So the IMPACT! episode was just the pre-show plus some talking and never televised matches, thus not really worth discussing. I really don’t love the show starting at 11pm est on a Thursday, but yeah I know, ‘first world problems’ OR ‘now you know how EU feels’. I never said it was worse, I don’t want you to put it in perspective, I just wanted to complain.

Either way, I’m not really invested in most of these matches except KENTA vs Suzuki and Tanahashi vs Bailey. I can only hope some of these matches add to a few stories since injuries  mixed up a lot of IMPACTs plans; and of course I hope a few of them are good enough to justify being up so late.

Now let’s just get to the show!

.@JodyThreat is on her way to @IMPACTWRESTLING!#IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/G4jiL6d7ek

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) March 31, 2023

Ratings:

• X Division Championship: 6 Man Scramble: Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel (c) vs Kevin Knight vs Frankie Kazarian vs Clark Connors vs Rocky Romero: Trey retains via Pinfall – *
• 8 Man Tag: Eddie Edwards, Tom Lawlor, JR Kratos & Joe Hendry vs Callihan, Fred Rosser, Alex Coughlin & PCO: PCO wins via PCO-Sault – ** 1/2
• Jeff Cobb vs Moose: Cobb wins via Tour of the Islands  – *** 1/4
• Knockouts #1 Contender 4 Way: Gisele Shaw vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich vs Miyu Yamashita: Deonna wins via Queen’s Gambit – ***
• IMPACT Tag Team Championships: Bullet Club (Ace & Bey) (c) vs Motor City Machine Guns vs Aussie Open vs TMDK: Bullet Club retain via ABC 1-2-Sweet – *** 1/2
• Lio Rush vs Kushida: Kushida wins via Hoverboard Lock – *** 3/4
• NJPW Strong Open Weight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Minoru Suzuki: KENTA retains via Cradle w/Feet on Ropes – *** 1/4
• Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Speedball Mike Bailey: Tanahashi wins via High Fly Flow – ****

Results:

X Division Championship: 6 Man Scramble: Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel (c) vs Kevin Knight vs Frankie Kazarian vs Clark Connors vs Rocky Romero

Trey kicks things off by just verbally berating everyone, so they dog pile on the dipshit. Then we get a Human Centipede of Headlocks, which is a little dumb but it was the opening goofball spot; and then we get the stupid simultaneous 5 way Dropkick, ugh. After the leg pick, Trey comes in, drops everyone, gets cocky and then gets dropped. Rocky Lariats Kaz out of the ring and then Knight and Swann double team Connors.

We’re just going through a few greatest hits spots. Each guy is going to get moments of doing something cool, then there’s a pinfall scramble on Kaz after Knight catches him mid Leg Drop. This definitely is just spots and a little comedy, so its a weird combination of a Japanese Rumble and stupid Indy show. Oh look a Tower of Doom spot, I’m so shocked, no one has ever done that before *glances at Indy Garbage Multi-Man Bingo Card* – Yeah that’s a Bingo.

Oh Forever Lariats start Rocky’s time in charge but its cut short by Connors just Spearing everyone into tomorrow. Knight tries to dodge the Spear and keep Connors in the corner, but when he tries to jump up and pluck him off the perch, Connors hits an Avalanche Spear. Trey runs in, pushes Connors out of the ring and steals the pinfall.

Shit match, spots for spots sake, at least the finish was a little clever.

8 Man Tag: Eddie Edwards, Tom Lawlor, JR Kratos & Joe Hendry vs Callihan, Fred Rosser, Alex Coughlin & PCO

Well these teams make no damn sense. So it should be interesting who eats the pin (I’m assuming Coughlin), and if this goes anywhere. 

Callihan and Eddie start off, no baseball bats in sight, but they start with a Hockey Fight. Callihan with a T-Bone Suplex, tags in PCO and Eddie retreats and tags in Lawlor. Lawlor wants Rosser though, and PCO obliges. Rosser drops Lawlor early, but Lawlor gets the advantage and tags in Hendry. Tags are quick, Rosser does some moronic short hammers that Hendry absorbs and just looks stupid as hell. Coughlin gets tagged in, tries to fight Hendry with power, fails and Kratos comes in.

Kratos is winning early until Kratos tries a Corner Splash, and Coughlin literally catches him and then a Overhead Belly to Belly, flinging Kratos across the ring. Alex tags in PCO and now we get a monster fight. PCO hits the Avalanche Frankensteiner and then the match breaks down. Everybody in, throwing hands and Callihan/Lawlor decide to stick in the ring. Car crash spots with Planchas, Suplexes onto the apron, PCO tosses Eddie over, wants to Dive, but Kratos cuts him off with a Pounce. Kratos looks outside, decides to fly himself. PCO comes back to life, PCO Sault onto the pile of people on the outside.

Somehow we boil back down to PCO and Kratos, who were actually the legal wrestlers. Rosser and Eddie decide to pick up the pace a bit in the ring. A weird corner combination and successive Hip Attacks into a Northern Lights Suplex Hold for 2. Rosser tries for a submission, Shining Wizard from Lawlor to break it up, Coughling comes in and suplexes both of men at the same time. Hendry is in, scoops Rosser and Coughlin, stacked up Sack of Shit, but then Callihan pops in, throwing hands but the Lawlor team gets the best of things for now.

JR Kratos gets tagged in, looks to try and put away Rosser but Rosser gets out of it and tags in PCO. Stare down of the big boys and then strike exchange. Scorpion Death Drop from PCO, into PCO-Sault and that’s the match!

Jeff Cobb vs Moose

All I will say is, my boots.

They go for the classic big guy thing of Shoulder Tackle trades, then he Leap Frog’s Cobb, and connects with the Okada Dropkick. Cobb does take Moose off his feet, and Moose powders. He gets back in, they tie up and then start trading chops in the corner until Cobb finally cuts off Moose with a Dropkick of his own, following up with the Gachimuchi Sault for 2.

Cobb mocks Moose as he’s face down and Cobb does the Moose chant while standing on him like a surf board. Moose reverses the offense, throws him into the corner follows with a Dropkick and then a Hesitation Dropkick. Moose charges, Cobb gets the foot up, climbs the ropes, GO TO HELL – for 2. Moose sets up for Lights Out, Cobb dodges and Moose goes shoulder first into the turnbuckle.

Climbing the corner, Cobb collects Moose and goes for the Outside-In Avalanche Vertical Suplex. After a 2 count, they both are slow to get up and throw stumbling and haggard punches. Moose tries to punctuate things with the Rolling Forearm, Cobb sneaks him tries for his own Rolling Elbow but Moose catches him. They mirror one another’s offense, Lariats, Kip Ups and then a big crash in the middle that sends both falling out of opposite sides of the ring.

Once they get in, they both start throwing hands again. Cobb tries to scoop him up, Moose slips it, pushes him into the corner, goes up top. Cobb pushes him back, Moose leaps to the top and finally pays back the Superplex from earlier. Moose tries for Lights Out, Cobb moves but Moose stops himself this time. Cobb tries to hit the ropes, Moose with the Pump Kick, into the Escalera Backflip for 2, as Cobb rolls through and lifts up Moose from the mat. Moose is getting manhandled a bit but manages to slip away at first, Rolling Forearm…but he’s caught by Cobb and Cobb turns it into a Tour of the Islands for 3!

Knockouts #1 Contender 4 Way: Gisele Shaw vs Deonna Purrazzo vs Masha Slamovich vs Miyu Yamashita

The crowd cheers on Masha, Miyu and Deonna, but Boos Gisele.

Gisele powders before the tie up, Masha gets thrown out at first and then its Deonna and Miyu. They actually shake hands and there’s some respect. Miyu tries the power with the Shoulder Tackles but Deonna doesn’t budge. Miyu gets frustrated, throws a kick, Deonna ducks and takes Miyu off her feet. Gisele picks the leg on Deonna and drops her to have a little bit of a kick battle with Miyu. Miyu gets the best of that, Deonna hits them both with a Baseball Slide, Masha with a middle rope Crossbody. Gisele climbs the corner and a Corkscrew Splash into the pile on the outside.

As Gisele is trying to work over Deonna in the ring, Masha comes out of nowhere with a Waterwheel Kick to drop Gisele. Deonna turns the tide with a Headscissors and Moonsault from Deonna. Miyu tries the Mochizuki Triangle Kick but Masha ducks. So Miyu starts running between all three just looking for something to connect. Big kicks from all four women end up dropping all of them at some point. All four women do different rope run cut off spots.

