Aired - September 25, 2026
Black screen.
Rain falls against stone.
A flash of lightning.
The Mythic Crown rests upon the throne of Camelot.
Another flash.
An arrow is embedded directly above it.
Voice-over: “A king may command a kingdom.”
King Arthur stands beneath the banners of Camelot, the Mythic Crown around his waist.
His expression is cold.
Across the darkness—
Robin Hood draws an arrow.
Voice-over: “But he cannot command belief.”
Rapid flashes.
King Arthur declaring the bounty.
Robin Hood refusing to kneel.
King Arthur rescinding the bounty.
Then his final words echo.
King Arthur: “Contact Crowne.”
A black playing card falls onto stone.
Severin Crowne appears in darkness.
Behind him stand Sir Agravaine and Sheriff of Nottingham.
The Eternal Flame Championship rests across the Sheriff’s shoulder.
Voice-over: “When power cannot destroy rebellion…”
Severin Crowne turns over a card bearing the crest of Camelot.
Voice-over: “…it searches for another weapon.”
Black.
A clock begins ticking.
Hansel stands alone beneath pale moonlight.
The air suddenly freezes.
Ghost of Christmas Past emerges behind him.
Voice-over: “Tonight, the past comes calling.”
Hansel turns and raises his fists.
Hard cut.
An axe crashes into wood.
Jack Lumber pulls the blade free.
Another strike.
Lightning explodes across the screen.
Frankenstein’s Monster rises from a laboratory table.
Dr. Frankenstein watches from behind him.
Voice-over: “And the man with the axe moves one step closer to the monster.”
Jack Lumber stares across the darkness at Frankenstein’s Monster.
Jack Lumber: “The bigger they are…”
Frankenstein’s Monster steps forward.
Jack Lumber: “…the harder they fall.”
Black.
Rapid flashes.
Severin Crowne.
Sir Agravaine.
Sheriff of Nottingham.
Ghost of Christmas Past.
Hansel.
Jack Lumber.
Frankenstein’s Monster.
Then—
King Arthur and Robin Hood stand face to face.
The words appear between them.
AGE OF RUIN
KNEEL
An arrow tears through the word.
Voice-over: “Two nights from now, a king demands submission.”
Robin Hood steps forward.
Voice-over: “And an outlaw refuses.”
The Mythic Crown appears.
A crack forms through its center.
The NPCW: DARK FABLE crest erupts through red flame.
Voice-over: “In DARK FABLE… every crown creates an enemy.”
A final bell tolls.
Voice-over: “This… is DARK FABLE.”
Hard cut to the live aerial shot of Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
The crowd is already roaring.
Two nights before Age of Ruin.
The live aerial shot sweeps down toward Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
Inside, the building is alive.
Red and gold lights move across the packed stands while the Dark Fable crest burns across the entrance stage. Signs for King Arthur, Robin Hood, Jack Lumber, Hansel, and Mordred rise throughout the crowd.
The camera settles at ringside.
Julian Ward sits composed behind the announce desk. Beside him, Brick Brody leans forward, already surveying the arena like he expects violence before the first bell.
Julian Ward: “Welcome to Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum. Welcome to Dark Fable. I’m Julian Ward, alongside Brick Brody, and tonight we reach the final Mythic Division broadcast before Age of Ruin this Sunday.”
Brick Brody: “Which means everybody in that locker room has one last chance to make a statement before Sunday. Maybe you’ve got a championship match. Maybe you’ve got a blood feud. Maybe you just want somebody limping into the weekend. I don’t care which one it is, Julian. Tonight is when you do it.”
The screen behind them shows footage from last week.
King Arthur stands before Camelot.
The bounty on the Merry Band.
The chaos that followed.
Then Elias Coldmere forcing the issue.
Finally, King Arthur rescinding the bounty.
Julian Ward: “Last week, the hundred-thousand-dollar bounty placed upon the Merry Band was finally withdrawn. But that did not bring peace to Camelot.”
The footage changes.
King Arthur speaks privately with Merlin.
One sentence appears across the screen.
CONTACT CROWNE.
Julian Ward: “Before the night ended, King Arthur gave Merlin a very different instruction.”
Brick Brody: “And that’s the part everybody ought to be worried about. Arthur couldn’t buy the Merry Band’s destruction, so now he’s talking to Severin Crowne. That isn’t surrender. That’s changing weapons.”
Julian Ward: “And this Sunday, there will be nowhere left to maneuver. King Arthur defends the Mythic Crown against Robin Hood at Age of Ruin. Should Robin Hood lose, he must kneel before the king.”
Brick Brody: “And if I’m Arthur, I don’t want him beaten. I want him broken enough that kneeling is the only thing he can still do.”
The Coliseum erupts into a loud chorus of cheers and boos.
Julian Ward: “Before we reach Sunday, however, six matches await us tonight.”
The first match graphic fills the screen.
JACK LUMBER vs OGRE — NON-TITLE
Julian Ward: “Convergent Champion Jack Lumber faces Ogre in non-title competition.”
Brick Brody: “Perfect preparation for Frankenstein’s Monster. You want to get ready for something huge? Fight something huge. Ogre is going to make Jack Lumber work for every breath he takes.”
The graphic changes.
FAIREST HUNTERS vs THE BLACK CHAPEL
Julian Ward: “The Fairest Hunters, Snow White and Gretel, meet Lady Blackthorne and Prioress Malveil of the Black Chapel.”
Brick Brody: “That isn’t a friendly little tag match. Blackthorne and Malveil don’t wrestle to impress anybody. They grind people down. Let’s see how fair those Hunters look when the Chapel starts closing in.”
Another graphic.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST vs HANSEL — UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The crowd volume rises.
Julian Ward: “And the Universal Championship will be defended tonight. Ghost of Christmas Past puts the title on the line against Hansel.”
Brick Brody: “Now that interests me. Hansel doesn’t scare easy, but the Champion isn’t something you intimidate. You can hit it. You can fight it. The question is whether you can survive long enough to beat it.”
The next graphic appears.
URSA TITANIA vs MORGANA LEFAYE — NON-TITLE
Julian Ward: “Newly crowned Aurora Champion Ursa Titania arrives on Dark Fable to face Morgana LeFaye in non-title competition.”
Brick Brody: “Winning a championship puts a target on you immediately. Morgana would love nothing more than to make the new Champion look mortal before she’s even had time to enjoy the gold.”
The screen changes again.
SIR AGRAVAINE vs LION
Julian Ward: “Sir Agravaine meets Lion.”
Brick Brody: “And after hearing Arthur tell Merlin to contact Crowne, I’m watching Agravaine very closely tonight. Men around Camelot are choosing where they stand.”
Julian Ward: “Perhaps. But until we know more, we deal in what we can establish.”
Brick Brody: “That’s why you’re the responsible one.”
The final match graphic appears.
SIR GALAHAD vs MORDRED
The response inside the Coliseum grows louder.
Julian Ward: “And our main event carries the weight of Camelot itself. Sir Galahad faces Mordred.”
Brick Brody: “That’s old blood, old hatred and two men who don’t need a championship to give them a reason to hurt each other.”
Julian Ward: “Two nights before Age of Ruin, every fracture within Camelot feels wider than it did one week ago.”
The camera slowly pans across the Coliseum.
Julian Ward: “The Mythic Crown hangs over Sunday. Robin Hood refuses to kneel. King Arthur searches for new answers. Jack Lumber prepares for a monster. And tonight, the Universal Championship will be decided inside this ring.”
Brick Brody: “Then quit talking about Sunday. We’ve got people to hurt tonight.”
For the first time, Julian Ward allows himself the faintest glance toward his partner.
Julian Ward: “On that point, Brick, we agree.”
The arena lights lower.
The camera turns toward the entrance.
Julian Ward: “The final Dark Fable before Age of Ruin begins now.”
The arena lights dim as the opening notes of Jack Lumber’s theme strike.
The response from Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum rises immediately.
The Convergent Champion emerges onto the stage with the championship secured around his waist.
Julian Ward: “Here comes the Convergent Champion, Jack Lumber, and Sunday he faces perhaps the greatest physical challenge of his reign—Frankenstein’s Monster.”
Brick Brody: “And tonight he gets Ogre. Big, ugly, mean and standing between Lumber and Sunday. That sounds like useful preparation to me.”
Jack Lumber starts down the aisle.
He barely makes it halfway.
Movement explodes from the side of the entranceway.
Kong hits him first.
The massive creature drives into Jack Lumber from the flank and sends the Champion crashing against the barricade.
Julian Ward: “Wait a minute! Kong!”
Before Jack Lumber can regain his footing, Dragon King storms in and clubs him across the back.
Brick Brody: “There’s your preparation!”
The crowd erupts in anger.
Jack Lumber tries to fight upright.
Then the noise changes.
Frankenstein’s Monster emerges.
Towering over the chaos.
Julian Ward: “No. Not him.”
Frankenstein’s Monster seizes Jack Lumber by the throat and drives him violently backward into the barricade.
The Champion collapses.
Kong stomps him.
Dragon King drives another boot into his ribs.
Frankenstein’s Monster stands over Jack Lumber without emotion.
Brick Brody: “Look at this! Frankenstein isn’t waiting until Sunday to start dismantling the Champion!”
Julian Ward: “This is not a match! This is three monsters attacking one man!”
Security pours from backstage.
Officials separate Kong and Dragon King from the fallen Champion.
Several more position themselves between Frankenstein’s Monster and Jack Lumber.
The Monster does not resist.
He simply stares down at the Champion.
Security forces all three attackers toward the back.
Frankenstein’s Monster never takes his eyes off Jack Lumber.
The medical staff kneels beside the Convergent Champion.
Julian Ward: “They need to stop this. Jack Lumber has a match scheduled, but there is no justification for allowing him to compete after that assault.”
Brick Brody: “You go tell him.”
An official speaks to Jack Lumber.
The Champion pushes his hand away.
He rolls onto one knee.
Grabs the barricade.
And slowly pulls himself upright.
The Coliseum rises with him.
Julian Ward: “He can barely stand.”
Brick Brody: “But he is standing.”
Jack Lumber looks toward the entrance tunnel where his attackers disappeared.
Then toward the ring.
He adjusts the Convergent Championship around his waist.
And continues walking.
Julian Ward: “Of course he does.”
Brick Brody: “That’s why he’s Champion.”
Inside the ring, Louie Linville waits as Jack Lumber steps through the ropes.
The Champion removes the title and reluctantly hands it to the ringside attendant.
His movements are visibly slower than usual.
Then the lights change.
Dr. Frankenstein appears on the stage.
Beside him stands Ogre.
The enormous brute marches toward the ring while Dr. Frankenstein follows several steps behind, watching Jack Lumber with clinical interest.
Julian Ward: “And now you have to wonder how much of that attack was planned specifically to soften Jack Lumber for Ogre.”
