Coverage

Mitchell’s Ring of Honor Report! (4/7/18)

Published

6 years ago

April 12, 2018

Steven Mitchell

ROH WRESTLING TELEVISION, Episode 342

All images courtesy of the Fite.TV app and streaming service

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Punishment Martinez VS Shane Taylor; Martinez wins.
Jay Lethal VS Caprice Coleman; Lethal wins.
Triple Threat: Cody VS Christopher Daniels VS Matt Taven; Taven wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Punishment Martinez VS Shane Taylor!

Two of the literally biggest men in ROH do battle on Supercard of Honor Weekend to prove who is the superior monster. The Notorious Hitman has #Knockouts4Everybody, but will that keep him from being sent #SouthofHeaven?

The bell rings but no Code of Honor between these two. Taylor talks trash at Punishment, but the Reincarnation of the Purple Mist is ice cold as Taylor calls for a test of strength. Fans chant “Punishment! Punishment!” which Taylor notices. He shrugs it off and eggs Punishment on, and they tie up. Taylor knees low but he can’t push Punishment back. Punishment bridges back then powers up, but Taylor trips him to a cover. ONE, ONE, then Punishment kip-up and turns Taylor around. Punishment steps over, gets a headlock then shifts to the back and tries jumping onto Taylor’s shoulders, but Taylor slips out and shoves him away. They collide, Taylor staggers back but rebounds on the ropes to hit back, Punishment also rebounds to rock Taylor with a right hand!

Taylor checks his teeth, and they both smirk. Taylor hits back, but Punishment stands up. Punishment throws hands but Taylor evades, then Taylor throws hands but Punishment evades. Both men go evasion for evasion and we have a stand-off. Fans applaud while the two circle. Taylor gets a body shot but Punishment gets a back elbow. Punishment goes to whip but Taylor blocks and reverses. Punishment evades Taylor’s attacks, but his crossbody is caught! Taylor pops Punishment up on his shoulder but Punishment slips out, to then shove Taylor at the ropes. Punishment wants the hip toss but Taylor blocks that, too, so Punishment ducks the clothesline to give one of his own. Taylor stays standing, so Punishment boots him. Taylor is still standing as he retaliates with a swift left! Punishment stays standing, but Taylor whips him and follows, evades another boot, then clotheslines Punishment out of the ring.

Taylor sees Punishment still on his feet so he builds speed! Punishment hops up onto the apron, only to get blasted off it by Taylor! Taylor keeps moving, but he runs into Punishment’s roundhouse! Taylor staggers while we go to break.

ROH returns just as Taylor throws Punishment with a Fall Away Slam!

Then he adds a cannonball in the corner! And a cannonball from the apron! The Hitman topples Punishment over! He drags Punishment up into the ring, then climbs up to the top. Punishment gets up and rocks Taylor with a right, then throws him down in a Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Punishment is not bothered, he takes aim at Taylor from across the ring. He runs corner to corner and leaps, but his splash is caught by Taylor! Taylor carries Punishment to the center of the ring, but Punishment slips out and boots him back into the corner. Punishment runs in, big corner splash hits this time, and so does the roaring forearm.

Punishment hits Taylor again, then whips him corner to corner. Taylor reverses and scoops Punishment up, but Punishment again slips out. Punishment ear-claps Taylor but Taylor hits back with a back elbow. Both men stagger, but Punishment grabs Taylor around the throat. Taylor takes advantage of Punishment’s bad eye to break free and rock him with a knee. Punishment goes down, Taylor shoves him back and gives him another knee! Taylor drags Punishment up, whips him, and choke slams Punishment!

Taylor essentially steals Punishment’s move, then runs for the big splash! TWO, and Taylor can’t believe it. Taylor stands up while Punishment is slowly stirring. He loads up, but Punishment boots away the punch to then SUPERKICK and spinning roundhouse Taylor out of the ring! Punishment sees Taylor is still on his feet, but dazed, so Punishment builds speed and FLIES!

The fans fire up for Punishment and he drags Taylor up and into the ring. Punishment enters and sees the attack coming, he spins Taylor around for HIS South of Heaven Choke Slam!

Cover, Punishment Martinez wins!

Winner: Martinez, by pinfall

But Punishment is not one for having his hand raised by a referee, Todd Sinclair barely gets away from Punishment’s wrath. Who else will suffer the wrath of Punishment on his path towards the ROH World Heavyweight Championship?

Coleman’s Pulpit returns!

The Most Versatile Man in this Sport Today has the most exciting episode ever! He finally gets a guest he’s been after for so long, it’s Jay Lethal!

As originally seen on February 5th via ROH’s YouTube channel, Coleman sits down with Lethal, but Lethal lets Coleman know that he’s not a big fan of the Pulpit. Coleman gets people on here just to ask ridiculous questions and say ridiculous things, all to poke and dig at them. Lethal won’t let that happen, he’s only agreed to do this show because the ROH administration asked him to, and because Coleman agreed to only ask two questions. Better make those questions count. Coleman is too busy being excited about having Lethal on the show. Who cares about all his other guests? All Coleman sees is a ratings boom! Coleman checked Lethal’s Wikipedia page, and has all this material. Lethal reminds him, only two questions, so make them good.

Coleman starts with how Lethal lost the ROH World Heavyweight Championship in August, 2016. Lethal’s goal in 2017 was to get it back, and the same for 2018. Is that Lethal’s goal in 2019, too, seeing as how Lethal still doesn’t have the ROH WHC back? First off, Lethal’s goals are none of Coleman’s concern. But yes, Lethal wants that title back, which is something Coleman will never know anything about, acting like this. Lethal has beat wrestlers Coleman can only dream of beating. Coleman has read the Wikipedia page, so he knows Lethal’s resume.

Lethal brings up that Jay Briscoe was undefeated for two years before Lethal beat him. Lethal won a double-header on PPV, never before seen in ROH. He even came back from a brutal beating that hospitalized him, and was humiliated when he was shaved bald on TV, all for the ROH world title. And Lethal won’t change a thing, because that title means you are the greatest in the world, no matter what. Coleman respects Lethal, and he remembers seeing those moments, especially the one with the hair. That was rough, since Lethal was losing anyway. Lethal doesn’t like Coleman’s tone, so Coleman moves on to his next question.

