Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (6/18/20)

NXT UK’s Most Brilliant 3!

Published

6 years ago

June 18, 2020

Steven Mitchell

NXT UK relives the rise of The Bruiserweight!

As NXT UK continues the retrospective, we go all the way back to TakeOver: Chicago in 2017! It’s Tyler Bate VS Pete Dunne for the WWE UK Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

5/20/17 – WWE United Kingdom Championship: Tyler Bate VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins and becomes the new WWE UK Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Andy Shepherd welcomes us back to the show!

We take a deeper look at the match that proved to be incredibly important for both British wrestling and the NXT UK brand’s formation. Tyler Bate was only 19 years old when he shocked the world to become the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Champion in January of 2017. The man he beat in the finals, Pete Dunne, worked his way up to become #1 contender, even defeating the third piece of British Strong Style, Trent Seven, to do it. It was only natural that the championship match would be signed for TakeOver: Chicago for Backlash weekend.

Shepherd interviews Bate and Dunne via video call.

“Let’s rewind to May, 2017.” Heading into Chicago, Dunne knew he would be going up against someone who for many years was a friend in Bate. What was that like? “Honestly, it made it easier.” Going onto such a massive stage against someone he knew, someone he came up with, having that comfort for such an unusual stage was the best thing about it all. For Bate, he and Dunne mesh really well. The match in January was so well received, was there any pressure in the rematch to follow up? There’s always a level of pressure, because you want to be the best you can on that day. They took the opportunity to make the most of it.

Walking in, they didn’t think it’d be as big and special as it ended up being, but they did understand that it was the newest chapter in the newest title’s story, with hopes that it’d come with the newest brand. Dunne and Bate felt that gravity, and they wanted the world to feel it, too. Everything was so up in the air, then the match happened, and it was a sample of what NXT UK would be. It felt completely natural, even with the pressure. Everything in Dunne’s career led him to that moment, and Bate knew that all they could do to increase getting a brand was by having the best possible match they could. And they got a standing ovation because they did. What they did that night gave them all a huge confidence boost. The UK has always wanted something like this, and now so does the rest of the world.

Shepherd talks with Ryan Satin.

Where in the wrestling world was Satin at that point? Satin admits he wasn’t incredibly knowledgeable. He knew about things from the internet but he wasn’t die hard. So that original tournament was really his introduction to the UK scene. He took it all in and learned about the people that would be joining the WWE. What were his thoughts on the tournament in January giving those opportunities to the crop of relatively unknown wrestlers? What were his thoughts on the brand that was being built? Satin was “stoked” seeing the tournament. He watched the material put out by the WWE but he didn’t do a lot of research. But Bate was the one that stuck out to him. Satin had seen Dunne on the American indies, but Bate stuck out in that field. “Man, this guy is something special!” Bate, Seven and Dunne were the big names and this tournament showed why.

Fast forward to Chicago, what were his expectations for the rematch? Satin had high hopes, mostly because this was a title and roster without a show. They had something to still prove to the WWE. Dunne and Bate were really hoping to show they were better than everyone else. They weren’t just another one of the guys, they wanted to show the world what they were missing. Dunne and Bate blew it out of the water that night. And now, fast forward to today, just over three years later, we have the NXT UK brand. But looking back at that moment, everyone says it was pivotal. What is the legacy of this one night in Chicago? “This match was everything for NXT UK.” Without it, because of how great it was, there would not be an NXT UK. This was the thing to look at as an example of what the world would get. It is obvious that this match built NXT UK and gave it the chance to be as successful as it is.

Shepherd interviews other NXT UK originals.

Trent Seven, Mark Andrews and Wolfgang were also part of that original tournament field and have been along for the ride with Bate and Dunne. Reflecting back on the match that was pivotal to both NXT UK’s formation and to the entire UK wrestling scene. Trent Seven could’ve been in Dunne’s shoes. Heading into the match, was there any jealousy or regret? Seven says the very night, not even being there live is what hurt, because he would’ve loved to have felt the energy in person. What was happening with this ambiguous brand at the time? Wolfgang says this brand didn’t come out of nowhere. The WWE saw the united effort from England to Scotland to Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland, everyone working up and down the island to create a scene where they didn’t need to go to America but America would come to them. And now, they can aspire to be THE United Kingdom Champion.

Andrews adds that they didn’t have a brand with the tournament, they had to define it. But what they had was a title, and whoever held it would be the one to represent everyone’s hard work. Suddenly, everyone was wondering, “Whoa, what’s going on in the UK?” And then Chicago happens, and together, Bate and Dunne changed the game. In Andrews’ opinion, that is a measuring stick to base all other matches on. That is what everyone wants to achieve. Wolfgang says he didn’t doubt they could deliver on that stage, on that card with some of the best America has produced. They have done that same thing with just 20 thousand watching, but now the world got to see it, too.

Shepherd asks Seven specifically, given Bate and Dunne are two of his best friends, they were on that platform, what was it like to watch that? Seven admits that there were tears. You can watch matches as a fan, watch it all unfold, but as he sat at home like he is now, and he was standing up out of his seat at times! As the crowd stood for the ovation, so did he. He wept because of how proud of these two young men who lived only 15 miles away from each other. At the time, they were only 19 and 22, and they went out there and everyone learned who they were. The chants for “UK!” alone meant so much. “It’s just an incredibly proud moment.”

Wolfgang adds that he loved seeing those two in their element, against each other, and watching the crowd realize moment after moment, “These guys are actually killing it. No, wait, these guys are the best we’ve ever seen.” Andrews adds, “It’s not everyday you get to see two unknown dudes go out there and absolutely kill it in the way that they did.” Andrews himself is still proud of that match and always will be. So how pivotal was this night in Chicago to British wrestling? Wolfgang says it’s monumental. After all, they’re dedicating an entire episode to talk about it. “If it wasn’t for that match begin so successful, maybe there wouldn’t be an NXT UK.”

Andrews adds that if those two had flubbed it, which there’s no way they ever could have, because those two are not arrogant about their abilities. Seven says in many different ways, that is perhaps the greatest match in the modern era. Wolfgang will be the first to thank Dunne and Bate, “Cheers, boys.” The pressure paid off and they did the UK roster proud.

Shepherd interviews Shawn Michaels and other icons.

How aware was HBK of the UK scene? Had he been keeping up with the movement? Yes! He was already all in on it and sold on everything. The introduction of the tournament alone, with Triple H and William Regal bringing out the field was great. NXT UK coach Johnny Moss knew everyone who knew those guys would already be excited for this, but no one expected to be as great as it was. Regal says the tournament was far more of a success than anyone expected, HBK adds that he has admiration for what everyone was doing in the ring. Moss says there is so much heritage in British wrestling, and HBK says it was a big throwback to a time that people thought had ended, and it proved those people wrong.

Shepherd says that while Bate was the inaugural winner and impressive in that way, Dunne also made a huge impression. What were their thoughts on those two young men and the potential they showed. HBK says the entire tournament was special, but it was hard not to notice those two. Regal says those were the first two he called. HBK speaks on their styles, with Dunne being “grungy, rough, tough, working of holds and punishing and grinding,” and Bate being “a bit more flashy, young, wholesome.” Moss adds that obviously Chicago took things to a new atmosphere. Regal hearing that match was coming, he loved it. Moss says a city like Chicago, with how rough and tough it is, it just fit. Regal knew it was going to be great, but will the crowd see that? HBK says there was a desire and a passion from both the wrestlers and the fans that it allowed that connection.

