The Legend of Zelda: The Ring of Destiny, Chapter 46

For the fourth year in a row, HPW arrives on Eventide Island to battle for all the titles! Who will hold the gold after fighting on Treasure Island?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Eventide Challenge: Rod Wyler VS Darbus VS Aveil VS Militron VS Odolwa VS Sharky Shipwreck; Aveil wins and will challenge for the HPW Triforce Championship at Clash of Fates.
• HPW Trios Championships: The UnderWorld Order VS Los Taros Locos; The UWO wins and retains the titles.
• Million Rupee Championship: Hollywood ReDead w/ The UWO VS Donny B. Kool; ReDead wins and is the inaugural Million Rupee Champion.
• HPW Death Mountain Championship: Midna VS Iron Knuckle; Midna wins and retains the title.
• HPW Goddess Championship: Midna VS Riju; Midna wins and retains the title.
• HPW Termina Championship: Ganon VS Shale Dug-In; Ganon wins and retains the title.
• HPW Triforce Championship: Kage VS Zelda; Kage wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

Another year, another trip to Treasure Island! The Hero’s Shadow continues his reign past one year, having conquered the Monster Mask. But now he goes up against someone who reigned for TWO years in the Princess of Hyrule! Zelda has come close in past attempts at the Triforce Championship, and Hyrule is all about the rule of three. Will Zelda’s third time truly be the charm? Or will nothing stop Kage from casting his shadow on HPW? Likewise, Ganon conquered a legend of TCW in Onox, only to be challenged by another! The original TCW Champion, The Foundation, Shale Dug-In returns to challenge the Gerudo Ace! Will Shale brings thing full circle? Or will Ganon stay golden through the Summer?

Then, another Twilight Princess Double Header sees Midna defend both her titles back to back! Riju earned the right to challenge for the Goddess title in the Termina Velocity Beat the Clock Challenge, and Iron Knuckle was given a shot at the Death Mountain title as his consolation prize. Will they both make the best of this opportunity? Or will Midna continue to win on both fronts? And of course, let’s not forget the Trios Championships! The UnderWorld Order may be out 10 THOUSAND Rupees, but they still have the titles and that’s what matters. But will they overlook Los Taros Locos and be taken for a ride?

And it wouldn’t be Treasure Island without THE Eventide Challenge! A 21 Person Battle Royal boiled down to the final six, and those six will open up the show with their race across the island! Who will bring back the prize and move on to Clash of Fates? HPW Treasure Island 4 on Eventide Island starts now!

Eventide Challenge: Rod Wyler VS Darbus VS Aveil VS Militron VS Odolwa VS Sharky Shipwreck!

The Greatest Wosu-ler, Big Papa Goron, the Desert Flower, the Armored Annihilator, the God of Woodfall, and a former TCW Champion are certainly an eclectic group, but only one can win this race to be #1 contender! Who makes it to Koholit Rock and back to be the 2023 Mr., or Miss, Eventide?

As everyone makes their entrances, Rod is already panting, he must not do well in the heat. And how is Militron doing in all that armor? He should be cooking like meat in the oven. But it is also of note that the Gerudo Sisterhood and the Faces of Evil are not anywhere to be seen. Could they be waiting in the locker room (aka the ship)? Or are they waiting in the shadows along the path, ready to strike?

The bell rings, all six watch each other, and then there’s a scramble to get out of the ring! Rod gets a hold of Aveil while Militron brawls with Darbus, and Odolwa fires hands on Sharky! Sharky UPPERCUTS in return, then UPPERCUTS again! Militron ROCKS Darbus, but Darbus ROCKS Militron back! Rod goes for a full nelson but Aveil kicks off ropes and they fall back. Aveil rolls back and gets to her feet, to basement dropkick Rod! Sharky ducks Odolwa’s roundhouse, but not the ENZIGURI! Odolwa brings Sharky around but Sharky turns things back around, and bumps Odolwa off buckles! And again, and again, and again and again and again, for all three levels!

Odolwa staggers around, Sharky kicks low, STUNNER! Fans go wild as Sharky turns Darbus around to STUNNER! Militron storms up, Sharky dodges him and kicks low, to STUNNER! Aveil springboards but Sharky dodges! Aveil belly flops off the mat, staggers up, and Sharky SOMERSAULT STUNNERS! Fans fire up with Sharky, and then he  remembers what this match is about. Sharky hurries out of the ring and up the ramp as fans cheer. Odolwa follows, as do Militron and Darbus. Aveil staggers up, but Rod gets around to waistlock! Aveil fights off the suplex to switch, but Rod switches back, GERMAN SUPLEX!

Rod goes to the ropes, but then stops. He waves a dismissive hand (paw?) at the ramp, he’s already behind in the race so he focuses on Aveil and the ring. HPW goes picture in picture so we can watch both ring and trail. Speaking of, Militron shoves Darbus off the trail into some bushes and hurries after the others. Sharky sees Odolwa gaining on him so he grabs coconuts off the ground. Sharky throws coconuts at Odolwa but Odolwa dodges, jukes, and ROCKS Sharky with a forearm! Odolwa scoops Sharky, but then Militron CLOBBERS them both! Militron then leaves them behind to take the lead. Odolwa and Sharky get back up, only for Darbus to DOUBLE LARIAT them down!

Back in the ring, Rod whips Aveil to a corner. Rod stomps away on Aveil, and doesn’t have to stop because there are no disqualifications here. Rod lets off to soak up the heat from the fans, only to turn around into a RANA! Aveil goes to exit but Rod get a single leg takedown! Rod then drops an elbow on the leg to then have a toehold. Aveil endures, though there are no wins by tap-out in this match, either. She kicks at Rod with the good leg, but then he catches that leg and rolls to an ANKLE LOCK! Fans rally for Aveil as she moves around. Aveil rolls but Rod holds on! Rod shifts to a stepover, and he wants the crossface!

Militron reaches the point where the path goes uphill. It slows him down, allowing Darbus to catch up. But it’s also a struggle for Darbus to go uphill. Fans watching from that area taunt him with “YOU SKIPPED LEG DAY! YOU SKIPPED LEG DAY!” Darbus and Militron brawl, Militron ROCKS Darbus, then shoves him down! Darbus tumbles all the way to the bottom of the slope! But then Sharky runs up and CHUCKS a chair at Militron’s head! Fans go nuts hearing the clang! Helmet or not, that had to ring Militron’s bell! Sharky then takes the branch out of his mouth, runs up on Militron and SMACKS him on the back with it! Fans go nuts as the branch shatters!

Back in the ring, Aveil fights the crossface, so Rod SMASHES Aveil’s knee into the mat! Fans boo and Aveil writhes, but Rod grabs the leg to stomp it, then YANK it! Rod stays between Aveil and the ramp side of the ring. Aveil kicks at him from below, but Rod stomps the bad leg. Aveil clutches the knee but Rod goes after the leg again. Aveil turns and rolls to drag Rod down, and then jumps up to DOUBLE STOMP! But it’s double-edged given the bad knee! Back on the hillside, Odolwa CLUBS away on Darbus while Sharky stomps Militron. Darbus picks Odolwa up to RAM him into a tree, and then hit a SPINEBUSTER!

Sharky continues up the hill, but Darbus pursues. Sharky grabs a rock and throws it at him! But Darbus catches it, and takes a bite out of it! Then he SPITS the pebbles at Sharky! Darbus shots, “Goron’s eat rocks, dummy!” Then Darbus throws hands on Sharky! Militron storms back up, but Darbus elbows him away. Back in the ring, Aveil hobbles, but also realizes she’s so far behind there’s no point in running the first leg of the race. Aveil shakes out the bad leg, then runs up to stomp Rod against the ropes. Aveil then drags Rod up and ROCKS him with a forearm. Aveil whips, but Rod reverses, only for Aveil to tumble.

