The Legend of Zelda: The Ring of Destiny, Chapter 66

The Dark Forces betrayed its founding members, but now is the chance for retribution! Will Cia & Volga use the Triforce Tournament to get even?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bracket of Wisdom: Ruto VS Nabooru; Ruto wins and advances.
• Bracket of Wisdom: Gomess VS Sidon; Sidon wins and advances.
• Bracket of Wisdom: Volga VS Zant; Volga wins and advances.
• Bracket of Wisdom: Ghirahim VS Cia; Ghirahim wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

As is tradition, following Power is Wisdom, but don’t expect these showdowns to be any less powerful. HyruleMania 5 saw The Dark Forces shockingly betray Volga and Wizzro just so The Faces of Evil could become World Trios Champions. Volga takes on Zant and Cia takes on Ghirahim, will the traitors pay for what they’ve done? Or will Volga & Cia have even less than they had before? Then we have quite the surprise, HPW welcomes Sidon to the roster! He has quite the challenge in front of him, though, as he takes on wrestling reaper, Gomess! Will this tournament debut be the death of Sidon? Or can he make quite the splash?

But first, two icons clash once more! The Zora Princess is without the Goddess Championship, but she is now after a bigger fish! Will she make it past her old rival? Or will the Sage of Spirit prove she’s still got it? The HPW Triforce Tournament opening round continues now!

Bracket of Wisdom: Ruto VS Nabooru!

These two icons of women’s wrestling meet once again, ready to add another chapter to their storied rivalry. Who will punctuate this moment with a step forward towards the finals?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans fire up already. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, and Ruto pushes Nabooru to ropes. The ref counts, Ruto slowly lets off, and she taunts Nabooru. Nabooru fires forearms, then whips Ruto to a corner. Nabooru runs up but Ruto LARIATS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and duel, Ruto handsprings to catch Nabooru for swinging RANA! Nabooru bails out, Ruto taunts her, then soaks up the cheers and jeers from the fans. Ruto goes to the ropes and PLANCHAS, but Nabooru moves! Nabooru DROPKICKS Ruto! The fans fire up while Ruto tumbles and Nabooru stalks her.

Nabooru CLUBS Ruto, throws more forearms, but Ruto kicks back! And CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” while Ruto shoves Nabooru into the apron. Ruto CHOPS Nabooru again and the fans “WOO~!” again. Ruto follows Nabooru around the way, CLUBS her on the back, then brings her around. Ruto whips but Nabooru reverses and Ruto is sent into the railing! Nabooru hears the ring count, refreshes it, and then storms up on Ruto. Ruto kicks Nabooru first! Ruto throws Nabooru into the railing! Nabooru slumps down, Ruto gets space, and the fans are torn as she runs in, and she basement DROPKICKS Nabooru against the railing!

The fans are torn as Ruto stands tall and Nabooru flops over. Ruto leaves Nabooru behind for the ring count. The count reaches 5 of 10 while Nabooru staggers to her feet. Nabooru rolls in at 6, but Ruto is there to stomp her at the ropes! The fans are again torn but the ref reprimands. Ruto stops at 4, “apologizes,” and then she basement DROPKICKS Nabooru back out of the ring! Nabooru flops to the floor and Ruto again soaks up cheers and jeers. Ruto then waits on Nabooru to get up. Nabooru stands, and Ruto PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time! Ruto soaks up more cheers and jeers while taking a bow.

Ruto drags Nabooru up and into the ring. Ruto pushes Nabooru to a cover, TWO! Ruto waits on Nabooru to get up, and she runs up to ELBOW her down! Cover, TWO! Ruto gets frustrated and she clamps onto Nabooru with a chinlock. Nabooru endures, the fans rally up, and Nabooru claws at the hold. Nabooru fights up, fires body shots, but Ruto throws her down by her hair! The ref reprimands and the fans mostly boo now, but Ruto acts like she did nothing wrong. Ruto storms up on Nabooru, but Nabooru drags her down into a cradle! TWO, the fans fire up, and Nabooru hits a headlock takeover!

Nabooru grinds the hold, but Ruto headscissors. Nabooru kips free, roles reverse and Ruto hits the headlock takeover. Nabooru headscissors, Ruto kips free, and Ruto takes a swing. Nabooru dodges, wrenches, and reels Ruto in, DDT! Cover, TWO! Ruto stays in this but Nabooru stays calm as she stays close. Nabooru stands Ruto up to facelock, but Ruto wrenches free! Ruto ROCKS Nabooru with a forearm, but she holds onto the wrist! Ruto brings Nabooru back around, but Nabooru ROCKS her in return! Ruto scowls, and she ROCKS Nabooru again! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth!

Forearm after forearm, harder and harder, and Ruto ROCKS Nabooru again! The fans fire up as Nabooru drops to her knees! Ruto eggs Nabooru on, so Nabooru roars! Nabooru winds up, but Ruto ROUNDHOUSES first! Nabooru doubles over but stays on her feet, and Ruto steps over the arm to roll Nabooru into an ARMBAR! The fans fire up as Nabooru fights and scrambles around! Nabooru reaches for her own hand, but Ruto pulls on the arm to prevent the grip! Nabooru flails, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Ruto lets go at 4. Then she drops KNEES onto Nabooru’s stomach!

