The Legend of Zelda: The Ring of Destiny, Chapter 40

HPW’s Triforce Tournament returns to Lanaryu, just as Link returns to the semifinals! Will the Hero of Hyrule soon return to the Bracket of Courage finals? Or will Fin Balure shoot him down?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bracket of Power Semifinal: Militron VS Onox; Onox wins and advances to the bracket finals.
• Bracket of Wisdom Semifinal: Lupay VS Byrne w/ Chancellor Cole; Lupay wins and advances to the bracket finals.
• Bracket of Courage Semifinal: Harlequin VS Kēvín Gibdo; Harlequin wins and advances to the bracket finals.
• Bracket of Power Semifinal: Groose VS Skull Kid; Skull Kid wins and advances to the bracket finals.
• Bracket of Wisdom Semifinal: Odolwa VS Igos du Ikana; Igos wins and advances to the bracket finals.
• Bracket of Courage Semifinal: Link VS Fin Balure; Link wins and advances to the bracket finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

The opening round was hot in Eldin Canyon, but the second round will keep that heat going in Lanaryu! And speaking of hot, the Hero of Hyrule proved to be too much for even the Dragon Knight to burn down! Will Link continue his comeback even though he’s going up against the Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla? Plus, we have a HyruleMania rematch as the Skyfall Stud takes on Skull Kid! Will Groose avenge his pointy pompadour? Or will he lose far more than just his hair?

But first, three of the four Faces of Evil have made it to the semifinals! The Armored Annihilator, the Wild Wolfos and the Boisterous Bokoblin are certainly an eclectic group, but what are the odds of them all making it into the bracket finals? The HPW Triforce Tournament Semifinals on the Talus Plateau begin now!

Bracket of Power Semifinal: Militron VS Onox!

Iron Knuckle could not crush Militron, and Darunia could not put a dent in Onox. But now, Armored Annihilator collides with Dark Dragon General in another superheavyweight showdown! Who will lead the way into the Bracket of Power finals?

The bell rings and fans rally behind “O~NOX! O~NOX!” Militron and Onox approach, and as with Iron Knuckle, Militron is the literally bigger man. Militron raises up his hand, calling for a Test of Strength. But fans boo as Militron holds his hand way out of reach to taunt Onox. Onox kicks Militron low! Onox then knuckle locks with Militron and fans fire up. The Test of Strength is on, and Militron stands back up to power Onox back! Onox digs his heels in, but Militron puts more pressure on to bring Onox to his knees! Fans rally up, and Onox fights back to his feet. But Militron KNEES low! Onox staggers away and Militron RAMS him into a corner!

Militron RAMS his shoulder in again and again but the ref counts. Militron lets off, then whips Onox corner to corner hard! Onox staggers and falls and Militron gloats with beating his chest. Onox stands back up, but Militron runs in to SPLASH! The fact the ring didn’t move is shocking in itself! Militron stands Onox back up, then runs side to side to BOOT WASH Onox! Fans boo while Onox flops in the corner! Militron digs Onox’s head into the buckles and shouts, “Worthless warrior! You must be hardened with fire!” The ref counts, Militron lets off at 4, but then has Onox lean back, to CLUB Onox in the chest!

Fans boo even harder but Militron soaks up the heat. Onox sputters and crawls to the apron. Militron eggs Onox on, daring him to stand. Onox does stand, Militron storms over and grabs Onox by his head, but Onox HOTSHOTS Militron away! Onox gets in, throws forearms, and then goes to scoop him! Militron fights that, CLUBS Onox, and then scoops Onox! Militron SLAMS Onox!! Fans freak out while Militron covers, ONE?!? The fans are thunderous, having seen shocking feats of strength and endurance back-to-back! Militron mocks Onox, saying he wants more. Militron stands Onox up to ROCK him with a forearm!

Onox ROCKS Militron back! Fans fire up as Onox throws forearms again and again, then tries another scoop. But Militron HEADBUTTS Onox! Militron reels Onox in for another scoop and SLAM!! Fans boo as Militron covers, TWO!! Onox is still in this but Militron looms over him. Militron drops a BIG elbow on Onox’s back! Onox writhes, crawls, and Militron stalks Onox to a corner. Militron CLUBS Onox on the back, CLUBS him again, then CLUBS him again! The ref counts, Militron shouts at the fans, “Is this your legend?!” Militron stands Onox up and TOSSES him away! Fans boo but Militron soaks up the heat.

Militron gloats more as Onox slowly sits up. Fans rally harder for Onox as Militron storms up behind him. Militron drags Onox up, but Onox breaks free to ROCK Militron! Onox throws haymaker after haymaker, roars, but Militron ROCKS Onox back! Militron gets the edge now, then winds up, but Onox dodges the big lariat! Onox LARIATS Militron against ropes, but he can’t get him up and out! Onox roars and goes again, and he LARIATS Militron up and out!! Fans are thunderous again as Onox roars! Onox goes out after Militron, keeps on him with more forearms, then he whips, only for Militron to reverse!

Onox is sent into steel steps and they bust apart! Militron roars while fans boo again. Militron storms over to Onox, drags him up, POSTS him, then pushes Onox into the ring. Onox flounders and Militron dares him to get back up. Onox sits up, Militron reels him in, and Militron goes to suplex! Fans marvel at Militron getting Onox up off the mat, but then Onox knees free! Onox throws body shots, but Militron knees low! Militron whips Onox to a corner hard, then runs in, but Onox dodges! Militron hits buckles, staggers back, and Onox reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Militron is down in the drop zone and Onox climbs the corner!

