Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/20/20)
The last Raw before the Rumble!
Can grudges be settled before the Rumble?
All roads lead to Houston, but there’re stars shining in Dallas! With all the animosity between them, can Rey Mysterio ascend and take the United States Championship away from Andrade in a Ladder match?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Ladder Match: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio; Almas wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- Aleister Black VS ???; Aleister wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton; No Contest.
- Becky Lynch VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka; Lynch wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The Viking Raiders w/ Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens VS Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy w/ The Authors of Pain; Rollins & Murphy win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
- Matt Hardy VS ???; Erick Rowan wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Bollywood Box Office Flop: Mojo Rawley VS The Singh Brothers; Rawley retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- Mixed Tag: Rusev & Liv Morgan VS Bobby Lashley & Lana; Lashley & Lana win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
And he leads the Authors of Pain and Buddy Murphy to the ring! The Monday Night Messiah feels great after he and his team won the first-ever Fist Fight match, with a lot of help from his newest “disciple.” Fans boo as Rollins gets a mic to say, “Wait a minute. I want you guys to know something.” Rollins wants us all to know that we’ve played a small part in making Rollins the man he is today. Fans boo but without all of us, there is no Monday Night Messiah. “So from the bottom of my heart, I just want to say, ‘thank you.'” Thank you for believing in him and supporting him. Thank you for the faith placed in Rollins to lead us into the future and make Raw the premier program in the WWE. “For all of that, I am forever in your debt.”
But there is someone Rollins must thank specifically. Last week, Murphy “opened his eyes!” Murphy embraced fate! When the Architects of Pain were in their darkest hour, Murphy was brave enough to rise up and stand “firmly etched on the right side of history.” Rollins cues up a video recap of that very night. The AOP ambushed Big Show but got ambushed back with kendo sticks. Kevin Owens went Tony Hawk and Samoa Joe went all out, but Rollins asked for help from Murphy. And indeed, Murphy helped Rollins. Things would turn around in Rollins’ favor, and his team won the match. And they might just win the war for Raw.
Back in the present, fans boo as Rollins introduces “the newest disciple,” Buddy! Murphy! And just in time, because Kevin, Joe and Show were going to pull a fast one on progress. “But their plan failed.” And why did it fail? “Because the future is inevitable.” This is fate, destiny and determinism “at it’s finest!” And now, this is a crucial time for everyone. Everyone must decide what kind of people they want to be. Everyone in the locker room needs to decide! The battle lines have been drawn. “What kind of people do you want to be? Because either you’re with us, or you’re against us.” Those who are against- Here comes Kevin Owens! Rollins is not happy to see him but Kevin isn’t alone. Here comes Samoa Joe!
“He talks too much, huh?” Kevin gets Rollins gloating about getting rid of Big Show. That was no easy task, be proud. But the problem is now, Big Show will be back eventually. And even bigger than that is you didn’t get rid of Kevin and Joe! Kevin is pretty sure the good people of Kansas agree when Kevin says, “We have had just about enough of hearing your stupid voice.” Kevin suggests that we do less talking, more fighting! Rollins says that if they want to fight, they can fight! But not right now. No, they need to decide on a proper time and proper place. Joe asks Kevin if his eyes deceive him. Joe looks at the ring and sees a self-proclaimed messiah, but he hears a “typical, lame, lawyer’d-up, ass-hat!” Rollins asks the “gentlemen” to please remain calm.
Rollins is very forgiving, it is in his nature. But the AOP, not so much. If Joe and Kevin are so determined for a fight 4v2, then there’s not much left to say but, “Come on down and dance with destiny!” Rollins tosses his mic aside but Joe says a side-effect of being an ass is that listening skills go down. Joe said “we,” but that didn’t mean just these two. “Come on out, boys!” THE VIKING RAIDERS! The Raw Tag Team Champions are here to bring the raid! Joe, KO and the Vikings rush the ring and the brawl is on! Rollins bails out so that leaves things at 4v3! Akam gets a STUNNER! Murphy gets an URENAGE! Rollins’ forces regroup at the ramp, but this war is far from over!
Rollins and team regroup.
Rollins vows they will fix this. Charly Caruso asks them about being caught off guard. Rollins says they were not caught off guard. Joe and Kevin hid behind those “neanderthals.” So here’s a challenge! The Raw Tag Team Championships are on the line tonight! And it’ll be the new disciple, Murphy, and Rollins. AOP seem a bit stoic that it isn’t them challenging, but they accept Rollins’ decision. Will Rollins once again become a tag team champion?
WWE United States Championship Ladder Match: Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega VS Rey Mysterio!
