Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 6!

This is it for A Block!

Published

5 years ago

August 12, 2019

Steven Mitchell

The A Block reaches its conclusion!

This is it! The final round for A Block! Will Rainmaker or Golden Star take the block to be a G1 Climax Finalist?!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

EVIL VS Lance Archer; Archer wins.
SANADA VS Bad Luck Fale; Fale wins.
KENTA VS Zack Sabre Jr; Sabre wins.
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins.
Kota Ibushi VS Kazuchika Okada; Ibushi wins and advances to the G1 Climax 29 Finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS set the scene for the penultimate Climax!

A dream match-up determines the entire fate of the finals! The Rainmaker went on a 6-0 run, only to run into the Cold Skull for the seventh time in his career. And in perhaps the biggest shock ever, Sanada came away as the 1 in 6-1 for BOTH streaks! Meanwhile, the Golden Star had an epic rematch from the epic G1 Climax 28 Finals as he defeated the Ace! Ibushi not only overcame the wrestling icon, but he firmly made himself the second place contender in the A Block! Ibushi and Okada would continue into Night 15, Ibushi winning again while Okada rebounding just in time. But now, they have their first match against each other in five years! Even a draw helps Okada make it to the end, but Ibushi could win to be a back-to-back finalist! Will the Golden Star shine in the heavy rain? Or will Okada take that next step towards making history?

EVIL VS Lance Archer!

Just because the standings have eliminated the King of Darkness and the Killer Elite doesn’t mean they won’t fight for pride and glory! Who comes out of this the better man?

AXS jumps into the action as Archer drags Evil to a corner and suplexes him into bare buckles! Evil writhes in agony as Archer soaks up the heat. Archer looms over Evil, then grinds a knee into him for a cover. TWO, but Evil clutches his legs. Archer reels Evil in for a lariat, then covers with just a hand. TWO, and Archer rains down rights on Evil’s head! Archer shouts at the ref then drags Evil to a drop zone. Archer stomps Evil then goes to the apron. He climbs the ropes, but Evil gets clear of the senton! Archer stings from having to roll through, but he’s still up first. Fans rally for Evil but Archer is angry. Archer drags Evil up but Evil fights back! Evil runs, dodges and collides with Archer! Archer ends up in a corner and Evil gets a clothesline! Evil sweeps Archer’s legs then roars. Fans fire up as Evil drums the mat. Evil runs corner to corner, BIG bronco buster! Cover, ONE!?

Evil keeps his composure as he grits his teeth. Archer slowly stands but Evil is on him with a suplex. Archer blocks with height and strength, to then spin and knee Evil into a lariat! The “American Psycho” shakes the cobwebs out as he eyes the corner again. He climbs up but Evil intercepts him with hands! Evil climbs up to throw forearms, but Archer gives them back. Evil headbutts, grabs Archer, and SUPERPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Fans still rally and Evil stalks Archer. Archer stands, Evil runs, but the clothesline barely staggers Archer! Archer grabs Evil by the throat! But Evil breaks free, to catch the kick! Evil throws it at the ref, but Archer’s so big, the ref goes flying! Evil still mule kicks, but he runs into the DERAILER POUNCE! With the ref down, Archer goes out to fetch chairs! Archer brings the chair in, wedges it in the bare-buckle corner, and fans rally up as they anticipate his evil plans for Evil.

Archer drags Evil up, whips him over, but Evil stops himself! Then baits Archer in, sending Archer crashing through the chair! The plan backfired! Evil runs, to LARIAT Archer down! Fans are thunderous and the referee has revived. Evil slashes the throat and drags Archer up. He suplexes Archer to the ropes, hanging Magic Killer! Cover, TWO!! Archer still lives, but Evil has more left. He slashes the throat again, spins Archer around, but Archer slips out to a full nelson! Evil breaks free, kicks, spins, but into the CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!? Evil lives! But Archer drags him up to a fireman’s carry, F5!! That’s not enough for Archer, he wants to use his claw! Archer reaches down to bring Evil up, Everybody- misses! Evil headbutts! Then spins Archer, only to get the claw!! Everybody Dies, cover, Archer wins!!

Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall

Not everything is evil, but Evil is still trying everything he can to fight out of the claw! Archer holds on tight to punish him, but Young Lions rush in to help. So Archer goes after one of them with the claw! He lets go when he is satisfied, but will Archer be satisfied with anything less than crushing everyone’s dreams with that vicious claw?

Archer goes to English commentary to talk to them. “Next year, nobody lives!” This year was “sh*t”, so next year, Archer vows to be undefeated. “It does not stop!” Rocky, say it! Rocky Romero says the catchphrase, and Archer leaves him alone. Will G1 Climax 30 be the year #EverybodyDies?

SANADA VS Bad Luck Fale!

The Cold Skull isn’t too upset that he won’t be a G1 Climax finalist. After all, he has a win over Kazuchika Okada, the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion! But will Sanada survive the Rogue General so he can cash in that title shot burning a hole in his back pocket?

The bell rings and fans are of course on Sanada’s side against Bullet Club. Sanada stares down with Fale as they circle, but Chase Owens swipes at him from behind. This distracts Sanada for Fale to attack! Fale throws heavy hands then grinds Sanada into the ropes. Fale stops at the ref’s count, then whips Sanada, but Sanada stops himself when he sees Jado and that kendo stick. Fale comes up but Sanada is ready with big haymakers! Sanada rocks Fale then runs, and dodges, only to get that kendo SMACK after all! Fans boo but Jado gets away with it again. Fale kicks Sanada out of the ring, and they end up by commentary. Fale tosses Sanada over the railing onto monitors! And uses a mic cable to choke him! The ref reprimands him and fans boo, but Fale does let up.

Fale goes back to the ring and stays where the ref says. The ref also makes sure Chase and Jado leave Sanada alone. Sanada catches his breath and gets out of the mic cable. He heads back to the ring, but Fale is on him with stomps. Fale stands on Sanada’s stomach! The ref counts and Fale stops, only to stand on Sanada’s chest! The ref counts again and reprimands Fale, but now Chase gets cheap shots in! Fans boo but Bullet Club is too good at the game. Sanada gets up and tries to scoop Fale, but Fale’s just too big. Fale clubs Sanada down, and then clamps a hand on the trapezius muscle! Sanada endures the claw, and gets a ropebreak with his feet. But Fale stomps him down and brings him back up. Fale clamps that hand on Sanada’s side, right under the armpit! Sanada endures this new nerve hold, then stands with a cocky salute cover. TWO, and fans rally hard for Sanada!

Sanada throws CHOPS on Fale, but the scoop still doesn’t work. Fale scoops Sanada but Sanada escapes, to get the scoop! But then he falls over with Fale’s weight! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives being squashed but Fale keeps stomping him. Fale steps on Sanada, to then drop a big elbow! Cover, TWO! Fale drops more elbows out of frustration, covers, TWO! Fale scoops Sanada and slams him down, to then get a running start, only to miss the elbow drop! Sanada catches his breath while Fale clutches his elbow. Sanada throws hands on Fale then whips, but Fale reverses. Sanada dodges, dodges, and dropkicks the legs! Fale staggers so Sanada dropkicks his chest! Sanada clotheslines Fale out of the ring! Fale still stands, so Sanada slingshots to topple him over! He slingshots to take Jado out! Chase runs into the ring but Sanada redirects him. Sanada hurdles and dropkicks Chase out, to then slingshot! A hat trick for Sanada!

Fans are thunderous for Cold Skull and he wants the cameramen to see that. Sanada uses the ring count to catch his breath and get Fale in the ring. Sanada aims from a corner, springboards, but Fale dodges the missile dropkick. But Sanada gets a fireman’s carry! Only for Fale’s weight to topple him over again. Fale splashes down, cover, TWO! Sanada survives becoming a pancake, but Fale still has something left to try. He drags Sanada up, Grenade hits! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives again and Fale is furious! Fale vows to end this while fans reach a fever pitch for Sanada. Fale lifts Sanada to the crucifix, but Sanada slips out! Sanada dodges in the corner and gets the scoop slam!! Then the fireman’s carry, to the TKO neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Fale still lives, but Sanada keeps his cool. He drags Fale up into the dragon sleeper!

Fale endures, but Sanada drops back for the body scissors! True Skull End is in, but Chase yanks the ref out! Fale is tapping but no one can call it! Fans boo but Bullet Club does it again. Sanada lets go, Jado runs in, but he misses the kendo strike! Sanada kicks Jado low, tosses the stick aside, and ties Jado up in Paradise! Chase runs in, but even he gets put in Paradise! Fale clubs Sanada and whips, but Sanada tumbles out, springboards in, and dropkicks Fale down! Sanada gets up top as the ref returns, Moonsault! Fale dodges but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada runs in, tilt-o-whirl to Skull End! Cradle counter, Fale wins!?

Winner: Bad Luck Fale, by pinfall

The Rogue General’s soldiers sacrificed themselves and he comes away with one last victory in the G1! But he forgets to help Chase out… Jado kicks Chase free, and Bullet Club leaves together. Well, Crown Jewel aside, is Fale poised to get a title match from the Cold Skull if he dethrones Okada?

KENTA VS Zack Sabre Jr!

The TakeOver continues, even without being a G1 Finalist. Will Kenta makes ZSJ #GoToSleep? Or will the Submission Master make Kenta #JustTapOut?

