[BACKSTAGE, High Flyer finishes taping his wrists. He slaps his right wrist and tosses the tape into his gym bag. He looks up across the room to his Team VIAGRA-mates, Tony Davis and Mary-Lynn Mayweather.]

HIGH FLYER: So, I've got this awesome shirt made. Can I show it to you?

[Before they can answer fully, Flyer starts digging in his gym bag.]

MLM: This isn't like that shirt you made with the BP CEO covered in oil, is it?

[Without verbally answering, High Flyer holds up a t-shirt. On the front, it says, "Whoops, I killed my sister." He flips it around. It says "Oh, Wait, That was Stalker." MLM crosses her arms over her chest. Tony Davis walks over and grasps the shirt by the sleeve.]

TONY DAVIS: This is a poor quality hem.

MLM: You can't be serious.

HIGH FLYER: I'm never serious. But you're probably right. That guy is already crazy. No need to poke the sleeping bear.

[Tony notices what the shirt says on the front.]

TONY DAVIS: Wait a second. You killed my wife?!?

[Flyer frowns, and flips the shirt to reveal the back to Tony.]

TONY DAVIS: STALKER KILLED MY WIFE?! Oh he's a dead man. Like my wife!

HIGH FLYER: Tony. Your wife is... 

[Flyer sighs, frustrated. Davis takes this as a dramatic pause and hangs on every word.]

HIGH FLYER: She's alive. This is about Stalker? Killing HIS sister? Remember?

TONY DAVIS: No. But I only remember pogs and leg warmers. Oooh! And funnel cake. Gotta get me some of that deliciousness.

[Tony promptly leaves the locker room without another word. Flyer rolls his eyes at Mayweather.]

HIGH FLYER: See why I can't get him employment at even a Jamba Juice?

[Flyer tosses the home made shirt into his gym bag, and stands to his feet. He cracks his knuckles.]

MLM: Jack. Be careful out there. You heard what he wants to do to you. 

HIGH FLYER: C'mon. I'm never careful. Not gonna start now.

MLM: I'm serious Jack. If it looks like your career's in jeopardy... I'm gonna throw in the towel.

HIGH FLYER: I knew you said that. That's why I've hidden every towel in the arena tonight. 

MLM: Every towel?

HIGH FLYER: Yes. Even the paper kind. WISH ME LUCK!

[Without another word, Flyer exits the locker room, ready to take on Stalker in the first round of the King of the Cage. This leaves Mary-Lynn behind to contemplate her situation.]

MLM: Huh. That's why I couldn't dry my hands in the woman's restroom... 

[Back to ringside]

TF: The following is a first round match in the King of the Cage tournament! The winner is the first man to score a pinfall, submission, or escape the cage by climbing over the top, or by going through the Zane Gate!

Introducing first…

(CUE UP: “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne! The fans go crazy as the high-octane superstar sprints from behind the curtain, pumping his fist and geeing up the fans)

TF: Weighing two hundred and twenty five pounds and currently residing in Los Angeles, California…

HIGH… FLYER!!

MN: He’s back! Yip!

DT: High Flyer’s making a return after getting stuck in Europe a while back and missing the triple threat. He scored a count-out victory over Rocko Daymon in his debut, no small feat getting a win over a former world champ and he’s looking to build on that success and make a name for himself here in Empire Pro.

DM: A seventeen year career – he’s got the experience to be big here, but Stalker looked like he wanted to tear him limb from limb when I saw him backstage before the show. Flyer should be careful.

TF: And his opponent…

(CUE UP: "Did my time" by Korn. Stalker walks out slowly, staring at the ring cracking his knuckles as he makes his way down the ramp. He tests the integrity of the cage, yanking at the side and muttering to himself)

TF: From Parts Unknown, he weighs two hundred and twenty four pounds…

STALKER!!

MN: I don’t think he approves of the cage.

DM: He’s an artist in these kinds of matches, where he can use the surroundings and the lack of rules to his advantage. He’s probably checking his canvas. 

