30-Minute Ironman Match in the Best of 5 Series
(Series tied 2-2)
Tyler Storm vs. Brian Stryker
J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a 30 Minute Ironman Match and it is Match Five in the Best of Five Series!
Applause comes from the crowd at the announcement of the Ironman Match
J.A. Aldridge: Here are the rules! Falls can be scored by Pinfall, Submission, Disqualification or Countout! The man with the most falls at the end of 30 minutes will win the Best of Five Series and will become the next mandatory contender for the FGA PRIDE CHAMPIONSHIP!
"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.
J.A. Aldridge: Introducing first, from Maui, Hawaii! He is “Your savior of the masses,” “the Man you all came to see.” Welcome… to THE BRIAN STRYKER EXPERIENCE!!!
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.
Kris Cruise: It was roughly a year and a half ago that Brian Stryker amassed four successful championship defenses as 15 Champion. Per the rules of that championship, Stryker could either keep the title or trade it in for a guaranteed shot at the Pride Championship. Stryker chose the latter. Throughout the night, then-Vertigo GM Brandon Macdonald tried to butter Stryker up so that he could take advantage on at out clause in his contract and sign him exclusively to Vertigo. The then-Flashpoint wrestler refused and remained loyal to his brand. Before his Pride Championship Match could be fought, Stryker was attacked backstage and was declared unable to compete by Macdonald. As the months rolled on, it was revealed that Macdonald was the one behind the attack. Being screwed out of that championship was the first domino to fall in the changing of Stryker’s demeanor from fan favorite to the bitter veteran we see before us today. But now, finally, Stryker is once again at the doorstep of a potential Pride Championship match! Will Stryker finally get his long overdue chance at the Pride Title? Or will he be denied by this man?
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.
J.A. Aldridge: His opponent, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama! Weighing in at 215 pounds… TYLER STORM!!!
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. 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.
Kris Cruise: Tyler Storm is no stranger to the Pride Championship! After having dealt his own set of trials and tribulations en route to a championship match, Storm finally got his crack at the gold at All-Star Showdown Seven. Unfortunately for Storm, he was defeated by then-champion Fujiko Mine. It’s been a long road back to this point for Storm. But here he is. Both grapplers have their story. Both grapplers have fought tooth and nail to get to this point. But only one will advance to challenge the winner of the Pride Title Match taking place later on tonight. It’s Tyler Storm versus Brian Stryker! Let’s go!
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.
The bell sounds as Storm and Stryker slowly circle the ring. They motion to head towards the center of the ring and lock up. Both both grapplers take a step back to acknowledge the crowd.
LET’S GO TYLER!
STRYKER SUCKS!
LET’S GO TYLER!
STRYKER SUCKS!
LET’S GO TYLER!
STRYKER SUCKS!
Stephy Auger: Do you hear this, Cruise!? Listen to how they’re treating a veteran of this business! They should be ashamed of themselves!
Stryker heads into the corner, climbs up onto the middle ropes and gives the crowd the double bird.
BOOOOOOO!!!
Stephy Auger: There you go, Stryker! Let these ingrates know what you really think of ‘em!
Kris Cruise: Stryker needs to be less concerned about these boos and more concerned about the man standing across the ring!
Kris Cruise: Don’t you worry. He’s got it under control.
Stephy Auger: Does he now?
Stryker jumps down before turning his attention back to Storm. Stryker and Storm resume circling the ring before they head towards the center. A collar-and-elbow follows. After jockeying for position, both grapplers shove each other back a few steps. They immediately move forward and engage in another collar-and-elbow. This time, Stryker gains the upper hand with a side headlock. He quickly performs a standing switch and transitions into a hammer lock on Storm’s hurt arm.
Kris Cruise: Stryker has been targeting that arm all series.
Stephy Auger: He would be a fool not to.
Storm leans forward and reverses into a hammerlock of his own. Stryker is quick to take his free arm and nails Storm with a back elbow to the face, breaking the hold. Stryker then heads into the ropes. When Stryker returns, Storm uses his good shoulder to knock Stryker down with a shoulder block! Storm turns and heads into the ropes. When Storm comes back, Stryker gets up and leapfrogs over Storm. Storm continues to run the ropes. When Storm comes back, Stryker tries to throw him down with a hip toss. Storm is quick to block the hip toss before knocking him down with a hard clothesline! He drops down and makes the cover.
