Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/9/23)

What will Jey do?

Published

10 months ago

June 9, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Is Jey The Right Hand Man? Or a loyal brother?

Last week, SmackDown saw Roman Reigns reject Jimmy Uso’s proposal to do things as equals. Will Jey stand by his brother? Or with his Tribal Chief?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Santos Escobar w/ Rey Mysterio VS Mustafa Ali; Escobar wins and advances to MITB.
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Bayley w/ Iyo Sky VS Mia Yim; Bayley wins and advances to MITB.
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Baron Corbin VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins and advances to MITB.
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Iyo Sky w/ Bayley VS Shotzi Blackheart; Iyo wins and advances to MITB.
WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Jey Uso; Theory wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman are in the ring.

The Enforcer of the Bloodline and the Wise Man are here, and Heyman starts his introductions, until JEY USO makes his entrance! Jey goes to the ring, gets a mic, and fans cheer as he stares down Heyman and Solo. Fans chant “USO! USO!” for Jey and he tells Solo, “I let a lotta things slide, aight? But stabbing our big brother in the back is something you don’t do, Solo! I don’t know if I can forgive you for that, so say what you need to say to me, OG.” Jey throws down his mic and Heyman speaks.

“You got this all wrong. You got this all wrong, and here’s why you got this all wrong. It’s not Solo’s fault, it’s not my fault, it’s not The Tribal Chief’s fault, it’s not your fault. This is all Jimmy’s fault!” Fans boo as Heyman says Jimmy made up his own mind, and not just for himself. Jimmy made up his mind for Jey. Heyman has Solo calm down and take a step back, saying it is okay. Heyman is no physical threat, so Jey needs to understand, Heyman’s opening his heart to him. And here’s why: when Jimmy kicked The Tribal Chief at Night of Champions, did he check with Jey in advance? Was Jey in on that? No!

Jimmy pulled the trigger for himself and for Jey, that’s how he’s always been. Jimmy’s the older brother, the first born! No disrespect to Jimmy, but Jimmy’s always resented Jey and here’s why. Jimmy’s in on something and Jey isn’t. Jimmy’s in on the fact that the Tribal Chief wants to groom Jey, The Right Hand Man, to be the next Tribal Chief. Fans boo, not believing that. Heyman says that is Jey’s destiny, that is who Jey will be. It was never going to be Jimmy, Jimmy’s known that, and he resents Jey for that. Heyman says the fans are booing because they don’t know the truth, but Heyman will prove it to Jey.

Tonight, at the Tribal Chief’s behest, Heyman has made a match to set Jey’s trajectory towards becoming the next Tribal Chief. Jey will bring gold back to the Bloodline. Not tag team gold. Because unfortunately, all because of Jimmy, there is no more tag team in the WWE known as The Usos. Fans boo that now, but Heyman continues. He didn’t want it this way either, but this is what Jimmy caused. Jey will bring home gold because tonight, The Right Hand Man, successor to the throne, will defeat Austin Theory for the United States Championship! Fans cheer that, though. Jey’s path as a singles star, his path to becoming THE World Heavyweight Champion, starts tonight!

And then, Jey, then the Tribal Chief will embrace you and publicly groom you so that some day, when the time is right, Jey Uso will become THE Tribal Chief. But Heyman needs Jey’s answer now. Fans boo that, but Heyman holds out the mic to Jey. Jey takes it, and he tells Heyman, “I’ll take you up on that US challenge, though, OG.” Heyman smiles and offers a handshake now. Jey looks at the hand, looks at Solo, and fans boo. They don’t want him to, but Jey says he’ll get back to Heyman on that. Fans cheer as Jey stands up for himself! At least, for the most part. But will Jey still take that US Championship away from Theory?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Santos Escobar w/ Rey Mysterio VS Mustafa Ali!

El Hijo del Fantasma has been wanting an opportunity to win a title, but so has The Beacon! Will Escobar join Zelina Vega at MITB in London? Or will Ali be showing off this golden ticket when he returns to NXT?

