Will ROH belong to the Death Riders?

Former ROH Pure Champion, Wheeler Yuta, is back on Honor Club! But will he prove himself worthy of another title opportunity?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Wheeler Yuta VS Matt Mako; Yuta wins.
• Trish Adora w/ The Infantry VS Rachael Ellering; Trish wins.
• Cole Karter & Griff Garrison VS The Dark Order; Karter & Garrison win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Sons of Texas VS MXM Collection & The Premier Athletes; The Sons of Texas win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Wheeler Yuta VS Matt Mako!

The former ROH Pure Champion, the ONLY three-time Pure Champion, makes his return to Honor Club and is in no mood to play around. The Death Riders are desperately clinging to THE AEW World Championship, as seen just last night on Dynamite. Will Yuta use this match as a warm-up for his Collision with “Powerhouse” Hobbs? Or will “Weapon X” have quite the W under his belt?

The Code of Honor is not upheld and Yuta circles with Mako. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Yuta rolls back to wrench and wrangle Mako. The fans duel, “Let’s Go, Yuta!” “YUTA SUCKS!” Mako fights up, Yuta waistlocks, but Mako switches. Yuta ELBOWS free, wrenches and wristlocks, but Mako rolls, spins, and traps a leg. Mako rolls to drag Yuta down into body scissors! Yuta fights off the sleeper so Mako shifts to the ARMBAR! Yuta fights around, stacks Mako, and then steps on Mako’s face! Yuta digs his heel in, the ref reprimands, and Yuta steps off. Yuta kicks Mako around while the fans duel more.

Yuta CHOPS Mako to a corner, then snap suplexes! And ELBOW DROP! Mako sputters, the fans boo, but Yuta soaks it all up. Yuta drags Mako up to scoop and SLAM! Mako writhes, Yuta SENTONS! Yuta cheers himself on but the fans still boo. Yuta ties Mako’s legs up in an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Mako bridges to alleviate pressure and Yuta sarcastically compliments it. Yuta then shows off his own bridge! Mako endures and Yuta flips off the fans! Yuta stands back up, but Mako fires a forearm! And another! Yuta CLAWS Mako’s face! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Yuta claims Mako bit him!

Yuta stalks Mako to a corner, CHOPS him, and then brings Mako around. Yuta whips, ELBOWS, and then taunts Mako. Yuta scuffs Mako, taunts him, but Mako frowns. The fans rally for Mako and he CHOPS! The fans fire up, and Mako fires off a strike fest! Mako BOOTS, Yuta rewinds, and Yuta slips around to SNAP GERMAN! Mako goes to a corner, Yuta runs in, and Yuta ELBOWS! Then a wrench and PAIN THRILLER! Yuta mockingly claps but the fans boo. Fans rally up as Mako sputters, but Yuta taunts him. Mako slowly rises up, and he clinches! Yuta turns that to a cravat and snapmare! Mako endures, but Yuta grinds him into the mat.

The fans rally, Mako fights up, and Mako fires body shots! Yuta KNEES low, headlocks, but Mako SAIDOS free! Both men are down and the fans rally up! A standing count starts but Yuta sits up at 2, then stands at 3. But Mako KICKS, SOBATS, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up as Mako goes for the full nelson! Yuta breaks it, but then fights the straitjacket! Yuta goes to ropes, Mako O’Conner Rolls and CHAOS THEORY into the ARMBAR!! Yuta clasps hands but Mako breaks the grip! ARMBAR, but Yuta rolls free! Mako runs up, Yuta ducks the roundhouse, BUSAIKU KNEE!! The fans boo but Yuta roars!

Yuta clamps onto Mako and rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Mako is a ragdoll, but Yuta still puts on CATTLE MUTILATION!! Mako taps, Yuta wins!

Winner: Wheeler Yuta, by submission

Yuta could’ve easily just left it to the knockout knee, or even those elbows, but he wanted to send a message. Will Yuta fight his way to a fourth ROH Pure Championship reign? Or will he settle for tearing down the Powerhouse at Beach Break?

ROH hears from Tom Lawlor and Josh Woods.

“Filthy” Tom says the first time he heard the name “Josh Woods” was 2011, Woods’ first year wrestling at UCF. And honestly, he heard it was a stud following in Tom’s footsteps. Tom admits, he was a little jealous of Woods then. But there’s one thing Woods can’t do, and that’s fight harder than Tom. The Technical Beast says he sees a guy like Tom, an incredible athlete. Woods’ coach was a teammate of Tom’s and would always make these little verbal jabs. “Tom wouldn’t quit, Tom wouldn’t get tired.” Woods dug deeper, trained harder, trained longer to no longer get those comparisons. Woods didn’t want the comparison, he wanted to be himself.

Tom says you look at the accolades, the credentials, the sequel is never as good as the original. Tom was UCF, Woods was UCF, they both became champions. Tom became a professional fighter, Woods wanted to do that, but took a different path. But now they’re both in pro-wrestling, except Woods did it first and in his opinion, does it better. Tom has trained with Woods on the mats, in the cage, and now Tom has been compared to Woods for the past 15 years of his life. Woods became NCAA champion, Woods became an MMA fighter, except look who did those first! Tom Lawlor!

Woods says they were friends, they were teammates, they’ve traveled together. This isn’t personal, this is business. Woods has been in AEW for three years now, doing everything right, waiting for opportunities, and nailed everything. But none of it has worked. So sorry, Tom, but you’re just the next opportunity. Tom says he’s a dog, Woods doesn’t have that bite. Saturday, May 24th, at the Dean Rasmussen tribute show, everyone will see who really has the goods!

Trish Adora w/ The Infantry VS Rachael Ellering!

