He glances toward the Coven.
Then toward Grizelda.
He points at both sides and makes it clear that he expects everyone at ringside to stay out of the match.
Eddie Ellington: “He's already prejudging people.”
Johnny Michaels: “He is warning both corners.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Suspicion before evidence.”
Honest Abe signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither woman wastes time.
Wicked Witch catches La Bruja Muerte as she steps forward, hooks the head and drives her into the canvas with a DDT.
La Bruja Muerte rolls through the impact and forces herself upright almost immediately.
Wicked Witch approaches.
La Bruja Muerte creates space, accelerates off the ropes and fires both boots into Wicked Witch with a Running Dropkick.
The strike sends Wicked Witch backward.
Both women rise and reset.
Johnny Michaels: “Even opening exchange. DDT from Wicked Witch, Running Dropkick from La Bruja Muerte, and neither woman establishes control.”
Eddie Ellington: “I liked the DDT better.”
Johnny Michaels: “Of course you did.”
Eddie Ellington: “The dropkick requires room. The DDT works when somebody gets close enough to make a mistake. Wicked Witch is already telling La Bruja Muerte that closing distance carries a price.”
Johnny Michaels: “And La Bruja just demonstrated that Wicked Witch cannot afford to give her space.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary problem.”
Minute 2
Wicked Witch changes tactics.
Rather than attack high, she drops toward the leg.
She catches La Bruja Muerte's ankle and twists her down.
ANKLE LOCK!
La Bruja Muerte immediately reaches toward the ropes.
Wicked Witch pulls her back toward the center.
At the same time, La Bruja Muerte manages to twist through the pressure, forces herself partially upright and creates enough separation to fire another Running Dropkick into Wicked Witch.
The impact breaks the hold.
But Wicked Witch immediately grabs the ankle again.
She drops backward and reapplies the Ankle Lock.
Honest Abe asks La Bruja Muerte if she wants to submit.
She shakes her head.
Grizelda pounds the apron, urging her forward.
La Bruja Muerte crawls.
She reaches.
Her fingertips touch the bottom rope.
Honest Abe orders the break.
Wicked Witch releases at the referee's count.
Johnny Michaels: “Wicked Witch has identified the leg immediately. La Bruja Muerte found the dropkick during the exchange, but Wicked Witch went straight back to the ankle.”
Eddie Ellington: “Excellent.”
Johnny Michaels: “La Bruja did not submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's not the point.”
Johnny Michaels: “It usually matters in a submission hold.”
Eddie Ellington: “The point is what happens to all that speed once the ankle starts hurting. The dropkick, the running offense, all of it depends on that leg.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is sound strategy.”
Eddie Ellington: “Write that down too.”
Minute 3
La Bruja Muerte rises with a slight hesitation in the attacked leg.
Wicked Witch notices and advances.
But La Bruja Muerte moves first.
She hooks both of Wicked Witch's arms.
Wicked Witch tries to pull free.
She cannot.
CURSE BREAKER!
The Double Underhook Facebuster drives Wicked Witch face-first into the canvas.
The crowd reacts loudly.
Wicked Witch rolls onto her side.
La Bruja Muerte stands over her.
Johnny Michaels: “Curse Breaker! Wicked Witch saw the danger too late and could not defend against that Double Underhook Facebuster.”
Eddie Ellington: “Lucky opening.”
Johnny Michaels: “There was nothing lucky about it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wicked Witch had spent the previous minute dismantling the ankle. She became understandably enthusiastic and stepped in too quickly.”
Johnny Michaels: “So when Wicked Witch capitalizes, she's strategic. When La Bruja Muerte capitalizes, Wicked Witch was enthusiastic.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now you're following.”
Johnny Michaels: “I was afraid of that.”
At ringside, Grizelda encourages La Bruja Muerte to stay on her opponent.
Across the ring, the members of the Coven become noticeably more animated.
Minute 4
Wicked Witch rises quickly and charges.
She wraps both arms around La Bruja Muerte and attempts to drive her down with EMERALD EXECUTION, the Spinebuster.