Rod laughs and soaks up the heat while Aveil hobbles up. Rod storms up on Aveil as she leans against ropes, but then Aveil springboards up and over to get Rod in a dragon sleeper! REVERSE DDT! Aveil then throws down forearms as fans fire up! Meanwhile, the other four have finally reached the top of the hill and scramble for the prize. Militron TOSSES Sharky away, but Darbus UPPERCUTS him! Odolwa SUPERKICKS Darbus! Sharky returns to THESZ PRESS! Sharky throws down fast hands and the fans fire up. But GLUTKO appears!! And he drags drags Sharky off Odolwa to HEADBUTT him! Sharky wobbles, and then Militron reels him in.

Militron suplexes, but Sharky fights it. Sharky wrenches out and kicks low, but Militron denies the Stunner! Shove to Glutko for a scoop and POWERSLAM! But Odolwa has the golden ball! Odolwa bolts back downhill! Militron pursues, with Darbus following after him! Darbus picks up speed and does the GORON ROLL! Darbus bowls Militron over! Odolwa makes it to flat ground and jumps over a log! Darbus keeps rolling and he crushes the log! The turn is up ahead, Odolwa has to slow down and that allows Darbus to make up ground! GORON CANNONBALL!! Both men crash into the railing and fans lose their minds!

Darbus roars as he gets up and fans fire up with him. Darbus picks up the ball, but Militron BOOTS him back down! Militron grabs the golden ball and heads for ringside! Rod has Aveil in a crossface, but he sees Militron storming up! Rod lets Aveil go to intercept Militron. Militron can only fight with one hand as the other holds the ball, and Rod grabs that hand to bend the fingers! Even fans are hurting watching that! And then Rod SNAPS the fingers! Militron lets the ball go and Rod KNEES him down! Rod grabs the golden ball! But he turns around into Aveil’s PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Rod!

Aveil grabs the golden ball, hobbles up and around the way, and slides into the ring! Aveil wins!!

Winner: Aveil (2023 Ms. Eventide)

Fans are thunderous as the Desert Flower stands tall! Well, as well as she can stand on one good leg. But she came through on her vow to be the second-ever Ms. Eventide! The Gerudo Sisterhood rushes out to celebrate with her! Will Aveil lead the way to the top of HPW?

HPW Trios Championships: The UnderWorld Order VS Los Taros Locos!

Ladrona the Thief Girl may have scammed Ted Beedle Ossi, but he made sure his trio held onto the titles. Death Sword, Gomess & Scaldera have been on a roll ever since the Triforce Anniversary, will they stay golden for the Summer? Or will the newest trio on the block bulldoze over the UWO’s new empire?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see what it takes to be campeones!

The trios sort out, and Scaldera starts against Taros Azul. The fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Scaldera uses his height as leverage to push Azul to ropes. The ref calls for the break but Scaldera pushes his forearms into Azul’s face. Los Taros protest and the ref counts, and Scaldera lets off at 4. Scaldera eggs Azul on, but Azul shoves him then CHOPS him! Fans cheer, Scaldera swings but Azul dodges to CHOP again! Azul whips but Scaldera reverses. Azul goes up and over, handsprings away, but then Scaldera runs in to CLOBBER him! Fans boo but Scaldera soaks up the heat.

Scaldera kicks Azul around, drags him to the UWO corner, and tags Gomess. Scaldera stomps Azul on his way out, and Gomess adds stomps of his own. Gomess drags Azul around into a chinlock, and digs his knee into Azul while taunting Blanco y Rojo. Azul endures while fans rally up. Azul fights up, but Gomess pulls on his mask to wrangle him back down! The ref reprimands but Gomess just grins as he keeps on the chinlock. Gomess leans all his weight on Azul but fans rally up. Azul fights to his feet, throws body shots, but Gomess throws him down by his mask! The ref reprimands, but Azul kips up to PELE!

Fans fire up and Gomess staggers. Azul ROCKS Gomess, whips, but Gomess reverses. Azul handsprings but Gomess avoids him! Gomess rushes up but Azul dodges him, Rojo sneaks a tag and Azul slides under Gomess and Rojo DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up with Rojo while Gomess bails out. Rojo builds speed, Gomess moves, but Rojo just rebounds, rolls, and lounges on the mat! Fans cheer as Rojo raises a fist and says, “Tranquilo!” Gomess is not tranquilo, he is upset. Gomess storms into the ring, but Death Sword has him hold on. Death Sword talks it over with Gomess, then Gomess tags Death Sword in.

Fans rally for “TAROS LOCOS!” as Rojo and Death Sword circle. They feel things out, Death Sword swings but Rojo dodges to headlock. Death Sword powers out and they RAM shoulders! Death Sword eggs Rojo on and the fans rally up. Rojo runs, ducks a boot and then a lariat to dropkick a leg! Death Sword drops to a knee, Rojo brings him up but Death Sword shoves him to a corner. Death Sword runs but into a BOOT! And then more boots! Rojo goes up, reels Death Sword in, overhead RANA! Fans fire up as Rojo storms up on Death Sword. Rojo whips but Brody reverses, only for Rojo to tranquilo in the ropes!

Death Sword runs in but Rojo drops down to dump Death Sword out! Rojo then aims, slingshots, and FLYING RANAS! Fans fire up with Rojo and Los Taros Locos! The fans sing “TAROS~, TAROS TAROS TAROS~! TAROS~, TAROS~!” Rojo drags Death Sword up, but Scaldera storms up. The ref tells Scaldera to go back to his corner, but Death Sword RAMS Rojo into railing! Fans boo while Death Sword CHOKES Rojo against the railing! The ref reprimands and counts, Death Sword lets off, but then he POSTS Rojo! Rojo flops over but Death Sword drags him up and into the ring.

Death Sword drags Rojo over and he tags Gomess back in. The wrestling reapers mug Rojo while fans boo. Gomess CLUBS Rojo, then pushes him around. Gomess stomps Rojo in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Rojo bounces off buckles and staggers forward, into a LARIAT! Gomess covers, TWO! Gomess drags Rojo back to a corner and tags Scaldera. Gomess & Scaldera double whip, but Rojo KICKS Gomess! Scaldera swings, Rojo ducks under and gets around to shove Scaldera into Gomess. Then Rojo DOUBLE SHOTGUN DROPKICKS! All three men are down and fans rally up, “TAROS~, TAROS TAROS TAROS~! TAROS~, TAROS~!”

Rojo crawls, Gomess bails out, and Scaldera crawls after Rojo. Scaldera grabs a leg, but Rojo kicks at him. Rojo reaches out for Azul and Blanco, but Gomess YANKS Blanco off the apron! Fans boo, the ref reprimands and Azul is distracted, and Scaldera drags Rojo away! Gomess goes back to the UWO corner as Scaldera tags Death Sword. Scaldera anchors Rojo by his leg and Death Sword drops an elbow onto Rojo’s back! Death Sword taunts Azul while he bends Rojo with a chinlock stretch. Rojo endures, the fans rally, and Rojo reaches out. Blanco gets up and storms into the ring but the ref stops him!

Death Sword CLUBS Rojo with a crossface forearm, then tags Gomess. Gomess storms up but the ref stops him? The ref didn’t see the tag, he isn’t letting it count! The UWO complains now and Rojo crawls towards his corner. Fans fire up, Gomess finally gets back out, and Death Sword hurries after Rojo! Death Sword gets Rojo’s leg, but Rojo turns over to boot him away! Hot tag to Blanco! Fans fire up as Blanco rallies on Death Sword! Blanco BLASTS Gomess off the apron, ELBOWS Scaldera, then dodges Death Sword in the corner! Blanco goes side to side and comes back, Death Sword moves and the DROPKICK sends Scaldera off the apron!

