Aired - September 5, 2026
10. POLAR SUPER HOUSE SHOW 002
Black screen.
A low arctic wind rises.
Ice groans beneath unseen pressure.
Northern Lights suddenly tear across the darkness as the first heavy drumbeat lands.
VOICE-OVER:
“From the top of the world…”
Snow lashes across the screen.
“…where the cold decides who survives.”
The POLAR POWER logo begins forming through frost and fractured steel.
VOICE-OVER:
“This… is POLAR POWER.”
The music surges.
A rapid-fire signature montage begins.
Santa Claus absorbs a crushing shot, stays upright, and answers by driving his opponent violently into the canvas.
Flames burst through the snow as Infernus Rex emerges from the smoke and crushes an opponent beneath overwhelming power.
A backstage door swings open. Jack Mason marches through before the image snaps to him turning an opponent inside out with a vicious lariat.
Crimson flashes across the screen as Ruby Howl, Scarlet Howl, and Crimson Vane stand together. Rapid cuts show each member of the Sisters of the Hood striking with ruthless precision.
Polly Mason fights back from underneath, slips a charging opponent, and fires back with a sudden counter that brings the North Pole Arena to its feet.
Blue-white fog fills the screen.
Grondar the Revenant emerges through it with the North Pole Championship, drags an opponent upward, and drives them brutally into the canvas.
Snow explodes as Yeti charges through an opponent like an avalanche, then throws his head back with a monstrous roar.
Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend attacks in a blur of strikes, takedowns, and mauling pressure before crouching beside his fallen opponent with the Northern Lights Championship in his grasp.
The drums stop.
One final wide shot of the packed North Pole Arena.
Frost-blue spotlights sweep across the crowd.
VOICE-OVER:
“No shortcuts.”
The POLAR POWER logo slams onto the screen.
Ice cracks outward.
VOICE-OVER:
“Only the fight.”
“Only the North.”
“POLAR POWER.”
The broadcast returns live inside North Pole Arena.
Frost-blue spotlights sweep across the crowd as the camera moves quickly through the packed building before settling at the commentary desk.
Johnny Michaels sits beside Eddie Ellington, both already wearing their headsets.
Johnny Michaels: “Welcome live to Polar Power from North Pole Arena. I am Johnny ‘The Mic’ Michaels, alongside Eddie Ellington, and after everything that happened last Saturday, there is no shortage of unfinished business tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Unfinished business is wonderful. It keeps people angry, and angry people make much better television.”
The production screen behind them flashes through a rapid montage from last week.
Ashen Vicar forcing Big Bad Wolf to submit.
Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl celebrating their victory over Frostbound Command.
The skeletal face of Mari Lwyd beneath the cold white light.
The candlelit room of The Master of the Night.
Count Vlad shoving Honest Abe.
Finally, Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend raising the Northern Lights Championship over a furious Tom Sawyer.
Johnny Michaels: “Among the major developments, Ashen Vicar scored a huge submission victory over Big Bad Wolf, while Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl defeated Frostbound Command.”
Eddie Ellington: “A result I remain convinced Magnus Blackwell has spent the entire week discussing with Lady Frost and Sigrun.”
Johnny Michaels: “We also heard directly from Mari Lwyd, who made it clear that his association with Krampus is based on an old relationship and shared purpose, not obedience.”
Eddie Ellington: “And apparently something under the snow is listening to all of us. Very comforting.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then The Master of the Night formally introduced the House of Night and promised that he will soon be reunited with his mysterious mistress.”
Eddie Ellington: “That group was dangerous before it had a name. I don't know why naming it was supposed to improve my evening.”
The final replay shows Count Vlad at ringside during the Northern Lights Championship main event.
Johnny Michaels: “And Count Vlad seemed determined to influence practically everything around him. After getting Marax the Deceiver disqualified by putting his hands on Honest Abe, the Count repeatedly involved himself in the main event. Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend capitalized and defeated Tom Sawyer to remain Northern Lights Champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “You say influenced. I say managed.”
Johnny Michaels: “He struck Tom Sawyer with the Transylvania Spike.”
Eddie Ellington: “Very aggressive management.”
Johnny Michaels: “And remarkably, that brings us directly to another woman who has a serious problem with Count Vlad.”
Suddenly shouting can be heard through Johnny Michaels’ headset.
He stops.
Johnny Michaels: “Wait a moment.”
Eddie Ellington: “What?”
Johnny Michaels: “Something is happening backstage.”
The broadcast immediately cuts away from the desk.
The camera races into one of the corridors behind the arena.
Crimson Vane is already there.
She is furious.
Standing directly across from her is Goldie Locks.
Several staff members have backed away from the confrontation.
Crimson Vane: “I held that championship. I never received a fair conclusion, and I deserve the next match against Lilith.”
Goldie Locks: “The opportunity belongs to Moonshadow.”
Crimson Vane: “No.”
Goldie Locks: “Yes.”
Crimson Vane: “Because of one Fatal Four Way?”
Goldie Locks: “Because Moonshadow won that Fatal Four Way. That was the stipulation. She won. She earned the championship match.”
Crimson Vane steps closer.
Crimson Vane: “And how exactly did I lose mine?”
Goldie Locks says nothing.
Crimson Vane: “Say it.”
A beat.
Crimson Vane: “Count Vlad.”
The hallway becomes quieter.
Crimson Vane: “I was climbing that ladder. Lilith was down. I had the Queen of the North Championship within reach.”
Her voice hardens.
Crimson Vane: “Then Count Vlad put me down.”
Goldie Locks: “I know what happened.”
Crimson Vane: “Then stop pretending I belong at the back of the line.”
Goldie Locks stares at her for several seconds.
Then her expression changes.
Goldie Locks: “Fine.”
That stops Crimson Vane.
Goldie Locks: “You want your opportunity?”
Crimson Vane: “I want what I am owed.”
Goldie Locks: “Then earn it tonight.”
Crimson Vane narrows her eyes.
Goldie Locks: “Tonight's main event is now Crimson Vane against Moonshadow.”
A reaction can already be heard from inside the arena.
Goldie Locks: “If you defeat Moonshadow, tomorrow's Queen of the North Championship Match becomes a Triple Threat.”
She counts the names deliberately.
Goldie Locks: “Lilith. Moonshadow. Crimson Vane.”
A small smile appears on Crimson Vane’s face.
Goldie Locks: “But there is another side to this.”
The smile disappears.
Goldie Locks: “If Moonshadow beats you tonight, your rematch opportunity is gone.”
Silence.
Goldie Locks: “No automatic rematch.”
Another beat.
Goldie Locks: “No second argument.”
She points toward Crimson Vane.
Goldie Locks: “You are putting that claim on the line.”
Crimson Vane does not hesitate.
Crimson Vane: “Done.”
Goldie Locks: “Good.”
Crimson Vane: “Tell Moonshadow to enjoy being the number-one contender for a few more hours.”
Crimson Vane turns and walks away.
Goldie Locks watches her disappear down the corridor.
The broadcast returns immediately to the commentary desk.
Eddie Ellington: “Now that is management.”
Johnny Michaels: “You suddenly approve of commissioners making decisions?”
Eddie Ellington: “When they make interesting ones.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then it is official. Crimson Vane versus Moonshadow tonight. If Crimson Vane wins, she joins tomorrow's Queen of the North Championship Match. If she loses, she forfeits her rematch opportunity entirely.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is not a main event. That is gambling with your own future.”
A graphic fills the production screen.
LYRIC EVERFROST VS. THE MASTER OF THE NIGHT
Johnny Michaels: “And we have five other matches before we get there. We begin with Lyric Everfrost facing The Master of the Night, only one week after the House of Night announced itself to the North.”
Eddie Ellington: “Bad week to volunteer for that assignment.”
The graphic changes.
MRS. CLAUS VS. LADY FROST
Johnny Michaels: “Then Mrs. Claus faces Lady Frost, with the Snow Queen looking to rebound after last week's tag-team defeat.”
Eddie Ellington: “One bad night does not make Lady Frost any less dangerous.”
The next graphic appears.
ABADDON VS. LEITON SNAKE
Johnny Michaels: “Abaddon represents the Infernal Legion against Leiton Snake.”
Eddie Ellington: “That sounds considerably worse for Leiton Snake when you say it out loud.”
The screen changes again.
RIVER REAPERS VS. HANS TRAPP AND KNECHT RUPRECHT
Johnny Michaels: “Tag-team action sees the River Reapers take on Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht.”
Eddie Ellington: “That one could get physical very quickly.”
Another graphic.
ULTIMATE BEASTS VS. REINDEER COALITION
Johnny Michaels: “Then the Ultimate Beasts collide with the Reindeer Coalition.”
Eddie Ellington: “I hope someone reinforced the ring.”
Finally, the main-event graphic returns.
CRIMSON VANE VS. MOONSHADOW
Johnny Michaels: “And our newly raised stakes in the main event. Crimson Vane against Moonshadow. One woman already owns tomorrow's championship opportunity. The other is putting her final claim to a rematch on the line.”
Eddie Ellington: “And if Crimson Vane wins, Lilith goes from preparing for one challenger tomorrow to preparing for two.”
The graphic fades.
A final image of Elias Coldmere appears.
Johnny Michaels: “And before this night is over, Polar Commissioner Elias Coldmere will be here to announce the complete card for Tuesday's Super House Show.”
Eddie Ellington: “Six matches, a commissioner's announcement, and one former champion willing to wager her future.”
Johnny Michaels: “And it starts now. Lyric Everfrost versus The Master of the Night is next, live on Polar Power.”
The camera swings toward the entrance stage as the opening-match graphic fills the screen.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
Inside the ring, “Honest” Abe checks the turnbuckles before exchanging a brief word with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks toward the entrance stage.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington appears considerably more pleased with the upcoming match than his broadcast partner.
Johnny Michaels: “We are ready for our opening contest, and after what we saw last week, there may not be anyone in the Polar Division carrying more unanswered questions than the man about to compete against Lyric Everfrost.”
Eddie Ellington: “Questions? I thought The Master of the Night answered plenty of them.”
Johnny Michaels: “He introduced the House of Night, made it clear that organization intends to become a permanent force in the North, and ended with a promise that he will soon be reunited with his mysterious mistress.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Very clear. Very elegant. Very efficient. You should take notes.”
Johnny Michaels: “We still do not know who that woman is.”
Eddie Ellington: “That sounds like your problem, not his.”
The lighting around the entrance stage turns bright icy blue.
A delicate opening melody gives way to a faster rhythm as silver-white light spreads across the stage.
Lyric Everfrost steps through the curtain.
The crowd responds warmly.
He pauses beneath the lights, raises one arm and looks out across North Pole Arena before turning toward the ring.
There is energy in his stride, but very little playfulness tonight.
Johnny Michaels: “This is an enormous opportunity for Lyric Everfrost. Whatever we think of the methods used by the House of Night, defeating its leader would immediately put his name into a much larger conversation.”
Eddie Ellington: “Or he could have stayed backstage and retained full use of his neck.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are already predicting disaster?”
Eddie Ellington: “I am predicting experience. The Master of the Night embarrassed Jack Mason at Fallout, announced an expanding organization last week, and tonight somebody decided to send an elf out here against him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Lyric Everfrost is considerably more capable than you are suggesting.”
Eddie Ellington: “I didn't say he wasn't capable. I said this is a terrible career choice.”
Lyric Everfrost walks down the aisle, slapping several hands along the barricade.
He reaches ringside, jumps onto the apron and steps through the ropes.
He moves quickly to the middle turnbuckle, raises one arm and receives another strong reaction.
Then he drops back to the canvas.
His music fades.
The arena goes dark.
Not completely.
Thin beams of deep midnight blue stretch across the entrance stage.
The soft sound of an old chamber piece begins.
A single candle appears on the production screen.
Then another.
Then another.
The crowd responds with immediate boos.
Count Daculescu steps through the curtain first.
He wears a dark formal coat and carries himself with absolute calm.
He stops at the center of the stage.
Then slowly turns.
The Master of the Night emerges behind him.
Midnight blue and black.
The mask.
The measured stride.
Nothing hurried.
Nothing wasted.
Eddie Ellington: “Now that is how you enter a building.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have been waiting to say that.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at him. He doesn't need fireworks. He doesn't need to bounce around slapping hands. The man walks out here and everyone immediately understands who matters.”
Johnny Michaels: “A statement I am sure Lyric Everfrost would dispute.”
Eddie Ellington: “He has twenty-two minutes to file the paperwork.”
The two men begin walking toward the ring.
Count Daculescu remains several steps ahead.
Inside the ring, Lyric Everfrost watches them approach without backing away.
Johnny Michaels: “And we cannot ignore Count Daculescu. His presence at ringside has repeatedly changed matches.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is why you have managers.”
Johnny Michaels: “He shoved Honest Abe last week and got Marax the Deceiver disqualified.”
Eddie Ellington: “One unfortunate disagreement.”
Johnny Michaels: “He threw a loaded glove to The Master of the Night at Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “No disqualification.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have that answer prepared every time.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because you keep asking the same question.”
Count Daculescu reaches ringside.
He stops near one corner.
The Master of the Night climbs the steps.
He pauses on the apron and looks directly at Lyric Everfrost.
Then he steps through the ropes.
The two competitors move toward the center.
Honest Abe quickly positions himself between them.
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... LYRIC EVERFROST!”
Lyric Everfrost raises one arm.
The crowd answers loudly.
Celeste Orion turns toward the opposite corner.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by COUNT DACULESCU... the leader of the HOUSE OF NIGHT... THE MASTER OF THE NIGHT!”
Boos sweep through the arena.
The Master of the Night slowly raises his chin.
At ringside, Count Daculescu gives the smallest approving nod.
Eddie Ellington: “That sounds important.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are enjoying this far too much.”
Eddie Ellington: “I appreciate hierarchy.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe gives both competitors their final instructions.
Then the referee turns toward Count Daculescu and points firmly toward the floor.
The Count responds with an exaggeratedly courteous nod.
Eddie Ellington: “See? Cooperation.”
Johnny Michaels: “For now.”
The referee signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Lyric Everfrost attacks quickly.
He catches The Master of the Night before he can establish his preferred deliberate pace, hooks him and turns through the movement.
REVERSE PILEDRIVER!
The Master of the Night is driven hard into the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
But he rolls through the impact and rises much faster than Lyric Everfrost expects.
As Lyric Everfrost closes in again, The Master of the Night catches him around the body.
He lifts.
BLOODLINE BACKBREAKER!
Lyric Everfrost is folded violently across the knee.
He rolls away holding his lower back.
Johnny Michaels: “What an opening! Lyric Everfrost lands the Reverse Piledriver immediately, but The Master of the Night responds with that Bloodline Backbreaker.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly why I like him. No panic.”
Johnny Michaels: “He was just driven onto his head.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then he got up and rearranged Lyric’s spine. That is what we call an answer.”
Johnny Michaels: “An extremely forceful one.”
Eddie Ellington: “Welcome to the House of Night.”
Minute 2
Lyric Everfrost is still favoring his back as he rises.
The Master of the Night recognizes it immediately.
He steps behind him before Lyric Everfrost can create space.
Another BLOODLINE BACKBREAKER!
The second impact bends Lyric Everfrost across the knee.
He drops to the canvas and rolls toward the ropes.
The Master of the Night does not rush after him.
He simply watches.
Johnny Michaels: “Right back to the lower back. The Master of the Night identified the damage from the first Backbreaker and immediately attacked the same area again.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is called intelligence.”
Johnny Michaels: “And now Lyric Everfrost has been forced onto the defensive very quickly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because he made the mistake of thinking that Reverse Piledriver bought him time. Against somebody like The Master of the Night, you don't admire your work.”
Johnny Michaels: “He needs to stop this from becoming a target-selection exercise.”
Eddie Ellington: “Too late. He already found the target.”
Minute 3
Lyric Everfrost creates distance.
As The Master of the Night approaches, he suddenly drops, catches the legs and turns him over.
SHARPSHOOTER!
The crowd rises.
Lyric Everfrost sits deep into the hold.
Honest Abe drops beside The Master of the Night and asks whether he wants to submit.
He refuses.
He presses both hands against the canvas and begins dragging himself forward.
Before Lyric Everfrost can settle completely, The Master of the Night powers enough of his body underneath himself to break the angle.
He twists free.
Both competitors rise.
Lyric Everfrost tries to close again.
The Master of the Night catches him.
BLOODLINE BACKBREAKER!
For the third time, Lyric Everfrost’s lower back is driven across his knee.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent response from Lyric Everfrost with the Sharpshooter! He had The Master of the Night in genuine trouble.”
Eddie Ellington: “Did he submit?”
Johnny Michaels: “No.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then he wasn't in enough trouble.”
Johnny Michaels: “He had to fight his way out.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then what happened?”
Johnny Michaels: “Another Bloodline Backbreaker.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you. The record reflects wisdom.”
Minute 4
Lyric Everfrost fights through the pain.
He creates separation and spins sharply.
SPINNING HEEL KICK!
The strike catches The Master of the Night across the jaw.
He staggers.
Lyric Everfrost moves forward.
But The Master of the Night catches his momentum.
He hooks him.
CARPATHIAN DRIVER!
Lyric Everfrost crashes hard to the mat.
The Master of the Night sits up beside him.
The crowd boos.
Johnny Michaels: “Spinning Heel Kick lands, but The Master of the Night absorbs it long enough to answer with the Carpathian Driver.”
Eddie Ellington: “There is a pattern forming.”
Johnny Michaels: “Lyric Everfrost is finding offense.”
Eddie Ellington: “And every time he finds some, The Master of the Night finds something worse.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Carpathian Driver significantly changed that exchange.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is why adults should not play with things that live in the dark.”
Minute 5
Lyric Everfrost rises unsteadily.
He turns as The Master of the Night approaches.
ENZUIGIRI!
His boot snaps across the side of the mask.
The crowd cheers.
The Master of the Night drops to one knee.
Lyric Everfrost comes forward again.
He suddenly catches him.
He lifts him vertically.
A step toward the ropes.
Then the slingshot.
THE IMPALER!
The Slingshot Brainbuster drives Lyric Everfrost into the canvas.
The entire ring shakes.
Johnny Michaels: “The Impaler! Lyric Everfrost landed that Enzuigiri, but The Master of the Night just answered with one of his most dangerous weapons.”
Eddie Ellington: “Beautiful.”
Johnny Michaels: “There was nothing beautiful about the way Lyric landed.”
Eddie Ellington: “Technique can be beautiful even when the result is unpleasant.”
Johnny Michaels: “Lyric Everfrost may already be in serious trouble.”
Eddie Ellington: “He was in serious trouble when he signed the match.”
Minute 6
Lyric Everfrost somehow forces himself upright.
He gets behind The Master of the Night.
DRAGON SLEEPER!
For a moment the crowd believes he has caught him.
The Master of the Night quickly shifts his body.
He drives backward, breaks the grip and spins out.
Before Lyric Everfrost can recover—
THE IMPALER!
A second Slingshot Brainbuster plants him.
The Master of the Night covers.
Honest Abe drops.
One! Two!
Then The Master of the Night suddenly grabs Lyric Everfrost and pulls his shoulder off the canvas.
The crowd erupts in furious boos.
Honest Abe immediately confronts him.
The Master of the Night slowly rises.
A smile is visible beneath the mask.
Johnny Michaels: “What is he doing?! The Master of the Night had him!”
Eddie Ellington: “He wasn't finished.”
Johnny Michaels: “He deliberately stopped his own pin!”
Eddie Ellington: “That is his prerogative.”
Johnny Michaels: “This is no longer simply about winning.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course it isn't. He is sending a message.”
Johnny Michaels: “At the expense of Lyric Everfrost.”
Eddie Ellington: “Messages usually require punctuation.”
Minute 7
Honest Abe warns The Master of the Night.
That gives Lyric Everfrost a moment to recover.
He catches him from the side and drives him down with a Bodyslam.
The crowd rallies.
But The Master of the Night rises again.
He catches Lyric Everfrost near the ropes.
THE IMPALER!
A third Slingshot Brainbuster.
He drops into a cover.
One!
Lyric Everfrost suddenly hooks him and rolls his weight through.
The pin is reversed.
Now The Master of the Night is underneath.
Honest Abe changes position.
One!
Two!
The Master of the Night kicks out.
Both competitors scramble upright.
Johnny Michaels: “Almost! The Master of the Night tried to cover after another Impaler, but Lyric Everfrost reversed the pin and nearly stole this match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Stole is the correct word.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was wrestling awareness.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was desperation.”
Johnny Michaels: “It nearly produced a three-count.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nearly is a lovely word for people who didn't win.”
Minute 8
Lyric Everfrost attacks before The Master of the Night can reset.
He catches him from behind and drives the knee upward.
ATOMIC DROP!
The impact sends The Master of the Night stumbling forward.
He tries to turn and protect himself but cannot prevent the maneuver.
Lyric Everfrost stays close.
Johnny Michaels: “Lyric Everfrost has found a little momentum. The Atomic Drop lands cleanly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Enjoy the little victories.”
Johnny Michaels: “That move clearly affected him.”
Eddie Ellington: “I didn't say it didn't. I'm simply waiting for the response.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have complete confidence in The Master of the Night tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Have you watched the first eight minutes?”
Johnny Michaels: “I have also watched Lyric Everfrost refuse to stay down.”
Eddie Ellington: “Admirable. Unwise, but admirable.”
Minute 9
Lyric Everfrost stays aggressive.
He spins.
SPINNING HEEL KICK!
The strike lands again.
But this time The Master of the Night uses the momentum to step behind him.
He snakes one arm around the neck.
BLOOD DRAIN SLEEPER!
The hold is cinched in.
Lyric Everfrost immediately reaches toward the ropes.
They are several feet away.
The Master of the Night drags him backward.
Honest Abe asks if he submits.
Lyric Everfrost refuses.
His knees buckle.
The crowd begins clapping rhythmically.
Lyric Everfrost forces himself back upright and creates just enough movement to keep fighting.
Eventually he twists toward the ropes and forces the break.
Johnny Michaels: “Blood Drain Sleeper! Lyric Everfrost was trapped, but he refused to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “He should have.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are recommending surrender?”
Eddie Ellington: “I am recommending future mobility.”
Johnny Michaels: “He survived the hold.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes, and now he gets to continue being hit.”
Johnny Michaels: “Your compassion remains inspiring.”
Minute 10
Lyric Everfrost catches The Master of the Night as they separate.
He hooks him.
VERTICAL SUPLEX!
The Master of the Night crashes to the canvas.
Lyric Everfrost rises.
But The Master of the Night grabs him and directs his momentum toward the ropes.
Lyric Everfrost spills through them and crashes to the arena floor.
Honest Abe begins counting.
One!
Two!
At ringside, Count Daculescu walks slowly toward Lyric Everfrost.
He does not touch him.
He leans slightly closer.
Count Daculescu: “Stay down.”
Three!
Lyric Everfrost looks up at him.
Count Daculescu: “There is no shame in understanding when night has already fallen.”
Four!
Five!
Lyric Everfrost pushes himself up.
Six!
He reaches the apron.
Seven!
Count Daculescu smiles.
Eight!
Lyric Everfrost slides back beneath the bottom rope.
The crowd cheers.
Johnny Michaels: “Back inside at eight, and Count Daculescu spent that entire count telling Lyric Everfrost to stay down.”
Eddie Ellington: “Excellent advice.”
Johnny Michaels: “He did not ask for it.”
Eddie Ellington: “The best advice is frequently unsolicited.”
Johnny Michaels: “He beat the count.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means we now continue the demonstration.”
Minute 11
Lyric Everfrost comes back swinging.
He catches The Master of the Night and powers him over with a Bodyslam.
The crowd reacts.
But as Lyric Everfrost advances, The Master of the Night uses the ropes again.
He sends him over the top.
Lyric Everfrost hits the floor hard.
Honest Abe begins another count.
One!
Two!
Count Daculescu approaches.
Count Daculescu: “You have been given every opportunity to accept your fate.”
Three!
Lyric Everfrost pulls himself toward the apron.
Count Daculescu: “Leave while you still have the choice.”
Four!
Five!
He gets one hand on the bottom rope.
Six!
Lyric Everfrost slides back inside.
The audience applauds.
The Master of the Night waits several feet away.