La Bruja Muerte shifts her weight.
She hooks one of Wicked Witch's arms and turns through the lift.
The Emerald Execution is completely reversed.
The crowd cheers.
Johnny Michaels: “La Bruja Muerte counters Emerald Execution!”
Eddie Ellington: “All right, reset.”
La Bruja Muerte immediately tries to capitalize.
She hooks Wicked Witch around the body and attempts a Snap Suplex.
This time Wicked Witch plants her feet.
She blocks the lift.
La Bruja Muerte tries again.
Wicked Witch twists free and reverses the attempt.
Both women separate.
Johnny Michaels: “And Wicked Witch answers the counter with one of her own! Neither woman can complete the power move.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's wrestling. Adjust, counter, counter the counter. Now Wicked Witch needs one clean opening.”
At ringside, the Coven begins moving.
One member steps closer to the apron.
Grizelda immediately sees it.
She points and shouts toward Honest Abe.
The referee turns toward the floor.
Another member of the Coven moves around the opposite side.
A hand rises.
A cloud of GREEN MIST suddenly erupts through the ropes.
It sprays directly across La Bruja Muerte's face.
The crowd explodes in boos.
La Bruja Muerte screams and staggers backward, both hands covering her eyes.
Johnny Michaels: “GREEN MIST! THE COVEN JUST BLINDED LA BRUJA MUERTE!”
Eddie Ellington: “Who did that?”
Johnny Michaels: “You can see the Coven standing there!”
Eddie Ellington: “There are several of them. Be specific before making allegations.”
Johnny Michaels: “One of them just sprayed green mist directly into La Bruja Muerte's eyes!”
Grizelda races around ringside toward the offending member.
The Coven backs away.
Inside the ring, Wicked Witch looks toward the blinded La Bruja Muerte.
Honest Abe sees the green mist coating her face.
He turns toward the Coven.
Then toward Wicked Witch.
He immediately signals toward the timekeeper.
The bell rings.
Eddie Ellington: “What?!”
Johnny Michaels: “Honest Abe has seen enough!”
Eddie Ellington: “Wicked Witch didn't spray anything!”
Johnny Michaels: “Her entourage did!”
Eddie Ellington: “Then disqualify the entourage!”
Johnny Michaels: “They aren't in the match!”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly! This is administrative nonsense!”
The bell sounds again.
Wicked Witch storms toward Honest Abe, demanding an explanation.
The referee points emphatically toward the Coven and then signals the disqualification.
La Bruja Muerte remains near the ropes, trying desperately to wipe the green mist from her eyes.
Grizelda climbs onto the apron and immediately reaches toward her.
Honest Abe moves over to check on La Bruja Muerte.
Celeste Orion receives the official decision at ringside.
The crowd continues booing the Coven.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of outside interference by the Coven, Wicked Witch has been disqualified!”
The crowd cheers the decision.
Celeste Orion: “Therefore, your winner... LA BRUJA MUERTE!”
Eddie Ellington: “Robbery.”
Johnny Michaels: “Robbery?”
Eddie Ellington: “Wicked Witch didn't throw the mist.”
Johnny Michaels: “Her own Coven interfered on her behalf.”
Eddie Ellington: “Did she ask them?”
Johnny Michaels: “Do you really expect me to believe they independently decided to spray her opponent with green mist?”
Eddie Ellington: “I don't know their internal decision-making structure.”
Johnny Michaels: “Oh, stop.”
Wicked Witch continues arguing with Honest Abe.
She points toward herself.
Then toward the Coven.
The referee refuses to reconsider.
At ringside, Grizelda uses a towel to clear as much of the mist as possible from La Bruja Muerte's face.
La Bruja Muerte blinks repeatedly and gradually regains enough vision to look across the ring.
Her eyes immediately settle on Wicked Witch.
Johnny Michaels: “And look at La Bruja Muerte.”
Eddie Ellington: “She won. She should be delighted.”
Johnny Michaels: “She doesn't look delighted.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because nobody wants to win this way.”