Deonna hits another Headscissors and looks for the Fujiwara on Masha. Masha rolls to try and turn it into a pinfall but over rotates. So the lack of needing to break the pin threw off Miyu and Deonna’s timing. So the Triangle Kick spot is a little weird looking. Gisele drops Miyu, Masha hits an Avalanche Russian Destroyer on Gisele but Deonna goes after Masha.

Skull Kick from Miyu, Denouement from Gisele, Powerbomb into Queen’s Gambit, Deonna wins!

Sloppy towards the end, but generally decent and entertaining with logical spots. 

IMPACT Tag Team Championships: Bullet Club (Ace & Bey) (c) vs Motor City Machine Guns vs Aussie Open vs TMDK

Shane Haste and Alex Shelley start off the match. Haste feigns a lock up and tries a quick kick, as Tito sneak attacks, so the Guns and TMDK start exchanging. Aussies try to get cute but MCMG deposits them with TMDK. Bullet Club try a cut off but MCMG dump them on the other side. Quick Dive on the stacked side as MCMG try for Skull and Bones on Shane, but he gets out of it, Tito also makes sure to help out a bit, Shane hits a huge corner Cannonball as he tags in Tito. Tito Slingshot Senton and Shelley is getting worked over.

Quirky offense from Shane is weird but effective. He tags in Tito, who looks like he’s gonna do an avalanche move but hops down and just punches Alex. Tito drops Sabin, goes to the top, misses his Splash as Alex looks around, sees no Sabin but Chris Bey offers his hand and Alex begrudgingly takes it. Fluid offense from Bey, Code Red really gives him momentum until Aussies blind tag Tito and start clearing the ring. Fletcher does the pass off Stalling Suplex to Davis after the tag and a cocky tag from Davis is only 2. Bey is trying to fight through the tandem work from Aussie Open, manages to tag in Ace and he opens with the Triangle Kick that Fletcher ducks but he connects with Davis. Ace with his okey doke on the apron as he dodges all of TMDK, ABC 1-2-Sweet attempt but Sabin breaks with a tag. MCMG with some classic tandem offense on Aussie Open. 5 Hole Dive from the Guns, then Bey with a Tope con Hilo after a blind tag. Davis stops the tandem attempt by just Avalanche Powerbombing them both, Pendulum on Bey for 2.

Corealis attempt, but Ace stops it, signature spam time! High Speed Dirt from MCMG, Davis stops the tandem attempt with a Double Lariat, Bullet Club also tries but Davis won’t be stopped. Shane Haste makes a valiant effort but it looks like Haste is about to get finished until Tito sends Fletcher flying off the tope rope. Tito tries to take out Bullet Club but ABC 1-2-Sweet retains!

Lio Rush vs Kushida

I mean, Kushida can’t lose this when he’s got a title shot at Rebellion. No one wants to see Lio Rush make the title match a Triple Threat.

Kushida goes to the ground doing the Inoki taunt. Kushida wants to try and neutralize the high flying stuff. Lio plays a little keep away and then slides through Kushida’s legs and does the Full Guard Inoki kind of smarmy taunt. Back and forth, Tanaka Punch from Kushida but Lio with a Matrix dodge and they keep exchanging strikes. Lio tries to keep things quick but the Handspring Heel Kick sends Rush to the floor, little Liger style Muscle Pose and Rotate before Lio turns things around a little once Kushida follows him to the outside.

Rush is trying to stay under the bottom rope but Kushida isn’t really giving much space. He continues to step on and twist the different arms and the referee is letting it play a little. Kushida twists both Rush’s wrists and then tried to turn it into a Cradle before Kushida drops down basically with a Figure Four on the arms. Kushida is putting huge and almost vicious focus on the arms. What happen to our happy little Time Splitter?

Lio connects with Kushida, tries to hit the ropes with a Handspring but Kushida just PKs either his face or one of the arms, just simple, violent and effective. Rush starts just using his body as a weapon and throws himself into Kushida to try and find some space. Rush tries to go to the top, Kushida meets him, hunts for the Hoverboard but Rush fights him off twice. Frog Splash but Kushida moves, Rolling Elbow from Kushida, responded by a Pele Kick, they start swinging and as they’re falling to their knees big swings clock both at the same time.

Kushida starts absorbing Lio’s attacks, as he sells the arm damage, Rush goes for a Naciente, but Kushida stop the momentum and goes for the Hoverboard. Lio gets out of it, Back to the Future attempt countered into a Cradle for 2. A few strike attempts, swings and missed, Lio connects with a kick. Goes to try and collect Kushida but he finally hits Back to the Future…for 2! Arm Breaker, PK to the arm attempt, but Lio moves, Poison Rana, Springboard Low Rope Stunner (a little sloppy) but still gets a 2. Lio goes for a Frog Splash, Kushida catches him coming down and sinks in the Hoverboard Lock for the win!

I’m not a fan of Lio, but that was much better than I expected. 

NJPW Strong Open Weight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Minoru Suzuki

KENTA toys with Suzuki a little early, not really committing fully to a lock up, rubs his head and then retreats into the ropes pretending to stretch. Suzuki finally gets frustrated with the rope break play and kicks KENTA in the ass, literally. Hanging Arm Bar from Suzuki as he has to break because its illegal, and then Suzuki starts exploring the outside of the ring with KENTA’s face. KENTA turns around the Whip, and then rolls Suzuki in for a second to break the count as he then pulls him back out to throw strikes.

Strikes, Eye Rakes, just rough tactics from both men. KENTA stomps down on Suzuki as he starts coming back in, turns his back on Suzuki and Suzuki kicks him. KENTA paintbrushes him a few times disrespectfully, as Suzuki starts staring him down. Eye Gouge, Rude Awakening, and now PK’s to his back and Suzuki is just getting agitated. Suzuki stands up, and KENTA tells him to hit him. So they trade a little and then the Eye attacks continue, which is great story since KENTA is annoyed when Suzuki went after his face a few weeks ago. So its turnabout being fair play…to a degree.

Snap Mare from KENTA, stomps to the face, KENTA lowers the knee pad, feigns the Knee Drop but stops and wipes his boots on Suzuki’s face. Again, pissing off Suzuki. KENTA connects with about a dozen kicks as Suzuki rises and gets more annoyed. Punishes KENTA in the corner with big Elbows, chokes him a little with the boot, Knee Lift, Irish Whip, Yakuza Kick into Snap Mare and a PK of his own. Suzuki went for short Hamstring Kicks to drop KENTA and sink in a Heel Hook. KENTA rolls to the ropes and gets the submission break.

Murder Grandpa is now in control, not quite Garvin Stomps but KENTA is being stepped on. Jawbreaker from KENTA into an old school Jake Roberts style DDT. Avalanche Lariat for 2. KENTA speeds up a little and Figure Four! Suzuki gets to the ropes, KENTA tries to German Suplex, but Suzuki blocks. *looks at watch* OH it’s Fighting Spirit O’Clock. Suzuki wins the strike exchange, takes a little bit to take in the crowd reaction, as they now trade Big Boots. KENTA cuts off Suzuki’s Boot with his own, hits a second one and Suzuki retreats to the corner. Busaiku Knee in the corner, Hesitation Dropkick, Double Footstomp…for 2! KENTA calls for Go 2 Sleep, Suzuki fights out causing KENTA to crumble down and Suzuki sinks into a Sleeper Hold. Rope runs, end around, Sleeper almost, and again, but KENTA throws the referee, Low Blow on Suzuki, Cradle with feet on the ropes for the win!

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Speedball Mike Bailey

Tanahashi has an amazing ability to help create matches around his limitations; he also does well in clash of styles matches. This could be surprisingly really good. 

Bailey offers the handshake, Tanahashi is suspect at first but eventually concedes to do it and its clean from both of them. Tana starts with the Top Wristlock, Bailey does the back and forth rolls, takes down Tana and manages to wrestle him into the corner. Tana turns things around in the corner, Bailey tries to look for a clean break but Tanahashi takes a small liberty with a body shot. Tanahashi then sends him into the corner and hits his Twisting Crossbody nicely. Bailey with his Naomi Kicks (if you will), punctuated with an Enzuigiri to send Tanahashi to the outside. Bailey stays on top of the living legend, a few strikes and a Running Kick as he sends Tanahashi back in.

