Aired - October 3, 2026
0. SHOW RUNDOWN 1. SHOW OPENING 2. CROWD SHOT AND WELCOMING 3. MATCH 1 4. NPCW FAULTLINE 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT 5. MATCH 2 6. MATCH 3 7. COMMISSIONER'S 1ST RULING 8. MATCH 4 9. MATCH 5 10. HUNTER’S MARK 11. MAIN EVENT 12. CLOSING SHADOW ACROSS THE REALMS INTERLUDE 004
The screen opens on the closing moments of last week’s main event.
Santa Claus staggers in the center of the ring.
A flash cut—
Master of the Night strikes.
Another—
Santa Claus crashes to the canvas.
The referee counts three.
The image freezes on Master of the Night standing over the fallen Santa Claus as the crowd erupts in shock.
The music surges.
Rapid cuts follow.
Infernus Rex stalking through fire-lit smoke, eyes fixed forward.
Grondar the Revenant standing with the North Pole Championship across his shoulder, immovable and imposing.
The Ultimate Beasts charging through opponents with raw power.
Mr. Mason throwing heavy hands, refusing to back down.
Van Helsing driving forward with cold precision, every strike delivered with purpose.
The final shot returns to Master of the Night, arms spread wide in victory as Santa Claus lies behind him.
A deep voice cuts through the darkness.
“Last week, the North watched one of its greatest symbols fall.”
The screen flashes through Infernus Rex, Grondar the Revenant, the Ultimate Beasts, Mr. Mason, and Van Helsing.
“But the North does not stop.”
The POLAR POWER logo slams onto the screen.
“Only the fight.”
“Only the North.”
“Only POLAR POWER.”
The opening package fades out and the broadcast returns live to the North Pole Arena.
The camera sweeps slowly across the crowd, catching fans on their feet, handmade signs raised high and Polar Division colors filling the stands.
The shot continues toward ringside before settling on the ring.
Standing alone in the center is NPCW CEO and President Kristine Kringle.
A microphone rests in her hand as the crowd begins to quiet.
Kristine Kringle: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the North Pole Arena, and welcome to a very special night.”
The crowd cheers.
Kristine Kringle: “Tonight marks the seventy-fifth episode of Polar Power.”
Another loud reaction rolls through the arena.
Kristine Kringle: “For seventy-five episodes, this division has been built on competition, resilience, opportunity, and the belief that no matter how difficult the fight becomes, the North keeps moving forward.”
She pauses.
Kristine Kringle: “Tonight, we take another important step forward.”
The atmosphere shifts as the audience listens closely.
Kristine Kringle: “For the past several months, Elias Coldmere has served this division as General Manager/interim Commissioner. Elias stepped into that responsibility when NPCW needed stability, and he gave this division exactly that.”
A respectful round of applause begins.
Kristine Kringle: “On behalf of NPCW, I want to publicly thank Elias Coldmere for his leadership, his professionalism, and the work he has done for the Polar Division.”
The applause grows.
Kristine Kringle: “His interim contract has now officially concluded.”
A brief murmur spreads through the building.
Kristine Kringle: “Which brings me to why I am standing here tonight.”
She looks toward the entrance stage.
Kristine Kringle: “It is my privilege to introduce the new permanent Commissioner of the Polar Division.”
A beat.
Kristine Kringle: “Ladies and gentlemen…”
She smiles.
Kristine Kringle: “Santa Claus.”
The arena erupts.
Santa’s entrance music hits, but this is not the familiar sight of the competitor marching toward another fight.
Santa Claus steps onto the stage wearing a tailored red-and-white business suit, no wrestling gear, no traditional Santa attire.
He stands at the top of the ramp for several seconds, taking in the reaction.
Then he begins the walk toward the ring.
Fans reach over the barricades as Santa Claus makes his way down the aisle, shaking hands along the way before climbing the steps and entering the ring.
Kristine Kringle greets him with a handshake before passing him the microphone.
The crowd begins chanting his name.
Santa Claus: “Thank you.”
The chants continue.
Santa Claus: “Thank you very much.”
He waits until the crowd begins to settle.
Santa Claus: “I have spent a very long time fighting inside this ring.”
He looks around the arena.
Santa Claus: “And deciding that it was time to retire from active competition was not easy.”
The crowd responds with applause.
Santa Claus: “There is always another match you believe you can have. Another opponent you believe you can beat. Another night where you think you can lace up the boots one more time.”
He pauses.
Santa Claus: “But there also comes a moment when you have to decide where you can do the most good.”
Santa turns toward Kristine Kringle, then back toward the crowd.
Santa Claus: “And I believe that moment has come.”
The audience listens intently.
Santa Claus: “As Commissioner of the Polar Division, my responsibility is going to be simple.”
He raises the microphone slightly.
Santa Claus: “Keep this division moving in the right direction.”
Cheers rise again.
Santa Claus: “Protect the competition.”
More applause.
Santa Claus: “Make sure opportunities are earned.”
Another reaction.
Santa Claus: “And make sure that no matter who you are, how powerful you are, or who stands behind you…”
Santa’s expression grows serious.
Santa Claus: “When you compete on Polar Power, you play by the same rules as everyone else.”
The crowd erupts.
At ringside, the camera briefly catches fans standing and applauding.
Santa Claus: “I may no longer be competing inside this ring.”
He looks down at the canvas beneath his feet.
Santa Claus: “But I am not leaving the fight.”
A huge cheer.
Santa Claus: “I am simply fighting it from a different position.”
Santa lowers the microphone as Kristine Kringle applauds beside him.
The two shake hands again as the crowd rises to its feet.
The camera cuts to the announce desk.
Johnny Michaels is smiling broadly.
Beside him, Eddie Ellington sits with his arms folded tightly across his chest, staring toward the ring with obvious irritation.
Johnny Michaels: “What a moment to begin our seventy-fifth episode of Polar Power. Santa Claus has officially retired from active competition, but his next chapter begins tonight as the permanent Commissioner of the Polar Division.”
Eddie Ellington: “Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. The man finally stops wrestling and somehow gets even MORE authority.”
Johnny Michaels: “You heard what he said, Eddie. Protect the competition. Make opportunities earned. Apply the rules equally.”
Eddie Ellington: “Johnny, I heard every word. That is exactly what worries me.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have never exactly hidden your feelings about Santa Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “Feelings? I have concerns, Johnny. Very intelligent concerns. Now every time someone does something Santa doesn’t like, what happens? Coal in the locker? Suspension in the stocking?”
Johnny Michaels: “I somehow doubt that is how this administration is going to operate.”
Eddie Ellington: “Give it time.”
Johnny Michaels: “Whatever you may think of the appointment, we have a tremendous card ahead of us tonight.”
The match graphics begin appearing on screen.
Johnny Michaels: “The Aurora Championship will be defended as champion Ursa Titania faces former champion Valka in their rematch.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that is what I want to see. Valka gets another opportunity to take back what she lost.”
The graphic changes.
Johnny Michaels: “Former North Pole Champion Rudolph goes one-on-one with the former Universal Champion, Ghost of Christmas Past”
Eddie Ellington: “Poor Rudolph. New mask, new antlers, same terrible judgment.”
Another graphic appears.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing faces Polar Bear 1.”
Eddie Ellington: “I hope Helsing brought something stronger than a crossbow. That is a very large bear.”
The graphic changes again.
Johnny Michaels: “The Northern Lights Championship will be on the line when champion Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend defends against Mari Lwyd.”
Eddie Ellington: “That championship match could get ugly in a hurry.”
Another graphic fills the screen.
Johnny Michaels: “Then six-man tag team action. Infernus Rex, Abaddon, and Marax the Deceiver take on Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now THAT is a collection of people I would prefer not to meet in a dark hallway.”
The final graphic appears.
Johnny Michaels: “And in tonight’s main event, the Queen of the North Championship will be defended.”
The crowd reacts immediately.
Johnny Michaels: “Champion Polly Mason meets Lilith in the rematch.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now we are talking. Lilith gets another chance at that championship, and I hope Polly Mason enjoyed carrying it around while she could.”
Johnny Michaels: “Six major matches, three championships on the line, and the beginning of a new era for the Polar Division under Commissioner Santa Claus.”
Eddie Ellington: “Please stop saying that last part.”
Johnny Michaels: “Too late, Eddie. It is official.”
The camera pulls back from the announce desk as the crowd continues buzzing.
Johnny Michaels: “Episode seventy-five of Polar Power is underway.”
The camera returns to the ring as the Aurora Championship graphic fills the screen. The crowd rises as the opening championship contest of Episode 075 is set to begin.
The lights sharpen across the entrance stage.
Valka emerges first.
The former Aurora Champion walks through the curtain with no wasted motion, her attention locked on the championship she lost two weeks ago. She pauses at the top of the ramp, rolls her shoulders, and begins a deliberate march toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “Here comes the challenger, and you can see exactly what this opportunity means to Valka. She lost that Aurora Championship to Ursa Titania, and tonight she gets the immediate rematch.”
Eddie Ellington: “And she had better make it count, Johnny. You don't get an unlimited supply of championship rematches. If she wants that belt back, she has to take it from a woman who already proved she can beat her.”
Valka climbs onto the apron, steps through the ropes and immediately turns toward the entrance.
Her music fades.
A deep roar echoes through the arena.
Marcus the Beastmaster appears first, grinning as he gestures toward the curtain.
The Aurora Champion emerges.
Ursa Titania steps onto the stage with the Aurora Championship secured around her waist. She raises both arms as Marcus the Beastmaster points proudly toward her.
The reaction from the crowd is mixed, but Ursa Titania appears entirely unconcerned.
Eddie Ellington: “Now THAT is a champion, Johnny. Look at Ursa Titania. No nerves. No doubt. She already took the championship from Valka, and now she gets to prove it wasn't a fluke.”
Johnny Michaels: “She certainly has confidence, but Valka has come here tonight determined to correct what happened in their first championship meeting.”
Eddie Ellington: “Correct it? Losing isn't a clerical error.”
Ursa Titania reaches ringside, where Marcus the Beastmaster steps onto the apron and holds the ropes apart for her.
The champion enters and removes the title from around her waist.
She raises the Aurora Championship high directly in front of Valka before handing it to referee Honest Abe.
Celeste Orion steps into the center of the ring.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the NPCW AURORA CHAMPIONSHIP!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, the challenger…”
Valka steps forward.
Celeste Orion: “VALKA!”
Valka raises one fist without taking her eyes from the champion.
Celeste Orion: “And her opponent, accompanied to the ring by Marcus the Beastmaster…”
Marcus the Beastmaster applauds dramatically from ringside.
Celeste Orion: “She is the reigning NPCW AURORA CHAMPION… URSA TITANIA!”
Ursa Titania raises the championship above her head as Eddie Ellington applauds from the broadcast desk.
Johnny Michaels: “The Aurora Championship is on the line. The rematch begins now.”
Honest Abe raises the championship, hands it to the timekeeper and calls for the bell.
Minute 1
Ursa Titania immediately closes the distance, hooks Valka around the waist and drives her over with a heavy side suplex.
Valka rolls through the impact, rises quickly and catches the champion charging back in. She turns Ursa Titania over with a Flying Phoenix Cradle Suplex, sending the champion hard onto her shoulders.
Johnny Michaels: “Fast start from both women! Ursa Titania wants to impose that strength immediately, but Valka answers with a beautiful counter-suplex.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's fine. Let Valka spend all that energy flipping people around. Ursa Titania only needs one good opening to turn this into a very short evening.”
Minute 2
The two meet again near center ring. Valka attempts to tie up, but Ursa Titania muscles her backward and drives a sharp knee lift into the midsection.
Valka doubles over as the champion keeps her trapped close and forces her toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “That knee changed the pace immediately. Ursa Titania isn't giving Valka the space she needs.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. That's championship intelligence. Don't chase Valka around the ring. Make her stand there and deal with you.”
Minute 3
Ursa Titania charges and catches Valka with a big boot that snaps the challenger backward.
But Valka refuses to stay down. She catches the champion as Ursa Titania reaches for her again and delivers another Flying Phoenix Cradle Suplex.
Both women hit hard.
Johnny Michaels: “Back and forth! Valka is taking punishment, but every time Ursa Titania gives her an opening, the challenger is capitalizing.”