Johnny Michaels: “Especially after the opening four minutes showed how competitive this could have become.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that I agree with. We had counters, submissions, speed, the Curse Breaker, and we were just getting somewhere.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then the Coven destroyed the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Let's use less inflammatory terminology.”
Johnny Michaels: “They sprayed green mist into La Bruja Muerte's eyes.”
Eddie Ellington: “An unfortunate tactical overreaction.”
Johnny Michaels: “You really found a phrase for it.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's why I'm paid.”
La Bruja Muerte steps toward the center of the ring.
Grizelda tries to keep her back.
Across from her, Wicked Witch finally stops arguing with the referee.
The two women stare at each other.
Wicked Witch does not apologize.
She does not look toward the Coven.
Instead, a faint smile appears.
That is enough for La Bruja Muerte.
She lunges.
Honest Abe immediately gets between them.
Grizelda grabs La Bruja Muerte around the waist from behind.
At ringside, the Coven begins retreating toward the aisle.
Johnny Michaels: “La Bruja Muerte wants Wicked Witch now!”
Eddie Ellington: “She has already been awarded the match. Take the victory.”
Johnny Michaels: “She was blinded!”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporarily.”
Johnny Michaels: “You weren't the one with green mist in your eyes.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is one of several reasons I'm sitting here.”
Wicked Witch steps through the ropes.
She joins the Coven on the floor.
Before leaving, she turns back toward the ring.
La Bruja Muerte remains furious behind Honest Abe and Grizelda.
Wicked Witch slowly raises both hands.
Then gives her opponent a mocking little bow.
The crowd boos loudly.
Johnny Michaels: “There is nothing accidental about that reaction.”
Eddie Ellington: “She has manners.”
Johnny Michaels: “She is mocking La Bruja Muerte.”
Eddie Ellington: “Interpretation.”
The Coven begins moving up the aisle with Wicked Witch.
Inside the ring, La Bruja Muerte points after them.
Grizelda speaks quietly into her ear.
The anger does not subside.
Johnny Michaels: “Officially, this is a victory for La Bruja Muerte. She successfully countered Emerald Execution, she landed the Curse Breaker, and she refused to submit when Wicked Witch attacked the ankle.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Wicked Witch had the Ankle Lock, controlled the leg and was matching her every step before a referee decided to punish the wrestler for somebody else's enthusiasm.”
Johnny Michaels: “Somebody else's enthusiasm?”
Eddie Ellington: “I am trying to be diplomatic.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be a first.”
The camera cuts between La Bruja Muerte inside the ring and Wicked Witch retreating alongside the Coven.
Johnny Michaels: “Four minutes were enough to establish one thing. Whatever existed between Wicked Witch and La Bruja Muerte before tonight is considerably worse now.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good.”
Johnny Michaels: “Good?”
Eddie Ellington: “I want the rematch.”
Johnny Michaels: “On that point, I suspect La Bruja Muerte agrees with you.”
LA BRUJA MUERTE DEFEATS WICKED WITCH VIA DISQUALIFICATION DUE TO THE COVEN'S INTERFERENCE AT THE 4:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The camera sweeps across the crowd before settling on the ring, where referee “Honest” Abe remains following the previous contest. He speaks briefly with the timekeeper, checks both sets of ropes, and then turns toward the entrance stage.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels adjusts his headset.
Johnny Michaels: “We are ready for our final match before tonight's Northern Lights Championship main event, and this one brings together two men who have had very different weeks. Huck Finn gets another opportunity to build momentum against one of the most dangerous members of the newly declared Infernal Legion, Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “Dangerous and underappreciated.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are firmly behind Marax tonight?”
Eddie Ellington: “Have you been watching him? Marax the Deceiver went into Fallout against Krampus, and even after the match turned into absolute chaos, he was still right in the center of it.”
Johnny Michaels: “He lost to Krampus.”
Eddie Ellington: “You always begin with the least interesting detail.”
Johnny Michaels: “It's the result.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then let's discuss the interesting result. By the time the dust settled, Marax, Abaddon, and Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend were standing together under the direction of Infernus Rex. That is a considerably larger story than one match result.”