ONE!
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Stryker kicks out.
Kris Cruise: Storm with a quick nearfall there...
Storm takes Stryker, moves him into the corner and delivers a hard knife edge chop. Storm pulls his arm back before blasting Stryker with a blistering knife edge chop. Stryker finds himself on the receiving end of another stinging knife edge chop. Storm gives him another knife edge chop for good measure. The thud from each chop echoes throughout the venue. He then takes Stryker and whips him into the far corner. Storm rushes across the ring to attack when Stryker stops him with a boot to the face. He then rushes out of the corner and follows up with a running hurricanrana, bringing Storm down. When Storm gets back to his feet, Stryker runs over towards him and connects with a dropkick, knocking Storm through the ropes and to the floor. Back inside, Stryker gets to his feet before running into the corner. He springboards to the top turnbuckle, walks halfway across the top rope, jumps off and knocks him down with a crossbody!
Stephy Auger: Flight of the Valkyries!
Stryker picks up Storm and rolls him back inside before rolling back in to make the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Stryker takes Storm and slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle. After turning Storm around, Stryker returns the favor with a stinging knife edge chop. Another knife edge chop echoes throughout the arena. The crowd elicits another Pavlovian response after seeing another knife edge chop.
WOOOOOOOO!
Stryker whacks Storm across the chest with a third chop before sending him into the far ropes with an irish whip. Stryker rushes across the ring to attack when Storm ducks and dumps him over the top rope. Stryker lands safely on the ropes before knocking Storm back with a forearm strike when The Swiss Army Knife turns towards him. Stryker goes to follow up with a springboard dropkick, only for Storm to step back and swat him down! Storm lifts up Stryker’s legs and hooks his arms around them for a Boston Crab. Before Storm can get Stryker into the prone position, Stryker twists his upper body to the left, then quickly spins to the right, sending Storm flipping down to the mat. Once both grapplers return to their feet, Storm tries to cut off Stryker with a clothesline when Stryker runs towards him. Stryker ducks the blow before heading into the ropes. Storm turns around and gets knocked off his feet with a leaping flying clothesline! He rushes back over and makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Stryker brings Storm back to his feet before delivering the First Stryke (arm twist/hook kick combo), knocking Storm back against the ropes. Stryker heads over, grabs Storm and goes for an irish whip. Storm quickly reverses, sending Stryker into the far ropes. When Stryker returns, he sees Storm setting up for a back body drop. So he hurdles over him before continuing to run the ropes. When Stryker returns, Storm throws out a spinning forearm. Stryker ducks another strike before continuing to run the ropes. When Stryker comes back, he knocks Storm off his feet with a spinning heel kick! He makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Stryker sits up Storm and applies an armbar. The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm shakes his head ‘no’. He turns over onto his knee before getting back to a vertical base. He then use his free arm to moves Stryker into the near ropes before shoving him off into the far ropes. When Stryker returns, he knocks Stryker down with a running shoulder block to the hurt arm! He quickly drops down into a lateral press.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Kris Cruise: Stryker has once again gone after the hurt arm of Tyler Storm.
Stryker pulls up Storm into a seated position and slaps on another armbar. The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. After battling back to a vertical base, Storm uses his free arm to scoop up Stryker and throw him down with a slam! But Storm flips down to the mat as Stryker never lets go of the hold. He turns over to his knees and keeps the armbar applied. Storm turns over to his knees before battling back to his feet. He moves Stryker into the near ropes before shoving him off into the far ropes. When Stryker returns, Storm throws out a yakuza kick. Stryker quickly catches the foot, knocks Storm off his feet with a leg sweep and flips back to hit a standing moonsault! The boos continue as he hooks the leg.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Kris Cruise: Another nearfall for Brian Stryker. Stryker is starting to find his groove in this match, Stephy.
Stephy Auger: Yes he is and that’s going to make it that much harder for Storm. It is still early and a fall hasn’t been decided yet. But Storm can’t like how this match has played out thus far.
