Vertigo (05.01.19)

[FGA Office]

CO-MAIN EVENT
• Tag Team Match •
The Joker & The Thief vs. The Resistance (Ragnar & Gunnar)

A gas mask jumpscare flashes across the screen killing the lights in the arena, as "Carrion Flowers" starts to play throughout the PA System. A strobe light spot light follows Gunner and a masked Ragnar to the beat of the synth opening, with white light flickering out in turn with the beat. Slowly, they make their way towards each other from the opposite ends of the stage, meeting in the middle, where Tristan Ambrose, Tyler Kingsley and Alexander Cappotelli are standing in the middle, The Resistance in full force stand center stage as a faint red flickering light replaces the white. They all start to make their way to the ring, Tristan leading the charge.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! Introducing first, making their way to the ring at a total combined weight of 627 pounds! They are the team of Gunnar and Ragnar… THE RESISTANCE!

As they reach the ringside area, Ragnar hands Tristan his mask as He, Tyler and Alexander stand where they are, Gunnar and Ragnar heading up to apron, slowly entering the ring.

Kris Cruise: This isn’t normal as we’re also joined by Seth Iser and well Seth…tell us what you know about these guys.

Seth Iser: Talented but raw as they’re still trying to learn some elements of what it’s like to be a team.

Stephy Auger: They have more than enough talent to beat the tag team champions I know that much!

The hypnotic opening of “Bad Dreams” by Phantogram picks up throughout the arena and the lights fade into a cascade of fuschia and crimson.

♫ Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete
Bad dreams never affect me
I'm not afraid of the concrete ♫

As the colors play, the beats becomes harsher and invites Izzy Anders onto the stage. She dances around to the beat of the music until she makes to the center point of the stage. Scanning the arena with that Cheshire grin of hers, Izzy takes her time walking down the ramp. When she does, she does it with an egotistical saunter, knowing that she has the audience wrapped around her finger.

♫ To changing me
(And I believe this happened once before)
To changing me
(And I predict the world will be all gone)
To changing me
(And I can see the same things that you see)
To changing me
(‘Cause I predict the world) ♫

J.A. Aldridge: Their opponents! First, fighting out of Holland, Michigan by way of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada! She is one half of the reigning United States Tag Team Champions! “The Mindkiller” IZZY ANDERS!

Kris Cruise: Easy Seth…

Seth Iser: I gave my word to the general manager if I’m taking this job to not intervene. You don’t have to worry about me even if I’m tempted to give her a second dose of mist.

Stephy Auger: She did look better with that shade of red.

Kris Cruise: Oh great...

Izzy climbs the ring apron, turning her back to the ring to stare at the audience. She shifts down the ropes until she reaches the turnbuckle, ascending it with a delicate air. From there, she reaches methodically for her eyepatch, removing it with flair. She lowers it into her mouth, giving it a playful bite and giving the hard cam a wink. Izzy then scales down the turnbuckle into the ring, taking her coat off. A stagehand receives it in the only way Izzy does, a dramatic fling meant to blanket them in the immense coat. The Mindkiller then takes a seat a little off center of the ring, at the very tip of her corner. She sits there with her legs crossed, staring out to the audience as her song dies out.

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

The beat of "Can you feel it?" kicks in, and the crowd bursts into cheers, knowing who is about to arrive. The funky beat quickly spreads through the arena, and the crowd begins stomping and clapping along as the song begins. The lights in the arena dim, with pink and gold spotlights swirling around the arena.


"If you look around
The whole world is coming together now...baby..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Seth Iser: Have I mentioned I hate this music and entrance too? Because as a traditionalist with honor and integrity who believes in professionalism...I hate it.

Kris Cruise: Not the most professional thing to say…

Seth Iser: Part of professionalism is not lying.

The crowd is getting heavily into the song, and as the Jacksons sing the title of the song, the lights in the arena bump brighter and brighter.


Feel it in the air, the wind is taking it everywhere...

