Well we kicked the year off with a great episode of TNA. Only a three match card, but the segments and promos were great, Ryan Nemeth’s new gimmick is wonderful cringe and the show was just generally a fun and easy watch. Let’s hope we get more of the same this week.

Here’s to hoping that last week didn’t set the bar too high.

.@theraveneffect has ideas for @WeAreRosemary!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/xVir5pHHoL

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 10, 2025

Ratings:

• The System (Eddie Edwards, Dango & Brian Myers) w/Moose & Alisha vs Steve Maclin, Eric Young & Jonathan Gresham: Maclin wins via K.I.A. – ** 3/4
• Savannah Evans vs Lei Ying Lee: Lei Ying wins via Thunderstruck – ** 1/4
• The Northern Armoury Gauntlet Match: Northern Armoury vs Mike Santana: Santana wins via bad booking – zero
• The Good Hands vs The Rascalz: Rascalz win via Feed ‘Em To The Lions – **
• X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Andrew Everett: Moose wins via Last Ride – N/A
• Rhino & Joe Hendry vs The Kaiba Boys (Ryan & Nic Nemeth): Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – ***

Results:

NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!

If @PCOisNotHuman and @TheSamiCallihan can defeat the Hardys, they’ll earn a spot in the TNA World Tag Team Championship match at #TNAGenesis!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/7o7NENN5wQ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 10, 2025

The System (Eddie Edwards, Dango & Brian Myers) w/Moose & Alisha vs Steve Maclin, Eric Young & Jonathan Gresham

Eddie and Gresham kick off the action, Gresham gets a few early shots before an Eye Gouge slows Gresham down. Eddie starts firing back but a Reverse Crossbody out of the corner turns it back around for Gresham and he tags in EY. EY and Gresham double up on Eddie for a bit, Gresham even lays the boots in a bit longer and the referee has to make him stop with the 5 count. EY tries to pull Eddie to the middle, but Eddie manages to slip away and tag in Myers. A little back and forth that ends with Alisha distracting EY and The System taking a few shortcuts to finally gain a measure of control. Dango tags in, lays into EY with some basic striking offense, nothing flashy but at least effective. Myers tags back in and they start playing coy with Maclin which forces him to try and get in the ring and distracts the referee so the heels can continue the onslaught.

The isolation game is strong on EY, Myers hits a Back Body Drop, lays out Gresham on the apron, taunts Maclin, looks for the Roster Cut but gets caught by EY and Spicolli Driver from EY! EY finally tags out, Maclin comes out hot and starts beating on everyone. Thesz Press meets Dango, Eddie tries to run in but eats a Busaiku Knee, Maclin levels both System members, Backbreaker on Dango, looks for the pinfall but Myers breaks it up. All six brawl a little until Dango tries a Blindside Bulldog, but Maclin sees it coming, throws Dango into the buckles, Tree of Woe, Caught in the Crosshairs! K.I.A. and Dango is out, no break, Maclin wins!

Aftermath: System attacks the faces with Chairs, gives Gresham the old steel chair necklace and runs him face first into the post! Gresham is down, EY and Maclin run them off, but the damage is done.

Savannah Evans vs Lei Ying Lee

Xia Brookside comes out to accuse Savannah of injuring people but has the surprise of Lei Ying being back. I do like the small wink that Xia reintroduced Lei Ying Lee. 

Lee comes out hot, lays into Savannah, hits a quick Crossbody that Savannah catches sloppily, Savannah tries to powder but the next few steps are sloppy looking (all on Savannah) until Lee just hits a nice Thrust Kick to rock Savannah and a few more nice high impact moves before Savannah just finally gets a chance to use her power and One Armed Sitout Powerbomb Lee. Savannah tries to keep the pressure on with the neck crank but Lee powers up, tries to go for some quick offense, looks for a Frankensteiner but Savannah blocks it and its a Speed Striker vs Powerhouse exchange where Lee just tries to stick and move while Savannah picks a few spots to dig in and counter with a big Lariat.

Savannah looks for her Full Nelson Bomb but Lee slips it with the Arm Drag counter, Savannah tries to turn around to run Lei Ying over and instead Savannah eats Thunderstuck (Trouble in Paradise) for the win.