After missing a High Risk move, Tanahashi slides in with a Low Dropkick, and he starts working on Bailey’s left leg. Stomps, Punches, playing air guitar on Bailey’s leg and then going back to working on the knee. Bailey tries to fight back from the corner but Tana responds with a big ole bitch slap. Bailey gets a head of steam, drops Tanahashi, Sole Butt, Sweep, Standing Shooting Star Press for 2. Bailey fights through the left leg pain to try a Buzzsaw Kick, but misses as Tanahashi comes off the ropes with the Flying Forearm. Big shots, Scoop Slam, Avalanche Senton for 2. High Fly – no – Bailey cuts him off, Gamengiri and pulls Tana down. Bailey tries to charge at him while he’s on the apron, but Tanahashi catches his foot, Dragon Screw through the ropes and the same when he tries to reenter the ring.

Bailey jumps over the Baseball Slide and spring right into the HUUGE Asai Moonsault which barely misses the guardrail and catches enough of  Tanahashi as we get to 19 with the 20 count. Crawling up into the kneeling position, Forearm Strikes ensue. A few kicks from Bailey, then Tana catches him and wants to Dragon Screw, but Bailey twists into a Double Leg Cradle but Tana kicks out. Standing Double Knees into a heavily hampered well sold Buzzsaw Kick…again only 2.

Tornado Alley…but Tanahashi charges and counters with a Slingblade! Tana goes to the top for High Fly Flow but Bailey pops up as fast as he can so Tana waits. They start fighting on the top turnbuckle, Tana clocks him and Bailey’s upper half drops to the mat, but he starts pulling himself up before Tana can do anything. Avalanche Frankensteiner, a few powered through Side Kicks, Torando Alley connects! Ultima Weapon – MISSES! Knees into canvas, Bailey has no knees left at this point. Tanahashi charges with the clothesline, Backslide counter, 2.9 – Cradle attempt but Twist and Shout triplicate counters. Sling Blade off the ropes, High Fly Flow attempt again, connects for 3!

Overall Score: 7.25/10

Well aside from the X Division pancake flipping marathon of trash; the card was pretty solid. Yes the outcomes were basically “LOL NJPW wins” (I swear if anyone tries to say Deonna was a win, don’t be dumb. Miyu is from TJP, which is owned by CyberFight the people that own NOAH and DDT, so NJPW had no stakes in that) – but at least the last half of the show pretty much delivered. Much like a Japanese card, the less interesting matches got out of the way early. I would’ve loved to see Miyu in the Rebellion title match, but between any AEW commitments she may still have and TJP, maybe she just couldn’t do an extended run with IMPACT.

Kushida starting to develop and edge is nice given who he’ll be facing in 2 weeks, KENTA and Suzuki probably still has fuel for Strong episodes, Bailey got a dream match and Ace & Bey are standing to put a stamp on their title reign. So all in all, for a little crossover event, they did fairly well adding a few wrinkles into matches and storylines, as well as, potentially setting up new ones. Like the first one to come to mind for me is: What are they going to do with Moose? Arrogance has been his gimmick for the last 4 or 5 years, but he keeps choking in big opportunities. So is he gonna spiral out but stay heel; or are they trying to break down his arrogance for a potential face run?

So, not a bad show with at the very least, Tanahashi vs Bailey being the match to watch.

The champions of ROH prepare for the Supercard!

Before defending their titles in Los Angeles, the many champions of ROH are in action! Will Wheeler Yuta, Athena and The Embassy be ready for Friday?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Aussie Open VS Tony Nese & Ari Daivari w/ Mark Sterling; Aussie Open wins.
• Miyu Yamashita VS Shazza McKenzie; Miyu wins.
• Six Man Tag: The Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS JD Griffey, Dak Draper & Arjun Singh; The Embassy wins.
• Metalik & AR Fox VS The Infantry; Metalik & Fox win.
• ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Emi Sakura w/ Mei Suruga & Baliyan Akki; Athena wins and retains the title.
• 8 Man Tag: Top Flight & The Lucha Brothers w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Rush, Dralistico & The Kingdom w/ Jose & Maria Kanellis; Rush, Dralistico & The Kingdom win.
• ROH Pure Championship: Wheeler Yuta VS Leon Ruffin; Yuta wins and retains the title.
• El Hijo del Vikingo VS Blake Christian; Vikingo wins.
• Eddie Kingston VS Christopher Daniels; Eddie wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Aussie Open VS Tony Nese & Ari Daivari w/ Mark Sterling!

Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis are ready to #ReachForTheSky at Supercard of Honor in LA, but the Varsity Athletes want to spoil things for them in St. Louis. Will this be a trap game for the Aussie Arrow & Dunkzilla? Or will the United Empire soon conquer ROH on top of NJPW?

The Code of Honor is upheld, and the teams sort out. Fletcher starts against Daivari and fans rally up for Aussie Open. Daivari tells them to shut up but the fans boo. Fletcher and Daivari tie up, Fletcher headlocks and grinds the hold. Daivari powers up and wrenches out to a hammerlock then headlock. Fletcher pries free to wrench back, to an ELBOW BREAKER! Fletcher keeps on the wristlock but Daivari rolls, wrenches and wristlocks. Fletcher rolls, wrenches, waistlocks and SLAMS Daivari! Daivari flounders and fans fire up. Daivari stands up, talks trash, then tags Nese. Nese flexes on Fletcher but fans boo.

Fletcher says those are so-so. But then he tags in Davis and the big man steps up. Nese says what he has is muscle, and Davis just has meat. Nese runs, RAMS Davis, but Davis stays up. Fans fire up but Nese runs again. They RAM again, but Davis just roars and flexes! Sterling says one more time, but N ese dropkicks the legs out. Fans boo, Nese runs, but Davis runs him over! Fans fire up and Nese flounders, Daivari tags in. Davis CHOPS Daivari off his feet! Tag to Fletcher, Aussie Open double whip Daivari to double CHOP! PENALTY KICK! SENTON! Fans fire up, Nese runs in but is put on the apron, SLINGSHOT UPPERCUT!

Fans fire up more as they throw the crowns up. Aussie Open set up in opposite corners, but Sterling anchors Davis! Fans boo, but Nese drags Fletcher out to POST him! The ref tells Davis to let Sterling go so Davis obeys. But Daivari RAMS Fletcher into the apron! Daivari stomps Fletcher, puts him in the ring, and fans boo as he drops knees. Daivari chants, “Aussie Aussie Aussie! SUCK IT!” Tag to Nese, and the Varsity Athletes mug Fletcher. Nese keeps Fletcher from Davis, whips him to ropes and CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Nese drags Fletcher up, tags Daivari in, and the mugging continues!

The ref counts as the Varsity Athletes throw double haymakers, but they let off. Daivari drags Fletcher up, turns him and hits a NECKBREAKER! Daivari goes to a corner, climbs up, and FLYING SPLASH FLOPS as Fletcher moves! Tag to Nese, Nese drags Fletcher from Davis and puts him in the corner. But Fletcher goes up and over, hot tag to Davis! Davis runs through Nese, SPLASHES Daivari, CHOPS Nese, repeat! Nese dodges, the Varsity Athletes double kick and double whip, but Davis cartwheels to DOUBLE LARIAT! Fans fire up with Davis and he brings Nese up. Davis CHOP LARIATS, then again!

Davis keeps on Nese with the CHOP LARIATS, then he brings Nese out. Wrench and torture rack, but Nese fights free! Throat chop! Nese runs, but into a pop-up POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tag to Fletcher and fans rally up. Aussie Open stand Nese up but Daivari makes the save! The Varsity Athletes fire off haymakers, double whip, but Aussie Open both KICK back, and LARIAT on top! Fans fire up, Aussie Open hooks Nese up! But Sterling gets on the apron! The fans boo, Aussie Open drops Nese, but then Nese dumps Davis out! Daivari attacks Fletcher from behind, throws hands, and whips. Fletcher reverses, but misses in the corner!

Daivari GAMANGIRIS Fletcher, puts him up top, and Nese runs in to SHORYUKEN! Then ICONOCLASM CUTTER! Fans boo but Nese goes up top! PREMIER 450! Cover, TWO!! Fletcher survives and fans fire up! The Varsity Athletes can’t believe it! They BLAST Davis off the apron, run in at Fletcher, but Daivari gets a BOOT! Nese blocks a boot, but not the SUPERKICK! Davis is back, AUSSIE DENTAL PLAN! Daivari runs in, into a scoop, LAWN DART CUTTER! Davis and Fletcher go out and get the Varsity Athletes. They flank Sterling, he gets out of the way of the SPINEBUSTER SANDWICH!

Fans fire up, BOOT SUPERKICK for Sterling!! Sterling will wanna sue for that, but Nese gets the LARIAT SANDWICH! And the COREALIS!! Cover, Aussie Open wins!

Winners: Aussie Open, by pinfall

This was a big win, because Fletcher & Davis are the future of tag team wrestling! But will they be the future ROH World Tag Team Champions in Los Angeles?

