Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/9/19)

Published

5 years ago

January 9, 2019

NXT promises a double main-event to settle some scores! Will The EST stay Un-De-Fea-Ted against Nikki Cross? Will EC3 get even with Adam Cole, BAYBAY?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Nikki Cross VS Bianca Belair; Belair wins.
Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner VS Stanley Watts & Hector Kunsman; Barthel & Aichner win.
EC3 VS Adam Cole w/ The Undisputed Era; Cole wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Johnny Gargano head to the ring!

And he seems to be in a great mood tonight. Full Sail is a bit conflicted, but Gargano still has fans cheering for him. Gargano picks up a mic and wishes everyone a Happy New Year! Gargano says 2018 was obviously a roller coaster for him, but he had plenty of time to reflect. He realized something: “Success around here is measured by two things: wins and championships.” It doesn’t matter how hard you try or how good you are, it only matters if you win and get titles. Therefore, Gargano vows to be better in 2019, he vows to win, and vows to become champion. Fans do like the sound of that. But fans also duel between “Johnny Wrestling!” and “Johnny Venom!” Gargano addresses Tommaso Ciampa, and fans chant “DIY! DIY!”

Gargano says he heard what Ciampa said, but don’t get it confused. That moment in the cage meant nothing! It was a one time thing that will never happen again. As far as Gargano goes, Ciampa’s still trash with the title Gargano wants. But again, it’s about wins and titles. And there’s another title out there. As soon as Ciampa put the idea out there, Gargano VS Ricochet for the NXT North American Championship, Ricochet fired at Gargano. Ricochet said that if Gargano wants the smoke, Ricochet’s right here. Gargano tells “Rick” that he doesn’t want smoke, he wants gold! And he’ll take it from Ricochet. Ricochet may fly like a superhero, but– Well here comes Ricochet to respond! The One and Only King of Flight has all the fans on his side as he joins Gargano in the ring. Fans chant “That’s a champion!”

Ricochet tells Gargano that all he had to do was ask. But Gargano says he’s going to take the title? Well then Ricochet asks Gargano, will it be face-to-face? Or will it be an attack in the parking lot? But Gargano talks all this talk that he’s “Johnny TakeOver” and all that. Ricochet reminds Gargano that at TakeOver, there will be one and only North American Champion, “and you’re looking at him.” Gargano is about to say something, when Tommaso Ciampa appears! The Psycho Killer wants them to wait just a moment. Wins and championships is what NXT is all about, right? Gargano tells Ciampa to shut up. This is about Gargano and Ricochet, not about Ciampa. Ciampa seems confused as to Gargano’s attitude, but then Aleister Black appears on the titantron.

“Tommaso, I sincerely hope you are more concerned with me than you are with grooming your little dog of war.” Because Aleister is an actual threat to Ciampa. They’ll meet in Phoenix, and Aleister will make Ciampa truly #FadetoBlack. The lights go down, and then they come back, to reveal Aleister is here! Aleister attacks Ciampa, and boots him off the stage! Ciampa scrambles to commentary but Aleister pursues! They fight on the table, but Ciampa escapes a dangerous suplex off the table! Ciampa goes running and Aleister pursues. Gargano SUPERKICKS Ricochet outta nowhere! “Johnny Venom” strikes again, but will he get the title win he wants in Phoenix?

William Regal makes a major announcement!

The War Raiders have been on the sidelines given Hanson’s injuries, but the Warbeard is back at 100%! Now Hanson and Ray Rowe will challenge the Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong for the NXT Tag Team Championships! Will the war finally be waged in Phoenix? Who comes out the other side with the titles around their waists?

Nikki Cross VS Bianca Belair!

The Loony Lass and the EST look to finally settle their score before Cross crosses over to the main roster. Will Bianca remain Un-De-Fea-Ted before facing the Queen of Spades for the title? Or will Nikki give Bianca a memento to remember her by in her first ever loss?

The bell rings and fans duel between the EST and the twisted sister of SAnitY. Nikki and Bianca stare down, then Bianca pie faces Nikki. Nikki laughs it, then eggs Bianca on. Bianca pie faces Nikki again, then Nikki shoves and tackles Bianca! Bianca swings her ponytail, but Nikki avoids it. Nikki swings her jacket around, then the two circle again. Nikki gets a leg but Bianca clubs her away. Bianca runs into an elbow, and Nikki tries rolling her up, but Bianca handsprings through to escape! Bianca dropkicks Nikki down then whips her to the ropes. Nikki dodges and runs back in to tilt-o-whirl headscissor Bianca down. Bianca gets to a corner and puts Nikki on the apron. Bianca knocks Nikki off, but Nikki trips Bianca up. Nikki traps Bianca in the apron skirt and clubs away! Fans fire up with Nikki’s frenzy as she puts Bianca back in.

