The Legend of Zelda: The Ring of Destiny, Chapter 69

One side of the Bracket Finals are set, and now HPW sorts out the other side! Plus, Tali finally looks to settle things with the Gerudo Sisterhood!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tali w/ Shabonne VS Buliara; Tali wins.
• Bracket of Power Semifinal: Yunobo VS GANON; Ganon wins and advances.
• Bracket of Wisdom Semifinal: Volga VS Ghirahim; Ghirahim wins and advances.
• Bracket of Courage Semifinal: Fin Balure VS Hollywood ReDead; Fin wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

HPW and HXS TV set the scene!

We’re one step closer to the finals, as just last night, we saw Militron, Sidon and Thunderbird stand tall. Yunobo and Ganon are themselves one step away from returning to the Triforce Tournament Triple Threat, and they face off as the epitome of Goron and Gerudo masculinity! Volga got past Zant in the opening round, but now he looks to complete his HyruleMania revenge here against Ghirahim! And then, the leaders of Arrow Club and UnderWorld Order battle to complete the brackets! Can #YunoBRO trump the Gerudo Ace? Will Volga have his vengeance? Can the Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla make Hollywood ReDead’s new empire crumbles?

But first! There’s a grudge within the Gerudo Sisterhood that needs to be settled! The Dame of the Dunes betrayed her friends over feeling they were betraying her. She made sure Aveil lost the Eventide Challenge, then fought her, Buliara and Riju all in the Hyrule Warriors match. Tali would take her selfishness to another level by holding out until HPW met her demands: not only did she want a bigger payday, but she wanted a series of matches with the Gerudo Sisterhood. HPW gave in, and the series of “payback” matches begins tonight! Tali takes on Buliara in the physically strongest match-up, will Tali dominate? Or will her grudge be crushed already? HPW in Drenan Highlands, night two, begins now!

Tali w/ Shabonne VS Buliara!

Perhaps being a Sand Seal Racing Champion is why the Dame of the Dunes isn’t good at sharing the spotlight. Tali still shot first, so this “Gerudo Sisterhood Series” is about revenge for both sides! No more holding out, who will stand tall in the Highlands?

Tali is sending a statement even in her ring gear. She is wearing some pieces from her Gerudo Sisterhood attire and some from her original attire, but she’s splattered them all with black paint. The bell rings, the two stare down, and the fans chant, “TALI SUCKS! TALI SUCKS!” They step up and talk, and Buliara is very heated. Understandable, given Tali turned her back on everyone. Tali rolls her eyes, then she SHOVES Buliara! The fans boo, but then Buliara ROCKS Tali with a right hand! The fans fire up as Buliara throws more hands! Buliara has Tali in a corner, the ref counts, and Buliara stops at 4, to then ROCK Tali!

The fans fire up, the ref reprimands, but Buliara whips Tali corner to corner. Buliara then runs in, LARIATS Tali, then runs corner to corner again. Tali dodges and Buliara hits buckles hard! The fans boo while Buliara falls back, and Shabonne coaches Tali to stay on her. Tali storms up to stomp away on Buliara and the fans boo more. Tali drags Buliara up, CLUBS her on the back, then pushes her to ropes. Tali fires hands in return for earlier, but the ref counts and the fans boo. Tali stops at 4, then she kicks Buliara low! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Tali reels Buliara in for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Tali is annoyed, but she looms over Buliara. Tali talks trash, slaps Buliara in the back of the head, and the fans boo more. Buliara sits up, Tali clamps onto her, and has a seated COBRA TWIST! Buliara endures, the fans rally, but Tali thrashes Buliara around. Buliara still reaches out, kicks her way around, but Tali rolls her into a GROUND COBRA CRADLE! TWO! Buliara escapes, but Tali CLOBBERS her! The fans boo more but Tali tells them to shut up. Shabonne shouts, “RESPECT the Dame of the Dunes!” The fans boo even louder now, but Tali just waves at them dismissively. Tali drags Buliara up, but Buliara RAMS her low!