The Afropunk and the Queen of Strong Smile have been away for a bit, but after hearing about the Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, they had to come back. Will a win here go a long way towards one of them joining the bracket?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally. Trish and Rachael tie up, are in a deadlock, and they go along the ropes. They end up in a corner and Trish rolls her eyes as the ref counts. Trish lets go, but Rachael storms right up on her for another tie up! Rachael powers Trish to the far corner, but she lets off, only for Trish to headlock! Rachael powers up but Trish holds on. Trish gives Rachael a little noogie, but Rachael puts her on the ropes. The ref counts, Trish turns things around, but Rachael turns it back. Rachael whips Trish, then goes the other way! They run the ropes like in training, then Rachael drops down and UPPERCUTS!

The fans fire up and Trish is a bit dazed. Rachael brings her up to WRING the arm! Trish clutches her arm but Rachael runs to basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The Infantry is annoyed on Trish’s behalf but Rachael mocks their finger guns. Rachael fireman’s carries but Trish fights it! Rachael still tries but Trish rains down elbows! Trish wrenches and PELES the arm! Trish goes for that arm and WRINGS Rachael out! The fans rally and duel, the Infantry tell the haters to shut up, but Trish has plenty of fans. Trish slaps Rachael’s arm to the rhythm, then drags her up. Trish wrenches, hammerlocks, and she RAMS Rachael into buckles!

Trish then ARM-DRAGS Rachael, and she pushes Rachael down to a cover. TWO, and the fans rally up. Carlie & Captain Dean coach Trish to keep on Rachael. Trish reels Rachael in for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect and Trish grows frustrated. Trish stalks Rachael, full nelsons, but Rachael breaks free to waistlock. Trish switches, Rachael ELBOWS her, then ROCKS her! And UPPER- NO, Trish hooks her to a backslide! Rachael rolls through but into LARIAT TUBMAN!! Cover, Trish wins!

Winner: Trish Adora, by pinfall

It didn’t need to be technical, but it was still clean! No flaws in the game plan, will Shane Taylor Promotions soon have both ROH Pure Championships?

Red Velvet speaks.

“Everyone keeps talking about the Pure Women’s Title. Uh, I’m sorry, did I get canceled? Let’s not worry about a title no one has won yet. What we should be worrying about is: Who is winning? Up here I’ve been winning, I’ve been winning everywhere. As a matter of fact, I can even win in Mexico! Just ask La Catalina who’s been winning. I put the R in ROH. I put the V in TV champion! And I will continue to show that each and every night. I think I’m gonna deliver some cake, too. I’m gonna drive a car, I’ll fly a plane, I’ll even deliver it special, hand made, to anyone’s front door. You know why? Because I show up, I show out, and I stir it up.”

The Chef is ready to serve a fresh batch of L’s, but who will step up and get served?

Cole Karter & Griff Garrison w/ The Frat House VS The Dark Order!

Win or lose, they booze. But they also like to punk out pledges and look down on pretty much everyone else that isn’t in their fraternity. But will Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds show it is all about quality, not quantity? Or will the Diamond in the Rough and the Ivy League MVP show size matters?

The teams sort out, but Jacked Jameson seems to give this week’s pledges some instructions. Karter and Reynolds step up, they keep the Code of Honor, and the bell rings. They circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Reynolds wrenches but Karter ROCKS him! Karter CLUBS him, then ROCKS Alex again. Karter whips, Reynolds reverses, but Karter KICKS him away! Karter taunts Uno and the fans boo, but Reynolds LARIATS Karter down! The fans fire up and Reynolds rains down fists! Reynolds stands Karter up to UPPERCUT, then UPPERCUTS again! Reynolds whips, Karter reverses, but Reynolds ducks ‘n’ dodges.

Karter scoops but Reynolds slips free to waistlock. Karter goes to ropes and Griff tags in as Karter bucks the O’Conner Roll. Reynolds stands, Karter throws hands, and then Griff BOOTS Reynolds down! Griff BLASTS Uno for good measure and the fans boo. The Frat boys reel Reynolds in, but Uno saves him from the double suplex! The Dark Order SMACK Karter & Griff, then we get stereo swivels, and stereo NECKBREAKERS! Uno hustles back to the corner, tags in, and he climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, and Uno goes all the way to eight, then hits nine, then ten, then ELEVEN! The fans cheer, and Uno reels Griff in!

Uno suplexes, and stalls for ONE before the SLAM! Cover, ONE!! Griff toughs it out but the fans rally up. Uno CHOPS Griff, then whips, only for Griff to reverse. Vance trips Uno up! Uno swings on the former Number 10, but then Griff runs in. Uno TOSSES Griff out onto Vance! The fans cheer, Uno builds speed, but Karter trips Uno! The fans boo as Karter drags Uno out and LARIATS! Karter soaks up the heat, puts Uno in the ring, and Griff rolls in. Griff tags Karter, the Frat mugs Uno, and Karter suplexes! Cover, TWO! Karter drags Uno up, bumps him off buckles, and he tags Griff. The mugging continues and the ref reprimands.

Griff brings Uno around, whips and ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! Uno stays in this and the fans rally. Griff drags Uno to the ropes and CHOKES him! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Griff stops at 4. Vance mockingly asks Uno, “What do you say?” Uno swipes at Vance, but Griff CLUBS Uno. Tag to Karter, but Uno fights back with forearms and elbows! The fans fire up but the Frat keeps Uno back! They sends him into the corner, then taunt Reynolds. Karter runs up and SPLASHES! Griff runs up and BOOTS! Then Griff feeds Uno to Karter’s DROPKICK! Cover, Reynolds breaks it! And ROCKS Griff!