Nikki climbs up top, but Bianca rocks her with a forearm. Bianca trophy lifts Nikki off the top rope, to then drop Nikki on the mat. Bianca moonsaults and covers, TWO! Nikki grits her teeth but Bianca grows frustrated as she stomps Nikki out. Cover, TWO! Bianca drags Nikki up and puts her in a standing abdominal stretch. Nikki resists with clasped hands but Bianca pries the arms apart. Bianca pulls and stretches Nikki but fans rally up. Nikki endures as Bianca hammers away. Bianca shifts to a scoop and backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Nikki crawls to ropes but Bianca toys with her. Bianca brings Nikki up and clubs away on her back. Bianca suplexes and holds Nikki up, but Nikki counters to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Nikki claws her away away as fans rally.

Bianca sits up and the two throw hands as they stagger about. Nikki tackles Bianca and thrashes about! Bianca gets away but Nikki roars as she runs in. Nikki hits the corner splash, then a bulldog! Nikki slaps herself before pulling Bianca up. Dragon sleeper, inverted DDT! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives but that only amuses Nikki. Fans duel as Nikki brings Bianca up. Bianca spins through the neckbreaker to buck Nikki off. Bianca SPEARS, covers, TWO!! Nikki survives and Bianca is shocked! Bianca rains down rights, then runs for the splash, but gets knees! Nikki hits The Purge! But Bianca rolls all the way out of the ring to survive! Nikki is furious as she stalks Bianca to the ramp. Nikki hops on for a sleeper! Flashbacks to their first encounter as Bianca drops Nikki with the backpack senton! Bianca crawls away as the ring count begins.

Nikki sits up as the count reaches 6. Bianca and Nikki crawl at 7, and get in at 9.5! Bianca thought she had this match won, but fans rally up as it continues. Nikki and Bianca fire themselves up and collide with furious fists! Bianca clubs and shoves Nikki to a corner. Nikki dodges to send Bianca into the post! Roll up, TWO!! Fans love this but Nikki grows frustrated. Nikki runs in but Bianca rocks her with a right! Both women are down and a standing count begins. Nikki get to ropes at 6 but Bianca stands at 7. Bianca runs in to tackle Nikki in the corner. She rams her shoulder in, puts Nikki on the top rope, and climbs up to join her. Nikki shoves Bianca down. Nikki leaps, but hits nothing but mat! Bianca lifts Nikki for the KoD! Cover, Bianca wins!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

The Kiss of Death ensures the #1 Contender remains Un-De-Fea-Ted ahead of her first title match! Will Bianca be able to trump the Queen of Spades? Or will it take more than being the EST to defeat #ShaynaTwoTime?

The Street Profits are on the street.

Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford hang out at Full Sail to free style. They’re feeling fine, looking to take over in 2000 one nine. Happy New Year, secret handshake! The Profits did pretty great in 2018, they even evolved. But the doors are locked right now. Wait, they find one open! That’s what they’ll do in 2019: opening up doors. The tag divisions will all know that the Profits never lost. War Raiders, Raul & Humberto, but especially the Undisputed Era, they’ll see see the Profits come for that gold. Make sure to tune in to “season three” of Street Talk! The best show on the Network, the best show in the world, the best show of all humanity! Will the #CurseofGreatness only be that much greater in 2019?

Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner VS Stanley Watts & Hector Kunsman!

The European Union of the second generation German and the Italian Tank has had some early success on NXT UK, but now they come to NXT America to see if they can do the same! Will they be able to make an impact in two Tag Divisions at once?

The bell rings and Barthel starts against Kunsman. They circle and tie up. Barthel gets the standing chinbar and wrangles Kunsman down to the mat. Barthel grinds a boot in as he shifts around to a hammerlock. He grinds his elbow into Kunsman’s head, then goes after the other arm. Barthel hooks the chin and shifts to a facelock. Kunsman reverses and arm-drags, then wrenches again. Tag to Watts, and Watts kicks Barthel in the face! Barthel makes Watts pay for that with a chop and a clamping chinbar. Watts rolls and handsprings to arm wrench, but Barthel breaks free to throat chop Watts hard! Tag to Aichner, and Aichner chuckles at “the little guy”. Aichner throws his tooth pick at him a la Razor Ramon, but Watts makes him pay with CHOPS!