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

On the third one, A spotlight and the camera focuses in on the emerging figure of Fujiko Mine, who stands at one of the crowd entrances. Over her ring attire is a shirt that has her "Apex Goddess" logo on it. Behind her, the imposing XENA has her arms folded. Fujiko keeps her movements a bit reserved, but it is clear she is enjoying the music as the crowd is. She begins to make her way down the steps, dancing and bobbing down the steps until she reaches the arena floor.

J.A. Aldridge: Her partner, hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! She is one half of the reigning United States Tag Team Champions! She is “The Apex Goddess” FUJIKO MINE!

After maneuvering through a cleared aisle in the crowd, Fujiko reaches the ringside area, and follows it up with a graceful handspring onto and over the guardrail. She quickly runs up the steps, then hops onto the top turnbuckle. Xena clears the guardrail behind her, and a single spotlight converges on the woman known as the Apex Goddess. She hooks herself up on top, and as the title of the song comes around, she throws her hands up, fingers outstretched each time.

"Now, tell me..."

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Each time, blue and yellow streamers are thrown over her posing form. She takes any lingering streamers off her person, and then she comes down off the turnbuckle.

She motions for the crowd to join in, and they oblige, the entire arena filled as the crowd joins in...

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?"

"Can You Feel It?!"

Fujiko grins widely, then pulls the shirt off over her head and tosses it into the crowd. She then leans into the nearest corner before the match begins.

Seth Iser: I can feel an upset brewing if you want me to answer the song! Hahaha!

Seth Iser: Professional and personal differences and dislike aside there IS a reason why they are the tag champions. But they better not underestimate the other side.

Kris Cruise: I’m slightly surprised to hear that from Seth actually...

The bell sounds as Fujiko and Gunnar start things off for their respective teams. Anders can be seen keeping her eye on the action before turning and looking down at Seth Iser at the announce table.

Seth Iser: Tick tock Izzy...

Back in the ring, Fujiko gains the early advantage on Gunnar with a side headlock. He tries to shove Fujiko off, but she keeps the hold locked on tight. After a few shots to the ribs, Gunnar tries to shove Fujiko off of him. But again, Fujiko’s able to hang on. Gunnar then grabs a hold of Fujiko and goes for a belly to back suplex. But Fujiko’s able to roll over his shoulder and land on her feet. When Gunnar turns around, he gets caught with a gamengiri! While Gunnar is dazed, Fujiko returns to her feet and heads towards the ropes. The Apex Goddess bounces back before knocking Gunnar down with a handspring rebound enzuigiri! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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Gunnar kicks out.

Fujiko takes Gunnar, moves him against the ropes and delivers two knife edge chops. She then goes for an irish whip. But Gunnar reverses, sending her into the far ropes, where Anders makes the blind tag!

Kris Cruise: There’s a swift tag.

Seth Iser: This is where more of the overall experience factor comes into play...Gunnar walked into a trap sending her toward the champion’s corner.

When Fujiko returns, she sees Gunnar setting up for a back body drop. So she hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Gunnar stands up and turns around, Fujiko slides through his legs. Gunnar turns around again and this time, gets caught with a step-up enzuigiri from Anders! While Gunnar stumbles back, Anders takes him and moves him into the corner. After Gunnar is sent into the far corner with an irish whip, Anders charges across the ring before connecting with a running European Uppercut. The Mindkiller quickly follows up with MUDA MUDA MUDA (machine gun punches to cornered opponent)! Gunnar tries to cover up. But Anders’ punches pierce his defense. She then brings Gunnar from out of the corner before sending him into the far ropes. When Gunnar returns, Anders doubles him over with a hard knee to the midsection. After a snapmare brings him down to the mat, Anders turns and points to a random fan before hitting the ropes. When Anders returns, she throws out A Gift For You (Running PK)! But Gunnar blocks the move by wrapping his arms around her leg!

Seth Iser: And that’s Gunnar’s raw ability in terms of being able to transition into that counter.

Kris Cruise: You almost seem a little TOO happy about that.

Anders eventually pulls her left free and then goes for another PK. This time, Gunnar leans out of the way before pulling Anders down with a schoolboy…

ONE!
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TWO!
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Anders kicks out.