Death Sword realizes he’s alone, tries to keep his distance, but Blanco rushes up to fire off on him! Fans cheer as Blanco ROCKS and CHOPS and stomps Death Sword into the Taros corner. Tag to Azul, they double whip Death Sword to DOUBLE FLAPJACK! They both roll back into DOUBLE HALF CRABS! So technically a full Sand Crab! But the ref counts, Blanco lets go and he runs to DIVE onto Gomess! Gomess is sent into railings and fans fire up with Blanco! Azul keeps the Half Crab but Death Sword reaches out for ropes. Azul drags Death Sword back, hooks up Death Sword’s legs and reaches for Death Sword’s arms.

Death Sword resists and reaches for ropes, but Azul SLAPS him on the side! Death Sword reaches back and Azul uses that to get the arms. Azul pulls up, up and away into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Fans fire up as Azul has Death Sword stuck in the modified surfboard! Death Sword endures so Azul sets him down, to then add a dragon sleeper! But Scaldera storms in! Scaldera grabs Azul by the head to BITE Azul! The ref reprimands, Azul lets go of Death Sword, but Rojo runs in! Rojo hops onto Scaldera for a CODE RED! Perhaps Code Rojo? Rojo drags Scaldera out and RAMS him into railing while Azul crawls for his corner.

Fans rally up, “TAROS~, TAROS TAROS TAROS~! TAROS~, TAROS~!” as Azul and Death Sword reach out. Hot tags to Blanco and Gomess! Fans fire up as Blanco rallies on Gomess with big elbows and forearms! Gomess swings, Blanco ducks and gets around to waistlock, but Gomess fights the lift. Gomess elbows free, runs, but Blanco follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up with Blanco while Gomess flounders to a corner. Blanco slaps his thighs and the fans rally up with that. Blanco runs corner to corner, but jumps to stop short, and he BOOTS Gomess! Blanco then rolls back, to tranquilo! But Gomess storms up, into a KANGAROO KICK!

Gomess staggers, Blanco brings him over and tags in Azul. Azul then tags Rojo, and Azul y Blanco whip Gomess corner to corner. Blanco whips Azul in to back elbow! Blanco runs in to clothesline! Rojo runs in to DOUBLE KNEE! Rojo snapmares Gomess down, and all three Taros count, “UNO! DOS! TRES!” TRIPLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Azul y Blanco play defense while Rojo covers, but Scaldera and Death Sword both barrel in to break it! Fans boo, Azul y Blanco hammer and CLUB away on Scaldera & Death Sword. Blanco throws out Death Sword but Scaldera tosses Azul! Scaldera then runs up to CLOBBER Blanco!

Scaldera drags Gomess over to the UWO corner and tags himself in. Scaldera then storms up on Rojo and pushes him against ropes. Scaldera lets off, but then throat chops Rojo! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Azul sneaks a tag before Scaldera whips. Azul runs in, Rojo sunset flips Scaldera then rolls him back for Azul to basement dropkick! Azul covers, but Death Sword drags him out! Fans boo again and the ref reprimands, but Death Sword still choke grips Azul! Only for Rojo to DIVE! Direct hit on Death Sword at the ramp! Azul hurries back into the ring, but into the CYCLONE BOOT!! Cover, BLANCO BREAKS IT!

Fans are thunderous with “This is Awesome!” as Blanco fires off on Scaldera. Scaldera shoves Blanco back, UPPERCUTS him, but Blanco stays up! Blanco seethes and eggs Scaldera on, so Scaldera UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again! Blanco nods and grins, and he HEADBUTTS Scaldera! Scaldera staggers, Blanco whips and then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Fans go nuts seeing that feat of strength! Scaldera flounders, Blanco fires up and gets Azul up. Azul staggers to the corner, Blanco tags in! Blanco runs up on Scaldera but Scaldera moves, only for Blanco to go right up the ropes! Blanco whistles at Scaldera, Scaldera turns around, into a SPRINGBOARD CODE BREAKER!

Blanco hurries to cover but Gomess helps Scaldera with the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo but Gomess gets away with it! Blanco still knows and he grabs at Gomess! Gomess gets away and taunts Blanco. Blanco snarls and turns around, into the RUNNING FOREARM! Scaldera brings Blanco around, suplexes, and then TOSSES Blanco across the way! Blanco flounders and Scaldera takes aim. Scaldera runs in, Rojo sneaks a tag, and Blanco ducks the Cyclone Boot! Scladera gets caught on the ropes, and Rojo slingshots to sunset flip! TWO, and Rojo has Scaldera’s legs! Scaldera flails and scrambles, Death Sword storms in!

The ref stops Death Sword, Blanco goes after him but Death Sword choke grips! The ref is busy with both of them, he misses the real ROPEBREAK! Rojo holds onto Scaldera’s legs, so Scaldera reels him in, into a BELT SHOT from Gomess!! Fans boo, Death Sword HOTSHOTS Blanco and then drags him out of the ring! The ref sees Scaldera sunset flip Rojo now! Cover, the UWO win!!

Winners: The UnderWorld Order, by pinfall (still HPW Trios Champions)

Fans are furious, but here come Ted Beedle Ossi & Hollywood ReDead to celebrate with their team! The UWO used all sorts of tricks to pull this off, are they getting desperate to hold onto their gold?

Fans boo more as Beedle & ReDead join Death Sword, Gomess & Scaldera in the ring, mics in hand. Beedle congratulates his team on winning and wants the fans to give them a round of applause. They get a round of BS chants instead. Beedle reprimands the fans, there are kids watching probably! Beedle continues to say that “the UWO winning to retain the titles makes this day even more of a special occasion. In case you missed it, Hollywood and I found a treasure chest here on this island, and found something truly worthy of the word ‘treasure’ inside. And we also promised to reveal that treasure today, August 8th, 2023.”

Beedle waves to the ramp and the treasure chest in question is brought out by a procession of Poes. Actually, it’s the Poe Sisters, Amy, Beth, Joelle & Meg! And they’re wearing UWO T-shirts? Are the Poe Sisters UWO 4 Afterlife? Either way, they bring the treasure chest to ringside and members of the ring crew help get it up and into the ring. The Poe Sisters stand by with giddy glee as Beedle and ReDead stand on either side of the treasure chest. Beedle says, “I once heard tale of a legendary item, hidden away ‘east of the crescent, on the tip of a shark fin.’

“I couldn’t be sure what that meant, but then I realized Eventide is east of Cape Cresia. And then, looking at the shape of Eventide itself, as it is on the map, north to south, it has the vague resemblance to a shark fin. ReDead and I dug around the north end, and that is where we found this chest. And inside was…” Beedle and ReDead open the chest, a golden light shines from inside, and Beedle reaches inside to bring out… A belt covered in GOLD Rupees!

“BEHOLD!” Beedle shouts. “The Million Rupee Championship! All genuine gold Rupees embedded into a belt of pure platinum! And now, it shall be bestowed to someone truly worthy of its majesty! The man who was brave enough to take a stand for what he believed in! The man who took a stand for what is right! The man who sparked the future of professional wrestling when he left those who were using him to lead those who needed him! Ladies and gentlemen, HOLLYWOOD! REEEEDEEEEAD~!” Fans boo as ReDead pretends to be shocked and flattered. He raises his hands in victory and Beedle puts the belt around his waist.

ReDead now pretends to be emotional while the rest of the UWO and the Poe Sisters applaud. Fans boo this farce, but ReDead thanks them all for making this moment really mean something. “Without you, the fans, I wouldn’t be able to show the world… that I am truly the best. That I am truly someone to be admired, and that I am truly someone who knows what is best for professional wrestling. And what is best for professional wrestling… is us, the UnderWorld Order.” Fans boo more, but then “Whoa~, whoa~, WHOOOA~!” And then it’s Fun Factory’s Take Your Chance! Fans go nuts for DONNY B. KOOL!

