The Legend of Zelda: The Ring of Destiny, Chapter 67

The Triforce Tournament opening round wraps up, and the Bracket of Courage is full of faction warfare! Arrow Club, uWo, Dark Forces, oh my!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bracket of Courage: Torbevito VS Lupay; Torbevito wins and advances.
• Bracket of Courage: Thunderbird VS Grim Creeper; Thunderbird wins and advances.
• Bracket of Courage: Fin Balure VS Donny B. Kool; Fin wins and advances.
• Bracket of Courage: Hollywood ReDead VS Harlequin; ReDead wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

The opening round draws to a close, and if the other brackets were any indication, this could be a wild finish! Arrow Club, the UnderWorld Order and The Dark Forces (or is it still Faces of Evil?) are all over this card, with a few unique variables thrown in. Donny B. Kool is back in action, facing the leader of the Arrow Club faction. Can Donny groove into the next round? Or will Fin Balure take him down? And while the uWo has the Million Rupee Championship back, Hollywood ReDead wants more! Will he make it past the boisterous Bokoblin? Or will he fail to conquer his FOE?

But first, we get some back-to-back masked luchadores! The Son of the Whirlpool wants to prove Arrow Club has no weak links, but will he turn the tides? Or will the wild Wolfos wring him out and head for the next round? The Sixth Annual Triforce Tournament opening round concludes right now!

Bracket of Courage: Torbevito VS Lupay!

Arrow Club clashes with the Faces of Evil that stole their HPW World Trios Championships! But the goal is to make it to the Triforce Championship, will Torbevito set sail for the second round? Or will Lupay be howling to the moon in victory?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up. Lupay headlocks, Torbevito powers up but he can’t get out as Lupay holds tight. Luapy grinds the hold, brings Torbevito down to the mat, and he leans on Torbevito. Torbevito rolls it to a cover, TWO and Lupay holds on. Torbevito rolls Lupay the other way, TWO, and they roll and roll and end up in the ropes. The ref counts the break, Lupay slowly lets go, and the fans cheer as the two reset. Torbevito and Lupay circle and tie up again. Torbevito headlocks this time but Lupay powers up and out right away. Lupay arm-drags on the rebound!

The fans boo but Torbevito arm-drags back! The fans cheer but then Lupay arm-drags again! Lupay then avoids Torbevito’s arm-drag, laughs at him, then flips him over. Torbevito kips up to arm-drag Lupay after all! The fans cheer while Lupay bails out in a huff. Lupay tells the fans to shut up, but Torbevito hurries to the apron. Torbevito runs up to FLYING RANA! Lupay is sent into railing and the fans fire up! Torbevito hurries to get Lupay up and into the ring. Lupay is in the drop zone, Torbevito climbs. Torbevito aims to 450- NO, Torbevito has to roll through as Lupay moves! Lupay aims, but Torbevito avoids the superkick!

Torbevito runs, tilt-o-whirls, DDT! But Lupay handsprings through!? Lupay runs, Torbevito stays low, Lupay jumps over the dropdown, and Torbevito gets up to run. Lupay SUPERKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! Lupay is frustrated but he drags Torbevito up. Lupay wrenches, wristlocks, and wrangles Torbevito to the mat. Lupay traps the arm and TWISTS! The fans boo while Torbevito writhes, but Lupay sits him up. Lupay KNEES Torbevito in the back, then KNEES him again, and again! Lupay clamps on the chinlock and digs his knee into Torbevito’s back. The fans rally as Torbevito endures, and he fights up to his feet.

Torbevito fires body shots, but Lupay knees him low! The fans boo but Lupay suplexes Torbevito, Torbevito slips free, and he shoves Lupay to ropes. Torbevito then runs up, WHIRL- NO, Lupay stops the DDT and THROWS Torbevito out of the ring! Torbevito crashes down, fans lose their minds, and Lupay howls! The fans boo but Lupay soaks up the heat. The ring count starts and Lupay grins as he watches Torbevito sputter. Torbevito drags himself to the railing at 5 of 10, drags himself up to his feet using the railing by 7, and he lurches into the ring at 9! The fans cheer, but Lupay LYNEL-SAULTS onto him! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer more as Torbevito hangs in there! Lupay is frustrated again, and he stomps Torbevito to a corner. The fans boo as Lupay stomps a mudhole into Torbevito, and the ref counts. Lupay stops at 4, then he digs his boots in! The ref reprimands and counts more, but Lupay stops at 4 to then basement DROPKICK! The fans boo more, the ref reprimands Lupay again, but Torbevito sputters as he slumps onto the apron. Lupay storms out to the apron and he drags Torbevito up. Lupay reels Torbevito in, fans freak out a bit, but Torbevito fights the lift! The fans rally as Torbevito BACKDROPS Lupay onto the apron!

