Will this be Athena’s Final Battle?

One year ago, Athena and Billie Starkz battled for the ROH Women’s World Championship and Billie came up short. Will things be very different this year?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Zero Hour – The Dark Order VS Grizzled Young Veterans; GYV wins.
• Zero Hour – Harley Cameron VS Hanako; Hanako wins.
• Zero Hour – The Kingdom VS The Infantry; The Kingdom wins.
• Zero Hour – LEE-J VS The Gates of Agony; The Gates of Agony win.
• Mansoor w/ Mason Madden VS Atlantis Jr; Atlantis Jr. wins.
• Katsuyori Shibata VS Tommy Billington; Shibata wins.
• Jay Lethal w/ Sonjay Dutt & “Sensational” Karen Jarrett VS QT Marshall w/ Aaron Solo & Carolyn Fazio; Lethal wins.
• ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS Leyla Hirsch; Velvet wins and retains the title.
• ROH Pure Championship Open Challenge: Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor VS Nigel McGuinness; Lee wins and retains the title.
• ROH World Tag Team Championships Double Bull Rope Match: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS The Righteous; Dustin & Sammy win and retain the titles.
• ROH World Television Championship Survival of the Fittest: Brian Cage VS AR Fox VS Blake Christian VS Komander VS Mark Davis VS Willie Mack; Komander wins and becomes the new ROH World Television Champion.
• ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho VS Matt Cardona; Jericho wins and retains the title.
• ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Billie Starkz; Athena wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Over 20 years ago, ROH’s battlelines were drawn.

The biggest event of the ROH calendar returns, and only one battleground can be called, “Home.” The historic Hammerstein Ballroom is the heartbeat of the Empire State. And every empire must have a king. Tonight, ROH comes home to New York City, to the House That Honor Built, for this Final Battle!

Backstage interview with Chris Jericho.

Lexy Nair welcomes in the ROH World Champion, and the “King of New York,” but Jericho takes a moment to revel in the clearly audible booing from the fans here. Then he says, “Can you feel it, Lexy? Can you feel it? Can you taste it? The energy, the excitement, the electricity, the smell of hot dogs and sewage. This is my hometown of New York City!” The fans boo more but Jericho says he’s had such a great few days revisiting his “old haunts.” From taking the Staten Island ferry to the meatpacking district, to taking the Roosevelt Island subway to Time Square to have authentic pizza from Sbarro’s, to being right here in the Hammerstein Ballroom in the heart of Yonkers!

The King of New York has come home. He has done so much championing this city for so many years, he’s really brought a positive light to New York City. He managed to marry the leadership skills of the amazing Mayor DeBlasio with the athleticism of the great Juan Soto. The fans boo those names but Jericho says how lucky are they that Soto stayed in New York! Soto loves New York as much as Jericho does, and as much as the “paisans” here in New York! Right, paisans? Juan Soto rules! The fans boo more but Jericho still just smiles. Jericho says the same way they feel about Senor Soto is the same way they feel about King of New York, Chris Jericho.

And on top of that, Jericho has a responsibility here to defend his title and remain the ROH World Champion, “thwarting that lowly Long Islander,” Matt Cardona. Jericho promises to leave this city, to leave “The Grand Apple” still champion, still the Nueve. Thanks, paisans~! Jericho waves then gives a thumbs up, but will none of that happen when he competes with The Complete?

Jay Lethal w/ Sonjay Dutt & “Sensational” Karen Jarrett VS QT Marshall w/ Aaron Solo & Carolyn Fazio!

These two argued it out just last night on ROH TV that while it is business for one, it is deeply personal for the other. “God’s Gift to Pro-Wrestling” is still very bitter that his injury more than ten YEARS ago took him down a much different path than he planned. Lethal says QT can’t be blaming that on anyone, certainly not on Lethal and certainly not on QT himself. But then who will be to blame when comebacks clash here in Hammerstein?

“The following has been paid for by QT Marshall.” Okay… That along with QT’s theme and entrance attire, it’s all very… familiar. But then wait! Lethal activates BLACK MACHISMO! In that case, it’s time to see who’s the real macho man here, OOOH YEAH~! The fans already chant for “BLACK MACHISMO!” and Lethal gets fired up. The Code of Honor is offered, and the two shake hands! But then QT sucker punches Lethal! Lethal fires back in return, and he winds up to ELBOW QT! Lethal runs with QT to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! QT staggers away, Lethal goes up top, FLYING AX HANDLE!

The fans fire up and Lethal whips QT. QT blocks the hip toss but then Lethal blocks a hip toss to hip toss! And cartwheel to basement dropkick! QT bails out and the fans fire up! Lethal builds speed but QT uses his own WIFE as a shield! The fans boo but Lethal storms out, only for QT to shove Carolyn at Lethal! Lethal apologizes but QT SMACKS Lethal off the apron! And into railing! And then into the ring. QT and Carolyn kiss, but Lethal DIVES! And then Lethal lifts Miss Carolyn! The fans cheer and Carolyn oddly doesn’t mind. But then Miss Karen storms over and glares at Lethal. Lethal lets Carolyn down and apologizes to Karen.

The fans tell Lethal he messed up, but then QT attacks Lethal! QT puts Lethal in the ring, climbs up, and fans boo as QT FLYING- BODY SHOT from Lethal! Lethal has QT in the corner, and Lethal rains down fists! The ref counts but so do the fans. Solo creeps up, Lethal tells him to back off, but QT YANKS Lethal down! QT then goes up and up, FLYING TORNADO DDT! QT throws off the shirt but the fans chant, “You Still Suck!” QT drags Lethal onto ropes and CHOKES him! The ref counts, QT lets off, and QT brings Lethal up. QT ROCKS Lethal, stalks him to ropes, then whips him to ropes. Lethal reverses but QT whips Lethal!

Lethal comes back to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Lethal arm-drags QT, QT shoves Lethal away, but Lethal CLOBBERS him! Cover, TWO! Lethal CLOBBERS QT again, covers, TWO! Lethal runs, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Both men are down but the fans rally up. QT stands and mocks the Macho spin. The fans boo but QT says here comes the DOOM! QT drags Lethal and CLUBS him. QT asks, “Who sucks now?” “YOU~!” QT brings Lethal around to JAB! JAB! JAB! Macho strut, but Lethal dodges to CHOP! And ROCK! CHOP! ROCK! Repeat! Lethal whips, QT reverses but Lethal CLOBBERS him!

Lethal CLOBBERS QT again and then CALF KICKS! The fans fire up and Lethal tunes up the band! Lethal runs up but QT ROCKS him first! The ref reprimands about the closed fist! QT ignores that to handspring?! But Lethal ducks the kick! Lethal has the leg, but QT kicks him away! QT takes a swing, Lethal dodges, POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! QT survives but Lethal keeps his cool. The fans rally up as Lethal brings QT up. QT fights the lift with elbows, but Lethal ROCKS QT in the back! SHIN BREAKER! DRAGON SCREW! Lethal has the leg and the fans fire up! Lethal steps through, and he has the FIGURE FOUR!

The fans rally while QT endures! QT keeps his shoulders off the mat but Lethal pulls on the leg! Solo coaches QT to crawl over, and QT drags Lethal along. Lethal lets go early to drag QT! Solo grabs QT’s hands but Solo gets dragged into the ring, too! The fans fire up as Lethal has the FIGURE FOUR again! Solo and the ref argue, but Sonjay gets in! Sonjay TACKLES Solo, and then in a full suit, Sonjay puts Solo in a FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up but QT CLAWS Lethal’s face! Lethal lets QT go, the ref gets Sonjay to spare Solo, DIAMOND CUTTER from QT to Sonjay!! Sonjay flops right out of the ring but Lethal crawls over to QT.

The fans rally up for Lethal as he and QT stand. QT rolls Lethal up, TWO! Lethal clinches, LETHAL COMBINATION! The fans fire up as Lethal powers up the arm! Lethal goes to a corner and he climbs up. But QT grabs at the ref! The ref is in the way, Lethal can’t leap. Solo YANKS Lethal down, and he lands on his machismo! Karen storms up on Solo, shoves him, and she says, “What the Hell is wrong with you?” Karen winds up, but Solo blocks the slap! Solo tells her she’s in trouble now, but here comes JEFF Jarrett! The fans fire up as Double J is in ROH! Solo tries to say Karen started it! But Jeff chases Solo into the ring!

Solo swings, Jarrett dodges and he kicks low, to then SMASH HIT!! Lethal resets up top, and he gives QT that HAIL TO THE KING!! Cover, TWO?!? QT survives and the fans boo! Lethal can’t believe it, but then QT ghost pins him! TWO!!! Lethal escapes, dodges a haymaker, and handsprings! LETHAL- NO, QT stops that to CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!!! Lethal survives and QT is shocked! QT did not “finish his story” and the fans rally up for Lethal! But QT takes aim, calling for that DDP! DIAMOND- NO, Lethal powers out of the cutter! Lethal goes to a corner, QT runs up, and Lethal BOOTS him away!

Lethal goes up, QT GAMANGIRIS! QT goes up after Lethal but the fans boo. QT goes to the very top, calls his shot, but Lethal SHOVES QT! QT backflips through to land on his feet! QT comes back, Lethal leaps over! Lethal BOOTS QT, ENZIGIRIS, then runs, but into a POP-UP FOREARM! QT springboards, into a CUTTER! The fans fire up while QT sputters and staggers! Lethal fires up, handsprings, LETHAL- NO, QT gets underneath Lethal! QT then handsprings, and steals LETHAL INJECTION!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lethal survives his own move and QT is furious! The fans rally up even harder as both QT and Lethal rise up.

QT throws a forearm, but Lethal gives it back. QT fires another forearm, so Lethal fires another! They go back and forth, and Lethal fires a flurry! QT throat chops! The ref reprimands but QT DIAMOND- NO, Lethal turns cutter into backslide! TWO!! QT escapes, scoops Lethal, and SLAMS but Lethal cradle counters! TWO!! Both men stand, Lethal dodges to handspring, LETHAL INJECTION!! QT sputters as he sits up in a daze, so Lethal handsprings to LETHAL INJECTION!!! Cover, LETHAL WINS!

Winner: Jay Lethal, by pinfall

Oooooh YEEEAH~! Black Machismo returned to ROH, returned to Hammerstein, and he returned to the win column! Will Lethal make sure that now, more than ever, he is The Franchise Player?

ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS Leyla Hirsch!

The Chef has been cooking with this title since she took it off Billie Starkz, but now she runs into a LEGIT challenger! Leyla has been hungry for a championship of her own, but will she taste sweet victory? Or will Velvet serve her up a bitter L?

In quite the surprise, Velvet has R.E.D. here live to rap the theme song on the way to the ring! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who gets things cooking!

The bell rings and the fans fire up. The two circle, they quickly keep the Code of Honor, and the two tie up. They go around, in and out of a corner, then Leyla waistlocks. Velvet switches and then clinches. Leyla puts Velvet on the ropes and the ref counts. Leyla lets off, but then Velvet rushes her! Leyla clinches to BELLY2BELLY, and the two roll on the mat. They end up in ropes, and then break as the ref counts. The fans rally, Leyla headlocks, but Velvet powers up and out. Leyla RUNS Velvet over, then flexes. The fans cheer, Leyla runs but Velvet drops down. Leyla gator rolls that into a deadlift suplex!

Velvet fights to cradle Leyla, TWO! They go again, Leyla wrenches and wrangles Velvet but Velvet rolls free. Velvet goes to ropes and the fans cheer the exchange. Leyla and Velvet reset, circle again, and tie up. Velvet waistlocks but Leyla throws her off. Velvet goes back to ropes and Leyla waits on her. The fans rally, Velvet and Leyla tie up again, and Velvet waistlocks then headlocks. Velvet grinds the hold but Leyla powers up and out. Velvet wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and Leyla is sent into ropes! Velvet gets moving, and she DOUBLE KNEES Leyla in the back! Velvet uses ropes to snap Leyla back, but Leyla uses that to roll Velvet up!

Velvet rolls free, avoids the knee, and she wants that leg! Leyla fights but Velvet hits an STO! Velvet isolates an arm and KICKS it! The fans fire up but the ref checks Leyla. That was the arm Leyla dislocated in the Texas Deathmatch with Diamante over the Summer, could it be dislocated again? Velvet waits for word from the ref as he has Leyla go to a corner. Doc Sampson tries to check the arm, but Velvet storms up to fire body shots! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Velvet steps to Leyla. Leyla just steps up! Velvet’s the one backing down, but then Leyla shoves her. Velvet shoves back, then stomps away on Leyla!

The ref reprimands, Velvet stops, but then she digs her boot in. Velvet stirs it up then steps away, but Leyla gets up to SHOTGUN! Leyla ROCKS Velvet, sits her down, then runs, rolls and comes back, JUMP-UP DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Leyla brings Velvet out, RIPCORD SAIDO! But Velvet roars as she rises up! Then she SPEARS! Cover, TWO! Leyla survives and the fans rally up. Velvet waits on Leyla, winds up, but Leyla blocks the haymaker! Leyla WRINGS Velvet’s arm out! Leyla drags Velvet around, stomps that arm, then pushes the ref aside to keep after Velvet. Leyla whips Velvet to WRING her into a corner!

Velvet sputters, the fans rally, and Leyla sits Velvet up. Leyla wraps that arm around ropes! The ref counts, Leyla lets off at 4, then she gets space. Leyla runs back in but Velvet avoids the boot! Leyla hits buckles, Velvet throws hands on Leyla! Velvet CHOPS Leyla, puts her up top, then ROCKS her! Velvet climbs, the fans rally, and Leyla fights the suplex! Leyla throws body shots, then SLAMS the bad arm! Then she SMACKS Velvet off buckles! Leyla goes up, up, and FLYING GERMAN SUPLEXES! Velvet staggers up, Leyla runs up and SWINGING GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Velvet survives and the fans fire up!

Leyla shakes out the bad arm while Velvet sputters. A standing count starts and the fans duel. Leyla and Velvet slowly sit up, and they start throwing shots! They go forehead to forehead, then Leyla SLAPS Velvet! Velvet SLAPS Leyla! The SLAPS go back and forth, harder and harder, now they’re just haymakers! Leyla CLUBS away on Velvet, but Velvet KICKS the arm! Velvet whips, Leyla reverses, but Velvet grabs ropes! Velvet drop toeholds Leyla onto ropes, then runs, but Leyla catches Velvet! Leyla pops Velvet up to POWERBOMB! Velvet sputters, Leyla runs up the corner! MOONSAULT! Cover, ROPEBREAK!!