Eddie Ellington: “She's capitalizing because Ursa Titania is letting her breathe. Stop letting her breathe!”
Minute 4
Valka changes tactics and attacks the champion's base.
She catches Ursa Titania, turns her across the knee and drives her down with a Pendulum Backbreaker.
Ursa Titania tries to brace against the impact but cannot stop the maneuver.
She rolls away clutching her lower back.
Johnny Michaels: “That's an important adjustment from Valka. If you can weaken the champion's back, you take away some of that explosive power.”
Eddie Ellington: “Or you irritate her. Personally, I would not recommend irritating Ursa Titania.”
Minute 5
Ursa Titania gets back to her feet and fires another big boot into Valka.
The challenger stumbles but immediately answers.
Valka hooks the champion and drives her face-first into the canvas with Twilight Judgment, her sitout facebuster slam.
Johnny Michaels: “Twilight Judgment! That was a major shot from Valka!”
Eddie Ellington: “Major shot, yes. Championship-winning shot? No. Look at Ursa Titania already trying to get back up.”
Minute 6
The champion does exactly that.
Ursa Titania catches Valka coming forward and blasts her with another big boot.
Valka absorbs it, regains control and again attacks the back, dropping the champion across her knee with another Pendulum Backbreaker.
Johnny Michaels: “That is now twice that Valka has gone directly after the back.”
Eddie Ellington: “And twice Ursa Titania has gotten back up. That should be the part you're emphasizing.”
Minute 7
Valka stays aggressive.
She pulls Ursa Titania upright and drives the champion down with a third Pendulum Backbreaker.
Ursa Titania tries to block the lift but Valka powers through and completes the maneuver.
Johnny Michaels: “The challenger is building something here. She has identified a target and keeps returning to it.”
Eddie Ellington: “She'd better build faster because champions don't stay vulnerable forever. Ursa Titania gets one opening and this entire strategy disappears.”
Minute 8
Valka does not let up.
She catches Ursa Titania from the side and drives her down with a Sidewalk Slam.
The champion rolls toward the ropes while Marcus the Beastmaster shouts instructions from the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “This is the best sustained stretch of the match for Valka. She has the champion on the defensive.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary inconvenience, Johnny. That's all this is. And fortunately, Ursa Titania has Marcus the Beastmaster out there reminding her exactly who she is.”
Minute 9
Valka drags Ursa Titania back toward center ring and hits another Pendulum Backbreaker.
As Honest Abe moves around them to check the champion, Marcus the Beastmaster reaches through the ropes behind the referee's back.
He grabs Valka around the throat and yanks her backward across the middle rope.
Valka breaks away coughing as Marcus the Beastmaster immediately raises both hands innocently.
Johnny Michaels: “Come on! Marcus the Beastmaster just grabbed Valka behind the referee's back!”
Eddie Ellington: “I saw Valka fall into the ropes.”
Johnny Michaels: “You saw exactly what I saw.”
Eddie Ellington: “I'm sitting at an angle.”
The distraction gives Ursa Titania precious time to recover.
Minute 10
Valka turns toward Marcus the Beastmaster for only a moment.
That is enough.
When Honest Abe checks on Ursa Titania, Marcus the Beastmaster grabs Valka from the floor and violently drives her head into the ring post.
Valka collapses against the apron.
Honest Abe turns back just as Valka climbs inside.
The challenger somehow manages to strike back, springing into a 180 Corkscrew Enzuigiri that catches Ursa Titania across the side of the head.
Both women fall.
Johnny Michaels: “Again! Marcus the Beastmaster sent Valka headfirst into the ring post, and somehow she still comes back with that enzuigiri!”
Eddie Ellington: “You keep accusing that poor man without evidence. Marcus the Beastmaster is standing outside the ring supporting his champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “He nearly put Valka's head through the post!”
Eddie Ellington: “Allegedly.”
Minute 11
Ursa Titania surges upright first.
She catches Valka around the waist, lifts her high and plants her with Cursebreak, the sitout powerbomb.
The crowd reacts as Valka bounces off the canvas.
But the challenger fights through the pain, catches Ursa Titania during the follow-up and drives her down with another Pendulum Backbreaker.
Johnny Michaels: “Cursebreak from the champion! But Valka somehow answers again!”
Eddie Ellington: “That should have ended it. Ursa Titania folded her in half with that powerbomb. I don't know what is keeping Valka moving.”
Minute 12
Valka pulls the champion to her feet.
She hoists Ursa Titania across her shoulders and drives her down with Ragnarok, the Death Valley Driver.
Valka immediately hooks the leg.
Honest Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
Ursa Titania kicks out.
The crowd roars.
Johnny Michaels: “RAGNAROK! Valka nearly reclaimed the Aurora Championship!”
Eddie Ellington: “Nearly does not count! That's why Ursa Titania is the champion. When the championship is about to disappear, she finds another gear.”
Valka sits beside the champion for a moment, visibly frustrated, before forcing herself back up.
Minute 13
Ursa Titania slows the challenger with a grinding headlock, wrenching down hard and forcing Valka to carry the champion's weight.
Valka fights her way back to a vertical base, breaks the hold and catches Ursa Titania before she can reset.
Twilight Judgment.
Ursa Titania is driven face-first into the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “Twilight Judgment again! Valka is getting closer and closer!”
Eddie Ellington: “She's getting desperate, that's what she's getting. Everything she's throwing at Ursa Titania is taking something out of Valka too.”
Minute 14
Ursa Titania struggles upright.
Valka sees the opening.
She steps in, catches the champion across the body and drives Ursa Titania down across her knee with another Pendulum Backbreaker.
The champion collapses flat onto the canvas.
Valka immediately hooks both legs.
Honest Abe slides into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
The North Pole Arena erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “SHE GOT HER! VALKA GOT HER! Valka has regained the Aurora Championship!”
Eddie Ellington: “No! Check the shoulder! Check the ropes! Check something!”
Johnny Michaels: “There is nothing to check! Honest Abe counted three!”
Valka releases the cover and rolls onto her knees as the realization hits her.
At ringside, Marcus the Beastmaster stares into the ring in disbelief.
Ursa Titania remains down holding her back while Honest Abe retrieves the Aurora Championship.
He places the belt into Valka's hands.
She pulls it against her chest before rising slowly to her feet.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… AND NEW NPCW AURORA CHAMPION… VALKA!”
Valka raises the championship overhead as the crowd cheers.
Johnny Michaels: “Two weeks ago, Ursa Titania took that championship from Valka. Tonight, Valka answered. She weathered the champion's power, survived the involvement of Marcus the Beastmaster, and reclaimed the Aurora Championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “I still don't like it. Ursa Titania was fighting with a damaged back for half this match, and Marcus the Beastmaster did everything he could to keep things under control.”
Johnny Michaels: “Keep things under control? He choked Valka and drove her into the ring post!”
Eddie Ellington: “Your interpretation.”
Johnny Michaels: “My eyesight.”
The camera shows Valka standing on the middle rope with the Aurora Championship held above her head while Ursa Titania sits against the bottom turnbuckle, furious.
Johnny Michaels: “But the record is what matters. Tonight, the Aurora Championship belongs to Valka once again.”
VALKA DEFEATS URSA TITANIA VIA PINFALL AT THE 14:00 MINUTE MARK.
The camera returns to the ring.
Santa Claus is back in the center, still wearing the red-and-white suit he wore earlier tonight.
The crowd cheers as the new Polar Division Commissioner raises a microphone.
Santa Claus: “Earlier tonight, I told you that my responsibility as Commissioner is to keep this division moving forward.”
The crowd reacts.
Santa Claus: “And moving forward means giving the men and women of the Polar Division opportunities to prove exactly who they are.”
He pauses.
Santa Claus: “So tonight, I am here to officially announce our next Polar Division Supercard.”
The arena begins to buzz.
Santa Claus: “On October 25th…”
The video board behind him lights up.
NPCW FAULT LINE
The crowd erupts.
Santa Claus: “The Polar Division presents… FAULT LINE.”
The logo remains on the screen as the audience cheers.
Santa Claus: “And tonight, you are not getting part of the card.”
He smiles.
Santa Claus: “You are getting the whole thing.”
Another huge reaction.
The first match graphic appears.
Santa Claus: “At Fault Line, Infernus Rex will face Rudolph.”
The crowd reacts immediately.
Santa Claus: “And there will be no excuses. No restrictions.”
He looks directly into the camera.
Santa Claus: “It will be a NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH.”
The graphic changes.
Santa Claus: “Then two of the biggest forces in NPCW finally settle something that has been building for a long time.”
Footage of Bigfoot and Yeti fills the screen.
Santa Claus: “Bigfoot versus Yeti.”
He pauses.
Santa Claus: “The Alpha Battle.”
The crowd grows louder.
Santa Claus: “And they will meet in an ARCTIC WASTES BATTLE.”
The match graphic changes again.
Santa Claus: “Also at Fault Line, Polly Mason goes one-on-one with Dr. Violetta Voss.”
A strong reaction rises from the arena.
Santa Claus: “Two very different competitors. One very important match.”
The next graphic appears.
Santa Claus: “Then the Northern Lights Champion, Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend, faces one of the most dangerous competitors in the Polar Division.”
The screen shows Krampus.
Santa Claus: “Krampus.”
A roar goes through the building.
Santa Claus: “And that match will take place inside…”
He pauses.
The crowd begins to anticipate the announcement.
Santa Claus: “HELL IN A CELL.”
The arena erupts.
The graphic shifts once more.
Santa Claus: “Then Lilith faces Velora Synn.”
The two women appear on opposite sides of the screen.
Santa Claus: “There is history there. There is hostility there.”
Santa's expression hardens slightly.
Santa Claus: “And at Fault Line, they get the ring to settle it.”
The final graphic does not appear immediately.
Santa lets the silence build.
Santa Claus: “And now…”
The crowd begins to rise.
Santa Claus: “The main event.”
The North Pole Championship appears on the video board.
Santa Claus: “The North Pole Championship will be defended.”
A huge reaction.
Santa Claus: “Champion Grondar the Revenant…”
The crowd reacts to the champion's name.
Santa Claus: “Against…”
A beat.
Santa Claus: “Van Helsing.”
The building erupts.
The full match graphic fills the screen.
GRONDAR THE REVENANT VS VAN HELSING
NORTH POLE CHAMPIONSHIP
Santa Claus: “On October 25th, the fault lines open.”
He looks around the arena.
Santa Claus: “And every competitor on this card gets the chance to prove where they stand when everything beneath them starts to move.”
Santa lowers the microphone as the FAULT LINE logo fills the screen behind him.
The camera cuts to the announce desk.
Johnny Michaels: “What a card! Fault Line, October 25th, and Commissioner Santa Claus has just laid out six major matches!”
Eddie Ellington: “I will admit one thing, Johnny. For a man I disagree with on nearly everything, he knows how to put together a dangerous night.”
Johnny Michaels: “No Disqualification. Arctic Wastes. Hell in a Cell. And Grondar the Revenant defending the North Pole Championship against Van Helsing in the main event.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is not a Supercard, Johnny. That is an insurance claim.”
Johnny Michaels: “October 25th. NPCW Fault Line.”
Add a stronger closing hookGive Santa a sharper commissioner voice
The arena lights dim slightly as a cold, hollow toll rolls through the building.
A thin layer of smoke begins to crawl across the entrance stage.
Fenwick Grimbough steps through first, dressed in dark formal attire, his expression unreadable as he turns toward the curtain.
The Ghost of Christmas Past emerges behind him.
The masked figure pauses beneath the entrance lights, staring toward the ring before beginning a slow, deliberate walk down the aisle.
Johnny Michaels: “This is going to be an important test for Rudolph. The Ghost of Christmas Past has been methodical, physical and very difficult to prepare for.”
Eddie Ellington: “Difficult to prepare for because he's smarter than most of the people around here, Johnny. He doesn't rush. He doesn't waste movement. And unlike Rudolph, he doesn't need the entire building cheering his name every thirty seconds.”
Johnny Michaels: “He also has Fenwick Grimbough accompanying him tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “A wise man always travels with good counsel.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past reaches ringside.