The bell rings and the two stare down. They circle as fans duel, and Kenta is wary of ZSJ’s grip. Kenta uses a corner for defense but ZSJ just grins and taunts him. They circle again and Kenta just stays out of ZSJ’s holds. Kenta waistlocks but ZSJ drops down. Kenta floats over then back around, but ZSJ switches. ZSJ floats, Kenta pushes him over, and the two break. Fans cheer this already impressive exchange. Kenta and ZSJ go again, pushing for headlock control. ZSJ gets the facelock but Kenta puts him into the ropes. They end up in the corner, and ZSJ pats his shoulder for a clean break with “senpai.” They circle again, and ZSJ tries to reel Kenta in. They end up on ropes again, and now Kenta is a good senpai as he gives the. Only to swing a kick! ZSJ gets under and is upset senpai wasn’t more respectful, as are fans.

ZSJ and Kenta circle again, and Kenta gets a leg. ZSJ leans back to fight the takedown, then goes for Kenta’s arms. Kenta pushes to the ropes and ZSJ has him in the corner again. The clean break is immediately marred by a stiff European Uppercut. Fans cheer but Kenta eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ throws more uppercuts, but Kenta only steps into them! Then Kenta DECKS ZSJ with one hard right! ZSJ flounders up but gets kicks to the chest! ZSJ is knocked off his feet with a high one, and then Kenta kicks him in the back. Kenta toys with ZSJ now and ZSJ gets annoyed. ZSJ gives Kenta more uppercuts, but Kenta just decks him again! Kenta dares ZSJ to do something before kneeing him back down. Kenta snapmares ZSJ to kick him in the back again. ZSJ gets up but Kenta is on him with a facelock.

Kenta shifts around for a chinlock, but ZSJ works on the grip. ZSJ gets an arm and wrenches a couple times, but Kenta just narrowly avoids the Pele! ZSJ narrowly avoids another kick, then gets up to boot! But he runs into Kenta’s knee! Kenta looms over ZSJ, to drop knees. Then he hops, to scuff ZSJ’s face. Fans boo again but Kenta pretends to be confused. But ZSJ gets his leg to stomp the arm! ZSJ wants to torture the surgically repaired arm with twisting, wrenching, and stomping! ZSJ then goes after a leg for a fast deathlock, and a butterfly mount. Kenta grits his teeth and slaps ZSJ. ZSJ digs his knuckles into the knees, then stands on Kenta to grab the bad arm! ZSJ has a double wristlock on top of the leg lock! Kenta pops his legs free to then use them to knee ZSJ in the shoulder and head! ZSJ lets go and gets away to ropes.

Kenta kicks ZSJ against the ropes! And again! And again! ZSJ flops over, and Kenta drops a knee on him again. Cover, ONE, but Kenta is on ZSJ with a snapmare. Kenta wraps the chinlock back on but ZSJ quickly slips out to hammerlock the arm! ZSJ pulls on this arm, then pulls legs into a figure four. He digs his knuckles in before getting the other arm, and practically makes Kenta into a pretzel. ZSJ flops Kenta over for a cover, ONE, and ZSJ grows frustrated. ZSJ toys with Kenta now, kicking him around. Kenta gets up to SLAP ZSJ. ZSJ SLAPS back, so Kenta forearms back. ZSJ fakes the uppercut to snapmare Kenta and crank the neck! ZSJ comes back to bring Kenta up in a half nelson. Kenta resists the full nelson and fights out with elbows. Kenta runs but into a boot. But he still catches ZSJ into a powerslam!

Both men are down and fans rally up. Kenta goes to a corner while ZSJ gets up. ZSJ runs in but into boots. Kenta hops up and grabs ZSJ for the tornado hotshot! Kenta climbs again and leaps at ZSJ for the flying clotheslines! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer and rally as ZSJ stays in this. Kenta drags ZSJ up, blocks the kick, but ZSJ starts slapping him. ZSJ even toys with Kenta, but he gets hard SLAPS back for it! Kenta runs corner to corner to give ZSJ a helluva kick! Then again for a basement dropkick! Kenta drags ZSJ to a drop zone and goes up top, for flying double stomps, only to roll through. Kenta runs into an uppercut, but gives back fast hands. ZSJ Northern Lights to a Kimura and headscissors! Then shift to an armbar! Kenta holds it off with a grip, but ZSJ works on the fingers. They roll, the armbar is complete but the ropebreak is, too!

ZSJ lets Kenta go to come back with a kick to the bad arm. And again! He won’t let up, he grinds the shoulder and wrenches, but Kenta forearms back. ZSJ holds on to still wrench, but he gets another forearm. ZSJ refuses to let go, and wrenches there times. Kenta gives three forearms back, but ZSJ kicks the shoulder! Kenta back hands ZSJ down as he falls! Both men hit the mat and fans fire up! Kenta and ZSJ head for each other, and Kenta eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ forearms but Kenta give sit back. The go back and forth, and ZSJ starts kicking. They stand, and Kenta forearms, but ZSJ EuroUppers back. Kenta, ZSJ, repeat. Kenta dares ZSJ to keep going, so ZSJ does. ZSJ fires kicks and one more uppercut! Kenta is down now, and ZSJ eggs him on. Kenta blocks the Penalty Kick! To spin and LARIAT! Kenta heads back up while ZSJ is down. Flying double stomps! Cover, TWO!!

ZSJ survives Kenta’s coup de grace, but Kenta vows to end this. Fireman’s carry, but ZSj slips out to PELE the arm! And sweep the legs! Penalty Kick hits! Cover, ONE?! And ZSJ is shocked! ZSJ and Kenta throw forearms again, then Kenta SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ SLAPS back! Now it’s a SLAP fight! Kenta ROCKS ZSJ, and again, and again, and again! But ZSJ ducks the buzzsaw to get Kenta into the EuroClutch! TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Kenta escapes. ZSJ boots Kenta’s clothesline away, uppercuts back, and then catches the discus into a takedown! ZSJ wants both arms, but Kenta slips out to his own hold! #GameOver, but not yet! ZSJ gets a Triangle Hold! Kenta pops out to get back to the GameOver LeBell lock! ZSJ scrambles with his legs for a ropebreak! Kenta lets go in frustration.

Kenta gets up first, and kicks ZSJ off the ropes! Then he runs, to Psycho Knee ZSj down! Cover, TWO! Kenta vows to end it, fireman’s carry, GUILLOTINE! ZSJ shifts to a Triangle, and brings Kenta around! Kenta gets up again, but he can’t stack to a cover. ZSJ has the arms again! ZSJ pulls on the bad arm with Rings of Saturn! Bow ‘n’ Arrow even! Kenta endures even as ZSJ kicks his head! Verbal submission, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission

Kenta didn’t tap, but he couldn’t withstand the man of 1000 holds’ arsenal! ZSJ survives to finish strong, and brags as he holds up his Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Championship. Will ZSJ only get stronger from here?

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Will Ospreay!

The Ace and the Aerial Assassin is a dream match to say the least! This may not be as big as the G1 Finals, but can the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion still win big against the Once in a Century Talent?

The bell rings and fans are dueling already! “Go Ace!” “Ospreay!” goes back and forth as the two circle. They tie up, and Tanahashi puts Ospreay against the ropes. He gives a clean break and they circle again. The dueling gets louder and Ospreay is clearly appreciative of having fans in attendance. He and Tanahashi tie up again, and Tanahashi works to power Ospreay to ropes. Ospreay locks his legs, and then pushes forward to put Tanahashi back! Ospreay lets up and keeps it clean, too. Fans cheer this respect between both men. Ospreay calls for a test of strength! Tanahashi obliges, and they lock up with the knuckles. They go shoulder to shoulder, and they’re deadlocked in the middle of the ring. Tanahashi brings things up, and uses leverage against Ospreay.

But Ospreay bridges to power back up! Then he kicks and wrenches Tanahashi to a wristlock. Tanahashi reverses the wrench, and brings Ospreay to a knee. Ospreay stands and rolls to handspring and break free! Ospreay headlocks and fans cheer! Tanahashi powers up and brings Ospreay back down, standing on his leg. Tanahashi pulls Ospreay back for a headlock, but Ospreay powers out. Tanahashi runs Ospreay over but Ospreay springs right up! Ospreay plays an air guitar! Tanahashi kicks Ospreay low, air guitar is his thing! Tanahashi whips Ospreay to a corner, Ospreay goes up and over, then keeps moving to huricanrana Tanahashi out! Ospreay builds more speed, to fake Tanahashi out! Superhero Landing! And then he slingshots, but Tanahashi gets in. Ospreay forearms Tanahashi but Tanahashi dropkicks Ospreay in the ropes! Dragon screw jams Ospreay’s leg!

Fans duel hard as ever, and Tanahashi drags Ospreay in by the bad leg. Tanahashi stomps the hamstring and yanks on the leg. Ospreay crawls to ropes but Tanahashi is after him again. Tanahashi drops an elbow on the leg then wraps on an toehold. Ospreay fights back but Tanahashi keeps the chinlock off. Tanahashi then laces the legs for a deathlock. Tanahashi uses the butterfly mount, but Ospreay endures and keeps his shoulders off the mat. Ospreay drags himself and Tanahashi towards ropes, but Tanahashi stands to apply more pressure! Ospreay holds himself up on one hand, but Tanahashi bridges back! No hands! Ospreay endures this unique Ace Deathlock, but still scrambles to ropes! Tanahashi lets go with the ropebreak, but the damage has been done.