Velvet survives by a fingertip but Leyla just KICKS that arm! Velvet shouts in pain as she clutches the elbow! Leyla SLAMS the arm off the mat! And SLAMS it again! Velvet takes swings but Leyla blocks those shots! RIPCORD, but Velvet uses that to sunset flip! TWO and Leyla has the prawn hold! TWO and we’re back to a sunset! TWO, LEGIT KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!? Velvet survives and Leyla is shocked! The fans fire up while Leyla checks with the ref. But Velvet ghost pins Leyla! TWO and Leyla has the arm! LEGIT ARMBAR!! Velvet hurries to clasp hands, and she fights to stack Leyla, but Leyla just makes it a TRIANGLE HOLD!

Velvet still stacks, and then deadlifts Leyla for a POWERBOMB! Not a high one but an effective one, and Velvet SOBATS Leyla down! Leyla drags Velvet to a cover, ROPEBREAK!! Leyla also survives by fingertips and the fans fire up! Velvet snarls, and she KICKS Leyla’s arm now! Cover, TWO!! Leyla survives on her own this time and the fans rally again. Velvet stalks Leyla, then DECKS her with a killer left! Velvet isn’t done, though, as she waistlocks. Velvet drags Leyla up but Leyla is dead weight! She isn’t out cold, though, so Velvet shifts to a dragon sleeper! But Leyla powers up to scoop and LAWN DART!

Velvet staggers, Leyla pump handles and RIGHT- NO, the bad arm gives up! Velvet dragon sleepers, Leyla throws her away! But Velvet comes back to STIR IT UP!! Cover, TWO?!?! Leyla survives and Velvet has no idea what to make of that! The fans duel while the ref checks Leyla, and Velvet goes to the outside. Velvet grabs a spare turnbuckle! The ref stops Velvet and the fans boo! The Chef shouldn’t need to use this stuff. The turnbuckle is taken away, but Velvet reveals she also snuck a wrench! Velvet CLOBBERS Leyla with the wrench!! Velvet hides the evidence, covers, VELVET WINS!!

Winner: Red Velvet, by pinfall (still ROH Women’s World Television Champion)

The Chef just burned Leyla, all to keep her gold! Velvet says the fans are just too dumb to know how to win, but will she use whatever “ingredients” she can to serve up L’s?

ROH Pure Championship Open Challenge: Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor VS ???

#TAIGASTYLE wants to prove he is on another level as a technical wrestler, so he’s hoping that the best of the best has answered his challenge. With Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels & Rocky Romero as the judges, who steps up? NIGEL MCGUINNESS!? Lee, Shane, commentary, no one can believe it, but it’s true! The longest-reigning ROH Pure Champion ever at 350 days, who just came out of retirement at All In this past Summer, is now looking to take this title back! Will Nigel prove young or old, he’s still the best?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this dream match becomes a nightmare for Moriarty!

Nigel gets the mic first while the fans cheer him on, and even sing, “OH~ Nigel McGuinness~!” Nigel tells New York City, “I am ready to go! But if we’re gonna do this, let’s do it ROH old school style!” Fans like the sound of that. Nigel says this will be under the old Pure Championship rules! Shane gets a mic to say “old” is the right word here. The fans boo but Shane says shut up, this is why the Yankees and the Mets suck. This is #TAIGASTYLE VS Tired Style. Shane lets Lee beat Nigel’s ass tonight, they’ll arrest Lee for elder abuse. Fans tell Shane to STFU but Nigel says he never had Shane pegged for a coward.

Just because Shane has hair around his mouth is no excuse for talking like a p*ssy! Shane says Nigel gets that one for free, but the fans just add on by chanting it. Shane says just looking at them, none of these fans have even seen one! And Nigel, you’re just trying to rile Shane up. But you are what you eat, yeah? Nigel says if that’s the case, Shane must be Lee Moriarty’s ass! Okay now Shane’s pissed! Lee has Shane chill out and says he wants this match! He NEEDS this match! This is why the Open Challenge was made! Shane says if Lee wants it, then Nigel’s got it. Nigel says alright, so Bobby Cruise can explain the old school rules.

As for Shane, Nigel suggests he sit down at the timekeeper’s table, ready to ring the bell for when Nigel regains this title. Nigel tells the judges that as much as he respects all three, but old school rules means no judges! They can now enjoy this match as fans while Nigel has his “Miracle moment” back in New York City! The fans cheer and Bobby begins: You win by pinfall, submission or count out; each man has three ropebreaks; if there is a closed fist, there will be a penalty of losing one ropebreak. And other than that, we still have our 60 MINUTE time limit! The fans sing, “F Him Up, Nigel, F Him Up!” The Code of Honor is upheld, and the bell rings!

Lee and Nigel circle, feel things out, and Nigel waistlocks. Nigel full nelsons, then wrenches, wristlocks, and wrangles Lee to the mat. The fans cheer, and Nigel SLAPS Lee around! Lee fights around, kips up, then wrenches, wristlocks, and wrangles Nigel. Nigel moves around, stands up, and slips through. Lee returns the favor to wrench and spin Nigel, then wrangles him again. The fans boo but Nigel fights back up. Nigel hooks Lee’s leg, tries a chinbar, but Lee wrangles Nigel again. Lee has a cover in that position, TWO! Nigel fights up, wrenches and snapmares, but Lee wrangles him again! Nigel gets annoyed but Lee eggs on “sunshine.”

Nigel fights up, wrenches, but Lee hammerlocks. Nigel considers the ropes, Lee dares him to do it, but Nigel spins and switches with Lee! Nigel puts Lee on the ropes and the ref counts! Nigel lets off, and it counts against Lee! The fans cheer as Nigel shows Lee an old-fashioned trick! We’re just past two minutes as Nigel and Lee reset. They tie up, Nigel waistlocks, but Lee drops to switch. Nigel spins to headlock, they clinch, and they both end up on ropes. The ref slips between them to create the neutral break, and then Nigel flops! As in, he pretends to take a shot from Lee! The ref suspects Lee but Lee defends his innocence!

The fans play along with Nigel and accuse Lee of the closed fist cheap shot! The ref says Lee now loses his second ropebreak! Lee is furious, he’s already down to his last one at three minutes! Shane protests, he knew Nigel would try this! Shane wants a second ref to watch Nigel’s cheating ass! The fans boo but is that even allowed? Senior ref Paul Turner does appear, and Shane tells him to watch Nigel like a hawk. Nigel says it’s still three ropebreaks to one. Lee gets a single leg and he trips Nigel! Lee rains down palm strikes, but Nigel has the head ‘n’ arm! Lee powers free, but Nigel turns things over to throw palm strikes of his own!

Lee turns things over, fires more palm strikes, but he swings back into the head ‘n’ arm! Lee powers through but then Nigel get a TRIANGLE HOLD! Lee stacks it, TWO, and Nigel has the omoplata! Lee rolls through, Nigel top mounts, but Lee pushes to his own. Nigel slips back to the omoplata, cradle! TWO!! Lee escapes, facelocks, but Nigel WRINGS Lee out! The fans fire up and Nigel goes for the top wristlock. Lee pushes through, LONDON DUNGEON! Lee endures, fights around, reaches out, but he hesitates. Lee powers out now, cradles, TWO!! BORDER CITY STRETCH! Nigel flails and fights to the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Nigel’s first break is used, and Lee soaks up the heat. Nigel bails out to shake out the arm, but Shane talks a lot of trash. Nigel tells Shane he’s all talk. Ref Paul Turner wants these two to back off, but here comes Lee! Nigel dodges, Lee’s BOOT hits Shane! Lee panics, but then Nigel SHOVES Lee into Shane! Both men are down and Nigel goes to the ring! A Pure Rules count is only ten, and we’re at 5! 6! 7! 8! 9! Lee slides in safe at 9.9! Nigel stomps Lee’s hands! Nigel kicks Lee, brings him up, and whips Lee corner to corner. Lee reveres, Nigel stops himself, and Nigel ELBOWS Lee away!

Lee staggers, Nigel headstands in the corner! The fans cheer as Lee runs up, Nigel BOOTS Lee down! The fans cheer and Nigel stalks Lee to a corner. Nigel brings Lee up but Lee grabs ropes to stop the suplex. Nigel throat chops Lee! The ref reprimands but Nigel runs corner to corner and back again, UPPERCUT! Lee is up on the top rope now and Nigel puts him up! Nigel brings Lee out, Lee slips off the ropes, but Nigel elbows Lee. Nigel runs but Lee follows! UPPERCUT in the other corner! The fans fire up as Lee reels Nigel in, BELLY2BELLY! Lee growls as we pass 8 minutes, and then Lee climbs up!

Lee aims, but Nigel trips him up! Nigel then drags Lee out, TOWER OF LONDON!! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives and the fans rally up as Nigel brings him around. LONDON DUNGEON!! Lee endures the arm being pulled way back! Lee fights and turns over, then KICKS free! Nigel yoyos, but Lee ducks! O’Conner Roll, TWO!! Nigel rolls Lee, TWO!! Lee has the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Lee stomps at Nigel’s free arm but Nigel uses his legs. Nigel drags Lee with him as they go to the ROPEBREAK! Lee sets Nigel and now both men are down to one last ropebreak. The fans boo as Lee talks trash, and we hit 10 minutes.

Lee storms up in the corner to throat chop Nigel! The ref reprimands but Lee whips corner to corner. Nigel goes up to headstand, but Lee BOOTS him! Roll up, TWO!! Lee holds on to swing around, BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Nigel endures and fans fire up! Nigel thinks about it, and then he pushes back to the ROPEBREAK! That is Nigel’s final one, and Lee rubs it in. The fans rally as hard as they can while Lee storms up on Nigel. Lee ROCKS and CHOPS Nigel, then waistlocks. O’Conner Roll, with the ropes! Paul Turner stops that! Shane wanting another ref backfires because the refs are about the rules, not about sides!

Lee argues but then Nigel runs up to O’Conner Roll Lee! TWO, and Nigel rebounds. The ref also has to drop down, and then he’s slow to getting up! Nigel and Lee smack heads, Nigel rebounds to yoyo, LET’S KILL IT LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives but that was a close one! The fans fire up as Nigel rises and he brings Lee up. Ripcord and LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Not quite a Rainmaker but Nigel feels how close he is to the gold! “This is Awesome!” as both men glare at each other. Lee staggers all punch drunk but Nigel storms up on him. Lee YANKS Nigel into buckles! The refs reprimand but Lee goes up!

Nigel trips Lee again! TOWER OF LONDON!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Paul Turner saw it when Buster Posey didn’t, but that is Lee’s final ropebreak! Now anything can happen as we pass 13:30! Nigel feels foolish for his miscalculation, but the fans rally up as he brings Lee around. Nigel UPPERCUTS Lee, Lee goes to ropes, but Nigel eggs him on. Lee storms back up to UPPERCUT Nigel! Nigel shakes that off to UPPERCUT Lee! Lee UPPERCUTS Nigel! The fans rally as the UPPERCUTS keep going back and forth! The fans fire up, Lee fires more, but Nigel fires a flurry! Lee roars and fires another flurry!

Lee fires about half a dozen on Nigel, and Nigel staggers. But Nigel UPPERCUTS again and again, and again and again! Nigel reels Lee in for an UPPER- NO, Lee backslides, TWO!! Lee has the arm! Nigel KNEES free! Lee yoyos, LET’S KILL IT!! Cover, TWO!!! Nigel survives his own move and Lee can’t believe it! Lee clamps on, BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Nigel endures, fights around, reaches out, but ropebreaks won’t save him now! We hit 16 minutes, Nigel pushes through to cradle, TWO!! Lee escapes, waistlocks, full nelsons and scoops, THE FANG!! Cover, Nigel is on ropes, but no ropebreaks! The ref counts, TWO!!

Nigel remembered in time and gets out of that! Lee is fuming but he clamps back on for the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Nigel fights for ropes again, but again those ropes will not save him! Lee uses ropes for leverage!! NIGEL TAPS, LEE WINS!!

Winner: Lee Moriarty, by submission (still ROH Pure Champion)

At just over 17 minutes, Lee proves that #TAIGASTYLE is superior! Lee and Nigel pushed the limits of both mind and body in this match, and the fans give that the respect it deserves. Lee offers the Code of Honor, Nigel accepts, and Nigel gives Lee the respect he deserves. Lee gives it back by holding Nigel’s hand up. Will Nigel make another run at the top? Who is next to step up to the best young technical wrestler of all time?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Double Bull Rope Match: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara VS The Righteous!

The Sons of Texas were just fine taking on all comers, but they weren’t going to let ol’ Dutch & Vincent brutalize the young guys just trying to make a living. And then things had to get personal as Dutch invoked Dusty Rhodes and the cowbell! Add ambushes and even an attack at Dustin’s wrestling school on top of that, that’s just pouring gasoline on a bonfire! Then who gets burned while the other team rises above?

The introductions are made, and forget raising belts or anything, the teams start brawling at the ramp! The fans fire up as Dustin brawls with Dutch and Sammy RAMS Vincent into a barrier! The ref reprimands because the one rule of any Bull Rope match is that the bull ropes need to link these guys together! Dustin SMACKS Dutch off railing, CHOPS him, and Sammy does the same to Vinnie. Vinnie ROCKS Sammy in return, Dustin SMACKS Dutch off steel steps, but Vinnie slides Sammy into the ring. Sammy builds speed, and he FLIES onto The Righteous! The fans fire up with Sammy, and Dustin keeps punching away on Dutch!

Dustin spins but Dutch CLOBBERS Dustin! Dutch gets in the ring, and Dutch builds speed!? Dutch FLIES and wipes everyone out! The fans fire up, The Righteous put Sammy back in, and the ref hurries to get the bull ropes over here. The brawling continues in the ring, Dutch stomping Sammy and Vinnie looming over Dustin. Vinnie tells the ref not to care about the ropes, and the brawling keeps going! Dustin UPPERCUTS, Vinnie kicks low, then whips. Dustin says “Not Today!” RHODES UPPERCUT! And then SNAP POWERSLAM! Dutch keeps on Sammy in a corner but Dustin goes after Dutch with haymakers!