It’s very shoehorn feeling to just have Xia say that Lei Ying was injured when it’s not like commentary even mentioned it (maybe because of Chris Bey’s legit injury) but, I’m just glad to have Lei Ying back. 

TNA+ Moment of the Week: Kurt Angle vs Jeff Jarrett – NoDQ Genesis 2009

The Northern Armoury Gauntlet Match: Northern Armoury vs Mike Santana

Santana comes out first, the jabronis come out second without Josh. So we all know this isn’t going to matter until Josh shows up. This is like a Pokemon Gym but the Junior Trainers are inept morons with the skill set of a level 14 Magikarp.

Jabroni one tries to do death by 1000 cuts, Santana no sells all of his offense even with cheating, he tries some kind of Ripchord Rainmaker but Santana turns it into a Spin the Block and dude is dead. Santana beats Jabroni number 1, bald one is second…and he’s gonna do nothing worth talking about either. Remember I said I wouldn’t learn these two morons names because they are portrayed as nobodies, so no reason for me to care.

Bald Jabroni is so underwhelming we go to commercial, thank you Commercial Jesus, I didn’t want to watch a Jobber do useless things for 3 minutes to get blown up in a 20 second flurry from Santana. We come back, Santana tries for the Rolling Buck 50 but Bald Jabroni catches him into a Crucifix Bomb, but Santana powers out, Buckle Bomb, Reverse Powerbomb and Sitout Powerbomb puts the Jabroni to bed. Josh’s music hits again and he slowly walks down the ramp and looks dismayed.

Josh just has the nerd mug Santana after the bell, so its a three on one gang attack, Josh is DQ’d, so Santana technically wins. Josh punctuates the beatdown with a C4 Spike and then grabs his Headgear back from Santana. Lame finish, but when it involves two nobodies, I don’t think anyone is surprised.

The Good Hands vs The Rascalz

Wentz and Hotch start, Wentz dog walks him quick with a Tornillo out of the corner and then a little ACS Rush homage to the Machine Guns. Trey with a few shots, tags back in Wentz but a shortcut gives the Job Hands an opening. Granted, I like the Good Hands for their position in the card and they’re just a good classic heel team. They bait out Trey to distract the referee and then Double Crotch Standing whilst Wentz is in the Tree of Woe. Skyler tries to keep the pressure up, throws him into the ropes, Wentz runs by Skyler, Lethal Injection! Simultaneous tags and Trey takes out everyone, hangs Hotch on the middle rope and does this Cartwheel Spinning Rope Assisted DDT thing. It looked cool, that’s all that matters.

Skyler manages to dump Trey out, they double up on Trey, Hotch hits a Splash for two and then Wentz stops the Good Hands’ momentum with the Back Handspring Knee Lift into Feed ‘Em To The Lions!

The finish was never really a question, at least this was kinda fun coming off some awkwardness and a poorly booked gauntlet match. 

.@TheEricYoung and @SteveMaclin are FURIOUS after The System’s brutal attempt to end @TheJonGresham’s career! @AJFrancis410 and @KCwrestles couldn’t care less!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/Dw7ITswj28 pic.twitter.com/inm0HIFPTr

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 10, 2025

X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Andrew Everett

Moose comes out to say he’s going to unveil a new belt a Genesis because he thinks the current X Division title is garbage. Andrew Everett randomly comes out to literally no reaction, tries to say he’s X Division and Moose ain’t the face of shit. Moose kicks his head off in what looks like Neon Green Crocs (they’re sneakers, they just look silly as hell). Moose calls for a referee and makes an impromptu title match.

Skywalker gets in a couple shots at best before Moose just has his way with him. Single Arm Powerbomb from the Buckles to the apron, another Apron Bomb, goes into the ring, Last Ride and puts a foot on his chest, easiest duel of his life. Moose wins in street clothes and barely breaking a sweat.

Jordynne comes out to call out Tessa, amusingly says that Tessa should be afraid that she has a live mic, but she won’t stoop to her level. Says a few things and then Tessa comes out of the crowd, they brawl for a little bit until broken up by security and we go to commercial.