The ref reprimands and backs Reynolds off. Griff taunts Reynolds, Karter CLUBS Uno, and Uno bails out. The pledges mug Uno! The fans boo but they put Uno back in the ring. Karter CLUBS Uno, bumps him off buckles, and tags Griff. The Frat continues to mug Uno, then Griff runs in, but into a BOOT! Uno ELBOWS Karter, TOSSES Griff out, and then he BOOTS Karter for a DDT! The fans fire up while Uno and Karter are down! Uno crawls, the fans rally, but Griff is back. Griff anchors a foot, but Uno kicks him away! Hot tag to Reynolds! The fans fire up as Reynolds dodges Griff, BOOTS Karter, and then dodges Griff!

Griff runs into Karter, Reynolds comes back to ELBOW Griff! Then Reynolds runs to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Reynolds LARIATS Karter up and out! Griff is back but Reynolds dodges to DROPKICK! Reynolds kips up, the fans fire up, and Reynolds runs to DIVE! Down goes Karter into the railing! The fans fire up and Reynolds hurries up. But the Frat distracts the ref so the Pledges can drag Reynolds down! But Reynolds dodges their double lariat, and Uno runs in with DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up and Reynolds climbs! DIVING STOMPS to the back! Griff writhes, Reynolds tags Uno, and the fans fire up more!

Uno reels Griff in, Gory Especial, and Reynolds jumps up, GORY CODE BREAKER!! Jameson distracts the ref, Vance drags Reynolds out and TOSSES him! Uno is furious, but Karter has the paddle! Uno takes the paddle from him! The ref sees the paddle, he and Uno tug-o-war over it and Uno gives it up. Uno explains it was The Frat! But speaking of, Jameson argues with the ref, and Vance DISCUS LARIATS!! Griff covers, the fans boo, but the Frat House wins!

Winners: The Frat House, by pinfall

When it’s 6v2, of course the Frat House wins. Did The Pledges earn their place on the team? Will the Dark Order ever return to former glory?

BREAKING NEWS for Collision!

Beach Break is only getting bigger as ROH World Champion, Bandido, joins forces with Brody King and NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, Tomohiro Ishii, against their common enemies in the Don Callis Family! Will the Most Wanted, the King of Death and the Stone Pitbull stand tall in Chicago? Or will Lance Archer, Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta win big for the family?

8 Man Tag: The Sons of Texas VS MXM Collection & The Premier Athletes!

Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara may be battling CRU on Collision for a chance at the AEW World Tag Team Championships, but they still need to be wary of everyone coming for the ROH World and Six Man Tag Team Championships. But will Dustin, Sammy & The Von Erichs handle their business? Or will this rather eclectic combination grab up some golden tickets?

And of course, Mark Sterling has to talk… “Alright, Bobby, quiet down, hit the bricks, I’ll take it from here. Everyone knows Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese, and we are the Premier Athletes!” The fans boo, but Sterling tells the fans that we’re here in the “Big D.” But judging from the people in the crowd, this is more like the Small D. Mansoor & Mason laugh at that inappropriate comment, but Sterling says all they need tonight is the tip! So they will ask MXM and all the fans here to join in on the pregame cheers. When he says, “Athletes,” you say, “Rule,” nothing else. “Hands in, boys. Ohh…! ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Gottee!

Sterling’s inability to learn from his mistakes continues, and now the Sons of Texas make their entrance! The teams sort out and the fans already fire up for Sammy and Dustin. In the end, Marshall Von Erich starts against Daivari, and they tie up. Daivari pulls hair to put Marshall in the corner, tags to Nese, and the Athletes mug Marshall! They stop to shout, “ATHLETES!” The fans shout, “SUCK!” Nese is annoyed and he UPPERCUTS Marshall! Tag to Mason, he tags Mansoor, and MXM double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then POSE! The fans are torn, but then MXM tip touch and DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Mansoor covers, TWO!

Mansoor drags Marshall up to ROCK him and CHOP him! Mansoor whips Marshall but Marshall reverses. Marshall BACKDROPS Mansoor, tags Ross, and sends Ross in at the corner. Ross BOOTS Mansoor, Marshall LARIATS, then snapmare for Ross’ PENALTY KICK! Marshall hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Ross covers, TWO! Ross brings Mansoor over, tags Sammy, and Sammy KICKS Mansoor in the side! The fans cheer as Sammy whips, hurdles, backflips, and DROPKICKS! Sammy kips up and the fans cheer more. Sammy takes a bow, then he POSES! Sammy points to Dustin and the fans fire up more!

Sammy wrenches Mansoor, points again, but Mansoor kicks low! Mansoor sucker punches Dustin, blows a kiss to the fans, but Sammy blocks a kick. Sammy FLIPS Mansoor and Mansoor lands on his stomach! Mansoor flounders while Sammy tags Ross. Ross brings Mansoor around, whips, but Mansoor reverses, only to claim arm pain. This distracts the ref so Sterling can trip Ross up! Ross grabs at Mark but Mason grabs Ross! Mason drags Ross through the ropes, the ref has to keep Marshall back now, and Mansoor uses this opening to hit a DRAPING SENTON to the apron! The fans boo but Mansoor poses, and Mason stomps Ross!

Mansoor tags Daivari, he puts Ross in, and Daivari stomps Ross. Daivari throws KNEE after KNEE into Ross, then clamps on a chinlock. Ross endures, the fans rally, and Sterling tries to get an “Athletes Rule!” going, only for the fans to shout back, “ATHLETES SUCK!” Ross fights up, fires body shots, then he KICKS! But Daivari CLAWS Ross’ face! Daivari turns Ross for a NECKBREAKER! Daivari goes up, up, and “ATHLETES!” FLOP!! The fans fire up as Daivari’s “Magic Carpet Ride” crashes ‘n’ burns! Daivari and Ross crawl for their corners, hot tags to Nese and Dustin! Detroit fires up for The Natural as he rallies on Nese!

