Hello fans and welcome back to the HCW Wrestling Newsletter. 2025 marks 20 years of published newsletters (in May) although the game and matches have been around a lot longer than that. 2025 is shaping up to kick off with a bang. The biggest impact we saw from last month’s PPV included Evan Stockwell defeating the Banker to win the TV title; the Million Dollar Alliance members winning the Heritage Womens title (Ashley ‘Diamond’ Summers) and The Rich Athlete winning the Mens World Title after cashing in a contract against an exhausted Jack Lumber. Korbi Kong lost the World Ladies Title to Selena ‘Widow’s Fang’ Blackfang and the most shocking turn by Jack Lumber who joined with the Dark Dominion. Jack has a prerecorded message he asked us to play so here that is.
Jack Lumber Promo
The scene opens in a dimly lit room, filled with the haunting echoes of distant howls and unsettling whispers. A lone figure stands at the center of the ring, his silhouette outlined by the glow of a single overhead light. Jack Lumber, once HCW’s beloved hero, now stands a different man. He addresses the camera, his voice low and measured, a conflicted tone lingering beneath the cold words.
Jack Lumber (slowly, almost contemplative): "I once believed… that there was always a choice. That the right path was the path I was meant to walk. I fought for the fans, for HCW, because I thought that’s what made me… me."
He pauses, looking down, his voice softer now, almost regretful.
Jack Lumber: "But that’s the lie, isn’t it? I thought the love of the fans, the cheers, the glory... that it meant something. That it defined me. But when I saw what HCW had become, when I saw the reality of this place... I realized I was wrong."
Jack clenches his fist, the veins in his arm tightening as his eyes grow colder, more intense.
Jack Lumber: "You see, you can only be a hero for so long. You can only fight for a cause before you start seeing the cracks, the hypocrisy, the way things really work. I gave everything I had—everything I believed in—and for what? To be betrayed by the very company I trusted? To be left behind when the world turns its back on you? No."
He steps forward, a dark smile curling across his lips.
Jack Lumber: "So, I did what anyone would do. I stopped fighting the inevitable. I embraced what was always there—what was always waiting. I chose the power that the Dark Dominion offers, because I understand now. Power is the only truth. Power is the only thing that matters. I chose it not because I wanted to be evil, but because I was tired of being a fool."
His expression turns serious, his voice dark and resolute.
Jack Lumber: "I thought I could resist it. I thought I could stand on the side of good and make a difference. But the truth is, the darkness was never the enemy. The darkness was the answer. It showed me that everything I believed in was a lie. The heroes, the fans, the respect—it was all a game. A game that I was never meant to win."
Jack’s eyes flash with determination, as if a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
Jack Lumber: "The Dark Dominion didn’t corrupt me. It liberated me. The path I walk now is clear. No more doubt. No more questions. No more playing by rules that were never mine to follow."
He smirks, the slightest flicker of regret crossing his face before he pushes it aside, replaced by the cold, calculating demeanor of someone who’s made peace with his decision.
Jack Lumber: "And I know what you’ll say. I know you’ll call me a traitor, a villain, a liar. You’ll say I turned my back on the fans, on everything that made me who I was. But you’re wrong. You’re all wrong. The man you once knew… he was weak. He was shackled by his own beliefs. And now, I am free."
Jack pauses, his gaze piercing, as if he’s speaking directly to every fan who once cheered for him.
Jack Lumber: "So now, I stand with the Dark Dominion. And with their power, I will reshape HCW. Not as a hero... but as a true leader. As someone who sees the truth. Because, in the end, the darkness isn’t something you fight. It’s something you embrace. And when you do, it becomes you."
His smile widens, almost as if savoring the truth of his words.
Jack Lumber: "And believe me… the world is going to regret what happens next."
The lights dim to black as a chilling laugh echoes through the arena, signaling the promo’s eerie end.