Nabooru sputters, Ruto goes to ropes, and Ruto springboards for a TRUST FALL SENTON! Cover, TWO! Ruto grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally. Ruto facelocks Nabooru, gator rolls her to her feet, then hooks a leg! HOOK, LINE AND- NO, Nabooru cradle counters the fisherman! TWO! Ruto and Nabooru scramble to their feet, Ruto dodges a lariat to run, tilt-o-whirl, and RANA! Nabooru tumbles to a corner, Ruto runs up and LARIATS! Ruto then brings Nabooru out, headlocks, and heads for the ropes! Ruto springboards, TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES! Fans fire up for Ruto bringing back the classic! Cover, TWO!!

Nabooru survives, Ruto is shocked, but the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Nabooru rises, fire in her eyes! Ruto runs up, but Nabooru SWATS the lariat, then BACKHANDS Ruto! Ruto staggers, Nabooru reels her in for the dragon sleeper! N B- NO, Ruto drops down to snapmare free! Ruto dragon sleepers Nabooru!? N B- NO!! Nabooru snapmares free from Ruto trying to steal her move! Nabooru BUZZSAWS Ruto, then reels her into a facelock! REVERSE NBR!! The fans fire up but Nabooru’s not done! She fireman’s carries Ruto, for the N B W!! Cover, TWO?!? Ruto survives and Nabooru is stunned!

Nabooru roars again and the fans are with her! Nabooru dragon sleepers again, and she drags Ruto up, but Ruto’s a ragdoll! The ref has Nabooru hold on as he checks Ruto. Ruto reaches out in a daze, and she slowly sits up. The ref keeps asking if she’s alright, even as Ruto manages to stand. Nabooru rushes in and waistlocks, but Ruto grabs the ref! They all end up in a corner, the ref protests, and Nabooru lets off. Ruto turns around to MIST her in the face!! The fans boo but the ref missed the mist! Ruto reels Nabooru in for a GERMAN SUPLEX, then rolls her into the facelock! HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER!! Cover, Ruto wins!

Winner: Ruto, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Ruto gets a win over her rival, but it’s marred in controversy! But even so, she’s moving on to the bracket semifinals! Will she ride this wave of momentum all the way to the Triforce Anniversary?

Bracket of Wisdom: Gomess VS Sidon!

The UnderWorld Order has the Million Rupee Championship back, but they’re not stopping there! The top title is their top target, will the wrestling reaper cast his shadow on this tournament? Or will the newest signee to HPW sink that ship already?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally behind Sidon, and Sidon waves. The fans cheer, but Gomess is annoyed. Gomess storms up on Sidon, they tie up, and Gomess powers Sidon to the ropes. The ref counts the break, Gomess keeps pushing Sidon, but the ref warns him. Gomess backs off, Sidon stays cool, and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and again Gomess powers Sidon back. They end up on ropes, the ref counts again, and Gomess pie faces Sidon as he lets off! The fans boo but Sidon keeps cool. The two circle again, tie up, and Sidon waistlocks. Sidon SLAMS Gomess, holds on, and rolls him to a bridging cover, TWO!

Sidon holds onto the waistlock, brings Gomess up, but Gomess fires elbows. Gomess breaks free, snapmares, and clamps on a chinlock. Sidon slips out the back, wrenches to a wristlock, and the fans cheer. Gomess rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks in return, and the fans boo. Sidon spins, wrenches, and arm-drags Gomess down for an armlock. The fans cheer while Gomess endures. Gomess fights up, reaches for ropes, but Sidon keeps him away. Gomess fires body shots, then he reels Sidon into a facelock. Gomess suplexes Sidon, floats to a cover, TWO, but Gomess keeps Sidon down with an armlock of his own.

The fans rally as Sidon endures. Sidon reaches for ropes, Gomess shifts around to hook that arm and backslide! TWO, Sidon trips Gomess and jackknife bridges! TWO and Gomess has the facelock again. Gomess cranks on the hold, Sidon flails, and fans rally as Sidon reaches out. Sidon has the ROPEBREAK with a foot! The fans cheer and the ref counts, and Gomess lets go at 4. But then he KICKS Sidon’s plant leg! Sidon falls and the ref reprimands Gomess while the fans boo. Gomess kicks Sidon out of the ring, then builds speed. Gomess WRECKS Sidon with a dropkick! Sidon falls into railings and the fans boo more.

Gomess goes out to bring Sidon around, and then RAMS him back into the railing! The fans boo, Gomess pretends he can’t hear them, then he whips Sidon into steel steps! The fans boo more but Gomess taunts them. Gomess brings Sidon up, puts him in the ring, then looms over him. The fans rally for Sidon but Gomess kicks him. Gomess scuffs Sidon, talks some smack, then pushes him to a corner. Gomess stomps Sidon, then digs his boot in. The fans boo while the ref reprimands and counts, but Gomess steps off at 4. Only for Gomess to stomp Sidon again! The ref reprimands and he backs Gomess off while fans boo.

Gomess argues with the ref, goes back for Sidon, and stands him up to whip corner to corner. Sidon comes back to CLOBBER Gomess! The fans fire up with Sidon and he waits on Gomess. Gomess slowly stands, Sidon kicks low and he reels Gomess in. Gomess fights the lift, and he BACKDROPS Sidon away! Sidon flounders, Gomess storms up behind him, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Gomess grows frustrated but the fans rally for Sidon. Gomess drags Sidon up and gut wrenches him up! RAZOR’S- NO, Sidon slips free! Gomess runs up, Sidon sidesteps and ROLLING ELBOWS! Sidon runs, but Gomess DROPKICKS him down!