Johnny Michaels: “This time Lyric Everfrost returns at six, and Count Daculescu is becoming increasingly direct.”
Eddie Ellington: “He is trying to help him.”
Johnny Michaels: “He is trying to convince him to quit.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes. Help.”
Johnny Michaels: “Every time Lyric gets back into this ring, he is answering both men.”
Eddie Ellington: “And every time he gets back into the ring, The Master of the Night gets another opportunity.”
Minute 12
Lyric Everfrost rises near the ropes.
The Master of the Night rushes forward.
VAMPIRE KNEELIFT!
The knee catches Lyric Everfrost sharply across the upper chest and jaw.
He tries to shield himself but takes most of the impact.
He drops backward.
Johnny Michaels: “Vampire Kneelift! Lyric Everfrost simply could not get his guard up quickly enough.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because the punishment is accumulating.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is no question about that.”
Eddie Ellington: “The back has been attacked. He's taken three Impalers. He's been thrown outside twice. And he keeps returning.”
Johnny Michaels: “That persistence is one of his greatest strengths.”
Eddie Ellington: “At some point persistence becomes volunteering.”
Johnny Michaels: “And yet The Master of the Night still has not finished him.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because he clearly isn't in a hurry.”
Minute 13
The Master of the Night reaches for another Blood Drain Sleeper.
Lyric Everfrost recognizes it immediately.
He drops his weight before the arm can completely close around his neck.
The Master of the Night tries to pull him backward.
Lyric Everfrost turns inside the grip.
He pries the arm away and drives an elbow into the body.
The hold is neutralized before it can be fully applied.
Both competitors separate.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense! Lyric Everfrost recognized the Blood Drain Sleeper and stopped it before The Master of the Night could secure the hold.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good.”
Johnny Michaels: “Good?”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes. Make him work.”
Johnny Michaels: “You actually complimented Lyric.”
Eddie Ellington: “I complimented the escape. Don't become emotional.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be the first time tonight he completely prevented one of The Master of the Night’s major attacks.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then he should frame the minute.”
Minute 14
The Master of the Night does not allow the escape to become momentum.
He closes immediately.
Lyric Everfrost tries to block the body lock.
He cannot.
BLOODLINE BACKBREAKER!
Once again, his already damaged lower back is driven across the knee.
He collapses to the mat.
Johnny Michaels: “And right back to the Bloodline Backbreaker. The Master of the Night has been extraordinarily consistent attacking that lower back.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because you do not abandon a successful plan just because the audience wants variety.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is the fourth time we have seen the move tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “And it hurts exactly as much every time.”
Johnny Michaels: “Possibly more now.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now you're thinking like a strategist.”
Minute 15
Lyric Everfrost pulls himself upright.
The Master of the Night reaches for him.
Lyric Everfrost slips behind.
ATOMIC DROP!
For the second time, The Master of the Night is jolted forward.
He reaches toward the ropes.
Lyric Everfrost remains standing despite the damage.
The crowd responds.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Atomic Drop! Lyric Everfrost is still finding openings.”
Eddie Ellington: “He is stubborn. I will absolutely give him that.”
Johnny Michaels: “That sounded almost respectful.”
Eddie Ellington: “I respect people who make terrible decisions with conviction.”
Johnny Michaels: “He has now fought for fifteen minutes after taking an enormous amount of punishment.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means he has survived fifteen minutes. Do not confuse survival with control.”
Minute 16
Lyric Everfrost moves forward.
Honest Abe shifts around both competitors to maintain position.
That moment is all Count Daculescu needs.
As Lyric Everfrost is driven toward the ropes during the struggle, the Count reaches through from the floor.
His arm snakes across Lyric Everfrost’s throat.
He pulls backward.
Lyric Everfrost is suddenly being choked against the rope.
The crowd explodes in boos.
Honest Abe is screened by The Master of the Night and does not see it.
Johnny Michaels: “COUNT DACULESCU HAS HIM!”
Eddie Ellington: “I don't see anything.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are looking directly at it!”
Eddie Ellington: “My monitor appears defective.”
Count Daculescu releases before Honest Abe turns.
Lyric Everfrost staggers backward into the ring.
The Master of the Night immediately covers.
One!
Two!
Again, he pulls Lyric Everfrost’s shoulder off the canvas.
The boos become deafening.
Honest Abe looks furious.
The Master of the Night simply sits beside Lyric Everfrost.
Johnny Michaels: “Again! He stopped his own pin again!”
Eddie Ellington: “He is proving a point.”
Johnny Michaels: “After Count Daculescu illegally choked Lyric Everfrost from the floor!”
Eddie Ellington: “Allegedly.”
Johnny Michaels: “We have cameras!”
Eddie Ellington: “Very judgmental cameras.”
Johnny Michaels: “This has become punishment for punishment's sake.”
Eddie Ellington: “No. This has become a lesson.”
Minute 17
Lyric Everfrost pushes himself upright.
He charges.
SHOULDER BLOCK!
The impact knocks The Master of the Night backward.
But when Lyric Everfrost follows, he catches his arm.
He circles behind.
One arm traps the shoulder.
The other closes around the head and neck.
NIGHT'S DOMINION!
The Cobra Clutch Dragon Sleeper Hybrid is secured.
Lyric Everfrost is trapped in the center of the ring.
Honest Abe asks for the submission.
He refuses.
The Master of the Night increases the pressure.
Lyric Everfrost kicks desperately against the canvas.
He manages to shift his body enough to keep from going completely limp.
The crowd rallies behind him.
Eventually he drives enough weight backward to force movement toward the ropes.
His boot reaches the bottom rope.
Honest Abe orders the break.
Johnny Michaels: “Night's Dominion! Lyric Everfrost survives another major submission.”
Eddie Ellington: “He keeps choosing the painful answer.”
Johnny Michaels: “He keeps refusing to quit.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is what I said.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is a difference.”
Eddie Ellington: “Not to his neck.”
Minute 18
Lyric Everfrost grabs the ropes and pulls himself upright.
He catches The Master of the Night coming forward.
BODyslam!
The Master of the Night hits hard.
But Lyric Everfrost is too exhausted to capitalize immediately.
The Master of the Night rises.
He reaches forward and clamps one hand around Lyric Everfrost’s throat.
CLAW TO THE THROAT!
Lyric Everfrost tries to pry the fingers away.
Honest Abe warns The Master of the Night about the choke.
He holds until the referee begins counting.
Then releases.
Johnny Michaels: “Lyric Everfrost gets the Bodyslam, but The Master of the Night responds with that vicious claw across the throat.”
Eddie Ellington: “He keeps shutting down every rally.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is the story of this match so far.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Lyric gets one move. The Master of the Night answers. Lyric gets another opening. He answers again.”
Johnny Michaels: “But those openings are beginning to show that The Master of the Night can be hurt.”
Eddie Ellington: “Everyone can be hurt. The question is who keeps getting up.”
Minute 19
Lyric Everfrost suddenly surges forward.
He catches The Master of the Night before he can establish another hold.
He turns him.
REVERSE PILEDRIVER!
The same move that opened the match drives him down again.
This time Lyric Everfrost immediately falls across him.
Honest Abe counts.
One!
Two!
The Master of the Night kicks out.
The crowd groans.
Lyric Everfrost sits beside him, breathing heavily.
Johnny Michaels: “Two-count! Lyric Everfrost nearly had him after the Reverse Piledriver.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nearly.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was close.”
Eddie Ellington: “And yet he kicked out.”
Johnny Michaels: “After everything Lyric Everfrost has absorbed, he still created a legitimate near fall.”
Eddie Ellington: “I will give him credit. That was his moment.”
Johnny Michaels: “His moment?”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes. I suspect he may wish he had finished it.”
Minute 20
Both competitors struggle upright.
Lyric Everfrost gets there first.
He catches The Master of the Night across his knee with a BACKBREAKER.
The Master of the Night drops away.
Lyric Everfrost tries to stay on him.
But as he reaches down, The Master of the Night catches the arm.
He pulls him into position.
NIGHT'S DOMINION!
The Cobra Clutch Dragon Sleeper Hybrid is locked in again.
Lyric Everfrost tries to turn out immediately.
This time The Master of the Night anticipates it.
He shifts his hips and keeps him trapped.
Honest Abe asks for the submission.
Lyric Everfrost refuses.
His face tightens from the pressure.
He reaches toward the ropes.
Too far.
He kicks backward and forces enough movement to prevent the hold from becoming completely settled.
After a prolonged struggle, he finally reaches the rope.
Honest Abe forces the break.
Johnny Michaels: “Another escape from Night's Dominion! Lyric Everfrost simply refuses to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “I am beginning to think nobody explained submission wrestling to him.”
Johnny Michaels: “He understands it perfectly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then he should understand the word surrender.”
Johnny Michaels: “He also landed that Backbreaker before getting caught.”
Eddie Ellington: “And The Master of the Night turned his offense into another submission. That's the important part.”
Minute 21
Lyric Everfrost rises slowly.
The Master of the Night steps directly in front of him.
EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!
The strike snaps Lyric Everfrost’s head backward.
He falls to the canvas.
The Master of the Night covers.
One!
Lyric Everfrost kicks out.
The crowd cheers.
The Master of the Night remains on his knees.
He looks down at Lyric Everfrost.
Then toward Count Daculescu.
The Count gives a small nod.
Johnny Michaels: “Only a one-count, but look at Lyric Everfrost. The kickout was instinct more than anything else.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that I agree with.”
Johnny Michaels: “He has taken an extraordinary amount of punishment.”
Eddie Ellington: “And The Master of the Night has been in control for the overwhelming majority of this match.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yet Lyric Everfrost is still here.”
Eddie Ellington: “For one more minute, apparently.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound very confident.”
Eddie Ellington: “Watch.”
Minute 22
Lyric Everfrost uses the ropes to pull himself upright.
The Master of the Night approaches.
Lyric Everfrost tries to create one final defense.
His arms come up.
The Master of the Night knocks them aside.
He hooks him.
Lifts.
Steps toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “No—”
THE IMPALER!
The Slingshot Brainbuster drives Lyric Everfrost violently into the canvas.
This time The Master of the Night does not smile.
He does not lift Lyric Everfrost’s shoulder.
He simply covers.
Honest Abe drops.
One!
Two!
Three!
The bell rings.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Johnny Michaels: “This time he finishes it. After twenty-two punishing minutes, The Master of the Night has defeated Lyric Everfrost.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly as predicted.”
Johnny Michaels: “Do not pretend this was easy. Lyric Everfrost survived everything he threw at him for more than twenty minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And where is he now?”
Johnny Michaels: “You can give Lyric Everfrost credit without diminishing the winner.”
Eddie Ellington: “I am giving the winner credit. The Master of the Night attacked the back, controlled the pace, survived the Sharpshooter, survived the Reverse Piledriver twice, escaped the pin reversal and finished the match when he decided the lesson was complete.”
Johnny Michaels: “And received illegal assistance from Count Daculescu.”
Eddie Ellington: “There you go ruining the summary.”
Celeste Orion raises the microphone.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by pinfall... THE MASTER OF THE NIGHT!”
The boos grow louder.
Count Daculescu steps through the ropes.
He does not celebrate.
He simply walks toward his associate.
The Master of the Night rises.
Then stops.
He looks down at Lyric Everfrost.
Johnny Michaels: “What now?”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps he wants to congratulate him.”
Johnny Michaels: “I seriously doubt that.”
The Master of the Night kneels beside Lyric Everfrost.
He grabs him by the hair and carefully lifts his head from the canvas.
Honest Abe immediately steps closer.
Count Daculescu moves between the referee and The Master of the Night.
Not attacking him.
Simply occupying the space.
The Master of the Night turns Lyric Everfrost’s face toward the hard camera.
The smile beneath the mask becomes visible.
The Master of the Night: “Santa.”
The crowd begins booing louder.
The Master of the Night: “How does it feel...”
He raises Lyric Everfrost’s head slightly higher.
The Master of the Night: “...to watch one of your elves demolished by the night?”
The arena erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “That was directed straight at Santa Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course it was.”
Johnny Michaels: “So this was never only about Lyric Everfrost.”
Eddie Ellington: “You are finally understanding the lesson.”
The Master of the Night releases Lyric Everfrost.
His head falls back to the canvas.
Honest Abe immediately kneels beside him.
Count Daculescu steps through the ropes first.
The Master of the Night follows.
Neither looks back.
The chamber music begins again.
The two members of the House of Night walk slowly toward the entrance aisle while the crowd rains boos upon them.
Inside the ring, Honest Abe continues checking on Lyric Everfrost.
Johnny Michaels: “A disturbing statement from The Master of the Night. Lyric Everfrost showed tremendous resilience, repeatedly escaped his submissions and came within two counts of defeating him, but the punishment eventually became too much.”
Eddie Ellington: “And the message went exactly where it was supposed to go.”
Johnny Michaels: “To Santa Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “The House of Night told everyone last week that it was looking beyond one rivalry. Apparently that includes the biggest name in the North.”
Johnny Michaels: “If Santa Claus was watching, I cannot imagine he will take kindly to seeing Lyric Everfrost used to deliver that message.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then the night just became considerably more interesting.”
THE MASTER OF THE NIGHT DEFEATS LYRIC EVERFROST VIA PINFALL WITH THE IMPALER AT THE 22:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast cuts backstage to the Polar Power interview area.
The blue-white Polar Division backdrop fills the wall behind Smooth Samantha Satin, microphone in hand.
Standing beside her is Moonshadow.
The number-one contender does not look pleased.
Her arms are folded tightly across her chest, and there is none of the satisfaction one might expect from a woman who is less than twenty-four hours away from challenging for the Queen of the North Championship.
A few feet behind her stands Big Bad Wolf.
The Alpha Wolf says nothing.
He does not need to.
His enormous frame occupies much of the background, arms folded, eyes fixed forward. The presence of the Wolf Pack leader makes the interview area feel considerably smaller.
Smooth Samantha: “I am joined now by Moonshadow, who tomorrow night on Northern Belles is scheduled to challenge Lilith for the Queen of the North Championship.”
Moonshadow immediately raises one hand.
Moonshadow: “Scheduled?”
Smooth Samantha pauses.
Moonshadow: “That's apparently the word now.”
She looks directly into the camera.
Moonshadow: “Because when I arrived here tonight, I was preparing for Lilith.”
A beat.
Moonshadow: “One champion.”
Another.
Moonshadow: “One challenger.”
She points toward herself.
Moonshadow: “Me.”
Behind her, Big Bad Wolf gives a slow approving nod.
Moonshadow: “I won the Fatal Four Way.”
Her voice sharpens.
Moonshadow: “Nobody handed me that opportunity.”
Moonshadow: “Nobody interfered and gave it to me.”
Moonshadow: “Nobody decided afterward that I had suffered enough, complained loudly enough, or had the right friends standing nearby.”
She shakes her head.
Moonshadow: “I won.”
Smooth Samantha: “And now, because of the decision made by Goldie Locks earlier tonight, that championship match could change.”
Moonshadow: “Could.”
She lets the word sit for a moment.
Moonshadow: “That is the only reason I am not tearing this building apart right now.”
A murmur can be heard from somewhere off camera.
Moonshadow takes one step closer to Smooth Samantha.
Moonshadow: “Because Crimson Vane still has to beat me.”
The crowd inside North Pole Arena reacts at the name.
Moonshadow: “And I understand why she's angry.”
A faint, humorless smile appears.
Moonshadow: “Really.”
Moonshadow: “She believes Count Vlad cost her the Queen of the North Championship.”
Moonshadow: “She believes she deserves another chance at Lilith.”
Moonshadow: “She believes tonight is the universe correcting some great injustice.”
She slowly shakes her head.
Moonshadow: “But none of that is my problem.”
Smooth Samantha: “You don't believe Crimson Vane should have received this opportunity tonight?”
Moonshadow: “I believe Crimson Vane should have to live with the same rule everyone else lives with.”
A pause.
Moonshadow: “If you want something, take it.”
She points toward the camera again.
Moonshadow: “I did.”
Moonshadow: “Tomorrow was supposed to be the night I took the Queen of the North Championship.”
Her jaw tightens.
Moonshadow: “Now Crimson Vane wants to walk through my match on the way to hers.”
A low growl comes from behind her.
Big Bad Wolf unfolds his arms.
Moonshadow glances back toward the Alpha Wolf.
Then smiles.
Moonshadow: “That's the mistake.”
Smooth Samantha: “What mistake?”
Moonshadow turns back toward the camera.
Moonshadow: “She thinks I'm standing between her and Lilith.”
Another step forward.
Moonshadow: “I'm not.”
Her voice lowers.
Moonshadow: “I'm standing in front of her.”
Behind her, Big Bad Wolf bares his teeth slightly.
Moonshadow: “And there is a difference.”
Smooth Samantha: “Earlier tonight, Crimson Vane said she intends to take your place in that championship equation.”
Moonshadow: “No.”
Immediate.
Cold.
Moonshadow: “She intends to add herself to it.”
A pause.
Moonshadow: “Taking my place would require removing me.”
She looks briefly over her shoulder toward Big Bad Wolf.
Moonshadow: “Ask anyone who has ever tried to remove a wolf from something she has decided belongs to her.”
The Alpha Wolf finally steps forward.
He does not take the microphone.
He simply stops beside Moonshadow, towering over both women.
Big Bad Wolf: “Wolves don't surrender territory.”
His voice is low.
Measured.
Big Bad Wolf: “They defend it.”
Smooth Samantha looks toward him.
Big Bad Wolf: “Moonshadow earned tomorrow.”
He turns his eyes toward the camera.
Big Bad Wolf: “If Crimson Vane wants to enter that territory…”
A slight snarl.
Big Bad Wolf: “…she enters through the wolf.”
Moonshadow smiles.
Not pleasantly.
Moonshadow: “Exactly.”
She takes the microphone gently from Smooth Samantha.
Moonshadow: “So listen carefully, Crimson Vane.”
She stares directly into the lens.
Moonshadow: “I know who you are.”
Moonshadow: “I know what you have done.”
Moonshadow: “I know you have blood in your name, anger in your heart, and every reason in the world to believe tonight belongs to you.”
A pause.
Moonshadow: “It doesn't.”
Her expression hardens.
Moonshadow: “You lost a championship because somebody else interfered.”
Another pause.
Moonshadow: “Tonight, there is nobody for you to blame.”
She raises one finger.
Moonshadow: “No Count Vlad.”
A second.
Moonshadow: “No ladder.”
A third.
Moonshadow: “No champion waiting at the top.”
Her hand lowers.
Moonshadow: “Just me.”
The crowd reacts loudly from inside the arena.
Moonshadow: “And if you want into my championship match…”
She leans slightly toward the camera.
Moonshadow: “…you have to survive me first.”
Behind her, Big Bad Wolf releases another low growl.
Moonshadow: “You call yourself Crimson Vane.”
A faint smile.
Moonshadow: “Fine.”
Her eyes narrow.
Moonshadow: “Tonight you find out what happens when blood runs into teeth.”
She hands the microphone back to Smooth Samantha.
Then stops.
Turns back.
One final look into the camera.
Moonshadow: “This wolf has bite.”
Big Bad Wolf steps beside her.
Moonshadow: “And tonight…”
A beat.
Moonshadow: “…I howl first.”
Moonshadow turns and walks out of frame.
Big Bad Wolf remains for another moment.
He looks directly into the camera.
Then gives a deep, rumbling growl before following her.
Smooth Samantha watches them leave.
She turns back toward the camera.
Smooth Samantha: “Moonshadow could not have made her position much clearer. She earned tomorrow's Queen of the North Championship opportunity, and tonight Crimson Vane must go through her if she intends to join it.”
The broadcast cuts back toward North Pole Arena.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
Inside the ring, “Honest” Abe finishes checking the ropes and speaks briefly with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks toward the entrance stage.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington adjusts his headset with the satisfied expression of a man who has already chosen his side.
Johnny Michaels: “Singles competition is next, and this is an important match for two women coming into tonight from very different circumstances. Mrs. Claus faces Lady Frost, the Snow Queen.”
Eddie Ellington: “And this is exactly the kind of match Lady Frost needs.”
Johnny Michaels: “After last week?”
Eddie Ellington: “Especially after last week. Frostbound Command lost to Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl, but anybody who actually watched the match knows Lady Frost spent most of it carrying the workload while Sigrun barely had an opportunity to get involved.”
Johnny Michaels: “She was ultimately pinned by Scarlett Howl.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you for reducing ten minutes of excellent wrestling to one inconvenient three-count.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is generally how results work.”
Eddie Ellington: “Tonight she gets to correct the record.”
The arena lights brighten.
A familiar burst of festive orchestral music fills the building.
Red, white and warm gold lighting spreads across the entrance stage as artificial snow begins drifting from above.
The crowd rises.
Mrs. Claus steps through the curtain.
She pauses beneath the lights and smiles toward the audience before raising one arm.
The response is immediate and warm.
Johnny Michaels: “There is no mistaking the affection this crowd has for Mrs. Claus, but anyone who mistakes that warmth for softness does so at considerable risk.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nobody said she wasn't tough.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sounded dangerously close to a compliment.”
Eddie Ellington: “I am establishing the quality of the opponent Lady Frost is about to defeat.”
Johnny Michaels: “Naturally.”
Mrs. Claus begins walking down the aisle.
She acknowledges fans along both barricades, but her attention increasingly settles on the ring as she approaches.
Johnny Michaels: “Mrs. Claus brings tremendous experience, physical strength and a style that can become very punishing very quickly. The Claus Clutch alone can completely change a match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Provided she catches Lady Frost.”
Johnny Michaels: “You believe the speed advantage belongs to the Snow Queen.”
Eddie Ellington: “Speed, technique, elegance, management. Pick a category.”
Mrs. Claus reaches ringside.
She climbs the steps, enters through the ropes and walks toward the center of the ring.
She gives the crowd one final acknowledgment before turning toward the entrance.
Her music fades.
The lighting turns cold.
Blue-white illumination spreads slowly across the stage.
A sharp orchestral theme begins.
Artificial snow changes from soft festive flakes to a heavier, wind-driven fall.
Then Magnus Blackwell steps through the curtain.
The crowd immediately boos.
He wears a tailored dark suit beneath a long black winter coat.
In one gloved hand is his familiar cane.
He pauses at the center of the stage.
Then turns.
Lady Frost emerges behind him.
The Snow Queen carries herself with absolute composure.
No visible frustration from last week's defeat.
No wasted acknowledgment of the hostile crowd.
She simply looks toward Mrs. Claus.
Eddie Ellington: “There.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound relieved.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at her. Does that look like somebody damaged by one tag-team loss?”
Johnny Michaels: “It looks like Lady Frost.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Regal. Focused. And accompanied by the finest managerial mind in the Polar Division.”
Johnny Michaels: “I assume you mean Magnus Blackwell.”
Eddie Ellington: “Did you think I meant you?”
Johnny Michaels: “I was hoping for one minute without an insult.”
Eddie Ellington: “Aim lower.”
Magnus Blackwell begins walking toward the ring.
Lady Frost follows beside him.
Johnny Michaels: “One thing we learned last week is that Lady Frost can absorb considerable punishment. She survived multiple extended combinations from the Howl sisters, fought back repeatedly and even beat a nine-count after being sent to the floor.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Which is why I reject this absurd suggestion that last week exposed her.”
Johnny Michaels: “I didn't say that.”
Eddie Ellington: “Somebody was going to.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have begun arguing with hypothetical people.”
Eddie Ellington: “They are frequently wrong.”
The pair reaches ringside.
Magnus Blackwell remains on the floor.
Lady Frost climbs onto the apron.
She steps through the ropes.
Mrs. Claus immediately walks forward.
The two women meet near the center.
Neither speaks.
Honest Abe steps between them before the stare can become anything more physical.
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... MRS. CLAUS!”
Mrs. Claus raises one arm.
Another strong ovation fills the arena.
Celeste Orion turns toward the opposite side.
Celeste Orion: “And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by MAGNUS BLACKWELL... LADY FROST, THE SNOW QUEEN!”
The crowd responds with loud boos.
Lady Frost slowly raises one arm.
On the floor, Magnus Blackwell gives a small approving nod.
Eddie Ellington: “That is your winner.”