Tanahashi drags Ospreay back up but Ospreay throws forearms. Tanahashi gives them back, then eggs Ospreay on. Ospreay obliges, and now they brawl with forearm after forearm! Ospreay gets an edge, but Tanahashi kicks the bad leg. Tanahashi whips but Ospreay handsprings to enziguri! Fans rally and duel again, but the Ospreay fans are gaining steam. Ospreay throws more forearms on Tanahashi, but Tanahashi reverses the whip. Ospreay dodges to hit a flying forearm smash! Tanahashi ends up in a corner, but Ospreay runs at him, only to be put on the apron,. The leg jams but Ospreay still punches Tanahashi away. Ospreay springboards but Tanahashi intercepts and punches him down! Tanahashi runs over but is dumped out! Ospreay dropkicks Tanahashi away, then builds up speed! SASUKE SPECIAL! Direct hit takes Tanahashi down!

Ospreay puts Tanahashi in the ring, for a standing Shooting Star! Cover, TWO! The dueling is at a fever pitch now, and Ospreay brings Tanahashi up. Tanahashi fires off strikes, ducks Ospreay’s roundhouse, but then Ospreay rocks him with a right. Tanahashi ends up by ropes, Ospreay hits him with an elevated 619! Tanahashi staggers, Ospreay springboards, but Tanahashi gets clear of Pip-Pip Cheerio! The leg jams again, and Ospreay hobbles into a dropkick to the leg! Tanahashi gets up as another fan rally begins. He has Ospreay’s legs for the Cloverleaf, but Ospreay resists. Ospreay pries Tanahashi’s hands away, and then kicks until Tanahashi backs off. Tanahashi kicks Ospreay’s leg, but runs into the dropkick-flip! But the leg! He still enziguris, but Tanahashi keeps hold of the other leg! Ospreay grabs at hair, but Tanahashi pulls on the ankle, for a Dragon Screw!

Tanahashi has the legs again, and completes the Cloverleaf! Tanahashi sits deep on Ospreay, bending him from legs to neck! Fans rally and duel as Ospreay endures. Ospreay pops out the back to reach for ropes, but Tanahashi drags him away! Tanahashi sits even deeper! Red Shoes checks on Ospreay, but Ospreay is fading! Ospreay gets a second wind, to get that ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go and fans are loving this match! The dueling does not slow down as Tanahashi stomps Ospreay at the ropes. Tanahashi waits for Ospreay to stand, to kick his leg out. Tanahashi waits for Ospreay to stand again, then runs, but Ospreay dodges the Slingblade! Ospreay wants the full nelson but is denied, and his hook kick misses, too! Tanahashi full nelsons Ospreay, but Ospreay drops down to victory roll! Cover, TWO! ROBINSON SPECIAL!

Fans fire up with Ospreay as he calls for it. Ospreay springboards, but Tanahashi side-steps and slams Ospreay down! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi drags Ospreay up, full nelsons, but Ospreay breaks free, only to be in the trapped-arm German Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ospreay escapes but Tanahashi still has more to give. Tanahashi waits for Ospreay to stand before he runs. Tanahashi comes in, but gets a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay doesn’t hesitate, he climbs up top and leaps, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!!! But that still doesn’t deter him, he springboards for OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! How does Tanahashi keep surviving?! Ospreay is at a loss for words but the fans reach a new level of excitement! Ospreay gives a thumbs up, then slashes the throat with it. He drags Tanahashi up, underhooks, and Canadian racks, but Tanahashi makes it a SLINGBLADE!

The rallying from fans continues as Tanahashi stands back up. Tanahashi runs, and gets THE Slingblade! Cover, TWO!! But Tanahashi won’t let that slow him down, he goes up top! Ospreay stands, ACE’S HIGH Crossbody! But Ospreay rolls it over, TWO!!! SLAPPING Palm strike, but Tanahashi gets a HOOK KICK! Hidden Blade! But that’s not all, underhooks and lift, STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, Ospreay WINS!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall

The biggest victory to date for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! But Ospreay shows respect as he checks on Tanahashi as Young Lions help him up. The slogan has long since been “Attack for the Next Generation.” Has that banner officially been passed on from Ace to Assassin?

Kota Ibushi VS Kazuchika Okada!

It all comes down to this very last match of the A Block. The Golden Star lost early on in the round robin while the Rainmaker lost not too long ago. Can Ibushi continue his comeback and shine the brightest he ever has? Or will Okada continue to be on a whole ‘nother level? Who is THE A Block Finalist?!

The bell rings and fans are immediately fired up for these fan favorites! Okada and Ibushi can hear their supporters, but of course know there are just as many for the other. Okada teases rushing Ibushi, but he stays back to give Ibushi a fair fight. They circle and approach, wary of a grapple because they know how skilled the other is. They tie up, and Okada waistlocks. Ibushi wrenches out to a wristlock, but Okada rolls and trips Ibushi to a toehold. Okada wrenches and goes after the ankle, but Ibushi retaliates with a chinlock. They roll and Ibushi gets a headlock, only for Okada to slip out to a hammerlock. Okada rolls Ibushi to a cover, ONE! Fans cheer as Okada backs off and Ibushi stands.

The dueling continues as Okada and Ibushi reset and go again. Ibushi works to push Okada back, but Okada pushes Ibushi. Okada gets Ibushi on the ropes, but in classic Okada fashion, the break is clean, with the chop feint. Okada pats Ibushi’s shoulder and dares him to come back. Ibushi comes back with a forearm to the face! Ibushi waits for Okada’s response, and Okada forearms him back. Ibushi forearms, Okada forearms, and they go back and forth! Okada gets the edge, runs, but into Ibushi’s dropkick! The dueling returns as Okada shakes out the cobwebs. Ibushi is on him with forearms and Okada staggers to a corner. Ibushi elbows then wrenches, then whips Okada corner to corner. Okada whips Ibushi but misses in the corner. Okada still gets Ibushi up top, and dropkicks him down! Ibushi crashes and burns towards commentary!

Okada takes his time as the five minute mark is announced. After all, Okada only needs a draw to still advance. He drags Ibushi up for a DDT right to the floor! Ibushi clutches his head and neck but Okada simply walks away. Okada rests in the ring while Red Shoes checks on Ibushi. Ibushi is okay to continue, but he’s still dazed. The ring count begins, and Ibushi sits up at 10 of 20. Ibushi wobbles but Okada has Red Shoes stop there so this match can continue. Okada brings Ibushi up and throws him at buckles! Okada throws back elbows in at Ibushi, and Ibushi sits down as he clutches his ear. Ibushi wants time, and Okada pretends to give it before stomping him down! Okada lets up to bring Ibushi up, but Ibushi throws forearms back. Okada knees low, then snapmares Ibushi to run an dropkick! Okada walks it off as Ibushi clutches his face. Okada comes back to cover, TWO!

Fans duel as Okada puts on a chinlock. He digs his knee into Ibushi’s back, but Ibushi endures. Ibushi fights his way up but Okda pulls back harder. Fans build to a rally but Ibushi starts to fade. Red Shoes checks on him but Ibushi finds new life. He fights up and out of the hold, but Okada clubs him back. Okada whips but Ibushi reverses and runs in, only to get a boot. Okada runs but gets a huricanrana! Both men are down now and fans rally up again. Ibushi fires himself up knowing the 10 minute mark has arrived. He drags Okada up but Okada swings a punch. Ibushi ducks that to come back with a strike fest! Ibushi roundhouses Okada off his feet! Then standing moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his cool as he grits his teeth. Fans duel more and Ibushi stands while Okada bails out. Ibushi slingshots and splashes down on Okada!

Ibushi gets up and walks off the ankle pain. He puts Okada back in and fans cheer as he wants to end this in the ring. Ibushi whips but Okada dodges and ducks to elbow Ibushi down! Okada fires up and the fans do, too! Okada drags Ibushi up, whips him corner to corner, and runs in for a big elbow. Then he kicks for another DDT! Cover, TWO! Ibushi refuses to stay down but he is clutching his neck again. Okada drags him up, scoops and slams him fast, then heads up top. Standard Okada as he aims, but Ibushi is up and gets under. Ibushi runs into an uppercut, and Okada runs, only to get Ibushi’s enziguri! Both men are down and fans rally up!

Okada sits up first but Ibushi follows. Ibushi throws a forearm but Okada give sit back. Ibushi gives another forearm, but Okada gives it back. They go back and forth, Ibushi, Okada, repeat, faster and faster. Ibushi staggers, and Okada throws a big EuroUpper! Ibushi wobbles but stays on his feet. Okada whips Ibushi corner to corner but Ibushi reverses, only to run into an elbow. Okada runs but into Ibushi’s powerslam! Ibushi rolls, moonsaults, onto knees! Okada has control again as he looms over Ibushi. He whips Ibushi to ropes, and hits a big flapjack! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel again while Okada drags Ibushi back up. Okada scoops and slams Ibushi, then heads back up. But Ibushi is up fast and intercepts with a body shot. Ibushi climbs to join Okada and wants underhooks. Okada resists with just his legs, and fights back with body shots and clubbing forearms.