A main-event worthy match is OPENING tonight’s episode! El Idolo believes he is the better role model for the Latino community, and that the King of Lucha Libre is not a good father figure to his own son, Dominic. But will Mysterio prove all of that wrong by climbing over Almas and up the ladder to take the title back?
Raw returns as el campeon makes his entrance with La Muneca. The belt is already high overhead as introductions are made. The bell rings and we begin this literal escalation of the grudge!
Mysterio and Almas both bail out to go for ladders. Mysterio fakes ALmas out and DROPKICKS the ladder into Almas’ chest! Then runs on the apron for a seated senton! But Almas blocks it to swing Mysterio into barriers! Almas gets a ladder in the ring and then puts Mysterio in. Almas drags Mysterio up to put on the top rope backwards. Almas clubs Mysterio’s back as fans rally. Mysterio fights Almas back, but Almas clubs him again. Almas climbs up now that Mysterio faces forward, but Mysterio just holds on to deny the suplex! Mysterio fights and turns Almas around, then climbs up, for a SUPER STEINER onto the ladder! That was a scary one! Vega is panicked as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Almas tries to whip but Mysterio holds ropes. Almas kicks low but Mysterio kicks back. Mysterio throws elbows and forearms then whips, but Almas reverses. Almas runs but Mysterio ducks, Almas tumbles up and out! Almas shakes out the cobwebs as Mysterio brings a ladder around. Mysterio climbs up top to LEAP onto Almas! The seated senton hits this time! Almas and Mysterio slowly get up and head for the ring. Mysterio puts Almas in then stalks behind. Vega coaches Almas up but Mysterio kicks out the legs. Mysterio runs in but is put on the apron. Mysterio punches then springboards for another seated senton! Then a springboard moonsault, but Almas catches him! Mysterio slips out, shoves Almas at the ladder, but Almas stops himself. Only for Mysterio to headscissor Almas into the ladder! The ladder almost falls on Mysterio!
Both men are safe but down as fans rally up. Vega shouts at Almas but Mysterio fetches a new ladder. This is a much taller ladder but Mysterio places a short one by Almas to baseball slide dropkick into him! Almas is out and Mysterio has a ladder up! It’s just right for the height of the belt. Mysterio climbs as Almas slowly rises. Almas gets in to grab at Mysterio and pull him down. Mysterio turns to fight and jump, but Almas catches him for a suplex! Uno amigo! Almas suplexes again, Dos Amigos! Almas gets up a gain, to suplex Mysterio on the ladder! Tres Amigos is painful this time.
Almas drags the short ladder up to make a bridge. Almas drags Mysterio up but Mysterio fights back! They brawl between the ropes, Mysterio enziguris! Almas forearms back, but Mysterio climbs up to join Almas. Almas and Mysterio fight, the steiner is blocked! Almas brings Mysterio up again, to POWERBOMB ONTO THE LADDER! Veega cheers but both men are down as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and now there are two ladder bridges. Almas shoves Mysterio to a corner but Mysterio boots back! Mysterio climbs up but Almas clubs him down. Almas uses a crucifix lift, but Mysterio fights free to headscissor Almas out of the ring! Mysterio hurries to the ladders and finds space to climb. Almas hurries back in and climbs up the opposite side. Mysterio reaches but Almas clubs him away from the belt! Mysterio hits back but Almas bumps Mysterio off the top rung. Almas gut wrenches Mysterio onto his shoulder, for a Gory Especial! Mysterio fights out, to SUNSET BOMB Almas onto the ladder!! Both men crash and burn and fans lose their minds! Vega is beside herself with panic as Mysterio somehow rises from the wreckage! And dropkicks Almas onto ropes, to dial it up! 619 hits! Almas flies out of the ring!
Kansas is thunderous as Mysterio climbs the ladder! He’s almost there, but Almas somehow returns! Almas moves the ladder, Mysterio hangs from the hinge! Almas grabs at Mysterio and brings him down, but Mysterio manages to headscissor through! Mysterio wobbles while Almas shakes out more cobwebs. Mysterio throws Almas out high and hard! Mysterio hurries to adjust the ladder and climb up again! But Vega climbs?! She won’t let Almas lose, even if she has to block Mysterio’s path. She SLAPS Mysterio! Almas attacks from below, then climbs up behind him. Almas hammerlocks, SUPER LA SOMBRA THROUGH THE LADDER!! Even Vega is shocked! But who is left to climb and take the title?!
Almas drags himself up and out of the wreckage, then to the good side of the ladder. Vega shouts for him to get going, and he takes the title down!