Moss felt the hair on his arms stand up hearing American fans chant for the UK. It was like watching England winning the world cup. He got into it, “Do it for the UK!” Bate and Dunne showed everyone who they were, and what British wrestling is about. “This brand really took shape that night in Chicago.” HBK says the focus moving to the UK really made it all feel real. Moss says if you put it on the scales, it tipped it over. HBK knew they had the pressure on them, but that’s what HBK as a viewer was wanting. Regal says this is perhaps one of the most important matches in the history of WWE. HBK says that match encapsulated a frame of mind that HBK wanted to have as a coach and producer, and you cannot step away from that. “That is the night everything changed.” Regal says that is the match that brought us to where we are today, and Moss thanks both Bate and Dunne for it.

Bate and Dunne reflect on their journey to the WWE.

Starting their training to becoming big stars in the UK through Progress Wrestling, including Dunne becoming Progress Wrestling Champion, to then fighting for the WWE United Kingdom Championship. Bate was deeply honored to be the first-ever, and was waiting to spring his surprises in Chicago. But Dunne felt it was inevitable that the title would be his.

NXT UK will have more Superstar Picks next week!

That’s right! Another round of NXT UK superstars will share their favorite matches of all time! Have your favorites been picked yet?

WWE United Kingdom Championship: Tyler Bate VS Pete Dunne!

In the four months between first winning this title and arriving in Chicago, the Big Strong Boy proved he was worthy by turning away quite a crop of contenders. But in those same four months, the Bruiserweight tore through anyone and everyone what stood in his way. Bate had a dream come true, but Dunne loves to end those dreams. Witness the moment history was made and a brand was set in motion!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this highly anticipated rematch from Blackpool begins!

Fans are already loud for the Bruiserweight as he and Bate circle. They tie up, Dunne waistlocks and slams Bate. The fans duel as Dunne facelocks, and here we hear from Dunne that he knew right away that Chicago was still lukewarm. Many fans were seeing these two for the first time, feeling out what they were about, so the key there was to stay calm and focused. Bate works against the facelock, rolls, but Dunne holds on. Dunne cranks but Bate fights his way up, wrenches out, and clamps on with a wristlock. Dunne rolls, snapmares and wraps a chinlock on, only for Bate to slip out to his own wristlock. Dunne headscissors to wrangle Bate down! Bate tries to get up but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hooks that arm, but Bate moves around. Bate hops to a headstand, but Dunne pushes him back down.

Bate speaks now, saying the sensation at the start was that he was “very, very excited,” but he didn’t want that affecting his focus. Because knowing Dunne, and knowing his tactics, “he can be a very naughty boy sometimes.” That meant Bate had to be on high alert the whole time.

Dunne keeps Bate down with the squeeze and then some elbows while the fans duel, “Tyler Bate!” “Bruiserweight!” Bate hops around again and headstands again, to then twist and slip free! The fans applaud that great exchange and the two reset. Bate and Dunne tie up, Dunne grinds forearms in to get a chinbar and wrangle Bate down. Dunne twists the wrist while he digs a knee into Bate’s head. Dunne digs knuckles into the ribs, then twists the wrist even more. Bate endures as the fans rally up. Bate gets up, spins through, rolls and then handsprings to bridge and spin back for another handspring! Bate breaks free and dropkicks Dunne out of the ring! Fans fire up as Bate kips up and checks the mustache!

We hear from Dunne again as he says being in the ring with someone like Bate, trying to get ahead and show what they can do, obviously knowing each other so well, they fed off each other. It obviously shows in the match, with the joint manipulation Dunne was getting. Maybe it wasn’t the American fans’ thing but maybe they hadn’t seen it before. It was mostly about establishing who Dunne and Bate were as wrestlers.

The ring count climbs but Bate hurries after Dunne at 4, but Dunne ROCKS him with that forearm! Dunne brings Bate around the way and to the ring steps. Dunne wrenches the wrist, twists the fingers, but Bate avoids the stomp to DECK Dunne! The ring count passes 5 but Bate leaps and uppercuts Dunne down! The fans cheer as Bate gets Dunne in at 8, only for Dunne to bail out the side. Bate goes around the way but Dunne ROCKS him again! Dunne gives Bate an APRON X-PLEX! The fans cheer that, Chicago loves aggression. Dunne brings Bate up to throw some hands and toying kicks. Dunne DECKS Bate and Chicago fires up for him. Bate crawls to a corner but Dunne brings him up to wrench the arm for a hammerlock. Dunne grinds Bate down, stands on his head then grabs the other arm. The fans are dueling as Dunne bends Bate’s fingers back and to the sides! Dunne stands on the armpit to then STOMP it!

Bate crawls but Dunne stands on his foot so he can’t get away. Dunne throws big forearms then grabs an arm to keep Bate’s guard open as he stomps again and again and again! Dunne still toys with Bate but Bate gets mad now. The fans boo Dunne but Bate glares at him. The fans cheer as Bate grabs Dunne for an EXPLODER! Both men slowly rise and the fans rally up. Bate runs at Dunne corner to corner for an uppercut! Bate goes corner to corner again, comes back and uppercuts even harder! Bate tries for the third but gets a running enziguri! Dunne brings Bate up, another X-Plex, but Bate lands on his feet! Standing shooting star! DEAD LIFT SAIDO! Bridging cover, TWO!! Dunne survives and Bate can’t believe it! The fans cheer and duel again as both men are down. Chicago loves “NXT! NXT!” for giving us this match.

Bate goes to a corner and brings himself up with the ropes. The fans chant for “UK! UK!” as Bate runs for another Shooting Star! But into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Dunne has Bate and hammers away with fists and elbows! Bate endures the squeeze and the hammering to go for a cover! ONE, and Dunne holds on. But Bate powers up for a DEAD LIFT BOMB!! We hear from Dunne as he speaks to this moment, specifically the fans chanting for UK. Dunne had done so many shows, and in some cases, even if it was taped in the UK it was presented as American wrestling so fans would be chanting “USA! USA!” instead. So it was surreal to be in Chicago and hearing chants for UK. The fans are fired up as Bate manages to rise. “This is Awesome!” and far from over as Bate clutches the bad arm.

Bate calls for a spin and he brings Dunne up to a fireman’s carry. Bate starts the airplane spin! He goes around and around and around, picking up speed! Bate hits just under 20 rotations and finally drops Dunne. Cover, TWO!! Both men are down, if mostly because they’re dizzy, but the fans rally up for them. Bate manages to stand first, and the fans get even more fired up as he dead lifts Dunne again! German Suplex, but Dunne lands on his feet! Bate dodges, goes up and up but leaps into a BIG forearm! Dunne brings Bate back up for an X-Plex SIT OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Bate lives and shocks Dunne! But Chicago is thunderous in a standing ovation!! Dunne kicks at Bate while he’s down and the fans chant “UK! UK!”

We hear from Bate on doing the airplane spin, he was thinking, “When can I stop? When can I put Pete down and just rest?” It is the most effect move in his arsenal that also completely ruins himself, if for a short period of time. It has its pros and cons. The pros: it is the reaction from the fans over it, because it isn’t often that happens.