SmackDown returns and Ali makes his entrance. But wait, LA Knight makes his entrance now? The Mega Star is already going to MITB, maybe he just wants to watch this up close. The bell rings, fans cheer for LA Knight but Escobar gets fans on his side. Ali says he’s going to get that briefcase! Ali swings, Escobar blocks and counter punches, and Knight joins commentary. Escobar puts Ali in a corner, Ali turns things around to CHOP, but Escobar turns things around to CHOP back! Ali throws forearms, Escobar throws them back. Escobar whips, Ali reverses but Escobar ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM!

Ali goes to a corner, Escobar has the fans spell out “L! W! O!” Escobar runs in, Ali goes up and over and ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Escobar bails out, fans fire up and Ali eggs Escobar on. Escobar trips Ali, drags him out, and CHOPS him! Knight likes that action, and Ali CHOPS back! Escobar and Ali fires forearms, Ali whips, but Escobar reveres. Ali goes up the steps but Escobar goes up the apron! ENZIGURI, and then Escobar brings Ali to the apron. Ali fights the suplex, throws body shots, and throws knees. Ali throws forearms, Escobar shoves Ali back into the post! Escobar storms up to KICK Ali again!

Escobar FLYING RANAS Ali off the apron! Rey checks Escobar, he also clips the stairs. Escobar is alright, and he gets Ali back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ali is still in this and he bails out of the ring. Escobar builds speed to DIVE! Arrow from Hell shoots Ali down at the ramp, and Knight says these guys know what this match is about! When you can change your career, you put your life on the line. The ring count starts, Escobar gets in the ring and climbs up a corner! Ali stands, Escobar SUPER CROSSBODIES! Direct hit again and fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Escobar is on the apron while Ali is up top. Escobar ROCKS Ali, climbs up, but Ali CLUBS Escobar. They brawl up top, Ali CLUBS Escobar and throws hands. Escobar hits back, but Ali HEADBUTTS Escobar! Ali goes up but Escobar SHOVES him! Ali flips to land on his feet! But Escobar goes up, leaps, but into a DROPKICK! Fans lose their minds as Ali puts Escobar back in and climbs back up. Ali aims, 450 but he has to bail out as Escobar moves! Ali comes back, Escobar RAMS him into buckles! And then POISON-RANAS!! Cover, TWO!! Even Knight is impressed by this!

Fans rally up, both men go to corners, and Ali shakes out the stars. Escobar spells it out, “L! W! O!” DOUBLE KNEES in the corner and Ali staggers, into a fireman’s carry! But Ali slips free! Escobar throws elbows, Ali still O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Ali goes up the corner to leap, FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Escobar survives and Rey coaches him up. Fans fire up as Ali skins the cat to the top rope! But Escobar GAMANGIRIS! Escobar climbs up after Ali, throws elbows, and then drags him up to a fireman’s carry! Ali fires off elbows to fight it, but Escobar still stands! SUPER PHANTOM DRIVER!!! Cover, Escobar wins!!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

The LWO is sending both Escobar and Zelina now! Rey waves to the rest of the LWO, they all celebrate with Escobar. Knight says this is as close as Escobar’s gonna get to the briefcase, but will Knight be able to put his money where his mega mouth is?

Sami Zayn finds Jey backstage.

Sami says it’s a big night for Jey tonight. Jey has a big decision, Sami knows that. But here’s something Sami never got a chance to say when they were all in the Bloodline together. The time they all had together was some of the best times in Sami’s career, maybe even his whole life. It was certainly the same for Jey. And in another life, they’d both still be in Bloodline. Honorary Uce, Usos, the handshakes, the dance, making them all laugh even when they’re trying not to. But that couldn’t happen because of one man. And it isn’t even Roman Reigns, it’s this “Tribal Chief.”

When The Tribal Chief takes over, bad things happen. When the Tribal Chief takes over, that’s when Heyman’s voice starts kicking in, the paranoia starts and the manipulation starts. He pushes too far and then pushes some more. Sami did it, too. Sami admits he did everything he could to put the family first. He tried to keep things together, just like Jey, and it was never enough. Sami’s loyalty was tested over and over until it came down to him and his own brother, just like Roman’s doing to Jey. So tonight, Jey has a big choice. If Jey wants to roll with Roman and be the next Tribal Chief, fine. Sami gets that, he really does.