He stops directly in front of the camera and raises one gloved hand to his black mask before turning his attention toward the entrance.
His music fades.
The first notes of Rudolph's theme hit.
The crowd immediately rises.
Rudolph steps onto the stage wearing his reinforced black protective half-mask, the hard covering extending completely over the injured eye. His antlers have been trimmed down to an even length and fitted with metal tips.
He stands at the top of the ramp, takes one long look toward the ring and begins moving forward.
Johnny Michaels: “And there is Rudolph. The injuries have healed, but that protective mask remains necessary after the damage he suffered earlier this year.”
Eddie Ellington: “Necessary? It looks like he raided a hardware store.”
Johnny Michaels: “That mask protects the eye, Eddie.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then maybe he should reconsider wrestling people who enjoy hitting him in the face.”
Rudolph reaches ringside and immediately locks eyes with the Ghost of Christmas Past.
The masked wrestler slowly raises a hand and points directly toward Rudolph's protective face covering.
Rudolph does not react.
He climbs into the ring.
Celeste Orion steps to the center.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall!”
She gestures toward the masked figure.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, accompanied by Fenwick Grimbough… the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST!”
Fenwick Grimbough applauds calmly from ringside as the Ghost of Christmas Past raises one fist.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent…”
The crowd begins cheering before she can continue.
Celeste Orion: “RUDOLPH!”
Rudolph climbs onto the middle rope and raises an arm to the crowd before stepping back down.
Referee Honest Abe calls both men toward center ring.
The Ghost of Christmas Past again points toward Rudolph's protective mask.
Rudolph steps closer.
Honest Abe separates them and calls for the bell.
Minute 1
The two collide immediately.
Rudolph lowers his head and drives a hard headbutt into the chest of the Ghost of Christmas Past, forcing the masked man backward.
The Ghost of Christmas Past recovers quickly, slips behind Rudolph and drops him across the knee with an atomic drop.
As Rudolph stumbles forward, the Ghost of Christmas Past reaches toward the strap of the protective mask.
Rudolph spins away before he can get a grip.
Johnny Michaels: “Immediately, the Ghost of Christmas Past is going after that mask.”
Eddie Ellington: “He's checking the equipment, Johnny.”
Johnny Michaels: “He is trying to remove medically protective equipment!”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Rudolph should have brought a better chin strap.”
Minute 2
The Ghost of Christmas Past charges forward looking for a running clothesline.
Rudolph ducks underneath, turns quickly and launches himself into a flying dropkick that catches the masked man square in the chest.
The Ghost of Christmas Past hits the canvas and rolls toward the ropes.
Rudolph follows, but Fenwick Grimbough shouts a warning from outside.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent reversal from Rudolph. He saw that clothesline coming and turned defense into offense instantly.”
Eddie Ellington: “The Ghost got impatient. That's unusual for him. Slow it down and make Rudolph think.”
Minute 3
Rudolph gets behind his opponent and tries to apply To All A Goodnight, his sleeper hold.
The Ghost of Christmas Past twists free before the hold can be fully secured and fires back with an Axe Bomber.
The strike glances across Rudolph's upper body as both men lose balance in the exchange.
On the way down, the Ghost of Christmas Past again claws at the edge of the protective mask.
Rudolph swats the hand away and rolls clear.
Johnny Michaels: “Again! He's not even hiding what he's trying to do.”
Eddie Ellington: “And again, Rudolph stopped him. That's called competition.”
Johnny Michaels: “Trying to expose an injured eye isn't competition.”
Eddie Ellington: “It is if the referee hasn't disqualified anybody.”
Minute 4
Rudolph increases the pace.
He bounces off the ropes and catches the Ghost of Christmas Past with another flying dropkick.
The masked wrestler crashes backward into the turnbuckles.
Rudolph rises immediately and gestures for him to come forward.
Johnny Michaels: “That's where Rudolph is at his best. Movement, speed and constant pressure.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is exactly why the Ghost of Christmas Past needs to slow him down. You don't chase a reindeer, Johnny. You set a trap.”
Minute 5
The two begin trading at center ring.
Rudolph fires a double punch into the chest.
The Ghost of Christmas Past absorbs it, rebounds from the ropes and blasts Rudolph with another Axe Bomber.
Rudolph hits the mat hard.
The Ghost of Christmas Past drops beside him and immediately hooks two fingers underneath the lower edge of the protective mask.
He pulls.
Rudolph grabs the wrist with both hands and kicks himself backward until the grip breaks.
Honest Abe warns the Ghost of Christmas Past.
The masked wrestler simply stares at him.
Johnny Michaels: “That is the third attempt to remove that mask.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Honest Abe gave him a warning. Problem solved.”
Johnny Michaels: “Until he tries it a fourth time.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now you're predicting the future. Maybe you're the real Ghost of Christmas Past.”
Minute 6
Rudolph charges and launches himself with a cross body block, taking the Ghost of Christmas Past down.
Both men scramble up.
The Ghost of Christmas Past catches Rudolph around the waist and crushes him in a bear hug.
Rudolph grimaces as the pressure tightens.
He brings both arms down across the shoulders of the masked wrestler, forcing some separation.
Johnny Michaels: “Powerful bear hug from the Ghost of Christmas Past. He's taking away Rudolph's ability to build momentum.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly what I told you! Ground him. Squeeze the air out of him. Make him carry your weight.”
Minute 7
The Ghost of Christmas Past releases the hold and immediately starts throwing standing punches toward the head.
Rudolph gets both forearms up, blocks the strikes and shoves him backward.
The Ghost of Christmas Past tries to grab the mask during the exchange, but Rudolph catches the hand and twists it away.
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph neutralizes the attack, and now he's anticipating those attempts at the mask.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then the Ghost has gotten inside his head. Every time Rudolph sees a hand coming toward his face, he has to think about protecting that mask instead of attacking.”
Johnny Michaels: “That may be exactly the strategy.”
Minute 8
Rudolph explodes forward and kicks the Ghost of Christmas Past through the ropes to the floor.
Honest Abe begins the count.
ONE!
TWO!
The Ghost of Christmas Past slides back inside almost immediately.
As Rudolph moves toward him, the masked wrestler rises beneath him and locks in another crushing bear hug.
He cinches his arms tighter around Rudolph's ribs.
Honest Abe checks for the submission.
Rudolph shakes his head emphatically.
He refuses to give up.
Johnny Michaels: “The Ghost of Christmas Past is back inside quickly and right back to that bear hug.”
Eddie Ellington: “Smart wrestling. Rudolph wants speed. The Ghost wants suffering.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Rudolph is refusing to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “For now.”
Minute 9
Rudolph finally breaks free.
He turns and drives a double punch into the chest of the Ghost of Christmas Past.
The masked wrestler tries to cover up, but Rudolph punches through the defense and sends him staggering toward the ropes.
Fenwick Grimbough pounds the apron, demanding his man regain control.
Johnny Michaels: “Rudolph has broken loose, and that may be the opening he needed.”
Eddie Ellington: “The Ghost needs to shut this down right now. Do not let Rudolph build momentum.”
Minute 10
The Ghost of Christmas Past charges with a big boot.
Rudolph slips underneath.
The masked wrestler turns.
Rudolph bursts forward.
Dashing Through Snow.
The sudden strut-driven strike catches the Ghost of Christmas Past clean and sends him crashing onto his back.
Rudolph hooks the leg.
Honest Abe drops down.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “RUDOLPH GOT HIM! He caught the Ghost of Christmas Past coming in and put him down with Dashing Through Snow!”
Eddie Ellington: “He caught him! That's all! The Ghost had that match under control!”
Johnny Michaels: “Not when it mattered!”
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… RUDOLPH!”
Rudolph rises as Honest Abe raises his arm.
Fenwick Grimbough stands outside the ring, staring in disbelief.
Johnny Michaels: “A major victory for Rudolph, especially after spending much of this contest protecting that injured eye and that reinforced mask.”
Eddie Ellington: “He survived. Don't turn this into some great masterpiece.”
RUDOLPH DEFEATS GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST VIA PINFALL AT THE 10:00 MINUTE MARK.
The celebration lasts only seconds.
As Rudolph turns toward the ropes, the Ghost of Christmas Past suddenly attacks from behind.
He clubs Rudolph across the back and drives him down to the canvas.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Johnny Michaels: “Come on! The match is over!”
The Ghost of Christmas Past mounts Rudolph and begins tearing at the straps of the protective half-mask.
Rudolph desperately grabs at his wrists.
Fenwick Grimbough watches from ringside.
Eddie Ellington: “He's angry, Johnny! Rudolph embarrassed him!”
Johnny Michaels: “That does not give him the right to tear protective equipment off an injured man's face!”
The Ghost of Christmas Past gets one strap loose.
Rudolph turns his head away.
The crowd suddenly explodes.
Mr. Mason comes sprinting down the aisle.
He slides beneath the bottom rope.
The Ghost of Christmas Past stands and turns toward him.
Mr. Mason drives a boot directly into his midsection.
The Ghost of Christmas Past doubles over.
Mr. Mason grabs his head.
STUNNER!
The Ghost of Christmas Past crashes onto his back.
The arena erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “MR. MASON! STUNNER! Mr. Mason just planted the Ghost of Christmas Past!”
Eddie Ellington: “What business does HE have out here?!”
Johnny Michaels: “He just stopped an assault!”
Mr. Mason checks briefly on Rudolph.
Then he looks down at the unconscious masked man.
The crowd begins to buzz.
Mr. Mason slowly reaches down.
He grabs the Ghost of Christmas Past by the black mask.
Eddie Ellington: “No. Don't do it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Wait a minute…”
Mr. Mason pulls.
The mask comes free.
The arena falls into stunned silence.
For one long second, nobody moves.
The camera pushes in.
Short hair.
Clean-shaven face.
But unmistakable.
Johnny Michaels: “NO…”
Eddie Ellington: “You've got to be kidding me.”
The man on the canvas is SINISTER KLAUS.
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “IT'S SINISTER KLAUS! THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST IS SINISTER KLAUS!”
Eddie Ellington: “Put the mask back on!”
Johnny Michaels: “All this time! The Ghost of Christmas Past has been Sinister Klaus!”
Sinister Klaus suddenly realizes what has happened.
His eyes widen.
He scrambles backward across the mat, one hand instinctively covering part of his face.
Mr. Mason holds the black mask in his hand and stares directly at him.
Sinister Klaus lunges forward, snatches the mask away and rolls underneath the bottom rope.
He nearly stumbles as he reaches the floor.
Fenwick Grimbough immediately moves toward him.
Sinister Klaus grabs the mask against his chest and rushes toward the aisle.
There is no theatrical walk now.
No controlled menace.
He is panicked.
Exposed.
Johnny Michaels: “Look at him! Sinister Klaus is running!”
Eddie Ellington: “Wouldn't you?! Mr. Mason just ripped his identity off his face in front of the entire world!”
Johnny Michaels: “An identity Sinister Klaus deliberately hid while terrorizing this division as the Ghost of Christmas Past!”
At ringside, Rudolph has reached his feet.
He tightens the loosened strap on his protective mask and looks toward the entrance.
Beside him, Mr. Mason watches Sinister Klaus disappear through the curtain.
The crowd begins chanting.
“KLAUS! KLAUS! KLAUS!”
The camera catches Rudolph and Mr. Mason exchanging a look.
Then the shot cuts toward the entrance one final time.
Johnny Michaels: “The secret is over.”
Eddie Ellington: “And something tells me, Johnny, the consequences are only beginning.”
Johnny Michaels: “The Ghost of Christmas Past has been unmasked.”
A final replay shows Mr. Mason pulling away the black mask.
Freeze frame on the exposed face.
Johnny Michaels: “It was Sinister Klaus.”
Clarify the Christmas Past RevealFix the Ten-Minute Match Timing
The camera returns to ringside as the next match graphic fills the screen.
A low growl rolls through the arena.
Polar Bear 1 emerges onto the stage first.
The massive competitor pauses beneath the lights, shoulders squared and expression hard, before beginning a deliberate march toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “Here comes Polar Bear 1, and there is no mystery about the challenge he presents. Size, strength and the ability to turn any exchange into a fight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. This is not somebody Van Helsing can just out-think, Johnny. Polar Bear 1 can grab him, throw him and make all that fancy preparation completely irrelevant.”