Miyu Yamashita VS Shazza McKenzie!

One of Tokyo Joshi Pro’s shining stars, a big part of DDT Pro and Joshi wrestling in general, Miyu came so close to winning the AEW Women’s Championship back when she battled Thunder Rosa. The Rose Pink Nightmare is still hungry for gold, will she get closer to the ROH title? Or will the current World Series Wrestling Women’s Champion look to add to her collection?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. Fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Miyu waistlocks but Shazza wrenches and switches. Miyu wrenches back but Shazza rolls, breaks free and wrenches back. Miyu rolls and wrings Shazza, to KICK Shazza in the back! Cover, TWO! Miyu KICKS Shazza more and more, putting her on the ropes. Miyu whips, Shazza reverses but Miyu blocks to SOBAT! Miyu runs but Shazza trips her, puts her on the apron and BOOTS her back into the ring! Shazza then springboard BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Shazza keeps her cool, facelocks and brings Miyu up to whip.

Shazza KNEES Miyu at the ropes, whips again and KNEES her on the other side! Fans rally up, Shazza whips and KNEES Miyu again! Shazza reels Miyu in, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Miyu gets out of that tight arching suplex, but Shazza rains down some elbows. Fans rally up, Shazza AX KICKS Miyu! Shazza hooks Miyu up in a low Cobra Twist, but Miyu fires up! Miyu stands, throws Shazza right off, and then goes to a corner. Shazza runs in but into a BOOT! Shazza comes back, Miyu dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Then TRIANGLE JUMP ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO! Shazza gets up to throw forearms!

Miyu fires forearms in return, runs in and ROCKS Shazza! Shazza falls over, Miyu covers, TWO! Miyu drags Shazza up and around, ROCKS her with another forearm, then again. Waistlock, but Shazza switches. Miyu bucks the O’Conner, runs in and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Shazza survives that goal, but Miyu runs back in. She only gets buckles, and Shazza kicks the legs out. Shazza ties Miyu up in the ropes, to KICK away on Miyu! Shazza BOOTS Miyu down, then goes up the corner. Miyu stands, Shazza leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO and Miyu rolls it to a cover of her own, TWO! Miyu stands but Shazza ROCKS her!

Shazza cravats, Miyu powers out to low kick and HEEL KICK! Cover, Miyu wins!

Winner: Miyu Yamashita, by pinfall

A big win in her return to ROH, the Ace of Tokyo Joshi is rolling! Will Miyu be waiting on the other side of Supercard to challenge the champion?

Six Man Tag: The Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS JD Griffey, Dak Draper & Arjun Singh!

The Machine and Gates of Agony are heading to LA for Supercard, but they’re still hungry for action. Will they tear into the competition tonight before going after the All Heart Airforce?

The Code of Honor is upheld, though with a lot of tension. The trios sort out and Brian Cage starts against the 2019 Top Prospect. They circle, tie up, and Cage powers his way to a waistlock. Dak switches, headlocks, but Cage powers out. Things speed up, Cage hurdles but so does Dak. Cage scoops for a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Cage brings Dak up to throw forearms. Cage brings Dak around, whips him to ropes, but Dak springboards to back elbow, only into a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Dak flounders up, JD tags in, and Toa Liona wants in. Cage obliges with a tag, and Liona circles with JD.

Fans rally, JD throws kicks but Liona stays up. Liona rushes in, JD dodges to fire off fast hands and body shots! JD bobs ‘n’ weaves, JUMP KNEES, then SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Liona stays up, blocks a kick, and he just takes the forearms! Liona TOSSES JD away, and Singh tags in. Singh UPPERCUTS, mule kicks, ROLLING ELBOWS, and runs, into a BODY CHECK! Fans fire up with Liona and he tags in Kaun. The Gates fire up, Kaun SLAPS and whips Liona to SPLASH Singh! Liona feeds Singh to a LARIAT! Kaun drags Singh away, JD runs in but into an elbow! Cage gets in, he BLASTS Dak while the Gates SANDWICH JD!

Kaun stands Singh up to CHOP! Kaun CLUBS Singh into the corner, puts him up top and tags in Cage. Kaun picks Singh up, TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! Singh flounders to the apron and Liona SENTONS! Liona drags Singh up to hand him off to Cage for the deadlift SUPERPLEX! Cover, The Embassy wins!

Winners: The Embassy, by pinfall

Nana is proud of his three headed monster! Nana mockingly shakes Singh’s hand, then Liona tosses Singh out. Will this trio of titans be unstoppable at Supercard?

Metalik & AR Fox VS The Infantry!

Speaking of the ROH World Six Man Tag Team titles, two of the challengers are in action tonight ahead of that big time match. Will the King of the Ropes and the Whole Fox’n Show be muy caliente? Or will Captain Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo bring them down to the ground?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the teams sort out, and we start with The Captain and Metalik. Fans rally up as the two circle, and the two tie up. Dean headlocks, Metalik throws hands and powers out. Things speed up, Metalik drops, hurdles but Dean jumps over. Metalik dodges the clothesline, mule kicks and CHOPS! Dean ends up in a corner, Metalik CHOPS again. Metalik whips, Dean reverses, but Metalik BOOTS back. Metalik runs to SLING-DOG! Metalik keeps moving, he goes up and along the ropes to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Fox so Metalik drags Dean over to tag Fox in.

Fox and Metalik mug Dean, double whip him to a corner, and Metalik sends Fox in for a back elbow! Fox whips Dean to Metalik and Metalik tilt-o-whirl scoops, but OW, rough landing for The Captain! Fox drags Dean to a cover, TWO! Fox drags Dean, stomps him, then tags Metalik. Fans rally, Metalik kicks Dean around and fireman’s carries. Dean fights free, CLUBS Metalik and tags Bravo! Bravo dodges Metalik, spins him around and ROLLING ELBOWS! Metalik goes down and Carlie shakes out his arm. Carlie whips Metalik to the corner but Metalik goes up, only to get caught! Dean tags back in before the SNAKE EYES! NECKBREAKER!

Carlie KNEES Fox down, Dean stomps Metalik. Fox gets up and protests, but Dean stomps a mudhole into Metalik. Tag to Bravo, he drags Metalik up to throw hands. Fans count along and Carlie gets to TEN! Dean tags in, he gives Carlie an Electric Chair Lift! Fans fire up as they spin around and around, and they use that momentum so Carlie can whip Dean in to RAM Metalik! Dean then FLAPJACKS Metalik! Fox runs in but into a DOUBLE HIP TOSS! Carlie and Dean get the legs, then trade, to crisscross split the wishbone! Fox flounders away, Dean drags Metalik up, and Dean bumps Metalik off buckles.

Fans rally and duel, Dean tags in Carlie, and they snapmare Metalik. PENALTY KICK, SENTON, ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Carlie drags Metalik up and snap suplexes! Cover, Fox breaks it! The ref reprimands but Carlie puts Metalik in the corner. Carlie digs his boot in, Dean tags in and he runs in to BIG back elbow! Tag to Carlie, he RAMS in, then tag back to Dean! Carlie fakes Metalik out, HAYMAKER, and feed to the SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Metalik survives and Dean is stunned. Dean tags Carlie back in, they bring Metalik up and put him on the top rope. Carlie climbs, Metalik fights back, the two brawl!

Metalik CHOPS Carlie, tucks him in, and SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Both men are down, but Dean gets in to drag Metalik back! Metalik hops up to ENZIGURI! Hot tag to Fox! Fans fire up as Fox rallies on Carlie with big clotheslines! Fox goes Matrix to dodge, then he PELES! Carlie staggers away but Dean full nelsons. But Fox spins through to hit an ANARCHY! Carlie BOOTS Fox, but Fox BOOTS back! Carlie kicks, KICKS, but Fox ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up, Fox runs back in, and back elbows! Fox snapmare rolls and CUTTERS! Cover, TWO! Dean almost had the break-up, but he goes after Metalik.

Dean whips Metalik to the apron. Dean runs in, but Metalik jumps over the slide to ASAI MOONSAULT in one go! Fans fire up, and Fox cravats Carlie. Carlie powers out, but Fox puts him on the ropes. Carlie HOTSHOTS back, slingshots and somersaults, to COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Fox survives and Carlie can’t believe it! Fans rally up, Carlie aims and runs in, into a BOOT! Metalik tags in, Fox dodges Carlie, but Carlie BOOTS back. Carlie runs in, kicks and kicks and kicks, but the ref missed the tag! Fox BOOTS back, whips Carlie to the corner, but Carlie BOOTS! Fox goes up to ARABIAN FLY! Metalik tags in and he tightrope walks, LIMIT BREAKER! Cover, Metalik & Fox win!!