Continuing with the upcoming changes, as we go into 2025, every month, a battle royal or tournament will take place where the winner will receive a shot at a title to be chosen at random. The winner may not necessarily get to cash it in against the World Champion but may end up facing the TV champion or Tag Team titles (if part of a tag team).
GM Max McGillicutty comes out as the fans pop and pyro goes off. He welcomes the sold out crowd to the first show of 2025 and promises that there will be new additions to the roster throughout the year and the action will be top notch. He comments that, like most of the fans, he was shocked at the heel turn by Jack Lumber and can’t for the life of him, figure out what is motivating him to join the Dark Dominion. He says that with Jack joining the dark side, more and more HCW wrestlers will have the opportunity to step into the limelight and become leaders in the ring and backstage. Max says that tonight, the first of the newest additions to the roster will make his in-ring debut. Max heads to the ring and then welcomes ‘the Italian Thoroughbred’ Dominic Marconi to the ring. Dominic comes out to a huge pop and makes his way into the ring. Dominic states that he has had enough with the New Sicilians and had to call in reinforcements. Dominic introduces his brother – Rolf Marconi.
Rolf Marconi
Rolf comes out and waves to the crowd and steps into the ring. Rolf says that while he was wrestling for Italy’s premier wrestling league, his brother was having to deal with the crap that the New Sicilians were putting him through. He said he couldn’t wait any longer and as soon as the call came, he jumped on the next flight and is here now. He says he is ready for his first match. Dominic and Max leave the ring. Dominic goes to sit at commentary with Johnny and Mike. Otto Ruthless comes out and says he’ll take on Rolf and send him back to Italy.
Match #1: Otto Ruthless vs Rolf Marconi
Right off the bat, Rolf Marconi stunned the audience with a dazzling Flying Dropkick, catching Otto off guard. The crowd roared as Rolf took early control, setting the tone for the match.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Rolf is off to an explosive start with that Flying Dropkick!"
As the match progressed, Otto attempted to assert his dominance with his signature moves. However, Rolf’s agility and resilience were on full display. In the second minute, Rolf reversed Otto's Yukon Cloverleaf into an Italian Crab, showcasing his technical prowess.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "What a reversal by Rolf Marconi! This guy has skills!"
Dominic Marconi, Rolf's brother, joined the commentary team and added his insights.
Dominic Marconi: "Rolf has always had a knack for turning the tide. Otto better watch out!"
The battle continued with back-and-forth action. Otto executed powerful moves like the Vertical Suplex and Ruthless Aggression, while Rolf countered with his Bearhug and Front Face Lock. In the seventh minute, Rolf locked in the Italian Crab once more, but Otto refused to submit, displaying his grit and determination.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "These two are putting everything on the line! Otto's not giving up easily!"
In the final moments of the match, Rolf Marconi executed a stunning Hip Rolls, securing the pinfall victory over Otto Ruthless. The crowd erupted in cheers as Rolf stood tall, triumphant in the hard-fought battle.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "Rolf Marconi has done it! What a match! What a victory!"
After the match, Dominic Marconi joined Rolf in the ring. They grabbed the microphone and issued a challenge to the New Sicilians, Dirty Dick Albano and Vicious Vinnie Albano, for a match tomorrow night.
Dominic Marconi: "New Sicilians, we challenge you to a match tomorrow night! Let's see if you can handle the Marconi brothers in the ring!"
The crowd cheered loudly, eager to see the next chapter in this heated rivalry unfold. Everyone left the ring and headed to the back.
Match #2: Goldie Locks vs Sarona Reiher
Both ladies made it to the ring and this one started quickly. Goldie hits a handspring back elbow smash and Sarona hits a superkick. Sarona goes for the quick pin but Goldie kicks out at one. Sarona follows it up with a Samoan drop. Goldie battles back with a gutwrench suplex but Sarona hits another superkick, goes for the pin without hooking the leg and Goldie kicks out again. Sarona hits a jumping headbutt but Goldie grabs her and both women tumble out of the ring. Sarona tries to whip Goldie into the steps but she reverses it and Sarona hit them hard. Goldie rolled back in to the ring while the ref continued his count and ended up counting Sarona out. Goldie gets the win via countout decision. The fans pop for her and she leaves the ring. Ring attendants come out to help Sarona but she clocks them with huge punches and makes her way to the back under her own power.
