Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 30 Results & Report! (9/20/20)

Now Block B begins!

Published

4 years ago

September 20, 2020

Steven Mitchell

It’s day 2 of the G1 Climax, Block B’s start!

NJPW keeps things moving with Block B’s first round of competition! Will the Double Champion trump The Ace in day 2 of G1 Climax 30?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Block B – Juice Robinson VS YOSHI-HASHI; Robinson wins.
Block B – Toru Yano VS SANADA; Yano wins.
Block B – Hirooki Goto VS KENTA; Kenta wins.
Block B – Zack Sabre Jr. VS EVIL; ZSJ wins.
Block B – Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tetsuya Naito; Naito wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Block B – Juice Robinson VS YOSHI-HASHI!

The Flamboyant One is back and raring to go! But will he be able to stop the vindicated Head Hunter now that he finally has a title?

The fans are excited to see Juice back, but it does take a moment for him to take off his Blues Brothers costume. The bell rings and fans cheer already as Juice and Hashi circle. Juice gets a stomp-stomp-clap, We Will Rock You rhythm going. Juice and Hashi tie up, Juice gets the arm, wrenches to a wristlock but Hashi spins through to reverse it onto Juice. Juice spins and gets a waistlock to slam Hashi down! Hashi sits up and moves around to throw Juice off. Hashi floats all over to cover, ONE, but Hashi is right back on a waistlock. Juice backs Hashi to ropes, the break is clean, and fans cheer. Hashi goes to kick, Juice blocks it and elbows the leg. Juice throws forearms and a CHOP! Juice jokes that his hand is hurting from that one.

Juice whips Hashi, Hashi huricanranas Juice to ropes, then catches Juice for a headlock takeover! Juice fights up, headscissors but Hashi pushes it off. Juice rolls to a cover, TWO! Hashi holds on, cranks harder, but Juice fights up, only for Hashi to hold tight as he tries to power out. Juice gets up but Hashi grinds. Juice throws body shots from all sides, powers out this time, and collides with Hashi. Fans cheer as neither man backs down. Hashi runs, Juice goes up, under and runs Hashi over with an elbow. Big back senton! Cover, TWO! Juice keeps his cool, stomps Hashi then brings him back up. Juice throws forearms, a CHOP, and lets out a “WOO~!” Fans clap to the beat but Juice asks they be quiet long enough to hear the CHOP!

Juice whips corner to corner, Hashi stumbles out into an atomic drop, and then Russian Leg Sweep! Cover, TWO! Juice grows annoyed but he drags Hashi back up. Fans rally as Juice snapmares and facelocks. Hashi endures the grind, works his way up, and throws body shots. Juice snap suplexes Hashi down, and holds on. Dos amigos with the second suplex! Juice gets Hashi up but Hashi fights out. Hashi suplexes Juice, has him for a neckbreaker, but Juice elbows out! Juice runs but Hashi dodges to hit the BLOCKBUSTER! Fans rally up while both men are down, and Hashi stands first. Hashi throws forearms and CHOPS on Juice, then runs to CHOP Juice in the corner! Hashi whips Juice to reel him in for another CHOP!

Hashi mule kicks, suplexes and hangs Juice out to dry. Hashi runs to dropkick Juice down! And keeps moving to basement dropkick! Fans fire up with Hashi as he drags Juice back up. Hashi suplexes, and gives Juice the neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Juice survives the Headbuster, but Hashi keeps on him. Hashi drags Juice up but Juice wrenches to a fireman’s carry, spins but Hashi slips out. Hashi waistlocks, Juice elbows out hard, and JABS! JAB! JAB! Juice fires up but Hashi CHOPS him first! Hashi powers up and swings, but Juice blocks to a full nelson! Juice thrashes Hashi around then SLAMS him down! Fans cheer as Hashi is down and Juice catches his breath. Juice gets to a corner, runs at Hashi and hits a big clothesline!

Juice fires up again and goes corner to corner, for a CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Juice keeps his focus as he gets back up. Juice starts up the stomp-stomp-clap and the fans join in. We Will Rock You as Juice hoists Hashi up top. Juice CHOPS Hashi, fires up and climbs up, but Hashi resists the superplex! Juice keeps trying, Hashi keeps fighting, and Hashi gets up and over to sunset flip! Juice resists but not for long, RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives but fans rally up behind Hashi. Hashi runs, Juice ducks the lariat but Hashi ducks the leg lariat! Hashi comes back and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Juice survives again but Hashi keeps his focus.