The fans boo again but Gomess tells them to shut up. Gomess drags Sidon up and whips him hard into the corner! Gomess runs in and LARIATS Sidon, hoists him up top. Gomess climbs up after Sidon while the fans boo. Gomess brings Sidon up, but Sidon fights the superplex! The fans rally as Sidon fires body shots, and then Sidon hooks a leg! Sidon hits Gomess with a SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! The ref starts a standing count and the fans rally again. Sidon sits up first at 5 of 10, and he uses ropes to help him stand. Gomess rises up, and he runs up on Sidon!

Sidon sidesteps and SNAP GERMANS! The fans fire up while Gomess is in a daze! Sidon runs to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Sidon doesn’t hesitate, he brings Gomess up to FISHERMAN USHIGOROSHI!! Cover, Sidon wins!!

Winner: Sidon, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Gomess gets lost in the “Endless Blue,” and Sidon is moving forward! Sidon and Ruto are set for a Zora VS Zora showdown, who will continue to ride the wave of momentum ’til the very end?

Bracket of Wisdom: Volga VS Zant!

Ganon took over The Dark Forces, and it looked like he was going to take everyone to that next level. However, it would seem he didn’t really want everyone. The Faces of Evil won the World Trios Championships because the Dragon Knight was made into the scapegoat, but can he get some semblance of revenge? Or will that weasel, Zant, add insult to injury?

Of all things for Zant to have during his entrance, he’s waving a Dark Forces banner. He wasn’t even a founding member, and now he’s acting like it was his team all along! The fans boo, Zant is confused and annoyed, but then Volga DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Zant falls at the ramp! The ref reprimands but Volga stomps away on Zant! Volga drags Zant up, SMACKS him off the apron, and then he picks up the banner. Volga shouts, “I’M Dark Forces, not you!” Volga then shoves Zant into the ring and the ref calls for the bell. The fans cheer as Volga stomps Zant to the ropes. The ref counts, Volga stops, but the fans fire up with Volga even more!

Volga drags Zant up, whips him to ropes, but Zant grabs ropes to stop himself. Zant bails out, the fans boo, but Volga slides out and CHOPS Zant! The fans cheer and Volga pushes Zant back into the ring. Zant scrambles but Volga stomps him down before he can bail back out. Volga drops an elbow on Zant’s back, then gets up to drop another! And another! And another! Volga stands but waits, to then wind up and JUMPING ELBOW DROP! Volga covers, TWO! Zant crawls away but Volga stalks him to the ropes. Volga CHOKES Zant, the ref reprimands, but the fans cheer! The ref counts, Volga stops at 4, and Zant sputters.

Volga stalks Zant as he crawls to a corner. Zant wants mercy, the ref keeps Volga back, but then Volga pushes past the ref. Zant YANKS Volga into the buckles! The fans boo as Zant throws down fists! The ref reprimands, but Zant CHOKES Volga! The ref counts, pulls Zant back, and fans boo as Zant storms around the ring. Zant brings Volga up, suplexes him, but hangs him out to dry on the ropes! Volga sputters, the fans boo, but Zant drags Volga out, turns him, and DRAPING NECKBREAKERS! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Zant covers, TWO! Zant keeps Volga down with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Volga’s back.

The fans rally while Volga endures. Volga pries at the hold, fights up to his feet, and he throws body shots, but Zant throws him down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Zant doesn’t care. Zant rains down fists on Volga, then he CHOKES Volga! The ref counts, Zant stops at 4, and Zant tells the fans to shut up. The fans just boo more, but Zant SPITS at them! The ref reprimands, the fans tell Zant off, but Zant goes back to Volga. Zant CLUBS Volga, stands him up, and ROCKS him with a right. Volga staggers, fans boo, but Zant CLUBS Volga again. Volga ends up in a corner and Zant storms up to ROCK him again!

Zant whips Volga corner to corner then runs up to SPLASH! Zant whips Volga back the other way, but Volga goes up and backflips over! Volga then waistlocks to O’Conner Roll! TWO, Volga goes back up the corner, and he leaps to CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Zant stays in this but Volga stays focused. Volga drags Zant to a drop zone, then goes up the corner. But Zant anchors Volga’s leg! Volga kicks at Zant, kicks him away, then adjusts, but Zant returns to ROCK Volga! Volga wobbles, Zant crisscrosses Volga’s arms, ICONOCLASM! The fans boo but Zant takes aim as Volga flounders. Volga stands, Zant runs up, and hits SLINGBLADE!

The fans boo more as Zant uses Volga’s favorite move against him! Zant waits on Volga, runs up again, SLINGBLADE again! Zant is parodying Volga right before our eyes! The fans boo more as Zant watches Volga again. Volga staggers up, Zant runs in, but Volga stops the slingblade! Volga then lifts Zant for a POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans still fire up as Volga aims from a corner! Volga runs in, but Zant dodges the curb stomp! Zant runs up to JUMPING KNEE DROP! The fans boo as Zant hits the “Twilight Meteora!” Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Zant grows frustrated, and he hurries to get Volga back up.

Zant straitjackets and torture racks Volga, but Volga kicks and flails! Volga slips free, and he mule kicks! Knee lifts! ENZIGIRIS! Zant staggers, stumbles, and Volga kicks him low. Volga underhooks Zant, but Zant BACKDROPS free! Volga sunset flips, but Zant flails to stay up! Zant sits on the cover, TWO! Both men scramble to their feet, Zant ROCKS Volga with a haymaker! Volga staggers back, yoyos in the ropes, but Zant wrenches the lariat for a JUMPING FLATLINER! Both men are down! Zant crawls for Volga but Volga rolls to the ropes! Volga slips out of the ring, and Zant is furious while the fans cheer!