And Sami sincerely hopes Jey wins the US title tonight. Because then, they’ll all see that they need Jey more than he needs then. Whatever happens, just know that there are consequences going down that road. It means no more Jimmy & Jey, and no more Usos. That’s Jey’s brother. Do what is in Jey’s heart, not what is being put into your ear. Jey doesn’t say a word as he leaves. One way or another, will Jey be his own man? Or will he just be The Right Hand Man?

Kayla Braxton introduces Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn.

The NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions make their way out, getting mics of their own, and Kayla welcomes them to SmackDown, only for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions to show up! Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler also have mics, and Shayna wants some “clarification.” There’s another team wanting to call themselves Women’s Tag Team Champions, huh? Well here’s a question for them: “How much do you know about the history of those titles right there?” Shayna & Ronda join Isla & Alba in the ring, and Shayna says SHE is the reason the NXT Women’s Tag titles are even a thing.

So technically, those “Shayna Baszler Commemorative Tag Titles” are hers. Ronda says she’s been crunching the numbers. They’ve been running through the division so fast, they’re gonna end up hungry soon. It’s true! But that made Ronda realize… Thijs division isn’t big enough for the two of them. Ronda & Shayna want what Alba & Isla have. Isla laughs and says, “How cute. So you two want to face us in a Unification Match? Oh, how exciting!” Alba says titles VS titles, “WE ACCEPT!” And then they DECK Ronda and Shayna! But Ronda throws Alba around in return! Shayna throws Isla out, Ronda isolates an arm, but Isla ROUNDHOSUES Shayna!!

Alba fights free, she and Isla mug Ronda, but then Shayna comes back! Shayna gets mugged, too! And gets a GOURD BUSTER, to a SHINING WIZARD! The Baddest Women on the Planet are in retreat from the Wicked Witches! Will Ronda & Shayna get beat at their own game?

WWE mourns the loss of The Iron Sheik.

Growing up in Iran, The Iron Sheik was as tough as they came. Sheik himself said that his country was known for two things: oil and wrestling. He was a wrestling champion in the Iranian National Army, then made the jump to sports entertainment. He used the political tension to become “one of the most despised villains” of his era. The flag, the clothes, the boots even. An impressive physique and strength, and his Camel Clutch was devastating. And in 1983, Sheik would shock the world by becoming a world champion. Sheik’s ability to get a strong reaction from fans was instrumental to bringing the WWE up in the 1980s.

Sheik’s impact and notoriety are undeniable, and he joined the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. From captivating persona to unparalleled charisma, the Iron Sheik’s legendary career puts him in a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Gone but never forgotten!

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Bayley w/ Iyo Sky VS Mia Yim w/ AJ Styles!

The Role Model already promised that Damage CTRL would dominate the Women’s MITB, win that briefcase, and then take a title for their own. Will Bayley be able to lead by example? Or will Michin take control of her own future?

SmackDown returns as Mia makes her entrance. The bell rings and Styles joins commentary, but Bayley throws a shirt at Mia! Bayley fires off with punches, they go out of the ring, and Bayley says she’s a genius! She SMACKS Mia off the desk, puts her in the ring, then mocks Styles’ pose. But then Mia DIVES out to wipe Bayley out! Fans fire up and Styles throws up the Too Sweet. Mia puts Bayley back in, Oklahoma Rolls, ONE! Another roll-up, ONE! Bayley staggers up, Mia trips her and fires off hands! The fans rally, Mia stacks to a cover, TWO! Mia drags Bayley up to CHOP! And haymaker! And repeat!

Mia has Bayley in a corner, fires off more, but the ref counts. Mia lets off, whips corner to corner, but Bayley reverses. Mia goes up and over and keeps moving, to duck ‘n ‘dodge and redirect to RANA! Bayley tumbles, fans fire up with Mia and she runs in, but Bayley puts her on the apron, Mia blocks, ROCKS, steps in and DDTs! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Mia brings Bayley up and fires off Kawada Kicks! Bayley clutches her jaw as she goes to ropes, and she crawls to the apron. Mia storms up, the ref has her stay back to check on Bayley. But Bayley grins, she’s faking us out. But Mia BOOTS Bayley down first!