Bate throws hands back and the two are starting to brawl. They pick up speed again as they just throw hands!! They slow down, wobble, but Bop up, BANG! Dunne drops but Bate has to take a moment to catch his breath. Bate brings Dunne up, ENZIGURI! Bate sits up and Dunne grinds forehead to forehead with him. The two get up again, throw more hands, Bate rebounds off ropes for the rolling kick! Dunne rebounds for the basement BOOT! Bate’s back up, Dunne side steps, rebound LARIAT! And Chicago is standing again! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives but Bate is too exhausted to be frustrated. Chicago is loving the “UK! UK!” Bate and Dunne stir, slowly rise, and Chicago hopes they “Fight Forever!” But someone has to win and Bate stalks Dunne. Bate powers up, brings Dunne in, underhooks, but Dunne slips out the back! Pump handle, BITTER- DDT!! Bate counters Dunne’s move and Chicago loses its mind!

We hear from Bate again about this being the point in the match where they reached that moment. That moment where it is very difficult, late in the match, blood pumping full of adrenaline, that you see the perfect opportunity to “gracefully jump out of the ropes and dive onto your opponent, and everything’s going to be great and it’s all gonna work out for you.” Though as we’re about to see, Bate got ahead of himself and it goes the other way. It is the thorn in his side, to say the least.

Dunne bails out of the ring and a ring count climbs. But Bate skips that to go to the apron, for an ASAI MOONSAULT! Bate puts Dunne back in, climbs up top, CORKSCREW SENTON!! Cover, TWO!?! Dunne survives and bails out again, to Bate’s shock! Chicago is thunderous for “UK!” as Bate sees where Dunne went. Bate builds speed and FLIES! Into a forearm shot!! Dunne puts Bate in, pump handles, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall (NEW WWE United Kingdom Champion)

The Bruiserweight is victorious, the inevitable has happened! Dunne becomes just the second-ever WWE UK Champion!

We hear from Dunne one more time that obviously standing there with the title and hitting his pose, it was very special. Dunne’s life completely changed from being relatively unknown, living with his parents in a small little working town like Birmingham, then to this huge arena in Chicago in front of a crowd chanting for the UK, him and Bate, it all hit him. He went from a nobody to a household name, if you will. Standing there with the title, he just knew his life had changed forever.

Bate speaks now, saying what he felt with Dunne’s song playing and him down in defeat, it was initially disappointment in himself. He would say he was self-loathing, felt like he wasn’t good enough. He remembered the fight he gave, he remembered the effort he gave and the punishment he took and how he kept going. It was all those things that got him out of that bad place. While neither Big Strong Boy or Bruiserweight is a champion today, surely they will both be back for gold!

My Thoughts:

Definitely a brilliant episode for NXT UK. It was great to hear Bate, Dunne and a lot of other names involved with NXT UK talk about that great match. To give some behind-the-scenes for making this article, I no longer had this match on written record somewhere. But that actually might’ve been for the better, because I had to watch this match again, and it was such a great match to rewatch. This match definitely got non-UK fans onboard for an entire show, and it set the tone for NXT UK’s events to follow, such as the second tournament, TakeOver: Blackpool and beyond.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.5.2026

Two title matches tonight! Do they amount to anything?

Published

8 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Andrew Balaz

Coming off the worst show in a few months, but still tolerable, we get a Live show today. Now we know that most TNA shows have audio run by a high school AV club, so there is bound to be muted audio, dumb stuff and mics that aren’t on. So we can only hope the show is good regardless of audio.

I don’t really love two perceivably useless title matches though. Jody Threat is not a threat to anything beyond catering. She’s trash and has no shot against Arianna even if there wasn’t going to be cheating. Plus Nic already has the trophy for a World title shot, so giving him the X Division makes no sense.

Lets see where this goes.

.@WeAreRosemary has one last shot to make things right?#TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/zKlNPKtgsl

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 6, 2026

Ratings:

TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jody Threat vs Arianna Grace (c) w/Stacks: Arianna retains via Roll-Up – *
The System vs The Righteous vs Sinner & Saint vs BDE & Rich Swann: Bear wins via Fire/Thunder Driver – ***
Elayna Black vs Mara Sade: Elayna wins via Knuckles – ** 1/2
TNA X Division Championship: Nic Nemeth w/Ryan vs Leon Slater (c): Leon retains via Swanton 450 – *** 1/4

Results:

TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jody Threat vs Arianna Grace (c) w/Stacks

Tessa’s music hits right after Arianna’s and it blended gorgeously. Tessa’s crew looks amazing especially Tessa. So I’m…not upset.

Arianna attacks Jody as soon as the bell rings, Jody does turn it around into Short Arm Lariats in the corner and an Exploder Suplex. But then Dani Luna walks out through the crowd to watch. I do like that the muddied Knockouts title picture is being put on display. Indi Hartwell walks out too. Arianna lays in some trips and knees after Jody gets distracted. Twisting Neckbreaker from Arianna and we see Lei and Xia on the ramp too. The whole Knockouts Division are circling like sharks…it’s cool and all the Knockouts look great.

Jody fires but the crowd doesn’t really care. They aren’t reacting to her, just kinda amusing themselves. Double Knees, Release German into a Michinoku Driver for two. Stacks pulls out Arianna allowing Jody a Dive spot to wipe out Stacks. Arianna and Jody tug of war over the Cobra, Arianna wins the tug of war, kicks Jody in the ribs and Roll-Up retains!

The match was useless because Jody sucks and isn’t a real threat. So it was fine to give Arianna a title defense, but there was no way Jody was winning and this still made her look bad.

The Elegantos walk out, Mr. E is wearing Daisy Dukes. Literally, not figuratively. The only way this dude will be salvageable is if he ends up being Kurt Angle in the ring. They start insulting Mama June who’s in the audience, and they say she should be at a Food Truck. So ODB shows up. The Elegantos continue to talk shit, ODB takes them out, kicks Mr. E in the nards and her with the Mama June cast dump Chilli all over the Elegantos. A dumb stop, but ODB is a TNA Legend and I think she was talking about retiring this year. So it’s always nice to see One Dirty Bitch.

The System vs The Righteous vs Sinner & Saint vs BDE & Rich Swann

BDE starts with one of the loser jabronis, they tag the other in, Rewind Suplex into a tandem Dropkick, but then Rich tags in Bear Bronson takes a Blind Tag, wipes out Rich and BDE, Jabronis do a stupid assisted Dive spot but BDE and Swann get their spot in and then Dutch does his big boy Tope con Hilo. The crowd likes it but I don’t care about the car crash spot.

Dutch and Righteous have some tandem offense, but Bear with another blind tag, Choke Bomb from Bear on Vincent for two. A few more stomps before tagging to Myers and then Vincent starts to fight up but Myers cuts him off. Bear tags back in, tandem Suplex gets reversed into a Double Neckbreaker and the match breaks down a little. Jabronis get laid out by Swanny, Frankensteinering one into the other for two. Nerds double team Swann, but they suck so Rich eventually rolls out of it, BDE tags in, his Oscutter gets caught and simultaneous Lariats for the random tag spot. Vincent tags in, but BDE Small Package gets two. Dutch and Vincent with an Assisted Cutter and everyone else breaks up the pinfall.

