Aired - November 6, 2026
The screen opens in complete darkness.
A single bell tolls across Camelot.
Flickering torchlight reveals King Arthur, standing before his throne. His crown gleams beneath the firelight, but the shadows surrounding him grow longer.
NARRATOR: A kingdom is not measured by the strength of its walls, but by the loyalty of those who stand within them. And in Camelot, loyalty has become a dangerous currency.
The image shifts to the Shadow Court. Figures emerge from darkness, their ambitions concealed behind calculating eyes.
NARRATOR: Where kings seek order, shadows seek opportunity. And every throne casts a darkness of its own.
A flash of silver reveals Regina and Malice, the newly crowned North Star Tag Team Champions. Their championship belts shine against a backdrop of blackened stone.
NARRATOR: Two queens of despair have claimed their crowns. But gold does not bring peace. It only gives their enemies something to covet.
The thunderous strike of a hammer echoes through the darkness.
John Henry stands amid sparks and smoke, his expression unyielding.
The scene cuts to The Rebels, gathering beneath the night sky, refusing to surrender their convictions.
NARRATOR: Some men build kingdoms. Others break their chains. And those who refuse to kneel may yet reshape the world.
Finally, an ancient chamber appears. Strange symbols burn across the stone floor.
Zorath the Last Oracle raises his head. His eyes glow with an unnatural light.
ZORATH: The future is written... but the final chapter remains unseen.
The symbols suddenly extinguish.
A final image of King Arthur's crown dissolves into complete darkness.
NARRATOR: The crown. The shadows. The rebellion. The prophecy. All roads lead to Camelot... and not every legend will survive the journey.
The DARK FABLE logo erupts onto the screen.
EVERY LEGEND HAS A DARKER CHAPTER.
The broadcast returns live to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera sweeps across the enormous arena, where thousands of spectators have gathered beneath the towering stone architecture and illuminated banners of Camelot. Torches burn along the upper walls, while the Dark Fable emblem dominates the massive screen above the entrance.
The crowd roars as the camera settles at ringside, where Julian Ward and Brick Brody are seated at the commentary table.
JULIAN WARD: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another chapter of NPCW Dark Fable! We are live from Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum, and I'm Julian Ward, joined as always by Brick Brody. Tonight, Camelot finds itself approaching a crossroads unlike anything we have witnessed this year. The rebellion against King Arthur continues to grow, the Shadow Court has added championship gold to its considerable influence, and the road to Convergence is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous journeys in NPCW history.
BRICK BRODY: Dangerous? Julian, we've got kings losing control of their kingdoms, knights turning on their oaths, champions getting robbed, and monsters getting knocked flat on their backsides! This place is falling apart, and I'll tell you something else. I wouldn't have it any other way!
JULIAN WARD: Last week provided us with several extraordinary developments, but perhaps none more significant than the declaration made by Robin Hood and his growing rebellion.
The arena screen comes alive with footage from last week's broadcast.
Five figures stand before a roaring fireplace. Robin Hood, Mordred, Huntsman, Blood-Moon Warden, and Sir Lancelot. Above them hangs the legendary sword Excalibur.
JULIAN WARD: For weeks, King Arthur has demanded the return of Excalibur. Last week, the mystery surrounding its whereabouts finally ended. Robin Hood revealed that the sword is in the possession of the men now calling themselves The Rebels. Five men united by one objective: ending the authority of the Shadow Court over Camelot.
BRICK BRODY: And that's a bigger problem than Arthur wants to admit! You've got his own son, Mordred, standing against him. You've got Sir Lancelot, one of the greatest knights Camelot ever produced, throwing his loyalty behind an outlaw. And now they've got the king's sword! Tell me how Arthur gets any sleep at night!
JULIAN WARD: Robin Hood challenged the king directly. If Arthur wants Excalibur returned, he must come and earn it. And tonight, those hostilities become very personal when Robin Hood steps into the ring against the Sheriff of Nottingham.
BRICK BRODY: Oh, I love that one! Those two have been trying to destroy each other for longer than most of these people have been alive! But the stakes are different now. The Sheriff isn't just hunting an outlaw anymore. He's fighting somebody who wants to tear the entire royal establishment down!
The footage transitions to Severin Crowne entering the ring during last week's North Star Tag Team Championship main event.
A devastating Hit and Run Spinebuster drops Gretel. Regina covers. The referee counts three.
The image freezes on Regina and Malice raising the North Star Tag Team Championships, with Severin Crowne standing between them.
JULIAN WARD: The other major development came in our main event. After thirty-two minutes of championship competition, the Queens of Despair, Regina and Malice, captured the North Star Tag Team Championships from the Fairest Hunters. But the victory was tainted by the direct interference of Severin Crowne, who attacked Gretel behind the referee's back.
BRICK BRODY: Look, I'm not pretending it was fair. Crowne practically handed those championships to his girls! But the referee counted three, the belts changed hands, and now the Shadow Court has two more pieces of gold. That's the reality everybody has to deal with!
JULIAN WARD: And the new champions already have challengers waiting. The Black Chapel was promised the next championship opportunity. Meanwhile, Snow White and Gretel have every reason to demand another opportunity after the manner in which their reign ended.
BRICK BRODY: And don't forget Regina taking another shot at Lady Guinevere after the match! There's something poisonous happening around the royal family, Julian, and everybody seems to know something except the people sitting on the throne!
Footage shows Maid Marion defeating Lady Guinevere, followed by the Queen confronting Merlin backstage.
JULIAN WARD: Those questions began when Maid Marion repeatedly whispered to Lady Guinevere during their match. Whatever was said clearly unsettled the Queen, who subsequently demanded answers from Merlin. Tonight, Maid Marion returns alongside Lark of Sherwood against two representatives of the Black Chapel.
BRICK BRODY: And if Marion knows something about the king that the rest of us don't, I suggest somebody start listening!
The screen shifts to John Henry striking Frankenstein's Monster with Iron Collision.
JULIAN WARD: We also witnessed the conclusion of the extraordinary Monsters Bash challenge. John Henry defeated Dragon King, Ogre, Kong, and finally Frankenstein's Monster, completing every challenge placed before him by Dr. Frankenstein.
BRICK BRODY: Four monsters! FOUR! And that crazy doctor still couldn't stop him! You know what impressed me most? The Monster actually showed John Henry respect afterward! The doctor didn't like that, but maybe even a creature stitched together in a laboratory can recognize a real fighter!
JULIAN WARD: Tonight, John Henry faces Sir Gawain, whose own match last week ended in defeat against Universal Champion Hansel.
A final replay shows Tin Man striking Raigen with a concealed foreign object supplied by Severin Crowne.
JULIAN WARD: And Raigen suffered a controversial defeat against Tin Man, another victory engineered through the interference of Severin Crowne. But Raigen made it clear afterward that he would not surrender to the authority of King Arthur or the Shadow Court.
BRICK BRODY: That Crowne is everywhere! If there's a championship to steal or a fight to interfere in, he'll find a way to make himself useful!
The arena lights dim slightly as a new graphic appears.
NPCW / HCW CONVERGENCE 2026
JULIAN WARD: And now, ladies and gentlemen, we turn our attention to Convergence. Two nights, two promotions, and a series of extraordinary encounters that will bring some of the most formidable competitors from NPCW and HCW into direct confrontation.
BRICK BRODY: This is what I want to see! Forget all the speeches about cooperation and shared opportunity. You put two companies in the same building and tell them to prove who's better, somebody's going to get hurt!
The first graphic appears.
CONVERGENCE — NIGHT 1
HCW — NOVEMBER 21, 2026
JULIAN WARD: On Night One, hosted by HCW, the man who conquered the Monsters Bash, John Henry, will face Jett Sterling in a fascinating interpromotional singles encounter.
BRICK BRODY: Jett Sterling better come prepared for the fight of his life. John Henry just spent weeks knocking monsters unconscious. He isn't going to be impressed by somebody standing across the ring wearing an HCW shirt!
The screen changes to the three members of the Merry Band.
JULIAN WARD: We will also see Allan A Dale, Friar Tuck, and Little John, representing the Merry Band, take on Null Order Expansion.
BRICK BRODY: And that's a fight where numbers and teamwork are going to matter. The Merry Band has survived plenty of trouble in Camelot, but Convergence brings a different kind of enemy.
The arena screen turns crimson.
MEN'S WARGAMES
Two teams appear on opposite sides of the screen, separated by the silhouette of the imposing WarGames structure.
JULIAN WARD: And perhaps the most consequential encounter of Night One will be Men's WarGames. The Rebels will be represented by Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, Mordred, Huntsman, and the Blood-Moon Warden.
BRICK BRODY: Five men who just declared war on the king! And now they're going into one of the most punishing environments professional wrestling has ever invented! If Arthur wanted to see his enemies destroyed, somebody might be doing him a favor!
JULIAN WARD: Standing across from them will be five representatives of HCW: Zack Brown, Adrian Cipher, Dick Albano, Rick Rourke, and Salvador Vega. Ten competitors, two teams, and a match designed to test far more than wrestling ability.
BRICK BRODY: There's nowhere to run in WarGames, Julian! You can have all the principles and fancy speeches you want. Once that door closes, the only thing that matters is whether the man beside you is willing to bleed for you!
The graphic changes.
CONVERGENCE — NIGHT 2
NPCW — NOVEMBER 22, 2026
JULIAN WARD: Night Two moves into NPCW territory, where three more encounters will have major consequences for the Mythic Division. The Scalekeepers will face HCW's Iron Syndicate.
BRICK BRODY: Now that is a collision! Two teams that won't be coming to exchange pleasantries. I want to see which side cracks first!
JULIAN WARD: Raigen will face Cassius Onyx, bringing another significant interpromotional challenge to a competitor already dealing with turmoil inside Camelot and the consequences of the Blood Syndicate.
BRICK BRODY: And Raigen better leave the problems with the Shadow Court behind him when he walks into that ring. Cassius Onyx isn't responsible for fixing his problems!
The final Night Two graphic shows the Mythic Crown Champion.
KING ARTHUR VS. RAM SHORTAGE
JULIAN WARD: And the Mythic Crown Champion himself, King Arthur, will represent NPCW against RAM Shortage. With rebellion spreading through his kingdom, the king must now prepare for a formidable opponent from outside NPCW.
BRICK BRODY: You know what's funny? Arthur has spent so much time worrying about who's loyal to him that he's about to get a reminder that the rest of the wrestling world doesn't care about his crown! RAM Shortage isn't coming to Camelot to bow!
A new graphic appears, featuring the Dark Fable logo.
NOVEMBER 20 — DARK FABLE EPISODE 043
WOMEN'S CONVERGENCE CUP
JULIAN WARD: And one additional announcement. On November 20, just one evening before Convergence begins, Dark Fable Episode 043 will host the Women's Convergence Cup. An important opportunity for the women's divisions as the road to Convergence reaches its final stage.
BRICK BRODY: That's what I call an appetizer before the main course! And knowing some of the women involved in this company, don't expect anybody to take it easy just because Convergence is around the corner!
The Convergence graphics fade away, replaced by tonight's Dark Fable match card.
JULIAN WARD: But before we reach Convergence, we have six major contests scheduled right here tonight!
The first match graphic appears.
MATCH 1 — MAID MARION & LARK OF SHERWOOD VS. LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE & PRIORESS MALVEIL
JULIAN WARD: We begin with tag team action. Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood represent Sherwood against Lady Isolde Blackthorne and Prioress Malveil of the Black Chapel. After Marion's victory over Lady Guinevere last week, all eyes will be on what she does next.
BRICK BRODY: And the Black Chapel won't be in any mood for games. They already have championship gold on their minds, and they don't strike me as women who appreciate distractions!
The next graphic appears.
MATCH 2 — ROBIN HOOD VS. SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM
JULIAN WARD: A rivalry that has defined generations of conflict returns to the ring. Robin Hood against the Sheriff of Nottingham. With Excalibur now revealed to be in the possession of The Rebels, the political implications of this contest cannot be ignored.
BRICK BRODY: Politics? Julian, those two hate each other! The political stuff just gives them another excuse to settle things with their fists!
The screen changes.
MATCH 3 — JOHN HENRY VS. SIR GAWAIN
JULIAN WARD: Having completed the Monsters Bash, John Henry returns to singles competition against one of Camelot's renowned knights, Sir Gawain.
BRICK BRODY: Gawain gave Hansel a serious fight last week, but tonight he faces a man who's just knocked down four monsters. That's a whole different problem!
The fourth match graphic appears.
MATCH 4 — RAPUNZEL VS. SERPENTA VEYNE
JULIAN WARD: Women's singles competition follows as Rapunzel meets the dangerous Serpenta Veyne. With the Women's Convergence Cup approaching, every opportunity to establish momentum becomes increasingly valuable.
BRICK BRODY: And nobody gets momentum by playing nice. You want to be noticed? Win your match and make sure everybody remembers how you did it!
The arena screen fades into a field of stars. An unfamiliar silhouette slowly emerges.
MATCH 5 — ZORATH THE LAST ORACLE VS. DRAGON KING
JULIAN WARD: Our fifth contest brings a particularly intriguing development. Zorath the Last Oracle makes his long-awaited NPCW in-ring debut against the imposing Dragon King.
BRICK BRODY: I'll tell you something about that! We've seen the strange visions, heard the prophecies, and watched everybody stand around wondering what the Oracle knows. Well, tonight he gets into a wrestling ring with Dragon King! Let's see if he can predict a fist coming toward his face!
JULIAN WARD: An extraordinary first test for one of the Mythic Division's most mysterious figures.
The screen bursts into orange flames, revealing the Eternal Flame Championship.
MAIN EVENT — ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP
TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS
MORDRED VS. CHESHIRE CAT
JULIAN WARD: And in our main event, the Eternal Flame Championship will be defended in a two-out-of-three-falls contest. The reigning champion, Mordred, faces the unpredictable Cheshire Cat.
BRICK BRODY: Now THAT'S a main event! Mordred has a rebellion to organize, a father who wants his head, and a WarGames match waiting for him at Convergence! But tonight he has to worry about a challenger who doesn't think like anybody else!
JULIAN WARD: And that may be the champion's greatest challenge. Mordred has become one of the central figures in the rebellion against King Arthur, but political conviction offers no protection inside the ring. He must defeat Cheshire Cat twice to retain his championship.
BRICK BRODY: And if he spends too much time thinking about his daddy and not enough time watching that cat, the Eternal Flame Championship might be changing hands tonight!
The camera returns to the commentary table. Behind Julian Ward and Brick Brody, the crowd rises as the arena lighting begins to change for the opening contest.
JULIAN WARD: Six matches. A championship main event. The emergence of the Last Oracle. And a kingdom whose future may be decided as much inside the ring as beyond it. The road to Convergence continues, and tonight, another chapter of Dark Fable begins!
BRICK BRODY: Enough talking, Julian! Bring on the fighting!
The camera sweeps toward the entrance stage as the Coliseum erupts in anticipation.
JULIAN WARD: Our opening contest is next!
The camera returns to the interior of Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. The ring stands beneath the great vaulted ceiling, illuminated by the familiar torches and overhead lights. The audience remains restless following the opening announcements, particularly the news that Robin Hood will face the Sheriff of Nottingham later tonight.
Inside the ring, Louie Linville waits patiently as the first entrance begins.
The sounds of the forest drift through the Coliseum. Leaves rustling. Distant birds. The unmistakable whistle of an arrow cutting through the air.
The entrance screen reveals the greenwood of Sherwood, and the crowd erupts as Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood emerge together.
Marion walks with quiet determination, acknowledging the cheering spectators. There is a confidence in her expression following last week's victory over Lady Guinevere, although the unanswered questions surrounding that match continue to hang over Camelot.
Beside her, Lark appears considerably more energetic, raising an arm toward the crowd and encouraging the audience to make itself heard.
JULIAN WARD: An enthusiastic reception for these two representatives of Sherwood. Maid Marion comes into tonight following an extraordinary victory over Lady Guinevere. But perhaps the more significant development was the conversation she appeared to initiate during that contest. Whatever Marion told the Queen has clearly unsettled the royal household.
BRICK BRODY: And nobody knows what she said! That's the part I love, Julian. One woman whispers a few words, and suddenly the Queen starts questioning the king's oldest adviser! You can't buy that kind of trouble. But tonight, Marion better remember she's in a wrestling match, because the Black Chapel doesn't care how clever she is.
Marion and Lark enter the ring together. Lark climbs the middle turnbuckle and acknowledges the crowd before dropping back to the canvas.
The lights darken.
A solemn church bell sounds.
The entrance screen transforms into a towering black cathedral. Stained-glass windows glow deep crimson, while the shadows of hooded figures move slowly across the walls.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne emerges first, elegant and severe, carrying herself with the cold authority of someone accustomed to obedience.
Beside her walks Prioress Malveil, her expression unreadable beneath the dim lighting.
Following several steps behind is Prince John, who surveys the arena with an air of obvious contempt.
The crowd responds with sustained boos.
JULIAN WARD: The Black Chapel arrives with considerable incentive tonight. Prince John was previously promised a North Star Tag Team Championship opportunity for his representatives, and with Regina and Malice now holding those championships, the Chapel has a very clear objective.
BRICK BRODY: And don't underestimate how dangerous that makes them. Prince John thinks those championship belts belong around the waists of his women, and he's not the sort of man who enjoys waiting. As for Isolde and Malveil, they're perfectly willing to beat the living daylights out of anybody standing between them and what they want.
The Black Chapel enters the ring. Prince John remains at ringside, exchanging an unpleasant glance with several spectators before taking his position near the corner.
Louie Linville steps into the centre of the ring.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a TAG TEAM MATCH, scheduled for one fall with a THIRTY-MINUTE TIME LIMIT!
The audience cheers.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Introducing first, representing the legendary forests of SHERWOOD... the team of LARK OF SHERWOOD... and MAID MARION!
Marion raises an arm as Lark acknowledges the enthusiastic reception.
LOUIE LINVILLE: And their opponents... accompanied to the ring by PRINCE JOHN... representing the BLACK CHAPEL... PRIORESS MALVEIL... and LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE!
The boos return as Prince John applauds his representatives with exaggerated satisfaction.
Referee "Honest" Abe completes his instructions. Maid Marion and Prioress Malveil step toward their respective corners, leaving Lark of Sherwood and Lady Isolde Blackthorne to begin.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Lark of Sherwood immediately circles Lady Isolde Blackthorne, refusing to allow the more deliberate opponent to establish control.
Isolde reaches for a collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Lark slips underneath her arms, changes direction, and catches her before she can turn.
SHERWOOD DESTROYER!
Lark drives Isolde violently into the canvas with the sudden maneuver!
The crowd erupts.
JULIAN WARD: An extraordinary opening from Lark of Sherwood! The Sherwood Destroyer connects before Lady Isolde can establish any meaningful offense. That is precisely the kind of explosive beginning Sherwood needed against a team as methodical as the Black Chapel.
BRICK BRODY: That's one way to get somebody's attention! Isolde came in expecting to dictate the pace, and Lark nearly planted her through the floor! But you don't win a long tag match in the first thirty seconds. Now let's see whether that speed holds up.
Lark returns to the corner and tags Maid Marion.
Isolde wisely retreats and tags Prioress Malveil.
Minute 2
Maid Marion advances toward Prioress Malveil, but the Black Chapel representative immediately drives her toward the opposing corner.
Malveil tags Lady Isolde Blackthorne, beginning a coordinated assault.
Malveil hooks Marion around the waist, lifts her vertically, and drives her backward into the canvas.
FAITHBREAKER SUPLEX!
Before Marion can recover, Isolde charges forward.
THORN PRESS KNEE!
The running knee strikes Marion squarely and sends her rolling toward the ropes.
JULIAN WARD: The Black Chapel has answered that opening attack by isolating Maid Marion. The Faithbreaker Suplex followed immediately by the Thorn Press Knee gives Marion almost no opportunity to recover between impacts.
BRICK BRODY: That's good tag wrestling, Julian! Hurt one opponent, keep her away from her partner, and make every second miserable. Prince John might be an insufferable windbag, but his women understand how to dismantle a team.
Minute 3
Prioress Malveil pulls Maid Marion upright and immediately secures a headlock.
Marion attempts to shift her weight and escape, but Malveil drives her forward.
RITE OF SILENCE!
The headlock driver plants Marion face-first into the canvas.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne follows with a brutal roundhouse kick.
CRIMSON VERDICT!
The strike catches Marion across the jaw and leaves her sprawled on the mat.
JULIAN WARD: Another devastating combination from the Black Chapel. Malveil targets the head and neck with the Rite of Silence, and Isolde follows with the Crimson Verdict. Maid Marion is absorbing an enormous amount of punishment very early in this contest.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the whole point! You don't give somebody like Marion room to think. She's clever, she's resourceful, and she can turn one opening into a victory. So you keep hitting her until the clever ideas stop coming!
Lark stretches desperately from the opposite corner, urging her partner to escape.
Minute 4
The punishment continues.
Prioress Malveil forces Maid Marion upright and lifts her once again.
FAITHBREAKER SUPLEX!
Marion lands heavily, her back arching from the impact.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne moves behind her as she struggles to stand.
VELVET BACKSTABBER!
Marion crashes backward across Isolde's raised knees.
"Honest" Abe orders the illegal competitor toward the apron as Prince John loudly applauds.
JULIAN WARD: The isolation continues. Marion has barely been allowed to stand without absorbing another attack. Malveil and Isolde have concentrated their offense on her head, neck, and back, and that punishment is beginning to accumulate.
BRICK BRODY: That's how you break somebody down. And look at Lark over there, practically climbing through the ropes! She's getting angry because she can't help. The Black Chapel isn't just hurting Marion. They're frustrating her partner, too!
Minute 5
Maid Marion and Prioress Malveil cautiously rise following the extended assault.
Malveil attempts to resume control, securing another headlock and driving Marion down with the Rite of Silence.
But Marion refuses to remain down.
She catches Malveil during the next exchange, lifts her, and drives her forward with a FLAPJACK!
The crowd responds as Malveil hits the canvas.
Unfortunately, Lady Isolde Blackthorne is already moving.
Isolde catches Marion near the turnbuckles, forces her upward, and brings her crashing down with a HIGH COURT SUPERPLEX!
JULIAN WARD: Marion finally finds a counter with that flapjack, but the momentum lasts only seconds. Isolde answers with the High Court, and the superplex has taken another considerable toll on Marion's already damaged back.
BRICK BRODY: That's the trouble with fighting two people when you're stuck in the wrong corner. You knock one down and the other one's waiting! Marion has got to stop trying to survive on pride alone and find a way to get Lark involved.
"Honest" Abe finally restores order and forces Isolde to the apron.
Minute 6
Prioress Malveil returns to her feet and immediately closes the distance.
Maid Marion tries to defend herself, but Malveil slips behind her defensive guard and secures the headlock once more.
RITE OF SILENCE!
Marion is driven hard into the canvas.
Malveil rises without hesitation and returns to the corner, tagging Lady Isolde Blackthorne.
JULIAN WARD: Another Rite of Silence, and the Black Chapel maintains complete control. Notice the discipline in their tagging. They have consistently kept a fresh competitor available while forcing Marion to endure the majority of this contest without relief.
BRICK BRODY: Exactly! That's old-school punishment. And if Marion can't get to her corner soon, you might as well send Lark home because she won't be needed tonight!
Minute 7
Lady Isolde Blackthorne enters and immediately drives Maid Marion back to the canvas.
Isolde steps across her fallen opponent, leaps, and drops both legs across Marion's upper body.
DOUBLE LEG DROP!
Marion recoils from the impact, struggling to breathe comfortably.
Isolde rises, offers a contemptuous glance toward Lark, and tags Prioress Malveil back into the match.
JULIAN WARD: Isolde continues the pressure with that double leg drop. The Black Chapel is controlling the ring by dictating exactly when exchanges occur and refusing to allow Marion the distance necessary to escape.
BRICK BRODY: And look at Prince John grinning! He thinks he's watching a royal execution! You know what? At this rate, he might be right. Marion needs to do something besides absorb punishment!
Minute 8
Prioress Malveil pulls Maid Marion away from the ropes.
She secures the head, rotates sharply, and drives Marion downward.
PENANCE DDT!
Marion lands heavily.
Malveil rolls her onto her back and hooks the leg.
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
MAID MARION KICKS OUT!
The crowd erupts as Marion forces a shoulder from the canvas.
JULIAN WARD: The first major near fall of the contest! Prioress Malveil connects with the Penance DDT and nearly ends this opening match. Maid Marion survives, but she has absorbed eight extremely difficult minutes of punishment.
BRICK BRODY: She survived, Julian, but that doesn't mean she's winning! Kicking out keeps you in the match. It doesn't magically put your neck back together! The Black Chapel knows exactly where the damage is, and they're going to keep attacking it.
Minute 9
Prioress Malveil reaches for Maid Marion, attempting to prevent her escape.
But Marion suddenly explodes forward!
ROBIN'S ARROW!
The superkick catches Malveil flush across the jaw!
Lark of Sherwood enters during the opening created by her partner and launches forward.
SINGLE LEG DROPKICK!
Malveil crashes to the canvas as Marion and Lark complete the rapid combination.
JULIAN WARD: There is the response Sherwood desperately needed! Robin's Arrow from Marion, immediately followed by the single leg dropkick from Lark. For the first time in several minutes, the Black Chapel has been forced backward.
BRICK BRODY: There you go! That's what I wanted to see! Don't wait for the other team to give you permission to fight back. Marion finally found an opening, and Lark made sure it counted!
"Honest" Abe separates the teams, ending the brief double-team.
Minute 10
Maid Marion and Prioress Malveil rise slowly, both showing the effects of the previous exchange.
Malveil strikes first, securing control of Marion's upper body and forcing her onto the canvas.
SANCTIFIED END!
The inverted STF is locked in tightly!
Marion cries out as Malveil pulls backward, applying tremendous pressure across the neck and spine.
"Honest" Abe kneels beside Marion, asking whether she wishes to submit.
Marion shakes her head.
She refuses!
After a prolonged struggle, Marion manages to survive the hold.
Malveil finally releases the pressure and tags Lady Isolde Blackthorne.
JULIAN WARD: The Sanctified End was applied with tremendous precision. Marion refused to submit, but that hold directly targeted the same areas weakened throughout this contest. Surviving a submission is not the same as escaping its physical consequences.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what makes Malveil dangerous! She doesn't need you to tap out for a hold to do damage. Every second that thing stays locked in makes the next move hurt worse. Marion has courage. I'll give her that. But courage isn't a painkiller!
Minute 11
Lady Isolde Blackthorne enters and advances toward Maid Marion.
Marion suddenly catches her with a LOU THESZ PRESS!
The crowd cheers as Marion drives Isolde backward and begins striking.
Lark of Sherwood joins the attack, lifting Isolde across her shoulders before driving her down with a FIREMAN'S CARRY CUTTER!
But Isolde manages to regain her balance during the ensuing exchange.
CRIMSON VERDICT!
Her roundhouse kick catches Marion across the jaw and disrupts the Sherwood assault.
JULIAN WARD: An impressive combination from Sherwood, but Lady Isolde has answered with another Crimson Verdict. Neither team is maintaining uninterrupted control now. The early dominance of the Black Chapel is beginning to give way to a far more contested struggle.
BRICK BRODY: That's because everybody's getting hurt! The nice clean strategy from the first few minutes is disappearing, and now we're getting into the kind of fight where somebody has to decide how much punishment they're willing to take!
Minute 12
Maid Marion steadies herself against the ropes.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne approaches, attempting to secure another hold.
But Marion suddenly pivots.
KISS GOODNIGHT!
The roundhouse kick connects squarely with Isolde's head!
Isolde stumbles backward, stunned.
Marion immediately reaches her corner.
TAG TO LARK OF SHERWOOD!
Isolde retreats and tags Prioress Malveil.
JULIAN WARD: Kiss Goodnight connects, and Marion finally gets the opportunity to make a sustained recovery on the apron. Lark returns to competition with considerably more energy, and that could fundamentally alter the balance of this match.
BRICK BRODY: About time! Marion has been through a war already. Now Lark gets to run around and hit people while her partner tries to remember what day it is!
Minute 13
Lark of Sherwood rushes toward Prioress Malveil, immediately using her speed to avoid a direct tie-up.
Malveil reaches forward, but Lark slips to one side and catches her opponent around the upper body.
SITOUT GOURDBUSTER!
Malveil crashes face-first into the canvas!
The crowd applauds as Lark rises and gestures for her opponent to stand.
JULIAN WARD: An excellent opening from Lark. That sitout gourdbuster interrupts Malveil's attempt to regain control and demonstrates the difference in pace between the two Sherwood competitors.
BRICK BRODY: That's the advantage of having a partner who hasn't spent the last ten minutes getting beaten senseless! Lark has fresh legs and plenty of fire. Malveil needs to slow her down before this gets away from the Black Chapel.