Zant storms out after Volga, drags him up, and he shouts that Volga isn’t Dark Forces anymore. The group deserves better than him! Zant then puts Volga’s arm in between steel steps and corner post! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Zant runs up! DROPKICK to the steps!! Volga clutches his arm while the fans freak out! Zant laughs at Volga’s pain while the ref reprimands more. Zant drags Volga up and puts him in the ring. Volga crawls as best he can but Zant is after the bad arm! Zant drags Volga up, wrenches the bad arm, and he wrangles Volga to the mat for a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Volga shouts in pain while the fans rally behind him.

Volga fights around, reaches out, and the fans rally as hard as they can. Zant drags Volga away from the ropes, traps the arm and LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and Zant goes back for the bad arm! Zant WRINGS the bad arm, then chicken wings, for CATTLE MUTILATION!! The fans rally as hard as they can while Volga endures all over again! Volga kicks his legs, feels around, and he starts moving towards ropes! Zant stops bridging to turn Volga over, CHICKEN WING BRIDGE! TWO!! Volga escapes with nanoseconds to spare! But Zant still has the bad arm! GHOST PIN! TWO, and CURB STOMP!! Cover, Volga wins!!

Winner: Volga, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, Volga is now the one laughing at Zant! But GHIRAHIM attacks Volga at the ramp!! The fans boo and the ref reprimands Ghirahim! Cia runs down the ramp and she goes after Ghirahim! The fans fire up, and well, these two are in the main event so might as well get that started! Can the Dark Sorceress complete the the OG Dark Forces’ revenge?

Bracket of Wisdom: Ghirahim VS Cia!

The ref has the two back off to corners, and then he rings the bell! Cia and Ghirahim run up and throw hands! The fans fire up as they scrap and end up on the ropes! The ref reprimands but they go along the ropes into a corner. The ref counts, Ghirahim lets off slowly, but then he snapmares and KICKS Cia in the back! The fans boo but Ghirahim ignores it. Ghirahim tells Cia that she can still be on the “winning side,” she just has to let Ghirahim win here. Cia KICKS Ghirahim in the leg from below! And KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Ghirahim hobbles, Cia gets up and she KICKS, only for Ghirahim to block this one!

Ghirahim KICKS Cia’s leg in return! Cia hobbles, and Ghirahim SHOVES her out through the ropes! The fans boo but Ghirahim storms out after Cia. Ghirahim ROCKS Cia, CHOPS her, then whips her into railing! The fans boo more but Ghirahim runs up, only for Cia to drop toehold him into the railing! The fans fire up while Ghirahim sputters and flounders. Cia stomps and kicks Ghirahim as he crawls to the timekeeper’s area. Cia digs her boots in, the ref reprimands and counts, but Cia steps off at 4. Cia leaves Ghirahim behind just long enough to refresh the ring count, then she storms back over.

Cia CLUBS Ghirahim on the back, then SMACKS him off the commentary desk! The ref reprimands, Rusl is once again worried for his drink, but Cia pushes Ghirahim onto the apron. Cia steps inside, then slingshots out to KNEE DROP Ghirahim on the apron! The fans cheer while Ghirahim sputters again. Cia pushes Ghirahim back into the ring, then stalks him. Ghirahim goes to ropes, Cia storms up, BACK- NO, Ghirahim bucks the backstabber by holding the ropes! Cia lands hard and Ghirahim hurries to take aim. HIDDEN- NO, Cia ducks the Hidden Blade! Cia goes after that arm, but Ghirahim scrambles away to avoid the crossface.

The fans rally as Cia and Ghirahim reset. They rush up and Cia gets around to waistlock. Ghirahim pries at the hold, standing switches, but Cia drop toeholds! Ghirahim stays up, Cia avoids a stomp, and she gets behind Ghirahim to PULL on the knee! Ghirahim hobbles, Cia CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The fans rally as Ghiram falls over, and Cia again goes for an arm! Ghirahim scrambles and reaches out, but Cia switches to go after that arm! CROSSFACE! The fans fire up while Ghirahim endures! Ghirahim scoots around, but Cia lets go of the arm to float and headscissor! Cia squeezes Ghirahim’s head while pushing up for pressure!

The fans rally as Ghirahim endures all over again! Ghirahim scoots back to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts as Cia holds on, and she lets go at 4. Cia drags Ghirahim from the ropes and wants the arm again! Ghirahim rolls and breaks free to CHOP! The fans boo but Cia ELBOWS Ghirahim. Cia runs but Ghirahim follows, and he ELBOWS Cia at the ropes! Ghirahim runs, but Cia meets him at center to SHOTGUN DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both  wrestlers are down! Cia crawls over to Ghirahim, goes for the arm, but Ghirahim drags her down into a cradle! TWO, they both scramble to their feet!

Cia ducks Ghirahim’s lariat, comes back to tilt-o-whirl, and she RANAS Ghirahim to a corner! Cia runs corner to corner to METEORA! The fans fire up as Cia then hits a SWINGING DROPKICK! Cia drags Ghirahim from the corner, covers, TWO! Cia grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally. Ghirahim staggers to his feet, Cia storms up, BACKSTABBER! Cia flips Ghirahim up and over, into BLACK MAGIC!! The fans are thunderous as Ghirahim endures! Ghirahim claws at the mat while Cia pulls on the crossface! Ghirahim claws at Cia’s grip, Cia lets go, but that’s because Ghirahim is BITING her hand!!