Polar Bear 1 reaches ringside, steps onto the apron and climbs through the ropes.
He paces once across the ring before turning toward the entrance.
The lights shift.
Van Helsing's music hits.
The crowd rises.
Van Helsing steps onto the stage with his usual focused expression, eyes fixed directly on the ring.
There is no hesitation in his walk.
No wasted movement.
He moves steadily down the aisle as Polar Bear 1 watches from inside the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “And here comes Van Helsing. Earlier tonight Commissioner Santa Claus announced that at Fault Line, Van Helsing will challenge Grondar the Revenant for the North Pole Championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which makes this a terrible time to get mauled by Polar Bear 1.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or an opportunity for Van Helsing to build momentum before the biggest championship opportunity of his career.”
Eddie Ellington: “Momentum does not matter when somebody the size of Polar Bear 1 lands on you.”
Van Helsing reaches the ring, steps through the ropes and immediately walks toward the center.
Polar Bear 1 does not back away.
Referee Honest Abe moves between them.
Celeste Orion steps forward.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall!”
She gestures toward Polar Bear 1.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first… POLAR BEAR 1!”
Polar Bear 1 raises both arms and lets out a roar toward the crowd.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent… VAN HELSING!”
The crowd responds loudly as Van Helsing raises one fist.
Honest Abe checks both competitors and calls for the bell.
Minute 1
The two men immediately meet in the center of the ring.
Polar Bear 1 tries to overwhelm Van Helsing with sheer mass, but Van Helsing gets underneath him, turns the bigger man and drives him down with a powerslam.
The crowd reacts as Van Helsing rises quickly.
Polar Bear 1 is right behind him.
The big man catches Van Helsing around the head and neck and snaps him down with a neckbreaker.
Both competitors hit the canvas hard.
Johnny Michaels: “Heavy opening exchange! Van Helsing manages to get Polar Bear 1 off his feet with that powerslam, but Polar Bear 1 answers immediately with the neckbreaker.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is what I was talking about, Johnny. Van Helsing can hit one move, two moves, ten moves. Polar Bear 1 only needs one opening to make him regret stepping into the ring.”
Johnny Michaels: “But that powerslam showed something important. Van Helsing can move this bigger man.”
Eddie Ellington: “Once. Let's see him do it after Polar Bear 1 starts leaning on him.”
Minute 2
Polar Bear 1 charges forward again.
Van Helsing sidesteps, catches the arm and immediately twists the larger man down toward the canvas.
In one fluid motion, Van Helsing threads the arm, traps the head and locks in the Holy Crossface.
Polar Bear 1 tries to push himself upward.
He cannot.
Van Helsing pulls back harder.
Polar Bear 1 reaches toward the ropes, but they are too far away.
Johnny Michaels: “HOLY CROSSFACE! Van Helsing has it locked in!”
Eddie Ellington: “Get to the ropes! Come on, bear, move!”
Polar Bear 1 tries to crawl forward.
Van Helsing shifts his weight and drags him back toward the center.
The hold tightens.
Honest Abe checks.
Polar Bear 1 taps the canvas.
The bell rings.
Johnny Michaels: “He submitted! Van Helsing just forced Polar Bear 1 to submit!”
Eddie Ellington: “That happened too fast! Polar Bear 1 never got a chance to use his size!”
Johnny Michaels: “Because Van Helsing didn't give him one.”
Van Helsing immediately releases the hold and rises.
Honest Abe raises his arm.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by submission… VAN HELSING!”
The crowd cheers as Van Helsing looks toward the hard camera.
Johnny Michaels: “That was decisive. Van Helsing just took a much larger opponent and ended this match in two minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fine. I'll give him credit. He saw the opening and took it. But Grondar the Revenant is not Polar Bear 1, Johnny.”
Johnny Michaels: “No, he isn't. But performances like this are exactly why Van Helsing is heading to Fault Line with a North Pole Championship opportunity.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then enjoy the confidence while it lasts.”
Van Helsing climbs onto the middle rope and raises one fist as the crowd continues to cheer.
VAN HELSING DEFEATS POLAR BEAR 1 VIA SUBMISSION AT THE 2:00 MINUTE MARK.
The cameras cut backstage.
A placard on the door reads GRIM TIDINGS.
Inside the dressing room, the atmosphere is already tense.
Fenwick Grimbough stands near the center of the room with his arms folded.
Behind him are Hans Trapp, Knecht Ruprecht, and Belsnickel.
Sitting farther back, once again concealed beneath the black mask, is the Ghost of Christmas Past.
The door opens.
Commissioner Santa Claus steps inside carrying a thick folder.
Nobody welcomes him.
Fenwick Grimbough immediately steps forward.
Fenwick Grimbough: “If this is about what happened out there—”
Santa Claus: “It is.”
Santa shuts the door behind him.
Santa Claus: “And you are going to listen before you say another word.”
The room goes quiet.
Even Hans Trapp backs away slightly.
Santa Claus looks first at Fenwick Grimbough, then directly toward the masked Ghost of Christmas Past.
Santa Claus: “Last year at Nightmare at the North Pole, I faced Sinister Klaus.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past does not move.
Santa Claus: “There was a special stipulation attached to that match.”
Santa opens the folder.
He removes a signed contract and holds it up.
Santa Claus: “The loser retired from NPCW permanently.”
He places one finger against the page.
Santa Claus: “I won.”
A faint reaction crosses Fenwick Grimbough's face.
Santa Claus: “Which means Sinister Klaus retired.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “And he did.”
Santa looks at him.
Fenwick Grimbough: “The man sitting behind me is the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
Santa Claus: “Don't.”
The single word stops him.
Fenwick Grimbough: “Commissioner, whatever resemblance you believe exists—”
Santa Claus: “Whatever resemblance?”
Santa turns toward a monitor mounted along the dressing-room wall.
He reaches for the remote.
The screen comes alive.
Footage from earlier tonight begins playing.
Mr. Mason hits the Stunner.
The Ghost of Christmas Past falls.
Mr. Mason grabs the black mask.
He pulls it away.
The footage freezes.
The exposed face of Sinister Klaus fills the screen.
Short hair.
Shaven beard.
Unmistakable identity.
Santa turns slowly back toward Fenwick Grimbough.
Santa Claus: “Would you like me to play it again?”
Fenwick Grimbough: “That proves nothing beyond—”
Santa Claus: “It proves enough.”
The room falls silent again.
Santa Claus closes the folder halfway.
Santa Claus: “This was not a misunderstanding.”
He looks directly at the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Santa Claus: “This was fraud.”
That gets a reaction from Hans Trapp, who glances toward the masked man.
Santa Claus: “You concealed the identity of a retired competitor. You obtained an active NPCW wrestling license under the identity of the Ghost of Christmas Past. And under that identity, you received opportunities that would never have been available to Sinister Klaus.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “The license was approved.”
Santa Claus: “Because NPCW did not know who was underneath the mask.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “That is not our fault.”
Santa Claus: “It became your fault the moment you knowingly used that deception.”
Santa opens the folder again.
Santa Claus: “That deception eventually led to a Universal Championship match against Jack Mason.”
The masked Ghost of Christmas Past shifts slightly.
Santa Claus: “And you won.”
Santa pauses.
Santa Claus: “Now, I cannot erase that championship reign.”
Fenwick Grimbough gives the faintest satisfied smile.
Santa notices it.
Santa Claus: “Don't smile yet.”
The smile disappears.
Santa Claus: “The result stands. The reign remains part of NPCW history. I am not rewriting matches after the fact.”
He removes another page.
Santa Claus: “But after losing the Universal Championship to Hansel, the former champion would ordinarily be entitled to an automatic rematch within thirty days.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “Correct.”
Santa Claus: “Not anymore.”
The room stiffens.
Santa Claus: “Because the original championship opportunity was obtained through fraud, the automatic rematch attached to that reign is hereby declared null and void.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “You cannot do that.”
Santa Claus: “I just did.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “That rematch is contractual.”
Santa slides the first document toward him.
Santa Claus: “So was retirement.”
That silences Fenwick Grimbough for a moment.
Santa Claus: “And that retirement is still in force.”
Santa turns back toward the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Santa Claus: “Sinister Klaus remains permanently retired from NPCW.”
The masked figure stares at him.
Santa Claus: “You cannot return to NPCW as Sinister Klaus.”
Santa steps closer.
Santa Claus: “You cannot wrestle as Sinister Klaus.”
Another step.
Santa Claus: “You cannot present yourself on NPCW programming as Sinister Klaus.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “Then what exactly are you doing with the Ghost of Christmas Past?”
Santa looks back toward him.
Santa Claus: “That is where this becomes complicated.”
He closes the folder.
Santa Claus: “The Ghost of Christmas Past obtained and maintained a separate wrestling license.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “Then this conversation is over.”
Santa Claus: “No.”
Santa's voice hardens.
Santa Claus: “NPCW issued that license. Until our legal department determines otherwise, I am going to honor it.”
That surprises everyone in the room.
Fenwick Grimbough: “Good.”
Santa Claus: “I wasn't finished.”
Santa turns back toward the masked man.
Santa Claus: “The Ghost of Christmas Past may continue to compete under that licensed identity.”
A small smile begins to form on Fenwick Grimbough's face.
Santa Claus: “But because of the fraud committed against NPCW, its wrestlers, and the entire NPCW Universe, there is now a condition attached.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past slowly rises from his chair.
The two men stare at one another.
Santa Claus: “That mask stays on.”
The room becomes very still.
Santa Claus: “If the Ghost of Christmas Past is ever unmasked again during an NPCW television broadcast…”
Santa pauses.
Santa Claus: “At an NPCW live event…”
Another pause.
Santa Claus: “Or anywhere during an official NPCW event…”
Santa moves directly in front of him.
Santa Claus: “And that face is publicly revealed to be Sinister Klaus again…”
The masked wrestler remains motionless.
Santa Claus: “You will be suspended indefinitely.”
Silence.
Santa Claus: “Immediately.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “So now you are punishing him if somebody else tears off his mask?”
Santa Claus: “I am telling you that NPCW will no longer participate in pretending this deception does not exist.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “That is ridiculous.”
Santa Claus: “Then make sure the mask stays on.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “You are forcing a licensed competitor to protect his identity every second he is in this company.”
Santa Claus: “No.”
Santa looks directly at the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Santa Claus: “He chose that identity.”
Santa taps the contract against his palm.
Santa Claus: “Now he lives with it.”
Fenwick Grimbough: “We will appeal.”
Santa doesn't look away from the masked man.
Fenwick Grimbough: “We will challenge the ruling. We will challenge the authority behind it. And we will fight this all the way through NPCW.”
Santa nods once.
Santa Claus: “Go for it.”
Fenwick Grimbough looks almost offended by the answer.
Santa Claus: “Appeal it.”
Santa points toward the contract on the table.
Santa Claus: “Have your lawyers read every word.”
He points toward the monitor.
Santa Claus: “Have them watch that footage as many times as they like.”
Then he looks back toward the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Santa Claus: “Until somebody above me overturns this ruling, it stands.”
Santa collects the documents and returns them to the folder.
He turns toward the door.
Then stops.
The room is completely silent.
Santa looks over his shoulder.
The Ghost of Christmas Past is still standing.
Santa turns back.
He walks slowly toward him.
The two stand face-to-face.
Only inches apart.
The masked man does not retreat.
Neither does Santa.
Santa Claus: “And one more thing.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past tilts his head slightly.
Santa Claus: “You are very lucky I retired.”
A murmur runs through the room.
Santa Claus: “Because if I hadn't…”
Santa stares directly into the eyeholes of the black mask.
Santa Claus: “I'd whoop you in that ring myself.”
The tension hangs for several seconds.
Hans Trapp watches carefully.
Knecht Ruprecht says nothing.
Belsnickel glances between the two men.
Fenwick Grimbough looks furious.
The Ghost of Christmas Past remains motionless.
Santa finally steps away.
He opens the dressing-room door.
Santa Claus: “Welcome to my first ruling.”
Santa exits.
The door closes.
For several seconds, nobody inside Grim Tidings speaks.