Lethal wrestled Ric Flair, who cares. He wrestled Sting, who cares. Kurt Angle, not bad. Coleman finds what he was looking for! Lethal’s relationships: he dated AJ L– Don’t go there. Coleman laughs it up even as Lethal slaps the papers away. This is why Lethal didn’t want to be on this “garbage” talk show. It will never get the ratings Coleman wants with how he tries to humiliate his guests. Lethal is furious with Coleman’s laughing fit, but Coleman “apologizes”. Lethal takes off his mic and storms out. Coleman is still highly amused with himself as he closes the Pulpit, “the place where I find out the truth, and the truth will help you, see you later. Ratings!” He may be all laughs now, but will Coleman be feeling good about this after he and Lethal have their match tonight?

SoCal Uncensored’s Frankie Kazarian speaks.

The Heavy Metal Rebel speaks to Hiromu Takahashi of Los Ingobernables de Japon. Once upon a time, the Ticking Timebomb was an ally of The Addiction, “fighting the good fight”, and learned many things from them. In this business, it’s called “getting a rub.” But now he’s in Japan, blowing up, successful and doing it all right, but he brings a stuffed animal to the ring? Daryl the Cat has the “marks” entertained, but not Kaz! Kaz thinks Daryl is stupid and “sucks”! After Kaz beats Hiromu 1v1, he’s going to take Daryl and shove him down Hiromu’s throat! Hiromu may be the ticking timebomb, but Kaz is the “gun you can’t unload”. Who will be left standing when these two explosive elements collide?

Jay Lethal VS Caprice Coleman!

The Franchise Player of ROH gets a chance at payback over the humiliation The Ambassador of the Grind attempted on his talk show! Who will have the last laugh before Supercard of Honor?

But Coleman doesn’t wait for the bell, he attacks Lethal from behind!

Lethal goes down while the bell rings, and Coleman goes out to attack Lethal again. Lethal hits back! They brawl on the outside among the streamers, and Lethal gets the edge with a chop and haymakers. Lethal snap suplexes Coleman to the floor! Coleman fights back with chops of his own, then stalks Lethal around the corner. Coleman gives another sharp chop. The referee tries to get this back in the ring but the two keep brawling. Lethal chops Coleman again and again, and again! He hits Coleman with a European Uppercut, then brings him around to sit him in a chair. Lethal gives another chop and Coleman spasms. Coleman hits back then chops back, but Lethal comes back with more chops, this brawl gets wild! Lethal kicks and gives Coleman a jackhammer suplex to the floor!

Fans fire up while Lethal looms over Coleman. They finally go inside the ring, but Coleman rolls quickly back out. Lethal follows but Coleman is on him with a kick and haymakers. Coleman brings Lethal around and whips, Lethal reverses, but Coleman uses the post to swing back around to dropkick Lethal down! Coleman composes himself before grinding his boot into Lethal’s neck. He drags Lethal up but Lethal pushes him into the apron before giving him another sharp chop. Lethal brings Coleman around for more chops, but Coleman hits back again. Coleman chokes Lethal at the apron but Lethal powers out and kicks Coleman low before putting him back in the ring. Coleman tries to swing out and dropkick Lethal again, but Lethal evades to enziguri Coleman down!

Lethal gets back in the ring while Coleman staggers, he builds speed, but Coleman gets out of the way. Lethal slides out and pursues, they both go back into the ring, and Lethal throws Coleman out onto the apron, for the triangle dropkick! Coleman tumbles down and Lethal builds up speed, to DIVE!

The Franchise is in control while we go to break.

ROH returns to Lethal still in control of Coleman. He brings Coleman up into a corner and chops again. Lethal whips but Coleman reverses, but Lethal boots Coleman back and knocks him down with the calf kick. Cover, TWO, but Lethal keeps his cool. He whips Coleman but Coleman holds the ropes. Lethal tries again but Coleman breaks free and throat chops Lethal. Coleman hits the STO, covers, TWO! Coleman catches his breath, a little frustrated, and puts Lethal in a chinlock on the mat. He grinds and squeezes Lethal but fans build to a rally.

Lethal works his way to his feet and fights out of the hold, but Coleman clubs him down with a double ax handle. Coleman grinds his foot into Lethal and holds on until the count of 4. He brings Lethal back up and whips him to ropes, but Lethal kicks Coleman away and then unloads more of those chops! Lethal calls for it, runs and handsprings, but into the cobra clutch and Russian leg sweep! Coleman holds on as he rolls it over to a cobra crossface!

Lethal endures as Coleman wrenches back. Lethal drags himself towards ropes, but Coleman wrenches back, so Lethal rolls the hold, only for Coleman to roll it back! Coleman wrenches as deep as he can, but Lethal powers up to his feet. Coleman swings Lethal out and avoids Lethal’s retaliation to hit a cravat cutter! Cover, TWO! Lethal rolls but Coleman brings him up.

Coleman whips but Lethal holds onto ropes, so Coleman unloads an overhand chop. Coleman tries again, but Lethal still holds on, so Coleman chops him again. The whip is denied a third time, and now Lethal dares Coleman to give him the chop. Coleman chops and chops, then Lethal turns it around to chop away on Coleman! Coleman pokes Lethal in the eyes. He whips Lethal corner to corner, then runs in, but Lethal avoids it. Coleman tumbles but lands on his feet, only to stagger backwards into Lethal’s torture rack lift. Lethal bends and stretches Coleman in the “Lethal Rack”, but Coleman rakes his eyes again. Coleman wrenches and heel kicks Lethal, but Lethal avoids the jump kick and the clothesline to handspring, LETHAL INJECTION!

Cover, Lethal wins!

Winner: Lethal, by pinfall

The Franchise shuts Coleman up with this victory right here. Between Supercard of Honor’s ROH World Tag Team Championship match with The Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the coming ROH Masters of the Craft special, can Lethal gain momentum that will take him back to the ROH World Heavyweight Championship?

The WOH Championship participants speak.