Winners: Metalik & AR Fox, by pinfall

A truly high-flying, hard fought fight, and now two thirds of the challengers are fired up! Will Blake Christian keep pace with his teammates later tonight?

ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Emi Sakura w/ Mei Suruga & Baliyan Akki!

The Fallen Goddess called out the Magical Girl, Yuka Sakazaki, for Supercard of Honor, but is risking a lot with this title defense! Will Athena still go on to LA? Or will the Queen of Joshi rock her and take her crown?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the queen of ROH!

The Code of Honor is barely upheld, and the bell rings. They throw forearms and Emi gets the edge! Emi CHOPS Athena off her feet, then laughs. Fans fire up, Emi runs at the ropes to BODY CHECK Athena off the apron! Athena flounders to the ramp and Emi taunts her. Athena rushes back up but Emi brings Athena around by her hair. Athena POSTS Emi, and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Emi staggers away while Athena scowls. Athena stalks Emi, throws her down by her hair, and then she goes for the steel steps. Mei won’t let Athena do that, Emi rushes up, but Athena pulls hair to SMACK Emi off the apron!

Athena goes up the ramp, comes back, and she SHOTGUNS Emi into the apron! Fans fire up as Athena shouts, “This is MY show!” The ref checks Emi and Mei leaps off the steps! But Athena catches her! Mei begs for mercy but Athena pops her up to SLAM her down! Athena grins, mocks Mei, but Emi CHOPS Athena down! Fans fire up with Emi, and she runs in, BODY CHECK into the steps! Fans fire up as Emi laughs and now the ref checks Athena. Emi stands on Athena, then drags her up and HEADBUTTS! Athena flounders, Emi HEADBUTTS again! The ring count climbs but Emi mocks the champion, before another HEADBUTT!

Emi puts Athena in the ring, brings her back up, and Akki gets fans to rally for “EMI! EMI!” Emi climbs the corner, but Athena trips her up! Athena then drags Emi back into the Tree of Woe, for KICK after KICK after KICK to the back! Athena CLUBS Emi, then PENALTY KICKS her out of the Tree! Fans fire up, Athena drags Emi up and CLUBS her down. Emi sits up to throw body shots but Athena just CLUBS away on Emi! Athena then dribbles Emi off the mat! Fans fire up more as Athena scowls and stalks Emi. Emi grabs the ropes but Athena drops an elbow on her! Athena drags Emi up to whip her to a corner and clothesline!

Athena whips corner to corner to back body block! And then she whips Emi corner to corner again, soaks up the cheers and jeers, to then handspring- CHOP from Emi! Emi brings Athena up, underhooks, for a stalling BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER! Emi drags Athena into the drop zone, goes up the corner, and fans rally up for Her Highness! MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and Emi can’t believe it! Athena shakes out her leg, that’s where Emi landed. Fans rally up as Emi eggs Athena on. Athena stands, Emi ROCKS her! Athena says okay, and she ROCKS Emi back! Emi comes back to ROCK Athena!

Fans rally, Athena scowls and ROCKS Emi again! Emi ROCKS Athena! Athena SLAPS, Emi SLAPS, now it’s a SLAP fight! And a CHOP fight! Fans are thunderous as the shots go back and forth! Athena gets the edge, but Emi responds in kind! Fans are loving “ROH! ROH!” for this one! Emi CHOPS again, then SOUTHPAW LARIATS! But Athena kips up!? But Emi dragon sleepers! TWIST- NO, Athena cartwheels out! BOOT!! Cover, TWO!! Emi survives and now Athena is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Athena rises again. Athena climbs a corner, Emi stands, O- NO!! Emi holds it off to dragon sleeper! TWISTER!! Cover, TWO!?!?

Emi fires up, the fans fire up, and Emi stands Athena up! Underhooks and BUTTERFLY BOMB! Athena makes it a cradle!? TWO!!! Emi escapes Athena’s sudden counter and fans are thunderous! Emi powers up, says she will be champion, and she SLAPS! SLAPS! SLAPS! Emi windmills the palm strikes, KICKS out the legs and DOUBLE CHOPS Athena down! Emi runs, but into a FOREARM! Athena reels Emi in, Canadian Rack, CLIFFHANGER! Into the CROSSFACE!! Emi flails, moves around, but Athena shifts to a deeper sleeper! Emi can’t get any ground, so she TAPS!! Athena wins!!

Winner: Athena, by submission (still ROH Women’s World Champion)

The Fallen Goddess did not fall, and she is going on to Supercard! She is going to get the match she wanted with Yuka! But wait, Athena is going after Emi’s leg! Athena drops knees on the knee! Fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Athena says, “I told you!” LEG DDT! Athena drags Emi to the apron! Then to the corner! Athena puts the leg in between steps and post! Mei jumps on to stop Athena! But Athena TOSSES Mei away! And DECKS her! WAIT! YUKA IS HERE! Yuka runs down to CLOBBER Athena!! Yuka puts Athena in the ring, she fires off hands and forearms! Fans fire up but security rushes out!

Fans boo, “LET THEM FIGHT!” Athena DECKS a guard, and jumps onto Yuka!! Yuka hits Athena back, the security drags Athena out of the ring! Athena just beats them down now! Yuka climbs the corner, for a MAGICAL GIRL SPLASH!! Yuka wipes out EVERYBODY! Fans are thunderous for Yuka as she holds up the belt, will the Magical Girl take that title for her own?

8 Man Tag: Top Flight & The Lucha Brothers w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Rush, Dralistico & The Kingdom w/ Jose & Maria Kanellis!

Aussie Open already won big, they’re ready to #ReachForTheSky. With that match being every team for themselves, will either of these quartets be able to coexist?

The Code of Honor is skipped, the teams sort out, and Dante Martin starts against Matt Taven, but Taven wants someone else. Fans rally up, Taven stays in the ropes and calls out Penta. Fans rally “CERO! MIEDO!” so Penta tags in. Penta and Taven step up, Taven says purple is HIS color. Penta tells Taven listen: CERO! MIEDO! Taven shoves Penta, so Penta takes off his glove. Penta tosses it to Alex and it is a touchdown! Taven mocks Penta by taking off his glove, and he SLAPS Penta with it! So Penta SUPERKICKS Taven! Mike Bennett gets in to DECK Penta! Fenix runs in, dodges Mike and SCREW HIGH KICKS!

Rush gets in to DECK Fenix! Dante springboard MISSILE DROPKICKS Rush! Dante kips up as Dralistico gets in to SCREW HIGH KICK him! Darius runs in and dodges Dralistico to DROPKICK! The Kingdom attacks Darius, double whip him, but the Lucha Brothers DOUBLE SUPERKICK The Kingdom! LFI rush in, the Lucha Bros dodge and Top Flight hurdle over! Top Flight DOUBLE DROPKICK LFI out! Fans fire up, Top Flight build speed but The Kingdom trips them! The Lucha Bros build speed, and DIVE into forearms from LFI! Fans boo but LFI drags the Lucha Bros out, Rush sends Fenix into barriers!

Rush and Dralistico stomp Fenix, The Kingdom GOURD BUSTER and BLINDSIDE ROLLING ELBOW Penta! Fenix rushes in but into a kick. Mike whips, Fenix tiger feint rewinds, but Mike blocks the heel kick! Mike trips Fenix, CATAPULTS him into Taven’s KICK O’ THE KING! And then Fenix falls back, Taven ELBOW DROPS him onto Mike’s knees! Cover on Penta, TWO! Taven drags Penta up, tags in Rush but LFI both hop in. Rush ROCKS Penta! Dralistico CHOPS Penta, LFI mocks Cero Miedo, and they double whip. Penta KICKS Rush, dodges Dralistico and SUPERKICKS him down! Hot tag to Dante!

Dante runs in but into a kick! LFI mugs Dante, snapmares and stomps away! Fans boo but LFI soaks up the heat. LFI mug Dante in the corner with CHOPS, then double whip. Dralistico clotheslines, Rush SPLASHES, and LFI snapmare to DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Rush takes a bow as he soaks up the heat. Dralistico drags Dante away, he and Rush stomp away. Fans rally for Dante but LFI pretend to field goal kick Dante. Rush drags Dante over, tag to Taven and tag to Mike. The Kingdom double whip Dante to the corner. Taven whips Mike in to ROCK Dante! Taven SPLASHES, then feeds Dante to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!