Stryker pulls up Storm, hammerlocks the arm, rushes into the corner and throws Storm shoulder-first against the turnbuckles! The crowd boos when Storm drops down to a knee. Stryker rushes in front behind before delivering several stomps to the back of the shoulder. He then grabs a hold of Storm and slams him face-first into the middle turnbuckle. He pulls Storm to his feet, slams him face-first into the top turnbuckle and turns him around. After wrapping Storm’s shoulder around the top rope, Stryker grabs a hold of the wrist before delivering repeatedly shoulder blocks to the shoulder! The crowd boos while Storm yells out in pain.
Kris Cruise: Stryker now relentless with his assault!
Stephy Auger: It’s go big or go home! It’s all or nothing! Stryker isn’t stopping until he gets his long overdue Pride Championship match!
Stryker steps out onto the apron. He then takes Storm’s arm and applies a hammerlock around the top rope. The crowd boos Stryker while the ref gives him until the count of five.
Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FIV-
Storm takes his free arm and nails Stryker with a back elbow to the face. The crowd cheers when Storm nails Stryker with a second back elbow… then a third… followed by a fourth! While Stryker is momentarily dazed, Storm gets free of Stryker before heading into the far ropes. When Storm comes back, he runs across the ring and blasts Stryker with a bicycle kick, knocking Stryker off the apron and sending him flying back-first against the guardrail! The crowd cheers while Stryker slowly slumps down to a seated position.
Kris Cruise: What a kick by Tyler Storm! Brian Stryker got knocked off the apron and fell hard against the guardrail! This is the opening that Storm needed to get back into this match!
Stephy Auger: Yeah, but how is his arm going to hold up?
Storm favors his arm before dropping to a knee and rolling to the outside. He heads over and nails Stryker with a forearm strike to the face. Stryker is on the receiving end of another forearm to the face. After Stryker is pulled back to his feet, Storm hits him with a blistering knife edge chop. Storm leans forward before lifting Stryker up onto his shoulders. The crowd gasps and cheers when Storm tries to deliver an Alabama Slam on the floor. But Stryker reaches out and grabs the guardrail with both hands.
Stephy Auger: AH!
Kris Cruise: Storm’s nearly got him! But Stryker’ won’t let go!
Storm tries to move forward and pull Stryker off the guardrail. But Stryker is hanging on for dear life.
The crowd sighs and boos when Storm lowers Stryker down. The boos grow louder when Stryker pokes Storm in the eyes. While Storm leans forward and covers his eyes, Stryker takes advantage of the opening and rolls back inside. He then gets back to his feet and runs into the far ropes. When Storm stands back up and turns around, the crowd gasps before Stryker knocks him down with a springboard Shooting Star Splash!
Kris Cruise: Stryker takes out Storm with a Shooting Star Press to the outside!
Stryker grabs Storm and rolls him back inside. He then rolls back in and makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Stryker takes Storm, moves him back into the corner and delivers a hard forearm strike to the face. He pulls back before rocking Storm with another forearm to the face. Storm is on the receiving end of another forearm to the jaw before he’s sent into the far corner with an irish whip. Stryker rushes across the ring to attack when Storm ducks and lifts him up onto his shoulders.
Kris Cruise: Here we go, Stephy!
The crowd explodes with cheers while Stryker freaks out! He shakes his head ‘no’ while Storm tries to pull him out of the corner to hit an Alabama Slam. Stryker is hanging onto the ropes for dear life.
Kris Cruise: Stryker’s hanging on with all his might! He’s desperately trying to avoid that Alabama Slam!
Stryker continues to hang on… until Storm pushes forward and pulls Stryker off the ropes! He’s about to hit an Alabama Slam when Stryker’s able to slip out from behind with a modified sunset flip.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
Once both grapplers get back to their feet, Stryker throws out a kick to the midsection. Storm swats it down, counters with a back elbow to the face, then doubles Stryker over with a knee strike to the midsection. The Swiss Army Knife turns and hits the ropes. Storm returns, he jumps up and throws out a Scissors Kick. Stryker slips out of the way, grabs him from behind, runs and chucks Storm over the top rope while the crowd boos. While Stryker turns and holds his arms in the air, the boos turn to cheers after Storm lands safely on the apron. Storm then steps back into the ring unbeknownst to Stryker. As Stryker turns around, Storm rushes over and throws out a yakuza kick. The crowd boos when Stryker catches his foot. He then swings the leg away from him before catching Storm across the back of the head with a gamengiri. He then brings Storm down from behind with the Overdose (straight jacket shiranui)! He makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm gets his shoulder up.