Hashi fires up, drags Juice up, fisherman and suplex, but Juice fights out! Juice powers up, but Juice ducks to SUPERKICK! Hashi reels Juice in, tries again, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi doesn’t stop, he has the Butterfly Lock! Juice endures, reaches with a leg, but Hashi still has one arm caught. Hashi cranks, the fans rally, Juice fights and reaches, to the ropebreak! Hashi drags him from the ropes!! Hashi has changed it to a sleeper, but Juice fights up again. Hashi keeps him from the ropes with a BACKSTABBER! Hashi goes up top! SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!?! Juice survives and the fans are thunderous! Hashi stays fired up, drags Juice back up, spins him to a pump handle, but Juice fights out! Juice clubs Hashi but also falls over.

Fans rally up as both men are down. Hashi drags Juice up, Juice breaks free but Hashi CHOPS! Juice CHOPS back, fires up, and pumps up. The fans rally as Juice aims, but Hashi mule kicks first! Hashi runs, Juice blocks his lariat to LARIAT back! Juice drags Hashi up, fireman’s carries, spins and JUICE BOX GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives but Juice still has something! Juice drags Hashi up, chicken wings and spins, PULP- NO! ROLL UP! TWO!! Hashi hurries up to his feet, Juice punches but Hashi deflects! Hashi spins Juice but Juice ROCKS him with a right! Then the LEFT HAND O’ GOD! Juice drags Hashi up, chicken wings to PULP FRICTION!! Cover, Juice wins!

Winner: Juice Robinson, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Hashi earns 0

Hashi could not #GetBackUp after that combination! Juice gets a big win in his return, will he have the juice to conquer the block?

Block B – Toru Yano VS SANADA!

The tentative Mr. KOPW 2020 is already after another prize! But the Cold Skull won’t let The Producer get another one over him! Will Sanada bring YTR to a Skull End?

Sanada has another new look, shedding the pirate theme to become more of a futuristic, space-age… vampire? Yano is still Yano, though. The ref does a very thorough check of Yano and finds spare wrist tape under BOTH knee pads! Yano insists that’s all, and the bell rings. Sanada and Yano tie up, Sanada powers Yano to ropes, and Yano shouts for the break. Sanada lets off clean and they go again. Yano puts Sanada on the ropes this time but is more reluctant to give the break. Sanada and Yano go again, Sanada gets around for a waistlock, but he says he feels something suspicious under that shirt! The ref goes feeling around, and finds under the waistband, a THIRD roll of tape! Yano says that’s the last one, and Sanada rolls him up! TWO!!

Yano freaks out, dodges Sanadan and gets him for a special takedown, half nelson cover, TWO!! Sanada almost got caught there! Yano backs off to go after his favorite corner pad! He gets it off, but Sanada rolls him for a rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling cradle! Cover, TWO!! Yano still has the pad but he’s so dizzy he’s swinging at the ref! Sanada trips Yano up, has both legs, but Yano BOPS him with the pad! Yano rolls away and out of the ring to stumble around the outside. Is Yano walking away? Sanada would only get one point if he won this way. Yano goes to the crowd, grabs an empty chair and takes a seat! Fans cheer but Sanada is not amused. The ring count begins and Yano dares Sanada to come get him.

Sanada hears the count pass 10 of 20. It’s reaching 15 of 20! Yano is the one who gets anxious, so he runs back! He’s in at 19.69! Sanada grabs the buckle pad, so Yano unties the other! It’s a buckle pad fight! Sanada smacks the pad out of Yano’s hand, tosses him the other, and then dropkicks Yano down! Sanada goes up top, moonsaults, but Yano dodges! Yano side steps Sanada to send him into bare buckles! Roll up, TWO!! Yano drags Sanada back up, Sanada knees low and runs, but into an atomic drop! Yano trips and catapults Sanada into the other bare buckles! Sanada staggers, Yano trips him up, and Yano fires the fans up by trying to steal Paradise! Sanada boots Yano away into bare buckles, catches him for a cradle, TWO!! Yano escapes and bails out of the ring again.