Winner: Andrade Almas; still WWE United States Championship
In the end, La Muneca helps El Idolo remain El Campeon! But they’re not done here! They want to destroy Mysterio once and for all, and that involves peeling the floor mats away! Almas dumps Mysterio out and brings him to the exposed concrete. Hammerlock, but wait! The fan with the Mysterio mask… IS HUMBERTO CARRILLO! Humberto is back and brawling with Almas!! Referees separate them and Almas runs away! Ultimo Ninja checks on Mysterio, but the damage was done. Almas has the title and has dispatched Mysterio, but will it be the rise of Carrillo now?
WWE and Raw honor the life and message of Martin Luther King Jr.
Long live the dream.
Aleister Black VS ???
The Embodiment of the End has moved on from the Aussie Juggernaut, but now he is looking for someone new to pick… a fight… with him. Will he continue to win right into the Royal Rumble?
The bell rings, and his opponent runs into a BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister wins!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
That was perhaps the fastest win on Raw in years! Maybe even ever! Will it be that easy to make 28 other men and The Beast to #FadeToBlack in Houston?
Brock Lesnar is here!
This makes three weeks in a row for The Beast and Paul Heyman on Raw! They go to the ring and Heyman gets a mic to give his usual introduction. Fans of course boo. But Heyman says he is not only a “soothsayer of the spoiler,” he is the Advocate for the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! And as such, Heyman is having a “crisis of conscience” because the entire WWE Universe takes what Lesnar does “for granted.” Heyman comes out, gives his spoilers, Lesnar delivers “the impossible,” and fans go, “Of course he did that, he’s Brock Lesnar!” Heyman says something like Lesnar enters the Royal Rumble match first and then win, and fans just go, “Of course he will, he’s Brock Lesnar.” Don’t boo, that’s expected.
But Heyman wants us to understand how unprecedented this is. This match is about one man starting. In this case, it’ll be Lesnar. And then there’s entrant #2 who fights Lesnar. Whether Lesnar eliminates “that pretender the throne” or not before #3, 4 etc. etc. to #30. Whoever gets eliminated when, there will be however many people thrown over the top and both their feet hit the floor. And Lesnar has vowed that those 29 other “contracted challengers” will go over the top and hit the floor with both feet until only The Beast stands victorious! But why? Because it’ll get even better. The winner of the Rumble then gets to choose which champion he wants to face in the main event of WrestleMania. And so Lesnar has deemed that there is not one person in the locker room worthy of main-eventing Mania or any PPV against Lesnar.
Well wait. Who do the fans think they are to boo Lesnar? Fans boo anyway. Do the fans really believe there is anyone in the WWE or anywhere that is worthy of facing Lesnar? They apparently do. Name him! And we’ll wait. Ricochet appears?! The One and Only has a mic to say, “Listen, man, look. Week after week you come out, and these words spew out of your mouth.” And it is a lot. Ricochet has also heard whispers and concerns. Some guys are afraid to step into the Rumble match with Lesnar. But every time Ricochet jumps off a top rope or do a dive, that might be the last time. So “afraid” is not in Ricochet’s vocabulary. Then you got your education here in Wichita. Heyman explains it: Lesnar is hungry, Ricochet is lunch meat. “Take yo’ ass and go on back to that locker room before you get hurt.”
Ricochet thinks he’ll stay. This Sunday, the Rumble is Ricochet’s only ticket to Mania, and he isn’t afraid to fight for it. Ricochet sees what happens to those who challenge The Beast, but Ricochet isn’t afraid. In fact, Ricochet isn’t afraid to get in the ring with Lesnar now! Heyman says he warned Ricochet, but Ricochet says that he is not afraid to challenge Lesnar to a fight, right now! Lesnar laughs, then walks past Ricochet. Ricochet asks what’s wrong. Is Lesnar scared? Lesnar stops leaving, and gets back in the ring. Lesnar LOW BLOWS Ricochet! Lesnar laughs more as he picks up a mic to say, “Not scared.” Lesnar takes his belt and goes home, unafraid. But will that ego only get him in trouble when having to outlast 29 other superstars?
Backstage interview with Randy Orton!
The Viper has heard that Drew McIntyre is on par with him as a favorite to win the Rumble. McIntyre is a hell of a guy, hell of a talent with hell of a future, and one hell of a chop. But on par with Orton? No. That’s impossible. You can’t be on par with someone who can strike out of nowhere with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment. And Orton might just spell it out for McIntyre, because their match is next!
Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton!
The Scottish Stud and the Viper are both dangerous, and they’ll have to be in order to survive the Royal Rumble with The Beast. But which man survives the other tonight just days before going into Houston?
Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings and Orton circles with McIntyre. They tie up, go around, and Orton puts McIntyre in a corner for McIntyre to turn it around. The ref counts and the two separate at 4. McIntyre allows Orton to exit the corner, and then they tie up again. Orton headlocks, McIntyre pries out to a headlock of his own. Orton powers out but McIntyre runs him over with a shoulder. McIntyre flexes while Orton gets out. Orton takes his time catching his breath but McIntyre eggs him on. Orton returns from the steel steps and circles with McIntyre again. They tie up, McIntyre headlocks, but fans rally for Orton. Orton powers out and then follows to run McIntyre over with a shoulder!