Then Fenwick Grimbough slowly turns toward the masked Ghost of Christmas Past.
The camera pushes closer toward the expressionless black mask.
Cut to commercial.
The Northern Lights Championship graphic fills the screen as the camera returns to ringside.
The lights dim.
A strange, rattling rhythm rolls through the arena as Grinch Heyman steps onto the stage.
He turns toward the entrance and spreads both arms.
Mari Lwyd emerges behind him.
The challenger stands motionless for several seconds, her unsettling horse-skull visage fixed directly toward the ring before beginning the walk down the aisle.
Johnny Michaels: “The Northern Lights Championship is on the line, and Mari Lwyd has earned herself a major opportunity tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “An opportunity, Johnny. That's all it is. Because standing between Mari Lwyd and that championship is one of the toughest men in this entire division.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have made no secret of your respect for Wilber Townsend.”
Eddie Ellington: “Respect? I have eyes. Terrorfang doesn't survive the people he's survived by accident.”
Mari Lwyd reaches the ring and climbs slowly onto the apron.
Grinch Heyman points toward the Northern Lights Championship display at ringside before shouting instructions to his client.
Mari Lwyd steps through the ropes and turns toward the entrance.
Her music fades.
A deep howl cuts through the arena.
The crowd reaction changes immediately.
Count Vlad appears at the top of the ramp.
He looks toward the ring before stepping aside.
The Northern Lights Champion emerges.
Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend walks onto the stage with the championship secured around his waist.
He pauses beside Count Vlad, bares his teeth in a predatory grin and pounds one fist against the faceplate of the title.
Eddie Ellington: “There he is! Look at him, Johnny. That's not a champion wondering whether he can retain. That's a champion trying to decide how much damage he wants to do before he leaves.”
Johnny Michaels: “Wilber Townsend has been tested repeatedly since capturing that championship, and he continues to find ways to retain it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because he's better than the people challenging him. Sometimes the explanation really is that simple.”
Wilber Townsend begins the walk toward ringside with Count Vlad several steps behind him.
He reaches the apron, removes the championship and holds it high toward Mari Lwyd.
The challenger does not react.
Wilber Townsend enters the ring and hands the title to referee Honest Abe.
Celeste Orion moves to the center.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the NPCW NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, the challenger, accompanied by Grinch Heyman…”
Mari Lwyd steps forward.
Celeste Orion: “MARI LWYD!”
Grinch Heyman applauds aggressively from ringside.
Celeste Orion: “And her opponent, accompanied by Count Vlad…”
The crowd reacts as the champion steps forward.
Celeste Orion: “He is the reigning NPCW NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPION… WILBER ‘TERRORFANG’ TOWNSEND!”
Wilber Townsend raises one arm as Count Vlad watches approvingly from the floor.
Honest Abe displays the championship to both competitors and raises it overhead.
The belt is handed to the timekeeper.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Before the two competitors can fully engage, Count Vlad begins shouting toward Mari Lwyd from ringside, mocking the challenger and drawing her attention for a fraction of a second.
That moment is enough for Wilber Townsend to move forward.
But Mari Lwyd meets him head-on, catches the champion around the body and drives him forcefully into the canvas with a Uranage.
Wilber Townsend rolls toward his knees, shaking off the impact.
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad immediately trying to get inside the challenger's head, but Mari Lwyd answers by planting the champion with that Uranage.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's called management, Johnny. Count Vlad is making sure Mari Lwyd has more than one thing to think about.”
Johnny Michaels: “And right now she seems very focused on Wilber Townsend.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Because taking your eyes off Terrorfang is a very short route to a very bad evening.”
Minute 2
Mari Lwyd presses the early advantage.
She grabs Wilber Townsend before he can fully regain his footing, muscles him upward and slams him hard onto the canvas with a bodyslam.
The champion tries to brace himself on the way down but cannot stop the impact.
Mari Lwyd remains standing over him.
Johnny Michaels: “Another display of strength from Mari Lwyd. The challenger is not intimidated by the champion at all.”
Eddie Ellington: “She should be. Fear keeps you alert.”
Johnny Michaels: “She's controlled the opening two minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And how many championships are awarded after two minutes? Wake me when that happens.”
Minute 3
Wilber Townsend answers.
He catches Mari Lwyd moving forward, scoops her across his body and drives her down with a powerful lifting sideslam.
The champion starts to rise when Grinch Heyman climbs onto the apron.
He begins shouting directly at Wilber Townsend, waving his arms and taunting him.
Wilber Townsend turns toward him.
Honest Abe immediately orders Grinch Heyman back to the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “Now Grinch Heyman gets involved, and that's exactly the kind of distraction the champion does not need.”
Eddie Ellington: “Doesn't need? He just planted Mari Lwyd with that sideslam! The only reason Heyman is yelling is because he's watching his championship plan fall apart.”
Johnny Michaels: “But the distraction has slowed Wilber Townsend's momentum.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Honest Abe should do his job and get Heyman off the apron.”
Minute 4
Mari Lwyd tries to capitalize with another bodyslam.
Wilber Townsend blocks the lift, shifts his weight and escapes behind her.
At that moment, Count Vlad moves around ringside while Honest Abe's attention remains on the competitors.
Count Vlad reaches through the ropes and drives his Transylvania Spike into Mari Lwyd.
The challenger recoils sharply.
Johnny Michaels: “WAIT A MINUTE! Count Vlad just struck Mari Lwyd!”
Eddie Ellington: “I didn't see anything.”
Johnny Michaels: “Of course you didn't.”
Eddie Ellington: “I was watching the match, Johnny. You should try it.”
Mari Lwyd stumbles forward as Wilber Townsend regains his balance.
Johnny Michaels: “That interference gave the champion a major opening.”
Eddie Ellington: “The champion created the opening by reversing the bodyslam. Don't rewrite history because you don't like Count Vlad.”
Minute 5
Mari Lwyd tries to reestablish control.
She grabs Wilber Townsend by the wrist and attempts a short-arm clothesline.
The champion sees it coming.
Wilber Townsend ducks underneath, traps the arm and shoves the challenger away before she can complete the strike.
Johnny Michaels: “Good defense from Wilber Townsend. He read that clothesline perfectly.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because he's a champion, Johnny. He studies people. Mari Lwyd thought she had him lined up, and he made her look foolish.”
Johnny Michaels: “That's one of the cleaner sequences we've seen from the champion tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Cleaner? Everything he's done has been clean.”
Johnny Michaels: “We apparently watched a very different fourth minute.”
Minute 6
The pace increases.
Wilber Townsend powers Mari Lwyd upward again and drives her down with another lifting sideslam.
The champion immediately hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
Mari Lwyd kicks out.
As Wilber Townsend rises, Mari Lwyd fights back quickly.
She hooks the champion, lifts him and drives him into the canvas with a pumphandle slam.
Both competitors are down.
Johnny Michaels: “What an exchange! The champion nearly had her after the lifting sideslam, but Mari Lwyd survives and answers with the pumphandle slam!”
Eddie Ellington: “That was two and a fraction. One more second and we're done.”
Johnny Michaels: “But she kicked out.”
Eddie Ellington: “Details, Johnny. The important thing is Wilber Townsend is making her burn through everything she has just to stay alive in this match.”
Minute 7
Mari Lwyd rises first.
She grabs the champion, pulls him to his feet and drives him down with another pumphandle slam.
This time Wilber Townsend cannot counter.
He hits hard and rolls onto his side.
Count Vlad begins shouting encouragement from the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “Back-to-back success with that pumphandle slam, and now the champion is in trouble.”
Eddie Ellington: “Temporary trouble.”
Johnny Michaels: “He's taken two of those in consecutive minutes.”
Eddie Ellington: “And he's still breathing. Which means Mari Lwyd hasn't done enough.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is certainly one way to describe it.”
Eddie Ellington: “The correct way.”
Minute 8
Mari Lwyd refuses to give the champion any breathing room.
She catches Wilber Townsend again.
A third pumphandle slam drives Terrorfang into the canvas.
The crowd rises as Mari Lwyd stands over him.
Johnny Michaels: “Three pumphandle slams! Mari Lwyd is imposing herself on the champion now!”
Eddie Ellington: “And I don't like it.”
Johnny Michaels: “Finally, something we agree on. Wilber Townsend is in real danger of losing the Northern Lights Championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “I didn't say that! I said I don't like this moment. Champions recover. That's what champions do.”
At ringside, Grinch Heyman pounds the apron and urges Mari Lwyd forward.
Across the ring, Count Vlad watches carefully.
Minute 9
Wilber Townsend rolls toward the corner and pulls himself upright.
Mari Lwyd charges after him.
The champion sidesteps.
Mari Lwyd's momentum carries her toward the corner, and Wilber Townsend grabs her from behind and sends her shoulder-first into the ring post.
She recoils badly.
Johnny Michaels: “Wilber Townsend sends Mari Lwyd hard into the post! That may finally stop the challenger's momentum.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's championship instinct! She charged in without thinking, and Terrorfang made her pay.”
But outside the ring, Grinch Heyman suddenly moves.
He grabs a loose electrical cord near the broadcast-side barricade and reaches through the ropes.
Before Honest Abe can see him, Grinch Heyman loops the cord around Wilber Townsend's throat from behind.
He pulls.
The champion's eyes widen as he is violently yanked backward toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “HEYMAN! GRINCH HEYMAN HAS A CORD AROUND THE CHAMPION'S THROAT!”
Eddie Ellington: “DISQUALIFY HER! DISQUALIFY HER RIGHT NOW!”
Honest Abe turns.
He sees the cord.
The referee immediately calls for the bell.
Grinch Heyman releases the cord and backs away.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Mari Lwyd turns toward her manager in disbelief.
Johnny Michaels: “That's it! Honest Abe saw the interference, and this match is over!”
Eddie Ellington: “Good! For once somebody around here has functioning eyesight! Grinch Heyman just cost Mari Lwyd the Northern Lights Championship!”
Johnny Michaels: “And perhaps cost us the chance to see whether Mari Lwyd could finish what had become a very strong challenge.”
Eddie Ellington: “I don't care what she might have done! You put a cord around the champion's neck, you lose!”
Wilber Townsend drops to one knee, coughing and pulling at his throat.
Count Vlad immediately enters the ring and positions himself between the champion and Mari Lwyd.
Honest Abe retrieves the Northern Lights Championship.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, as a result of outside interference by Grinch Heyman, Mari Lwyd has been disqualified! Therefore, your winner and STILL NPCW NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPION… WILBER ‘TERRORFANG’ TOWNSEND!”
The crowd reacts as Count Vlad takes the championship and places it into Wilber Townsend's hands.
Mari Lwyd turns toward Grinch Heyman, clearly unhappy with what has happened.
The manager begins explaining himself from the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “Mari Lwyd had the champion in serious trouble, but Grinch Heyman's decision to interfere blatantly has ended this championship match.”
Eddie Ellington: “And thank goodness Honest Abe caught it! Wilber Townsend survives because he did exactly what a champion is supposed to do—he stayed in the fight until the other side made the mistake.”
Johnny Michaels: “I'm not sure the champion had much control over Grinch Heyman strangling him with a cord.”
Eddie Ellington: “Survival is survival, Johnny. Look at the belt. Who's holding it?”
Wilber Townsend rises fully and raises the Northern Lights Championship.
Count Vlad stands beside him, glaring toward Grinch Heyman and Mari Lwyd.
Johnny Michaels: “However we got here, the championship remains with Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly where it belongs.”
WILBER “TERRORFANG” TOWNSEND DEFEATS MARI LWYD VIA DISQUALIFICATION AT THE 9:00 MINUTE MARK.
The lights in the North Pole Arena darken as a deep crimson glow washes across the entrance stage.
Count Vlad steps through the curtain first.
Behind him come Abaddon, Infernus Rex, and Marax the Deceiver.
The three men spread across the stage before beginning a slow march toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “Three dangerous men under the direction of Count Vlad. Abaddon, Infernus Rex, and Marax the Deceiver together make for an extraordinary collection of size, power and brutality.”
Eddie Ellington: “Extraordinary? Call them what they are, Johnny. They're terrifying. You have Abaddon who can throw anybody in this building, Marax who can choke the life out of you, and Infernus Rex who fights like somebody owes him money.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Infernus Rex now knows that Rudolph is waiting for him at Fault Line in a No Disqualification Match.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then Rudolph should be watching very carefully.”