After both grapplers scramble back to a vertical base, Gunnar throws out a roundhouse kick. Anders blocks the kick, doubles him over with a boot to the midsection and then pulls him into a front facelock. The crowd anticipates Three Enemigos from Anders. But Gunnar is able to lift Anders up, run forward and then rams her back-first into the turnbuckles!

Stephy Auger: That might drive some of the air out of her sails.

Seth Iser: Good move but it’d been even better if he would’ve driven her into his corner.

Kris Cruise: If I didn’t know any better it sounds like you’re giving notes.

The boos continue as Gunnar delivers multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection. He then takes Anders and whips her into the far corner. Gunnar runs across the ring and throws out a jumping knee strike when Anders slips out of the way, causing Gunnar to crash into the turnbuckles! As he stumbles back, Anders takes control of his back before bringing him down with the Black Song (Hammerlock Lariat)! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gunnar kicks out.

Kris Cruise: Decapitating lariat but Gunnar finds a way out of the situation.

Seth Iser: I might hate her guts but this is where Izzy is too damned good to give that kind of opening.

Anders picks up Gunnar and wrenches his arm. She then wrenches the arm two more times before dragging him over towards the corner and tagging Fujiko back in. While The Mindkiller holds it Gunnar’s arm, Fujiko scales to the top turnbuckle, jumps off and delivers a diving double foot stomp across the arm, immediately knocking Gunnar down to his knees!

Stephy Auger: Like I said at Revelations, this woman is an animal!

Kris Cruise: She’s been far more vicious since pursuing the World Champion.

While Gunnar clutches his arm, Fujiko turns and hits the far ropes. When she returns, she plants Gunnar with a headscissors facebuster! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gunnar kicks out.

Fujiko intentionally pulls Gunnar up by his right arm before doubling him over with a spinning back kick. She then takes control of the arm before bringing Gunnar down to the mat with a rolling cross armbar! Gunnar tries his best to block the move from behind fully applied by locking his hands. But Fujiko’s got a plan for than. She repeatedly brings her leg down hard across Gunnar’s face. She then falls back and fully applies the armbar!

Kris Cruise: Look at the torque on that armbar!

Stephy Auger: She’s trying to tear the arm apart!

Seth Iser: She left herself exposed.

Fujiko continues to keep the hold applied until Ragnar marches over and breaks up the submission with a stomp!

Kris Cruise: That big monster Ragnar just broke it up.

Seth Iser: Submissions in a tag match are usually a mistake. It leaves you too open and defenseless to an interjecting partner.

While the big man heads back out to the apron, the Apex Goddess takes Gunnar, wrenches his arm and follows up with a single arm DDT. She then returns to her feet before hitting the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she goes for a running Shooting Star Press. The crowd gasps when Gunnar rolls out of the way. But the agile Fujiko is able to land on her feet and quickly follow up with a standing moonsault! She hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Gunnar gets his left shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: What a gutsy display to kick out from that combination.

Seth Iser: It’s smart how she covered him. Make him use the wounded arm and shoulder to kick out. It’s more sapping.

Fujiko picks up Gunnar, places him in a front facelock, backs up into her corner and lets Anders tag herself back in. Once The Mindkiller steps back in, she nails Gunnar with a punch to the ribs before again attacking the arm. She wrenches the arm multiple times before delivering clubbing strikes across it. She then takes Gunnar and goes for an irish whip. Gunnar is able to reverse, sending Anders towards the ropes. When Anders hits the ropes, the crowd boos when Ragnar takes a hard swipe and whacks her across the back of the head!

Kris Cruise: Illegal interference there.

Seth Iser: But it was the right move. The Resistance are schooled by Tristan Ambrose and he’s a rogue that learned some tricks from me. It’s to be expected.

As Anders staggers forward, Gunnar throws her down with a back body drop. He then heads over and tags in Ragnar!

Ragnar steps over the top rope before marching over towards Anders. The Mindkiller picks herself back up and tries to strike Ragnar. But the big man cuts her off with a knee to the midsection. He then swats her down with a clubbing strike across the back of the neck.