McIntyre is up fast and in a huff while Orton rests in a corner. The two approach and then McIntyre lifts Orton to put him in a corner! McIntyre stomps and punches and stomps again, to then CHOP! Orton is a bit stunned, and McIntyre whips him corner to corner. Orton comes back with a clothesline! Then he clotheslines McIntyre out! Orton goes out to back suplex McIntyre onto the barriers! And again! McIntyre hobbles away and Orton stalks behind him. Orton gets McIntyre a third time but McIntyre fights out. McIntyre shoves Orton into a post! McIntyre refreshes the count and glares, and then runs at Orton. Orton evades and the CLAYMORE hits the timekeeper! The referee hurries out to check on the timekeeper, but McIntyre just shrugs. McIntyre stalks Orton more as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre looms over Orton in the ring. Fans fire up as McIntyre climbs to the top! McIntyre wants Orton to stand, and Orton does rise. Orton turns around but dropkicks McIntyre out of the air! Both men are down now and a standing count begins. Orton and McIntyre stir at 3, then slowly sit up. Orton stands at 6, but McIntyre punches first. McIntyre eggs Orton on so Orton kicks and European Uppercuts. McIntyre kicks and clubs and now we have a brawl! Haymaker for haymaker, back and forth, fast and furious! Orton uppercuts but McIntyre CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Orton eye pokes. McIntyre is seething and BOOTS Orton! But Orton puts McIntyre on the apron! Orton has McIntyre in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
Fans fire up as Orton hears the voices! McIntyre rises, but he denies the RKO! Glasgow Kiss headbutt! Orton is down again and McIntyre gets to a corner. “Get up, Randy, you son of a b*tch…” McIntyre puts Orton in a corner for the overhead suplex! Cover, TWO! McIntyre drags Orton up, to dead lift suplex! McIntyre shows off with a kip up! McIntyre aims from a corner and fans are divided. But they still count down with McIntyre, “Three! Two! One!” But McIntyre runs into the spinning powerslam! Cover, TWO! Orton keeps his cool as McIntyre crawls away. Orton has McIntyre in a corner and then on the top rope. Orton throws some haymakers before he climbs up top. They’re on the very top, for the SUPERPLEX! Orton doesn’t cover after that impact, he flops out of the ring!
And here come the OC! They go after McIntyre for his part in last week’s Tirple Threat! McIntyre fights back! He slugs it out with Gallows but Styles chop blocks! The OC stomp McIntyre 3v1, but here comes Orton with a chair! Chair shots for the Good Brothers, but Styles bails out! CLAYMORE for Anderson! Chair shot SMACK for Gallows! Orton and McIntyre run off the Club! Will there be a price to pay should Orton and McIntyre encounter Styles, Gallows and Anderson in the Rumble? Orton also looks at McIntyre while holding the chair, but drops the chair. There is still a lot to be settled between these two, but Orton commends McIntyre for being “a tough son of a b*tch.” McIntyre takes the compliment, and the RKO!! The Viper is still the Viper. Will Orton strike like that on 28 other men and The Beast?
McIntyre gets a mic to say, “Randall Keith Orton…” Wow full name. Wait, get McIntyre a mic that works. The crew replace that one with another. “I should’ve Claymored you. Randy, look at me. That one is on me. Wichita, that’s why they call it the RKO outta nowhere.” But McIntyre promises that won’t happen again. Because Sunday, McIntyre prays that they end up in the Rumble at the same time. This Claymore won’t come outta nowhere, McIntyre promises to kick Orton’s head off his shoulders. McIntyre will win the Rumble and finally, finally main event WrestleMania! McIntyre has the last word tonight, but will he have a say in how things go in Houston?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair!
The Queen was the one to eliminate the most competitors last year, how confident is she about this year’s Women’s Rumble? Always confident, and always prepared. But then Becky Lynch walks in. Well that was one thing she wasn’t prepared for now or last year. Charlotte was eliminated by someone who wasn’t supposed to be in the match. But Charlotte is ready this time. The question is: are the other 29 ready to face her?
Becky Lynch VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka!
The Man already let us know she’s here by teasing Charlotte. But will she show us all she’s ready for Asuka when facing her tag partner, the Pirate Princess?