The fans fire up while Lupay writhes and falls to the floor! Torbevito watches Lupay flounder, then he goes to the corner! Lupay stands into Torbevito’s ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up with Torbevito! Torbevito hurries to put Lupay back in the ring, and Lupay’s back in the drop zone! Torbevito climbs the corner again, for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Lupay survives and Torbevito is stunned! The fans rally up as Torbevito waits on Lupay to get up. Lupay sputters as he slowly stands up, Torbevito runs in, WHIRLPOOL DDT!! Cover, TWO!?! Lupay survives and no one can believe it!

Torbevito is frustrated, and he thinks on what he has to do. Lupay sputters, staggers, stumbles, and Torbevito runs up again. Lupay TOSSES Torbevito out, but Torbevito lands on the apron! Lupay staggers to the far side, Torbevito aims and springboards! INTO A SUPERKICK!! The fans go nuts while both men are down! Lupay crawls to a corner, goes to the outside, and he drags himself up the corner. Lupay aims at Torbevito, for a FLYING SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Lupay is frustrated now but the fans fire up! Lupay snarls, drags Torbevito up, underhooks and WOLF AT THE- NO, Torbevito fights off the facebuster!

Torbevito backdrops, Lupay sunset flips, but Torbevito rolls through to PENALTY KICK! Torbevito falls on the cover, TWO!! Lupay stays in this but Torbevito is too sore to be upset! Torbevito and Lupay both slowly rise and the fans rally up. Lupay stumbles but he still heads for Torbevito. Lupay CLUBS Torbevito, CLUBS him again, then puts Torbevito in a corner. Lupay hoists Torbevito up top, ROCKS him with a right, then he climbs. Lupay brings Torbevito up, but Torbevito fights the suplex! Torbevito fires body shots, and he smacks Lupay off buckles! Torbevito stands, then he jumps up, SUPER POISON-RANA!!!

The fans lose their minds again as Lupay tumbles back! Torbevito roars, the fans are with him, and he watches Lupay stagger up. Torbevito runs up, tilt-o-whirl REVERSE DDT!! Cover, TORBEVITO WINS!

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

The fans go wild as Torbevito sinks Lupay with the “Slipstream!” And with that, he’s into the next round! Will the Son of the Whirlpool soon be the top of the bracket?

Bracket of Courage: Thunderbird VS Grim Creeper!

The former HPW Death Mountain Champion is now aiming for higher heights, and his first obstacle is the UnderWorld Order’s underling! Will Thunderbird soar once again? Or will Creeper just leave him sore?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, Creeper waistlocks, Thunderbird switches, Creeper switches, but Thunderbird drops down and breaks the grip. Thunderbird switches again, lifts and SLAMS Creeper, then he floats all over Creeper. Thunderbird then facelocks and gator rolls Creeper, then drags him up. Creeper flails to fight the suplex, wrenches out, and wristlocks. Thunderbird rolls, kips up, wrenches back, and he hooks Creeper up into a COBRA TWIST! The fans cheer, but Creeper fights around, and manages to get the ROPEBREAK! Thunderbird lets off quickly and cleanly while the fans cheer.

Creeper and Thunderbird reset, circle again, and they tie up. Creeper headlocks, then he switches sides to hammerlock, go back to the headlock, then switch sides again for a takeover. Thunderbird headscissors, Creeper kips free, and roles reverse as Thunderbird headlocks for the takeover. Creeper headscissors, Thunderbird kips free, but Creeper sweeps the legs! Cover, ONE! Thunderbird sweeps the legs and covers, ONE! Creeper takes a swing, Thunderbird dodges and handsprings but Creeper gets out of the way. Creeper kicks, whips, but Thunderbird RANAS in return! The fans fire up while Creeper bails out!

Thunderbird hurries to build speed, but he has to stop as Creeper scrambles away. The fans boo, but Thunderbird goes to the apron. Thunderbird leaps but Creeper dodges again! Creeper comes back to SHOTGUN Thunderbird down! The fans boo but Creeper hurries to drag Thunderbird up. Creeper RAMS Thunderbird into railing, then RAMS him into the apron! Creeper puts Thunderbird in the ring, then storms up to step over and LA MAGISTROL! TWO, but Creeper basement GAMANGIRIS! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Creeper grows frustrated! Creeper stomps Thunderbird into a corner, then digs his boots in.