Kris Cruise: And this big monster almost seems impervious to pain at times.

Ragnar reaches down, pulls up Anders and whips her into the ropes. When Anders returns, Ragnar brings her down with a flapjack. He then goes over, lifts up Anders from the prone position and delivers a deadlift suplex toss!

Stephy Auger: He’s just throwing around Izzy with ease!

Seth Iser: He’s looking more to hurt rather than to win. That’s obvious. Personally I’m alright with that but he might want to think about covering her.

Kris Cruise: It’s a very physical exhibition by Ragnar.

Ragnar marches over, pulls Anders up and delivers a headbutt that sends her stumbling against the ropes.

While Anders tries to shake out the cobwebs, Ragnar marches over, grabs her by the hair and hurls her across the ring with a biel throw! Ragnar marches back over, pulls up Anders and then sends her into the ropes. When Anders returns, Ragnar flattens her with a body block!

Seth Iser: Physically quite impressive but he needs to cover her.

Ragnar picks up Anders, moves her into the corner and nails her with multiple lefts and rights to the midsection that double her over. Ragnar then stands Anders back up before blasting her with a knife edge chop. Ragnar takes hold of Anders and then whips her into the far corner. Ragnar charges across the ring and goes for a body avalanche when Anders rolls out of the way, causing Ragnar to crash into the turnbuckles!

Kris Cruise: Nobody home on the charge!

Stephy Auger: He ran so hard he might’ve knocked the wind out of himself.

Ragnar stumbles back. When he turns around, he walks right into Dirty Dancin (Kick Flurry). While Ragnar is seemingly out on his feet, The Mindkiller turns and hits the ropes. On the return, Ragnar goes to cut her off with a clothesline. But Anders is able to duck the blow and hit the ropes, where Fujiko makes the tag! The Apex Goddess springboards to the top turnbuckle, leaps off and knocks Ragnar back with a missile dropkick! Fujiko returns to her feet before running over and knocking Ragnar further back with a handstand calf kick! After nailing Ragnar with a gamengiri, Fujiko takes Ragnar and goes for an irish whip… only for Ragnar to reverse. Fujiko then uses the momentum to bounce back and bring Ragnar down with a handspring rebound Ace Crusher! She makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Ragnar kicks out.

Seth Iser: Impressive display of toughness kicking out but he needs to anticipate what to do next rather than think about it or think about what might have been.

Kris Cruise: What’s the difference between anticipating and thinking.

Seth Iser: Thinking is that slight hesitation to something. Anticipating is just knowing what someone is going to do before they even do it.

Fujiko takes Ragnar and goes for an irish whip, only for him to reverse and send her into the ropes. When Fujiko returns, she brings Ragnar down with a Rolling DDT! The Apex Goddess then follows up with a Shooting Star Press! The cheers continues as she takes Ragnar by the wrist and nails him with Sealed With A Kick (ground arm pulled roundhouse kick)! After Ragnar gets rocked with another S.W.A.K., Fujiko follows up with Yount’s 3000th Hit (double wristlock knee to the face)! Fujiko then pulls Ragnar back to his feet. Fujiko savors the moment while the crowd is on its feet. She then looks over at Iser before doubling Ragnar over with a spinning back kick to the midsection and then knocking him down with The Bliss (backflip flash kick)! The cheers continue while she makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Here are your winners, The United States Tag Team Champions: The Joker & The Thief

The Resistance are making their retreat with Ambrose leading that while Seth stands up from the commentary desk, removing his headset and picks up the FGA Pride Title. Fujiko is keeping watch for any potential attacks while Izzy stands in the corner closest to the announce desk and just eyeballs Seth. An entire mass of security comes in considering the explosiveness of the personalities as you can hear Seth say the words ‘Tick Tock’ toward Izzy.

Kris Cruise: It’s smart of the general manager to get security out here right away considering what might happen and that Seth and Ambrose have had an association in the past as we’ve learned tonight. The tag champs win this battle but a different war is brewing for both of them.