Okada clubs Ibushi until he’s down onto the apron. Okada adjusts, but Ibushi is up fast! Springboard SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as both men slowly stand. Ibushi blocks Okada’s meteora into a POWERBOMB! Ropebreak! Okada knew where he was and saves himself. Ibushi sits back in the corner to rest while Okada crawls away. Ibushi stands, vowing to end this. He brings Okada up by his wrists, but Okada reels Ibushi in! Ibushi ducks the Rainmaker and waistlocks, but Okada elbows out. Ibushi still comes back, only to swing into Okada’s German Suplex! The bridge doesn’t stay up, but Okada doesn’t mind, he has the wristlock. Ripcord but Ibushi dodges, only to get Okada’s dropkick! Okada drags Ibushi up, scoops him, but Ibushi flails to reverse the position! Ibushi tucks Okada in for PACKAGE TOMBSTONE!

But Ibushi can’t hold on for a cover, and now both men are down again! The fans are thunderous as Okada and Ibushi stir. Ibushi sits up first and still wants to end this. He throws forearms on Okada, but Okada comes back with his own. They brawl on their knees, Ibushi hitting and Okada responding. Each man roars in turn, and they continue hitting as they stand. The 20 minute mark is given, so Ibushi has 10 minutes to win! Ibushi hits Okada, but Okada hits back. The brawl picks up speed, but then Okada flounders! Ibushi brings him back up for more forearms, and Okada ends up in a corner. But he comes back with a shotgun dropkick! But Ibushi rolls through! LARIAT! Both men are down again and the dueling returns to that thunderous level.

Ibushi stands first, and calls for a corner. He scoops Okada, but Okada fights out to scoop Ibushi! But then Ibushi reverses positions again, only for Okada to slip out and backslide! Ibushi rolls off, to get a point-blank Rainmaker! Okada keeps wrist control and has to slap the stars out of his head. He pulls Ibushi back up, and reels him in, for another Rainmaker! Okada roars and takes off his armbands. He wants the true form of…. No, Ibushi ducks, straitjacket German! But he doesn’t bridge, because he spins Okada around, only for Okada to block. Ibushi fights Okada off the leg, only to get a dropkick to the back! Okada whips but Ibushi counters the dropkick to a bomb! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and the fans are at that fever pitch again!

Ibushi calls upon the King of Strong Style as he stands in the corner. “YAO!” Ibushi runs out, but he gets a dropkick! Okada drags Ibushi up, wristlocks and reels him out, but Ibushi ducks! Ibushi wristlocks and ripcords Okada for a roundhouse! Then with both wrists, KAMI- NO! Okada counters, but Ibushi denies the Electric Chair. Ibushi spins around and sunset flips, but Okada sits on it! TWO!! Ibushi shocks himself with his escape! ROUNDHOUSE! Okada staggers but ducks the second, spins Ibushi as he spins, only to get a knee trigger! Ibushi has the wrists, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO!?! Okada survives, but Ibushi wont’ let up! Another KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!

Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; advances to the G1 Climax Finals

Ibushi ties the score at 14, but because of this win, he has the tiebreaker! Okada’s dream of being a G1 winning IWGP Heavyweight Champion will not happen this year! But can Ibushi turn back-to-back finals appearances into a G1 Climax win? And who does he meet from B Block?

NJPW returns with Ibushi’s victory speech.

“With this, I have punched my ticket to the finals.” Ibushi stands up to do this properly. Fans cheer for Ibushi as he takes a moment to catch his breath. “First, I want to say thank you to everyone.” And he also thanks all the other wrestlers in the A Block. As the A Block winner, he vows not to lose. He won’t make the same mistakes from last year. He will not give up until the bitter end. It’s a promise! See you then! Ibushi will only have so much time to rest. Who will he have to prepare for in just a matter of days?

NJPW Media backstage interview

Ibushi sits and says, “Last year, I was a runner-up, and I’m guaranteed at least second place.” But Ibushi won’t be satisfied that for a second year. He will not quit. He’s been waiting for this a whole year. August 12 is Kota Ibushi Day. Ibushi will give back as good as he gets from his opponent. Ibushi just has to keep going, just a little further. He’ll do his very best to the very end, no matter who it is he’s up against. And as for his match with Okada, Ibushi can still barely comprehend it. Okada and Ibushi are roughly the same class, 2004. Ibushi can’t wait to face him again, because Okada is incredible. That was maybe Okada’s 1% against Ibushi’s 100%. There is still more to this between the two of them. Ibushi is writing his own story. You’ll have to wait and see the ending another time. Can Ibushi beat B Block’s best to get that Wrestle Kingdom 14 title match contract?

My Thoughts:

An amazing two hours once again, as every one of these has been from NJPW and AXS. Again, the only match that mattered for the tournament was the main event, but the other matches can make for some great story as the G1 Climax is wrapping up overall. Archer has another good showing, and even though he wins over Evil, he clearly won’t be satisfied. This already plants a story a year in advance of Archer wanting to dominate whatever Block he’s put in. Fale wins thanks to Bullet Club shenanigans, and that could be used to spark a story of Bullet Club and Los Ingobernables de Japon through Sanada. At the same time, Chase seems to be the low rung on the ladder now, I wonder if that becomes something in Bullet Club’s next phase as a faction.

ZSJ VS Kenta was a great match, and that was a great win for ZSJ. This could definitely spark a story for Kenta with ZSJ as the year rolls on. Tanahashi VS Ospreay was incredible! This was worthy of being the A Block Finals in itself, and it was big for Ospreay to win here. It was tantamount to a passing of the torch, between Tanahashi putting Ibushi and Ospreay over. Tanahashi still has a lot left, but this is a big sign that it is time for the new stars to rise up and carry NJPW forward. And of course, that extends even to Ibushi VS Okada here in the main event, which was worthy of the title match already. Ibushi winning is incredible for him and this tournament. AXS will take two more weeks to wrap up G1 even though it’s done in real time, but getting to see B Block next week and the man Ibushi faces/faced is going to be awesome. And without looking it up, I have a feeling it’s Naito just so the two of them can have one more match.

Naito could take it here so that he gets his match to be both IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. Plus, Okada will have a hard-fought road to Wrestle Kingdom with Sanada having his title match lined up, and technically now even Ibushi. Anything could happen where Okada shockingly loses the title to Sanada or Ibushi so that it’s one of them headed to Wrestle Kingdom to face Mr. G1 Climax 29. Because for one, I don’t see the WK14 contract holder losing that, so it has to still come down to the G1 Climax winner having a title match. This far out, things can always change, but it would be pretty awesome if Naito as Mr. G1 meets Ibushi again when Ibushi is IWGP Heavyweight Champion. At the same time, Naito VS Okada is great because beating Okada is itself a title win, while LIJ VS LIJ as Naito has to face Sanada, his teammate, to prove who is truly the best in the faction.

My Score: 9.5/10

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

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Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.18.2024

Motor City Machine Guns either go out on their backs, or head to Rebellion as champs! Lets see how they finish their current run in TNA!

Published

5 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Andrew Balaz

No burying the lead here! The Main Event is The System versus Motor City Machine Guns, and it’s the Go Home episode before Rebellion! So we’re guaranteed a damn good tag match, and we should get either new wrinkles, or ways to keep the storylines cooking going into the Pay-per-View.

With all the rumors and innuendo about the Guns being on their way out, I think we all assume that MCMG is losing, but my inner fanboy is still excited.

Part Three: Acceptance @TheJonGresham #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/NE9FPzCCz2

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Ratings:

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – SQUASH
LSG vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – SQUASH
Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno: Ali wins via 450 Splash – ** 3/4
Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna: Rosemary wins via Spear – ***
Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards: System wins via Roster Cut + Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

So we kick off the match with Josh coming out to commentary again to watch Hammerstone’s match. They really need a new way to try and keep heat without reusing the same tired gimmick of “ring side seat” to a Squash match.

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

Guido tries to shoot the half, but Hammerstone shrugs him off, lifts him like a child and runs him into a corner, few short shots and then just tosses him across the ring. Hammer gets a little distracted talking smack to Josh and eats a foot, but then tosses Guido with the ole Sack of Shit move and keeps working over Guido.

Hammer shoves Clayton, and provokes him to push him back right in front of the referee. She ejects them, Guido tries to take advantage but when he goes for the pinfall Hammer kicks out immediately and presses Guido out of thing through the ropes. Continues to dog walk Guido, puts the head gear on the ECW Original and then Torture Racks him while staring directly at Josh, and of course picks up the submission victory.

.@XiaBrookside and @Ashamae_Sebera face off NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/Q0S3wSRpeu

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

LSG vs Joe Hendry

Hendry cuts a little promo, mentioning the Fat Uncle Phil joke…something about shopping at the TOP Dollar Store. Solid mic work.

LSG is a damn good local talent, he’s been seen in ROH and AEW in the past (perhaps others, but that’s what comes to mind immediately for me), but we all know this is an enhancement match. A few nice chain wrestling spots early, but Hendry uses his power to stop the smaller wrestler, Sack of Shit into Standing Ovation and the match is over quickly.

Mustafa Ali & GYV vs Cody Deaner, Jake Something & Rhyno

Well okay, having Deaner ask the crowd if they wanted a 3v2 or their third member…RHYNO…is pretty much a no brainer in Philly. But at least the gimmick isn’t quite as cringe as I expected.

Jake starts with Zack Gibson and throws him around. Jake goes for the tag and Deaner asks the crowd who Jake should tag, and the crowd picks Rhyno. Rhyno Whips Gibson into a corner, Drake actually softens the impact, allowing Gibson to fire back, tag out, but Rhyno levels both GYV members and then even knocks Ali off the apron. Rhyno tries to call to the crowd to tag in Deaner and that goes over like a fart in church. He tags him in anyway, and the crowd is kinda dead and doing whatever it wants after the obvious ECW chants when Rhyno tagged in.