The trio reaches ringside.
Count Vlad takes his position on the floor while all three men enter and claim one side of the ring.
Their music fades.
A pale white light begins to cut through the darkness.
Elyra Moane appears.
Behind her stands Ashen Vicar, the Master of the White Flame.
Then come the Mirror Saints, Sorin Savax and Vael Thorne.
The four pause together before walking toward the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “And there is the opposition. Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints have fought together before, and that familiarity may be crucial against the Infernal Legion tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Familiarity does not matter when you are standing across the ring from Abaddon.”
Johnny Michaels: “They also have Elyra Moane with them, and we know how effectively she can influence a match from ringside.”
Eddie Ellington: “So both sides have managers. Fine. Then let the better group win.”
Ashen Vicar, Sorin Savax, and Vael Thorne enter the ring.
The two teams stare across at one another.
Celeste Orion steps forward.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a six-man tag team match scheduled for one fall!”
She gestures toward Elyra Moane's side.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, accompanied by Elyra Moane… Ashen Vicar, the Master of the White Flame… and the Mirror Saints, Sorin Savax and Vael Thorne!”
The trio raises their arms as Elyra Moane watches from the floor.
Celeste Orion: “And their opponents, accompanied by Count Vlad… Abaddon… Marax the Deceiver… and Infernus Rex!”
The crowd reacts strongly.
Count Vlad spreads his arms proudly.
Referee Honest Abe orders both sides to their corners.
Abaddon remains in the ring.
Across from him, Ashen Vicar steps forward.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Abaddon immediately catches Ashen Vicar and hoists him across his shoulders, looking for Abaddon's Fury.
Before he can complete the F-5, Elyra Moane moves closer to the apron and calls toward Abaddon, her words just loud enough to pull his attention away.
Ashen Vicar slips free and retreats toward the ropes.
Johnny Michaels: “Elyra Moane just bought Ashen Vicar a vital escape from Abaddon's Fury.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's one way to describe it. Another way is that she just saved her man from being launched halfway to Halifax.”
Johnny Michaels: “A very early intervention.”
Eddie Ellington: “Early, late, whenever. If Abaddon hits that move cleanly, this thing might end immediately.”
Minute 2
Abaddon regains control.
He grabs Ashen Vicar, powers him upright and sends him crashing over with a vertical suplex.
Ashen Vicar hits hard and rolls toward his corner.
Abaddon stands over him briefly before turning toward his own team.
He tags Marax the Deceiver.
Johnny Michaels: “Power from Abaddon, and now the first tag of the match brings Marax the Deceiver inside.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's the luxury of this team, Johnny. You survive Abaddon and congratulations, now you get Marax.”
Minute 3
As Marax the Deceiver enters, Count Vlad shouts encouragement from the floor, urging him to attack.
Ashen Vicar gets there first.
He catches Marax around the head and drops him with Writ of Flame, the reverse neckbreaker.
Marax rolls onto his side.
Ashen Vicar immediately reaches back and tags Sorin Savax.
Johnny Michaels: “Quick response from Ashen Vicar. Writ of Flame connects, and now Sorin Savax enters.”
Eddie Ellington: “Enjoy the entrance, because Marax is about to make him regret volunteering.”
Minute 4
Sorin Savax moves forward aggressively.
Marax the Deceiver catches him coming in and locks both hands around the neck.
He drags Sorin into a standing guillotine choke.
Sorin tries to break the grip but cannot.
Marax wrenches back harder before finally releasing and shoving him toward his corner.
Marax tags Infernus Rex.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent transition by Marax. He stopped Sorin Savax cold with that guillotine.”
Eddie Ellington: “And now here comes Infernus Rex. This is exactly why I like this team. Nobody gives you a moment to recover.”
Minute 5
Infernus Rex immediately reaches for a reverse neckbreaker.
Sorin Savax twists out of the hold, shoves Infernus Rex away and creates enough distance to reach his corner.
Sorin tags Ashen Vicar back into the match.
Johnny Michaels: “Good defense by Sorin Savax. He neutralized the neckbreaker and got out before Infernus Rex could adjust.”
Eddie Ellington: “Smart escape. I'll give him that. You do not stand around admiring yourself against Infernus Rex.”
Minute 6
Infernus Rex catches Ashen Vicar with a reverse neckbreaker on his second attempt.
Ashen Vicar rolls through the pain and immediately fires back.
He grabs the wrist, yanks Infernus Rex forward and blasts him with White Flame Purge, the short-arm lariat.
Infernus Rex flips down hard.
Johnny Michaels: “White Flame Purge! That was a violent answer from Ashen Vicar.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fine. He got him. But look at Infernus Rex already trying to rise. That man is built for punishment.”
Minute 7
Elyra Moane moves along the floor and begins whispering toward Infernus Rex, trying to distract him as Ashen Vicar closes in.
This time Infernus Rex refuses to look away.
He charges straight through the distraction and forces Ashen Vicar backward.
Johnny Michaels: “Elyra Moane tried the same tactic that worked against Abaddon, but Infernus Rex saw it coming.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. You only fool a smart man once. Maybe twice if he's Johnny Michaels.”
Johnny Michaels: “Thank you, Eddie.”
Eddie Ellington: “Anytime.”
Minute 8
Infernus Rex catches Ashen Vicar around the waist and drives him down with a gutwrench powerbomb.
But Ashen Vicar fights through it.
As Infernus Rex steps toward him again, Ashen Vicar snatches the wrist and lands another White Flame Purge.
Both men collapse.
Ashen Vicar crawls toward his corner and tags Vael Thorne.
Johnny Michaels: “These two are battering one another. Gutwrench powerbomb from Infernus Rex, White Flame Purge from Ashen Vicar, and now Vael Thorne is legal.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good. Maybe Infernus Rex can hit someone fresh now.”
Minute 9
Vael Thorne steps through the ropes.
Infernus Rex catches him immediately with a Future Shock DDT.
As Honest Abe checks Vael, Elyra Moane slips around the corner.
She raises her silver microphone and cracks Infernus Rex across the back with it.
Infernus Rex drops to one knee.
Johnny Michaels: “Come on! Elyra Moane just struck Infernus Rex with that microphone!”
Eddie Ellington: “There! You saw that one, didn't you? Where is the disqualification?”
Johnny Michaels: “The referee didn't.”
Eddie Ellington: “Convenient.”
Minute 10
Vael Thorne capitalizes.
He charges and drives a big boot directly into Infernus Rex, sending him backward toward the ropes.
Vael turns and tags Ashen Vicar back into the match.
Johnny Michaels: “That microphone shot created an opening, and Vael Thorne made the most of it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Created an opening? She hit him with a weapon! If Count Vlad did that you'd be demanding federal charges.”
Minute 11
Ashen Vicar enters, but Sorin Savax and Vael Thorne rush back through the ropes with him.
The referee begins ordering the Mirror Saints out, but the trio swarms Infernus Rex before he can escape.
Ashen Vicar blasts him with White Flame Purge.
Sorin Savax follows with Crown of Ashes, the Saito Suplex.
Vael Thorne adds another Saito Suplex.
Abaddon and Marax the Deceiver immediately start climbing through the ropes.
Before they can reach him, Infernus Rex surges up and explodes forward with a Burning Hammer running forearm that catches Ashen Vicar and breaks the attack apart.
Johnny Michaels: “Chaos! Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints just overwhelmed Infernus Rex three-on-one!”
Eddie Ellington: “And look at him! He is STILL fighting! That's why Infernus Rex is dangerous!”
Johnny Michaels: “Honest Abe has completely lost control for the moment.”
Eddie Ellington: “The wrong team picked a three-on-one fight.”
Minute 12
The three-man assault threatens to continue.
Vael Thorne comes in looking for Silent Sever, the spinning heel kick.
Infernus Rex ducks underneath.
He explodes out of the corner and breaks through the attempted combination.
Ashen Vicar and Sorin Savax are forced backward as Infernus Rex catches Vael Thorne, lifts him and drives him down with a Falcon Arrow.
The crowd reacts loudly.
Honest Abe finally forces Sorin and Vael toward their corner.
Johnny Michaels: “What a reversal by Infernus Rex! He survived the numbers and planted Vael Thorne with the Falcon Arrow!”
Eddie Ellington: “That was three men coming after him, Johnny! THREE! And he still came out standing.”
Johnny Michaels: “An impressive display of resilience.”
Eddie Ellington: “You mean dominance.”
Minute 13
As order is restored, Elyra Moane circles behind Infernus Rex on the floor.
She reaches toward his ankle and tries to pull him off balance from behind.
Infernus Rex feels the contact and jerks his leg away.
He turns sharply toward Elyra.
She immediately backs away.
Ashen Vicar moves forward, but Infernus Rex avoids the ambush and reaches his corner.
He tags Marax the Deceiver.
Johnny Michaels: “Another attempt by Elyra Moane, and again Infernus Rex neutralizes it.”
Eddie Ellington: “How many chances does she get? Microphone, distractions, ankle grabs—she's working harder than half the wrestlers.”
Johnny Michaels: “And now Marax is back in.”
Minute 14
Marax the Deceiver charges in and slams a headbutt into Ashen Vicar.
Ashen Vicar absorbs it and fires back.
He hooks Marax, turns him and drives him down with Pale Revelation, the kneeling reverse piledriver.
Marax crumples onto the canvas.
Johnny Michaels: “Pale Revelation! That could turn this match instantly!”
Eddie Ellington: “Get up, Marax! You do not let a man drop you on your head and stay there!”
Minute 15
Marax the Deceiver tries to force himself upright.
From ringside, Elyra Moane moves into his line of sight.
She leans close to the ropes and begins whispering toward him, drawing his attention away from Ashen Vicar.
Marax hesitates.
That hesitation costs him.
Ashen Vicar catches him from behind and drives him down to the canvas.
He hooks both legs.
Honest Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The bell rings.
Johnny Michaels: “That's three! Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints have won it!”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Elyra Moane distracted Marax! Again! How many times did she get involved in this match?”
Johnny Michaels: “She certainly played a major role.”
Eddie Ellington: “Major role? She deserves a share of the winner's purse!”
Honest Abe raises Ashen Vicar's arm as Sorin Savax and Vael Thorne enter the ring.
Elyra Moane joins them at ringside, smiling toward the defeated Infernal Legion.
Across the ring, Count Vlad looks furious.
Infernus Rex and Abaddon help Marax the Deceiver toward their corner.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winners… ASHEN VICAR AND THE MIRROR SAINTS!”
Johnny Michaels: “A hard-fought six-man tag, and the established partnership between Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints pays off again tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “Established partnership? Fine. But don't pretend Elyra Moane wasn't the difference-maker. She got involved over and over again.”
Johnny Michaels: “Regardless of how you feel about the methods, Ashen Vicar secured the fall over Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Infernus Rex still survived three men coming at him at once. Rudolph should remember that before Fault Line.”
The camera catches Infernus Rex staring toward the victorious trio before turning toward the hard camera with an angry glare.
ASHEN VICAR AND THE MIRROR SAINTS DEFEAT ABADDON, INFERNUS REX AND MARAX THE DECEIVER VIA PINFALL AT THE 15:00 MINUTE MARK.
The camera cuts backstage.
Smooth Samantha Satin stands in the interview area with Van Helsing beside her.
Van Helsing is still in his ring gear from earlier tonight, a towel draped over one shoulder. He looks composed, but there is an unmistakable intensity behind his eyes.
Smooth Samantha Satin: “Van Helsing, earlier tonight you made very quick work of Polar Bear 1, forcing him to submit to the Holy Crossface. How important was that victory tonight?”
Van Helsing: “Every victory matters.”
He looks directly into the camera.
Van Helsing: “But tonight was not about how quickly I won.”
Smooth Samantha Satin: “What was it about?”
Van Helsing: “Confirmation.”
He adjusts the towel on his shoulder.
Van Helsing: “Confirmation that I am ready.”
Smooth Samantha Satin: “Ready for Fault Line?”
A faint smile forms across Van Helsing’s face.
Van Helsing: “Ready for Grondar the Revenant.”