Brick Brody: “Wonder? Look at Dr. Frankenstein’s face. He looks like a man watching an experiment proceed exactly as designed.”
Ogre steps over the top rope.
Dr. Frankenstein takes his position at ringside.
Referee ‘Honest’ Abe checks both competitors before turning the ring over to Louie Linville.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a non-title match!”
The crowd swells.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Dr. Frankenstein... OGRE!”
Ogre raises both arms and releases a guttural roar.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent... he is the reigning NPCW Convergent Champion... JACK LUMBER!”
The Coliseum erupts.
Jack Lumber raises one fist.
He does not take his eyes from Ogre.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Jack Lumber starts cautiously, clearly protecting the ribs damaged during the pre-match assault.
Ogre does not allow him time to settle.
The giant closes the distance and drives a brutal sledge into Jack Lumber’s chest.
The Champion absorbs the blow but staggers backward into the ropes.
Julian Ward: “One strike, and already you can see the effect. Lumber came into this match compromised and Ogre immediately attacks the upper body.”
Brick Brody: “That chest already got introduced to barricades and boots. Ogre is smart enough to keep breaking the same piece.”
Minute 2
Jack Lumber attempts to circle away, but Ogre cuts him off.
The brute hooks him around the waist, muscles him upward and drops the Convergent Champion with a piledriver.
Jack Lumber’s body folds into the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Piledriver! Jack Lumber tried to defend it, but he could not stop the power of Ogre.”
Brick Brody: “That attack did exactly what it was supposed to do. Lumber’s reactions are slower, his base is weaker, and now Ogre is dropping him on his head.”
Minute 3
Ogre moves forward again.
This time Jack Lumber explodes.
The Champion drives through the giant with a spear.
The impact sends Ogre crashing backward to the mat.
Julian Ward: “There is the answer! Jack Lumber finds the spear and finally creates some separation.”
Brick Brody: “That wasn’t pretty. It didn’t need to be. Hurt men don’t need pretty. They need something that changes the fight.”
Minute 4
Jack Lumber tries to build momentum and drives a hard elbow smash into Ogre’s jaw.
The giant rocks backward but remains standing.
Ogre responds immediately.
He catches Jack Lumber and plants him with another piledriver.
Julian Ward: “Lumber lands clean, but Ogre answers with a second piledriver.”
Brick Brody: “That’s the problem when you’re fighting a man that size. You can hit him hard and still be standing directly in front of him when he decides to hit back.”
Minute 5
Jack Lumber pushes himself up using the ropes.
Ogre charges and drives another sledge directly into his chest.
The Champion attempts to brace for it.
He cannot.
The blow folds him against the ropes.
Julian Ward: “Again to the chest, and Ogre is showing no interest in allowing Jack Lumber any recovery.”
Brick Brody: “Why should he? Lumber made the decision to wrestle. Once that bell rings, being hurt isn’t an excuse. It’s an invitation.”
Minute 6
Ogre reaches for him.
Jack Lumber bursts underneath and drives him down with another spear.
The crowd roars as the giant hits the canvas.
But Ogre recovers quickly, catches Jack Lumber coming forward and sends him over with a snap mare.
Julian Ward: “Another spear from Lumber, but he cannot maintain control. Ogre answers before the Champion can capitalize.”
Brick Brody: “That tells you everything about Lumber’s condition. Normally that spear starts a run. Tonight he lands it and still can’t keep the big man down.”
Minute 7
Jack Lumber steps inside and unloads a heavy chop across Ogre’s chest.
The sound echoes through the Coliseum.
Ogre grimaces, grabs the Champion and snaps him over again with another snap mare.
Julian Ward: “Lumber is refusing to retreat, but every exchange is costing him.”
Brick Brody: “And Ogre doesn’t care how tough he is. Toughness only matters if your body keeps answering when you call on it.”
Minute 8
Jack Lumber ducks underneath another approach.
He gets both arms around Ogre.
The crowd rises.
With a roar, Jack Lumber hauls the enormous man off his feet and drives him down with the Yukon Bodyslam.
Julian Ward: “Yukon Bodyslam! Somehow Jack Lumber got Ogre off the ground!”
Brick Brody: “That took everything he had—and look!”
Ogre surges back moments later and crashes down across Jack Lumber with a massive butt drop.
Brick Brody: “There it is! You spend all that strength throwing the mountain, and then the mountain lands on you.”
Minute 9
Jack Lumber forces himself upright and cracks another chop across Ogre’s chest.
Ogre barely gives ground.
He steps forward and smashes another sledge into Jack Lumber’s upper body.
The Champion drops to one knee.
Julian Ward: “Lumber keeps finding offense, but Ogre is winning these physical exchanges.”
Brick Brody: “Because Lumber is fighting two matches. He’s fighting Ogre, and he’s fighting everything that Kong, Dragon King and Frankenstein’s Monster did to him before the bell.”
Minute 10
Jack Lumber tries to protect himself as Ogre closes in.
Another enormous sledge crashes into his chest.
Jack Lumber absorbs it.
He stays standing for one second.
Then two.
Then falls backward against the turnbuckles.
Julian Ward: “Another direct shot. Jack Lumber is surviving, but survival and control are very different things.”
Brick Brody: “And Dr. Frankenstein knows it. Look at him. He’s studying every breath Lumber takes.”
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein watches silently.
Minute 11
Ogre pulls the Champion out of the corner.
Jack Lumber tries to plant his feet.
Ogre overpowers him and throws him across the mat with another snap mare.
Jack Lumber lands hard and remains seated for several moments.
Julian Ward: “The cumulative punishment is becoming impossible to ignore.”
Brick Brody: “This is what Sunday could look like, Julian. Only Frankenstein’s Monster is bigger, stronger and meaner.”
Minute 12
Jack Lumber attempts to rise.
Ogre stands over him.
The giant drives a kneedrop down across the Champion.
Jack Lumber rolls toward the ropes clutching his upper body.
Julian Ward: “Kneedrop from Ogre, and Jack Lumber has almost nothing left with which to defend himself.”
Brick Brody: “But he still hasn’t stayed down. I’ll give the lunatic that. He’s getting beaten apart and he keeps trying to stand.”
Minute 13
Jack Lumber pulls himself upright one more time.
Ogre steps toward him.
The Champion catches the giant and drops him across the knee with an atomic drop.
Ogre stumbles forward.
For an instant, Jack Lumber has an opening.
He cannot move quickly enough to exploit it.
Ogre turns.
Hooks him.
Lifts him.
And drives Jack Lumber into the canvas with a third piledriver.
The Coliseum gasps.
Ogre covers.
‘Honest’ Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
Dr. Frankenstein smiles at ringside.
Ogre rises over the fallen Convergent Champion.
Louie Linville: “Here is your winner... OGRE!”
Jack Lumber remains down as ‘Honest’ Abe checks on him.
Julian Ward: “Ogre defeats the Convergent Champion, but this match began long before the opening bell. Jack Lumber survived the assault, insisted on competing, and ultimately paid for that decision.”
Brick Brody: “He made the choice. Nobody forced him into that ring. But if Dr. Frankenstein wanted proof that his Monster can hurt Jack Lumber Sunday, he just got thirteen minutes of evidence.”
The camera finds Dr. Frankenstein.
He looks down at Jack Lumber.
Then slowly toward the entrance.
Almost as though someone else is watching.
Julian Ward: “And that may be the greater concern. Tonight it took Kong, Dragon King and Frankenstein’s Monster to compromise Jack Lumber before Ogre finished the work.”
The camera returns to the Champion.
Jack Lumber has rolled onto one elbow.
Still hurt.
Still conscious.
Julian Ward: “Sunday, there will be no Ogre standing between them.”
Brick Brody: “No. Sunday the axe finally gets the monster.”
Julian Ward: “Or the monster takes the axe away.”
OGRE DEFEATS JACK LUMBER VIA PINFALL AT THE 13:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns from commercial.
The camera opens on the center of the ring.
The entire Champions of Camelot stand together.
King Arthur is positioned at the front, the Mythic Crown around his waist and his royal crown upon his head.
Merlin stands several steps behind him.
Lady Guinevere is at his side.
Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, and Sir Gawain form a line behind their king.
The reaction from Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum is divided.
Cheers.
Boos.
Arguments break out between sections of the crowd.
At ringside, Julian Ward watches carefully.
Julian Ward: “The entire court of King Arthur assembled in the ring, and after everything that has happened over the last several weeks, that is a significant image.”
Brick Brody: “It’s a show of strength. When your kingdom starts looking shaky, you put every sword you’ve got where everybody can see it.”
Inside the ring, King Arthur raises one hand.
The noise slowly settles.
Arthur takes the microphone.
King Arthur: “People of Camelot... your champions are here.”
The crowd immediately responds with another mixture of cheers and boos.
King Arthur allows it.
His expression hardens.
King Arthur: “You may cheer.”
More cheers.
King Arthur: “You may jeer.”
The boos increase.
King Arthur: “But you will listen.”
That draws another loud reaction.
Sir Lancelot glances toward the crowd.
Merlin does not move.
King Arthur: “For too long, this kingdom has endured thieves masquerading as heroes.”
Boos begin building.
King Arthur: “Men who hide in forests.”
King Arthur: “Men who attack from shadows.”
King Arthur: “Men who believe that because they have stolen the affection of the people, they have somehow earned the right to challenge the throne.”
Chants for Robin Hood begin breaking out.
Arthur pauses.
His jaw tightens.
King Arthur: “As your King, I am here tonight to assure you that the age of outlaws is done.”
The chants grow louder.
King Arthur: “This Sunday, the Prince of Thieves will fall to the King of Camelot.”
Arthur slowly looks around the Coliseum.
King Arthur: “And after he falls...”
He smiles.
King Arthur: “...he will bow to his King.”
The boos rain down.
Lady Guinevere watches the crowd with visible concern.
Sir Galahad keeps his eyes toward the entrance.
King Arthur: “And I just may be merciful enough to accept—”
A sharp whistle cuts through the arena.
Arthur stops.
Another whistle answers from the opposite side of the Coliseum.
Then another.
Then dozens.
The crowd begins looking upward.
Arthur slowly turns his head toward the rafters.
King Arthur: “Enough.”
Another whistle.
Louder.
Closer.
Sir Gawain looks upward.
Sir Lancelot steps forward.
Merlin raises his eyes.
Suddenly—
A flaming arrow tears through the darkness.
It slams into the top turnbuckle.
Fire bursts across the padding.
The Coliseum erupts.
Julian Ward: “A flaming arrow!”
Brick Brody: “Oh, now that’ll get the King’s attention.”
Arthur spins toward the corner.
And then the ropes descend.
Three figures drop from the rafters.
Robin Hood.
Allan A Dale.
Blood-Moon Warden.