GYV take a couple lumps but they of course start to work over Deaner and capture some momentum. Solid tandem work from GYV, they cut off Deaner from making a tag and goad Jake a little to cause the ref to block off the babyfaces so the heels can take a few shortcuts. Cody eventually makes the tag to Rhyno, hot tag, he tries to set up the Gore but the GYV manage to stop him in his tracks and hit an Enzuigiri to daze the Man Beast, he falls to his corner and Jake tags himself in. Jake literally runs them all over, tags in Cody and Launches him from the Top Rope into Zack Gibson. Ali makes the save and Jake tries to get his hands on Ali, but the GYV keep throwing themselves at him, literally. The triple team finally gets the best of Jake, they hit 3 Dives and then post Jake, so they gather around Cody like hyenas.

They forgot about Rhyno, he’s set up for a Gore, he Gores Drake, Gibson and Ali take out Rhyno, but then Cody starts to fight back. Ali stops Deaner’s offense with an Avalanche Sunset Bomb, then hits his 450 Splash. Jake barely misses being able to break up the pin.

.@TheEricYoung channels "The Sickness" as he prepares for FULL METAL MAYHEM with @FrankieKazarian at #Rebellion! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/tm1TqxZBLo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

Jody tries to start quickly with Shoulder Tackles, Lariats and Scoop Slams, and it does seem somewhat effective. Rosemary is having trouble finding offense against the intensity, but she keeps kicking out. Shotgun Dropkick finally gives Rosemary an opening, she goes into full mount and rains down strikes. Rosemary shoves Jody into a corner and Bites her in the corner. Jody tries to fight out, they go across and Rosemary catches her with the legs and puts her in the Upside Down. Splash in the corner from Rosemary, Exploder Suplex and Jody is eating a lot of offense.

Rosemary looks like she’s caught after she gets tripped up into the ropes and Jody goes for her Rope Knee into the German, but Rosemary dodges. Rosemary hits her own suplex and pulls out a beautiful Last Chancery! I haven’t seen her do that in a long time. Jody manages to fight to the ropes, Rosemary is a little slow to capitalize and eats a Pump Kick. Rosemary goes flying into the ropes, Jody hits the Double Knees into the German this time for 2, and they trade a few haymakers after that. Jody folds Rosemary with a low Lariat, Zombie rise spot a few times, Jody goes for a pinfall and Rosemary kicks out.

Havok jumps up on the apron, Dani meets her and they decide to step down, but the distraction was enough. Jody turns around and eats a Spear. Rosemary wins!

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs The System (Eddie Edwards & Brian Myers) w/Alisha Edwards

Eddie and Shelley start off, and its a very simple slow start. Mostly an early stalemate, the typical Japanese style the TNA seem to love to employ. Starters tag out, but then Shelley with the blind tag, Sabin Baseball Slides out, picks Eddie’s ankle and sends his face bouncing off the apron, while Shelley sneaks up being Myers and they hit a tandem move before we cut to commercial. Off of the commercial it looks like Eddie and Myers regained control. But a nice Jawbreaker from Shelley sends Eddie falling back into the MCMG corner. Dragon Screws to both legs from Sabin and Shelley, and we get the Dragon Screw dissection spot for the Guns.

Myers gets sick of things, tries to get involved, but Simultaneous Figure Fours from the MCMG makes The System look silly. Alisha does the classic “push the rope forward” gimmick to assist Eddie in breaking the hold. She keeps chirping at Shelley until she finally grabs his foot. Shelley doesn’t take kindly, tries to grab her by the hair but she gets away, Shelley eats a strike and falls back to the ropes so Lish can just throttle him with the rope, Sabin walks over and acts like he’s going to PK her and the look of disgust on her face is hilarious, like “how dare he threaten to kick her”. Would I be mad is Masha decides to team with Lish and they win the Knockouts Tag titles? No, because the Knockouts Tags are trash. But I still prefer Lish as valet/manager.

Shelley starts fighting back after another commercial break, Eddie tries to cut him off, but Sabin clocks Eddie and Shelley manages to make the tag and Sabin comes in. Lights up both System members, Kick off Tornado DDT, into a Running Gamengiri. Eddie tries to counter but Shelley assists, tandem strikes, Double Baseball Slide into the classic MCMG spot 5 Hole Dive! Keeping up with the classics Shelley stacks the System members on each other and hit the Missile Dropkick/Flatliner spot. As the Guns are rolling, Sabin accidentally catches Sabin with his foot and The System take control! They hit their pieces of the System Overload spot, but Sabin kicks out. Roster Cut attempt from Myers, but Shelley is back. High Speed Dirt, Machine Gun Sandwich, but Lish grabs Shelley’s foot when they’re setting up Skull and Bones. Shelley gets dropped on the turnbuckle and thrown out, Sabin eats the Roster Cut followed up with Boston Knee Party and System retains!

Its a little weird to have had the two commercial cuts and the fact there’s still Nic Nemeth to follow. So it feels a little flat, I hope this wasn’t their swan song match, because it was nice to see some classic spots, but it was entirely too abbreviated.

Nemeth comes out, goes into the crowd and finds a kid with a kendo stick and borrows a beer from someone, so he does a bit of a Sandman tribute. Moose cuts off his promo basically immediately. He throws out the “can’t beat the system” line again, and Nic rolls with the punches well. Moose uses a few cute analogies about Nic having a failure laden past, but Nemeth bites back and its really damn good. He says he can see it in Moose’s eyes that he thinks he’s getting in the ring with Dolph Ziggler, but no, there is no more old Dolph Ziggler, just the new Nic Nemeth. And Moose’s cool seems to be slightly shaken after those words. Good promo.

Overall Score: 6.5/10

So this was okay, if it didn’t end as strongly as it did, I would’ve rated this much lower. Two squash matches in the beginning, reusing the Josh comes out to the announce table to watch trope is boring, hell even Clayton’s shove to Hammerstone was super lame looking. The Deaner match was luke warm at best, but things picked up around the Rosemary match.

Lets also not overlook the segments with ASH & Xia, Jonathan Gresham’s whole deal and EY having to return to the violence/sickness/world class maniac, whatever you want to call it, were all great building blocks. This definitely wasn’t what I would call a strong Go Home, but it didn’t hurt things for Rebellion. The whole injury of Cardona was addressed, which honestly sounded weird since Jordynne basically said she was expecting them to have a backup plan so she has a backup plan. I don’t really like how that video package came across.

But who knows, all I know is, this wasn’t an awful episode, it just wasn’t really strong either. Here’s to hoping Rebellion Saturday is still strong.

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/18/24)

Time to Man Up!

Published

8 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the Ivy League MVP earn a title shot?

The NEW ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe, is here to step onto the Proving Ground with one of Maria Kanellis’ baby boys, Griff Garrison! Will Griff make Maria proud? Or will he reach for the sky?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Bryan Keith VS Aaron Solo; Keith wins.
Six Man Tag: Lance Archer & The Righteous VS Jon Cruz, Savion Truitt & Damian Chambers; Archer & The Righteous win.
Lee Johnson VS JD Drake; Lee wins.
Abadon VS Allysin Kay; Abadon wins.
The Infantry VS The Iron Savages w/Jacked Jameson; The Infantry wins.
Six Woman Tag: Diamante, Leila Grey & Taya Valkyrie VS Kiera Hogan, Leyla Hirsch & Trish Adora; Kiera, Leyla & Adora win.
The Beast Mortos VS Nick Comoroto; Mortos wins.
Lady Frost VS Marti Belle; Frost wins.
The Dark Order VS Zak Patterson & Frank Milano; The Dark Order wins.
ROH World Championship Proving Ground Match: Mark Briscoe VS Griff Garrison w/ Cole Karter & Maria Kanellis; Mark wins and denies Griff a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Mark Briscoe speaks.

“Now House of Black, I’ve been doing this dance with y’all a little while now, and I’m starting to understand how y’all operate. Starting to understand y’all’s M-O. You try to intimidate me. You try to strike fear into the hearts of men. Well I done told you, I fear no man, I fear no evil. And ancient wisdom says the violent take it by force. Now lemme tell you, Eddie Kingston, Adam Copeland, and Mark Briscoe, we some violent men! And at Dynasty, we bringing the violence, babeh! So heed my advice, House of Black! Be afraid, be very afraid!” The Sussex County Chicken is ready for a fight, will he, the Rated R Superstar and Mad King tear down The House of Black once and for all?

Bryan Keith VS Aaron Solo!

The Bounty Hunter is still looking for a prize, but he’ll gladly fight to earn his shot. Will Keith be heading for a golden opportunity on the other side of Dynasty? Or will Solo shoot first?

The Code of Honor is upheld with sarcastic enthusiasm by Solo, and Keith shoves him away. The bell rings and Solo SLAPS Keith! Keith TACKLES Solo and rains down fists! The fans fire up, Solo gets away then knees Keith low. Solo ROCKS Keith, whips him to a corner, but Keith comes back to run Solo over! Keith scoops to SLAM Solo, then stands on Solo’s face! The fans fire up for the KNEE DROP! Keith then SLAPS Solo! The fans rally for “BK! BK!” Solo storms up but Keith kicks low. Keith reels Solo in, suplexes, and he holds Solo up! Keith marches around, then SLAMS Solo down! Solo bails out and the fans fire up as Keith aims.