The fans boo and the ref counts, but Creeper stops at 4 to go up and SWINGING DROPKICK! Creeper drags Thunderbird to a cover, TWO! Creeper stomps Thunderbird more and puts him against the ropes. Creeper CHOKES Thunderbird, the ref counts, and Creeper lets off to run the ropes, and he STRADDLE ATTACKS! Thunderbird flops back, Creeper covers, TWO! Thunderbird stays in this and the fans rally up. Creeper looms over Thunderbird, talks some smack, then SLAPS Thunderbird on the back of the head! The fans boo but Creeper talks more trash. Creeper SLAPS Thunderbird on the head again!

Thunderbird sits up, Creeper scuffs him with a boot. The fans boo but Creeper scuffs Thunderbird more. Thunderbird gets up and throws hands! The fans fire up as Thunderbird backs Creeper down! Thunderbird winds up, but Creeper throat chops! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Creeper kicks low. Creeper throws hands now, has Thunderbird on the ropes, then he whips Thunderbird, only for Thunderbird to reverse, break free and UPPERCUT! Thunderbird CHOPS, the fans “WOO~,” and Thunderbird snapmares Creeper. Thunderbird then runs to basement UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!

Thunderbird is frustrated but the fans rally behind him. Thunderbird brings Creeper up, CHOPS him again, and the fans “WOO~!” Creeper goes to a corner, Thunderbird CHOPS him again, then whips corner to corner. Thunderbird runs in, Creeper dodges, but Thunderbird keeps from hitting the buckles. Creeper runs back up, Thunderbird goes up and backflips over! Creeper hits buckles, staggers back, Thunderbird GERMAN SUPLEXES him! The fans fire up and Thunderbird goes up the corner. Creeper stands, Thunderbird CROSSBODIES! Thunderbird bounces off the cover, then takes aim from the other corner.

Creeper staggers back up to his feet, but he sees Thunderbird gearing up so he scrambles away! The fans boo as Creeper bails out, but Thunderbird just shrugs. Thunderbird builds speed to FOSBURY FLOP! Down goes Creeper and the fans fire up! Thunderbird puts Creeper in the ring and Creeper goes to a corner. Thunderbird runs in but Creeper dodges again! Thunderbird does his buckles this time and Creeper runs up. Thunderbird BOOTS Creeper back, then slides under him to UP KICK him back to the corner! Thunderbird runs up, but Creeper ALLEY-OOPS him to the corner! Thunderbird lands safe on the top rope!?

The fans go nuts, Creeper turns around, and Thunderbird QUEBRADAS! Another direct hit and Thunderbird covers, TWO!! Creeper escapes but the fans are thunderous! Thunderbird and Creeper hurry to their feet, Thunderbird runs up, Creeper catches and wrenches Thunderbird to reel him in, DDT! Creeper then rolls Thunderbird to sit up, and he rebounds off ropes to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Creeper is furious but he hurries to haul Thunderbird up! Creeper throws up the uWo hand, the fans boo, but Thunderbird wrenches out of the facelock! Thunderbird ROCKS, CHOPS, and SOBATS! Thunderbird runs, but Creeper hits a JUMP KNEE DROP!

Creeper fires up but the fans boo! Creeper drags Thunderbird up, reels Thunderbird back in, but Thunderbird shoves him away. Creeper runs back up, Thunderbird goes the other direction! Creeper stumbles to a stop, WHITE LIGHTNING!! Cover, THUNDERBIRD WINS!!

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

In the blink of an eye, Thunderbird strikes Creeper down! And now, we are on a collision course between two young lucha libre rivals! Will Thunderbird continue to soar through the skies? Or will he wipeout against Torbevito’s wave of momentum?

Bracket of Courage: Fin Balure VS Donny B. Kool!

Torbevito’s into the next round for Arrow Club, and now their fearless leader looks to do the same! Will the Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla be riding his own wave of momentum? Or will he learn to vibe with the Original Geru?

The fans already sing/chant, “You Better Believe It! You Better Believe It!” for Donny as he makes his entrance. Donny offers a handshake to Fin, but Fin is reluctant. The fans cheer him on, so Fin takes the handshake. The fans cheer more, and the bell rings. Donny and Fin circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Donny uses his size as a bit of leverage. Donny puts Fin on the ropes, the ref counts, and the two slowly let off. Donny and Fin reset, circle, and feel things out. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Donny again powers Fin back. Fin turns things around to put Donny on the ropes.