Dustin whips, Nese reverses, but Dustin says, “Not Today!” UPPERCUT! Nese staggers into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Dustin fires up, the fans are with him, but Daivari runs in! SNAP POWERSLAM! Nese ROCKS Dustin, fireman’s carries, but Dustin dragon sleepers! CROSS RHODES! Cover, MXM breaks it! The fans boo but Sammy DUMPS Mason out, and Ross TOSSES Mansoor! Dustin drags Nese up, tags Marshall, but Sterling trips Marshall up! Nese then shoves Dustin into Marshall! Dustin falls, Nese grabs Marshall, but Sammy JUMP KNEES Nese! Sammy goes up, but Mason catches him!

Mansoor joins in, MXM sets Sammy up for DRAG THE LAKE!! Or perhaps some fashion themed nickname. THe fans boo, but then the Von Erichs DOUBLE DROPKICK MXM! Mansoor falls, Mason stays up, so the Von Erichs DOUBLE DROPKICK him! Daivari runs in, he DECKS Ross but Marshall LARIATS Daivari! Nese rolls Marshall, with tights! TWO!! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Nese and Marshall fall but Sterling gets on the apron. Dustin grabs Sterling and TOSSES him in! The fans fire up as Dustin puts Smart Mark in the corner, and opens him up! Sterling begs for mercy, but Dustin doesn’t have to hold back!

Dustin ROCKS Sterling, then winds up, and Detroit is rocking! Double bird and SHATTERED DREAMS!! But then Mason grabs Dustin by the neck! Sammy hits a CUTTER on Mason! Nese runs up to CLUB Dustin! MXM & The Athletes beat up on the ROH World Six Man Champs! They CHOP, then triple whip! But Dustin gives Mansoor a DESTROYER! And then The Von Erichs clamp on DOUBLE IRON CLAWS!! The fans are thunderous as the Athletes go down! They TAP, the Sons of Texas win!

Winners: The Sons of Texas, by submission

MXM is in retreat while the Premier Athletes have massive headaches. But as the Sons of Texas celebrate their win, CRU shows up! Lio Rush & Action Andretti swagger out on stage, and they stare down with Dustin & Sammy. There’s a Collision on the horizon, but who walks away ready to fight the Hurt Syndicate?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH clocking in at about 48 minutes, but it also felt more like a go-home to Beach Break Collision this Saturday. For one, they advertised a Six Man Tag that Dynamite should’ve mentioned but I guess it was just made on the fly. Then we get Yuta winning easy so that he has momentum going against Hobbs. I would think Hobbs wins that, but Death Riders might interfere even then. And then a great 8 Man Tag main event but I figured the Faces would win. CRU showing up at the end trying to intimidate Dustin & Sammy continues to give off chihuahua vibes. Dustin & Sammy are definitely winning at Collision, and as I said for Dynamite, there could be a chance for Titles VS Titles at Double or Nothing, but that would only tank the ROH Tag Division.

Speaking of, good stuff from Dark Order VS Frat House, but of course Frat House won using a lot of cheating. The Dark Order can only hope John Silver is cleared soon, or that they start bringing in new members, perhaps from the existing roster that isn’t doing anything. They let the Nick Comoroto & Jacoby Watts story fall through, maybe Comoroto could be the new big muscle guy. Good return match from Trish and Rachael. Trish gets a solid win, but with three spots in the tournament left open, they both could get in on merit and past win-loss record.

Red Velvet had a very good promo, and I do like her angle of talking down on a title that has yet to be won. A little curious as to where her story is going, and I continue to ask: Where is Athena? Why isn’t TK figuring out how her story with Diamante and Billie Starkz is supposed to go? Is he just putting them on hold until we’re closer to All In: Texas? I still don’t know the business story behind why Supercard of Honor was delayed, but it has wrecked a lot of the wrestling stories ROH had going. Let’s hope the latter half of this year is better for ROH.

My Score: 8.7/10

ROH? On a Friday? AND on YouTube?!

That’s right! ROH is on a Friday evening, and free on YouTube! Bandido VS Gringo Loco, and Red Velvet VS Laynie Luck, all on the Proving Grounds! Will contenders earn golden tickets to title opportunities? Or will the champions stand tall in Atlantic City?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jay Lethal VS Atlantis Jr; Atlantis wins.
• Leila Grey VS Marina Shafir; Marina wins.
• Spanish Announce Project VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson; Christian & Johnson win.
• Pure Rules Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Ashley Vox; Deonna wins.
• ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground: Red Velvet VS Laynie Luck; Velvet wins and denies Luck a title match.
• Satnam Singh VS Lord Crewe; Singh wins.
• ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Bandido VS Gringo Loco; Bandido wins and denies Loco a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jay Lethal VS Atlantis Jr!

Two former ROH World Television Champions battle, as New Jersey’s own takes on the second generation star of CMLL! But will Lethal remind us all why he was, and perhaps still is, the greatest ROH World TV Champion ever? Or will Atlantis hit the jackpot in Atlantic City?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. The fans rally as the two circle, tie up, and Lethal headlocks. Atlantis powers up and out, the two RAM shoulders, and the fans cheer. Atlantis eggs Lethal on, Lethal struts a bit, and then the two circle. They tie up, Lethal headlocks, but Atlantis powers up and out. Lethal goes up and over, then he arm-drags Atlantis! Atlantis wheelbarrows to arm-drag back! Lethal bails out, Atlantis builds speed but he has to DROPKICK Lethal off the apron first! Atlantis then runs and DIVES! Direct hit and Lethal hits the railing! The fans fire up, Atlantis slides in, but Lethal drags him out!

Lethal CHOPS Atlantis, slides into the ring, and builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and now Atlantis hits railing! The fans fire up, Lethal lets out a “WOO~” and the fans “WOO~” along. Lethal slides in, he builds speed, but Atlantis slides in! Lethal slides out, but Atlantis comes out to DIVE! Direct hit and Lethal hits railing again! The fans fire up and Atlantis rises back up. Atlantis drags Lethal up, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Lethal stays in this but Atlantis stays on him. Atlantis whips Lethal and SPINEBUSTERS, to then basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The *fans rally while Atlantis grows a bit frustrated.