Mia didn’t fall for the tricks, and she has Bayley in the ropes. But Bayley pulls hair to RAM Mia into buckles! Styles protests, the fans boo, but Bayley hooks Mia up for a ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Styles is upset, but Bayley did what she promised to do. Wait, Scarlett Bordeaux is here! And she walks right up to Styles, to blow DUST in his face! Styles reels back, and KARRION KROSS is there! He grabs Styles in the KROSSJACKET!! Styles can only kick and flail. But Mia rushes over! Kross shoves styles down, scoops Scarlett up, and fans boo as Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday get away. Will Styles look for revenge once he can see again?

Bianca Belair paces in Adam Pearce’s office.

She asks him if this is for real. He understands. Bianca wants to get after Asuka, but tonight, she is being presented with a brand new Women’s Championship belt. Oh, that’s cute. But once Bianca gets her hands on Asuka, she’s taking that title. Right, but between that and the women’s tag title unification, there is a lot going on. All he is saying is that he is asking her not to attack Asuka tonight. With respect, that has nothing to do with her. You expect her to do nothing after what Asuka’s done to her? Asuka stole Bianca’s title and tried to blind her! He gets it, he gets it! But she is in line for a rematch, so just for tonight, leave it alone.

Bianca likes that news. Since she’s getting her rematch, cool, she’ll give Asuka her moment. She won’t get involved, because she has her rematch. What will this new title look like? We’re about to see because that is up next, after the break!

Styles regroups with The OC backstage.

Styles is furious at Kross, but the Good Brothers have him calm down. Mia tells Styles they’ll get Kross AND his ratty witch, Scarlett! Styles wonders what Scarlett even used on him! When and where will The OC get revenge?

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor of presenting the new WWE Women’s Championship. And so, without further ado, please join me in welcoming the current Raw Women’s Champion, the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka!” Fans cheer as Asuka makes her way out and Pearce says on behalf of the WWE, it is his pleasure to present the brand new WWE Women’s Championship. And yes, it is white strap with gold face plate to parallel Roman’s Universal Championship. Pearce takes the old belt, and helps Asuka put on this belt. But then CHARLOTTE FLAIR appears?! The Queen returns to step on the Empress’s moment!

Fans go wild as Charlotte struts her way to the ring, Asuka is upset and Pearce looks as if he should’ve known better. Charlotte enters the ring, gets a mic, and Pearce asks, “What’re we doing, Charlotte? Listen, I know what you’re trying to do. At least I think I do.” Charlotte has to get in line. Charlotte asks, “Excuse me? I don’t wait in line! I MADE the line!” Fans cheer that! And Charlotte gives a “WOO~!” Charlotte says hi to Asuka. And she says no one respects Asuka more than her. But she still wants the title, so she’s challenging Asuka for the title! Asuka tells Charlotte in Japanese to bring it on!

Oh really? YES! SHE ACCEPTS!! Fans like that, but Pearce wants everyone to hold no. Charlotte says when he makes this official, he can put the belt around her waist. Charlotte avoids the mist!! She SMACKS Asuka off the podium to then BOOT her down! Asuka bails out, the new belt around her waist, but what is Adam Pearce to do? Charlotte wants a shot, he promised Bianca a shot, and MITB is coming, who is getting their match with Asuka?

Heyman meets with Jey in the locker room.

Heyman says Jey got him. That was really slick. He left Heyman hanging, a cliffhanger makes for good TV. Heyman’s whole life has been a cliffhanger. But what Jey needs to put in Heyman’s hand now are his passport and suit measurements. Heyman planning a wedding or something? Oh, this is much bigger than that. The passport is because Jey is going to fly on the Tribal Chief’s private jet, which will one day be Jey’s private jet, all the way to the UK for MITB with Roman, Heyman and Solo. The measurements is cuz next week, live on SmackDown, they will have a TRIPLE celebration!