Donny B. Kool, the OG “Original Geru,” makes his return to HPW! And fans start singing along as he makes his way to the ring. The UWO is all very upset as Donny gets himself a mic. “Sup, y’all? How’re you enjoying the summer heat? I was about to get myself a ice cold treat, but then I saw the UnderWorld Order cheat!” Fans boo and Donny says yeah, he feels the same. “It’s not cool when someone bends the rules. And you all know Donny be cool.” Fans chant “You Better Believe It! You Better Believe It!” Beedle tells them to shut up! Donny doesn’t know what he’s talking about!

ReDead steps up to Donny and tells him that if he doesn’t leave, Donny won’t be cool, he’ll be dead! Donny says “That’s big talk coming from someone who was handed a belt. And it’ll take more than your heat to make Donny melt. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t today Treasure Island? The one day were all championships are on the line? So if the Million Rupee Championship is what you say it iz, then there’s only one way to settle thiz.” Fans like where Donny’s going with this but the UWO does not! Donny wants his shot “at that shiny new Million Rupee Championship!” Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!”

Beedle tells the fans to shut up again! Donny doesn’t just get to have a match because he wants to, and the fans don’t get to decide anything, either! The fans boo, but then someone says, “For once, Beedle, you and I agree.” Nicolas Foolyere is on stage! And he says Donny doesn’t make the matches, and the fans don’t make the matches, management does. Fans boo again, but Foolyere says “But… Good management listens to its employees and its customers. And I’m thinking… Yes, yes, yes! Hollywood ReDead will defend that shiny new title, against Donny B. Kool, right here and right now!”

Fans cheer and the UWO is livid, but Foolyere tells the ref to get everyone other than ReDead out of the ring. The ref ushers out the others, and they all get out of the but stay ringside to watch this surprise first defense.

Million Rupee Championship: Hollywood ReDead w/ The UWO VS Donny B. Kool!

The introductions are made, the brand new belt is raised, and we see if ReDead is truly worthy of anything!

The bell rings and the two circle. They approach, feel things out, and tie up. ReDead uses his height as leverage and pushes Donny to ropes. The ref counts, ReDead lets off slowly, but then SLAPS Donny across the face! Fans boo and ReDead gets back with a smug smile, but Donny keeps his cool. Donny resets with ReDead, they tie up again, and ReDead pushes Donny back to a corner. The ref counts but Donny turns things around. Donny keeps ReDead against the buckles as he dances side to side. Fans chant “You Better Believe It!” but the ref counts. Donny lets off at 4, to then JAB JAB! “You Better Believe It!” JAB JAB! “You Better Believe It!”

The UWO complains, the ref reprimands and counts, so Donny backs off. ReDead takes a swing but Donny dodges to JAB JAB! “You Better Believe It!” JAB JAB! “You Better Believe It!” Donny swings but ReDead turns the haymaker into a wrench and short arm LARIAT! ReDead holds onto the wrist, and he drags Donny up for another short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but ReDead flexes before he drags Donny up again. Donny ducks the third short arm lariat to clinch and SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Donny as he keeps his focus on ReDead. ReDead staggers up, and Donny clotheslines him up and outta the ring!

Fans fire up while ReDead flounders around on the outside. Donny goes out after ReDead and throws hands! Fans fire up more, and Donny whips ReDead into barriers! The UWO complain, Donny dances past them to fetch ReDead. Donny then puts ReDead in the ring, but the Poe Sisters all shout at him! Donny looks at them all confused, the ref reprimands the Poe Sisters, but then ReDead BOOTS Donny to the floor! Fans boo but the ref reprimands ReDead. ReDead goes out to fetch Donny and he puts Donny back in the ring. ReDead stomps Donny around, then CHOKES Donny on the ropes!

The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but ReDead lets off at 4, shouting “I have ’til five!” ReDead soaks up the heat from the fans, then he goes back for Donny. ReDead throws hands down on Donny but they’re in the ropes so the ref counts. ReDead lets off at 4 again, and again says “I have ’til five!” Death Sword gets a cheap shot in on Donny! Fans boo but Death Sword gets away with it as he walks around the corner. ReDead goes back for Donny, grabs Donny’s legs and has him in the ropes, for a ROPE GUILLOTINE! Fans boo more while Donny sputters and coughs. ReDead drags Donny up, brings him around, and POSTS him!

ReDead flexes while shouting, “IIII’M THE MAAAAN~!” Donny flops out to the apron, but ReDead goes back for him. ReDead stands Donny up, but Donny blocks the buckle bump! Donny bumps ReDead off the buckle first! And again! And again! Fans fire up as Donny sweeps the legs with his tail! ReDead falls, Donny takes aim, and Donny slingshot SENTONS! Donny keeps moving, ReDead sits up, and Donny pulls up for a BASEMENT COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! The UWO is relieved but the fans rally up behind Donny. Donny brings ReDead up, wrenches and whips, but ReDead blocks!

ReDead whips Donny instead, but Donny KICKS the back drop away! Donny runs past ReDead to come back and BULLDOG! Donny goes the other way now, PLANKING SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Donny keeps his eyes on ReDead as ReDead goes to a corner. Donny goes to the opposite corner, and he gets the fans to join in, CLAP CLAP “You Better Believe It!” CLAP CLAP “You Better Believe It!” Donny then runs corner to corner, to CANNONBALL! Fans fire up as Donny drags ReDead to a drop zone! Donny hurries up top, he gets the fans more fired up, but the Poe Sisters distract him again. Fans boo but ReDead SHOVES Donny down!

Donny hits barriers and then falls to the floor! Fans boo more but the UWO cheers! But the ref points to the UWO! “You, you, you, you, you, you, you and you! You’re OUTTA HERE!” Fans cheer as the ref EJECTS the UWO! And ReDead and the UWO are furious! ReDead tells the ref the UWO didn’t do anything but the ref says, “Yeah, right.” Fans sing “NANA NA NA! NANA NA NA! HEY HEY HEY! GOOD~ BYE~!” as the UWO, from Beedle to Gomess to Death Sword to Scaldera to all four Poe Sisters, shout and complain as they reluctantly go up to the ramp and to the backstage area. Donny gets up, and he smiles now that he sees this will truly be 1v1.

Donny rushes in, he dodges ReDead and keeps moving, to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up while Donny bounces back up. Donny waits on ReDead as ReDead rises. Donny gets ReDead with the Hebra Lift! Fans fire up as Donny starts spinning! SPIN-OUT FACEBUSTER! Donny turns ReDead over to cover, TWO!! ReDead survives and fans can’t believe it! Donny grows frustrated, but he just waits on ReDead to get up again. ReDead rises, Donny brings him up to try the lift again, but ReDead CLUBS Donny on the back! And again, and again, and again! ReDead stalks Donny to ropes, and ROCKS him with a forearm!

Donny staggers around again, and ReDead winds up to ROCK Donny again! Donny falls back, but his tail props him up! Donny then springs up to a CUTTER! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up with more “You Better Believe It!” as Donny and ReDead stir. A standing count starts, Donny and ReDead crawl to opposite ends, and they drag themselves up at 5 of 10. Donny runs at ReDead and uses the ropes in the COMPLETE SHOT! Fans are thunderous as ReDead is down, and Donny goes back up the corner! Donny aims, for the FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Wait, ReDead sneaks a low blow into that kickout!!

Fans boo but the ref couldn’t tell, Donny’s own tail was in the way! Donny coughs and sputters while curled up in the fetal position, but ReDead stands up and slashes his throat. ReDead drags Donny up, spins him around, S T O!! Cover, ReDead wins!

Winner: Hollywood ReDead, by pinfall (INAUGURAL Million Rupee Champion)

Fans are just as upset as they were after the UWO retained the Trios titles! ReDead wins to hold onto a title made purely so he could have a title, and he didn’t even do it fair and square! Will his ego only continue to grow out of control?

A video plays on the titantron.

The sound of horses galloping on a dirt track. Glimpses of wild horses on the open plains. The galloping transitions to wrestlers running the ropes in the ring. Does this seem familiar? Voices say together, some echoing out of synch, “Those whose spirits cannot be tamed, run the race so that glory can be claimed!” Fans cheer as the date appears on screen, “9-23-23” and then the logo!