Fans are going nuts as Onox reaches the top! Onox roars again, before the WRECKING BALL SENTON!!! Cover, Onox wins!!

Winner: Onox, by pinfall (advances to the Bracket of Power Finals)

The Armored Annihilator gets annihilated! The General of Darkness is marching on, who will meet him in the finals?

Bracket of Wisdom Semifinal: Lupay VS Byrne w/ Chancellor Cole!

One FOE down, two to go! But while Militron just got crunched, will the Wild Wolfos make it to the Bracket of Wisdom finals? Or will he be derailed by the Lokoma?

In his entrance, Lupay points out the lone “Face Your FOE” sign in the crowd. Lupay howls, gets in the ring, the bell rings, and fans rally up as the two talk trash. Lupay is upset Byrne has more shirts in the crowd, but that’s because HPW hasn’t made any FOE shirts yet. Lupay then throws forearms so Byrne gives them back. Fans rally up as they go back and forth, faster and faster! Byrne ROCKS Lupay but Lupay knees low! Lupay headlocks, Byrne powers out, but Lupay rams shoulders. Neither falls, so Lupay runs again. They ram shoulders but again Byrne stays up. Lupay howls, then pokes Byrne in the eye!

Fans boo and Cole protests but Lupay hits an STO. Things speed up, but Lupay fakes Byrne out to step on him and strut. Fans applaud the strut, the roll and handspring, and then Lupay strikes a pose. Byrne gets up, mockingly applauds, then pokes Lupay in the eye! Byrne headlocks, Lupay powers out but Byrne runs him over. Things speed up again, Lupay hurdles then drops, but Byrne grabs Lupay’s legs! Byrne stomps Lupay in the head! And he mocks Lupay’s pose! Fans fire up but Lupay gets upset. Lupay storms up, Byrne gets around and headlocks for the takeover. Lupay headscissors but Byrne kips free.

Roles reverse as Lupay hits the headlock takeover, Byrne headscissors and Lupay kips free. Lupay handsprings and Byrne stands, fans cheer the stand-off. Lupay throws up rocker hands, Byrne mocks them, so Lupay throws forearms! Byrne gives them back, but Lupay throat chops! Lupay throws haymakers to back Byrne to a corner, then he throws more hands. The ref counts, Lupay whips corner to corner, Byrne reverses but Lupay goes up and over. Lupay ducks and dodges but Byrne casually avoids the springboard crossbody. Lupay crashes, flounders up, Byrne runs in and clotheslines him out!

Fans rally and Byrne builds speed, Byrne slides but Lupay moves out of the way. Lupay thinks he’s safe, but Byrne follows him around the way and to the ramp to CLAW his back! Byrne gives Lupay a taste of his own medicine! Byrne stomps Lupay down as a ring count starts, and Byrne stands Lupay up to CHOP! Lupay leans against railing, but he stomps Byrne’s foot! Byrne clutches that foot, and Lupay dumps Byrne over the railing and into the crowd! The count is 7 of 10! Lupay leaves Byrne behind, but Byrne drags himself up and over the railing! Byrne runs and slides into the ring at 9.9!! Lupay realizes this and is upset with the ref’s count!

The ref and Lupay argue but the count is deemed fair. Lupay drops ax handles on Byrne’s head, then runs for another ax handle! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Lupay CLUBS Byrne and wrenches Byrne’s arm. Lupay whips Byrne to a corner hard and Byrne bounces off buckles! Lupay looms over Byrne, kicks him around as fans rally up, then drags Byrne up. Lupay throws haymakers, but Byrne CHOPS back and Lupay staggers away. Byrne stalks Lupay, but Lupay stomps Byrne’s foot again! Byrne hops and falls, clutching his foot! Cole swears that boot is loaded! Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Deep cover, with ropes! The ref sees that and stops!

Fans cheer while Lupay argues with the ref! Lupay pretends that he didn’t know his feet were on the ropes but the ref isn’t falling for that. Byrne crawls to a corner, Lupay asks the fans, “This is the man you cheer?” Then he digs his boots into Byrne’s face! The ref counts, Lupay lets off, and he stands Byrne up to CLAW his back! And then slowly claws it again! The ref reprimands, but Lupay fish hooks Byrne’s face! The ref reprimands again, Lupay jams his elbow into Byrne’s face. Lupay hoists Byrne up top to put him in a Tree of Woe, then digs his boot in. Lupay runs corner to corner, jumps, but climbs up to stand on Byrne’s groin!

The ref counts and fans boo but Lupay hops off. The ref works to free Byrne while Lupay does jumping jacks to show off. Lupay then somersaults back over, to CLAW Byrne’s back! Byrne is fuming and fans fire up as Byrne CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But Lupay wrangles Byrne down to STOMP the hand! Lupay grabs Byrne’s fingers to BEND them in all directions! The ref reprimands but Lupay keeps changing fingers, and then BITES one! The ref reprimands and counts, Lupay lets off, and licks his chops while fans chant, “YOU ARE SICK! YOU ARE SICK!” Lupay drags Desperado up, knuckle locks and wrenches the arm.