Kris Cruise: Another two count for Stryker! We’re just shy of the ten minute mark in this contest and not a single fall has been determined.
Stephy Auger: Don’t you worry. Stryker is still softening him up!
Stryker picks up Storm and whips him into the ropes. When Storm returns, he ducks a clothesline from Stryker. He then continues to run the ropes. When Storm comes back, he ducks a back elbow from Stryker. Storm continues to run the ropes. When Storm returns, Stryker goes for a leapfrog. The crowd cheers when Storm stops, catches Stryker in mid air, turns and throws him down with a spinebuster! Storm stays on his knees before rolling across Stryker and hooking the near leg…
Kris Cruise: Storm caught Stryker and made him pay the price! He makes the cover!
ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!
The crowd boos when Stryker gets his shoulder up.
Kris Cruise: Only a two count for Storm. But he brought Stryker’s momentum to a screeching halt!
Storm picks up Stryker and whips him into the corner. Storm rushes in and goes for a spear when Stryker hoists his legs up and then hooks then behind Storm’s arms. The crowd boos as Stryker turns in the corner and places Storm in the Tarantula!
Stephy Auger: Do you hear him, Cruise? Tyler is screaming “I QUIIIIT! I QUIIIIIT!”
Kris Cruise: He is not! Even if he was, this is an illegal hold and you know it!
The boos continue while the ref gives Stryker until the count of five to break the illegal hold.
Ref: ONE… TWO… THREE… FOUR… FIV-
Stryker blatantly breaks the hold late. The ref scolds Stryker for pushing his luck. Stryker responds by cocking his fist back at the ref, forcing the official to back away from him. He then takes Storm and sends him into the far corner with an irish whip. Stryker runs across the ring, connects with a back elbow to the face and then follows up with a CSS Enzuigiri, sending Storm slumping down in the corner. Storm stays in the seated position while Stryker steps out onto the apron. Instead of climbing the turnbuckles in the near corner, Stryker makes his way along the apron before rounding the ring post in the adjacent corner. The crowd starts to stand up when Stryker climbs the turnbuckles.
Kris Cruise: What in the world is Stryker doing?
Stephy Auger: Don’t you see? Brian Stryker is about to take off! He’s about to go Coast to Coast!
Stryker stays in a crouched position while he measures the distance. He then slowly stands up on the top turnbuckle. The crowd holds their breath as Stryker leaps off for Coast to Coast…
… then erupts with cheers when Storm rolls out of the way, causing Stryker to crash into the corner!!!
Kris Cruise: Nobody was home! Stryker gambled and lost big time!
Stephy Auger: GAH!
Storm slowly rolls back inside. He takes Stryker and pulls him back to his feet. Stryker is then whipped hard into the far corner. After Stryker crashes into the corner, Stryker staggers over towards the center of the ring. Storm then scoops him up, turns and throws him down with a Blue Thunder Bomb! The ref slides into place for the count.
ONE!
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TWO!
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T-NO!
Stryker gets his shoulder up.
Kris Cruise: So close!
Storm picks up Stryker and doubles him over with another knee to the midsection. He then turns and hits the ropes. When Storm comes back, he sends Stryker flipping down to the mat after a Scissors Kick! He drops down and makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Stryker gets his shoulder up.
Storm picks up Stryker and nails him with a forearm strike to the face. A second forearm strike wallops Stryker. After Stryker is hit with a third forearm, Storm throws out a spinning forearm. The crowd boos when Stryker ducks and counters with a Pelé Kick. While Storm is dazed, Stryker gets to his feet and hits the ropes. When Stryker returns, Storm gets his arm around, swings around Stryker and slaps on a Sleeper Hold!
Kris Cruise: Tyler is trying to put Stryker to sleep! We’re at the fifteen minute mark, Stephy! We’re halfway home in this contest and not a single fall has been scored yet! But if Stryker taps out or gets put to sleep, you can put one down for Storm! A fall at this point in the match could be the deciding one!
Stephy Auger: Don’t you try and speak that into existence! There’s still plenty of time!
The cheers continue while Storm cinches in the hold. Stryker reaches out for the ropes. But he’s nowhere near them. He then tries to pull Storm’s arm from around his neck. But it’s to no avail. Stryker tries for a mule kick, but Storm intentionally keeps his legs together to prevent the low blow. Stryker then reaches up, grabs onto Storm’s shoulder and repeatedly leans forward to try and throw Storm off of him. But Storm keeps his balance, as well as the hold intact.