They land inside the ring.
The crowd explodes.
Julian Ward: “The Merry Band!”
Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, and Sir Gawain immediately form around King Arthur.
But before they can close in—
The audience erupts behind them.
Little John vaults the barricade.
Friar Tuck follows.
Both slide into the ring.
Brick Brody: “They’re coming from everywhere!”
Chaos erupts.
Little John charges directly into Sir Gawain.
The two collide near the ropes.
Friar Tuck meets Sir Galahad with a heavy forearm.
Blood-Moon Warden engages Sir Lancelot.
Allan A Dale joins the fight, hammering away at the Knights as the ring fills with bodies.
Merlin backs toward the corner.
Arthur stands his ground.
Then another roar rises from the audience.
Lark of Sherwood slides into the ring.
Maid Marion follows her.
Lady Guinevere steps forward.
There is no hesitation.
Guinevere and Marion collide first.
Lark joins immediately, forcing Guinevere back toward the ropes.
Julian Ward: “This has completely broken down!”
Brick Brody: “This isn’t a breakdown. This is an invasion!”
In the center of everything—
King Arthur and Robin Hood stand face to face.
The fighting around them seems to disappear.
Arthur removes the microphone from his hand and drops it.
Robin grins.
Arthur steps forward.
Robin does the same.
Neither man looks away.
The crowd rises.
One step closer.
Then another.
Arthur raises his fists.
Robin looks down at them.
Then back at the King.
He smiles.
Robin Hood: “Sunday.”
Arthur lunges forward—
But Robin moves first.
Not with a punch.
With his hand.
He snatches the royal crown straight from Arthur’s head.
The crowd erupts.
Arthur freezes.
For one second, disbelief replaces anger.
Robin looks at the crown.
Then places it upon his own head.
Crooked.
Tilted sharply to one side.
He spreads his arms.
The roar inside the Coliseum becomes deafening.
Brick Brody: “Oh, that is disrespectful.”
Julian Ward: “He has taken the King’s crown.”
Brick Brody: “No, he’s mocking it.”
Arthur’s face turns crimson.
King Arthur: “Give me that!”
Robin leans slightly forward.
Still smiling.
Robin Hood: “Come take it.”
Arthur surges forward.
Robin whistles.
Immediately, the Merry Band disengages.
Little John shoves Sir Gawain away.
Friar Tuck backs off from Sir Galahad.
Blood-Moon Warden breaks from Sir Lancelot.
Allan A Dale grabs one of the hanging ropes.
Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion retreat from Lady Guinevere.
One by one, ropes are seized.
The Merry Band begins rising toward the rafters.
Arthur rushes toward Robin.
Too late.
Robin Hood grabs his own line.
The rope snaps upward.
He rises above the ring.
Still wearing Arthur’s crown.
Still laughing.
King Arthur: “ROBIN!”
Arthur reaches upward helplessly.
Robin looks down.
He removes the crown.
Examines it.
Then places it back on his head at an even more exaggerated angle.
The crowd roars.
King Arthur is furious.
Sir Lancelot moves beside him.
Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain regroup.
Lady Guinevere stares upward at Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood as they disappear into the darkness.
Merlin slowly approaches Arthur.
Above them, Robin Hood and the Merry Band vanish into the rafters.
The last thing visible is the stolen crown.
Julian Ward: “Two nights before Age of Ruin, Robin Hood has walked into the heart of Camelot and taken the King’s crown from his head.”
Brick Brody: “That was stupid.”
Julian Ward: “You think so?”
Brick Brody: “Absolutely. Funny? Yes. Effective? Definitely. But now Arthur doesn’t just want him beaten. He wants him destroyed.”
The camera moves closer to King Arthur.
His eyes remain fixed on the rafters.
His breathing is heavy.
His hands shake with rage.
Julian Ward: “Sunday was already about the Mythic Crown.”
The camera tightens further.
Julian Ward: “Now it has become something far more personal.”
Arthur looks toward Merlin.
No words are exchanged.
None are necessary.
The image fades with the King standing beneath the empty rafters—
Without his crown.
The arena lights brighten as the entrance music of the Fairest Hunters begins.
Snow White steps onto the stage first, composed and focused.
Gretel emerges beside her with considerably more fire, already staring toward the ring.
The two women make their way down the aisle together.
Julian Ward: “The Fairest Hunters have developed quickly as a team. Snow White brings precision. Gretel brings aggression. Together, they have become increasingly difficult to contain.”
Brick Brody: “I like Gretel. She looks like she’d kick down the door instead of wasting time knocking. But tonight they’re dealing with women who don’t care about being liked—or fighting clean.”
Snow White and Gretel enter the ring and take opposite corners.
The lights dim.
Dark violet light spreads across the entrance.
Prince John appears first.
He slowly raises one hand.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne emerges beside him.
Prioress Malveil follows.
The three descend toward the ring with deliberate calm.
Julian Ward: “And here comes the Black Chapel, accompanied by Prince John. Lady Isolde Blackthorne and Prioress Malveil have made no effort to disguise what they are. They believe order is something imposed upon others.”
Brick Brody: “And Prince John believes rules are things that apply to somebody else. Keep your eyes on him.”
Inside the ring, Louie Linville steps forward.
Louie Linville: “The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall!”
He gestures toward the first corner.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first... GRETEL and SNOW WHITE... the FAIREST HUNTERS!”
The crowd responds loudly.
Gretel raises one fist while Snow White gives a measured nod.
Louie Linville: “And their opponents, accompanied by PRINCE JOHN... PRIORESS MALVEIL and LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE... the BLACK CHAPEL!”
Lady Isolde Blackthorne steps through the ropes while Prioress Malveil takes position on the apron.
Prince John remains at ringside.
Referee ‘Honest’ Abe checks both corners and signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Gretel and Lady Isolde Blackthorne begin.
Blackthorne tries to close immediately, but Gretel catches her momentum and hoists her across the shoulders.
Rolling Fireman’s Carry.
Blackthorne hits hard.
Gretel does not allow her to settle.
She drives Blackthorne toward the ropes.
Snow White is already moving.
Gretel forces Blackthorne through the ropes to the floor—
And Snow White launches herself through the ropes with the Glass Coffin Dive.
Both women crash into Blackthorne outside.
Julian Ward: “An immediate double-team attack from the Fairest Hunters. They have isolated Blackthorne before the Black Chapel can establish control.”
Brick Brody: “That’s how you deal with somebody who wants to turn the match into a sermon. Hit her before she gets to the first verse.”
‘Honest’ Abe begins counting.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Blackthorne pushes herself upright.
FOUR!
FIVE!
Prince John shouts toward her.
SIX!
SEVEN!
Blackthorne dives toward the apron.
EIGHT!
She slides back beneath the bottom rope.
Julian Ward: “Blackthorne beats the count at eight, but the Fairest Hunters have dictated the opening minute.”
Brick Brody: “And they’ve annoyed Prince John already. That usually means trouble for somebody.”
Minute 2
Gretel moves in before Blackthorne can fully recover.
Pump Kick.
The strike lands cleanly against the upper chest.
Blackthorne stumbles backward.
But she catches Gretel coming forward.
She hooks the head—
Judicial Neckbreaker.
Both women hit the canvas almost simultaneously.
Julian Ward: “Excellent counter from Lady Isolde Blackthorne. Gretel attacked aggressively, but Blackthorne turned that forward pressure against her.”
Brick Brody: “That’s experience. Let the younger fighter come charging in, catch the neck and remind her that enthusiasm doesn’t protect your spine.”
Gretel rolls toward her corner.
She reaches.
Snow White tags in.
Julian Ward: “And Gretel wisely makes the exchange rather than remaining in a neutral position with Blackthorne.”
Minute 3
Snow White enters quickly.
Blackthorne turns toward her.
Snow White gets behind and locks the waist.
She launches Blackthorne backward with the Kiss of Life.
Bridging Dragon Suplex.
Honest Abe drops toward the mat, but Blackthorne breaks the position before a full count can develop.
Both women scramble upright.
Blackthorne fires back.
She sweeps Snow White down and follows with a Double Leg Drop.
Julian Ward: “Beautiful execution from Snow White, and equally important, Blackthorne refuses to let the momentum remain against her.”
Brick Brody: “This is where the Black Chapel wants the fight. Ugly exchanges. No rhythm. No chance for the Hunters to keep using their speed.”
Snow White backs toward her corner.
Gretel extends her hand.
Tag.
Gretel steps through the ropes.
Minute 4
Blackthorne turns toward the incoming Gretel.
Gretel strikes first.
Superkick.
The boot snaps across Blackthorne’s jaw.
Blackthorne drops to one knee.
The crowd rises.
Gretel moves in to capitalize.
At ringside, Prince John circles the corner.
Julian Ward: “Gretel may have her!”
Brick Brody: “Watch Prince John.”
Honest Abe turns briefly toward the action between Gretel and Blackthorne.
Prince John slides in behind him.
Snow White sees it.
Snow White: “ABE!”
Too late.
Prince John clubs Honest Abe from behind.
The referee collapses.
The Coliseum erupts in boos.
Julian Ward: “Prince John just attacked the referee!”
Brick Brody: “I told you to watch him!”
Gretel turns immediately.
Prince John backs away and slips through the ropes.
Honest Abe rolls onto one elbow.
He points directly toward Prince John.
Then signals for the bell.
The bell rings repeatedly.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne looks toward ringside in frustration.
Prioress Malveil drops from the apron.
Snow White enters the ring beside Gretel.
Prince John retreats up the aisle, furious but entirely unapologetic.
Louie Linville: “Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of outside interference and the assault upon the referee... the BLACK CHAPEL has been DISQUALIFIED! Therefore, your winners... SNOW WHITE and GRETEL... the FAIREST HUNTERS!”
The crowd cheers as Gretel stares toward Prince John.
Snow White stands beside her.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne and Prioress Malveil remain near the opposite ropes, glaring across at them.
Julian Ward: “The Fairest Hunters earn the victory, but not in the manner they wanted. Prince John chose to end this contest rather than allow Lady Isolde Blackthorne to remain exposed.”
Brick Brody: “That tells you something. Prince John saw where this was going and pulled the emergency lever. Take the disqualification, protect your people and live to fight another day.”
Julian Ward: “Perhaps. But tonight, Snow White and Gretel proved they could dictate the pace against the Black Chapel. Whatever Prince John intended to accomplish, that fact remains.”
FAIREST HUNTERS DEFEAT THE BLACK CHAPEL VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT THE 4:00 MINUTE MARK FOLLOWING PRINCE JOHN’S INTERFERENCE.
The lights throughout Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum fade.
A distant clock begins to tick.
Once.
Twice.
Then the temperature of the entire presentation seems to change as pale blue light spreads across the entrance.
Fenwick Grimbough appears first.