Vincent with a DDT/Flatliner combo after the mayhem, Roster Cut and Spear from Myers, Bear with a Fire/Thunder Driver for the win!

Decent enough, the right team won anyway. Jabronis are trash, BDE & Swann are too new and Righteous is in a weird spot while we just saw them get a shot.

Moose and Alisha come out to address things. Moose says The System ain’t family, and shouts out his former Falcons teammates in attendance like John Abraham. Moose is bringing decent intensity, he’s just tripping over a lot of his punchlines.

Elayna Black vs Mara Sade

Collar and elbow tie up, running each other into ropes before Elayna tries to take advantage of the break, Mara turns it around but then Elayna finds a spot to hit her own chop. They’re both throwing a lot of personality and countering the others stuff. It’s basic but not offensive. Elayna dodges a Plancha, but Mara catches herself which is clever, but then Elayna trips her on the apron and she crashes down. So both are showing clever spots. Chop into a Rope Bounce Stomp for a near fall.

Elayna connects with a Fun Splash into the ropes, then kicks Mara in the face multiple times before goading the crowd and peppering in Elbows before a near fall. Elayna gets a Bow and Arrow locked in, with Mara fighting through it. Mara throws a few punches into Lariats, and a Slingblade. Mara is on a roll, Springboard Crossbody from Mara for two. Mara wanted a Double Arm DDT, but it’s blocked, Mara ole’s Elayna’s charge, Dropkicks her to the outside and throws her back in after the Plancha. Missile Dropkick for good measure and Mara is in full control.

Elayna finds an avenue to stop Mara’s offense with a DDT. She powders and grabs a chair. During the referee taking the chair, she uses the knuckles she had hidden, lays out Mara and wins the match.

Honestly okay match, and the BS finish means there’s a chance to get more out of it. They seem to work well together.

Some lines you just don’t cross! Never talk about a man’s hometown, man!@TheHomeTownMan @AJFrancis410 #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/SJygibxgHA

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) March 6, 2026

Audio issues continue to plague this show and TNA Live events in general. Kaz and Elijah is an okay King’s Speech segment. Elijah does like these mid promo cutaways, which is funny yet hampered because of audio issues. Devolves into Kaz basically just title mogging him, then AJ Francis chucks Home Town Man off the stage into the audience level and Elijah goes to check on him in typical babyface fashion.

TNA X Division Championship: Nic Nemeth w/Ryan vs Leon Slater (c)

Nic with a quick Head and Arm cradle for a near fall and a few quick amateur wrestling spots. Leon tries to fight back, the wrist tape to the face shortcut from Nic, before Leon Dropkicks Nic out of the ring, Dives, rolls Nic back in and Ryan trips up Leon on the way back in so Nic hits the FAMEasser for a near fall. Nic follows up with the Boot Lace Rake and moving into deliberate pacing with shortcuts, thumb to the eye, measure Leon as he stumbles for a Dropkick and another near fall before the commercial kicks in.

Coming back from commercial Leon counters the Irish Whip straight into the turnbuckle and Nic goes crashing. Leon runs the ropes, takes Nic’s Head off, Spiderman Rebound Leg Lariat for a nearfall. Leon goes to the top, Nic hits the ropes to crash Leon and big Implant DDT for a two count. Leon slow to get up, Danger Zone almost, Lethal Injection counter, almost, Nic runs into Leon and Leon catches him with the Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count.

Leon heads back to the buckles, 450 nope, Superkick nope, Rewind Mule nope, FAMEasser, but Leon grabs him, hangs him and Styles Clash. Leon goes to the top, 450 but eats the knees! Nemeth locks in the Rear Naked Choke. Leon turns it into a near fall so Nic has to break it for a second, he tries to reapply but Leon drops back to break the hold. Leon fires up, kicks off Ryan, charges and eats a Superkick! Only a two count though. Nic shoves Leon into the corner, perches him. Wants the Superplex, but Leon counters with an Avalanche Final Cut.

Swanton 450, and Leon retains.

Eric Young attacks Leon after the match, Piledrivers him on the outside and then poses with the title before what is probably the last commercial break of the night since Mike Santana needs to talk.

Santana wants Maclin reinstated, sexy SUIT heel shows up and says “Fuck you, but its a good idea”. So she agrees to reinstate Maclin and then Santino makes the match for Sacrifice. Santana is happy but says it’s on sight, and commentary is flabbergasted because they gave Maclin what he wanted.

Overall Score: 5.5/10

While the title matches had no suspension of disbelief, all the correct people went over. The tag team 4 way was haptic but solid with the correct winner. I don’t like Leon but beating Nic is correct. The Elegantos were a decent joke spot for the Legend + crowd interaction moment. Elijah with a new cutaway interview gimmick could be great if mic’d correctly. Lish cheerleading Moose in some cuckhold ass beating angle is hilariously embarassing for the time we live in. But I would still prefer that over Lish doing the obvious thing by turning on Moose when it gets to Eddie’s turn to get his ass beat.

Lastly, Maclin proves that complaining gets you everything. So hooray for negative reinforcement!

Still an okay show honestly. Decent matches, nothing really dragged the pace down.

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Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/5/26)

Who’s feeling lucky?

Published

12 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Steven Mitchell

Who defies the odds to get a title opportunity?

Shane Taylor Promotions looks to take over ROH, and they could be one step closer with the man himself in a Fatal 4 Way Contender’s match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Persephone VS Sara Leon; Perse wins.
Komander VS Sidney Akeem; Komander wins.
Top Flight w/ Christopher Daniels & Zayda Steel VS Grizzled Young Veterans w/ Isla Dawn; Top Flight wins.
“Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith VS Darian Bengston & Kiran Grey; Bill & Keith win.
Pure Rules Match: Josh Woods VS Nathan Cruz; Woods wins.
Adam Priest & Tommy Billington VS The Workhorsemen; Adam & Tommy win.
Mina Shirakawa VS Zayda Steel w/ Christopher Daniels; Mina wins.
Austin Gunn & Juice Robinson VS MXM Collection; Gunn & Juice win.
Lacey Lane VS Robyn Renegade; Lacey wins.
Four Leaf Corner Survival #1 Contender’s Match: Shane Taylor VS Lee Johnson VS AR Fox VS Matt Menard; wins a title opportunity.
AEW International Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS AR Fox; Okada wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

ROH’s new home is Jacksonville, Florida!

WJCT Studios is now the House of Honor as we embark on a new chapter of ROH! Who will visit and show they have what it takes?

Persephone VS Sara Leon!

Speaking of proving themselves, CMLL’s Goddess of the Underworld is preparing to challenge for THE CMLL Women’s Championship this weekend. Will she be rolling into Arena Mexico with her head held high? Or will The Red Lioness ruin Persephone’s chances at the gold?

The Code of Honor is not upheld as Perse kicks the hand away. The bell rings but the fans are torn. Perse is annoyed any fans would cheer someone else, but she circles with Leon. They tie up, Perse headlocks, but Leon powers out to a facelock. Perse wrenches free but then backs off, claiming something got her in the eye. The ref has Leon stay back, but then Perse pushes past to ELBOW Leon down! Perse mocks the fans, then wrenches and top wristlocks Leon to a takedown. Perse kneels on Leon but Leon kips up. Leon arm-drags free, then runs up to arm-drag again! Leon CHOPS, then runs, but Perse stops the rana!