Kelly Klein knows “Mayu Iwatani is a tremendous addition to the Women of Honor Championship Tournament. Her list of accolades and accomplishments speak for itself.” Mayu Iwatani responds with that as a member of Stardom, she is excited to be part of this tournament to crown the very first ROH Women of Honor Champion. But Kelly wants to know if anyone thinks that Mayu or anyone else is going to step into her ring, the ring Kelly has dominated for over two years, and stop her? Mayu vows to win and “build the value of the belt” by defending it both in America, in Japan, and around the world. Kelly tells Mayu that she is definitely a star, but she is the next star Kelly will “knock out of the sky.” Mayu recaps her defeating HZK and Deonna Purrazzo, so in this third round, Kelly Klein, “I kick your ass.”

Meanwhile, the newest recruit to the WOH Division, Tenille Dashwood, puts the spotlight on herself as she admits the competition has been tough. That’s exactly why she came to ROH: “to work my way to becoming a champion and to show the world exactly how good I am.” Her opponent, Sumie Sakai, is so happy to fight for a chance at the WOH Championship in this tournament. She swept Oeda Tai, Hana Kimura and Kagetsu, while Emma defeated Stacy Shadows and Brandi Rhodes. They meet in the semifinals, and while they respect each other, Tenille lets everyone know she’s going to do everything she can to advance. Sumie “always loved wrestling in Japan”, but coming to ROH changed her life. She gets a bit emotional as she vows to win this tournament.

Which one of these four will make it to the finals and win it all at Supercard of Honor?

Triple Threat: Cody VS Christopher Daniels VS Matt Taven!

Before The American Nightmare settles things with The Cleaner, before SoCal Uncensored takes on Flip Gordon & The Young Bucks, and before The Kingdom tries to kill the conspiracy, the three big factions in ROH pit their leaders against each other! Or at least a self-proclaimed leader in Cody. Which captain will capture a win for their team going into New Orleans?

Wait a minute, who is this Cody is bringing out with him? Is that a new Bury the Bear? Cody snatches a mic and has the music stop so the formal announcement can be made: Apparently, this is Burnard the Business Bear. Hopefully Cody knows who is in the costume this time. Fans chant “Bear Up!” while things settle down with a commercial break.

ROH returns with the ring of the bell, and the three men watch each other closely as they circle. Taven and Daniels corner Cody, but Taven kicks Daniels! He tries to swing on Cody right after, but Cody sees that coming, and counters with the headlock and punch. Cody whips Taven, Taven ducks the punch but runs into Daniels’, and then Cody gets his. Taven bounces between Daniels and Cody as they punch him back and forth. The cycle ends with Cody kicking low and dropping down for the uppercut, then Daniels hits Taven with a back suplex. Daniels clotheslines Taven out of the ring, and now we revisit the feud of two former ROH world champions.

Cody and Daniels circle, tie up, and Cody gets the headlock. Daniels powers out and things speed up, they collide shoulder to shoulder but neither man falls. They run and collide with clotheslines, but again neither man falls. They trade forearms back and forth while Taven climbs up to the top rope, Taven flies in to missile dropkick them both down! Daniels and Cody roll out of the ring while Taven embraces the cheers and jeers. Taven sees Cody coming and bumps him away, then sees Daniels and does the same. Cody and Daniels are together, Taven builds speed, but Cody and Daniels get clear of his wrecking ball dropkick. Taven avoids Daniels’ clothesline and Daniels runs into Cody’s punch. Cody sees Taven running in and throws him with a back drop!

Daniels tries to get back in the ring but Cody yanks him back out for an overhand chop. Cody puts Daniels back in the ring then shakes hands with Burnard before reentering himself. Cody kicks Daniels, suplex, and he holds Daniels up before dropping him with a gord buster. The American Nightmare flexes, then keeps on Daniels with punches. He whips Daniels but Daniels reverses, Cody dodges to then DIVE on Taven!

Taven goes down but Daniels goes to the apron. Daniels kicks Cody away before hitting the Arabian Moonsault!

Daniels wipes Cody out but Taven pounces by pushing Daniels into a post! Taven picks up his walking stick, gives it a kiss, and swings at Cody but Cody ducks and retaliates with a kick. Cody puts Taven in the ring and picks up that walking stick for himself. Referee Todd Sinclair stops Cody from using it, which Cody protests. Cody turns around into Taven’s spinning bicycle kick! Taven drags Cody up and whips him to the ropes, but Cody sunset flips, only for Taven to roll through and hit a Shining Wizard! Why? “Because I’m Matt Taven!” Taven sees Daniels returning, so he hits Daniels with the triangle jump enziguri, the Kick of the King! Cody goes after Taven but Taven dodges and unleashes a strike fest, then Moonlight Drive!

Cover, TWO, but Taven keeps his cool. Daniels returns and shoulders in, then slingshot schoolboy roll. Taven rolls through but Daniels kicks out a leg, to then club him from behind with a clothesline! Cody is up but Daniels hits him with the atomic drop and STO! Daniels fires up and takes aim at Cody, but he hits Taven with a forearm smash first. Daniels whips Taven corner to corner, but Taven puts Daniels on the apron. Taven roundhouses Daniels down, then builds speed to FLY!

Direct hit to Daniels, and fans fire up, but then Cody runs over and FLIES, too!

Cody takes both Daniels and Taven out with one crossbody! The American Nightmare is all smiles while Burnard cheers him on, we go to break.

ROH returns once more as Cody jumps up and over Taven in the corner. Taven runs back out but into Cody’s powerslam! Cover, TWO, and Cody’s frustration grows. He rallies the fans before getting Taven with the takedown. Cody gets the Figure Four, and puts on the American Deathlock!

Taven’s bad knee is the target, but he endures as he crawls for ropes. Daniels returns, and uses the Best Moonsault Ever to break it!

All three men are down, but Daniels crawls to a cover on Cody, only for Taven to break it. Taven goes after Daniels and the two brawl with haymakers. Taven gets the edge, then whips but Daniels reverses. Daniels swings but misses, then runs to match pace, double crossbodies collide! Burnard coaches Cody back up while fans rally. Cody clears his head while Daniels and Taven get to a corner. Taven whips but Daniels reverses, Daniels runs in but Taven evades and rolls him up. Taven gets his feet on the ropes! TWO, and Taven argues with the ref. Daniels rolls Taven, TWO, and now he argues.