Rhino & Joe Hendry vs The Kaiba Boys (Ryan & Nic Nemeth)

Points to the real ones who understand the Kaiba Boys reference. Oh and Kaz comes out to commentary during the commercial break.

Ryan and Rhino start, Ryan powders, plays coy and then tags in his big brother Seto, I mean Nic. Rhino turns around Nic’s early attempt at a Headlock with Arm Wringers, Should Tackles and then he eats a Dropkick from Nic. Ryan tags in, Double In and Out Wringers into Short Clotheslines for a near fall. Rhino quickly flips the script on Ryan, shoves him into his corner and tags out to Joe. Joe gets one Knife Edge Chop and then tags out, they take turns tagging in and out for Chops, Ryan tries to fire against Hendry, lays in a Chop of his own and Hendry no sells it. Lays out Ryan, Ryan tries to get away from Hendry, run the ropes and eats another Shoulder Tackle. Hendry lifts up Ryan for the Stalling Suplex as he also decides to walk around the whole ring with Ryan inverted, just toying with him. Stalling Suplex connects, Hendry tags out and Ryan turns things around Rhino pretty quick and tags out to Nic.

Nic with some of his more signature offense, Rude Awakening, Shot to the Heart Elbows, but tags back out to Ryan. Mokuba needs to get his reps in. Ryan chokes Rhino on the ropes and then tags out to Nic as they gang up on Rhino a little. Nic strings some offense together, looks for the FameASSer, but Rhino catches him, Powerbombs him and simultaneous tag time! Ryan gets dog walked early, Attitude Adjustment from Hendry, Nic tries to jump in literally, Hendry catches him, Sack of Shit, Kip Up and looks for the Standing Ovation on Ryan, but the thumb to the eye stops that. Hendry Cutter with a pinfall but Nic breaks it up. Belly to Belly from Rhino to Nic, Ryan stops Rhino from Goring Nic, so Ryan eats the Gore instead. Superkick from Nic sends Rhino reeling, Joe Lariats Nic to the outside, Standing Ovation on Ryan, Mokuba is a card.

Overall Score: 5/10

Potentially the dictionary definition of average. Some aspects of this episode were enjoyable, Xia Brookside, Lei Ying Lee, Raven, Joe Hendry, DeathMeat and KC Navarro existing. But plenty of other things to lull me to sleep or make me ask why, like why book a gauntlet match when we all know the jabronis suck and you just cock teased us with an immediate Josh DQ. Yes yes, “It sets up Genesis” – but wait – NO IT DOESN’T! It’s just like the SDL broken neck angle, there is no reason to promote a match happening just to bait and switch or ‘swerve’ the logic. It just comes off desperate because you booked yourself into a corner, and proves the booker is an imbecile.

And we didn’t get any whiny Ryan promos! How dare you ram it down our throats last week, and it was wonderful cringe, to just ignore it the next week. Stop with not knowing how to right cohesive stories. Christ on a crutch, did no one on the writing staff pass sixth grade? Or did everyone score less than a 1000 on their SAT? Because damn…I mean damn.

Write better.

This is (unfortunately) still the Ring of Jericho!

Still ROH World Champion after Final Battle, Chris Jericho returns to address The House of Honor, as well as what is next for The Nueve.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Trish Adora VS Harley Cameron; Adora wins.
• Blake Christian VS Serpentico; Blake wins.
• Beefcake Boulder VS Griff Garrison w/ Cole Karter; Boulder wins.
• Billie Starkz VS Brittany Jade; Billie wins.
• Rachael Ellering VS Queen Aminata; Aminata wins.
• ROH Rewind: WOH Championship: Sumie Sakai VS HZK (Hazuki) w/ Oedo Tai; Sukie wins and retains the title.
• MXM Collection VS The Dawsons; MXM wins.
• ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground Match: Red Velvet VS Jazmyne Hao; Velvet wins and denies Jazmyne a title opportunity.
• Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty VS The Gates of Agony; Shane & Lee win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Trish Adora w/ Shane Taylor VS Harley Cameron!