Leon fires hands and hops down, but Perse dodges to then SHOTGUN BOOT! The fans rally while Leon flounders to ropes. Perse mocks Leon’s pain, then brings Leon up to snapmare. Perse SLAMS Leon’s arm off the mat, then stands on the hand Perse mocks Leon, but steps off as the ref counts. Perse kicks Leon around while the fans rally up. Leon CHOPS, KICKS, and mule kicks! Snapmare and run, SHINING- NO, Perse blocks! Perse scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Perse kips up, the fans cheer, and Perse kicks Leon around. Perse mocks the fans, hammerlocks Leon, and fires KNEES into her again and again!

Perse puts on the pressure while she taunts Leon. Leon fights up to fire body shots, then she ducks the lariat. Leon trips but Perse stands her up to LARIAT! And LARIAT again! Leon dodges the third to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Perse ends up on the ropes and the fans rally up! Leon dials it up and KNEES Perse in the head! The fans fire up and Leon gets moving again, but Perse dodges! Leon dodges back, and SNAP GERMANS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Leon pushes Perse to a cover, TWO! Perse checks her face but Leon clamps on with a chicken wing! Perse fights off the body scissors, pushes back and rolls to a cover, TWO!

Leon storms up on Perse, whips her to a corner, but Perse goes up and out. Perse blocks a shot to HEADBUTT Leon! Perse goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Leon survives and Perse is furious! The fans cheer Leon on but Perse tells them to shut up! Perse CLUBS Leon, reels her in, and lifts for the Gory Especial! Leon fights it, Perse powers her back up, but Leon sunset flips! TWO!! Perse escapes and now Leon fires up! Leon runs in, but into Perse’s SPEAR! Perse then hauls Leon up again, RAZOR’S EDGE! High stack, Perse wins!

Winner: Persephone, by pinfall

No respect and no mercy from Persephone, and now she’s going right at Mercedes Mone in Arena Mexico! Will The CEO lose another belt? Or will Perse fail to derail the Money Train?

Top Flight w/ Christopher Daniels & Zayda Steel VS Grizzled Young Veterans w/ Isla Dawn!

Darius & Dante Martin are still chasing down golden opportunities, but Zack Gibson & James Drake continue to say they’re SSSSOOOON to be the number one tag team in the world! Will Top Flight soon book a flight plan to the ROH World Tag Team Championships? Or will they learn what it is to #GritYourTeeth?

The teams sort out and Darius starts against Gibson. The Code of Honor is not upheld but the bell rings. Gibson and Darius circle as the fans rally for Top Flight. They tie up, Gibson chinbars Darius into the wrench and wristlock. Darius rolls, kips up, and wrenches to WRING Gibson out. Gibson fights up and rolls to snapmare Darius, but Darius slips out of the chinlock to hammerlock. Gibson spins to trip Darius and headlock but Darius headscissors. Gibson kips free, Darius hits the takeover but Gibson headscissors. Darius kips free, he sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Gibson goes to sweep but Darius avoids it!

Darius headlocks again but Gibson powers up and out. Darius turns the hurdle into an atomic drop and DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Gibson falls back to his corner. Darius taunts Gibson but Gibson asks if this is funny to him! Gibson tags Drake, Darius tags Dante, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, and Dante waistlocks. Drake switches, Dante switches, repeat, until Darke headlocks. Dante powers up and out but Drake RUNS him over! Things keep moving, Dante hurdles but Drake turns arm-drag into arm-drag! Then he arm-drags again! Drake has the armlock but Dante headscissors. Drake kips free, but Dante arm-drags!

Dante has the armlock but Drake headscissors. Dante kips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then flips to RANA! The fans cheer while Drake flounders. Dante fires forearms, then wrenches, but Drake THROWS Dante by his hair! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Drake tags Gibson. GYV DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX, but Dante lands out! Dante then jumps up to DOUBLE RANA! Gibson ends up in the Top Flight corner, Dante A-LIST LARIATS, then tags Darius. Darius snap suplexes Gibson near the ropes, then kips up to tag Dante. Dante SLINGSHOT SENTONS! Drake runs up but Dante dodges and Darius atomic drops!

Dante runs up, BULLDOG KNEE SMASH COMBO! The fans cheer while Dante brings Gibson up. Tag to Darius for the LEAP FROG ATTACK! Then Darius whips Dante in, only for Gibson to put him on the apron. Gibson BOOTS Darius, ELBOWS Dante, then runs up on Darius. Darius dodges, CHOPS, and UPPERCUTS! Gibson headlocks, Darius powers up and out, but Drake tags in. Gibson whips Darius away for Drake to dropkick the legs out! Gibson basement DROPKICKS, then sets up for Drake, MAYHEM IN MOTION on Dante! The fans are torn but Drake has Darius on the apron. Darius GAMANGIRIS Drake away!

Gibson goes after Darius, Darius kicks him away, but Drake BLASTS him! Drake tags Gibson, and Gibson scoops Darius. Drake aims, PLANCHA BACKBREAKER COMBO! The fans boo but GYV taunt Daniels that he backed the wrong team. Gibson puts Darius on the apron, cravats, and SLAMS Darius down! Gibson then storms in, blocks Darius from Dante, and ROCKS him with a right. Tag to Drake and GYV mug Darius! Then Drake ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Darius toughs it out, and he CHOPS from below! Drake rains down forearms to make him pay for it! Drake stomps Darius, then short arm LARIATS!

Tag to Gibson and he drags Darius around. Gibson puts Darius in a corner, LARIATS, then he short arm LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Gibson covers again, ONE as Darius bridges up! Another cover, ONE! Gibson clamps onto Darius with a chinlock. The fans rally as Darius endures. Darius fights up, fires body shots, then UPPERCUTS! Gibson ROCKS Darius, Darius ROCKS Gibson, repeat! The fans rally harder and harder, and Darius UPPERCUTS! But Gibson trips him, then CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Gibson drags Darius up. Gibson reels Darius in, but Darius fights the suplex! Gibson CLUBS Darius, CLUBS him again, then brings him back up.

Gibson tries again, but it’s Darius who suplexes Gibson! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Drake and Dante! The fans fire upas Dante dodges Drake, BLASTS Gibson, then CLOBBERS Drake! And CLOBBERS him again! Dante blocks a kick, spins Drake, then springboards to SHOTGUN! Dante kips up and the fans fire up! Drake staggers but Dante whips. Drake reverses, but Dante goes out, up, around, and he GAMANGIRIS Drake! Then he springboards in for the CANNONBALL! Dante keeps moving, and DIVES onto Gibson! Then he springboards again, CROSSBODY on Drake! Cover, but Gibson breaks it!

Darius storms in and CHOPS Gibson! Gibson KNEES low, then sends Dante at him. Darius helps Dante get up and over, then Dante helps Darius TORNADO DDT Gibson! Top Flight kicks Drake together, then they reel him in. But Isla Dawn CLOBBERS Zayda Steel just because! The fans boo, but this distracts Top Flight enough for Gibson to drag Darius out! Gibson DECKS Darius while Drake CLAWS Dante’s face! Dante falls, Drake tags Gibson. GYV drags Dante up, they mug him with forearm after forearm, then let him fall. But now Zayda attacks Isla! The ladies spill into the ring as Drake climbs the corner!