Taven knees low, loops around for Climax, but Daniels denies it. Daniels kicks Taven and goes for the double underhook, but Cody slips in the ring to hit the Beautiful Disaster kick! Taven revives and springboards, but Cody ducks to send the Kick of the King into Daniels! Cody throws Taven out then kneels in the Terminator pose. Some fans boo because that’s Kenny Omega’s thing, but other fans start up the drums. Cody rises, then builds speed, but Daniels tries to roll Cody up. Cody bucks Daniels off, then grabs him in the dragon sleeper while Taven slowly climbs up. Cross Rhodes hits!

But so does Taven’s frog splash!

Taven covers them both, Taven wins!!

Winner: Taven, by pinfall

No conspiracy here, Taven simply outsmarted two former world champions. The ROH world title is the only title Taven hasn’t held, can this big win help him leap over this Kingdom Conspiracy to complete the Grand Slam? And when Taven and Cody have a rematch at Masters of the Craft, who will draw First Blood?!

My Thoughts:

A pretty good extra go-home for Supercard of Honor, but it also builds itself as a go-home to the Honor Club special, Masters of the Craft. Punishment Martinez and Shane Taylor of a good match to lead into Martinez VS Ishii, which is of course a stiff match-up itself. Lethal does a solid side story match with Coleman that could be the beginnings of something. Lethal VS Jonathan Gresham is going to be a great match just on technique, and I hope it really adds to Gresham’s story. I really want to see him revive the ROH Pure Wrestling Championship.

The WOH Championship Tournament recap and promos were solid, and helps frame the semifinals and finals for Supercard. Then the Triple Threat main event was great, so much story on top of great action, and this new “Burnard” character could add an odd new dimension to “Bullet Club is (Not) Fine”. Burnard could be anyone, and when that reveal happens, it could be Bullet Club’s brand new member who bolsters Team Cody in this civil war. Taven winning was a real surprise, I thought it was going to be Cody. However, Taven is growing as a star Heel, like the ROH equivalent of The Miz or something. After this Kingdom Conspiracy story wraps up, I could see him challenging Dalton Castle, but maybe only winning through cheating to finally get the Grand Slam.

My Score: 8/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

7 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)

Champions need challengers!

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

Athena & Billie Starkz are the top champions in the ROH Women’s Division, but Queen Aminata’s coming after them! Who will she target first?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes; Zay wins.
Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order; Top Flight wins.
Anna Jay VS Allysin Kay; Anna wins.
Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Will Austin; Johnny wins.
Six Man Tag: The Mogul Embassy VS MANDERS & BEEFTANK; The Embassy wins.
Yuka Sakazaki VS Leila Grey; Yuka wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners; The Kingdom wins and denies The Outrunners a title match.
Taya Valkyrie w/ Johnny TV VS Laynie Luck; Taya wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, GPA & Ren Jones; Archer & The Righteous win.
Abadon VS Nova; Abadon wins.
Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos; Mortos wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

Brother Zay and the Commander of the Skies are coming down from the high of competing against Rob Van Dam on April 20th, but they’re both ready to get back up. Will Kassidy earn his shot (shot shot) at a championship? Or will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion be aiming for ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, but Zay has his fingers crossed! Zay trips Komander at the bell, says he’s too smart, then he steps on Komander’s dropdown to say “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” and “SUCK IT!” Komander keeps cool, he and Zay tie up, and Komander headlocks. Zay pulls on the mask, powers up and out to hurdle, but then Komander steps on him! Komander mocks “SHOTS! SHOTS!” Zay runs up, Komander avoids the boot to then wrench, wrench and mule kick a leg! Kmoander steps over, rolls through, then rolls again, to a HALF CRAB! Zay endures, fights around, ROPEBREAK! Komander lets go and Zay stands back up.

The fans rally, Komander runs in but is put on the apron. Zay runs in but into a slingshot BOOT! Zay comes back but Komander goes up and headscissors Zay into buckles. Komander comes back to springboard, wheelbarrow, but Zay HOTSHOTS Komander and then throws him down! The fans boo but Zay says they don’t teach that at school. Just follow Zay and he’ll get your right. Zay then smothers Komander with his towel! The ref reprimands, Zay lets off and Komander sputters to a corner. Zay bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS him, then stomps Komander down. Zay says “SHOTS! SHOTS!” as he gives stomp after stomp.

The ref counts, Zay lets off at 4 and dusts his shoes off. Zay goes back to scuff Komander, taunt him, but the fans rally up for Komander. Zay scuffs Komander more, eggs him on, but Komander fights up to fire hands! Zay ducks a roundhouse but not the HEEL KICK! Zay leans on ropes, Komander runs in but Zay puts him on the apron. Komander gets up but Zay triangle jump STUNNERS! Komander flops to the floor, Zay scowls and goes out after him. The fans rally, Zay backs Abrahantes off, and the fans boo. Zay goes back for Komander, SMACKS him off barriers, then grabs the chair.

The fans boo, Zay says watch this, it’s about to be an 8K. Zay runs and uses the chair to LAUNCH, into barriers! Komander avoids disaster, puts Zay in the ring, and he hurries to a corner. The fans fire up as Komander springboards, but Zay moves! Komander rolls through, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up while Zay bails out. Komander builds speed and WRECKS Zay with a dropkick! Then ASAI MOONSAULT and down goes Zay! The fans fire up, Komander drags Zay up and in, then he springboards again, for a SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Zay stays in this as fans chant “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay goes to the apron, Komander storms up and stands him up. Zay shoves Komander away, goes up the corner, but Komander runs up! Zay anticipates and GAMANGIRIS! Zay goes up to SUPSER SUSNET FLIP, but Komander flips through!! The fans fire up and Zay is shocked! Zay still BOOTS Komander, fires forearms, but Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves to SLAP, UPPERCUT and power up! Zay turns Komander around but gets a SHOTEI! Komander then jumps up top POISON-RANA! The fans fire up again and Komander runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO! Or as the fans remind us, “DOS! DOS! DOS!”