The fans rally as Buliara fires forearms, then whips. Tali reverses, but Buliara RAMS Tali! Tali staggers back, rebounds, but Buliara scoops for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tali goes to ropes, Buliara rushes up, and Buliara LARIATS Tali up and out! The fans fire up and Shabonne freaks out as Tali flops on the floor! Buliara storms out after Tali, CLUBS her on the back, and the fans cheer. Buliara puts Tali back in the ring, goes to the apron, but Shabonne barks at her. The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Tali BLASTS Buliara off the apron! The fans boo more, but Tali soaks up the heat while Shabonne laughs at Buliara.

The ref checks on Buliara, she’s okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Buliara slowly rises up at 4 of 10, then makes it to the apron at 7. Buliara gets up, but Tali is right on her! Tali suplexes, but Buliara fights it! Buliara HOTSHOTS Tali away, Tali sputters and grabs at the ref, and Shabonne CLUBS Buliara in the leg with her fancy mic stand! The fans boo but Shabonne scurries away, and Tali storms back up. Tali goes up the ropes and deadlift SUPERPLEXES Buliara into the ring! The fans boo more, but Tali roars! Tali storms up on Buliara, gut wrenches her, but Buliara clings to Tali’s leg!

Tali CLUBS away on Buliara, gut wrenches her to a shoulder rack, but Buliara slips free! Buliara runs, rebounds, and SPEARS Tali!! The fans are thunderous while both Gerudo are down! The ref checks them both, they both stir, so a standing count starts. The fans rally as Tali and Buliara slowly sit up at 4 of 10, and then slowly stand at 8. Buliara fires a forearm! The fans cheer, but Tali comes back to fire a forearm of her own! The fans boo, but then Buliara fires another! Tali and Buliara go back and forth, the fans boo and cheer accordingly! The forearms pick up speed, and then it’s just fast ‘n’ furious haymakers!

The fans fire up again as Buliara gets the edge! Buliara winds up, but Tali ducks the haymaker! Tali waistlocks but Buliara fights the lift! Buliara throws elbows, Tali ducks one, but Buliara DDTS Tali! The fans rally behind Buliara as she fires up! Buliara aims from a corner, watches as Tali rises up, and Buliara runs in! But Tali sidesteps to send Buliara into the POST!! Shabonne cheers, the fans boo, but Tali drags Buliara out of the corner, torture racks, and then shifts into the shoulder rack and DOMINATOR!! Cover, Tali wins!

Winner: Tali, by pinfall

The fans are upset but Shabonne is all fired up! Tali has part one of her grudge satisfied, but will she complete the trifecta?

Bracket of Power Semifinal: Yunobo VS GANON!

Two truly powerful stars collide here in the penultimate round! But one major difference is that Yunobo won his Triforce Tournament Triple Threat! Will the third-generation Goron wrestler be on his way to a repeat performance? Or will he fail to trump the Gerudo Ace?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “YU-NO-BRO! YU-NO-BRO!” Ganon scoffs, then slowly circles with Yunobo. They slowly approach, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and are in a deadlock! The fans rally, and Yunobo’s bulk actually gives him some leverage! Yunobo pushes Ganon back step by step, and he has Ganon on the ropes. The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Yunobo lets off quickly. The fans applaud again, but then Ganon storms right up on Yunobo. They tie up again, end up in another deadlock, and Yunobo pushes Ganon back again. Ganon turns things around to put Yunobo on the ropes already. The fans boo, the ref counts, but Ganon KNEES low as he lets off!

The fans boo even more and the ref reprimands. Ganon pie faces Yunobo, and says, “You were better with that stupid mask.” Ganon runs, but Yunobo runs up to RUN Ganon over! The fans fire up and even Ganon is surprised! Yunobo runs, Ganon stays low, so Yunobo jumps over. Ganon gets up to LARIAT Yunobo down! The fans boo, but Yunobo’s right to his feet! Ganon takes another swing but Yunobo ducks ‘n’ dodges, builds speed, and he CLOBBERS Ganon! The fans go wild as Ganon tumbles to the ropes! Ganon is pissed and gets out of the ring in frustration. The fans cheer Yunobo and he stands tall while Ganon glares at him.