Atlantis whips, Lethal reverses, HIP TOSS and cartwheel, basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Lethal storms up on Atlantis. Lethal drags Atlantis up, CLUBS him down, then brings him up for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Lethal calls his shot! Lethal climbs up, only for Atlantis to roll to another drop zone. Lethal changes corners, but then Atlantis rolls away again. The fans boo but Lethal just goes to the third corner. Atlantis keeps moving, Lethal goes to the fourth corner, but Atlantis GAMANGIRIS! Atlantis climbs up, he fires haymakers, but Lethal fires body shots! Lethal tries to lift but Atlantis fires body shots in return!

Atlantis brings Lethal up to SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up! A standing count starts, both men writhe, and they both go to ropes. Lethal runs up, Atlantis meets him, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Atlantis swings, but into the LETHAL COMBINATION! Lethal has the leg, the fans “WOO~!” and Lethal steps through, FIGURE- NO, Atlantis cradles! TWO!! Lethal escapes, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! And now the FIGURE FOUR!! Atlantis endures, flails, and reaches out! The fans rally as Atlantis fights towards ropes! Lethal puts on pressure but Atlantis lunges into the ROPEBREAK!

Lethal lets go of Atlantis and stands up. The fans rally behind Lethal while Atlantis leans against ropes. Lethal KICKS Atlantis’ leg out! Atlantis hobbles up to his feet but Lethal KICKS the leg again! Lethal kicks and kicks and KICKS the bad leg! The fans cheer as Lethal calls his shot! But Atlantis reels him in! Lethal ELBOWS free, handsprings, but Atlantis catches him for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Atlantis hobbles, goes to a corner, and he climbs up! But Lethal hurries to get under the leap! Atlantis comes back, but into a CUTTER! Lethal handsprings, and now LETHAL- DROPKICK! Atlantis intercepts, and he runs up again!

Lethal dodges and comes back, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Atlantis runs up, Lethal blocks a boot, then he spins Atlantis, only for Atlantis to DISCUS LARIAT! Atlantis hurries up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Atlantis wins!!

Winner: Atlantis Jr, by pinfall

New Jersey can’t believe it, but Lethal just lost! Is this proof Atlantis Jr. is ready to be the top champion of ROH? He does show Lethal respect by helping him stand up and offering the handshake. Lethal accepts the Code of Honor and the fans cheer that. What will it take for Lethal to once again be the Franchise Player here in ROH?

Leila Grey VS Marina Shafir!

The Last Baddie Standing is preparing for the Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, but there’s a problem: she’s now facing THE Problem! Will Marina prove she’s worthy of that Pure Rules gold? Or will Leila be able to solve this Problem and build momentum?

The Code of Honor is skipped and the bell rings. The two circle, feel things out, and they tie up. Marina waistlocks, Leila fights, but Marina SLAMS her down! Marina holds on to then flip Leila over, but Leila kips up and arm-drags free! Leila runs up, Marina dodges, but Leila ELBOWS Marina! Leila goes up, poses, then FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Leila runs up again but Marina trips her! Cover, ONE! Marina jumps the sweep to KICK Leila down! Marina sits Leila up to KICK her down again! Leila flounders to a corner but Marina storms up. Marina digs her foot into Leila, steps off as the ref counts, and then Marina whips corner to corner.

Leila bounces off buckles, staggers forward, and into a BIG back suplex! Marina flips Leila back over, kicks at her, then drags her into a chinlock. Marina fishhooks Leila’s mouth, then reels her into a facelock. Marina whips Leila to another corner, then KICKS away at the legs! Marina whips, Leila blocks, so Marina KICKS the legs again! Marina runs side to side and BOOTS Leila down! Marina drags Leila to a high stack cover, ONE!! Leila stays in this and Marina is actually impressed. Marina hits a SAYANAGI, then grinds the headlock. Cover, TWO! Marina tries another angle, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Yet another, TWO!

Marina has the top mount, and she smothers Leila! The ref reprimands, Marina lets off to grab a leg, for a standing leglock! ROLLING THROW! Marina then drags Leila around to flip her over, and Marina uses a leg to half nelson Leila on the mat! Leila is stuck, and Marina has the HALF CRAB! Leila manages to kick with her free leg but Marina eggs her on! Leila BOOTS Marina but Marina just cartwheels through! Marina BOOTS Leila, then fires body shots! Marina KICKS away on the legs, then tells the ref to back off. Marina winds up, but Leila dodges the boot! Leila comes back and KNEES Marina!

Leila fires CHOP after CHOP, then forearm after forearm! Marina just steps to Leila! Leila CHOPS and SLAPS and ROCKS Marina! Marina swings, Leila wrenches and snap suplexes! The fans rally up as Leila runs to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Leila and Marina both stand, Leila runs to SHOTGUN Marina! Marina fires herself back up to ROUNDHOUSE Leila down! Marina hauls Leila up, POWERSLAM and MOTHER’S MILK!! Leila TAPS, Marina wins!

Winner: Marina Shafir, by submission

This wasn’t a Pure Rules match but it was pure dominance from Marina! Will Marina look to be The Problem no one can solve between both AEW and ROH?

Spanish Announce Project VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson!

Angelico y Serpentico have had a rough week. They got cheated by The Frat House last week, then Ricochet roughs them up last night on AEW Collision. But can they turn things around for the weekend? Or will the Vanilla Babyface & Big Shotty be the only ones vibing?