Minute 14
Prioress Malveil pulls herself upright near the ropes.
Lark of Sherwood charges forward.
SHINING WIZARD!
The knee strikes Malveil across the head and sends her crashing backward!
The crowd roars.
At ringside, Prince John suddenly marches toward the commentary table, loudly objecting to the officiating.
PRINCE JOHN: This is disgraceful! Absolutely disgraceful! Are you two blind? Have you not observed the blatant misconduct taking place in that ring?
BRICK BRODY: Don't start with me, Your Highness! I'm trying to watch a wrestling match!
JULIAN WARD: Prince John has abandoned his position at ringside to argue with us, apparently dissatisfied with the momentum of this contest. Meanwhile, Lark has connected with another significant strike against Malveil.
BRICK BRODY: Maybe somebody ought to explain to the prince that shouting at commentators doesn't win wrestling matches! Although knowing him, he'll probably demand we be thrown into a dungeon for disagreeing!
Lark briefly looks toward the disturbance as "Honest" Abe orders everyone to remain in their proper positions.
Minute 15
Prioress Malveil takes advantage of Lark's brief distraction and attempts to secure a wheelbarrow position.
She tries to drive Lark down with a WHEELBARROW BULLDOG!
But Lark recognizes the movement and shifts her weight before the maneuver can be completed.
COUNTER!
Lark breaks free, forcing Malveil to release the hold.
Lark immediately retreats toward Sherwood's corner.
TAG TO MAID MARION!
JULIAN WARD: Lark neutralizes the wheelbarrow bulldog and makes a timely tag. That awareness is important. She recognized the danger, avoided the impact, and returned control to her team without allowing the Black Chapel to establish another extended attack.
BRICK BRODY: Smart wrestling! See, that's what I like. Don't stand there trying to be a hero when somebody has you lined up for a move. Get out, make the tag, and make the other team start all over again!
Minute 16
Maid Marion enters quickly, catching Prioress Malveil before she can reset.
ROBIN'S ARROW!
The superkick strikes Malveil across the jaw!
But Malveil refuses to collapse immediately.
She catches Marion during the follow-up and drives her into the canvas.
PENANCE DDT!
Both women are shaken by the exchange.
Marion manages to recover first and rolls Malveil onto her back.
ONE!
TWO!
LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE BREAKS THE PIN!
Isolde dives into the ring and strikes Marion, interrupting the count.
JULIAN WARD: An extraordinary exchange! Marion lands Robin's Arrow, Malveil answers with the Penance DDT, and somehow Marion recovers sufficiently to attempt the cover. But Lady Isolde makes the save before the referee can reach three.
BRICK BRODY: That's why you've got a partner! Isolde didn't waste a second. She saw the pin, got into the ring, and saved the match. If you're going to complain about that, Julian, you might as well complain about having ropes around the ring!
Minute 17
"Honest" Abe forces Lady Isolde Blackthorne back toward her corner.
Maid Marion grabs Prioress Malveil and pulls her upright.
ROBIN'S ARROW!
Another superkick catches Malveil!
But the Black Chapel representative summons another burst of offense, catching Marion and lifting her into the air.
FAITHBREAKER SUPLEX!
Marion lands hard and rolls toward her corner.
She reaches upward.
TAG TO LARK OF SHERWOOD!
JULIAN WARD: Both women continue exchanging significant offense, but Marion has wisely chosen to tag after that Faithbreaker Suplex. The punishment to her back has been extensive, and Lark must now carry the offensive responsibility for Sherwood.
BRICK BRODY: And here comes Lark again! The problem for the Black Chapel is that every time they think they've got Marion finished, somebody from Sherwood comes back swinging!
Minute 18
Lark of Sherwood enters and immediately catches Prioress Malveil with a forceful HEADBUTT!
Malveil staggers backward, but recovers quickly enough to seize Lark around the head.
PENANCE DDT!
Lark crashes into the canvas.
At ringside, Prince John begins shouting insults toward the Sherwood corner.
PRINCE JOHN: Insolent peasants! You should be grateful to share a ring with representatives of nobility!
Lark hears him.
She rises, turns toward the ropes, and advances on the prince.
Prince John continues taunting her.
Lark suddenly strikes!
The blow sends Prince John staggering backward, crashing heavily beside the commentary area!
The audience erupts!
JULIAN WARD: Lark of Sherwood has finally had enough of Prince John's interference! She has struck the prince, and he is down at ringside! That is an extraordinary display of frustration after his repeated attempts to distract and influence this contest.
BRICK BRODY: HA! Well, that's one way to shut him up! I've wanted somebody to do that since the moment he walked over here! But Lark better get her head back in this match. You don't get points for knocking princes on their backsides!
While Prince John struggles on the floor, Prioress Malveil reaches her corner and tags Lady Isolde Blackthorne.
Minute 19
Lark of Sherwood immediately attacks the incoming Lady Isolde Blackthorne.
HEADBUTT!
Isolde staggers backward.
Maid Marion joins her partner in another coordinated offensive sequence.
KISS GOODNIGHT!
The roundhouse kick connects with Isolde's jaw!
Isolde collapses as the crowd rises to its feet.
At ringside, Prince John remains down, clutching his face and angrily demanding assistance.
JULIAN WARD: Sherwood has seized the advantage! Lark strikes with the headbutt, Marion follows with Kiss Goodnight, and Lady Isolde has no effective response to that combination.
BRICK BRODY: And look at Prince John! The great royal mastermind is sitting on the floor while his team gets taken apart! Maybe he ought to spend less time insulting the people in this building and more time keeping his own people organized!
Minute 20
Lark of Sherwood maintains the offensive pressure.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne begins to rise.
SHINING WIZARD!
Lark's knee catches Isolde across the head!
Maid Marion follows immediately, catching the staggered opponent and driving her down with a FLYING BULLDOG!
But Isolde fights through the punishment.
During the ensuing struggle, she catches Lark near the corner and forces her upward.
HIGH COURT SUPERPLEX!
Both women crash violently into the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: A remarkable exchange! Sherwood connects with the Shining Wizard and Flying Bulldog combination, but Isolde answers with the High Court. The physical toll of this contest is becoming increasingly apparent on all four competitors.
BRICK BRODY: Twenty minutes, Julian! Twenty minutes of people getting dropped on their heads, kicked in the teeth, and thrown around like sacks of grain! At this point, it's not about who has the better strategy. It's about who has anything left!
"Honest" Abe checks both competitors as they slowly begin moving.
Minute 21
Lady Isolde Blackthorne rises first.
She grabs Lark of Sherwood and drags her toward the corner.
Once again, Isolde forces her opponent upward.
HIGH COURT SUPERPLEX!
Lark crashes hard into the canvas!
Isolde rolls over and hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
MAID MARION MAKES THE SAVE!
Marion dives across the ring, breaking the cover just before the referee's hand strikes the canvas for the third time.
JULIAN WARD: An absolutely essential save from Marion! The second High Court nearly ended the match, and Lark appeared unable to escape the pinfall without assistance. That may be the most important intervention Sherwood has made all evening.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what being a partner means! You don't sit on the apron watching your teammate get pinned because you're tired. You get in there and stop it! Marion just kept this match alive!
Minute 22
Lark of Sherwood struggles to her feet as Lady Isolde Blackthorne approaches.
Lark suddenly launches forward.
SHINING WIZARD!
The knee strikes Isolde across the head!
Lark immediately drops into a cover.
ONE!
TWO!
PRIORESS MALVEIL MAKES THE SAVE!
Malveil rushes into the ring and breaks the count!
Lark rolls away, exhausted, and reaches toward her corner.
TAG TO MAID MARION!
JULIAN WARD: Another tremendous near fall! Lark connects with the Shining Wizard, but Prioress Malveil prevents the finish. Both teams have now been saved by their partners in consecutive minutes. The margin between victory and defeat is extraordinarily narrow.
BRICK BRODY: Everybody's saving everybody! That's what happens when neither side knows how to stay down! But I'll tell you this, Julian. The longer this goes, the more dangerous every single move becomes. One mistake and somebody doesn't get back up!
Minute 23
Maid Marion enters and immediately confronts Lady Isolde Blackthorne.
Both women exchange strikes near the centre of the ring.
Marion creates the opening.
KISS GOODNIGHT!
The roundhouse kick connects!
Isolde responds with a desperate THORN PRESS KNEE, but the strike fails to halt Marion's advance.
Marion hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE KICKS OUT!
Marion sits upright, momentarily stunned by the escape.
Isolde uses the separation to reach her corner and tag Prioress Malveil.
JULIAN WARD: Kiss Goodnight nearly secures the victory for Marion! Isolde manages to survive the cover and makes an extremely important tag. At this stage, even a few seconds on the apron may provide the recovery needed to continue.
BRICK BRODY: I'll give Isolde credit. She took that kick right across the jaw and still found a way out! And she didn't waste time arguing with the referee. She got to her corner. That's what experienced wrestlers do when they're running on fumes!
Minute 24
Prioress Malveil enters and catches Maid Marion before she can create another opening.
Malveil secures the upper body, lifts Marion vertically, and drives her backward.
FAITHBREAKER SUPLEX!
Marion lands hard and rolls onto her side.
Malveil rises and immediately returns to her corner.
TAG TO LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE!
JULIAN WARD: Malveil connects with another Faithbreaker Suplex and immediately makes the tag. The Black Chapel continues demonstrating impressive discipline despite the length of this contest. They are refusing to allow fatigue to compromise their basic strategy.
BRICK BRODY: That's what separates a real tag team from two people who happen to stand in the same corner! You hit somebody, you get out, and you let your partner finish the job. Prince John may be a fool, but those women know their business!
Minute 25
Lady Isolde Blackthorne advances toward Maid Marion.
Marion suddenly springs forward.
LOU THESZ PRESS!
She drives Isolde backward and unleashes a series of strikes.
Isolde manages to escape and immediately retaliates.
DOUBLE LEG DROP!
Both women remain down momentarily following the exchange.
Marion reaches toward her corner.
TAG TO LARK OF SHERWOOD!
JULIAN WARD: Another exchange that demonstrates the determination of both competitors. Marion manages to generate offense despite the accumulated damage, but Isolde answers immediately. With five minutes remaining in the scheduled time limit, Lark now has an opportunity to secure a decisive result.
BRICK BRODY: Five minutes, Julian! Somebody needs to stop thinking about surviving and start thinking about finishing! You don't get an extra half hour because everybody's tired!
Minute 26
Lark of Sherwood enters and catches Lady Isolde Blackthorne with a SINGLE LEG DROPKICK!
Isolde stumbles backward but remains standing.
She suddenly surges forward, driving Lark down before following with another DOUBLE LEG DROP!
Lark recoils from the impact.
At ringside, Prince John finally regains his composure and returns to his position beside the Black Chapel corner.
JULIAN WARD: Both competitors connect with meaningful offense, and Prince John has finally recovered from the attack he suffered earlier. His return to ringside introduces another possible complication at a moment when the match is already becoming increasingly desperate.
BRICK BRODY: Oh, wonderful! His Royal Loudness is back! I was enjoying the peace and quiet! But you're right about one thing, Julian. With four minutes left, Prince John could make himself a factor again. And that might be all his team needs.
Minute 27
Lark of Sherwood rises and catches Lady Isolde Blackthorne before she can establish another hold.
SITOUT GOURDBUSTER!
Isolde crashes into the canvas!
Lark immediately hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE KICKS OUT!
The crowd groans as Lark looks toward "Honest" Abe, briefly raising three fingers before accepting the two-count.
JULIAN WARD: Another remarkable escape from Lady Isolde! The sitout gourdbuster appeared to have sufficient impact to end the contest, but the Black Chapel representative survives yet again. Time is now becoming an opponent for both teams.
BRICK BRODY: That's the problem! Lark hit her clean, covered her properly, and still couldn't get three! At some point you've got to wonder what it's going to take to finish one of these women!
Minute 28
Lark of Sherwood advances toward the staggering Lady Isolde Blackthorne.
SINGLE LEG DROPKICK!
The strike drives Isolde toward the corner.
But as Lark follows, Isolde catches her and forces her upward.
HIGH COURT SUPERPLEX!
Lark crashes violently into the canvas!
Isolde struggles into the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
LARK OF SHERWOOD KICKS OUT!
The crowd erupts as Lark forces a shoulder upward.
JULIAN WARD: Lark survives another High Court! That is an extraordinary display of resilience, particularly after the earlier superplex and the punishment she has absorbed throughout this contest. We are approaching the final moments of the time limit, and neither team has found the decisive fall.
BRICK BRODY: Three High Courts against that woman tonight, Julian! THREE! And she's still kicking out! I've seen people decide to retire after less punishment than that! Either Lark is made of something special, or somebody forgot to tell her when to stay down!
Minute 29
Lark of Sherwood rises slowly, visibly shaken.
Lady Isolde Blackthorne advances, but Lark catches her with a sudden HEADBUTT!
Isolde staggers, then quickly moves behind her opponent.
ROYAL GUILLOTINE!
Isolde secures the Dragon Sleeper, pulling Lark backward and placing tremendous pressure across her neck!
Lark struggles, reaching toward the ropes.
At ringside, Prince John resumes his taunting.
PRINCE JOHN: Submit, you insolent creature! Accept your proper place!
Lark finally escapes the hold and turns toward the prince, attempting to retaliate once again.
But Prince John has learned from the earlier encounter.
He retreats beyond her reach, avoiding the attempted strike.
Isolde reaches her corner and tags Prioress Malveil.
JULIAN WARD: Lark survives the Royal Guillotine, but that submission placed enormous pressure on a competitor already struggling with the damage from several major impacts. And once again, Prince John attempts to distract Sherwood at a crucial moment.
BRICK BRODY: This time the prince was smart enough to get out of the way! He might finally have learned something! But forget him. We're inside the last minute now. Somebody has to land the final blow, or everybody's going home without a victory!
Minute 30
The crowd begins rising throughout Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
Prioress Malveil enters as Lark of Sherwood struggles to maintain her footing.
Lark suddenly launches herself forward.
SINGLE LEG DROPKICK!
The strike catches Malveil, sending her stumbling backward.
But Malveil immediately steadies herself.
DIVINE PALM!
The sharp palm strike catches Lark squarely and sends her staggering backward!
Both women struggle to remain upright.
The crowd roars as the final seconds disappear.
Then—
DING! DING! DING!
The bell rings!
"Honest" Abe steps between the competitors and gestures toward the timekeeper.
The thirty-minute time limit has expired!
JULIAN WARD: The bell has sounded! Thirty minutes have elapsed, and neither team has secured a decisive fall! After an exhausting contest filled with near falls, submission attempts, and tremendous punishment, this opening match ends without a winner!
BRICK BRODY: Thirty minutes! And neither team could finish the job! I'll give all four women credit for surviving, but you know what I always say, Julian. A draw means you didn't win! And after everything these women have put each other through, that's going to be a bitter pill to swallow!
Louie Linville steps forward as the competitors slowly separate.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the thirty-minute time limit has expired! Therefore, this contest has officially been declared... A TIME-LIMIT DRAW!
The crowd offers a mixture of applause and disappointment.
JULIAN WARD: A difficult result for both teams. The Black Chapel controlled long stretches of this match through repeated double-team attacks, while Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood repeatedly fought their way back into contention. Neither side was willing to surrender the contest.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what thirty minutes of hard wrestling looks like! Nobody walks away satisfied, everybody walks away hurting, and the argument about who's better remains unresolved. Sometimes that's the price you pay when two teams refuse to stay down!
JULIAN WARD: The official result is a thirty-minute time-limit draw, but the consequences of this contest may extend beyond tonight. Both teams have demonstrated remarkable endurance, and with the North Star Tag Team Championship situation continuing to develop, neither can afford to disregard what transpired here.
MAID MARION & LARK OF SHERWOOD VS. THE BLACK CHAPEL — LADY ISOLDE BLACKTHORNE & PRIORESS MALVEIL ENDS IN A TIME-LIMIT DRAW AT THE 30:00 MINUTE MARK.
POST-MATCH – THE QUEENS OF DESPAIR STRIKE
Maid Marion is helping Lark of Sherwood back to her feet.
Both women are visibly exhausted after thirty punishing minutes.
Across the ring, Lady Isolde Blackthorne and Prioress Malveil reluctantly retreat toward the ropes, where an agitated Prince John begins loudly expressing his dissatisfaction with the result.
The audience applauds the effort of all four competitors.
Then the lights dim.
A familiar, sinister musical theme begins.
The crowd immediately erupts in boos.
The entrance screen reveals the newly crowned North Star Tag Team Champions.
REGINA.
MALICE.
THE QUEENS OF DESPAIR.
Regina walks onto the entrance stage carrying her championship over one shoulder. A cold, satisfied smile rests upon her face.
Beside her, Malice carries the second championship, her expression devoid of warmth.
JULIAN WARD: Wait a moment. The Queens of Despair are coming out here! Regina and Malice captured the North Star Tag Team Championships just last week, and they appear to have taken a particular interest in the conclusion of this contest.
BRICK BRODY: Well, why wouldn't they? The Black Chapel is supposed to be waiting for a championship opportunity, and they've just watched two other teams beat each other senseless for half an hour. I'd say the champions picked a pretty good time to take a look at the competition!
But Regina and Malice are not approaching the ring to offer congratulations.
They begin moving faster.
Maid Marion notices the change immediately.
She turns toward Lark.
MAID MARION: Lark! Behind you!
Too late.
Malice slides into the ring and immediately charges toward Lark of Sherwood.
She strikes Lark from behind, sending her crashing into the ropes!
At the same moment, Regina rushes toward Maid Marion, catching the exhausted competitor with a vicious forearm across the face!
Marion stumbles backward.
Regina follows with another strike, driving her to the canvas.
JULIAN WARD: An unprovoked assault! Regina and Malice have attacked Marion and Lark immediately following a thirty-minute contest! Those two women have absolutely no opportunity to defend themselves after what they have just endured!
BRICK BRODY: Oh, this is ugly! They're fresh, they're champions, and they've picked two women who can barely stand! That's calculated, Julian. That's not an accident!
Regina pulls Marion upright by the hair.
REGINA: Did you enjoy your little conversation with the Queen, Marion?
Marion attempts to strike back.
Regina ducks the weakened blow and drives a knee into her abdomen.
REGINA: You seem to have such an appetite for interfering in royal affairs.
She drives Marion down again.
REGINA: Perhaps you should learn what happens when you attract the attention of a REAL queen!
Across the ring, Malice has seized Lark of Sherwood.
Lark attempts to fight free, striking desperately toward Malice's face.
But the North Star Tag Team Champion overwhelms her.
Malice hoists Lark upward and drives her violently into the canvas with a crushing slam.
Lark cries out and rolls onto her side.
Malice smiles.
MALICE: Oh, little bird.
She looks down at her fallen opponent.
MALICE: Even the sweetest songs must eventually fall silent.
Malice drags Lark toward the corner.
Lark attempts to pull herself away.
Malice catches her leg.
She twists it sharply, trapping the limb against the lower ropes.
Then she drives her weight down across the trapped knee!
Lark screams!
JULIAN WARD: No! Malice has deliberately trapped Lark's leg against the ropes! This is no longer simply an assault. She's attempting to inflict serious damage on an opponent who has already endured thirty minutes of punishment!
BRICK BRODY: Somebody needs to get in there! I appreciate a hard fight as much as anybody, but this isn't a fight! Lark can't defend herself with her leg caught like that!
"Honest" Abe rushes forward, demanding that Malice release her opponent.
Malice ignores him.
She pulls Lark's leg away from the ropes and drags her toward the centre of the ring.
Then Regina joins her.
Maid Marion desperately crawls toward her partner.
MAID MARION: LEAVE HER ALONE!
Regina turns and drives a vicious kick into Marion's ribs, stopping her advance.
Malice lifts Lark's injured leg.
Regina looks directly at the helpless competitor.
Then, together, the champions execute one final brutal attack, twisting Lark's leg beneath her as Malice drives her down into the canvas.
Lark cries out again.
Then she stops struggling.
The crowd erupts in furious boos.
JULIAN WARD: This is appalling! Lark of Sherwood may be seriously injured! The Queens of Despair have deliberately targeted her leg, and there is absolutely no justification for what we've just witnessed!
BRICK BRODY: They came out here to send a message, Julian. And they made sure everybody heard it! But they've gone too far. Look at Lark. She's not getting up!
Security personnel rush toward the ring.
Regina and Malice finally retreat, stepping through the ropes as officials arrive.
Malice retrieves her championship belt.
Regina looks back toward the ring with an expression of complete indifference.
REGINA: How terribly unfortunate.
She adjusts her championship.
REGINA: Some creatures simply aren't meant to survive in the company of royalty.
Malice offers a faint smile.
MALICE: Such a fragile little thing.
The champions walk away together, leaving the audience showering them with boos.
Inside the ring, Maid Marion has crawled beside Lark of Sherwood.
Lark is clutching her leg, unable to straighten it without obvious pain.
MAID MARION: Lark? Look at me. Look at me!
Lark attempts to respond.
Her breathing is uneven.
MAID MARION: Don't move. Please, don't move.
Medical personnel arrive and immediately begin examining the injured competitor.
One physician kneels beside Lark, carefully checking the position of her leg while another speaks with Marion.
Marion refuses to leave her partner's side.
JULIAN WARD: NPCW medical personnel are now attending to Lark of Sherwood. We cannot determine the nature or severity of the injury from our position, but there is obvious concern surrounding her leg. The medical team is taking every precaution.
BRICK BRODY: And they should. She went thirty minutes against the Black Chapel, took one hell of a beating, and then got jumped by two fresh champions who decided hurting somebody was more important than winning a match. That's the kind of thing that can put somebody out of action for a long time.
The medical staff signal toward the entrance.
A stretcher is brought to ringside.
The crowd becomes noticeably quieter.
Marion continues speaking softly to Lark while the medical personnel carefully stabilize her injured leg.
Several officials help transfer Lark onto the stretcher.
As she is secured, the audience begins applauding.
Then a chant rises.
"LARK! LARK! LARK!"
Marion walks alongside the stretcher as it is carefully moved toward the entrance.
JULIAN WARD: A very difficult scene here at Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. The crowd is showing its support for Lark of Sherwood, who is being transported from the ring for further medical assessment. Her condition remains uncertain.
BRICK BRODY: And I guarantee you one thing, Julian. Maid Marion isn't going to forget who did this. Neither is Robin Hood. You start hurting people from Sherwood, and sooner or later the whole forest comes looking for you!
The broadcast follows the medical team through the backstage corridor.
The atmosphere has changed completely.
Production personnel stand aside as the stretcher passes.
Maid Marion remains beside her injured partner, holding her hand as the medical team approaches the ambulance waiting outside the Coliseum.
The rear doors are opened.
Lark is carefully loaded into the vehicle.
Marion speaks briefly with the medical personnel before turning back toward her partner.
MAID MARION: I'm here, Lark. You're not going through this alone.
She climbs into the ambulance beside her.
The doors close.
A moment later, the ambulance pulls away from Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera watches the vehicle disappear into the night.
JULIAN WARD: Lark of Sherwood has now been taken away by ambulance for further medical evaluation. We will provide an update on her condition when reliable information becomes available. What should have been the conclusion of an exhausting but competitive opening match has instead become an act of deliberate violence by the newly crowned North Star Tag Team Champions.
BRICK BRODY: And those belts around Regina and Malice don't make what they did any less ugly. They've made enemies tonight, Julian. Real enemies. And I'd be very interested to see what happens when those enemies come looking for them.
The broadcast returns briefly to the arena.
The ring is empty.
The audience remains unsettled.
JULIAN WARD: The Queens of Despair captured the North Star Tag Team Championships through controversy last week. Tonight, they have demonstrated just how far they are prepared to go to reinforce their position. But championship authority obtained through fear carries consequences, and the people of Sherwood will not soon forget what happened here.
The camera holds on the empty entrance aisle for several seconds.
Then the broadcast fades to black.
The broadcast cuts backstage inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera finds Hana Nakamura standing in the interview area, microphone in hand. Behind her, a large production monitor displays images from last week's extraordinary conclusion to the Monsters Bash.
Standing beside her is John Henry.
The towering powerhouse stands with his enormous hammer resting against his shoulder. His expression is calm, his posture relaxed, but there is an unmistakable confidence about him. A man who has endured four monstrous trials and emerged victorious from every one.
HANA NAKAMURA: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm joined by a man who has accomplished something truly extraordinary here in the Mythic Division. John Henry, last week you completed the Monsters Bash, defeating Frankenstein's Monster in a tremendous twenty-two-minute contest. But that was only the final chapter of an incredible journey. Dragon King, Ogre, Kong, and finally the Alpha Monster himself. Four monsters. Four victories. How does it feel knowing you've conquered every challenge that Dr. Frankenstein placed before you?
John Henry looks toward the monitor, where footage shows him lifting Frankenstein's Monster before delivering Iron Collision.
He watches for a moment before answering.
JOHN HENRY: Hana, I've spent my whole life working against things folks said couldn't be moved. Steel that wouldn't bend. Rock that wouldn't break. Mountains that wouldn't give an inch.
He looks back toward her.
JOHN HENRY: And I've learned something along the way. There ain't much in this world that won't give if you're willing to put enough honest work behind it.
A faint smile crosses his face.
JOHN HENRY: Dr. Frankenstein thought he had me figured out. Kept sending bigger monsters. Stronger monsters. Meaner monsters. Figured sooner or later, one of them would be too much for old John Henry.
He shakes his head.
JOHN HENRY: Well, he was wrong.
HANA NAKAMURA: And he certainly didn't make things easy for you. Last week, he interfered repeatedly during your match with Frankenstein's Monster. But perhaps the most remarkable moment came afterward, when the Monster appeared to acknowledge you with a gesture of respect.
John Henry's expression becomes more thoughtful.
JOHN HENRY: That's right. And I'll tell you something about that creature. I don't care what laboratory he came out of or who put him together. That big fella fought me with everything he had.
He nods slowly.
JOHN HENRY: And when it was over, he stood up and looked me in the eye. No excuses. No whining. Just a little nod between two men who'd been through one hell of a fight.
His expression hardens slightly.
JOHN HENRY: That's more respect than his creator ever showed anybody.
HANA NAKAMURA: So now comes the question everyone has been asking. You've completed the Monsters Bash. You've proven yourself against some of the most physically imposing competitors in NPCW. What comes next for John Henry?
John Henry adjusts the enormous hammer on his shoulder.
For the first time in the interview, his expression becomes completely serious.
JOHN HENRY: What's next?
He pauses.
JOHN HENRY: The Mythic Crown.
Hana's eyes widen.
HANA NAKAMURA: The Mythic Crown Championship? You're saying you want a championship match against King Arthur?
JOHN HENRY: That's exactly what I'm saying.
He looks directly into the camera.
JOHN HENRY: I've been watching what's happening around here, Hana. Everybody arguing about who deserves to rule Camelot. Everybody drawing lines between the throne and the rebellion. Knights choosing sides. People making threats. The Shadow Court sticking its hands into everybody's business.
He lowers the hammer until its head rests firmly against the stone floor.
JOHN HENRY: But somewhere in all that noise, folks seem to have forgotten something.
He leans slightly toward the microphone.
JOHN HENRY: That championship is supposed to mean you're the best wrestler in this division.
A beat.
JOHN HENRY: Not the man with the fanciest throne. Not the man with the biggest army. Not the man who can order the most people around.
His voice grows firmer.
JOHN HENRY: The best.
HANA NAKAMURA: That's a very direct statement, especially given everything happening between King Arthur and The Rebels. Are you concerned that challenging for the Mythic Crown could put you directly in the path of the Shadow Court?
John Henry gives a low chuckle.
JOHN HENRY: Hana, I just spent the better part of a month fighting monsters. You think a bunch of men in fancy clothes are gonna scare me?
He shakes his head.
JOHN HENRY: I'm not asking King Arthur to hand me anything. I'm not demanding somebody put a crown on my head because I made a speech.
He taps the steel head of his hammer.
JOHN HENRY: I'm saying I've earned the right to be considered. And if there are more men I need to beat before I get that opportunity, then line them up.
A brief silence.
JOHN HENRY: I'll do the work.
HANA NAKAMURA: Which brings us to tonight. You're scheduled to face Sir Gawain, one of Camelot's most celebrated knights. He's certainly an experienced and accomplished competitor, although his recent actions alongside King Arthur have raised some serious questions. What are your thoughts heading into that match?
The smile disappears from John Henry's face.
JOHN HENRY: Now, that's something I've been thinking about.
He takes a slow breath.
JOHN HENRY: I used to have a whole lot of respect for Sir Gawain.
He looks toward the camera.
JOHN HENRY: A man who carried himself with honor. A knight who stood for something bigger than himself. Didn't matter if he won or lost, you knew you were dealing with somebody who believed in doing things the right way.
He pauses.
JOHN HENRY: But lately?
He shakes his head.