Taven runs, Dante sits up for JUST THE TIP! Mike covers, TWO!! Dante survives, but Mike tags Taven. The Kingdom coordinates, but Datne back drops free! Taven hurries after Dante, but he dodges to hot tag Penta! Penta tags Fenix, the Lucha Brothers mule kick and, “UNO! DOS! TRES!” DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! LFI run in, they get DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Penta and Fenix coordinate, WHEELBARROW VICTORY SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Taven survives but Fenix goes corner to corner, only for Taven to dodge! KICK O’ THE KING! Mike gets in, he drags Fenix up and puts him up top.

The Kingdom coordinates, but Penta SUPERKICKS Taven! Fenix slips free of Mike’s clinch to feed the SLINGBLADE! Taven and Fenix hot tag Rush and Dante! Rush runs in but Darius tags in before the up ‘n’ over! SUPERKICK! STEP-IN COMPLETE SHOT! Dralistico rushes in, but into a SUPERKICK! Dante whips, Dralistico reverses, Darius pops Dante up and over, then Top Flight work together to TORNADO DDT Dralistico! Fans fire up as Top Flight goes after Rush. Rush shoves Dante away into Dralistico’s GAMANGIRI! Dralistico goes up to springboard, FLYING CODE BREAKER!

Darius rushes up but into a waistlock. Darius BOOTS Rush, elbows Dralistico, but Rush sends Darius to ropes. Darius rebounds into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Dralistico adds a springboard DESTROYER!! Darius flops out of the ring and fans rally up. Rush runs corner to corner, BULL’S HORNS!! Rush drags Darius to the cover, LFI & The Kingdom win!

Winners: Rush, Dralistico & The Kingdom, by pinfall

Top Flight & Lucha Brothers regroup on the outside, finding themselves on the ropes. But while El Toro Blanco, The Prince of Gold & Silver, Miracle Mike and #TheTrend are rolling into Supercard, who will #ReachForTheSky and bring home the titles?

Mark Briscoe is here!

Fans are all fired up to see the Sussex County Chicken ahead of Supercard and his ROH World Television Championship match. The ROH World Tag Team title he holds now will be high above the ring in LA, but he holds onto it for one more night as he gets the mic. “Yeah, baby! St. Louie, what’s good, baybay? I come to you tonight representing the Baddest Tag Team in the History of Time and Space, Dem Boys, the Briscoe Brothers.” Fans chant “DEM BOYS!” for the Briscoes, and Mark says tomorrow, in Cali, “it ain’t about tag team action. It’s the biggest singles match of my career.” Mark Briscoe VS Samoa Joe, for the ROH World TV title.

“And this one, let me tell you. This one’s a little bit different. This one’s hitting just a little bit personal, if you know what I mean.” Mark doesn’t just win this for himself. He wins it for his wife and kids, for his brother Jay and Jay’s wife and kids. He wins it for the family, for his mom and dad, for everyone home in Delaware, and everyone worldwide who rode with #DemBoys! “This is bigger than you’d ever know, you know what I’m saying?” But Mark wants Joe to listen. They’ve known each other a long time. Joe’s put some whoopings on Mark’s ass, Mark’s put some whoopings on Joe’s ass.

“But tomorrow night, the difference is, this time, I’m gonna win that title, because it’s my destiny.” Fans cheer for that! But then Joe is on the tron! “Mark! Your destiny? It’s your destiny to take the championship from me? You know what, you don’t need to worry about your destiny, you need to worry about the reality. And the reality is, I cannot believe the disrespect I’m seeing right now!” Mark is talking about destiny, dreams, what he’ll accomplishment instead of talking about survival and what he’s gonna do to beat Joe! Because Mark, you’ve forgotten the man Joe is, so Joe will remind you.

This is Samoa Joe! He is the ROH World Television Champion, the GREATEST ROH World Champion of all time! Samoa Joe is violence made flesh and ruthlessness manifest! Come Supercard of Honor, Joe will remind Mark of that. Joe is seething, Mark is pacing, and fans are fired up! What happens when destiny collides with brutality in Los Angeles?

Backstage interview with Jay Lethal.

Dasha Gonzales says Lethal requested this time, but it’s a bit surprising he’s alone since he’s usually with Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt & Satnam Singh. Yes, he did request this time because in a few moments, Mark will be coming around that corner, and there’s something Lethal needs to say to him alone, without Jarrett, Sonjay or Satnam. This has nothing to do with Triple J, this has to do with his personal relationship with Mark. Mark does walk over, and Lethal gets his attention. Lethal says that he needs to tell Mark, that with everything they’ve been through, they’re like family. So Lethal wants to be the first one to wish Mark luck at Supercard against Joe.

And Lethal knows there’s a lot on Mark’s shoulders, that this is a big moment for Mark and his family, because we’re all waiting for Mark to bring that belt home. Lethal says this has nothing to do with Triple J, this has everything to do with their history in ROH. Bring home that title, man! Mark shakes Lethal’s hand and Lethal heads out. Mark nods and appreciates that. Will Mark do it for the family, friends and fans all wanting to see destiny realized?

ROH Pure Championship: Wheeler Yuta VS Leon Ruffin!

The Blackpool Combat Club has been ripping their way through both AEW and ROH rosters, and The Decoder is going to get his wish at Supercard of Honor. He will take on The Wrestler, Katsuyori Shibata! But will he be bringing the belt? Or will the ultimate underdog be the one living the dream of becoming champion?

On stage are the judges, BJ Whitmer, Dean Malenko and Jerry Lynn, and Leon makes sure to shake each of their hands on the way to the ring. Yuta also shakes the judges’ hands, then joins Leon in the ring. The introductions are made, the newly redesigned and very shiny belt is raised, and we see if Yuta is worthy of it.

The Code of Honor is upheld, though maybe sarcastically from Yuta. The bell rings, the match is on the clock, and the two tie up. They go around, Yuta wrenches and CLUBS the arm, then bends the elbow. Yuta wristlocks, Leon rolls but Yuta wrangles him back down. Leon rolls and rolls, but Yuta wrangles him again. Leon rolls again, flips but Yuta wrenches to CHOP Leon down! Fans “WOO~” while Yuta gets a leg. Yuta drags Leon around into the HALF CRAB, then shifts to tie up the legs! Yuta fishhooks, then pulls Leon into the BOW & ARROW! But Leon pops free to a cover, ONE! Both men hurry up and Yuta knees low.

Yuta CHOPS Leon in the corner and fans “WOO~!” Yuta whips corner to corner, Leon goes up and out and catches Yuta for a HOTSHOT! Leon goes up and around, Yuta waistlocks, Leon hammers away on the grip, but Yuta still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Yuta flexes while fans are torn. Yuta stalks Leon to ropes, drags him up and has the wristlcok. Yuta wrenches, hooks Leon up and fans duel, “Let’s Go, Yuta!” “YUTA SUCKS!” Yuta shifts from Cobra Twist to IRON OCTOPUS! A message sent to Shibata but Leon endures and fights his way towards the ROPEBREAK! That’s the first, Leon has two more, but Yuta mocks Leon about that.

Leon goes to a corner, Yuta drags him up to throw him down by his hair. The ref reprimands but Yuta stalks Leon. Leon throws an elbow but Yuta ROCKS Leon! Yuta scoops, SLAMS and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Yuta grabs a leg, steps through for a toehold, then ties up the legs. Yuta taunts Leon, Leon throws forearms, but Yuta DECKS Leon! Yuta stands and bridges to put on pressure! Fans are torn, Yuta mockingly applauds while he maintains the bridge. Yuta then crosses his arms, another message to Shibata. Leon fights to get the bridge undone, and he crawls his way around. Yuta stands to bridge again!

Leon endures, he reaches out, ROPEBREAK! That’s the second, he only has one left. Yuta smirks, this is playing right into his game plan. Yuta drags Leon up with a waistlock but Leon throws elbows. Leon is free, he ELBOWS Yuta again, then goes to a corner. Yuta runs in but only gets buckles! Leon ENZIGURIS then NECKBREAKERS! Fans fire up as Leon goes to the apron. Yuta runs in, into a GAMANGIRI! Leon springboards, goes around, and around, and under! Leon runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DROPKICKS Yuta down! Fans fire up with Leon and he brings Yuta up! Yuta powers out of the Bulldog, but Leon springboards, into a FOREARM!

Yuta rains down forearms to Leon’s head, throws crossface forearms, then HAMMERLOCK CROSSFACES!! Leon taps, Yuta wins!