Shane Taylor Promotions is looking to take over all of ROH, and that means the AfroPunk has the Women’s Division in her crosshairs! Will Adora start marching towards the gold? Or will she feel the wrath of Harley Cameron?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. Harley and Adora circle, tie up, and Adora arm-drags Harley away. The fans duel, Adora swaggers, and then she and Harley reset. They circle again, tie up, and Harley waistlocks to then snapmare. Harley says, “Feel the wrath, baby!” Adora asks what the heck was that. They circle, Harley barely blocks a kick, and she spins Adora to a headlock. Adora powers up, Harley holds on, but Adora finally powers out. Adora drops down, Harley tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! Adora ends up in a corner, the fans fire up and Harley runs in, only to get caught!

Adora puts Harley up top but Harley ROCKS her back! Harley reels Adora in, TORNADO- NO, Adora stops the DDT to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Harley staggers up, into a BOOT! Adora smiles, says kiss this, then storms back up on Harley. Adora steps over to HIP DROP the arm, and the fans rally again. Harley goes to ropes, Adora waistlocks, but Harley fights the suplex. Adora still tries, and she still GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans boo but Adora pretends to not know why. Adora storms up on Harley in a corner, whips her corner to corner, then runs in, but Harley ELBOWS her! Harley runs up, but into a swinging BACKBREAKER!

Harley crawls away, the fans are torn, but Adora just salutes. Adora storms up on Harley, wrenches her, snapmares her, and KICKS her on the back! Adora clamps on with a chinlock, but the fans rally for Harley as she endures. Harley fights up, fires body shots, but Adora CLUBS her on the back! Adora Alabama Lifts Harley, brings her around, REVERSE NECKBREAKER STRETCH! Harley endures being turned into a pretzel, Adora drops it into a cradle, TWO! Harley escapes but not for long as Adora gets the arms. Adora KNEES Harley in the back for that motorcycle stretch! Adora claps and the fans rally up.

Harley endures, fights up, and she powers up to turn things around! But Adora turns it back! Then she waistlocks, but Harley switches! Adora switches, Harley switches, and the fans cheer! Harley ripcords, ducks a roundhouse, and she hits a BIG back suplex! Both women rise and the fans fire up! Harley runs corner to corner, but Adora puts her on the apron! Adora grabs Harley, but Harley SMACKS Adora off buckles! ROUNDHOUSE! Harley jumps in, dodges Adora to KICK, KNEE, and ENZIGIRI! Adora staggers, Harley fires up and runs, SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Adora survives #HarleyPotter, then ducks a kick!

Harley fights the waistlock, but Adora still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Harley survives but Adora is right on her! Adora scoops but Harley fights free! Harley shoves Adora away, then slips around her, sunset flip! Adora rolls free, roars, and LARIAT TUBMAN!! Cover, Adora wins!

Winner: Trish Adora, by pinfall

The wrath of Harley Cameron was not felt but conquered, and The Infantry shows up to celebrate with their teammate. Will ROH soon belong to STP?

AEW Stories presents Nigel McGuinness: The Road Less Traveled.

Learn all about the life of the ROH legend, both from those who know him, and from the man himself. Available now On Demand on Honor Club!

Billie Starkz VS Brittany Jade!

In quite the twist, Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths is still Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths because the Fallen Goddess has only grown more erratic. Athena dumped Lexy Nair to keep Billie under her thumb, will Billie even be able to focus on her own success? Or will Charlotte’s #SadHooligan take advantage of Billie’s dilemma?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and Billie circles with Brittany. They tie up and go around, and Billie puts Brittany on ropes. Billie lets off to whip but Brittany reverses. Billie reverses back to send Brittany to a corner. Billie runs up, Brittany dodges, but Billie goes up and around to arm-drag and lateral press! Cover, ONE, and Brittany ghost pins! ONE and Billie SUPERKICKS Brittany down! Brittany flounders to ropes, Billie storms up and Billie fires forearms! Billie whips, ELBOWS, and KNEES Brittany to then LARIAT! Billie flexes and fans cheer, but Brittany flounders to a corner.