The Stampede is on its way back, who will be among the new crop of prospects fighting for a chance here in HPW?

HPW Death Mountain Championship: Midna VS Iron Knuckle!

The second ever #TwilightPrincessDoubleHeader begins, and as a flipside to the first, the open division title is up first! Iron Knuckle may be getting this shot as a consolation, but will he still win the prize all the same?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how well the first half goes for Midna!

The bell rings and fans rally up with “LET’S GO, MIDNA!” Midna smirks as she stares down with Knuckle. The two slowly circle and approach. Knuckle swings on Midna but Midna bobs ‘n’ weaves and gets back to ropes. Knuckle still stares her down but Midna has a smile on her face. They circle again, tie up, and Knuckle powers Midna to a corner. Referee Maron Ron Ron counts, Knuckle pushes Midna but Midna avoids the chop! Midna CHOPS, but Knuckle doesn’t budge! They circle again, tie up, and Midna gets an arm. Fans rally, Midna wrenches, and CHOPS! Knuckle swings on Midna but she ducks it and gets away.

Fans cheer the opening exchange as the two reset. They feel out knuckle locks, and then go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength! Fans rally and duel as Knuckle brings Midna to her knees, puts more pressure on the knuckle locks, but Midna fights back up to her feet! Midna kicks low, wrenches an arm, CHOPS Knuckle again, then whips. Knuckle reverses, avoids the boot, and runs to run Midna over! Midna goes to ropes while fans are torn. Knuckle eggs Midna on, Midna stands up and storms over to him, and they tie up again. Midna headlocks and thrashes Knuckle around, but Knuckle throws body shots.

Knuckle powers out but Midna holds onto Knuckle’s mask! Maron reprimands and Midna “apologizes” while she reels Knuckle back into a headlock. But Knuckle powers up and lifts Midna! Midna kicks and thrashes to get back down, and then Midna changes sides, shifts to a hammerlock, and then shifts back to a headlock for a takeover. Fans applaud but Knuckle fights around. Knuckle headscissors, but Midna kips free. Knuckle headlocks and hits a takeover, Midna headscissors, but Knuckle moves around. Knuckle turns Midna over, pops free and has the legs tied up, and then shifts for an STF!

Midna scrambles and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Knuckle lets off quickly and waits on Midna. Midna is a bit frustrated as she gets back up. They tie up again, Knuckle KNEES Midna low! Knuckle bumps Midna off buckles then fires off JAB after JAB after JAB! Maron counts but Knuckle lets off as Midna sits down in the corner. Knuckle drags Midna back up, but Midna throws a forearm! And a CHOP! And another forearm, and another chop, on repeat! Midna backs Knuckle down, CHOPS again, then whips, but Knuckle blocks by holding ropes! Knuckle reels Midna in to then dump her out of the ring!

Midna takes a tumble from apron to floor and fans rally up for her. Knuckle goes out after Midna, brings her up, and RAMS her into railing! Midna slumps down against the railing, and Knuckle still CHOPS her! Midna flops over while fans are torn, and Knuckle drags Midna up. Maron starts a ring count, Knuckle wrenches and whips Midna, and she hits more railing! Midna staggers forward, the count reaches 5 of 10 and Knuckle storms up. Knuckle pushes Midna into the ring, stalks her, and Midna sits up, into the REBONACK CLUTCH!! Midna flails and reaches out but Knuckle brings her away from the ropes!

Midna fights and flails, reaches back, JAWBREAKER! Knuckle lets go and staggers away, Midna gets up to CHOP him to a corner. Midna throws forearms and CHOPS on repeat! Maron counts, fans fire up as Midna CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but she still lets off at 4. Midna snapmares Knuckle down and she KICKS him in the back! Knuckle seethes, Midna stomps him, but Knuckle still gets up. Midna kicks and throws forearms, then CHOPS, but Knuckle doesn’t budge! Knuckle HEADBUTTS Midna! Fans are torn, Knuckle puts Midna in a corner and hoists her up top. And then Knuckle tucks her in!

Knuckle carries Midna out, but Midna fights free! Midna staggers back to ropes, Knuckle storms up but into a BOOT! Midna then runs, and SPEARS Knuckle down! Cover, TWO!! Knuckle survives and fans fire up! Midna is frustrated, but she keeps her focus on Knuckle as she goes to a corner. Fans rally as Midna climbs up, but Knuckle trips her up! Knuckle pulls Midna back into a Tree of Woe and stomps away on her! Maron counts, Knuckle lets off to lift Midna up and out of the Tree! Knuckle then gives Midna SNAKE EYES off the buckle! Knuckle runs side to side, and he BOOTS Midna down!

Fans rally up while Knuckle paces around Midna. Knuckle stalks Midna again, she sits up, REBONACK- NO, Midna drops and kicks Knuckle from below! Midna then drags Knuckle down to get the leg! Midna ties Knuckle up in a TRAILER HITCH! Knuckle endures, reaches out and moves around while fans rally and duel! Midna puts as much pressure as she can on the hold, but Knuckle still drags her along as he crawls forward! Midna lets off the Trailer Hitch to drag Knuckle back, but Knuckle turns over to kick her away! Midna rebounds off ropes, and Knuckle catches her for an URENAGE! And a SENTON! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up as Midna is still in this, but Knuckle roars. Knuckle drags Midna up, puts her in a corner and puts her up top again. Knuckle CHOPS Midna and she wobbles! Knuckle climbs up after Midna, brings her up, but Midna resists the superplex! Midna throws body shots, then she ROCKS Knuckle with a forearm! Knuckle wobbles now, and Midna ROCKS him again. Knuckle drops back off the corner, Midna adjusts up top, and she LEAPS, but Knuckle just walks out of the way! Midna crashes ‘n’ burns on the mat and Knuckle acts like nothing happened. Midna sits up, Knuckle gives her Kawada Kicks!

Knuckle brings Midna back up, brings her around, REBONACK CLUTCH!! Midna flails and reaches out again! Knuckle drags her from ropes, Midna gets back up to JAW- NO, Knuckle blocks the jawbreaker and drags Midna up again! But Midna uses that to wheelbarrow and victory roll! Cover, MIDNA WINS!!

Winner: Midna, by pinfall (still HPW Death Mountain Champion)

Iron Knuckle and the fans are shocked as Midna snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Knuckle throws a fit on the outside, will he just have to try harder next time?

As for Midna, there’s no time to celebrate as Riju makes her entrance!

HPW Goddess Championship: Midna VS Riju!

After lasting the longest in the Termina Velocity Beat the Clock Challenge, the smallest member of the Gerudo Sisterhood has the biggest opportunity of her HPW career! Will she end Midna’s reign as Goddess already? Or will it be another sweep in the Twilight Princess Double Header?

Riju’s got a different look, with her hair up in curls, but Midna’s the same as always. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Midna can stay strong in the second half!

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Riju headlocks. Midna powers out and runs Riju over, but Midna winces and clutches her side. Knuckle still did a lot of damage and Midna is feeling it. Riju headlocks Midna again and thrashes the hold. Riju brings Midna down to her knees, fans rally and duel, and Midna fights back up. Midna powers up, but Riju thrashes again and she brings Midna right back down. Midna clutches her back and side, Riju hits a takeover! Riju pulls on the headlock but Midna still endures. Midna pulls Riju’s hair and gets the headscissors while Maron reprimands.