Sanada aims and slingshots for the PLANCHA! Fans fire up, Sanada drags Yano up for a headlock, and he drags Yano up the ramp. Sanada rakes Yano’s eyes, and ties him up in PARADISE! Sanada stands on Yano and hears the cheers before leaving Yano behind. The ring count begins again and Yano is stuck! Young Lions untie Yano? Sanada doesn’t like that, so he ties the Young Lion up! Yano attacks Sanada, and somehow has MORE tape?! He ties Sanada to the Young Lion!! The count is already 18! Yano is in, Sanada tries to three-legged-race with the Young Lion, but the count hits 20!! Yano wins!!

Winner: Toru Yano, by count-out; gains 1 point, Sanada earns 0

Yano cuts his losses quite literally, and only gets one point since this wasn’t a pin or submission victory. Sanada unties himself from the Young Lion, but will he be able to rebound from this moment of humiliation? Will Yano taking shortcuts cost him in the end?

Block B – Hirooki Goto VS KENTA!

The Fierce Warrior “welcomes” the Bullet Club’s #FangRevived back, and wants to finally pay him back for what he did to Shibata! Will Kenta “kindly” decline and take the crucial first win instead?

The bell rings and Kenta bails out. Kenta paces around the ring as Goto eggs him on, but Kenta takes his time. Kenta slowly returns, circles with Goto again, and they tie up. Goto powers Kenta to the ropes, the ref calls for the break, and Goto pats Kenta on the shoulder as he lets off. Kenta and Goto circle, tie up again, and Kenta pulls hair to put Goto on the ropes! The ref counts, Kenta lets go but then throws a forearm! Goto DECKS Kenta for it! Goto clubs Kenta, whips him but Kenta grabs ropes. Kenta bails out, goes around the way, but Goto slides out to pursue! Goto kicks Kenta and puts him back in the ring, but Kenta bails out the side. Goto grows annoyed, chases Kenta back into the ring, but Kenta stomps Goto as he returns!

Kenta clubs away, throws haymakers and pulls hair, to then whip Goto to ropes. Goto reverses the hip toss to a hip toss, then runs Kenta over! Fans fire up as Goto keeps Kenta from escaping the ring! Goto drags Kenta up on the apron but Kenta hotshots him back! And hotshots the arm! Kenta drags Goto out to POST the shoulder! Goto goes down clutching that arm but Kenta drags him back up. Kenta wrenches and hammerlocks to RAM that arm into railing! The ref starts a ring count, Kenta kicks Goto while he’s down but drags him up. The count passes 10, Kenta puts Goto in at 12. Kenta drags Goto up, wrenches to a shoulder breaker, then KICKS the arm! And again! Goto is at the ropes and Kenta stands on his head, mocking the fans. The ref counts, Kenta lets up but drags Goto back up.

Fans rally up for Goto but Kenta gives the bad arm another wrench to breaker! Kenta drags Goto down to a Fujiwara armbar but Goto gets the ropebreak with a foot. Kenta cranks and holds until 3. Kenta kicks at Goto mockingly, then kicks harder. Kenta eggs Goto on, but Goto eggs Kenta. Kenta kicks and kicks but Goto CHOPS! Kenta kicks back, and again, then gets the arm to drag Goto back down! Goto resists, scrambles and gets the ropebreak again. Kenta holds until 3, but he kicks at the bad arm. Kenta mocks the fans rallying for Goto and he keeps kicking. Goto grits his teeth but Kenta drags him up for haymakers. Kenta toys with Goto and kicks the bad arm again. And again! Kenta taunts Goto as he just keeps kicking!

Kenta boots Goto but Goto gets up. Kenta runs to boot but Goto blocks to shove Kenta down! Goto gets to a corner, Kenta is in the other, and Kenta runs in, only to miss! Goto hits a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and Kenta goes back to a corner. Goto runs in to clothesline, then runs to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto grits his teeth as he shakes out the bad arm. Goto brings Kenta up, fireman’s carry but Kenta rakes eyes to slip out! Kenta shoves Goto and catches him for a POWERSLAM! Goto gets to a corner, Kenta runs in again, but Goto boots him away this time. Goto swings but Kenta catches the arm, but Goto powers off to prevent the takedown! Goto runs at Kenta in a corner, but Kenta boots back. Kenta hops up, reels Goto in, tornado stungun!