He steps slowly onto the stage, staff in hand.
Behind him—
Ghost of Christmas Past.
The Universal Championship rests around the Champion’s waist.
There is no celebration.
No acknowledgment of the crowd.
Only the same unsettling stillness that follows the Champion everywhere.
Julian Ward: “The Universal Championship is about to be defended, and there may be no champion in NPCW more difficult to understand than Ghost of Christmas Past.”
Brick Brody: “You don’t need to understand it. You need to survive it. Hansel can worry about the meaning of Christmas later.”
Fenwick Grimbough leads the way toward the ring.
Ghost of Christmas Past follows several steps behind.
The Champion enters and stands motionless in the center.
Fenwick takes his place at ringside.
The lights change.
The crowd rises as Hansel emerges.
There is no hesitation in him tonight.
He looks directly toward the ring.
Directly toward the championship.
Julian Ward: “Hansel has faced monsters, witches and horrors that would break lesser men. Tonight, he faces something different. Tonight he has an opportunity to become Universal Champion.”
Brick Brody: “And if he spends one second being impressed by the ghost story, he loses. Hit it. Throw it. Hurt it. Find out whether spirits feel pain.”
Hansel steps through the ropes.
He moves to his corner without taking his eyes from Ghost of Christmas Past.
Referee ‘Honest’ Abe receives the Universal Championship.
He raises it high.
The crowd responds.
Louie Linville moves to the center of the ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall... and it is for the NPCW UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP!”
The Coliseum erupts.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, the challenger... HANSEL!”
Hansel steps forward.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent, accompanied by FENWICK GRIMBOUGH... he is the reigning NPCW UNIVERSAL CHAMPION... GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST!”
Ghost of Christmas Past does not move.
Honest Abe holds the championship between them.
Then hands it to ringside.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Hansel tries to establish distance immediately.
Ghost of Christmas Past simply walks through it.
The Champion corners him and unloads a succession of standing punches to the head.
Hansel raises his guard, but the strikes continue breaking through.
One punch.
Another.
Another.
Hansel is forced backward against the turnbuckles.
Julian Ward: “Immediate pressure from the Champion. Hansel wanted space, but Ghost of Christmas Past has denied him even that.”
Brick Brody: “Good. Make the challenger feel the title match before he gets comfortable. Punch him until all that confidence starts leaking out.”
Minute 2
Hansel fights his way out of the corner with a dropkick.
The strike catches the Champion high and forces Ghost of Christmas Past back several steps.
Hansel scrambles upright.
The Champion charges.
Running clothesline.
Hansel is turned inside out.
Julian Ward: “Hansel found an opening with the dropkick, but the Champion answered immediately with enormous force.”
Brick Brody: “That’s what makes this thing dangerous. You hurt it, and it keeps coming like you never touched it.”
Minute 3
Ghost of Christmas Past reaches down to pull Hansel up.
Hansel catches the arm.
He pivots underneath and sends the Champion over with a clean armdrag.
Ghost of Christmas Past hits the mat and rolls through toward the ropes.
Julian Ward: “Good adjustment from Hansel. He cannot win a direct collision every time, so he uses leverage instead.”
Brick Brody: “That’s better. Don’t prove you’re stronger than the ghost. Prove you’re smarter.”
Minute 4
Hansel tries another dropkick as the Champion advances.
It lands.
But Ghost of Christmas Past absorbs the impact, drops beside the challenger and drives an elbow down across the chest.
Hansel rolls away clutching his ribs.
Julian Ward: “Both men finding offense, but the weight of the Champion’s strikes is beginning to accumulate.”
Brick Brody: “Every time Hansel lands something, he has to ask whether it was worth what comes back.”
Minute 5
Ghost of Christmas Past catches Hansel around the torso.
Bear hug.
The Champion crushes the challenger inward.
Honest Abe moves close.
Julian Ward: “The Bear Hug is locked in, and this is exactly where Hansel did not want to be.”
Hansel refuses to submit.
He drives his arms inside, creates just enough room and shifts his hips.
The challenger suddenly powers Ghost of Christmas Past down with the Spine Crusher.
The hold breaks.
Brick Brody: “There you go! If the thing wants to squeeze you, plant it!”
Julian Ward: “An important escape from Hansel, and more importantly, he turned defense directly into offense.”
Minute 6
Hansel stays aggressive.
He gets underneath the Champion and launches Ghost of Christmas Past with a belly-to-belly suplex.
The Champion lands heavily.
Hansel rises first.
Julian Ward: “For the first time, Hansel is beginning to string offense together.”
Brick Brody: “And now we find out whether that ghost can be rattled. You throw anything hard enough, eventually something breaks.”
Minute 7
Hansel moves forward again and catches the Champion in a front facelock.
For several seconds, he controls the head and neck.
Ghost of Christmas Past powers free.
The Champion hits the ropes.
Blast from the Past.
The running leg drop crashes across Hansel.
Julian Ward: “Blast from the Past! Hansel had control and lost it in an instant.”
Brick Brody: “That’s championship punishment. One mistake, and suddenly you’re staring at the ceiling wondering what century you’re in.”
Minute 8
Ghost of Christmas Past drops another elbow toward the challenger.
Hansel absorbs it and catches the leg as the Champion rises.
He turns the Champion over.
Boston Crab.
The crowd rises.
Hansel sits deeply into the hold.
Julian Ward: “Boston Crab! Hansel has the Universal Champion trapped!”
Ghost of Christmas Past refuses to submit.
The Champion drags itself forward inch by inch.
Eventually reaching the ropes.
Brick Brody: “He didn’t get the submission, but he made the ghost work. Do enough of that and even something supernatural starts getting heavy.”
Minute 9
Ghost of Christmas Past closes quickly and traps Hansel again in the Bear Hug.
Hansel reacts immediately.
He shifts his weight.
Reversal.
He attempts to transition into a powerslam—
But the Champion blocks it.
Both men remain standing.
Julian Ward: “Excellent awareness from Hansel, but Ghost of Christmas Past neutralizes the follow-up.”
Brick Brody: “That’s a stalemate, and the longer this goes, the challenger has to keep proving he belongs in the same fight.”
Minute 10
Ghost of Christmas Past charges.
Running clothesline.
Hansel is crushed backward but catches the Champion’s leg during the follow-through.
He twists.
Boston Crab again.
Hansel leans backward with everything he has.
Julian Ward: “Back to the Boston Crab. Hansel has clearly identified the legs and lower back as his path forward.”
Ghost of Christmas Past again refuses to surrender.
The Champion crawls to the ropes.
Brick Brody: “Keep doing it. If it won’t quit, make it drag its own weight around until those legs stop answering.”
Minute 11
Hansel does not allow the Champion to settle.
He catches one leg.
Spinning Toe Hold.
Ghost of Christmas Past reaches for him, but Hansel rotates again, twisting the knee.
Julian Ward: “Now the strategy becomes unmistakable. Hansel is systematically attacking the leg.”
Brick Brody: “That’s wrestling. Everybody has a joint. Everybody has something that bends the wrong way.”
Minute 12
Hansel breaks the hold and gets to his feet.
He launches another dropkick.
The Champion staggers.
Ghost of Christmas Past rebounds from the ropes and drops the Blast from the Past across him once again.
Both men remain down for several seconds.
Julian Ward: “A violent exchange, and neither man is able to maintain control for long.”
Brick Brody: “That means we’re getting somewhere. Championship matches should start hurting by now.”
Minute 13
Ghost of Christmas Past drives a huge boot toward Hansel.
It connects.
Hansel rocks backward but suddenly surges forward.
Belly-to-belly suplex.
The Champion lands hard.
Hansel covers.
Honest Abe drops down.
ONE!
Ghost of Christmas Past powers out.
Julian Ward: “Only one, but Hansel has now forced the Champion into the first defensive pinning situation of the match.”
Brick Brody: “Too early. Don’t waste time looking shocked. Get back on him.”
Minute 14
Ghost of Christmas Past catches Hansel coming forward and drops him with an atomic drop.
Hansel stumbles but refuses to retreat.
He catches the leg again.
Boston Crab.
For the third time.
Julian Ward: “Once again, Hansel returns to the Boston Crab.”
Ghost of Christmas Past grips the mat.
No submission.
The Champion crawls.
Reaches the ropes.
Brick Brody: “Three times now. Maybe it won’t submit, but I guarantee those legs remember every one of them.”
Minute 15
Ghost of Christmas Past uses the ropes to pull upright.
Hansel charges with another dropkick.
The Champion absorbs it.
Rebounds.
Running clothesline.
Hansel hits the canvas hard.
Julian Ward: “The Champion remains dangerous even after everything Hansel has done to the lower body.”
Brick Brody: “That’s why the belt is around its waist. You don’t become Universal Champion by folding the first time somebody finds a weakness.”
Minute 16
Hansel rises slowly.
Ghost of Christmas Past hits the ropes.
Blast from the Past.
Hansel tries to intercept with a flying forearm smash.
Both collide.
Hansel falls.
The Champion lands across him.
Cover.
ONE!
TWO!
Hansel kicks out.
The Coliseum erupts.
Julian Ward: “Two! Hansel survives the Blast from the Past.”
Brick Brody: “That was close enough to smell the end. Now we find out whether Hansel has anything left after it.”
Minute 17
Ghost of Christmas Past tries to follow with an elbow drop.
Hansel rolls away.
The Champion crashes into the canvas.
Hansel immediately grabs the Champion.
Spine Crusher.
The ring shakes.
Julian Ward: “Reversal! Hansel avoided the elbow and drove the Champion down!”
Brick Brody: “That’s instinct. He didn’t think about that. His body knew it had to move or the match was over.”
Minute 18
Ghost of Christmas Past tries to rise.
Hansel is waiting.
Another Spine Crusher.
The Champion hits flat.
The crowd senses the change.
Hansel remains on his knees for a moment, breathing heavily.
Julian Ward: “A second consecutive Spine Crusher, and now Ghost of Christmas Past is struggling to recover.”
Brick Brody: “This is the opening. Forget pacing yourself. Championships don’t wait politely for you to catch your breath.”
Minute 19
Hansel pulls the Champion upright.
Ghost of Christmas Past fires back.
Running clothesline.
Hansel is rocked.
But he stays standing.
The challenger explodes upward.
Atomic Kneedrop.
Ghost of Christmas Past crashes to the canvas.
Hansel covers.
ONE!
TWO!
Ghost of Christmas Past kicks out.
The entire Coliseum gasps.
Julian Ward: “Two! The Champion survives!”
Brick Brody: “That was the one! Hansel had it!”
Hansel sits back for only a moment.
Then looks toward the championship at ringside.
He gets up.
Minute 20
Ghost of Christmas Past tries to stand.
The legs are slow.
The repeated Boston Crabs and toe hold have taken their toll.