Zay says Komander’s done wasting his time. Zay whips, Komander reverses but Zay reverses back to scoop, only for Komander to tilt-o-whirl sunset flip! TWO, but Komander tries a side roll sunset, TWO! Zay escapes, Komander dodges his haymaker and waistlocks. Zay switches, Komander switches back, but Zay grabs the ref! LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo as Zay gets away with that one! Abrahantes protests but the ref can’t call what he didn’t see! Zay blows a kiss, before the INVERTED TWIST OF FATE! Cover, Zay wins!

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

Brother Zay didn’t break rules but he did find a loophole to DELETE Komander’s momentum. Will Zay soon have a WONDERFUL ascension to the top of ROH?

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

It was backstage at AEW Dynasty this past Sunday that the Bang Bang Gang unified the AEW and ROH World Trios Championships! Jay White says, “Today, our destiny, fulfilling our destiny by building our Dynasty! Y’see, I’m full! I’m full of that feeling when I get to say, I told you so! When I came to AEW, joined forces with The Gunns, I said the Gunns were money! Brought them in along with Juice Robinson, to Bullet Club GOLD. I said I would bring you gold, and boys, we’re running out of space. Because we’ve got gold a plenty, haven’t we, boys? Cuz I’m the mother effin’ Catalyst of Professional Wrestling! I told you so!”

Austin says their backpacks are heavier on the ride home, but that extra weight just reminds him that the Bang Bang Gang runs this Trios ish! Colten says they like to have fun before and after, but during? They don’t take no ish! There’s this saying around here, “Restore the Feeling.” That’s something for the young guys to get on TV, but guess who are never mentioned? The Gunns! Is it because they’ve been in too many main events? Is it because they’ve been tag team world champions? And now they’re AEW & ROH Trios Champions! The Gunns are the best damn team in the world! White is the best singles man in the world!

And tonight, they are the BEST trio in the world!! And if you’re not down with that, they’ve got two words for ya: GUNS UP!! The Bang Bang Gang is firing on all cylinders, but will they be able to shoot down those who take aim at them?

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

Speaking of the trios championships, Action Andretti, and the brothers Martin get their shot at the Bang Bang Gang this Saturday! Will Top Flight pick up speed going into that Collision? Or will Evil Uno, John Silver & Alex Reynolds prove they are worthy contenders?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the trios sort out, and Darius Martin starts against Johnny Hungy. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. The fans rally for “JOHNNY HUNGY!” as the two tie up. Darius wrenches, wristlocks, but Silver spins and fireman’s carries for the takeover. Silver has the cording hold but Darius fights up. Silver wrenches but Darius spins, slips around, waistlocks, spins Silver and cravats for the neck wrench. Silver endures, powers up and out, but Darius rolls over the dropdown. Darius sweeps a leg to cover, ONE! Darius turns Silver’s sweep into a cradle, TWO!

Silver gets up but Darius arm-drags him back down. The fans cheer, Darius wrenches Silver and tags Action. Action runs to LEAP FROG ATTACK the arm! Action wrenches Silver, tags Dante, and Dante goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Dante clamps onto the arm, digs a knuckle into Silver’s ribs, or was it a tickle attack? Tag to Darius and Dante snapmares Silver. Darius runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!! Silver stays in this but Darius stays on him. Tag to Dante, Top Flight reel Silver in but the rest of Dark Order save him from the double suplex! So Action jumps in and Top Flight TRIPLE SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up while Uno and Reynolds spill back out. Action and Darius aim, DOUBLE PLANCHA but Uno and Reynolds DECK them outta the air! Dante brings Silver up but Silver fights the half nelson to then whip Dante into the ropes! Silver then runs up, Uno & Reynolds join in, TRIPLE DROPKICK! Silver then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Dante into a bridging cover, TWO! Silver tags Reynolds and he short arm LARIATS Dante! Cover, TWO! Reynolds brings Dante up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Uno. Uno CHOPS Dante, then snapmares him to stomp him down! The fans rally for Uno as he tautns Action.

Uno goes back for Dante but Dante throws body shots. Uno CLUBS Dante, bumps him off buckles, and tags Reynolds. Silver holds Dante in whiel Reynolds whips Uno for the SPLASH! Uno goes again, but Dante dodges, goes up and over Reynolds, hot tag to Action! The Sight to See rallies on the Dark Order! ELBOW for Uno! BOOT for Silver! ELBOW for Reynolds! Uno kicks low, whips, but Action handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Action kips up, and he runs in at Reynolds in a corner. UPPERCUT! Uno runs in but the SPLASH is sent into Reynolds! Uno staggers away, Action DECKS Reynolds!

Action aims, slingshot and SPLIT LEG but he has to bail out as Reynolds moves! Action just uses that to roll and PELE Uno! SPANISH FLY on Reynolds! Cover, Silver breaks it! Darius tosses Silver out but Silver ROCKS Darius! Darius drops down but Dante runs in and uses Darius as a step, POETRY IN MOTION! Silver falls, Reynolds dodges Darius to RAM Dante! Dante comes back, Darius helps him get up and over, then Dante helps in the TORNADO DDT! Darius sets Reynolds up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, Uno shoves Dante onto it! Uno then CHOPS Darius down and goes to his corner.

Reynolds crawls over, hot tag to Uno! Uno fires forearms on all of Top Flight! Uno winds up, but Dante JUMP KNEES! Darius mule kicks! Action KICKS, Darius BUZZSAWS! But then Silver & Reynolds drag the Martins out! Uno dodges Action, tells him to STOP, then ROCKS him! The rest of Dark Order get in, Reynolds spins Action before the TRIPLE ROLLING ELBOWS!! Action wobbles, Uno reels him in, and Silver gives Reynolds the BOOST to take out the Martins! PILEDRIVER for Action! Cover, TWO!! Action survives and shocks the Dark Order! Uno cools off, tags Silver in, and Silver tags Reynolds.

The Dark Order surrounds Action and the fans rally up. They stand Action up, hoist him up, and Silver builds speed, but the Martins trip Silver! Darius drags Silver out, Action gets away and Dante baits Uno. Uno runs in, Dante goes up and over to JUMP KNEE Reynolds! GAMANGIRI for Uno, then Action SUPERKICKS! Dante DIVES to take out Silver, Darius steps in to COMPLETE SHOT Uno! Action and Darius have Reynolds for the double pump handle, DOUBLE LIGHTNING SPIRAL! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Action, Dante & Darius are flying high and heading for Collision, will they take those unified World Trios Championships away from the Bang Bang Gang in the blink of an eye?