Raw returns and fans chant for Becky as she says “The Man has come around to Kansas!” Last week, Asuka came around and actually did Becky a favor. Spraying that mist actually got Becky to see things clearly. Asuka might be doubting herself this time, which is why she won’t face Becky head-on, and Becky is facing Asuka’s partner here tonight. Asuka won last year, but who won in the end? Because Becky went to make history all around the world, while Asuka went on to YouTube making soup. Asuka can blind Becky and break her bones, but Becky is going to collect on that last debt. And Becky knows now that Asuka can’t beat her anymore! With that, the Kabuki Warriors make their entrance, and this proxy match begins!
Becky and Kairi circle and Kairi says, “Kiss this!” Kairi laughs but Becky SLAPS her out of the ring! Becky builds speed to wreck Kairi with a dropkick! Asuka lurks close but Becky backs her off. Kairi chop blocks Becky’s leg! Kairi gets back in the ring and drags Becky up by her hair. The ref backs Kairi off, Asuka uses Kairi’s parasol to SMACK Becky on the leg! The Man is down with a charlie horse as we go to break!
Raw returns again and Kairi clamps onto Becky with a straitjacket stretch. Becky endures and fans rally up while Asuka sits on the post to watch. The ref sees that and tells her to get down. Asuka says she’s not in the ring so it’s okay. Becky fights her way up out of the hold, and then she jawbreakers out of the hold! But Kairi ax kicks then runs, into a calf kick! Asuka coaches Kairi up and Kairi is mad with Becky. Kairi slaps Becky, Becky forearm back. They brawl on their knees back and forth, Kairi fires off angry forearms! Becky gives them back! Becky runs, into Kairi’s forearm! Asuka likes that, but she doesn’t like Becky’s lariat! Becky rallies, Kairi dodges, but Becky leaps for forearms!
Fans fire up with Becky while Asuka coaches Kairi. Kairi dodges and runs back in, but Becky puts her on the apron. Kairi headbutts Becky away then climbs up top. Kairi leaps, flying Kabuki elbow! Cover, TWO! Becky lives and the Kabuki Warriors are annoyed. Kairi roars, ready to end this. Kairi throws a back hand but Becky back kicks! Becky kicks Kairi then wraps on for an inverted DDT! Kairi is down in the drop zone and Becky climbs up, Becky makes sure Asuka watches the Man’s Leg Drop! Cover, TWO! Kairi survives and Asuka coaches her up, but the Disarm-Her clamps on! Kairi powers up and slips into a O’Conner Clutch! TWO! Becky kicks low and suplexes, but Kairi counters with a DDT! Cover, TWO!
Becky gets out, Kairi builds speed, Kairi is put on the apron. Becky kicks as Kairi shoulder sin then bumps her on buckles. Jump Kick sends Kairi down! Then Becky hits a Straight Fire Forearm from the apron! Becky puts Kairi back in, and then she DECKS Asuka off the top! Fans fire up but Kairi runs in. Becky dodges, forearms and BECKSPLODERS! Back kick to Disarm-Her! Kairi taps, Becky wins!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission
Asuka hits a Shining Wizard on Becky! Asuka is furious as she puts on the ASUKA LOCK! Becky is trapped but Asuka still lets go, to BUZZSAW! Asuka is still furious but she took The Man down. Kairi bows to her empress and senpai. Will Kairi also be calling Asuka “champion” after Sunday?
WWE and Raw pay tribute to Rocky Johnson.
The Soul Man debuted in 1964, making an instant impact with physique and athleticism. He joined the WWE in 1982, and joined Tony Atlas as the “Soul Patrol” and became the first-ever African-American world tag team champions. Rocky would marry and have a son, Dwayne Johnson. Rocky trained his son and debuted Rocky Maivia as a tribute to both parts of his family’s heritage. And in the end, his sown would be the one to induct Rocky into the WWE Hall of Fame. Rocky proudly paved the way for wrestlers of all colors, and he will be celebrated for generations to come.
The Kabuki Warriors regroup.
But Sarah Schreiber comes by to interview them. Is this the kind of champion Asuka wants to be known as? What is she talking about?! Becky will lose “easy peasy” and then Asuka-nee will be Raw Women’s Champion! “At the Royal Rumble, Becky is NOT READY for Asuka!” The Kabuki Warriors laugh into the night, but will The Man have the last laugh in Houston?
Raw Tag Team Championships: The Viking Raiders w/ Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens VS Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy w/ The Authors of Pain!
Erik & Ivar turned out to be new allies for Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens, but now the Monday Night Messiah wants to punish them for choosing the wrong side of destiny. Will it be destiny for Rollins to once again become a tag team champion? Or is the only thing more inevitable than destiny be the raid?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and Rollins starts with Erik. Erik backs Rollins down and Murphy tags in. Rollins and Murphy hug, and then Murphy turns around into Erik’s shotgun knees! Erik roars in Murphy’s face then puts him in the corner. Tag to Ivar, and Ivar scoop slams Murphy. Erik scoop slams Ivar onto Murphy! Murphy bails out and regroups with Rollins, but the AOP distract the Vikings. So Kevin and Joe take them on! There’s a brawl in the ring and out of the ring! AOP and Joe-KO go into the crowd! The tag title match continues after the break!