Billie storms up but Brittany fires shots. Billie BOOTS Brittany, reels her in, and snap suplexes! The fans cheer while Brittany flounders. Billie seethes, then she stalks Brittany to a corner. Billie snapmares Brittany while fans duel, and then Billie KICKS Brittany in the back! Brittany writhes, but Billie gives her stomps! Billie tells the ref to back off, how very Athena of her. Billie mocks the booing fans, then she ROCKS Brittany. Billie whips corner to corner, runs up, but Brittany dodges! Brittany returns to SPLASH! Brittany keeps moving, blocks some boots, but the REBOUND KICK hits! Billie goes up, but Brittany UPPERCUTS!

Brittany climbs up to CLUB away on Billie, then hoists her up. But Billie slips under, goes for the Electric Chair Lift, only for Brittany to hold on tight. Billie manages to pry Brittany away from the corner, just to THROW her into the buckles! Brittany wobbles, into the HEEL KICK! Billie goes up, up, and SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, Billie wins!

Winner: Billie Starkz, by pinfall

Minion or not, Billie gets herself back on track. We know from WrestleDynasty that Athena didn’t win the International Women’s Cup, and is now going to settle things with Thekla at Stardom’s next event this Monday. Will Billie (not) be cheering on her Minion Overlord in her battle with the #WarB*tch?

Rachael Ellering VS Queen Aminata!

The ROH Women’s Division continues to power up as the Queen of Strong Smile takes on the Queen of Guinea, here in the Queen City! Athena’s on her “world tour” while Red Velvet will be on the Proving Grounds tonight, will the winner of this match be primed for a shot on the other side?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as the two circle. The chant of “QUEEN! QUEEN! QUEEN!” starts up and Aminata shakes it up. Rachael tells the camera that she’s still gonna knock her head off. The two tie up, then Rachael waistlocks, then wrenches to a wristlock. Aminata brings Rachael to her knees, steps over, and gives her a twerk attack! The fans fire up but Rachael pushes Aminata away. Rachael jokes that the twerking wasn’t that good, but offers another handshake. Aminata takes it and the two reset. They tie up again, Aminata waistlocks, but Rachael pries the hold open.

Rachael wrenches to a wristlock and she WRINGS Aminata. Aminata rolls through, but Rachael runs her over! The fans rally and duel while Rachael dusts herself off. Things speed up, Rachael steps over the dropdown, and she deadlift gut wrenches Aminata! Aminata says don’t do it, but Rachael asks Charlotte if they should. The fans say yes, so Rachael GUT WRENCH PLEXES Aminata! The fans fire up and Rachael says, “SQUISH~!” But Aminata scrambles out of the ring! The fans boo but Rachael did give it away. Aminata takes a break to catch her breath, the fans rally for her, and Rachael patiently waits.

The ring count is 7 of 20 while Aminata paces. Rachael holds the ropes open, Aminata accepts the friendly offer, and the fans cheer as they reset again. The two tie up, Aminata waistlocks, then headlocks. Rachael blocks the takeover, then lifts Aminata back up! Aminata shifts sides, spins to a hammerlock, then back to the headlock. Rachael slips out the back to waistlock and SLAM! Rachael runs, BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Rachael aims, “SQUISH~!” Rachael runs up and SENTONS! Direct hit and Rachael covers, TWO! Aminata toughs it out and goes to a corner, but Rachael runs up! Aminata BOOTS her first!

Rachael comes back, Aminata goes up and over, then Aminata ROCKS Rachael! And mule kicks! Aminata climbs up, and she rains down fists! The fans count, and Aminata stops at 9 to shimmy and shake, before TEN! Aminata then sits Rachael down, and starts up the clap, slap slap! The fans join in, Aminata runs side to side, BOOT WASH! Aminata grins while she sits on the apron, having gone through Rachael! Aminata then drags Rachael to a cover, TWO! Rachael survives but Aminata drags her to center. Rachael fights but Aminata goes for legs. Rachael reels her in for a roll-up, TWO! Aminata runs up, into an ELBOW!

Aminata gets mad now. Aminata runs up, Rachael dodges and comes back, to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up and Rachael reels Aminata in. Aminata wrenches out, QUEEN’S CROWN HEADBUTT!! Cover, Aminata wins!