We cut backstage promo from the Wicked Prophet:
The camera cuts to the backstage area where The Wicked Prophet stands in front of a darkened backdrop, his intense gaze piercing through the lens. He slowly raises the microphone to his lips, a sinister smirk forming on his face.
The Wicked Prophet: "I warned you all, didn't I? I told you that Jack Lumber couldn't be trusted. I saw through his facade long before any of you did. And now, look at him. The great hero, the #1 face of HCW, has revealed his true colors and joined Count Vlad and the Dark Dominion. The betrayal is real, and it's a bitter pill for all of you to swallow."
He takes a step forward, his voice growing more intense.
The Wicked Prophet: "Jack Lumber, you've shown the world who you really are. You've turned your back on the fans, on everything you once stood for. But you know what? The fans aren't the only ones who have to deal with your betrayal. Tonight, you have to deal with me. You've joined the Dark Dominion, but you can't escape the darkness that I bring."
The camera zooms in on Prophet's face as he delivers his final words with chilling determination.
The Wicked Prophet: "Tonight, Jack, I want you in the ring. It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions. The fans may feel betrayed, but I'm the reckoning you never saw coming. Get ready, Jack. Your day of judgment is here."
With a final, ominous glare, The Wicked Prophet lowers the microphone and walks off screen, leaving a sense of foreboding in the air.
The screen fades to black, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the showdown between Jack Lumber and The Wicked Prophet.
Match #3: Hell’s Fang – the Morningstar w/ Count Vlad vs Sterling ‘the Silicon Tycoon’ Silverman w/ Ruth Heartless
Count Vlad had stated that he had an open contract for any title but to prove the dominance of Hell’s Fang, he is willing to put it on the line right here and now. Ruth greedily accepted.
The match between Sterling "the Silicon Tycoon" Silverman and Hell's Fang, led by Ruth Heartless and Count Vlad respectively, began with both competitors determined to prove their dominance.
Hell's Fang started with a Corkscrew Elbow Drop, while Sterling countered with his TECH WRECK SIDEKICK, showcasing their agility and power. The commentary team of Mike "the Voice" Johnson and Johnny "the Hammer" Harris were on point, calling the action as it unfolded.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Hell's Fang with that high-flying Corkscrew Elbow Drop! This match is off to a fiery start!"
In the following moments, the intensity escalated as Hell's Fang delivered a Full Nelson Choke Suplex, only for Sterling to respond with another TECH WRECK SIDEKICK, keeping the competition fierce. The crowd, though not particularly fond of either faction, couldn't help but be captivated by the action.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "These two are pulling out all the stops! Sterling's got that sidekick down to perfection!"
Throughout the match, the back-and-forth continued, with Hell's Fang hitting a Shining Wizard and a Death Valley Driver, while Sterling unleashed powerful moves like the STOCK MARKET CRASH PILEDRIVER and MILLION DOLLAR DREAM. Ruth Heartless tried to interfere by blinding Hell's Fang with hairspray, but the Morningstar overcame the distraction.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Ruth Heartless is trying to tip the scales, but the Morningstar won't be deterred!"
As the match approached its climax, both competitors were worn out but relentless. Sterling's DIGITAL DECIMATOR was reversed by Hell's Fang into a Shining Wizard, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. Count Vlad's influence was evident as he directed Hell's Fang to deliver a final devastating blow.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "Count Vlad's got something up his sleeve! This could be the turning point!"
In a dramatic finish, Hell's Fang executed a HIT FOE WITH TRANSYLVANIA SPIKE, stunning Sterling and securing the pinfall victory. The referee, "Honest" Abe, counted to three, and the Morninstar was declared the winner.