Johnny Michaels: “You really have no interest in waiting for the bell.”
Eddie Ellington: “Efficiency.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe gives both women their final instructions.
Then he turns toward Magnus Blackwell and points toward the floor.
Magnus Blackwell places one hand over his heart as though deeply wounded by the implication.
Eddie Ellington: “Look at that disrespect.”
Johnny Michaels: “The referee told him to stay out of the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Without cause.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is considerable cause.”
Honest Abe signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Both women move immediately.
Mrs. Claus steps inside and catches Lady Frost with a rolling transition that sends the Snow Queen off balance.
As Lady Frost rises, Mrs. Claus drives a hard forearm across the side of her head.
ROLLING PIN FOREARM SMASH!
Lady Frost reels backward.
But she uses the momentum to circle behind Mrs. Claus.
She catches the head.
SWINGING NECKBREAKER!
Mrs. Claus hits the canvas.
Lady Frost rolls to one knee.
Johnny Michaels: “Fast start from both women. Mrs. Claus scores with that Rolling Pin Forearm Smash, and Lady Frost answers immediately with the Swinging Neckbreaker.”
Eddie Ellington: “And notice the difference. Mrs. Claus needed motion to create the forearm. Lady Frost took one opening and turned it directly into a neckbreaker.”
Johnny Michaels: “Both attacks landed.”
Eddie Ellington: “One was prettier.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is not an official scoring category.”
Eddie Ellington: “It should be.”
Minute 2
Mrs. Claus is back up quickly.
She catches Lady Frost around the waist before the Snow Queen can create separation.
JOLLY HOLLY SUPLEX!
Lady Frost is launched overhead and lands hard.
But she rises with surprising speed.
As Mrs. Claus approaches, Lady Frost opens up with a series of KNIFE EDGE CHOPS.
One.
Two.
Three.
Each one cracks loudly across Mrs. Claus’ chest.
Mrs. Claus gives ground but remains upright.
Johnny Michaels: “Jolly Holly Suplex from Mrs. Claus, but those Knife Edge Chops from Lady Frost stopped the follow-up.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is how you prevent somebody stronger from setting their feet. Don't let Mrs. Claus settle into another throw.”
Johnny Michaels: “The suplex landed with considerable force.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Lady Frost got up.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are going to use that answer all night, aren't you?”
Eddie Ellington: “If it remains accurate.”
Minute 3
The two women circle.
Mrs. Claus steps forward and fires a BACK HAND CHOP.
The strike catches Lady Frost across the chest and turns her sideways.
Mrs. Claus advances.
Lady Frost suddenly ducks under the next attack.
She catches Mrs. Claus around the waist.
She rolls through.
WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
Mrs. Claus is driven face-first into the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent transition from Lady Frost. Mrs. Claus landed that Back Hand Chop, but the Snow Queen converted the next advance into the Wheelbarrow Facebuster.”
Eddie Ellington: “Timing.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was certainly excellent timing.”
Eddie Ellington: “You cannot chase Lady Frost recklessly. She wants you moving forward. She wants your balance extended.”
Johnny Michaels: “And then she changes the angle.”
Eddie Ellington: “You're learning.”
Minute 4
Both women initially hesitate.
Neither wants to overcommit after the previous exchange.
Then Mrs. Claus moves first.
She gets underneath Lady Frost.
JOLLY HOLLY SUPLEX!
The Snow Queen crashes hard.
Mrs. Claus tries to stay close.
Lady Frost reaches upward, catches her and pulls her across the shoulders.
BACKPACK STUNNER!
Mrs. Claus’ jaw snaps downward against the shoulder.
Both women drop away from one another.
Johnny Michaels: “Jolly Holly Suplex answered by the Backpack Stunner! Neither woman is allowing the other sustained control.”
Eddie Ellington: “But I like what Lady Frost is doing.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have made that very clear.”
Eddie Ellington: “She is forcing Mrs. Claus to pay every time she comes close. You want to throw me? Fine. But you're going to leave with your jaw rattled.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is a very dangerous exchange for both competitors.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then fortunately my favorite is better at it.”
Minute 5
Mrs. Claus recovers first.
She rolls through a quick exchange and drives another hard forearm into Lady Frost.
ROLLING PIN FOREARM SMASH!
The Snow Queen staggers.
Mrs. Claus attempts to follow.
Lady Frost ducks underneath.
She hooks Mrs. Claus again.
WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
Another face-first impact.
Mrs. Claus rolls toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Second Wheelbarrow Facebuster from Lady Frost, and that maneuver is becoming a major problem for Mrs. Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Mrs. Claus keeps walking directly into the setup.”
Johnny Michaels: “She is also landing before those counters.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. She's winning the first half of the exchange.”
Johnny Michaels: “And losing the second.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now you're paying attention.”
Minute 6
Mrs. Claus changes direction.
Rather than chase, she waits.
When Lady Frost comes forward, Mrs. Claus catches her.
JOLLY HOLLY SUPLEX!
Lady Frost lands hard across the upper back.
The crowd cheers.
Mrs. Claus comes forward.
But Lady Frost rolls underneath her.
She catches the waist again.
WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
Mrs. Claus is driven down.
Johnny Michaels: “Again! Jolly Holly Suplex from Mrs. Claus, but Lady Frost responds with another Wheelbarrow Facebuster.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is tremendous.”
Johnny Michaels: “You enjoy seeing Mrs. Claus planted face-first?”
Eddie Ellington: “I enjoy seeing a wrestler identify a successful weapon and continue using it.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is now three Wheelbarrow Facebusters.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I would happily watch a fourth.”
Minute 7
Mrs. Claus gets to one knee.
Lady Frost approaches.
Mrs. Claus fires another BACK HAND CHOP.
The impact sends Lady Frost stumbling toward the ropes.
She rebounds.
Mrs. Claus reaches for her.
Lady Frost slips through the grip.
WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
The fourth one drives Mrs. Claus hard into the canvas.
Eddie Ellington: “There it is!”
Johnny Michaels: “You actually called for it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Mrs. Claus is not adjusting.”
Johnny Michaels: “She landed the Back Hand Chop cleanly.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then followed Lady Frost straight into the same counter.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Snow Queen has clearly found something that works.”
Eddie Ellington: “Something? She found a highway.”
Minute 8
Mrs. Claus rises and immediately changes the geography of the match.
She grabs Lady Frost near the ropes.
Before the Snow Queen can turn free, Mrs. Claus drives her through the ropes and sends her to the arena floor.
Lady Frost lands near Magnus Blackwell.
The crowd cheers.
Honest Abe begins counting.
One!
Two!
Magnus Blackwell says something quietly to Lady Frost.
She nods once.
Three!
Four!
Lady Frost reaches the apron.
Five!
She slides back inside.
Mrs. Claus is waiting.
But Lady Frost springs up before she can be trapped.
ICE CUTTER!
The sudden cutter drives Mrs. Claus into the canvas.
The crowd reacts sharply.
Johnny Michaels: “Lady Frost back inside at five, and immediately she catches Mrs. Claus with the Ice Cutter!”
Eddie Ellington: “Wonderful.”
Johnny Michaels: “Mrs. Claus tried to change the momentum by sending her outside.”
Eddie Ellington: “And gave Lady Frost five seconds to consult with Magnus Blackwell.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are openly acknowledging that.”
Eddie Ellington: “Managers are allowed to speak.”
Johnny Michaels: “And whatever he said certainly helped her reset.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is why you hire the best.”
Minute 9
Mrs. Claus begins to rise.
Lady Frost accelerates.
She flips forward.
SOMERSAULT SENTON!
The impact drives across Mrs. Claus’ upper body.
But Mrs. Claus catches one of Lady Frost’s legs as the Snow Queen tries to roll away.
She turns her.
She sits back.
CLAUS CLUTCH!
The Camel Clutch is applied.
Lady Frost immediately reaches forward.
Mrs. Claus pulls backward across the chin.
Honest Abe drops beside them.
Lady Frost refuses to submit.
She drags herself forward.
Inch by inch.
Eventually she reaches the ropes.
Mrs. Claus releases at the referee's command.
Johnny Michaels: “Claus Clutch! Mrs. Claus caught Lady Frost immediately after the Somersault Senton and nearly trapped her in the center.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nearly.”
Johnny Michaels: “There was significant pressure on the back and neck.”
Eddie Ellington: “And did the Snow Queen quit?”
Johnny Michaels: “No.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then we're done discussing it.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is not how analysis works.”
Eddie Ellington: “It is efficient analysis.”
Minute 10
Lady Frost rises near the ropes.
She sees Mrs. Claus advancing and launches again.
SOMERSAULT SENTON!
This time Mrs. Claus is ready.
She catches the movement and redirects Lady Frost before the senton can land cleanly.
The Snow Queen crashes awkwardly.
Mrs. Claus immediately charges.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CLOTHESLINE!
The lariat catches Lady Frost across the upper chest and sends her hard to the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “Counter! Mrs. Claus had the Somersault Senton scouted this time and followed with the Christmas Lights Clothesline.”
Eddie Ellington: “All right, that was good.”
Johnny Michaels: “Painful?”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary setback.”
Johnny Michaels: “Lady Frost could not defend against that clothesline once the senton was reversed.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because she landed badly. That was the important part. Mrs. Claus used the failed senton to create the clothesline.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is exactly what happened.”
Eddie Ellington: “See? We agree when you're correct.”
Minute 11
Mrs. Claus stays on her.
She pulls Lady Frost toward the center.
CLAUS CLUTCH!
Again the Camel Clutch is secured.
This time Mrs. Claus gets deeper into the hold.
Lady Frost reaches forward.
The ropes are farther away.
Honest Abe asks if she submits.
She shakes her head.
Mrs. Claus pulls backward.
Lady Frost refuses to quit.
She gradually works one knee underneath herself.
She twists enough to disrupt the leverage.
As Mrs. Claus tries to resecure the hold, Lady Frost turns through.
She catches the head.
SWINGING NECKBREAKER!
Both women hit the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent escape from Lady Frost! She was trapped in the Claus Clutch and turned the escape directly into a Swinging Neckbreaker.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is why she is the Snow Queen.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because she escaped a Camel Clutch?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because she never panicked. She found the leverage, changed the position and punished Mrs. Claus for holding on too long.”
Johnny Michaels: “Mrs. Claus had that submission locked in deeply.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Lady Frost still did not submit.”
Minute 12
Both women rise slowly.
Lady Frost is still favoring her back from the submission.
Mrs. Claus sees it.
She catches the Snow Queen before she can create distance.
JOLLY HOLLY SUPLEX!
Lady Frost tries to widen her base and prevent the lift.
She cannot.
She is launched hard across the ring.
Mrs. Claus remains standing.
Johnny Michaels: “Jolly Holly Suplex lands cleanly, and this time Lady Frost could not stop it.”
Eddie Ellington: “She has taken too many of those.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is the fourth tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is why Magnus Blackwell is telling her to get off the center line.”
The camera catches Magnus Blackwell speaking sharply from ringside.
Johnny Michaels: “You can see Magnus Blackwell trying to direct traffic.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because unlike some managers, he does more than stand there and look decorative.”
Johnny Michaels: “Nobody else has a manager in this match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Advantage Lady Frost.”
Minute 13
Lady Frost rises.
Mrs. Claus catches her with another BACK HAND CHOP.
The strike turns Lady Frost sideways.
But when Mrs. Claus follows, the Snow Queen again uses the forward momentum.
She ducks underneath.
WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!
Mrs. Claus crashes into the canvas.
Lady Frost rolls away and pushes herself upright.
Johnny Michaels: “There is the Wheelbarrow Facebuster again! Mrs. Claus simply has not found a consistent answer to that transition.”
Eddie Ellington: “Five times.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have been counting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course I've been counting. I am a professional.”
Johnny Michaels: “Selective professionalism.”
Eddie Ellington: “Still professionalism.”
Minute 14
Both women are visibly feeling the pace.
Mrs. Claus gets inside first.
She drives a hard KICK TO THE MIDSECTION.
Lady Frost folds forward.
Mrs. Claus reaches for her.
At ringside, Magnus Blackwell suddenly climbs onto the apron.
His cane taps sharply against the top turnbuckle.
Honest Abe turns.
Johnny Michaels: “Here we go.”
Eddie Ellington: “What?”
Johnny Michaels: “Magnus Blackwell is on the apron.”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps the turnbuckle is loose.”
Johnny Michaels: “With his cane?”
Magnus Blackwell points toward the corner and begins arguing with Honest Abe.
The referee moves toward him.
Behind Honest Abe, Lady Frost recovers from the kick.
Mrs. Claus looks toward the distraction for a fraction of a second.
That is enough.
Lady Frost catches her from behind and rolls her down into a cover.
Magnus Blackwell immediately steps off the apron.
Honest Abe turns.
He sees the pin.
He drops.
One!
Mrs. Claus kicks out forcefully.
Lady Frost sits up, visibly frustrated.
Johnny Michaels: “Only one! Magnus Blackwell distracted the referee, Lady Frost tried to steal the cover, and Mrs. Claus kicked out immediately.”
Eddie Ellington: “Steal?”
Johnny Michaels: “Yes.”
Eddie Ellington: “She executed a legal pinning combination.”
Johnny Michaels: “After Magnus Blackwell deliberately pulled the referee away.”
Eddie Ellington: “Again with these allegations.”
Johnny Michaels: “He climbed onto the apron and tapped the turnbuckle with his cane.”
Eddie Ellington: “Concern for ring maintenance.”
Johnny Michaels: “You cannot possibly believe that.”
Eddie Ellington: “Safety first.”
Minute 15
Lady Frost rises and immediately argues that the count should have been faster.
That moment costs her.
Mrs. Claus gets back to her feet.
Lady Frost turns.
Mrs. Claus fires.
BACK HAND CHOP!
The strike cracks across Lady Frost’s chest with tremendous force.
The Snow Queen's entire body snaps backward.
She falls flat to the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
Mrs. Claus immediately drops into the cover.
Magnus Blackwell rushes toward the apron.
Honest Abe is already in position.
One!
Magnus Blackwell raises his cane.
Two!
He steps onto the apron.
Three!
The bell rings.
The crowd erupts.
Eddie Ellington: “NO!”
Johnny Michaels: “She got her! Mrs. Claus pins Lady Frost!”
Magnus Blackwell stops on the apron.
His expression changes instantly.
Inside the ring, Mrs. Claus rolls away and sits upright.
Lady Frost remains flat on the canvas, one hand moving toward her chest.
Honest Abe gestures firmly toward the timekeeper.
Eddie Ellington: “A chop?”
Johnny Michaels: “A tremendous Back Hand Chop!”
Eddie Ellington: “You do not pin the Snow Queen with a chop!”
Johnny Michaels: “We just watched it happen.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then I object to reality.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is becoming one of your specialties.”
Celeste Orion raises the microphone.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by pinfall... MRS. CLAUS!”
The crowd cheers loudly.
Mrs. Claus gets back to her feet.
Honest Abe raises her arm.
At ringside, Magnus Blackwell has gone completely still.
He looks toward Lady Frost.
Then toward Mrs. Claus.
There is no smile.
Eddie Ellington: “This is ridiculous.”
Johnny Michaels: “What exactly is ridiculous?”
Eddie Ellington: “Lady Frost controlled enormous portions of this match. Five Wheelbarrow Facebusters. Multiple neckbreakers. The Ice Cutter. She escaped the Claus Clutch twice.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Mrs. Claus kept answering.”
Eddie Ellington: “With suplexes and chops.”
Johnny Michaels: “Which apparently worked.”
Eddie Ellington: “You are being very smug for somebody who wasn't in the ring.”
Johnny Michaels: “I am describing the result.”
Inside the ring, Lady Frost sits up.
Her expression is one of complete disbelief.
She looks toward Honest Abe.
Then toward Magnus Blackwell.
Magnus Blackwell climbs onto the apron more slowly this time.
He enters through the ropes and walks toward the Snow Queen.
Johnny Michaels: “And this makes two consecutive difficult results for Lady Frost. Last week, Scarlett Howl pinned her in the tag-team match. Tonight, Mrs. Claus defeats her one-on-one.”
Eddie Ellington: “Do not start constructing a crisis where none exists.”
Johnny Michaels: “I didn't call it a crisis.”
Eddie Ellington: “Your tone did.”
Johnny Michaels: “What I will say is that Lady Frost had opportunities tonight. She repeatedly found the Wheelbarrow Facebuster, she escaped the Claus Clutch, and Magnus Blackwell even created an opening late.”
Eddie Ellington: “Strategic assistance.”
Johnny Michaels: “It produced only a one-count.”
Eddie Ellington: “An unfortunate officiating circumstance.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then Mrs. Claus caught her cleanly with that Back Hand Chop and got the three.”
Eddie Ellington: “I remain opposed.”
Across the ring, Mrs. Claus climbs onto the middle turnbuckle.
She raises one arm as the crowd applauds.
Lady Frost is now standing beside Magnus Blackwell.
He speaks quietly to her.
She does not respond.
Her eyes remain fixed on Mrs. Claus.
Johnny Michaels: “Whatever Magnus Blackwell is telling the Snow Queen right now, she does not appear interested in explanations.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good.”
Johnny Michaels: “Good?”
Eddie Ellington: “She should be angry. Great competitors hate losing.”
Johnny Michaels: “And tonight she was beaten by a veteran who refused to let repeated counters discourage her.”
Eddie Ellington: “I would have phrased that differently.”
Johnny Michaels: “I know.”
Mrs. Claus drops from the turnbuckle.
She looks briefly toward Lady Frost.
The two women exchange a long stare.
Mrs. Claus gives the smallest nod.
Lady Frost does not return it.
Johnny Michaels: “A hard-fought fifteen-minute contest, but the final answer belongs to Mrs. Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “For tonight.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is generally how victories work.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I am telling you Lady Frost will remember this.”
Johnny Michaels: “Considering the expression on her face, I believe you.”
MRS. CLAUS DEFEATS LADY FROST VIA PINFALL WITH A BACK HAND CHOP AT THE 15:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
Inside the ring, “Honest” Abe checks the ropes and exchanges a brief word with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks toward the entrance stage.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington leans back in his chair with the unmistakable expression of a man who has already decided how this match should end.
Johnny Michaels: “We are ready for our third match tonight, and this brings us directly into the growing conflict surrounding the Infernal Legion. Abaddon, accompanied by Count Vlad, goes one-on-one with Leiton Snake.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I sincerely hope Leiton Snake has reviewed his insurance.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are firmly behind Abaddon.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at the evidence. Abaddon is enormous, violent, experienced, and now operating alongside Infernus Rex, Marax the Deceiver, Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend, Lilith, and Count Vlad. That's not a wrestling faction. That's a collection of reasons to reconsider your evening plans.”
Johnny Michaels: “And yet Leiton Snake is hardly someone who backs away from difficult fights.”
Eddie Ellington: “Courage is admirable right up until it becomes poor judgment.”
The arena lights shift.
A sharp hiss rolls through the building.
Green-white light streaks across the entrance stage as fast, aggressive music begins.
The crowd responds as Leiton Snake steps through the curtain.
He stops at the top of the ramp.
No elaborate pose.
No hesitation.
He looks directly toward the ring and rolls his shoulders.
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake brings a dangerous combination of speed, explosiveness and some extremely high-impact offense. If he can force Abaddon to move at his pace, this becomes a very different match.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is an excellent theory.”
Johnny Michaels: “You disagree?”
Eddie Ellington: “I agree completely. He should run very fast. Preferably toward the parking lot.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is not what I meant.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then your strategy is worse.”
Leiton Snake begins walking down the aisle.
He slaps a few hands along the barricade but keeps his focus ahead.
As he reaches ringside, he jumps onto the apron and steps through the ropes.
He moves immediately toward the center, looking toward the entrance.
His music fades.
The lighting falls into deep red.
A low rumble fills the arena.
Then the image of fire begins crawling across the production screen.
The crowd turns hostile.
Count Vlad steps through the curtain first.
He wears dark formal attire, one hand resting against the head of his cane.
He pauses beneath the crimson light.
Then slowly turns.
Abaddon emerges behind him.
The reaction grows louder.
The massive member of the Infernal Legion does not acknowledge the crowd.
His eyes remain fixed entirely on Leiton Snake.
Eddie Ellington: “There he is.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound delighted.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at Abaddon. That is not a man coming down here to exchange wristlocks.”
Johnny Michaels: “And after the arrival of Mari Lwyd at Fallout, Abaddon also has another problem developing outside tonight's match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is precisely why this is a bad night to be Leiton Snake. Abaddon has spent two weeks being reminded that a horse-skull apparition decided to punch him in the face. Somebody is going to absorb that frustration.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are volunteering Leiton Snake.”
Eddie Ellington: “He already volunteered himself.”
Count Vlad and Abaddon begin walking toward the ring.
As they descend the aisle, Count Vlad speaks quietly.
Abaddon never looks toward him.
He simply keeps advancing.
Johnny Michaels: “And there is Count Vlad, whose involvement in matches has become an almost weekly issue.”
Eddie Ellington: “You continue using the word issue. I use the word advantage.”
Johnny Michaels: “He cost Crimson Vane the Queen of the North Championship. He got Marax the Deceiver disqualified last week. He interfered repeatedly in the Northern Lights Championship main event.”
Eddie Ellington: “And yet people continue letting him stand at ringside. Perhaps management secretly appreciates excellence.”
The pair reaches ringside.
Count Vlad stops on the floor.
Abaddon climbs onto the apron.
He steps over the top rope and enters.
Leiton Snake immediately moves forward.
Abaddon meets him.
The size difference is obvious.
Honest Abe quickly positions himself between them.
Celeste Orion steps into the center 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... LEITON SNAKE!”
Leiton Snake raises one arm.
A strong reaction rolls through the arena.
Celeste Orion turns.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by COUNT VLAD... representing the INFERNAL LEGION... ABADDON!”
The boos become louder.
Abaddon raises his head and stares across the ring.
At ringside, Count Vlad gives a small approving smile.
Eddie Ellington: “Winner.”
Johnny Michaels: “Again, you are doing this before the bell.”
Eddie Ellington: “Again, I am saving everyone time.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe gives both men their final instructions.
Then he turns toward Count Vlad.
The referee points firmly toward the floor and warns him not to become involved.
Count Vlad offers a small, courteous nod.
Johnny Michaels: “We have seen that gesture before.”
Eddie Ellington: “Politeness?”
Johnny Michaels: “Followed by interference.”
Eddie Ellington: “You are determined to find darkness everywhere.”
Johnny Michaels: “He is standing beside Abaddon.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fair.”
The referee signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Leiton Snake explodes forward before Abaddon can establish his base.
He catches the larger man, hooks both arms and immediately drops.
PEDIGREE FACEBUSTER!
The crowd erupts.
Abaddon is driven face-first into the canvas.
He tries to brace against the impact but cannot stop the maneuver.
Leiton Snake rolls away and rises quickly.
Johnny Michaels: “What a start! Leiton Snake went straight at Abaddon and planted him with the Pedigree Facebuster.”
Eddie Ellington: “Cheap opening.”
Johnny Michaels: “The bell rang.”
Eddie Ellington: “Barely.”
Johnny Michaels: “You cannot call a legal move cheap simply because your favorite took it.”
Eddie Ellington: “I can and just did.”
Johnny Michaels: “But this is exactly what Leiton Snake needed. No hesitation. No attempt to outmuscle Abaddon. Immediate impact.”
Eddie Ellington: “Enjoy it while it lasts.”
Minute 2
Abaddon rises.
The expression on his face has changed.
Leiton Snake moves in again.
This time Abaddon is ready.
He catches him across the shoulders.
Leiton Snake tries to shift his weight and escape.
He cannot.
ABADDON'S FURY!
The F-5 sends Leiton Snake crashing across the canvas.
The crowd reacts sharply.
Abaddon remains standing over him.
Johnny Michaels: “Abaddon's Fury! That is the answer you were waiting for.”
Eddie Ellington: “There it is.”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake tried to fight his way out of the lift, but once Abaddon had him across the shoulders, there was nowhere to go.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what happens when you slap a mountain in the face and wait for the mountain to notice.”
Johnny Michaels: “The opening Facebuster certainly got his attention.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now Leiton Snake has his.”