Raw returns and Erik fights out of Rollins’ chinlock. But Rollins puts Erik in the corner and throws hands! Tag to Murphy, but Erik fights back. Murphy and Rollins mug Erik to whip him corner to corner. Rollins whips Murphy in but Murphy is TOSSED out! Erik dumps Rollins out to join him, but Erik crawls to his corner! Murphy and Rollins trip up Ivar and throw him into barriers! Rollins goes after Erik, but it’s Murphy who SUPERKICKS and knees Erik down! Big suplex then a tag to Rollins, who climbs up top. Frog Splash hits! Cover, TWO! Erik survives and Rollins is shocked! Rollins focuses and tags Murphy back in. The disciple looms over Erik but fans rally for the Vikings. Murphy drags Erik up but Erik throws hands. Murphy hits back with a strike fest, but the knee misses, Erik hits Ace Ten Mao!
Both men are down and Ivar has returned! The fans fire up as Erik crawls, hot tag to Ivar! Rollins also tags in, but Ivar runs him over! Sidewalk slam and a SPLASH for Murphy! Ivar roars and fans fire up again. Ivar goes corner to corner but Rollins dodges. Rollins runs into a seated senton! Ivar cartwheel LARIATS Murphy! Tag to Erik and Kansas is thunderous again! The Vikings drag Murphy up, and feed him to- No! Rollins denies the experience, but the Vikings knock Rollins and Murphy out of the ring. And then they build speed, to DOUBLE DIVE! The titanic topes hit! Erik puts Murphy in, tags Ivar, and then focus on Murphy. Murphy gets THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, but Rollins breaks it!
Erik grabs Rollins but Rollins PELES! Ivar leg lariats! Murphy is up, he elbows Ivar back then hops up. Ivar uppercuts Murphy first! Ivar climbs up to join Murphy, and fans fire up, but Murphy fights back! Murphy sunset flips but Ivar holds on! Rollins tags in to PELE Ivar! Murphy tucks Ivar in, SUPERKICK! Then together with Rollins, DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ivar lives and Rollins is shocked again! Rollins tags Murphy in and they work together again. Double whip but Ivar breaks the line! Ivar handsprings to double back elbow! Fans fire up, hot tag to Erik! Erik wants Ivar to get up top! Erik lifts Murphy all the way up, POWERBOMB! Ivar climbs, but Rollins shoves him down! Ivar crashes and burns from apron to ground! Erik swipes at Rollins but Rollins gets away. Murphy KNEE TRIGGERS!
Murphy wants after Erik but the ref keeps him back. Rollins APRON CURB STOMPS!! Cover, Murphy & Rollins WIN!!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy, Murphy pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
The inevitable has come! The Architect and his Juggernaut have gold! The Authors of Pain return to celebrate with them. Is this only the beginning of destiny for the Monday Night Messiah’s faction?
Rollins and his team celebrates!
He told them they’d do it! Congratulations are in order, but what does this mean tot hem? It represents the new beginning! Rollins’ words are coming to life! Murphy was fighting Aleister but now he fights the good fight. When you join the Monday Night Messiah, you reap the rewards! But now, the Royal Rumble will cement their dominance when Rollins wins the Rumble back-to-back! For now, they party! But will the party come to an end in Houston?
It’s the Monday After the Weekend Update.
Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford are back in the studio, and have tonight’s top stories. BRRROCK LESNARRR is going to enter the Royal Rumble first, while Heyman is the first entrant into this year’s all you can eat shrimp contest. Shrimp going to go extinct! That’s no prediction, that’s a spoiler.
Tonight is a new segment called Take Your Corner. Dawkins is sick of reboots! Party of Five, Lizzie McGuire, Gossip Girl? There is nothing new from network television! WWE has seven hours of network programming, and every single second is new and original content! Well, except for Miz and Morrison. Dawkins plays it off and moves to a new corner: he LOVES reboots.
With the Royal Rumble this Sunday, we have a correspondent live in Houston! R-Truth is there in the Minute Maid Park stadium. Texas is huge! There’s also the space center. And while he’s wearing a jacket now, it’s Celsius degrees and Texas is known for being humid. No… Truth stop talking about Houston, talk from Houston. Is Truth entering the Rumble at 420th? Can he at least tell us how it feels to take an F5? It “H-U-R-T’Z”, hurtz. Hmm…
The WWE Universe ship Mandy x Otis. And if she’s conflicted, here’s a preview of what’s awaiting her. Cue the montage of the truffle shuffle! And the Caterpillar!