Winner: Wheeler Yuta, by submission (still ROH Pure Champion)

Yuta didn’t need a single ropebreak, and he didn’t even need six minutes. He mockingly shakes Leon’s hand to uphold the Code of Honor, then gets the mic. “Well, well, well… Mr. Ruffin, I applaud your efforts, but they just weren’t enough tonight. Just like Clark Connors’ efforts weren’t enough. Like Timothy Thatcher’s efforts weren’t enough. And like Katsuyori Shibata’s efforts will not be enough at Supercard of Honor against Wheeler Yuta.” Yuta sits cross legged just like Shibata, but with a big, smug grin. Wait! That music! SHIBATA IS HERE! Fans go wild and Yuta looks annoyed and surprised.

Shibata slides into the ring to look at Yuta, and Yuta stands up. Fans are losing their minds, and Yuta says he didn’t think Shibata would show up here. “Shibata, I want you to know how important this is to me.” Shibata wants the mic but Yuta says no, he’s still got something to say. Shibata used to be one of the most lethal strikers in pro-wrestling history. Shibata used to be- Shibata SNATCHES the mic away! And he gets in Yuta’s face! Fans fire up as there’s no more talking. Yuta backs away first, will he be the first to find there’s no “used to be” with Shibata? Will Shibata snatch away that title like he did that mic?

El Hijo del Vikingo VS Blake Christian!

While Supercard of Honor is an ROH event, the AAA Mega Champion is going to defend his title in LA! Will the greatest luchador of this new generation shine bright in St. Louis? Or will All Heart prove he’s worthy of the gold?

Fans are already losing their minds seeing EHDV. The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. The two circle, tie up, and Blake arm-drags, sweeps and covers. ONE, Blake avoids the sweep and kicks low. Blake whips EHDV to ropes, EHDV reverses, drops, and Blake handsprings. EHDV arm-drags, sweeps, covers, ONE! DOUBLE DROPKICKS but those cancel out! Both men kip up and fans fire up! Blake and EHDV shake hands again to show there is sportsmanship here and fans fire up. The two go again, testing the waters. They tie up, Blake waistlocks but EHDV pries free. Blake snapmares, EHDV handsprings through!

EHDV arm-drags, things speed up again. Blake hurdles then drops, but EHDV avoids the dropkick! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! EHDV arm-drags again and he grinds Blake down. Fans applaud these fast and furious exchanges, and Blake fights up. EHDV whips Blake to a corner, Blake reverses but EHDV reverses back to HEEL KICK! Blake wobbles, EHDV handsprings, goes up the corner, Blake runs in but into boots! EHDV takes a moment to steady himself, before going up and around and FLYING RANA! Blake flounders out of the ring while fans fire up! EHDV aims and goes up the ropes, to jump and IMPLODER CANNONBALL!

Fans lose their minds again with both men are down at the ramp! EHDV brings Blake up and puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! All Heart hangs tough but EHDV keeps focus. EHDV BOOTS Blake down, CLUBS him, then brings him back up. EHDV ROCKS Blake with a forearm, then ROCKS him again! Blake leans on ropes and shakes out the stars going around his head. EHDV SOBATS, whips, but Blake ducks ‘n’ dodges and trips EHDV to basement dropkick! EHDV ends up on ropes, Blake runs in to basement TIGER FEINT! EHDV flounders back, Blake springboards, but EHDV gets under, only for Black to HANDSPRING PELE!

Fans fire up as EHDV bails out. Blake builds speed and FLIES! Fosbury Flop hits at the ramp and fans fire up again! Blake fetches EHDV, “This is Awesome!” as Blake puts EHDV in the ring. Blake covers, TWO! Blake brings EHDV up, ROCKS him with a forearm, and scoops to SLAM! Blake steps on EHDV to STANDING IMPLODER SENTON! Blake brings EHDV up to snap suplex! Fans rally, Blake nods while EHDV crawls to ropes. Blake drags EHDV up, snapmares, and clamps on a chinlock. Blake grinds EHDV but fans rally for “VIKINGO! VIKINGO!” EHDV endures, but Blake traps an arm to keep him down.

EHDV kicks around, reaches out, fights up to his feet, but Blake facelocks. EHDV throws body shots but Blake knees low. Blake whips, EHDV rebounds and gets around into SCREW HIGH KICK! EHDV then whips Blake to a corner, but Blake stops himself to elbow back! Blake goes up, leaps, but EHDV catches him! EHDV swings to SIDE SLAM! And then a roll to SUPERKICK! EHDV puts Blake near the ropes, goes up those ropes, and fans fire up for the INSIDE-OUT PHOENIX SPLASH! Cover, TWO!?! Blake survives because he is All Heart! EHDV keeps his focus, he stomps Blake into the corner and digs his boots in.

Fans rally, EHDV climbs, but Blake trips him! Blake Electric Chair Lifts to SNAKE EYES, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! EHDV stumbles and falls and fans fire up again. Blake storms up to EHDV, brings him out to the apron, and stands him back up. Blake Electric Chair Lifts again! But EHDV fights to APRON POISON RANA! A rough landing for both men but Blake definitely took the worse of it. EHDV shakes out the cobwebs, fans fire up as he builds speed, and goes up, only for Blake to get away. EHDV goes to the apron instead, leaps, but Blake avoids the cannonball! EHDV turns around, into a STANDING SPANISH FLY!

Blake holds on to drag EHDV up and put him in the ring! Springboard 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! EHDV survives and shocks Blake! “This is Awesome!” as Blake waits on EHDV to rise. Blake stands EHDV, but EHDV fires hands. Blake knees low, suplexes, but EHDV slips free to back suplex, to put Blake on the top rope! ENZIGURI! Fans rally again as EHDV climbs up behind Blake. EHDV stands Blake up, for a SUPER INVERTED- WAIT! Both men land on their feet!! They stare down, EHDV grins, but Blake LARIATS! Blake drags EHDV up, reels him in, POWER- RANA! Cover, EHDV wins!

Winner: El Hijo del Vikingo, by pinfall

Just when All Heart thought he had it, the AAA Mega Champion snatches it away from him! Fans give a standing ovation and even bow to the lucha libre prodigy. And best of all, Blake upholds the Code of Honor and even raises EHDV’s hand. With how great this non-title match was, will EHDV and Komander put on an instant classic on Supercard?

Backstage interview with Blake Christian.

Dasha knows that was a heartbreaking loss to Vikingo just now, but tomorrow is the ROH World Six Man Tag title against The Embassy. Blake says it would’ve been great to go in with a win, but- Prince Nana walks over. “Heartbreaking? Heartbreaking? HA! Heartbreaking is an understatement for what just happened out there, my friend. Take the night off tomorrow. The Embassy is a realistic and one of the most brutal teams you could possibly face. Take the night off tomorrow, okay? Do yourself a favor, Blake. How about that?” Blake asks Nana if he understands who Blake is.

Does Nana think Blake got the nickname, “All Heart,” for backing down? Nana says he does understand. Then the answer to Prince Nana’s idea is “Nah, nah.” Nana says that’s a good one. But is Blake sure about this? He’s positive. Then no problem. Oh, boys…! LIONA ATTACKS! He sends Blake into spare seating and then the wall! Metalik & Fox rush in, but Nana has his team stand down. This will be settled tomorrow. Blake may be All Heart, but will his body be able to carry him through? Or will there be more than hearts broken on Friday?

Eddie Kingston VS Christopher Daniels!

The Mad King was deemed unworthy by the Swiss Superman, but between winning his way up and getting in Claudio’s face, the champion couldn’t let it go. Eddie gets his shot at the ROH World Championship, but will he make it through the ROH Grand Slam winner?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings and fans rally for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” Eddie and Daniels circle, fans duel, and the two tie up. Daniels headlocks, Eddie powers out and they RAM shoulders. They stay up, Eddie headlocks, but now Daniels powers out. They RAM shoulders again, but neither falls. Daniels shakes out the arm, he dodges Eddie’s chop and runs to RAM Eddie again! Eddie stays up, and the two men nod. They circle, tie up, and Eddie headlocks. Daniels powers Eddie down to a knee, pops out the back and he headlocks in return. Eddie fights up and powers out, then things speed up.

Eddie drops then CLOBBERS Daniels with an elbow! Daniels goes to a corner, Eddie runs in to KNEE Daniels, then BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, ONE!! Daniels is hanging tough but Eddie stays right on him. Eddie brings Daniels up, for a SAIDO! Fans rally, and Eddie prepares the fist! Daniels rises, but he ducks the backhand! Eddie fights off the clinch, runs in at the corner, but into a BOOT! Daniels runs to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Eddie goes to ropes, Daniels CHOPS him on the back! Daniels stands Eddie up to bend him against the ropes! The ref counts, Daniels lets off at 4, and then he puts Eddie in the corner.