Ganon storms right up to the apron and Yunobo watches him. The ref says for Ganon to get back in the ring, and he slowly steps inside. The two slowly circle, tie up, and Ganon headlocks Yunobo. Ganon grinds the hold, the fans rally, but Ganon punches Yunobo right in the head! The ref reprimands, but Ganon turns Yunobo around to ROCK him with a haymaker! Yunobo staggers, Ganon HEADBUTTS him, but then Ganon stumbles! Yunobo frowns and the fans fire up. Yunobo winds up and ROCKS Ganon in return! Yunobo pushes Ganon to ropes to then whip, but Ganon reverses to wrench and BODY BLOW! Then Ganon turns Yunobo for a NECKBREAKER!

The fans boo but Ganon kips up! Ganon soaks up the heat, then he goes to a corner. Ganon waits on Yunobo to get up, then runs up, but Yunobo fireman’s carries him! GORON DROP! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Yunobo slowly sits up, Ganon follows, and the two head for each other. Yunobo GORO UPPERCUTS! Ganon ROCKS Yunobo back! Yunobo UPPERCUTS, Ganon HAYMAKERS! Ganon whips, Yunobo reverses and Ganon ends up on the apron! Ganon blocks a shot to ROCK Yunobo, then storms in. Yunobo fireman’s carries again, but Ganon slips free! Ganon shoves Yunobo to ropes, then SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!

The fans fire up but Ganon grows frustrated. Ganon drags Yunobo up, underhooks, but Yunobo wrenches free! Yunobo short arm LARIATS Ganon down! The fans fire up with Yunobo as he roars, then he runs for ROLLING THUNDER! Cover, TWO! Yunobo drags Ganon to a drop zone and hurries to a corner! Yunobo climbs up, but Ganon hurries to ROCK Yunobo first! Ganon gets up and under Yunobo for a Hebra Lift! The fans are stunned as Ganon carries Yunobo off the corner like that, but Yunobo sunset flips! TWO! Ganon and Yunobo scramble to their feet, GORO GORO- NO! Ganon stuffs the Gore to underhook! DEMISE DRIVER!!

The fans boo but Ganon has to turn Yunobo over for the cover! TWO!?! Ganon is furious but the fans are thunderous as Yunobo survives! Ganon snarls at Yunobo, pushes him around, and eggs him on. “C’mon then, big man! Get up! Make your family proud!” The fans rally as hard as they can for Yunobo, and Yunobo slowly rises up. Ganon runs up, KICK OF CALAMITY WHIFFS as Yunobo drops and rolls! The fans fire up as Ganon crashes down! Ganon grits his teeth, staggers back up, GORO GORO GORE!!! The fans go wild, but Yunobo hits Ganon so hard, they both roll out to the floor! The ref checks on both men, they’re both okay to continue.

The ref starts a ring count and the fans rally up for “YU-NO-BRO! YU-NO-BRO!” Both Yunobo and Ganon sit up at 3 of 10, drag themselves up with the apron skirt, and they both stand at 6 of 10. Ganon lunges into his HEADBUTT!! Yunobo stumbles back to lean against the post! We’re at 8, Ganon rolls in, and Yunobo reaches out in a daze! We’re at 9, and Yunobo drags himself inside at 9.9! The fans are thunderous as Yunobo crawls to center. Yunobo pushes up and rises to his knees, KICK OF CALAMITY!! Cover, Ganon wins!

Winner: Ganon, by pinfall (advances to the bracket finals)

The fans can’t believe it, but this mercilessness should be expected from Ganon! Ganon roars triumphantly, and wait… He’s facing Militron in the next round. Is the fix already in for the Faces of Evil?