JOHN HENRY: I don't know what happened to that man.
HANA NAKAMURA: You believe he's changed?
JOHN HENRY: I believe he's walking down a dark road, Hana. And every day he keeps following Arthur without questioning where that road leads, he gets a little farther from the man he used to be.
His voice carries disappointment rather than anger.
JOHN HENRY: Loyalty's a fine thing. Ain't nothing wrong with standing beside somebody you believe in. But loyalty without judgment? That's how good men end up doing terrible things.
He looks directly into the camera again.
JOHN HENRY: Gawain, I don't know whether you still believe in the honor you used to carry around so proudly. I hope you do. Because somewhere underneath all that royal business, I'd like to think there's still a decent man.
His jaw tightens.
JOHN HENRY: But tonight, when that bell rings, none of that changes what I've got to do.
He lifts the hammer from the floor and settles it against his shoulder.
JOHN HENRY: You stand across from me, I'm gonna fight you. Fair and square. Just like I've fought everybody else.
A beat.
JOHN HENRY: And if you think the king's favor is gonna protect you from the Iron Collision, you're in for a mighty unpleasant surprise.
HANA NAKAMURA: One final question, John Henry. If you win tonight, what message do you want to send to King Arthur?
John Henry turns fully toward the camera.
His expression is steady.
JOHN HENRY: Arthur, I don't want your throne.
A pause.
JOHN HENRY: I don't want your kingdom.
Another pause.
JOHN HENRY: And I sure as hell don't need your permission to stand up and fight.
He grips the handle of his hammer.
JOHN HENRY: All I want is the opportunity to prove that the strongest thing in Camelot ain't a crown, a castle, or a king.
He leans slightly forward.
JOHN HENRY: It's a man who earns everything he gets with his own two hands.
He straightens.
JOHN HENRY: I beat four monsters to get here.
A faint, determined smile returns.
JOHN HENRY: I reckon I can beat a king.
Hana Nakamura looks at him for a moment, clearly impressed by the conviction in his words.
HANA NAKAMURA: A powerful declaration from the man who conquered the Monsters Bash! John Henry has made his intentions clear. He wants an opportunity at the Mythic Crown Championship, and tonight he looks to take another important step toward that goal against Sir Gawain.
John Henry gives Hana a respectful nod before turning and walking down the stone corridor.
The camera follows him briefly.
His enormous hammer rests across his shoulder as he disappears around the corner.
The final image holds on the empty corridor.
Somewhere in Camelot, a king has just been challenged.
Not for his throne.
For the championship he wears.
The broadcast fades back toward the Coliseum.
The broadcast returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The atmosphere inside the arena remains unsettled following the vicious attack by the Queens of Despair against Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood. The images of Lark being transported away by ambulance have left the audience angry, and that anger now finds another target.
The lights dim.
The sound of wind moving through the trees fills the Coliseum.
A lone arrow whistles through the darkness.
It strikes the centre of the entrance screen.
The image fractures, revealing the greenwood of Sherwood Forest beneath a moonlit sky.
Then the crowd erupts.
ROBIN HOOD emerges onto the entrance stage.
There is no smile tonight.
The familiar confidence remains, but his expression is considerably harder than usual. The leader of The Rebels pauses at the top of the entrance ramp, surveying the thousands of spectators gathered beneath the banners of Camelot.
The crowd begins chanting his name.
"ROBIN! ROBIN! ROBIN!"
Robin Hood raises a clenched fist in acknowledgment before beginning his walk toward the ring.
JULIAN WARD: A tremendous reception for Robin Hood, but one can only imagine the emotions accompanying him to the ring this evening. Earlier tonight, Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood were attacked by the newly crowned North Star Tag Team Champions. Lark was subsequently transported to hospital, and the full extent of her injuries remains unknown. Now Robin must put those concerns aside and confront one of his oldest enemies.
BRICK BRODY: That's easier said than done, Julian! You think Robin Hood enjoyed watching two women from Sherwood get jumped and one of them carried out on a stretcher? He's furious! But if he takes that anger into the ring without keeping his head, the Sheriff of Nottingham is going to make him pay for it!
Robin Hood reaches ringside and climbs the steel steps.
He enters the ring, climbs the middle turnbuckle, and raises his fist again.
The audience responds with another thunderous ovation.
JULIAN WARD: And remember the broader implications of this contest. Last week, Robin Hood formally revealed the five members of The Rebels, standing alongside Mordred, Sir Lancelot, Huntsman, and the Blood-Moon Warden. More importantly, they revealed that Excalibur is in their possession. Tonight, the leader of that rebellion faces one of the most persistent instruments of royal authority.
BRICK BRODY: And that makes this bigger than one wrestling match! Robin has embarrassed King Arthur, taken away his sword, and promised to tear down the Shadow Court. The Sheriff has spent years hunting that man. Now he gets him in a ring, with nowhere to disappear into the forest!
The lights change.
A heavy metallic bell tolls across the arena.
The entrance screen transforms into the imposing walls of Nottingham Castle. Dark banners hang from its towers, while armored guards stand motionless beside the great gates.
The gates slowly open.
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM emerges.
His expression is one of cold contempt as he looks toward the ring.
Several steps behind him walks Severin Crowne.
The impeccably dressed representative of the Shadow Court appears completely composed. His hands are folded neatly before him, and a faint, knowing smile rests upon his face.
The crowd erupts in furious boos.
JULIAN WARD: And there is Severin Crowne, accompanying the Sheriff of Nottingham to ringside. Last week, Crowne played a decisive role in the controversial championship victory of Regina and Malice. He also interfered in Raigen's contest against Tin Man. His influence over the Shadow Court's activities continues to grow.
BRICK BRODY: And that's why I wouldn't want him standing behind my opponent! Severin Crowne doesn't waste his time, Julian. If he's coming to ringside, there's a reason. He knows what Robin Hood represents, and he knows what a defeat tonight would mean for the king's authority!
The Sheriff of Nottingham advances toward the ring without acknowledging the jeering spectators.
At ringside, Severin Crowne stops and slowly adjusts his cuffs.
He looks toward Robin Hood.
Robin returns the stare.
Crowne offers the faintest smile.
Robin does not reciprocate.
The Sheriff enters the ring and moves directly toward his corner.
Louie Linville steps into the centre.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL, with a THIRTY-MINUTE TIME LIMIT!
The audience cheers.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Introducing first... representing the legendary forests of Sherwood... the outlaw who leads the rebellion against the throne of Camelot... ROBIN... HOOD!
Robin Hood raises his fist as the Coliseum erupts.
LOUIE LINVILLE: And his opponent... accompanied to the ring by SEVERIN CROWNE... representing the authority of Nottingham and the interests of the SHADOW COURT... the SHERIFF... OF NOTTINGHAM!
The boos intensify.
The Sheriff glares across the ring.
Severin Crowne takes his position at ringside.
Referee "Honest" Abe calls both competitors toward the centre for final instructions.
Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham stand face-to-face.
Neither looks away.
The referee orders them to separate.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Robin Hood immediately advances toward the Sheriff of Nottingham, refusing to allow his longtime adversary time to establish control.
The two exchange a rapid series of strikes before Robin forces the Sheriff backward with a shoulder block.
Robin rebounds from the ropes.
SENTON!
He crashes down across the Sheriff's upper body!
The crowd erupts.
But the Sheriff recovers quickly, rolling toward the ropes and springing upward.
SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK!
Both feet strike Robin across the chest, sending him crashing backward!
JULIAN WARD: An explosive opening from both men! Robin Hood connects with the senton, but the Sheriff of Nottingham immediately answers with an impressive springboard dropkick. Neither competitor is showing any inclination toward caution in these opening moments.
BRICK BRODY: That's what happens when two men hate each other this much! Forget the feeling-out process. They came here to hurt one another! And I'll give the Sheriff credit. That dropkick caught Robin clean. The outlaw better remember he's facing somebody who knows how to wrestle, not just somebody who carries a badge!
Minute 2
Robin Hood rises and quickly closes the distance.
The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to establish a defensive position, but Robin catches him with a sharp strike and forces him backward.
The Sheriff falls to the canvas.
Robin immediately rebounds from the ropes.
SENTON!
Another crushing impact across the Sheriff's upper body!
The Sheriff rolls away, clutching his ribs.
JULIAN WARD: Robin Hood connects with another senton, and this time the Sheriff has no effective response. Notice how Robin is attacking the upper body. Those repeated impacts can significantly restrict breathing and make it increasingly difficult to recover between exchanges.
BRICK BRODY: And Robin is making sure the Sheriff doesn't get comfortable! That's what I want to see. You don't beat an enemy by giving him room to think. You knock him down, and when he starts getting up, you knock him down again!
Minute 3
The Sheriff of Nottingham rises and attempts to circle behind Robin Hood.
He reaches for the head and neck, attempting to establish a sleeper hold.
But Robin recognizes the movement.
He twists free, catches the Sheriff's head across his shoulder, and drops sharply.
ARROW'D END!
The stunner connects!
The Sheriff staggers backward before collapsing onto the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: Arrow'd End! Robin Hood counters the attempted sleeper and connects with his devastating stunner! The Sheriff tried to secure control of the neck, but Robin turned that positioning against him almost instantly.
BRICK BRODY: That's the danger of reaching for a hold when the other man still has his legs underneath him! Robin was ready, and the Sheriff just got his jaw rearranged! That's a painful lesson in timing!
At ringside, Severin Crowne watches without changing his expression.
Minute 4
Both competitors struggle back toward their feet.
Robin Hood catches the Sheriff of Nottingham with a front facelock.
He drops backward.
DDT!
The Sheriff is driven face-first into the canvas!
The crowd cheers as Robin rises.
But as the referee checks the fallen Sheriff, Severin Crowne moves closer to the apron.
Robin approaches the ropes.
Without warning, Crowne drives a vicious elbow into Robin's throat!
Robin recoils, clutching his neck.
Crowne immediately steps away, straightening his jacket as though nothing has happened.
JULIAN WARD: And there is the interference we feared! Severin Crowne has struck Robin Hood directly in the throat while the referee's attention was elsewhere! An entirely illegal attack, and another example of the Shadow Court attempting to influence a contest from outside the ring.
BRICK BRODY: That was a nasty elbow! Right in the windpipe! I don't care how tough Robin Hood thinks he is, you get hit there and suddenly breathing becomes the most important thing in the world! And look at Crowne. Doesn't even have the decency to look guilty!
Robin staggers away from the ropes as the Sheriff begins recovering.
Minute 5
The Sheriff of Nottingham advances toward the struggling Robin Hood.
But Robin suddenly strikes first.
SUPERKICK!
The kick catches the Sheriff across the jaw!
The crowd erupts.
The Sheriff staggers backward, but manages to catch Robin as he attempts to follow.
GERMAN SUPLEX!
Robin is thrown backward and crashes across his shoulders!
JULIAN WARD: Both men connect with significant offense! Robin lands the superkick despite the earlier attack to his throat, but the Sheriff answers with a powerful German suplex. The momentum continues shifting with almost every exchange.
BRICK BRODY: And that suplex was beautiful! The Sheriff got underneath him, locked his hands, and threw Robin straight over his head! That's what I call making somebody regret standing in front of you!
Minute 6
Robin Hood rolls toward the ropes and pulls himself upright.
The Sheriff of Nottingham follows, but Robin catches him with a sudden strike and drives him back to the canvas.
Robin rebounds from the ropes.
SENTON!
The impact lands squarely across the Sheriff's chest!
But the Sheriff fights back to his feet and immediately seizes Robin around the head.
SNAP BRAINBUSTER!
Robin crashes into the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: The Sheriff has answered another senton with a snap brainbuster, and that is an extremely dangerous response. Robin has already absorbed significant punishment to his neck and upper body, and the accumulated effects of those impacts are beginning to become a concern.
BRICK BRODY: And don't forget the elbow from Crowne! Every time Robin gets dropped on his head or neck, he's paying for that earlier shot all over again. The Sheriff knows where the weakness is. Now he's making sure it doesn't get any better!
Minute 7
Robin Hood struggles upward, refusing to remain on the canvas.
He catches the advancing Sheriff of Nottingham with a sudden strike and forces him backward.
Robin rebounds from the ropes.
SENTON!
Another heavy impact!
The Sheriff rolls away, but immediately forces himself upright.
He charges.
LARIAT!
The clothesline catches Robin across the upper chest and sends him crashing backward!
JULIAN WARD: Another exchange of considerable force. Robin continues returning to the senton, but the Sheriff is matching those attacks with increasingly powerful counters. This latest lariat has interrupted another attempted offensive sequence.
BRICK BRODY: And that's a lariat worth remembering! Robin keeps coming forward, but every time he does, the Sheriff is finding something that makes him pay. You can be brave all night long. Eventually somebody hits you hard enough that bravery doesn't help!
Minute 8
Robin Hood rises, shaking his head as he attempts to clear the effects of the lariat.
The Sheriff of Nottingham reaches for another hold, but Robin slips free and secures his opponent in a pumphandle position.
He lifts.
PUMPHANDLE KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER!
The Sheriff is driven violently into Robin's raised knee before collapsing onto the canvas!
The Coliseum erupts!
Robin immediately hooks the leg!
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM KICKS OUT!
The crowd groans in disappointment as the Sheriff forces a shoulder upward.
JULIAN WARD: A tremendous near fall for Robin Hood! The pumphandle kneecap brainbuster connected with devastating force, but the Sheriff of Nottingham manages to survive the cover. That was the first serious pinfall opportunity of this contest, and Robin came extremely close to securing the victory.
BRICK BRODY: I'll give the Sheriff credit for that kickout! He got folded up, planted on that knee, and somehow found enough strength to get a shoulder off the mat! But he better understand something. Robin Hood isn't going away. This outlaw came here to beat him, and he's getting closer!
Minute 9
The Sheriff of Nottingham rises unsteadily and immediately retreats toward the ropes.
He attempts to create separation before launching himself forward.
SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK!
But Robin Hood sees the maneuver developing.
He shifts his position, preventing the dropkick from connecting cleanly.
The Sheriff lands awkwardly and rolls toward the canvas.
Robin remains standing.
JULIAN WARD: Excellent awareness from Robin Hood! The Sheriff attempted the same springboard dropkick that proved successful in the opening minute, but Robin recognized the attack and neutralized it. That is a critical adjustment against an opponent who has repeatedly used explosive offense to interrupt his momentum.
BRICK BRODY: You can't keep showing a veteran the same trick, Julian! Robin got caught the first time, but not the second. The Sheriff is going to need something different if he wants to take control again!
Minute 10
Robin Hood advances toward the fallen Sheriff of Nottingham.
He pulls him upright and begins positioning him for a package piledriver.
Robin secures the arms.
He attempts the lift.
But the Sheriff shifts his weight!
REVERSAL!
He breaks free from the attempted piledriver, moves behind Robin, and immediately wraps an arm beneath his chin!
SLEEPER HOLD!
The Sheriff locks both arms and drags Robin backward!
Robin struggles, attempting to pry the attacking arm away from his throat.
"Honest" Abe asks whether he wishes to submit.
Robin shakes his head.
He refuses!
The crowd begins chanting.
"ROBIN! ROBIN! ROBIN!"
Robin struggles toward the ropes, gradually forcing the Sheriff to loosen his grip before finally breaking free.
JULIAN WARD: A crucial reversal by the Sheriff of Nottingham! Robin attempted the package piledriver, but the Sheriff escaped and immediately transitioned into the sleeper. That is particularly dangerous considering the earlier attack by Severin Crowne and the repeated punishment Robin has absorbed around the neck.
BRICK BRODY: And there it is! That's what the Sheriff has been working toward! Forget the flashy moves for a minute. You get behind somebody, cut off his air, and make him fight for every breath! Robin survived that one, but the next time he gets caught, he might not be so lucky!
At ringside, Severin Crowne watches with renewed interest.
Minute 11
Robin Hood retreats toward the ropes, drawing several deep breaths following the sleeper.
The Sheriff of Nottingham advances, sensing an opportunity.
But Robin suddenly surges forward.
SUPERKICK!
The strike catches the Sheriff across the jaw!
The Sheriff staggers backward, then charges forward with a desperate response.
LARIAT!
The blow catches Robin across the chest!
Both men fall to the canvas following the exchange.
JULIAN WARD: Neither man is prepared to yield! Robin answers the submission attempt with another superkick, but the Sheriff responds with a lariat of his own. The accumulated punishment is evident now. Both competitors are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain sustained control.
BRICK BRODY: That's what a real grudge match looks like! No finesse left, no fancy footwork, just two men trying to hit each other hard enough that the other one stops moving! And after eleven minutes, neither one has figured out how to finish it!
Minute 12
Robin Hood reaches his feet and catches the Sheriff of Nottingham as he attempts to rise.
Robin hooks the head.
ARROW'D END!
Another stunner connects!
The Sheriff staggers backward, visibly shaken.
But he refuses to collapse completely.
As Robin attempts to continue the assault, the Sheriff catches him around the upper body.
RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP!
Both competitors crash backward into the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: Another Arrow'd End from Robin Hood, but once again the Sheriff manages to respond before the outlaw can capitalize. That Russian legsweep prevents Robin from converting his advantage into another pinfall opportunity.
BRICK BRODY: And that's frustrating for Robin! He's landed that stunner twice tonight, Julian! Twice! But every time he thinks he's got the Sheriff finished, the man finds another way to keep fighting. That's the kind of stubbornness that drives an opponent crazy!
Minute 13
Robin Hood struggles upright and immediately drives a forearm into the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The Sheriff retreats toward the ropes.
Robin follows, forces him back to the canvas, and rebounds from the opposite side.
SENTON!
The impact lands across the Sheriff's upper body!
But the Sheriff rises almost immediately, using the ropes for support.
He catches Robin charging toward him.
LARIAT!
Robin is sent crashing backward!
JULIAN WARD: The pattern continues. Robin Hood connects with another senton, but the Sheriff answers with yet another lariat. The Sheriff has become increasingly effective at interrupting Robin's offensive follow-ups, and that is preventing the leader of The Rebels from building the momentum necessary to finish this contest.
BRICK BRODY: And that's how you turn somebody's aggression against him! Robin keeps coming forward, and the Sheriff keeps meeting him with that clothesline! Every one of those shots takes a little more out of the outlaw. Eventually something's got to give!
Minute 14
Robin Hood returns to his feet, breathing heavily.
The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to close the distance, but Robin catches him with a sharp strike and secures control of the upper body.
He begins setting up another package piledriver.
Robin hooks the arms and attempts to position the Sheriff for the lift.
But the Sheriff widens his stance and braces against the movement.
Robin tries again.
The Sheriff fights the positioning and breaks the hold before he can be lifted.
The piledriver is neutralized!
Both men separate, momentarily exhausted.
JULIAN WARD: Robin Hood attempts the package piledriver for a second time, but the Sheriff has once again prevented it. That maneuver could end this contest if Robin were able to execute it, but the Sheriff has clearly recognized the danger and is refusing to allow the proper positioning.
BRICK BRODY: And he's right to fight it! You get dropped on your head with a package piledriver after fourteen minutes of this punishment, there's a good chance you're not getting up! The Sheriff isn't being cowardly. He's being smart. He's making Robin work for everything!
Minute 15
Robin Hood circles toward the centre of the ring.
The Sheriff of Nottingham advances, attempting to force another exchange.
Robin suddenly catches him and secures the pumphandle position.
He lifts.
PUMPHANDLE KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER!
The Sheriff is driven violently downward!
The audience erupts!
But as Robin attempts to maintain control, the Sheriff finds one more burst of strength.
He catches Robin from behind.
GERMAN SUPLEX!
Robin crashes across his shoulders!
Both men remain on the canvas.
JULIAN WARD: Another extraordinary exchange! Robin lands the pumphandle kneecap brainbuster for the second time, but the Sheriff somehow recovers sufficiently to answer with a German suplex. The physical endurance being demonstrated by both competitors is remarkable.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what makes this dangerous! The Sheriff should have been finished after that brainbuster, but he still found the strength to throw Robin backward! That's not just toughness. That's hatred keeping a man on his feet!
Severin Crowne slowly approaches the ring apron, watching the exhausted competitors with an unreadable expression.
Minute 16
Both wrestlers begin struggling upright.
Robin Hood reaches his feet first and immediately drives a strike into the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The Sheriff falls backward.
Robin rebounds from the ropes.
SENTON!
The impact drives the air from the Sheriff's lungs!
The crowd cheers as Robin attempts to rise.
But the Sheriff suddenly surges forward.
LARIAT!
The clothesline catches Robin across the upper body and sends him crashing to the canvas!
Both competitors remain down.
"Honest" Abe moves closer, checking whether either man can continue.
JULIAN WARD: Another senton from Robin Hood, another lariat in response from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Sixteen minutes of extremely physical competition, and the accumulated damage is unmistakable. Robin has absorbed repeated attacks to the neck and upper body, while the Sheriff has survived two major brainbusters and multiple stunners.
BRICK BRODY: And look at them, Julian! Neither man can string three moves together anymore! That's what happens when you've spent sixteen minutes trying to knock the other man's head off! Somebody's running on empty, and I think we're about to find out who!
The crowd begins another chant.
"ROBIN! ROBIN! ROBIN!"
Robin Hood slowly pushes himself toward his knees.
Behind him, the Sheriff of Nottingham begins to rise.
Minute 17
Robin Hood struggles to his feet.
His breathing is labored, and he briefly reaches toward his throat.
Behind him, the Sheriff of Nottingham suddenly advances.
He slips one arm beneath Robin's chin.
Then the other arm locks behind the head.
SLEEPER HOLD!
The Sheriff pulls Robin backward, securing the hold tightly!
The Coliseum erupts in alarm.
Robin immediately reaches upward, attempting to pry the Sheriff's arm away.
But the hold is locked in.
His earlier escape has cost him tremendous energy.
The accumulated punishment to his neck and throat makes the pressure even more difficult to withstand.
JULIAN WARD: The sleeper! The Sheriff of Nottingham has secured the sleeper for the second time tonight! Robin Hood escaped this hold earlier, but he has absorbed another seven minutes of considerable punishment since that attempt! He is in serious danger!
BRICK BRODY: That's it! That's the opening the Sheriff has been waiting for! He's got the hold locked in, Robin is exhausted, and there's nowhere to go! You can't fight when you can't breathe, Julian!
Robin staggers toward the ropes.
One step.
Then another.
The Sheriff tightens the hold and shifts his weight backward.
Robin drops to one knee.
The crowd grows louder.
"ROBIN! ROBIN! ROBIN!"
Robin attempts to rise.
The Sheriff drags him backward again.
Robin reaches desperately toward the ropes.
Too far.
"Honest" Abe kneels beside him.
"HONEST" ABE: Robin! Do you submit?
Robin shakes his head.
He tries one final time to pull the Sheriff's arm away.
But the hold does not loosen.
His strength begins to fail.
And finally—
ROBIN HOOD TAPS OUT!
The referee immediately signals for the bell!
DING! DING! DING!
The Coliseum erupts in disbelief and furious boos!
The Sheriff of Nottingham releases the sleeper and rises slowly, breathing heavily.
Robin Hood collapses onto his side, clutching his throat.
At ringside, Severin Crowne allows a small smile to appear.
He begins applauding.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Three measured claps.
Nothing more.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen... the winner of this contest by SUBMISSION in the SEVENTEENTH MINUTE... the SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM!
The boos intensify as "Honest" Abe raises the Sheriff's arm.
Severin Crowne enters the ring and approaches the victorious competitor.
He offers a quiet word of congratulations before turning his attention toward Robin Hood, who remains seated against the bottom rope.
The leader of The Rebels looks upward.
His expression is furious.
Crowne looks down at him with composed satisfaction.
SEVERIN CROWNE: An unfortunate result, Robin.
He straightens one cuff.
SEVERIN CROWNE: Rebellion does have a tendency to become exhausting.
Robin begins pulling himself upright.
The Sheriff takes a step toward him, but Crowne raises one hand.
A small gesture.
The Sheriff stops.
Crowne turns toward the ropes.
SEVERIN CROWNE: Come along, Sheriff. Our business here is concluded.
The two members of the Shadow Court leave the ring together.
Behind them, Robin Hood finally reaches his feet.
He stands near the ropes, watching his enemies retreat toward the entrance.
The audience begins applauding him despite the defeat.
Robin does not acknowledge the applause immediately.
His eyes remain fixed on Severin Crowne.
JULIAN WARD: A significant victory for the Sheriff of Nottingham, who has forced Robin Hood to submit after seventeen punishing minutes. The sleeper hold proved decisive, but we cannot overlook the earlier interference by Severin Crowne, whose elbow to the throat may well have contributed to the physical vulnerability the Sheriff exploited throughout the closing stages.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the danger of fighting the Shadow Court! You think you're facing one man, but somebody else is always waiting to make your life miserable! The Sheriff got the submission, and he earned that finish once the hold was locked in. But Crowne made sure Robin had a miserable road getting there!
JULIAN WARD: The victory belongs to the Sheriff of Nottingham, but the larger struggle remains unresolved. Robin Hood and The Rebels still possess Excalibur, their opposition to King Arthur remains intact, and WarGames awaits at Convergence. Tonight, however, the Shadow Court has secured an important victory against the man leading the rebellion.
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM DEFEATS ROBIN HOOD VIA SUBMISSION WITH THE SLEEPER HOLD IN THE 17TH MINUTE.
The camera returns to Robin Hood.
He remains standing in the centre of the ring.
One hand rests against his throat.
His expression carries the frustration of a man who has lost a battle he desperately wanted to win.
At the top of the entrance ramp, Severin Crowne pauses beside the Sheriff of Nottingham.
He turns toward the ring.
For several seconds, the two men stare across the length of the Coliseum.
Crowne offers a slight, almost courteous nod.
Robin Hood responds by raising his fist.
The crowd erupts.
Crowne's smile fades.
He turns and disappears backstage with the Sheriff.
The camera holds on Robin Hood for one final moment.
The rebellion has suffered a defeat.
But its leader has not surrendered his cause.
The broadcast fades to black.
The broadcast returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The crowd remains restless following the submission victory of the Sheriff of Nottingham over Robin Hood. The Shadow Court has secured another important victory, and the balance of power in Camelot continues to shift.
But the next contest introduces an entirely different challenge to the authority of the throne.
The arena lights dim.
A low, rhythmic metallic sound begins echoing throughout the building.
CLANG.
CLANG.
CLANG.
The enormous entrance screen reveals a blacksmith's forge. Molten sparks shower across an anvil as a massive hammer strikes glowing steel.
Then the screen flashes with the words:
JOHN HENRY
The Coliseum erupts!
John Henry emerges onto the entrance stage carrying his enormous hammer across one shoulder.
The towering powerhouse pauses beneath the lights, surveying the crowd with a calm, confident expression.
He raises his hammer high above his head.
The audience responds with thunderous applause.
JULIAN WARD: An extraordinary reception for John Henry, and deservedly so. Last week, this man completed the Monsters Bash, defeating Frankenstein's Monster after previously overcoming Dragon King, Ogre, and Kong. Four enormous challenges, four victories, and a remarkable demonstration of determination and physical strength.
BRICK BRODY: And he didn't just survive those monsters, Julian. He beat every last one of them! That crazy Dr. Frankenstein threw everything he had at this man, including the biggest monster in his laboratory, and John Henry knocked the whole operation flat on its backside!
John Henry begins walking toward the ring, acknowledging the crowd as he passes.
JULIAN WARD: Earlier tonight, John Henry made his intentions unmistakably clear. He wants an opportunity to challenge King Arthur for the Mythic Crown Championship. He believes his achievements have earned him consideration, and he is prepared to face anyone standing between him and that opportunity.
BRICK BRODY: And I'll tell you something, Julian. If I'm King Arthur, I'm not thrilled about hearing that! You've got enough trouble with your own son, your knights, and a bunch of rebels running around with Excalibur. The last thing you need is a man built like a locomotive asking to take your championship!
John Henry reaches ringside and carefully sets his hammer beside the steel steps.
He enters the ring and moves toward the centre, raising one enormous fist as the crowd applauds.
Then the atmosphere changes.
A ceremonial horn sounds.
The entrance screen transforms into the towering battlements of Camelot Castle. Royal banners hang beneath a darkening sky, and the familiar crest of the kingdom appears above the gates.
Sir Gawain emerges from the entrance.
The knight wears his familiar battle attire, his expression stern and disciplined.
Beside him walks Merlin, carrying his staff and looking toward the ring with an expression that suggests considerably more than casual interest.
The crowd responds with a mixture of boos and scattered applause.
JULIAN WARD: And here comes Sir Gawain, accompanied by Merlin. A man once regarded as one of Camelot's foremost examples of knightly honor, but whose continued allegiance to King Arthur has placed him increasingly at odds with those challenging the direction of the kingdom.