Lupay CHOPS, goes up and up and jumps, just to CLAW Byrne again! Fans boo, but Lupay goes up and up and jumps again, to CLAW Byrne more! Lupay keeps on the knuckle lock to bend the fingers, then he goes up another corner. Lupay jumps around on the ropes, tightrope walks, struts a bit, but Byrne kicks the rope! Lupay falls into a HOTSHOT and goes to the floor. Byrne builds speed and DIVES! Somersault tope to the ramp! Fans fire up, Cole is pumped, and a ring count starts. Byrne gets up first and drags Lupay up at 6 of 10. Byrne shoves Lupay into the ring at 8. Lupay goes to a corner, Byrne runs corner to corner to clothesline him!

Byrne then suplexes Lupay high and hard, almost a brainbuster! Cover, TWO! Byrne grabs Lupay’s leg for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And STRETCH MUFFLER! Lupay scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but Byrne thrashes the leg until the ref counts 4! Byrne stands on Lupay’s back at the ropes, the ref counts and Byrne lets off, to CLAW Lupay! Byrne drags Lupay up, gets the leg again, but Lupay fights free with elbows. Byrne knees low, runs, but Lupay CHOPS! Lupay runs, but Byrne back elbows! Byrne fakes Lupay out on the run, lifts Lupay, but Lupay SATELLITE DDTS out of the spinebuster! Cover, TWO!!

Lupay drags Byrne up, CLAWS his back again, and then brings him into a torture rack! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Byrne survives, but Lupay somersaults to a corner. Lupay goes up top, ROUNDING BODY- KNEES! Byrne saves himself, drags Lupay into a cradle, TWO!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Lupay and Byrne rise, Byrne reels Lupay into a gut wrench, but Lupay slips out! Lupay torture racks again, but Byrne slips off the rack, to OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Byrne gets back up, vows to end it, and he drags Lupay up. Byrne stands Lupay up, but Lupay fights the iron claw!

Lupay kicks low, whips Byrne to ropes, but Byrne sunset flips! Lupay rolls through, and gets a leg to steal STRETCH MUFFLER! Byrne endures as Lupay thrashes the leg! Byrne rolls it to a cradle, TWO! Byrne rolls Lupay, and has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Byrne makes Lupay pay as he thrashes the leg! Fans fire up with chants of “TAP! TAP! TAP!” while Lupay crawls for the ropes! But then Byrne drags him back! Byrne grabs an arm, THIRD RAIL! Fans rally as Lupay endures the modified muffler! But Lupay uses his core to sit up, and he sunset flips! High stack, TWO, but Lupay comes back with a CALF KICK! Cover, TWO!! Byrne survives and fans fire up again!

Byrne crawls to a corner while Lupay shakes his head and slaps sense into himself. Lupay goes to the opposite corner, howls, and then runs corner to corner, STINGER SPLASH! Lupay then reels Byrne into a POP-UP CUTTER!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Lupay can’t believe it but Byrne survives by fingertips!! Fans are thunderous as Lupay gets back up. Lupay slashes his throat, drags Byrne around, then drags him up to tuck the arms. But Byrne fights free, hooks Lupay up, TRAIN COUPLING! TWO, SPINEBUSTER! Gut wrench and shoulder rack, RAILCAR DDT! Cover, TWO!! Lupay survives and both Byrne and Cole are furious! Fans are thunderous again as Byrne roars!

Byrne drags Lupay up, but Lupay is deadweight. Byrne still stands Lupay up but Lupay kicks! Byrne blocks the kick and DECKS him with an elbow! Fans fire up with Byrne as he gets Lupay back up. Desperado hooks the arms, but Lupay resists again! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Byrne has the arms, he yanks Lupay right up and into the IRON CLAW! Byrne lifts Lupay again, but Lupay slips out to steal the IRON CLAW! And the IRON CLAW SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?!? Byrne survives his own move and fans are electric! But Lupay is furious and he drags Byrne up. Lupay starts pulling at Byrne’s mask! The ref reprimands, but Byrne bends Lupay’s fingers!

Lupay CHOPS and CHOPS and SLAPS Byrne, but Byrne doesn’t care! Byrne SLAPS Lupay down with that iron hand! Fans fire up and Lupay rises up in a daze. Byrne eggs Lupay on as fans rally up. Lupay throws a forearm, but Byrne DECKS him with a haymaker! Byrne eggs Lupay on more and Lupay stands back up. Lupay snarls and takes off his armbands, to SOBAT! The maybe-loaded boot takes Byrne down, and Lupay tunes up the band! Lupay howls as Byrne stands, but Byrne ducks the superkick to LOKO MONO!! SUPERKICK on the return!! Cover, Lupay WINS!!

Winner: Lupay, by pinfall (advances to the Bracket of Wisdom Finals)

Cole is burning up with anger, but is he right about the boot or just biased? Will Lupay use whatever tactics necessary to win the Bracket of Wisdom?

Bracket of Courage Semifinal: Harlequin VS Kēvín Gibdo!

The Faces of Evil have gone 1-1 in this round, 1-2 overall! Glutko and Militron are out but Lupay is in, will Harlequin be laughing his way to the bracket finals? Or will the Gibdo of All Gibdos make Harlequin the butt of the joke?

The bell rings and the two circle. And speaking of laughing, Harlequin is already chuckling as he and Kevin feel out the grapple. They hand fight, both wanting control. Harlequin then SLAPS Kevin and cracks up laughing. Fans boo, but then Kevin choke grips Harlequin! Fans cheer, but then Harlequin slips out of the choke slam! Harlequin kicks low, fires forearms, then whips, but Kevin blocks. Harlequin tries again but Kevin still blocks. Harlequin throws more forearms, whips but Kevin reverses this time. Kevin scoops Harlequin to hit SNAKE EYES! Harlequin staggers, Kevin runs, and Kevin BOOTS Harlequin down!