Minute 3
Abaddon grabs Leiton Snake before he can fully recover.
He lifts him and drives him into the mat with a heavy Bodyslam.
Leiton Snake rolls through the impact.
As Abaddon advances, Leiton Snake springs to his feet and whips around him.
SLING BLADE!
The larger man is pulled down.
Leiton Snake scrambles back to his feet.
Johnny Michaels: “Bodyslam from Abaddon, but Leiton Snake answers with the Sling Blade. He cannot afford to remain stationary.”
Eddie Ellington: “He also cannot afford to keep getting picked up.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is why the counterattack matters.”
Eddie Ellington: “For the moment. Abaddon only needs to catch him once.”
Johnny Michaels: “We saw that in the previous minute.”
Eddie Ellington: “And we're going to see it again.”
Minute 4
Leiton Snake tries to circle.
Abaddon cuts him off.
He hooks the arm, lifts high and drives Leiton Snake down with a Vertical Suplex.
Leiton Snake absorbs the full impact and arches across the canvas.
Abaddon rises slowly.
No rush.
He looks toward Count Vlad.
The Count gives a small nod.
Johnny Michaels: “Vertical Suplex from Abaddon, and now the pace is beginning to favor the larger man.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course it is. You cannot sprint forever.”
Johnny Michaels: “The more Abaddon forces Leiton Snake to absorb these heavy landings, the more difficult it becomes for Snake to maintain his speed.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. First the back goes. Then the legs slow down. Then you become furniture.”
Johnny Michaels: “An unsettling description.”
Eddie Ellington: “An accurate one.”
Minute 5
Abaddon pulls Leiton Snake upright.
He muscles him across the shoulders again.
Leiton Snake immediately begins fighting.
Elbows.
Movement.
A shift of the hips.
None of it is enough.
ABADDON'S FURY!
Another F-5 sends Leiton Snake violently into the canvas.
He lands near the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Second Abaddon's Fury! Leiton Snake knew exactly what was coming and still could not stop it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because knowing a truck is coming does not make being hit by it more pleasant.”
Johnny Michaels: “Abaddon is beginning to impose himself physically.”
Eddie Ellington: “Beginning?”
Johnny Michaels: “The match started competitively.”
Eddie Ellington: “That was five minutes ago. Ancient history.”
Minute 6
Abaddon moves forward again.
This time Leiton Snake catches him coming.
He hooks around the waist and uses the larger man's momentum to drive him backward.
BUCKLE BOMB!
Abaddon crashes hard into the turnbuckles.
The ring shakes.
Leiton Snake staggers away from the effort required to move him.
Johnny Michaels: “Buckle Bomb! That may be the most impressive thing Leiton Snake has done yet. He just drove Abaddon into the corner.”
Eddie Ellington: “I will concede that.”
Johnny Michaels: “Painful?”
Eddie Ellington: “Impressive. He used momentum instead of trying to deadlift the man.”
Johnny Michaels: “Exactly. Leiton Snake cannot win the power battle, but he can redirect it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Just understand what happens if Abaddon gets angry enough to stop cooperating with physics.”
Minute 7
Leiton Snake tries to stay on him.
He grabs Abaddon and drives him toward another corner.
BUCKLE BOMB!
The impact jars Abaddon again.
But he comes out of the corner with fury.
He catches Leiton Snake across his shoulders.
ABADDON'S FURY!
Both men hit hard in rapid succession.
Leiton Snake rolls toward one side of the ring.
Abaddon drops to one knee.
Johnny Michaels: “What an exchange! Buckle Bomb from Leiton Snake, Abaddon's Fury in response.”
Eddie Ellington: “And which one would you rather take?”
Johnny Michaels: “Neither.”
Eddie Ellington: “Correct. But Abaddon is forcing Leiton Snake to pay a larger price every time.”
Johnny Michaels: “Snake has found a weapon that works against the bigger man.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then he had better hope the ring has enough turnbuckles.”
Minute 8
Both men rise.
Leiton Snake immediately tries another Buckle Bomb.
He forces Abaddon toward the corner.
BUCKLE BOMB!
Again the larger man crashes into the turnbuckles.
But Abaddon explodes out almost immediately.
He snatches Leiton Snake before he can escape.
ABADDON'S FURY!
Another F-5 sends Leiton Snake spinning to the canvas.
The crowd reacts to the sheer repetition of the punishment.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Buckle Bomb, another Abaddon's Fury! Neither man is abandoning what has worked.”
Eddie Ellington: “Except one man weighs enough to make this exchange unfair.”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake is still standing up after these F-5s.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is becoming less of a compliment and more of a medical concern.”
Johnny Michaels: “His resilience is keeping him in the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “For now.”
Minute 9
Both men slow briefly.
Then Leiton Snake moves first.
He drives Abaddon backward again.
BUCKLE BOMB!
Abaddon hits the corner.
He stumbles out.
Leiton Snake approaches.
Abaddon suddenly fires upward.
NETHERSTRIKE!
The Kneelift catches Leiton Snake beneath the jaw.
His head snaps backward.
Both men stagger in opposite directions.
Johnny Michaels: “Buckle Bomb again, but Abaddon finally changes the answer with the Netherstrike.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's the danger. You spend so much time preparing for the F-5 that you forget he has knees.”
Johnny Michaels: “And that Kneelift landed cleanly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Right under the jaw. Perfect placement.”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake is forcing Abaddon to work harder than you predicted.”
Eddie Ellington: “I predicted pain. I did not specify a schedule.”
Minute 10
Leiton Snake gets upright first.
He catches Abaddon and hurls him toward the corner.
Abaddon crashes into the turnbuckles.
As Leiton Snake moves forward, he glances toward ringside.
Count Vlad is staring directly at him.
The Count does not move.
Does not speak.
He simply fixes Leiton Snake with an unnerving, unbroken stare.
For just a moment, Leiton Snake hesitates.
Johnny Michaels: “Look at Count Vlad.”
Eddie Ellington: “What about him?”
Johnny Michaels: “He is deliberately trying to get into Leiton Snake’s head.”
Eddie Ellington: “By looking?”
Johnny Michaels: “You know exactly what he is doing.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Leiton Snake should stop being so emotionally affected by eye contact.”
Johnny Michaels: “That hesitation allowed Abaddon another moment to recover.”
Eddie Ellington: “Excellent peripheral management.”
Johnny Michaels: “You invented that phrase.”
Eddie Ellington: “And it is already useful.”
Minute 11
Both men reengage.
Leiton Snake snaps around Abaddon with another Sling Blade.
The larger man hits the canvas.
But Abaddon gets up quickly.
He grabs Leiton Snake around the waist.
One Powerbomb.
He does not release.
He lifts again.
Second Powerbomb.
Still no release.
A third lift.
HELL'S FURY!
The third Powerbomb crashes Leiton Snake into the canvas.
Abaddon finally releases and drops into the cover.
Honest Abe counts.
One!
Leiton Snake kicks out.
The crowd cheers.
Eddie Ellington: “What?”
Johnny Michaels: “Only one!”
Eddie Ellington: “After three Powerbombs?”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake got the shoulder up.”
Eddie Ellington: “I saw it. I object.”
Johnny Michaels: “To what?”
Eddie Ellington: “Biology.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is an extraordinary show of resilience from Leiton Snake.”
Eddie Ellington: “Or proof that his nervous system has stopped reporting properly.”
Minute 12
Leiton Snake uses the ropes to rise.
At ringside, Count Vlad begins speaking toward Abaddon.
His voice is calm but sharp.
Count Vlad: “Again.”
Abaddon looks toward him.
Count Vlad: “Break him.”
The larger man's posture changes.
Eddie Ellington: “There. Leadership.”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad is trying to drive Abaddon into another gear.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what a good strategist does. He sees his man beginning to slow and reminds him why he's here.”
Leiton Snake charges before Abaddon can fully respond.
BUCKLE BOMB!
Abaddon crashes into the corner again.
Johnny Michaels: “And while Count Vlad was delivering his motivational speech, Leiton Snake hit another Buckle Bomb.”
Eddie Ellington: “An interruption.”
Johnny Michaels: “A wrestling move.”
Eddie Ellington: “Same thing in this context.”
Minute 13
Abaddon comes out of the corner angry.
He catches Leiton Snake and drives him across the knee.
HELLBREAKER!
The Backbreaker folds Leiton Snake across the leg.
He drops to the canvas.
Abaddon covers.
One!
Two!
Leiton Snake kicks out.
Abaddon sits up.
For the first time, visible frustration appears.
Johnny Michaels: “Two-count after the Hellbreaker! That Backbreaker landed with tremendous force.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now we're getting somewhere.”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake is still alive in this match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Technically.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was a legitimate two-count.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now Abaddon knows he needs another level of punishment.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is a disturbing way to interpret a kickout.”
Eddie Ellington: “It is also correct.”
Minute 14
Leiton Snake forces himself upright.
Abaddon advances.
Snake gets underneath him.
He powers the larger man toward the turnbuckles yet again.
BUCKLE BOMB!
Abaddon hits hard.
This time he does not immediately answer.
He remains against the corner for several seconds.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Buckle Bomb! Leiton Snake has repeatedly gone back to that maneuver, and this time Abaddon could not answer immediately.”
Eddie Ellington: “I am becoming tired of this move.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because it keeps working?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because I prefer Abaddon not being thrown into structural supports.”
Johnny Michaels: “Snake has identified the one way he can repeatedly move the larger man.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then somebody reinforce the corners.”
Minute 15
Abaddon finally leaves the turnbuckles.
Leiton Snake rushes forward.
ENZUIGIRI!
His boot catches Abaddon across the side of the head.
The larger man staggers.
But he remains upright.
Leiton Snake closes again.
Abaddon explodes forward.
NETHERSTRIKE!
The Kneelift catches Leiton Snake directly under the jaw.
Both men stumble.
Johnny Michaels: “Enzuigiri from Leiton Snake, Netherstrike from Abaddon! These men are trading increasingly heavy shots.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I still favor the man built like a siege engine.”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake is giving him considerably more trouble than you anticipated.”
Eddie Ellington: “I anticipated a win. I did not promise efficiency.”
Johnny Michaels: “We are fifteen minutes deep.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Abaddon is still standing.”
Minute 16
Both men slow.
They circle.
Neither commits.
Then Leiton Snake suddenly moves toward the ropes.
He accelerates and launches himself into the air.
DIVING SOMERSAULT NECKBREAKER!
The aerial attack twists Abaddon down.
But the larger man rolls through and manages to rise.
He catches Leiton Snake before Snake can create distance.
HELLBREAKER!
The Backbreaker drives Leiton Snake across the knee.
Both men fall away from one another.
The crowd applauds the exchange.
Johnny Michaels: “Diving Somersault Neckbreaker from Leiton Snake, Hellbreaker from Abaddon! Neither man willing to concede the minute.”
Eddie Ellington: “I will give Leiton Snake this. He has chosen an extremely difficult way to impress me.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be the closest thing to respect you've shown him.”
Eddie Ellington: “He keeps getting hit by Abaddon and returning. Eventually even I notice.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Abaddon is beginning to show fatigue as well.”
Eddie Ellington: “Careful.”
Minute 17
Leiton Snake gets up first.
Abaddon approaches.
Snake catches him.
CURB STOMP!
Abaddon is driven face-first toward the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
Leiton Snake immediately covers.
One!
Two!
Abaddon kicks out.
The reaction becomes louder.
As both men rise, Abaddon fires a FIENDISH STRIKE.
The Throat Punch catches Leiton Snake and sends him stumbling backward.
Johnny Michaels: “Two-count! Leiton Snake came within one count of beating Abaddon after the Curb Stomp.”
Eddie Ellington: “No, he came within one count of making a terrible mistake permanent.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was close.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Abaddon kicked out.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then immediately answered with that Throat Punch.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. He does not stay vulnerable for long.”
Johnny Michaels: “But now we know Leiton Snake can put him in serious danger.”
Eddie Ellington: “We know he can get a two-count. Do not write his autobiography yet.”
Minute 18
Abaddon grabs Leiton Snake before he can follow up.
He lifts him high.
VERTICAL SUPLEX!
Leiton Snake crashes flat onto his back.
Abaddon immediately covers.
One!
Leiton Snake kicks out.
Eddie Ellington: “What is wrong with him?”
Johnny Michaels: “Another kickout from Leiton Snake.”
Eddie Ellington: “At one!”
Johnny Michaels: “He still has something left.”
Eddie Ellington: “Or he's operating entirely on instinct.”
Johnny Michaels: “Either way, Abaddon has not put him away.”
Eddie Ellington: “Give him time.”
Johnny Michaels: “That has been your answer for eighteen minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I remain confident.”
Minute 19
Abaddon pulls Leiton Snake upright.
He takes him over with another Vertical Suplex.
But Leiton Snake rolls with the impact.
He reaches the ropes.
Springs upward.
DIVING SOMERSAULT NECKBREAKER!
Abaddon is driven down again.
Both men remain on the canvas.
Honest Abe begins checking each competitor.
Johnny Michaels: “Another extraordinary exchange. Vertical Suplex from Abaddon, Diving Somersault Neckbreaker from Leiton Snake.”
Eddie Ellington: “This match has gone longer than I wanted.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because Leiton Snake keeps answering.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Abaddon is being unnecessarily charitable.”
Johnny Michaels: “You cannot seriously believe that.”
Eddie Ellington: “I choose to.”
Minute 20
Leiton Snake reaches his feet first.
Abaddon tries to catch him.
Snake slips underneath.
He hooks both arms.
PEDIGREE FACEBUSTER!
For the second time in the match, Abaddon is driven face-first into the canvas.
Leiton Snake covers.
One!
Abaddon powers out.
Leiton Snake sits up.
His expression shows frustration.
Johnny Michaels: “Pedigree Facebuster again, but Abaddon kicks out at one.”
Eddie Ellington: “There. Now that is a kickout.”
Johnny Michaels: “The move still landed.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Abaddon threw him off after one count.”
Johnny Michaels: “You cannot ignore the accumulated punishment.”
Eddie Ellington: “I can when my man is still throwing people off him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Your man?”
Eddie Ellington: “Tonight, absolutely.”
Minute 21
Both men rise.
Leiton Snake catches Abaddon and drives him down with a Single Underhook Facebuster.
He immediately turns.
His eyes find Count Vlad.
The Count is standing near the apron.
A faint smile appears on his face.
Something finally snaps in Leiton Snake.
He moves toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake has had enough of Count Vlad.”
Eddie Ellington: “Terrible idea.”
Leiton Snake reaches through the ropes toward the Count.
Count Vlad simply steps backward.
Snake swings at empty air.
The Count smiles.
Behind him, Abaddon rises.
NETHERSTRIKE!
The Kneelift catches Leiton Snake as he turns back.
He crashes to the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “And that is exactly what Count Vlad wanted! Leiton Snake went after him and lost track of Abaddon.”
Eddie Ellington: “Personal responsibility.”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad has been provoking him for twenty-one minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And finally Leiton Snake made the mistake.”
Johnny Michaels: “A costly one.”
Eddie Ellington: “Never turn your back on Abaddon to argue with management. Basic professionalism.”
Minute 22
Leiton Snake forces himself upright.
Abaddon comes forward.
NETHERSTRIKE!
Another Kneelift catches Snake.
He staggers.
But he refuses to fall.
He grabs Abaddon and drives him backward one more time.
BUCKLE BOMB!
Abaddon crashes into the corner.
The crowd is standing now.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Netherstrike, and somehow Leiton Snake still answers with the Buckle Bomb!”
Eddie Ellington: “Stop doing that!”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound personally offended.”
Eddie Ellington: “I am. How many times has Abaddon been thrown into those turnbuckles?”
Johnny Michaels: “Quite a few.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. This building is showing favoritism.”
Johnny Michaels: “Toward the turnbuckles?”
Eddie Ellington: “Toward Leiton Snake.”
Minute 23
Leiton Snake charges the corner.
Abaddon comes out to meet him.
Snake grabs him and tries to hurl him back toward the turnbuckles.
Abaddon stops his momentum.
He catches Leiton Snake around the waist.
One lift.
POWERBOMB!
He does not release.
A second lift.
POWERBOMB!
The crowd rises.
Leiton Snake tries desperately to break the grip.
Abaddon lifts him a third time.
HELL'S FURY!
The third non-release Powerbomb drives Leiton Snake violently into the canvas.
This time there is no immediate movement.
Abaddon drops into the cover.
Honest Abe counts.
One!
Two!
Three!
The bell rings.
Eddie Ellington: “There it is!”
Johnny Michaels: “After twenty-three grueling minutes, Abaddon finally puts Leiton Snake away with Hell's Fury.”
Eddie Ellington: “Finally? You make it sound like there was doubt.”
Johnny Michaels: “There was considerable doubt. Leiton Snake had him down after the Curb Stomp. He repeatedly drove Abaddon into the turnbuckles. He hit two Pedigree Facebusters.”
Eddie Ellington: “And who won?”
Johnny Michaels: “Abaddon.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you. That's why I remain calm under pressure.”
Johnny Michaels: “You screamed at the turnbuckles one minute ago.”
Eddie Ellington: “Controlled passion.”
Celeste Orion steps forward at ringside.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by pinfall... representing the INFERNAL LEGION... ABADDON!”
The crowd boos.
Abaddon rises.
Honest Abe raises his arm.
At ringside, Count Vlad applauds slowly.
Not enthusiastically.
Almost approvingly.
Leiton Snake remains on the canvas, breathing heavily.
Johnny Michaels: “This was not the domination you predicted.”
Eddie Ellington: “I predicted victory.”
Johnny Michaels: “Leiton Snake gave Abaddon twenty-three extremely difficult minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I will give him credit for being exceptionally difficult to destroy.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be the nicest thing you've said about him.”
Eddie Ellington: “Do not make me repeat it.”
Count Vlad climbs onto the apron.
He steps through the ropes and walks toward Abaddon.
The Count says something quietly.
Abaddon gives a single nod.
Then looks down toward Leiton Snake.
For a moment, the crowd grows uneasy.
Honest Abe steps between them.
Count Vlad raises one hand.
Abaddon stops.
The Count gives another quiet instruction.
This time Abaddon turns away.
Johnny Michaels: “Interesting.”
Eddie Ellington: “What?”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad just stopped Abaddon from doing anything further.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because the match is finished.”
Johnny Michaels: “That restraint is not something we have always seen from the Infernal Legion.”
Eddie Ellington: “It is called discipline.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or perhaps Count Vlad believes the point has already been made.”
The Count and Abaddon move toward the ropes.
Before leaving, Count Vlad looks back toward Leiton Snake.
The faint smile returns.
Johnny Michaels: “And I suspect Leiton Snake will remember the twenty-first minute most of all. He finally allowed Count Vlad to pull his attention away from the match, and Abaddon immediately punished him with the Netherstrike.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. That was the mistake.”
Johnny Michaels: “But the finish came two minutes later, after Snake still managed to fight back with another Buckle Bomb.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which only made Abaddon angrier.”
Johnny Michaels: “Ultimately, Hell's Fury ended an extraordinarily physical contest.”
Eddie Ellington: “Three Powerbombs. No arguments. No controversy. Just the correct winner.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Leiton Snake, despite the defeat, proved he could push one of the Infernal Legion's most dangerous members deep into a match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wonderful. Put that on a sympathy card.”
Johnny Michaels: “You almost made it through the closing analysis.”
Eddie Ellington: “I was getting uncomfortable.”
ABADDON DEFEATS LEITON SNAKE VIA PINFALL WITH HELL'S FURY AT THE 23:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast cuts backstage to the Polar Power interview area.
For once, Smooth Samantha Satin is not standing beside one wrestler.
The entire space has been taken over by the Misfits of Mayhem.
Mr. Mason stands slightly forward, arms folded across his chest.
Beside him is Negropolis, silent and imposing.
Bigfoot occupies nearly an entire side of the interview set by himself, his massive arms crossed and his attention seemingly somewhere far beyond the camera.
Polly Mason stands near the front.
At her feet, Flippers waddles in a small circle before settling beside her boot, the baby penguin mascot wearing his familiar tiny Misfits colors.
And standing among all of them is someone new.
Coach Cal Mercer.
The veteran trainer wears a dark track jacket over a plain shirt, whistle tucked beneath the collar. Nothing about him suggests he is interested in presentation.
He looks like he came to work.
Smooth Samantha: “I am joined by the Misfits of Mayhem, and there is obviously a major change standing beside all of you tonight.”
She turns toward Coach Cal Mercer.
Smooth Samantha: “For months, Ace MacDougal has been the man helping guide this group. Tonight, Coach Cal Mercer is standing here as the new manager of the Misfits.”
Her attention moves toward Mr. Mason.
Smooth Samantha: “What happened to Ace?”
There is a brief silence.
Mr. Mason looks toward Coach Cal Mercer.
Polly Mason glances down at Flippers.
Even Negropolis offers nothing.
Finally, Coach Cal Mercer steps forward.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Ace had something he needed to take care of.”
Smooth Samantha: “Can you be more specific?”
Coach Cal Mercer: “No.”
The answer is immediate.
Not hostile.
Simply final.
Smooth Samantha: “Is he still part of the Misfits?”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Ace is family.”
A beat.
Coach Cal Mercer: “That's all we're saying.”
Smooth Samantha studies him for a moment.
Then nods.
Smooth Samantha: “Fair enough.”
She shifts the interview.
Smooth Samantha: “Then let's talk about why you're here.”
Coach Cal Mercer gives a small exhale through his nose.
Coach Cal Mercer: “That one's easier.”
He looks at the group around him.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Because these people need a coach.”
Polly Mason raises an eyebrow.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Not somebody to tell them who they are.”
He looks directly toward Mr. Mason.
Coach Cal Mercer: “They've got plenty of personality.”
A faint reaction from Polly Mason.
Even Mr. Mason almost smiles.
Coach Cal Mercer: “What they need is somebody willing to tell them when they're being stupid.”
Polly Mason: “So naturally they called you.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Naturally.”
Flippers gives a small chirp.
Coach Cal Mercer looks down.
Coach Cal Mercer: “You stay out of this.”
Another chirp.
Polly Mason: “He disagrees with your coaching philosophy.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “He weighs twelve pounds.”
Polly Mason: “He's very confident.”
For the first time, a little of the familiar Misfits energy breaks through.
Then Coach Cal Mercer’s expression hardens again.
Coach Cal Mercer: “But jokes aren't why I'm here.”
He looks toward Smooth Samantha.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Fallout was bad.”
No attempt to soften it.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Really bad.”
The atmosphere changes.
Mr. Mason’s expression tightens.
Polly Mason looks away for a moment.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Jack Mason went into a No Disqualification Match against The Master of the Night and lost.”
He turns toward Polly Mason.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Polly Mason fought Dr. Violetta Voss until the count reached ten.”
A pause.
Coach Cal Mercer: “She wasn't standing.”
Polly Mason looks directly at him.
Coach Cal Mercer does not look away.
Coach Cal Mercer: “That's not criticism.”
Another beat.
Coach Cal Mercer: “That's the scoreboard.”
He looks across the entire group.
Coach Cal Mercer: “You want to get better?”
His voice becomes harder.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Tell the truth first.”
Silence.
Coach Cal Mercer: “The House of Night beat you.”
Mr. Mason’s jaw tightens.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Now figure out why.”
He points toward Mr. Mason.
Coach Cal Mercer: “You let them inside your head.”
Then toward Polly Mason.
Coach Cal Mercer: “You fought angry.”
He shifts toward the group as a whole.
Coach Cal Mercer: “And this bunch has spent too much time fighting like five people with the same enemies instead of one unit.”
Negropolis slowly turns his head toward him.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Good.”
A beat.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Be annoyed.”
His voice sharpens.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Then fix it.”
Smooth Samantha: “So what comes next?”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Work.”
Simple.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Training.”
Another.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Discipline.”
He looks toward the camera.
Coach Cal Mercer: “And unfinished business.”
That gets the attention of everyone standing around him.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Because if anybody thinks the Misfits of Mayhem are finished with the House of Night because Fallout didn't go their way…”
A small shake of his head.
Coach Cal Mercer: “They haven't been paying attention.”
Smooth Samantha: “So you intend to continue that fight?”
Coach Cal Mercer: “I'm not interested in a fight.”