This has been the Monday After the Weekend Update. Here’s to getting ALL the Smoke in Houston!
Matt Hardy VS ???
Hardy is back again, but will it be WONDERFUL~?
Raw returns as Hardy’s opponent turns out to be Erick Rowan! Will Hardy be prepared for a fight with the Big Redwood?
The bell rings and Hardy gets around behind Rowan to throw big hands. Rowan puts Hardy in a corner but Hardy boots back! Hardy hops up and leaps, but into Rowan’s arms! Hardy sunset flips but Rowan drops big elbows! Then a splash! Fans boo Rowan but Rowan drags Hardy up. Hardy throws hands but Rowan throws Hardy out. Hardy holds on but Rowan BOOTS Hardy off the apron! Rowan goes out to drag Hardy up. “You want to see something, Matt?!” Hardy resists but Rowan brings Hardy to the cage! Rowan clubs Hardy down and then checks on his pet. Rowan reaches in but gets bit again! Rowan slams the cage on the steel steps! “BAD!”
But Hardy hops on to throw hands! Rowan throws Hardy down, then BODY CHECKS him! The ring count climbs and Rowan puts Hardy in the ring. Rowan drags Hardy up, bloody IRON CLAW SLAM! Cover, Rowan wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Rowan conquers a former champion, then goes back to his pet. Will the pet continue to bite the hand that feeds? Will Rowan dismantle 29 other men in the Royal Rumble?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe!
What is next for them after Rollins and Murphy took the tag titles and are in the Rumble? Those two winning the tag titles is a problem they can take care of later. As for the Rumble, that’s interesting. Kevin has nothing in common with Rollins, until now. Because Kevin’s entering the Rumble, too! And Kevin will do everything he can to win, but mostly to make sure Rollins doesn’t. Joe is all for transparency, because he is also entering the Rumble match. This is the epitome of “every man for themselves,” but when it comes to Rollins, they will stay united. But if they’re the last two, Joe will go through him. A mutual respect and understanding, but will Joe and KO keep their priorities in mind?
Backstage interview with WWE 24/7 Champion, Mojo Rawley!
Mojo took advantage of Truth after Lesnar’s attack, but Mojo vows to be a “different” 24/7 Champion. This title has been carried by cowards that flee. But here comes Samir Singh? Because Sunil goes to roll him up! But Mojo is too big and strong for that. Mojo THROWS Samir aside, then drags Sunil up to fireman’s carry and TOSS into trunks! Mojo just busted the Bollywood Boys’ blockbuster! Will this be a new era in the 24/7 Championship?
Mixed Tag: Rusev & Liv Morgan VS Bobby Lashley & Lana!
There has been twists and turns and a truckload of drama in this love triangle turned square. But finally, we get some fighting inside the squared circle! Will the Bulgarian Brute and LIVing Karma finally get revenge on the Ravishing Russian and her “hawt hawt boyfriend”? Or will Lana and the Rocky Mountain Machine finally put both of her jilted lovers behind them?
Before the match, Lana grabs a mic to say “Rusev Day is cancelled.” And all her Bobby and Lana ever wanted was… Could the fans shut up!? They’re trying to share their beautiful and inspirational love, yet no one cares! It’s not their fault that they’re all “low rent, bottom feeder pathetic losers.” Lana and Lashley have finally accepted that fans are all jealous of their endless love story of the Millennium. They’ve accepted that they’ll have to suffer through all of the fans’ ugliness in huddled masses of disgrace and disrespect. Lana is not even sure what to say or do. They just want a simple THANK YOU! Now, do it. Chant, “Thank You, Bobby! Thank You, Lana!” The fans boo instead. Well whatever, Lana is so excited that Lashley will again prove his dominance over her stupid ex, Rusev! And Lana will get her hands on the self-serving, coattail riding Liv Morgan! This twisted love story finally has an ending(?) after the break.
Raw returns once more, and Rusev and Liv finally make their way out to the ring. Liv rishes at Lana but the Lana goes to the apron. Lana stays away so Liv chases her down! They go around the ring, and then in the ring, and then Lana clobbers Liv down! Lana shouts she’s the best in the world! Fans boo but Liv LARIATS Lana down! And again! Liv dropkicks Lana to a corner, and then runs in with a big back elbow! Liv pulls Lana but Lana holds the ropes. The ref backs Liv off, Lana ROUNDHOUSES! Cover, TWO! Lana tries again, ONE! Lana brings Liv up to snap suplex, then cover, TWO! Lana taunts Rusev to his face then pie faces Liv. “What, Liv? What?!” Lana slaps Liv, Liv SLAPS Lana! Double clotheslines take both women out!