Fans fire up while Kevin stalks Harlequin to ropes. Kevin stomps Harlequin, then puts him on the ropes. Kevin CHOKES Harlequin on the ropes, the ref reprimands, but fans actually cheer that. The ref counts, Kevin lets off at 4, and Harlequin sputters and coughs. But then Harlequin laughs as he drags himself up with the ropes. Kevin storms up on Harlequin, Harlequin fights off the grapple, and he SLAPS Kevin again! Harlequin laughs as he scampers away but fans boo. Kevin glares at Harlequin, but Harlequin pretends to be scared as he goes to a corner. Kevin storms up again, Harlequin moves, and the two circle.

Fans rally, the two feel out the grapple again, but Kevin blocks Harlequin’s slap! Fans chant at Harlequin, “YOU F’D UP! YOU F’D UP!” Kevin choke grips Harlequin again, lifts, but Harlequin pokes Kevin in the eye! Fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Harlequin “apologizes,” only to CLAW at Kevin’s face! The ref reprimands, counts, and Harlequin lets off at 4 with hands up. Harlequin defends he’s innocent but the ref says we all saw that! Fans boo, Harlequin “apologizes” again, and then he kicks Kevin low! Kevin snarls and stares Harlequin right in the face! Harlequin looks around in worry, kicks again, but Kevin still stares him down.

Harlequin kicks and kicks and kicks, then jumps up to HEADBUTT, but he’s the one who wobbles around! Kevin DECKS Harlequin, Harlequin staggers up to his feet, so Kevin DECKS him again! Fans fire up as Kevin rallies with clothesline after clothesline, then he picks up and RAMS Harlequin into a corner! The ref counts as Kevin RAMS into Harlequin more. Kevin lets off, whips corner to corner, and runs in to clothesline! Kevin whips corner to corner the other way, runs in and clotheslines again! Kevin wrenches and lifts Harlequin with a Straight Arm Lever! Harlequin freaks out as he’s way up off the mat!

Kevin sets Harlequin down, to short arm LARIAT! Kevin drags Harlequin up for another short arm LARIAT! Fans fire up, Kevin drags Harlequin up one more time, but then Harlequin falls over. Fans boo while Kevin looms over Harlequin. Harlequin looks up from the mat with a smug grin and a chuckle. Kevin turns Harlequin over for a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Harlequin survives and fans boo but Kevin keeps cool. Kevin grinds his forearm into Harlequin’s face, Harlequin flails and kicks, and Kevin lets off. Kevin drops a BIG elbow, covers, TWO! Harlequin bails out of the ring and fans boo.

Kevin goes out after Harlequin and stalks him over to commentary. Rusl tells them both to get away, but Kevin SMACKS Harlequin off the desk! Kevin brings Harlequin around the way and pushes him into railing. Fans in the front row fire up as the action comes to them! Kevin ROCKS Harlequin with a right hand! The ring count climbs while Harlequin staggers away, but Kevin follows him, and turns him around to ROCK him again! Kevin refreshes the ring count, then goes back to Harlequin. Kevin whips Harlequin hard into railing! Harlequin falls in a heap while fans fire up! Kevin storms up on Harlequin and Harlequin begs for mercy. Kevin stomps Harlequin instead!

Kevin stomps Harlequin more, then he drags Harlequin up. The ring count is 5 of 10, and Kevin puts Harlequin in the ring. Kevin drags Harlequin onto the apron, and then he climbs up onto the apron. Kevin lines up a shot, for a GUILLOTINE LEG DROP!! Fans lose their minds while Harlequin sputters and writhes. Kevin gets in the ring, drags Harlequin to a cover, TWO!! Harlequin survives and scrambles away while fans are in disbelief! Kevin hurries out after Harlequin again, and stalks him up the ramp. Kevin grabs at Harlequin but Harlequin squirms free. Harlequin CLAWS Kevin’s face! The ref reprimands as he follows them up the ramp!

Harlequin throws forearms on Kevin, kicks him low, and reels him in. DDT to the ramp! Fans boo but Harlequin takes a bow. Harlequin tells the ref they can go to the ring now, and ushers him along. Harlequin and the ref get in the ring and Harlequin tells the ref to start counting. The ref reluctantly starts the count, and fans rally for Kevin. The count reaches 5 of 10 but Kevin hasn’t even stirred! The count is 7, and Kevin SITS UP! Fans fire up as Kevin stands and storms into the ring at 9! Harlequin runs in, but right into a choke grip! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Harlequin survives by fingertips!!

Kevin is fuming as he looks down at Harlequin. Kevin drags Harlequin up, and he gut wrenches him! Fans fire up, but Harlequin slips free! Harlequin jumps on for a SLEEPER! Fans boo as Harlequin squeezes tight! Kevin stays up, reaches out, but Harlequin thrashes around! Kevin starts to fade! Fans freak out and rally harder for Kevin, and he backs up to RAM Harlequin into a corner, and the ref!! The ref goes down and fans freak out, but Kevin is still free from the hold! Kevin scoops Harlequin again, for a TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!! Kevin covers, but he realizes what happened to the ref! Kevin sighs, and he lets off of Harlequin.