That answer catches Smooth Samantha slightly off guard.
Coach Cal Mercer: “I'm interested in winning one.”
He points toward the camera.
Coach Cal Mercer: “The Master of the Night wants to build a House?”
A pause.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Fine.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Then we're going to learn where the foundation cracks.”
Beside him, Negropolis slowly nods.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Dr. Violetta Voss thinks one ten-count settled things with Polly Mason?”
He glances toward her.
Polly Mason smiles without humor.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Ask her.”
Polly Mason: “It didn't.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “There you go.”
Then his eyes move toward Bigfoot.
The entire mood changes.
The enormous Alpha Beast has remained silent through almost the entire interview.
Coach Cal Mercer: “And then there's him.”
Smooth Samantha looks toward Bigfoot.
Smooth Samantha: “Bigfoot, I assume this concerns Yeti.”
The low growl comes before any words.
Bigfoot unfolds his arms.
Bigfoot: “Yeti.”
One word.
Enough to change the room.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Yeah.”
He looks up at the giant.
Coach Cal Mercer: “That business isn't finished either.”
Smooth Samantha: “Regardless of everything that has happened between them?”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Especially because of everything that's happened between them.”
Bigfoot steps forward.
Flippers instinctively waddles closer to Polly Mason.
Bigfoot: “Yeti wants to know which beast owns the mountain.”
A pause.
Bigfoot: “He keeps asking.”
The massive hands close into fists.
Bigfoot: “I'm going to answer.”
Coach Cal Mercer reaches up and presses one hand lightly against Bigfoot’s enormous forearm.
Not restraining him.
Grounding him.
Coach Cal Mercer: “When the time is right.”
Bigfoot looks down at him.
A long moment passes.
Then the fists slowly loosen.
Coach Cal Mercer: “See?”
He looks toward Smooth Samantha.
Coach Cal Mercer: “Coaching.”
Polly Mason: “Miracle worker.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Don't push it.”
Smooth Samantha turns toward Mr. Mason.
He has said almost nothing.
That appears deliberate.
Smooth Samantha: “And that brings me to you, Mr. Mason.”
The arena crowd can be heard reacting faintly through the backstage feed.
Smooth Samantha: “Earlier tonight, The Master of the Night defeated Lyric Everfrost.”
The expression on Mr. Mason’s face darkens.
Smooth Samantha: “Then he looked directly into the camera and sent a message to Santa Claus.”
A pause.
Smooth Samantha: “Last week he spoke about the House of Night becoming something permanent.”
Another.
Smooth Samantha: “After Fallout, what do you have to say to him?”
Mr. Mason slowly unfolds his arms.
He looks toward Coach Cal Mercer.
The old coach gives him one small nod.
Mr. Mason steps forward.
Mr. Mason: “The Master believes he's a teacher.”
His voice is quiet.
Controlled.
Mr. Mason: “That's what all of this has been, hasn't it?”
He stares into the camera.
Mr. Mason: “Lessons.”
A pause.
Mr. Mason: “He wanted to teach me what fear looked like.”
Another.
Mr. Mason: “He wanted to teach me that anger makes a man careless.”
Another.
Mr. Mason: “He wanted to teach me that if you show a husband the right image at the right moment…”
His jaw tightens.
Mr. Mason: “…you can make him forget where the fight is.”
The room becomes silent.
Mr. Mason: “Lesson learned.”
He lets that sit.
Mr. Mason: “That's the funny thing about teaching.”
A faint, cold smile appears.
Mr. Mason: “A good student remembers.”
Another pause.
Mr. Mason: “At Fallout, The Master of the Night taught me exactly how he operates.”
He raises one finger.
Mr. Mason: “Distraction.”
A second.
Mr. Mason: “Misdirection.”
A third.
Mr. Mason: “Somebody else doing the dirty work while he stands there pretending the whole thing was inevitable.”
His hand lowers.
Mr. Mason: “I understand the curriculum now.”
Behind him, Coach Cal Mercer watches without expression.
Mr. Mason: “So class isn't dismissed.”
A strong reaction can be heard from inside the arena.
Mr. Mason: “No.”
He takes another step toward the camera.
Mr. Mason: “I need more lessons.”
A pause.
Mr. Mason: “I need The Master of the Night to keep teaching.”
Another.
Mr. Mason: “Show me every trick.”
Mr. Mason: “Every distraction.”
Mr. Mason: “Every shadow.”
Mr. Mason: “Every member of that House you think makes you untouchable.”
His voice grows harder.
Mr. Mason: “Teach me everything.”
A beat.
Mr. Mason: “Because eventually…”
He points directly toward the camera.
Mr. Mason: “…there's going to be a test.”
Behind him, Polly Mason slowly smiles.
Negropolis folds his arms.
Bigfoot lowers his head.
Even Coach Cal Mercer allows the faintest approving expression.
Mr. Mason: “And when that day comes…”
A long pause.
Mr. Mason: “…the teacher is going to find out what the student learned.”
He steps back.
Smooth Samantha turns toward Coach Cal Mercer.
Smooth Samantha: “Coach, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “I've coached worse.”
Polly Mason: “That's comforting.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Wasn't meant to be.”
Flippers chirps again.
Coach Cal Mercer looks down.
Coach Cal Mercer: “And you're running laps tomorrow.”
Polly Mason: “He's a penguin.”
Coach Cal Mercer: “Then short laps.”
Flippers immediately waddles behind Polly Mason’s leg.
For the first time, Mr. Mason cracks the slightest smile.
Smooth Samantha looks back toward the camera.
Smooth Samantha: “A new manager, but very much the same unfinished business. Coach Cal Mercer is now guiding the Misfits of Mayhem, and neither the House of Night nor Yeti appears to be in their rearview mirror.”
The camera holds on the group.
Coach Cal Mercer in the center.
Mr. Mason beside him.
Negropolis and Bigfoot looming behind.
Polly Mason near the front.
And Flippers cautiously peeking around her boot.
The broadcast cuts away.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
Inside the ring, “Honest” Abe checks both corners before speaking briefly with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels looks down at his notes.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington already looks unusually satisfied with the matchup ahead.
Johnny Michaels: “Tag-team competition is next, and this one carries considerable importance in a division where positioning can change very quickly. The River Reapers, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, meet Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht, accompanied by Grim Tidings.”
Eddie Ellington: “And this is exactly the kind of match Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht need.”
Johnny Michaels: “Both teams need it. The Universal Tag Team Championship picture is crowded, and neither team wants to drift farther away from the reigning champions.”
Eddie Ellington: “There is a difference. The River Reapers want to get back into contention. Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht belong in contention.”
Johnny Michaels: “Based on what distinction?”
Eddie Ellington: “Size. Violence. Intelligence. Excellent associates.”
Johnny Michaels: “By associates, you mean Grim Tidings.”
Eddie Ellington: “Naturally. A proper organization understands that winning begins before the bell.”
A riverboat whistle echoes throughout North Pole Arena.
The crowd immediately rises.
Up-tempo music begins as Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer step through the curtain together.
The reaction becomes louder.
The two exchange a quick glance at the top of the ramp before pointing toward the ring.
No championship belts.
No managers.
Just the two longtime partners.
Johnny Michaels: “There are the River Reapers, and familiarity is one of their greatest advantages. Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer know one another extraordinarily well, and when they establish tempo, their combination offense can become difficult to stop.”
Eddie Ellington: “They are talented.”
Johnny Michaels: “That sounded almost sincere.”
Eddie Ellington: “Do not interrupt. They are talented, athletic, energetic and about to wrestle two men considerably less interested in having fun.”
Johnny Michaels: “Neither Huck Finn nor Tom Sawyer treats competition lightly.”
Eddie Ellington: “They came out to a riverboat whistle.”
Johnny Michaels: “That has nothing to do with their ability.”
Eddie Ellington: “Presentation matters.”
Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer start down the aisle.
Both slap hands along the barricade.
They reach ringside together.
Huck Finn jumps onto the apron and slingshots through the ropes.
Tom Sawyer follows, climbing onto the middle turnbuckle and raising one arm.
The crowd cheers.
The two meet in the center, bump fists and immediately turn toward the entrance.
Their music stops.
A low bell tolls.
The lighting darkens.
Muted brown, black and sickly yellow illumination spreads across the entrance stage.
A crooked, unsettling melody begins.
The crowd responds with boos.
Members of Grim Tidings emerge from behind the curtain.
Among them is Fenwick Grimbough, carrying himself with the peculiar confidence of a man who appears entirely comfortable being unwelcome.
Then Hans Trapp steps into view.
Beside him comes Knecht Ruprecht.
The two men stop beneath the dim lighting.
Neither acknowledges the crowd.
Eddie Ellington: “Now we're talking.”
Johnny Michaels: “A very different atmosphere.”
Eddie Ellington: “A serious atmosphere.”
Johnny Michaels: “You consider the River Reapers unserious?”
Eddie Ellington: “I consider Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht the kind of team that makes jokes stop being funny.”
Johnny Michaels: “They bring considerably more size and a much more grinding approach.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. And unlike the River Reapers, they have Grim Tidings making sure nobody forgets the larger picture.”
The group begins walking down the aisle.
Fenwick Grimbough speaks constantly toward the two wrestlers.
Neither appears to require the encouragement.
Hans Trapp keeps his eyes fixed on Huck Finn.
Knecht Ruprecht looks toward Tom Sawyer.
Johnny Michaels: “And the larger picture is the Universal Tag Team Championship. A victory tonight does not automatically produce a title match, but it gets one of these teams moving in the correct direction.”
Eddie Ellington: “For Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht, this is about reminding everyone why they belong near the front.”
Johnny Michaels: “And for the River Reapers?”
Eddie Ellington: “Survival.”
The group reaches ringside.
Grim Tidings spreads out along the floor.
Hans Trapp climbs onto the apron.
Knecht Ruprecht joins him.
Both men step through the ropes.
The River Reapers move forward.
Honest Abe immediately steps between the teams.
Celeste Orion enters 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, the team of HUCK FINN and TOM SAWYER... the RIVER REAPERS!”
Huck Finn raises one arm.
Tom Sawyer points toward the opposite team.
Another strong reaction rolls through the arena.
Celeste Orion turns.
Celeste Orion: “And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by GRIM TIDINGS... HANS TRAPP and KNECHT RUPRECHT!”
The boos rise.
Hans Trapp slowly raises both arms.
Knecht Ruprecht remains expressionless beside him.
At ringside, Fenwick Grimbough applauds enthusiastically.
Eddie Ellington: “There are your future contenders.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have made your position unmistakable.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's why they pay me.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Knecht Ruprecht moves onto the apron.
Tom Sawyer does the same.
That leaves Huck Finn and Hans Trapp to begin.
Honest Abe checks both men.
The referee signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Huck Finn begins cautiously.
Hans Trapp does not.
The larger man drives Huck Finn backward almost immediately.
Knecht Ruprecht reaches through the ropes.
The tag is made.
The two men attack together during the legal double-team window.
Hans Trapp hits the ropes.
HARVEST REAPING!
The Running Big Boot crashes directly into Huck Finn and sends him stumbling toward the ropes.
Before Huck Finn can recover, Knecht Ruprecht drives him throat-first across the middle rope.
Ruprecht presses down, choking him against the cable until Honest Abe begins counting.
The referee forces separation.
Hans Trapp returns to the apron.
Huck Finn drops to one knee, holding his throat.
Johnny Michaels: “Immediate physicality from Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht. Harvest Reaping followed by that choke across the ropes, and Huck Finn has been forced onto the defensive immediately.”
Eddie Ellington: “Beautiful tag-team wrestling.”
Johnny Michaels: “You consider choking a man on the ropes beautiful?”
Eddie Ellington: “I consider using every legal second of the referee's count intelligent.”
Johnny Michaels: “They wanted to establish their size advantage immediately.”
Eddie Ellington: “And they did. Huck Finn came in expecting a wrestling match. Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht came in expecting work.”
Minute 2
Huck Finn fights his way out of the corner.
He reaches Tom Sawyer.
The tag is made.
The River Reapers immediately answer with teamwork of their own.
Huck Finn catches Hans Trapp as Trapp steps through the ropes and sends him over with a Saito Suplex.
Tom Sawyer moves in before Hans Trapp can recover.
He hooks both arms.
SAWYER SNAP!
The Double Underhook Piledriver drives Hans Trapp into the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
But Hans Trapp forces himself up and swings wildly through the pain.
HARVEST REAPING!
The Running Big Boot catches Huck Finn as Huck is leaving the exchange and sends him spilling toward the ropes.
Honest Abe forces the illegal man out.
Johnny Michaels: “And the River Reapers answer! Saito Suplex from Huck Finn, Sawyer Snap from Tom Sawyer, but Hans Trapp still finds Harvest Reaping before order is restored.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is toughness.”
Johnny Michaels: “He just took the Sawyer Snap.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. And instead of lying there contemplating his life choices, Hans Trapp got up and kicked somebody in the face.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was an impressive response.”
Eddie Ellington: “Say it louder. He earned it.”
Minute 3
Huck Finn becomes legal again as the teams reposition.
Before he can settle into the exchange, Fenwick Grimbough moves closer to the apron.
He begins shouting something toward Huck Finn.
At first it sounds like nonsense.
Then another phrase.
Then another.
A strange collection of obscure quotations, half-remembered sayings and deliberately confusing references.
Huck Finn turns toward him.
His expression changes from irritation to complete bewilderment.
Johnny Michaels: “What in the world is Fenwick Grimbough talking about?”
Eddie Ellington: “Culture.”
Johnny Michaels: “I don't think half of those sentences belong together.”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps Huck Finn should read more.”
Inside the ring, Hans Trapp watches Huck Finn lose focus.
He does not attack immediately.
He simply steps into better position.
Honest Abe warns Fenwick Grimbough to back away from the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Whatever those quotations were supposed to mean, they did exactly what Grim Tidings wanted. Huck Finn lost focus on Hans Trapp.”
Eddie Ellington: “If words can defeat your concentration, that's a training problem.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are defending deliberate distraction.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm defending literacy.”
Minute 4
The distraction proves costly.
Hans Trapp charges.
He knocks Huck Finn down and immediately follows him to the canvas.
RUNNING KNEE DROP!
The knee crashes across Huck Finn’s upper body.
Huck Finn tries to roll away but cannot avoid the impact.
Hans Trapp rises and looks toward Fenwick Grimbough.
Fenwick gives an exaggerated little bow from ringside.
Johnny Michaels: “Running Knee Drop from Hans Trapp, and the control created by Fenwick Grimbough’s distraction is continuing.”
Eddie Ellington: “Control created by Hans Trapp knowing what to do with an opportunity.”
Johnny Michaels: “The opportunity was manufactured from the floor.”
Eddie Ellington: “And?”
Johnny Michaels: “And that matters.”
Eddie Ellington: “Not to Huck Finn’s ribs.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer is reaching desperately for the tag.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then perhaps Huck Finn should stop listening to literature and start crawling.”
Minute 5
Hans Trapp pulls Huck Finn upright.
He bends low.
Then powers Huck Finn across his shoulders.
TORTURE RACK!
The crowd begins shouting.
Huck Finn immediately starts fighting.
Hans Trapp cranks down across the back.
Honest Abe asks Huck Finn if he wants to submit.
He refuses.
Tom Sawyer stretches as far over the rope as possible.
Hans Trapp walks Huck Finn farther away from his corner.
Johnny Michaels: “Torture Rack! Huck Finn is trapped directly across Hans Trapp’s shoulders.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is why I favor this team. Hans Trapp has spent five minutes taking away everything the River Reapers want to do.”
Johnny Michaels: “Huck Finn is not submitting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yet.”
Johnny Michaels: “He is trying to fight out.”
Eddie Ellington: “And meanwhile his back is being folded over a man built like farm machinery.”
Huck Finn continues struggling.
Finally, Hans Trapp releases the hold rather than risk losing control.
He reaches toward his corner.
Knecht Ruprecht takes the tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Huck Finn survives the Torture Rack, but now a fresh Knecht Ruprecht comes in.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. No rest.”
Minute 6
Knecht Ruprecht enters and immediately attacks the body.
He forces Huck Finn onto his back.
One large hand clamps across the abdomen.
STOMACH CLAW!
Huck Finn grimaces as Knecht Ruprecht digs his fingers into the abdominal wall.
He tries to roll.
Ruprecht follows him.
Honest Abe watches carefully for a submission.
Huck Finn refuses.
He twists.
Kicks.
Finally creates enough space to break away.
He dives toward his corner.
Tom Sawyer reaches.
The tag is made.
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “Huck Finn finally escapes the Stomach Claw and gets to Tom Sawyer!”
Eddie Ellington: “Unfortunately.”
Johnny Michaels: “Unfortunately?”
Eddie Ellington: “Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht had exactly what they wanted. Huck Finn isolated, damaged and nowhere near his partner.”
Johnny Michaels: “But they did not finish him.”
Eddie Ellington: “Minor administrative issue.”
Johnny Michaels: “A fairly important one in professional wrestling.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now Ruprecht has to weather the fresh man. He will.”
Minute 7
Tom Sawyer enters quickly.
Knecht Ruprecht turns toward him.
Tom Sawyer grabs the head.
HANGMAN'S NECKBREAKER!
Ruprecht crashes to the canvas.
The crowd responds.
Tom Sawyer rises and tries to increase the pace.
But Knecht Ruprecht catches him before he can accelerate.
He drives a STOMP directly onto Tom Sawyer’s leg.
Tom Sawyer stumbles.
Ruprecht follows with another heavy attack toward the same limb.
Johnny Michaels: “Hangman's Neckbreaker from Tom Sawyer, but Knecht Ruprecht immediately attacks the leg.”
Eddie Ellington: “Excellent.”
Johnny Michaels: “You can see the strategy. Tom Sawyer wants movement. Ruprecht wants to remove it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Take away the leg and suddenly all that running and jumping becomes considerably less charming.”
Johnny Michaels: “But Tom Sawyer got the fresh-man advantage and landed cleanly first.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Ruprecht immediately made an adjustment.”
Tom Sawyer recognizes the danger.
He reaches back.
Huck Finn tags in again.
Johnny Michaels: “Quick tag back to Huck Finn.”
Eddie Ellington: “Interesting choice considering what happened to him for the first six minutes.”
Minute 8
Huck Finn enters with urgency.
Tom Sawyer remains beside him during the legal exchange.
The River Reapers attack together.
Huck Finn gets underneath Knecht Ruprecht and muscles him up.
ROLLING DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!
Ruprecht crashes hard.
The crowd rises.
Huck Finn immediately forces Knecht Ruprecht toward the ropes.
Ruprecht spills through to the floor.
Tom Sawyer sees him outside.
He hits the opposite ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Look out!”
Tom Sawyer launches himself over the top.
TOPE CON GIRO!
He crashes directly into Knecht Ruprecht on the arena floor.
Both men hit hard.
The crowd erupts.
Hans Trapp starts toward them.
Honest Abe orders him back to his corner before turning toward the floor.
The count begins.
One!
Tom Sawyer begins moving.
Knecht Ruprecht does not.
Two!
Three!
Huck Finn stands inside the ring, shouting toward his partner.
Four!
Tom Sawyer pushes himself upright.
Five!
He reaches the apron and pulls himself clear.
Knecht Ruprecht rolls onto one side.
Eddie Ellington: “Get up, Ruprecht.”
Six!
Knecht Ruprecht reaches one knee.
Hans Trapp shouts from the opposite side.
Seven!
Ruprecht reaches toward the apron.
He cannot quite get there.
Eight!
Nine!
Knecht Ruprecht lunges forward.
Ten!
The bell rings.
The crowd erupts.
Eddie Ellington: “No!”
Johnny Michaels: “He didn't make it! Knecht Ruprecht has been counted out!”
Honest Abe immediately signals toward the timekeeper.
Inside the ring, Huck Finn throws both arms into the air.
On the floor, Tom Sawyer leans against the apron, breathing heavily after the Tope Con Giro.
Hans Trapp drops from his corner and rushes toward Knecht Ruprecht.
The members of Grim Tidings move closer as well.
Eddie Ellington: “That is a terrible way to decide this match.”
Johnny Michaels: “It is a completely legitimate way to decide it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Knecht Ruprecht was moving!”
Johnny Michaels: “Not quickly enough.”
Eddie Ellington: “Another second and he's inside.”
Johnny Michaels: “He did not have another second.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's precisely my complaint.”
Celeste Orion receives the official decision.
She raises the microphone.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, Knecht Ruprecht was unable to return to the ring before the referee's count of ten. Therefore, your winners by count-out... HUCK FINN and TOM SAWYER... the RIVER REAPERS!”
The crowd cheers loudly.
Tom Sawyer slides underneath the bottom rope.
Huck Finn meets him.
The two slap hands and then raise each other's arms.
Outside the ring, Knecht Ruprecht finally gets to his feet.
He looks furious.
Hans Trapp is even angrier.
Eddie Ellington: “Look at this. The better team loses because Tom Sawyer threw himself through the air and Ruprecht landed badly.”
Johnny Michaels: “The River Reapers created the situation. Huck Finn hit the Rolling Death Valley Driver, Tom Sawyer followed with the Tope Con Giro, and Ruprecht could not recover before ten.”
Eddie Ellington: “Meanwhile, let's remember the first seven minutes. Who controlled Huck Finn?”
Johnny Michaels: “For a significant stretch, Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht.”
Eddie Ellington: “Who had him in the Torture Rack?”
Johnny Michaels: “Hans Trapp.”
Eddie Ellington: “Who isolated him?”
Johnny Michaels: “They did.”
Eddie Ellington: “Who attacked Tom Sawyer’s leg the moment he entered?”
Johnny Michaels: “Knecht Ruprecht.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you. Case closed.”
Johnny Michaels: “Except the match was not scored on who controlled more minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “A tragic flaw in the system.”
Inside the ring, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer climb onto opposite turnbuckles.
The crowd applauds.
At ringside, Fenwick Grimbough is speaking rapidly to Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht.
Whatever he is saying does little to improve their mood.
Johnny Michaels: “For the River Reapers, though, this is exactly the result they needed. Both teams came into tonight trying to move back toward the Universal Tag Team Championship picture, and Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer leave with the victory.”
Eddie Ellington: “A count-out victory.”
Johnny Michaels: “Still a victory.”
Eddie Ellington: “Put that qualification in large print.”
Johnny Michaels: “And there is another important takeaway. The River Reapers survived an extended period of isolation, got the tag to Tom Sawyer, and when the opportunity presented itself, their speed and combination offense changed the match almost instantly.”
Eddie Ellington: “They escaped.”
Johnny Michaels: “They won.”
Eddie Ellington: “Those concepts are not mutually exclusive.”
Hans Trapp steps onto the apron.
He points directly toward the River Reapers.
Knecht Ruprecht stands beside him on the floor, still holding the back of his neck after the dive.
Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer immediately turn toward them.
The celebration stops.
For several seconds, the two teams stare at one another.
Johnny Michaels: “And judging from those expressions, I don't believe either side considers this settled.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Give Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht another match where the result is decided inside the ring.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tonight's result counts whether you like it or not.”
Eddie Ellington: “I have never allowed rules to interfere with a strong opinion.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be the most accurate thing you've said tonight.”
The River Reapers raise their arms again as Hans Trapp, Knecht Ruprecht and Grim Tidings begin backing toward the aisle.
Johnny Michaels: “An important victory for Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and perhaps the first step back toward the Universal Tag Team Championship conversation.”
Eddie Ellington: “Enjoy the step. Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht are still standing directly behind them.”
THE RIVER REAPERS DEFEAT HANS TRAPP AND KNECHT RUPRECHT VIA COUNT-OUT WHEN KNECHT RUPRECHT FAILS TO RETURN TO THE RING FOLLOWING TOM SAWYER’S TOPE CON GIRO AT THE 8:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
Before the camera settles on the ring, it cuts toward the lower bowl of the arena.
Two familiar faces are seated several rows behind the barricade.
Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain.
The crowd reacts when they appear on the production screen.
Neither member of the Virtuous Blades is dressed for competition.
Both are watching the ring intently.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels immediately acknowledges their presence.
Johnny Michaels: “And before we begin, take a look at who is joining us tonight. Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain, the Virtuous Blades, are here at North Pole Arena.”