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is with the ROH Women’s World and Women’s Television Champions, and says “Ladies and gentlemen, we are calling an Emergency MEM, a Minion Empowerment Meeting.” The Fallen Goddess asks the Minions why they’re here, and Minion #400,237.75 knows why. This is because of Red Velvet and Queen Aminata. They decided to stick their noses in Athena’s moment. The main event of Battle of the Belts, live on TNT, the first time the Overlord has been on live TV in over a YEAR. And Aminata put her hands on Athena, put Athena on her head, and proved that she is nothing more than “a hot piece of porcelain hussy garbage.”

Billie says not to forget about Red Velvet. Velvet acted all high ‘n’ mighty, but she just forgot Billie hasn’t beat her yet. Lexy says then it seems there is some unfinished business. The champs bring Lexy in for an uncomfortable double side hug, and Athena says “Bestie” is right. There is unfinished business. And since MIT is a nonprofit, they’ll give a “scholarship to the biggest ass-whooping Queen Aminata and Red Velvet have ever seen. Got it?” Athena tells Queenie and “Blue Velvet” to either step up or step out. Challenge issued to the Queen and the Chef, but are the Overlord and her sidekick about to get cooked?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“Some people get into professional wrestling because they need to. You haven’t needed anything in your entire life. You have an unlimited amount of resources at your fingertips. Money, culture, knowledge. You wanted to excel at this business, so you got the best training, the best workouts, the best diets, the best gear, the best moves. If it’s not the best, it’s simply not you. But the wisest man doesn’t think he’s the best until he’s surrounded by the best. And now, we all are. You are Ariya Daivari. And you are a Premier Athlete. We are the Premier Athletes.”

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

Sterling talks to his stable and tells them the beginning of phase two was a success. They wanted to assert dominance over ROH, and he would say message sent. However, they were not aware that the message would be sent to ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, to Dalton Castle, and half of the ROH men’s locker room. It took SIX men to stand face to face to these three. They’ve got Ariya back and more pissed off than ever. They’ve got National Champion, Josh Woods. And they’ve got Tony Nese in peak, physical performance. Now, they all know The Infantry wasn’t personal. They were just in the line of fire.

The Infantry is just on a long list of people who do not deserve the opportunities. Opportunities that belong to these three physical specimens! Because these are The Premier Athletes. When and where will Sterling’s stable finally break through to that next level?

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexy is now with Maria Kanellis’ baby boys and says they haven’t had the best luck as of late. What’s next? Karter isn’t sure. They keep getting opportunities, but they keep failing. Karter recently had a match against Christopher Daniels, and he lost! Griff says Karter thinks that’s bad, but Griff lost his shot at the ROH World Championship. Griff has faced Mark Briscoe twice in his career, and he’s 0-2. Karter’s match wasn’t even for a title! Griff had so much more on the line! Maria then walks in and sees her boys are disappointed. Well, Mama is disappointed, too. They both could’ve done much better in their matches.

But every loss is an opportunity. Griff was in the ring with THIRTEEN TIME ROH World Tag Team Champion, Mark Briscoe! Karter was up against Christopher Daniels, a legend! Maria’s been in the ring with both of those men, and they have so much experience. That is what Griff & Karter gain every time they’re out there. Every single loss is an opportunity. And everyone around here is always jealous of the abs and the looks, and it’s great that they are. But eventually, they’ll be jealous of what these two do in the ring. And eventually, these two will get back her championships, the ROH World Tag Team Championships.

Maria leads the way, but does anyone wanna tell her that that would mean her baby boys going up against her husband, Mike Bennett?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS The Outrunners!

Speaking of Mike Bennett, he and Matt Taven are still champions after the big assist from Wardlow at Supercard of Honor. But will the Kingdom need their War Machine again real soon? Or will they be able to handle Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum in 10 minutes or less?

The fans rally up for the Outrunners already while the Code of Honor is upheld Mega Powers style. The teams then sort out, and though Taven is confused, Bennett steps up and starts against Truth. The fans chant “TAVEN SUCKS!” but Taven just eggs the Melvins on. Truth and Bennett tie up, then Truth wrenches to wristlock. Tag to Turbo, he takes the handoff, and he nods as he wrenches and wristlocks. Bennett knees low, flexes on Turbo, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! Bennett wristlocks, says this is old school wrestling, but Turbo powers up! The fans fire up as Turbo rolls, handsprings, and kips up! Turbo then BOPS Bennett on the head!

The fans cheer, Turbo tags Truth, and Truth wrenches to wristlock. Truth grinds the arm, whips, but Bennett reverses. Taven trips Truth up while Bennett’s all up in the ref’s face! The fans boo and Turbo protests but Bennett dropkicks Truth down! Bennett mocks the old school posing then takes a bow. Tag to Taven, he CHOPS Truth in the corner. Taven CHOPS again, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Taven lets off to taunt Turbo, and Bennett gets a cheap shot on Truth! Bennett drags Truth up by his hair, the ref sees that and reprimands, but Taven ROCKS Truth. Taven whips, but Turbo trips Truth to actually save him from the crossbody!

Taven tumbles up and out of the ring, Truth gets up to tag Turbo! Truth then runs and Turbo holds ropes up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Bennett runs up, is sent out, and The Kingdom regroups. The fans fire up for Turbo as he fires up, then PLANCHAS! Down goes The Kingdom and Turbo is all revved up! Turbo gets in the ring, shakes the ropes, then tags in Truth. The Outrunners coordinate, to spin and pose! The fans fire up but The Kingdom CLOBBER The Outrunners from behind! The fans boo but Bennett flexes. Bennett brings Truth up, CHOPS, and now fans chant “BENNETT SUCKS!”

Bennett CHOPS Truth, puts him in the corner, and tags Taven. Bennett feeds Truth to a BOOT, adds the BOSTON BAYONET, then Taven LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Truth is tougher than that, but Taven argues with the ref. The ref defends his count, so Taven brings Truth over to ropes. Taven CHOKES Truth but the fans boo. The ref counts, Taven lets off at 4, and Taven soaks up the heat. Truth sputters but Taven tags Bennett. The Kingdom mugs Truth, then Bennett keeps Truth from Turbo with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Truth stays in this but Bennett stays on him with a chinlock and stretch. The fans rally as Truth endures.