The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ghirahim stops at 4. Cia clutches that hand, Ghirahim BOOTS her into a corner! Cia flounders against ropes, Ghirahim grabs the bad hand and he wraps Cia’s arm around the top rope! Ghirahim pulls the arm against the ropes, the ref reprimands and the fans boo harder! Cia flails but she can’t reach Ghirahim! Ghirahim lets go as the ref counts 4, and he CHOPS Cia against the ropes! Cia stumbles to a corner, but Ghirahim drags her out to put on a dragon sleeper! Cia endures now as Ghirahim drops back! Ghirahim has the body scissors on tight while the fans rally behind Cia!

Cia kicks and fights the body scissors, then rolls back to a cover! TWO, Cia ducks the Hidden Blade again! Cia reels Ghirahim in and ROCKS him with a right! Cia cravats and throws knees into Ghirahim! Cia snapmares, body scissors, and she rolls Ghirahim around and around! And around, and around, and around! The fans cheer as they keep going around and around, and then Cia finally stops to WIZZRO CLUTCH! TWO!! Ghirahim narrowly escapes, but now he staggers around dizzily! Cia runs up, CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Ghirahim survives and Cia grows frustrated. Cia goes to a corner and waits on Ghirahim to get up.

The fans rally as Ghirahim rises, and Cia leaps to LANAYRU SUNRISE!! Cover, TWO?!? Ghirahim survives and no one can believe it! Cia is furious, and she drags Ghirahim up to reel him in. Cia tucks the arms for a STRAITJACKET- NO, Ghirahim fights the lift! Ghirahim powers up to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Cia lets Ghirahim go in time, then she dodges a lariat, tilt-o-whirls and- NO, Ghirahim stops the rana! Ghirahim brings Cia up, ALLEY-OOPS her away, then HIDDEN BLADE!! The fans boo but Ghirahim goes to a corner. Cia sputters and stumbles to her feet, into a SUPER GHIRA CUTTER!! Cover, GHIRAHIM WINS!

Winner: Ghirahim, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The fans are furious but so was this match! The Living Blade is moving on in the tournament, will he cut down Volga in the second round? Or will Volga still avenge the OG Dark Forces on his way to glory?

My Thoughts:

I feel a little better about the Bracket of Wisdom’s opening round than I do about Bracket of Power’s, but I was unsure how to handle Sidon’s return to the story. He’s no longer NWS (Necluda Wrestling Swamp), he is now HPW, so I suppose a debut push is standard. He gets as strong win to start, too, but I’m unsure how Ruto VS Sidon will go. The main thing was the Dark Forces story needed to feel strong coming off of HyruleMania 5. Pro-wrestling standard formula kinda dictated Volga beats Zant while Ghirahim beats Cia, so that we can get Volga VS Ghirahim next round as a pseudo-blowoff match. Now, on to the Bracket of Courage!

The Legend of Zelda: The Ring of Destiny, Chapter 65

HPW begins year six, and the Triforce Tournament starts with a bang! GANON wants to win the Power Bracket, but who is he even facing?!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bracket of Power: Groose VS Militron; Militron wins and advances.
• Bracket of Power: Ashei VS Odolwa; Ashei wins and advances.
• Bracket of Power: Yunobo VS Bad Croc Scaly; Yunobo wins and advances.
• Bracket of Power: GANON VS Gold Lynel; Ganon wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

Legends never die, but time waits for no one! That means time is of the essence if you want to become a legend! Corny platitudes aside, the SIXTH Triforce Tournament starts off with the Bracket of Power, just like before. And perhaps biggest of all, the Gerudo Ace is back in the tournament! And yet, no one knows who he’s facing! Will Ganon get lucky with an easy win in the opening round? Meanwhile, last year’s Bracket of Power winner, Yunobo, is back again, but he’s going against Arrow Club’s Swamp Boss! Yunobo didn’t like what that mask did to him, will he make sure Scaly understands that?

Ashei and Odolwa are a clash of styles and elements as the Lady of Snowpeak battles the God of Woodfall! Will Ashei be able to freeze Odolwa out of this tournament? Or will the Sword of the Swamp cut Ashei down? But first, The Studly Don’t Quit! Groose and his team may not have gotten the HPW World Trios Championships, but he’s back in the tournament! Will the Skyloft Stud finally live up to his potential? Or will Militron the Armored Annihilator  absolutely devastate him? The HPW Triforce Tournament begins again, and it’s now!

Bracket of Power: Groose VS Militron!

It’s a clash of Skyloft Stud and Armored Annihilator, each representing a faction in the larger picture of HPW! If The Studly Don’t Quit, then will nothing stop Groose from advancing? Or will one-third of the NEW HPW World Trios Champions set the tone for this tournament?

Groose’s hair is slowly coming back, he’s got a baby pompadour going. The bell rings, the two stare down and the fans rally up. The two slowly circle, then they feel things out. The two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Militron powers Groose back to ropes right away. The ref counts, Militron lets off slowly, and he taunts Groose. The fans rally behind Groose, he resets with Militron, and they circle. They tie up again, and Militron pulls on the baby pompadour! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Militron lets go at 4. Then he BODY BLOWS Groose! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Militron stalks Groose to a corner.

