Back in the arena, the event staff move with deliberate restraint, quietly following protocol to stretch the schedule for as long as possible.
The ring announcer does not enter the ropes yet. In the red corner, the ringside physician continues examining Rikiya, shining a small penlight into unfocused eyes.
Up in the booth, the first commentator exhales slowly. "We're still waiting for the official confirmation, but this appears to be over. What a shocking turn."
The analyst nods, fingers steepled near his lips. "Aramaki was controlled for most of the fight. Outmaneuvered. Outread. And yet one explosive decision changed everything."
A pocket of local fans rises again, clapping in steady rhythm. They chant Aramaki's name, their voices proud, almost protective.
In the VIP section, several international guests exchange glances. A few promoters lean toward one another, murmuring beneath the polite applause.
"They're dragging this out. Too much dead air."