Hansel sees it.
He charges.
Another Atomic Kneedrop.
The Champion is driven into the canvas.
Hansel hooks the leg.
Honest Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
For one second, Hansel does not move.
Then the Coliseum erupts.
Fenwick Grimbough stands motionless at ringside.
Ghost of Christmas Past remains on the mat.
Honest Abe retrieves the Universal Championship.
Hansel slowly rises to his knees.
The referee places the championship in his hands.
Hansel looks down at it.
Almost disbelieving.
Louie Linville steps forward.
Louie Linville: “Here is your winner... and NEEEEW NPCW UNIVERSAL CHAMPION... HANSEL!”
The crowd explodes again.
Hansel gets to his feet and raises the Universal Championship above his head.
Julian Ward: “Twenty minutes of punishment, adjustment and persistence. Hansel continued attacking the legs, continued forcing the Champion to work, and when the opening finally appeared, he took it.”
Brick Brody: “That’s how you beat something people say can’t be beaten. You don’t care what it is. You find the weakness, you keep hurting it, and eventually it stays down for three.”
At ringside, Fenwick Grimbough looks toward the fallen former Champion.
There is no panic.
Only contemplation.
Ghost of Christmas Past slowly sits upright.
Its eyes settle upon Hansel.
Hansel raises the championship again.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, the past did not disappear.”
A long look passes between the two.
Julian Ward: “But the Universal Championship has moved forward.”
Brick Brody: “And Hansel just changed his entire career.”
Hansel climbs onto the middle rope and raises the Universal Championship over the roaring Coliseum.
HANSEL DEFEATS GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST VIA PINFALL AT THE 20:00 MINUTE MARK TO WIN THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
Backstage, the atmosphere is still buzzing from what just happened in the ring.
Hana Nakamura stands near the interview position with a microphone in hand.
Beside her is the new Universal Champion.
Hansel is exhausted.
His chest is reddened from the punishment he absorbed, sweat still runs down his face, and the Universal Championship rests across his shoulder.
He keeps looking down at the title as though part of him is still processing that it belongs to him.
Hana Nakamura: “Hansel, just moments ago you did what very few people have been able to do. You pinned Ghost of Christmas Past and became the new Universal Champion.”
Hana smiles, unable to completely hide her excitement.
Hana Nakamura: “What is going through your mind right now?”
Hansel takes a breath.
He looks at the championship.
Hansel: “Pain.”
Hana laughs softly.
Hansel allows himself the faintest smile.
Hansel: “A lot of pain.”
He adjusts the championship on his shoulder.
Hansel: “But mostly... I’m thinking about every time somebody told me what I was supposed to be afraid of.”
Hansel looks directly toward the camera.
Hansel: “Witches.”
Hansel: “Monsters.”
Hansel: “Ghosts.”
Hansel: “Things hiding in the dark waiting for you to convince yourself they’re bigger than you are.”
His expression becomes more serious.
Hansel: “I learned a long time ago that fear gets stronger when you feed it.”
Hansel: “So tonight I stopped looking at Ghost of Christmas Past like something I was supposed to fear.”
He taps the faceplate of the Universal Championship.
Hansel: “I looked at him like an opponent.”
Hana nods.
Hana Nakamura: “There were several moments where it looked like the match could slip away from you. The Blast from the Past. The Bear Hug. You were taking punishment almost from the opening bell.”
Hansel: “That’s a championship match.”
Hansel: “You don’t get to decide that it hurts too much.”
Hansel: “You don’t get to decide you’ve already done enough.”
He pauses.
Hansel: “You keep moving.”
Hansel: “I found the legs. I kept going back to them.”
Hansel: “And when he finally started slowing down... I knew.”
Hana glances toward the championship.
Hana Nakamura: “When Honest Abe counted three, you stayed on the mat for a moment. Did you know immediately?”
Hansel shakes his head.
Hansel: “No.”
He smiles again.
Hansel: “I heard the bell.”
Hansel: “Then I heard everyone.”
Hansel: “And then they put this in my hands.”
He lifts the Universal Championship slightly.
For the first time, genuine emotion breaks through.
Hansel: “That’s when I knew.”
Hana looks at him warmly.
Hana Nakamura: “You are leaving Dark Fable tonight as Universal Champion. What comes next for Hansel?”
Hansel looks down at the title one more time.
Then back toward the camera.
Hansel: “The same thing that came before it.”
Hansel: “You walk into the woods.”
Hansel: “You find whatever is waiting there.”
Hansel: “And you make sure it knows you’re not running.”
He shifts the championship securely onto his shoulder.
Hansel: “This just means now... they’re coming to find me.”
Hana smiles.
Hana Nakamura: “Congratulations, Hansel.”
Hansel: “Thank you, Hana.”
Hansel walks away.
Hana watches him disappear down the corridor before turning back toward the camera.
Hana Nakamura: “A career-changing night for Hansel. The Universal Championship has a new owner.”
The camera follows the new Champion for several more seconds.
Hansel continues down the hallway.
The Universal Championship over his shoulder.
Still bruised.
Still exhausted.
But no longer the challenger.
The arena lights fall.
A deep animalistic roar rolls through Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
Marcus the Beastmaster emerges first.
Then the newly crowned Aurora Champion steps through the curtain.
Ursa Titania carries the Aurora Championship across one shoulder.
Only six days removed from defeating Valka on Polar Power*,* Ursa moves toward the ring with the confidence of someone whose place in the hierarchy has just changed.
Julian Ward: “Last Saturday on Polar Power, Ursa Titania defeated Valka and became Aurora Champion. That victory changed tonight’s match as well. Ursa replaces the former Champion and arrives on Dark Fable carrying gold.”
Brick Brody: “And now everybody looks at her differently. Winning the belt is one thing. Walking into another division six days later and proving the win wasn’t a fluke? That matters.”
Marcus the Beastmaster walks several paces behind her.
Ursa enters the ring and raises the Aurora Championship.
The response is mixed but loud.
The lights shift.
Dark green and violet illumination crawls across the entrance.
Morgana LeFaye appears.
She pauses at the top of the aisle, studying the new Champion.
There is no intimidation in her expression.
Only calculation.
Julian Ward: “And Morgana LeFaye has an opportunity that did not exist one week ago. Defeat the new Aurora Champion tonight, even in a non-title match, and she immediately creates a question Ursa Titania cannot ignore.”
Brick Brody: “That championship makes Ursa worth hunting now. Morgana doesn’t need the belt on the line tonight. She just needs to beat the woman wearing it.”
Morgana enters the ring.
Ursa hands the Aurora Championship to the ringside attendant.
Marcus takes position outside.
Honest Abe checks both competitors.
Louie Linville steps into the center.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a NON-TITLE MATCH!”
He gestures toward Morgana*.*
Louie Linville: “Introducing first... MORGANA LEFAYE!”
Morgana raises her chin toward the Champion.
Louie Linville: “And her opponent... accompanied by MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER... she is the NEW NPCW AURORA CHAMPION... URSA TITANIA!”
Ursa raises one fist.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Ursa Titania charges immediately.
Morgana LeFaye tries to brace herself, but the Champion overwhelms her with a vicious Headbutt Barrage.
One headbutt.
Then another.
Then another.
Morgana is driven backward into the corner.
Julian Ward: “No feeling-out process whatsoever. Ursa Titania has brought the same physical aggression that earned her the Aurora Championship.”
Brick Brody: “That’s how a new Champion should wrestle. Don’t walk around admiring the belt. Make everybody understand why you’ve got it.”
Minute 2
Ursa hauls Morgana off her feet with a heavy bodyslam.
Morgana rolls through the impact and rises quickly.
As Ursa approaches—
Shining Wizard.
The knee catches the Champion flush.
Ursa staggers sideways.
Julian Ward: “Immediate response from Morgana. She cannot match Ursa in raw strength, but she can attack from angles the Champion cannot simply overpower.”
Brick Brody: “That knee landed clean. Ursa wants a brawl. Morgana needs to make her chase.”
Minute 3
Ursa steps forward again.
Morgana catches her head.
DDT.
Ursa is driven face-first into the canvas.
The Champion absorbs the impact and rolls onto one knee.
Julian Ward: “Morgana LeFaye has settled very quickly. She has turned Ursa’s forward momentum against her twice now.”
Brick Brody: “That’s how you deal with a powerhouse. You don’t stop the train. You move the track.”
Minute 4
Both women hesitate for a moment, each looking for the next opening.
Then they collide.
Ursa gets inside first and unleashes another Headbutt Barrage.
Morgana fires back almost immediately with another Shining Wizard.
Both women stagger.
Julian Ward: “Neither woman giving ground. Ursa attacks with force, Morgana answers with precision.”
Brick Brody: “And now we’re finding out who can take the other woman’s best shot without blinking.”
Minute 5
Morgana tries to move laterally.
Ursa cuts her off.
One hand closes around the throat.
Ursa lifts her high.
Chokeslam.
Morgana crashes into the mat.
Julian Ward: “That is the power advantage in its purest form. Morgana had nowhere to go once Ursa secured the throat.”
Brick Brody: “You can have all the technique in Camelot. It doesn’t help much when somebody picks you up by the neck.”
Minute 6
Ursa grinds Morgana down with a heavy headlock.
Morgana works patiently underneath.
She traps the arm.
Fujiwara Armbar.
Ursa immediately reaches toward the ropes.
Julian Ward: “Excellent transition by Morgana LeFaye. She attacks the arm and shoulder, exactly the kind of strategy that can take away Ursa’s ability to control and lift.”
Brick Brody: “That’s smart. Everybody keeps staring at how big Ursa is. Morgana is asking whether that big arm bends like everybody else’s.”
Minute 7
Both women reset.
Ursa moves in with another series of headbutts.
Morgana absorbs the assault long enough to sweep the Champion down with a Side Russian Legsweep.
She immediately twists into an Octopus Hold.
Ursa grimaces as the arm and torso are stretched.
Julian Ward: “Again, Morgana converts defense directly into a submission position.”
Brick Brody: “And she’s going after the same area. That’s not random offense anymore. She’s building something.”
Minute 8
Ursa powers free.
Morgana tries to recover her distance.
Big Boot.
The Champion’s foot catches her directly across the upper chest.
Morgana hits the mat hard.
Julian Ward: “And that is the danger of staying within striking distance. One clean shot from Ursa Titania changes the complexion of the match.”
Brick Brody: “Technique works right up until a boot the size of a shovel lands in your chest.”
Minute 9
Morgana gets back to her feet.
Ursa moves toward her.
At ringside, Marcus the Beastmaster steps close.
Honest Abe is positioned on the opposite side.
Marcus reaches through the ropes and grabs Morgana from behind.
His forearm presses across her throat.
Julian Ward: “Wait a minute! Marcus the Beastmaster has Morgana!”