BRICK BRODY: I don't see the problem with being loyal to your king, Julian. That's what knights are supposed to do! But I'll tell you what I don't like. Merlin keeps wandering down here with that staff, sticking his nose into matches, and acting like the rules don't apply to him because he's been alive since the invention of dirt!
JULIAN WARD: Indeed, Merlin's involvement last week proved controversial during Sir Gawain's contest against Universal Champion Hansel. That match ended in defeat for the knight, and the wizard's interference created considerable hostility.
BRICK BRODY: And tonight they're facing a man who just beat four monsters! If Merlin thinks he can wave that staff around and make John Henry disappear, he'd better have a spell powerful enough to move a mountain!
Sir Gawain reaches ringside and pauses, looking directly at John Henry.
John Henry returns the gaze without hostility, but without offering a smile.
There is recognition between the two men.
And something resembling disappointment in the eyes of John Henry.
Merlin speaks quietly to Sir Gawain before the knight climbs the steps and enters the ring.
The two competitors stand several feet apart.
Louie Linville steps into the centre.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL, with a THIRTY-MINUTE TIME LIMIT!
The crowd cheers.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Introducing first... a man whose strength has overcome the greatest monsters of the Mythic Division... the conqueror of the MONSTERS BASH... the mighty man of steel... JOHN HENRY!
John Henry raises one fist as the Coliseum erupts.
LOUIE LINVILLE: And his opponent... accompanied to the ring by the legendary wizard MERLIN... representing the royal knights of CAMELOT... SIR GAWAIN!
Sir Gawain raises one arm, acknowledging the introduction with restrained dignity.
At ringside, Merlin watches carefully.
Referee "Honest" Abe steps between the competitors and delivers his instructions.
John Henry extends a hand toward Sir Gawain.
The knight looks at the offered hand.
For a moment, it appears he might accept.
Then Gawain turns away and retreats toward his corner.
The crowd boos.
John Henry slowly lowers his hand.
He nods once.
The disappointment is unmistakable.
JULIAN WARD: A gesture of respect declined by Sir Gawain. That is particularly telling given John Henry's comments earlier tonight concerning the knight's changing character.
BRICK BRODY: Maybe Gawain doesn't want to shake hands with somebody who just announced he's coming after his king's championship! You can call it disrespect. I call it knowing where your loyalties lie!
"Honest" Abe calls for the bell.
DING! DING! DING!
Minute 1
Sir Gawain immediately attempts to establish a technical advantage, closing the distance and catching John Henry around the waist.
Gawain attempts to bring the powerhouse down, reaching for the legs and positioning himself for a CLOVERLEAF!
But John Henry refuses to allow the hold to develop.
He plants his feet, shifts his weight, and powers out of the attempted submission!
REVERSAL!
John Henry catches Gawain around the upper body.
He lifts the knight effortlessly.
BODYSLAM!
Gawain crashes into the canvas!
The audience erupts.
JULIAN WARD: An immediate demonstration of the strength difference! Sir Gawain attempted to establish control through the Cloverleaf, but John Henry reversed the maneuver and answered with a powerful bodyslam. The knight will need to find a more effective method of neutralizing that extraordinary physical advantage.
BRICK BRODY: That's what happens when you try wrestling a man who can lift railroad equipment for a living! Gawain wanted a submission hold. John Henry wanted to throw him through the canvas! Guess whose idea worked better!
Minute 2
Sir Gawain rises cautiously, circling around John Henry.
The two lock up near the centre of the ring.
John Henry powers his opponent backward, then suddenly changes his grip.
GORILLA PRESS!
He lifts Gawain high above his head, holding the knight suspended for several seconds!
The crowd roars as John Henry drives him down!
But Gawain recovers quickly, using his agility to reposition himself as John Henry advances.
Gawain catches the powerhouse across his shoulders.
ROLLING FIREMAN'S CARRY!
John Henry is taken off his feet!
JULIAN WARD: An impressive exchange of strength and technique. John Henry connects with the Gorilla Press, but Sir Gawain demonstrates considerable wrestling skill by answering with a rolling fireman's carry. The knight is clearly capable of matching the powerhouse in brief exchanges, even if he cannot sustain the same raw strength.
BRICK BRODY: That's the kind of wrestling I want to see! John Henry lifts him like he's made of paper, and Gawain comes right back and throws the big man down! Don't underestimate the knight just because he doesn't have arms the size of tree trunks!
Minute 3
John Henry rises and immediately advances.
Sir Gawain attempts to intercept him, but John Henry swings one enormous arm forward.
HAMMER DROP!
The forearm smash catches Gawain across the upper body and drives him backward!
The knight stumbles, but refuses to retreat.
He catches John Henry during the next exchange and twists beneath his centre of gravity.
ROLLING FIREMAN'S CARRY!
The powerhouse crashes to the canvas once again!
JULIAN WARD: John Henry connects with the Hammer Drop, but Gawain answers with another rolling fireman's carry. The knight appears determined to use leverage and positioning rather than attempt to overpower John Henry directly.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the smart approach! You don't try lifting a mountain by grabbing the biggest rock. You find the right angle and make gravity do the work! Gawain knows what he's doing, Julian, and that makes him dangerous!
Minute 4
John Henry pushes himself upright and immediately catches Sir Gawain with another crushing forearm.
HAMMER DROP!
The knight staggers backward toward the ropes.
At ringside, Merlin raises his staff.
A faint golden light begins gathering around its tip.
The wizard murmurs an ancient incantation.
SPELL OF REJUVENATION!
The golden light briefly surrounds Sir Gawain, who straightens and appears to recover some of his strength.
John Henry notices immediately.
He turns toward the ropes.
JOHN HENRY: Merlin! Let the man fight his own fight!
Merlin lowers his staff without answering.
JULIAN WARD: And Merlin has introduced magic into this contest! The Spell of Rejuvenation appears intended to assist Sir Gawain's recovery following those repeated heavy strikes. John Henry has every reason to object to outside intervention of that nature.
BRICK BRODY: I told you that wizard would get involved! Four minutes! He couldn't even make it five minutes without waving that blasted stick around! But I'll tell you this, Julian. John Henry better stop arguing and keep fighting. You can't win a match by complaining about magic!
Minute 5
John Henry turns his attention back toward Sir Gawain.
The knight attempts to capitalize on the distraction, but John Henry catches him before he can establish control.
The powerhouse hooks Gawain's upper body.
He lifts.
STEEL DRIVER!
The pumphandle sit-out powerbomb drives Gawain violently into the canvas!
The Coliseum erupts!
Gawain rolls away, but manages to regain his footing as John Henry advances.
The knight catches the powerhouse around the body, lifts with a desperate burst of strength, and drives him down.
FRONT POWERSLAM!
Both men remain down momentarily.
JULIAN WARD: Steel Driver from John Henry! A tremendously powerful maneuver that has ended many contests, but Sir Gawain somehow answers with a front powerslam. That is remarkable resilience from a man who has already absorbed considerable punishment.
BRICK BRODY: That's one hell of a response! John Henry planted him with the Steel Driver, and Gawain still found a way to lift that enormous man and slam him! I don't care what anybody thinks about his loyalty to the king. That knight can fight!
Minute 6
John Henry pushes himself upright, shaking off the effects of the powerslam.
Sir Gawain approaches and attempts to secure another hold.
But John Henry catches him with a sudden KNEE LIFT!
The strike drives into Gawain's midsection, forcing him to double over.
John Henry attempts to follow, but Gawain recovers quickly enough to catch him.
WHITE NOISE!
The knight drives the powerhouse down with a crushing over-the-shoulder maneuver!
The crowd reacts with surprise.
JULIAN WARD: White Noise connects! Sir Gawain has once again demonstrated his capacity to lift and control an opponent of extraordinary size. John Henry landed the knee lift, but the knight's response was arguably the more significant maneuver of that exchange.
BRICK BRODY: And that's impressive! You don't get many opportunities to throw John Henry around like that! Gawain is finding ways to use the big man's forward momentum against him, and every successful lift is taking something out of both competitors!
Minute 7
John Henry rises near the ropes.
Sir Gawain charges forward, but John Henry meets him with another enormous forearm.
HAMMER DROP!
The impact sends Gawain stumbling backward.
But the knight refuses to fall.
He catches John Henry during the next exchange and secures his arms.
CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB!
John Henry crashes heavily into the canvas!
The crowd gasps at the impact.
JULIAN WARD: A devastating Crucifix Powerbomb from Sir Gawain! That is an extraordinary display of technique and strength against an opponent of John Henry's proportions. The knight is beginning to create more sustained offensive opportunities.
BRICK BRODY: And now the big man is feeling it! That powerbomb shook the ring! You can be the strongest man in the world, Julian, but if somebody keeps dropping you from six feet in the air, eventually your body starts sending complaints!
At ringside, Merlin watches with obvious approval.
Minute 8
John Henry slowly rises and confronts Sir Gawain near the centre of the ring.
Both men exchange heavy strikes.
John Henry catches the knight around the waist, lifts him, and drives him downward.
ATOMIC DROP!
Gawain recoils from the impact, staggering toward the ropes.
But he regains his balance and catches John Henry as the powerhouse advances.
FALLAWAY SLAM!
The knight throws John Henry backward across the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: Both competitors continue trading heavy-impact maneuvers. John Henry connects with the atomic drop, but Sir Gawain answers with a fallaway slam. It is increasingly apparent that the knight is prepared to meet the physical challenge rather than simply attempt to avoid it.
BRICK BRODY: And that's why I respect this fight! Forget the politics for a minute. These are two powerful men testing how much punishment the other can take. Gawain knows John Henry can throw him around. He's proving he can throw the big man right back!
Minute 9
Sir Gawain attempts to approach the fallen John Henry and secure another Cloverleaf.
But John Henry rises before the knight can establish the hold.
He catches Gawain around the upper body and locks both enormous arms together.
BEARHUG!
The crowd erupts as John Henry squeezes with tremendous force!
Gawain struggles desperately, attempting to free his arms.
John Henry tightens the pressure.
"Honest" Abe moves closer.
"HONEST" ABE: Gawain! Do you submit?
Gawain shakes his head.
He refuses!
The knight attempts to strike the side of John Henry's head, forcing the powerhouse to adjust his grip.
After a prolonged struggle, Gawain manages to create enough separation to escape the hold.
JULIAN WARD: The Bearhug is locked in, and Sir Gawain has survived his first major submission danger of this contest! John Henry used his enormous strength to compress the torso, attempting to force a submission through sheer pressure. The knight resisted, but that hold will have taken a considerable toll.
BRICK BRODY: You know what it feels like getting squeezed by a man that size, Julian? It's like having a steel press closing around your ribs! Gawain was smart to fight out of it. Another thirty seconds in that hold and he might've needed somebody to carry him back to the castle!
Minute 10
John Henry moves toward Sir Gawain, attempting to re-establish his offensive advantage.
But the knight catches him before he can secure another hold.
Gawain positions himself beneath the powerhouse's centre of gravity and lifts.
FALLAWAY SLAM!
John Henry crashes backward across the canvas!
The powerhouse rolls onto his side, absorbing the punishment.
JULIAN WARD: Another fallaway slam from Sir Gawain, and John Henry has been unable to prevent the attack. The knight has demonstrated considerable success with these lifting maneuvers, repeatedly forcing the larger man onto the defensive.
BRICK BRODY: That's how you wear down a giant! Make him carry his own weight every time he gets up, then throw him back down! Gawain is making John Henry work for every inch, and we're seeing the results!
Minute 11
John Henry rises and immediately confronts Sir Gawain.
He catches the knight around the body, lifts him, and drives him to the canvas.
BODYSLAM!
Gawain recoils from the impact but manages to recover before John Henry can follow.
The knight catches the powerhouse around the upper body, turns, and drives him down across an extended knee.
BACKBREAKER!
John Henry rolls away, clutching his lower back.
JULIAN WARD: A bodyslam from John Henry, answered immediately by a backbreaker from Sir Gawain. The knight has begun concentrating more of his offense on the back and torso. That strategy could become particularly effective against a competitor whose greatest advantage is his ability to lift opponents.
BRICK BRODY: Exactly! You hurt a man's back, and suddenly picking somebody up becomes a whole lot harder! Gawain doesn't need to match John Henry's strength forever. He just needs to make that strength harder to use!
Minute 12
John Henry pushes himself upright, grimacing slightly as he straightens his back.
Sir Gawain attempts to close the distance.
John Henry catches him with another crushing forearm.
HAMMER DROP!
The strike rocks the knight backward.
But Gawain regains his footing and immediately slips beneath John Henry's next movement.
ROLLING FIREMAN'S CARRY!
John Henry crashes to the canvas once again!
JULIAN WARD: Another Hammer Drop from John Henry, but Gawain answers with his third rolling fireman's carry of the match. The knight has consistently found success using that maneuver to interrupt the powerhouse's offensive rhythm.
BRICK BRODY: And I'm starting to think John Henry is getting frustrated! Every time he stands up and swings that enormous arm, Gawain finds a way to get underneath him and put him back on the floor. That's good wrestling, Julian. Plain and simple!
Minute 13
John Henry reaches his feet and catches Sir Gawain with a powerful BODYSLAM!
The knight crashes into the canvas.
John Henry advances, attempting to capitalize.
But at ringside, Merlin raises his staff once again.
A strange blue-white shimmer begins moving across the crystal at its tip.
The wizard whispers an incantation.
MESMERIZE FOE!
For a brief moment, John Henry stops advancing.
His eyes narrow as he looks toward the strange light.
The distraction is brief.
But it is enough.
Sir Gawain rises behind him, recovering his position while the powerhouse struggles to refocus.
The crowd erupts in boos.
JULIAN WARD: Merlin has intervened again! That appears to have been a mesmerizing spell directed toward John Henry, briefly disrupting his concentration immediately after the bodyslam. This is now the second occasion on which the wizard has attempted to influence the contest through supernatural means.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what drives me crazy about this old wizard! John Henry is doing the work, fighting the match, and suddenly he's got a glowing crystal in his face! If Merlin wants to fight somebody, let him climb through the ropes and try it himself!
John Henry shakes his head, then turns toward Merlin.
JOHN HENRY: I warned you once, old man!
Merlin lowers the staff, his expression calm.
Sir Gawain advances from behind.
Minute 14
John Henry turns just in time to catch Sir Gawain with a powerful KNEE LIFT!
The strike drives into the knight's midsection.
Gawain doubles over, but manages to regain his balance as John Henry approaches.
The knight slips beneath the next attempted strike and secures his opponent across his shoulders.
ROLLING FIREMAN'S CARRY!
John Henry is taken off his feet once again!
JULIAN WARD: John Henry answers the interference with a knee lift, but Gawain continues finding success with that rolling fireman's carry. Fourteen minutes have elapsed, and despite the enormous strength advantage held by John Henry, the knight has managed to remain competitive through technique, timing, and outside assistance.
BRICK BRODY: And that's why this match is still going! Gawain knows how to wrestle. You can complain about Merlin all you want, but the wizard isn't the one throwing John Henry around! The knight is doing that himself!
Minute 15
John Henry rises slowly, visibly frustrated by the repeated interruptions to his offense.
Sir Gawain advances and attempts another grapple.
But John Henry catches him around the waist.
BODYSLAM!
The knight crashes heavily into the canvas!
John Henry attempts to follow, but Gawain scrambles upright and catches him during the approach.
WHITE NOISE!
The maneuver drives the powerhouse into the canvas!
Both men remain down momentarily.
JULIAN WARD: Another forceful exchange! John Henry connects with the bodyslam, but Sir Gawain answers with White Noise. That is the second occasion on which the knight has successfully executed that maneuver, and both competitors are beginning to show the effects of this prolonged physical contest.
BRICK BRODY: I'll say they're feeling it! Fifteen minutes of throwing each other around like freight cars! And look at Gawain. The man took a bodyslam from John Henry and still managed to drive the big fellow down! That takes strength, guts, and maybe a few loose screws!
Minute 16
John Henry pushes himself upright.
Sir Gawain approaches cautiously, attempting to establish another defensive hold.
But John Henry catches the knight before he can secure control.
He lifts Gawain high into the air.
BODYSLAM!
The impact shakes the ring!
Gawain rolls onto his side, visibly shaken.
John Henry stands above him, breathing heavily but refusing to show any sign of surrender.
JULIAN WARD: John Henry has regained control with another tremendous bodyslam. This time Sir Gawain was unable to establish an effective defense. That may indicate the accumulated punishment is finally beginning to limit the knight's ability to respond.
BRICK BRODY: And that's a bad sign for Gawain! When a man that size gets his hands on you and starts throwing you around without resistance, you better find a way out! John Henry has finished bigger opponents than this, and he's starting to look like he knows it!
Minute 17
John Henry pulls Sir Gawain upright.
The powerhouse catches the knight across his shoulders before turning and driving him downward.
BACKBREAKER!
Gawain recoils from the impact, clutching his lower back.
John Henry attempts to capitalize immediately.
But the knight summons another desperate burst of strength.
He catches John Henry around the upper body.
FRONT POWERSLAM!
The enormous powerhouse crashes into the canvas!
Both competitors remain down.
JULIAN WARD: A backbreaker from John Henry, answered by another front powerslam from Sir Gawain. Seventeen minutes of punishing competition, and the result remains uncertain. The resilience of both men has been remarkable, particularly considering the magnitude of the maneuvers they have repeatedly exchanged.
BRICK BRODY: And now we're getting into dangerous territory, Julian! These two aren't just tired. They're hurting! Every slam takes longer to recover from, every lift gets harder, and one mistake could end the whole thing. John Henry wants the Mythic Crown, but he's got to survive this knight before he can even think about the king!
At ringside, Merlin moves closer to the apron, encouraging Sir Gawain to rise.
John Henry slowly pushes himself to one knee.
The crowd begins chanting his name.
"JOHN HENRY! JOHN HENRY!"
Minute 18
John Henry rises first.
He reaches down and pulls Sir Gawain toward the centre of the ring.
The knight attempts to resist, but John Henry catches him around the upper body.
He begins positioning Gawain for another BACKBREAKER!
The audience rises.
But suddenly—
A commotion erupts near the entrance stage.
The massive Coliseum screen flickers.
Then a figure appears beneath the entrance lights.
JETT STERLING.
FROM HCW.
The crowd reacts with a mixture of surprise and boos.
Jett Sterling steps onto the stage wearing an unmistakably confident expression.
He looks directly toward the ring.
Then he slowly applauds John Henry.
Mockingly.
JULIAN WARD: Wait a moment! That's Jett Sterling! Jett Sterling from HCW! What is he doing here?! He's scheduled to face John Henry at Convergence Night One!
BRICK BRODY: Well, look who's decided to pay us a visit! Jett Sterling! And what timing! John Henry has his opponent right where he wants him, and suddenly his Convergence opponent appears on the stage!
John Henry notices the movement.
He turns his head toward the entrance.
Jett Sterling raises both arms, inviting the powerhouse to acknowledge him.
JETT STERLING: HEY, BIG MAN! REMEMBER ME?
The words carry through the Coliseum.
John Henry releases his attempted backbreaker.
He turns toward the ropes, staring directly at Jett Sterling.
JOHN HENRY: You got something to say, come down here and say it!
Jett Sterling laughs and gestures toward the ring.
But behind John Henry, Sir Gawain has recovered.
The knight sees the opening.
He steps backward.
Then charges.
VERDANT OATH!
THE BROGUE KICK CONNECTS!
John Henry is struck flush across the face!
The enormous powerhouse crashes backward onto the canvas!
The crowd erupts in disbelief!
JULIAN WARD: VERDANT OATH! SIR GAWAIN HAS CAUGHT JOHN HENRY WITH THE BROGUE KICK! THE DISTRACTION FROM JETT STERLING HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED THIS MATCH!
BRICK BRODY: AND THERE'S THE OPENING! JOHN HENRY TOOK HIS EYES OFF THE KNIGHT! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! NOT AGAINST SOMEBODY WHO CAN PUT YOUR LIGHTS OUT WITH ONE KICK!
Sir Gawain immediately drops across John Henry's chest.
He hooks the leg.
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
The Coliseum erupts in furious boos!
Sir Gawain rolls away from the fallen powerhouse, breathing heavily as "Honest" Abe signals the conclusion of the contest.
At ringside, Merlin raises his staff in satisfaction.
On the entrance stage, Jett Sterling watches with an enormous smile.
He begins applauding again.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
The message is unmistakable.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen... the winner of this contest by PINFALL in the EIGHTEENTH MINUTE... SIR GAWAIN!
The boos intensify.
"Honest" Abe raises Sir Gawain's arm.
Merlin climbs into the ring and joins the victorious knight.
The wizard places one hand upon Gawain's shoulder, offering quiet congratulations.
John Henry slowly begins moving.
He rolls onto one side, pressing a hand against his jaw.
Then he looks toward the entrance stage.
Jett Sterling remains standing beneath the lights.
Smiling.
He points toward John Henry.
Then gestures toward himself.
The crowd erupts in furious boos.
John Henry rises to one knee.
His expression has changed completely.
The calm confidence of the man who entered the ring has been replaced by cold anger.
Jett Sterling continues smiling.
He mouths two words toward the ring.
"SEE YOU."
Then he turns and disappears backstage.
John Henry watches him leave.
His fists slowly tighten.
Across the ring, Sir Gawain and Merlin begin making their exit.
Gawain glances briefly toward the fallen powerhouse.
There is no acknowledgment of the distraction.
No apology.
Only the satisfaction of victory.
John Henry notices the glance.
The two men lock eyes for several seconds.
Gawain turns away.
JULIAN WARD: A deeply frustrating conclusion for John Henry. After eighteen minutes of extremely physical competition, Sir Gawain secures the victory with the Verdant Oath. But the decisive opening was created by Jett Sterling, who deliberately appeared during John Henry's attempted backbreaker. The distraction allowed Gawain to land the finishing blow and secure the pinfall.
BRICK BRODY: Look, I'm not taking the victory away from Gawain. He hit the kick, he made the cover, and he got three! But Jett Sterling knew exactly what he was doing. He came out here to get inside John Henry's head before Convergence, and he just cost the big man a match! That's a hell of a way to introduce yourself!
JULIAN WARD: And the implications extend well beyond tonight. John Henry entered this contest having completed the Monsters Bash and openly declared his desire to challenge King Arthur for the Mythic Crown Championship. This defeat represents a significant setback to those ambitions. Meanwhile, Sir Gawain secures an important victory for the royal establishment, and Jett Sterling has ensured that his coming confrontation with John Henry at Convergence is now considerably more personal.
SIR GAWAIN DEFEATS JOHN HENRY VIA PINFALL FOLLOWING THE VERDANT OATH BROGUE KICK IN THE 18TH MINUTE AFTER A DISTRACTION BY JETT STERLING.
The camera returns to the centre of the ring.
John Henry has regained his feet.
He stands alone beneath the lights of Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The audience begins applauding.
The powerhouse looks toward the entrance where Jett Sterling disappeared.
Then he slowly turns toward the opposite side of the building, where the banners of Camelot hang above the crowd.
He understands exactly what happened.
A knight loyal to the throne has defeated him.
An opponent from another promotion has cost him the opportunity to win.
And the championship he declared he wanted earlier tonight now feels one step farther away.
But John Henry does not lower his head.
He climbs through the ropes and retrieves his enormous hammer from beside the steel steps.
For several seconds, he stands motionless.
Then he lifts the hammer onto his shoulder.
The crowd begins chanting.
"JOHN HENRY! JOHN HENRY!"
He looks toward the entrance one final time.
His expression remains hard.
Determined.
Not defeated in spirit.
The road to the Mythic Crown has become more difficult.
And at Convergence, Jett Sterling will have to answer for what he has done.
The broadcast fades to black.
The broadcast cuts backstage inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera slowly moves through the towering double doors of the elaborate throne room set constructed for King Arthur.
Massive stone pillars rise toward a vaulted ceiling. Crimson and gold banners bearing the royal crest of Camelot hang between flickering torches. At the far end of the chamber, upon a raised platform, stands the magnificent throne of the kingdom.
And upon that throne sits King Arthur.
The Mythic Crown Championship rests across his lap. His royal garments are immaculate, his posture commanding, but his expression carries a peculiar weariness. He stares toward the far end of the chamber as though his attention is fixed upon something that no one else can see.
Standing to the king's right is Severin Crowne.
The elegantly dressed representative of the Shadow Court stands with his hands folded neatly before him. His expression is calm, composed, and watchful.
To the king's left stands Merlin.
The ancient wizard leans lightly upon his staff, his eyes moving occasionally between the king and Severin. There is little warmth between the two advisers.
On the floor to the right of the throne stand the newly crowned North Star Tag Team Champions, Regina and Malice.
Regina holds her championship with obvious pride, one hand resting possessively upon the gold. Beside her, Malice stands unnaturally still, the second championship resting against her shoulder.
The remaining members of the Shadow Court and the Champions of Camelot are conspicuously absent.
For several moments, no one speaks.
Then a young royal Page enters through the double doors.
He approaches the throne, stops at a respectful distance, and bows deeply.
PAGE: Your Majesty. Forgive the interruption, but a traveler has arrived requesting an audience with the King of Camelot.
Arthur does not immediately respond.
Severin Crowne looks toward the Page.
SEVERIN CROWNE: An audience? How intriguing. Has this traveler provided a name, a letter of introduction, or perhaps some indication of the matter he wishes to discuss?
PAGE: No, Lord Crowne. Only that he has journeyed from the south and carries a message intended for His Majesty alone.
Regina raises an eyebrow.
REGINA: How terribly provincial. Imagine arriving at a royal court without so much as a proper introduction.
Malice tilts her head.
MALICE: Travelers so often imagine that arriving somewhere means they are welcome.
Merlin turns toward the king.
MERLIN: Your Majesty, perhaps it would be prudent to determine the nature of his business before granting him entry.
Arthur finally raises his head.
KING ARTHUR: Another traveler.
His voice is low.
He looks toward the doors.
KING ARTHUR: Another stranger seeking the attention of my throne.
His eyes narrow.
KING ARTHUR: Very well. Let him enter.
The Page bows again.
PAGE: As you command, Your Majesty.
He turns toward the doors.
Two attendants pull them open.
A large figure stands beyond the threshold.
The man is enormous, broad through the shoulders and chest, his imposing frame concealed beneath a heavy traveling cloak. A deep hood obscures his face.
He enters without hesitation.
Each footstep echoes against the stone floor.
Unlike most visitors to the royal court, he does not lower his head or offer any immediate sign of submission.
Severin Crowne watches with growing interest.
Merlin subtly tightens his grip around his staff.
The mysterious traveler advances toward the throne.
Ten paces.
Eight.
Six.
KING ARTHUR: STOP!
The command echoes through the chamber.
The traveler immediately halts.
Arthur rises halfway from his throne, his expression suddenly fierce.
KING ARTHUR: You will come no closer!
He points toward the hooded stranger.
KING ARTHUR: I have seen enough disguised visitors within these walls. I have permitted men to approach my throne under false pretenses before, and I will not repeat that mistake.
His voice grows harder.
KING ARTHUR: Remove your hood. Reveal your identity. NOW.
A tense silence follows.
The memory of Robin Hood's previous confrontation with the king clearly remains fresh. Arthur has no intention of allowing another concealed visitor to reach his throne before revealing himself.
The enormous traveler remains motionless.
Then he slowly raises both hands toward his hood.
He pulls it backward.
The camera moves closer.
The stranger's face is revealed.
It is R.A.M. SHORTAGE.
The HCW superstar stands before the throne of Camelot, an enormous physical presence whose expression carries neither reverence nor intimidation.
The crowd watching on the arena screens erupts in surprise.
Regina studies the visitor with open disdain.
Malice allows a faint smile to cross her lips.
Severin Crowne raises one eyebrow.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: There. Now you know who I am.
He looks directly toward the throne.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: R.A.M. Shortage. HCW.
A pause.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: And the man who's going to be standing across the ring from you at Convergence.
Arthur slowly returns to his seated position.
His eyes remain fixed upon the visitor.
KING ARTHUR: You have traveled into my kingdom, concealed your identity, and demanded an audience with its sovereign merely to announce something of which I am already aware?
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: No.
He takes a slow breath.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: I came because I wanted to see you with my own eyes before November twenty-second.
He gestures toward the throne.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: I've heard a whole lot about King Arthur. The legendary ruler. The mighty warrior. The man who carries the Mythic Crown and expects everybody around him to bend the knee.
His expression hardens.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: But all I see is a man sitting in a fancy chair, surrounded by people who tell him exactly what he wants to hear.
Regina gives an offended gasp.
REGINA: Really! The insolence of this man!
R.A.M. glances toward her championship.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Wasn't talking to you.
Regina's expression turns murderous.
Malice places one hand lightly against her partner's arm.
MALICE: Patience, Regina. He appears determined to make his own circumstances considerably worse.
R.A.M. Shortage returns his attention to the throne.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Here's the thing, Arthur. When we get to Convergence, none of this matters.