Johnny Michaels: “And then Mari Lwyd appeared and went directly after Abaddon.”
Eddie Ellington: “We just spent ten minutes discussing the horse skull. I'm trying to move forward.”
The arena lights brighten.
A riverboat whistle sounds through North Pole Arena.
The crowd reacts immediately.
Up-tempo entrance music begins as Huck Finn steps through the curtain.
He pauses at the top of the ramp and looks out across the audience.
There is no championship around his waist and no entourage behind him.
Just Huck Finn.
He claps his hands once, points toward the ring, and begins moving down the aisle.
Fans along the barricade reach toward him.
Huck slaps several hands as he passes but never loses sight of the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “One week ago, Huck Finn challenged Grondar the Revenant for the North Pole Championship on Polar Power. He did not leave with the title, but you cannot question his willingness to take difficult assignments.”
Eddie Ellington: “I can question his judgment.”
Johnny Michaels: “You frequently do.”
Eddie Ellington: “He went after Grondar last week. Tonight he gets Marax. At some point somebody should explain to Huck Finn that bravery and self-preservation are allowed to exist in the same person.”
Johnny Michaels: “Huck has built his reputation by taking chances.”
Eddie Ellington: “So have people who jump from rooftops. I don't recommend that either.”
Huck Finn reaches ringside.
He leaps onto the apron, grabs the top rope and slingshots himself into the ring.
The crowd cheers as he climbs onto the middle turnbuckle and raises one arm.
He hops down and immediately turns toward the entrance.
His music fades.
The lighting changes.
Deep red begins bleeding across the entrance stage.
A low, heavy tone rolls through the arena.
The reaction turns hostile.
Count Vlad steps through the curtain.
He pauses beneath the crimson light, one hand resting against the head of his cane.
Then he slowly turns toward the entrance behind him.
Marax the Deceiver emerges.
His expression is cold.
His attention is fixed entirely on Huck Finn.
Count Vlad says something quietly to him.
Marax gives the smallest nod.
The two begin walking toward the ring.
Eddie Ellington: “Now look at the contrast.”
Johnny Michaels: “Explain.”
Eddie Ellington: “Huck Finn came bouncing down here slapping hands. Marax came here with Count Vlad and looks like he's already decided how this ends.”
Johnny Michaels: “That confidence did not lead to victory against Krampus at Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “There you go again.”
Johnny Michaels: “Facts have a terrible habit of surviving your commentary.”
Eddie Ellington: “And so does Marax. That's the important part.”
As they descend the aisle, footage briefly appears on the production screen from Fallout.
Marax the Deceiver battles Krampus.
Then the post-match scene.
Abaddon.
Wilber Townsend.
Jack Frost.
Finally, Mari Lwyd appearing.
The footage ends.
Johnny Michaels: “Whatever happens tonight, there is no question that Marax now stands within a much larger conflict. The Infernal Legion has made its intentions clear.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which should make Huck Finn wonder why he's standing alone.”
Johnny Michaels: “This is a sanctioned singles match.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is an extremely optimistic sentence considering who is walking beside Marax.”
Count Vlad reaches ringside first.
He stops near the corner and looks toward Huck Finn.
Huck returns the stare.
Marax the Deceiver climbs onto the apron.
He steps through the ropes.
There is no immediate charge.
No shouting.
He simply walks to the center of the ring.
Huck Finn moves forward to meet him.
Honest Abe gets between them.
Count Vlad watches from the floor.
Celeste Orion enters with microphone in hand.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following singles contest is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first... HUCK FINN!”
Huck Finn raises one arm.
The reaction is strong.
He lowers it and immediately returns his attention to Marax.
Celeste Orion turns.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by COUNT VLAD... representing the Infernal Legion... MARAX THE DECEIVER!”
The boos rise.
Marax slowly raises his chin.
At ringside, Count Vlad looks completely unconcerned.
Eddie Ellington: “That's presence.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's arrogance.”
Eddie Ellington: “Successful people frequently have that problem.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe gives both competitors their final instructions.
He then turns toward Count Vlad and points firmly toward the floor.