Bracket of Wisdom Semifinal: Volga VS Ghirahim!

The Dragon Knight got his revenge on Zant in the first round, but Cia lost to the Living Blade on the same night. The OG Dark Forces still owe the usurpers, will Volga’s payback bring huge dividends? Or will this be the end of the road?

The bell rings and Volga runs up to DROPKICK Ghirahim! The fans fire up and Volga keeps after Ghirahim in a corner! Volga fires hands until Ghirahim sits down, then he stomps away! The ref counts, Volga lets off at 4 with a shout of rage! The fans fire up again, and Volga storms back up on Ghirahim. Volga throws more hands while Ghirahim goes along the ropes. Volga whips but Ghirahim reverses, only for Volga to wheelbarrow and ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up, Ghirahim scrambles to his feet, but Volga runs up and uses the ropes to go up and around and FLYING ARM-DRAG! Ghirahim tumbles away while the fans cheer!

Ghirahim bails out in frustration, but Volga hurries to the ropes! PLANCHA, but Ghirahim moves aside! Volga lands on his feet, but Ghirahim CHOPS! Volga falls over, the fans boo, but Ghirahim looms over Volga. The ref says to get in the ring, Ghirahim drags Volga up, and then fakes putting Volga in the ring to THROW him into barriers! The fans boo, Ghirahim refreshes the ring count, then brings Volga around. Ghirahim SMACKS Volga off the steel steps, then does it again, and again, and again! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Ghirahim stops. Ghirahim walks up the steps, and he stands on Volga’s head!

The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ghirahim stops at 4. Then Ghirahim STOMP- NO, Volga got his head out of the way! Volga CHOPS Ghirahim in the back of the leg! Ghirahim hobbles, Volga gets under him, and brings him off the steps! Commentary freaks out as Volga heads their way! Ghirahim rains down hands, then slips free. Ghirahim whips, but Volga reverses to send Ghirahim into barriers! The fans fire up, Volga runs up, but Ghirahim TOSSES him up and over the barriers! The front row goes wild as Volga practically lands in their laps! Ghirahim goes back to the ring as the count reaches 5 of 10.

Volga flounders back up and gets over the barriers. Volga scrambles back to ringside and slides in at 8! Ghirahim runs up and drops a KNEE on Volga’s back! The fans boo but Ghirahim digs his knee in while pulling on Volga’s leg. Ghirahim grabs at Volga’s arm but Volga flails. Ghirahim shifts to get both legs, and he has a SAND CRAB! Volga endures, the fans rally up, and Volga claws at the mat. Volga fights his way to the side, reaches out, but Ghirahim sits deep on the hold! The fans rally harder as Volga still endures! Volga reaches out, he’s so close and yet so far away! Volga powers up to push up off the mat! ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer, but then boo as Ghirahim refuses to let go! The ref counts, Ghirahim stops at 4, and he paces in frustration. Volga drags himself up with the ropes, leans against them, but Ghirahim storms up to KICK him in the back! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ghirahim just KICKS Volga in the back again! Volga clutches his back while he writhes. Ghirahim stands over him, and he calls Volga a failure! Ganon could not tolerate that, that’s why Volga, Wizzro and even Cia all got thrown out of the group! Ghirahim vows to put Volga out of his misery. He drags Volga up, but Volga drags him into a cradle! TWO!!

Ghirahim escapes, both scramble up, and HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!?! Volga survives and the fans fire up! Ghirahim is furious, and he waits on Volga to get up. Ghirahim then runs past him to springboard, GHIRA- NO! Volga catches Ghirahim, then pops him up for a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Volga rolls to the apron while Ghirahim crawls. Volga drags himself up, then aims. Ghirahim stands, Volga springboards, FLYING KNEE! Ghirahim is down but Volga keeps moving! BURNING- NO, Ghirahim avoids the stomp! Ghirahim ROCKS Volga, then blocks Volga’s kick!