One: Roman Reigns will be here live, that is always a celebration. Two: the NEW United States Champion, The Right Hand Man, Jey Uso! And three: a public acknowledgment that Jey Uso shall be groomed by Roman himself as the NEXT Tribal Chief. And now… Jey says he loves it! Next week, big celebration, Main Event Jey is the new US Champion. Yes! Count him in! But OG, why you so happy? Jey pats him on the shoulder as he says that if he’s in the Bloodline, that means Heyman’s out. YEET. Jey heads out, and Heyman scowls. Is this all going to blow up in the Wise Man’s face?

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He explains the situation as best he can, but this opportunity fell right into their laps. If you’re asking him, why not make it the night before MITB? Oh but Bianca walks in… Pearce hangs up and says he’ll figure this out. He better. And just so he knows, when Bianca gets her payback, it’ll be justified. Will the EST have her revenge one way or another?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Baron Corbin VS Pete Dunne!

The Lone Wolf is already acting like the gatekeeper to the main roster with how he’s treating the superstars of NXT, but will he also be a gatekeeper on who gets into the MITB match? Or will the Bruiserweight break Corbin and head for a golden opportunity in his home country?

SmackDown returns and we see Trick Melo Gang is in the front row! Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams have beef with Corbin, so it makes sense they’d be here. Corbin makes his entrance and fans boo, as per usual. Corbin gets a mic and says he hopes Trick Melo Gang are enjoying the show, because he’s about to put on another one when he beats Butch right here and now to go on to win MITB again! And Corbin is surprised they showed up. Melo saw what happened on NXT, right? So stay on the other side of the barrier where it’s safe, because Corbin doesn’t wanna have to drop Melo again. So sit down like the fans they are, and watch as Corbin punches his ticket.

The bell rings, Dunne runs in to ENZIGURI! And GAMANGIRI! Dunne keeps moving, to GAMANGIRI again! And then he shoves Corbin down, goes up, and TORNADO DDTs! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is still in this but Dunne goes up top! MOONSAULT, but Dunne rolls through as Corbin moves. Dunne comes back, but into a BACKBREAKER! Corbin rains down fists, then CLUBS away on Dunne. Fans boo but Corbin lets off to glare at Melo. Fans boo more as Corbin whips and scoops, but Dunne slips free to ENZIGURI again! Corbin flops to the apron, Dunne goes after him! Dunne hooks an arm, bends the fingers, but Corbin throws elbows!

Corbin swings but Dunne gets that arm! Dunne bends, then SNAPS the fingers!! Corbin clutches that hand, but he still DECKS Dunne with it! Corbin taunts Melo, Melo taunts him back. Fans boo Corbin as Corbin says this is how the big boys play. Corbin choke grips but Dunne jumps up to drag him down! Dunne traps an arm and hooks a leg for a cradle, DUNNE WINS!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Corbin is stunned! Dunne snatches this away from him, and Trick Melo Gang tell him that’s what he gets! Will Dunne use this chance to become Mr. MITB? As for Corbin, he gets after Trick Melo Gang, the ref wants them to stay back, but Corbin DECKS Trick! So Melo DECKS Corbin! Corbin runs away, Trick Melo Gang jump the railing! Refs and security stop this from getting worse, but fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” Will Corbin return to NXT on Tuesday to finish this with HIM?

Backstage interview with The Brawling Brutes.

Megan Morant congratulates Butch on the big win to get into his first ever MITB ladder match. How is he feeling? Dunne says he’s coming home, and he’s taking that briefcase! Every night they’re in the UK, it’ll be FIGHT NIGHT! FIGHT NIGHT! FIGHT NIGHT! But Corbin storms over and complains that that was not fair! Melo was there, causing problems, but then Cameron Grimes CLOBBERS Corbin! The Lone Wolf has nothing but enemies around him, is it all going to catch up to him?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Iyo Sky w/ Bayley VS Shotzi Blackheart!

Bayley made it into the ladder match, now the Evil Genius has her chance! Will DMG CTRL take over the UK? Or will the Wild Child #TCB and move on to MITB?