Kevin looks around, unsure what to do. He goes over and tells the ref to get up, but Harlequin sneaks up behind him! LOW- NO! Kevin blocks the low blow uppercut! Kevin glares at Harlequin, who again begs for mercy! Kevin turns around and reels his hand back, but Harlequin kicks to low blow!! Harlequin laughs right in Kevin’s face as he drops to his knees! Harlequin then dragon sleepers Kevin for the TWISTED SENSE OF HUMOR!! The ref is back up as Harlequin covers, Harlequin wins!!

Winner: Harlequin, by pinfall (advances to the Bracket of Courage Finals)

The Gibdo of All Gibdos suffers the indignity of all indignities! The Boisterous Bokoblin laughs all the way to the back, will he be laughing all the way to the bank in this tournament?

Bracket of Power Semifinal: Groose VS Skull Kid!

HyruleMania 3 was the last straw between these two former Studly Guys, and not only did the Skyfall Stud lose a friend and a match, but he lost his hair. Will Groose avenge his red hair? Or will only his bald head be shining when Skull Kid knocks him down again?

The bell rings and Groose storms up on Skull Kid. Skull Kid gets around Groose, then slaps him on the back of the head! Groose frowns and fans boo but Skull Kid just flips off everyone. Groose storms up on Skull Kid again but Skull Kid slips out of the ring. Skull Kid grabs at Groose’s foot but Groose stomps his hands away! Skull Kid clutches his fingers and shakes out his hands, then shouts insults at Groose. Groose goes out after Skull Kid, their cat ‘n’ mouse game goes around to the ramp side, Skull Kid slides in and Groose follows. Skull Kid gets around and waistlocks, they go to ropes but Groose bucks Skull Kid away.

Skull Kid storms up but Groose reels his right hand back! Skull Kid scrambles away and fans laugh at him. Groose uses his other hand to tell Skull Kid just how close he was to taking the Right Hand o’ the Goddess. Skull Kid looks around at the crowd as chant for “Groose! Groose!” Skull Kid gets up on his feet in a huff, and he dares Groose to hit him then! Fans cheer “DO IT! DO IT!” and Skull Kid even puts his hands back and leans in. Groose reels back again, but Skull Kid dropkicks Groose’s leg! Fans boo, but Skull Kid shouts, “You told him to do it!” Skull Kid then HEADBUTTS Groose! And again! And again!

Groose wobbles and Skull Kid eggs him on. Groose roars and reels back again, but JABS! And JABS! Fans chant “GROOSE!” with each jab! “GROOSE! GROOSE! GROOSE!” Groose then reels back, but Skull Kid throat chops! Fans boo, the ref reprimands and Groose sputters, but Skull Kid dropkicks Groose onto the ropes! Skull Kid then hurries to the apron, reels Groose in, HEATSEEKER! Fans lose their minds over the apron piledriver while Skull Kid gets back in the ring and rolls Groose up, TWO! Groose survives and fans fire up while Skull Kid grows frustrated. Skull Kid sits Groose up and wraps on a chinlock.

Fans rally as Groose endures. Skull Kid leans on the hold but Groose fights up. Groose throws body shots, he whips Skull Kid to ropes, then picks Skull Kid up and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Groose stands Skull Kid up, chicken wings him, and turns him, but Skull Kid powers free and jumps on for a SLEEPER! Skull Kid thrashes around and fans rally up as Groose reaches out for ropes. Groose steps forward, but Skull Kid climbs up to dragon sleeper! Skull Kid brings Groose away from the ropes, and hits a NECKBREAKER across his knee! Skull Kid then uses his legs in a full nelson!

Fans rally while Groose endures and Skull Kid puts on pressure. Groose kicks and crawls, reaches out with a foot, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts and Skull Kid claims he needs help! But he put the hold on in the first place! The ref pries at the hold, counts at Skull Kid, and Skull Kid lets Groose go. Fans boo but Skull Kid just flips them all off again. Skull Kid drags Groose up, but Groose picks Skull Kid up to RAM him into a corner! Groose RAMS his shoulder in again and again, then digs it in! Fans fire up but the ref counts, and Groose lets off at 4. Groose stands Skull Kid up, then TOSSES him across the way!

Fans fire up but Groose frowns while he watches Skull Kid writhe. Groose storms over, stands Skull Kid back up, and reels back for RIGHT HAND O’ THE GODDESS! Skull Kid staggers back into the corner! Fans fire up as Groose fires off right hand after right hand, hitting the mask again and again! The ref reprimands, Groose reels back again, but Skull Kid wobbles, then flops right on his face! Er, mask! Groose stands still, hand at the ready, but the turmoil is clear on his face. Groose drags Skull Kid to center, covers, TWO!! Skull Kid bridges up and out just in time, and Groose pounds the mat in frustration.

Fans rally up as Groose sits Skull Kid up. “We just gotta get this mask off you. We just gotta get this mask off you.” Groose grabs at the mask, careful of the spikes. He pulls on the mask, but it’s on tight! Skull Kid kicks at Groose’s leg and Groose lets go of the mask. Groose BOOTS Skull Kid back down! The mask looks to have a crack forming! Groose says if he can’t take it off, he’ll break it off! Groose sits Skull Kid up again to DECK him! And again! And again! And again! The crack in the mask is growing slowly, but Groose shakes out his hand. Groose balls up his fist again, sits Skull Kid back up, but Skull Kid avoids the punch!