The crowd can be heard reacting from the arena.
Smooth Samantha Satin: “Earlier tonight, Commissioner Santa Claus made it official. On October 25th, you challenge Grondar the Revenant for the North Pole Championship.”
Van Helsing: “I have hunted monsters.”
His expression sharpens.
Van Helsing: “I have hunted demons.”
He pauses.
Van Helsing: “I have hunted things that believed fear made them untouchable.”
Another pause.
Van Helsing: “And now I hunt a champion.”
Before Smooth Samantha Satin can respond, a voice cuts in from off-camera.
Magnus Blackwell: “Hunt?”
The camera widens.
Magnus Blackwell walks into frame.
Behind him is Grondar the Revenant.
The North Pole Championship rests over Grondar’s shoulder.
Magnus Blackwell steps toward Van Helsing, smiling without warmth.
Magnus Blackwell: “You speak as though my champion is some wounded animal waiting in the woods.”
Van Helsing: “No.”
He looks past Magnus Blackwell toward Grondar.
Van Helsing: “A wounded animal is unpredictable.”
A slight pause.
Van Helsing: “Grondar is much easier to understand.”
The champion’s expression hardens.
Magnus Blackwell: “Careful.”
Van Helsing: “Strength.”
He takes one step closer.
Van Helsing: “Power.”
Another step.
Van Helsing: “Intimidation.”
He looks directly into Grondar’s eyes.
Van Helsing: “That is the entire language.”
Magnus Blackwell: “And yet that language has made him North Pole Champion.”
Van Helsing: “For now.”
The tension immediately rises.
Grondar the Revenant steps forward.
Smooth Samantha Satin instinctively shifts back, giving them space.
The two men now stand nearly chest-to-chest.
Grondar the Revenant: “You defeated a bear.”
His voice is low and deliberate.
Grondar the Revenant: “Do not confuse that with defeating me.”
Van Helsing: “I do not confuse anything.”
Grondar the Revenant: “Good.”
He lifts the North Pole Championship slightly.
Grondar the Revenant: “Then understand this.”
He taps the faceplate.
Grondar the Revenant: “This does not leave me.”
Van Helsing: “Every champion says that.”
Magnus Blackwell: “And most challengers say what you are saying.”
Van Helsing: “Most challengers are not me.”
Magnus Blackwell steps closer now.
Magnus Blackwell: “You have built this reputation around preparation.”
He gestures toward Van Helsing.
Magnus Blackwell: “Study the target. Find the weakness. Exploit the weakness.”
Van Helsing: “Correct.”
Magnus Blackwell: “Then perhaps you should understand something.”
He points toward Grondar.
Magnus Blackwell: “There is no weakness.”
Van Helsing: “There always is.”
That line hangs in the air.
Grondar the Revenant takes another step forward.
Now there is almost no space between them.
Grondar the Revenant: “Find it.”
Van Helsing: “I will.”
Grondar the Revenant: “Try.”
Van Helsing: “I intend to.”
For several seconds, nobody moves.
Then a faint red light appears.
A tiny point of light slides across Grondar’s chest.
Magnus Blackwell notices first.
His expression changes.
The light begins moving.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
It traces a symbol across Grondar’s chest.
The unmistakable insignia of the Hunter’s Enclave.
Grondar the Revenant looks down.
The symbol completes.
He raises his head.
Van Helsing is staring directly at him.
Smooth Samantha Satin says nothing.
Neither does Magnus Blackwell.
The entire backstage area has gone still.
Van Helsing: “Now you understand.”
The red insignia remains across the champion’s chest.
Van Helsing: “You are marked.”
A beat.
Van Helsing: “And the hunt has begun.”
Grondar the Revenant steps forward again.
Van Helsing does not move.
The North Pole Championship hangs between them.
Champion and challenger stare one another down as the Hunter’s Enclave symbol continues glowing across Grondar’s chest.
The camera slowly tightens on the two men.
Cut away.
The arena lights dim as the Queen of the North Championship graphic fills the screen.
A cold crimson glow spreads across the stage.
Count Vlad steps through the curtain first.
He pauses at the top of the ramp, turns toward the entrance and slowly raises one hand.
Lilith emerges behind him.
She walks onto the stage with her eyes fixed on the ring, expression hard and focused.
There is no hesitation.
No theatrics.
Just purpose.
Johnny Michaels: “This is the rematch. Lilith lost the Queen of the North Championship to Polly Mason, and tonight she gets another chance to reclaim it.”
Eddie Ellington: “And she should reclaim it, Johnny. Lilith is dangerous, experienced, and absolutely furious about how that championship left her possession.”
Johnny Michaels: “This is a very different match from their last meeting. Tonight, one fall to a finish under standard championship rules.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which means no excuses. Lilith gets Polly Mason one-on-one, and I like her chances.”
Lilith reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron.
She steps through the ropes and immediately turns toward the entrance.
Count Vlad remains on the floor.
Her music fades.
The crowd rises.
Coach Cal Mercer steps onto the stage.
A moment later, the Queen of the North Champion appears.
Polly Mason emerges with the championship secured around her waist.
She pauses at the top of the ramp, looks toward Lilith, and places one hand across the faceplate.
Johnny Michaels: “And here comes the champion. Polly Mason knows exactly what kind of challenge she is facing.”
Eddie Ellington: “She should. She took that title from Lilith. Now she has to prove she can keep it when the rules are clean and simple.”
Johnny Michaels: “You make it sound like Polly Mason has something to prove.”
Eddie Ellington: “Every champion does.”
Polly Mason walks steadily down the aisle with Coach Cal Mercer beside her.
She reaches ringside, climbs the steps and enters the ring.
The two women immediately lock eyes.
Polly Mason removes the championship and holds it at shoulder height.
Lilith steps closer.
Referee Honest Abe quickly moves between them.
Celeste Orion steps into the center of the ring.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for your MAIN EVENT!”
The crowd erupts.
Celeste Orion: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the NPCW QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP!”
Another loud reaction.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, the challenger, accompanied by Count Vlad…”
Lilith steps forward.
Celeste Orion: “LILITH!”
Count Vlad applauds from ringside.
Celeste Orion: “And her opponent, accompanied by Coach Cal Mercer…”
Polly Mason steps forward and raises the title.
Celeste Orion: “She is the reigning NPCW QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPION… POLLY MASON!”
The crowd cheers.
Honest Abe takes the championship and raises it overhead.
Lilith never takes her eyes off Polly Mason.
The belt is handed to the timekeeper.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Lilith explodes forward immediately.
Polly Mason tries to brace for the attack, but Lilith creates just enough space and snaps a Dread Kick directly into the champion’s jaw.
Polly Mason drops hard to the canvas.
Lilith stands over her, staring down without emotion.
Johnny Michaels: “DREAD KICK! Lilith wastes absolutely no time!”
Eddie Ellington: “That’s what I’m talking about! No circling, no feeling-out process, no wasted motion. Lilith came here to take her championship back!”
Polly Mason rolls toward the ropes, shaking her head and trying to clear the cobwebs.
Lilith follows closely.
Johnny Michaels: “The champion got caught clean. Polly Mason has to recover quickly.”
Eddie Ellington: “She better recover quicker than that, because Lilith smells blood.”
Minute 2
Polly Mason fires back.
As Lilith moves in, the champion ducks under the arms, catches her around the waist and drives her over with a Northern Lights Suplex.
Lilith rolls through the impact and immediately starts pushing herself upright.
At ringside, Count Vlad begins shouting toward Polly Mason, mocking her and drawing her attention away.
Polly Mason looks toward him for only a moment.
Coach Cal Mercer immediately moves around the opposite side of the ring, warning Count Vlad to stay out of the match.
Johnny Michaels: “Beautiful Northern Lights Suplex by Polly Mason, but Count Vlad is already trying to involve himself verbally.”
Eddie Ellington: “Verbally? He’s managing, Johnny. That’s what he’s paid to do.”
Johnny Michaels: “He’s trying to disrupt the champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then the champion should stop listening.”
Lilith rises and steps back toward the center.
Polly Mason meets her.
Minute 3
The two women exchange quickly.
Polly Mason gets underneath Lilith, drives forward and sends the challenger over the top rope to the floor.
At nearly the same moment, Lilith catches the champion’s head with a Dark Whirlwind, the tilt-a-whirl headscissors, twisting Polly Mason off balance as Lilith spills to the outside.
Johnny Michaels: “Both women connect in that exchange, but Lilith has gone over the ropes!”
Eddie Ellington: “Get back in there! Don’t give Polly Mason any breathing room!”
Lilith lands on the floor and begins pushing herself upright.
Then movement comes from the audience.
A woman jumps the barricade.
Velora Synn.
She has the Queen of the North Championship in her hands.
Johnny Michaels: “WAIT A MINUTE!”
Velora Synn rushes toward Lilith.
Before the challenger can turn fully—
CRACK.
The championship belt smashes into Lilith’s head.
She collapses onto the floor.
Johnny Michaels: “VELORA SYNN! VELORA SYNN JUST HIT LILITH WITH THE QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP!”
Eddie Ellington: “NO! NO, NO, NO!”
At ringside, Count Vlad immediately begins shouting toward Honest Abe.
He points frantically toward the floor.
Count Vlad: “TURN AROUND!”
But the referee is inside the ring checking on Polly Mason after the headscissors exchange.
By the time Honest Abe turns toward the outside, Velora Synn has already disappeared back through the crowd.
Eddie Ellington: “SHE JUST COST LILITH THE MATCH! WHERE IS THE REFEREE LOOKING?!”
Johnny Michaels: “Honest Abe never saw it!”
The referee starts the count.
ONE!
Lilith remains down.
TWO!
Count Vlad kneels beside her, shouting for her to move.
THREE!
Polly Mason pulls herself upright inside the ring.
FOUR!
Lilith begins to stir.
FIVE!
She reaches one hand toward the apron.
SIX!
Count Vlad continues shouting encouragement.
SEVEN!
Lilith gets to one knee.
EIGHT!
She reaches toward the ring.
NINE!
Lilith tries to rise.
TEN!
The bell rings.
The arena erupts in confusion.
Eddie Ellington: “NO! THAT IS RIDICULOUS!”
Johnny Michaels: “Lilith has been counted out!”
Eddie Ellington: “She got hit in the head with the championship by Velora Synn!”
Johnny Michaels: “The referee never saw the interference. All he saw was Lilith outside the ring when the ten-count expired.”
Honest Abe signals toward the timekeeper.
Polly Mason looks confused as Coach Cal Mercer climbs onto the apron.
The referee retrieves the Queen of the North Championship and hands it back to the champion.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by countout… and STILL NPCW QUEEN OF THE NORTH CHAMPION… POLLY MASON!”
The crowd gives a mixed reaction.
Polly Mason raises the championship, but her expression makes it clear she knows something happened outside the ring.
Count Vlad is furious.
He points toward the crowd where Velora Synn disappeared.
Lilith is now sitting against the barricade, one hand pressed to her head.
Eddie Ellington: “I don’t care what the official result says, Johnny. Velora Synn stole this match from Lilith.”
Johnny Michaels: “There is no question Velora Synn’s interference changed the outcome.”
Eddie Ellington: “Changed it? She decided it! Lilith was getting back into that ring until somebody cracked her with the championship!”
Inside the ring, Polly Mason looks toward Lilith.
The champion slowly lowers the title.
Johnny Michaels: “And look at Polly Mason. I don’t think she wanted to retain the championship this way.”
Eddie Ellington: “Good! She shouldn’t be celebrating. Lilith deserved a fair shot.”
Johnny Michaels: “And after what happened tonight, the issue between Lilith and Velora Synn just became very personal.”
The camera cuts back to Lilith.
She has reached her feet.
She stares toward the audience entrance where Velora Synn disappeared.
No words.
Just fury.
POLLY MASON DEFEATS LILITH VIA COUNTOUT AT THE 3:00 MINUTE MARK.
The camera returns to the announce desk as the North Pole Arena crowd continues buzzing after the main event.
Johnny Michaels: “What a night for the seventy-fifth episode of Polar Power.”
Eddie Ellington: “A night of bad decisions, questionable officiating, unnecessary commissioner speeches and at least one championship result I intend to complain about until next Saturday.”