Aicher shoves Watts and then pops him up high! He catches Watts, swings him around, but Watts sunset flips! Watts avoids a stomp and tags to Kunsman! Things speed up but Barthel tags in. Aichner catches Kunsman but Kunsman slips out. Kunsman throws hands on both EU, but runs into the spinebuster and Penalty Kick! Cover, TWO! Barthel drags Kunsman over to stomp in a mudhole and throw heavy hands. Tag to Aichner, and Aichner picks Kunsman up for a tackle into buckles. Aichner stomps his own mudhole, then tags Barthel. Aichner puts Kunsman into a post, then holds him there for Barthel’s baseball slide! The EU soak up the heat before putting Kunsman back in the ring. Barthel drags Kunsman but Kunsman fights back! Enziguri rocks Barthel! Hot tag to Watts and Aichner!

Watts rallies with swift kicks! Watts runs and calf kicks, but Barthel tags in. But Watts sees him coming and intercepts with a corner forearm. Aichner runs into Watts’ boot, and Watts hops up, only for Barthel to rock him with a right roundhouse! Barthel then feeds Watts to Aichner’s brain buster! Barthel hits Kunsman away, and then Aichner feeds Watts via powerbomb to the German Suplex! Bridging cover, the European Union wins!

Winners: Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel, Barthel pinning

NXT America, NXT UK, both Tag Divisions better watch out for this heavy hitting duo. Which titles will the EU get a shot at first in 2019?

Cathy Kelly gives us an update on the opening altercation.

After all that went down between Aleister Black and Tommaso Ciampa to start the night, both men have been sent home to avoid any further fighting. However, Cathy spots Ricochet and starts an impromptu interview. How does the One and Only feel about what happened? Ricochet told Gargano straight up to ask for a match. But now it doesn’t matter, because Ricochet will go after Gargano with everything he has. Gargano superkick’d away any respect Ricochet had for him. Gargano thinks he’ll take the title, but Ricochet says he’s going to take Gargano down. What will it take for one to defeat the other at TakeOver: Phoenix?

Backstage interview with Keith Lee.

What is the Limitless One’s response to Kassius Ohno’s vicious beat down of Matt Riddle? “Matt Riddle is someone I have traveled this world with, and the attack by Kassius Ohno was… unsettling.” Lee dares Ohno to show up and learn a little something about respect. Lee assures Ohno will have no choice but to #BaskinMyGlory. Will Ohno man up to take on the Limitless Lee?

EC3 VS Adam Cole w/ The Undisputed Era!

The Top One Percent still owes each member of the Undisputed Era for that attack on him that kept him out for a couple months in 2018. He got the better of Bobby Fish before the New Year, but can he make #VictoryAfterVictory more than a catchphrase against the Era’s charismatic leader in the New Year?

The bell rings and EC3 talks trash with Cole as they circle. Fish says “Don’t waste any time with this goof.” EC3 and Cole tie up as fans duel. Cole wrenches the arm but EC3 reverses to a headlock. Cole powers EC3 to a corner but Cole backs off to hit his catchphrase, BAYBAY. EC3 shrugs it off but Cole gets a waistlock. Cole gets a headlock but EC3 slips to a hammerlock. EC3 puts the headlock back on but Cole powers them back to a corner. EC3 lets go but says his name, “E! C! 3!” Cole grabs EC3 in a headlock but EC3 powers out. EC3 runs Cole over, then things speed up. EC3 fakes Cole out to CHOP him off his feet! He scoops and slams Cole but Cole rolls out. So EC3 blasts Cole to the barriers!

Fish protests but EC3 comes out to fetch Cole. The Era backs off and EC3 puts Cole back in. Cole rolls out the other side, but EC3 pursues. Cole leaps to hit a BIG enziguri! Fish asks the fans if they heard that, as Cole throws EC3 into the steel steps! Cole leaves EC3 behind to take a little bow. He then fetches EC3, and puts him in a corner to stomp a mudhole. Cole dropkicks the bad arm, and EC3 writhes in the corner. Cole snapmares EC3 to then drive in elbow and go after the bad arm. EC3 endures as fans rally up. EC3 gets up but Cole knees low. Cole drops EC3 with a neckbreaker, but is in no rush to end this. Cole toys with EC3, but EC3 throws Cole out! EC3 pursues but Cole rocks him with a right.

Cole wants to suplex EC3 but EC3 resists. They fight, and EC3 suplexes Cole into the ring! The Era is upset but the fans are strongly behind EC3! EC3 counter punches Cole, then whips to run Cole over with an elbow. EC3 scoop slams Cole again, and “Say My Name, BAYBAY!” Elbow drop! EC3 picks Cole up but Cole fights out. Cole wrenches and whips but EC3 reverses into the STO DDT! Cover, TWO! Cole rolls to the apron but EC3 keeps after him, only to get a hotshot on the arm! Cole bicycle boots EC3 down, covers, TWO! The Era keeps Cole’s head in the game but fans rally up to keep EC3 in the match. Cole fireman’s carry but EC3 fights out. EC3 shoves Cole but Cole boots and backstabs EC3! Cover, TWO!! Fish protests that “slow” count, but Cole gets up and pulls the knee pad down.