Skull Kid drags Groose down by that arm, and into a CROSSFACE! Fans freak out while Groose endures! Groose reaches out, claws his way forward, but Skull Kid pulls on the hold! Groose is fingertips away from the ropes! But Skull Kid rolls and turns Groose away from them!! Fans freak out, but Groose just reaches for the ropes on the adjacent side! Fans rally as Groose claws his way forward again, but Skull Kid rolls him away from ropes again! But Groose makes that a cover! TWO!! Skull Kid lets go in time to kick out! RIGHT HAND O’ THE GODDESS!!! But Groose shouts in pain as he clutches his right hand!

The ref checks but Groose says he’s fine. Groose goes to where Skull Kid is by the ropes. Groose grabs at a leg but the bad hand makes that difficult. Groose drags Skull Kid with just one hand, turns him over and covers, TWO!??! Fans can’t believe it and Groose is beside himself! Groose looks at Skull Kid, angry yet also pleading that he stay down. Skull Kid stirs, then slowly sits up. Groose is conflicted, but he still chicken wings Skull Kid again. Groose starts to turn Skull Kid, but the bad hand hurts too much! Groose lets go, Skull Kid grabs the bad hand and bends the fingers! Fans shout and boo while Groose shouts in pain again!

Skull Kid has Groose on his knees from the pain in the hand! Skull Kid steps over the arm, twists the wrist, and SNAPS the fingers!! Groose clutches his hand, but Skull Kid runs the ropes! TORPEDO MAJORA!!! Cover, SKULL KID WINS!!

Winner: Skull Kid, by pinfall (advances to the Bracket of Power Finals)

Fans are either stunned silent or booing as hard as they can! But the fans not being happy doesn’t change the fact Skull Kid is heading to the Bracket of Power Finals in March! Will Skull Kid find a way to get through even Onox?

Bracket of Wisdom Semifinal: Odolwa VS Igos du Ikana!

The God of Woodfall cut down the Living Blade while the Ruler of Ruin won the showdown of TCW legends. But will this Dark Horse be the new star of Termina? Or will Igos prove he still has time to add to his legacy?

The bell rings and fans sing, “Iiiiigos du Ikaaa~na! Iiiiigos du Ikaaa~na!” Odolwa ignores that, or maybe doesn’t care at all, as he circles with Igos. They approach, dukes up, and Odolwa tests the waters with a kick. Igos stays back to avoid the kick and the two keep circling. Igos tries a jab but Odolwa stays back to avoid that. Odolwa tries grabbing at Igos but Igos deflects his hands. Odolwa presses forward, cornering Igos. They clinch but the ref counts the ropebreak. Both men let off slowly, but Odolwa keeps his eyes on Igos as he backs away. Fans applaud the sportsmanship as the two reset.

Igos and Odolwa have their dukes up again as they approach. Igos tries a testing kick now, Odolwa immediately answers, and Igos throws a back elbow. There’s a quick flurry between the two of them, and Odolwa ROCKS Igos! Fans fire up, Odolwa keeps on Igos, and they end up in another corner! The ref counts but Odolwa is talking trash on Igos. Odolwa lets off at 4 and fans boo but Igos keeps his cool. The two reset again and fans rally up. Odolwa throws a KICK and Igos hobbles. Igos comes back to KICK Odolwa but Odolwa shrugs that off to KICK again! Igos hobbles, shakes that leg out, but he KICKS Odolwa again!

Odolwa still shrugs it off, and he KICKS, but Igos lifts his leg up and over! Igos hits Odolwa with an elbow from the left, then ROCKS him with a forearm from the right! Fans fire up as Odolwa staggers, and Igos boots him to ropes to then hip toss! PENALTY KICK to the back! But Odolwa just snarls! Odolwa glares at Igos as he stands back up. ELEGY OF- NO! Odolwa catches the spinning heel kick! Odolwa twists the foot for an ANKLE LOCK! Igos scrambles and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Odolwa lets off quickly, and he eggs Igos on. Igos bails out instead to shake out his legs. Odolwa sits crosse-legged to taunt Igos!

Fans are torn but Igos scowls at Odolwa, who dares Igos to get in. Igos doesn’t fall for the goading and goes around the way. The ref starts a ring count and Odolwa stays put, watching Igos with his eyes. Igos goes around to the ramp side to be behind Odolwa. Odolwa looks over his shoulder at Igos, and Igos suddenly slides in! But Odolwa stands right up and turns around in one move! Igos stops short and the two stare down while fans fire up! The two snarl at each other, and then they tie up collar ‘n’ elbow! Fans rally as the two go around, onto ropes, into a corner, then back onto ropes. Igos ends up having Odolwa in a corner, and he throws a KNEE hard and low!

The ref reprimands as Igos fires off kicks and fast hands! Odolwa shoves Igos down, Igos gets up, but Odolwa runs him over! Things speed up, Igos drops and jumps for a body scissor capture! Roll-up, TWO! PENALTY KICK! Odolwa growls as he flexes his entire chest to stay up! Odolwa glares at Igos again as he rises up, but Igos KICKS him in the chest again! Odolwa snarls again and stands up. Igos KICKS Odolwa in the chest again and again, but Odolwa eggs him on! Igos feints a kick to spin and SOBAT instead! Then a front KICK! Odolwa wobbles, Igos SPIN JUMP- NO! Odolwa catches Igos out of his jumping knee!