1...2...3!
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Hell's Fang wins! And with that victory, he gets a title shot of his choosing!"
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, knowing that the Morningstar rightfully owns the open contract for a title shot. The stakes had been raised, and the future of HCW was more uncertain than ever as Count Vlad's Dark Dominion continued to assert their dominance.
Ruth Heartless and Sterling made their way to the back plotting and scheming how to get even. Count Vlad dismissed the Morningstar who took his contract and made his way to the back. Vlad gets on the mic.
Count Vlad: "HCW is a broken, corrupted empire, ruled by fools who thought they could stop us. Well, no more. We are the Dark Dominion, and HCW is ours to destroy and remake as we see fit. This is just the beginning, and soon, you will all bow to the true masters of this ring. I promise you this…there are more revelations to come and nothing can be done to stop them.”
The music hits and out comes (the turncoat) Jack Lumber. The crowd, a few weeks ago, loved this guy and now they are spewing hatred and disappointment. Jack walks by unfazed. He gets into the ring and is handed the mic by Count Vlad.
Jack Lumber: “I made the choice to join the Dark Dominion, because this is where power lies. I now stand with those who understand what it takes to rule. You can all cry about my choice, but I’m not here to be your hero anymore. I’m here to take what’s mine." He then continued “Wicked Prophet, you want to be the ‘face’ of HCW, go right ahead and try. The fans hated you before and nothing will change.”
The Wicked Prophet came out to a mixture of booing with some cheers. Prophet ignored the fans (as he always does) and made his way to the ring. Count Vlad was wearing his sinister smile and exited the ring after patting Jack on the shoulder.
Match #4: The Wicked Prophet vs Jack Lumber w/ Count Vlad
The match between Jack Lumber and the Wicked Prophet was met with a mix of boos and faint cheers from fans who felt betrayed by Jack's turn to the dark side. Both wrestlers started strong, with Wicked Prophet hitting a BAPTISM OF FIRE and Jack responding with THE AXE. The intensity of the match kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Jack Lumber wasted no time going for the pin! What a start to this match!"
As the action continued, Jack delivered powerful moves like the YUKON BODYSLAM and KICK TO MIDSECTION, while the Wicked Prophet retaliated with his signature DEVIL'S SNARE and BAPHOMET BRUISER. The crowd was captivated by the fierce competition, despite their disdain for both competitors.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "These two are putting on a clinic! Neither man is backing down!"
Throughout the match, Count Vlad tried to interfere, but the Wicked Prophet managed to neutralize his efforts. The Wicked Prophet almost secured victory with moves like THE CRUCIFIX CLUTCH, but Jack's resilience shone through as he kicked out of multiple pin attempts.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Jack Lumber showing incredible resilience! But can he keep it up?"
In the seventh minute, Jack executed TIMMMMMBEEERRRRR, followed by a pin attempt, but the Wicked Prophet kicked out once more. The back-and-forth action continued with the Wicked Prophet hitting the GNASHING OF THE TEETH, only for Jack to counter with an ATOMIC DROP. The crowd's reaction was electric, with mixed emotions about Jack's newfound allegiance.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "The fans are torn! Jack Lumber's betrayal still stings, but his skill is undeniable!"
As the match reached its climax, Count Vlad played a crucial role, distracting the Wicked Prophet and allowing Jack to hit a decisive YUKON BODYSLAM. This time, the pinfall was successful, and "Honest" Abe counted to three, declaring Jack the winner.
1...2...3!
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "Jack Lumber wins with a YUKON BODYSLAM! What a hard-fought victory!"
Immediately after the match, the Fangs of Despair, the Morningstar, and the Nightstalkers stormed the ring, mercilessly beating down the Wicked Prophet. The fans watched in shock as the Dark Dominion unleashed their fury.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "This is an all-out assault! The Dark Dominion is dismantling the Wicked Prophet!"
Count Vlad then stepped into the ring, grabbing a microphone. He turned to Jack and with a sinister smile, proclaimed, "From this day forward, you shall be known as Timber Fang."