DT: He’s sadistic, yes, but he’s had a lot of success and I’m surprised he hasn’t had gold yet. He’s got two chances in the later rounds to win singles gold but first he has to go through the veteran High Flyer. 

DM: It’s not too often we see people with this level of experience face off, so it could be good. 

DT: Stalker finally stepping through the Zane Gate, the referee on the outside locks the door – these two had a heated war of words and I don’t like to think how nasty it could turn.

(SFX: Ding Ding Ding!)

DT: High Flyer in at the bell with a forearm to the temple, Irish whip far side, off the ropes on the angle – headscissor take down! Stalker slides across the canvas, he’d’ve left the ring if the cage wasn’t there. Back down again off the standing drop-kick from Flyer!

MN: Yay! Flippy! Terrific.

DT: Stalker talked about taking out Flyer’s knee but High Flyer keeping the offence quick in the early going. Kick to the ribs, somersault leg drop across the back of the neck!

DM: Grabs Stalker by the head, monkey-flip and Stalker lands hard. Flyer runs the ropes, gets behind Stalker – neckbreaker!

DT: But no cover.

DM: He knows that he’s going to have an easier time escaping the cage than getting the fall over Stalker. He’s too tough to go down easily.

DT: Waiting on Stalker to get to his feet, hooks the head – side headlock take down, and he grinds in on the neck.

DM: This might work. You sometimes forget he’s not just an aerial general, he’s probably the most gifted technician currently on the roster. 

DT: I know a lot of fans are looking forward to seeing High Flyer take on the likes of the three champions, Fuse and others. Right now he’s in control with the headlock, but Stalker with a roll up – Flyer turns it back before any count is made, but Stalker’s managed to get his hands in there. 

DM: That’s a smart idea. Loosen the grip.

MN: Come on! I want blood! I normally love watching Stalker work but it’s been at least a minute without any hint of blood. 

DT: To be fair, High Flyer’s had Stalker rattled with some quick offence and this headlock. Stalker though does manage to work his way out and a hard shot to the back of the head with the forearm, diving into it putting all his weight into that shot. 

DM: He grabs Flyer, brings him to his feet but Flyer grabs the arm and over with a hip block takedown! Holding the armbar and shaking the cobwebs. Stalker’s not having much luck in the early going. 

DT: It’s kind of surprising. He’s back to his feet, Flyer still with a wrist lock – flying headscissor takedown! Keeping the headscissor applied on the canvas!

DM: Stalker is really looking annoyed. 

DT: Trying to power out of the hold, he’s… back down! Excellent athleticism from Flyer, as Stalker stood up he kept a headscissor-like hold applied and span on his own head to take him down!

(Stalker slams his fist into the mat in anger, unable to break the vice-like grip from High Flyer. After a while, knowing he can’t realistically win the match with a headscissor, Flyer releases the hold, kicking Stalker in the head as he rolls back to a vertical base and waits for the man from Parts Unknown to get back up. As soon as Stalker is almost standing, Flyer’s in again, this time with a shoulder tackle. He goes for an elbow drop, missing narrowly, but is up again quickly, ducking a wild right hook and slamming Stalker’s jaw into Flyer’s knee. Stalker stumbles back against the ropes as Flyer plays to the fans, but as the aerial ace moves in for the kill he’s met with a thumb to the eye and a kick that looks suspiciously low)

MN: There it is! Stalker finding the opening. 

DM: Grabs Flyer, right to the temple, kick to the knee, and a backbreaker. I don’t know whether we’re going to see strikes or grappling from Stalker. 

DT: Well he tried to go after the leg but High Flyer quickly kicked him off, he’s going to protect that knee as best he can. 

DM: Good luck. Aerial offence and good knees don’t stay friends for long. 

DT: Stalker comes in as Flyer’s against the ropes with a thumb to the eye. Irish whip far side, Flyer under the clothesline, comes back but taken over by a knee to the midsection and Stalker quickly in with strikes to the head. 