The ref counts, the two slowly let off, but then Fin headlocks. The ref reprimands but Donny fires body shots. Donny powers up and out, Fin comes back and they RAM shoulders! The fans cheer as Donny stays up with a flail, and then he makes it his signature two step dance! “You Better Believe It!” Fin is annoyed, headlocks Donny, but Donny powers up and out. They RAM shoulders again, and Donny two-steps, “You Better Believe It!” Donny kicks Fin, snapmares and clamps on a chinlock, only for Fin to slip out the back. Fin hammerlocks, then grinds Donny into the mat. Donny endures while fans rally up, but Fin SNAP LOCKS the arm!

The fans still rally, Donny fights around, and fights up to his feet. Donny goes around and around, and he slings Fin off! Fin tumbles out of the ring while the fans cheer. Donny hurries out after Fin, rushes him, but Fin sends him into railing! The fans are torn as Donny stumbles, but Fin runs up to CHOP! Fin brings Donny around to put in the ring, then he drops an elbow on Donny’s back! Fin digs his elbow in, then he CLUBS Donny on the back! Fin digs his knee into Donny’s back, then clamps on a chinlock to stretch Donny back! The fans rally as Donny endures again, and Donny claws around. Donny crawls over, but Fin drops another elbow!

Donny writhes, Fin drags him up, and Fin facelocks. Donny endures the squeeze, powers up and he lifts Fin! Donny stomps his way towards a corner, but Fin pulls on the facelock! Donny endures, powers up again, and he stomps to the corner! Donny puts Fin up top, but then Fin kicks Donny away! Fin adjusts, leaps, and AX- NO, Donny catches him! SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Donny brings Fin up, and puts him back in a corner. Donny JABS, JABS, “You Better Believe It!” JAB, JAB! “You Better Believe It!” The ref counts, Donny lets off, then he puts Finn up top. Donny climbs up, and the fans fire up for the SUPER STEINER!

Fin tumbles and flounders and the fans fire up more! Donny aims as Fin sits up, then runs up, POPPIN’ MY COLLARBONE! Cover, TWO! Fin survives and Donny is shocked! The fans rally as Donny brings Fin up. Donny wrenches Fin, YANKS that arm, then wrenches again. Donny YANKS the arm, wrenches again, but Fin fires a forearm! Donny YANKS the arm, Fin fires another forearm! And another, and another, and another! Fin whips, Donny ducks ‘n’ dodges, then he FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Fin! Donny keeps going and he FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES again! And then again!

Fin staggers up, Donny reels him in for a SPINEBUSTER! Donny fires up, the fans are with him, and he runs side to side, and he HANDSPRING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Fin survives and the fans fire up! Donny grows frustrated, but he watches Fin slowly get up. Donny clinches Fin, but Fin fires elbows to fight free! Fin wrenches, steps over, and LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and both men stand up, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down and the fans fire up again! Fin and Donny stir while a standing count starts. They crawl to opposite ends, and drag themselves up with the ropes.

Donny runs up on Fin at the ropes, PULL UP TO- NO, Fin rolls Donny up! TWO, both men scramble up again, and Fin CHOPS! Donny roars! Fin CHOPS again! Fin whips, Donny reverses, wrenches, pump handles, and torture racks for a SHELL SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!! Fin survives and Donny is losing his cool! Donny fireman’s carries Fin, but Fin slips free and shoves Donny! Donny comes back, Fin dodges, and Fin comes back to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up and Fin SLINGBLADES again! Fin fires up, and he aims from a corner! Fin runs up on Donny to SHOTGUN him into the other corner! The fans fire up and Fin goes up the corner!

Fin aims, COUP DE GRACE!! The fans are thunderous but Fin isn’t done! He drags Donny up, half hatch and DEPTH CHARGE!! Cover, Fin wins!

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

Another huge win for Arrow Club! Donny is frustrated with himself, but Fin shows him respect. The fans cheer as Fin raises Donny’s hand, when will the Original Geru get that definitive victory? Will the Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla take the Bracket of Courage by storm?

Bracket of Courage: Hollywood ReDead VS Harlequin!

The UnderWorld Order wants to take over HPW, but that also goes for Ganon’s Dark Forces! ReDead wants to move on from being Million Rupee Champion, but can he get past the boisterous Bokoblin? Or will the Faces of Evil have the last laugh?

