Hello fans and welcome to another installment of the HCW Wrestling Newsletter.
As we begin a new year, it is important to take a moment to reflect on where HCW stands following a turbulent close to 2025. The past several months reshaped the foundation of this company in ways few could have predicted, and as we move forward, clarity and transparency remain our priority.
This edition is not tied to a live event. There are no matches scheduled, no entrances, and no arenas filled with noise. Instead, this is a moment to take stock of where HCW stands, what has changed, and what lies ahead.
A Shifting Landscape
The final months of 2025 brought significant change across HCW. Championships changed hands, alliances fractured, and long-standing power structures weakened. The Dark Dominion, once firmly in control, has lost significant ground.
Yeti and Feral have returned north, removing two major presences from HCW programming. Their departures further reduce the Dominion’s influence, which has already been weakened by the loss of multiple championships. While the group remains dangerous, its control over HCW is no longer absolute.
Van Helsing defeated the Rich Athlete at NPCW’s Boxing Day event on 12/26/25 to become a dual champion holding the HCW TV Title and the NPCW Northern Lights Title. Congratulations to the champ.
A Reckoning Within
Candace Hart Interviews Jack Lumber, Korbi Kong & Max McGillicutty
Candace Hart stood with Jack Lumber, Korbi Kong, and Max McGillicutty, the weight of the past year clearly present even before a word was spoken.
Candace Hart:
“Over the last year, the three of you have stood at the center of some of the most controversial moments in HCW. Fans questioned your loyalty. Your motives. Some believed you had turned your backs on everything this company stood for. Tonight, you finally have the chance to address that.”
Jack Lumber nodded slowly before speaking.
Jack Lumber:
“We knew this day would come. We knew people would hate us for what we did. And we accepted that… because the truth is, the Dominion couldn’t be challenged from the outside anymore.”
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
Jack Lumber:
“We had to get close. Closer than anyone ever should.”
Korbi Kong stepped forward.
Korbi Kong:
“Every day we played a role. Every day we wore the weight of it. People thought we’d lost ourselves — and maybe, for a while, we did. But we never forgot why we were doing it.”
Candace turned to Max.
Candace Hart:
“You were the one many believed had truly crossed the line.”
Max didn’t flinch.
Max McGillicutty:
“I let them believe it. I let them think power mattered more to me than this company. Because once they trusted me… they stopped watching me.”
He exhaled slowly.
Max McGillicutty:
“That’s when the truth started to come out.”
Candace looked between them.
Candace Hart:
“So this was never about betrayal?”
Jack shook his head.
Jack Lumber:
“No. It was about survival. About making sure HCW still had a future once the smoke cleared.”
Korbi added quietly:
Korbi Kong:
“And that future isn’t guaranteed yet.”
The three stood in silence for a moment — not victorious, not defeated — just aware of the cost still to come.
The Cold Hard Truth – Live with Count Vlad
Truth Wayne stood in a dimly lit backstage space. Normally, this new segment would take place in the ring. But for now, tonight, the atmosphere was tense long before his guest arrived.
Count Vlad stepped into frame calmly, his presence controlled, his expression unreadable.
Truth Wayne:
“Count Vlad… the Dominion has lost championships, influence, and allies. Many would say this is the beginning of the end.”
Vlad regarded him carefully before responding.
Count Vlad:
“People often confuse loss with weakness.”
He folded his hands slowly.
Count Vlad:
“I misjudged those closest to me. That is true. But understanding one’s failure is not defeat — it is education.”
Truth held his ground.
Truth Wayne:
“You’ve been outmaneuvered. Even by those who once served you.”
Vlad allowed a brief pause.
Count Vlad:
“A cornered animal is not harmless, Mr. Wayne. It is focused.”
His voice remained calm, almost reflective.
Count Vlad:
“The Dominion has changed. That does not mean it has ended.”
Truth studied him carefully.
Truth Wayne:
“So what comes next?”