MN: That’s better. Can’t fly around if your brain’s been bashed in. 

DT: Stalker being admonished by the ref, he brings Flyer to his feet – and there’s the first use of the cage, ramming Flyer’s skull against the steel! Looks like he wants to do it again, forcing Flyer through the ropes. A right hand by Stalker, runs the ropes but Flyer slides through his legs! Stalker turns, Flyer with a forearm to the head, another one, off the ropes Yakuza 

DM: Misses. 

DT: High Flyer missing with the Yakuza kick and Stalker with a waistlock takedown and again, strikes to the head. 

DM: Short, hard and fast to the back of the head. Up, stomping on the knee. It was only a matter of time.

(After some insistence from the ref to let his opponent up, Stalker backs into the corner, running a hand over his face as he plans his next move. As High Flyer gets to his feet, Stalker charges in and connects with a running forearm which takes the 17 year veteran down. High Flyer gets up quickly but dazed, and gets met with a headbutt from the Fallen member)

DT: Flyer down against the middle rope, Stalker… Traylor Crash against the ropes! 

DM: And choking Flyer against the rope – Stalker enjoying his work it looks like.

DT: He loves violence. I think maybe he needs to join Omega in the pysch ward.

MN: Hey! That’s discrimination! 

DT: Sorry.

MN: Stupid. 

DM: Stalker waiting for High Flyer to get back to his feet – charges clothesline and both men out onto the apron!

DT: So far we’ve not seen either man try for a real pinfall or to escape the cage! Stalker just took Flyer and himself into the cage, they’re between the cage and the ropes as Dean said, and I think Flyer hit his head on the apron. 

MN: He won’t be flying now.

DT: Stalker bringing Flyer to his feet, rams his head into the cage wall, and look at him grating the eyes against the structure! It’s been all Stalker for the last few minutes, he trips Flyer – and smashes his leg and knee into the cage!

DM: This is actually pretty smart, there’s not a lot of room for Flyer to protect himself there and it’s legal. 

DT: It’s twisted! Stalker kicking at the back of the leg, hammering away with right hands to the knee. He’s got Flyer’s leg on the ring rope now, climbing the cage – and down with all his weight across the knee!

DM: And I think it’s just the pain but Flyer rolling into the ring – Stalker wasn’t very high up the cage but he was high enough for that to be a serious move. 

DT: He could walk right out the Zane Gate without having to worry, but Stalker following Flyer back into the ring. Kick to the knee, Stalker with the scoop – tree of woe in the corner!

DM: And look how he’s only put the one leg over the rope and onto the support? That’s put all of Flyer’s weight on the one knee, more pain, stretching the ligaments. 

DT: The referee trying to get Stalker to let Flyer down, but he’s stomping on the face of the Flyer! 

MN: He should just leave, this is getting pathetic. 

DT: High Flyer tied up in the corner, Stalker charges – but Flyer hits the mat and Stalker eats nothing by turnbuckle!

MN: DAMN REF!

DT: The referee doing his job and annoying Mike. Flyer’s free but what damage has been caused to the knee?

DM: We’ll find out. 

DT: Stalker recovered, Flyer up on one leg but Stalker with a headbutt. Grabs Flyer and almost rips his face off there before kicking the leg out. Brings him back – double arm DDT!

MN: Ring the bell!

DT: Stalker with a sick smile on his face, rocking back and forth on the canvas – what the hell is going through his head?

DM: I don’t know and I don’t want to know, but he’s wasting time. 

MN: Nah, it’s all in hand. 

DT: Stalker’s back to his feet, he’s still swaying – I think he’s finally lost it. 