The message is obvious.
Stay out of the match.
Count Vlad responds with an almost courteous nod.
Eddie Ellington: “See? Perfect gentleman.”
Johnny Michaels: “The match has not started.”
Eddie Ellington: “You're determined to be negative.”
Honest Abe signals for the bell.
It rings.
Minute 1
Huck Finn attacks immediately.
He catches Marax the Deceiver around the upper body and tries to turn him into the CUT THROAT DRIVER.
Marax recognizes the setup before Huck can complete the rotation.
He widens his base.
Huck tries again.
Marax catches the arm, shifts his weight and breaks the hold completely.
The two men separate.
Huck Finn immediately circles.
Marax the Deceiver remains near the center of the ring, watching him.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense by Marax. Huck Finn went directly for the Cut Throat Driver, but Marax recognized it and stopped the maneuver before Huck could get him into position.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's preparation.”
Johnny Michaels: “It was certainly well defended.”
Eddie Ellington: “Marax knows what Huck Finn wants. You don't wait until you're halfway through the driver to start thinking about escaping it.”
Johnny Michaels: “And now Huck knows Marax was prepared for one of his stronger weapons.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means the boy needs another plan.”
At ringside, Count Vlad watches without expression.
Minute 2
Huck Finn refuses to abandon the idea.
He feints toward Marax's legs.
Marax shifts to defend.
That creates the opening Huck wanted.
He catches Marax around the head and arm.
This time Marax tries to plant his feet again.
Huck changes the angle before he can.
CUT THROAT DRIVER!
Marax the Deceiver is driven hard into the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
Huck Finn rises immediately.
Marax rolls onto his side, clearly stunned by the impact.
Johnny Michaels: “Cut Throat Driver! Marax stopped it in the first minute, but Huck Finn made the adjustment and connected the second time.”
Eddie Ellington: “All right.”
Johnny Michaels: “That sounded painful.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm acknowledging the maneuver.”
Johnny Michaels: “Huck Finn learned from the first attempt.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes. Congratulations. He successfully executed the same move he failed to execute sixty seconds ago.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is exactly the kind of in-match adjustment you normally praise.”
Eddie Ellington: “When somebody I like does it.”
Johnny Michaels: “At least we're being transparent.”
Marax the Deceiver pulls himself toward the ropes.
Count Vlad steps slightly closer.
Huck Finn looks toward him.
Honest Abe immediately points at Huck and tells him to keep his attention inside the ring.
Eddie Ellington: “Good officiating.”
Johnny Michaels: “You approve of Honest Abe now?”
Eddie Ellington: “He's improving.”
Minute 3
Marax the Deceiver gets back to his feet.
Huck Finn closes in.
He fires a sharp Back Hand Chop across Marax's chest.
The crack echoes throughout the arena.
Marax recoils.
Huck raises his hand for another.
At ringside, Count Vlad suddenly climbs onto the apron.
Honest Abe turns.
He steps toward the ropes and orders the Count down.
Count Vlad does not move.
The referee approaches.
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad is on the apron.”
Eddie Ellington: “He's speaking with the referee.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is nothing to discuss!”
Honest Abe reaches the ropes.
Count Vlad extends one hand.
Then suddenly shoves the referee backward.
Honest Abe stumbles several steps toward the center of the ring.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Johnny Michaels: “COUNT VLAD JUST SHOVED HONEST ABE!”
Eddie Ellington: “That may have been a misunderstanding.”
Johnny Michaels: “He put both hands on him!”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps Abe leaned forward unexpectedly.”
Johnny Michaels: “Eddie!”
Honest Abe regains his footing.
His expression immediately changes.
He points directly at Count Vlad.
Then toward the timekeeper.
The referee signals for the bell.
It rings.
Eddie Ellington: “Oh, come on!”
Johnny Michaels: “That's an immediate disqualification!”
Eddie Ellington: “Disqualify Vlad!”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad isn't wrestling!”
Eddie Ellington: “Then how can you punish Marax for something somebody else did?”
Johnny Michaels: “Because Count Vlad is officially in his corner and just assaulted the referee during the match!”