Daniels climbs up to rain down fists on Eddie! Fans duel, Daniels lets off at TEN, and he CHOPS Eddie again! Daniels whips Eddie corner to corner hard, and Eddie drops to his knees. Daniels soaks up the cheers and jeers then brings Eddie back up. Daniels CLUBS Eddie on the neck, CLUBS him more and more and more! Daniels runs, to STO! Cover, TWO! Eddie is tough and Daniels grows frustrated. Daniels brings Eddie up but Eddie throws shots to the legs! Eddie fires body shots, CHOPS, then runs, to BOOT! Daniels wobbles, but he clinches for a COMPLETE SHOT! Into the KOJI KLUTCH!

Fans rally as Eddie endures and reaches out! Eddie gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Daniels lets off at 4. Eddie sputters but Daniels grows further frustrated. Daniels CLUBS Eddie, CLUBS him again, but Eddie throws body shots. Daniels CLUBS Eddie, Eddie throws a body shot, repeat. Eddie stands to fire a forearm but Daniels gives it back. They go back and forth with shots, Daniels knees low, and Daniels reels Eddie in. Daniels underhooks but Eddie fights the lift! Eddie back drops Daniels away! Fans fire up and Eddie goes to a corner. Daniels stands up, into a CHOP! And another! Daniels snarls, and brings down the straps!

Fans fire up and Daniels CHOPS! Eddie eggs Daniels on so Daniels CHOPS! Now Eddie brings down the straps! Eddie CHOPS, Daniels CHOPS, this is a CHOP fight! Fans “WOO~” again and again with every CHOP! Fans fire up, they’re thunderous as these two finally take a breath. Then Eddie roars! Eddie CHOPS, Daniels CHOPS, Eddie ENZIGURIS! Daniels staggers, Eddie hits an atomic drop! Eddie runs to BOOT Daniels down! Cover, TWO! Daniels is hanging in there, but Eddie clinches to EXPLODER! Daniels flounders to a corner and fans fire up. Eddie loads up, to MACHINE GUN CHOP! But Daniels BOOTS back!

Eddie shakes out the arm, Daniels CLUBS him down! Daniels scowls, his chest is stinging, so he puts the straps back up. Daniels drags Eddie up, headlocks and elbows away. Daniels runs, into a BOOT! But Daniels CHOPS in return! Eddie bobs ‘n’ weaves and ENZIGURIS! URAKEN! Daniels wobbles, into another URAKEN!! Cover, Eddie wins!

Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall

The Fallen Angel falls to the Mad King! And Eddie bows in respect, and helps Daniels stand. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Daniels says Eddie has what it takes. If Eddie beat a Grand Slam Champion, will he be able to beat THE champion, Claudio Castagnoli? Wait, speaking of, here comes Claudio! The Swiss Superman has the redesigned and shined up new ROH World Championship on his belt, and he walks down to the ring with it. Claudio stands in the ring to stare Eddie down, and he holds up the belt. Wait, Eddie wants to do this now?! Claudio puts the belt down, and he takes his jacket off!

Claudio has the mic to say he doesn’t wanna wait! They’re doing this now! The ref gets back in the ring and fans fire up! Claudio takes off his shirt, but he’s in slacks! Oh, Claudio gets the belt back and slips away. Claudio says they do this on HIS time, which is also the scheduled time of Supercard. Daniels slides the mic back to Eddie so he can say, “Well… Ladies and gentlemen, what’s a diamond upside-down?” Fans know, and Eddie says he didn’t have to say it so he won’t be fined by HR. Eddie says he’ll wait until Friday. “And everyone here, I promise you this. If you don’t buy the PPV, you will feel like sh*t.”

And here’s why: Eddie NEEDS to be world champion! Eddie NEEDS to fulfill his destiny that he said he’d be when he was nine years old! Eddie told his mom that the reason why she doesn’t have a daughter-in-law, a grandkid, because Eddie cannot concentrate on that until he is world champion. Claudio talks trash but Eddie tells him to shut up, he’s not the one with the mic. And Claudio knows Eddie’s mom, he met her and Eddie’s family. Claudio shook Eddie’s father’s hand and kissed Eddie’s mom, and told them that he loves Eddie. But here’s a little inside look. When it was time for Claudio to do business, he ran to be a sports entertainer. Eddie stayed to fight.

Claudio can say he fought all day, but Eddie remembers when Claudio dressed up like an EFFING CLOWN over there! Don’t tell Eddie nothing! Go back to the circus, because ROH is about competition! Or maybe Claudio should get in the ring? Eddie will smack fire outta Claudio’s ass! Claudio leaves, Eddie tells the fans to buy the PPV, because Eddie will fight until he is dead in the ring. Eddie won’t stop, because of men like Christopher Daniels, men like Bryan Danielson–even though Eddie doesn’t like Bryan but he respects him–and his mentors, Homicide, Xavier–may he rest in peace–and the inaugural ROH Champion, LowKi.

Eddie lives through them, stands on their shoulders, and WILL BE ROH World Champion!! Also, tip your waitresses, try the veil. Eddie vows to give his life for ROH and pro-wrestling, will he finally live his life’s dream of being world champion?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of ROH, especially as a go-home. Now, ROH has only just returned to weekly programming, so they didn’t need a ton of video packages, and didn’t really have enough material for a ton of video packages. At the same time, they weren’t going to use up time for those because they need to get as much down in two hours as possible. Miyu VS Shazza was really the only filler match, and it was still a pretty good match that can still help build Miyu in the ROH Women’s Division. And having title matches here on a go-home is wild, even though neither title was going to change here tonight.

Athena VS Emi was an awesome match, Emi still looking strong even in losing. And it was great to see Yuka show up to brawl with Athena. Yuka stands tall, so she’s definitely not winning on Supercard. And then the ROH Pure Championship match was as close to a squash match as a Pure Rules match can be. Yuta taunting Shibata only to get Shibata was awesome! Yuta and Shibata side by side, it’s almost like Yuta is nWo/wannabe Shibata. Yuta will probably bend rules to keep the title, as Shibata’s first title since coming back should be in NJPW, not ROH.

Really good stuff in the various tune-up matches. Aussie Open had a great opener against The Varsity Athletes, and a great 8 Man Tag from the other four teams. I was a bit surprised the Heels won that, but it was LFI with the win so they’re going into the ladder match with momentum. Aussie Open won’t win, they’re going to be more focused on the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team titles in NJPW. LFI probably won’t win because they stand tall, but who knows, they could defy the math. I would think the Lucha Brothers win the titles to be Face champions that truly continue where The Briscoes left off.

Speaking of the Briscoes, great promo from Mark Briscoe, from Samoa Joe, and from Jay Lethal. Lethal shrugged off his Heel behavior from AEW to be kinda real here with Mark. There’s a very good chance Mark wins the TV title to give us a feel good moment at Supercard in the wake of losing Jay Briscoe. And then, chances are, Lethal shows his Heel side again by wanting the first title match against Mark. And I like that we’re seeing Dasha here, she doesn’t get to do as much onscreen in AEW, and it allows Lexi Nair to not do double duty between the companies.

Good squash match win for The Embassy, though a bit of a shame for JD Griffey to be stuck on that team. Great win for Metalik & AR Fox over The Infantry, though I think Metalik was trying to go too fast, hence that tilt-o-whirl botch with Dean. Amazing match from El Hijo del Vikingo and Blake Christian. Looking at what Blake’s been able to do, it just makes WWE releasing him during the NXT 2.0 era a bad move. Though at the same time, NXT 2.0 was gonna make him into a superhero character, but in a lame way, not in the sorta cool way Axiom is now.

But anyway, it made sense for EHDV to win, he is gonna go into that AAA Mega title match with momentum, and it’s anyone’s guess if he beats Komander or we get a new champion in LA. And of course, Embassy beat down Blake backstage. Pretty sure this is go-home math for Blake, Fox & Metalik finding a way to beat the big bad hosses. Supercard of Honor should at least have one title change, and if the Six Man titles are the ones, then that’s fine. The Gates of Agony can get in the ROH Tag Division and Brian Cage can get back in the singles division.

And we got a great main event from Eddie VS Daniels. Eddie winning makes sense because he needs momentum going into the world title match. We got a good interaction from Eddie and Claudio, as well as a really good promo from Eddie to call out Claudio. That match is going to be great stuff, but I can’t be sure if Eddie wins. Again, ROH TV only just came back and there are many possibilities for Claudio to face as we move into the summer, but the same goes for Eddie should he win.

My Score: 8.8/10