Kris Cruise: Stryker’s trying every trick in the book to get out of this hold. But he can’t break it! He can’t get free!
Stephy Auger: Come on, Stryker! Think of something! Quick!
Stryker reaches out and tries to grab the referee. But the official stays out of arm’s reach. He then asks Stryker if he wants to give up. Stryker refuses. So Storm squeezes even tighter! Stryker’s face is turning red! Stryker slowly reaches back out towards the ropes. But again, he’s nowhere close. The cheers get louder once Stryker drops to a knee!
Kris Cruise: He’s fading, Stephy!
Stephy Auger: Oh no!
The official gets down in front of Stryker and asks him if he wants to give up. Stryker slowly wags his finger at him. Storm then leans over Stryker to make the move even more uncomfortable. The capacity crowd can feel the end coming for Stryker. They can sense Storm getting the first and potentially match-deciding fall in this 30 Minute Ironman Match! The cheers get even louder when Stryker goes down to both knees.
Kris Cruise: Brian Stryker is in a bad spot now!nHe may be too proud to tap out. But whether he taps or gets put to sleep, it feels like we’re moments away from Tyler Storm getting the first fall in this contest!
Stephy Auger: Get up, Stryker! This is a shot at the Pride Championship we’re talking about here! You’ve come too far to fall short now! Come on!
Storm is squeezing as tight as he can! The official gets down in front of Stryker and asks him if he wants to give up. Stryker doesn’t respond. The ref then taps him of the shoulder. Stryker still doesn’t respond. So the ref holds up Stryker’s arm and let’s go. The crowd cheers when the arm fall down.
“ONE!”
The referee lifts up Stryker’s arm again before letting go. The crowd cheers when the arm drops down.
“TWO!”
The ref holds up Stryker’s arm again. The capacity crowd is at a fever pitch. Storm emphatically nods. He can feel the first fall coming. The ref then lets go of the arm and watches it fall. The cheers when the arm falls…
… only to let out a collectively gasp when Stryker’s arm stops halfway. Storm looks on in shock.
Kris Cruise: Wait just a minute!
Stryker keeps the arm held out… before slowly taking his hand and morphing it into a middle finger towards the crowd! The crowd erutps with boos.
Stephy Auger: AH HA HA! Tell up, Stryker!
Stryker keeps the flipped bird held out at the booing crowd as he slowly gets back to the feet. The boos turn into an explosion of cheers when Storm quickly slips to the side, takes Stryker and dumps him on his head with a Backdrop Driver!!!
Kris Cruise: Down goes Stryker! He just got dropped right on his head! That’s gotta be it right there!
ONE!
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TWO!
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THRE-NO!
The crowd gasps, then boos when Stryker gets his shoulder up. Storm is in disbelief.
Stephy Auger: Brian got his shoulder up! What a fighter!
Storm snaps out of it. He pulls Stryker back to his feet and sets him up from the side for another Backdrop Driver. The crowd boos when Stryker counters with an elbow to the back of the neck. Stryker then hits Storm with a second elbow… then a third… followed by a fourth. While Storm is doubled over, Stryker turns and heads into the ropes. When Stryker comes back, Storm knocks him off his feet with a bicycle kick! He drops down and makes the cover.
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 corner. He then charges in before following up with a clothesline. After moving Stryker out of the way, Storm climbs up onto the middle ropes and pulls Stryker into a front facelock. He sets up for a Tornado DDT when Stryker fights out of the front facelock and follows up with a rope-assisted gamengiri. While Storm is still seated on the top turnbuckle, Stryker starts to climb the ropes. Once Stryker gets to the top, he jumps onto Storm’s shoulders, flips back and brings him down with an avalanche hurricanrana! Stryker heads back out to the apron before climbing the turnbuckles. When Storm gets back to his feet and turns around, Stryker leaps off the top turnbuckle and knocks him down with a missile dropkick! The boos continue as he makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm gets his shoulder up.
Kris Cruise: Two count for Stryker! We’re past the twenty minute mark, Stephy! These two competitors are feeling a sense of urgency. Time is not on their side!