He gestures around the chamber.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Not the banners. Not the castle walls. Not the people standing beside you. And certainly not that throne.
His voice grows more forceful.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Because when that bell rings, you're going to find out what it feels like to stand across from a TRUE POWERHOUSE.
He strikes one fist into his open palm.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: I've heard people talk about your strength. Your victories. Your greatness. Fine. Bring every bit of it.
He steps forward instinctively before remembering the king's command, then stops himself.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Because I'm not coming to Convergence to admire a legend.
A pause.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: I'm coming to run straight through one.
The silence inside the throne room is profound.
Arthur studies the enormous man standing before him.
But something changes.
His expression, previously stern and contemptuous, begins to soften into something less certain.
Confusion.
His eyes narrow slightly.
He leans forward.
For several seconds, he says nothing.
He appears to be examining R.A.M. Shortage with unusual intensity, as though something about the visitor has disturbed a memory he cannot quite retrieve.
Arthur blinks.
He looks briefly toward the far wall.
Then back toward R.A.M.
KING ARTHUR: You...
His voice trails off.
Merlin notices immediately.
The wizard turns his head toward the king, studying him carefully.
Severin Crowne also notices.
His eyes move from Arthur to R.A.M., then back again.
Arthur continues staring.
A long silence stretches across the chamber.
KING ARTHUR: I...
He frowns.
His fingers move against the armrest of the throne.
He appears to be searching for something.
A name.
A face.
A recollection that remains frustratingly beyond his grasp.
R.A.M. Shortage looks toward the king, somewhat puzzled by the sudden silence.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Something wrong, Arthur?
No response.
Merlin takes a small step closer to the throne.
MERLIN: Your Majesty?
Arthur does not appear to hear him.
Severin Crowne leans toward the king.
His voice is quiet, polite, and unusually precise.
SEVERIN CROWNE: Your Majesty... are you going to respond?
The words seem to break whatever hold the moment has placed upon Arthur.
He blinks sharply.
His shoulders straighten.
The uncertainty disappears from his face, replaced almost instantly by royal indignation.
KING ARTHUR: Respond?
He looks toward Severin.
Then toward the visitor.
KING ARTHUR: Respond to what?
His voice becomes colder.
KING ARTHUR: To the empty boasting of some wandering brute who mistakes his size for significance?
Arthur rises fully from the throne.
He takes the Mythic Crown Championship in one hand.
KING ARTHUR: You presume a great deal, R.A.M. Shortage.
He descends one step from the raised platform.
KING ARTHUR: You stand before the King of Camelot. The bearer of the Mythic Crown. The sovereign whose name has endured through centuries of legend.
He gestures toward the visitor.
KING ARTHUR: And you believe the dimensions of your body entitle you to address me as an equal?
R.A.M. folds his enormous arms.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Don't need to be your equal, Arthur.
He smiles faintly.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: Just need to be stronger than you.
Arthur's expression darkens.
KING ARTHUR: You are beneath the attention of this court.
His voice rises.
KING ARTHUR: Beneath the consideration of my advisers. Beneath the dignity of this kingdom.
He raises one hand toward the doors.
KING ARTHUR: GUARDS!
The double doors swing open.
Several members of Coliseum security enter the chamber.
KING ARTHUR: Remove this man from my presence. He has exhausted whatever courtesy his arrival might have entitled him to receive.
Security approaches R.A.M. Shortage.
The enormous HCW superstar looks toward the approaching guards.
He does not move.
For a moment, the security personnel hesitate.
The physical difference between them and the visitor is impossible to ignore.
Severin Crowne watches the scene with evident interest.
SEVERIN CROWNE: I suggest you cooperate, Mr. Shortage. His Majesty has been exceedingly generous with his time. It would be unfortunate if your visit concluded in unnecessary unpleasantness.
R.A.M. turns toward him.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: You must be the one who does all his talking for him.
For the briefest moment, Severin's smile tightens.
SEVERIN CROWNE: I assure you, His Majesty requires no assistance in expressing his authority.
R.A.M. looks back toward the king.
He slowly pulls his hood over his head again.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: All right, Arthur. I'll leave.
He gestures toward the guards.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: These fellas don't need to get hurt over your bad manners.
He begins walking toward the doors.
Security follows cautiously on either side.
But just before reaching the threshold, R.A.M. stops.
He turns back toward the throne.
Arthur remains standing, the Mythic Crown Championship held firmly against his side.
Severin watches.
Merlin remains silent.
Regina and Malice stand motionless at the edge of the chamber.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: One last thing, Your Majesty.
He lowers his hood just enough for the camera to catch his expression.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: You can order people out of your throne room. You can surround yourself with guards. You can hide behind your advisers and tell yourself you're the most powerful man in Camelot.
His expression hardens.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: But on November twenty-second, that bell is gonna ring.
A pause.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: And when it does, there won't be a throne to sit on, a guard to order around, or a courtier to answer for you.
He points directly toward Arthur.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: There'll just be you...
He strikes his enormous chest with one hand.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: ...and a whole lot of R.A.M.
A final pause.
R.A.M. SHORTAGE: And you can't command a freight train to stop.
With that, R.A.M. Shortage turns and walks through the double doors.
Security follows him into the corridor.
The doors close.
Silence returns to the throne room.
Regina gives an irritated sigh.
REGINA: What a thoroughly unpleasant creature. Really, someone must introduce standards concerning who is permitted to approach this court.
Malice studies the closed doors.
MALICE: There are many ways to mistake size for power.
She turns toward the throne.
MALICE: And many ways for power to discover that it is not quite what it believed itself to be.
Regina looks toward her partner, uncertain whether the remark was intended as an insult toward the visitor or something else entirely.
Arthur does not respond.
He slowly returns to his throne.
The championship settles across his lap.
For a moment, his eyes drift toward the doors again.
That same distant expression returns.
Only briefly.
But long enough for Merlin to notice.
The wizard leans slightly toward the king.
MERLIN: Arthur...
The king turns sharply.
KING ARTHUR: What?
Merlin hesitates.
MERLIN: Are you quite well, Your Majesty?
Arthur's expression hardens.
KING ARTHUR: Of course I am well.
He looks away.
KING ARTHUR: Why would you ask such a ridiculous question?
Merlin lowers his head slightly.
MERLIN: No reason, Your Majesty.
But his eyes suggest otherwise.
On the opposite side of the throne, Severin Crowne has been observing the entire exchange.
He takes one measured step closer to the king.
SEVERIN CROWNE: If I may, Your Majesty, I would suggest that we waste no further consideration upon this visitor. There are considerably more important matters requiring the attention of the Crown.
Arthur looks toward him.
KING ARTHUR: Indeed.
A pause.
KING ARTHUR: Considerably more important matters.
Severin nods approvingly.
SEVERIN CROWNE: Precisely, Your Majesty.
The camera slowly pulls backward.
King Arthur sits upon his throne.
Severin Crowne stands to his right.
Merlin remains to his left, his expression troubled.
Below them, Regina and Malice stand with their championship gold.
For all the ceremony and authority surrounding the king, something about the image feels increasingly uneasy.
The camera moves closer to Arthur's face one final time.
His gaze has returned to the closed doors.
His fingers tighten slightly against the armrest.
Then Severin Crowne steps into the foreground, partially obscuring the king from view.
The faintest smile crosses Severin's face.
The broadcast fades to black.
The broadcast returns live to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera sweeps across the crowd as the arena prepares for its fourth contest of the evening. The atmosphere remains charged following the confrontation between King Arthur and HCW superstar R.A.M. Shortage in the royal throne room.
At ringside, Julian Ward and Brick Brody prepare to introduce the next match.
JULIAN WARD: Welcome back to Dark Fable. An extraordinary evening continues here at Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum, and we now turn our attention to women's singles competition. The road toward Convergence is becoming increasingly important across NPCW, particularly with the announcement that the Women's Convergence Cup will take place on November twentieth during Dark Fable Episode 043.
BRICK BRODY: And that means everybody ought to be paying attention, Julian! You've got women all over this company looking for an opportunity to make a statement. You don't get noticed by sitting backstage talking about how good you are. You get noticed by beating somebody!
JULIAN WARD: Tonight, two competitors with very different approaches to the sport will meet. Rapunzel brings remarkable athletic ability and considerable determination, while Serpenta Veyne represents a considerably more ruthless and unpredictable challenge.
BRICK BRODY: And I'll tell you right now, Rapunzel better be careful. Serpenta Veyne doesn't wrestle like somebody interested in making friends. She attacks from strange angles, she can strike without warning, and once she gets her hands on a weakness, she doesn't let go!
The arena lights soften.
A gentle melody begins playing as the entrance screen reveals a magnificent stone tower rising above a sunlit valley.
Golden light spreads across the stage.
The crowd begins applauding as Rapunzel emerges through the entrance.
Her long golden hair moves behind her as she steps into the light. She pauses at the top of the ramp, raises an arm toward the spectators, and smiles as the applause grows louder.
There is a warmth to her presentation, but also a sense of determination. She has not come merely to celebrate the admiration of the audience.
She has come to compete.
JULIAN WARD: A welcoming reception for Rapunzel, whose ability to combine high-risk aerial offense with surprisingly effective power maneuvers makes her an intriguing competitor. Her athleticism can change the direction of a match in an instant.
BRICK BRODY: And that's fine when you're facing somebody who gives you room to perform those big moves. But Serpenta Veyne isn't going to stand around waiting for a moonsault! Rapunzel needs to remember that there's a dangerous opponent waiting for her, not a storybook villain who's supposed to lose in the final chapter!
Rapunzel reaches ringside, climbs the steel steps, and enters the ring.
She acknowledges the crowd one final time before moving toward her corner.
The lights abruptly darken.
The gentle music disappears beneath a low, unsettling hiss.
The entrance screen transforms into an ancient desert landscape. Cracked stone stretches beneath a blood-red sky, and enormous serpentine shadows move across the sand.
A pair of glowing eyes appears in the darkness.
Then the crowd erupts in boos.
SERPENTA VEYNE emerges.
She moves with deliberate confidence, her expression cold and calculating. There is something distinctly predatory about the way she surveys the arena, as though every movement around her represents either a potential threat or an opportunity.
She pauses at the top of the entrance ramp.
Her eyes settle upon Rapunzel.
A faint smile crosses her face.
JULIAN WARD: And here is Serpenta Veyne, a competitor whose offense combines explosive aerial attacks, powerful strikes, and dangerous submission techniques. Particularly concerning is her ability to transition from one form of attack to another before an opponent has fully recovered.
BRICK BRODY: That's exactly why I like watching her! She doesn't waste time showing people how clever she is. She finds something that hurts and makes it hurt worse. And if Rapunzel thinks she's going to win this thing just by flying around the ring, she's got another thought coming!
Serpenta Veyne walks slowly toward the ring.
She ignores the boos, keeping her eyes on Rapunzel throughout her approach.
At ringside, she climbs onto the apron, pauses, and enters between the ropes.
Rapunzel steps forward, refusing to retreat from the challenge.
The two women exchange a long stare before "Honest" Abe directs them toward their respective corners.
Louie Linville moves to the centre of the ring.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a WOMEN'S SINGLES MATCH, scheduled for ONE FALL with a THIRTY-MINUTE TIME LIMIT!
The audience applauds.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Introducing first... a competitor whose courage and determination have carried her beyond the walls of her legendary tower... RAPUNZEL!
Rapunzel raises her arm as the crowd cheers.
LOUIE LINVILLE: And her opponent... a dangerous and calculating force whose strikes and submissions have brought suffering to those who stand before her... SERPENTA VEYNE!
The crowd responds with boos.
Serpenta Veyne slowly raises her chin, appearing entirely satisfied with the hostile reception.
"Honest" Abe completes his instructions.
Both competitors move toward the centre of the ring.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Rapunzel and Serpenta Veyne circle cautiously, each attempting to determine the other's intentions.
Serpenta feints toward a collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Rapunzel refuses to commit immediately.
The two women exchange positions near the centre of the ring.
Suddenly, Rapunzel explodes forward.
She catches Serpenta with a powerful strike, forcing her backward before lifting her opponent upward.
POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!
Serpenta crashes heavily across Rapunzel's shoulders before being driven into the canvas!
The crowd erupts.
JULIAN WARD: An impressive opening from Rapunzel! The pop-up Samoan drop connects before Serpenta Veyne can establish an effective defense. That is a powerful maneuver from a competitor often associated primarily with her aerial offense.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what surprises people about Rapunzel! They see the long hair and the graceful entrance, then suddenly she's throwing somebody around like a sack of grain! Serpenta better wake up because that was a pretty unpleasant welcome!
Minute 2
Rapunzel advances toward her fallen opponent, attempting to maintain the early advantage.
But Serpenta Veyne rolls toward the ropes and quickly creates separation.
She catches Rapunzel approaching and drives a sharp strike into her midsection.
Serpenta moves toward the ropes, springs into position, and catches her opponent around the head.
FLAMING ARROW SLINGSHOT DDT!
Rapunzel is driven face-first into the canvas!
The impact leaves her momentarily stunned.
JULIAN WARD: The Flaming Arrow Slingshot DDT connects! Serpenta has answered the opening Samoan drop with a dangerous attack targeting the head and neck. That is exactly the kind of sudden change in direction that makes her so difficult to anticipate.
BRICK BRODY: Beautiful! One moment Rapunzel thinks she's got control, the next she's getting planted on her head! That's what Serpenta does. She doesn't need a long opening. Give her half a second and she'll make you regret it!
Minute 3
Rapunzel pushes herself upright and retreats toward the corner.
Serpenta Veyne advances, attempting to close the distance.
But Rapunzel strikes first, forcing her opponent backward before climbing rapidly toward the top turnbuckle.
She launches herself backward.
DESCENT FROM THE TOWER MOONSAULT!
The moonsault connects across Serpenta's upper body!
The crowd roars.
But Serpenta fights back almost immediately.
She catches Rapunzel as she attempts to rise, twists around her shoulders, and sends her tumbling across the ring.
SWINGING HURRICANRANA!
Both competitors roll away from the exchange.
JULIAN WARD: The Descent from the Tower connects, but Serpenta responds with a swinging hurricanrana! Both women are demonstrating extraordinary athletic ability, and neither appears prepared to allow the other to control the pace for very long.
BRICK BRODY: That's a dangerous game for both of them! Rapunzel wants to fly, Serpenta wants to twist people into the canvas, and they're both moving fast enough that one mistake could be catastrophic!
Minute 4
Serpenta Veyne rises near the ropes, attempting to steady herself following the rapid exchange.
Rapunzel recognizes the opportunity.
She drives a forearm into Serpenta's upper body, creating enough separation to climb toward the turnbuckles.
Serpenta attempts to reposition herself, but she is too slow.
DESCENT FROM THE TOWER MOONSAULT!
Rapunzel crashes down across her opponent once again!
The Coliseum erupts in applause.
JULIAN WARD: A second Descent from the Tower in consecutive minutes! Serpenta was unable to defend against the moonsault, and Rapunzel has established an important advantage through repeated aerial attacks.
BRICK BRODY: Now that's getting expensive for Serpenta! You can survive one moonsault, maybe even two, but if you keep letting somebody land on your ribs from the top rope, sooner or later you're going to have a hard time breathing!
Minute 5
Rapunzel pulls Serpenta Veyne upright near the ropes.
She catches her opponent and attempts to throw her through the ropes to the arena floor.
But Serpenta manages to strike during the exchange.
ROUNDHOUSE KICK!
The kick catches Rapunzel across the upper body, forcing her backward!
However, Serpenta cannot fully prevent the momentum of the throw.
She tumbles between the ropes and lands outside the ring.
"Honest" Abe approaches the ropes and begins counting.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Serpenta quickly slides beneath the bottom rope and returns to the ring.
JULIAN WARD: Rapunzel sends Serpenta to the outside, but not before absorbing a roundhouse kick during the exchange. Serpenta returns at the referee's count of three, preventing any serious danger of a count-out.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the right decision! Don't stand outside arguing with the referee. Get back in there! Serpenta landed a good kick, and now she needs to make it count before Rapunzel takes to the air again!
Minute 6
Serpenta Veyne returns to her feet and immediately advances toward Rapunzel.
Rapunzel attempts to establish a defensive position, but Serpenta moves too quickly.
ROUNDHOUSE KICK!
The strike connects cleanly across Rapunzel's head!
Rapunzel staggers backward and collapses onto one knee.
Serpenta watches her opponent struggle, a faint smile crossing her face.
JULIAN WARD: Another roundhouse kick from Serpenta Veyne, and this one lands without any effective defense. Rapunzel has absorbed consecutive strikes, and the momentum is beginning to shift toward the more aggressive competitor.
BRICK BRODY: That's what I like! Serpenta has found something that works, so she's using it again! No reason to invent a new plan when the old one is knocking somebody senseless!
Minute 7
Rapunzel struggles upright, shaking off the effects of the repeated kicks.
Serpenta Veyne attempts to follow, but Rapunzel suddenly catches her from behind.
She threads one arm beneath Serpenta's arm and secures the head.
COBRA CLUTCH!
The submission is locked in tightly!
Serpenta immediately struggles, attempting to pry the attacking arm away.
Rapunzel tightens the pressure and pulls her opponent backward.
"Honest" Abe moves closer.
"HONEST" ABE: Serpenta! Do you submit?
Serpenta shakes her head.
She refuses!
After a determined struggle, Serpenta manages to create enough separation to escape the hold.
JULIAN WARD: The Cobra Clutch connects! Rapunzel has demonstrated another dimension to her offense, attempting to secure a submission rather than relying entirely upon aerial maneuvers. Serpenta escapes, but that hold placed considerable pressure on the head and upper body.
BRICK BRODY: And that's smart wrestling from Rapunzel! You can't keep climbing the ropes forever. Sometimes you've got to grab somebody and make them suffer. I respect that! But Serpenta got out, and she isn't going to forget who tried to squeeze the life out of her!
Minute 8
Both competitors circle cautiously, neither willing to commit immediately.
Rapunzel attempts to establish another grapple, but Serpenta Veyne avoids the initial contact.
The two women exchange positioning near the ropes before returning toward the centre of the ring.
Suddenly, Serpenta accelerates.
She springs forward, catches Rapunzel around the head, and rotates through the air.
SWINGING HURRICANRANA!
Rapunzel attempts to brace herself, but cannot prevent the rotation.
She crashes across the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: Serpenta connects with another swinging hurricanrana! The brief exchange of defensive positioning ends with the more agile competitor finding the decisive opening. Rapunzel was unable to stop the maneuver despite anticipating an attack.
BRICK BRODY: That's what makes Serpenta dangerous! She can look completely harmless for a second, then suddenly she's wrapped around your head and throwing you across the ring! You can't relax against somebody who moves like that!
Minute 9
Rapunzel returns to her feet and attempts to slow the contest through a more traditional grapple.
She catches Serpenta Veyne across her shoulders.
ROLLING FIREMAN'S CARRY!
Serpenta is driven across the canvas!
But she recovers quickly enough to intercept Rapunzel's next advance.
Serpenta moves toward the ropes, launches herself into position, and catches her opponent around the head.
FLAMING ARROW SLINGSHOT DDT!
Rapunzel crashes face-first into the canvas!
Both competitors remain down briefly following the exchange.
JULIAN WARD: Another exchange of substantial impact. Rapunzel connects with the rolling fireman's carry, but Serpenta answers with a second Flaming Arrow Slingshot DDT. The repeated attacks to Rapunzel's head and neck are becoming increasingly concerning.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the problem! Rapunzel lands one good move, but Serpenta keeps finding ways to put her right back on the floor. You can't build a victory if every time you stand up, somebody drives your face into the canvas!
Minute 10
Rapunzel pushes herself upright near the ropes.
Serpenta Veyne attempts to close the distance, but Rapunzel catches her around the upper body.
She drives Serpenta backward and sends her through the ropes!
Serpenta crashes onto the arena floor!
The crowd cheers as Rapunzel remains standing inside the ring.
"Honest" Abe begins counting.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Serpenta struggles to her feet.
FOUR!
FIVE!
She reaches the apron.
SIX!
SEVEN!
Serpenta slides beneath the bottom rope and returns to the ring!
JULIAN WARD: Serpenta Veyne returns at seven! That was a considerably more dangerous count-out situation than the earlier exchange. Rapunzel has successfully used the ring boundaries to create an advantage, and the impact on the arena floor will only add to the punishment already sustained.
BRICK BRODY: And Serpenta waited until seven to get back in! That's cutting it closer than I'd like. But I understand why. She needed a few seconds to get her bearings after hitting that floor. The trouble is, Rapunzel is standing there waiting for her!
Minute 11
Serpenta Veyne rises slowly after returning to the ring.
Rapunzel advances, attempting to capitalize on the exhaustion of her opponent.
But Serpenta suddenly catches her with a sharp strike and secures control of the upper body.
She lifts Rapunzel high into the air.
DESERT EAGLE POWERBOMB!
The enormous impact drives Rapunzel violently into the canvas!
The crowd reacts with surprise as Serpenta remains standing above her fallen opponent.
JULIAN WARD: A devastating Desert Eagle Powerbomb! Serpenta has delivered perhaps her most powerful attack of the contest, and Rapunzel was unable to establish any meaningful defense. That maneuver has completely interrupted the momentum created by the earlier count-out attempt.
BRICK BRODY: Now THAT is how you answer somebody! Rapunzel thought she had Serpenta hurt after throwing her outside, and the next thing she knows she's getting powerbombed into the middle of the ring! That's a vicious move, Julian, and I love it!
Minute 12
Rapunzel pushes herself upright and immediately catches Serpenta Veyne during the next exchange.
She secures the waist, turns, and drives her opponent into the canvas.
POWERSLAM!
Serpenta recoils from the impact, but rapidly recovers her positioning.
As Rapunzel attempts to maintain control, Serpenta catches her around the shoulder.
SERPENT BITE!
The shoulder claw is locked in!
Serpenta digs her fingers into the shoulder and applies increasing pressure.
Rapunzel cries out, attempting to pull the attacking hand away.
"Honest" Abe checks for a submission.
Rapunzel refuses!
She fights against the pressure, gradually forcing enough separation to escape.
JULIAN WARD: The Serpent Bite has been applied for the first time! Rapunzel survives the shoulder claw, but this is a dangerous development. Serpenta has identified another area of the body to attack, and repeated pressure to the shoulder could compromise Rapunzel's ability to execute her power maneuvers.
BRICK BRODY: That's a nasty hold! People underestimate a shoulder claw because it doesn't look as impressive as a powerbomb. But you get somebody digging into the nerves and muscles around your shoulder, and suddenly lifting your own arm becomes a problem! Rapunzel got away this time. Let's see what happens the next time!
Minute 13
Rapunzel cautiously moves toward the centre of the ring, working her shoulder as she attempts to recover.
Serpenta Veyne recognizes the opportunity and moves toward the corner.
She climbs the turnbuckles, positioning herself above the ring.
DIVING CROSSBODY!
But Rapunzel anticipates the attack!
She steps into position and braces as Serpenta descends.
COUNTER!
Rapunzel catches and redirects the diving attacker, preventing the crossbody from driving her to the canvas!
Serpenta is forced away, unable to capitalize on the attempted aerial maneuver.
JULIAN WARD: Excellent defensive awareness from Rapunzel! Serpenta attempts the diving crossbody, but the attack is neutralized. That was an important opportunity for Rapunzel to interrupt the offense following the earlier Serpent Bite.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what happens when you get predictable! Serpenta thought she had the perfect opening, but Rapunzel was waiting for her! You can't throw yourself through the air and assume the other woman is going to stand still!
Minute 14
Rapunzel immediately closes the distance following the counter.
She catches Serpenta Veyne from behind and secures the head and arm.
COBRA CLUTCH!
The submission is locked in tightly!
Serpenta struggles, attempting to free herself before the pressure becomes overwhelming.
She twists her body, creates a brief opening, and strikes backward.
SCORPION KICK!
The kick catches Rapunzel and forces her to adjust her balance.
But Rapunzel fights to maintain the Cobra Clutch.
"Honest" Abe asks Serpenta whether she wishes to submit.
Serpenta refuses!
She continues fighting until the pressure finally loosens and she breaks free.
JULIAN WARD: Another Cobra Clutch from Rapunzel, and another refusal to submit from Serpenta! The Scorpion Kick created an opportunity to escape, but Rapunzel forced her opponent to endure additional pressure before the hold was broken.
BRICK BRODY: These two are getting stubborn now! Rapunzel wants that Cobra Clutch to finish the match, and Serpenta absolutely refuses to give her the satisfaction! And that Scorpion Kick? That's exactly what you do when somebody grabs you from behind. Make them regret touching you!
Minute 15
Serpenta Veyne rises, breathing heavily following the submission attempt.
Rapunzel attempts to advance, but Serpenta catches her around the upper body.
She quickly shifts behind her opponent, hooks the head, and wraps her legs around the torso.
BODYSCISSORED DRAGON SLEEPER!
Rapunzel cries out as Serpenta applies pressure to the neck while compressing the body with her legs!
Rapunzel struggles against the hold, attempting to create enough separation to escape.
Serpenta releases and turns the exchange into a quick pinning attempt.
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
RAPUNZEL KICKS OUT!
The crowd cheers as Rapunzel escapes the cover.
JULIAN WARD: A dangerous body-scissored Dragon Sleeper from Serpenta, followed by a pinning attempt! Rapunzel survives at two, but the attack again concentrated on the head and neck while restricting movement through the body scissors.
BRICK BRODY: And that's how you make somebody miserable! Serpenta had her wrapped up like a snake around its dinner! Rapunzel escaped the cover, but that doesn't mean the punishment disappears. Every one of those holds is making the next minute harder!
Minute 16
Rapunzel returns to her feet, clearly feeling the effects of the prolonged submission pressure.
Serpenta Veyne advances, attempting to maintain control.
But Rapunzel catches her with a sudden strike and lifts her upward.
POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!
Serpenta crashes heavily into the canvas!
The audience erupts.
But Serpenta fights back almost immediately.
She catches Rapunzel as she attempts to follow.
SCORPION KICK!
The strike catches Rapunzel and sends her staggering backward.
JULIAN WARD: The second pop-up Samoan drop of the match from Rapunzel, answered by another Scorpion Kick from Serpenta! The exchange demonstrates just how evenly these competitors continue to match one another, despite sixteen minutes of increasingly demanding physical competition.
BRICK BRODY: And they're still throwing everything they've got! Rapunzel lifts her like she's nothing, and Serpenta comes right back with a kick! That's the kind of fight I respect. Neither woman is giving the other a second to enjoy her own offense!
Minute 17
Both competitors struggle to regain their footing.
Serpenta Veyne attempts to move behind Rapunzel, but the latter recognizes the approach.
Rapunzel catches her opponent around the waist and lifts.
SITOUT POWERBOMB!
Serpenta crashes violently into the canvas!
The impact shakes the ring.
Rapunzel remains seated momentarily, breathing heavily before forcing herself upright.
JULIAN WARD: A devastating sitout powerbomb from Rapunzel! Serpenta had no effective defense against that maneuver. The continued use of powerful lifting attacks is beginning to place enormous strain on her opponent, and Rapunzel may be approaching a decisive opening.
BRICK BRODY: Now THAT was a powerbomb! Serpenta got driven straight into the canvas, and I don't care how dangerous she is, that kind of impact changes your plans in a hurry! Rapunzel better stay on her because she might finally have the snake cornered!
Minute 18
Rapunzel rises and pulls Serpenta Veyne upright.
She moves behind her opponent and secures the head and arm.
COBRA CLUTCH!
The submission is locked in for a third time!
Serpenta struggles, attempting to escape before Rapunzel can tighten the pressure further.
She suddenly twists, creating enough room to strike backward.
SCORPION KICK!
Rapunzel absorbs the blow but fights to maintain the hold.
Serpenta refuses to submit!
The crowd grows louder as both women struggle for control.
Finally, Serpenta works free and staggers toward the ropes.
JULIAN WARD: A third Cobra Clutch from Rapunzel, but Serpenta once again refuses to surrender! The Scorpion Kick has repeatedly proven effective at disrupting this hold, and that familiarity is preventing Rapunzel from securing the submission she has been pursuing.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the problem with going back to the same trick over and over! Rapunzel keeps reaching for the Cobra Clutch, but Serpenta keeps finding an answer. She's learning every time they lock up, Julian, and sooner or later that knowledge is going to matter!
Minute 19
Serpenta Veyne struggles upright near the ropes.
Rapunzel recognizes an opportunity and forces her opponent backward with a sharp strike.
She moves toward the corner, climbing rapidly to the top turnbuckle.
The crowd rises.
DESCENT FROM THE TOWER MOONSAULT!
Rapunzel launches herself backward and crashes down across Serpenta!
The Coliseum erupts!
But Serpenta refuses to remain on the canvas.
As Rapunzel attempts to continue the offense, Serpenta catches her around the head and twists.
SWINGING HURRICANRANA!
