It was reassuring, at least, that Elina didn't target Fiona while she was sitting in her blind spot beside her. Fiona wasn't making any attempt to guard against her, and it seemed to confirm that she was willing to work together. Just like Elina predicted, however, Raven expected that strategy, and so far appeared to be enjoying the challenge.

Not hesitating long enough to have any second thoughts, Fiona led the charge again, going for a dropkick to Raven's chest. Raven deflected Fiona's boots to the side with her hands, avoiding any contact and letting Fiona drop to the mat on her rear. Her height advantage looked ten times as severe when Fiona was flat on her back with her opponent towering over her. Raven stepped forward for a stomp targeted at Fiona's midsection. Eyes wide, Fiona rolled sideways towards the corner, narrowly avoiding the hit.

Elina tried to take advantage of the opening, aiming to seize Raven by the arm and twist it, but again Raven escaped the attempt, shoving Elina back to the center of the ring. Raven tried to follow up with a high straight kick, forcing Elina to lean back, her reflexes and agility on display as she turned the dodge into a backwards cartwheel that got impressed cheers from her fans.

"Some fast exchanges here," Dan Rich commented, "but no hits landed just yet."

"They're taking these early moments to get a feel for each other," Rhonda pointed out. "Raven's showing a lot of confidence, but I think she knows she has to be careful here. One overextension, and Elina and Fiona could be unloading the hits on her."

Fiona came up to her feet, not liking the feeling of being this close to the corner. All week long she'd had it drilled into her head how quickly the match could become a disaster if she let Raven trap her in a corner. That said, she had a brief moment with Raven's back turned to her after her kick attempt towards Elina, and she decided to go for it.

Rushing forward, Fiona jumped into the air, trying to lock her legs around Raven's midsection from behind and secure a rear choke around her neck with both arms.