Zayda ROCKS Isla, Isla stumbles into ropes, and that trips Drake up! Zayda then TOSSES Isla while Dante slips free of Gibson! Darius RAMS Gibson into the corner! Then Top Flight work together, DOUBLE ANGEL’S WINGS! Cover, Top Flight wins!

Winners: Top Flight, by pinfall

Top Flight gets a win as the White Witch learns why Zayda’s the Real Deal! Will nothing stop SkyFlight rising up the ranks in ROH and taking whatever gold they want?

But wait, as SkyFlight is on their way out, “Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith are on their way in! Bill ignores Top Flight but Keith warns them to watch themselves. The Redwood & The Bounty Hunter are chasing green along with the gold, but will they make sure they’re paid in full?

“Big Bill” Morrissey & Bryan Keith VS Darian Bengston & Kiran Grey!

The teams sort out and Keith starts against Darian. The Code of Honor is not upheld as Keith throws his poncho at Darian, then CLOBBERS him! The bell rings while the ref reprimands, but Keith stomps away on Darian! Then Keith BLASTS Kiran just because! Darian storms up but Keith headlocks. Darian powers up and out but Keith RUNS him over! Cover, ONE! Keith runs, he rolls over the dropdown, then he catches Darian to the EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Keith complains about the count. Keith whips Darian but Darian reverses to step over, UPPERCUT, and ENZIGIRI! Darian fires up, runs, but Keith follows!

Darian ducks the boot, but Keith still DECKS Darian on the rebound! Keith talks trash, then he drags Darian up. But Darian pulls hair! Tag to Kiran and he throat chops, BODY SHOTS, and LEG SWEEPS into the ELBOW DROP! Kiran fires up, and SPLASHES, but into knees! Keith tags Bill and the fans fire up for the CORNER SPLASH! Bill brings Kiran around but fans want that “One More Time!” Bill puts Kiran in the corner, runs corner to corner, and he SPLASHES! The fans cheer Bill on while Kiran sputters. Bill drags Kiran up, turns him, and CLUBS him down! Tag to Keith, then Bill BLASTS Darian! Keith says lace up the Timbs!

Keith BOOTS Kiran into Bill’s BIG BOOT! Cover, Keith & Bill win!

Winners: Big Bill & Bryan Keith, by pinfall

They don’t get paid by the hour, but they still get Paid In Full for the win! Will they not stop until they’ve taken the tag titles for their own?

Backstage interview with Adam Priest & Tommy Billington.

Lexy Nair is with the Modern British Bulldogs, and she brings up their success as a tag team, as well as their recent success in singles matches. Adam apologizes for interrupting but he wants to talk about that. They have dominated in tag matches and singles matches, but Tommy had Jay Lethal squirming and ready to tap. But of course, The Swirl comes out to screw Tommy over. And they will handle that business, but tonight, they’re back in tag action against The Workhorsemen. And the thing is, those guys taught Adam everything he knows, yet they come up short against Adam Priest. Now, he’s pretty sure Tommy has words for Jay Lethal.

Tommy says that’s right. He tells Lethal that Lethal might think they have unfinished business, but no, they don’t. Tommy treated Lethal like a brother, Lethal was a mentor to him, watched his back when no one else did. But the thing is, once Tommy & Adam are down with the Workhorsemen, they go after Lethal. Either it’s Tommy or Adam, but they will end this with Lethal! So watch your back! Adam thanks Lexy and the Bulldogs head out. Will they make JD Drake & Anthony Henry an example of this fury that lies within?

Adam Priest & Tommy Billington VS The Workhorsemen!

Tense as things are, Tommy keeps the Code of Honor with Drake & Henry. The teams sort out, and Adam starts with Henry. They tie up, Henry puts Adam in a corner to CHOP, but Adam CHPOS and UPPERCUTS back! Adam tags Tommy and they double whip Henry to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then drop toehold to the ELBOW DROP! Tommy hurries to headlock but Henry powers up and out. Tommy RUNS Henry over, then brings him up to headlock. Henry powers up and out but Tommy RUNS him over again! Then arm-drags, and arm-drags, and scoop SLAMS! Tommy hurries up top to MISSILE DROPKICK!

The fans cheer, Tommy covers, but Drake distracts! Tommy gets upset by that but he brings Henry up to bump off buckles. Tag to Adam and they DOUBLE- NO, Drake saves Henry! Only for Tommy & Adam to SHOVE Drake into Henry! Henry tumbles out, but then Drake TOSSES Adam! Henry KICKS Adam down, but Tommy DROPKICKS Drake out! The fans rally as the Workhorsemen regroup, and Tommy builds speed! Tommy DIVES, but Drake catches him! “Now you’re dead!” Drake pops Tommy up against ropes to then CLOBBER him! Henry reels Tommy in, SNAP PILEDRIVER on the floor!

The ref checks Tommy, Adam hurries over, but Henry sends him into the steps! Henry puts Adam in the ring, covers, ONE! Adam is tougher than that but Henry stomps Adam. Henry CHOPS Adam in the corner, tags Drake, then they stuff him in the corner to mug him. Drake drags Adam up, CHOPS him, but Adam CHOPS back! Adam DECKS Henry, fires CHOP after CHOP, then LARIATS! Drake stays up so Adam headlocks. Drake powers up and out to then RUN Adam over! Drake frowns as he looms over Adam. Drake KICKS Adam, FALLING HEADBUTTS, then stands on his face! The ref counts but Drake steps off at 4.

The fans rally for Adam but Drake drags him up. Adam fires body shots and a CHOP, but Drake ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Adam survives but Drake drags him up. Tag to Henry and the Workhorsemen mug Adam again. Henry brings Adam around, fishhooks his nose, but he stops as the ref counts. Henry scuffs and kicks Adam around but the fans rally up. Henry stomps Adam’s hand, reels him in, and calls his shot! But Adam fights the lift! Adam BACKDROPS free! But Tommy’s still down, Adam can’t tag out! Drake tags in, but Adam ELBOWS Henry away. Adam dodges Henry but Drake ROCKS him! Henry hits the GUT WRENCH DRIVER!

Drake BLINDSIDE WIZARDS Adam, then covers, TWO! Adam survives and the fans rally up. Drake grows frustrated and he CHOKES Adam! The ref counts, Drake stops at 4, then he rains down forearms! Drake CHOPS Adam while he’s down, then HAMMERS away! Drake says Adam wouldn’t be anything without the Workhorsemen! But Adam SLAPS Drake! Drake snarls and BUZZSAWS Adam down! Drake shoves Adam down to SENTON! Tag to Henry and he sits Adam up to KICK! Henry stomps away on Adam, then stops to bring him back to the Workhorsemen corner. Tag to Drake, he stands Adam up, and CHOPS!

Adam CHOPS, Drake HEADBUTTS away on Adam! Tag to Henry and they mug Adam again. But Adam ROCKS and CHOPS them on repeat! Adam fires a flurry on Henry, but Drake keeps Adam away! Adam still reaches out, hot tag to Tommy! Henry BOOTS Tommy first, then runs up to KNEE Adam! Feed to Drake for the- NO, Tommy DROPKICKS Henry away! No Nine to Five here! Drake runs up on Tommy, whips him to ropes, but Tommy grabs ropes! Tommy then dodges Drake to send him outside! Adam TORNADO DDTS on the floor! Tommy DIVES onto Henry! They hit railing, and Tommy hurries to put Henry back in.