SmackDown returns as Iyo makes her entrance, Bayley by her side. The bell rings and Bayley distracts Shotzi. The ref reprimands, Shotzi swipes at Bayley, but Iyo CLOBBERS Shotzi! Cover, ONE, but Iyo underhooks. Shotzi slips out of the bomb to KICK Iyo, reel her in, and snap suplex her into a corner! Shotzi runs in but into a BOOT! Iyo goes up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Shotzi’s arm! Iyo wrenches that arm, CLUBS away on it, then wrenches again. Iyo knuckle locks, goes up and up, then HOTSHOTS the arm! Shotzi staggers away, Iyo climbs, and Iyo leaps, but Shotzi avoids the missile dropkick! And then hits a SLING-DOG!

Shotzi runs to KNEE Iyo, ROCK her, QUESTION MARK KICK, and then TIGER PLEX! Iyo flounders to a corner, Shotzi runs in to CANNONBALL! Iyo bails out but Shotzi builds speed. Shotzi DIVES and takes Iyo out at the ramp! Fans fire up and Shotzi puts Iyo back in the ring. Bayley frowns as Shotzi goes up the corner. But then Bayley distracts again! Fans boo but Iyo SHOTEIS! Iyo goes up after Shotzi but Shotzi throws body shots! Shotzi SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Iyo, resets, but Bayley trips her up while the ref is checking Iyo! Fans boo but Iyo upts Shotzi in the drop zone. OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Big assist to Bayley, but the question is, did Bayley do that for Iyo? Or did she do that so she has an insurance policy in the ladder match?

Backstage interview with Austin Theory.

Kayla Braxton is with The Now, and asks him about tonight’s United States Championship match. How is he feeling? Well, that’s the thing. He was the last one to find out about that. Think about that! How disrespectful is that to the champ? But Roman Reigns pulls all the strings, does whatever he wants. Theory doesn’t make excuses. Sure, he had zero time to get ready, but all he gets are victories these days. And as far as tonight goes, Jey will get sent back to the Bloodline the failure that he is. Theory will beat him the same way he beat Cena at WrestleMania. And if Heyman is in need of a new client after tonight, then he’s invited to check out Austin Theory Live.

Kevin Owens meets with Sami backstage.

Kevin asks if Sami talked with Jey. Sami did. And how’d it go? Who knows. We’ll see. Then if that’s done, can they focus on the tag titles? Yes, of course. But then in walk Pretty Deadly. Sorry for interrupting, but Kit Wilson & Elton Prince have a quick question. When they come to SmackDown, have they ever thought about putting effort into how they look? Speaking of, how about defending those titles? Maybe against them? #YesBoy! But wait, Ridge Holland & Sheamus walk in. Pretty Deadly want a shot? Well, the Brawling Brutes think there should be a good ol’ fashioned fight to see who gets it.

Whoa, whoa, did someone mention a fight? Because Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows walk in, and say that the Good Brothers love a fight. Especially if it is for the tag titles. Hey, don’t leave the LWO out. Where’d Cruz & Wilde come from? And then with shout and a clap, in come the Street Profits! Montez Ford says if anyone’s getting a title shot, it’s them! But then Adam Pearce walks in to stop all the arguing. What’s going on here? Kevin explodes and says HE’LL tell Pearce what’s going on! He just wanted to have a chat with Sami, and then these guys showed up, and then them and them and them and everyone! They’re all too close, he can’t take it!!

Sami calms Kevin down, he has to think of his blood pressure. Sami explains that what Kevin’s trying to say is that apparently- EVERYONE WANTS A TITLE MATCH! That. Pearce says okay, let’s try this. Next week, a FIVE team gauntlet match. The winner will face Kevin & Sami for the titles. Everyone cheers, and Kevin says good, now leave them alone! Who from SmackDown will win their shot at the Undisputed Tag Team Championships?

Grayson Waller speaks.