ReDead is all fired up but Harlequin gets out of the ring to stay away from him. The fans boo but ReDead eggs Harlequin on. But the fans chant, “REDEAD SUCKS! REDEAD SUCKS!” so clearly, they don’t like either of these guys. Harlequin has referee Tiger Sahasrahla back ReDead off, then he steps into the ring. The bell rings and the two circle. Harlequin swipes at ReDead but also keeps his distance. The two rev up as the fans get louder with the boos, and the two tie up. ReDead SHOVES Harlequin away and Harlequin flounders around. Harlequin gets up in a huff, he and ReDead reset and circle again.

Harlequin ties up with ReDead again, but ReDead SHOVES him! And SHOVES him! Harlequin is already frustrated, but he tells the fans to shut up. ReDead and Harlequin reset, circle, and they tie up. Harlequin wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, and he grinds the hold. ReDead endures, fights up, and throws body shots. ReDead headlocks in return but Harlequin powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, and Harlequin flounders all the way out of the ring! Harlequin throws a fit while ReDead fires up! The fans taunt Harlequin while he huffs ‘n’ puffs back to the apron. Harlequin steps in and resets with ReDead again.

ReDead and Harlequin tie up, but Harlequin knees low! And CLUBS ReDead on the back! Harlequin has ReDead in a corner to CHOP! Fans do “WOO~!” and then Harlequin CHOPS again! ReDead goes to another corner, but Harlequin CHIPS again! Harlequin whips corner to corner, ReDead reverses hard and Harlequin ends up stuck across the top rope! ReDead runs up to KICK Harlequin! Harlequin goes up but flops back onto the top rope! ReDead KICKS him again, and again, and Harlequin ends up crotched on the top rope! ReDead shakes the ropes, and he shakes Harlequin loose!

Harlequin staggers around, ReDead DECKS him! ReDead fires hands in the corner, Sahasrahla counts, but ReDead SMACKS Harlequin off the buckles! Harlequin staggers up to his feet, ReDead DECKS him! ReDead stands Harlequin up, but Harlequin pokes him in the eyes! The fans actually cheer that! Harlequin CHOPS ReDead, fires hands, then brings ReDead around to CHOP against ropes. Harlequin whips, ReDead reverses and BACKDROPS Harlequin away! Harlequin staggers up, ReDead LARIATS him up and out! Harlequin flounders, staggers around, swings wild, and ReDead waits on the ring count.

Harlequin stands at 3 of 10, sputters and shakes out the stars, but ReDead dares him to get in the ring. The fans rally, Harlequin storms back over and gets on the apron. ReDead then slingshots Harlequin into the ring! The fans boo but ReDead kicks and DECKS Harlequin! ReDead whips, runs, and LARIATS! Harlequin sits up in a daze, but ReDead stands him up for haymakers! ReDead whips Harlequin, but Harlequin KICKS the backdrop away! Harlequin CHOPS ReDead in the corner, talks some smack, then CHOPS again! Harlequin huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs ReDead corner to corner, but ReDead stops the buckle bump!

ReDead glares at Harlequin, but Harlequin SLAPS him! ReDead just gets angrier, so he takes a swing! Harlequin dodges, and SLAPS ReDead again! Harlequin bumps ReDead off buckles, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Harlequin whips corner to corner, but ReDead reverses! Harlequin tumbles up and out to the apron! ReDead storms up, but Harlequin SLAPS him again! ReDead DECKS Harlequin for it! The fans rally as ReDead storms out after Harlequin, and SMACKS him off the apron! Harlequin flops back, crawls towards commentary, and ReDead scoops him. ReDead SLAMS Harlequin onto the desk, then rains down fists!

The fans boo but ReDead refreshes the ring count. Harlequin flounders off the desk, pushes past commentary, Rusl shouts at him and Telma says for Rusl to calm down. ReDead brings Harlequin around to POST him! Harlequin spins and flops, ReDead refreshes the count again, and ReDead drags Harlequin up. ReDead brings Harlequin around, scoops him, but Harlequin slips free! Harlequin POSTS ReDead now! The fans cheer as ReDead staggers around in a daze. Harlequin storms up, and he POSTS ReDead again! Harlequin jumps onto the apron so he can rain down fists on ReDead! ReDead SHOVES Harlequin away!