Rapunzel is sent tumbling across the canvas!
JULIAN WARD: Another Descent from the Tower! That is the third moonsault Rapunzel has successfully executed in this contest, but once again Serpenta answers with a swinging hurricanrana. Neither competitor has been able to maintain the sustained control necessary to secure a victory.
BRICK BRODY: Nineteen minutes, Julian! And they're still flying through the air like this thing just started! That's impressive, but it's also dangerous. They're tired, they're hurting, and every mistake is getting more expensive!
Minute 20
Both women struggle toward their feet.
Serpenta Veyne attempts to establish a defensive position, but Rapunzel closes the distance before she can prepare.
Rapunzel secures her opponent around the waist.
She lifts.
SITOUT POWERBOMB!
Serpenta crashes violently into the canvas!
The crowd erupts as Rapunzel maintains her position and attempts a cover.
"Honest" Abe drops to the canvas.
ONE!
SERPENTA VEYNE KICKS OUT!
The crowd reacts in disbelief at the immediate escape.
Rapunzel looks toward the referee, surprised that her opponent still possesses the strength to resist.
JULIAN WARD: Another sitout powerbomb from Rapunzel, but Serpenta kicks out at one! An extraordinary demonstration of determination following twenty minutes of considerable punishment. Rapunzel has connected with some of her most powerful maneuvers, yet the victory remains beyond her reach.
BRICK BRODY: A one-count! After everything she's taken, Serpenta kicks out at ONE! That's not just toughness anymore, Julian. That's pure stubbornness! Rapunzel has got to be wondering what the hell she has to do to keep this woman down!
Rapunzel slowly rises.
She looks down at Serpenta, breathing heavily.
The crowd begins chanting her name.
"RAPUNZEL! RAPUNZEL!"
Serpenta slowly pushes herself toward her knees.
Minute 21
Rapunzel reaches down and pulls Serpenta Veyne upright.
She catches her opponent across the shoulders, securing both arms as she attempts to apply another submission.
BRIDGING BACK RACK!
Rapunzel arches backward, applying enormous pressure across Serpenta's spine!
The crowd erupts as Serpenta struggles against the hold.
JULIAN WARD: Bridging Back Rack! Rapunzel has changed her approach, targeting the back rather than returning to the Cobra Clutch! After twenty minutes of punishment, this may be the submission opportunity she has been searching for!
BRICK BRODY: That's a dangerous hold! Serpenta has been powerbombed, slammed, and hit with three moonsaults. Her back has taken a beating! If Rapunzel can keep that pressure on, she might finally break her!
Serpenta cries out, twisting desperately against the pressure.
But even while trapped, she continues searching for an opening.
Her arm moves toward Rapunzel's shoulder.
Her fingers find their target.
And suddenly—
SERPENT BITE!
Serpenta Veyne clamps the shoulder claw onto Rapunzel!
The pressure is immediate.
Rapunzel cries out as her own submission position begins collapsing beneath the pain.
She releases the Bridging Back Rack!
But Serpenta does not release her grip.
Instead, she turns with Rapunzel, forcing her down toward the canvas while maintaining the Serpent Bite!
The crowd erupts in alarm.
JULIAN WARD: SERPENT BITE! SERPENTA VEYNE HAS CAUGHT RAPUNZEL WITH THE SHOULDER CLAW! SHE HAS TURNED THE SUBMISSION EXCHANGE COMPLETELY AROUND!
BRICK BRODY: THAT'S IT! THAT'S WHAT SHE WAS WAITING FOR! RAPUNZEL HAS BEEN USING THAT SHOULDER ALL NIGHT, AND SERPENTA JUST FOUND THE OPENING SHE NEEDED!
Rapunzel struggles desperately.
She attempts to pry Serpenta's fingers from her shoulder.
But the hold is locked in.
The accumulated damage from the earlier Serpent Bite and the repeated head and neck attacks becomes impossible to ignore.
Rapunzel reaches toward the ropes.
Too far.
Serpenta tightens the pressure.
"Honest" Abe kneels beside the trapped competitor.
"HONEST" ABE: Rapunzel! Do you submit?
Rapunzel shakes her head.
She tries to endure.
The audience begins chanting.
"RAPUNZEL! RAPUNZEL!"
Rapunzel attempts one final effort to break the grip.
But Serpenta refuses to loosen her hold.
The pain becomes overwhelming.
And finally—
RAPUNZEL TAPS OUT!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell rings!
Serpenta Veyne releases the Serpent Bite and rises slowly, breathing heavily as the crowd erupts in boos.
Rapunzel rolls onto her side, clutching her shoulder.
"Honest" Abe signals the submission victory.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen... the winner of this contest by SUBMISSION in the TWENTY-FIRST MINUTE... SERPENTA VEYNE!
The crowd continues booing as Serpenta raises one arm.
There is no expression of relief upon her face.
Only satisfaction.
She looks down at Rapunzel, who continues holding her injured shoulder while attempting to sit upright.
Serpenta slowly flexes the fingers of the hand that secured the submission.
A faint smile crosses her face.
JULIAN WARD: A remarkable contest ends in the twenty-first minute as Serpenta Veyne forces Rapunzel to submit to the Serpent Bite. Both women demonstrated tremendous resilience, but the decisive moment came when Serpenta found the shoulder claw while trapped in Rapunzel's Bridging Back Rack. That transition completely reversed the momentum of the contest.
BRICK BRODY: And THAT is why I told you not to underestimate Serpenta Veyne! She took Samoan drops, powerbombs, moonsaults, and submission holds, but she kept fighting! Then she found one opening, locked onto that shoulder, and didn't let go until Rapunzel had no choice but to tap! That's how you finish a match!
JULIAN WARD: An important victory for Serpenta Veyne as the Women's Convergence Cup approaches. For Rapunzel, this will be a difficult defeat after an impressive display of both power and aerial ability. She came close to securing victory on several occasions, but ultimately the superior submission timing of Serpenta proved decisive.
SERPENTA VEYNE DEFEATS RAPUNZEL VIA SUBMISSION WITH THE SERPENT BITE SHOULDER CLAW IN THE 21ST MINUTE.
The camera returns to the ring.
Serpenta Veyne stands near the ropes, watching as Rapunzel slowly pushes herself upright.
The victorious competitor does not approach to offer assistance.
She simply studies her fallen opponent with a cold, evaluating expression.
Then she turns and begins walking toward the ropes.
Rapunzel reaches one knee, still favoring her shoulder.
The crowd begins applauding her effort.
Serpenta pauses on the apron.
She looks back toward the ring.
Slowly, she raises the same hand that forced the submission.
She opens her fingers.
Then closes them into a fist.
The audience boos.
Serpenta smiles and steps down to the arena floor.
As she makes her way toward the entrance, the camera briefly returns to Rapunzel.
The defeated competitor has regained her feet.
She holds her injured shoulder, visibly disappointed, but acknowledges the audience with a small wave.
The applause grows louder.
At the top of the ramp, Serpenta Veyne disappears into the darkness.
The Women's Convergence Cup is approaching.
And tonight, another dangerous contender has made her presence felt.
The broadcast fades to black.
The broadcast returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The arena lights slowly fade, leaving the great stone walls illuminated by the flickering flames of the Coliseum's torches.
At ringside, Julian Ward and Brick Brody prepare for one of the evening's most unusual encounters.
JULIAN WARD: Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached a moment of considerable intrigue here on Dark Fable. For weeks, mysterious visions and cryptic appearances have heralded the arrival of a figure who calls himself Zorath the Last Oracle. Tonight, for the first time, he steps into an NPCW ring. But the identity of his opponent makes this an exceptionally demanding debut.
BRICK BRODY: And I love it, Julian! Everybody's been whispering about this Oracle. Prophecies, stars, the end of days, all that mystical business! Well, tonight he gets something a little more substantial than a vision. He gets Dragon King! Let's see whether this mysterious fellow knows what to do when somebody starts throwing him around!
JULIAN WARD: Of course, Dragon King enters this contest following the conclusion of the Monsters Bash, a challenge in which Dr. Frankenstein repeatedly attempted to find a creature capable of defeating John Henry. Every challenge ultimately failed, leaving considerable questions surrounding the doctor's next course of action.
BRICK BRODY: And that doctor is furious! Four monsters, four defeats, and not one of them could stop John Henry! Now he's bringing Dragon King out here against somebody nobody understands. If I'm the monster, I'm not particularly happy about that assignment!
A deep, guttural roar echoes throughout the Coliseum.
The entrance screen ignites with images of a ruined kingdom. Flames rise between shattered stone towers, and a massive reptilian silhouette moves through the destruction.
Heavy footsteps accompany the music.
DRAGON KING emerges onto the entrance stage.
The monstrous competitor towers beneath the lights, his imposing form and intimidating appearance immediately drawing the attention of the crowd.
Walking beside him is Dr. Frankenstein.
Unlike his monstrous companion, the scientist appears anything but composed. His expression is severe, his movements impatient, and he continually gestures toward the ring while speaking to Dragon King.
The crowd responds with loud boos.
JULIAN WARD: A formidable physical challenge awaiting Zorath. Dragon King possesses enormous size and strength, and there can be little doubt that Dr. Frankenstein expects a decisive performance following the failures of the Monsters Bash.
BRICK BRODY: The trouble is, Frankenstein doesn't know when to shut his mouth! Look at him! They're not even halfway down the aisle, and he's already lecturing his monster! At some point you've got to let the big fellow do what he does best—hurt somebody!
Dragon King reaches ringside and climbs onto the apron.
He steps over the ropes and enters the ring, turning slowly toward the entrance.
Dr. Frankenstein remains at ringside, continuing to issue instructions.
Then—
The lights go out.
Complete darkness.
The crowd falls into an expectant murmur.
A single distant tone resonates throughout the building.
Then another.
Above the entrance stage, a solitary point of white light appears.
A second follows.
Then dozens.
Hundreds.
The entrance screen becomes an immense field of stars, slowly arranging themselves into unfamiliar constellations.
A low voice echoes through the darkness.
VOICE OF ZORATH: What has been... shall be remembered.
A pause.
VOICE OF ZORATH: What is... shall pass.
The stars begin rotating.
VOICE OF ZORATH: And what shall come... has already cast its shadow.
A vertical beam of pale light illuminates the centre of the entrance stage.
Standing within it is ZORATH THE LAST ORACLE.
He remains perfectly motionless.
His appearance is mysterious and solemn, his bearing suggesting someone who regards the gathering crowd with the detachment of a man studying events already written.
For several seconds, Zorath does not move.
Then he slowly raises his head.
The stars behind him flicker.
The audience reacts with a mixture of fascination and uncertainty.
JULIAN WARD: And there he is. Zorath the Last Oracle. A figure whose origins, motivations, and abilities remain largely unknown to us. We have witnessed extraordinary imagery surrounding his appearances, but tonight we will finally discover what kind of competitor he is inside the ring.
BRICK BRODY: I'll give him credit for one thing, Julian. That's an entrance you remember! But I'm still not convinced. Anybody can stand around looking mysterious with stars behind them. The real question is whether he can wrestle!
Zorath begins walking toward the ring.
His movements are slow and deliberate.
He does not acknowledge the spectators.
His gaze remains fixed upon Dragon King.
Inside the ring, the enormous monster watches the approaching figure with visible aggression.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein appears increasingly irritated by the elaborate entrance.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: Enough of this theatrical nonsense! You are facing a creature of superior physical construction! Your little lights and riddles will not protect you!
Zorath does not respond.
He reaches the ring, climbs the steel steps, and enters between the ropes.
He walks directly toward the centre.
For the first time, Zorath and Dragon King stand face-to-face.
The contrast is striking.
One is a towering embodiment of monstrous strength.
The other remains perfectly calm, his expression betraying neither fear nor excitement.
Louie Linville steps forward.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL with a THIRTY-MINUTE TIME LIMIT!
The audience applauds.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Introducing first... accompanied to the ring by DR. FRANKENSTEIN... a monstrous force of destruction... DRAGON KING!
Dragon King throws his head backward and releases a tremendous roar.
The crowd boos.
LOUIE LINVILLE: And his opponent... making his NPCW IN-RING DEBUT... a mysterious figure whose visions reach beyond the boundaries of the known world... the LAST ORACLE... ZORATH!
The Coliseum responds with an intrigued roar.
Zorath slowly raises one hand.
He makes no further gesture.
"Honest" Abe calls both competitors toward the centre of the ring.
Dragon King advances aggressively.
Zorath remains still.
The referee delivers his instructions and orders both men to separate.
Dragon King retreats several steps.
Zorath slowly turns to face him.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Dragon King immediately advances toward Zorath the Last Oracle.
The enormous monster raises his arms, preparing to overpower the newcomer.
But Zorath moves first.
He steps into the approaching monster's path, catches him around the upper body, and secures a front facelock.
Dragon King attempts to break the grip.
Too late.
Zorath shifts his weight, hooks the enormous opponent, and lifts.
PILEDRIVER!
DRAGON KING IS DRIVEN HEADFIRST INTO THE CANVAS!
The impact echoes throughout the Coliseum!
The audience erupts in astonishment.
Zorath releases the hold and rises slowly.
He looks down at the fallen monster.
His expression does not change.
JULIAN WARD: GOOD HEAVENS! A PILEDRIVER! ZORATH THE LAST ORACLE HAS JUST LIFTED DRAGON KING AND DRIVEN HIM INTO THE CANVAS! What an extraordinary opening to his in-ring debut!
BRICK BRODY: NOW THAT'S AN INTRODUCTION! Forget the stars, forget the prophecies! This man just picked up Dragon King and planted him with a piledriver! That's not some old wizard waving a stick around, Julian. That's a wrestler who knows how to hurt somebody!
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein looks absolutely furious.
He marches toward the apron and begins shouting at his fallen monster.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: GET UP! GET UP, YOU INCOMPETENT CREATURE!
Dragon King begins pushing himself toward his knees.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: You are a superior specimen! You possess strength beyond ordinary men! HOW CAN YOU ALLOW THIS UNKNOWN CHARLATAN TO HUMILIATE YOU?!
The doctor strikes the apron with one hand.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: ATTACK HIM! NO, WAIT! USE YOUR STRENGTH! SEIZE HIS ARMS! WHY ARE YOU HESITATING?!
Dragon King looks toward his creator, momentarily confused by the barrage of contradictory commands.
He turns back toward Zorath.
The Last Oracle has not moved.
He simply watches.
JULIAN WARD: And Dr. Frankenstein is doing his monster no favors! After that tremendous piledriver, the doctor is berating Dragon King and issuing conflicting instructions. The monster appears uncertain whether to follow his own instincts or listen to his creator.
BRICK BRODY: That's exactly what I was talking about earlier! Shut up and let him fight! Dragon King just took a piledriver, and now he's getting a lecture from a man who hasn't won a wrestling match in his life! If Frankenstein wants to help, he can start by keeping his mouth closed!
Zorath takes one deliberate step forward.
Dragon King finally turns his full attention toward the ring.
Minute 2
Dragon King rises and releases an angry roar.
He charges toward Zorath the Last Oracle, attempting to overwhelm the newcomer through sheer size and aggression.
But Zorath shifts his position and catches the monster around the upper body.
He plants his feet.
Then lifts.
BODYSLAM!
Dragon King crashes heavily into the canvas!
The audience erupts once again.
Zorath stands above the fallen monster, looking down with the same unsettling calm.
But this time Dragon King fights back.
The enormous competitor surges upward, catches Zorath around the head, and secures a front facelock.
He lifts the newcomer vertically.
BRAINBUSTER!
Zorath crashes into the canvas!
The crowd reacts with a mixture of surprise and alarm.
Dragon King rises and beats his chest, attempting to reclaim control.
JULIAN WARD: A bodyslam from Zorath, followed by a brainbuster from Dragon King! We are witnessing a remarkable display of strength from the newcomer, but the monster has finally established a meaningful offensive response.
BRICK BRODY: There you go! That's what Dragon King should have been doing from the beginning! Forget what the doctor is screaming! Get your hands on the other man and drive him into the canvas! And that brainbuster ought to remind this Oracle that wrestling isn't just about knowing what's coming. You've got to survive it!
Dragon King turns toward Dr. Frankenstein, seeking approval.
The doctor gestures frantically toward the ring.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: YES! FINALLY! NOW FINISH HIM! DO NOT WASTE ANOTHER SECOND!
Dragon King turns back.
But Zorath is already moving.
He rises to one knee.
Then to his feet.
He looks directly at Dragon King.
No anger.
No hesitation.
Only that same impossible composure.
JULIAN WARD: Look at Zorath. He has absorbed the brainbuster, but there appears to be very little panic in his response. He is already regaining his footing, and Dragon King must capitalize quickly if he hopes to prevent another reversal of momentum.
BRICK BRODY: That's what bothers me about this fellow, Julian. Most men get dropped with a brainbuster and spend a little time remembering where they are. This man gets up looking like he's already decided what happens next!
Minute 3
Dragon King charges forward.
The enormous monster reaches toward Zorath the Last Oracle, attempting to secure another powerful grapple.
But Zorath moves aside at the last possible moment.
He steps behind the monster.
One arm slips beneath the chin.
The other locks securely behind the head.
SLEEPER HOLD!
Zorath has the sleeper locked in!
The Coliseum erupts in surprise.
Dragon King immediately reaches upward, attempting to pull the attacking arm away from his throat.
But Zorath tightens the hold and shifts his weight behind the monster.
The enormous competitor staggers.
JULIAN WARD: SLEEPER! ZORATH HAS THE SLEEPER LOCKED IN! DRAGON KING IS STRUGGLING TO ESCAPE, BUT THE LAST ORACLE HAS SECURED AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POSITION!
BRICK BRODY: THAT'S A PERFECT HOLD! LOOK WHERE HE'S GOT HIS ARMS! DRAGON KING CAN BE AS BIG AND STRONG AS HE WANTS, BUT NONE OF THAT MATTERS IF HE CAN'T GET AIR INTO HIS LUNGS!
Dragon King tries to move toward the ropes.
Zorath pulls him backward.
The monster attempts to power free.
But the sleeper remains tightly secured.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein begins shouting frantically.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: BREAK THE HOLD! USE YOUR STRENGTH! YOU ARE NOT DESIGNED TO SUBMIT! DO YOU HEAR ME?! YOU WILL NOT SURRENDER!
Dragon King staggers toward the centre of the ring.
His enormous arms move desperately against the hold.
Zorath keeps his position.
His expression remains eerily composed.
"Honest" Abe moves closer.
"HONEST" ABE: Dragon King! Do you submit?
Dragon King struggles again.
Zorath tightens the pressure.
The monster drops to one knee.
The crowd rises.
Dr. Frankenstein continues shouting.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: NO! NO! YOU WILL NOT DO THIS TO ME AGAIN!
Dragon King reaches desperately toward the ropes.
Too far.
His resistance begins weakening.
And then—
DRAGON KING TAPS OUT!
DING! DING! DING!
The bell rings!
The Coliseum erupts in astonishment!
"Honest" Abe immediately signals the submission.
Zorath releases the sleeper and rises slowly.
Dragon King collapses onto the canvas, clutching his throat and struggling to recover.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein stands completely motionless.
His mouth hangs open.
He looks toward the referee.
Then toward his fallen monster.
Then toward Zorath.
Disbelief gives way to fury.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: THREE MINUTES?! THREE MINUTES?! IMPOSSIBLE! ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE!
Zorath does not acknowledge him.
He simply turns toward the centre of the ring.
Louie Linville receives the official decision.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen... the winner of this contest by SUBMISSION in the THIRD MINUTE... making a VICTORIOUS NPCW IN-RING DEBUT... ZORATH... THE LAST ORACLE!
The crowd erupts in applause and astonished cheers.
"Honest" Abe raises Zorath's arm.
The Last Oracle offers no visible celebration.
His attention remains fixed upon the fallen Dragon King.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein climbs onto the apron, furious.
DR. FRANKENSTEIN: THIS IS A DISGRACE! A DISGRACE TO EVERYTHING I HAVE CREATED!
Zorath slowly turns his head toward the scientist.
For the first time since the bell, the two men make direct eye contact.
Dr. Frankenstein stops speaking.
He studies the strange newcomer.
Something about the calm, unwavering stare appears to unsettle him.
Zorath says nothing.
He simply looks away.
JULIAN WARD: What an extraordinary debut. In the third minute, Zorath the Last Oracle has forced Dragon King to submit to a sleeper hold. A piledriver in the opening minute, a powerful bodyslam in the second, and a decisive submission in the third. We have seen very little of this mysterious competitor's full capabilities, but what we have witnessed is undeniably impressive.
BRICK BRODY: Impressive?! Julian, he just made a monster tap out in three minutes! Dragon King is one of the biggest, most dangerous creatures in this division, and Zorath handled him like he'd already read the instruction manual! I'll tell you something else. Dr. Frankenstein can complain all he wants, but his monster got beaten fair and square!
JULIAN WARD: The implications of this performance will undoubtedly extend beyond tonight. Zorath arrived surrounded by mystery and prophecy, but he has now demonstrated considerable physical strength, technical proficiency, and the ability to finish a formidable opponent with remarkable efficiency. His first appearance has raised more questions than it has answered, but one fact is now beyond dispute. Zorath the Last Oracle belongs inside the Mythic Division ring.
ZORATH THE LAST ORACLE DEFEATS DRAGON KING VIA SUBMISSION WITH THE SLEEPER HOLD IN THE 3RD MINUTE, WINNING HIS NPCW IN-RING DEBUT.
The camera returns to the ring.
Dragon King has rolled toward the ropes, where Dr. Frankenstein continues shouting angrily at him.
The monster looks exhausted and thoroughly demoralized.
The doctor gestures wildly, demanding that his creation rise.
But the camera's attention slowly shifts away.
Standing in the centre of the ring is Zorath the Last Oracle.
He looks upward.
The arena lights begin dimming.
A faint constellation appears upon the enormous screen above the entrance.
The crowd grows quiet.
Zorath slowly raises one hand.
He studies his open palm as though examining something invisible to everyone else.
Then he closes his fingers.
His voice is low, but the microphone captures every word.
ZORATH: One has fallen.
A pause.
ZORATH: Yet the first fall is never the final consequence.
He lowers his hand.
His eyes move toward the great banners of Camelot hanging above the audience.
ZORATH: The stars have begun to move.
Silence.
Then Zorath turns and walks toward the ropes.
He exits the ring without another word.
The camera follows his measured steps toward the entrance.
Behind him, Dr. Frankenstein is still berating Dragon King.
But the crowd is no longer watching the doctor.
Their attention remains fixed upon the mysterious newcomer.
At the top of the ramp, Zorath pauses.
He looks back toward the Coliseum one final time.
The constellations on the entrance screen slowly fade.
Then the Last Oracle disappears into the darkness.
His first match has lasted only three minutes.
But his arrival has already altered the atmosphere of Camelot.
The broadcast fades to black.
The broadcast cuts backstage inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera reveals a quieter section of the arena's interview corridor. The stone walls are illuminated by soft overhead lighting, and a large monitor displays the official Convergence 2026 logo.
Standing before the camera is Hana Nakamura.
But tonight, there is something different about her usual professional composure.
Her expression is serious.
Concerned.
Standing beside her is her brother, Raigen.
The powerful warrior of the Dragon's Veil stands with his arms folded, his expression unusually distant. His familiar intensity remains, but there is a weariness behind his eyes that was not there before.
The events at the House of the Dragon's Veil have clearly left their mark.
HANA NAKAMURA: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm joined by my brother, Raigen. And I have to admit, this is a difficult interview for me personally.
She turns toward him.
HANA NAKAMURA: Raigen, following last week's Dark Fable, we received disturbing reports concerning the House of the Dragon's Veil and the cleansing ritual involving Taro Okami.
Raigen's jaw tightens at the mention of the name.
HANA NAKAMURA: We now know that Taro was never truly seeking freedom from the Blood Oni Syndicate. The cleansing rituals exposed the sanctuary's defenses, and Lord Kurogami used that knowledge to launch an attack against the House itself.
She pauses.
HANA NAKAMURA: Raigen... what happened?
For several seconds, Raigen does not answer.
He looks away from the camera.
His hands slowly tighten into fists.
RAIGEN: We opened our doors to someone we believed could be brought home.
A pause.
RAIGEN: And he opened those same doors to our enemies.
Hana lowers the microphone slightly.
She knows her brother well enough to recognize the weight behind those words.
HANA NAKAMURA: The sanctuary was burning when the last images were transmitted. We saw the Blood Oni Syndicate entering the compound. We saw the monks trying to defend it.
Her voice becomes quieter.
HANA NAKAMURA: Are they safe? What happened to the Keeper? And what about everyone who was still inside?
Raigen closes his eyes briefly.
When he opens them, his expression is harder.
RAIGEN: Hana...
He looks toward his sister.
RAIGEN: There are answers I do not have yet.
A long silence.
RAIGEN: And there are things I am not prepared to speak about in front of these cameras.
Hana nods slowly.
HANA NAKAMURA: I understand. But you're not going to face this alone, are you?
RAIGEN: No.
His response is immediate.
RAIGEN: I'm meeting with Lady Ayame Ryu later tonight.
He glances toward the corridor.
RAIGEN: There is much we need to discuss. About the Dragon's Veil. About what happened. About what comes next.
His eyes return to Hana.
RAIGEN: Until I've spoken with her, that's all I can tell you.
Hana studies him for a moment.
HANA NAKAMURA: Raigen, I'm not asking only as an interviewer.
Her voice softens.
HANA NAKAMURA: I'm asking as your sister.
Raigen's expression changes slightly.
For a moment, the hard exterior gives way to something more vulnerable.
RAIGEN: I know.
He places one hand briefly upon her shoulder.
RAIGEN: And I promise you, when I understand what we're facing, you'll know.
Hana nods.
She is about to ask another question when a deep voice interrupts from beyond the camera.
UNKNOWN VOICE: How touching.
Both siblings turn.
The camera swings toward the corridor.
A massive figure has emerged from the shadows.
Broad shoulders.
Imposing height.
The unmistakable physical presence of a man accustomed to dominating every space he enters.
He wears dark athletic attire, his powerful arms exposed. His expression is controlled, almost regal, and he walks with the deliberate confidence of someone who has never felt the need to hurry for anyone.
It is CASSIUS ONYX.
From HCW.
The crowd watching on the arena screens erupts in surprise.
Hana instinctively steps forward.
HANA NAKAMURA: Cassius Onyx? What are you doing here?
Cassius Onyx does not immediately acknowledge her.
His eyes remain fixed upon Raigen.
CASSIUS ONYX: I have traveled from HCW to see the man they intend to place before me at Convergence.
He takes another step forward.
The physical contrast is immediately striking.
Raigen is an imposing warrior in his own right, but Cassius carries an extraordinary combination of size, muscle, and intimidating composure.
CASSIUS ONYX: And what do I find?
He glances briefly toward Hana.
CASSIUS ONYX: A man speaking of broken sanctuaries, betrayed loyalties, and the burdens of his past.
He returns his attention to Raigen.
CASSIUS ONYX: I was expecting a warrior.
A pause.
CASSIUS ONYX: Not a man asking the world to understand his suffering.
Raigen slowly removes his hand from Hana's shoulder.
He turns fully toward the visitor.
RAIGEN: You mistake a private conversation for a plea.
Cassius raises an eyebrow.
RAIGEN: And you mistake my silence for weakness.
The two men stare at one another.
CASSIUS ONYX: Good.
A faint smile appears.
CASSIUS ONYX: There is the fire I was promised.
He steps closer.
CASSIUS ONYX: Listen carefully, Raigen. I did not come here to discuss your monastery. I did not come to condemn your enemies or offer sympathy for what they have taken from you.
His voice deepens.
CASSIUS ONYX: Those matters belong to your world.
He gestures toward his own chest.
CASSIUS ONYX: I belong to another.
A pause.
CASSIUS ONYX: And on November twenty-second, those worlds collide.
Hana raises her microphone again.
HANA NAKAMURA: Cassius, you're referring to your scheduled match against Raigen on Night Two of Convergence. Is this visit intended as a warning?
Cassius finally turns toward her.
CASSIUS ONYX: A warning?
He considers the word.
CASSIUS ONYX: No, Hana.
He looks back at Raigen.
CASSIUS ONYX: A warning suggests there is something a man can do to avoid what is coming.
His expression becomes colder.
CASSIUS ONYX: There is nothing Raigen can do to avoid me.
Raigen does not move.
CASSIUS ONYX: I have heard the stories. The awakened dragon. The warrior who defied the Blood Oni Syndicate. The man who stood against a hundred years of obligation and refused to surrender his future.
He nods once.
CASSIUS ONYX: Impressive stories.
A beat.
CASSIUS ONYX: But stories do not intimidate me.
He moves closer until the two competitors are standing almost chest-to-chest.
CASSIUS ONYX: I am not another shadow from your past. I am not another enemy hiding behind a ritual or a contract. You will see me coming. You will know exactly where I stand.