(Bringing his opponent to his feet, Stalker drags him to the opposite side of the ring from the Zane Gate. Stalker steps through the ropes and stuns Flyer with a right hand, which he follows by smashing his head into the turnbuckle, and hooks his head, looking for something big against the cage – but whatever it is isn’t to be as Flyer, in desperation, drops down and snaps Stalker’s throat off the top rope! Stalker slingshots back, his head hitting the cage, and with a rush of adrenaline Flyer sprints to the far side, hitting the ropes and coming back with a flying headbutt over the ropes that sends both men crashing to the apron against the cage! Several fans in the front row try to leave their seats as Flyer flies through the air, but fortunately the cage holds firm)

DT: What a move! On a hurt knee to launch himself over the top and headbutt Stalker!

DM: This could be the break he’s been waiting for. 

DT: I think he hit his knee against the support strut though. Flyer’s rolled back into the ring, he’s holding the knee but he’s calling for the Zane Gate to be opened – does he think he’s knocked Stalker out!?

MN: No way.

DM: I think Flyer realises his knee’s not going to take too much of a concerted attack and there’s no use in dragging the match out unnecessarily – if he can get the win now it’s all good.

DT: Staggering to his feet, he’s about half way to the Gate!

MN: But Stalker’s there!

DT: Stalker coming in behind Flyer, Flyer almost at the Gate – but a side Russian legsweep takes him down. 

DM: And the Zane Gate closes again. 

DT: High Flyer hoped he’d done enough with that fabulous flying headbutt but it wasn’t to be – but he did manage to bust Stalker open!

DM: I didn’t notice but you’re right – maybe he hit his nose?

MN: Oh, he’s gonna pay for that. 

DT: Stalker sees the blood on his hand – and he’s laughing?

DM: This isn’t good. 

DT: Stalker laughing at the blood – and he just smashed his elbow into the head of High Flyer! No waiting, no measuring, just repeated shots with the point of the elbow directly to the temple!

DM: And choking him. Don’t forget choking.

DT: Stalker has snapped! Circling the ring, waiting on Flyer to get up – punt to the ribs!

MN: Chortle. 

DT: High Flyer sent across the ring with that kick. Stalker grabs him, standing headscissor – sitout piledriver!

DM: I don’t know how Flyer can hope to take this punishment, Stalker attacking the head and knee, alternating for the last several minutes. 

DT: He’s tough. High Flyer trying to catch his breath as the referee admonishes Stalker, but he just barges past! Grabs Flyer – through the ropes into the cage!

MN: Not too hard! Don’t throw him through the thing!

DT: Stalker catching his breath, taking his time now. Grabs Flyer over the ropes, measures – blocked! Flyer with a right hand! Stalker, blocked! Flyer! Flyer! Right hands, headbutt… DRAGONRANA!!

MN: CRAP!!

DT: High Flyer with a springboard dragonrana! I don’t believe it! 

DM: Believe it. 

DT: He’s holding the knee, backed up against the ropes – Stalker back to his feet, charges, Flyer ducks under, Backstabber!

MN: Oh come on! Where the hell does someone that almost crippled get the energy?!

DT: Never count out someone like Flyer! He waits for Stalker, waiting – Codebreaker!! Codebreaker!!

DM: Out of nowhere!

DT: Stalker hits the ground hard, Flyer’s got a clear shot at escaping!

DM: He’s already at the cage, but why’s he going over? Can his knee even take it?

DT: High Flyer trying to climb the cage, he might’ve been better off going through the door or at least using the ropes for help. Stalker is stirring, I think Flyer left it too close to the point of impact. Stalker… he’s up and grabbed the leg of Flyer!

DM: Thought so. 

DT: Trying to yank Flyer off the cage, Flyer with a kick to the head. Stalker staggers back, Flyer – POWERSLAM!!

MN: YES!!

DT: Stalker with a powerslam as High Flyer came off the cage with a cross body attempt! Holy hell!

DM: You said it! That took a lot of power, especially with Flyer coming from that height and the impact was huge!

DT: Stalker taunting Flyer, he’s right by the Zane Gate!

MN: Yes! Who called it, baby?

DT: Stalker with one foot on the apron, he’s going to – close the door?!?

MN: THE HELL!?!