Sammy and Dustin mug Dutch, then DOUBLE SUPLEX him! Sammy pushes Dutch down to STANDING MOONSAULT! The fans fire up and Dustin gets moving, SHINING WIZARD! Dutch sputters, Sammy steps on him, and then the Sons of Texas get the bull ropes. Dustin straps himself in with Dutch! Sammy does the same with Vinnie, and the fans fire up! Sammy and Dustin show they’re strapped in, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Sammy and Dustin pull on the bull ropes to get The Righteous on their feet. Then the brawl is on again! The fans fire up as it is fast ‘n’ furious! Sammy ROCKS Vinnie in one corner, Dustin ROCKS Dutch in the other!

Dustin UPPERCUTS Dutch, Sammy CHOPS Vinnie! And then the Sons of Texas open The Righteous up! They take a deep breath, the fans fire up more, and we get DOUBLE SHATTERED DREAMS!! Vinnie flounders against ropes while Dutch coughs. Dustin SMACKS Dutch with the cowbell! But Vinnie LARIATS Sammy! Dutch BODY SHOTS Dustin, Vinnie BASEMENT FLATLINERS Dustin onto a cowbell! Then they LEG DROP SENTON COMBO on Dustin! Cover, TWO! Dustin stays in this and the fans rally up. Vinnie grabs “Daddy’s bell!” But Sammy SUPERKICKS Vinnie first! Dustin fires off on Dutch!

Dustin TOSSES Dutch outside, follows after, and Sammy keeps after Vinnie. Dustin brings out a chair! The fans fire up as Dustin aims, and he SMACKS Dutch on the back! Sammy TOSSES Vinnie, but Vinnie HOTSHOTS Sammy! Dustin kicks Dutch, has the chair again, and he SMACKS Dutch down! Vinnie stomps Sammy, reels him in, and ELBOWS him back down! Vinnie stomps Sammy then rains down fists! Dutch crawls up the ramp, Dustin pursues, but Vinnie stands Sammy up. Sammy ENZIGIRIS! Sammy and Vinnie brawl, then run, but the bull rope only lets them go so far! They both run back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide!

Sammy and Vinnie are down in the ring, but Dutch and Dustin still on the ramp. Dustin CRACKS Dutch with the bell! Dutch kicks low! BOSS MAN SLAM on the ramp! The fans rally while all four men are down around ringside. Dutch slumps off the ramp so he can stand back up, and he finds himself something in the shadows. That’s a table covered in barbed wire! Dutch CLUBS Dustin to move him out of the way, and then Dutch brings that table to ringside. Dustin has to follow along because the rope keeps him close to Dutch. Dutch sits this table up while the fans tell him he’s sick! Dutch goes up the apron and then up the corner!

Dutch drags Dustin up to join him, and he HEADBUTTS away! Dutch brings Dustin up, lines up his shot, but Dustin fights the superplex! Dustin fires body shots and forearms! The fans fire up as Dustin HEADBUTTS Dutch! And again, and again! Dustin UPPERCUTS, Dutch falls down through the barbed wire table!! The fans are thunderous as Dustin gets Dutch with his own wicked creation! But Vinnie storms up to LOW BLOW Dustin!! Sammy CLOBBERS Vinnie! Sammy fires off on Vinnie and the fans fire up! Sammy roars, runs the length of the rope, but Vinnie moves! Sammy hits POST! Vinnie uses the railing to hit AUTUMN SUNSHINE to the floor!!

Vinnie shakes his arm but cannot get free from the bull rope. So Vinnie finds himself some scissors! Vinnie cuts himself free and the fans boo! Vinnie soaks up that heat, and he grabs Dusty’s bell! Vinnie throws hands on Dustin, then he CHOKES Dustin with the rope! Vinnie ties Dustin to the post using Dusty’s rope!! The fans boo but Dustin can only suffer as Vinnie pushes against the corner for leverage! Dustin is fading! But Sammy CLOBBERS Vinnie! Dustin is saved and Sammy rains fists! Vinnie kicks free, Sammy checks on Dustin, and then Sammy SUPERKICKS Vinnie! Sammy fires more hands on Vinnie!

The fans rally as Sammy whips but Vinnie reverses. Sammy dodges to RAM Vinnie, then ENZIGIRI! Sammy springboards but has to land out as Vinnie moves. Sammy resets to PLANCHA! Down goes Vinnie and the fans fire up! Sammy goes back for Vinnie, but Vinnie ROCKS Sammy! Vinnie cravats but Sammy powers out! Sammy then dodges and goes up the barriers, FLYING CUTTER to the floor! The fans fire up and Sammy grits his teeth as he rises up again. Dustin is in the ring and he pounds the mat. The fans rally up, and Sammy looks under the ring. Sammy brings out a TABLE!

The fans cheer as Sammy starts setting the table up by the ramp. Sammy throws off his shirt to then bring out a LADDER! Fans like where this is going, and Sammy stands that ladder up near the table. Sammy then SUPERKICKS Vinnie into flopping onto the table! Sammy makes sure the ladder is positioned just right, then he climbs up! Sammy goes to the very top, about 10 feet up, and he SWANTON BOMBS DOWN THROUGH THE TABLE!! Vinnie grins as Sammy crashes ‘n’ burns without him! Vinnie beats up on Dustin in the ring, but Dustin gets pissed now! Vinnie throws more hands but Dustin eggs him on!

Vinnie fires more and more and more haymakers, but Dustin ROCKS him! And ROCKS him! And whips him to then LARIAT in the corner! BULLDOG! Dustin waits on Vinnie to get back up, and Dustin fires hands and kicks! But Dutch is up! COWBELL SHOT!! Dustin is down, Vinnie covers, TWO!!! Dustin survives and The Righteous can’t believe it! The fans rally up but The Righteous stomp away on Dustin! The fans boo but The Righteous taunt Dustin before throwing more hands. Dustin huffs ‘n’ puffs and eggs them on! The fans rally up as The Righteous keep punching away! Dustin flips them both off!

Dutch drags Dustin up, Vinnie cravats, AUTUMN SUNSHINE!! Cover, SAMMY BREAKS IT!! Sammy saves the day and the fans fire up! Dustin goes to a corner but Dutch drags Sammy up. Sammy fires forearms first! Sammy then JUMP KNEES Dutch, but Dutch roars! Dutch swings, misses, CUTTER from Sammy! Sammy then CROSSBODIES Vinnie and himself out of the ring! Dutch and Dustin are alone and the fans fire up! Dustin runs up on Dutch, DESTROYER!! Sammy has Vinnie in a torture rack! GO TO HOSPITAL! Vinnie is down and Sammy hurries to slide Dusty’s bell to Dustin! Dustin looks at it, and he picks it up!

The fans fire up as Dustin feels the legacy of Dusty. Dustin points up to Heaven and says this is for Dusty! Dustin CLOBBERS Dutch with the bell!! Cover, Sons of Texas win!!

Winners: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, by pinfall (still ROH World Tag Team Champions)

The Righteous were not that at all, or else they would have prevailed here tonight! Dustin & Sammy win to not only keep the titles, but to make sure Dusty’s true legacy would carry on. What will be next for The Natural & The Spanish God as ROH moves into the New Year?

ROH World Television Championship Survival of the Fittest: Brian Cage VS AR Fox VS Blake Christian VS Komander VS Mark Davis VS Willie Mack!

The Machine always asks, “Who Betta than Brian Cage?” not because he is looking for an answer but because he does not think anyone IS better than him! But now, in one match, Cage must take on five challengers and outlast them all! Will no one be better than Brian Cage? Or will fail to overcome even these odds?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and six men battle to be the Face of ROH TV!

The bell rings and the fans rally for quite a few different choices. All Heat Blake Christian bails out, not wanting to deal with all the big men. Komander tells him to get in the ring, but Blake trips him and drags him out! Blake then sends Komander into railing! Mack gets tossed, then Cage sends Fox into a corner! Cage gorilla presses Fox to THROW him at Blake & Komander! And now Cage and Davis step to each other! The fans fire up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as the two RAM into each other! Cage fires a haymaker, Davis fires back, but then Cage SOBATS, front kicks, and SUPERKICKS! Cage waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Cage asks, “Who Betta Than Cage?!” The fans are torn, but Cage whips, and Davis cartwheels through! Davis picks Cage up to then BACKDROP him! And SENTON! The fans fire up while Cage bails out. Mack storms in, runs up, but Davis dodges, drops, and hurdles! Mack blocks the hip toss and gives a hip swivel! The fans fire up and then Mack goes to hip toss Davis! Davis blocks, but Mack ducks the lariat and comes back. Mack ducks the enzigiri to then run, run and LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up while Davis tumbles out. Fox is back in, but Mack blocks a kick! Mack KNEES but Fox ENZIGIRIS! Blake CLOBBERS Fox!

The fans boo but Blake whips Fox to a corner. Blake runs up but Fox puts him on the apron. Blake ROCKS Fox, slingshots, but Fox goes out! Fox comes back in to SLINGSHOT SENTON! Then Fox FLIES onto Mack! Fox hurries to FLY onto Blake! The fans fire up as Fox just keeps going, and he FLIES onto Mack and Cage! The fans fire up with Fox and he high-fives the front row. Fox stomps Komander, puts him in the ring, then storms in after him. Komander kicks and whips but Fox reverses. Komander goes up and up and over! Komander handsprings away and the fans fire up! Even Fox is surprised!

Komander comes back, Fox puts him up top, but Komander BOOTS Fox! Komander then cartwheels on the ropes to RANA Fox out of the ring! The fans fire up but here comes Blake! Komander DUMPS Blake out, then springboards to SKY TWISTER! Down goes the whole group! The fans fire up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” and Komander poses with a fan’s Mexican flag. Komander then puts Fox in the ring and hurries back up a corner. SHOOTING- NO, Komander has to land out as Fox moves! Blake kicks and whips Komander but Komander reverses. Blake tiger feints low, then SUPERKICKS! Blake runs, and he DIVES onto Cage!

The fans are torn because they don’t like Blake but his modified Fosbury Tope was wild. Blake hurries up to the apron but Komander ROCKS him first! Komander then goes to the far side and climbs up again. Komander tightrope walks but Blake disrupts that! SPEAR on the apron! Komander falls to the floor and Blake soaks up all that heat. Blake goes up and up and SKY TWISTERS onto Mack and Cage! The fans boo more but Blake revels in it. Blake puts Cage in the ring, springboards, but Cage dodges! Blake dodges, then fireman’s carries Cage?! Cage elbows free, but Blake PELES! Blake keeps moving, springboard, QUEBRADA, but Cage catches him!

Cage pops Blake around, stops Blake’s DDT counter, and then BUTTERFLY ANARCHY SUPLEXES! But Davis is in to CHOP away on Cage! The fans fire up with Davis and he whips, but Cage goes up and over! Roll through, BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fox is back and he runs up, but Cage TOSSES him to a corner! Cage ELBOWS Fox, GAMANGIRIS, but here comes Komander! Komander is sent into Fox, and then Cage DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cage storms up on Komander and suplexes, but then shifts it to a gorilla press! WITH ONE HAND! Cage SLAMS Komander down and flexes.

The fans are torn but Cage then welcomes in his old rival. Mack runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges and SLINGBLADES! But Blake is in, so Mack pop-up HAYMAKERS him! Komander runs up, Mack catches him, and pops him into a fireman’s carry! Mack RAMS Komander into Fox, who was up top! Now Fox is added to the stack and Mack carries them both! The fans fire up as Mack hits a hip swivel and DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up as the Chocolate Juggalo now scoops Davis! Mack SLAMS Davis, then sets up to “WOOP WOOP!” STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Cage clamps onto Mack and hauls him up, but Mack STUNNERS Cage! STUNNER for Fox! Blake leaps in, into a STUNNER! Santa Mack is handing out presents, STUNNER for Davis! Mack goes to the corner and climbs up. But Komander goes up to get Mack! So Mack just gives him a SUPER FLYING STUNNER!! The fans are thunderous, but Cage DISCUS LARIATS Mack! Cover, Cage ELIMINATES Mack! The fans boo but The Machine crosses off his rival first. Cage soaks up the heat, then brings Komander up into the ring. Cage reels Komander in, but Fox ENZIGIRIS Cage! Cage staggers, Fox cravats, but Cage powers out!

Fox ELBOWS Cage, goes up and up, but Cage trips Fox! Fox rebounds to roll and BASEMENT CUTTER! Then STANDARD CUTTER! Davis is back, Fox gets him for a DRAPING DDT! Blake is up, he BOOTS Fox, but Fox GAMANGIRIS Blake! Blake hits the ICONOCLASM and step-over, POP-UP CUTTER! Then a PACKAGE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Blake survives and Fox is shocked! But Komander DROPKICKS Fox! The fans rally up, Komander builds speed, and Komander DIVES into an APRON DDT!! Fox snipes Komander and then hurries to the corner! Fox springboards, IMPLODER CANNONBALL!!

The fans are thunderous as Fox wipes out Cage, Davis and Komander! Fox hurries to get Komander in the ring, then he runs corner to corner. Komander BOOTS Fox, then goes up, but Fox goes up after him! ARABIAN PRESS FLY! Then Fox goes right back up! 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and Fox is shocked again! The fans rally as Fox climbs up again, and he leaps over Cage! Cage comes back, Fox goes Matrix! PELE! Cage staggers to a corner, Fox BOOTS him! Fox hoists Cage up top, then he runs up to ARABIAN- NO, Cage stops the Fly, to then pop Fox up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, Cage ELIMINATES Fox!!

The fans boo as The Machine takes out two contenders in a row! Cage says nobody’s better, but here comes Davis! The fans rally up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Davis fires a forearm! “MEAT!” Cage fires a forearm! “MEAT!” Davis fires another! “MEAT!” Cage fires another! “MEAT!” Blake returns, Davis DECKS him! “MEAT!” Or, maybe heat? Davis and Cage fire shots on each other again, then Komander storms in. Cage CHOPS Komander down! The forearms go faster and faster, but Blake and Komander both get up! Cage DECKS Komander and Davis SLAPS Blake down! Cage then knees Davis low!