Militron throws hands, the ref counts, but Militron stops at 4. Militron storms back up, but Groose turns things around! Groose JABS, JABS, JABS and the fans chant along, “GROOSE! GROOSE! GROOSE!” The ref counts, Groose stops at 4, then he winds up, but Militron gets up and under him first! Militron runs Groose all the way to the other corner! The fans boo but Militron RAMS into Groose again and again! The ref counts, Militron picks Groose up, and he goes back corner to corner! But Groose manages to sunset flip! Militron stays up, but Groose avoids the leg drop! Groose runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

Militron gets up, Groose ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RAMS Militron! Militron rebounds to RAM Groose! Groose staggers back to the ropes, steadies himself, and Militron eggs him on. The fans fire up and Groose storms up again. Groose throws hands, but Militron eggs Groose on some more! Groose winds up, but Militron catches the Right Hand o’ the Goddess and wrenches him! Militron short arm LARIATS! The fans boo but Militron drags Groose back up to short arm LARIAT again! Militron drags Groose up again, for a third short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Groose stays in this and the fans fire up, but Militron drags Groose right up.

Militron whips Groose hard into a corner! Groose staggers forward, but Militron whips him to the other corner hard! Groose staggers forward again, and Militron reels him in. Militron suplexes, but Groose slips free! Groose LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Groose rises first, and he grits his teeth as he huffs ‘n’ puffs. The fans chant, “Let’s Go, Groose! Let’s Go, Groose!” Militron slowly stands, Groose stalks behind him, and he hooks the arms! But Militron fights the chicken wings! Groose powers Militron through the turnaround, but Militron shoves Groose away! Groose ends up in a corner, Militron runs in and SPLASHES!

The fans boo as Groose sputters, and Militron brings Groose out. Militron suplexes, but Groose fights it! But Militron keeps Groose off the mat, and suplexes him up and over! The fans boo as Militron brings Groose back up. Militron suplexes again, for a DEVASTATOR!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! The fans are thunderous and Militron is furious as Groose survives by a literal foot! Militron drags Groose up, reels him back in, but Groose is deadweight! Militron drops Gorose and tells the ref to check Groose. The ref does check, Groose sputters and is somehow okay to continue. Militron then hoists Groose back up!

Militron suplexes Groose, but Groose manages to slip free again! NECKBREAKER! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Wait, what’s Lupay doing coming out here? He’s in the Bracket of Courage, and that’s not until the 31st! The ref stops Lupay at the apron, they argue, but Harlequin slips in from the crowd side! The fans boo as he brings his Bokoblin Club into the ring! Groose stands, and Harlequin CLUBS him in the gut! Harlequin then slips out of the ring and hides under the apron skirt! The fans boo, and the Bokoblin Club is sticking out! Militron roars, brings Groose up, shoulder rack and PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Militron wins!!

Winner: Militron, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Groose goes through the “Compactor” and can’t get up! The fans boo, this is an awful start to the tournament! But Lupay & Harlequin get to celebrate with their fellow Face of Evil, will they all soon be in the second round?

Bracket of Power: Ashei VS Odolwa!

The Lady of Snowpeak made a big return to HPW last year with this tournament, but had a roller coaster year that never saw her reach the top. The God of Woodfall is one of the original Dark Horses, but he hasn’t shone with any gold, either. Will this finally be Ashei’s time? Or is it Odolwa’s turn to unlock his potential?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, Ashei and Odolwa tie up, and Odolwa powers Ashei back. They end up in a corner, the ref counts, and Odolwa lets off at 4. Odolwa eggs Ashei on, she storms up, and the two tie up again. They go around in the collar ‘n’ elbow, but Odolwa again powers Ashei to a corner. The ref counts, Odolwa keeps pushing, but Ashei goes up the corner! The fans cheer as Ashei jumps to arm-drag Odolwa away! Odolwa gets right to his feet, and Ashei eggs him on now. The fans rally as Odolwa storms up, and then Ashei gets around him! Odolwa fights the waistlock, but Ashei ducks the elbow!

Ashei lifts but Odolwa CLUBS her on the back, KNEES her low, and then uses a gut wrench to THROW her aside! The fans boo but Ashei’s right to her feet. Ashei storms up now, shoots for a leg, but Odolwa blocks that with a facelock. Odolwa grinds Ashei to the mat, then gator rolls her! Odolwa deadlifts her, but Ashei knees free! Ashei then gets under Odolwa to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Ashei hurries to keep Odolwa down with a facelock. Odolwa powers up, and he THROWS Ashei off! Ashei lands on her feet, but Odolwa BOOTS her down! The fans boo but Odolwa covers, TWO!

Odolwa drags Ashei up, whips her to ropes, but Ashei grabs ropes. Odolwa runs up, Ashei ELBOWS him away, then Ashei waistlocks. GERMAN- NO, Odolwa fights with more elbows! Odolwa standing switches, they go to ropes, Ashei bucks the O’Conner Roll. Ashei runs up to sunset flip! TWO, Odolwa high stacks Ashei, TWO! Odolwa deadlifts Ashei, but Ashei throws down hands! Ashei slips free of the bomb, kicks Odolwa low, and DDT! Fans let out an “OOF!” with how hard that DDT was! Ashei pushes Odolwa over to a cover, TWO! Odolwa seethes as he rises up. Ashei kicks, Odolwa blocks, and he KNEES her in return!

Odolwa reels Ashei in and fireman’s carries, GORON DROP! Cover, TWO! Ashei survives and Odolwa grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Odolwa stomps around, then goes to a corner. Odolwa waits on Ashei to stand. Odolwa runs up, but Ashei DROPKICKS him first! The fans fire up while both Odolwa and Ashei are down! Ashei and Odolwa crawl while the fans rally up again. They go to opposite ropes, and Odolwa seethes again. Odolwa shakes the ropes, fans boo, but he storms up on Ashei. Odolwa brings Ashei around, dragon sleepers, but Ashei fights the lift! Ashei snapmares free, then KICKS Odolwa in the back!