His eyes narrow.
CASSIUS ONYX: And when I put my hands on you, there will be no mystery about what happens next.
Raigen studies the enormous visitor.
His expression remains controlled.
RAIGEN: You speak with tremendous certainty.
CASSIUS ONYX: Because certainty is earned through strength.
RAIGEN: No.
The immediate response briefly interrupts Cassius.
RAIGEN: Strength teaches you what you can accomplish.
He takes a deliberate step forward.
RAIGEN: Wisdom teaches you what remains beyond your understanding.
Cassius smiles.
CASSIUS ONYX: And you intend to teach me wisdom?
RAIGEN: I intend to fight you.
A pause.
RAIGEN: That is all you need to understand.
The smile slowly disappears from Cassius's face.
Raigen continues.
RAIGEN: You are correct about one thing. You are not Lord Kurogami. You are not Taro Okami. You have nothing to do with what happened at the House of the Dragon's Veil.
His voice becomes firmer.
RAIGEN: So do not confuse my desire to confront them with any reluctance to confront you.
He looks directly into Cassius's eyes.
RAIGEN: On November twenty-second, you will have my full attention.
A brief silence.
RAIGEN: And when that bell rings, I will give you the fight you came here seeking.
Cassius slowly nods.
CASSIUS ONYX: That is better.
He looks Raigen up and down.
CASSIUS ONYX: Much better.
He steps back slightly.
CASSIUS ONYX: But understand something, dragon.
He spreads his enormous arms.
CASSIUS ONYX: You are accustomed to fighting men who use fear to control others. Men who whisper from the darkness. Men who hide their intentions behind ancient laws and supernatural promises.
He lowers his arms.
CASSIUS ONYX: I require none of those things.
His voice becomes a low, commanding rumble.
CASSIUS ONYX: I am the danger standing directly in front of you.
A pause.
CASSIUS ONYX: And at Convergence, when you discover that your power is not enough, remember this conversation.
He leans closer.
CASSIUS ONYX: Remember that Cassius Onyx came to Camelot, looked the dragon in his eyes, and told him exactly what would happen.
Raigen remains perfectly still.
RAIGEN: Then I have something for you to remember as well.
Cassius waits.
RAIGEN: My enemies have tried to bind me.
A beat.
RAIGEN: They have tried to corrupt me.
Another.
RAIGEN: They have taken things from me that strength alone cannot restore.
His eyes harden.
RAIGEN: But after everything they have done, I am still standing.
He steps closer.
RAIGEN: And the dragon still burns.
The two men stand face-to-face.
Neither looks away.
Hana carefully moves between their lines of sight without physically separating them.
HANA NAKAMURA: Gentlemen, Convergence is only weeks away. Both of you have made your positions very clear. There is no need for this confrontation to become physical tonight.
Cassius glances toward her.
Then he looks back at Raigen.
CASSIUS ONYX: Your sister is wise.
He takes a deliberate step backward.
CASSIUS ONYX: There is no need to settle this in a corridor.
His expression becomes severe.
CASSIUS ONYX: Not when an entire arena will be watching on November twenty-second.
He turns toward the camera.
CASSIUS ONYX: HCW. NPCW. It makes no difference to me whose ground we stand upon.
A pause.
CASSIUS ONYX: At Convergence, Raigen will learn that there are forces in this world even dragons cannot move.
He turns back toward his opponent.
CASSIUS ONYX: Prepare yourself.
Cassius Onyx slowly turns and walks down the corridor.
His footsteps echo against the stone.
He does not look back.
Raigen watches until the enormous visitor disappears around the corner.
Only then does Hana turn toward her brother.
HANA NAKAMURA: Raigen...
He looks at her.
HANA NAKAMURA: Are you sure you're ready for this?
He understands she is asking about considerably more than his match with Cassius Onyx.
He looks briefly toward the floor.
Then back at his sister.
RAIGEN: I have to be.
He pauses.
RAIGEN: But first, I need to speak with Lady Ayame.
Hana nods.
HANA NAKAMURA: Be careful, brother.
Raigen offers a small, solemn nod.
RAIGEN: You too, Hana.
He turns and begins walking down the opposite corridor.
The camera follows him for several seconds.
Then the image returns to Hana Nakamura, who remains standing before the interview backdrop.
She takes a moment to collect herself before returning to her professional delivery.
HANA NAKAMURA: An extraordinary confrontation here backstage. HCW's Cassius Onyx has arrived in Camelot to deliver a direct message to Raigen ahead of their match at Convergence on November twenty-second.
She looks briefly toward the corridor where her brother disappeared.
HANA NAKAMURA: But for Raigen, the approaching interpromotional contest is only one of several battles demanding his attention. The House of the Dragon's Veil has suffered a devastating attack, and the betrayal by Taro Okami has left questions that remain unanswered.
Her expression grows more serious.
HANA NAKAMURA: Tonight, Raigen intends to meet with Lady Ayame Ryu. Perhaps that meeting will begin to establish what comes next for the Dragon's Veil.
A final pause.
HANA NAKAMURA: But one thing is certain. On Convergence Night Two, Cassius Onyx will be waiting for him.
The broadcast cuts to a split-screen promotional graphic.
On the left stands RAIGEN, surrounded by blue-white dragon fire.
On the right stands CASSIUS ONYX, his imposing frame emerging from a field of dark stone and fractured light.
Between them appears the official Convergence emblem.
NPCW / HCW CONVERGENCE 2026
NIGHT TWO – NOVEMBER 22, 2026
RAIGEN VS. CASSIUS ONYX
The graphic holds.
Two warriors.
Two promotions.
Two very different understandings of power.
And neither man believes the other is prepared for what is coming.
The screen fades to black.
The broadcast returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The great arena is illuminated by crimson and gold lighting. The Eternal Flame Championship emblem glows upon the entrance screen, while thousands of spectators rise in anticipation of the final contest of the evening.
Tonight, a championship will be defended.
But the consequences extend far beyond the gold.
For the reigning Eternal Flame Champion is no ordinary titleholder.
He is Mordred.
The son of King Arthur.
And one of the five men who have openly declared rebellion against the throne of Camelot.
JULIAN WARD: Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached tonight's main event. The Eternal Flame Championship will be contested under best two-out-of-three falls rules, and the champion, Mordred, enters under extraordinary circumstances. Last week, he stood beside Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, Huntsman, and the Blood-Moon Warden as the five members of The Rebels revealed themselves to the world. Above them hung Excalibur, the legendary sword of King Arthur.
BRICK BRODY: And that makes Mordred a dangerous man, Julian! Not because he's the king's son. Not because he's carrying a championship. Because he's made his choice! He's standing against his own father, and now everybody connected to the throne knows exactly where he stands!
JULIAN WARD: Earlier tonight, the rebellion suffered a significant setback when the Sheriff of Nottingham forced Robin Hood to submit. That result has undoubtedly placed additional pressure upon Mordred to demonstrate that the rebellion remains strong.
BRICK BRODY: And he's facing somebody who doesn't care about any of that! Cheshire Cat isn't here to decide who should rule Camelot. He's here to take the Eternal Flame Championship, and he's brought Dark Hatter with him. That's enough to make me nervous, and I'm not even wrestling!
The lights dim.
A distant ticking begins echoing throughout the Coliseum.
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
Tock.
The entrance screen transforms into a twisted woodland. Trees bend at impossible angles, enormous playing cards hang from their branches, and the pale outline of a crescent moon glows above an abandoned banquet table.
Then a pair of luminous eyes appears in the darkness.
A wide, unsettling grin follows.
The crowd erupts in boos.
CHESHIRE CAT emerges onto the entrance stage.
The strange competitor moves with an almost playful confidence, his expression carrying the same mocking amusement that has made him such an unpredictable presence in the Mythic Division.
Walking several steps behind him is Dark Hatter.
The sinister figure carries a familiar black-bound volume beneath one arm.
The Black Ledger.
He stops beneath the entrance lights and slowly opens the book.
Cheshire Cat glances backward.
The two exchange a knowing smile.
JULIAN WARD: The challenger arrives accompanied by Dark Hatter, and that Black Ledger has become an increasingly recognizable instrument of his interference. It has been associated with deception, distraction, and the deliberate manipulation of contests. Referee "Honest" Abe will need to remain vigilant tonight.
BRICK BRODY: That book has caused more trouble than a room full of crooked lawyers! And look at Cheshire Cat grinning! The man knows he's got somebody standing outside the ring who's perfectly happy to make this match miserable for the champion. That's an advantage, whether anybody likes it or not!
Cheshire Cat begins walking toward the ring.
At several points he pauses, tilting his head toward the spectators as though listening to something that only he can hear.
Dark Hatter follows at a measured pace.
The challenger reaches ringside, leaps onto the apron, and slips between the ropes.
He moves toward the centre of the ring and spreads his arms.
Then he smiles.
At ringside, Dark Hatter closes the Ledger and takes his position.
The arena goes dark once again.
Silence.
Then the sound of a distant war drum.
One beat.
Another.
A low metallic resonance follows, accompanied by the sound of a sword being drawn from its scabbard.
The entrance screen reveals a burning crown.
Its golden frame fractures.
Flames consume the fragments.
From the fire emerges the Eternal Flame Championship emblem.
The crowd rises.
MORDRED steps onto the entrance stage.
The Eternal Flame Championship rests across his shoulder.
He stands motionless beneath the lights, his expression severe and focused.
There is no attempt to imitate the grandeur of his father's royal court.
No ceremonial escort.
No knights marching behind him.
Only the champion.
And the title he has earned.
The Coliseum erupts in a powerful reaction.
JULIAN WARD: And here comes the reigning Eternal Flame Champion. Mordred has made his allegiance clear, but tonight he must defend a championship that represents his achievements as an individual competitor. Whatever political conflict exists between father and son, the championship remains at stake under the rules of professional wrestling.
BRICK BRODY: And that's why I respect him, Julian! You can argue about whether betraying your father is right or wrong, but Mordred isn't hiding behind somebody else's name anymore. He's carrying his own championship, he's fighting his own battles, and tonight he's got to prove he can keep that title!
Mordred walks toward the ring without acknowledging the outstretched hands of the spectators.
His eyes remain fixed upon Cheshire Cat.
As he reaches ringside, Dark Hatter steps forward and offers an exaggerated bow.
Mordred stops.
He looks toward the Black Ledger.
Then toward Dark Hatter.
The champion says nothing.
He climbs the steel steps and enters the ring.
Cheshire Cat watches him with an amused expression.
Mordred removes the championship from his shoulder and raises it above his head.
The crowd roars.
Louie Linville steps into the centre of the ring.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your MAIN EVENT of the evening!
The Coliseum erupts.
LOUIE LINVILLE: The following contest is for the NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP!
Another tremendous reaction fills the arena.
LOUIE LINVILLE: This championship contest will be decided under BEST TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS rules! The first competitor to secure TWO FALLS by pinfall or submission will be declared the winner!
"Honest" Abe steps forward and raises one hand in acknowledgment.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Introducing first... the challenger... accompanied to the ring by DARK HATTER... the master of misdirection, the enigmatic and unpredictable... CHESHIRE CAT!
Cheshire Cat spreads his arms and lowers his head in a theatrical bow.
The crowd boos.
LOUIE LINVILLE: And his opponent... the reigning and defending NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPION... a son of Camelot who has chosen his own destiny... MORDRED!
The Coliseum erupts.
Mordred raises the championship once more before handing it to "Honest" Abe.
The referee holds the title aloft between the competitors.
Cheshire Cat studies the gold with unmistakable interest.
Mordred studies the challenger.
"Honest" Abe hands the championship to the ringside attendant and directs both competitors toward their corners.
At ringside, Dark Hatter opens the Black Ledger.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Mordred immediately advances, refusing to allow Cheshire Cat the opportunity to establish his peculiar rhythm.
The challenger attempts to circle away, but Mordred closes the distance and catches him around the head and upper body.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
Cheshire Cat is driven face-first into the canvas!
The crowd erupts as the champion rises.
Cheshire Cat rolls toward the ropes, his opening smile momentarily disappearing.
JULIAN WARD: A decisive beginning from Mordred! The Downward Spiral connects before Cheshire Cat can establish any significant offense. The champion clearly understands the importance of controlling the opening exchanges against such an unpredictable opponent.
BRICK BRODY: That's exactly how you handle a man who likes to play games! You don't chase him around, you don't listen to his nonsense, and you don't give him time to make you look foolish. You grab him and plant him! Mordred has started this thing exactly right!
Minute 2
Cheshire Cat returns to his feet and moves cautiously toward the centre of the ring.
Mordred intercepts him, catching the challenger from behind before pulling him into position.
INVERTED SITDOWN FACESLAM!
Cheshire Cat crashes into the canvas!
But the challenger recovers quickly and catches the champion as he attempts another attack.
YOSHI TONIC!
Cheshire Cat twists through the maneuver, driving Mordred down with an explosive counter!
Both competitors separate.
JULIAN WARD: The champion connects with the inverted sitdown faceslam, but Cheshire Cat answers with the Yoshi Tonic. That is precisely the danger presented by the challenger. His offense can emerge from unusual positions, and Mordred must remain alert even after successfully executing a maneuver.
BRICK BRODY: And there it is! You think you've got the cat pinned down, and suddenly he's twisted underneath you and dumped you on your head! Mordred had better respect that kind of speed. One mistake and this match could change in a heartbeat!
Minute 3
Mordred regains his footing and immediately targets the challenger's legs.
Cheshire Cat attempts to turn the exchange into a Fujiwara Armbar, reaching for the champion's arm as they grapple.
But Mordred establishes control first.
He catches both legs, turns the challenger over, and sits backward.
SHARPSHOOTER!
The submission is locked in!
Cheshire Cat cries out as the champion applies pressure across the legs and lower back.
"Honest" Abe kneels beside the challenger.
"HONEST" ABE: Cheshire! Do you submit?
Cheshire Cat shakes his head.
He refuses!
The challenger struggles toward the ropes, forcing Mordred to adjust his positioning before eventually escaping the hold.
JULIAN WARD: The Sharpshooter is applied, and Cheshire Cat survives the first significant submission danger of this contest! Mordred has demonstrated a willingness to use technical wrestling rather than relying exclusively on impact maneuvers.
BRICK BRODY: And that's a painful way to discover the champion knows submissions! Cheshire Cat wanted an armbar, and instead he nearly had his legs pulled out of their sockets! He got away, but those legs have already taken a beating!
Minute 4
Mordred forces Cheshire Cat upright near the centre of the ring.
The champion secures his opponent around the head and lifts.
LIFTING INVERTED DDT!
Cheshire Cat crashes into the canvas!
The challenger attempts to regain momentum by moving toward the ropes and setting up a Coffin Drop.
But Mordred intercepts the attempt before the aerial attack can connect.
He immediately drags the challenger away from the ropes and hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
CHESHIRE CAT KICKS OUT!
JULIAN WARD: The lifting inverted DDT creates the first pinfall opportunity for Mordred, but Cheshire Cat survives at two. The champion is maintaining control by preventing the challenger from completing his more dangerous aerial attacks.
BRICK BRODY: Good instincts from the champion! Don't let a man like Cheshire Cat get comfortable near the ropes. The moment he starts setting up one of those crazy dives, you've got to hit him first!
Minute 5
Cheshire Cat rises slowly, shaking his head following the near fall.
Mordred advances without hesitation.
CLOTHESLINE!
The strike catches the challenger across the upper chest and sends him crashing backward.
Cheshire Cat rolls toward the corner, attempting to create separation.
The champion remains close, denying him an easy recovery.
JULIAN WARD: Another powerful clothesline from Mordred. The champion has established a clear pattern through the opening five minutes: close the distance, impose physical control, and prevent Cheshire Cat from utilizing his movement to dictate the match.
BRICK BRODY: That's the right approach! Cheshire Cat wants confusion. Mordred wants a fight. And right now the champion is getting exactly what he wants!
Minute 6
Mordred reaches toward the challenger, attempting another grapple.
But Cheshire Cat suddenly drops beneath the advancing champion.
He catches an arm, twists through the shoulder, and drives Mordred down.
FUJIWARA ARMBAR!
The challenger applies pressure across the arm and shoulder!
Mordred attempts to defend, but cannot prevent the hold from being established.
He struggles against the pressure and works toward the ropes, eventually forcing a separation.
JULIAN WARD: A Fujiwara Armbar from Cheshire Cat! The challenger has identified an opportunity to attack the champion's arm, and that could become a significant factor as this contest progresses. Mordred relies heavily upon lifting and controlling opponents through the upper body.
BRICK BRODY: That's smart! If you can't overpower a man, start taking away the tools he uses to overpower you! Hurt the arm, hurt the shoulder, and suddenly all those big power moves become a whole lot harder!
Minute 7
Mordred rises, briefly flexing the arm that was trapped in the submission.
Cheshire Cat approaches, seeking another opportunity to attack the same limb.
But the champion catches him first.
SWINGING NECKBREAKER!
Cheshire Cat is driven into the canvas!
As Mordred attempts to follow, the challenger twists beneath him and seizes the arm once again.
FUJIWARA ARMBAR!
The pressure forces the champion to abandon his immediate follow-up.
He battles free, retreating several steps before the challenger can tighten the hold further.
JULIAN WARD: The swinging neckbreaker connects, but Cheshire Cat returns immediately to the Fujiwara Armbar. This appears to be a deliberate strategy. The challenger is attempting to compromise Mordred's arm and reduce the effectiveness of his power-based offense.
BRICK BRODY: And now we're seeing some intelligence behind that grin! Cheshire Cat isn't just throwing strange moves around. He's got a plan. Every time Mordred reaches for him, the cat goes after that arm!
Minute 8
Mordred forces his way out of the defensive exchange and drives Cheshire Cat toward the ropes.
The challenger rebounds.
CLOTHESLINE!
Cheshire Cat crashes to the canvas!
The champion immediately drops into a cover.
ONE!
TWO!
CHESHIRE CAT KICKS OUT!
Mordred rises and looks toward the referee, who confirms the two-count.
JULIAN WARD: Another near fall for Mordred, but Cheshire Cat survives. The champion is continuing to accumulate damage through direct, forceful offense, although the challenger has demonstrated considerable resilience.
BRICK BRODY: Two covers, two kickouts! Mordred is winning a lot of these exchanges, but he's still got to collect two falls. That's the part that matters! You don't get the championship defense finished just because you've knocked somebody down a few times!
Minute 9
Cheshire Cat rises near the ropes, attempting to establish a defensive stance.
Mordred immediately creates distance, then charges forward.
DROPKICK!
Both boots strike the challenger across the chest.
Cheshire Cat crashes backward into the canvas, unable to prevent the impact.
The champion returns to his feet and gestures for the challenger to stand.
JULIAN WARD: A clean dropkick from Mordred, and the challenger has once again been unable to establish an effective defense. The champion is demonstrating impressive versatility, moving between technical holds, heavy impacts, and athletic striking maneuvers.
BRICK BRODY: And he's making the cat chase the match now! That's important. Cheshire Cat is at his best when everybody else is confused. Right now he's the one trying to figure out what comes next!
Minute 10
Mordred advances and catches Cheshire Cat around the head and shoulder.
He begins setting up another Downward Spiral.
But this time the challenger recognizes the movement.
REVERSAL!
Cheshire Cat twists behind the champion, catches his neck, and locks both arms securely.
REAR NAKED CHOKE!
Mordred struggles, attempting to break the grip.
Cheshire Cat tightens the pressure, forcing the champion to fight for breathing room.
After a difficult struggle, Mordred manages to break the hold and move toward the ropes.
JULIAN WARD: An important reversal from Cheshire Cat! The challenger recognized the Downward Spiral and turned the attempted attack into a rear naked choke. That is the first serious interruption of Mordred's preferred finishing sequence.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the problem with using the same move against a clever opponent! You show it to him enough times, eventually he figures out how to stop it. Mordred got out of that choke, but he just learned the cat has been paying attention!
Minute 11
Mordred regains his footing and moves directly toward the challenger.
He secures a front facelock and lifts.
VERTICAL SUPLEX!
Cheshire Cat crashes into the canvas.
But as the champion attempts to rise, the challenger catches the arm once again.
FUJIWARA ARMBAR!
Mordred reacts quickly, rolling his shoulder and fighting free before the hold can become fully established.
JULIAN WARD: A vertical suplex from Mordred, but the challenger returns once more to the Fujiwara Armbar. The pattern is becoming unmistakable. Every time the champion exposes that arm during an offensive movement, Cheshire Cat attempts to punish him for it.
BRICK BRODY: And the champion's going to have to solve that problem! You can only have somebody twisting your arm so many times before it starts affecting everything you do. Cheshire Cat is playing a longer game than his entrance suggested!
Minute 12
Cheshire Cat suddenly changes his approach.
Instead of reaching for the arm, he catches Mordred during the next exchange and twists into a tight, deceptive pinning position.
LAST SUPPER!
The sudden maneuver folds the champion awkwardly toward the canvas!
Mordred struggles to regain his balance, forcing the challenger to release the position before he can secure a fall.
Cheshire Cat rolls away, his familiar grin returning.
JULIAN WARD: The Last Supper from Cheshire Cat! Another unusual offensive transition, and another reminder that the challenger does not require a long sequence to create danger. He has begun forcing Mordred to react to several entirely different forms of attack.
BRICK BRODY: That's the game! First he attacks the arm. Then he goes after the neck. Now he's trying to fold the champion into a pinning combination. Mordred has to be wondering which direction the next attack is coming from!
Minute 13
Both competitors rise and circle cautiously.
Mordred suddenly launches forward.
DROPKICK!
The impact sends Cheshire Cat stumbling backward.
But the challenger catches the champion during the follow-up.
FUJIWARA ARMBAR!
Mordred immediately attempts to withdraw the arm, but the challenger secures another brief period of pressure before the champion can escape.
JULIAN WARD: Another dropkick from Mordred, answered by the Fujiwara Armbar. The challenger's persistence is becoming a central feature of this first fall. Mordred has controlled much of the action, but Cheshire Cat continues to accumulate damage through repeated attacks to the same limb.
BRICK BRODY: And that's smart wrestling! You don't need twenty different holds when one of them is doing the job. Cheshire Cat keeps going back to that arm because he knows it hurts!
Minute 14
The competitors separate following another cautious exchange.
Cheshire Cat suddenly closes the distance.
LAST SUPPER!
The challenger catches Mordred in the deceptive maneuver for a second time and forces him into a tight cover.
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
MORDRED KICKS OUT!
The audience erupts as the champion escapes!
Cheshire Cat sits upright, his grin widening as he looks toward the referee.
JULIAN WARD: A near fall for Cheshire Cat! The Last Supper nearly produces the first fall of the contest. Mordred survives at two, but the challenger is clearly discovering ways to turn the champion's forward movement into dangerous pinning situations.
BRICK BRODY: And that's how you steal a fall! You don't always need to knock somebody unconscious. Sometimes you just need to put his shoulders on the canvas for three seconds! Mordred had better remember that before this cat catches him again!
Minute 15
Mordred rises, visibly frustrated by the near fall.
The champion catches Cheshire Cat during the next exchange and forces him into position.
INVERTED SITDOWN FACESLAM!
The challenger crashes into the canvas!
But as Mordred attempts to continue the offense, Cheshire Cat twists behind him.
REAR NAKED CHOKE!
The challenger secures the hold again, forcing the champion to fight through additional pressure to the head and neck.
Mordred struggles free, leaving both competitors visibly fatigued.
JULIAN WARD: Another inverted sitdown faceslam, but once again Cheshire Cat responds with the rear naked choke. The champion has connected with several powerful maneuvers, yet he continues to encounter effective counters whenever he attempts to build sustained momentum.
BRICK BRODY: And now both men are tired! Fifteen minutes of this punishment, and nobody's collected a fall yet! That's when mistakes start happening. That's when a hold you could escape five minutes ago suddenly becomes a whole lot harder to survive!
Minute 16
Mordred rises first.
Cheshire Cat attempts to regain his footing near the ropes.
But the champion closes the distance before the challenger can recover.
He catches Cheshire Cat around the waist.
He lifts.
SITOUT POWERBOMB!
CHESHIRE CAT IS DRIVEN VIOLENTLY INTO THE CANVAS!
Mordred maintains the seated position, trapping the challenger's shoulders against the mat.
"Honest" Abe drops into position!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING!
THE CHAMPION HAS SCORED THE FIRST FALL!
The Coliseum erupts!
Mordred releases the challenger and rises slowly, breathing heavily.
Cheshire Cat remains on the canvas, his expression twisted with frustration.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the FIRST FALL by PINFALL in the SIXTEENTH MINUTE... MORDRED!
The crowd cheers as Mordred raises one arm.
JULIAN WARD: The first fall belongs to Mordred! The sitout powerbomb finally produces the decisive three-count, and the Eternal Flame Champion now leads one fall to none! After sixteen minutes of competitive wrestling, the challenger must win the next two falls to capture the championship.
BRICK BRODY: That's the difference between doing damage and finishing the job! Cheshire Cat had all those clever holds, all those arm attacks, all those counters—but Mordred caught him with one big powerbomb and put him down for three! Now the cat's got a problem!
"Honest" Abe directs both wrestlers toward separate corners for the brief interval.
Mordred rests against the turnbuckles, working his injured arm.
Across the ring, Cheshire Cat sits against the bottom rope.
At ringside, Dark Hatter approaches the challenger's corner.
He opens the Black Ledger and appears to show Cheshire Cat a particular page.
The challenger studies it.
Then slowly smiles.
The referee calls both competitors forward.
FIRST FALL: MORDRED LEADS 1–0.
Minute 17
The second fall begins.
Mordred immediately advances toward Cheshire Cat.
The challenger attempts to raise his guard, but the champion strikes first.
CLOTHESLINE!
Cheshire Cat crashes backward onto the canvas!
Mordred remains standing, urging his opponent to rise.
JULIAN WARD: The champion wastes absolutely no time beginning the second fall. Mordred connects with the clothesline and continues imposing physical pressure upon an opponent who is already trailing in the championship contest.
BRICK BRODY: And that's exactly what you do when you're ahead! Don't give the other man a chance to get comfortable. Cheshire Cat needs two falls. Mordred needs one. Make him feel every second of that disadvantage!
Minute 18
Cheshire Cat rises slowly near the ropes.
Mordred approaches and secures control of the head and upper body.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
The challenger is driven face-first into the canvas!
The crowd erupts.
But at ringside, Dark Hatter has opened the Black Ledger once again.
He turns several pages with deliberate care.
Then he removes a writing instrument and begins making an entry.
The camera moves closer.
Across the page, a name is being written.
MORDRED.
Dark Hatter closes the book with a sharp movement.
He looks toward the champion and smiles.
JULIAN WARD: Another Downward Spiral from Mordred, but something very unusual is taking place at ringside. Dark Hatter has written the champion's name in the Black Ledger. We have seen this object involved in previous acts of interference, and its use here is deeply concerning.
BRICK BRODY: Oh, I don't like that! You write my name in a book, it had better be because you're sending me a check! Dark Hatter doesn't carry that thing around for decoration. Whatever he's planning, I guarantee it isn't going to be good for Mordred!
Minute 19
Mordred pulls Cheshire Cat upright.
He secures a front facelock and lifts.
VERTICAL SUPLEX!
The challenger crashes into the canvas!
But Cheshire Cat recovers quickly and forces himself upright.
He launches forward.
SHOTGUN FRONT DROPKICK!
The impact sends Mordred crashing backward!
JULIAN WARD: The vertical suplex connects, but Cheshire Cat answers with a shotgun front dropkick. The challenger is attempting to rebuild his offense after losing the first fall, and that explosive strike may provide the opening he requires.
BRICK BRODY: And that's a good response! Cheshire Cat can't spend the whole second fall trying to survive. He's behind! He needs to start taking chances, and that dropkick was exactly the kind of attack that can change a match!
Minute 20
Mordred rises near the centre of the ring.
Cheshire Cat moves toward the corner, using the ropes to create separation.
The challenger climbs rapidly.
He turns his back toward the ring.
Then launches himself.
COFFIN DROP!
CHESHIRE CAT CRASHES DOWN ACROSS THE CHAMPION!
Mordred attempts to protect himself but cannot avoid the impact.
The challenger rolls away, breathing heavily.
JULIAN WARD: The Coffin Drop connects! That is a significant offensive development for Cheshire Cat. The challenger has finally landed one of his most dangerous aerial attacks, and the champion was unable to establish a meaningful defense.
BRICK BRODY: That's how you get back into a match! You throw your whole body at the other man and make sure he feels every pound of it! Mordred got flattened, and suddenly that one-fall lead doesn't look quite so comfortable!
Minute 21
Both men struggle to rise.
Mordred reaches his feet and immediately drives forward.
CLOTHESLINE!
The strike catches Cheshire Cat across the chest!
But the challenger uses the champion's movement against him.