Fans rally, hot tag to Rusev! Lashely runs in but Rusev rallies! Rusev ducks, lifts and Samoan Drops! Fans fireu p with Rusev as he runs corner to corner for a splash! And overhead suplex! Rusev roars and he stalks “Bob” as fans rally. But Lana swipes at Rusev. Rusev and Lana wag fingers, but then Rusev dodges! Lana almost gets hit by Lashley, but Rusev rolls Lashley up! TWO, and Lana gets a cheap shot in! DOMINATOR! Cover, but Liv breaks it! Lana goes after Liv but Liv throws her out instead! Lashley checks on his wife, but then Liv enziguris! ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Rusev glares as he powers up, but Lana gets back in to anchor Rusev’s feet! The ref reprimands, Lashley SPEARS!! Cover, Lashley & Lana win!
Winners: Bobby Lashley & Lana, Lashley pinning
Chaos in the ring benefits the newlywed couple! Lana boasts and brags all the way up the ramp, but will she and Lashley come close to winning their respective Rumble matches?
My Thoughts:
This was a really good go-home to Raw, until the main event. I’ll just go ahead and say that, on top of adding an Erick Rowan filler squash on poor Matt Hardy, that is not how Raw should’ve ended. But at the same time, I can see why all the better matches went first: those matches were more deserving of time so that the matches could breathe, so that means putting them on earlier. Of course, that gives us a disappointing ending where Lana and Lashley find a way to win again, which probably means this rivalry might continue past the Rumble. Ugh. The match itself was chaotic but maybe not in a good way, and Lana’s promo before just drove home that this is only meant to irritate us for Vince’s own amusement. Also, Rowan again getting “bit” for effect, wow…
I did like them giving us a quick “defense” of the 24/7 Championship. Mojo Rawley is not the first to get away from somewhere still champion, but he was certainly the most vicious defender yet. If we get some actual brawls for this title, that will help revitalize the 24/7 Championship story. Whoever needs a bit of screen time better be up for a fight with Mojo. I wonder if Aleister would give it a try. His squash filler was just so he can get screen time without making a new rivalry before the Rumble. I expect him to go after someone or something after the Rumble sorts things out. The WWE United States Championship can still have multiple contenders, especially with Elimination Chamber coming up.
The Ladder Match tonight was incredible, Almas and Mysterio really went all out. That very first ladder spot was scary, though, even Jerry Lawler was worried for Almas’ neck. Almas retaining made sense, and what a great surprise for Humberto Carrillo to return here! Carrillo is an obvious contender, so we’re halfway to a Chamber match. Maybe throw in Buddy Murphy, even after what we saw tonight. At this point, put Orton and McIntyre in assuming they don’t win the Rumble. Orton and McIntyre had a great match tonight, even with the OC attacking. Actually, sub out Murphy to put in Styles in the Chamber so he can settle things with Orton and McIntyre at the same time. They’ll all have a great showing in the Rumble, and again my personal wish is McIntyre Claymore kicking Lesnar out, but Vince probably won’t let that happen. I am oddly happy that a lot of this is hard to predict, that always makes pro-wrestling more fun.
Becky VS Kairi was a pretty good match, especially with Asuka’s involvement. Asuka sitting on the post to watch the match was new, but I like it. Asuka should do that more for Kairi’s singles matches. Becky still wins because she needs the momentum, but Asuka stands tall after beating Becky up so she can also go in strong. Asuka and Kairi had a really good promo after, even if I don’t perfectly understand Japanese. This will definitely add to the intensity of the Raw Women’s Championship match, but I wonder if this is the moment Paige chooses to get revenge. If Paige can neutralize Kairi, that can make things even for Becky and Asuka. But I still can’t tell who really wins this, which again, makes it all the more fun.
Ricochet getting in Lesnar’s face was pretty good. We got good promos out of him and Heyman, and Lesnar’s one-liners are pretty good. Probably still written by Heyman. The way Lesnar is going after these guys, and Heyman now framing the Rumble the way I expected, i.e. Lesnar just wrecking one person after another, I hope this means at some point, a lot of people actually gang up on Lesnar. It probably won’t work, but it’s what Lesnar deserves after everything he’s been doing. Of course, the other stories going into this, like Orton-McIntyre-Styles or Rollins and his enemies, those will all keep the 29 others divided so Lesnar can take advantage, too. The biggest surprise of tonight is that it wasn’t AOP VS Viking Raiders for the tag titles. I feel like that telegraphs no one on Raw is winning the Rumble to challenge Lesnar outright, and things will shift so that Rollins & Murphy VS Joe & Kevin becomes a tag title match.
My Score: 8.2/10
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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!
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.
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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.
My Score: 8.5/10
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