Ghirahim CLUBS Volga’s leg, but Volga SPIN BACK ELBOWS! Ghirahim staggers, but then he ENZIGIRIS Volga! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” but Ghirahim rises up. Ghirahim stands Volga up to CHOP! Volga staggers and drops to his knees, but Ghirahim eggs him on. Volga stands, nods, and storms up to CHOP! Ghirahim is stinging, but he CHOPS again! The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth! Volga CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” and fire up, but Ghirahim roars! Ghirahim CHOPS again! Volga staggers back to ropes and grits his teeth. Ghirahim eggs Volga on while the fans fire up!

Volga runs up, Ghirahim dodges, GHIRA CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Volga survives and the fans fire up as Ghirahim aims from a corner! HIDDEN- CALF KICK!! Ghirahim sputters and drops to a knee, but Volga reels him in! Volga suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER!! Volga doesn’t cover, he goes to a corner! Volga goes up, steadies himself, and PHOENIX SPLASH onto knees! Ghirahim saves himself in time! Ghirahim kicks Volga from the mat, then goes to the corner. Volga rises, Ghirahim goes up the corner, SUPER GHIRA CUTTER!! Ghirahim then rolls back for a DRAGON SLEEPER! Volga is OUT, Ghirahim wins!

Winner: Ghirahim, by submission (advances to the bracket finals)

Adding insult to injury because he can, Ghirahim is holding onto the submission hold! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Ghirahim finally lets Volga go. Ghirahim “apologizes,” then steps on Volga as he takes his leave. Ghirahim will now meet Sidon in the Bracket of Wisdom finals, will he cut down the rising star?

Bracket of Courage Semifinal: Fin Balure VS Hollywood ReDead!

The Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla, leader of Arrow Club, runs into the leader of the UnderWorld Order, but only one can go on to the finals. Fin is fuming after what happened to his team just last night, will ReDead feel his wrath? Or will Fin just be a step on ReDead’s path to the top?

Both leaders make their entrances with their teams, and the tension is palpable. Referee Tiger Sahasrahla warns all of them, but then Fin tells Arrow Club they can go to the back, he can handle “a guy who needs back-up.” ReDead hears that and gets mad. ReDead tells the uWo that they can go to the back, too, because he can handle “Lil’ Fin” on his own. The factions both leave ringside, and the fans applaud this being a true 1v1. The bell rings and the fans rally up as Fin stares down with ReDead. Fin and ReDead slowly circle, keeping their eyes on each other. They step up, feel things out, but ReDead stomps Fin’s foot!

The fans boo but ReDead headlocks Fin. “IIIIII’M THE MAAAAAN~!” The fans boo more, but Fin fires body shots. Fin powers up and out, but ReDead runs him over! ReDead flexes while the fans boo, but Fin gets up to CHOP! ReDead is unaffected? He looks at his chest, then laughs at Fin. Fin SLAPS ReDead! The fans cheer but now ReDead is pissed! ReDead runs up on Fin, but Fin dumps him out to the apron! Fin builds speed, but ReDead slips back inside! Fin ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Fin runs up to forearm SMASH! ReDead staggers but he stays up, so Fin runs to forearm SMASH again! The fans rally as Fin keeps moving.

Fin runs up, but ReDead grabs him with both hands! ReDead pops Fin up, RAMS him into a corner, then RAMS him in again and again! Sahasrahla reprimands and counts, the fans boo, but ReDead lets off at 4. ReDead again flexes, and again shouts, “IIIIII’M THE MAAAAAN~!” ReDead goes back to the corner but Fin CHOPS him! ReDead feels that one! Fin whips, but ReDead blocks! Fin tries again, but ReDead blocks again! ReDead shakes his head, whips Fin, and he BACKDROPS Fin! The fans boo ReDead but he soaks it up. ReDead storms up on Fin, brings him up, and puts him in a corner. ReDead pie faces Fin while talking trash.