Johnny Michaels: “We began tonight with a major change for the Polar Division. Kristine Kringle officially introduced Santa Claus as the new permanent Commissioner.”
A replay shows Santa Claus standing beside Kristine Kringle in the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “And Commissioner Santa Claus wasted no time making his presence felt.”
The footage changes.
The FAULT LINE logo fills the screen.
Johnny Michaels: “October 25th, the Polar Division presents Fault Line, with six matches already made official, including Grondar the Revenant defending the North Pole Championship against Van Helsing.”
Eddie Ellington: “And somehow Santa Claus managed to book a No Disqualification Match, an Arctic Wastes Battle and Hell in a Cell on the same card. Retirement has clearly not improved his judgment.”
The replay changes to the opening championship match.
Valka drives Ursa Titania across her knee with the final Pendulum Backbreaker.
ONE.
TWO.
THREE.
Johnny Michaels: “We also crowned a new Aurora Champion tonight. Valka defeated Ursa Titania in their rematch and reclaimed the championship.”
Eddie Ellington: “I still say Ursa Titania deserves another look at that title. She spent half the match getting her back targeted while Marcus the Beastmaster was unfairly criticized for trying to help.”
Johnny Michaels: “He choked Valka and drove her into the ring post.”
Eddie Ellington: “Allegedly.”
The footage changes again.
Rudolph hits Dashing Through Snow and pins the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Then the post-match attack.
Mr. Mason runs to the ring.
Boot to the midsection.
Stunner.
And then the black mask comes off.
The image freezes on the exposed face beneath it.
Johnny Michaels: “And perhaps the biggest revelation of the night—Mr. Mason unmasked the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which was completely unnecessary.”
Johnny Michaels: “And beneath that mask was Sinister Klaus.”
The replay shows Sinister Klaus grabbing the mask and fleeing through the crowd.
Johnny Michaels: “A secret that had been protected for months was finally exposed.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then our new Commissioner decided to turn his first day on the job into a legal seminar.”
Footage rolls from the Grim Tidings dressing room.
Santa Claus holds up the old retirement contract.
Johnny Michaels: “Commissioner Santa Claus ruled that the retirement of Sinister Klaus remains permanent. The Ghost of Christmas Past may continue competing under his existing license, but if he is ever unmasked again at an NPCW event and publicly revealed as Sinister Klaus, he will be suspended indefinitely.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fenwick Grimbough already promised an appeal, and I hope he brings an army of lawyers.”
The next replay shows Van Helsing applying the Holy Crossface.
Polar Bear 1 taps.
Johnny Michaels: “Van Helsing needed just two minutes to submit Polar Bear 1.”
Then the backstage confrontation appears.
Magnus Blackwell and Grondar the Revenant confront Van Helsing.
The Hunter’s Enclave symbol appears across Grondar’s chest.
Van Helsing: “You are marked. And the hunt has begun.”
Johnny Michaels: “And later, Van Helsing sent a direct message to the North Pole Champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “Drawing symbols on somebody is easy. Taking the championship from Grondar the Revenant is something else entirely.”
The screen changes to Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend defending the Northern Lights Championship.
Grinch Heyman wraps the cord around the champion’s throat.
Honest Abe calls for the bell.
Johnny Michaels: “Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend retained the Northern Lights Championship by disqualification after Grinch Heyman interfered.”
Eddie Ellington: “And for once the referee actually caught the right person.”
Johnny Michaels: “Though Mari Lwyd had the champion in considerable trouble before that interference.”
Eddie Ellington: “The championship is still around Wilber’s waist. That is the part that matters.”
Footage from the six-man tag follows.
Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints overwhelm the opposition before Ashen Vicar secures the deciding fall over Marax the Deceiver.
Johnny Michaels: “Ashen Vicar and the Mirror Saints defeated Abaddon, Infernus Rex, and Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “With Elyra Moane interfering approximately every thirty seconds.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Infernus Rex still looked extremely dangerous heading toward his No Disqualification Match with Rudolph at Fault Line.”
Finally, the main-event footage appears.
Polly Mason sends Lilith over the ropes.
Then Velora Synn comes through the crowd with the Queen of the North Championship.
CRACK.
Lilith goes down.
The referee reaches ten.
Johnny Michaels: “And our main event ended in controversy. Polly Mason retained the Queen of the North Championship by countout after Velora Synn attacked Lilith outside the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “Controversy? Call it theft. Lilith had her championship opportunity ruined.”
Johnny Michaels: “And we already know Lilith and Velora Synn are scheduled to meet at Fault Line.”
Eddie Ellington: “After tonight, that match just became much more dangerous.”
The camera returns fully to the announce desk.
Johnny Michaels: “And next week, the road to Fault Line continues with another loaded edition of Polar Power.”
Match graphics begin appearing across the screen.
Johnny Michaels: “The Candy Shoppe Twins face the Grimm Sisters.”
Eddie Ellington: “That could turn chaotic very quickly.”
Johnny Michaels: “Mr. Mason goes one-on-one with the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
Eddie Ellington: “And after what Mr. Mason did tonight, I imagine the Ghost will have something very unpleasant planned.”
The next graphic appears.
Johnny Michaels: “Bigfoot faces Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “Strength against deception. I like Marax’s chances.”
Another graphic.
Johnny Michaels: “Mina Harker meets La Bruja Muerte.”
Eddie Ellington: “That one could get uncomfortable.”
The fifth graphic appears.
Johnny Michaels: “Ashen Vicar goes one-on-one with Abaddon.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now THAT is a fight.”
The final graphic fills the screen.
MASTER OF THE NIGHT VS RUDOLPH
The crowd reaction grows louder.
Johnny Michaels: “And in next week’s main event, Rudolph faces the man who defeated Santa Claus last week—the Master of the Night.”
Eddie Ellington: “Rudolph might want to keep that protective mask tightened.”
Johnny Michaels: “Next week promises another major night in the Polar Division.”
The camera pulls back as the crowd fills the screen behind the desk.
Johnny Michaels: “For Eddie Ellington, I’m Johnny Michaels. Thank you for joining us for Episode Seventy-Five.”
Eddie Ellington: “And somebody please explain to our new Commissioner that one night of authority is already enough.”
Johnny Michaels: “We’ll see you next week.”
The Polar Power logo fills the screen.
ONLY THE FIGHT. ONLY THE NORTH.
The arena has begun to empty.
Polar Power is over, but the backstage corridors still carry the remnants of the night—the distant clatter of equipment cases, production crews calling to one another, the occasional wrestler passing toward the parking area.
Near the dressing rooms, one door remains partly open.
Inside, Count Vlad Dragomir stands before a mirror, calmly adjusting the cuffs of his black shirt beneath an immaculate dark jacket.
There is no urgency about him.
There rarely is.
After everything that happened tonight, Vlad looks less like a man finishing a wrestling broadcast and more like someone concluding a pleasant evening at the theatre.
A large shadow fills the doorway.
Vlad sees it in the mirror.
He smiles.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Yeti.
He turns.
Yeti stands in the doorway.
No introduction is necessary.
For a moment, neither man speaks.
There was a time when this would have been an ordinary sight.
HCW.
The Dark Dominion.
Dragomir at ringside.
Yeti standing behind him like an avalanche waiting for permission to fall.
Much has changed since then.
The loyalty between them has not.
Dragomir gestures toward the room.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Come in, my friend.
Yeti steps inside and closes the door behind him.
Dragomir studies him.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: You know, there are people who only visit an old manager when they want money.
A faint smile.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: And there are people who only visit when somebody needs to be hurt.
He opens his arms slightly.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: You were always much more interesting than either of those.
Yeti does not smile.
That tells Vlad everything he needs to know.
His expression changes.
Only slightly.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Something happened.
YETI: Primal Expanse.
Vlad waits.
YETI: Grimva closed it.
The amusement disappears completely.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Closed it.
YETI: From the other realms.
Vlad's eyes narrow.
YETI: She's shut the Expanse off.
Dragomir slowly lowers himself into a chair.
Not because he is alarmed.
Because now he is interested.
Very interested.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Grimva does not strike me as the sort who closes a door because she heard wolves outside.
Yeti steps closer.
YETI: No.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Then she believes something worse is coming through it.
Yeti says nothing.
Vlad notices.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: What did she tell you?
YETI: Not enough.
That earns the smallest laugh from Dragomir.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Ah.
He leans back.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Then she is a ruler.
Yeti's expression remains hard. The words land harder than expected.
YETI: You've got people everywhere.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: I prefer the word friends.
Yeti stares at him.
Vlad smiles.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Fine. People.
Yeti takes another step forward.
YETI: Have you heard anything?
Dragomir's smile fades again.
YETI: Anything happening outside the main realms. Something moving. Realms closing. Paths disappearing.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: No.
The answer comes quickly.
Then—
Dragomir stops.
His brow tightens.
For perhaps the first time since Yeti entered the room, Vlad does not look completely in control.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Although...
Silence.
Yeti waits.
Vlad looks past him.
Not at the wall.
Through it.
As though attempting to see something standing just beyond the reach of memory.
Outer realms.
The words scrape against something.
For one fleeting instant—
Black glass.
A flicker of gold.
Something watching.
Something—
A lion?
The thought is there.
Then it isn't.
Dragomir blinks.
His fingers slowly curl against the arm of the chair.
YETI: Vlad?
Dragomir doesn't answer immediately.
There is irritation in his face now.
Not fear.
Something considerably more personal.
The irritation of a man discovering that one of his possessions is missing.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: That's strange.
YETI: What?
Dragomir rises.
He begins pacing slowly.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: I was going to tell you something.
He stops.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: And now I cannot remember what it was.
Yeti watches him carefully.
YETI: About the Expanse?
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: No.
A pause.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Maybe.
He hates saying the word.
Vlad turns toward Yeti.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Do you know what I dislike more than secrets?
Yeti shakes his head.
Vlad steps closer.
His voice drops.
Soft.
Velvet.
Dangerous.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Secrets I apparently kept from myself.
Yeti studies his old manager.
YETI: You sure you haven't heard anything?
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: If I had heard something, you would know.
Then another thought.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: But hearing and remembering are apparently two different businesses tonight.
He glances toward the mirror.
For a fraction of a second, Vlad looks disturbed by his own reflection.
Then the expression is gone.
The showman returns.
The smile returns.
But Yeti has known Vlad Dragomir too long not to recognize the difference.
This smile is work.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Tell me everything you learn.
YETI: I will.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Not merely the important things.
Vlad points toward him.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Everything.
He begins counting on his fingers.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Roads that no longer lead where they should. Gates that refuse to open. Creatures behaving strangely. People who disappear. People who return.
His smile thins.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Especially people who return.
Yeti nods.
YETI: And you?
Dragomir straightens his jacket.
Composure fully restored.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: I will keep my eyes open.
He walks Yeti toward the door.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: I still have acquaintances in places where respectable people are not invited.
Yeti reaches the doorway.
He stops.
YETI: Vlad.
Dragomir looks at him.
YETI: If this is bigger than the Expanse—
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Then Grimva has already made the first intelligent move.
Yeti waits.
Vlad's expression becomes completely serious.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: She closed the door.
A beat.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Our problem is discovering what she saw on the other side.
Yeti nods once.
The old Dark Dominion understanding between them requires nothing more.
He leaves.
Dragomir closes the door.
The smile vanishes instantly.
Silence.
He returns to the mirror.
Outer realms.
He whispers the words to himself.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Outer realms...
Again—
Something.
Gold.
An eye.
A shape moving behind darkness.
Vlad reaches for it mentally.
The harder he tries—
the further away it becomes.
Until there is nothing.
Dragomir stares at himself.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: No.
His voice is barely above a whisper.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: I don't forget.
He remains perfectly still.
Then his expression darkens.
Not frightened.
Offended.
Somewhere, somehow, something has taken a piece from Vlad Dragomir's board.
And he has only just realized it.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: So...
A slow smile returns.
This one is genuine.
And far less pleasant.
COUNT VLAD DRAGOMIR: Who moved my piece?
The camera holds on Dragomir's reflection.
For the briefest instant, something golden seems to flicker across the glass behind him.
Vlad turns.
Nothing is there.
CUT TO BLACK.
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