Keith builds speed, slides, but Solo ducks! Solo sends Keith into steel steps! The fans boo as Solo leaves Keith behind. The ring count starts, fans chant “SOLO SUCKS! SOLO SUCKS!” Solo counts along but wants it to go faster. Keith stands at 8 of 20, slides in, but Solo stomps and HAMMERS away! The fans boo more, but Solo stands Keith up to bump him off buckles. Keith CHOPS in return! Then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~,” then Keith ROCKS Solo with a forearm. Keith CHOPS in the corner, but then Solo dodges. Solo tries but Keith dodges the chop to CHOP Solo down! The fans fire up while Solo is stinging.

Keith whips Solo, Solo reverses and CLOBBERS Keith! Cover, TWO! Keith grits his teeth but Solo knees him in the back! And again! The fans rally, Solo taunts them, and then ELBOWS Keith in the head. Solo stalks Keith to a corner, digs his boots in, but again the fans chant “SOLO SUCKS!” Solo stomps away on Keith, digs his boots in again, but Keith fights up! The fans fire up as Keith fires forearms! Keith fires forearms again and again and again, winds up, but Solo dodges! Solo comes back, but Keith ROCKS him after all! The fans fire up as Keith runs in to BOOT! Solo sputters, Keith runs, but then Solo SUPERKICKS! Keith just roars!

Solo swings, but into a T-BONE SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Keith keeps calm. Keith waits on Solo as fans rally behind him. Solo staggers into a fireman’s carry, but he fights free! Solo shoves, goes to a corner, but then Keith comes back. Solo ELBOWS Keith, whips, but Keith reverses! Solo goes up but gets caught, for an USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up again as Keith slashes his throat and aims his finger gun! Keith underhooks, but Solo fights the lift! Solo back drops, Keith sunset flips but Solo stays up to DOUBLE STOMP! Solo then runs up, catches Keith and hits a T-BONE! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up but Solo hurries to a corner. Solo climbs fast, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Keith survives that coup de grace and Solo isn’t sure what to do. Solo kicks Keith around, drags him up and reels him in to underhook. Keith fight that lift, Solo CLUBS away on him, but Keith Alabama Lifts! Solo grabs ropes so Keith lets him down, and ENZIGIRIS! But Solo SCREW HIGH KICKS! Solo goes up top, but Keith RISING HEADBUTTS! The fans fire up with Keith and he climbs! Keith reels Solo in, for DIAMOND DUST!! Cover, Keith wins!

Winner: Bryan Keith, by pinfall

A big win for BK! And he gives back that sarcastic handshake. Will the Bounty Hunter be hot on the trail of a championship after AEW & ROH pass through the Gateway City?

Mark Sterling speaks.

“If you ask AI to create the perfect professional wrestler, it wouldn’t even come close to you. If wrestling is a body business, then you’re a multinational corporation. Biology defying symmetry, no fat, all muscle, no waste. As functional as you are aesthetic. High-flying? You got it. Ground ‘n’ pound? You got that, too. Striking, brawling, submission, technical, there is not a single style you have not perfected. For the last 20 years, you’ve been one of the most consistent and proficient wrestling specimens for any company that’s been willing to throw money at you and begged you to stay. And now, it’s time for them to beg for mercy.

“You are Tony Nese, and you are a Premier Athlete.”

Now Mark Sterling & The Premier Athletes are here in person.

They stand backstage, Sterling’s guys in matching tracksuits, and he says the last time he looked into the camera, he told everyone he had a plan. The very next day, they enacted that plan. Sterling took them off the road, they entered a professional fight camp. They got the best coaches, best trainers, best doctors, and these three started to do what they do best: go to work. Supercard of Honor, against two former ROH TV Champions, PA got an impressive victory. Fruits of their labor. Ariya Daivari is back better than ever. Josh Woods is bigger and better than he was when he won the National Championship. And Tony Nese is in the best shape of his life, which is saying something.

In fact, what’re we even talking about? These three are the most underappreciated athletes in the company. They walk like stars, they move like stars, they present themselves like stars, and by the end of this year, they will be champions. Supercard was just phase one of this plan. Phase two… starts tonight. Then just what happens when the Premier Athletes start making moves?

Lee Johnson VS JD Drake!

Even though he lost at Supercard, Big Shotty stays positive! He got close to the ROH World Television Championship, will he get back there for another shot? Or will Scrap Metal be another speedbump in Lee’s momentum?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, JD HIP TOSSES, and Lee scrambles to ropes. JD flexes and fans cheer, which surprises JD. Lee gets up, he and JD reset. They tie up, JD arm-drags, but Lee gets up. Lee keeps calm while JD talks some smack. They circle, tie up again, and JD scoops! JD carries Lee around, with one arm! Then SLAM! JD dusts off his hands and the fans fire up more. Lee is a bit frustrated, but he fires himself up. The fans rally with him, he and JD circle to tie up. Lee goes to hip toss, but JD blocks! JD tells Lee he knows that’s not gonna work!

JD goes to hip toss but now Lee blocks! Lee arm-drags, then he goes to feint, but JD blocks with a headlock. Lee shoves JD, tries another arm-drag, but JD blocks that. JD whips Lee, Lee ducks ‘n’ dodges and arm-drags again! The fans fire up as Lee tries to scoop, but JD’s too hefty! JD SLAPS Lee, ROCKS him, then whips him to ropes. Lee ducks ‘n’ dodges again, shoves JD and hurdles! Lee drops, then DROPKICKS! JD staggers to a corner, Lee fires up, and the fans fire up with him! Lee runs up on JD in a corner to CHOP! JD barely flinches! JD puts his arms back and dares Lee to try again. Lee CHOPS, but JD puts Lee in the corner!

JD swings, Lee dodges and CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Lee whips, JD reverses but Lee ELBOWS back! Lee runs up but into a lift, and FLAPJACK off buckles! Lee falls, the fans rally up, and JD dusts himself off. JD storms back up on Lee, brings him up, and the fans rally. JD ROCKS Lee, stands him up in the corner, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” while Lee sputters. The fans want that “One More Time!” so JD stands Lee up. JD winds up, to JAB! The fans boo JD trolling them, but JD stands Lee up to CHOP him after all! Lee is stinging, but JD brings him up. Lee throws body shots but JD ROCKS Lee!

JD whips, Lee sunset flips! JD stays up, but Lee avoids the hip drop! Ghost pin, TWO! JD gets up, kicks low and whips, to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lee stays in this and the fans rally up. JD sits Lee up, KICKS him in the back, then paces around. The fans rally for Lee but JD pie faces him around. Lee rises, JD brings him up and Lee CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! JD throat chops! The ref reprimands, JD claims he jabbed to the chest. JD then scoops and SLAMS Lee, to then FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Lee is still in this but JD CHOKES him! The ref counts, JD lets off, claiming he was just checking the pulse.

JD clamps on a chinlock, digging his knee into Lee’s back. Lee endures, the fans rally up, and Lee fights to his feet. Lee throws body shots, but JD knees low! JD suplexes but Lee slips free! Lee ROCKS JD, ROCKS him again, but JD CHOPS! JD runs, but Lee SUPERKICKS! JD flops out of the ring and the fans fire up! The fans rally as Lee builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up even more! Lee puts JD in, climbs a corner, and JD stands. JD staggers around, into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this but then bails back out. Lee thinks on what he has to do and the fans rally up.

Lee runs, to slide, but JD gets under! JD pops Lee up to CLOBBER him! JD puts Lee in, aims from a corner, and Lee goes to the opposite end. JD runs up, but Lee moves, CANNONBALL hits buckles! Lee hurries up while JD is down! The fans cheer as Lee aims, FROG SPLASH, but JD moves! Lee rolls through, runs back at JD but JD puts him on the apron. JD ROCKS Lee, goes up, and he brings Lee around. The fans fire up as JD brings Lee up, but Lee fires body shots! Lee GAMANGIRIS, then climbs! Lee sunset flips for the POWERBOMB! The fans fire up and Lee climbs back up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Lee wins!

Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall

Big Shotty’s got range, and he hit the mark! Will Lee take this momentum and turn it into another chance at a championship?

Abadon VS Allysin Kay!

Speaking of second chances, The Living Dead Girl got screwed out of the ROH Women’s World Television Championship when Mercedes Martinez & Diamante conspired against her. And while AK Don’t Play, she knows the OG Badass well. Can Abadon prepare for revenge by taking down Martinez’s greatest rival?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, but Abadon holds on, to BITE Allysin’s arm! Abadon then laughs, dodges Allysin to HEADBUTT low, HELL STAB, then mule kick! Abadon runs to SHOTGUN BOOT! Allysin goes to a corner while the fans rally up and Abadon shrieks! But Allysin BOOTS Abadon down! Allysin rains down fists, covers, ONE!! Abadon sits up but Allysin brings her around to fireman’s carry. SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Allysin drags Abadon up to TOSS her to a corner! Allysin fires body shots, then she CHOPS! Allysin whips corner to corner hard and Abadon bounces off buckles!

Allysin takes a bow, puts pinkies up, and SPLASHES in the corner! Allysin CHOPS, whips, and runs up again, but Abadon BOOTS her! Abadon runs to BULLDOG! The fans rally as Abadon slithers out to the apron then climbs up the corner. Allysin crawls, Abadon aims, CROSSBODY! Abadon runs to KNEE Allysin back down! Abadon storms up on Allysin, reels her in, BLACK DAHLIA! Cover, Abadon wins!