Eddie Ellington: “They're sightseeing.”
Johnny Michaels: “I seriously doubt that. Last night on Dark Fable, it was made official. At Age of Ruin, the Ultimate Beasts will defend the Universal Tag Team Championship against the Virtuous Blades.”
The crowd responds strongly.
The camera remains on Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain.
Sir Galahad says something quietly to his partner.
Sir Gawain nods without taking his eyes from the ring.
Eddie Ellington: “Then they should watch carefully. This is educational.”
Johnny Michaels: “You're expecting the champions to make a statement?”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm expecting Varak and Karnyx to demonstrate exactly what those two volunteered for.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tonight's championship will not be at stake. The Ultimate Beasts face Comet and Prancer of the Reindeer Coalition in a non-title match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is fortunate for the reindeer. Imagine losing and having to explain you accidentally wandered into a championship match.”
Inside the ring, “Honest” Abe checks both corners.
The lighting changes.
A bright burst of silver and icy blue washes across the entrance stage.
The familiar sound of sleigh bells begins beneath an energetic beat.
The crowd rises.
Comet steps through the curtain first.
Beside him comes Prancer.
The Reindeer Coalition pause together at the top of the ramp.
They exchange a quick fist bump and point toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition know exactly what kind of opportunity this is. Defeat the reigning Universal Tag Team Champions tonight, even in a non-title match, and you immediately force yourself into the championship conversation.”
Eddie Ellington: “They could also immediately force themselves into traction.”
Johnny Michaels: “Comet and Prancer have speed, familiarity and an ability to attack from multiple angles.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wonderful. The Ultimate Beasts have Varak.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Karnyx.”
Eddie Ellington: “I was getting there. See how unfair this is?”
The Reindeer Coalition make their way down the aisle.
They slap hands along the barricade before reaching ringside.
Comet slides beneath the bottom rope.
Prancer springs onto the apron and steps through.
Both climb opposite turnbuckles and raise their arms.
The crowd responds loudly.
Then their attention shifts briefly toward the audience.
Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain are still watching.
Prancer notices them.
He gives the two men a small nod.
The Virtuous Blades return it.
The music fades.
A deep animalistic growl fills the arena.
The lights drop.
Heavy percussion rolls through North Pole Arena.
A massive silhouette appears against the entrance lights.
Then another.
Marcus the Beastmaster walks through the curtain.
Behind him come the Universal Tag Team Champions.
Varak.
Karnyx.
Each carries one half of the Universal Tag Team Championship.
The crowd boos.
The two champions stop at the top of the ramp.
Marcus the Beastmaster looks toward the ring.
Then he notices something to his left.
He turns.
The camera follows his gaze.
Sir Galahad.
Sir Gawain.
A slow smile forms across the manager's face.
He points them out to his champions.
Karnyx stares toward the audience.
Varak raises his championship high.
The Virtuous Blades do not react.
Eddie Ellington: “Oh, I love this.”
Johnny Michaels: “The champions know their Age of Ruin challengers are watching.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Save the scouting footage. Watch it live.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Virtuous Blades defeated some extraordinary competition to reach this position.”
Eddie Ellington: “And at Age of Ruin, they're going to discover that winning your way to the champions and beating the champions are two entirely different occupations.”
The Ultimate Beasts begin their march toward ringside.
Marcus the Beastmaster leads them.
Neither champion acknowledges the fans.
As they pass the section containing the Virtuous Blades, Karnyx stops.
He looks directly toward Sir Galahad.
Varak looks toward Sir Gawain.
For several seconds, there is complete silence between the four men.
Then Marcus the Beastmaster gestures toward the ring.
The champions continue.
Johnny Michaels: “No words necessary there.”
Eddie Ellington: “Why waste them? They'll have plenty of time to communicate physically at Age of Ruin.”
The trio reaches ringside.
Marcus the Beastmaster remains on the floor.
Karnyx and Varak climb onto the apron.
Both step through the ropes.
They move immediately toward the center.
The Reindeer Coalition meet them.
Honest Abe steps between the teams.
Celeste Orion enters 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 and is a NON-TITLE MATCH!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, the team of COMET and PRANCER... the REINDEER COALITION!”
Comet and Prancer raise their arms.
Another strong response fills the arena.
Celeste Orion turns toward the champions.
Celeste Orion: “And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by MARCUS THE BEASTMASTER... they are the reigning UNIVERSAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... VARAK and KARNYX... the ULTIMATE BEASTS!”
The champions raise their belts.
The crowd boos.
Across the arena, Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain remain seated.
Their eyes stay fixed on the titles.
Eddie Ellington: “Look closely, gentlemen. That's as near as those championships are likely to get.”
Johnny Michaels: “We will determine that at Age of Ruin.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm saving you the suspense.”
Celeste Orion exits.
The championships are handed to a ringside official.
Varak steps onto the apron.
Prancer does the same.
That leaves Karnyx and Comet to begin.
Honest Abe signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither man gains immediate control.
Karnyx reaches for Comet.
Comet slips away.
They circle.
Another attempted lockup goes nowhere.
Then Karnyx finally gets both hands on Comet.
He tries to launch him across the ring with a ONE HAND TOSS.
Comet shifts his weight in mid-motion.
He catches the arm.
He lands on his feet.
The toss is reversed.
Karnyx turns.
REINDEER CLOMP!
Comet drives a heavy stomp into the champion.
Karnyx tries to cover up but takes the impact cleanly.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent opening defense from Comet. He completely reversed that One Hand Toss and turned it into the Reindeer Clomp.”
Eddie Ellington: “Congratulations. He survived sixty seconds.”
Johnny Michaels: “More than survived. He caught Karnyx expecting to overpower him.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now Karnyx knows he moves quickly. Useful information.”
Johnny Michaels: “The champions cannot afford to dismiss the Reindeer Coalition.”
Eddie Ellington: “They're champions. They can afford excellent things.”
Minute 2
Karnyx drives Comet toward the ropes.
The exchange spills close to the apron.
Comet tumbles through the ropes and lands on the arena floor.
Honest Abe turns toward Karnyx and orders him to remain inside.
That moment is enough.
Marcus the Beastmaster moves.
He grabs Comet from the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “Watch Marcus!”
SIDEWALK SLAM ON THE FLOOR!
Comet is driven hard onto the exposed arena surface.
The crowd explodes in boos.
Marcus the Beastmaster immediately backs away.
By the time Honest Abe looks outside, the manager has both hands raised innocently.
Eddie Ellington: “What happened?”
Johnny Michaels: “You saw exactly what happened!”
Eddie Ellington: “Comet fell.”
Johnny Michaels: “He fell while wrapped in Marcus the Beastmaster’s arms!”
Eddie Ellington: “Very supportive man.”
Comet struggles back toward the apron.
He gets inside and immediately reaches for Prancer.
The tag is made.
Johnny Michaels: “Somehow Marcus the Beastmaster gets away with that, and Comet wisely gets out of the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wisely? According to you nothing happened.”
Johnny Michaels: “According to you nothing happened.”
Eddie Ellington: “Glad we're finally agreeing.”
Minute 3
Prancer explodes through the ropes.
Comet remains beside him during the legal double-team window.
The Reindeer Coalition attack together.
Prancer grabs Karnyx.
FACE IN THE MUD!
The Flying Bulldog drives the champion face-first into the canvas.
As Karnyx rises—
REINDEER ONE TWO!
Comet catches him with the Double Punch.
Karnyx goes down again.
Honest Abe forces Comet back toward the apron.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent combination from the Reindeer Coalition. Face in the Mud followed by the Reindeer One Two.”
Eddie Ellington: “Two men attacking one champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “During the legal double-team window.”
Eddie Ellington: “I understand legality. I question character.”
Johnny Michaels: “You defended Marcus the Beastmaster throwing Comet onto the floor one minute ago.”
Eddie Ellington: “Allegedly.”
Minute 4
The match erupts.
Karnyx fights his way toward the corner.
Varak enters.
Comet comes through the ropes as well.
All four men are suddenly involved.
Karnyx blasts Prancer with a WILD HAYMAKER.
Varak catches Comet and drives him down with a NECKBREAKER.
The Reindeer Coalition answer immediately.
Prancer catches Karnyx.
FACE IN THE MUD!
At the same time, Comet drives another REINDEER CLOMP into Varak.
Honest Abe moves frantically between the teams, ordering the illegal competitors out.
Johnny Michaels: “Everything has broken down! Haymaker from Karnyx, Neckbreaker from Varak, and the Reindeer Coalition answer immediately.”
Eddie Ellington: “This favors the champions.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because chaos rewards the largest predators.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition matched them attack for attack.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporarily.”
Eventually Honest Abe restores order.
Karnyx and Prancer remain legal.
Minute 5
Karnyx steps forward.
He reaches directly toward Prancer’s face.
EYE RAKE!
Prancer recoils.
Honest Abe warns the champion.
Karnyx backs away with both hands raised.
Prancer recovers and charges.
RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLE!
The collision knocks Karnyx backward.
Prancer immediately reaches toward his corner.
Comet takes the tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Eye Rake from Karnyx, but Prancer responds with the Running Shoulder Tackle.”
Eddie Ellington: “That eye rake was strategic.”
Johnny Michaels: “It was illegal.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is why he stopped before five.”
Johnny Michaels: “Your standards remain remarkably flexible.”
Eddie Ellington: “Championship flexibility.”
Minute 6
Comet enters quickly.
Karnyx grabs him before he can accelerate.
ONE HAND TOSS!
This time there is no reversal.
Comet is launched across the ring.
He rolls through and gets upright.
Karnyx comes toward him.
REINDEER GORGE!
The Running Headbutt catches the champion in the chest.
Both men stagger.
Comet reaches toward his corner.
Prancer tags back in.
Johnny Michaels: “One Hand Toss from Karnyx, Reindeer Gorge from Comet. Again the challengers are answering the champions.”
Eddie Ellington: “They're not challengers.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tonight, no. I meant opposition.”
Eddie Ellington: “Careful. We already have enough people in the building believing they deserve title matches.”
The camera cuts briefly toward Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain.
Both remain intensely focused.
Johnny Michaels: “Including two men who unquestionably have one.”
Eddie Ellington: “Allegedly.”
Johnny Michaels: “The match is signed.”
Eddie Ellington: “Details.”
Minute 7
Prancer moves in.
Karnyx reaches for the face again.
EYE RAKE!
Prancer stumbles backward.
Then surges forward.
FACE IN THE MUD!
The Flying Bulldog plants Karnyx.
Both men immediately begin moving toward their corners.
Karnyx reaches Varak.
Tag.
Prancer reaches Comet.
Tag.
The crowd reacts as the fresh men enter.
Johnny Michaels: “Double tag, and now it's Varak against Comet.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now the match changes.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because of Varak’s power?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Comet has already been slammed onto the floor by gravity.”
Johnny Michaels: “By Marcus the Beastmaster.”
Eddie Ellington: “We remain divided on causation.”
Minute 8
Comet charges the larger champion.
He avoids Varak’s initial reach.
REINDEER ONE TWO!
The Double Punch catches Varak.
The champion tries to protect himself but cannot prevent the attack.
Comet drops into the cover.
Honest Abe counts.
One!
Two!
Varak kicks out.
The crowd reacts.
Johnny Michaels: “Two-count! Comet just put the Universal Tag Team Champion down for two.”
Eddie Ellington: “One half of the champions.”
Johnny Michaels: “You know what I meant.”
Eddie Ellington: “Precision matters.”
Johnny Michaels: “So does that two-count.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Varak kicked out with authority.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Virtuous Blades were watching every second.”
The camera catches Sir Gawain leaning forward.
Sir Galahad quietly speaks to him.
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Now they know Varak can count to two.”
Minute 9
Varak surges upright.
Karnyx enters.
Prancer does the same.
All four men collide again.
Varak levels Comet with a RUNNING BIG BOOT.
Karnyx grabs Prancer and sends him flying with a ONE HAND TOSS.
The reindeer answer.
REINDEER ONE TWO from Comet catches Varak.
Then Prancer leaps.
PRANCER'S PRANCE!
The Flying Enzuigiri catches Karnyx across the head.
The crowd erupts.
Honest Abe again struggles to restore order.
Johnny Michaels: “All four men trading heavy offense! Nobody is giving ground.”
Eddie Ellington: “Look at the champions. They're being attacked from both sides and still throwing people across the ring.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Prancer’s Prance just caught Karnyx flush.”
Eddie Ellington: “He'll recover.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound very certain.”
Eddie Ellington: “Championship confidence.”
Order is restored with Varak and Comet legal.
Minute 10
Comet attempts to move around the larger man.
Varak catches him.
He hoists Comet high.
WRECKING CRANE!
The impact drives Comet violently into the canvas.
He tries to protect himself but takes the full force.
Varak rises over him.
Johnny Michaels: “Wrecking Crane! Varak finally catches Comet, and that may change everything.”
Eddie Ellington: “There it is.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition’s speed becomes irrelevant if Varak gets both hands on you.”
Eddie Ellington: “You have discovered the Universal Tag Team Champions.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was a tremendous impact.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain just got a free preview.”
Minute 11
Varak signals toward Karnyx.
The champions attack together.
Varak charges with a RUNNING BIG BOOT.
Karnyx reaches toward Comet’s face.
But Comet sees the trap forming.
He drops underneath the Big Boot.
Karnyx misses his opportunity.
Comet turns and drives a REINDEER CLOMP into Varak.
The attempted double team completely breaks down.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense from Comet! The Ultimate Beasts tried to overwhelm him, but he neutralized both men.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary communication issue.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was a complete reversal.”
Eddie Ellington: “Let's not become dramatic.”
Johnny Michaels: “Comet escaped a Running Big Boot and avoided Karnyx entirely.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then he should enjoy his medal.”
The champions remain together, still trying to isolate Comet.
Minute 12
Varak catches Comet first.
WRECKING CRANE!
The powerful slam drives him down.
Before Comet can completely recover, Karnyx charges.
CLOTHESLINE!
The strike turns Comet over.
But somehow Comet rolls underneath the next attack.
SUNSET FLIP!
He pulls Varak backward into the pinning position.
Honest Abe moves toward the shoulders.
Before a count can properly develop, Varak powers free.
Johnny Michaels: “Wrecking Crane, Clothesline, and Comet still finds the Sunset Flip!”
Eddie Ellington: “That is annoying.”
Johnny Michaels: “It is resourceful.”
Eddie Ellington: “It's both.”
Johnny Michaels: “The champions have finally established the sustained double-team pressure they wanted.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Comet is discovering what being trapped between Varak and Karnyx feels like.”
Minute 13
The Ultimate Beasts continue.
Varak climbs to the ropes.
Comet looks up.
APEX DESCENT!
The Top Rope Shoulder Clothesline crashes through him.
Before Comet can recover, Karnyx scoops him upward.
CONCRETE BODY SLAM!
Comet hits hard.
He rolls beneath the bottom rope and drops to the arena floor.
Honest Abe begins counting.
One!
Two!
Marcus the Beastmaster approaches.
Comet immediately moves away from him.
Three!
Four!
Comet slides back inside.
The crowd cheers.
Johnny Michaels: “Back inside at four, and I don't blame Comet for keeping one eye on Marcus the Beastmaster.”
Eddie Ellington: “Paranoia.”
Johnny Michaels: “The man Sidewalk Slammed him onto the floor.”
Eddie Ellington: “Still unproven.”
Johnny Michaels: “We showed the replay.”
Eddie Ellington: “Biased replay.”
Johnny Michaels: “The champions have nevertheless taken control. Apex Descent followed by the Concrete Body Slam did considerable damage.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's the portion of the minute worth discussing.”
Minute 14
Comet returns swinging.
REINDEER ONE TWO!
The Double Punch catches Varak.
As Comet tries to press forward, Honest Abe becomes occupied with Karnyx, who is arguing from the apron about the legal-man position.
Behind the referee—
Marcus the Beastmaster reaches through the ropes.
He clamps both hands around Comet’s throat.
Johnny Michaels: “Again!”
Marcus chokes Comet against the ropes.
Then releases before Honest Abe turns.
Comet stumbles away coughing.
Eddie Ellington: “He should hydrate.”
Johnny Michaels: “Marcus the Beastmaster just choked him!”
Eddie Ellington: “Your monitor is becoming increasingly imaginative.”
Johnny Michaels: “This is the second blatant interference tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “And still no disqualification. Perhaps you are mistaken.”
Comet dives toward his corner.
Prancer takes the tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Comet desperately needed that tag.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now Prancer gets the privilege.”
Minute 15
Prancer charges.
Varak catches him almost immediately.
WRECKING CRANE!
Prancer crashes to the canvas.
Varak covers.
One!
Two!
Comet flies through the ropes and breaks the pin.
The crowd erupts.
Honest Abe immediately forces him back outside.
Prancer crawls toward the corner.
He reaches Comet.
Another tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Comet saves the match! Wrecking Crane had Prancer down for two.”
Eddie Ellington: “The champions had it won.”
Johnny Michaels: “They had a two-count.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Comet interfered with destiny.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is what partners are allowed to do.”
Eddie Ellington: “Rules continue protecting the wrong people.”
Johnny Michaels: “And now Comet is legal again despite everything he has already absorbed.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is a poor life decision.”
Minute 16
The match explodes again.
Karnyx enters.
Prancer returns.
All four men collide.
Varak grabs Comet.
SHATTERING SUPLEX!
Comet is thrown hard across the ring.
Karnyx catches Prancer.
CRUSHING BACKBREAKER!
The spine bends across his knee.
But the Reindeer Coalition answer.
REINDEER ONE TWO from Comet catches Varak.
Another REINDEER ONE TWO from Prancer catches Karnyx.
All four men are staggered.
The crowd is on its feet.
Johnny Michaels: “This match has completely broken open again! Shattering Suplex, Crushing Backbreaker, then simultaneous Reindeer One Twos!”
Eddie Ellington: “I would prefer the champions stop allowing this.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition are proving they belong in the ring with them.”
Eddie Ellington: “They are proving they own fists.”
Johnny Michaels: “And across the arena, the Virtuous Blades are getting an extensive look at how these champions operate under pressure.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then they should also notice Varak and Karnyx are still standing.”
Order is eventually restored.
Varak and Comet remain legal.
Minute 17
Comet sees Varak turning.
He climbs quickly.
The crowd rises.
SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
Comet launches through the air and crashes across Varak.
The champion tries to brace but cannot avoid the impact.
Both men are down.
They begin crawling toward opposite corners.
Varak reaches Karnyx.
Tag.
Comet reaches Prancer.
Tag.
Johnny Michaels: “Shooting Star Press from Comet, and now both teams make the change.”
Eddie Ellington: “I did not enjoy that.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was extraordinary athleticism.”
Eddie Ellington: “It was reckless gravity abuse.”
Johnny Michaels: “Comet has repeatedly taken tremendous punishment and continues producing offense.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is why I'm beginning to find him irritating.”
Minute 18
Karnyx and Prancer enter.
Within seconds, Varak and Comet are involved again.
All four collide.
Karnyx catches Prancer.
CRUSHING BACKBREAKER!
At almost the same moment, Varak takes Comet over with the SHATTERING SUPLEX.
The Reindeer Coalition respond together.
Prancer drives through Karnyx with a RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLE.
Comet does the same to Varak.
The ring fills with bodies.
Honest Abe again tries to establish control.
Johnny Michaels: “Nobody is backing down! Both teams matching power with combination attacks.”
Eddie Ellington: “The longer this gets chaotic, the more unnecessary risk the champions are accepting.”
Johnny Michaels: “Are you actually criticizing Varak and Karnyx?”
Eddie Ellington: “I am coaching from a safe distance.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition have unquestionably made the champions work.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fine. They can frame that sentence after they lose.”
Minute 19
Order returns with Karnyx and Prancer legal.
Prancer sees an opening.
He charges.
REINDEER GORGE!
But Karnyx is ready.
He catches Prancer before the Running Headbutt can land completely and redirects him away.
The maneuver is neutralized.
Prancer staggers past.
Karnyx immediately reaches his corner.
Varak tags in.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense from Karnyx. He completely neutralized Reindeer Gorge.”
Eddie Ellington: “There. Championship scouting.”
Johnny Michaels: “He had seen the maneuver earlier from Comet.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. The first time provides information. The second time provides punishment.”
Johnny Michaels: “And now Varak comes back.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fresh enough to finish this.”
The camera cuts to Sir Gawain and Sir Galahad.
Both watch the tag closely.
Minute 20
Prancer reaches toward Comet.
The Reindeer Coalition attack together.
FACE IN THE MUD!
Prancer drives Varak down with the Flying Bulldog.
Comet follows with a RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLE.
The champion staggers.
But Varak stays upright.
He grabs Prancer.
WRECKING CRANE!
The impact drives him hard into the canvas despite the two-man assault.
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition attack together, but Varak survives it and answers with the Wrecking Crane.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's why he's champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “He took the Bulldog and Shoulder Tackle before hitting it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Precisely. Two men attack him and Varak still picks one up and plants him.”
Johnny Michaels: “But the double-team sequence continues.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then somebody inform Honest Abe.”
Minute 21
Prancer and Comet try to continue their combination.
Prancer launches a FLYING DROPKICK.
Comet comes forward with the REINDEER ONE TWO.
Varak sees both attacks developing.
He moves.
The Dropkick misses.
The Double Punch fails to connect.
The entire double-team sequence collapses.
Varak grabs Prancer.
SHATTERING SUPLEX!
Prancer is thrown hard across the ring.
Honest Abe forces Comet back to his corner.
Johnny Michaels: “Outstanding counter by Varak! He escaped both attacks and turned the failed double team into the Shattering Suplex.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is why those two men in the crowd should be concerned.”
Johnny Michaels: “You mean Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. The champions don't just overpower people. They adapt.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was perhaps Varak’s best defensive sequence of the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And it came after twenty-one minutes. Remember that.”
Minute 22
Prancer forces himself upright.
Varak moves toward him.
He drives a SPIKE IN FACE across Prancer’s features.
Prancer recoils.
But as Varak approaches again, Prancer catches him and uses his momentum to send him through the ropes.
Varak crashes to the arena floor.
The crowd rises.
Honest Abe begins counting.
One!
Two!
Marcus the Beastmaster reaches Varak but cannot touch him without risking the referee's attention.
Three!
Four!
Varak gets to one knee.
Five!
Karnyx shouts from the apron.
Six!
Varak reaches the ring.
Seven!
He slides underneath the bottom rope.
Johnny Michaels: “Varak back inside at seven. Prancer found another way to create breathing room.”
Eddie Ellington: “Count-outs should not exist.”
Johnny Michaels: “You were perfectly comfortable with them until your favorite went outside.”
Eddie Ellington: “My position has evolved.”
Johnny Michaels: “Very rapidly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Seven seconds, apparently.”
Minute 23
Varak rises.
Prancer charges immediately.
PULL THE REIGNS CLOTHESLINE!
The strike catches Varak and rocks the champion backward.
The crowd reacts.
Prancer tries to follow.
Varak suddenly catches him.
He powers Prancer upward.
WRECKING CRANE!
The slam drives Prancer into the canvas.
Varak immediately covers.
Honest Abe drops.
One!
Two!
Three!
The bell rings.
Eddie Ellington: “There it is!”
The crowd responds with boos and applause for the match.
Johnny Michaels: “The Universal Tag Team Champions survive a tremendous challenge from the Reindeer Coalition!”
Eddie Ellington: “Survive? They won.”
Johnny Michaels: “In a highly competitive twenty-three-minute match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And at the end of those twenty-three minutes, Varak hit the Wrecking Crane and Prancer stayed down.”
Johnny Michaels: “That part is undeniable.”
Celeste Orion raises the microphone.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winners by pinfall... the UNIVERSAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS... VARAK and KARNYX... the ULTIMATE BEASTS!”
Karnyx enters the ring.
Marcus the Beastmaster retrieves both championship belts.
He climbs onto the apron and hands them through.
Varak takes one.
Karnyx takes the other.
The champions raise the titles.
Then Marcus the Beastmaster points toward the audience.
The celebration stops.
The camera finds Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain.
Both men are now standing.
The crowd reacts loudly.
Johnny Michaels: “And now the attention shifts to Age of Ruin.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Look at them.”