The teams sort out and Angelico starts against Blake. The Code of Honor is not honored as Blake kicks Angelico’s hand. The fans boo but Blake doesn’t care. Blake and Angelico circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Angelico wrenches, wristlocks, but Blake rolls, cartwheels, and slips through to wrench and wristlock. Angelico drops to his knees, but he fights back up to spin and slip through. Angelico has the cording hold, then flips it to a standing armbar! Blake endures but Angelico wrenches again. Blake wrenches through, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, then mockingly claps. The fans boo but Angelico spins and wrenches!

Angelico arm-drags Blake, then sweeps, but Blake jumps over it! Blake struts around but the fans boo. But then Angelico jumps up and does the Bernie Lean! The fans cheer, Blake kicks, but Angelico blocks to JAB, JAB, JAB and DECK Blake! Angelico wrenches Blake to hit an ELBOW BREAKER, then he tags in Serpentico. Serpentico goes up to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! SAP double whip, drop down, hip toss and HIP TOSS SENTON! Then a PLANKING SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Blake stays tough and he goes to a corner. Serpentico runs up and UPPERCUTS! Serpentico keeps going, and he UPPERCUTS again! And then he stomps a mudhole in!

The fans fire up as Serpentico even stomps air! Serpentico runs and UPPERCUTS again, then whips corner to corner. Blake reverses, slips around, and then SLAMS Serpentico’s head down! Blake soaks up heat, but Serpentico stands! Serpentico CHOPS, then he ROCKS Blake! Serpentico fires hands, HEADBUTTS, and whips! Lee tags in, Blake slides out, and Lee CLOBBERS Serpentico! The fans boo and Angelico protests, but Blake APRON SPEARS Angelico down! The fans boo more and the ref reprimands, but Lee eggs on Serpentico. Lee CHOKES Serpentico on the ropes, steps off, and Serpentico sputters on the apron.

Lee drags Serpentico up, bumps him off buckles, then he tags Blake. Lee sends Blake in and Blake UPPERCUTS! Lee runs in and RAMS Serpentico, then holds him there for Blake to ENZIGIRI! Lee snapmares, Blake basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Serpentico stays in this and the fans rally, but Blake drags Serpentico up. Blake CLAWS at the mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Blake CLUBS Serpentico down. Tag to Lee, he and Blake mug Serpentico. The fans rally as Lee RAMS Serpentico back in! And again, and again! Lee runs corner to corner and comes back, but Serpentico UPPERCUTS!

Serpentico ROCKS Blake, then he catches Lee for a RANA! Lee hurries to anchor Serpentico, but Serpentico HEADBUTTS! Serpentico wobbles, but he hot tags Angelico! The fans fire up as the South African Stud rallies on Lee & Blake! Lee catches Angelico but Angelico BOOTS Blake away! Angelico arm-drags Lee down, then uses him as a step to FLYING AX HANDLE Blake! The fans fire up with Angelico but Lee ROCKS him! Angelico ROCKS Lee! Angelico then goes Matrix, and he fires off KICK after KICK, and then a KNEE! Angelico fires up the fans and whips Lee to ropes. Lee reverses but Angelico rolls off his back!

Lee jumps the sweep but the EDDY GORDO KICK finds him! Then the BIG back suplex drops Lee! Angelico steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and the fans rally up! Angelico calls to Serpentico, then he drags Lee over. Tag to Serpentico and Angelico clinches. FLATLINER, and then the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Blake breaks it! The fans boo but Blake saves his team with that. Blake and Serpentico trade shots, they go back and forth, but BLake gets the edge. Serpentico dodges the haymaker to BACKHAND! But Lee SUPERKICKS Serpentico! ANgelico BOOTS Lee! Blake kips up to SUPERKICK ANgelico!

Blake runs, but Angelico catches him, wrenches and back suplex! Blake lands out, half nelsons, and he SWINGS Angelico into Serpentico before the HALF ‘N’ HALF! Blake then goes to the apron so he can SPRINGBOARD SPLASH onto knees! Serpentico saves himself, and then runs at Blake in the corner! MONKEY FLIP! Blake tumbles away and Serpentico hurries after him! But Lee runs up! Serpentico dodges to send him into buckles! Serpentico runs up but Lee stops the flip! Blake goes up, and we get a SUPER DESTROYER!! Blake builds speed and FOSBURY TOPES onto Angelico! Lee hits the SHOTTY GOROSHI!! Cover, Lee & Blake win!!

Winners: Blake Christian & Lee Johnson, by pinfall

SAP tried but perhaps they underestimated how nasty Christian & Johnson could be! Will everyone in ROH soon be tasting a shot of vanilla?

Pure Rules Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Ashley Vox!

While the tournament is still on the horizon, the first ever Women’s Pure Rules Match will happen right here in Atlantic City! But will the Virtuosa prove she is the favorite going into the Women’s Pure Championship Tournament? Or will she be caught off guard by the Reel Catch?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we’re on the clock. Deonna and Vox circle, tie up, and Deonna wernches the arm. Vox wrenches out to wrench back, but Deonna rolls and rolls and gets free. Deonna soaks up the cheers and jeers, then she ties up with Vos. Vow wrenches and wants the hook! Deonna wrenches out, but Vox wrenches back to hammerlock. Deonna slips down to fireman’s carry takeover, and ARMBAR! Vox hurries to high stack, ONE! Deonna headlocks, hits a takeover, but Vox headscissors. Deonna kips free, Vox headlocks for the takeover. Deonna headscissors, Vox kips free, and Deonna headlocks again.

Deonna grinds, Vox powers up and out, but Deonna goes up then under. Deonna baits Vox in, rolls her up, then turns her over to go for the arm! Vox scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! That is Vox’s first, and Deonna eggs Vox on. Vox and Deonna reset, tie up, and Deonna waistlocks. Vox bucks the O’Conner, ducks ‘n’ dodges then tilt-o-whirls, to have the FISHHOOK! Deonna endures, pries free, and arm-drags! Vox rises up, Deonna TOSSES her out, but Vox BOOTS her away! Vox steps in, FLYING FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Deonna stays in this but Vox calls her shot. Vox clamps onto an arm, then has the chinbar! Deonna endures while the fans rally!