Stephy Auger: Their singles ambitions won’t go the way their tag team ambitions had, especially if Seth’s words earlier tonight come to pass!

• Commercial Break •

[FGA Office]

MAIN EVENT
• Best of Five Series: Match Four •
Brian Stryker leads 2-1
Tyler Storm vs. Brian Stryker

"Watch Me Burn" starts playing as Brian Stryker comes walking out from the back. He has his hood up as he keeps his hands in the pockets of his hoodie. Strolling down the ramp, Stryker looks at a few of his former fans as they boo him, smiling at them as he fakes them out with sudden move, laughing as they flinch. He climbs up the steps as he climbs over the ropes into the ring. He stands in the center of the ring as he unzips his hoodie and lets it fall off him as he stands there posing like a Greek statue. Once he finished basking in the "cheers" of his adoring public, Stryker kicks his hoodie out of the ring and leans sideways against the turnbuckle and waits.

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE fall! It is your main event of the evening and it is Match Four in the “Best of Five” Series! Introducing first, hailing from Maui, Hawaii! He is your savior of the masses, the man you all came to see! Welcome to The Brian Stryker Experience!

Kris Cruise: Alright, Stephy! It is main event time here on Vertigo! The Best of Five Series continues with match four here tonight between Tyler Storm and this man, Brian Stryker!

Stephy Auger: Tyler might be feeling good about himself after finally getting a win last time on Vertigo. But let me remind you that he is still down 1-2. Stryker can and WILL finish this, once and for all, here tonight. No pressure for The Brian Stryker Experience. None at all!

The lights begin to slow fade out to the opening tunes of "Eye of the Tiger" before flashing quickly back on once the rifts of the guitar begin playing, along with being met with flashes of blue and gold light on the stage. Once the song picks up into its normal tune about 25 seconds in, Tyler Storm rushes out from behind the curtain to a positive pop, bobbing his head to the beat of the song and mouthing out to the fans.

Once the lyrics start, Tyler begins making his way down the ramp, walking along the left for the first half of his trek to the ring and high-fiving fans or talking with them, and doing the same in the second half of his walk on the right side.


Kris Cruise: You say there’s no pressure on Stryker, but I completely disagree! He jumped out to that commanding 2-0 lead. But if he loses here tonight, that’s two losses in a row for him! The series will be all tied at that point.

Stephy Auger: You’re acting like the series is tied up right now when it’s not! Brin Stryker got screwed out of his rightful Pride Championship match a year and a half ago. He didn’t come this far just to let that opportunity slip through his fingers. Now Tyler Storm may feel that he’s got a little momentum after the last win. Fine, I’ll give you that. But Stryker is still bound and determined to get his LONG overdue Pride Title match!

Before long he reaches ringside and after interacting with a few more people at ringside, he works his way up the stairs onto the ring apron. He rubs his feet off for a few moments, then gripping onto the top rope he jumps up and slides his legs in between the top and middle ropes and into the ring.

J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, hailing from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds… TYLER STORM!

The song goes on for a few more moments with Storm motioning out to the crowd for a reaction before rushing to one side of the ring just as the drawn out "Eye of the Tiger" lyric hits, landing his right foot on the bottom rope and his left on the middle rope with his arms spread out open with the audience cheering. He then hops back off the ropes and walks over to his corner as the music fades.

Stryker tries to run across the ring to get the jump on Storm like he did last match. But Storm jumps off the middle ropes, turns and lands on his feet to stop Stryker dead in his tracks!

Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker isn’t able to get the jump on Tyler Storm this time!

The bell sounds while Storm continues to stare Stryker down. Stryker puts two hands in Storm’s face. He talks down to Storm, telling him that it’s still two-to-one and that he can put this thing away right here, right now. Storm welcomes him to try by putting his arms out. The move causes the crowd to erupt with cheers.

Stephy Auger: The nerve of him!

Kris Cruise: If Stryker wants that Pride Title shot, he’s going to have to go through Storm!