Goto is down, Kenta goes up top, but Goto gets up. Kenta takes him down with a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he toys with Goto again. Kenta kicks and kicks but Goto just gets angry. Goto’s glare alone eggs Kenta on. Kenta kicks and kicks but Goto keeps taking them on! Goto swings but into a takedown! Kenta has the arm, but Goto gets to ropes! Kenta lets go but he stomps Goto to the ropes. Kenta kicks him over and over, then drags him up on the apron. He brings Goto through the ropes but Goto fights back! Goto and Kenta brawl with forearms, Kenta rakes the eyes! Kenta runs side to side, boots and sleeper holds Goto on the ropes! The ref counts, but Goto pries free to go after Kenta’s arm, to give back the shoulder breaker!

Kenta already has tape on the one arm, Goto KICKS out the other! Goto wrenches on the arm for a Disarmer! Kenta crawls and reaches, Goto cranks and twists, but Kenta moves around to get the ropebreak. Goto lets go but comes back to drag Kenta up. Kenta blocks the back suplex, elbows Goto, but Goto pump handles for an OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Kenta survives Jigoku Kuruma (Go To Heaven), but Goto grits his teeth. Goto drags Kenta up, fans rally up as he turns Kenta to the dragon sleeper. Kenta fights back but Goto spins him to uppercut the arm over and over! Goto wrenches the other arm to club it! Goto runs but Kenta catches him to spin him to a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up again.

Kenta sits up first, fans rally for Goto, but Kenta drags Goto up to put him through ropes. Kenta hits the DRAPING DDT! Kenta watches Goto get to the corner, runs corner to corner, and hits a leaping boot! Kenta keeps moving, LEAPING DROPKICK! Goto is in the drop zone, Kenta goes up top again, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives the coup de grace but Kenta gets space again. Goto manages to sit up, fires up, but Kenta hits PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Kenta is still focused. Kenta slashes the throat, drags Goto up to a fireman’s carry, but Goto blocks the GTS! Kenta fires palm strikes and is free, but he keeps hitting Goto again and again! But he runs into USHIGOROSHI!

Goto drags Kenta into the hammerlock, and pulls on the other arm! Kenta endures this modified armbar, crawls with his legs, but Goto cranks harder! Kenta still gets a foot for the ropebreak! Goto lets go but the fans keep rallying. Goto goes after Kenta, avoids being dragged down, but Kenta elbows out of the German Suplex. Kenta runs, Goto follows, Kenta dodges but runs into fireman’s carry, to dragon sleeper! Kenta drops down to go after a leg, and then hooks an arm! Goto resists but Kenta gets the crossface, for GAME OVER! Goto endures as Kenta cranks back, and Kenta focuses on just the arm a moment to make sure it’s caught! Goto rolls but ends up away from the ropes! Goto TAPS, Kenta wins!!

Winner: Kenta, by submission; gains 2 points, Goto earns 0

The IWGP United States Champion’s current #1 contender just got a big win to start his G1! Will Kenta earn another huge title opportunity even before cashing in the one he has?

Block B – Zack Sabre Jr. VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Submission Master’s tag team partner, Taichi, won his first match, so ZSJ will surely want to stay on pace. But the King of Darkness is determined to get back to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship! Will ZSJ make Evil #JustTapOut? Or will he find that Everything is STILL Evil?!

Dick gets in ZSJ’s face but ZSJ grabs his finger and twists! Evil kicks ZSJ low and stomps him down while Dick gets away. The bell rings and this is on record as ZSJ and Evil brawl on the outside. Evil toys with ZSJ but ZSJ EuroUppers. Evil CHOPS, ZSJ boots but Evil blocks to elbow the knee! Evil whips ZSJ into railing, ZSJ runs right back at Evil, but into the sidewalk slam! Evil Too Sweets the camera before finding some chairs under the ring! Dick goes after ZSJ while Red Shoes is busy with Evil! Evil leaves the chair behind and goes into the ring. Evil undoes the blue corner buckle, the new Bullet Club signature. Fans rally as the ring count climbs, and Dick taunts ZSJ.