Truth is red in the face but he fights to his feet. But Taven BLASTS Turbo! Bennett throws Truth by his hair! Turbo storms in but the ref has to stop him. Turbo is upset but Bennett stands on Truth’s face! Bennett clamps onto Truth with a chinlock and grinds him down with a knee in the back. The fans fire up, we pass five minutes as Truth fights up, but Taven runs at Turbo again! Turbo ROCKS Taven first this time! Truth then hits a BIG back suplex on Bennett! The fans fire up, Turbo is feeling it, and Truth crawls over! Truth staggers ot his feet, hot tag to Turbo! Turbo rallies on The Kingdom with big haymakers!

The fans fire up as Turbo scoops and SLAMS Taven! Then he scoops and SLAMS Bennett! Scoop and SLAM for Taven! Scoop and SLAM for Bennett! The fans fire up and Turbo drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then he winds up, flexes, and JUPM ELBOW DROPS! Taven runs up but Turbo kicks! Turbo reels Taven in, flexes again, and hits a BIG suplex! Turbo points to Truth, Truth tags in, and Truth goes up! FLYING FOREARM on Bennett! The Outrunners hurry to get Bennett up, but Taven ENZIGIRIS Truth to stop Boot Camp, er Vice City, or whatever they were calling it! Bennett shoves Turbo into Truth then rolls Truth up, with tights! The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies The Outrunners a title opportunity)

Taven grabs the belts to celebrate and Bennett says that was too easy. But then the ref suspects shenanigans! Did Bennett pull tights? Bennett defends his innocence, as does Taven, and the ref drops the issue. Will The Kingdom do anything and everything they have to in order to stay champions?

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

The Chef and The Queen are backstage, and Velvet tells Athena, “There you go again. Stirring up the pot. Oh my gosh, we ruined your moment~! I’m done with you. Billie? You wanna hang with the big girls? You wanna get in big girl business? Then bring it on. Yes, I haven’t forgotten I beat you, twice. And I’ll do it again, and this time, I’m a beat you like your mama never did. You know why? Cuz I don’t roll with minions. I roll with royalty.” Aninata says that’s right. And Athena, oh, they feel so sorry for “ruining” the moment. Actually, Aminata would do it again and again and again. And wanna know why? Because Queen Aminata does not respect Athena as a champion!

Athena has ZERO honor! And no one knows better about honor than The Queen. And Velvet says, “Y’know what, Queen? I’m looking for a fight. Are you looking for a fight?” Aminata is definitely ready for a fight. Velvet says it is time to cook, eat, leave no crumbs, and take out the trash! This dynamic duo is ready to tear down the Forever Champion and her little buddy, will they take the gold right off Athena & Billie?

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

Lexy is now with Trish Adora, Carlie Bravo & Captain Shawn Dean, and we’ve seen them get on a roll. How are they continuing the momentum? Carlie is so glad she asked. Have no fear, you know The Infantry is here. Dean says yes, they are here. And there’s been nothing but targets on their backs. They said they’re the most popular team, and people have been after them. Carlie does realize now that they had those OG Ops, then those really big Ops, and last week, there’s Ops they didn’t even know about. But let’s not forget those really old Ops, the- Oh wait, The Outrunners walk in. Turbo & Truth are feeling good. They may not have targets on their backs, but they’ve got some guns!

Wait, wait, wait. Are they wearing brightly colored camo?! Okay, first they take the Infantry’s move, now they’re copying the swag? What’s next? Trying to take Adora and their homes? What the what, son? Dean has Carlie calm down. He’s always got great ideas. He does? Yes, because next week, Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, they take this to where it all began! Finally, Infantry take The Outrunners to where they belong, and that’s Boot Camp! Hold on, The Outrunners have been using camo since The Cow Palace. Dean has to hold Carlie back on that one! Turbo has a better idea! Outrunners VS Infantry, Daily’s Place, where it all began!!

WHAT!? Didn’t they just- Fine, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Oh yeah? The Outrunners will do Infantry one better and THEY will accept! Let’s roll out! Copy that! WHAT!? Stop copying them, Outrunners!! But will Dean & Carlie finally get through the delusional duo and make them find their own schtick?

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

Lexy is with Mr. & Mrs. TV Ready and notes the season finale of Johnny Loves Taya just dropped. How are they feeling? Amazing~! Everyone loves their show, they worked so hard on it for months. Ten episodes, the grand finale, it couldn’t have gone any better. And think about it: awards season! The acceptance speeches, the red carpets, the fashion moments. But in sneaks Aaron Solo. That sounds fun! Though they would’ve won more awards if they had this face on the show. Maybe next season? Johnny says maybe Aaron would’ve been on the show, if he supported it once. He didn’t tweet about it once! All their real friends did.

Uh, Aaron is the Retweet King! Especially those first three episodes. Aaron and Johnny argue but Taya has them calm down. Taya runs the socials for the show, and she can confirm, Aaron did retweet. Oh, well, thanks, bro. Yeah, man! Remember QTV? The handshake? They do the handshake, right down the rocket ship taking off. Aaron says see? They’re bros. Before Johnny Loved Taya, Johnny Loved Solo. Uh… No. Aaron is a loser! TV Ready people do not hang with losers. Remember how his name used to be S O L O W? They took the W away cuz he keeps getting L’s! He’s 0 and THIS CENTURY! Get a win already!

Aaron says fine, if that’s what they want, he will win. And he’ll prove to both of you that Aaron is TV Ready! Aaron heads out, and Taya says it’ scute that he’s so confident. Not that it’ll work out. And they got the last word. Aaron then says “Bye” from offscreen, so Johnny says, “Adios.” Aaron has bet on himself, but will he win out?

Triple Threat: Blake Christian VS AR Fox VS The Beast Mortos!

All Heart, The Whole Fox’n Show and the evolved Black Taurus are among the fastest, toughest and hungriest competitors around, and they’re all looking for that golden opportunity. Will Blake be rolling into NJPW’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament? Or will another big name prove they’re a big deal?