Deonna fights up, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Then a LARIAT! Very Silas Young of Deonna there, and the fans rally behind Deonna. Deonna drags Vox up to CHOP her! Vox sputters, Deonna whips, but Vox reverses. Deonna reverses back to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Float over and Deonna traps one arm to then have a leg! HALF CRAB, but then Deonna reaches back! Vox scrambles, ROPEBREAK! That is her second, she’s only got one left! Deonna uses that to her advantage by tying Vox in Paradise! The ref reprimands, Deonna lets off at 4, and then Deonna DROPKICKS Vox to the floor!

The fans cheer the Virtuosa while Vox sputters on the outside. Vox returns but Deonna DROPKICKS her again! Deonna smiles as she soaks up the cheers and jeers. But Vox fires a flurry of forearms! The fans fire up as Vox pushes Deonna in! Vox storms up, ROCKS Deonna, then slingshots, but into a facelock! Deonna has Vox along the ropes, for a DRAPING ARMBAR DDT! Cover, TWO! Vox stays in this but Deonna still has the lead on points. Deonna drags Vox up, fireman’s carries, but Vox fights free! Vox shoves and HEADBUTTS! Deonna BOOTS in return! Vox SUPERKICKS in return! Deonna wrenches to short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!

Vox survives but Deonna shows no mercy! Deonna reels Vox in, but Vox fights the lift! Deonna CLUBS away on Vox, lifts, and POWERBOMBS! Then the flip over into the FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Vox is caught, but Deonna won’t let her choose the ropes! Deonna CLUBS away, VENUS DE MILO!! Vox QUITS, Deonna wins!!

Winner: Deonna Purrazzo, by submission

At just five minutes and 57 seconds, Deonna reels in the Reel Catch and has not only a big win, but the first win in a Women’s Pure Rules match! Will this be a sign that Deonna is destined to be the inaugural Women’s Pure Rules Champion?

Queen Aminata is watching backstage.

The One True African Queen saw how that match went down, and she says, “See, the Queen has been scouting the competition in the ROH Women’s Pure Championship tournament. And I know this is a huge opportunity. One thing I did learn from Serena for sure is that preparation is key. So I am not going to let this opportunity go to waste. And honestly, sometimes, the most successful people are not the people that are the smartest or the most talented, no. They’re the people that work the hardest. And I know I can outwork every single woman in this tournament. Why? Because I believe in myself like I said it before.

“And deep down in my heart, I know this Queen is already a champion. So Serena, I hope to face you soon. Because you will see that this student is now the master.” The Queen has spoken, but when and where will she and The Professor finally kick off the tournament?

ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground: Red Velvet VS Laynie Luck!

The Chef learned just how spicy La Catalina can be, but she still cooked The Diva of the Ring all the same. Now the champ steps back onto the Proving Grounds, will she serve up another L fresh from the kitchen? Or will Luck be a contender tonight?

The Code of Honor is upheld with some attitude, and the bell rings. Velvet and Luck circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Luck powers Velvet back but Velvet headlocks. Luck powers up but Velvet thrashes the hold. Luck powers out and headlocks in return. Velvet pulls hair, powers up and out, but Luck RUNS Velvet over! Luck brushes herself off, things speed up, and Luck catches Velvet’s dropdown to a gator roll and deadlift suplex! Luck kips up and the fans fire up! Luck runs up and UPPERCUTS Velvet in the corner, hits The Whip dance move, then ELBOWS Velvet! Luck doesn’t nae-nae but she runs, only for Velvet to wheelbarrow and- NO, Luck URENAGES!

The fans fire up but Velvet bails out fast. The fans boo but Velvet says whatever. Luck builds speed and she baseball slides, but into the apron trap! Velvet throws hands, mocks the fans, then CHOPS! Velvet steps on Luck then soaks up the cheers and jeers from Atlantic City. Luck escapes the apron skirt and Velvet swaggers. The ring count climbs, Luck rolls in at 5 of 20, but Velvet rains down fists! The fans boo, but Velvet “apologizes” while she kneels on Luck’s neck! The ref reprimands, Velvet steps off and “apologizes” again. Velvet stalks Luck to the ropes, “kicks dirt” on her, then runs to DOUBLE KNEE!

Velvet mockingly applauds then lets Luck down. Velvet drags Luck up, bumps her off buckles, then stands her to put some stank on the BODY BLOW! And BODY BLOW! Velvet feints and BLOW BLOWS again! Velvet bumps Luck off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, then digs her boot in. Velvet does the splits to blow a kiss, and the ref counts. The fans chant “You Suck!” and Velvet says, “So does your mother!” Velvet CHOPS Luck, swaggers, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Luck goes up, over, and gets moving, to LARIAT Velvet! And SOBAT! Luck runs, but so does Velvet! But Luck catches the crossbody to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans rally behind Luck and she feeds off that energy. Luck climbs a corner, but Velvet rises to UPPRECUT! Velvet snapmares and rolls to then STIR IT UP! Cover, TWO!?! Velvet is shocked that Luck survived that! Velvet is furious but Luck UPPERCUTS! The fans rally for Luck as she scoops, but Velvet slips through to dragon sleeper! THE SLICE!! Cover, Velvet wins!

Winner: Red Velvet, by pinfall (denies Luck a title opportunity)

The Chef needed a bit more to cook Luck, but she still served her up. Will no one be able to take this title from Velvet if they can’t even last ten minutes?

Nick Wayne speaks.