The fans boo, but ReDead keeps talking trash on “Lil’ Fin.” ReDead pie faces Fin again, but then Fin throws haymaker after haymaker! The fans fire back up as Fin backs ReDead down! Fin ROCKS ReDead, ROCKS him again, and again, and again, and again! Fin fires up and runs, but ReDead scoops him! ReDead SLAMS Fin, then runs the ropes! Fin avoids the leg drop! And he basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Fin as he clamps on with a chinlock. Fin grinds ReDead down but ReDead endures. ReDead fights up, powers up and out, but Fin comes back to CHOP! ReDead snarls, and he ROCKS Fin with a right hand!

Fin staggers back to a corner, ReDead storms up and climbs up. ReDead rains down fists, fans mostly boo but some count along. ReDead goes to nine, shouts “IIIIII’M THE MAAAAAN~!” but then Fin trips him! The fans cheer while ReDead hits buckles! Fin runs corner to corner and SHOTGUNS ReDead into buckles! ReDead falls into the drop zone, and fans fire up as Fin hurries to the corner! Fin climbs up, takes aim, COUP DE- NO, ReDead moves! Fin hobbles, ReDead LARIATS Fin down! The fans boo but ReDead soaks it up. Fin staggers up, ReDead picks him up for an atomic drop! Then ReDead scoops and SLAMS Fin!

ReDead dares Fin to get up, Fin staggers to his feet, so ReDead scoops and SLAMS him again! ReDead again dares Fin to get up, Fin staggers up again, and ReDead again scoops and SLAMS! The fans boo but ReDead runs the ropes! DEAD LEG!! Cover, TWO!?! Fin survives and the fans are thunderous! ReDead is furious and he argues with Sahasrahla. Fin rises up, ReDead goes after him, but Fin SLINGBLADES! The fans fire up as Fin keeps going, and he SLINGBLADES ReDead again! Fin aims from a corner, runs back in, and SHOTGUNS ReDead back down! Fin goes back up the corner, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, TWO?!?!

ReDead survives and now Fin can’t believe it! Fin checks with Sahasrahla and Sahasrahla says his count was fair. Fin grows frustrated but the fans continue to rally behind him. Fin stalks ReDead, grabs him with a dragon sleeper, and then brings him up for the BLOODY- NO, ReDead fights the inverted suplex! ReDead snapmares free, then has Fin in the dragon sleeper! ReDead laughs, lifts for an inverted suplex, but Fin drops down to victory roll! TWO, both men scramble up and Fin dodges a lariat! SLING- NO, ReDead stops Slingblade to atomic- NO, Fin slips up and over the back! Fin waistlocks, pushes ReDead to ropes, but ReDead bucks the O’Conner!

ReDead runs up, Fin blocks the boot! Fin KICKS the leg, then reels ReDead in for a DDT! The fans fire up, Fin goes back to the corner, and he goes back up! Wait, who’s throwing popcorn from the crow? The Poe Sisters?! They weren’t here earlier with the uWo, they weren’t sent to the back! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but ReDead trips Fin up! The fans boo more while ReDead climbs up after Fin. ReDead throws some punches, then brings Fin to the top rope. They’re both on the very top, and fans chant, “Please Don’t Die! Please Don’t Die!” Fin fires body shots! Fin steps back down, andtrips ReDead into the Tree of Woe!

The fans fire up while ReDead is stuck! ReDead tries to sit up, but Fin adjusts on the top rope! WOE STOMPS!! The fans are thunderous, and Fin brings ReDead up in the half hatch! DEPTH CHARGE!! Cover, FIN WINS!

Winner: Fin Balure, by pinfall (advances to the bracket finals)

The Zora Rock ‘n’ Rolla brings down ReDead, and is headed to his first Bracket of Courage finals! But will Fin make it to his first Triforce Tournament finals? Or will Thunderbird leave him high and dry?

My Thoughts:

Another under-the-wire finish, but I wanted to make sure these were up to par. I’ll definitely be careful not to procrastinate on the bracket finals for March, and hopefully the tournament matches (and other surprises I have in store) will be even better.