The bell continues ringing.
Marax the Deceiver turns toward Honest Abe.
For the first time all match, his composure visibly breaks.
He walks rapidly toward the referee.
Honest Abe points toward Count Vlad and then signals the disqualification again.
Huck Finn steps backward toward a neutral corner, watching the exchange carefully.
Celeste Orion rises at ringside.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of outside interference by Count Vlad, Marax the Deceiver has been disqualified!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Therefore, your winner... HUCK FINN!”
Huck Finn raises one arm.
The response grows louder.
Across the ring, Marax looks furious.
He turns toward Count Vlad.
The Count has already stepped down from the apron.
There is no anger in his expression.
No apology.
He simply looks back at Marax.
Then gives him a small nod.
That seems to settle something.
Eddie Ellington: “See?”
Johnny Michaels: “See what?”
Eddie Ellington: “The Count isn't upset.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why would that make this better?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because perhaps he had a reason.”
Johnny Michaels: “A reason to get Marax disqualified three minutes into the match?”
Eddie Ellington: “You don't know what Count Vlad is thinking.”
Johnny Michaels: “Neither do you.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly, which is why I'm not recklessly judging him.”
Johnny Michaels: “You spent the entire entrance judging Huck Finn.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was informed analysis.”
Inside the ring, Huck Finn climbs onto the middle turnbuckle and raises his arm.
He does not look particularly satisfied.
His eyes remain on Marax and Count Vlad.
Johnny Michaels: “And I don't think Huck Finn wanted the match to end this way.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course he didn't. He hit one Cut Throat Driver and suddenly thought he had Marax figured out.”
Johnny Michaels: “He was controlling the exchange.”
Eddie Ellington: “For one minute.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's one third of the match we were allowed to see.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly why this decision is ridiculous.”
Marax the Deceiver steps through the ropes and drops to the floor beside Count Vlad.
Before leaving, Marax looks back toward Huck Finn.
Huck walks to the ropes.
The two stare at one another.
No one advances.
Johnny Michaels: “There is unfinished business written all over that look.”
Eddie Ellington: “There shouldn't be. Marax didn't lose a wrestling match.”
Johnny Michaels: “He officially did.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because his manager shoved a referee.”
Johnny Michaels: “Correct.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you for proving my point.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is literally why managers are held responsible for their conduct at ringside.”
At the entrance aisle, Count Vlad stops.
He turns.
His eyes settle on Huck Finn.
A faint smile appears.
Then the Count turns away.
Marax follows him toward the back.
Johnny Michaels: “That is the part I find concerning. Count Vlad knew exactly what would happen when he put his hands on Honest Abe.”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps winning this particular match wasn't the only thing on his mind.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is precisely what concerns me.”
Eddie Ellington: “And precisely what interests me.”
Inside the ring, Huck Finn receives another round of applause.
Johnny Michaels: “Huck Finn gets the victory. He successfully adjusted after Marax neutralized the first Cut Throat Driver, connected with the second, and had begun building momentum before Count Vlad brought the match to an abrupt end.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Marax the Deceiver leaves without being pinned, without submitting, and without Huck Finn proving he could beat him.”
Johnny Michaels: “The record will show a Huck Finn victory.”
Eddie Ellington: “The record is lacking context.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's why we're here.”
Eddie Ellington: “Finally, you've discovered my purpose.”
The camera takes one last shot of Huck Finn standing in the ring before switching toward the entrance aisle, where Marax the Deceiver and Count Vlad disappear behind the curtain.
Johnny Michaels: “A three-minute match that may have created considerably more questions than answers. But officially, Huck Finn gets the win.”
Eddie Ellington: “Put an asterisk beside it.”
Johnny Michaels: “There are no asterisks in the standings.”
Eddie Ellington: “There should be.”
HUCK FINN DEFEATS MARAX THE DECEIVER VIA DISQUALIFICATION DUE TO COUNT VLAD'S INTERFERENCE AT THE 3:00 MINUTE MARK.
END PART 1 - PART 2 continued here
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