Cage reels Davis in but Davis gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! But Cage is right up to GERMAN SUPLEX Davis! But Davis is up to GERMAN SUPLEX Cage! Cage GERMAN SUPLEXES Davis! The fans fire up as New York becomes Suplex City! Komander springboards, and he FLYING RANAS Davis! Komander dodges Cage, fires off fast kicks, but Cage kicks low! Cage brings Komander up but Komander fights the bomb! Cage falls and Komander covers, TWO! Komander fires more kicks, Cage shoves him away, but Komander BOOTS! Komander goes up, leaps, but into Cage’s arms! Cage pops Komander up, and F5! But Blake rolls Cage up! TWO!!

Cage fireman’s carries Blake! F5!! Cage then gets Davis up! But Davis slips free, cradles, TWO!! Cage escapes, and he DISC- NO, Davis ducks to then ENZIGIRI! Davis roars, throws off the elbow pad, and he runs, to LARIAT Cage! The fans fire up with Davis as he hauls Cage up! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, DAVIS ELIMINATES CAGE!! We are GUARANTEED a new champion!! The fans are thunderous as Dunkzilla rises and fires up! But Blake LOW BLOWS Davis!! No disqualifications in this kind of match but Blake’s the only one to take advantage of it! Roll up, with tights! Blake ELIMINATES Davis!!

The fans boo but this is what All Heat is about! Alex Abrahantes hypes Komander up, reminding him that just last year, he was in this position with Kyle Fletcher! The Hammerstein Ballroom all gets behind Komander in hopes of him having that breakthrough! Komander and Blake square off, then they run up to fire fists! Komander fires a flurry, then whips, but Blake reverses! Komander springboards to CROSSBODY! Direct hit and Blake staggers up. Komander runs up, but Blake scoops to BACKBREAKER and ENZIGIRI! Komander ends up in a corner and Blake runs to ENZIGIRI again!

The fans boo but Blake GERMAN SUPLEXES Komander! Blake then climbs the corner, aims, and mocks the salute! MISSILE DROPKICK! Komander tumbles away while Blake mockingly claps. The fans boo but Blake drags Komander around. Blake turns Komander over, hooks up the legs, and then says “SUCK IT!” He STOMPS the knees! Komander writhes but the fans tell Blake off. Blake doesn’t care and he stomps Komander. Komander kicks from below but Blake CHOKES Komander! The ref reprimands but Blake drags Komander up. Blake reels Komander in, suplexes, but Komander slips free!

Komander shifts around and has the ESCALARA COBRA TWIST! The fans fire up but Blake endures! Blake RAMS Komander into the corner, is free of the hold, and then runs back in, only for Komander to put him on the apron! Komander blocks a shot to CHOP! Then Komander goes up the other corner! Blake hurries to SHOVE Komander to the floor! Komander falls hard, Blake takes aim, and he DAREDEVIL DIVES through the corner! Direct hit on Komander! The fans tell Blake he sucks but Blake puts Komander in the ring. Blake climbs a corner, takes aim, 450- NO, he has to roll through as Komander moves!

Blake turns around, into Komander’s SUPERKICK! But Blake ROUNDHOUSES! Blake runs, into a BOOT! But he kips up to SUPERKICK! Komander stays up, Blake handsprings, but into a SHOTGUN! Blake tumbles out and the fans fire up with Komander! Komander builds speed but Blake gets in! SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and Blake is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise. Blake brings Komander over to bump off buckles. Blake puts Komander up top, the fans sing “OH~ F YOU, BLAKE CHRISTIAN~!” Blake ROCKS Komander, then climbs up after him.

Blake brings Komander up but Komander slips free of the suplex! Komander CLUBS Blake, then runs to go up, up and SUPER POISON-RANA!!! Blake flounders out of the ring but Komander just goes up a corner! Komander tightrope walks corner to corner, so he can SPACEMAN MOONSAULT!! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans are thunderous! Komander is all fired up as he gets Blake in the ring! Komander hurries back up the ring, and he tightrope walks again! CIELITO- NO, Blake kicks the ref into the ropes! Komander falls and the ref reprimands, but Blake just runs up to STEP UP CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO?!!?

The fans are electric as Komander shocks us all! The fans rally as hard as they can for Komander as he rises up. Blake stalks Komander to ropes, goes up a corner, but Komander ROCKS him first! And CHOPS! Komander climbs to the very top, but Blake fires body shots! Blake picks Komander up for a SUPER SPIN OUT SAIDO!! Cover, TWO into a GHOST PIN! TWO!!! Blake escapes but Komander goes to the apron. Blake storms up, into a GAMANGIRI! SPRINGBOARD DESTROYER!! The fans are thunderous and Komander dials it up, 619!! Blake falls back and Komander goes up! CIELITO LINDO!!! Cover, KOMANDER WINS!!!

Winner: Komander, by pinfall (NEW ROH World Television Champion)

Incredible! From runner-up last year to THE man this year! Komander’s long hard journey has finally led him to gold here in ROH! Is this just the beginning of the legend of Komander?

The House of Torture sends a message.

Yoshinobu Kanemaru is with Sho as he says THEY will be the next challengers for the ROH World Tag Team Championships! Got that? Sho says, “Make sure you bring your championship belts to WrestleDynasty on January 5th! We’ll kick your ass, and we’ll keep those titles here in Japan! HAH!” Kanemaru says he’ll even “sanitize the filth that you are with this Japanese whiskey.” Do you understand? You’re not in the same league as them! Well, the Heel Master & Murder Machine have called out the Sons of Texas, will they come to regret it?

ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho VS Matt Cardona!

The Learning Tree cheating to become The Nueve is one thing, but he has deluded himself into thinking he is the King of New York City. He then dared someone, anyone from New York to challenge him for tonight! His mistake was not thinking there was someone who is #AlwayZReady! Will Jericho be the one learning a lesson here tonight? Or will Jericho make sure Cardona does not complete his collection?

As Cardona makes his entrance, he comes in from the chilly streets, and he’s dressed to bust some ghosts! Cardona has his family and friends at ringside, they’re just as ready for this! As for Jericho, he wants us to start spreading the news as the “Nuevettes” dance their way out to lead the way. Bad Apple Bryan Keith is also leading the way as Jericho walks out, “I ♥ NY” shirt on, and… What kind of Statue of Liberty headdress is that?! Anyway, the introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really the king in ROH!

The bell rings and the ref calls for the Code of Honor. Cardona offers, Jericho considers it, but then he flips Cardona off! The fans boo but then he flips them off, too! But Jericho turns around into RADIO SILENCE! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives but Cardona rains down fists! The fans fire up with Cardona and he brings Jericho up to bump off buckles. Cardona fires more hands, then he stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Cardona lets off, and the fans rally up for “ALWAYS READY!” Cardona then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! The fans cheer and Cardona goes side to side again, but Keith drags Jericho out!

The fans boo but Cardona builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Keith and Jericho and the fans fire up with Cardona! Cardona drags Jericho up, and he wants Papa Cardona to get him! Papa Cardona PIE FACES Jericho! The fans cheer and then Cardona ROCKS Jericho! Cardona whips Jericho hard into steel steps! The fans cheer on Cardona and he stalks Jericho. Cardona SMACKS Jericho off the steps, SMACKS him off them again, then he grabs the title belt. Cardona holds up the belt and the fans cheer. Cardona brings the belt to the ring but the ref tells him not to go through with it! Cardona LASHES Jericho with the strap!

The ref reprimands but he lets that one slide. But then Cardona LASHES Jericho again! Keith snatches the belt from Cardona, so Cardona DECKS Keith! Jericho runs up, but Cardona TOSSES him out onto Keith! Cardona builds speed again, and he WRECKS Jericho and Keith with a dropkick! The fans cheer and Cardona pushes Jericho around. Cardona throws hands, then runs, but Jericho BACKDROPS him onto the ramp! The ring count climbs while both men are down. Jericho crawls his way back to ringside but the fans rally for Cardona. Jericho rolls in at 7 of 20, but Cardona is just now crawling his way over.

Cardona is still down on the outside at 10 of 20, and Jericho soaks up heat from Hammerstein. Cardona reaches the ring at 15 and drags himself up with the apron skirt. Cardona leaps in at 19! The fans fire up but Jericho is right on Cardona with a rain of fists! The ref reprimands but Jericho stands Cardona up. Jericho CHOPS Cardona to the corner, then CHOPS him again! And again! Jericho soaks up more heat while Cardona flops against the ropes. Jericho storms back up on Cardona but Cardona fires forearms! Cardona whips, Jericho reverses, and Cardona hits buckles hard! Jericho then runs up to DROPKICK him out of the ring!

Jericho soaks up more heat while Cardona flounders. Jericho argues with the ref and that lets Keith get cheap shots in! The fans boo but Keith backs off before he gets caught. Jericho eggs Cardona on while the fans boo. Cardona drags himself into the ring, fans taunt Jericho, “You’re Not From Here!” Jericho ROCKS Cardona, Cardona goes to ropes, and Jericho shows off his shirt! He loves New York! Jericho runs to STRADDLE ATTACK Cardona! Cardona sputters and falls over. The fans boo, Jericho says they can go to Hell! Jericho flips them off, then goes back to Cardona. Jericho uses the ropes to hit a ROPE GUILLOTINE!

Cardona sputters and flops out of the ring, and Jericho soaks up more heat. Keith gets another cheap shot in! Mama Cardona protests but Keith scurries off before he’s caught. Jericho storms out after Cardona, stomps him, and he blows a kiss to Mama before he PIE FACES Papa! Cardona gets pissed and he fires off hands! Cardona whips, but Jericho reverses, and Cardona hits steel steps! Jericho storms over to Cardona, but then he confiscates the camera! Not this old gag! Jericho records his POV as he stomps Cardona! Jericho then gets Cardona up, back suplex on the steel steps! Jericho says that was for Papa, but Papa says shove it!

Jericho whips Cardona into a POST! Jericho soaks up more heat, waves to the upper deck, but then flips them off, too. Especially that guy with the sign, “If Jericho Wins, We Riot.” Jericho puts Cardona in, the fans fall silent, but then Jericho has the cocky cover. ONE, and the fans boo Jericho again. Jericho kicks Cardona around, scuffs him, then soaks up more heat. Jericho stands Cardona up, then CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS again, but Cardona fires forearms! And CHOPS! Repeat! Cardona whips, Jericho reverses but Cardona KICKS him! And CHOPS! Jericho CHOPS, Cardona CHOPS, repeat!

The fans “WOO~” with every CHOP, then Cardona fires a flurry of forearms! Cardona whips, Jericho reverses, but Cardona BOOTS from the corner! Cardona goes up but Jericho ROCKS him! Jericho climbs up to the very top, soaks up heat, and he rains down fists! The fans count, Jericho goes all the way to NUEVE, then SUPER STEINERS! The fans boo but Jericho takes aim. Jericho runs up, but Cardona DECKS him! Cardona then goes up the corner! Jericho stands, into a MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Jericho flounders to ropes, Cardona runs up and whips again. Jericho grabs ropes to avoid the dropkick! Then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!

Jericho is annoyed but he watches Cardona crawl to a corner. Jericho waits and Cardona stands, then Jericho trips him! But Cardona kicks Jericho away! Jericho comes back, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! The fans rally while Cardona goes back to ropes. Cardona drags himself up, the fans rally with “WOO WOO WOO!” Cardona goes outside then up the corner! But Jericho CHOPS him first! Jericho climbs up, throws more hands, but Cardona fires hands in return! They brawl up top, Jericho gets the edge, and he stands Cardona up! SUPERPLEX! Cardona flounders away, but then he stands up!?

The fans fire up as Cardona runs, dodges, and kicks low! Underhooks and TIGER DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives and Cardona is growing frustrated. Both men go to corners, and Cardona runs in, but into a CODE BREAKER! Jericho crawls over to cover, TWO! Cardona stays in this and the fans rally up. Jericho huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Cardona up, then CHOPS! Jericho whips, Cardona dodges, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Cardona is up first, but they DOUBLE LARIAT! Both men are up, DOUBLE BOOTS take them back down! The fans fire up again, then chant for “ALWAYS READY!”

Jericho sits up first, but Cardona gets to his feet first. But Jericho trips Cardona! Jericho turns Cardona, steps over, WALLS OF JERICHO! Cardona endures, reaches out, shifts just enough, but Jericho drags him back! Cardona throws hands, brings Jericho into a cradle, TWO! Both men hurry up but so does Keith! Keith has the belt! Jericho runs up, Cardona dodges and Jericho runs into Keith! Keith falls, Cardona rolls Jericho up! TWO!! Jericho escapes but Cardona takes aim! RADIO- SPINEBUSTER! Jericho then turns Cardona, but Cardona fights! Cardona fights but Jericho still steps over, WALLS OF JERICHO!!

Cardona endures, fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Jericho lets go. But wait! BIG BILL BOOTS CARDONA! Where was the Redwood hiding when he’s so damn tall!? Jericho covers Cardona, TWO!?! Cardona survives and Jericho is furious! Bill helps Keith up and now The Learning Tree has both Branches here. Jericho runs up, JUDAS- NO, Cardona dodges to steal CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Jericho survives but Cardona hurries to his feet. But Jericho claws eyes! Jericho runs but into an ELBOW! Cardona goes up, FLYING RADIO SILENCE! But Bill distracts the ref! Cardona would’ve won twice over!

Keith slithers in to BELT SHOT Cardona!! Jericho and Cardona are both down and the ref doesn’t know what to make of this! Jericho crawls to the cover, Jericho wins!

Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall (still ROH World Champion)

If Jericho is the King of New York, then that must mean Keith & Bill are his knights. Or his jesters…

But wait! Bill & Keith start being up on Cardona! The fans boo, there’s no reason to do this when they already screwed him over! But wait, that music! BANDIDO is here! We knew he’d be on his way back and here he is! He GAMANGIRIS Bill, then MISSILE DROPKICKS Jericho! Bandido shakes out the stars, but Keith storms up on him! Bandido gets under Keith to SPINEBUSTER, and then he flips Keith over! Bill comes back, grabs Bandido and TOSSES him to a corner! Bandido kicks low! Bill retreats, the Learning Tree’s forces regroup, and now they have The Most Wanted gunning for them! Will Bandido get that world title back in the New Year?

ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Billie Starkz!

The Fallen Goddess has held this title for just over TWO YEARS, and has held Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths under her thumb for a good part of that run. Athena has made history with her reign, but she’s also made enemy after enemy, and Billie is now the top of the list! Athena thinks Billie is being ungrateful, but Billie finally wants some damn respect. Will Billie get it when she ends the Forever Reign? Or is the #AthenaWorldTour going to begin here tonight?

As Billie makes her entrance, she wears a blue hooded cloak, and the words “Honor For Generations” on the back. Then reveal! She wears star-spangled gear in the style of inaugural Women of Honor World Champion, the title that started it all here in ROH! It is a loving tribute to the living legend who is set to have her retirement match at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley, January 11th, 2025. As for Athena, she’s cosplaying Two-Face from the 1990s Batman: The Animated Series! Is Athena saying Billie’s gotten on Athena’s bad side and now she’s going to pay?

The introductions are made, Lexy Nair taking over for Athena’s part, the belt is raised, and we see if forever finally ends!

The Code of Honor is upheld, but with a lot of tension. The bell rings, and Athena doesn’t let go of Billie! Billie doesn’t let go either, and she takes a swing! Athena avoids it to ROCK Billie, and then CLUBS away on her! Athena bumps Billie off buckles, ROCKS her, then dribbles her off buckles! The fans fire up for “Women’s Wrestling!” as Athena then TOSSES Billie across the way! Athena shouts, “This is OUR show!” Is that a Two-Face gag? Athena runs up, but Billie dodges! Billie then ROCKS Athena! Billie ROCKS Athena again and again, has her in another corner, then TOSSES her across the way!

The fans fire up as Billie brings Athena up to TOSS her again! Billie ROKCS and CHOPS away on Athena in the corner! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Billie lets off at 4. Billie brings Athena around, whips her to ropes, but Athena reverses. But Billie avoids the enzigiri! Billie runs up but Athena narrowly avoids the shotgun! Billie goes to a corner, Athena back body blocks! Athena goes side to side, Billie dodges to CHOP! Billie runs, Athena follows, HANDSPRING LARIAT! The fans are torn but Athena goes side to side. Billie BOOTS Athena down! Billie whips corner to corner but Athena reverses.

Athena stays back as Billie goes up, and Athena KICKS her out of the air! Billie flounders away, but she gets to her feet. Billie runs up, but Athena picks her up, and throws her at the ropes, to then SLINGSHOT DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans fire up while Athena checks her jaw. The fans duel but the Billie side sounds stronger. Athena AX KICKS Billie, then brings her around to cravat and neck wrench. The fans rally as Billie endures, and Billie fights up. Billie fires body shots, but Athena KNEES her! And KNEES her again! Billie fights, Athena headlocks, but Billie powers out. Athena rebounds to DECK Billie!

The fans boo but Athena runs. Billie stays low, then hip tosses, but Athena handsprings through! Athena arm-drags but Billie handsprings through! Billie comes back to LARIAT Athena! And LARIAT again! And then swings, but Athena ducks! Athena whips Billie to a corner, runs up, and blocks boots, only to get the ENZIGIRI! The fans chant, “FIGHT, BILLIE, FIGHT!” Billie drags Athena up, scoops, but Athena slips free! Athena waistlocks, Billie switches, but Athena bucks the O’Conner. And she blocks the heel kick! STRETCH MUFFLER! Billie’s height advantage might be a disadvantage but she still endures!

The fans rally and Billie fights forward. Athena drags Billie back, but Billie stands! Her height helps now as she CLUBS Athena, and she goes for an arm! Athena just gets annoyed, and she hits a TEJANA BOMB! The fans chant “NEW CHAMP! NEW CHAMP!” and that annoys Athena more. Athena stomps away on Billie’s leg, then KNEES the knee! Athena KICKS the leg, then stalks Billie to ropes. Athena brings Billie up, snapmares and KICKS Billie in the back! The fans boo but Athena soaks it up. Athena grins as she runs up at the corner. Billie ELBOWS Athena, but then Athena blocks the boot! KNEE JAMMER!

Athena puts the leg in ropes, KICKS the ropes to jam up the leg, then Athena tucks Billie into a modified Tree of Woe! Athena KICKS away on the foot! The ref reprimands, Athena stops, and Billie flops to the apron. Billie clutches the foot while the fans tell Athena off. Athena soaks up the heat, then tells the fans to shut up. Athena goes after Billie and YANKS her to the floor! Billie writhes, the ref reprimands again, but Athena drags Billie up. Athena brings Billie around while the fans rally for Billie. The ring count climbs but Athena is taking her time to taunt Mama Starkz! “This is your trash right here!”

But Billie fires hands! Mama Starkz cheers but Athena KNEES Billie down! Athena says this is for Mama. Athena runs up, but Billie dodges! Athena hits steel steps! Billie looks to her mom and her mom says keep fighting. But Athena gets Billie up to suplex! Billie fights that, wrenches out, and then slips around, COMPLETE SHOT on the steel steps!! The fans go nuts and Mama Starkz cheers! Billie gets Athena up, puts her in the ring, and the fans rally up more. Athena slumps out the side but Billie goes after her. Billie DECKS Athena and the fans fire up! Billie then hoists Athena up with an Electric Chair!

The fans fire up as Billie aims, but Athena fights with fists! Billie drops down and Athena watches her hobble. Billie comes back but Athena POP-UP POWERBOMBS Billie to the floor! The ref checks Billie while Athena soaks up more heat from Hammerstein. Athena leaves Billie behind to go into the ring, she’ll let the ring count handle this. The fans rally but Billie is still down at 5 of 20. Billie rolls in at 7 but Athena stomps her! Cover, TWO! Athena stays cool, she should know Billie is tougher than this. Athena drags Billie back to a corner, but Billie kicks at Athena! Athena blocks one, and she keeps pulling Billie to the corner!

Athena grins, but then Billie YANKS Athena into the post! Billie rises, Athena is in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!! Athena is spiked, then she slowly slumps out of the ropes! The fans rally for Billie as she rises up. Billie flounders over to ropes while Athena clutches her head and neck. Both women slowly rise up, and Athena snarls. Athena storms up, but Billie ELBOWS low, KNEE LIFTS, then LARIATS! The fans fire up as Billie gets a leg, and KNEES Athena! Billie runs, POP-UP METEORA! Billie keeps on Athena, dragon sleeper and SMASH MOUTH! Shoutout to Sumie! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives but the fans fire up!

Billie rises and fans again chant, “NEW CHAMP! NEW CHAMP!” Billie stomps Athena, drags her up, and Billie wrenches to then kick Athena around! Billie kicks and kicks and kicks Athena, then adds a bit more! Billie pulls Athena up by her hair, and KNEES her in the back. Billie clamps onto the arms and has the motorcycle stretch! Athena endures while Mama Starkz and the fans rally for Billie. Athena claws at Billie but Billie pulls Athena back against the knee! Athena pries the grip away, and she fights to her feet! Athena rolls, then UP KICKS! Billie sputters, Athena runs up, but Billie wrenches and suplexes! GHOSTBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!

Athena survives and Billie shrieks! The fans rally up but Billie goes to a corner. Billie climbs, but Athena DROPKICKS her first! Athena staggers around, goes to the corner, and she climbs up after Billie. Athena grins then scowls, and she stands Billie up. Athena scoops for a SUPER FALL AWAY SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Billie survives and Athena is beside herself! The fans rally up again, and Athena hobbles over to bring Billie up. Billie JAWBREAKERS Athena! Both women are down, the fans rally and duel, but Athena rises first. Athena stands, Billie follows, and Billie runs up. But Athena wrenches, kicks, KICKS, and ENZIGIRIS!

Billie goes to a corner, Athena runs up to back body block! Athena goes side to side to forearm SMASH! Athena keeps moving, springboards, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Billie is still in this but Athena is growing frustrated. The fans rally but Athena reels Billie in. Billie fights the lift and Alabama Lifts in return! But Athena grabs ropes! Billie pulls, yanks Athena, they roll through! Athena hauls Billie up to a Canadian Rack! DESPICABLE KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Billie survives and the fans rally up even harder! Athena snarls, and she goes to the corner. Athena climbs to use the tried and true, O- NO!! Billie GERMAN SUPLEXES!

Athena stagger sup, Billie swings, but Athena wrenches to a SAIDO! Athena kips up, runs, but Billie BOOTS her! Billie runs, but Athena ROCKS her! Athena snapmares Billie, but Billie comes back to wrench, SMASH, HEEL KICK! Athena ROCKS Billie again! But Billie won’t let Athena run! Athena uses the British escape and the mule kick! Athena runs, but Billie follows! But Athena scoops! Billie kicks and flails, and she turns things around on Athena! The fans fire up for the TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and Billie is beside herself! The fans continue to rally, “This is Awesome!” as Athena stirs.

Billie stalks Athena to the ropes, but Athena goes to the apron. Billie joins Athena out there, waistlocks, but Athena flails! Athena grab ropes, then runs to HOTSHOT Billie off the crossbar! Billie sputters, Athena ROCKS her! But Billie DECKS Athena! The fans fire up again as Athena staggers up. Athena stomps a foot! And she reels Billie in! Billie fights the lift, and she Alabama Lifts back! APRON ALABAMA SLAM!! Athena flops to the floor, and Billie climbs! The fans fire up as Billie takes aim! SUPER SWANTON BOMB!!! Billie rises up, puts Athena in, and she hurries to reel Athena in! STAR 10!!! Cover, TWO?!?!

No one can believe it but Athena survives! “This is Awesome!” as Billie and Athena stir. The ref checks and somehow both Billie and Athena are okay, they’re just running on fumes. Billie crawls over to Athena but Athena crawls to the ropes. Billie brings Athena up first and waistlocks, to then shove her into buckles! Billie gets under Athena, but Athena catches an arm to turn things around! GOURD BUSTER to the outside!! The fans boo and the ref checks Billie. Billie is somehow still in this but Athena grins and laughs. Athena rises while fans tell her off. The ref helps Billie stand, Athena builds speed and DIVES! She takes out Billie AND the ref!!

Athena puts Billie in, but she realizes what happened! No ref means no rules, so she gets Lexy to give her a mic. Athena aims, but Billie BOOTS the mic! And then SHOTGUNS Athena to a corner! Billie hurries to Electric Chair Lift! The fans fire up for the ONE WINGED BILLIE!! The ref is back to count the cover, TWO!!! Billie is in disbelief! Bloody nose and a lot of rage and Billie has Athena again! Athena grabs the buckle pad! It comes loose, Billie Electric Chair Lifts! Billie POISON-RANAS! Not the cleanest but it was still effective. Billie staggers, runs up, but she’s sent into the bare buckle!! Athena goes up!

Athena flips off fans before the O FACE!!! Cover, ATHENA WINS!!

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

Billie came the closest anyone has ever come, and she just couldn’t stop Athena! Over two years and counting, will absolutely NOTHING stop Athena’s reign of terror? Will Athena only add to her collection when she fights for the International Women’s Cup at WrestleDynasty? What is Billie to do now that she has nothing for the New Year?

My Thoughts:

A great Final Battle here, though yes I skipped most of the non-title stuff. Zero Hour is free on YouTube, but also filler. I skimmed it, all great stuff, and LEE-J turning Heel was quite the surprise. But I did like them doing the HBK-Diesel high-five. I suppose with Gates of Agony slowly going Face, there needed to be a new Heel team to replace them. And I wonder if QT might recruit them into his QT World Order gimmick. That was a very good match of QT VS Lethal, especially with their different takes on a Macho Man tribute. Good overbooking with all of Triple J getting involved, and of course Lethal won, he’s getting a comeback push for ROH.

If I’d known Danhausen was going to make a return to help Atlantis Jr, I would’ve covered that match. But that’s good for Danhausen, fans of AEW have been wanting to see him again so he’ll have some fun here in ROH. Very good Women’s TV Championship match, but I didn’t think Velvet would go Heel so hard here. Nigel McGuinness being Lee Moriarty’s opponent was an awesome surprise, and that was one of the best Pure Rules matches I’ve seen. It still didn’t last anywhere near as long as the time limit a Pure title match is given, but 17 minutes was still pretty good. Great win for Lee, and great show of respect between him and Nigel after.

The Double Bull Rope match was really good, but I’m actually surprised no one got busted open. And it seems Dustin got both the moral and actual victories, by not just retaining the titles but by getting Dusty Rhodes’ cowbell from Dutch. Kanemaru & Sho calling the Sons of Texas out for WrestleDynasty is borderline comical, and I would think Dustin & Sammy win. Great Survival of the Fittest, and quite the rollercoaster. Cage getting two eliminations in a row, I thought he was going to retain. But then Davis eliminating Cage, I thought Davis was going to win but then Blake takes him out right away. Komander winning is awesome stuff, he really has put in the work, can’t wait to see him bring that belt to Miracle on 34th Street.

Now, the world title matches sadly left a lot to be desired. Well, certainly more Jericho VS Cardona. Jericho’s entrance could be considered “win entrance” trope, they wouldn’t put the effort of having the song “New York, New York” and the chorus line if Jericho was going to lose. And as I’ve been saying on AEW and ROH articles, Jericho’s going to retain until he can take responsibility for securing ROH a cable deal. But great to see Bandido make his return here, though even that ended up lackluster. I think Bandido knocked the wind out of himself from hitting the missile dropkick, and then everything was just a mess after that. Jericho VS Bandido will be good stuff, I just hope we get to the end of The Nueve sooner rather than later.

And then in Athena VS Billie, they both had great attire, and the action was at least on par with last year’s match. It was probably more gritty brawl this time around given Billie’s character development to where she’s a bit like Athena herself. But as I’d been saying for weeks, this just felt like the right time to finally pass the baton. Athena’s headed to WrestleDynasty, she can win the International Women’s Cup and call out any champion she wants, and would probably choose Mariah May or Mercedes Mone for their AEW titles. But no, cheating tactics help Athena win, as if the last year didn’t matter.

But I suppose on some level, Athena needs to hold on long enough for that ROH cable deal, same as Jericho. Jericho and Athena are the names ROH can hang their hat on for whatever premiere episode we get, and that can be where one or both lose the titles to really get people’s attention. It’s a mistake because it means the loyal fans watching ROH right now don’t matter, but it’s how a corporate strategy would go.