ReDead staggers around the way again, they are back by commentary side but Harlequin puts ReDead in the ring. Harlequin has ReDead in a corner and rains down fists! ReDead SHOVES Harlequin away again! Harlequin runs up to SPLASH in the corner! Harlequin rains down fists, but again ReDead SHOVES Harlequin! Harlequin comes back for more! They scrap to the mat, and they end up in the ropes! Sahasrahla counts, Harlequin won’t stop, so Sahasrahla drags Harlequin away. ReDead’s been busted open and fans fire up! ReDead snarls as he drags himself up with the ropes, but Harlequin paces.

Harlequin storms up on ReDead, fires hands on him in the corner, but Sahasrahla counts. Harlequin lets off and ReDead sputters as a crimson mask is forming. ReDead stands, staggers, teeters, but Harlequin fires hands! Harlequin DECKS ReDead, but ReDead still rises up! Harlequin whips ReDead to ropes, and catches him to a SLEEPER! The fans rally as Harlequin thrashes ReDead around! ReDead endures, reaches out, bleeds all over Harlequin’s arm, but Harlequin thrashes him around more! Sahasrahla checks on ReDead, and lifts his arm. The arm falls! Sahasrahla raises the arm again, but ReDead revives!

ReDead hits a BIG back suplex! Both men are down on the mat and the fans are torn. A standing count starts, fans chant “WE WANT A DRAW! WE WANT A DRAW!” ReDead crawls to ropes but Harlequin is on him. Harlequin whips, ReDead reverses, but Harlequin FLYING FOREARMS! Harlequin kips up and fires up! The fans still mostly boo as Harlequin goes to the corner. Harlequin climbs, and MACHO ELBOW FLOPS as ReDead moves! ReDead rises up, roars, and fires hands on Harlequin! ReDead whips, Harlequin FLYING FOREARMS and wipes out Sahasrahla, too! The fans go nuts as all three men are down!

Harlequin kips up again! Harlequin goes up a corner, smirks, and then hops back down. Harlequin decides to make ReDead suffer, and he steps through the legs! Harlequin turns ReDead over into the SCORPION DEATHLOCK!! ReDead endures, a second referee slides in, and the fans chant, “TAP! TAP! TAP!” ReDead endures, crawls forward, reaches out, but Harlequin drags him back! Harlequin sits deep on the hold, but ReDead powers up! ReDead crawls forward again, reaches out, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Harlequin lets go in frustration and the fans can’t believe it! Harlequin drags ReDead back, but ReDead BOOTS him into the ref!

The fans can’t believe it! That’s two refs down, but ReDead and Harlequin rise up! ReDead storms over to Harlequin, but Harlequin LOW BLOWS ReDead! Harlequin bails out of the ring, and brings out his BOKOBLIN CLUB! Harlequin pounds the mat with the club, then aims as ReDead rises! HEADSHOT!! ReDead falls, twitches, but Harlequin goes up the corner! MACHO ELBOW!! Direct hit this time, but Harlequin shouts for a ref! The second ref stirs and Harlequin drags ReDead up with a dragon sleeper. ReDead is a ragdoll but Harlequin still hauls him up! TWISTED SENSE OF HUMOR!! Cover, TWO?!?

ReDead survives and Harlequin is furious! The fans are going nuts, but Harlequin fires hands on ReDead! ReDead just hulks up! Harlequin fires shots, ReDead says, “YOU~!” ReDead fires hands on Harlequin again and again, then whips for a BOOT! Harlequin sputters and flounders, then finally flops at the center of the ring! ReDead roars, the fans are freaking out, but ReDead hits the DEAD LEG!! Cover, ReDead wins!!

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

ReDead faced his FOE and won! ReDead is now moving on and facing Fin Balure, will- Oh wait! The Young Ducks are here? They DOUBLE SUPERKICK Harlequin! The fans cheer as Mack & Rick stand over him, and Mack says, “We’re taking our Trios titles back!” Rick adds, “See you in Drenan. CACAW!” The Ducks head out with the challenge made, will Arrow Club have their revenge in February?

My Thoughts:

Another “just in time” finish in writing this article, but I really wanted to maximize the impact of this bracket most of all. Bracket of Courage, the highspeed style, the bracket our Hero of Hyrule represents, it should have the hottest matches to finish up the opening round. I hope I can improve upon that in the second round, especially as there are other things planned besides the tournament.

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

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

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

Bracket of Wisdom: Ruto VS Nabooru!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bracket of Wisdom: Gomess VS Sidon!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bracket of Wisdom: Volga VS Zant!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bracket of Wisdom: Ghirahim VS Cia!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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