Tommy steps in but Henry KICKS him! Henry waistlocks, Tommy switches and O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Henry has it now, but Adam pushes it over! Tommy has the BRIDGE, Tommy & Adam win!

Winners: Adam Priest & Tommy Billington, by pinfall

The Bulldogs pull victory from the jaws of defeat! They keep on winning as a team, but will they be able to bring down The Swirl and the Franchise Player?

Athena is backstage.

The Fallen Goddess smiles as Billie Starkz is up to something just around the corner, but then she spots the cameraman. “Oh, snap! Come here! Let’s go!” Athena pulls the cameraman into the room, and Billie has finished beating up Deonna Purrazzo! Athena tells Maya World that well, her petty is stronger than 50 Cent. She doesn’t take losses lightly. And not only did Maya “betray” Athena, but she threw her hat in with this hussy instead of her “Minion Mother” and “Minion Sisters.” This is a lesson: You mess with Athena, you embarrass her, and she claps back twice as hard! But sweet, sweet Pure Champion Deonna, your time is coming to an end!

Because Billie is not gonna disappoint Athena again. She will make history again as she becomes the first woman to have held ROH Women’s TV AND ROH Women’s Pure Championship. And this isn’t personal, but just know this is Athena’s show, and Deonna is a side character. Athena & Billie leave Deonna down and out, but will they reign over ROH no matter what it takes? Or will they regret talking down to Maya and the Virtuosa?

La Faccion Ingobernable speaks.

Sammy Guevara hushes everyone before he says, “Everybody’s Favorite Pillar is about to talk. Sammy Guevara & Beast Mortos have been an el fuego, baby! And that means ‘fire’ in Spanish. We have been undefeated as a tag team. Personally, I believe we are one of the greatest tag teams to walk the face of this earth. Me personally, I’m on my THIRD consecutive reign as ROH Tag Team Champion, without ever losing it! Back-to-back-to-back, never before seen in professional wrestling! But now Tony Khan, he told us we are forced, contractually obligated, to go and defend these titles.

“So here’s an open challenge! To any former world champions, former world tag team champions! Whether it’s this week, next week, the week after, it doesn’t matter, because the result is always gonna be the same. And after we kick your ass, don’t try to sue us, because this man is a shoot lawyer! So if you need a lawyer, call 1-800…” Mortos adds, “ROOOAR~! See you in court, hahaha!” Sammy says step up, or get stepped on! LFI is infinitely confident, but will they still be tranquilo once someone answers the call?

Four Leaf Corner Survival #1 Contender’s Match: Shane Taylor VS Lee Johnson VS AR Fox VS Matt Menard!

St. Patrick’s Day is still twelve days away, but why not test our luck already? Not only is this an ELIMINATION match fought until the last man, it is for a random title shot, and that title shot happens TONIGHT! Who survives to win the mystery prize?

The Code of Honor is not upheld, but the bell rings. Per Four Corner Survival, only two men are legal at this phase, so Fox and Daddy Magic step up. They circle, feel things out, but then Shane tags himself in! The fans boo but Shane tells Fox to back off. Shane and Matt circle, feel things out, and tie up. Shane powers Matt to an open corner, then backs off because Matt feels all greasy! The fans cheer the grease, but Matt and Shane go again. They tie up, Shane powers Matt to the other corner, but the ref has Shane back off. Shane smacks Matt on the back of his head, but Matt keeps his cool as he resets with Shane again.

The two circle, tie up, but Shane again powers Matt to a corner. Matt pokes Shane in the eyes! Then he CHOPS! And ROCKS! And ROCKS again! Matt runs and RAMS Shane! Matt keeps moving and he RAMS Shane again! Matt runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Shane RUNS him over! The fans cheer while Shane drags Matt around, and LEG DROPS! Shane snarls, talks trash on Matt, and brings him up again. But Matt JAWBREAKERS free! Big Shotty tags in off Shane, but Fox tags in off Matt. The fans rally for Fox as he stares down with Lee. Fox shoves Lee, Lee shoves back, and the two tie up. They go around but Lee waistlocks.

Fox wrenches free, wristlocks, but Lee rolls and wrenches. Fox rolls, UP KICKS, then kips up! But Lee hits a snap takeover! Fox headscissors, Lee kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Lee and Fox run up, Fox BOOTS the lariat then tilt-o-whirls to waistlock. Lee switches, Fox switches, but Lee bucks the O’Conner Roll. Fox avoids the buzzsaw, then avoids a stomp! And another stop! Fox KICKS Lee in the back, then sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Fox avoids as sweep, drops down to cover, ONE! Fox rolls Lee, TWO, and Lee stops the cutter! Fox ducks a lariat, Lee hurdles over, but Fox avoids the next! The fans cheer the new standoff!

But then Shane drags Fox out of the ring! Shane THROWS Fox into railing, then he blocks Lee’s dropkick! Shane spins Lee to then drag him out, DRAPING CUTTER to the floor! The fans rally while Shane shoves Lee into the ring. Shane is now legal and covers, TWO! Matt CLUBS away on Shane, CHOPS him, and CHOPS again! Matt climbs up to rain down fists, but Shane stops him at five. Matt kicks low, whips Shane, but Shane reverses. Shane runs up but Matt dodges Shane to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Fox runs in, Matt dodges, so Fox ELBOWS Shane! Matt then CHOPS away on Fox! The fans cheer, Lee runs in, but Matt sends him into Fox!

Matt CHOPS away on Lee and the fans fire up again! Matt fires up, but Lee SUPERKICKS him! Fox BOOTS Lee! But Shane KNEES Fox! Shane snarls, but Matt comes back to LARIAT! And DDT! Lee scoops Matt for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Fox kicks Lee to then ANARCHY SUPLEX! Shane clinches Fox, URENAGE! Shane then DECKS Matt! Cover, Shane ELIMINATES Matt! One down, two to go, and Shane drags Fox up. Shane puts Fox in the corner, CHOPS him, and the fans “WOO~” while Fox sputters and coughs. The fans want that “One More Time!” and Shane stands Fox up. But then Shane flips the fans off before he CLAWS Fox’s face!

The fans boo but Shane whips Fox. Fox grabs ropes, then he DUMPS Shane out! Shane gets Lee up to TOSS him out, and then Fox goes to the apron! The fans rally, Fox aims, and he TOP ROPE IMPLODER SENTONS! The fans are fired up as Fox knocks down both Shane and Lee! Fox drags Shane up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Shane survives but Fox keeps his cool. Fox checks his head, he’s alright. Shane fires body shots on Fox and backs him to a corner. Shane then BODY BLOWS and ROCKS Fox! Shane sees Lee and runs up to LARIAT in the corner! Shane then runs back to Fox for a LARIAT! And then Shane LARIATS Lee, but Fox rolls Shane up, AND ELIMINATES HIM!!