HURRICANRANA!
Mordred is sent tumbling across the canvas!
Both competitors separate, visibly struggling with fatigue.
JULIAN WARD: The champion connects with another clothesline, but Cheshire Cat responds with a hurricanrana. The challenger continues finding success through sudden changes of direction, particularly when Mordred attempts to follow one attack immediately with another.
BRICK BRODY: And now they're both tired! That's when a man like Cheshire Cat gets dangerous. You think you've got him lined up, but suddenly he's wrapped around your head and throwing you halfway across the ring!
Minute 22
Mordred rises first and advances toward the recovering challenger.
He catches Cheshire Cat around the head and upper body.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
The challenger crashes face-first into the canvas!
Mordred immediately hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
CHESHIRE CAT KICKS OUT!
The crowd erupts as the challenger narrowly escapes.
JULIAN WARD: Another near fall! Mordred connects with the Downward Spiral and nearly secures the second fall, which would have ended the championship contest. But Cheshire Cat survives at two, keeping his championship hopes alive.
BRICK BRODY: That's how close this thing is! One more second and Mordred retains the championship! Cheshire Cat doesn't have room for another mistake. He's got to win the next fall or he's finished!
Minute 23
Cheshire Cat rises slowly, struggling to recover from the previous impact.
Mordred advances once again.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
The maneuver drives the challenger into the canvas!
But as Mordred attempts to continue, Cheshire Cat twists behind him and catches the neck.
REAR NAKED CHOKE!
The challenger locks his arms and forces the champion to fight against the pressure.
Mordred struggles toward the ropes and eventually manages to break free.
JULIAN WARD: Another Downward Spiral, answered by another rear naked choke. The challenger continues finding ways to punish Mordred immediately after absorbing a significant maneuver. The champion must be careful not to expose himself while attempting to finish the contest.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the kind of problem that drives a wrestler mad! You hit somebody with one of your best moves, and instead of staying down, he climbs onto your back and tries to choke you! Cheshire Cat is making this a nightmare for the champion!
Minute 24
Mordred rises and intercepts the advancing challenger.
He catches Cheshire Cat around the waist and lifts.
SITOUT POWERBOMB!
The challenger crashes into the canvas!
The crowd erupts, recognizing the maneuver that secured the first fall.
But Cheshire Cat manages to fight back before the champion can establish a decisive cover.
He rises and launches forward.
SHOTGUN FRONT DROPKICK!
Mordred is driven backward!
Both men remain down following the exchange.
JULIAN WARD: The sitout powerbomb connects again, but this time Cheshire Cat recovers sufficiently to answer with the shotgun front dropkick. That is an extraordinary response considering the same powerbomb secured the first fall.
BRICK BRODY: And now the champion has to be wondering what it's going to take! That powerbomb worked once. He hit it again. But this time Cheshire Cat fought back before he could finish the job! This challenger is refusing to go away!
Minute 25
Both competitors slowly rise.
Cheshire Cat suddenly moves behind Mordred.
He secures the head and neck.
REAR NAKED CHOKE!
But the champion reacts immediately.
REVERSAL!
Mordred breaks the grip, twists around the challenger, and catches him before he can retreat.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
CHESHIRE CAT IS DRIVEN INTO THE CANVAS!
The crowd erupts!
Mordred immediately moves into a cover.
He hooks the leg.
"Honest" Abe drops toward the canvas.
But before the referee can complete the count—
CHESHIRE CAT TWISTS!
HE REVERSES THE PINNING POSITION!
Mordred's shoulders are suddenly trapped against the canvas!
The champion struggles desperately to escape!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING!
THE CHALLENGER HAS STOLEN THE SECOND FALL!
The Coliseum erupts in disbelief!
Mordred rolls away, looking toward the referee in astonishment.
Cheshire Cat collapses onto his back, laughing breathlessly.
At ringside, Dark Hatter raises the Black Ledger in satisfaction.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the SECOND FALL by PINFALL in the TWENTY-FIFTH MINUTE... CHESHIRE CAT!
The crowd responds with a mixture of astonishment and boos.
JULIAN WARD: AN EXTRAORDINARY REVERSAL! Mordred connected with the Downward Spiral and appeared moments away from retaining the championship, but Cheshire Cat reversed the attempted cover and trapped the champion's shoulders for the three-count! The challenger has tied this contest at one fall apiece!
BRICK BRODY: THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TELLING YOU, JULIAN! YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED THE BIGGEST MOVE! YOU JUST NEED THREE SECONDS! Mordred had him beaten, thought he had the match finished, and Cheshire Cat turned the whole thing upside down!
"Honest" Abe directs both competitors toward their corners.
Mordred sits against the turnbuckles, visibly winded.
Cheshire Cat remains on one knee in the opposite corner, exhausted but smiling.
At ringside, Dark Hatter closes the Black Ledger and taps its cover twice.
He leans toward the challenger.
DARK HATTER: One fall, dear Cat. Just one more, and the flame changes hands.
Cheshire Cat slowly looks toward the championship waiting at ringside.
His grin widens.
The referee calls both men forward.
SECOND FALL: CHESHIRE CAT WINS BY REVERSING MORDRED'S PIN ATTEMPT.
MATCH TIED 1–1.
Minute 26
The third and deciding fall begins.
Mordred immediately advances, visibly frustrated by the manner in which the previous fall ended.
He catches Cheshire Cat with a powerful strike and drives forward.
CLOTHESLINE!
The challenger crashes backward!
But as Mordred attempts to continue, Dark Hatter steps closer to the ring.
He opens the Black Ledger, directing the champion's attention toward the opposite corner.
A sharp movement follows.
Mordred turns toward what appears to be an opening near the ropes.
But the movement is deliberate misdirection.
THE QUEEN'S TRAP!
Cheshire Cat exploits the confusion, catching the champion as he moves into the vulnerable position created by Dark Hatter's distraction.
Mordred is forced backward, struggling to regain his balance as the challenger attacks.
JULIAN WARD: Dark Hatter has interfered again! The Queen's Trap has been sprung through deliberate misdirection, and Mordred has been caught while attempting to follow his earlier clothesline. With the championship hanging in the balance, outside interference is becoming an increasingly significant factor.
BRICK BRODY: That's exactly what Dark Hatter does! He makes you look in the wrong direction, then lets his man take advantage! And after twenty-six minutes, when you're tired and angry, it's easier than ever to get fooled!
Minute 27
Mordred struggles away from the trap and returns to the centre of the ring.
Cheshire Cat advances, attempting to capitalize on the disruption.
But the champion suddenly explodes forward.
SPEAR!
CHESHIRE CAT IS DRIVEN VIOLENTLY INTO THE CANVAS!
The crowd erupts!
The challenger attempts to recover by moving toward the ropes and positioning himself for a Coffin Drop.
But Mordred has already interrupted the attempt.
The challenger cannot complete the maneuver.
JULIAN WARD: A devastating spear from Mordred! That may be the champion's most important counter of the third fall. Cheshire Cat attempted to establish another aerial attack, but the champion's forward explosion prevented him from completing it.
BRICK BRODY: That's how you answer a trick! You knock the other man flat! Mordred is furious, and that spear had every ounce of frustration behind it! Cheshire Cat better be careful because the champion is starting to hit harder!
Minute 28
Cheshire Cat rolls toward the ropes and slowly forces himself upright.
Mordred approaches, attempting to prevent another escape.
But the challenger suddenly creates separation with a sharp strike.
He moves toward the corner and climbs.
With the champion still recovering, Cheshire Cat turns his back toward the ring.
COFFIN DROP!
THE CHALLENGER CRASHES DOWN ACROSS MORDRED!
The impact drives the champion into the canvas!
Cheshire Cat rolls away, exhausted.
JULIAN WARD: The Coffin Drop connects! Cheshire Cat has answered the spear with another tremendous aerial attack. The champion was unable to prevent the impact, and the challenger has regained a measure of control in this decisive third fall.
BRICK BRODY: That's a dangerous man! He gets speared into the canvas, and a minute later he's flying backward off the ropes! I don't know what keeps Cheshire Cat moving, but whatever it is, he's got plenty of it!
Minute 29
Mordred rises slowly, his movements showing the effects of nearly half an hour of punishment.
Cheshire Cat approaches.
The champion catches him around the head and shoulder.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
The challenger is driven face-first into the canvas!
The crowd erupts.
But before Mordred can continue, Dark Hatter moves toward the ropes.
He raises the Black Ledger.
As the champion approaches the ropes, Dark Hatter suddenly strikes him with the heavy book!
THE BLACK LEDGER CONNECTS!
Mordred recoils, clutching the side of his head!
The crowd erupts in furious boos.
"Honest" Abe turns toward the disturbance, but Dark Hatter has already concealed the book and stepped away from the apron.
JULIAN WARD: THE BLACK LEDGER! DARK HATTER HAS STRUCK MORDRED WITH THE BLACK LEDGER! A blatant illegal attack at a critical moment in this championship contest!
BRICK BRODY: THAT BOOK IS A WEAPON, JULIAN! Forget the writing, forget the strange rituals! Dark Hatter just hit the champion with it! And after twenty-nine minutes of wrestling, that kind of shot can make all the difference!
Mordred staggers away from the ropes.
Cheshire Cat begins rising.
The challenger sees the opening.
Minute 30
Mordred shakes his head, attempting to clear the effects of the illegal strike.
Cheshire Cat advances.
The champion suddenly creates separation.
DROPKICK!
The strike catches the challenger across the chest!
But Cheshire Cat recovers quickly and moves toward the ropes.
He climbs into position.
COFFIN DROP!
The challenger launches himself backward and crashes across Mordred!
Both competitors remain on the canvas.
JULIAN WARD: Another exchange of powerful offense. Mordred connects with the dropkick despite the attack from Dark Hatter, but Cheshire Cat answers with another Coffin Drop. The challenger has now connected with multiple high-impact aerial attacks in this contest.
BRICK BRODY: And both men are running on fumes! Thirty minutes of punishment, and they're still launching themselves at each other! That's championship wrestling, Julian. That's what happens when neither man is willing to walk away without that title!
Minute 31
Cheshire Cat slowly pushes himself upright.
Mordred rises near the opposite ropes.
The challenger advances, attempting to maintain the advantage.
But the champion suddenly explodes forward.
SPEAR!
CHESHIRE CAT IS DRIVEN INTO THE CANVAS!
The impact echoes through the Coliseum.
Mordred rises to one knee, breathing heavily.
JULIAN WARD: Another tremendous spear from Mordred! The challenger could not defend against the attack, and the champion has regained control through sheer physical force. After the interference and repeated Coffin Drops, that is an important response.
BRICK BRODY: That's what the champion needed! Forget Dark Hatter, forget the Black Ledger, forget all the tricks. Get your hands on Cheshire Cat and drive him through the mat! That's how you get your championship back under control!
Minute 32
Mordred pulls Cheshire Cat upright.
The challenger attempts to raise his guard, but the champion maintains control.
He catches the head and shoulder.
DOWNWARD SPIRAL!
Cheshire Cat crashes face-first into the canvas!
The crowd erupts as Mordred returns to his feet.
The challenger remains down, visibly exhausted.
JULIAN WARD: Another Downward Spiral from Mordred. The champion has now delivered a series of damaging maneuvers in consecutive minutes, and Cheshire Cat appears increasingly unable to sustain his earlier defensive responses.
BRICK BRODY: And that's the difference now! Earlier, every time Mordred hit something big, the cat bounced back with a counter. He's not bouncing back quite so quickly anymore! That means the punishment is finally starting to catch up with him!
Minute 33
Both competitors struggle to regain their footing.
Mordred moves cautiously toward the recovering challenger.
But Cheshire Cat suddenly catches him as he approaches.
The challenger twists around the champion's head and shoulders.
STANDING DIAMOND DUST!
Mordred crashes into the canvas!
The crowd reacts with surprise as Cheshire Cat rolls away from the impact.
JULIAN WARD: Standing Diamond Dust! An extraordinary response from Cheshire Cat at this late stage of the contest. The champion was unable to prevent the maneuver, and the challenger has once again demonstrated his ability to change the direction of a match through a sudden, unconventional attack.
BRICK BRODY: And that's why you never count this cat out! Just when you think he's finished, he finds something nobody was expecting! Mordred had control, but one mistake and he's back on the canvas!
Minute 34
Mordred rises slowly, clearly feeling the effects of the Standing Diamond Dust.
Cheshire Cat attempts to follow, but the champion meets him with a sudden burst of offense.
CLOTHESLINE!
The challenger crashes backward!
Mordred remains standing, breathing heavily as he looks down at his opponent.
The crowd begins chanting the champion's name.
JULIAN WARD: Mordred answers immediately with another clothesline. Thirty-four minutes have elapsed, and the champion continues demonstrating tremendous determination. The physical damage accumulated throughout this contest is substantial, but neither competitor has surrendered the struggle.
BRICK BRODY: And look at Mordred! He can barely catch his breath, but he's still standing! That's what carrying a championship means. You don't get to quit because the match got hard. You keep fighting until somebody wins!
Minute 35
Cheshire Cat rises near the ropes.
Mordred advances and launches forward.
DROPKICK!
The strike catches the challenger across the chest!
But Cheshire Cat manages to intercept the champion during the follow-up.
FUJIWARA ARMBAR!
The challenger secures the same arm he has attacked repeatedly throughout the match.
Mordred cries out, attempting to pull free.
Cheshire Cat applies additional pressure.
The champion struggles toward the ropes and eventually manages to escape.
JULIAN WARD: The Fujiwara Armbar returns! After thirty-five minutes, Cheshire Cat is still targeting the champion's arm. That persistence could become decisive if Mordred is unable to execute the lifting maneuvers required to finish this contest.
BRICK BRODY: That's the smart play! Cheshire Cat knows exactly where he's been hurting the champion all night. Go back to that arm! Make him feel every one of those earlier holds! If Mordred can't lift him, he can't powerbomb him!
Minute 36
Mordred rises, holding his injured arm close to his body.
Cheshire Cat advances, attempting to maintain control.
But the champion catches him in a front facelock.
He begins setting up a vertical suplex.
Mordred attempts the lift.
But Cheshire Cat braces against the movement!
He widens his stance, hooks the champion's leg, and prevents the suplex from being completed.
The maneuver is neutralized!
Mordred releases the hold and staggers backward, his injured arm clearly affecting his ability to maintain control.
JULIAN WARD: Cheshire Cat has stopped the vertical suplex! The challenger recognized the setup and prevented the lift. That may be the clearest evidence yet of how the sustained arm attacks have affected Mordred's offensive capabilities.
BRICK BRODY: That's exactly what I was talking about! Mordred wants to lift him, but the cat has been working that arm for half an hour! You can't keep punishing a man's shoulder and expect it not to matter. The champion is running out of time to find another answer!
Both men separate.
Cheshire Cat retreats toward the ropes.
Mordred remains near the centre of the ring.
The champion slowly flexes his injured arm.
He looks toward the challenger.
Then he takes one deliberate step forward.
Minute 37
Cheshire Cat moves cautiously away from the ropes.
Mordred approaches, refusing to allow the challenger another opportunity to escape.
The two men lock up.
Cheshire Cat attempts to shift his weight and break the grip.
But this time Mordred adjusts his positioning before attempting the lift.
He secures the front facelock.
Plants his feet.
And lifts.
VERTICAL SUPLEX!
CHESHIRE CAT IS DRIVEN INTO THE CANVAS!
The Coliseum erupts!
Mordred immediately rolls into the cover!
He hooks the leg and presses his weight across the challenger's shoulders!
"Honest" Abe drops into position!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
DING! DING! DING!
THE CHAMPION HAS WON THE THIRD FALL!
The Coliseum erupts in a tremendous ovation!
Mordred releases the cover and rolls onto his back, breathing heavily.
Cheshire Cat remains sprawled on the canvas, exhausted after thirty-seven punishing minutes.
"Honest" Abe immediately signals the conclusion of the championship contest.
At ringside, Dark Hatter lowers the Black Ledger.
For the first time tonight, his expression carries something resembling genuine disappointment.
JULIAN WARD: THE VERTICAL SUPLEX! MORDRED HAS SECURED THE THIRD AND DECIDING FALL! AFTER THIRTY-SEVEN MINUTES, THE ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPION HAS RETAINED HIS TITLE!
BRICK BRODY: WHAT A FINISH! THE CAT STOPPED THE SUPLEX ONE MINUTE AGO, BUT MORDRED WENT RIGHT BACK TO IT! HE ADJUSTED HIS GRIP, FOUND THE STRENGTH, AND FINISHED THE JOB! THAT'S HOW A CHAMPION ANSWERS ADVERSITY!
Louie Linville steps into the centre of the ring.
"Honest" Abe receives the Eternal Flame Championship from the ringside attendant.
He approaches the exhausted champion.
Mordred slowly pushes himself upright.
The referee raises his arm.
LOUIE LINVILLE: Ladies and gentlemen... the winner of the THIRD AND DECIDING FALL by PINFALL in the THIRTY-SEVENTH MINUTE...
The crowd begins cheering before the announcement is complete.
LOUIE LINVILLE: ...and STILL the NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPION... MORDRED!
The Coliseum erupts!
"Honest" Abe places the championship into Mordred's hands.
The champion studies the gold for several seconds.
Then he raises it above his head.
The audience responds with another thunderous ovation.
Across the ring, Cheshire Cat slowly rolls onto one side.
Dark Hatter climbs onto the apron and extends one hand toward his fallen associate.
Cheshire Cat looks at the offered assistance.
Then at the championship in Mordred's hands.
His familiar grin returns, although there is considerably less amusement behind it now.
He accepts Dark Hatter's assistance and slowly exits the ring.
The two retreat toward the entrance.
Dark Hatter keeps the Black Ledger pressed beneath one arm.
He looks back toward the champion.
Mordred meets his gaze.
Neither man speaks.
Then Dark Hatter turns away.
The challenger and his associate disappear backstage.
Inside the ring, Mordred remains standing.
His injured arm hangs at his side.
The Eternal Flame Championship rests across his opposite shoulder.
He is visibly exhausted.
But victorious.
JULIAN WARD: An extraordinary championship defense from Mordred. He secured the opening fall with the sitout powerbomb, lost the second when Cheshire Cat reversed an attempted pin, and finally reclaimed control in the third fall with the decisive vertical suplex. Throughout thirty-seven minutes, he endured repeated attacks to the arm, dangerous submission holds, aerial offense, and multiple interventions by Dark Hatter. Yet the champion ultimately found a way to retain.
BRICK BRODY: And that's what separates a champion from everybody else, Julian! Mordred didn't have a perfect night. He got caught. He lost a fall he thought he'd already won. He had that lunatic with the Black Ledger making trouble at ringside. But when it mattered most, he found another gear! Cheshire Cat deserves credit for one hell of a fight, but tonight the champion was the better man!
JULIAN WARD: The result carries particular significance for Camelot. Earlier this evening, Robin Hood suffered defeat at the hands of the Sheriff of Nottingham, giving the Shadow Court a major victory against the rebellion. But tonight's main event ensures that another of The Rebels remains a reigning champion. Mordred retains the Eternal Flame Championship, and the struggle between the throne and those who oppose it continues with its central figures still very much in contention.
FINAL RESULT: MORDRED DEFEATS CHESHIRE CAT TWO FALLS TO ONE IN 37 MINUTES TO RETAIN THE NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP.
FALL 1 – MORDRED DEFEATS CHESHIRE CAT BY PINFALL FOLLOWING A SITOUT POWERBOMB AT 16:00.
FALL 2 – CHESHIRE CAT DEFEATS MORDRED BY PINFALL AFTER REVERSING MORDRED'S COVER AT 25:00.
FALL 3 – MORDRED DEFEATS CHESHIRE CAT BY PINFALL FOLLOWING A VERTICAL SUPLEX AT 37:00.
MORDRED RETAINS THE ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP, 2–1.
The camera returns to the centre of the ring.
Mordred stands beneath the lights of Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The Eternal Flame Championship rests against his chest.
He looks upward toward the royal banners hanging from the rafters.
The banners of Camelot.
The kingdom ruled by his father.
The kingdom he has chosen to defy.
For several seconds, the champion remains motionless.
Then he slowly raises the championship.
The crowd erupts once again.
Mordred does not smile.
He looks directly toward the main camera.
His expression is severe.
Resolute.
He has survived another battle.
And the championship remains his.
The camera slowly pulls backward, revealing the champion standing alone within the enormous arena.
Above him hang the symbols of a kingdom divided.
In his hands burns the prize he has refused to surrender.
The Eternal Flame endures.
The broadcast fades toward the closing segment.
The broadcast returns to the commentary desk inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The crowd continues buzzing following a tremendous thirty-seven-minute main event in which Mordred successfully defended the Eternal Flame Championship against Cheshire Cat, winning two falls to one.
Julian Ward and Brick Brody prepare to bring another eventful chapter of Dark Fable to its conclusion.
JULIAN WARD: Ladies and gentlemen, what an extraordinary evening here in Camelot. Tonight, Mordred survived an exhausting championship encounter, overcoming Cheshire Cat and the interference of Dark Hatter to retain the Eternal Flame Championship. For the rebellion against King Arthur, that victory provides an important measure of momentum after Robin Hood suffered a submission defeat against the Sheriff of Nottingham.
BRICK BRODY: And what a night for the Shadow Court! The Sheriff beat Robin Hood, Sir Gawain defeated John Henry after Jett Sterling stuck his nose into the match, and Severin Crowne continues to have his fingerprints all over this division!
JULIAN WARD: We also witnessed Serpenta Veyne force Rapunzel to submit, while the mysterious Zorath the Last Oracle made an extraordinary in-ring debut, defeating Dragon King in just three minutes. And we cannot forget the disturbing events surrounding Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood, whose thirty-minute draw against Black Chapel was followed by a vicious attack from Regina and Malice. Lark was transported to hospital, and we hope to learn more about her condition.
BRICK BRODY: And don't forget our visitors from HCW! R.A.M. Shortage marched right into King Arthur's throne room, and Cassius Onyx came looking for Raigen! Convergence is getting closer, Julian, and nobody's waiting until November twenty-second to start making trouble!
The entrance screen transitions to the official Wrestlefest Remembrance Day graphic.
JULIAN WARD: And before Convergence arrives, NPCW presents another major event. On November eleventh, we bring you WRESTLEFEST REMEMBRANCE DAY, featuring five tremendous matches!
The match graphics appear one after another.
JULIAN WARD: King Arthur joins forces with the Virtuous Blades to face three members of The Rebels: Sir Lancelot, Huntsman, and the Blood-Moon Warden!
BRICK BRODY: A royal collision! The king and his loyal warriors against three men who want to tear down everything he stands for!
JULIAN WARD: Following his remarkable debut tonight, Zorath the Last Oracle will face the Sheriff of Nottingham!
BRICK BRODY: Now that's a match I want to see! The mysterious newcomer against a man who just submitted Robin Hood!
JULIAN WARD: And Robin Hood himself will face another member of the Shadow Court, Sir Agravaine!
JULIAN WARD: In women's tag team action, Maid Marion and Lady Guinevere will join forces against the North Star Tag Team Champions, Regina and Malice!
BRICK BRODY: After what happened tonight, there's going to be bad blood in that one! And I can't wait to see how Marion and Guinevere manage to work together!
JULIAN WARD: And in a major non-title encounter, NPCW Universal Champion Hansel goes one-on-one with Severin Crowne!
BRICK BRODY: That's a dangerous assignment for Crowne! He's used to pulling strings from ringside. Against Hansel, he's going to have to do the fighting himself!
The Wrestlefest graphic fades, replaced by the Dark Fable logo.
JULIAN WARD: And next week, Dark Fable returns with another outstanding lineup. The Queens of Despair, King Arthur, the Queens of Punishment, Sandman, the Merry Band, Bellona, and many more will be in action!
BRICK BRODY: And our main event is going to be something special!
JULIAN WARD: Indeed it will. The reigning NPCW Universal Tag Team Champions, the Ultimate Beasts — Karnyx and Varak — will face the Shadow Court's Severin Crowne and Sir Agravaine in a non-title tag team contest!
BRICK BRODY: Oh, I love that matchup! The Ultimate Beasts don't care about royal politics. They care about destruction! Crowne and Agravaine better have a plan, because those two monsters aren't interested in diplomatic negotiations!
The camera pulls back to reveal the enormous Coliseum as the crowd continues cheering.
JULIAN WARD: Tonight, the Eternal Flame remains in the hands of Mordred, but Camelot remains a kingdom divided. The Shadow Court continues expanding its influence, the rebellion refuses to surrender, and challengers from beyond NPCW's borders are gathering for Convergence.
A final image of Mordred holding the Eternal Flame Championship appears on the entrance screen.
BRICK BRODY: The king has enemies everywhere, Julian. Some want his championship. Some want his throne. And some just want to watch the whole kingdom burn!
JULIAN WARD: For Brick Brody, I'm Julian Ward. Thank you for joining us tonight at Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. We will see you at Wrestlefest Remembrance Day and next week on Dark Fable.
The screen fades to black.
NPCW DARK FABLE
EVERY LEGEND HAS A DARKER CHAPTER.
Airing November 6, 2026
Later after Dark Fable 041
The screen fades in from black.
Japan.
Morning has come to the House of the Dragon’s Veil.
But there is little warmth in it.
A cold rain falls over what remains of the compound.
The great wooden entrance gates lie shattered across the courtyard.
Sections of the dojo have burned down to blackened beams. Torn banners hang from broken posts. Stone lanterns have been overturned. Ash has mixed with rainwater into dark streams running between the courtyard stones.
Near the entrance, the remains of the great stone dragon still lie where it fell.
Its severed head rests on its side.
Three figures walk slowly through the destruction.
Lady Ayame Ryu leads.
Behind her walks Takuma Ryujin.
The Keeper of the Veil follows several steps behind them.
No one speaks at first.
Takuma Ryujin stops beside one of the destroyed training halls.
His jaw tightens.
TAKUMA RYUJIN: “All of this because Raigen brought Taro through our gates.”
The Keeper lowers his eyes.
Ayame continues walking.
Takuma looks toward her.
TAKUMA RYUJIN: “He demanded the cleansing. He vouched for him. He gave the Blood Oni access to everything we were supposed to protect.”
Ayame finally stops.
She turns toward Takuma.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Raigen honored the terms of the match.”
Takuma shakes his head.
TAKUMA RYUJIN: “And look what his honor bought us.”
Ayame's expression remains composed.
LADY AYAME RYU: “No.”
Takuma falls silent.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Taro Okami deceived this House. Lord Kurogami planned the deception. The Blood Oni Syndicate attacked us.”
She steps closer.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Raigen did not.”
Takuma looks away toward the ruined dojo.
TAKUMA RYUJIN: “He should have known.”
LADY AYAME RYU: “So should we.”
That stops him.
Ayame looks across the courtyard.
LADY AYAME RYU: “We believed the Blood Oni had corrupted Taro against his will.”
The Keeper listens silently.
LADY AYAME RYU: “We never considered that Taro might willingly carry the Blood Oni into our home.”
Takuma's anger begins to give way to something heavier.
LADY AYAME RYU: “If there is blame to carry, then the House carries it together.”
Takuma looks back toward her.
Ayame's voice softens, but not her authority.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Do not make Raigen carry our failure alone.”
Takuma stares at the broken dragon head for several seconds.
Finally, he nods.
The Keeper of the Veil steps forward.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL: “My Lady... the primary sanctuary cannot be secured. The eastern ward is destroyed. The inner seal has been compromised. Much of the archive survived, but this dojo will not be usable for some time.”
Ayame looks toward the burned structure.
Then toward the mountains beyond it.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Then we do not remain here.”
The Keeper looks up.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Take the surviving monks, the archives, and everything that can still be recovered to the secondary dojo.”
The Keeper bows his head.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL: “Immediately.”
LADY AYAME RYU: “Re-establish the wards. Secure the training chambers. Contact every member of the House who remains beyond these walls.”
A beat.
LADY AYAME RYU: “And then rebuild.”
The Keeper looks across the devastation.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL: “This place has stood for generations.”
Ayame looks at him.
LADY AYAME RYU: “The House of the Dragon’s Veil is not this building.”
She looks toward the surviving monks beginning to gather among the ruins.
LADY AYAME RYU: “It is the people who still stand after it falls.”
The Keeper bows deeply.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL: “Then the House will stand again.”
He walks away to begin issuing orders.
Takuma remains beside Ayame.
The two stare at the ruined dojo.
TAKUMA RYUJIN: “And Taro?”
Ayame's expression hardens.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Taro made his choice.”
She turns away from the ruins.
LADY AYAME RYU: “Eventually, he will answer for it.”
Takuma takes one final look at the broken dragon statue.
Then follows her.
The camera remains behind.
Rain continues to fall over the shattered courtyard.
Several surviving monks lift a damaged Dragon’s Veil banner from the mud.
They do not discard it.
They carry it with them.
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