Stryker pulls up Storm and lifts him up for Stryke 2 (leg-hook Saito Suplex). Storm slips down from behind, turns Stryker towards him and throws out another spinning forearm. Storm whiffs on the blow after Stryker ducks. He quickly reaches back, grabs Storm and pulls him down with a falling neckbreaker. While Storm is still down, Stryker gets up and heads over into the corner. He starts to climb the turnbuckles when Storm turns over before getting back to his feet. As Stryker gets one foot on the top turnbuckle, Storm rushes over from behind, leans forward and lifts Stryker up onto his shoulders!
Stephy Auger: OH NO NO NO! NO! NOOO!
Kris Cruise: Storm’s got Stryker up onto his shoulders! He’s got him positioned for the Eye of the Storm! If he hits this, it’s over!
The crowd stands up with anticipation for the Eye of the Storm (Electric Chair Driver). Stryker tries to block by grabbing onto the top ropes. But Storm’s able to walk backwards out of the corner before Stryker can grab on to anything. Storm turns and heads towards the center of the ring. He’s about to drive Stryker down into the mat when Stryker counters with multiple 12-to-6 elbows across the top of the head. The boos continues when Stryker reverses into a victory roll.
ONE!
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TWO!
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Storm kicks out.
After both grapplers get back to their feet, Stryker doubles Storm over with a kick to the midsection. He sets up for a DDT when Storm grabs him, runs forward and rams him back-first into the corner. The cheers continue as Storm delivers multiple shoulder thrusts to the midsection with his good shoulder. Storm then hoists Stryker up onto the top turnbuckle before climbing the ropes. After getting on the middle ropes, Storm grabs Stryker and goes for a superplex. Stryker blocks. Storm then tries to muscle him up for another superplex. Again, Stryker blocks. Storm then lets go and nails Stryker with a forearm to the face. Stryker responds with a forearm of his own. Storm nails Stryker with another forearm to the face. Stryker answers back with another forearm of his own. Stryker blasts Stryker with a third forearm. He then rocks Stryker with yet another forearm. Storm motions for another strike when Stryker rakes him across the eyes. The boos continue as Stryker stands up on the top turnbuckle.
Stryker climbs up onto Storm’s shoulder, spins to face the same direction as him and then flips back. The crowd gasps when Stryker plants Storm with an avalanche poison rana!
Stephy Auger: Storm got dumped right on his head!
Stryker crawls back into the corner and slowly pulls himself up using the ropes. Meanwhile, Storm is struggling to push himself up on all fours.
Kris Cruise: How much does Storm have left him in! That move looked like it took a lot out of him!
When Storm stands up on his knees, Stryker turns to face him. Stryker then heads out of the corner before sending Storm head-first into the canvas with a spiking hurricanrana! The boos continue as he makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!
The crowd gasps, then cheers when Storm gets his shoulder up.
Stryker makes another cover on Storm.
ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!
Storm gets his shoulder up again.
Stryker pulls up Storm. He then grabs Storm, runs towards the corner and throws him shoulder-first into the ring post! A thud can be heard upon collision!
Kris Cruise: Oh come on!
Stephy Auger: Stryker is doing what he has to do to win!
Stryker steps out onto the apron. After pulling Storm through the ropes, he pulls Storm into a front facelock before planting him with a DDT on the apron! Another loud thud echoes throughout the arena!
Kris Cruise: DDT right onto the hardest part of the ring!
Stephy Auger: Storm’s bene dropped on his head over and over. I bet he doesn’t even know where he is right now!
Storm slowly slips off and drops to the mat. Stryker reaches down and rolls Storm back inside. After rolling back in, he makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!
The crowd cheers when Storm gets his foot on the bottom rope.
Kris Cruise: Only two! Great ring awareness there by Storm!
Stephy Auger: How was he not out after all of that?
Stryker gets up, drags Storm away from the ropes and makes the cover.
ONE!
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TWO!
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THR-NO!
Storm gets his good shoulder up.
Stryker slowly pulls Storm back to his feet… before quickly slipping behind him, taking control of the back and placing him in a Crossface Chickenwing!
Stephy Auger: YES! YES YES YES!
The boos continue while Storm groans in pain. The ref asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. So Stryker applies more pressure to the hold.
Kris Cruise: Storm’s in a bad spot here! We’re just about to cross the twenty five minute mark! This is not the position Storm wants to be in this late in the match!