Midna grits her teeth and pushes up to put more pressure on the headscissors. Riju endures, but Midna holds tight as Riju tries to kip free. Midna pushes up again for more pressure, but Riju fights up to her feet. Riju pushes free of the headscissors, then dropkicks Midna while she’s upside-down! Midna sputters and clutches her ribs while she goes to ropes! Fans rally up for Riju and she CLUBS Midna on the back! Midna goes to a corner, Riju whips her corner to corner, then runs in to RAM into Midna! Riju goes to the apron while pushing Midna out of the corner, and then Riju goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Midna scrambles out of the ring while fans rally up again. Midna winces some more while leaning against the apron, and Riju builds speed! Riju WRECKS Midna with a dropkick through the ropes! Fans fire up with Riju and she brings Midna back up. Riju puts Midna back in the ring, stomps her into a corner, and then marches corner to corner. Riju rallies the fans, takes aim, and runs in corner to corner, but Midna catches her for a BACKBREAKER, into a BUCKLE SHOT! Midna and Riju are both down in the corner while fans fire up again! Midna drags herself up with the ropes and does her best to breath with sore ribs.

Midna drags Riju from the corner and into a drop zone. Midna then steps on Riju on her way to the corner, climbs up, but then stops on the second rope. Midna shakes her head, she no longer wants to go up top. Fans boo as Midna climbs back down and goes back for Riju. Riju drags Midna into a cradle! TWO!!! Even Midna has to check with Maron about the count, but she did escape in time! Riju CLUBS Midna on the back, then waistlocks and goes to ropes! Midna bucks the O’Conner Roll, runs in, but Riju goes Matrix to avoid the boot! Riju mule kicks, front kicks, then ENZIGURIS Midna down!

Riju stomps Midna back into the corner, stomps some more, and lets off as Maron counts. Riju stomps her way corner to corner, takes aim again, and runs back in, SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up as Riju drags Midna into the drop zone! Riju steps on Midna in return for just a moment ago, and then she climbs up the corner. Riju goes all the way to the top rope, but Midna crawls over to the bottom rope. Riju hops down from the top, storms up on Midna and stomps her some more. Maron counts, Riju lets off, then slides outside to ROCK Midna with a forearm! Midna flounders from the ropes and Riju hurries back in.

Riju sits Midna up, facelocks, but Midna fights the basement DDT! Midna throws more body shots, then CLUBS away on Riju’s back! Midna stands up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! Riju staggers, rebounds, and CHOPS Midna in return! Midna and Riju glare at each other while fans fire back up! Midna CHOPS Riju! Riju ROCKS Midna with a forearm! Midna SLAPS Riju! Riju KICKS Midna in the leg! And KICKS her again! And then feints to QUESTION MARK KICK! Midna wobbles, Riju hops on, CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous and Riju is shocked as Midna survives!

Riju takes a moment to calm down, and she thinks of what she has to do now. Riju stomps Midna and drags her back to a drop zone. She clearly figures the classic will work, and she climbs up the corner. Riju takes a second to calm down and steady herself. ULTIMATE ELB- NO!! Riju crashes down as Midna moves out of the way! Fans go nuts as Riju clutches her arm. Riju’s almost in tears as she sits up, into TWILIGHT SLEEP!! Midna clutches her back, crawls over to Riju and pushes her to a cover, MIDNA WINS!!

Winner: Midna, by pinfall (still HPW Goddess Champion)

Incredible! The Twilight Princess turns it around at the last possible moment to survive another double header! But with as hard as this is getting, will- Wait! VERAN IS HERE!? Fans go nuts as the TCW legend makes her return to HPW! Telma tells Rusl to calm down but he defends he hasn’t even said anything yet. Veran walks down the ramp, applauding Midna. Midna is handed both her belts, and she manages to stand up as Veran steps into the ring. Veran gets a mic while fans lose their minds seeing her and Midna in the same ring together! Or anywhere together, really! Veran smiles at Midna as the chanting continues.

As the crowd calms down, Veran finally speaks. “I believe congratulations are in order for the Twilight Princess!” Fans cheer and chant “MIDNA! MIDNA!” Veran then says, “Congratulations, Midna. The first dual champion in HPW, and I believe, the first female dual champion anywhere in Hyrule!” Fans cheer that, too, and then Veran says, “But the first is never forever.” Fans are intrigued where this is going. Veran brings up that the Death Mountain Championship is an Open Division title, meaning anyone can challenge for it. And obviously, the Goddess Championship is the Women’s Division title.

Veran models for the crowd, but also for Midna. Veran says, “I believe I qualify for both titles. So how should we play this? Should we have a double header of our own? Or maybe just get it done all at once with Winner Takes All?” Fans seem to love both ideas! Veran says Midna doesn’t have to answer her now. She’ll let Midna and HPW management talk it over, and they can get back to her. Veran drops the mic and walks away, leaving Midna speechless. Just how will these two iconic stars clash for the gold?

HPW Termina Championship: Ganon VS Shale Dug-In!

The Gerudo Ace made it through Termina Velocity and one TCW legend, but now faces another! Will Ganon be able to shake the Foundation of Termina Championship Wrestling? Or will Shale go from the first to the next Termina Champion?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the past becomes the future!

The bell rings and fans rally up with “Let’s Go, Shale! Let’s Go, Shale!” Shale feeds off that energy as he circles with Ganon. They tie up, go around, and Ganon uses his height as leverage to power Shale to a corner. Referee Tiger Sahasrahla counts, Ganon lets off at 4 and steps back while smirking at Shale. Shale shrugs that off and resets with Ganon. They circle and tie up again, and Ganon again uses height to power Shale back. But then Shale turns it around and he has Ganon on the ropes. Sahasrahla counts, Shale lets off quicker and smirks at Ganon now. Ganon scoffs and resets with Shale.

Ganon and Shale feel things out, and then Ganon knees low! Ganon headlocks, grinds the hold, and hits a headlock takeover. Shale moves around, manages to headscissor, but Ganon kips free. Shale gets a leg and trips Ganon, floats to a headlock, and he grinds the hold. Ganon pushes Shale in the face, which Sahasrahla reprimands, and manages to headscissor. Shale tries to kip free but Ganon holds on tight! Shale moves around, rolls into a jackknife bridge, TWO and Ganon holds onto Shale to reel him in! Ganon gets Shale up but Shale slips free of the bomb! Shale reels Ganon in for a clinch, but Ganon throws elbows!

Ganon is free, he throws body shots, then ROCKS Shale with a forearm! Shale ROCKS Ganon in return! Shale whips, Ganon reverses but Shale RAMS shoulders with Ganon! Neither man budges and Ganon eggs Shale on. Shale runs again, they RAM shoulders again, but still neither man falls! Ganon runs now, he RAMS Shale, and Shale rebounds to RAM Ganon back! Ganon rebounds but Shale catches him to a clinch! BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!! Ganon survives but that was a close one! Fans fire up with Shale and he watches Ganon stir. Ganon sits up, Shale runs in, but Ganon moves to avoid the rolling Chancery!

Shale staggers up, and Ganon LARIATS him down! Ganon roars, fans are torn, but Ganon still drags Shale up. Ganon ROCKS Shale with a forearm, then whips, only for Shale to hold ropes and stop himself. Ganon runs in but Shale dumps him out of the ring! Fans fire up as Shale aims and Ganon stands back up, into a PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Shale roars as he stands up and fans fire up again! Shale drags Ganon up, and whips him hard into railing! Ganon hobbles away but Shale pursues. Shale CLUBS Ganon on the back, then pushes him into the ring. Fans rally up as Shale storms in and brings Ganon up.

Shale reels Ganon into a facelock, but Ganon fights the suplex. Ganon tries to suplex Shale but Shale fights it! Shale and Ganon go back and forth trying to suplex the other, they go around the ring, and Shale gets Ganon up onto the ropes for a slingshot suplex! Fans fire up and Shale climbs the corner. Shale reaches the top and he encourages the fans to get louder. The fans do get louder, and Ganon stands up. Shale CROSSBODIES! Direct hit but Ganon rolls through it! Ganon manages to deadlift the Lean, Mean, Rock Eating Machine, and he manages to FALL AWAY SLAM him! Fans fire up with “YOU STILL GOT IT!” while both men are down!