ZSJ gets up at 10, in at 11, but Evil is on him with clubbing forearms. Evil laughs as he wrenches and whips ZSJ into the bare buckles! Red Shoes reprimands but the damage is done. Evil drags ZSJ around by a leg, ZSJ resists but Evil still turns him over for a rough Half Crab! Evil sits deep but ZSJ endures, powers up, and he gets the ropebreak. Evil holds on until 3, ZSJ gets to a corner. Evil taunts ZSJ, messes his hair, and dares him to hit back. ZSJ throws a HARD EuroUpper! Fans cheer as ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, but Evil rakes his eyes! Evil runs, ZSJ ducks and gets around, Cobra Twist! Evil pops out to reverse it onto ZSJ! Evil gets help from Dick but Red Shoes sees that and counts. Evil lets go at 3, then drags ZSJ back up.

Evil scoops and slams ZSJ down hard, covers, TWO! He tries again, TWO! Again, TWO!! Evil is furious with Red Shoes but fans cheer. ZSJ clutches his back and tries to get feeling in it. Evil clubs ZSJ on the back then wrenches him arm for a whip back to the bare corner! ZSJ stops himself, goes up and under, headbutts, snapmares and TWISTS the neck! Fans cheer as things are even between ZSJ and Evil now. ZSJ stands on Evil’s head as fans rally up. ZSJ gets an arm, drags Evil around and CRANKS the arm! Then BOOTS Evil down! ZSJ dares Dick to do something then goes back to Evil. ZSJ drags Evil up, wrenches the arm, clamps onto it with a hammerlock, recliner cover, TWO!

ZSJ still has the arms, twists and stands on one, with the other trapped under Evil’s body! ZSJ STOMPS the arm and fans cheer! ZSJ keeps on Evil, drags him around by the arms again, and twists for a hammerlock STOMP! And then ZSJ wrenches the other arm, but Evil avoids the Pele! ZSJ avoids Evil’s senton and boots, but Evil deflects that at Red Shoes to then mule kick low! Both men are down as fans rally back up. Evil shakes out his arms while ZSJ clutches his back. ZSJ gets to a corner, Evil runs in, but he blocks the boots! Evil turns ZSJ sideways, clubs him and Tree of Woe STOMPS him! Fans cheer and rally up, which annoys Evil just a little.

Evil drags ZSJ up, fisherman but ZSJ fights out to PELE the arm! ZSJ runs, Evil goes to the corner but ZSJ gets around him for the IRON OCTOPUS! Evil pops out but ZSJ reapplies for the Cobra Twist! Evil pulls an ear! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Both men are down but fans build back to a rally. ZSJ scoots to a corner and Evil takes aim. Evil runs in, for the corner clothesline! Evil drags ZSJ back up as fans build to another rally. Evil hoists ZSJ up top, climbs up to join him, and fans continue to rally. Evil goes all the way up, for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and gets to a corner while Evil grits his teeth.

Evil sits ZSJ up, slashes the throat, and brings ZSJ to his feet. ZSJ elbows the STO away, then gets a sleeper hold! Scoop but no Zack Driver as Evil rakes eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, Evil spins, but into an arm-drag! ZSJ rolls Evil around to a chicken wing cover, TWO!! JIM BREAKS ARMBAR! ZSJ has Evil caught as he pulls way back on the arm! But Dick gets on the apron, hiding his choker! ZSJ lets Evil go to BOOT Dick down! ZSJ kicks Evil down, then fires up. The fans fire up with him as ZSJ sits Evil up, but Evil blocks the kick! Evil spins ZSJ, ZSJ sits down to block the German but Evil whips ZSJ into Red Shoes AND the bare corner!! LARIAT!

Red Shoes flops out of the ring, Dick gets back in! The Spoiler grins as he stomps away on ZSJ! Young Lions check on Red Shoes and Evil has Dick bring ZSJ up. Bullet Club double whip and double shoulder ZSJ down, for SENTON after SENTON! Dick stands on ZSJ and Evil vows to finish this! Dick feeds ZSJ to Evil, they work together, but no Magic Killer as ZSJ boots Dick away! Evil kicks low and runs but into ZSJ’s boot! ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, dodges Dick and throws him down for the ARTICLE 50 ARMBAR! Dick taps but it doesn’t matter, and then Evil stomps ZSJ! Fans rally up for ZSJ but Evil shakes his head.