Storm is heard groaning in pain while Stryker continues to attack the hurt shoulder with the submission. The official checks in with him again and asks him if he wants to give up. Storm shakes his head ‘no.’ Stryker then taunts Storm by repeatedly yelling at him to tap in his ear.
Kris Cruise: Less than five minutes remaining and Brian Stryker is in complete control! This is not good for Tyler Storm!
Stephy Auger: He’s either going to tap out or pass out from the pain! If Stryker can keep this hold locked on for the remainder of the match, he’s pretty much guaranteed the win!
Storm slowly reaches up with his free arm and tries to pull Stryker’s arm from around his neck. But it’s to no avail. The crowd erupts with boos when Stryker slowly locks his hands together. Storm howls in pain.
Stephy Auger: He’s really got it locked in now! It might be best for Tyler to just tap out and try to tie the match up within the remainder of this match. He’s not fighting out of this hold! There’s no way!
Stryker repeatedly tries to trip up Storm and bring him down to the canvas so he can lock a bodyscissors on. But Storm’s able to resist and retain his balance. Stryker becomes frustrated with Storm, so he throws him down with a Crossface Chickenwing Suplex!
Stephy Auger: Insomniac’s Dream!
While Storm is down on the mat, Stryker heads over towards the corner. He then grabs the ropes before leaping to the top, flipping through the air and crashing across Storm with a springboard Phoenix Splash! The boos continue while he hooks the leg.
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THRE-NO!
The crowd cheers when Storm gets his good shoulder up.
Stephy Auger: How in the hell was that not three!?
A frustrated Stryker heads back into the corner. He goes for another springboard Phoenix Splash. This time, Storm rolls out of the way, causing Stryker to crash onto the canvas. The crowd explodes with cheers after the miss!
Kris Cruise: Stryker missed!
Stephy Auger: Dammit!
Storm remains on his back while Stryker lays motionless in the prone position.
Kris Cruise: Both grapplers are down. There’s just a little over three minutes remaining!
The referee checks on Stryker before heading over to check on Storm. Nearly twenty seconds have passed and neither grappler has moved an inch.
Kris Cruise: Who is going to be first to their feet!?
The official continues to look or the first sign of movement between these two contenders while the crowd starts to rally behind Storm.
LET’S GO, TYLER!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
LET’S GO, TYLER!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
LET’S GO, TYLER!
*CLAP-CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP*
Both grapplers start to stir on the mat. Storm slowly turns over onto a knee. Meanwhile, Stryker slowly pushes himself up on all fours. Once both grapplers get back to their feet and turn around, Storm knocks Stryker back with a forearm strike. Storm pushes forward and knocks Stryker back with another forearm strike. A third forearm rocks Stryker. Storm then pushes Stryker against the ropes before hitting him with yet another forearm strike. He goes for an irish whip when Stryker reverses, sending him into the far ropes. When Storm returns, the crowd cheers when he knocks Stryker down with a yakuza kick! Stryker returns to his feet, only to get returned to the mat with another yakuza kick. After Stryker gets back up, Storm runs over and brings him down with a Sling Blade! The cheers continue as he makes the cover.
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!
Stryker gets his shoulder up.
Storm takes Stryker and whips him into the ropes. When Stryker comes back, Storm finally blasts Storm with a spinning forearm, turning Stryker inside out! He drops down and makes the cover.
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!
Stryker gets his shoulder up.
Storm picks up Stryker and lifts him up across his shoulders. Storm holds Stryker up in position for the Bite Wound (crucifix cutter). But Stryker kicks his legs before slipping down from behind. The crowd boos when Stryker follows up with Stryke 2! He makes the cover.
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THR-NO!
Storm gets his shoulder up.
Stryker takes Storm and whips him into the corner. He then runs across the ring before connecting with a jumping knee strike. The boos continue as Stryker turns Storm around and sits him down on the top turnbuckle. Stryker climbs up, sits down on the top ropes behind Storm and goes for a Spider Suplex. Storm blocks the move. Stryker tries to muscle him up for another Spider Suplex. Again, Storm blocks the move. Storm then nails Stryker with repeated elbows to the face. The last of which breaks the hold and causes Stryker to fall down into the Tree of Woe position.
Stephy Auger: AH!