Inside the ring, Varak walks toward the ropes.
He raises the Universal Tag Team Championship directly toward Sir Gawain.
Beside him, Karnyx does the same toward Sir Galahad.
Neither member of the Virtuous Blades looks away.
Johnny Michaels: “Twenty-three minutes tonight gave the Virtuous Blades plenty to study. The champions showed power, resilience, teamwork and an ability to make adjustments late.”
Eddie Ellington: “And don't forget winning.”
Johnny Michaels: “I wasn't going to.”
Eddie Ellington: “It's the most important category.”
Johnny Michaels: “But the Reindeer Coalition also created several genuine problems. Comet scored a two-count on Varak, both men repeatedly disrupted the champions' double-team offense, and they forced the Ultimate Beasts into a much longer fight than you predicted.”
Eddie Ellington: “And they lost.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yes.”
Eddie Ellington: “We're making progress.”
Inside the ring, Marcus the Beastmaster steps between his champions.
He points first toward Sir Galahad.
Then Sir Gawain.
Then toward the championship belts.
Finally, he draws one finger across his throat.
Boos pour through the arena.
Sir Gawain responds by pointing toward the championships.
Sir Galahad raises two fingers.
Then points toward himself and Sir Gawain.
Johnny Michaels: “The message appears equally clear from the Virtuous Blades.”
Eddie Ellington: “They can point all they want.”
Johnny Michaels: “At Age of Ruin, there will be no audience seats separating these teams.”
Eddie Ellington: “And that will be the evening Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain discover why watching the Ultimate Beasts is much more comfortable than wrestling them.”
Johnny Michaels: “After what we saw tonight, I suspect the challengers learned plenty.”
Eddie Ellington: “So did I.”
Johnny Michaels: “What did you learn?”
Eddie Ellington: “The champions are exactly as good as I said they were.”
Johnny Michaels: “That somehow sounds like something you knew before the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good analysis frequently confirms itself.”
The camera alternates between the two teams.
Inside the ring—
Varak.
Karnyx.
Universal Tag Team Championships raised.
In the audience—
Sir Galahad.
Sir Gawain.
Neither applauding.
Neither backing down.
Johnny Michaels: “The Ultimate Beasts remain victorious tonight. But at Age of Ruin, those Universal Tag Team Championships will be on the line against the Virtuous Blades.”
Eddie Ellington: “They've been warned.”
THE ULTIMATE BEASTS DEFEAT THE REINDEER COALITION VIA PINFALL WHEN VARAK PINS PRANCER WITH THE WRECKING CRANE AT THE 23:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The ring has been reset.
Standing in the center is Elias Coldmere, dressed in a dark suit beneath a long winter coat. A microphone rests in one hand while a folder bearing the NPCW insignia is tucked beneath the other arm.
A graphic appears on the production screen behind him.
POLAR SUPER HOUSE SHOW 002
TUESDAY NIGHT — NORTH POLE ARENA
The crowd cheers.
At ringside, Johnny Michaels looks toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “As promised earlier tonight, Interim Polar Commissioner Elias Coldmere is here to officially announce the card for Tuesday night's second Polar Super House Show.”
Eddie Ellington: “And considering what happened the last time somebody came into this ring carrying paperwork, I hope he brought security.”
Inside the ring, Elias Coldmere waits for the crowd to settle.
Elias Coldmere: “Thank you.”
He looks around the arena.
Elias Coldmere: “Tuesday night, the Polar Division returns to Halifax, NS for Polar Super House Show 002.”
Another cheer.
Elias Coldmere: “Six matches have been finalized, including championship competition, a No Disqualification Match, and several contests with very direct implications for where this division goes next.”
He opens the folder.
Before he can read the first match—
The lights dim.
The crowd immediately begins reacting.
Deep red begins bleeding across the arena.
Then the first notes of Infernus Rex’s music hit.
Elias Coldmere stops.
He slowly closes the folder.
At commentary, Eddie Ellington smiles.
Eddie Ellington: “Well, this announcement just improved.”
Johnny Michaels: “Elias Coldmere had not announced a single match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then clearly someone felt the card required consultation.”
Fire erupts across the production screen.
Count Vlad Dragomir steps through the curtain.
The boos intensify.
He stands beneath the crimson lighting in immaculate dark formal attire, one hand resting against the head of his cane.
Then the stage behind him fills with smoke.
Infernus Rex emerges.
The reaction becomes thunderous.
The massive leader of the Infernal Legion stops beside Count Vlad Dragomir.
Neither man appears interested in asking permission.
Inside the ring, Elias Coldmere simply watches.
Johnny Michaels: “And here comes Infernus Rex, accompanied by Count Vlad Dragomir.”
Eddie Ellington: “You say that like they're interrupting.”
Johnny Michaels: “They are literally interrupting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Leadership occasionally requires unscheduled meetings.”
Infernus Rex and Count Vlad Dragomir begin walking toward the ring.
The crowd boos them every step of the way.
Count Vlad Dragomir remains several paces ahead.
Infernus Rex follows slowly, his eyes fixed on Elias Coldmere.
They reach ringside.
The Count climbs the steps first.
He enters.
Infernus Rex steps onto the apron and then over the top rope.
Elias Coldmere does not move.
For several seconds, all three men stand in silence.
Then Count Vlad Dragomir extends one hand.
A ringside attendant reluctantly passes him a microphone.
The Count smiles.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Commissioner.”
Elias Coldmere: “Count.”
Count Vlad Dragomir: “How fortunate that we have arrived before you completed your little announcement.”
Elias Coldmere: “You arrived before I started it.”
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Even better.”
A faint smile crosses Elias Coldmere’s face.
Count Vlad Dragomir turns toward the crowd.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “For weeks, there has been avoidance.”
Boos begin.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Excuses.”
Another wave.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Distractions.”
He slowly turns toward Infernus Rex.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “But the time for all of that has ended.”
Infernus Rex steps forward.
The enormous figure takes the microphone from the Count.
He turns toward the hard camera.
Infernus Rex: “Santa.”
The crowd erupts at the name.
Infernus Rex: “You have watched.”
A pause.
Infernus Rex: “You have waited.”
Another.
Infernus Rex: “You have allowed others to stand between you and the inevitable.”
He lowers his head slightly.
Infernus Rex: “No longer.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is no ambiguity here.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. I dislike ambiguity.”
Inside the ring, Infernus Rex continues.
Infernus Rex: “At Fallout, you stood in the same ring as me.”
A pause.
Infernus Rex: “You felt what is coming.”
He takes another step toward the camera-facing ropes.
Infernus Rex: “And still you hide behind other battles.”
The crowd boos loudly.
Infernus Rex: “Behind Rudolph.”
Another.
Infernus Rex: “Behind Grondar.”
Another.
Infernus Rex: “Behind the responsibilities of the North.”
His expression hardens.
Infernus Rex: “No more.”
He turns toward Elias Coldmere.
Infernus Rex: “Give me Santa Claus.”
The building reacts.
Count Vlad Dragomir steps beside him.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “There is nothing complicated about our request.”
He looks directly at Elias Coldmere.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Tuesday night.”
A pause.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Infernus Rex.”
Another.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Santa Claus.”
His smile disappears.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “No hiding.”
Infernus Rex: “No running.”
Count Vlad Dragomir: “No substitute.”
Infernus Rex: “Santa.”
A beat.
Infernus Rex: “Faces.”
Another.
Infernus Rex: “Me.”
The crowd begins chanting.
SANTA!
SANTA!
SANTA!
Elias Coldmere looks first toward Infernus Rex.
Then toward Count Vlad Dragomir.
Then down at the folder in his hand.
And suddenly—
He chuckles.
The reaction from Count Vlad Dragomir changes immediately.
Infernus Rex narrows his eyes.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Something amuses you?”
Elias Coldmere: “A little.”
The crowd laughs.
Eddie Ellington: “That is not the reaction I recommend when standing beside Infernus Rex.”
Johnny Michaels: “I don't think Elias Coldmere is intimidated.”
Eddie Ellington: “That doesn't make chuckling healthier.”
Elias Coldmere opens the folder.
He looks down at the first page.
Then back toward the two men.
Elias Coldmere: “You came all the way out here to demand Santa Claus?”
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Yes.”
Elias Coldmere: “For Tuesday?”
Infernus Rex: “Yes.”
Another small chuckle.
Elias Coldmere: “Then gentlemen…”
He turns one page around.
Elias Coldmere: “…you are late.”
The crowd reacts.
Count Vlad Dragomir’s smile fades.
Elias Coldmere: “Because the match is already on the card.”
The arena erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “What?!”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that's an announcement!”
Elias Coldmere looks directly at Infernus Rex.
Elias Coldmere: “Tuesday night at Polar Super House Show 002…”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “Santa Claus faces Infernus Rex.”
A roar fills North Pole Arena.
For the first time since entering, Infernus Rex smiles.
It is not pleasant.
Beside him, Count Vlad Dragomir’s composure returns immediately.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Excellent.”
Elias Coldmere: “I'm glad you approve.”
Count Vlad Dragomir: “Commissioner…”
He steps closer.
Count Vlad Dragomir: “…you have finally made a wise decision.”
Elias Coldmere: “Don't make me reconsider.”
The crowd reacts.
Count Vlad Dragomir smiles.
He gives Infernus Rex a small nod.
The massive Infernal leader looks toward the hard camera one final time.
Infernus Rex: “Tuesday.”
A pause.
Infernus Rex: “Santa…”
His eyes narrow.
Infernus Rex: “…there will be nowhere left to hide.”
He drops the microphone.
The music begins again.
Count Vlad Dragomir steps through the ropes.
Infernus Rex follows.
The two leave the ring.
Neither appears remotely upset about being denied the confrontation they expected.
They got precisely what they wanted.
Johnny Michaels: “It is official! Santa Claus against Infernus Rex Tuesday night!”
Eddie Ellington: “And look at Infernus Rex. That's the happiest I've ever seen a demon.”
Johnny Michaels: “I am not certain happy is the word.”
Eddie Ellington: “Anticipatory violence?”
Johnny Michaels: “Closer.”
Inside the ring, Elias Coldmere watches Infernus Rex and Count Vlad Dragomir disappear through the curtain.
Then he looks back toward the crowd.
Elias Coldmere: “Now…”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “…if there are no further interruptions…”
The crowd laughs.
Elias Coldmere: “…I would actually like to announce the card.”
He opens the folder again.
The production screen changes.
HELLFROST VS. LUPINA REDCLAW AND MOON SILVER
Images of all four women appear.
Elias Coldmere: “Tag-team competition. Emberlyn Black and Velora Synn, collectively known as Hellfrost, will face Lupina Redclaw and Moon Silver.”
At commentary, Johnny Michaels reacts.
Johnny Michaels: “That is an intriguing combination. Hellfrost have become increasingly dangerous together, while Lupina Redclaw and Moon Silver bring very different styles.”
Eddie Ellington: “I prefer the team that already has a name.”
Johnny Michaels: “Of course you do.”
The graphic changes.
MARI LWYD VS. MARAX THE DECEIVER
The crowd immediately reacts.
Elias Coldmere: “Then, after everything that has developed between the Demonic Legion and the Infernal Legion…”
A slight pause.
Elias Coldmere: “Mari Lwyd faces Marax the Deceiver.”
The reaction grows louder.
Johnny Michaels: “Now that could become explosive. Mari Lwyd made his intentions toward the Infernal Legion very clear last week.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Marax the Deceiver is going to discover whether the horse skull wrestles as strangely as he speaks.”
Johnny Michaels: “You were considerably less brave while Mari Lwyd was actually standing in the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Distance improves perspective.”
The next match fills the screen.
ULTIMATE BEASTS VS. RIVER REAPERS
NON-TITLE MATCH
Elias Coldmere: “The Universal Tag Team Champions will also be in action.”
The crowd responds.
Elias Coldmere: “In a non-title match, Varak and Karnyx, the Ultimate Beasts, will face Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, the River Reapers.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is a tremendous opportunity for the River Reapers, especially after their victory earlier tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “They wanted back into the Universal Tag Team Championship conversation.”
He pauses.
Eddie Ellington: “Be careful what you wish for.”
Johnny Michaels: “A victory over the champions, even in a non-title match, would certainly make their argument difficult to ignore.”
Eddie Ellington: “And being flattened by the Ultimate Beasts would make it very easy to ignore.”
The graphic changes again.
MR. MASON AND NEGROPOLIS VS. CRIMSON MAULERS
The arena reaction rises immediately.
Elias Coldmere: “And earlier tonight, Coach Cal Mercer made it clear that the Misfits of Mayhem are not finished with the House of Night.”
He looks directly toward the hard camera.
Elias Coldmere: “Tuesday, they get their next opportunity.”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “Mr. Mason and Negropolis face Brakk Bloodmaw and Vereyk Nightclaw…”
Another.
Elias Coldmere: “…the Crimson Maulers.”
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “That is exactly what Coach Cal Mercer was talking about earlier.”
Eddie Ellington: “He said they needed lessons. The Crimson Maulers are excellent instructors.”
Johnny Michaels: “Mr. Mason and Negropolis will see this as their first opportunity to strike directly back at the House of Night.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then I hope Coach Cal Mercer brings plenty of ice packs.”
The screen turns gold.
The Queen of the North Championship appears.
The crowd gets louder.
QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP
NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH
LILITH VS. POLLY MASON
Elias Coldmere: “Then we come to championship competition.”
Another loud reaction.
Elias Coldmere: “The Queen of the North Championship will be defended.”
He pauses.
Elias Coldmere: “Champion Lilith.”
Boos and cheers mix through the arena.
Elias Coldmere: “Against Polly Mason.”
The reaction increases.
Then Elias Coldmere raises one finger.
Elias Coldmere: “And because of the history surrounding these two women…”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “…there will be no disqualifications.”
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “No Disqualification?!”
Eddie Ellington: “Oh, Tuesday just became dangerous.”
Elias Coldmere: “No count-outs.”
Another reaction.
Elias Coldmere: “No disqualifications.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “The Queen of the North Championship can only be decided by pinfall or submission.”
The graphic flashes again.
LILITH VS. POLLY MASON
QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP
NO DISQUALIFICATION
Johnny Michaels: “That gives Polly Mason an enormous opportunity.”
Eddie Ellington: “It also gives Lilith permission to do whatever she wants.”
Johnny Michaels: “It gives both women the same freedom.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes, but one of them is Lilith.”
Finally, the production screen burns red.
Two images fill opposite sides.
Santa Claus.
Infernus Rex.
The crowd roars.
SANTA CLAUS VS. INFERNUS REX
Elias Coldmere: “And in Tuesday night's main event…”
He looks toward the entrance through which Infernus Rex departed.
Then back toward the crowd.
Elias Coldmere: “There will be no more demands.”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “No more accusations of hiding.”
Another.
Elias Coldmere: “No more waiting.”
He raises the microphone.
Elias Coldmere: “Santa Claus.”
The crowd erupts.
Elias Coldmere: “One-on-one.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “With Infernus Rex.”
The reaction becomes deafening.
At commentary, Johnny Michaels raises his voice over the crowd.
Johnny Michaels: “What a card for Tuesday night!”
The entire lineup appears on the production screen.
POLAR SUPER HOUSE SHOW 002
HELLFROST VS. LUPINA REDCLAW AND MOON SILVER
MARI LWYD VS. MARAX THE DECEIVER
ULTIMATE BEASTS VS. RIVER REAPERS — NON-TITLE MATCH
MR. MASON AND NEGROPOLIS VS. CRIMSON MAULERS
QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP — NO DISQUALIFICATION
LILITH VS. POLLY MASON
SANTA CLAUS VS. INFERNUS REX
Inside the ring, Elias Coldmere closes the folder.
Elias Coldmere: “Six matches.”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “One Tuesday night.”
Another.
Elias Coldmere: “Polar Super House Show 002.”
The crowd cheers.
Elias Coldmere: “We'll see you there.”
He lowers the microphone.
The event graphic remains on the screen behind him.
Johnny Michaels: “Tuesday night is loaded. Hellfrost in tag action. Mari Lwyd against Marax the Deceiver. The Ultimate Beasts against the River Reapers. The Misfits of Mayhem against the Crimson Maulers. Lilith defending the Queen of the North Championship against Polly Mason in a No Disqualification Match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then the part everyone is going to spend the next three days talking about.”
The graphic tightens to the final match.
Santa Claus.
Infernus Rex.
Johnny Michaels: “Santa Claus versus Infernus Rex.”
Eddie Ellington: “Infernus Rex said Santa could hide no longer.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tuesday night, there will be nowhere for either man to go.”
The camera returns briefly to Elias Coldmere standing alone in the ring beneath the enormous match graphic.
Johnny Michaels: “Polar Super House Show 002 is official.”
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The camera sweeps across the crowd before settling on the ring.
Referee “Slow-Count” Sam stands near center, checking the ropes before exchanging a brief word with the timekeeper.
At ringside, Johnny “The Mic” Michaels adjusts his headset.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington looks entirely too pleased with the situation.
Johnny Michaels: “It is main event time, and the stakes could not be clearer. Moonshadow earned tomorrow night's Queen of the North Championship opportunity by winning a Fatal Four Way.”
Eddie Ellington: “Correct. Earned. Past tense. Done. Signed. Everybody was happy until Crimson Vane started shouting.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane argues that Count Vlad cost her the Queen of the North Championship against Lilith, and earlier tonight Goldie Locks gave her one final path back into that title picture.”
A graphic fills the screen.
CRIMSON VANE VS. MOONSHADOW
IF CRIMSON VANE WINS — SHE IS ADDED TO TOMORROW’S QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
IF CRIMSON VANE LOSES — SHE FORFEITS HER REMATCH CLAIM
Johnny Michaels: “If Crimson Vane wins tonight, tomorrow's championship match becomes Lilith versus Moonshadow versus Crimson Vane in a Triple Threat.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is ridiculous for Moonshadow. She already earned a one-on-one championship match. Now she has to defend the number of opponents before she even gets to fight the champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “But if Moonshadow wins, Crimson Vane’s rematch opportunity disappears.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then do everyone a favor, Moonshadow. End the complaint department.”
The lights shift.
Deep crimson spreads across the entrance stage.
A low howl cuts through the building.
Then the music hits.
Crimson Vane steps through the curtain.
The crowd reacts loudly.
She stops at the top of the ramp, but there is no pose.
No smile.
Her attention is entirely on the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “There is a woman who believes she should still be Queen of the North Champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Belief is wonderful.”
Johnny Michaels: “You saw what happened at Fallout.”
Eddie Ellington: “I did. Count Vlad interfered.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's unusually straightforward.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm biased, Johnny. I'm not blind.”
Johnny Michaels: “Then surely you understand why Crimson Vane demanded another opportunity.”
Eddie Ellington: “I understand it. I don't believe Moonshadow should pay for it.”
Crimson Vane begins walking down the aisle.
She ignores the crowd almost entirely.
Her pace quickens as she approaches the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “For Crimson Vane, this is effectively championship survival. Win, and tomorrow she can reclaim the title she believes was stolen from her. Lose, and there is no automatic rematch left.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which makes her desperate.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or focused.”
Eddie Ellington: “Those two things frequently share an apartment.”
Crimson Vane reaches ringside.
She climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes.
She walks directly toward the center.
Then looks toward the entrance.
Her music fades.
The arena darkens.
A long wolf howl echoes from one end of North Pole Arena to the other.
Another answers it.
Then another.
The crowd rises.
Dark silver and moonlit blue illumination spreads across the entrance stage.
The Wolf Pack emerges first.
They spread across the stage.
Then the enormous Big Bad Wolf steps through the curtain.
The Alpha Wolf stops in the center.
And beside him appears Moonshadow.
The crowd reacts strongly.
Eddie Ellington: “There she is.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have made no secret of where you stand in this match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Why should I? Moonshadow won the Fatal Four Way. She earned tomorrow. Crimson Vane is the one trying to force herself into somebody else's championship match.”
Johnny Michaels: “By winning tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Assuming she can.”
Moonshadow stands beneath the moonlit entrance lighting.
She looks toward Crimson Vane.
Then toward Big Bad Wolf.
The Alpha Wolf lowers his head and says something quietly.
Moonshadow gives a small nod.
Then she begins walking.
The Wolf Pack follows.
Johnny Michaels: “Earlier tonight, Moonshadow said Crimson Vane would have nobody to blame if she failed tonight. No Count Vlad. No ladder. Just Moonshadow.”
Eddie Ellington: “And she said something else.”
Johnny Michaels: “This wolf has bite.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. And Crimson Vane is about to discover whether that was promotional language or a medical warning.”
Moonshadow reaches ringside.
The Wolf Pack spreads out across the floor.
Big Bad Wolf remains near her corner.
Moonshadow climbs onto the apron.
She steps through the ropes.
Crimson Vane immediately moves forward.
Moonshadow does the same.
Slow-Count Sam gets between them before either woman can make contact.
Johnny Michaels: “Neither woman wants to wait.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Let's settle this.”
Celeste Orion enters the ring with microphone in hand.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is tonight's MAIN EVENT and is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first... former Queen of the North Champion... CRIMSON VANE!”
Crimson Vane raises one arm.
Her eyes never leave Moonshadow.
Celeste Orion turns.
Celeste Orion: “And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by the WOLF PACK and the ALPHA WOLF, BIG BAD WOLF... tomorrow night's current number-one contender to the Queen of the North Championship... MOONSHADOW!”
Moonshadow raises both arms.
Big Bad Wolf throws his head back and howls from ringside.
The rest of the Wolf Pack joins him.
Eddie Ellington: “That's confidence.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is also a considerable number of people surrounding the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Moral support.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Slow-Count Sam gives both women their final instructions.
Then he walks toward the ropes and points directly at Big Bad Wolf and the Wolf Pack.
The warning is obvious.
Stay out.
Big Bad Wolf bares his teeth.
Eddie Ellington: “Terrible bedside manner from the referee.”
Johnny Michaels: “He's doing his job.”
The referee signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither woman commits immediately.
They circle.
Crimson Vane reaches.
Moonshadow pulls away.
Another cautious exchange produces nothing.
Then Crimson Vane explodes forward.
She catches the head.
CRIMSON THORNPLANT!
The DDT spikes Moonshadow into the canvas.
The crowd reacts.
But Moonshadow rolls through the impact and immediately catches Crimson Vane as she tries to follow.
She gets behind her.
LYCAN LOCK!
The Dragon Sleeper is cinched in.
Crimson Vane immediately begins fighting the grip.
Slow-Count Sam asks if she submits.
She refuses and twists herself toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Fast escalation. Crimson Thornplant from Crimson Vane, but Moonshadow immediately answers with the Lycan Lock.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's why I favor Moonshadow. You hit her with a DDT and she doesn't spend ten seconds thinking about it. She attacks.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane is already working toward the ropes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And spending energy doing it.”
Crimson Vane finally reaches the bottom rope.
Moonshadow releases.
Minute 2
Crimson Vane rises near the corner.
Moonshadow closes quickly.
She drives Crimson Vane backward toward the turnbuckles.
Then starts climbing with her.
Crimson Vane tries to block the setup.
Moonshadow hooks her.
FULL MOON SUPERPLEX!
Both women crash from the top rope.
The ring shakes.
Moonshadow rolls onto one side.
Crimson Vane remains flat on her back.
Johnny Michaels: “Full Moon Superplex! Crimson Vane tried to stop it, but Moonshadow brought her all the way down from the top.”
Eddie Ellington: “And that is the difference between being angry and being prepared.”
Johnny Michaels: “You don't believe Crimson Vane is prepared?”
Eddie Ellington: “I believe she's emotionally invested. Moonshadow is wrestling the match in front of her.”
Johnny Michaels: “That was certainly a major early impact.”
Eddie Ellington: “And tomorrow's title challenger is already establishing control.”
Minute 3
Both women rise.
Crimson Vane catches Moonshadow first.
She powers her across the shoulders.
WITCHWOOD DROP!
The Death Valley Driver sends Moonshadow hard into the canvas.
Crimson Vane tries to follow.
Moonshadow gets one arm around the head.
FRONT FACELOCK!
She pulls Crimson Vane down and forces her to carry weight through the neck.