Count Vlad: "Tonight marks a new era for the Dark Dominion. Timber Fang has shown his true power and loyalty. Together, we will dominate HCW and crush anyone who stands in our way!"
The segment ended with the Dark Dominion standing tall over the defeated Wicked Prophet, their dominance in HCW unmistakable.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "The Dark Dominion is leaving their mark tonight. Timber Fang is here to stay, and HCW will never be the same."
Jack, the Nightstalkers and the Morningstar all headed to the back leaving the Fangs of Despair and Count Vlad at ringside for our Main Event.
Match #5: The Main Event: The Sons of Anarchy (Son of Drew and Son of Stache) vs the Fangs of Despair w/ Count Vlad for the Heritage Tag Team Titles.
The Heritage Tag Team Champs came out to a huge pop from the crowd. They shook hands with the fans and made their way to the ring where their opponents waited for them. After climbing the turnbuckles and holding their titles high, they handed them to the ref and this match was ready to begin.
The main event for the Heritage Tag Team Titles was set to be an explosive showdown between the champions, the Sons of Anarchy (Son of Drew and Son of Stache), and the challengers, the Fangs of Despair (Dr. Red Fang and Nightfang), with Count Vlad in their corner. The arena was buzzing with anticipation as the match began.
The match started with Son of Drew and Dr. Red Fang locking up in the center of the ring. The two wrestlers exchanged holds and counterholds, each trying to gain the upper hand. Son of Drew managed to execute a THE LOVER BOMB, while Dr. Red Fang responded with a FLYING ELBOW RAM, setting the tone for an intense battle.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "These two teams are going all out from the get-go! This is going to be a war!"
In the second minute, the Sons of Anarchy utilized their tag team chemistry, with Son of Stache joining Son of Drew for some double-team action. They executed LA CASITA and THE HANDLEBAR (CAMEL CLUTCH), putting the pressure on Dr. Red Fang. However, Dr. Red Fang fought back with a REVERSE SUPLEX, refusing to be outdone.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "The Sons of Anarchy are showing why they're the champions! But the Fangs of Despair are not backing down!"
As the match progressed, the intensity only grew. Son of Stache delivered a VICIOUS UPPERCUT, but Dr. Red Fang countered with a SKULL CRUSHER. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, witnessing the brutal back-and-forth action. The energy in the arena was electric, with the fans cheering for their favorite team.
Just as it seemed the match could go either way, the Nightstalkers (Bloodfang and Shadowfang) made their way to the ring, attacking Son of Drew while the referee, "Honest" Abe, was distracted by Count Vlad. The Sons of Anarchy were caught off guard by the interference.
Mike "the Voice" Johnson: "The Nightstalkers are here! This is turning into a 4-on-2 assault!"
With Son of Drew incapacitated, Dr. Red Fang took advantage, hitting a VAMPIRE LUNGE on the fallen Son of Drew. He quickly went for the pin.
1...2...3!
Dr. Red Fang secured the victory for the Fangs of Despair, and new Heritage Tag Team Champions were crowned.
Johnny "the Hammer" Harris: "The Fangs of Despair have done it! They're the new Heritage Tag Team Champions, but not without some help from the Nightstalkers!"
Count Vlad entered the ring, microphone in hand, and addressed the crowd with a sinister grin.
Count Vlad: "Behold, the Dark Dominion's dominance continues! The Fangs of Despair are your new Heritage Tag Team Champions! And this is just the beginning. We will conquer every division and leave no stone unturned. The Sons of Anarchy have fallen, and the Dark Dominion stands tall!"
The show ended with the Dark Dominion celebrating their victory over the defeated Sons of Anarchy, leaving the fans in shock and awe at the night's dramatic turn of events. The future of HCW seemed more uncertain than ever, with the Dark Dominion's influence growing stronger by the day.
This is a shocking start to the new year and things are only going to get more intense so stay tuned.