Kris Cruise: Stryker is trapped!
Storm climbs down to the apron while Stryker remains in the Tree of Woe. Storm makes his way across the ring before rounding a ring post. He continues to walk down another side of the apron before stepping back into the ring. Stryker tries to sit up and free himself, but it’s to no avail. While Stryker hangs helplessly, Storm rushes across the ring, leaps into the air and nails Stryker right in the face with a Hesitation Dropkick, knocking Stryker out of the Tree of Woe! Storm pulls Stryker back to his feet before doubling him over with a knee to the midsection. Storm lifts Stryker up onto his shoulders, runs across the ring and throws him into the corner with a Buckle Bomb! After Stryker bounces out of the corner, Storm leans forward before lifting Stryker across his shoulders. The cheers continue as Storm heads towards the center of the ring before throwing Stryker down with authority with an Alabama Slam!
Kris Cruise: There it is! He finally hits it!
Stephy Auger: ONE MINUTE REMAINING!
While Stryker remains sprawled out on the apron, Storm staggers back before collapsing against the ropes. While the ropes are holding Storm up, Storm begins to wave his good arm up. He starts to wave up Stryker faster and faster. The capacity crowd buzzes with anticipation as Stryker slowly turns over on all fours. Once Stryker returns to his feet and turns around, Storm rushes forward and goes for a spear. The cheers quickly turn to gasps when Stryker leaps up and counters with a Guillotine Choke!
Kris Cruise: Storm got caught!
Stephy Auger: YES!
Stryker keeps the Guillotine Choke applied while locking the body scissors on. Stryker looks at the Video Tron and sees time running out. He emphatically shakes his head once he realizes that he’s got Storm with nowhere to go.
Stephy Auger: Less than forty seconds left! You’ve got this, Brian!
The ref asks Storm if he wants to give up. Storm refuses. The capacity crowd is freaking out. They want Storm to win. But they realize that he’s in no man’s land. Stryker squeezes as tight as he can.
Kris Cruise: Stryker’s got it cinched in now!
Stryker repeatedly yells at Storm to tap. The crowd gasps when Storm drops to a knee. Stryker starts to laugh once he feels the end is near. If Storm won’t tap, he’ll get choked out just in time!
Stephy Auger: Storm’s nearly out of it! Just a couple more seconds and Stryker will have choked him out!
The ref gets down and asks Storm if he wants to give up. He doesn’t respond. Looks of concern comes across fans in the crowd when Storm doesn’t respond to the ref after being prompted a second time. The ref raises Storm’s arm up and let’s go. The arm stays up! The crowd cheers as Storm wags his finger at the ref.
Kris Cruise: Storm’ still in this!
Stephy Auger: Is he? There’s twenty five seconds left!
Stryker shakes his head in disbelief as Storm slowly gets back to a vertical base. He then rushes forward and rams Stryker into the corner, breaking the hold! While Stryker writhes in pain in the corner, Storm stumbles back towards the center of the ring before dropping down to a seated position. An exhausted Storm slowly turns over on all fours. Once he gets back to his feet and turns around, Stryker charges out of the corner to attack…
… and gets speared for his troubles! The crowd explodes with cheers!
Kris Cruise: He got him! He got him!
Stephy Auger: Fifteen seconds!
Storm turns and looks at time winding down. He then pulls up Stryker and places him in an inverted headlock. He looks out the crowd and yells, “TIME TO…” The crowd quickly follows up with,
“BE WITNESS!”
The crowd cheers when Stryker gets clobbered across the back of the head with the Hybrid Crackdown (inverted headlock into rolling elbow)! After Stryker drops to a knee, Storm quickly grabs him by the back of the tights and pulls him back to his feet. He then leans forward and lifts Stryker up onto his shoulders.
Kris Cruise: TYLER DOESN’T HAVE MUCH TIME LEFT!
Stephy Auger: EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX!
Storm drives Stryker down with the Eye of the Storm!
ONE!
.
.
TWO!
.
.
THREE!
Tyler Storm -1
Brian Stryker - 0
* DING! DING!! DING!!! *
J.A. Aldridge: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Best of 5 Series… TYLER STORM!!!
“Eye of the Tiger (Metal Cover)” blasts throughout the arena. The cheers continue while the ref kneels down and raises the arm of an exhausted Storm.