Johnny Michaels: “Witchwood Drop from Crimson Vane, but Moonshadow once again responds with control on the mat.”
Eddie Ellington: “Smart.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are impressed by her ability to immediately transition after taking major offense.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Crimson Vane wants this to become a fight. Moonshadow keeps turning it back into wrestling.”
Johnny Michaels: “That Death Valley Driver definitely took something out of her.”
Eddie Ellington: “And yet she still has Crimson Vane in the facelock.”
Minute 4
Crimson Vane powers herself out.
She gets behind Moonshadow.
HUNTER'S BACKBREAKER SUPLEX!
The Saito Suplex sends Moonshadow violently across the canvas.
But when Crimson Vane approaches, Moonshadow catches her again.
LYCAN LOCK!
The Dragon Sleeper is back on.
Crimson Vane kicks desperately toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Another heavy throw from Crimson Vane, and again Moonshadow responds with the Lycan Lock.”
Eddie Ellington: “That hold is becoming a problem.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane has been caught in it twice already.”
Eddie Ellington: “And every time she gets dumped on the mat, she has to wonder whether Moonshadow is waiting for her neck.”
Johnny Michaels: “That can change how aggressively you attack.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Finally, analysis.”
Crimson Vane reaches the ropes.
Moonshadow releases.
Minute 5
Crimson Vane comes out swinging.
She creates enough distance and leaps.
WIDOW'S HOWL!
The Scorpio Rising Axe Kick comes down—
But Moonshadow shifts away from the full impact.
Before Crimson Vane can reset, Moonshadow circles behind her.
LYCAN LOCK!
The Dragon Sleeper is secured again.
Crimson Vane’s attempt at the Axe Kick has completely stalled.
She immediately starts fighting.
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane tried Widow's Howl, but she never got the result she wanted. Moonshadow avoided enough of it to immediately return to the Lycan Lock.”
Eddie Ellington: “Three times.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have been counting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course. Crimson Vane’s neck certainly is.”
Johnny Michaels: “She still refuses to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's admirable. It doesn't make the hold hurt less.”
Minute 6
Crimson Vane escapes toward the ropes.
Moonshadow stays aggressive.
She drives Crimson Vane’s face across the top rope and rakes the eyes against the cable.
Slow-Count Sam begins warning her.
Moonshadow releases before the count reaches its limit.
Crimson Vane staggers backward, holding her eyes.
Moonshadow drops into the cover.
One!
Crimson Vane kicks out immediately.
Moonshadow sits up.
Johnny Michaels: “Only a one-count after that eye rake.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's fine.”
Johnny Michaels: “Fine?”
Eddie Ellington: “Make Crimson Vane kick out. Make her work. Make her use her arms and shoulders after being dragged around by the neck for five minutes.”
Johnny Michaels: “You are defending the eye rake too?”
Eddie Ellington: “I am defending effective competition.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is one interpretation.”
Minute 7
Crimson Vane gets back to her feet.
She catches Moonshadow before the number-one contender can establish another hold.
WITCHWOOD DROP!
The Death Valley Driver lands cleanly.
Moonshadow is down.
Crimson Vane turns toward her.
At ringside, movement comes from the Wolf Pack.
One member reaches beneath the apron.
Another moves toward the opposite side.
A small foreign object is quietly slid beneath the bottom rope toward Moonshadow’s hand.
Johnny Michaels: “Wait a minute.”
Eddie Ellington: “What?”
Johnny Michaels: “Something just came into the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Loose equipment.”
Johnny Michaels: “From the Wolf Pack?”
Before Moonshadow can make use of it, Crimson Vane sees the object.
She kicks it back toward the floor.
Moonshadow remains down from the Witchwood Drop.
Slow-Count Sam turns too late to see anything.
Johnny Michaels: “The Wolf Pack tried to introduce something into this match.”
Eddie Ellington: “You have no idea what that was.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane certainly didn't wait to find out.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then no harm done.”
Minute 8
Crimson Vane pulls Moonshadow upright.
She steps in.
BANSHEE CLAW!
The European Uppercut cracks beneath Moonshadow’s jaw.
Moonshadow tries to shield herself but takes the strike cleanly.
She staggers toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Banshee Claw! Crimson Vane is beginning to build momentum.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary.”
Johnny Michaels: “That landed cleanly.”
Eddie Ellington: “I didn't deny it. I simply prefer Moonshadow’s overall body of work tonight.”
Johnny Michaels: “The former champion is starting to find her range.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Moonshadow needs to take it away.”
Minute 9
Crimson Vane closes in again.
She attempts another BANSHEE CLAW.
This time Moonshadow sees it coming.
She catches the arm before the European Uppercut can fully develop.
She twists away and shoves Crimson Vane off balance.
The attack is completely neutralized.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense by Moonshadow. Crimson Vane went back to the Banshee Claw, and the number-one contender stopped it completely.”
Eddie Ellington: “There. Adjustment.”
Johnny Michaels: “She learned from the previous minute.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what good wrestlers do. You don't keep getting hit by the same thing because the audience enjoyed it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane now has to change the approach.”
Eddie Ellington: “And every change gives Moonshadow something else to study.”
Minute 10
Crimson Vane gets hold of Moonshadow’s arm.
She turns.
VANE'S VICE!
The Fujiwara Armbar is locked in.
Moonshadow immediately reaches forward.
The ropes are several feet away.
The Wolf Pack begins shouting from ringside.
Then two members climb onto opposite sides of the apron.
Slow-Count Sam turns toward one.
Behind him, another member reaches through the ropes and strikes Crimson Vane from behind.
A second joins the attack.
Crimson Vane is forced to release the armbar.
Johnny Michaels: “Come on! The Wolf Pack just attacked Crimson Vane!”
Eddie Ellington: “I saw confusion.”
Johnny Michaels: “There were two people hitting her!”
Eddie Ellington: “Very organized confusion.”
Crimson Vane turns toward the ropes.
That allows Moonshadow to recover.
She catches Crimson Vane and rolls her into a cover.
Slow-Count Sam turns.
One!
Crimson Vane kicks out.
She immediately sits up and looks furiously toward the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “Only one despite the interference.”
Eddie Ellington: “And that's important. Moonshadow still hasn't gotten the result she wants.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because Crimson Vane refuses to stay down.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fine. Credit where it's due.”
Minute 11
Crimson Vane turns her frustration back toward the match.
Moonshadow approaches.
MOONFANG KICK!
The Pele Kick catches Moonshadow cleanly.
She tries to get her arms up but cannot stop it.
She goes down.
Johnny Michaels: “Moonfang Kick! Crimson Vane needed that.”
Eddie Ellington: “Very pretty.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sound almost impressed.”
Eddie Ellington: “I can appreciate technique while preferring the other woman.”
Johnny Michaels: “That kick may have changed the momentum.”
Eddie Ellington: “Let's not overreact to one acrobatic boot.”
Minute 12
Moonshadow rises.
Crimson Vane comes forward.
LUNAR LARIAT!
Moonshadow blasts through her with the clothesline.
Crimson Vane takes the full impact and crashes onto her back.
Moonshadow stands over her.
Eddie Ellington: “There.”
Johnny Michaels: “Lunar Lariat lands with tremendous force.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what I wanted. Stop letting Crimson Vane dictate the pace. Run through her.”
Johnny Michaels: “Moonshadow has combined submissions, control and now heavier striking.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is why she earned tomorrow.”
Johnny Michaels: “And why Crimson Vane has to beat her to change tomorrow.”
Minute 13
Both women rise.
Crimson Vane gets there first.
CRIMSON THORNPLANT!
The DDT drives Moonshadow down.
But once again, the number-one contender finds an immediate response.
She catches Crimson Vane as she rises.
NECKBREAKER!
Both women hit the mat in rapid succession.
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Thornplant answered by the Neckbreaker! Neither woman is allowing a major attack to become sustained control.”
Eddie Ellington: “And that favors Moonshadow.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Crimson Vane needs the win tonight. The longer this becomes an even fight, the more pressure sits on her shoulders.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's a fair point.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you. Record the time.”
Minute 14
Both women take longer getting up.
They circle cautiously.
Crimson Vane feints one direction.
Moonshadow hesitates.
That creates the opening.
CRIMSON THORNPLANT!
Another DDT plants Moonshadow.
But Crimson Vane cannot capitalize immediately.
As she begins to rise, Moonshadow launches herself forward.
FLYING KNEEDROP!
The knee crashes down across Crimson Vane’s upper body.
Both women are down again.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Crimson Thornplant, followed by the Flying Kneedrop from Moonshadow.”
Eddie Ellington: “This is becoming attrition.”
Johnny Michaels: “Both women have fought fourteen minutes with tomorrow's championship picture hanging over every exchange.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I still believe that pressure is worse for Crimson Vane.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because defeat costs her the rematch.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Moonshadow loses and tomorrow gets more complicated. Crimson Vane loses and tomorrow disappears.”
Minute 15
Crimson Vane forces herself upright.
Moonshadow approaches.
WIDOW'S HOWL!
This time the Scorpio Rising Axe Kick lands cleanly.
Moonshadow collapses forward.
Crimson Vane tries to follow.
But Moonshadow gets enough movement to launch another FLYING KNEEDROP as Crimson Vane comes down toward her.
The knee catches.
Both women separate again.
Johnny Michaels: “Widow's Howl finally lands properly! That may be Crimson Vane’s biggest strike of the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Moonshadow still answered.”
Johnny Michaels: “With the Flying Kneedrop.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Hit her once, get hit back. That's been Crimson Vane’s problem all night.”
Johnny Michaels: “But Widow's Howl clearly affected Moonshadow.”
Eddie Ellington: “Nobody said this would be easy.”
Minute 16
Crimson Vane approaches more cautiously.
Moonshadow catches her before she can establish another attack.
NECKBREAKER!
Crimson Vane tries to brace and turn out.
She cannot.
She crashes onto the canvas.
Moonshadow sits up beside her.
Johnny Michaels: “Another Neckbreaker from Moonshadow, and Crimson Vane could not defend against it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now keep her down.”
Johnny Michaels: “No immediate cover.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Moonshadow understands that one more clean sequence may be more valuable than rushing into a weak pin.”
Johnny Michaels: “She is showing patience.”
Eddie Ellington: “Championship patience.”
Minute 17
Crimson Vane rises before Moonshadow expects.
She gets behind her.
HUNTER'S BACKBREAKER SUPLEX!
The Saito Suplex sends Moonshadow across the canvas.
But Moonshadow rolls through and catches the head again.
FRONT FACELOCK!
Crimson Vane drops to one knee.
Johnny Michaels: “Hunter's Backbreaker Suplex from Crimson Vane, and again Moonshadow refuses to give her a clean follow-up.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's frustrating.”
Johnny Michaels: “For Crimson Vane.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Every time she thinks she has momentum, Moonshadow grabs the head or neck and stops the race.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane is still working toward a vertical base.”
Eddie Ellington: “And wasting precious energy doing it.”
Minute 18
Crimson Vane breaks free.
Moonshadow tries to reapply the Front Facelock.
Crimson Vane spins away.
MOONFANG KICK!
The Pele Kick catches Moonshadow.
But before Crimson Vane can completely recover from the landing, Moonshadow reaches down and snatches the head again.
FRONT FACELOCK!
The crowd reacts.
Johnny Michaels: “Moonfang Kick lands, but Moonshadow keeps finding that facelock.”
Eddie Ellington: “Beautifully irritating.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's one description.”
Eddie Ellington: “If you're Crimson Vane, you must feel like every door closes the moment you touch the handle.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yet she's still fighting through it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because she has no choice.”
Minute 19
Crimson Vane twists out of the Front Facelock.
She catches Moonshadow’s arm.
VANE'S VICE!
The Fujiwara Armbar is applied.
Moonshadow immediately tries to roll through.
She cannot.
But she reaches backward and catches Crimson Vane’s head as the former champion adjusts position.
LYCAN LOCK!
For several seconds, both women are tangled in competing submission pressure.
Crimson Vane attacks the arm.
Moonshadow attacks the neck.
Neither submits.
Johnny Michaels: “Look at this! Vane's Vice against the Lycan Lock! Both women attacking simultaneously.”
Eddie Ellington: “And I still prefer Moonshadow’s hold.”
Johnny Michaels: “Of course.”
Eddie Ellington: “The neck ends arguments faster than the arm.”
Johnny Michaels: “Neither woman can fully establish leverage from this position.”
They eventually roll apart.
Both remain down.
Minute 20
Moonshadow rises first.
She reaches for Crimson Vane.
NECKBREAKER!
But Crimson Vane recognizes the setup.
She catches Moonshadow’s arm before the rotation.
Moonshadow tries to turn through.
Crimson Vane plants her feet.
The Neckbreaker is completely neutralized.
Both women separate.
Johnny Michaels: “Critical defense from Crimson Vane! Moonshadow went back to the Neckbreaker, and this time the former champion stopped it completely.”
Eddie Ellington: “I don't like that.”
Johnny Michaels: “She learned from the previous attempts.”
Eddie Ellington: “Yes, yes, wonderful personal growth.”
Johnny Michaels: “Twenty minutes deep, that kind of adjustment can decide a match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Moonshadow needs to change the question.”
Minute 21
Both women are exhausted.
Moonshadow steps forward first.
She grabs Crimson Vane and forces her toward the ropes.
She reaches up.
Another Rake of the Eyes against the rope.
But Crimson Vane is ready.
She catches Moonshadow’s wrist before the rake can begin.
She twists.
Moonshadow tries to pull free.
Crimson Vane drags her down.
She traps the arm.
Hooks the head.
SNARE OF SILENCE!
The Arm-Trap Crossface is locked in.
The crowd erupts.
Eddie Ellington: “No! No, get out!”
Johnny Michaels: “Snare of Silence! Crimson Vane reversed the eye rake directly into the Crossface!”
Moonshadow reaches with her free arm.
The ropes are too far away.
Big Bad Wolf moves toward the apron.
Slow-Count Sam immediately points at him and warns him back.
The rest of the Wolf Pack starts shouting.
Inside the ring, Crimson Vane pulls harder.
Moonshadow tries to roll.
The trapped arm prevents her from creating enough leverage.
She reaches again.
Nothing.
Johnny Michaels: “Moonshadow has nowhere to go!”
Eddie Ellington: “Turn! Move your hips! Get to the rope!”
Moonshadow tries one final time.
Crimson Vane tightens the Snare of Silence.
Moonshadow’s free hand rises.
She hesitates.
Then taps the canvas.
The bell rings.
The arena erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “SHE SUBMITTED!”
Eddie Ellington: “No!”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane has done it!”
Crimson Vane immediately releases the hold.
She rolls onto her back, exhausted.
Moonshadow curls toward her trapped arm.
At ringside, the entire Wolf Pack reacts with disbelief.
Big Bad Wolf grips the top rope with both hands.
Slow-Count Sam immediately positions himself between him and the competitors.
Eddie Ellington: “This is a disaster.”
Johnny Michaels: “For Moonshadow, tomorrow just became considerably more complicated.”
Eddie Ellington: “She earned a one-on-one championship match!”
Johnny Michaels: “And Crimson Vane earned her way into it tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “I don't have to like it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Nobody suggested you did.”
Celeste Orion receives the official decision.
She raises the microphone.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by submission... CRIMSON VANE!”
The crowd reacts loudly.
Crimson Vane gets slowly back to her feet.
Slow-Count Sam raises her arm.
Then Celeste Orion continues.
Celeste Orion: “As a result of her victory, CRIMSON VANE will now be added to tomorrow night's Queen of the North Championship Match!”
Another roar.
The production screen changes.
QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP
LILITH VS. MOONSHADOW VS. CRIMSON VANE
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH — TOMORROW NIGHT ON NORTHERN BELLES
Johnny Michaels: “There it is. Official.”
Eddie Ellington: “I hate graphics.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yesterday it was Lilith versus Moonshadow. At the beginning of tonight, it was Lilith versus Moonshadow. Now, because Crimson Vane defeated the number-one contender herself, tomorrow becomes a Triple Threat.”
Inside the ring, Moonshadow sits against the ropes.
She looks up at the graphic.
Her expression hardens.
Big Bad Wolf climbs onto the apron.
He does not enter.
He looks toward Crimson Vane.
Crimson Vane notices.
She walks toward the center of the ring.
For several seconds, the former champion and the Alpha Wolf stare at one another.
Then Moonshadow gets back to her feet.
She places one hand against Big Bad Wolf’s arm.
He looks toward her.
Moonshadow shakes her head.
Not tonight.
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Save it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Moonshadow knows exactly what matters now. She lost tonight, but her championship opportunity still exists.”
Eddie Ellington: “Except now she has to beat two women instead of one.”
Johnny Michaels: “Including the woman who just made her submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you for making it worse.”
Crimson Vane looks toward Moonshadow.
No celebration now.
She points toward the production screen.
Then toward herself.
Moonshadow looks at the same graphic.
Then back at Crimson Vane.
Johnny Michaels: “And there is still Lilith waiting at the center of all this.”
Eddie Ellington: “She may be the happiest woman watching tonight.”
Johnny Michaels: “Why?”
Eddie Ellington: “Because her two challengers just spent twenty-one minutes trying to tear each other apart.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be true, but Lilith now has twice the number of challengers she expected.”
Eddie Ellington: “Tomorrow we find out which matters more.”
The camera tightens on Crimson Vane.
Then Moonshadow.
Finally the graphic behind them.
LILITH
MOONSHADOW
CRIMSON VANE
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane wanted her opportunity.”
A pause.
Johnny Michaels: “She earned it.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Moonshadow just lost the one-on-one championship match she fought to earn.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tomorrow night, three women compete for the Queen of the North Championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “And tonight, the wolf got caught in the snare.”
CRIMSON VANE DEFEATS MOONSHADOW VIA SUBMISSION WITH THE SNARE OF SILENCE AT THE 21:00 MINUTE MARK.
The broadcast returns to a sweeping shot of North Pole Arena.
The crowd remains energized following the main event as the camera settles one final time on the commentary desk.
Johnny Michaels: “What a night on Polar Power, and before we leave the North tonight, let's quickly put everything into perspective.”
The production screen behind them begins cycling through highlights from the evening.
The Master of the Night standing over Lyric Everfrost.
Johnny Michaels: “The Master of the Night defeated Lyric Everfrost in our opening match, but the victory was only part of the story. Afterward, the leader of the House of Night used Lyric to send a very direct message to Santa Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “He said the night had demolished one of Santa's elves. I suspect Santa heard him.”
The screen changes to Mrs. Claus standing victorious over Lady Frost.
Johnny Michaels: “Mrs. Claus handed Lady Frost another difficult result, pinning the Snow Queen after a hard-fought fifteen-minute match.”
Eddie Ellington: “I remain opposed to that result.”
Johnny Michaels: “The referee does not accept appeals from commentators.”
Eddie Ellington: “Another flaw in the system.”
The next replay shows Abaddon driving Leiton Snake down with Hell's Fury.
Johnny Michaels: “Abaddon survived twenty-three punishing minutes against Leiton Snake and ultimately put him away with Hell's Fury.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Count Vlad continues proving that the Infernal Legion knows exactly how to keep opponents uncomfortable.”
The highlights move to Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer celebrating.
Johnny Michaels: “The River Reapers picked up an important victory over Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht by count-out, keeping themselves very much alive in the Universal Tag Team Championship conversation.”
Eddie Ellington: “They escaped with a count-out. Grim Tidings will remember that distinction.”
The screen changes again.
Varak and Karnyx raise the Universal Tag Team Championships while Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain stand watching from the audience.
Johnny Michaels: “The Universal Tag Team Champions, the Ultimate Beasts, defeated the Reindeer Coalition in a highly competitive non-title match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And the Virtuous Blades got twenty-three minutes of free education before their championship match at Age of Ruin.”
Johnny Michaels: “Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain certainly appeared to be studying everything the champions showed them.”
A backstage image appears.
Coach Cal Mercer surrounded by Mr. Mason, Negropolis, Bigfoot, Polly Mason, and Flippers.
Johnny Michaels: “We also learned that while Ace MacDougal handles private family business, Coach Cal Mercer has taken over the managerial responsibilities for the Misfits of Mayhem.”
Eddie Ellington: “And apparently coaching the Misfits requires equal parts wrestling knowledge, discipline and penguin management.”
Johnny Michaels: “Coach Cal made two things very clear. The Misfits are not finished with the House of Night, and Bigfoot still has unfinished business with Yeti.”
The production screen changes to Elias Coldmere standing between images of Santa Claus and Infernus Rex.
Johnny Michaels: “Then Interim Polar Commissioner Elias Coldmere announced Tuesday night's Polar Super House Show 002, after Infernus Rex and Count Vlad Dragomir came to the ring demanding Santa Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “Only to discover Coldmere had already booked it.”
Johnny Michaels: “And what a main event that will be. Santa Claus one-on-one with Infernus Rex.”
Finally, the main-event highlights play.
Crimson Vane locks Moonshadow in the Snare of Silence.
Moonshadow taps.
The screen freezes on the updated championship graphic.
LILITH VS. MOONSHADOW VS. CRIMSON VANE
Johnny Michaels: “And everything changed in our main event. Crimson Vane forced Moonshadow to submit to the Snare of Silence.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means Moonshadow’s one-on-one championship opportunity has become considerably more crowded.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tomorrow night on Northern Belles, Lilith now defends the Queen of the North Championship against both Moonshadow and Crimson Vane in a Triple Threat Match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Three dangerous women, one championship, and absolutely nobody happy about the arrangement.”
Johnny Michaels: “Except perhaps the people watching.”
The full Tuesday card appears one final time.
POLAR SUPER HOUSE SHOW 002 — TUESDAY NIGHT
HELLFROST VS. LUPINA REDCLAW AND MOON SILVER
MARI LWYD VS. MARAX THE DECEIVER
ULTIMATE BEASTS VS. RIVER REAPERS — NON-TITLE MATCH
MR. MASON AND NEGROPOLIS VS. CRIMSON MAULERS
QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP — NO DISQUALIFICATION
LILITH VS. POLLY MASON
SANTA CLAUS VS. INFERNUS REX
Johnny Michaels: “And don't forget Tuesday night. Six matches at Polar Super House Show 002, including Lilith defending the Queen of the North Championship against Polly Mason in a No Disqualification Match, the River Reapers facing the Universal Tag Team Champions in non-title competition, and Santa Claus finally meeting Infernus Rex one-on-one.”
Eddie Ellington: “Tuesday may require its own emergency services.”
The card fades.
A graphic for next week's Polar Power appears.
NEXT WEEK ON POLAR POWER
Images begin flashing across the screen.
Bigfoot.
Grondar the Revenant, the North Pole Championship resting over his shoulder.
Members of the Demonic Legion.
Members of the Infernal Legion.
Grim Tidings.
The Reindeer Coalition.
More silhouettes appear behind them.
Johnny Michaels: “And then next Saturday, we do it all again.”
Eddie Ellington: “Assuming Tuesday leaves enough people standing.”
Johnny Michaels: “Next week, Bigfoot will be here.”
A roar accompanies his image.
Johnny Michaels: “North Pole Champion Grondar the Revenant will be here.”
The championship flashes beneath blue-white light.
Johnny Michaels: “The Demonic Legion returns.”
The image changes.
Johnny Michaels: “So does the Infernal Legion.”
Another.
Johnny Michaels: “Grim Tidings will be back.”
Then the reindeer.
Johnny Michaels: “The Reindeer Coalition will return as well.”
The graphic widens.
Johnny Michaels: “And that is only part of what is coming next Saturday night.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means somebody should probably reinforce the building before then.”
The camera pulls back from the commentary desk.
The crowd fills the background beneath sweeping frost-blue spotlights.
Johnny Michaels: “For Eddie Ellington, Celeste Orion, Smooth Samantha Satin, and everyone here at North Pole Arena, I am Johnny ‘The Mic’ Michaels.”
He looks toward the camera.
Johnny Michaels: “Good night from the top of the world.”
Eddie Ellington: “And remember, Johnny, the wolves bite, the demons burn, and apparently the penguin has conditioning drills Tuesday.”
Johnny Michaels: “Good night, everybody.”
The camera rises above the arena.
The POLAR POWER logo appears across the screen as the closing music begins.
The broadcast fades to black.
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