“How does Grayson Waller wanna be remembered? That’s none of my concern, lad. History is nothing more than a set of lies agreed upon. But what I can promise you is I’ll never be untruthful to you. So let me tell you some absolutes. There is no one better in that ring than Grayson Waller. That entire locker room knows that I am the future of this company, and if they say otherwise, that is from fear or insecurity. But somehow, I’m the bad guy. I’m not evil! I’m inevitable. They paint me as a villain, I just autograph the artwork. And that is the Grayson Waller Effect.”

BREAKING NEWS on the various women’s title matches!

In three weeks, when SmackDown is in London, it will be Asuka VS Charlotte Flair for the brand new WWE Women’s Championship! Will the Queen once again take the throne? And in two weeks, the Women’s Tag Team Championship Unification happens! Will Ronda & Shayna or Alba & Isla be the first-ever Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Champions?

WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Jey Uso!

This match may be out of nowhere, and it may only be as a bribe to get The Right Hand Man to stay with the Bloodline, but will #MainEventJey still become a singles champion? Or will Theory stay The Now of the WWE?

SmackDown returns as Theory makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see the future unfold before our eyes!

The bell rings and the two tie right up. Theory headlocks, Jey powers up and out, but Theory runs him over! Theory talks trash, things speed up, and Jey CLOBBERS Theory! Theory goes to ropes, Jey runs in to clothesline Theory up and out! Fans fire up with Jey and chant “USO! USO!” Jey goes out, brings Theory up, and TOSSES him over the desk! Fans fire up more as Jey stands on the desk! Main Event Jey is in control as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Theory has Jey in a chinlock. Fans rally up for Jey as he fights up to his feet. Jey throws body shots, then haymakers! Theory throws the haymakers back, he and Jey go back and forth! Fans rally up, the two throw hands faster and faster, then Jey ducks to POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Theory flounders away to a corner while Jey keeps his cool. Jey says “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs corner to corner, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Theory then goes to the apron, slingshot somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory is upset but the count was fair.

Fans rally, but Theory brings Jey up. Theory suplexes but Jey wrenches free. Theory dodges to CLUB Jey in the back! Theory torture racks, TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Theory is furious! Fans rally for Jey but Theory says it’s time! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN- NO! Jey slips free, mule kicks and UPPERCUTS! Theory BOOTS in return, then he blocks a kick! But not the DRAGON WHIP! Theory comes back to ROCK Jey, but Jey comes back to SUPERKICK! Theory falls into the ref!! Jey goes up, USO SPLASH! Cover, but no ref! Jey would’ve won twice over by now!

But wait, Pretty Deadly are here! They CLOBBER Jey! Kit & Elton are watching the back of their new pal, but wait! JIMMY is here! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Kit, and brawls with Elton! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Elton! Jimmy watches the back of his brother! But Solo CLOBBERS Jimmy!! The Enforcer still has his mission to get rid of the betrayer! But Jey stops Solo from hitting the spike! Solo shoves Jey away, but then dodges as Jimmy rushes in! The SUPERKICK hits JEY!! Jimmy is stunned, but Solo runs in! Jimmy TOSSES Solo out, then PLANCHAS! The brothers all take each other out, Theory capitalizes! Theory covers, Theory wins!!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Fans boo as Theory survives again! This already ruins the Tribal Chief’s idea of a triple celebration, but what about everything else? Solo stands with Heyman at the ramp while Jimmy gets in the ring to check on Jey. Jey is frustrated, but Jimmy does his best to apologize. The fans cheer for the Usos, but Jey shoves Jimmy?! Jimmy explains it was all an accident, but Jey storms out of the ring. Jey looks to Heyman who shrugs and says he’s sorry. Jey just moves on past Heyman, but Heyman puts in a call to Roman Reigns. Jey hasn’t made a decision, but are things going according to plan?

My Thoughts:

Another great SmackDown with a lot set up as we approach MITB. Really good MITB qualifiers, though maybe a little surprising in some ways. I didn’t think Bayley was going to win, if only because I expected another instance where she would be envious of Iyo Sky and passive aggressively cost her. But instead, Bayley wins with some shenanigans and is also in. Scarlett & Kross going after Styles here was a nice touch, and we’re definitely getting Mia going after Scarlett in return. Sky VS Shotzi was also a good match, and so far, Iyo Sky feels like a favorite to win the Women’s MITB. But at the same time, the DMG CTRL break-up feels like it’s coming, so maybe Bayley and Iyo cancel out and someone else wins.