“Within this next month, I will go on to set yet another record in this sport as I become the youngest participant to ever compete in the Best of the Super Juniors Tournament. Now if you ask those closest to me, ‘What is Nick Wayne’s biggest goal in professional wrestling right now?’ They will all tell you, it’s the Best of the Super Juniors.” And when Nick looks at his block, he sees a lot of great first-time-ever matches with a lot of guys he’s looked up to for years. “But ultimately, I see a lot of guy that I can beat. Because I’m coming to Japan to prove myself, to prove why I’m one of the best junior heavyweights in the game today.

“And to be one of the best, you enter the tournament. To be THE best, you win the entire thing.” The Prodigy of the Patriarchy is ready, but will the ROH World Television Champion also add that BOSJ trophy to his collection?

ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Bandido VS Gringo Loco!

The Most Wanted may have some beef with a few different guys right now, from The Frat House messing with Spanish Announce Project and the Don Callis Family messing with The Outrunners, but he still has to keep on top of the contenders coming for his gold. Will the Crazy White Boy be able to snatch a golden ticket? Or will he bust when Bandido hits Blackjack 21?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans duel already. Bandido and Loco circle, and the fans decide to cheer “Both These Guys! Both These Guys!” The two tie up, Bandido headlocks, but Loco powers up and out. Bandido jumps the dropdown, handsprings, but Loco gets clear. The fans cheer, things keep moving, and Bandido hurdles. Loco leaps over, but he says wait just one second! Loco swivels them hips to show he’s also Gringo Sexy! Bandido tells Loco to wait one second, and then Bandido swivels them hips! Bandido is the Most Wanted in more ways than one! Then things speed up again!

Bandido tilt-o-whirls to RANA Loco out of the ring! Bandido goes to the apron and FLYING- NO, Loco stops the rana, pops Bandido up, but Bandido pops free to BOOT! Bandido then goes to the steps, and FLYING RANAS after all! The fans fire up with Bandido and he stands on the barriers to revel in that energy! The ref starts the ring count so Bandido goes back for Loco. Bandido puts Loco in, covers, TWO! The ref defends the count, and Bandido storms up on Loco. Loco pushes Bandido, but Bandido brings him around to facelock. Bandido points to Heaven as he suplexes, but Loco fights free.

Bandido fires elbows, runs, and springboards, but Loco DROPKICKS him outta the sky! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Loco brings Bandido around to the drop zone. Loco goes up, Bandido anchors a foot, but Loco stomps him down. Loco finishes his climb, the fans fire up, and Loco DROP DOWN SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Bandido survives but Loco knows it was that close. Loco drags Bandido up and CHPOS him down! The fans fire up while Bandido sputters. Loco drags Bandido up, but Bandido CHOPS! Bandido fires hands, springboards, but Loco catches him, SPINNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Bandido survives but we’re at 5 minutes, the clock is on Loco’s side! The fans rally, and Loco drags Bandido up. Loco ROCKS Bandido, the fans duel again, and Loco ROCKS Bandido again! Loco runs, but Bandido BOOTS him! Bandido runs, tilt-o-whirl and DDT! The fans fire up and Bandido hurries to a corner! Bandido climbs right up, aims, and adds some Latino Heat for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Loco survives but the fans rally up again. Bandido brings Loco up and fireman’s carries, but Loco slips free and powers out. Loco runs up but Bandido drop toeholds! Bandido KICKS Loco on the ropes, runs, but Loco SUPERKICKS first!

Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Loco throws off the headband, drags Bandido up, and he brings Bandido to the corner. Loco rises, the fans are torn, but Loco brings Bandido up by his hair. Bandido fires forearms, Loco HEADBUTTS, and then Loco adjusts his position. Loco brings Bandido to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER ANGLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Bandido survives and no one can believe it! “This is Awesome!” Loco vows to end this now, and he goes back up the corner. Bandido stirs, rises up, and he GAMANGIRIS first! Loco wobbles, Bandido climbs, and Bandido hits a SUPER DUPER STEINER!!

Loco staggers up, Bandido aims, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, Bandido wins!

Winner: Bandido, by pinfall (denies Gringo Loco a title opportunity)

With just minutes to spare, Bandido finds the winning hand! But who will be next to step up and have a shootout with the champ?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH, especially with it on a different night and even accessible by YouTube. I probably could’ve just done the entire episode but Satnam was of course winning his match. And the flipside, I probably could’ve skipped Marina VS Leila because it was obvious Marina would win, but Marina hasn’t had a match in what feels like forever. I was kinda hoping there would be news of her joining the Women’s Pure Championship tournament, but no. At the same time, there is a lot of time since they are adjusting their schedule after moving Supercard of Honor. Deonna VS Vox was also obvious, but I appreciate the historic nature of the first Women’s Pure Rules match.

Great match from Jay Lethal VS Atlantis Jr. A little surprising Lethal lost, but Atlantis being CMLL means he will be building momentum in preparation for Grand Slam Mexico. There’s also a good chance Atlantis finds his way to a title as part of that. Good promo from Nick Wayne as he’s about to start the BOSJ this weekend. No word on if Christian Cage is out there with him or will stay in the States to be our weekly update on how Nick is doing, but I’m personally hoping for the latter. Great stuff in SAP VS Christian & Johnson, and very good win for Christian & Johnson as they’re getting going as a team. Still a shame about them letting EJ Nduka go when I thought he was doing well.

And great Proving Ground matches, but I figured the champions would each win. A silver lining to moving Supercard is that they can actually build some contenders for once. They haven’t really been doing that on ROH, as Jericho had the top title for so long without ever being part of ROH TV. And then much of what happened with the Women’s TV title is that Leyla Hirsch was let go and that ruined the story being built there. For that matter, where is Athena? Her story with Diamante and Billie Starkz died all because Tony Khan half-assed bringing Billie & Athena up to AEW for the Women’s Owen Hart Cup.

My Score: 8.6/10