Odolwa just gets mad and stands back up! Odolwa ROCKS Ashei with a forearm and the fans boo! Ashei fires a forearm back and fans cheer, but Odolwa doesn’t budge! Odolwa ROCKS Ashei again! Ashei stumbles, Odolwa whips her to ropes, POP-UP GORON DROP! Cover, TWO! Odolwa is furious but the fans fire up! Odolwa looms over Ashei, drags her up, but Ashei fireman’s carries! SNOWPEAK GUT BUSTER! The fans fire up again, but Ashei can’t make the cover! Ashei crawls after Odolwa, but Odolwa rolls out of the ring! The fan can’t believe it, but Ashei is too sore to be upset! Ashei instead slides out to fetch Odolwa.

Ashei stalks Odolwa up the ramp, CLUBS him on the back, but that just sends him stumbling up the ramp. The ref says to bring this in the ring, then the count starts. Ashei fires forearms, then has him against the railing. Ashei fires more shots but we’re at 4 of 10! Ashei looks back and forth between ring and Odolwa, turns toward the ring, but Odolwa reels her back! Fireman’s carry and GORON DROP to the ramp! The fans lose their minds while Ashei and Odolwa both writhe! The count is 7! Odolwa stands and hurries back in at 8! Ashei crawls, hobbles, and we’re at 9! Ashei leaps in at 9.99!! The fans fire up but Odolwa is furious!

Odolwa storms up on Ashei, drags her up, dragon sleepers, and inverted suplexes! But Ashei thrashes around! Odolwa tries to bring her back up, but Ashei wrenches free! Ashei kicks, Odolwa ducks, but Ashei just steps over and MULE KICKS him in the face! Odolwa staggers, Ashei RAMS him into a corner! Ashei hoists him up top, UPPERCUTS, then climbs up to join him. The fans rally as Ashei goes for a fireman’s carry! Odolwa CLUBS Ashei, CLUBS her again, then again! Ashei drops down, but then RISING HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up, Ashei climbs the corner again, and she manages the fireman’s carry!

The fans are already going nuts as Ashei turns around, steadies herself, then gorilla presses Odolwa!! SUPER PRESS SLAM!! Cover, Ashei wins!!

Winner: Ashei, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Ashei unleashes an Avalanche on Odolwa, and now she’s headed for the next round! But will Ashei be able to do the same thing to Militron? Or will she face her FOE and fail?

Bracket of Power: Yunobo VS Bad Croc Scaly!

Arrow Club tried to make “Yuno-bro” into a champion, but they also wanted to change him. There was something fishy about that mask they gave him, but Link helped get it off Yunobo so he’s back to his true self. Will Yunobo show he already has everything it takes to reach the top? Or will the Swamp Boss drag him down with the undertow?

The bell rings, the fans rally behind Yunobo, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, break, then stare down. They go again in another collar ‘n’ elbow, are in another deadlock, but Scaly’s height acts as leverage. Scaly pushes Yunobo back step by step, but then Yunobo pushes Scaly back step by step! The fans rally, the two break again, and Scaly gets in Yunobo’s face. Scaly talks trash about how Yunobo’s a failure, and Yunobo shakes his head. Scaly SLAPS Yunobo! The fans boo and Scaly says Yunobo’s a letdown! A screw-up! He faced Link THREE TIMES, and never even came close to winning that Triforce Championship!

Yunobo seethes, swings on Scaly, but Scaly bobs ‘n’ weaves, then HEADBUTTS! The fans boo but Scaly wobbles a bit. Careful headbutting a Goron! Yunobo HEADBUTTS Scaly in return! Scaly staggers, Yunobo whips him, but Scaly grabs ropes. Yunobo runs up, but Scaly sidesteps and LARIATS him against the ropes! The fans boo but Scaly whips Yunobo to ropes, follows and KNEES him low! The fans boo more as Scaly whips Yunobo the other way for another KNEE down low! Scaly whips again, doesn’t follow, then fireman’s carries! But Yunobo slips free! Yunobo ROCKS Scaly, then reels him in for a fireman’s carry! GORON DROP!

The fans fire up while both men are down. Yunobo and Scaly stir, and Yunobo goes to ropes. Yunobo storms up on Scaly at center, but Scaly THROAT CHOPS! The ref reprimands Scaly while Yunobo sputters. Scaly runs, but Yunobo BODY CHECKS him out of the ring! The fans fire up, Yunobo goes to the apron, and he takes aim! FLYING SHOULDER off the apron! Scaly is sent into railing while fans fire up more! Yunobo spots Fin Balure in the crowd, and Fin just waves with a smug smile. Scaly comes back to CLOBBER Yunobo! The fans boo, Fin mockingly says, “Oops,” and shrugs. Scaly CLUBS Yunobo, then pushes him around the way.

Scaly fires body shots, the ref wants this in the ring, and fans boo more. Scaly soaks up heat, but Yunobo throws body shots in return! Yunobo fires forearms and he has Scaly against the apron. The fans fire up, the ring count is climbing, so Yunobo rolls in. Yunobo drags Scaly up, but Scaly HOTSHOTS Yunobo! The fans boo, Scaly storms in, and he fires more body shots and forearms on Yunobo! Scaly whips Yunobo to a corner but Yunobo reverses! Yunobo runs in, but Scaly dodges, so Yunobo POSTS himself! Yunobo slumps to the apron and Scaly storms out after him. Scaly drags Yunobo up, fireman’s carries, but Yunobo fights free!