Stryker narrows his eyes at Storm before socking him with a right hand! Storm comes back with a punch of his own! Stryker socks Storm with another right hand! Storm strikes back with another punch of his own! Stryker goes to sock Storm with another right hand when Storm blocks, then counters with a punch of his own! Stryker throws out another punch! Again, Storm blocks, then counters with a punch of his own! Storm knocks Stryker back with another punch… then another… and another! He then takes control of the wrist and sets up for an irish whip. But Stryker is quick to reverse. When Storm comes back, he knocks Stryker off his feet with a spinning heel kick! Instead of going for the cover, Storm pulls up Stryker before sending him for the ride. When Stryker comes back, Storm knocks him off his feet with another spinning heel kick! Once Stryker gets back to his feet and turns around, Storm charges over before clobbering him with a spinning forearm across the jaw, sending Stryker stumbling back before slipping through the ropes and falling to the floor! Storm then circles the ring while waving his arms up and down to get the crowd hyped up. Tonight’s crowd is at a fever pitch while Stryker struggles to get to his feet on the outside.

Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker has been rocked already by Storm!

Stryker slowly pulls himself up using the edge of the apron. As he shakes out the cobwebs, Storm reaches over, grabs him by the hair and pulls him back up onto the apron. After a shoulder thrust through the ropes doubles Stryker over, Storm sets up for a vertical suplex back into the ring. But Stryker intentionally squats down to block the move. So Storm tries to muscle him up for another suplex in the ring. But again, Stryker is able to block the move. So Storm lets go and throws out another right hand. This time, Stryker ducks and counters with a shoulder thrust of his own through the ropes. He then grabs a hold of Storm’s left arm and jumps off the apron, delivering an armbreaker across the top rope. The crowd immediately boos as Storm stumbles back before dropping down to a knee.

Kris Cruise: Stryker goes after the arm again~

Stephy Auger: How smart!

Storm is shown holding his right arm. Stryker then rolls back inside, rushes over and plants Storm with a spiking hurricanrana! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.

Stryker pulls up Storm before knocking him against the ropes with First Stryke (arm twist/hook kick combo). He then marches over before delivering multiple knife edge chops across the chest. Stryker takes control of the wrist before sending Storm off into the far ropes. When Storm returns, Stryker knocks him off his feet with a spinning heel kick of his own! Stryker can be seen holding up his index finger as he calls for another heel kick. After pulling Storm back to his feet, Stryker whips him off into the ropes. Stryker throws out another spinning heel kick. This time, he whiffs on the kick as Storm hooks his arms around the ropes. Before Stryker can get up off his back, Storm runs over and delivers an elbow drop with his left arm. He turns over into a cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker kicks out.

Storm picks up Stryker and nails him with a knife edge chop of his own. He then takes Stryker and sends him into the far ropes. When Stryker returns, Storm leans forward before lifting him up to set up for an Alabama Slam! But Stryker’s able to slip out of it and reverse into a sunset flip!

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.

After both grapplers return to their feet, Stryker goes for a dropkick to the right shoulder. But Storm’s able to slip out of the way and swat him down. As Stryker tries to get back to his feet, Storm goes to cut him off with a Bicycle Kick. But Stryker’s able to reach up and catch his foot. After swinging the leg away from him, Stryker follows up with the Overdose (Straight Jacket Shiranui)! The boos continue as he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.

Stryker with another lateral press.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.

Stryker quickly takes control of Storm’s right arm and goes to apply a cross armbreaker. But Storm is able to lock his hands together, keeping the hold from behind fully applied. Stryker can be seen tugging away repeatedly as he tries to break his grip. He then falls all the way to his back, breaking Storm’s grip and fully applying the hold!

Kris Cruise: Stryker’s got the armbar locked in!

Stephy Auger: With all the punishment that arm has taken recently, Storm won’t be able to hold on for much longer.

The crowd boos while Storm howls in pain. The ref asks him if he wants to give up. But Storm refuses. Stryker continues to keep the hold applied while he taunts Storm. The ref once again asks Storm if he wants to quit. But The Swiss Army Knife refuses. He then rolls to his right, pinning Stryker’s shoulders to the mat.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker pushes Storm back down with his leg and reapplies the submission.