Evil drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, but ZSJ slips out of Darkness Falls to full nelson! Evil LOW BLOW MULE KICKS, but ZSJ catches it with his legs!! ZSJ gets the leg in an ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ cranks, Evil rolls and sends ZSJ into the bare buckles! Both men are down, Red Shoes returns and the fans rally up again! Evil drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!?! ZSJ survives and the fans are fired up! Evil is furious, though, and he vows to end this! Spin and- NO STO! ZSJ brings Evil’s arms from underneath, into the EURO CLUTCH!! ZSJ WINS!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Evil earns 0

Evil and Dick are FURIOUS with Red Shoes! ZSJ didn’t need to make Evil tap out and he still gets one over on the former Double Champion! Is ZSJ going to make his way to the top of the block?

Block B – Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tetsuya Naito!

The Ace VS the current IWGP Double Champion is the biggest match possible in Block B, and certainly for the first round! Will Tanahashi accomplish a shortcut by pinning Naito now? Or will Naito start on the road to choosing his own challenger?

Naito takes off his elaborate entrance attire while Tanahashi only has to take off his elaborately decorated jacket. The bell rings and fans are fired up already! Tanahashi and Naito circle slowly, but Naito is his usual half-committed self to the approach. Tanahashi cools off and waits on Naito. The fans clap for “Go Ace!” as he rushes Naito to get the leg. Tanahashi shifts to a waistlock, Naito switches but Tanahashi switches back. Naito switches again, Tanahashi gets a facelock, drags Naito down and floats to a headlock, but Naito slips out the back to a hammerlock. Naito cranks on the arm, Tanahashi reaches back to drag Naito down to a headlock! The fans cheer the technical exchange but Naito grinds forearms in Tanahashi’s face. Naito gets to his feet, pulls hair, then pries out of the headlock.

Tanahashi resists the rest of the reversal, fans rally up, and Tanahashi powers Naito back into the headlock. Naito pops out the back to hammerlock, Tanahashi turns it back onto Naito, then shifts to the headlock for another takeover. Naito rolls Tanahashi over to turn the headlock onto him but Tanahashi headscissors. Naito pops out and the two stand off, Tanahashi strumming the air guitar. Fans cheer as the two reset. Naito and Tanahashi circle, fans rally up, but like yesterday’s Okada-Ibushi, the rhythm could be “NA-I-TO!” or “TA-NAH-SHI!” Naito kicks Tanahashi low, clubs him on the back, then clubs him more. Naito whips Tanahashi but Tanahashi reverses to dropkick the legs out!

Tanahashi stomps Naito down then stomps the bad leg. Fans rally again, Tanahashi twists the leg and turns Naito over for a KNEE BREAKER! That was new from The Ace! Tanahashi stalks Naito, twists the leg again and ties the legs up in a figure four knot. Naito endures, fans rally, Naito grabs at Tanahashi’s hair but Red Shoes reprimands. Tanahashi cranks harder on the legs, and drags Naito. Naito gets the ropebreak before the Cloverleaf could lock in! Naito gets out to walk it off, but the ring count begins. Naito waits until 15, Tanahashi rushes him but Naito gets in. Naito hits Tanahashi off the apron, but fakes Tanahashi out to Tranquilo! Tanahashi gets in to senton but misses! Naito still Tranquilo as he shoos Tanahashi away.

Tanahashi ends up outside the ring now and Naito goes out to fetch him. Naito stomps Tanahashi, drags him up and whips him into railing! Naito grinds Tanahashi against the railing with a cravat! Red Shoes reprimands, Naito stops and brings Tanahashi up to whip. Tanahashi reverses and sends Naito into railing! But Naito comes back with a shotgun dropkick! Naito whips Tanahashi back into railing! Naito leaves Tanahashi behind and the ring count returns. Tanahashi stirs, gets up at 12, hobbles over and gets in at 15. Naito walks over to stomp the legs! Naito drags Tanahashi up, kicks the legs and dragon sleepers for the backbreaker to leg hook full nelson! Tanahashi endures, Naito pulls on his hair, but fans rally up. Tanahashi reaches and gets the ropebreak with a foot!

Naito claims he needs help untying the hold so Red Shoes helps. Tanahashi is free but Naito is on him right away with a whip to ropes. Naito runs Tanahashi over then basement dropkicks from behind! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer and rally up for Tanahashi but Naito gets annoyed. Naito drags Tanahashi up, Tanahashi hits back with forearms and body shots! Naito fakes Tanahashi out to kick the leg! Naito boots Tanahashi, whips him corner to corner, and runs in for the rocket kick! COMBINACION- NO! Tanahashi blocks the swinging dropkick for a swinging SLAM! Both men are down and fans fire up again!