Brick Brody: “Referee can’t see it.”
Marcus releases her before Honest Abe turns.
Morgana stumbles forward—
Then lashes out with a Shining Wizard toward Ursa*.*
The Champion absorbs the strike and remains upright.
Julian Ward: “Morgana still finds the Shining Wizard, but Marcus unquestionably compromised her before that exchange.”
Brick Brody: “New Champion or not, Ursa has a Beastmaster outside the ring willing to get his hands dirty. Morgana better account for two opponents.”
Minute 10
The pace briefly slows.
Morgana tries to create distance.
Ursa steps through and drives a knee lift into the body.
Morgana folds around the impact.
Julian Ward: “Ursa keeps bringing the fight back toward close range. Every time Morgana tries to reset, the Champion cuts away the space.”
Brick Brody: “And now that arm work matters less if Ursa can just batter her with knees and boots.”
Minute 11
Morgana catches Ursa as she leans forward.
Ground Dragon Sleeper.
She tries to cinch it tightly.
Ursa plants her base.
The Champion tears the grip apart before Morgana can settle the hold.
Julian Ward: “Morgana went for the Dragon Sleeper, but Ursa Titania neutralizes it before it can become dangerous.”
Brick Brody: “That’s the problem with submissions against somebody that powerful. If you don’t get the position perfect immediately, she just starts pulling pieces apart.”
Minute 12
Ursa charges with another Big Boot.
Morgana takes the strike but fires back with a Shining Wizard.
Both women fall away from the collision.
Julian Ward: “Another even exchange. Neither woman has been able to establish lasting control.”
Brick Brody: “Which means somebody eventually gets desperate. That’s when mistakes happen.”
Minute 13
Ursa gets up first.
Big Boot again.
Morgana is rocked but catches the Champion’s arm as she follows.
Fujiwara Armbar.
Ursa drops to one knee.
Julian Ward: “Back to the Fujiwara Armbar. Morgana has refused to abandon that injured limb.”
Brick Brody: “Exactly what she should do. Ursa wants to prove she’s unstoppable. Make her prove it with one arm.”
Minute 14
Ursa forces herself upright.
She breaks free and drives forward with another Headbutt Barrage.
Morgana takes the punishment.
The moment Ursa reaches with the damaged arm—
Morgana snatches it again.
Fujiwara Armbar.
Julian Ward: “Again! Morgana LeFaye continues returning to the arm.”
Brick Brody: “That shoulder has been stretched, twisted and pulled for half this match. The Champion’s still dangerous, but Morgana has given herself a real target.”
Minute 15
Ursa powers her way free.
Morgana backs toward the ropes.
Honest Abe steps between them momentarily as the position becomes tangled.
That is all Marcus the Beastmaster needs.
He slides into the ring behind the referee.
Julian Ward: “Not again.”
Marcus grabs Morgana*.*
Sidewalk Slam.
Morgana is driven violently into the canvas.
Marcus immediately rolls back outside.
Honest Abe turns around.
He saw nothing.
Brick Brody: “That one was worse.”
Julian Ward: “That was blatant interference! Marcus the Beastmaster just slammed Morgana LeFaye inside the ring!”
Ursa moves in.
Morgana desperately catches the arm again and tries to apply another Fujiwara Armbar.
But the damage from the illegal slam has slowed her.
Ursa breaks free and covers.
ONE!
TWO!
Morgana kicks out.
Julian Ward: “Morgana survives, but this match has been materially altered by Marcus the Beastmaster.”
Brick Brody: “You’re right. But the referee didn’t see it, and that’s the only set of eyes that matters.”
Minute 16
Morgana struggles back upright.
Ursa drives another Big Boot into her.
Morgana falls backward but catches Ursa coming forward.
DDT.
Both women hit the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Remarkable resilience from Morgana. After that illegal sidewalk slam, she still finds the DDT.”
Brick Brody: “She’s hurt, though. Look how long it’s taking her to get back up. She landed the move, but she may not have enough left to capitalize.”
Minute 17
Morgana uses the ropes to stand.
Ursa is already moving.
The Champion drives a brutal knee lift into Morgana’s body.
Morgana folds.
She drops to the canvas.
Ursa covers immediately.
Honest Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
Marcus the Beastmaster raises both arms outside the ring.
Ursa Titania pushes herself upright.
Louie Linville steps forward.
Louie Linville: “Here is your winner... the NPCW AURORA CHAMPION... URSA TITANIA!”
Honest Abe retrieves the Aurora Championship.
He hands it to Ursa*.*
The Champion raises the title while Marcus joins her inside the ring.
Morgana remains seated against the bottom rope, staring toward them with open anger.
Julian Ward: “Ursa Titania wins her first appearance as Aurora Champion, but the record will not show the entire story. Morgana LeFaye repeatedly attacked the arm and created legitimate openings, while Marcus the Beastmaster interfered twice—including a sidewalk slam inside the ring.”
Brick Brody: “And the record still says Ursa Titania won. New Champion, first match with the belt, victory. You want justice? Bring a witness next time.”
Julian Ward: “Whatever one thinks of the manner, Ursa Titania leaves Dark Fable with her momentum intact. But judging from the expression on Morgana LeFaye’s face, this victory may have created another consequence.”
Ursa raises the Aurora Championship.
Morgana continues staring from the mat.
URSA TITANIA DEFEATS MORGANA LEFAYE VIA PINFALL AT THE 17:00 MINUTE MARK.
The lights dim across Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
A low, ominous tone rolls through the arena.
Severin Crowne steps onto the stage first.
He wears the same unreadable expression he carried earlier in the night.
A moment later, Sir Agravaine emerges beside him.
The reaction is immediate.
Boos rain down from the stands.
Agravaine does not acknowledge them.
He walks toward the ring with deliberate calm while Crowne follows several steps behind.
Julian Ward: “There is an image that would have seemed unlikely not long ago. Sir Agravaine walking to the ring with Severin Crowne.”
Brick Brody: “Unlikely doesn’t mean complicated. Crowne collects useful people. Agravaine is useful.”
Julian Ward: “And after King Arthur’s instruction last week to contact Crowne, every connection involving these men demands attention.”
Brick Brody: “You keep looking for mystery where I see business. Camelot has problems. Severin Crowne solves problems.”
Agravaine steps through the ropes.
Crowne remains outside.
The arena lights change.
A roar sounds through the Coliseum.
Lion appears at the entrance.
He wastes no time moving toward the ring.
Julian Ward: “And Lion is not the sort of opponent who needs much invitation. He comes directly at you.”
Brick Brody: “Then he better keep his eyes open. When Severin Crowne is standing outside the ring, what happens outside the ring matters just as much as what happens inside it.”
Lion slides beneath the bottom rope.
He rises immediately and stares toward Agravaine*.*
Honest Abe steps between them.
Louie Linville moves to the center of the ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall!”
He gestures toward the first corner.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied by SEVERIN CROWNE... SIR AGRAVAINE!”
Agravaine stands perfectly still.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent... LION!”
Lion raises both fists.
Honest Abe signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Agravaine moves first.
He catches Lion near the ropes and drives him backward.
Lion tries to answer with force of his own, but Agravaine controls the head and neck.
He pulls Lion toward the top rope.
Reverse Neckbreaker across the top rope.
Lion’s neck snaps against the cable.
The momentum sends him tumbling through the ropes to the floor.
Julian Ward: “A vicious opening from Sir Agravaine. He uses the top rope itself to damage the neck and sends Lion outside.”
Brick Brody: “That’s exactly how you start a fight. Hurt him fast, dump him out, and let him figure out where he is.”
Lion lands hard near the barricade.
Honest Abe turns toward the ropes and begins checking the distance.
Behind him—
Severin Crowne moves.
He reaches beneath the ring.
Pulls out a steel chair.
Julian Ward: “Crowne has a chair.”
Lion pushes himself onto one knee.
Crowne swings.
CRACK.
The chair crashes across Lion’s back.
Lion collapses.
Brick Brody: “Referee never saw it.”
Julian Ward: “Of course he did not. Severin Crowne waited until Honest Abe was looking back toward Agravaine.”
Crowne drops the chair.
He calmly steps away.
Inside the ring, Agravaine stands near the center.
Watching.
Honest Abe begins the count.
ONE!
Lion does not move.
TWO!
He rolls onto his side.
THREE!
Crowne stands several feet away.
Expressionless.
FOUR!
Lion reaches toward the apron.
FIVE!
He pulls himself forward.
SIX!
Agravaine does not approach the ropes.
He simply waits.
SEVEN!
Lion gets to one knee.
EIGHT!
He grabs the ring skirt.
NINE!
Lion tries to stand.
TEN!
The bell rings.
The Coliseum erupts in boos.
Agravaine raises one arm.
Crowne allows himself the faintest smile.
Louie Linville: “Ladies and gentlemen, Lion has failed to answer the referee’s ten-count. Therefore, your winner... SIR AGRAVAINE!”
Agravaine steps toward the ropes and looks down at Lion*.*
Crowne joins him at ringside.
Julian Ward: “One minute. That is all this took. Sir Agravaine damaged the neck, Severin Crowne used the chair, and Lion never recovered in time to beat the count.”
Brick Brody: “That’s efficiency. Everybody keeps talking about what Crowne might be doing around Camelot. There’s your answer. He makes sure his people win.”
Julian Ward: “And that may be precisely why his presence around Sir Agravaine is so significant.”
Agravaine steps through the ropes.
Crowne meets him on the floor.
Neither man celebrates.
They simply leave together.
Julian Ward: “Whatever arrangement exists between Sir Agravaine and Severin Crowne, tonight it produced exactly the result they wanted.”
SIR AGRAVAINE DEFEATS LION VIA COUNT OUT AT THE 1:00 MINUTE MARK.
Backstage, the camera finds Hana Nakamura standing beside Dr. Frankenstein.
Behind him looms Frankenstein’s Monster.
The Monster is completely still.
No expression.
No reaction.
Just presence.
Hana Nakamura: “Dr. Frankenstein, earlier tonight Jack Lumber was attacked before his match by Kong, Dragon King, and Frankenstein’s Monster. He still competed, but the damage was obvious.”
Dr. Frankenstein smiles faintly.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Damage?”
He looks toward the Monster.
Dr. Frankenstein: “No, Hana.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “That was examination.”
Hana narrows her eyes.
Hana Nakamura: “You call three men attacking one man an examination?”
Dr. Frankenstein: “Of course.”
He turns back toward her.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Jack Lumber has spent weeks repeating the same primitive little phrase.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “The bigger they are... the harder they fall.”
The Doctor chuckles.
Dr. Frankenstein: “So I wanted to know.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “How much punishment can the woodsman endure before his hands begin to shake?”
Dr. Frankenstein: “How much pain before the axe becomes heavy?”