The Code of Honor is upheld between Fox and Blake, but not Mortos. The bell rings, Mortos stares down Fox and Blake. Fox runs in to RAM Mortos but bounces off! Blake RAMS Mortos but also bounces off! They both run up, but he runs them over! Fox & Blake both kip up, but Mortos choke grips them both. Mortos shoves Blake away, but Fox flips through the choke slam! Blake & Fox DOUBLE SUPERKICK Mortos down! Mortos bails out, Blake and Fox coordinate, and Fox runs. But then Blake sweeps the legs! Fox ends up on ropes, Blake runs to BASEMENT 619! The fans boo but All Heart also has some brains.

Blake aims from the apron, springboards in and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Fox flounders to a corner, Blake runs in, but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake RAMS into Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out to then slingshot SENTONS! The fans fire up, Fox suplexes for ANARCHY! Blake bails, Mortos LARIATS Fox down! The fans fire up as Mortos roars, and Mortos drags Fox up. Mortos suplexes, Fox slips free to waistlock but Mortos switches. Mortos shoves, follows, then rolls off Fox’s back! Mortos SOBATS, KNEES, ELBOWS and snapmares, to then NECK TWIST! Then SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Fox survives that onslaught but Mortos roars again. Mortos drags Fox up, wrenches and grabs a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Fox writhes, Mortos gets legs and steps through, and Mortos ties Fox up for a NAVARRO DEATH ROLL! Fox endures the leg lock, but Blake DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Mortos! The fans fire up and Blake smirks as he runs in at Mortos. Mortos BOOTS Blake, SLING-DOGS, then CRUCIFIX DRIVERS! Blake wobbles, Mortos whips to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Blake survives but Mortos snarls. Mortos drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him down, and Blake flounders to a corner.

The fans cheer as Mortos drags Blake back up. Mortos reels Blake in to back suplex, but Blake lands out! Blake dodges in the corner, then whips to ropes. Mortos reverses but Blake handsprings, wheelbarrows, SPLASH 182! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Mortos and Blake stir while Fox returns. The fans rally, Fox and Mortos stand first and Fox throws a haymaker! Blake adds a haymaker, he and Fox pinball Mortos around! They put him in a corner, throw more hands, then Fox goes up to rain down fists! Mortos shoves Fox away so Blake rains down fists. Mortos shoves him away, Fox returns to A-LIST LARIAT!

Mortos slumps down, Blake adds a LOW CROSSBODY! Fox skins the cat to DROPKICK Mortos, and then Fox goes to the apron. The fans fire up as Fox goes up, but Blake ROCKS him first! Blake goes up, brings Fox up, but Mortos adds on! The fans are going nuts already for the SPANISH FLY BOMB!! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Fox, TWO!! Mortos snarls but he drags Fox back up. Mortos trophy lifts Fox, but Fox slips free to BOOT! Mortos tumbles out to the apron, and Blake SPEARS him down! Blake hurries to build speed so he can DIVE! Mortos stays up!? So Fox FLIES! Down goes Mortos and the fans fire up!

Fox puts Mortos in but Blake aims first! Springboard 450 SPLASH! Fox adds the SWANTON BOMB! But then Blake TOSSES Fox to cover Mortos, only for Fox to break it! Fox has had it with Blake being so sneaky, and TOSSES him out! Blake is on the apron, he ROCKS Fox, but Fox stops the slingshot! Fox has Blake in ropes, step-up DRAPING DDT! Roll through, but Mortos reels Fox in! Scoop and MORTOS DRIVER!! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Blake and Fox couldn’t say on the same page, and that allowed the minotaur of lucha to take the win! Will nothing stop The Beast Mortos from stampeding his way to a championship opportunity?

My Thoughts:

A good episode of ROH here at an hour and 38 minutes, but that made for quite a bit of filler. I did like the Six Meaty Men Slapping Meat Tag match of Mogul Embassy VS 1 Called Manders, BEEF and Calvin Tankman, but of course The Embassy won. Good return matches for Johnny and Taya, but I liked their promo with Aaron Solo better. It was a good use of continuity bringing up the failed QTV to pivot into a new story for Johnny TV now that Dalton Castle is moving on. Good promos from Mark Sterling, but a bit redundant again to have him hype up Ariya Daivari, then for him to talk directly to Ariya and the others.

Another confusing thing was the promo from The Infantry and Outrunners. Well, the promo wasn’t confusing, the timing was. Perhaps it was a victim of poor pacing as we’ve seen all over AEW & ROH. But I do appreciate we’re finally seeing these two teams have it out for ROH at Daily’s Place “next week,” aka prerecorded sometime this week. Outrunners had a good match with The Kingdom but of course The Kingdom won. But we’re getting an interesting detail where Maria wants her new boys, Griff & Karter, to go for those ROH World Tag Team Championships while her old boys, Bennett & Taven, still have them. Some sort of Kingdom Civil War angle in the works here?

Really good stuff with Zay winning by going to new lows, and really good Six Man Tag to give Top Flight momentum going into their title match with Bang Bang Gang. Really good promo from Bang Bang Gang and of course White & The Gunns are going to retain. And at least they did just what I was hoping by having a promo from Bullet Club Gold on ROH so that it counts as them being on this show. Just needs to keep happening, maybe with some in-person appearances. Not even matches, just BCG watching other trios fighting it out because they’re scouting, aka foreshadowing, new opponents.

Great main event Triple Threat but also a fast one, Mortos with the big win over Fox and Blake. While there’s something brewing for the ROH World Championship with Mark Briscoe being around Dalton Castle and The Premier Athletes, maybe Mortos can find himself in the world title scene for the next ROH PPV. And then great promos from Athena & Billie as well as Velvet & Aminata. We’re definitely getting a tag team match that will end up earning Velvet a shot at the Women’s TV title and Aminata a shot at the Women’s World title, and those will be awesome matches.

And if either of the champs is losing, I’m actually thinking it’s more Athena losing to Aminata than Billie losing to Velvet. I’ve said it before, Aminata’s proven herself worthy, and if she wasn’t gonna be inaugural Women’s TV Champ, might as well make her the woman that dethrones the undefeated Athena.