Tanahashi gets to his feet first, drags Naito up and fires off forearms and body shots! He has Naito in a corner, whips him corner to corner but Naito reverses. Tanahashi comes back with a flying forearm! The Ace fires up more and drags Naito up. Tanahashi scoop slams Naito down, hops up and hits the second rope somersault senton! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps his cool and fans keep rallying. Tanahashi aims at Naito in the corner and runs in, but Naito boots! Tanahashi blocks it but Naito resists as best he can. Tanahashi still hits the DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down, fans cheer and rally up. Naito bails out, Tanahashi gets up and goes to the corner! Tanahashi climbs and aims at Naito for the ACES HIGH!! Direct hit and both men crash down!

Red Shoes checks on them both but they’re both okay to continue. Tanahashi gets up first as the ring count climbs. Tanahashi hobbles in at 8, Naito still hasn’t gotten up! The count passes 15! Naito gets up at 17, and in at 19.5! Tanahashi is after his leg again! Tanahashi gives Naito a DRAGON SCREW in the ropes!! And dropkicks Naito’s leg! And then hits another DRAGON SCREW! Fans are fired up with Tanahashi as he goes over to Naito. Naito resists the Cloverleaf again, reaches for ropes, but Tanahashi drags him away! Naito cradle counters, TWO!! Tanahashi goes after the legs again but Naito clubs him away. Naito elbows Tanahashi then hits a SPINE BUSTER!

Both men are down again, but fans rally up again. Naito drags Tanahashi up, rams him into a corner, and then hoists him up top. Naito climbs up and hits the SUPER STEINER! But Tanahashi sunset flips through it!? TWO!! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then another! Tanahashi stands while Naito writhes! Tanahashi gets both legs for the Cloverleaf! Naito endures as Tanahashi sits deep on the hold! Fans rally harder and harder as Naito continues to endure! Naito drags himself over, reaches but Tanahashi cranks back! Tanahashi sits so deep on the hold! Red Shoes checks on Naito but he’s still awake! Naito drags himself over, Tanahashi cranks harder still! Naito gets the ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go and is frustrated but the fans are thunderous!

Tanahashi gets up, grabs at Naito but Naito holds tight to the ropes. Tanahashi still gets Naito up, fisherman scoop, but Naito fights out! Tanahashi kicks and whips Naito and catches the leaping forearms for a full nelson! Naito breaks free before the Dragon Suplex, but Tanahashi traps the arms for a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!?! The fans are thunderous that Naito survives! Tanahashi keeps his cool and waits for Naito to stand. Tanahashi runs, Naito ducks the Sling Blade for the rolling kick! Naito reels Tanahashi in, for the TORNADO DDT! Both men are down but the fans rally up! Naito fires up with his wild eyes and tongue, and then hurries over to Tanahashi. Naito drags Tanahashi up, scoops, but Tanahashi turns it into a SLING BLADE!

Tanahashi drags Naito up, but Naito makes the scoop into DESTINO! Both men are down again and fans are again thunderous! Naito and Tanahashi stir and Naito sits up first. Tanahashi follows, the two stand, and Tanahashi throws a forearm! Naito comes back with a forearm of his own! Tanahashi hits Naito, Naito hits Tanahashi, repeat! Naito grins and Tanahashi eggs him on. Naito hits back, Tanahashi hits again, and fans clap with every hit. Things speed up faster and faster, neither man backs down as they throw more forearms! Tanahashi fires off EuroUpper, Naito spits and fires off more forearms! Tanahashi ROCKS Naito with the palm strike!

Tanahashi whips but Naito reverses to throw elbow after elbow! Tanahashi drops to the mat and fans fire up again. Naito drags Tanahashi up, throws more elbows and Tanahashi drops again. The fans are thunderous, Naito drags Tanahashi up by his hair and throws even more elbows! Naito clobbers Tanahashi with that last one, but the fans haven’t stopped clapping. Naito drags Tanahashi back up, hammerlocks and lifts, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi still lives but Naito still keeps cool. Naito looms over Tanahashi, drags him up, and wrenches to tilt, but Tanahashi blocks Destino to hit TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another! Tanahashi hits a THIRD Twist ‘n’ Shout!