Winner: Queen Aminata, by pinfall

Aminata gives Rachael a kiss on the forehead for her Code of Honor show of respect. But will no one keep Aminata from the gold in the New Year?

ROH Rewind: WOH Championship: Sumie Sakai VS HZK (Hazuki) w/ Oedo Tai!

Speaking of championships, we’re taking it back to the early days of the “Women of Honor” Division! And to honor Sumie Sakai’s retirement match this Saturday as part of NJPW Battle in the Valley, we watch one of her instant classics with Stardom’s Wildheart!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but there’s no Code of Honor. HZK slaps Sumie’s hand away then swings on her, but Sumie ducks to Mongolian chop! The bell rings and Sumie is already fired up. She whips but HZK reverses to throw her down by her hair! There’s that new found edge from joining Oedo Tai. HZK picks Sumie up and throws her to a corner. She gets the fans into it as she claps while scraping her boot into Sumie. HZK then runs for the corner to corner for another boot wash! Sumie ends up outside the ring but HZK fetches her. She throws Sumie into barriers while Oedo Tai lurks.

HZK scoop slams Sumie right to the floor mats! She then stares down a fan, and flips him off! HZK drags Sumie up to throw into another barrier, then puts her back in the ring. HZK runs and dropkicks Sumie back out! Fans fire up as HZK climbs up and takes aim. HZK leaps for a SUPER SENTON! Direct hit! The young upstart is in control while we go to break.

ROH returns and HZK grinds Sumie with a headlock. Sumie gets free but not for long, as HZK uses body scissors to roll Sumie around! HZK stops to make it a cover, TWO! Oedo Tai knows HZK was close as she drags Sumie up. HZK prepares a full nelson but Sumie breaks out. Sumie and HZK trade forearms back and forth. Fairfax is on Sumie’s side as she gets an edge. HZK knees low, then runs, but into a back elbow. Sumie whips but HZK reverses only for Sumie to reverse back. Sumie gives an elbow then runs, for a big forearm smash! Fans fire up with the champ as she drags HZK up. She hits a Northern Lights with a bridge, TWO!!

Sumie rallies the fans up as she runs, but into a bicycle kick! HZK drags Sumie up, Full Nelson Slam! Running senton! TWO! HZK was close again, but she doesn’t lose focus. She runs in corner to corner for the back elbow, then climbs up for the tornado DDT! Cover, TWO! That was close but not enough. HZK drags Sumie up but Sumie counters to a small package, TWO! Code Breaker outta nowhere from HZK! Both women are down but the fans are fired up. HZK stands first and drags Sumie over. She climbs up again, and fans rally up. She jumps, but her senton flops as Sumie rolls away. Sumie fires up now as she takes aim.

HZK stands and Sumie runs in for a modified shining wizard! Sumie keeps going, swinging fisherman neckbreaker, the TJ Special! Cover, TWO!! Sumie was super close, but she’s not done yet. She climbs up top, but HZK stirs. Sumie waits and the fans fire up, for a big missile dropkick! Sumie then gives HZK the swinging knee. HZK slumps out of the ring, but Oedo Tai goes to her side. Sumie climbs up, to SUPER Crossbody onto them all! Fans are thunderous while Oedo Tai is reeling. Sumie drags HZK back up and in, then drags her back up while fans chant “This is Awesome!” Sumie hits the Fisherman Buster! Cover, TWO!

HZK is young but she has heart beyond her years. Sumie’s fine with that, as she drags HZK up again. Dragon sleeper but HZK slips out. HZK kicks but Sumie blocks to double stomp. Sumie climbs up now, but HZK crawls over. They brawl and a headbutt knocks HZK down. HZK gets back up to kick Sumie’s legs out, then she hits a DRAPING Code Breaker! Cover, TWO!? Sumie shocks everyone, and Hana Kanamura is pissed. She argues with the ref, but here comes Kagetsu! HZK holds onto Sumie while Kagetsu throws a kick, but Sumie ducks and the kick hits HZK! Sumie gives Kagetsu a big saido suplex, then drags HZK up. Smash Mouth! Cover, Sumie wins!

