Before: Most one-sided bout of the stablewar on paper pits seasoned veteran Jewel against nubile newcomer Nichols in what Tractorpull deems a "transparent attempt by Tech to occupy Jewel's heavy hands on a decoy, allowing Jennifer Connelly to thrust unimpeded towards the championship." Fight also means that Kristanna Loken sits out the stablewar - another canny ploy by Tech?

"Not at all," plucky Nichols insists. "Either Laetitia or Jessica is perfectly capable of defeating Loken - Kris simply didn't fit into the grand plan for this evening. As for Jewel - she may punch a ton, but she's shorter than me and I think she'll be surprised at how strong I am. She's not going to bully me: I won't have it."

Kilcher wanting to set a dominant tone - lead off fight thought to be an important psychological driver by strategists on both sides. "I just want to hurt her quickly, and finish her," Jewel says. "I don't want to let her get any confidence or pull off any surprises. I see what she's got - I'm ready for it and by the time I'm done - Tech will by 0-1 against us and already stumbling downhill!"

Jewel in bright baby blue bandeau bikini top, navy bottoms, slick puncher's ponytail. Nichols in red bikini with black fishnets, messy puncher's ponytail with bangs framing her face.

During R1: Rachel looking to establish jab, but she's pushing it, not snapping it - easy for Jewel to bob and weave. Kilcher encroaching behind her frame defence, right hand securing her temple, jamming left jab harsh off her shoulder - she forces Nichols to ropes, plows in strong to fight off lanky beautie's chest bell to bell. Rachel open-mouthed, bug-eyed, shaken by Jewel's bashing ribwork - Nichols trying to keep her head close to Jewel's, pulling down on the back of Kilcher's neck with either hand as Kilcher hammers away methodical.

R2: Similar stuff - Nichols with the right game plan, but she's too gangly/deliberate in execution: Jewel's on top of her before Nichols can get her act together. Crowded to ropes - blue bikini attacking red with systematic, clubbing strokes - Nichols covering up, whining as fists smash against her head and shoulders. Three thick, walloping hooks to the waist - Jewel just setting and torquing 'em in - wrench a sobbing wail from Nichols' lips. Groaning, Rachel sinks to all fours, head bowed. Kilcher stalking expressionless to neutral corner as Krusher lasses all clap, whistle and hoot in approval.

R3: Some lanky scrubbing from Nichols momentarily pestering Jewel - Rachel clanging away long lefts and rights in gangly rub-a-dub, buffetting and drubbing away on Jewel's rigid guard. Kilcher jabs her way through it - jamming that stiff stick into Rachel's chest, moving it up to her face - Nichols manoeuvered to ropes once again, covering up earmuff and putting out the 'for sale' sign on her ribcage. Kilcher in close, pressing her cheek against either Nichols shoulder to work the body from fresh angles - good numbing abuse dished out as Jewel stays on top, bangs away for her third straight round.

R4: Nichols mouthbreathing, moist-eyed - she's hurt in her body, looking frazzled as she lopes to her right, hands low. Casta standing at ringside, clapping loudly and shouting encouragement: Kilcher stalking behind the frame defense, walking Rachel down, busting her that shattering jab to drive taller girl ropeside. Nichols earmuffs up: Jewel squares away, bashes at the dregs. Jewel very methodical - using her extended left elbow/shoulder to nudge and prop; smashing rights and lefts to the chest/biceps/ribs of her foe, then jerking short, hurtful uppercuts off the body in hopes of penetrating the wilting guard. Final minute - Nichols being bounced off the ropes and battered - withering body shots soften her up for a routine right uppercut on the face and RACHEL GOES DOWN! Just a short, digging shot between the mitts - Rachel upright for a heartbeat then dropping straight down to her hands and knees. She's up at 10 but swaying badly, clearly ruined - ref waves this thing off and hugs poor Rachel to safety. KO4 Jewel Kilcher to open the stablewar with a thunderclap.

After: Confident grin, Jewel: High fives as Krusher vixens take the ring and congratulate their lead off hitter. Jessica Simpson hamming it up, pantomiming a broom as she sweeps at the Tech bench, earning glares of hate from blushing, humiliated Techettes. Casta up, clapping, walking up and down the bench: she wants spirits high - Nichols was a sacricial pawn in the great game and everyone knows it. Krusher's form chorus line and do a little high-kicking at the TU bench: Krusher ladies laughing, giddy as schoolgirls as everything's going according to plan thus far.