DT: Stalker just pulled the door shut! I think he’s not done yet!

DM: We’ll see if that costs him.

DT: Stalker coming back to the middle of the ring, grabs Flyer’s leg and kicks at the back of the knee. Elbow drop to the knee, floats over and hammers away at the skull!

DM: I cannot understand why he didn’t just walk out the door.

DT: Who knows what goes on in his head? Irish whip into the corner, charges – big running knee! Lifts Flyer up again, Irish whip, reversed! Stalker hard into the corner, back out, leg lariat from Flyer!

DM: Looks like I was right, Stalker was an idiot for not winning when he had it won. 

DT: High Flyer is breathing heavily, he looks groggy and his knee’s hurting – but he’s back to his feet! Stalker’s up, Flyer in – snap suplex! Flyer back up – standing moonsault!

MN: Come on, Stalker! Just crush him already!

DT: High Flyer doesn’t want to make the same mistake he did earlier, going away from Stalker to try and climb the cage this time. Stalker’s spotted him though, Flyer isn’t very high up the cage. Stalker grabs the leg and drives the knee into the wall.

DM: Climbing up with Flyer. 

DT: Smashes Flyer into the cage, Flyer still hanging onto the cage. Stalker climbing the cage, Flyer going with him, shot to the ribs by Flyer! Kick by Flyer!

DM: Thumb to the eye by Stalker. 

DT: These two men have hit each other hard in this match, they’re almost at the top of the cage – Flyer smashes Stalker against the top of the cage! He’s toppling! He’s swaying!

MN: DON’T FALL!

DT: Stalker… elbow to the back of Flyer’s head!

MN: NOW JUMP! GET OUT OF THERE AND WIN!

DT: Stalker with another shot to Flyer, he’s trying to get his leg over – one leg’s out of the cage!

MN: Stalker’s gonna win it baby!!

DT: Stalker just needs to climb over – but Flyer with a hand on his boot!

MN: Bootlicker!!

DT: Stalker trying to shake Flyer loose, he’s looking down at the arena floor but Flyer’s at the top of the cage too! Both men on the cage, one leg over!

DM: Right hand from Stalker, right from Flyer! This is dangerous.

DT: Both men teetering on the top of the cage. Flyer with a right, thumb to the eye by Stalker, smashes Flyer’s head into the cage. 

MN: HA! Throw him back inside and it’s an easy win!

DT: Stalker has Flyer by the hair, look at the grin on Stalker’s face!

DM: But what’s he saying to him? I can’t see it.

DT: Stalker taunting Flyer, pointing to the arena floor, the fans – HOLY ****!!!

(SFX: CRASH!!!!)

(SFX: ding ding ding ding)

DT: STALKER JUST THREW HIGH FLYER FROM THE TOP OF THE CAGE!! STALKER JUST LITERALLY THREW HIGH FLYER FROM THE TOP OF THE DAMN CAGE TO THE FLOOR!!

MN: What the hell…

DT: High Flyer hit the floor hard, his leg hit the guard rail – the referee’s called for the bell… what the hell just happened?

MN: Dean? Dean?

DT: Folks, Dean Matthews is heading to check on High Flyer… Stalker is sat on top of the cage, he’s laughing… what the hell has happened?!

MN: Do we even have a winner?

DT: How can you even think about that at a time like this? High Flyer could have just broken his back!

MN: Just saying. 

DT: The referees’re calling for some help… I… I’ve never seen someone thrown from the top of the cage to the arena floor! 

TF: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the match… by escaping the cage… 

HIGH… FLYER!!

MN: Crap!

DT: High Flyer’s been announced as the winner but… after that fall… will he even be able to make it to the second round? Will he even be able to walk again? He could have broken his back or his hip with that fall! Can we just cut to commercials, please!

(The camera shows EMTs checking High Flyer as the referees and Dean Matthews, and the front row who narrowly avoided being hit, look on before panning to show Stalker laughing at the top of the cage)