Escobar VS Ali was a great match, and LA Knight was pretty good on commentary. I figured with Ali as an NXT “callback,” it’d be Escobar winning this match. Likewise, with Corbin also hanging around NXT, Dunne winning made sense. I thought Grimes was going to be more involved but it ended up being Corbin getting cocky talking trash to Melo that cost him. I did like that Grimes got at Corbin backstage, so that Grimes and Corbin can feud on SmackDown while Corbin also loses to Melo in NXT. Dunne is going to have that London crowd fired up, but I can’t be sure he wins MITB given all the other great names in the match.

Hilarious promo with all the tag teams of SmackDown. Short tempered Kevin Owens is hilarious, too. But a gauntlet match seems like a letdown to me. Sure, it fills time, but there’s only so much that can happen with that format. And a lot of the time, it feels like the teams that are in the second half are the winners. But of the five teams in that match, Pretty Deadly are the likeliest winners, given how they’re literally the only Heels in that bunch and the champions are Faces. But even then, I don’t see Pretty Deadly winning. Yes, they’re great, but Kevin & Sami are even better and deserve to explore the possibilities on Raw, SmackDown, and maybe even in NXT.

Big stuff is happening with the various women’s titles, too. I had a feeling we’d get an interaction of Ronda & Shayna with Alba & Isla at some point, but having it right now is surprising. Title unification also felt like the logical step, but I don’t know if two weeks gives enough real build. Unless Isla & Alba do spooky scary things on Raw to mess with Ronda & Shayna. As I said before, Shayna has had run-ins with the supernatural, it might get to her, but I feel like Ronda’s gonna no sell that stuff.

What a legit surprise that Asuka is getting THE WWE Women’s Championship without even once confronting or being confronted by Rhea. How’s Rhea gonna respond on Monday? But not big surprise, Charlotte returns to get right into the title scene. Bianca is understandably upset by that, but I suppose she’s getting the winner of Asuka VS Charlotte at some point, like at SummerSlam in Detroit. Asuka VS Charlotte in a few weeks will be awesome, could go either way, but I would prefer Asuka wins so that Charlotte doesn’t just immediately get to her 15th reign. At least, I think it’s 15, I forget how WWE is counting things.

And of course, great stuff in the Bloodline story. Did not think Roman via Heyman would try to bribe Jey. But I liked how Jey was throwing the mind games back at Heyman. Honestly, yeah, if Jey replaces Roman, the day that happens, Jey would just pardon Jimmy and fire Heyman to start things fresh. But anyway, great main event match, and of course it got overbooked. Theory & Pretty Deadly are sticking together since they’re all egomaniacs, and then Jimmy helping Jey backfires, all classic pro-wrestling tropes. I would think Jey still chooses Jimmy, but maybe he can string Roman along next week into thinking Jey’s “fallen in line.” Then surprise! Usos ruin things for Roman on his celebrating of whatever, then tag match of Usos VS Roman & Solo.

My Score: 8.7/10

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

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

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

Published

7 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

Little Guido w/New FBI vs Hammerstone

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

LSG vs Joe Hendry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 19, 2024

Rosemary w/Havok vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6.5/10

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

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

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

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

Coverage

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

Time to Man Up!

Published

10 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Will the Ivy League MVP earn a title shot?

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Mark Briscoe speaks.

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

Bryan Keith VS Aaron Solo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Bryan Keith, by pinfall

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

Mark Sterling speaks.

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

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

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

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

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

Lee Johnson VS JD Drake!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall

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

Abadon VS Allysin Kay!

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

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

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

Winner: Abadon, by pinfall

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

Backstage interview with Taya Valkyrie.

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

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

The Infantry VS The Iron Savages w/Jacked Jameson!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: The Infantry, by pinfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Beast Mortos VS Nick Comoroto!

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

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

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

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

Winner: The Beast Mortos, by pinfall

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

Backstage interview with Nick Comoroto.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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