My Score: 8.9/10

Wait, Billie Starkz and Athena are what?!

Even though they’ll battle for the ROH Women’s World Championship tomorrow night, Athena and Billie Starkz are going to tag together?! Will they be able to keep it together to make it to Hammerstein?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka VS Bishop Kaun w/ Toa Liona; Lee wins.
• Queen Aminata VS Lady Frost; Aminata wins.
• The Murder Machines w/ Don Callis VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; The Murder Machines win.
• ROH Rewind – Final Battle 2023, ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Billie Starkz; Athena wins and retains the title.
• Serpentico VS Sidney Akeem; Serpentico wins.
• Athena & Billie Starkz VS Missa Kate & Blair Onyx; Athena & Billie win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Dark Order & The Kingdom VS Grizzled Young Veterans & Shane Taylor Promotions; GYV & STP win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka VS Bishop Kaun w/ Toa Liona!

Big Shotty could not best the Samoan Lion, and now he’s up against the Cameroonian Prince! Will Lee hit the mark this time? Or will the Gates of Agony slam shut on him again?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as Lee and Kaun circle. They feel things out, Kaun grabs a leg and trips Lee, but Lee gets right back up. Kaun smirks as the two go again. They knuckle lock, but Lee kicks! Kaun blocks the kick, trips Lee, and he waits on Lee to get up. Lee goes to a corner, EJ rallies the fans, and the two reset. Lee and Kaun tie up, Kaun powers Lee to a corner, but the ref counts. Kaun lets off slowly and offers Lee his way out of the corner. Lee shoves Kaun in frustration but Kaun keeps calm. The two go again, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and they go around.

Kaun headlocks but Lee powers up and out. Kaun runs Lee over, but Lee gets up in a huff. The fans applaud while Kaun grins. Kaun and Lee circle, feel things out, and tie up. Lee headlocks but Kaun puts Lee in a corner. The ref counts, Kaun lets off, but then he CHOPS! Lee is stinging but Kaun whips him corner to corner. Lee goes up and over, keeps moving, but Kaun drops down then hurdles over. Lee shoves Kaun< Kaun hurdles again! Lee gets moving and he SHOTGUNS Kaun down! The fans fire up while Kaun bails out, and Lee builds speed. Lee FLIES and down goes Kaun at the ramp!

The fans fire up with Lee again and he high-fives the front row. EJ is hyped and Lee puts Kaun in the ring. Lee slides in but Kaun goes out to the apron. Lee kicks, but Kaun blocks and traps the leg in ropes! Kaun then grabs the other leg to trip Lee up! Lee endures as he’s stuck in not quite a Tree of Woe, maybe more a bush. But Kaun runs side to side to drop a leg! And then drop another leg! And then drop another leg! Lee gets free of the bush but Kaun drops one more leg! The fans are torn but Kaun covers, TWO! Lee stays in this but Kaun drags Lee around. Kaun stomps arms and legs, picking Lee apart.

Lee clutches his knee but Kaun clamps on for a toehold! Lee endures, EJ rallies the fans up again, and Lee throws hands from below! Kaun lets go, Lee fires more hands, but Kaun kicks the bad leg! Lee hobbles, Kaun runs up, and Kaun blocks a kick! Kaun puts that leg in the ropes then grabs the other leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Cover, TWO! Lee is still in this but Kaun grabs the leg again! Kaun stomps it then GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! And GROUND DRAGON SCREWS again! Kaun holds onto the leg, and he makes Lee wait, before the LEG DDT! Lee writhes but the fans rally up again.

Kaun drags Lee by his bad leg, turns him over, and has the HALF CRAB! Lee endures and Liona is taunting him from the ropes! Lee reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kaun turns Lee back over, drags him from the ropes, but Lee kicks! Kaun holds on but Lee kicks and kicks, and Kaun lets go! Kaun hurries back but Lee brings him into a cradle! TWO, and Kaun dodges a lariat! Kaun breaks the next one, and he LARIATS Lee down! Kaun then Alabama Lifts Lee, for the ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives and the fans fire up! EJ coaches Lee up and Lee reaches out. Lee rises, but Kaun is right on him with a waistlock.

Kaun lifts but Lee lands out of the back suplex! The leg jams, but Lee still jukes to roll Kaun up! TWO, and Lee SUPERKICKS! Lee hobbles but he comes back for Kaun. Fireman’s carry, but the bad leg gives out! Lee lets Kaun down, but he dodges to ENZIGIRI! JUMP NECKBREAKER! Lee kips up, adrenaline is helping him fight through the pain! Lee runs to PENALTY KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Kaun is still in this, but Lee pounds the mat. The fans rally with Lee as he rises, and Lee fires hands on Kaun! Kaun goes to a corner, Lee fires more shots high and low! The ref counts but Lee reels Kaun in.

But Kaun turns things around to put Lee up top! Kaun climbs up after Lee, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Kaun isn’t done, he hauls Lee up to a fireman’s carry! GUT BUSTER DROP! A bit double-edged but Kaun covers, TWO!! Lee survives but Kaun roars! Kaun hauls Lee up, underhooks, but Lee is a ragdoll! Kaun drops Lee and wants the ref to call it. Lee is still in this so Kaun drags him back up. But Lee trips Kaun to a jackknife bridge! LEE WINS!!

Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall

Lee was the underdog fighting on one leg, but he snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Lee goes 1-1 with the Gates, but Kaun drags him up! Kaun wants to show respect but Liona shoves Lee back down! The Gates argue, EJ gets in to get at them, but Kaun is the voice of reason. Kaun whispers to Liona, and Liona stands down. The Gates seem to be turning over a new leaf, though a bit slowly. Will Kaun & Liona have to settle things 2v2 with #LEEJ before going back for the ROH World Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interview with Lee Moriarty.

Alicia Atout is with the ROH Pure Champion and brings up his Open Challenge for the title this Friday at Final Battle in the historic Hammerstein Ballroom. Is Moriarty ready to take on literally anyone that comes out and accepts the challenge? Lee chuckles and says, “Am I ready? I’ve shown myself to be a dominant champion, Alicia. Everyone who’s stepped in the ring against me, I’ve shown why I’m levels above them when it comes to pure wrestling. Even Matt Taven. People thought he was finally going to win the one championship that he hasn’t won, and guess what? I proved them wrong and retained.”

Every time he gets in the ring, Lee gets better! He gets stronger! He gains confidence! And he proves why he is the BEST technical wrestler in the world! This Open Challenge is so he can face the best competition and nothing less. Hammerstein is Lee’s night to solidify himself as THE best. So watch your step, and protect ya neck. Because this is Lee Moriarty, and this is #TAIGASTYLE. Then just who will meet Lee Moriarty in New York City, ready to put him and themselves to the test?

Backstage interview with Red Velvet and Leyla Hirsch.

Arkady Aura says the ROH Women’s World Television Championship is on the line for Final Battle, and she has both champion and challenger with her. They agreed to No Physicality, and Arkady knows Leyla wanted this time to speak to Red Velvet so the floor is hers. Leyla tells Velvet that last week, Leyla had Velvet beat. And tomorrow night, she does the same thing. The only difference is, there won’t be Billie or Athena there to save her. Velvet repeats, “Save me? Who says I need saving?” If Leyla thinks she had Velvet beat, then she can prove it. Leyla says she already did. And tomorrow night, the TV title is hers.

Velvet gets in Leyla’s face with belt held high but Arkady reminds them of the No Physicality Agreement. Velvet says see you tomorrow. Leyla says same back. One way or another, that match will be LEGIT, but will the champion be after it’s done cooking?

Someone is spying…

Whoever this is, they’re watching Dustin Rhodes get out of his truck and go into the gym. The camera turns around, and it’s The Righteous! Vincent says, “This is gonna be exciting. Follow us.” The Righteous lead this cameraman up to the door, and they sneak right in! Dustin is vacuuming the ring mat to clean it up, and The Righteous flank him! They slide in before he notices, and just as Dustin finishes, Vincent attacks! Vincent knocks Dustin down, throws down fists, then lets off to stomp him out of the ring! Dutch hands Vincent the vacuum power cord and Vincent uses that to CHOKE Dustin! Then Dutch storms up with the cowbell!

Dutch CLOBBERS Dustin right in the head! Vincent says, “I told you, man! I told you it’d be euphoric! Now you’re seeing the polka dots for Daddy~! I have an idea.” Vincent grabs Dustin’s phone and calls Sammy Guevara. The Spanish God is furious to see Vincent on FaceTime instead of Dustin! Vincent mockingly asks how everything’s going with the Guevara family. But speaking of family, here’s a little surprise! Vincent shows Sammy Dustin’s busted up forehead! “Just for you, Sammy! Just for you! Call it a Final Battle gift from The Righteous to you.” Sammy shouts at Vincent & Dutch, but Dutch says, “Death walks in New York City!”

Vincent uses Dustin’s blood to draw a little something, and Dutch says they’re blood brothers now. The Righteous leave The Natural sputtering, but Dustin manages to sit up. Have the Righteous ensured their victory? Or have they simply sealed their doom?

The Murder Machines w/ Don Callis VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson!

A rare appearance by Don Callis the scumbag himself, but he wants to watch Lance Archer & Brian Cage dominate the ROH Tag Division. But as the Savages make their way out, Jacked Jameson of course has the mic to give introductions. He calls himself the Post Malone of iron pumping, “and when these two sauced up mass monsters step on a scale, it says ‘Over the limit!’ Unhinged power and feral instincts, these two mass monsters are gonna eat you alive!” Jameson says they are the Iron Savages! Sippin’ sauce, livin’ hoss, and taking all the Low T Meat Riding wussies to #TIDDYCITY!

But will Bulk Bronson & Beefcake Boulder learn they’re still small potatoes compared to the Murderhawk Monster & The Machine?

The teams sort out, Cage starts against Bronson and the fans rally up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage and Bronson tie up, Cage headlocks, but Bronson powers up and out. They RAM shoulders and Bronson says you want meat, here’s meat! Bronson RAMS Cage, Cage RAMS Bronson, and repeat! The fans chant “MEAT! MEAT!” with every shoulder tackle! Bronson dodges, wrenches, ROCKS and ELBOWS Cage, then reels him in for a suplex! The fans are torn but Cage stands right up! Cage kicks and suplexes Bronson! Cage flexes while Bronson flounders, and Boulder tags in. Boulder eggs Cage on as he stomps around.

The fans rally up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage and Boulder DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Boulder gets the better of that, then runs, but into an UPPERCUT! “Who betta than Cage?!” Cage runs but Boulder runs him over! The fans fire up and Cage tags in Archer. Archer says now we’ve got some meat! Archer and Boulder fire up to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up again as they LARIAT, and LARIAT, and LARIAT! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” They switch arms even, and then Archer laughs! Archer pie faces, but Boulder HEADBUTTS! Boulder whips but Archer CROSSBODIES! Bronson runs up but Archer kicks him back out!

Archer roars, Jameson checks on Bronson, and Archer runs up to ELBOW Boulder. Archer keeps moving, and he ELBOWS Boulder again! Archer keeps moving, but he blocks a boot first! Then he ROCKS Boulder! Archer runs again, but Boulder runs up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up but here comes Cage! Boulder scoops Cage to SLAM him! Bronson returns and the Savages storm up on Archer. But Archer choke grips them both! But the Savages power out, and they get Archer for a DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM instead! The fans fire up as Bronson DIVES onto Cage! Then Boulder goes up the ropes! VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Archer survives the “Beefcake Bomb” but Boulder tags Bronson. The Savages call for the Devastator! Bronson goes up onto Boulder’s shoulders, but Archer avoids the Savage Splash! Bronson flounders, Cage runs up and gets aroudn Boulder! Boulder fights but Archer BOOTS him into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cage ripcords Bronson to ROCK him! Archer ROCKS Bronson, too! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Archer hits a SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Archer argues with the ref but Bronson’s tougher than they thought. Archer tags Cage, and Cage hauls Bronson up. Cage reels Bronson in, puts one out, but Boulder BOOTS him!

Archer BOOTS Boulder! Bronson ROCKS Archer! Cage JUMP KNEES Bronson! Boulder runs up, Cage dodges, and the Murder Machines DOUBLE LARIAT Boulder up and out! Archer grabs Bronson, lifts him up for Cage, CHOKE SLAM BOMB!! Cover, Murder Machines win!

Winners: The Murder Machines, by pinfall

Callis joins his savages in the ring to celebrate another win, and he even gets some stomps in on Bronson! Surely Callis will be with Cage tomorrow night, too. Can Cage keep the ROH World Television Championship when it’s Survival of the Fittest?

Sit-down interview with Jay Lethal and QT Marshall.

At least, it’s supposed to be both Lethal and QT. Ian Riccaboni has Lethal to his right and Lethal asks what’s keeping QT. Ian isn’t sure, QT sent him a text earlier that he’d be here. Maybe they can just start? Big match tomorrow for Final Battle, live from the Hammerstein Ballroom! The Franchise Player, Jay Lethal is here, and- Oh now QT shows up. QT says, “What a surprise, Ian. You started without me.” Lethal shoots back, “What a surprise, you’re late.” QT says they run on his time. Uh, the world doesn’t revolve around QT. QT says QT’s world revolves around him.

Ian says the fans are anticipating to this match, a grudge match really. The Franchise Player Jay Lethal VS QT Marshall, and the first question is to Lethal. Lethal has most days as ROH World Champion in that title’s history. How does it feel to return to ROH with Final Battle? Lethal says that’s a bit of a tough question, “How does it feel to return back here?” Lethal thought back on everything he’s accomplished until now, and he credits it to everything he went through in ROH. At the ripe young age of 17, he was in the ring with guys like Samoa Joe, Nigel McGuinness, Bryan Danielson, it is unreal. He should’ve paid money for that.

But to answer that question, what does it feel like? It feels amazing. Ian says the fans were certainly excited, and so were many of the wrestlers. QT was one of the first to put his hat in the ring so to speak when he heard this news. But Lethal’s enthusiasm exactly the same as QT’s, despite all of QT’s mainstream publicity. QT says yeah, it’s disrespectful, isn’t it? Yeah. The fact that QT extended an invite for a match, with all the buzz and the wave of publicity QT is riding. And Lethal says he wanted bigger fish. Lethal wants to explain. He isn’t apologizing, but he is sympathetic, because there is no nice way to say Lethal didn’t wanna wrestle QT.