Fans fire up again as Tanahashi watches Naito rise. Tanahashi runs, no Sling Blade as Naito elbows and enziguris! And tilt, no! Tanahashi reverses Destino to SLING BLADE!! Fans are booming again as Tanahashi staggers about. Tanahashi runs, for another SLING BLADE! Tanahashi hurries up top, Naito slowly rises, ACES HIGH AGAIN! But Tanahashi keeps going and is back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS!!! Naito avoids certain defeat! Fans are thunderous once more as Naito stalks up behind Tanahashi. Tanahashi slowly rises, Naito runs in and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito won’t let himself be shocked as he drags Tanahashi back up.

Naito wrenches, tries again, but Tanahashi blocks Destino! Tanahashi swings a palm strike but Naito blocks to palm strike back! Naito scoops for VALENTIA! And then he brings Tanahashi up, for DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!!

Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Tanahashi earns 0

The IWGP Double Champion conquers the Once in a Century Talent! Not even Tanahashi could pull off the shortcut! Did we already see the greatest match in Block B, if not the entire 30th G1 Climax?

Naito impatiently has the Young Lions get Tanahashi out so he can celebrate this victory and speak to the fans. “Buenos tardes, OSAKAAA~!” Osaka’s Edion Arena being the start of G1 Climax 30, with A Block yesterday and B Block today, he wants asks how they liked their first taste of “G1 Fever”? The tour goes to Kobe and comes back to Osaka in a month, but that’s only A Block shows. Sorry to the Kansai folks that don’t get to see the Double Champion. But he promises to be back in Osaka in November, with both titles AND the G1 Trophy, so until then, TRANQUILO! Please be patient and look forward to that date.

That said, let’s wrap it up. While the live fans can’t shout along, please shout in your hearts. The roll call is the only way to close G1 Climax’s opening weekend, of course! “BUSHI! SANADA! HIROMU! TAKAGI! Y NAITO! Nosotros Los Ingoberrrrrrnableeees~! DE! JA! PON!” Naito leaves with his two titles, but will he stay undefeated in the G1 to determine his own fate?

My Thoughts:

What a great first round for B Block, and second day overall for the G1! Some interesting parallels made already between the blocks, but especially arranging the main event match to be an incredible one. Ibushi won big against Okada, and Naito wins big against Tanahashi, though I suppose the champion would be expected to win. I wonder if the finals are already set to give us the rematch of Naito VS Ibushi. It’d be quite the amazing finals if it came down to Ibushi going back to back or Naito getting to choose his opponent. All of the other matches were great, too, and I think it will be a hilarious plot point if Yano winning by count-out will mean he doesn’t win the block and ends up just being a spoiler.

I liked Sanada’s new gear but it seems his change in gear never changes his style. I suppose that’s fine, though, because fans still really like Sanada and the Paradise Lock. I am also surprised Goto and Kenta had their match in the first round, but Kenta wins mostly so there’s no question if Goto could have a shot at his IWGP US Championship contract. ZSJ beating Evil was a great twist, as I thought Dick’s interference was going to turn things. But it seems ZSJ has Evil’s number in the overall series between them. ZSJ can definitely be a top contender in the Block, but obviously a win over Naito accomplishes very much the same as the G1 itself, i.e. a title match in the back pocket.

My Score: 9.3/10

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

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NOAH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.101 ~ 20TH SEPTEMBER 2020

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Andrew’s Pro Wrestling NOAH N-1 Victory Results & Match Ratings: Day 2

Coverage

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

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

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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

Coverage

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

Champions need challengers!

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Steven Mitchell

The Queen is coming for her crown!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Isiah Kassidy VS Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Isiah Kassidy, by pinfall

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

ROH hears from Bullet Club Gold.

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

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

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

Six Man Tag: Top Flight VS The Dark Order!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

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

Backstage interview with Athena & Billie Starkz.

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

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

Mark Sterling speaks.

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

The Premier Athletes are here in person.

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

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

Backstage interview with Griff Garrison & Cole Karter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Red Velvet & Queen Aminata speak.

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

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

Backstage interview with The Infantry.

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Johnny TV & Taya Valkyrie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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