Odolwa pops Igos around for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Igos tumbles to ropes while Odolwa fires up! Fans are torn as Odolwa storms up on Igos. Igos back elbows Odolwa away, then QUEBRADAS! Direct hit and fans fire up for Igos again! Igos waits on Odolwa as fans rally, and Odolwa sits up, into a BUZZSAW! Igos pushes Odolwa to a cover, ONE?!? Odolwa shocks even Igos with such a sudden kickout! Igos rains down forearms on Odolwa, but lets off after five to sit Odolwa up and wrap on a chinlock. Odolwa endures while Igos leans on the hold. Fans rally, Odolwa fights up, and Odolwa throws body shots.

Odolwa gets free but Igos ROCKS Odolwa with a forearm! Igos KICKS Odolwa in the leg but his plant leg bothers him. Igos still KICKS the leg, KICKS Odolwa in the chest, then starts up the IKANA RUSH! Igos hits the knee thrust, Odolwa staggers and stumbles, and Igos clamps on the dragon sleeper, for the GRAVESTONE! Odolwa flails as Igos pulls back on the hold! Odolwa reaches up at Igos but Igos drops back! Igos has the body scissors on and fans fire up! Odolwa keeps reaching back, but Igos bridges his neck to both keep away and add pressure! Odolwa pushes with his legs to also bridge, they move around, but Odolwa can’t tell where he is!

Fans rally even harder as they get close to ropes! Igos lets go of the body scissors to push off the ropes and roll Odolwa away! Now Igos on top and makes the hold a GRAVESTONE STRETCH! Odolwa endures, pushes up, gets his feet under him, and pushes Igos back into ropes! ROPEBREAK! Fans are torn as the ref counts, but Igos lets off at 4. Odolwa sputters while he gets away and Igos stands up. Fans build to a rally as the two reset and get their dukes up again. The two approach, and Igos throws a quick combo! Odolwa is on his heels as he guards, then throws kicks in return. Igos guards, throws another flurry, but Odolwa gets around!

Odolwa waistlocks but Igos fights the lift! Igos pries the hold open, standing switches, but now Odolwa fights the lift. Odolwa REAR HEADBUTTS! Igos staggers, Odolwa aims and DOUBLE CHOPS! Igos falls, gets back up, but Odolwa DOUBLE CHOPS again! Igos staggers back up, Odolwa rushes in, but Igos BOOTS one of the hands! Odolwa barks in pain and clutches that hand. Odolwa snarls, and he SLAPS Igos! Of course that’s double-edged, but Odolwa DOUBLE CHOPS again anyway! Odolwa growls as he shakes the bad hand out. Igos gets up again, Odolwa swings, Igos CROSS COUNTERS! And again! And again! And again!

Odolwa staggers and fans are thunderous! Odolwa roars, ELEGY OF EMPTINESS!!! Cover, Igos wins!!

Winner: Igos du Ikana, by pinfall (advances to the Bracket of Wisdom Finals)

The God of Woodfall has fallen! The Ruler of Ruin is still standing, and is now headed to Mount Dunsel! Will Igos du Ikana soon reach the pinnacle of Hyrule Pro-Wrestling?

Bracket of Courage Semifinal: Link VS Fin Balure!

The Hero of Hyrule made it past the Dragon Knight, but his comeback runs into the Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla! Will this be the end of Link’s adventure? Or will he make it back to the bracket finals?

The bell rings and fans rally up already. The two circle and approach, and then Fin offers a handshake, just like Volga last round. Link is surprised, and goes to take it, but then Fin leaves him hanging to instead aim his imaginary bow ‘n’ arrow. Link sighs, the two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Fin headlocks. Link powers out but Fin pulls hair to reel Link back in! Fans boo and Tiger Sahasrahla reprimands but Fin just grins. Fin grinds the hold, Link throws body shots, but Fin headlock punches him! Fans boo more and Sahasrahla reprimands again, but Fin waves that off dismissively to CHOP Link! Fin has Link in a corner and CHOPS again.

Fin whips corner to corner, runs in and CHOPS! Fin whips again but Link reverses, only for Fin to bounce off buckles and CHOP again! Fin flexes while Link clutches his stinging chest. Fin taunts Link, and fans boo as Fin pie faces him. Link frowns as Fin pie faces him more. Link ROCKS Fin with a haymaker! Fans fire up as Link fires off more haymakers, but then Fin ducks one and runs, SLING- NO, Link throws Fin away! But Fin blocks Link’s Superkick! Fin DRAGON SCREWS the leg, then holds on to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Fans boo but Fin mockingly asks Link what’s wrong. Then Fin stomps the bad leg!

Link crawls to ropes but Fin follows him. Fans boo more as Fin stomps Link’s bad leg again. Sahasrahla counts but Fin springboard stomps! And again, and again! Sahasrahla backs Fin off but Fin just flexes again while soaking up heat. Link bails out and shakes out the bad leg, but Fin slips out the side. Fin stalks up behind Link to CHOP BLOCK the leg! Fans boo more but Fin stands Link up to put him in the ring. Fin drags Link to the apron, and Fin SLAMS the bad leg on the edge! Fans boo more and Sahasrahla reprimands again, but Fin grabs the bad leg again. But Link BOOTS Fin away into the railing!

Link drags himself back from the ropes, hobbles, but manages to build speed! But Fin slides in to CHOP Link down! Fans boo Fin while Link sits up and grits his teeth. Fin smirks and he brings Link up, but Link throws body shots. Link ROCKS Fin with a forearm, fans fire up, and Link throws another forearm! Fin dropkicks the bad leg out! Fin then clamps onto Link with a chinlock and grinds him down. Link endures, even as Fin shifts his weight to almost have a Bully Choke! Link reaches out, and his foot gets the ROPEBREAK! Fin puts on the pressure while Sahasrahla counts, and Fin lets go at 4.