Winner: Abadon, by pinfall

Abadon smiles, then shrieks into the night! Will Mercedes Martinez make sure to stay far, far away from the frightening Living Dead Girl?

Backstage interview with Taya Valkyrie.

Lexi Nair is with La Wera Loca and brings up her trios match alongside Diamante and Leila Grey. But this is also the first time we’ve seen her since Supercard, where Johnny TV lost to Dalton Castle. The question is: where is Johnny? Uh, recovering from that vicious attack by Dalton Castle and his “special boy,” Paul Walter-Whatever! Taya is gonna call up Fran Dreischer to file a complaint! For someone so TV Ready, Castle and Paul sure don’t look it. So yes, Johnny is rehabbing. Wait he’s in rehab? Ew, no, who do you think they are? Johnny is rehabbing the abs! This is an aesthetics business so he has to look amazing!

So tonight, Taya will carry the weight of the TV Family in trios action. So run along, Lexi, Taya has things to do. Uh, this is Lexi’s interview space. Oh, well, her apologies. Taya bumps Lexi on the way out, but will Taya’s team win some major points in the title chase tonight?

The Infantry VS The Iron Savages w/Jacked Jameson!

Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo may not be the ROH World Tag Team Championships, but they are not deterred. Will they get through the jacked ‘n’ juicy juggernauts to go after The Undisputed Kingdom once again?

The teams sort out, #BadNewsAndTattoos starts against Beefcake Boulder, and they keep the Code of Honor. They tie up, Bravo tries but can’t push Boulder back, but Boulder pushes Bravo back! Bravo resets with Boulder, beefs up, and they tie up. Bravo wrenches to wristlock, but Boulder WRINGS Bravo out! Boulder talks smack on Dean and Bravo, but Bravo pie faces. Boulder scoops Bravo, but Bravo slips free to DROPKICK! Boulder stays up, runs up, but Dean is there to GAMANGIRI! Bravo tags Dean while Boulder throws a fit, but DOUBLE DROPKICKS send him reeling! Bulk Bronson tags but runs into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS!

The fans fire up as the Infantry crisscross and SPLIT the wishbone! Bravo gets fans going with “OORAH!” Dean runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson bails out, Boulder is there to help him, and Dean builds speed, only for Jacked Jameson to stand in the way! He wants Dean to sip the Savage Sauce! Dean says no thanks, but in comes Bronson! EXPLODER! Bravo protests but Bronson drags Dean to a cover. The ref is busy arguing, he finally sees the pin, TWO! Bronson is annoyed, but he mocks Bravo’s air machine gun. Bravo then tags Boulder before he brings Dean up. The fans rally but the Savages still hit a SHOULDER TACKLE SUPLEX COMBO!

Bronson flexes, Boulder taunts Bravo, and then Boulder whips Dean to the corner. Boulder wraps Dean’s arms around ropes to HEADBUTT again and again and again! Tag to Bronson, he brings Dean around, and they visit #TIDDYCITY! But Dean reverses, it’s Bronson who dives in! Boulder panics, runs up, but Dean DUMPS him! Bronson swings, misses, hot tag to Bravo! Bravo rallies on Bronson with big forearms! Bravo whips, Bronson reverses, but the CARLIE CROSSOVER takes Bronson down! Boulder gets up, Bravo fakes him out to SCISSOR KICK! Bravo then kicks Bronson, and manages a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally, Bravo pounds the mat, but now Jameson wants Bravo to sip! Bravo says no, get outta here! Bronson runs up again, Bravo dodges, and Bronson barely avoids hitting Jameson! Bravo aims, Bronson dodges, the SUPERKICK hits Jameson! Jameson spews sauce! Boulder catches Jameson, Dean goes up, and Dean CROSSBODIES to wipe them both out! But Bronson rolls Bravo up! TWO, and Bronson grabs Bravo, only for Bravo to kick low! Bravo reels Bronson in, tags Dean, and TORNADO- NO, Bronson stops the DDT! Dean gets in, Bronson scoops, but Dean slips free! Feed to a SUPERKICK!

The Infantry coordinate, for BOOT CAMP! Cover, Infantry wins!

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

Dean & Bravo redeem themselves from Supercard and are ready to get back on track! But wait, The Premier Athletes make their way out here! Is this what Smart Mark was talking about for phase two? Daivari & Nese rush the ring and start throwing hands with The Infantry! Woods tips the scales as he DECKS Dean, then DECKS Bravo! But wait! Here comes Dalton Castle! The Peacock won’t stand for there to be bullies, and he takes off his sandals to weaponize them! The Premier Athletes dare him to, but wait! Here comes Mark Briscoe, Bryan Keith and Lee Johnson! They run The Premier Athletes off!

Sterling shouts, “Who do you think you are?!” but he’s shouting at THE ROH World Champion and many other big names around here! Will The Peacock, the Chicken and the rest of ROH humble Sterling’s stable once and for all?

Six Woman Tag: Diamante, Leila Grey & Taya Valkyrie VS Kiera Hogan, Leyla Hirsch & Trish Adora!

The Cuban Diamond has staked her claim at challenging for the ROH Women’s World Television Championship, but so has The Hottest Flame. But let’s not forget The Last Baddie Standing, La Wera Loca, the LEGIT One and The AfroPunk! Billie Starkz still sees herself above all six of these women, but which trio takes the lead in the title chase with a win tonight?

The teams sort out, Taya starts against Kiera and the Code of Honor is upheld. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Kiera gets around to waistlock. Taya pries the hold, backs Kiera into a corner and throws elbows! Taya stomps away on Kiera, then says who’s the hottest now? Taya snapmares, covers, ONE!! Taya drags Kiera up, whips her to ropes, but Kiera holds ropes to BOOT back! Taya runs up again but Kiera drop toeholds her onto ropes! HIP ATTACK! Taya flounders, Kiera runs to step-up and LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Kiera keeps cool as she brings Taya up, but Taya ROCKS Kiera then throws her by her hair!

Taya tags Diamante, they stomp Kiera, then Diamante sucker punches Leyla! Diamante runs in to DROPKICK Kiera, then drags her to a high stack cover, ONE!! Kiera is tougher than that but Diamante says it’s just a matter of time. Diamante runs, PLANKING SPLASH flops as Kiera moves! Hot tag to Leyla! Leyla gut wrenches Diamante to GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Tag to Adora, then Leyla wrenches so she can hand it off to Adora. Adora WRINGS Diamante’s arm, drags her up and wrenches again, but Diamante ROCKS her! Adora swings, Diamante dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Diamante snarls and pushes Adora down to rain down fists!

Diamante storms around, brings Adora up and CHOPS her on the back! Tag to Grey and she NECK SNAPPERS Adora! Cover, TWO! Adora is tougher than that but Grey rains down fists! Grey drags Adora up, bumps her off buckles, then tags Taya. Taya and Grey dig their boots in, then Taya stomps a mudhole. Taya sits Adora down to METEORA! Tag to Diamante and she stomps a mudhole! The ref reprimands but Diamante tags Taya back in. Taya steps over Adora and mockingly has Adora reach out to her corner. The ref has to keep Hirsch back so Grey gets shots in, then Taya drags Adora up.

Taya again mockingly holds out Adora’s hand but the fans rally up. Adora fights up, but Taya pulls her into the motorcycle stretch! Adora endures the knee in her back, fights up to her feet, and then arm-drags Taya away! Taya gets up, ducks ‘n’ dodges and mule kicks! But Adora ducks the buzzsaw to BASEMENT GERMAN! The fans fire up while both women are down! Adora and Taya crawl, hot tags to Kiera and Diamante! Kiera rallies on Diamante with big forearms, then a SUPERKICK! Turn and NECKBREAKER! Kiera goes up a corner while Diamante flounders around. Diamante stands, into a MISSILE DROPKICK!

Diamante flounders, Grey tags in but Kiera dodges to fire off forearms! Grey shoves back, but Kiera returns to SHOTGUN! Grey flounders, Kiera fires up, and says kiss this! HIP ATTACK in the corner! She sits Grey back down to run and BOOT WASH! Kiera drags Grey to a cover, Diamante breaks it! Diamante gets Grey outta there, and Taya tags in. Taya runs up to mule kick, KNEE LIFT and wrench Kiera, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Leyla also gets in, she pushes Taya around. Leyla drags Taya up but Diamante runs in. Leyla gets around to SAIDO! Taya gets Kiera up but Kiera SUPERKICKS!

Kiera brings Taya over, tags Adora, and they feed Taya to the BUBBA BOMB! Body scissor and GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Hot tag to Grey, she runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SLINGBLADES! Cover, TWO! Grey is frustrated but she gets Adora up. Underhooks, but Adora breaks that to fireman’s carry! Adora storms over, tags Hirsch, but Grey slips free! Leyla dodges Leila and feeds her to Adora’s BOOT! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Grey survives but Hirsch tags Kiera. Kiera runs, but Taya trips her up! Diamante distracts so the ref misses that! But then Leyla DIVES onto Taya! Diamante CANNONBALLS Leyla!

LARIAT TUBMAN from Adora to Diamante! Kiera dodges Grey to ROUNDHOUSE! And then “That’s all, PERIODT!” FACE THE MUSIC!! Bridging cover, Team Kiera wins!

Winners: Kiera Hogan, Leyla Hirsch & Trish Adora, by pinfall

It was fast ‘n’ furious in the end there, but the Hottest Flame burns it down! Will she be first up to strike a match with Billie Starkz?

