match started hot and heavy, with Joe landing several hard blows on Cage. The action was so intense that it wound up in the seats with Joe tossing Cage into a wall. The action finally made it's way back to the ring with Joe in firm control. Cage quickly turned the tables, DDT'ing Joe onto the ring apron. Joe tried to fire back with a Muscle Buster, but Cage escaped and hit a reverse DDT for a nearfall.

Joe fought back to a vertical base and went to town on Cage, eventually locking in an STF and then a crossface, however Cage was able to roll through and force Joe to break the hold. Some back and forth action led to Cage getting speared off the ring apron andto the floor by Joe. Cage tried to leave, but was stopped by Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Senshi and Petey Williams. Joe hit a huge powerslam on Cage, but Rudy Charles was out of position and by the time he got back it was too late as Cage barely kicked out.

Joe went to hit Cage with a running boot, but instead caught Charles knocking him out. Joe went for another dive on Cage to the outside, but was met with a steel chair. Cage went for the cover, but realized that Charles was out cold. Cage went for another chair shot, but missed and was hit with a Muscle Buster for a near fall. Joe went for the rear naked choke, but was low blowed. Joe fought back,