Fin stomps Link again, Sahasrahla reprimands again but Fin puts Link in the corner to stomp a mudhole. Fin lets off at 4, then stomps Link again! Fin drags Link up and he puts the bad leg in the ropes. Fans boo and Sahasrahla reprimands as Fin pulls on the leg! Fin lets off at 4, and then he dropkicks the bad leg! Link falls over, Fin puts the bad leg back on ropes, and he springboards for a HIP DROP! Fans boo, Sahasrahla reprimands and Link clutches the leg. Fin just brushes off Sahasrahla again and he puts the leg back on the ropes. HIP DROP! HIP- NO, Link kicks Fin up and out of the ring with his good leg!

Fans fire up as Fin tumbles to the floor. Link clutches the bad leg, drags himself up with the ropes, and slaps his bad leg into working. Link aims as Fin stands back up, PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up with Link! Link shakes out the bad leg, drags Fin up, and puts Fin back in the ring. Link then climbs the corner, but the bad leg slows him down. Fin gets up and CHOPS Link! Fin climbs up after Link and throws forearms! Link throws them back, and fans fire up as they brawl up top. Link gets the edge and he DECKS Fin! Fin is in the drop zone, Link turns around for the ICE ARROW! Cover, TWO! Link clutches his bad leg, it’s hard to tell if he’s grimacing in pain or just upset.

Fans rally up as hard as they can for Link as he stands back up. Link walks off the pain but he’s still hobbling. Fin sits up, Link walks over, but Fin grabs at the legs! Fin trips Link, and DOUBLE STOMPS Link down! Cover, TWO! Fin kicks and stomps Link around while fans boo. Fin taunts Link, “What’s the matter, Hero of Hyrule? Were you just a lot of hype this whole time, huh?” Link scowls as he sits up again. Link looks up defiantly at Fin but Fin eggs him on. Link stands up and he ROCKS Fin with a forearm! Fans fire up and Fin checks his chin. Fin smirks and nods, and he ROCKS Link in return! Fans boo but Link stays up.

Link ROCKS Fin again and fans cheer! Fin ROCKS Link again and fans boo! It goes back and forth, “YAY~! BOO~! YAY~! BOO~!” as the forearms go back and forth. Link gets the edge, “YAY! YAY! YAY!” and then he spins, but Fin ROCKS Link in return! Fans boo, Fin whips but Link reverses and reels Fin into a fireman’s carry! But the bad leg gives out! Fin has the dragon sleeper, ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Fin goes to a corner and aims the pretend bow ‘n’ arrow at Link as he slowly stands back up. Fans boo as Fin runs in, but Link avoids the shotgun dropkick! Fin sits up, he ducks the Shining Wizard, and Link’s bad leg jams before he can Boomerang!

Fin throws Link down by his good leg, but Link avoids the double stomps! Fin stumbles, turns around and Link fireman’s carries right to BOMBOS MEDALLION! Cover, TWO! Link grows frustrated but fans rally up again. Link drags Fin up with a facelock, but Fin RAMS Link into a corner! Fans boo, Sahasrahla reprimands, but Fin grabs the bad leg! DRAGON SCREW but Link spins through! Link sits on a cover, TWO! Link ends up back in the corner, Fin storms up, but into a SUPERKICK! Fin staggers and turns around, Link HOOK SHOTS! Fin drops to his knees, Link MASTER SWORDS from behind! Cover, TWO!

Link shakes out the bad leg, waits on Fin to sit up, BUZZSAW to HEEL KICK, the Double Shot! Fin wobbles and leans back, Link drags him up into a clinch, but Fin turns it into a SIDE LEG SWEEP! Fin hops forward, bridges back, ZORA CLUTCH! TWO!!! Link escapes with nanoseconds to spare and everyone is shocked! Fin rushes in, Link sidesteps and UPPERCUTS! Link reels Fin into a facelock but Fin fights the suplex! Fin turns things around to underhook, but Link fights the lift! Link dumps Fin out to the apron! But Fin GAMANGIRIS back! Link staggers, Fin gets in and runs, to SLINGBLADE! Fans boo but Fin fires up and flexes again!

Fin aims from a corner again, runs in, and he SHOTGUNS Link into the other corner! Link bounces off the buckles and falls into the drop zone! Fin goes up the corner, takes aim again, COUP DE- NO, Link moves out of the way in time! Fin hobbles, Link brings him into a cradle! TWO!! MASTER SWORD! Link grits his teeth as he clutches his knee, then he grabs Fin’s wrists. Link roars through the pain to hit the LIGHT ARROW!! Cover, Link wins!

Winner: Link, by pinfall (advances to the Bracket of Courage Finals)

The Hero of Hyrule comes through in the end! And now, he’s headed back to the Bracket Finals! But will he be able to make it back to the tournament finals with the damage done? Or will he have an even more heroic performance to return to the top?

My Thoughts:

This was a fun one to write with six matches. It was tricky to balance the pushes of Skull Kid and the Faces of Evil, but there are multiple Faces of Evil so one of them could lose this round and the group would still be okay. I like the match-ups we’re getting next round in March to set up the Triple Threat finals in April. And I’m lucky to have gotten this done during a rather busy February.