Dr. Frankenstein: “How much damage before courage becomes stupidity?”
Behind him, Frankenstein’s Monster slowly turns its head toward the camera.
Hana Nakamura: “And after what you saw tonight, what do you believe happens Sunday at Age of Ruin?”
Dr. Frankenstein does not hesitate.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Sunday is not a wrestling match.”
He steps slightly closer to the microphone.
Dr. Frankenstein: “It is demonstration.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “Jack Lumber believes strength is something earned through hardship.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “My creation is strength made flesh.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “No fatigue.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “No doubt.”
Dr. Frankenstein: “No mercy.”
The Doctor gestures toward the Monster.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Sunday, your Convergent Champion will discover the limitation of the axe.”
A voice suddenly erupts from off-camera.
Jack Lumber: “HEY, DOC!”
Dr. Frankenstein turns.
Too late.
Jack Lumber storms into frame.
The Convergent Championship is already in his hands.
He swings.
CRACK.
The championship belt smashes across the head of Frankenstein’s Monster*.*
The Monster drops to one knee.
Then falls heavily onto its side.
Hana Nakamura jumps backward.
Dr. Frankenstein’s eyes widen.
For perhaps the first time tonight, his composure disappears.
Jack Lumber stands over the fallen Monster.
Chest heaving.
The belt clenched in both hands.
Jack Lumber: “TIMBERRRRRR!”
The backstage area erupts.
Frankenstein’s Monster begins pushing itself back up.
Jack Lumber raises the championship again.
Security rushes into the scene.
Several officials grab Jack Lumber from behind.
Others throw themselves between him and the Monster.
Jack Lumber: “COME ON!”
Frankenstein’s Monster surges upright.
Security struggles to hold it back.
Dr. Frankenstein moves beside his creation.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Enough!”
Jack Lumber fights against the officials dragging him away.
Jack Lumber: “SUNDAY!”
He points the championship toward the Monster.
Jack Lumber: “YOU WANT THE AXE?”
Jack Lumber: “COME TAKE IT!”
Frankenstein’s Monster tries to advance.
Three security guards force it backward.
Jack Lumber laughs.
Jack Lumber: “TIMBER!”
Security finally pulls the Convergent Champion around the corner and out of sight.
The camera remains with Dr. Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s Monster*.*
The Monster slowly turns its head toward the direction Jack Lumber was taken.
A red mark is visible where the championship struck.
Dr. Frankenstein looks at it.
Then toward the empty hallway.
His expression changes.
The smile is gone.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Interesting.”
The Monster rises fully.
And stares down the corridor.
The image fades.
The lights inside Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum darken.
The crest of Camelot appears across the stage.
Merlin steps through the entrance first, staff in hand.
Behind him comes Sir Galahad*.*
The Knight of Camelot walks with purpose, his eyes fixed upon the ring.
Julian Ward: “Our final match before Age of Ruin carries another of Camelot’s fractures. Sir Galahad represents the kingdom. Across from him tonight stands the king’s own son.”
Brick Brody: “And don’t romanticize it. Mordred doesn’t want reconciliation. He wants to prove that everything Arthur built can bleed.”
Sir Galahad enters the ring while Merlin takes his position at ringside.
The lights change.
The reaction becomes darker.
Mordred appears.
No entourage.
No hesitation.
He looks toward Sir Galahad and then toward Merlin*.*
Julian Ward: “Mordred has spent much of his life defined by Camelot. Tonight he gets one of its most devoted knights.”
Brick Brody: “And he’d love nothing more than to leave Galahad in pieces two nights before the kingdom goes to war.”
Mordred steps through the ropes.
Referee ‘Honest’ Abe checks both men.
Louie Linville moves to the center.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is tonight’s MAIN EVENT and is scheduled for one fall!”
He gestures toward Mordred*.*
Louie Linville: “Introducing first... MORDRED!”
The crowd answers loudly.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent, accompanied by MERLIN... representing the Champions of Camelot... SIR GALAHAD!”
Sir Galahad raises one arm.
Honest Abe signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Mordred moves quickly and attempts to trap Sir Galahad for a Lifting Inverted DDT.
Sir Galahad plants his feet and blocks the lift.
The two separate.
Julian Ward: “Mordred went for immediate damage to the neck, but Sir Galahad recognized it before he could be elevated.”
Brick Brody: “That tells me Mordred came here to finish early. No feeling out. Straight for something ugly.”
Minute 2
Sir Galahad creates distance and climbs rapidly.
He launches.
The Chosen Fall.
The 630 Senton crashes directly across Mordred*.*
The Coliseum erupts.
Julian Ward: “The Chosen Fall connects! An extraordinary risk from Galahad this early.”
Brick Brody: “That isn’t wrestling conservatively. That’s dropping your entire body on a man and asking what he has left.”
Minute 3
Mordred forces himself upright.
He catches Sir Galahad coming forward and sends him over with a Vertical Suplex.
Galahad lands flat across the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Mordred answers. He was shaken by the Chosen Fall, but he has recovered quickly.”
Brick Brody: “That’s the son of Arthur whether anybody likes saying it or not. Hard head. Harder pride.”
Minute 4
Sir Galahad accelerates off the ropes.
Running Shooting Star Press.
He crashes down across Mordred*.*
Mordred rolls through the impact and catches Galahad as he rises.
Swinging Neckbreaker.
Julian Ward: “Both men land heavily. Galahad has the aerial advantage, but Mordred keeps finding the neck.”
Brick Brody: “Because that’s how you shut down a flyer. Twist the neck enough and suddenly looking up at the ropes hurts.”
Minute 5
Mordred tries another Swinging Neckbreaker.
Sir Galahad turns through it.
He gets behind.
Leg Hook Belly-to-Back Suplex.
Mordred is dumped across the shoulders.
Julian Ward: “Excellent reversal from Sir Galahad. He anticipated the neckbreaker and converted immediately.”
Brick Brody: “That was good. No wasted motion. Mordred reached for the neck and got thrown for it.”
Minute 6
Both men circle cautiously.
Mordred suddenly accelerates.
Dropkick.
It catches Sir Galahad square in the chest and sends him backward.
Julian Ward: “The pace remains unpredictable. Neither man has held control for long.”
Brick Brody: “Good. Make the other man guess. The second you get comfortable, somebody caves your ribs in.”
Minute 7
Sir Galahad rebounds from the ropes.
Flying Body Splash.
He crashes into Mordred and drives him to the mat.
Julian Ward: “Full body weight from Galahad, and once again his movement becomes the difference.”
Brick Brody: “You can prepare for technique. Harder to prepare for a grown man launching himself at your face.”
Minute 8
Sir Galahad pulls Mordred up and traps him across the shoulders.
Horizontal Gory Special.
Mordred’s body is stretched backward.
Honest Abe asks the question.
Mordred refuses to submit.
Julian Ward: “The first sustained submission of the match. Sir Galahad is forcing Mordred to carry his own weight in a terrible position.”
Brick Brody: “And Mordred is too stubborn to quit. That can be admirable right up until something tears.”
Minute 9
Sir Galahad releases and immediately attempts the Michinoku Driver II-B.
Mordred shifts his weight and blocks the attempt.
Both men reset.
Julian Ward: “Mordred sensed the danger and neutralized the driver.”
Brick Brody: “That’s experience. When a man starts positioning your hips like that, you don’t wait around to learn what comes next.”
Minute 10
Sir Galahad gets behind again.
Leg Hook Belly-to-Back Suplex.
Mordred lands but rolls through and returns with a Clothesline.
Galahad is flattened.
Julian Ward: “Another rapid exchange. Galahad gets the throw, Mordred gets the final blow.”
Brick Brody: “And the last shot in an exchange is usually the one your body remembers.”
Minute 11
Sir Galahad glances toward ringside.
Merlin raises his crystal ball.
The old sorcerer peers deeply into it, attempting to provide guidance.
Mordred notices immediately.
He backs away from Galahad and refuses to follow the expected line of attack.
Julian Ward: “Merlin attempting to guide Sir Galahad, but Mordred recognized it and changed his approach.”
Brick Brody: “Hard to predict somebody who knows the magician is trying to predict him.”
Minute 12
Mordred charges.
Clothesline.
Sir Galahad attempts to brace but is driven backward to the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Another heavy Clothesline from Mordred. He has begun bringing the match back toward simpler, more direct violence.”
Brick Brody: “Exactly where he should. Forget spells. Forget prophecy. Hit the knight until he stops moving.”
Minute 13
Sir Galahad pushes himself upright.
Mordred approaches.
Pele Kick.
The strike catches Mordred cleanly.
Julian Ward: “Pele Kick from Sir Galahad. That came from almost nowhere.”
Brick Brody: “And Mordred walked straight into it. One mistake and the knight’s foot is suddenly behind your ear.”
Minute 14
Mordred tries to close again.
Another Pele Kick.
Mordred drops backward.
Julian Ward: “A second consecutive Pele Kick. Galahad has found a repeated opening.”
Brick Brody: “Then keep taking it until Mordred learns. If he doesn’t learn, keep kicking him.”
Minute 15
Mordred finally explodes forward.
Spear.
Sir Galahad sidesteps and catches him during the charge.
He pulls Mordred into another Horizontal Gory Special.
Mordred struggles violently.
Honest Abe checks him.
No submission.
Julian Ward: “Galahad reverses the Spear directly into the Gory Special. That is the second time Mordred has been trapped there.”
Brick Brody: “And the second time he refuses to quit. Pride keeps him alive, but it’s costing him.”
Minute 16
Sir Galahad attempts a Jumping Reverse Bulldog.
Mordred fires back in the same exchange and drives Galahad down with an Inverted Sitdown Faceslam.
Both men hit hard.
Julian Ward: “Both men commit, both men land. This match is becoming increasingly difficult to control.”
Brick Brody: “Good. Main events should hurt.”
Minute 17
Both men rise slowly.
Merlin steps closer to the apron.
He raises his staff and casts toward Mordred*.*
Mordred pushes through it.
He charges.
Spear.
Sir Galahad is driven nearly in half.
Mordred covers.
ONE!
TWO!
Sir Galahad kicks out.
Julian Ward: “Two! Mordred survives Merlin’s attempted intervention and nearly wins the match with the Spear.”
Brick Brody: “That spell didn’t stop anything. If anything, it made Mordred angrier.”
Minute 18
Mordred is slower after the failed pin.
Sir Galahad seizes the opening.
Running Shooting Star Press.
It connects cleanly.
Julian Ward: “Galahad immediately capitalizes. Mordred committed everything to that Spear and the pin attempt.”
Brick Brody: “That’s the price of almost winning. You still have to stand up when the referee says two.”
Minute 19
Sir Galahad pulls Mordred upright.
Michinoku Driver II-B.
This time it lands.
Galahad covers.