Sahasrahla watches both men, then he starts a standing count. Fans rally up even harder as the count hits 5 of 10, and then Ganon kips up! Ganon roars, fans are torn again, but Ganon storms up on Shale in the corner. Ganon clinches, to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Shale staggers up in the opposite corner, Ganon runs in and clotheslines! Ganon then reels Shale in for a fireman’s carry, but Shale slips off! Shale suplexes Ganon, to GOURDBUSTER! Shale then rolls back, runs back in, and ROLLING CHANCERY! Ganon writhes from the reverse neck snap, but the fans fire up with Shale!

Shale brings Ganon up, reels him in, and he suplexes Ganon high and hard! And he holds on! UNO GORO! Shale suplexes Ganon again, DOS GORO! Shale suplexes Ganon again, for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Ganon survives and fans fire up again! Shale storms around the ring in frustration, but then he grabs at Ganon’s legs! Ganon kicks at Shale, BOOTS him away, but Shale rebounds to roll and bring Ganon into a fireman’s carry! Fans fire up as Shale brings Ganon to a corner, and then the fans go nuts as Shale climbs! But Ganon fights free and CLUBS Shale on the back! Ganon then gets up under Shale!

Fans fire up as Ganon picks Shale up, but Shale holds onto ropes! Shale throws down fists and makes Ganon sit down, but Ganon YANKS Shale down! Shale hits off buckles, staggers, and Ganon kicks low! Double underhook, DEMISE DRIVER!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Shale saves himself by fingertips and Ganon is stunned! The fans are thunderous with “This is Awesome!” but Ganon is fuming. Ganon drags Shale from the ropes, and tries to bring him up but he’s deadweight! Sahasrahla checks on Shale and Ganon grows further frustrated. Fans rally as hard as they can, and Shale stirs, so he’s okay to continue.

Ganon drags Shale up again, double underhooks, but Shale drops to a knee. Ganon sighs, maybe Shale isn’t as okay as thought. Ganon eggs Shale on, “C’mon, Shale! Fight for me! Show me that ‘you still got it!'” Shale fireman’s carries to GORON DROP! Fans fire up with how fast that was, and both men are down again! Sahasrahla starts a standing count as the fans rally up again, and both men crawl to corners. Shale drags himself up and stands at 7 of 10. Shale roars, fans fire up, and Shale runs in and SPLASHES! Shale then brings Ganon out, fisherman’s a leg, and suplexes to a torture rack! But Ganon slips off to waistlock!

Shale resists the lift, throws elbows until he’s free, then he runs! Ganon dodges, Shale keeps moving, KICK OF CALAMITY!!! Cover, Ganon wins!

Winner: Ganon, by pinfall (still HPW Termina Champion)

Fans can’t believe how that kick came outta nowhere! But in the end, the present beats the past, and the Gerudo Ace still reigns! Will the sands of time never run out on Ganon’s hourglass?

As for Shale, fans chant “Thank You, Dug-In! Thank You, Dug-In!” and he gives them a wave to show his gratitude. Will we see the TCW legend stick around to try again some time?

HPW Triforce Championship: Kage VS Zelda!

The Hero’s Shadow has reigned for over a year, defeating monsters, warriors, and even his own brother. But now, the Princess of Hyrule has another opportunity to become the hero! Zelda reigned as Goddess Champion for two YEARS, but will she succeed where others have failed? Or will nothing stop Kage from casting his shadow across Hyrule?

Zelda has new ring gear that seem to fuse her “pirate princess” attire from the very first Treasure Island with her Sheik persona, so now she’s more like a pirate ninja princess. Kage brings out new attire, too, with wild splatters of gold and black all over white pants and boots. Even his usual skull face paint has some gold added throughout. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Zelda’s light can end the darkness!

The bell rings and fans rally up already with “Let’s Go, Zelda!” as the two stare down. They stare down a little more, then Zelda steps forward first. Zelda puts her dukes up first, then Kage finally steps forward. The fans go from chanting to rallying up with claps, and the two tie up! Fans fire up just from the deadlock! Kage powers Zelda back a couple steps, but then Zelda digs in her heels. Fans continue to rally and Kage continues to push. Kage puts Zelda on the ropes, Sahasrahla counts the break but the two hand fight. Sahasrahla reprimands, counts again, and Kage lets off slowly. And then takes a swing! Zelda dodges and fans cheer.

Kage and Zelda reset, circle, and they feel things out. They tie up again, are in another deadlock, but Kage powers Zelda back a step. And then another step, but then Zelda turns it around to put Kage on the ropes. Sahasrahla calls for the break, Zelda lets off slowly now, to KICK Kage in the chest! Fans cheer, but Kage just snarls at Zelda! Kage storms up on Zelda, she drop toeholds, but Kage stays up! Zelda avoids Kage’s stomp and then grabs that leg! Zelda grapevines it to bring Kage down! HEEL HOOK, but Kage scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Sahasrahla counts, but Zelda lets off quickly and gives Kage space.

Kage stares Zelda down while he takes his time standing up. Fans continue to rally as Kage and Zelda circle again. They feel out a grapple, knuckle lock, and Zelda breaks one to step over and wrangle Kage with a top wristlock! Kage rolls back, kips up, and slips around, to Electric Chair Lift! Fans freak out, Zelda throws down punches, and POISON-RANAS! But Kage stands right up!? Zelda turns around in time to avoid the Master Sword! Zelda gets back and fans let out a collective “Whoa…!” Kage stares Zelda down again as she slowly stands back up. The two circle again and the fans keep on rallying.

The two approach, feel things out, and Zelda shoots in for a leg. Kage sprawls to block, then gator rolls Zelda with the facelock. Kage deadlift suplexes, but Zelda knees free! Kage ducks the roundhouse kick, goes for a full nelson but Zelda drops to drag Kage down again! Zelda has a leg but Kage fights up, rolls through and sends Zelda tumbling out of the ring! Fans boo as Kage builds speed but Zelda gets clear, so Kage springboards to backflip and superhero land! Fans chant “YOU STILL SUCK! YOU STILL SUCK!” but Kage ignores them to stare Zelda down. Zelda paces around on the outside while Sahasrahla starts the ring count.

Zelda goes to the steel steps at 5 of 10 and starts walking up the steps to the apron. Kage stays put as Zelda steps in at 8 of 10. Zelda steps to Kage in the middle of the ring, they tie up again, and Kage knees low! Fans boo while Kage puts on a headlock. Kage grinds Zelda down, fans rally as Zelda endures and fights back up, but then Kage hits a headlock takeover! Zelda headscissors, Kage shrugs that off, and he pulls on the headlock! Zelda endures, pushes her wrist and forearm into his face, and though Sahasrahla reprimands, Zelda manages a headscissors. Kage kips free but then roles reverse as Zelda headlocks for a takeover.

Kage headscissors, Zelda kips free, Kage hits another headlock takeover, and Zelda headscissors quickly. But then she shifts around, she wants the Necklock! Kage moves and rolls Zelda, and he pops free of the headscissors to jump on Zelda for another headlock. Zelda moves around, rolls Kage to a cover, ONE and Kage holds onto the headlock. Fans fire up as the two stand, and Kage shifts shifts sides, spins, hammerlocks, gets back around, but Zelda HYLIAN KISS HEADBUTTS before the lariat! Zelda then spins out of the hammerlock, wrenches Kage’s arm, and steps over to La Magistral! TWO, but Zelda keeps hold of a leg!

Zelda works to turn Kage over, but Kage kicks at her with the free leg. Kage boots Zelda away, Zelda rebounds, but Kage ducks the Penalty Kick to roll Zelda up! TWO, but into a deadlift! Zelda shifts around again, IRON OCTOROCK! Fans fire up as Kage endures and Zelda pulls the arm way back! Kage still fights his way over, a step at a time, to the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo, Sahasrahla counts, but Zelda lets go at 4. Zelda eggs Kage on while Kage shakes his arm out. Kage storms up on Zelda, she bobs ‘n’ weaves as he throws hands, and she ROUNDHOUSES in return! And then goes for the chicken wing!