Yunobo ROCKS Scaly, and Scaly wobbles on the apron! Yunobo ROCKS Scaly again, then runs! Yunobo BLASTS Scaly off the apron! Scaly hits the desk and almost takes commentary with it! The fans lose their minds, and even Yunobo is shocked to see what just happened. Yunobo hurries out after Scaly, drags him up from the wreckage, and puts him in the ring. Yunobo stomps Scaly into a drop zone, then he goes up the corner. The fans fire up, DIVING SPLASH FLOPS as Scaly moves in time! The fans boo but both men are down. Scaly drags himself up with the ropes, and he seethes as he storms back up on Yunobo.

Scaly stands Yunobo up, grabs him by the neck, and he powers up his thumb! GREN- NO, Yunobo ducks and comes back to HEADBUTT! Scaly wobbles, Yunobo runs to LARIAT him down! The fans are thunderous as Scaly rises again. Yunobo scoops and SLAMS Scaly!! Scaly’s back in the drop zone and Yunobo climbs the corner! DIVING SPLASH!! Cover, Yunobo wins!

Winner: Yunobo, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Scaly could not survive “The Eruption,” and Yunobo is moving on! Will Yunobo return to the Triforce Tournament finals in back-to-back years?

Bracket of Power: GANON VS ???

The Gerudo Ace, the first-and-only HPW Triple Crown Winner, is back in the Triforce Tournament, looking to once again win this Bracket of Power! But because of his overwhelming confidence, he’s willing to take on whoever HPW sends at him! Will he turn high risk into high reward? Or will he regret taking such a gamble?

Ganon makes his entrance, but instead of what he wore for HyruleMania, he is back in his wild boar headdress from years past. Ganon puts the headdress aside, and he watches the stage for his opponent. Wait… That music! It can’t be! BUT IT IS! GOLD LYNEL IS BACK IN HPW! The fans are going nuts, and Ganon looks pissed! Gold Lynel stares Ganon down the entire time he walks to the ring. Lynel steps into the ring, but Ganon doesn’t even move back from the center. These two stare down while the fans continue to lose their minds, is The One True Monster about to trump the Gerudo Ace?

The bell rings, and the fans already fire up with “This is Awesome!” Ganon and Lynel stare down a little longer, then Lynel ROCKS Ganon with a forearm! The fans fire up, Ganon steadies himself, and he nods. Ganon winds up to ROCK Lynel! Lynel snarls and comes right back to stare Ganon down. Ganon eggs Lynel on, so Lynel winds up to ROCK Ganon again! Ganon comes back to ROCK Lynel! The fans fire up as the forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! Ganon gets the edge as he fires a flurry, then he winds up, but Lynel DROPKICKS him! Those front legs knock Ganon down and the fans fire up again!

Ganon sputters and Lynel eggs Ganon on now! Ganon pounds the mat in frustration and gets back to his feet. Ganon storms up and kicks Lynel low! Ganon fires haymakers, Lynel technically ends up in the corner because of his back legs, and the ref counts. Ganon lets off, but he’s frustrated that “this dumb SOB is so damn big!” Lynel storms back up on Ganon, but Ganon ELBOWS him! Lynel staggers, Ganon CLUBS Lynel on his horse back! Lynel goes to ropes, and Ganon hops onto his horse back! The fans are torn as Ganon clamps onto Lynel with a SLEEPER! Lynel endures, even tries to buck Ganon off, and now it’s like a rodeo!

The ref cowers into a corner to avoid getting hit! The fans count along, but Ganon falls off at 6! So close to that rodeo win! Lynel gets pissed now, and he aims at Ganon. Ganon stands, but he avoids the double mule kick! Ganon runs and LARIATS Lynel! Lynel stays up, grits his teeth, and he ROCKS Ganon with a forearm! Ganon rebounds to LARIAT again! Lynel staggers but stays up! Lynel ROCKS Ganon with a haymaker! Ganon staggers to a corner, Lynel storms up to fire body shots from all sides! The fans are torn, the ref reprimands, but Lynel treats Ganon like a heavy bag! The ref gets in there and tells Lynel to back off!

Lynel snarls but he obeys the ref. Ganon runs up to KICK OF CALAMITY!! The fans fire up as Lynel staggers and stumbles all the way to the other corner! Ganon then runs up to CLOBBER in the corner! The fans are torn as Ganon brings Lynel around, underhooks, DEMISE DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Lynel survives and the fans are thunderous! Ganon is furious, and he HAMMERS away on Lynel’s head! The ref has Ganon back off to check Lynel. Lynel is a bit dazed, but he insists he can keep going. Lynel slowly rises, KICK OF CALAMITY!! Lynel was still on his knees as Ganon strikes again! Cover, GANON WINS!!

Winner: Ganon, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

HPW found the biggest, strongest, meanest competition they could, but not even Lynel could stop Ganon! Will everyone in this tournament face their own demise?

My Thoughts:

I apologize if these matches don’t quite measure up to an opening round, but once again, I’m crunched for time, and there’s still the other two brackets to do. At the same time, Ganon and his mystery opponent, Lynel, being a relatively short match fits given they’re very much HPW’s Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar, and that match-up in the real world was rather fast and furious, too. I also wanted to make sure I didn’t rehash overbooking concepts between Groose VS Militron and Yunobo VS Scaly, so Yunobo VS Scaly ended up a bit simpler, and perhaps not as “Big meaty men” as it could’ve been, too. Here’s hoping Bracket of Wisdom and Bracket of Courage can be more exciting.