ONE!
TWO!
Mordred kicks out.
Julian Ward: “Two! Mordred survives the Michinoku Driver.”
Brick Brody: “Now we’re getting into the part where both men have already eaten enough to lose. From here, it’s stubbornness.”
Minute 20
Sir Galahad moves toward Mordred*.*
Merlin reaches inside his robe.
He throws a burst of flash powder.
The cloud erupts near Mordred’s face.
Mordred turns away, momentarily blinded.
Julian Ward: “Flash powder from Merlin!”
Brick Brody: “There’s the wizard’s contribution. Apparently prophecy wasn’t getting the job done.”
Honest Abe does not catch the source clearly as the powder dissipates.
Minute 21
Sir Galahad capitalizes.
He traps Mordred once again in the Horizontal Gory Special.
Mordred fights the hold.
He manages to shift enough to break free and immediately throws a Clothesline.
Both men stagger.
Julian Ward: “Again the Gory Special, but Mordred continues refusing to surrender.”
Brick Brody: “Three times now. Galahad keeps bending him and Mordred keeps coming back meaner.”
Minute 22
Sir Galahad returns to the same strategy.
Horizontal Gory Special.
Mordred fights desperately.
He twists free enough to create separation and snaps a Dropkick into Galahad*.*
Julian Ward: “A fourth application, and still Mordred escapes.”
Brick Brody: “At this point, I’m starting to think the man would rather have his spine pulled out than admit he’s finished.”
Minute 23
Sir Galahad catches Mordred from behind.
Leg Hook Belly-to-Back Suplex.
Mordred lands hard.
Julian Ward: “Galahad continues attacking the back after all those Gory Specials.”
Brick Brody: “That’s smart. You stretched it, now slam it. Keep working the damage you already paid for.”
Minute 24
Sir Galahad moves forward.
Mordred catches him.
Inverted Sitdown Faceslam.
Galahad is driven into the mat.
Julian Ward: “And still Mordred finds offense. Twenty-four minutes in and neither man has broken.”
Brick Brody: “They’ve both broken. They just haven’t admitted it yet.”
Minute 25
Both men remain slow to rise.
Merlin moves along the apron.
He catches the attention of Honest Abe*.*
For several seconds, the referee’s focus drifts toward the sorcerer.
Mordred sees what is happening.
He refuses to approach recklessly.
Julian Ward: “Merlin has the referee completely occupied.”
Brick Brody: “And Mordred knows something is coming. He’s not taking the bait.”
The distraction produces no immediate attack, but it gives Sir Galahad time to recover.
Minute 26
Mordred turns back toward his opponent.
Sir Galahad is already moving.
He charges across the ring.
Flying Body Splash.
The full force of Galahad crashes into Mordred*.*
Both men hit the canvas.
Sir Galahad hooks the leg.
Honest Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
Sir Galahad rolls away exhausted.
Mordred remains flat on the canvas.
Merlin raises his staff at ringside.
Louie Linville steps forward.
Louie Linville: “Here is your winner... SIR GALAHAD!”
The crowd responds as Honest Abe raises Sir Galahad’s arm.
Galahad is barely able to remain upright.
Merlin joins him in the ring.
Across the canvas, Mordred slowly turns onto one side.
Julian Ward: “Twenty-six minutes. Sir Galahad survives Mordred, but we cannot ignore Merlin’s repeated involvement throughout this match.”
Brick Brody: “Crystal ball, curses, flash powder, referee distractions. If Mordred wants to complain, he’s got plenty of material. But the bell rang and Galahad got the three.”
Julian Ward: “And that is the final result of the final Mythic Division match before Age of Ruin.”
Sir Galahad looks down toward Mordred*.*
Mordred looks back.
No respect.
No reconciliation.
Only another wound within Camelot.
Brick Brody: “Sunday’s coming, Julian.”
Julian Ward: “Yes.”
The camera slowly widens.
Sir Galahad and Merlin stand on one side.
Mordred sits against the opposite ropes.
Julian Ward: “And tonight has given Camelot no reason to believe it will arrive peacefully.”
SIR GALAHAD DEFEATS MORDRED VIA PINFALL AT THE 26:00 MINUTE MARK.
The camera returns to ringside.
Behind the announce desk, the lights of Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum burn lower now.
The final match is over.
But the building is still restless.
Julian Ward looks toward the camera.
Julian Ward: “The final Dark Fable before Age of Ruin is nearly at an end, and tonight did not bring clarity.”
Footage begins rolling across the screen.
Jack Lumber walking toward the ring.
Kong*,* Dragon King*,* and Frankenstein’s Monster ambushing him.
Then Ogre driving the damaged Convergent Champion into the canvas with the piledriver.
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber was assaulted before our opening match by Kong, Dragon King, and the very creature he faces Sunday.”
Brick Brody: “And then he was stubborn enough to wrestle Ogre anyway.”
Julian Ward: “A decision that ended with Ogre defeating the Convergent Champion.”
The footage changes.
Dr. Frankenstein speaking backstage.
Then—
CRACK.
Jack Lumber drives the Convergent Championship into the head of Frankenstein’s Monster*.*
Jack Lumber: “TIMBERRRRRR!”
Brick Brody: “But the lumberjack got his receipt.”
Julian Ward: “Sunday, there will be no warning shot. Jack Lumber defends the Convergent Championship against Frankenstein’s Monster at Age of Ruin.”
The screen shifts.
Snow White dives through the ropes.
Gretel lands the Superkick.
Prince John strikes Honest Abe from behind.
Julian Ward: “The Fairest Hunters defeated the Black Chapel by disqualification after Prince John deliberately attacked the referee.”
Brick Brody: “Sometimes losing the match is cheaper than losing the fight.”
Another transition.
Ghost of Christmas Past drives Hansel down.
Hansel locks in the Boston Crab.
The Atomic Kneedrop.
ONE.
TWO.
THREE.
Hansel holds the Universal Championship.
Julian Ward: “And history changed tonight.”
The crowd cheers again as the image of the new Champion fills the screen.
Julian Ward: “Hansel survived twenty minutes against Ghost of Christmas Past and became the new Universal Champion.”
Brick Brody: “He found the weakness and kept hurting it until the ghost stayed down.”
Julian Ward: “Whatever came before tonight, Hansel leaves Camelot as Universal Champion.”
The screen changes again.
Ursa Titania raises the Aurora Championship.
Morgana LeFaye locks in the Fujiwara Armbar.
Marcus the Beastmaster strikes from behind.
The hidden sidewalk slam.
Then the final knee lift.
Julian Ward: “New Aurora Champion Ursa Titania defeated Morgana LeFaye in non-title competition.”
Brick Brody: “With a little assistance.”
Julian Ward: “Twice.”
Brick Brody: “I said a little. I didn’t say clean.”
The footage cuts again.
Sir Agravaine drives Lion across the top rope.
Severin Crowne swings the chair.
Lion fails to answer the ten-count.
Julian Ward: “Sir Agravaine defeated Lion by count out after Severin Crowne struck Lion with a steel chair outside the referee’s view.”
Brick Brody: “One minute. Efficient.”
Julian Ward: “And perhaps another warning that Severin Crowne’s reach within Camelot continues to expand.”
Now the main event.
Sir Galahad and Mordred trading blows.
The Gory Specials.
The Spear.
Merlin’s flash powder.
The Flying Body Splash.
ONE.
TWO.
THREE.
Julian Ward: “Finally, Sir Galahad defeated Mordred after twenty-six minutes.”
Brick Brody: “And Merlin spent half the match making sure Camelot had every possible advantage.”
Julian Ward: “A victory for Sir Galahad.”
A pause.
Julian Ward: “But hardly a victory that healed anything.”
The footage stops.
The Coliseum darkens further.
Then one image appears.
King Arthur*.*
The Mythic Crown around his waist.
The crowd begins reacting immediately.
The image changes.
Robin Hood*.*
Wearing the King’s stolen crown crooked upon his head.
Laughing from the rafters.
Julian Ward: “And above everything else tonight, Camelot’s war moved one step closer.”
Footage rolls from earlier.
King Arthur: “The Prince of Thieves will fall to the King of Camelot.”
Robin Hood drops from the rafters.
The Merry Band floods the ring.
Knights and outlaws collide.
Robin snatches the crown from Arthur’s head.
Brick Brody: “That was the moment.”
Julian Ward: “Robin Hood did not merely interrupt the King.”
The image freezes on Robin Hood wearing the crown.
Julian Ward: “He humiliated him.”
Brick Brody: “And Sunday, Arthur gets to answer.”
The Age of Ruin graphic fills the screen.
KING ARTHUR vs ROBIN HOOD
MYTHIC CROWN
IF ROBIN HOOD LOSES, HE MUST KNEEL
Julian Ward: “This Sunday at Age of Ruin, King Arthur defends the Mythic Crown against Robin Hood.”
Brick Brody: “And if Robin loses, he kneels.”
Julian Ward: “Not simply defeated.”
Julian Ward: “Made to kneel before the King.”
Another graphic.
JACK LUMBER vs FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER
CONVERGENT CHAMPIONSHIP
Julian Ward: “The Convergent Championship will be defended when Jack Lumber finally meets Frankenstein’s Monster.”
Another.
RAIGEN vs TARO OKAMI
TRIALS OF BLOOD
Julian Ward: “And Raigen faces Taro Okami in the Trials of Blood, where the consequences reach far beyond one match.”
Another graphic.
BLONDE BOMBSHELLS vs WAR COUNCIL
NORTH STAR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Julian Ward: “The North Star Tag Team Championship will also be defended as the Blonde Bombshells face the War Council.”
The graphics disappear.
Only the Age of Ruin logo remains.
Brick Brody: “Kings. Outlaws. Monsters. Blood debts. That sounds like Sunday.”
Julian Ward looks toward the ring.
The camera follows his gaze.
The ring is empty now.
But one object remains.
The corner pad struck by the flaming arrow earlier tonight.
Still scorched.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, the final warnings were delivered.”
Julian Ward: “Hansel became Universal Champion.”
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber answered the Monster.”
Julian Ward: “Severin Crowne moved another piece.”
Julian Ward: “And Robin Hood took the crown from the King’s own head.”
The camera slowly rises above the empty ring.
Brick Brody: “Sunday, they stop warning each other.”
The lights darken.
Julian Ward: “Sunday, there is nowhere left to retreat.”
The Age of Ruin logo burns across the screen.
Julian Ward: “For Brick Brody, I’m Julian Ward.”
A final image appears.
King Arthur on one side.
Robin Hood on the other.
The Mythic Crown between them.
Julian Ward: “The next time the Mythic Division gathers... a kingdom may no longer recognize its King.”
Black.
AGE OF RUIN — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
An arrow flies across the darkness.
It strikes directly through the center of a crown.
Fade out.
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