The fans fire up, and both Fox and Shane are surprised that happened! But then Lee snatches Fox to a roll-up, TWO!! Fox escapes but Lee runs in and LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Fox survives again and Lee is beside himself! The fans rally behind Fox but Lee wags his finger. Lee kicks Fox around, eggs him on, then pie faces Fox. Fox stands but Lee CHOPS! And CHOPS! Lee whips Fox but Fox grabs ropes to block! The fans rally but Lee ROCKS Fox again. Lee whips, Fox reverses and mule kicks, BOOTS, and NECKBREAKER DROPS! The fans fire up with Fox as he rises up! Fox tucks Lee in, PACKAGE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!

The fans rally as Lee survives! Fox is frustrated, but he drags Lee to the drop zone. The fans rally again as Fox rises, aims, and SWANTON BOMBS, but into knees! Lee hurries to HELLUVA KICK! Then Lee reels Fox in and- NO, Fox wrenches out! Lee kicks low, Fox ENZIGIRIS, but Lee SHOTGUNS! Both men stand, Fox BOOTS a lariat but Lee SUPERKICKS! Fox SUPERKICKS! Lee swings but Fox goes Matrix! Fox kips up to ENZIGIRI! Then Fox reels Lee in, but Lee suplexes! SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! They cheer on “ROH! ROH!” for making this semi-main-event possible!

Lee drags Fox to the drop zone, then Lee goes up the corner. But Fox SMACKS Lee first! Fox ROCKS Lee again, and again, and again! Fox then runs up and goes up, SPANISH- NO, Lee slips around to SNAP GERMAN! Lee then goes out, up, and aims, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!? Fox survives and the fans are loving it! Lee is stunned, but he fires back up! Lee drags Fox up, reels him in, and FISHERMAN- NO, Fox fights the suplex! Fox RAMS Lee into the corner, then backs off so he can run in. Lee BOOTS Fox, goes back up, but Fox comes back to jump up! ARABIAN SPANISH FLY! Then Fox goes right up for the 450 SPLASH!! Cover, FOX WINS!

Winner: AR Fox, by pinfall (earns an immediate title opportunity)

It was quite the fight, but the fighting isn’t over! The ref brings the lucky prize box to Fox, and it’s time to see what gold is at the end of the rainbow. Fox brings out the paper, and it reads… INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!? The Rainmaker is here on ROH, and he’s ready to defend his title! Will Fox be ready to bring down one of the best in the world today? Or will Okada make it rain in Jacksonville?

AEW International Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS AR Fox!

The bell rings and the fans are fired up already as Okada SHOTGUNS Fox down! Okada drags Fox up to ELBOW in the corner again and again! Okada then goes corner to corner and back again to ELBOW! Fox flounders while the fans are torn. Okada storms up on Fox, CHOKES him on the ropes, but he stops as the ref counts 4. Then Okada BOOTS Fox out of the ring! Fox writhes, clutches a leg, but Okada is right after him. Fox fires body shots, then CLUBS at Okada’s leg. Okada CLUBS Fox, then DDTS him to the floor! The fans boo but Okada rolls back into the ring, just to refresh it. Okada drags Fox up and puts him in the ring.

The fans rally and duel as Okada stalks Fox, and Okada drags Fox up. Fox fires body shots again, but Okada KNEES low! Then DDTS again! Cover, TWO! Fox survives and the fans rally up. Okada grins, he’s amused as Fox toughs it out. Okada kicks Fox around, eggs him on, but Fox fires a forearm! And another! Okada eggs Fox on more, then ROCKS him! Fox staggers away, but he BOOTS from the ropes! Okada comes back but Fox puts him through the ropes! DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up for Fox as he and Okada rise up again. Fox then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Fox goes Matrix again for an ENZIGIRI!

The fans rally and Fox runs in, BIG BACK ELBOW! Then a snapmare, roll, and CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Okada survives the onslaught then goes to the corner. Fox runs in again, but into a BOOT! Fox still comes back, but Okada pops Fox up! Tuck and REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada drags Fox up again, scoops him and SLAMS him, then goes to the corner. Standard formula for Okada as he hits the MACHO ELBOW! Okada then winds it up, and gives us the Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER! The fans boo but Fox snatches Okada to a victory roll! TWO! Okada swings, Fox ducks it and slips around, backslide! TWO!

Fox dodges Okada to BOOT him down! Fox keeps going, and he goes right up top! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Fox is shocked! The fans rally as Fox gets Okada up and puts him up top! Fox then runs to go up, up, and ARABIAN- NO, Okada stops that to GERMAN SUPLEX! Just like Lee! But Okada holds on, ripcords, and RAIN- NO, Fox ducks! But Okada spins Fox, but Fox goes Matrix! But Okada DROPKICKS Fox! Then ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)

Okada indeed made it rain, washing away Fox’s dream of holding gold. But will Okada have this same luck when he faces someone at 100%? Or will nothing stop the Don Callis Family from running both AEW and ROH?

My Thoughts:

A great ROH here to begin their new studio show era. The crowd wasn’t the biggest, but I feel like ROH didn’t advertise very well. That is to say, AEW didn’t help ROH advertise this change, no one officially announced it, it just happened. Just another reason TK needs people helping him with everything. Also, can they not do a FULL two hours? We need to keep it at 90 minutes max, but more preferably an hour on average. Two hours should be reserved for “special episodes,” which this did fall under.

Anyway, very good matches all over, great showings for everyone. Perse of course beat Leon, and that CMLL Women’s World Championship match with Mercedes Mone will be great, but I can’t be sure of Perse’s chances. Sidney Akeem continues to do creative, innovative things in the ring, he and CLØN need to have a match just to break the minds of everyone watching. The ROH Tag Division is clearly growing stronger, even if it is maybe quantity over quality. Top Flight gets a great win off GYV, and their interaction with “Paid In Full” clearly teases a match there. Bill & Keith of course won, but I’m not even sure that new name makes sense.

Very good promo from Adam & Tommy to call out “The Lethal Twist,” and they got a very good match and very good win over The Workhorsemen. Good to see Juice Robinson is cleared for action, he and Austin Gunn got a good win off MXM. Very good showing for Zayda against Mina but Zayda has now lost to both Love Bombs. The promo from Good stuff from Lacey VS Robyn, with a very good win for Lacey. I forget all of who have lost Proving Grounds to Red Velvet but I wouldn’t mind seeing Lacey battle Red Velvet real quick.

Athena, Billie and Deonna was good, and it’s about time they officially declared Deonna VS Billie. Athena calling out Maya World again is good, but given they’re doing a Proving Ground first, I feel like they could give Maya that win, and then she ultimately loses in the title match. Athena hasn’t lost any singles match, even a Proving Ground match, in the entire three years she’s been champion, so at least give Maya that achievement.

And great stuff with the “double main event.” I’m still not much for “Four Corners” where you tag in and stuff, just give us a flat out Fatal 4 Way where everyone’s active at once. It turned into that before Menard was eliminated anyway. But Fox winning out was great, he’s been needing wins beyond the “money prize” matches. Okada being the “random” champion was awesome, definitely unexpected. But of course Okada won, Fox went through a very tough match just before that, and also he’s Okada. Fox needs to feud with Nick Wayne now that Nick is back, and Fox should take the TV title off him. Nick had that title the entire time he was injured, TK didn’t bother making an interim title for it like he did the women’s title, so time to get a new champ.