Storm continues to howl in pain while Stryker stays in the dominant position. Storm quickly rolls back over to his right and pins Stryker’s shoulders to the mat.

ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker pushes pushes Storm back down with his legs before reapplying the submission.

Kris Cruise: Storm’s trying to escape. But he can’t get himself free!

Stephy Auger: He mind as well just do himself a favor and tap! It’s no use to keep fighting.

Stryker lifts up his leg leg and repeatedly brings it down hard across Storm’s face while the crowd boos. He then reapplies the submission. The capacity crowd continues to rally behind Storm while Stryker shouts at him to tap. The ref asks for another decision from Storm. Does he want to continue or does he want to quit? Storm grits his teeth while Stryker keeps the hold locked on tight. The pain is slowly starting to become too much. Storm could end his suffering right here with a tap or a verbal submission. But he’s come this far, down 0-2 to get to Match Four in this Best of Five Series. This is Storm’s chance to force a fifth and final match. Storm last challenged for the Pride Championship in July of last year. If he wins, he can guarantee himself a shot at the title. If he gives up, he’ll be even further away from a Pride Title shot. Is it worth it to continue to try and fight through the pain? It is! Storm refuses! He slowly reaches over and locks his hands together. After getting up on a knee, Storm puts one foot on the mat. Then the other. Storm groans as he slowly lifts Stryker up from off the canvas… before slamming him down hard, breaking the submission! Storm’s resilience is met with cheers and applause from the crowd.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm powered out! He’s broken the hold!

Stephy Auger: I don’t believe this!

Stryker lays sprawled out on the mat while Storm remains on his knees. He continues to clutch his right arm… until Stryker quickly scrambles to his feet and pulls him into a Guillotine Choke! The crowd gasps, then boos as Stryker’s latest submission attempt.

Stephy Auger: YES!

Kris Cruise: Stryker’s got Storm in another submission!

Stryker taunts Storm while he cinches in the hold. The ref is quick to get down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm responds by waving him off. So Stryker pulls back on the hold. Storm tries to hit Stryker in the back. But it has no effect on him.

Kris Cruise: It looked like Storm was free and in the clear. But Stryker was right there to apply another submission!

Stryker nods his head as he can feel himself being on the verge of victory. If Storm won’t quit, then he’ll just choke him out! Storm reaches out for the ropes. But he’s nowhere near them. The ref again asks Storm if he wants to continue. Storm gives him a thumbs up. Storm then slowly starts to battle back to a vertical base. He then lifts Stryker up, runs forward and rams him back-first into the corner, breaking the hold.

Stephy Auger: He just won’t quit.

Kris Cruise: That’s because there’s no quit in Tyler Storm.

After Storm gathers himself, he rocks Stryker with a European Uppercut. He then sends spittle flying out of Stryker’s mouth with another hard European Uppercut! He then takes Stryker by the wrist before sending him into the far corner with an irish whip. Storm then comes barreling across the ring before nailing Stryker with a running European Uppercut! Storm goes for another irish whip. This time, Stryker reverses, follows him closely across the ring and then connects with a corner elbow before following up with a CSS Enzuigiri! Stryker then turns Storm around, lifts him up and sits him down on the top turnbuckle While Storm sits away from the ring, Stryker climbs up onto the ropes. He then takes control of Storm’s back before throwing him down with a Spider Suplex! Stryker slowly sits back up before standing up on the top turnbuckle. The crowd erupts with boos when he flips off and crashes down across Storm with a corkscrew moonsault! He hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Stryker pulls Storm back to his feet before throwing him down with Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex)! He makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Storm gets his shoulder up.

Stryker hooks the leg.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Storm gets his left shoulder up.

Stryker grabs Storm’s left wrist with both hands and holds his arm down to the mat.

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Storm kicks out.

Stryker hooks the leg with his right arm and then uses his left hand to holds down Storm’s left arm to the mat.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Storm gets his right shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: Storm continues to avoid the three count, no matter how many times Stryker keeps going for the pin!