No wrestler anywhere wants to hear that, and it would’ve stung Lethal if someone had said that. But Lethal is saying, given the opportunity, he wants to be back in the title picture, back in the spotlight, at the top of ROH where he once was. That’s where his head was at. This isn’t personal, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to wrestle QT, he just had sights set on something much bigger, and there’s just no easy way to say that. QT took it too personally. QT didn’t even let Lethal explain, he just got pissed off. QT says yeah, sure.

Ian says some fans might recall that these two met before about 12 years ago, it was Survival of the Fittest 2012. Lethal became a two-time ROH World Champion following that win while QT suffered a neck injury in that tournament. So it must be rather fulfilling for Lethal to return to the Hammerstein while QT- QT stops Ian there. Lethal will say it’s not personal for him, because he’s handed everything. When QT got to ROH in 2012, the talk already was, “Jay Lethal’s the franchise, he’s this, he’s that.” Literally, 17 years old, stuff Lethal should’ve paid for, and he didn’t, he was just handed those moments.

Lethal says he didn’t pay with money but he paid with his body and time. Oh, good that Lethal brought that up. Speaking of paying with his body, it was October 13th, 2012 that QT paid with his. See this scar? They know all about it. Six SCREWS in his neck. That started the trajectory of his career going the wrong way. It was a snowball effect, and no, hear him out. Discs in his neck that needed to be fixed. It wasn’t just physical damage but psychological as he had to handle the stress of living up to the nickname, “God’s Gift to Professional Wrestling.” A nickname the office gave him because he WAS supposed to be the future!

Lethal says hold on! His mentors, guys like Samoa Joe, told Lethal day in and day out that this business isn’t ballet. They step in and out of the injured list all the time. Don’t blame Lethal, and don’t even blame yourself, QT. Don’t use it as a crutch! QT doesn’t use it as a crutch, that’s all the truth. The mental stress caused him to lose his hair! All of his hair! He almost thought his career was over. The fact he was able to stay in the game with a training facility, and how that helped someone finally see what QT has always known was in him. QT got some money, and then he had one of the best glow-ups in pro-wrestling history! QT isn’t bald anymore!

Lethal wants to double check with Ian, is QT trying to say this is actually personal for him? QT says of course it’s personal for him! Lethal says it isn’t for him, and there in lies the conflict. That’s QT’s whole attitude. Did Lethal mean to hurt QT’s neck? No. It was a match, it happened. QT asks if Lethal at least feels bad it happened. What kind of question is that? QT says he cares! When QT hurts Lethal, QT will care! Okay, that Lethal does not care for. Eye for an eye, neck for a neck, is that what QT wants? QT again says physically and mentally. QT stands, Ian wants things to calm down, but Lethal has Ian step aside, Ian doesn’t need to-

QT SUCKER PUNCHES LETHAL! QT has Lethal on the ground from hitting him right in the nose! QT cools off and asks if there are any more questions. Ian says no and QT storms off. Lethal is pissed but his nose might also be broken. QT has made this personal, but will Lethal make him regret that?

BREAKING NEWS for Final Battle: Zero Hour!

The Undisputed Kingdom’s Matt Taven & Mike Bennett will be in action as they take on The Infantry, both teams hoping to move closer to the ROH World Tag Team Championships with a win. Then Harley Cameron “welcomes” Stardom’s Hanako to ROH. Will the “181cm Tall Wonder Tower” feel the WRATH of Harley Cameron? Then after seeing Lee Johnson split even with The Gates of Agony, Kaun & Liona will take on #LEEJ in tag team action! And in a big grudge match, the Grizzled Young Veterans look to make Alex Reynolds & John Silver the butt of the joke! Will the Dark Order learn to #GritYourTeeth?

BREAKING NEWS for Final Battle’s main card!

As if this card wasn’t big enough, we’re adding a fashionable showdown as MXM Collection’s Mansoor takes on CMLL’s Atlantis Jr! Will the Iron Chic strut all over the second generation luchador? Plus, there will be a real hard hitting affair as Katsuyori Shibata takes on Tommy Billington! Will The Wrestler put The Dynamite Kid through the wringer? Plus, that Survival of the Fittest field is filled: Brian Cage will defend against Komander, Mark Davis, AR Fox, Blake Christian and Cage’s long time rival, Willie Mack! Will we finally find an answer to #WhoBetta?

ROH Rewind – Final Battle 2023, ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Billie Starkz!

How time flies. Just last year, we saw the Fallen Goddess and Minion #400,237 & 3/4ths face off, just as they’re about to do in not even 24 hours! Relive how things were, and perhaps see why they’ve turned out the way they have now.

The Code of Honor is skipped, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. Billie and Athena circle, Athena takes a swing but Billie dodges! Billie ROCKS Athena, and then fires off at the ropes! The ref counts, Billie whips, but Athena reverses. Billie ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS but Athena handsprings through! Billie SHOTGUNS Athena down and fans fire up. Athena scowls and stands back up as the fans rally for “WOMEN’S WRESTLING!” Athena and Billie circle again, things speed up, and Billie gest around to tilt-o-whirl sunset. TWO, but Billie EDDY GORDO KICKS! Fans fire up as Athena bails out!

Billie builds speed and DIVES! But Athena deflects enough of it, and then drags Billie up! Athena THROWS Billie into railing, and then THROWS her into more railing! Athena drags Billie up, whips her hard into railing, and Billie falls in a heap! The fans fire up as Athena drags Billie up. Athena SMAKCS Billie off the railing, and again, and again! Athena dribbles Billie, the ring count climbs, but Athena lets off. Athena refreshes the count, then runs back in, DOUBLE KNEES against the railing! “This is MY show!” Athena throws Billie’s own costume pieces around, then storms back to Billie. Athena drags Billie up and POSTS her!

The ref reprimands and tells Athena to let off. Athena says this is what Billie wanted! Athena slides into the ring and waits. The fans cheer and the ref has Athena hold on . The ref checks Billie, Athena says Billie smashed her face so she deserves this! Billie sits up, she’s busted open on her forehead. Athena goes out to SMACK Billie off the desk! Athena digs at the bloody wound then CLUBS her down! “Are you gonna cry, little girl? Are you gonna cry!?” Athena puts Billie in the ring, stomps her down, and the fans are torn. Billie crawls, Athena puts her on ropes and CHOKES her! “This is MY crowd, Billie! This is MY crowd!”

Athena tells the ref to back off, then she kicks Billie around. The fans rally as Athena drags Billie around. Billie throws body shots, Athena kicks and knees low! Athena whip Billie to a corner, back body block! Athena runs in to ROCK Billie with a right! The fans fire up, Athena snapmares and then handspring KNEE DROP! The fans fire up and Athena storms around. Athena stalks Billie, and clamps on a neck wrench! Athena fishhooks Billie to make her smile, but the ref counts. Athena SMACKS Billie off the mat, then drags her up. Athena fishhooks again, and CLUBS Billie in the chest! The fans are torn as Billie writhes.

Athena drags Billie up, fans want that “One More Time!” Billie pushes to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Athena CLUBS away on Billie and fans fire up! Athena roars and Billie flounders to the apron. Athena goes out after Billie as the fans rally. Athena runs up to basement dropkick! Billie sputters, Athena shouts, “You think this is a game? HUH!?” Athena CLUBS Billie then shoves her down! Fans fire up while Billie flounders. Athena storms out, drags Billie up, and stands on that bad arm! Billie endures, the ref reprimands and counts and Athena SNAPS the fingers as she lets off! Athena CLAWS Billie’s back as she drags her up to the apron.

Athena stands Billie up, and Billie ROCKS Athena! And ROCKS her again! And again! The fans fire up as Billie fires more shots, but Athena catches her, APRON SIDE EFFECT! Athena shoves Billie in, covers, TWO! Billie is still in this but Athena scowls. Athena stalks Billie, brings her up, and hoists her to the top rope backwards. Athena puts Billie in a Tree of Woe to KICK and KICK and KICK! The fans duel, Athena is furious, but Billie KICKS from upside-down! And then Billie spins Athena around, snap suplex into buckles! The fans fire up again as Athena and Billie slowly rise. Athena has Billie, Billie rolls her up, TWO!

Billie gets up, Athena rolls her up, TWO! Both stand, Billie dodges, but then Athena wrenches! Billie blocks the kick, Athena ducks a kick! Billie goes Matrix then full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous as Billie crawls to a cover, TWO!! The fans rally up, Billie hobbles after Athena, and Billie gets the legs. Billie YANKS Athena up, Athena lands on her feet and HEADBUTTS! That was double-edged for Athena but the fans rally up. Athena storms up on Billie, drags her up, and UPPERCUTS! Billie ends up in a corner, Athena whips corner to corner, then runs in to UPPERCUT! Billie goes up but Athena blocks the boots. Billie REBOUND KICKS!

The fans fire up and Billie hurries out to the apron. Billie goes up, to SLINGSHOT HANDSPRING SPEAR!! Billie drags Athena up by her mask and peels it away! Athena is without protection and the fans fire up as Billie gives ground ‘n’ pound! Billie roars, but Athena scrambles away. The ref gets on Billie’s bad side, and she runs to LARIAT Athena! And LARIAT again! Then wrench, Cravat KNEE SMASH, and HEEL KICK! Billie goes up, but Athena crawls away. Billie hops down, steps on Athena and goes to the other corner. Billie goes up, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and Billie is stunned!

The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” and Billie refocuses. Athena flops out of the ring, but Billie builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit and right into the railing! The fans are thunderous again as Billie roars! Billie gets Athena up, and runs her to THROW her into railing! Athena writhes, Billie enjoys the taste of her own blood, and she paces. Athena flounders, Billie runs in, but Athena dodges the knee! The knee hits railing, and then Athena runs in, SHOTGUN into the railing! Billie goes down in another heap, and Athena clears the desk! Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman scoot back as far as they can, and she even disrespects Caprice’s coffee.

Athena refreshes the ring count, fetches Billie, and drags her over to the table. Athena puts Billie on the table, climbs up onto it, and the fans fire up. “You will NEVER have what is mine! You hear me?!” Athena SLAPS Billie, SLAPS her again, then reels her in! But Billie resists the suplex! Fans fire up as Billie turns things around, but now Athena fights! Billie throws body shots, and she suplexes Athena to the floor!! The fans lose their minds as Billie then gets Athena up, to snap suplex her onto the desk hood! The fans fire up for crazy-eyed Billie as she puts Athena in! Cover, TWO!! Billie can’t believe it but the fans are thunderous again!

Athena flounders, Billie stomps away on her, then Athena flops to the outside again. Billie pursues, brings her around, but Athena fireman’s carries! Billie slips free, and throws Athena by her hair! Billie puts Athena in the ring, Athena rolls all the way out the other side, and fans boo. Billie is annoyed, but she storms out after Athena. Athena makes it to railing, and Billie DUMPS her over! Billie then throws the protective pads at Athena, to then bring Athena up. Athena blocks to SMACK Billie off the railing! Athena climbs up onto the railing, brings Billie up to join her, and fans fire up for the SUPER SLING-DOG to the floor!

The ref checks both women and they’re both somehow still in this! Athena drags Billie up, puts her in the ring, and storms in after her. Athena drags Billie up, Electric Chair Lifts, and then goes up a corner?! Fans are worried what’s going on here, Athena hits a SUPER COYT’S WRATH!! Cover, TWO!?! Billie survives and Athena is shocked! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Athena drags Billie by her legs, but Billie BOOTS Athena, into the ref!! Athena CLOBBERS Billie, covers, and would’ve won by now! Athena can’t help but laugh, and then she calls to Lexi?

Athena wants Lexi to bring the belt, but Lexi is hesitant. “Lexi! BRING MY BELT!” Lexi says okay but like, Athena doesn’t need to do “that” to Billie, does she? Athena says she doesn’t care who she’s facing, just give her the belt! Lexi still hesitates, then hands the belt over. But Billie’s up, and she SHOTGUNS Athena into her own belt!! And then Billie tucks Athena in, STAR TEN!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Athena survives Billie’s best shot and Billie can’t believe it! The fans are electric, and “This is Awesome!” Billie drags Athena up again, puts her in the ropes and CLUBS away on her! Athena fights back, and she drags Billie to the apron!

“This is MY move!” Athena CLUBS away on Billie now! Athena swings again, but Billie waistlocks! Athena fights, holds onto ropes, and she runs to POST Billie! Fans fire up, Athena cheers herself, and she climbs up the corner. Athena aims, but Billie gets her for an Electric Chair Lift! APRON ONE WINGED ANGEL?!?! Billie is looking like The Cleaner after that one!! Athena is down on the ground but Billie has to get her in the ring to win this! Billie hears the count climbing, and then goes out at 7. Billie drags Athena up, dead weight as she is, and gets Athena in the ring. Billie pushes Athena from the ropes and the fans rally up.

Billie goes up a corner, the fans fire up, Billie SWANTON BOMBS but FLOPS as Athena moves! Athena rises, runs in, BAYONET FOREARM!! But both women fall over!! The fans are thunderous again, and Athena crawls. The fans cheer “ROH! ROH!” for giving them this main event, and a standing count starts. We’re at 5 of 10, Billie stirs and reaches for Athena. Athena crawls her way over, both women rise at 8, and the ref leaves it at that. Athena eggs Billie on and then ROCKS her! Billie ROCKS Athena! The forearms go back and forth, Athena gets the edge but then Billie gets it! Athena CHOPS, Billie CHOPS, repeat!

Athena CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Billie ducks one to ROCK Athena! Billie runs, but Athena reels her in, BLINDSIDE SHOT! Canadian Rack, DESPICABLE KNEES! Cover, ONE?!?! WHAT?!? Athena is about to tear out her own hair over that! The fans are cheering Billie on and Athena tells them to shut up! Athena drags Billie up for Kawada Kicks! And a SUPERKICK! Billie flops back, Athena goes up. Athena grins as Billie rises, O- NO!! Billie waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! Billie comes back, PENALTY KICK! And then a flip and tuck, for STAR- NO, Athena kicks free, trips and flips Billie, and reels her in!