Winner: Sumie Sakai, by pinfall (still WOH Champion)

The Ray of Sunshine survives the shadowy trio of Oedo Tai to remain the first and only WOH Champion! And with this Saturday being the last match, will Sumie ride off into the sunset? Or will she be left in darkness after teaming with… The House of Torture?!

ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground Match: Red Velvet VS Jazmyne Hao!

The Chef knows LEGIT Leyla wants a rematch to clear the controversy from Final Battle, but that’s on the backburner. Right now, Velvet is looking to #StirItUp, but will she be serving up another L? Or will The Dragon of Malice burn her biscuits?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we’re on the clock. Velvet and Hao circle, tie up, and Hao shoves Velvet! Hao flexes, the fans are torn, but Velvet dusts herself off. The two circle again, the fans rally, and Velvet dodges to waistlock. Hao switches, Velvet wrenches to hammerlock, but Hao switches that onto Velvet. Velvet fights around, Hao holds on, but Velvet makes it to the ropes. The ref counts the break, Velvet protests, but Hao lets go. Velvet and Hao reset, tie up, but Velvet kicks low! Velvet CLUBS Hao, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her again. Velvet fires a body shot, but lets off as the ref reprimands.

Velvet comes back to BODY SHOT again! Velvet bumps Hao off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, then walks it dry. The fans are torn but Velvet struts back to the corner. Velvet digs her boots in, asks the fans why they’re mad, then says they’re just trash. Velvet lets off as the ref counts 4, then she brings Hao up. Hao breaks free to ROCK Velvet! Hao ROCKS, BODY SHOTS, and ROCKS Velvet again! Velvet CLUBS Hao in return, then brings her around. Velvet whips, Hao reverses, but Velvet grabs ropes! Velvet drop toeholds Hao onto ropes, then runs to DOUBLE KNEE Hao in the back! Velvet soaks up more heat before she goes back to Hao.

Velvet gets herself a taste, mocks the fans, tells ’em to “SUCK IT!” then runs up on Hao. Hao BOOTS Velvet down! Hao goes up, up, and CANNON- FLOPS! Velvet dodges to then DECK Hao! Cover, Velvet wins!

Winner: Red Velvet, by pinfall (denies Jazmyne Hao a title match)

Hao didn’t just get knocked out, she got cooked! Will Red Velvet be red hot when Leyla tries to take another bite out of her?

QT Marshall speaks.

He tells the cameraman, “Hey, c’mere. It’s just you, right? No Lexy? Ever since I took that selfie at Worlds End with Lexy, she hasn’t left me alone. And I get it. For the first time in her life, she went viral. And y’know what they say? You never forget your first time. Now everyone wants to know what QT Marshall’s been up to, and for everyone living under a rock, last week on ROH Television, I took Komander to the ten minute time limit in the Proving Ground, and earned myself an ROH Television Championship match.” Everyone wants to know why “a big guy” like QT is going after a “little luchador” like Komander.

It’s simple: QT was the AAA Latin American Champion last year, when people didn’t even know who Komander was! QT reveals he’s wearing his AAA merch: Born In America, Made In Mexico. People wanna know what happens next week when QT steps to Komander for the ROH World TV Championship, and that’s also simple: you’re looking at the NEW ROH World TV Champion, Q T Marshall! QT smiles, but will he bring the DOOM~ to the Commander of the Skies? Or will Komander deflate that ego before QT’s head is too big for the door?

Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty VS The Gates of Agony!

There is some history here, as Shane Taylor Promotions circa 2022 saw Bishop Kaun as the right hand man of Big Bad Shaney T. However, things change over time, such as management and allegiances. But while STP has rebuilt itself, the Cameroonian Prince & the Samoan Lion have found themselves all on their own. Can Shane convince Kaun to come back into the fold? Or will Kaun & Liona close the gates on the past?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the teams sort out, and after Shane demands STP gets the camera-right corner, he lets his new right hand man step to the old. Kaun and Lee circle, tie up, and Kaun powers Lee back to ropes. The ref counts the break, Kaun lets go cleanly and offers Lee to step away. Lee and Kaun reset, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Lee wrenches and hammerlocks, but Kaun trips Lee! Lee avoids a Stretch Muffler, as well as a headlock, then he wrangles Kaun. Lee traps an arm, flexes on Kaun, and Shane says that’s the BEST Pure Champion! Kaun fights free, Lee eggs him on, then Lee dodges.