Stryker pulls up Storm, hammerlocks his right arm, runs forward and then shoulder shoulder-first into the ring post!

Stephy Auger: There we go!

Stryker quickly takes control of Storm’s back and slaps on the Insomniac’s Dream (Crossface Chickenwing)!

Stephy Auger: Now it’s over, Cruise!

Storm immediately grabs onto the top rope with his free arm. Stryker tries to pull him away. But he can’t pull Storm off the top rope. Stryker then tries to pull Storm off but once again, Storm hangs on for dear life. Stryker then repeatedly tries to yank Storm off the rope. Storm continues to hang on… until his grip is broken! The crowd gasps when Stryker starts to pull him back towards the center of the ring.

Kris Cruise: Storm is in a really bad spot now!

Stryker reaches over and tries to trip Storm down to the mat with his leg. But he can’t get him. Stryker then tries for another leg trip. But Storm’s able to remain standing. Stryker once again goes for a leg trip. But again, it’s to no avail. Stryker tries to cinch in the hold. Suddenly, Stryker slips out and reverse, grabs Stryker from behind, lifts him up, spins and throws him down with a Blue Thunder Bomb!

ONE!
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TWO!
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TH-NO!

Stryker kicks out!

Storm picks up Stryker, grabs him from the side and positions him for a Backdrop Driver. But Stryker’s able to counter with multiple elbows across the back of the head. The boos continue as Stryker goes for another Stryke 2. But Storm slips down from behind, grabs Stryker and drops him on his head with a Backdrop Driver!

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Stryker gets his shoulder up.

Storm takes Stryker and whips him into the ropes. When Stryker returns, Storm throws out another bicycle kick. But once again, Stryker’s able to catch his foot. He then swings Storm’s leg away from him. This time, however, Storm uses the momentum to clock Stryker with a spinning forearm. He then turns and clocks Storm with a spinning forearm in the opposite direction before lifting him up onto his shoulders and swinging him down with an Alabama Slam! Storm drops to his knees before rolling across Stryker and hooking the near leg for the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!

Stryker gets his shoulder up.

Kris Cruise: He was so close, Stephy! Storm was this close to trying up this Best of Five series!

Storm takes Stryker and scoops him up across his left shoulder. He then tries to hold Stryker up for the Bite Wound (inverted crucifix cutter). The crowd gasps when Storm’s shoulder gives out, causing Stryker to slip down from behind! After turning Storm around, Stryker lifts him up for a vertical suplex, only for Storm to slip down behind him. He then turns Stryker around before blasting him with yet another spinning forearm! While Stryker is rocked, Storm gets Stryker into position before doubling him over with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into Rolling Elbow)! The cheers continue as Storm lifts Stryker up across his shoulders before bringing him down with the Rolling Tide (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker)! While Stryker is sprawled out on the mat, Storm slowly makes his way into the corner. He then looks behind him. After seeing Stryker still down, Storm begins to scale the turnbuckles.

Stephy Auger: What in the hell is he doing!? He doesn’t go up to the top rope!

Kris Cruise: He doesn’t, Stephy! But desperate times call for desperate measures! Storm is doing what he had to do to tie up this Best of Five Series!


Once Storm reaches the top, he flips off…




























… the crowd gasps…






















… then cheers when he crashes across Stryker with the Paranoia Plummet (diving corkscrew moonsault)! Applause follows while he makes the cover.

ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!

J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this bout, TYLER STORM!

"Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)" blasts over the PA while Storm gets his arm raised in victory.

Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm has done it! He has tied up this Best of Five Series! We’re going to a fifth and final match!

Stephy Auger: I can’t believe this!

Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker had the 2-0 lead. But just like that, it’s now tied! You’d have to imagine that all the pressure is now on Brian Stryker’s shoulders! Can Stryker finally get it done in Match Five? Or will Tyler Storm ride this momentum to a guaranteed Pride Championship match! For Stephy Auger, this is Kris Cruise signing off! We’ll see you next time, right here, on Vertigo! Goodnight, everyone!