Kage moves around to fight off the takedown, then spins and whips her away. Zelda holds ropes, Kage runs in but Zelda sidesteps to waistlock and O’Conner Roll! And then she brings Kage up in the chicken wing! But Kage rear headbutts! Zelda staggers away to ropes, and Kage runs up to clothesline her up and out of the ring! Fans boo more but Kage builds speed! Kage DIVES and sends Zelda into railing! Kage slides back into the ring, builds speed again, and DIVES but Zelda sends him into railing! Fans lose their minds over how hard that crash ‘n’ burn was! But they’re both down so Sahasrahla checks on both.

Zelda nods, she’s okay, and she stands back up. Kage clutches his back and writhes a bit, and Zelda hobbles over to him. Zelda drags Kage up, pushes him into the ring, and pushes him to a cover. TWO, and Zelda grimaces as she stretches out her back. She hobbles over to Kage, drags him up, but Kage fireman’s carries! Zelda fights free, Kage elbows her away, then he aims. Zelda ducks the Hook Shot! Zelda then kicks, kicks, SOBATS and- NO, Kage ducks the enziguri, no Bolero of Fire here! Kage grabs at Zelda but she slides under him, then half nelsons, REQUIEM OF SPIRIT! Fans fire up with Zelda while Kage sits up in a daze!

Zelda aims, but Kage then flops over! Zelda fizzles out a bit as she doesn’t get to kick, but then she hurries to grab the wrists! She sits Kage up, but Kage gets up and under her for a SPINEBUSTER! But Zelda holds onto the wrists! Kage can’t shake her loose, so he stomps her down! Fans boo as he just stomps and stomps and stomps! Zelda does let go, and then Kage stalks behind her. Zelda stands up, Kage full nelsons! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Zelda flounders, Kage gets her again, another SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Fans boo and chant “YOU STILL SUCK! YOU STILL SUCK!” as Kage watches Zelda flounder up again. But then Zelda falls over in a corner!

Kage scowls as he watches Zelda down against the buckles. Fans boo Kage more while Sahasrahla checks Zelda. Zelda drags herself up, she isn’t out of this yet. Fans rally up for “ZEL~DA! ZEL~DA!” as she stands, though leaning against buckles. Zelda grits her teeth and glares at Kage. She shouts at him, “BRING IT ON!” and fans fire up! Kage runs in and clotheslines her in the corner! Fans boo, Kage runs corner to corner and back again, for another clothesline! Kage brings Zelda out of the corner, fireman’s carries, BOMBOS MEDALLION! A move from Link’s repertoire, as is Kage’s MO! Cover, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as Zelda survives!

Kage scowls as he looms over Zelda. Kage eggs her on, and she throws a body shot! There’s not enough behind that, and Kage keeps egging her on. Zelda throws more body shots, and more, and more! She rises and throws even more body shots, and she starts getting some power behind them! She backs Kage down into the ropes, fires off more shots, and Sahasrahla counts. Zelda roars, runs, but Kage follows! Kage clotheslines Zelda against the ropes! Kage runs but Zelda runs to SHOTGUN Kage down! Kage flops out of the ring, but Zelda hurries out after him! Zelda drags Kage up and puts him back in!

Zelda aims as Kage sits up, and she BUZZSAWS! Then she chicken wings and drags him into the IMPA LOCK!! Fans fire up as Kage flails about! Kage kicks around, throws elbows with his free arm, but Zelda thrashes him around! Kage throws elbow after elbow after elbow, after elbow, after elbow. He’s slowing down! He’s starting to fade! Sahasrahla checks Kage and picks up his free arm. Kage revives with a second wind! Kage kicks around and moves towards ropes! Kage reaches out with a foot, but Zelda lets go of the Impa Lock to drag Kage away! Zelda then stomps Kage in the chest, and digs her foot in!

Kage glares up at Zelda while she grinds her heel into him! Kage swipes at her but she keeps her face out of reach! Kage CLUBS Zelda’s leg! He drags Zelda down and steps over her leg, for the STF!! Zelda flails and claws at the map while fans freak out! Kage pulls back on the crossface but Zelda endures! She drags Kage along as she crawls forward! But Kage lets the leg go and shifts to a FULL CROSSFACE!! Fans are again freaking out, shouting “NO! NO! NO!” Zelda endures, reaches out with her free arm, for the ROPEBREAK!! Fans are thunderous but Kage holds on! Sahasrahla counts, and Kage lets go at 4! Maybe 4.5!

Kage seethes as he gets up and paces. Zelda sputters and coughs, Sahasrahla asks if she’s okay, and she nods. Zelda drags herself up with the ropes, grits her teeth, and she eggs Kage on with the “bring it on” hand motion. Kage scowls as he storms up. Kage takes a swing but Zelda ducks and SPIN BACK ELBOWS! Kage staggers as fans fire up! Zelda SLAPS! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Kage wobbles, Zelda powers up, but Kage MASTER SWORDS! Zelda wobbles, but HYLIAN KISS HEADBUTTS! Kage sits down, and Zelda grabs the wrists! Zelda roars and fans are thunderous, but then Kage falls facedown on the mat!

Fans boo and Zelda is a bit disappointed. She tries to sit him up, but then Kage gets up and under in a Hebra Lift! BEACH BREAK!! Cover, TWO!!! Fans are thunderous as Zelda survives! Both wrestlers are down, fans rally up, and Sahasrahla checks. Zelda is dazed but she is still in this. Zelda drags herself to ropes, but Kage stalks behind her. Zelda drags herself up with the ropes, but Kage DECKS her! Kage “draws his sword” and takes aim. Kage then runs side to side, but Zelda gets up and catches him for SERENADE OF WATER!! Zelda staggers up, dizzy herself from the spin-out! She still manages to run and PENALTY KICK!!

Fans are thunderous again as Zelda hurries to get Kage’s wrists! LIGHT ARROW!!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?! Zelda and the fans are shocked! Zelda thinks of what else she has to do, and she drags Kage up. She has the wrists again, reels him in, but he KNEES her low! And KNEES her again! Kage turns Zelda around, shoves her to ropes, and then pops her up on the rebound into the Electric Chair Lift!! Fold and DARK CLOUD DRIVER!!!! Cover, KAGE WINS!!!

Winner: Kage, by pinfall (still HPW Triforce Champion)

Fans are in disbelief, because what they just saw was unbelievable! The Princess of Hyrule could not dethrone Kage, and Kage’s own historic run continues! But while he celebrates to the crowd’s dismay, we know Aveil is coming for him at Clash of Fates! Will the Desert Flower be able to bloom in the darkness of the Hero’s Shadow?

My Thoughts:

I can’t/shouldn’t really say this about my own work, but it feels like a real epic Treasure Island this year. I did go back and forth over some decisions, like if Midna should really retain both titles or drop one. But Veran coming back and challenging Midna for both felt like something that I couldn’t pass up. And I like Aveil coming out on top in a very different way in the Eventide Challenge than past winners have. Rod forcing her into a waiting game as the two fought in the ring, and then her turning that around on him seemed like a great boost for her. And a new belt in HPW with the Million Rupee Championship, that just felt natural after introducing the Million Rupee Man.

The semifinal and main event matches were also a lot of fun. Shale Dug-In being a reference to Shane Douglas, I researched his moves and liked quite a few of them. But Shale was sort of the “nostalgia trip ratings boost” for this, if you will. Ganon wins but no idea what is next for him myself. And with Kage VS Zelda, I mostly just wanted to push it as far as I could to really make both of them look great. Zelda is in a bit of an awkward spot. She already reigned for a long time as Goddess Champion, but there’s definitely still a lot left to go with Kage and Link before anyone outside of them gets this title. The homestretch for year four and going into year five is going to be an interesting road.