Athena tucks Billie’s arms, but Billie fights her own move! Billie back drops, Athena sunset flips, but Billie sits down! TWO!! Both women hurry to their feet, Athena hammerlocks and tucks, roll and KOJI KLUTCH!!! Billie endures, reaches out, but QUITS! Athena wins!!

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

In 2023, Billie could not best the best champion in ROH history. But in 2024, Billie is about to blow. The champion and challenger have a tag match together still to come, will things implode before another Final Battle?

Athena & Billie Starkz VS Missa Kate & Blair Onyx!

Well speaking of that tag match, here it is. We just saw how tough these two fought each other, but will they fight hard together for at least one more night?

The Code of Honor is kept and teams sort out. Athena tells Billie to go on out so Billie does as told. The bell rings, Athena and Kate circle, but then Athena gives Billie an almost chop like tag. Athena now says for Billie to get in the ring and fight, so Billie circles with Kate. The fans rally for Billie as she and Kate tie up. Billie waistlocks, Kate switches, but Billie bucks the O’Conner. Billie deflects the boot to then GERMAN SUPLEX! Kate flounders, Billie throws off her armbands, but Onyx tags in. Onyx runs up, whips Billie to a corner, then runs up, but she blocks boots! Billie comes back with the ENZIGIRI and the RANA!

The fans fire up and Billie smiles. Billie storms up on Onyx to stomp away in the corner! The ref counts, Billie lets off, but Athena pushes her. Athena doesn’t want Billie getting them disqualified! Billie says she wasn’t, the ref reprimands Athena but Athena tells him not to tell her what to do! Onyx slips away to tag in Kate, and Kate runs up to spin Billie around! Arm-drag! SUPERKICK! Cover, ONE!! Billie is tougher than that but Kate drags Billie up. Tag to Onyx and she clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Tag back to Kate and Onyx scoops her to SLAM her onto Billie! Kate covers, TWO! Kate is frustrated, but so is Athena.

Kate tags Onyx, they drag Billie up and double whip. Billie ducks ‘n’ dodges, Athena tags in before the DOUBLE LARIATS! Billie poses, but then Athena brings her around and THROWS her at Kate & Onyx! The fans cheer the teamwork, and Athena SUPERKICKS Onyx! Athena brings Billie around again, SUPERKICKS Kate, then Athena suplexes Billie! GOURD BUSTER SPLASH onto Onyx! SAIDO on Kate! Athena hooks Billie up in the Reverse Gory Especial, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM for Billie onto Kate! Athena then drags Onyx down with a cradle catch, and SLIDING FOREARM! Then SNAKE BITE!! Onyx TAPS, Billie & Athena win!

Winners: Athena & Billie Starkz, by submission

Athena cheers herself on as always, but Billie gets out of there with Athena’s belt! Athena asks what’s going on, and then she sees Billie holding onto the spinner belt! Billie says come and get it, “Boss.” Then she RIPS OFF the spinner sticker, and THRASHES the belt around!! Billie CHUCKS the belt at steel steps, and Athena is furious! Athena storms out but Billie DECKS her! They brawl, the fans fire up, and the ref tries to stop this! Security runs in and pulls these two apart, but Billie DECKS the one, then DECKS the other! But Athena BOOTS Billie down! The fans boo but the Fallen Goddess has fury in her eyes!

Athena pulls at her hair in anger, and then she looms over Billie. Athena drags Billie up, and RAMS her into barriers! Athena rains down fists on Billie, more security hurries out here, but Athena DECKS that guy! The fans boo more but Athena stalks Billie to the steel steps. Athena RAMS Billie into the side again and again! Billie is a ragdoll but Athena shouts, “This could’ve been different! This is what you wanted?!” Athena puts the belt in place, that exposed spinner now a dangerous spike! Athena SMACKS Billie off the belt!! Athena storms off, shouts at the ref, and the fans boo even more. Will Athena make sure Billie is never ROH Women’s World Champion?

ROH shares Chris Jericho’s GCW sneak attack.

The Learning Tree made sure to record a message after he left the venue. “Well, Matt Cardona, like I said last week, you’re getting everything that you ever wanted. Man, you got a lot of bravery. You’ve got some balls, Matt, I appreciate that, I respect it. But you made a big mistake because you forgot who you’re dealing with.” The Nueve then stormed into the building, right into the ring, and he used Floyd the Baseball Bat to CRACK Cardona right in the head! “I always get my man, Matt Cardona. It doesn’t have to be in AEW. It doesn’t have to be on Dynamite or Rampage or ROH, Collision. It can be anywhere.

“Never turn your back on Chris Jericho. That doesn’t just count in AEW, that counts anywhere worldwide. You are the King of the Indies, congratulations. But I think you might’ve bit off more than you can chew when you wanted to challenge Chris Jericho. So there you go. Fans worldwide now know how high the stakes are. Matt Cardona, I will follow you around the world. Thankfully, next Friday at Final Battle, December 20th in the Hammerstein Ballroom in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, your quest comes to an end. That’s the difference between The Nueve, between a nine-time world champion, and you, Matt Cardona.

“It’s time for The King to retain his crown, in his castle known as the Hammerstein Ballroom. Thanks, Matt.” The Learning Tree has escalated things with Cardona, but will he get his comeuppance?

8 Man Tag: The Dark Order & The Kingdom VS Grizzled Young Veterans & Shane Taylor Promotions!

This is practically a Final Battle All-Star match with how we’re going to see many of these men face each other tomorrow night. But will Evil Uno being in the mix be the change needed to tip the scales in their favor? Or will Zack Gibson, James Drake, Lee Moriarty and Bad Boy Shaney T. team them to #GritYourTeeth as they #RumbleBadManRumble?

The teams sort out and Reynolds steps up to Liverpool’s Number One. The Code of Honor is waived, the bell rings, and the two tie up. Reynolds waistlocks but Gibson wrenches to a wristlock. Reynolds rolls, handsprings and WRINGS Gibson. Gibson kicks Reynolds away but the two reset. They tie up again, Gibson headlocks, and Reynolds powers up and out. Gibson runs Reynolds over, things get moving, and Reynolds hurdles. Gibson whips Reynolds away but Reynolds ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Reynolds handsprings to show off and the fans cheer. Reynolds wrenches Gibson, tags Uno, but Gibson slips away.

Uno dares Gibson to bring it but Gibson says Uno needs to stop wasting his time on the Dark Order. Lee Moriarty tags in and he grins as he circles with Uno. They tie up, go around, and Lee wrenches to hammerlock. Uno reaches back, wrenches out, and full nelsons. Uno spins Lee to hammerlock, but Lee squats, uses the British escape, and then he cravats. Uno endures the neck wrench, spins through, and then headlocks. Lee powers up and out but Uno whips. Lee RAMS Uno but Uno rebounds to CLOBBER Lee! The fans fire up with Uno and he runs. Lee stays low, hurdles, then hip tosses! Lee keeps moving, SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!

Lee keeps on Uno with a wristlock and wrench. Uno breaks free and CHOPS Lee down! The fans cheer and Uno brings Lee up. Uno says boots up, and the whole corner puts their feet on the buckle. Uno brings Lee in, TRIPLE BOOT BUMP! Tag to Reynolds and Uno feeds Lee to Reynolds’ BOOT, then Uno adds a JAWBREAKER! BACKBREAKER then DDT! Cover, TWO! James Drake was also there but the ref has him back off. Reynolds tags Bennett and they mug Lee. Bennett wrenches Lee’s arm to wristlock but Lee breaks free! Lee throat chops! The fans boo but Lee facelocks. Lee brings Bennett over, but Drake tags in!

Lee is a bit upset but he still works with Drake to mug Bennett. Drake ROCKS Bennett but Bennett CHOPS Drake! And CHOPS! Drake headlocks, Bennett powers up and out, but Drake ducks ‘n’ dodges! But Bennett gets Drake with a THESZ PRESS! Bennett rains down fists but Drake pushes him away! Bennett tags in Taven then goes after Drake. Drake dodges but Taven reels him in! GOURD BUSTER! Bennett adds a BOSTON BAYONET! Taven covers, TWO! Taven hurries to get Drake up for the CLI- NO! Drake powers out, but Gibson takes a swing! The ref reprimands, Taven headlocks Drake, but Gibson tags in as Drake powers out.

Drake drops, Gibson hurdles, GYV bypass Taven to DOUBLE LARIAT! Drake KICKS Taven on his way out, and Gibson brings Taven up to DECK him! The fans rally for Taven but Gibson tags Shane. They mug Taven, but Taven CHOPS Shane! And CHOPS! But Shane ducks to HEADBUTT! Shane keeps Taven up to reel him in and URENAGE! The fans boo but Shane runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Shane drags Taven up and puts him in a corner. Shane smothers Taven but Taven fires haymakers! The ref counts but Shane CHOPS! Taven sputters but Shane brings him over, tag to Lee.

STP mugs Taven in the corner, the ref counts but Lee lets off. Lee sneaks mule kicks while the ref reprimands him, but then the ref has to keep Bennett & The Dark Order from storming in. Lee mockingly claps at them all, then he does a dance before going back to Taven. Tag to Shane, STP mugs Taven more, and then Shane digs his knee in. The ref counts, Taven endures, and Shane lets off. Shane sucker punches Uno! Reynolds is mad but the ref holds him back. Shane drags Taven back to the STP/GYV corner, tag to Gibson. They mug Taven, and Gibson brings Taven up to pull hair. The ref reprimands but Gibson UPPERCUTS Taven down!

Gibson sucker punches Reynolds! The fans boo but Gibson goes back to Taven. Taven fires body shots! Gibson KNEES Low, then brings Taven up for a suplex! Taven slips free, and HEEL KICKS Gibson down! The fans fire up as Taven crawls, but Drake tags in! Drake has the legs, but Taven ENZIGIRIS! Hot tag to Bennett! Lee tags in, but Bennett dodges to BLAST Shane! Bennett CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS Lee! Drake storms up but Bennett puts him in the corner, MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Gibson runs up but Bennett adds him to the corner! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up as Bennett tops it off with another CHOP!

Bennett short arm LARIATS Gibson, then hits a SPINEBUSTER on Drake! Bennett fireman’s carries Lee for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, Shane breaks it! The fans boo but Bennett kicks. Shane blocks to KNEE in return! Uno is in to ROCK Shane! Shane shakes his head but Uno fires more shots! Shane JABS then whips, but Uno ducks ‘n’ dodges! Uno BOOTS Shane down and the fans fire up! But Lee storms in, spin and THE SLASH! But Reynolds POP-UP KNEES Lee! Gibson waistlocks Reynolds, Reynolds switches, but Gibson powers him back into a corner! Drake runs up, Gibson moves, SPLASH for Reynolds!

Gibson comes back, LARIAT for Reynolds! Feed to Drake’s WHEEL KICK! The Kingdom is back, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for GYV! Shane runs up to DOUBLE LARIAT The Kingdom! Uno returns, Shane runs up, but Uno DUMPS Shane out! Lee runs up, Uno says STOP! HAYMAKER!! Reynolds gets Lee up, Uno helps him, they REBOUND BACK SUPLEX, and DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans fire up with the Dark Order, but GYV mugs Silver! They send him into steel steps! The fans boo but Reynolds DIVES onto Gibson! Reynolds HAMMERS away on Gibson, but Drake goes after Reynolds!

Uno goes out and now Dark Order brawls with GYV, big preview of tomorrow night! These teams go brawling up the ramp, that means we go from 4v4 to 2v2! Taven runs up on Shane but is sent into railing! Shane BLINDSIDE FOREARMS Bennett! Shane says Boston doesn’t amount to nothing! Shane shoves Bennett, Bennett rolls through and then he dodges the lariat! BOSTON BAYONET!! Shane falls and Bennett goes to Lee! Bennett reels Lee in but Lee wrenches, cravat, cradle, with ropes!! GYV & STP WIN!!

Winners: Grizzled Young Veterans & Shane Taylor Promotions, by pinfall

Taven was right there to see all of that! The Kingdom knows that #TAIGASTYLE doesn’t play fair, but will Lee Moriarty still be Pure after Final Battle?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH, and while it was two hours, that was because they gave us the epic ROH Women’s World Championship match from last year in its entirety. And after that tag squash match tune-up from Athena & Billie, we got a great bit for the go-home math. Billie made it clear to Athena that they are not pretending to fight, and ripping off the spinner sticker was a great way to do that. Athena of course stood tall because as I am guessing, Billie will win and finally be world champion, letting Athena go off to WrestleDynasty to win the International Women’s Cup and use that to then segue to an AEW Women’s World Championship match in 2025.

Good stuff in Lee VS Kaun, and that win helps set up LEE-J VS Gates of Agony, which is still happening just because. I’m sure we’ll see teams build themselves up to challenge for the ROH World Tag Team Championships, but it feels like we’ll need a lot of that. Very good promo from The Righteous attacking Dustin and rubbing it in Sammy’s face. Though, it’s not like there wasn’t already heat on their match, so not sure it was needed. I feel like this is their go-home math telegraphing Dustin & Sammy will win tomorrow and move on to some other team. Very good match from Murder Machines VS Iron Savages, and I feel like Archer & Cage could be the next contenders to the tag titles. Cage is in that Survival of the Fittest match, and it could be the best way to get the TV title off him.

Very good 8 Man Tag main event to build momentum going into Final Battle. Good win for the Heels, which may or may not mean GYV beats Dark Order. Lee Moriarty had a good promo to hype up his Open Challenge, I can’t wait to see who shows up. Good promo from Leyla Hirsch and Red Velvet for their match, which feels it can go either way. Great stuff from Serpentico and Sidney Akeem, formerly known as Scrypts/Reggie. I would’ve covered that if I had more time, but it was an example that Sidney could’ve still done so much in the WWE if they’d found a story or character that’d work for him. Though being weighed down by “He’s Reggie!” was a lot to be saddled with.

Good promo from Lethal and QT to really turn up the heat for their match. Lethal VS QT is going to be some good stuff, can’t wait to see it. And very good promo from Jericho with bits of his GCW attack included. Jericho VS Cardona also has some more heat on it now, but I can’t be sure if this really changes the outcome. Jericho’s thing is still getting ROH that cable deal, so he might hold onto the title until then.

My Score: 8.7/10