Backstage interview with Maria Kanellis, Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

Lexi is with the First Lady of Wrestling and her baby boys, the Diamond in the Rough wearing the stolen mask from Serpentico. Lexi congratulates them on their win over Spanish Announce Project at Supercard, but it seems there might be some unfinished business. Are they ever going to give Seprentico his masks back? Karter takes the mask off to say hell no! Griff says Serpentico’s masks mean a lot to him and his lucha libre culture. But uh, they don’t care! It got them the attention that they deserve, and those wins have been a stepping stone in this company.

If Serpentico wants his masks back, he doesn’t need to trick them into a match. They’re happy to beat the crap outta him anytime, anywhere! Maria loves the confidence, and says Griff will need it in his Proving Grounds match against THE ROH World Champion, Mark Briscoe. Griff is all fired up, will the Ivy League MVP pass the test with flying colors? Or will he fail to #ManUp?

The Beast Mortos VS Nick Comoroto!

Black Taurus has evolved into something even more menacing than before, and he is looking to stampede all the way to the top of ROH! But Mr. Freak Beast has changed a lot about himself, too, in hopes of finding success. Whose transformation will prove to be for the better as these behemoths collide?

The Code of Honor is upheld reluctantly, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, go around, and Comoroto shoves Mortos down! Mortos gets up in a huff, gets in Comoroto’s face, but Comoroto pie faces him. So Mortos SLAPS Comoroto! Comoroto runs up, Mortos dodges, and they RAM shoulders! Mortos ducks ‘n’ dodges and jumps to RANA! Comoroto goes to a corner but Mortos runs in to UPPERCUT, CLOTHESLINE, and GAMANGIRI! Mortos wrenches and hits an ARMBAR CODE BREAKER! Comoroto staggers, but he blocks the whip! Comoroto shoves Mortos, runs up, but Mortos dodges to then roll off Comoroto’s back!

Mortos tries to hip toss but Comoroto blocks! Comoroto LARIATS Mortos down then rains down fists! Fans are torn as Comoroto huffs ‘n’ puffs and stomps Mortos around. Comoroto digs his boot into Mortos’ face, lets off to soak up heat, then he drags Mortos up. Comoroto scoops to SLAM, then he runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Mortos pounds the mat in frustration. Comoroto slashes his throat, but Mortos throws body shots. Comoroto CLUBS Mortos, Alabama Lifts, but Mortos sunset flips! Comoroto stays up, hauls Mortos up, but Mortos JAWBREKAERS, KNEES and ROCKS Comoroto!

Mortos goes to suplex but Comoroto’s a big guy, too! Comoroto suplexes Mortos, but Mortos knees free! Mortos goes to a corner, Comoroto runs in but Mortos dropkicks the legs out! Comoroto hits buckles, then Mortos runs in, CORNER 619! Comoroto staggers away and Mortos climbs, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Comoroto still has power to spare and he storms up on Mortos. Mortos UPPERCUTS first! Mortos goes to whip but Comoroto blocks again! Comoroto whips Mortos to a corner, runs up, but Mortos slips out to the apron! Comoroto hits buckles, Mortos goes up, and the fans rally! MORTOS TWISTER! Cover, Mortos wins!

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

Comoroto is big and bad but this is a beast of a different breed! Will nothing stop the modern day minotaur from making ROH his domain? Will Jacoby Watts’ teachings ever pay off for Comoroto?

Backstage interview with Nick Comoroto.

Lexi is with Mr. Freakbeast as he returns backstage, and she asks him what his strategy will be moving forward after this tough loss. Jacoby Watts walks in to say, “Turn the page. Start a new chapter. Nothing changes if nothing changes, Nick. It’s a harsh reality. But I am your answer. Your beacon of hope in the darkness. Follow me and I will lead you into the light! For I am Jacoby Watts, the one and only, praise be to he, and he is me.” Watts waxes poetic while making himself the focus, but will Comoroto accept his guidance?

ROH World Championship Proving Ground Match: Mark Briscoe VS Griff Garrison w/ Cole Karter & Maria Kanellis!

The Sussex County Chicken won this title after a war with Eddie Kingston at Supercard, and those two are still going to be friends taking on The House of Black this Sunday! But will Mark be able to focus on tonight with Dynasty on the horizon? Or is this where Maria’s baby boys start building their kingdom?

Mark shows off the belt and its new camouflage patterned leather! The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans cheer on Mark as he circles with Griff. They tie up, Griff headlocks, but Mark powers up and out. Griff sunset flips, but Mark rolls through to drop on the headlock! Griff moves around, fights up, and powers up, but Mark holds tight! Mark hits the takeover, Griff headscissors, but Mark kips free. Roles reverse as Griff headlocks for the takeover, and Mark headscissors. Griff kips free, but Mark shows Redneck Kung-Fu stance and Griff scrambles away! The fans cheer but Maria coaches Griff back up.

Griff cools off, he and Mark reset, and the two circle again. They knuckle lock but Griff kicks low. Griff UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS again, then whips corner to corner. Mark goes up and out, SWATS the haymaker to REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! Then Mark gets in to BOOT Griff down! Griff is on ropes, Mark runs in to BOOT WASH him right outta the ring! The fans fire up as Mark builds speed, and he DIVES onto Griff! Not the cleanest landing but Mark borrows a hat to put it on! The fans fire up with Mark, he gives the hat back, then drags Griff up to DECK him! Mark drags Griff up again, to scoop and SLAM!

Griff sputters, Mark goes to the apron, and the fans fire up as Mark takes aim. But then Karter and Maria stand in the way! The fans boo, Mark sighs and steps inside, and Maria coaches Griff up. Griff flounders up, the fans rally behind Mark but then Karter and Maria each get on the apron! The ref is busy arguing with Maria but Karter distracts Mark. Griff sneaks in to CLOBBER Mark! Griff fires forearms while the fans boo, but then Griff stomps a mudhole into Mark. The ref counts as Griff digs his boots in, but Griff lets off at 4. But then that lets Karter CHOKE Mark behind the ref’s back!

The fans boo as Karter gets away with one, and Griff drags Mark up. Griff UPPERCUTS, but Mark CHOPS! Griff sputters, Mark CHOPS again! Griff knees low, whips Mark to a corner, but runs into an ELBOW! Mark runs up, into a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Griff clamps onto Mark with a chinlock and he grinds Mark down. The fans rally as Mark endures and fights up. Mark throws body shots, then fires up to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! Mark runs, but into the ROLLING ELBOW! Griff then torture racks for the TOWER HACKER BOMB! High stack, TWO! Mark survives and Griff is frustrated but Maria coaches him up.

The fans continue to rally behind Mark as Griff aims again. Griff goes up but Mark REDNECK UPPERCUTS! Griff gets caught up in ropes, Mark lets him loose so he can fall to the floor. Karter hurries over, but Mark goes up to PLANCHA both baby boys! The fans are thunderous, and Mark cracks open a can of WOOOOO Energy! Mark chugs it, bangs the can against his head, then gets Griff in the ring. The fans fire up as Mark runs corner to corner, but Griff BOOTS him! Mark comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up, Mark reels Griff in, but Griff wrenches out, only for Mark to LARIAT! Mark hauls Griff up again for underhooks!

Mark lifts, for the JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (denies Griff Garrison a title opportunity)

Maria is upset but there’s nothing she can do, her baby boy wasn’t man enough to stop the NEW ROH World Champion! Will Mark continue to carry on his brother’s legacy and become one of the best champions in ROH history?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH for being 92 minutes. I still skipped some very clear filler, but Marti Belle got a good showing in her loss to Frost and The Dark Order got a good match out of Zak & Frank. Cruz, Damian & Savion got an okay showing but c’mon, they were against Archer & The Righteous, those guys have been running through everyone. It hasn’t really led them to anything yet, but maybe after we get undisputed AEW & ROH World Trios Champions after Dynasty, Archer & Righteous challenge the winners. And real good wins for Bryan Keith and Lee Johnson, each guy looking good towards midcard titles at some point.

Really good match from Infantry VS Savages, with the Savages being a bit more Heelish this time. Good win for Infantry, but I didn’t think The Premier Athletes would be going after them first. And I didn’t expect Faces like Keith, Lee and Briscoe to run out to get at them. Maybe the Premier Athletes can also position themselves to go after the trios titles after Dynasty. If The Acclaimed win, they’ll need Heel opponents. Archer & Righteous can play either side, but fans really like Archer so I kinda want him and Righteous to be Faces when facing Bang Bang Gang.

Good match and good win for Abadon over Allysin. Good win for Kiera, Leyla & Adora, though things got a little sloppy in the middle, Leyla’s timing wasn’t quite there. Athena & Billie are both Heels, so while Queen Aminata is in the mix, the champion she doesn’t choose still needs a good Face challenger so you can take your pick of the winners from tonight. Really good match from Mortos and Comoroto, and Mortos winning also helped serve Comoroto’s story with Watts. Watts keeps insisting he’s the answer, but this has to lead to Comoroto breaking free and beating Watts up for his arrogance.

Good promo from Maria, Griff & Karter, and they just kinda copy-pasted Mark Briscoe’s promo from Collision that same Saturday. Really good match for Griff against Mark but of course Mark wins. Mark getting involved with Premier Athletes, maybe Woods or Nese get a shot at Mark only to lose and be Mark’s solid first defense. Not sure who could be a more prolonged feud with Mark, but there are plenty of possibilities, and I’m just happy to see him showing up on ROH TV as the ROH World Champion should.