Cole runs, but misses his Last Shot! EC3 hits the German Suplex and a BIG lariat! Cover, TWO!! EC3 can’t believe Cole survives, but the Era coaches Cole back up. EC3 drags Cole up, suplexes, but Cole resists. Cole wrings out the bad arm, then lifts EC3, for the Last Shot brainbuster! Cover, TWO!! EC3 survives but Cole isn’t done, he puts on an armbar! Cole fights EC3’s grip, but EC3 still holds on. THe hands come apart but EC3 rolls to deadlift powerbomb Cole! THe Era rushes the ring but EC3 fights them off! SUPERKICK from COle! Lash SHot shining wizard!! Cover, Cole wins!

Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall

Cole gets the victory, but give huge assists to the Undisputed Era! EC3 and Cole are tied 1-1, but will EC3 be around to break the tie?

The Undisputed Era add insult to injury as they beat down EC3 like a pack of wolves! But here come the War Raiders! It’s 2v4 but the Raiders don’t care! Rowe clubs away but Fish tackles him out of the ring. Kyle and Roddy coordinate, but Hanson cartwheels out of harm’s way! Hanson grabs both of them, shoves Strong away and rips at Kyle’s shirt. Hanson wrecks them with heel kicks while Rowe wrecks Fish and Cole. Rowe rushes the ring and picks up Strong, and Hanson picks up Fish. Hanson stacks Fish onto Rowe’s shoulders, powerbomb powerslam combo! But the Raiders aren’t done here, as Hanson climbs up top. Rowe picks up Kyle, for FALLOUT!! Rowe and Hanson are coming for the gold, is there any stopping these war machines?

My Thoughts:

A great episode, even with two matches that had very predictable finishes because of the call-ups Raw and SmackDown have been hyping for weeks now. At least Bianca VS Nikki III finally got a finish, after a great match. Bianca also needed to win to keep that Un-De-Fea-Ted streak going and be strong going up against Shayna Baszler. There is still a lot of time before TakeOver: Phoenix, but I don’t think Bianca is going to lose a match before then. Shayna might get in her face, punk her out, beat her down, but Bianca won’t have her first loss before their title match. And as for Nikki, she’s obviously going to SmackDown to join SAnitY, especially since Lacey Evans was on Main Event, aka Raw’s dark match preshow. And at this rate, Shayna won’t lose until Wrestlemania, to then put her and the other Horsewomen on main with Ronda.

EC3 VS Cole was pretty fun, what with The Undisputed Era roaming around. Fish is so easy to hear even when he’s not on mic, and he had some great banter. Like with Nikki Cross, EC3 loses because he’s headed to main, and it leaves Cole looking strong. There is surely still time before we can actually expect him on Raw, so maybe we’ll get the Six Man Tag of EC3 and War Raiders against any three Undisputed Era members to lead towards TakeOver. Lee VS Ohno and Street Profits making their return next week will make for great stuff, too. Just not sure how likely it is Profits are going to get those titles if War Raiders are getting their shot, too. If Raiders aren’t going to take those titles, I can’t see Ford & Dawkins doing it, either.

One thing NXT does really well is make a jobber/squash match not seem like a jobber/squash match. However, they still fail to give us the names of the jobbers before the match is over. That aside, Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner got a great match out of Watts & Kunsman, which makes all four guys look great, but especially the winning Barthel & Aichner. Dakota Kai (when she was healthy), Deonna Purrazzo and now the “European Union” are some great crossover stars right now, and I would love if they decided to make any one of those superstars a crossover threat to the titles. While they didn’t do this with the North American and United Kingdom titles, I would love if someone like Deonna Purrazzo was able to have both and perhaps bring about a crossover TakeOver, USA VS UK.

Gargano VS Ricochet for the North American Championship is going to be great, and I really liked the subtle things in how we got to that match. Ciampa did a good job conveying that Gargano’s behavior confused him. Perhaps in Gargano’s mind, he’s still his own man, but clearly accepting the idea of challenging Ricochet says otherwise. If Gargano wins the title, I have a feeling it won’t be clean. And I really hope we get Ricochet & Black VS “totally not reunited” DIY. That match is great just on paper, so I hope we get to see it as the go-home for both these stories. Then the interactions of the four can tease possibilities for post-TakeOver stories. Ricochet VS Ciampa or Ricochet VS Black would be great, titles or not, but I wonder if they’d at least tease a midcard VS main title Champion VS Champion story.

My Score: 8.6/10

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

4 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

9 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.