Vlad’s gaze did not waver.
Count Vlad:
“Consequences.”
No more words followed. Vlad turned and walked away, leaving the weight of that single word behind.
Backstage Confrontation – Ruby Howl and Grizelda
Following her victory at Zero Hour, the new Heritage Women’s Champion Ruby Howl was making her way through the backstage area, the championship resting firmly on her shoulder. The fatigue of the match was evident, but so was the confidence of someone who had just proven she belonged.
As Ruby rounded the corner, she came to a sudden stop.
Waiting for her was Grizelda.
The two locked eyes, neither moving at first. The tension was immediate — not explosive, but deliberate.
Grizelda:
“Ruby Howl.”
Ruby adjusted the championship on her shoulder but did not step back.
Ruby Howl:
“If you’re here to take a look, you’ve had your moment.”
Grizelda tilted her head slightly.
Grizelda:
“You didn’t just win a championship tonight.”
“You proved you belong among those who can carry it.”
Ruby studied her carefully, cautious but unflinching.
Ruby Howl:
“I didn’t come this far to have someone tell me what I earned.”
Grizelda nodded once.
Grizelda:
“I hold a contract for that title.”
The words hung in the air. There was no movement toward Ruby. No challenge issued.
Grizelda:
“But I won’t take this moment from you.”
Ruby tightened her grip on the championship.
Ruby Howl:
“Then say what you came to say.”
Grizelda stepped slightly closer — not threatening, not retreating.
Grizelda:
“I’m not here to steal.”
“I’m here to warn.”
Ruby didn’t blink.
Ruby Howl:
“About what?”
Grizelda’s tone remained calm.
Grizelda:
“Enjoy this victory.”
“Because when I challenge for that championship…”
She paused, choosing her words carefully.
Grizelda:
“You’ll know I chose you.”
With that, Grizelda lowered the microphone and stepped away, disappearing down the corridor without looking back.
Ruby stood still for a moment, then adjusted the championship on her shoulder once more — steady, composed, and unshaken.
The message had been delivered.
Organizational Updates
Several key operational changes will take effect in 2026:
JR Holland will be moving into a new role within HCW.
A new program, HCW Shockwave, will debut this year and air twice per month.
The show will travel to different cities, expanding HCW’s footprint.
JR’s broadcast partner will be revealed soon.
Walter “Wally” Pressman will take over hosting duties for After Dark, ushering in a new chapter for the program.
Briefcase rules will be updated. Moving forward, briefcase competitions will take place every other month, occurring during odd-numbered months to better align with PPV scheduling.
Movements and Departures
The following competitors did not renew their contracts at the conclusion of 2025:
The British Crippler
Kimberly Kiccsass
Sarona Reiher
Ivan Dragovich
Perfect Pecs Stoddard
Superstar Chic Monroe
Adam Jameson
Billy Robbins
The Smashers
Juan Raul Fargo
We thank each of them for their contributions and wish them success in their future endeavors. Each leaves their own mark on HCW history, and the door remains open should their paths one day return.
Looking Ahead
A new wave of talent prepares to enter the landscape in 2026, including:
Harrison Marks
Clover Fincastle
Caesar King
Aurora Storm
Daphne Ashcroft
Jett Sterling
Their arrival signals not just renewal, but evolution.
As the calendar turns and the echoes of the past year begin to fade, HCW stands at the edge of something new. Alliances have shifted, intentions have been revealed, and the consequences of long-held decisions are only beginning to surface. Some questions have been answered, while others now linger with greater weight than ever before.
What lies ahead will not be decided in reflection alone. The road forward begins to take shape very soon, and the next chapter will start to unfold in real time.
As 2026 begins, HCW stands at a crossroads. The structures of the past have weakened, and new paths are beginning to form. The future is uncertain, but it is moving — and it will not wait.
Be sure to stay tuned for HCW Live Wire, where the first steps of 2026 will be taken and the future of HCW will begin to reveal itself.
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