Lee trips Kaun and has a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Kaun fights it, but Lee shifts to a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, Kaun ducks a kick. Lee drops down, hurdles over, but Kaun shoves him. Kaun hurdles, then dodges Lee to ELBOW him down! The fans fire up as Kaun builds up power, to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Kaun brings Lee up, wrenches, but Lee kicks free. Lee rolls back, Shane tags in. Kaun turns to Liona, but Shane shouts at Kaun, “Don’t even think about being a little b*tch and tagging him! You in here with the general, dawg!” The fans rally, Shane tells Liona to shut up, then he circles with Kaun.

Shane and Kaun tie up, Kaun headlocks, but Shane powers up and out. Kaun RAMS Shane but Shane shakes his head. Shane dares Kaun to do that again, so Kaun runs, but Lee gets a cheap shot in! Kaun DECKS Lee, dodges Shane, but the SOUTHPAW finds him! Shane eggs Kaun on, drags him up, and puts him in a corner. Shane says Kaun isn’t on the same side anymore, he’s on the other side. Shane CHOPS Kaun, but Kaun gets in Shane’s face! Kaun dares Shane to hit him again, so Shane says okay! Shane ROCKS Kaun! Shane eggs Kaun on, then he drags him over. Tag to Lee, STP mugs Kaun.

Lee drags Kaun up, wrenches and snapmares, then steps over to trap an arm. Lee soaks up the cheers and jeers, grabs the other arm, but Kaun fights it! The fans rally, Lee pushes on the shoulder, and then he bends the fingers! Lee twists the wrist, then reclines back on that arm! Kaun endures, ends up in a cover, TWO! Kaun escapes but Lee clamps on a facelock. Kaun fires body shots and the fans rally up. Kaun powers out to CHOP, CHOP, but Lee wrenches! Lee traps the arm to TWEAK it! Tag to Shane, and STP mugs Kaun again. Kaun ROCKS Shane, ELBOWS Lee, then fires more shots on Shane!

Kaun kicks, Shane blocks and SHOVES Kaun, then KNEES him down! Shane drags Kaun to a cover, but Liona breaks it! Shane tells Liona to get back, then he talks trash on Kaun. The fans continue to rally, and Shane brings Kaun up. Kaun throws elbows and body shots, then a CHOP! Kaun roars, but Shane ROCKS him again! Then URENAGE! SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Kaun stays in this but Shane tags Lee. STP stands Kaun up so they can mug him more. Lee wrenches the arm, bends the elbow, then ELBOW BREAKER! Lee whips Kaun, Kaun ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide!

The fans rally up while both men are down. Lee and Kaun crawl while the standing count starts. Hot tag to Shane, and then hot tag to Liona! The fans fire up as the big men RAM each other! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Shane and Liona shift to LARIATS, “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Liona gets the edge as he holds Shane up for LARIAT after LARIAT! But then Shane ROCKS Liona! Shane shouts, “Meat that, boy!” Shane then bobs ‘n’ weaves, HEADBUTTS, but Shane’s the one that wobbles! Liona roars to HEADBUTT back! Liona fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up with Liona as he storms around.

Liona calls to Kaun but that lets Shane get away. Lee sneaks a tag while Liona tags Kaun. The Gates set up in corners, the fans rally behind them, Liona HIP ATTACKS, and Kaun METEORAS! Shane flops but Lee drags Kaun out! Kaun kicks Lee away, then follows, but Lee dodges! Kaun tumbles, but Liona has Lee! Lee slips free of the scoop, but Liona bucks the O’Conner! Kaun returns, and Lee runs up, OPEN THE GATES!! Cover, TWO?!? Lee survives and the fans rally up! The Gates just reset, they get Lee up to CLOSE- NO, Shane DECKS Kaun! Liona dodges Shane to SUPERKICK Shane to the outside!

The fans fire up, Liona runs corner to corner and goes up, out, and CANNONBALLS onto Shane on the floor! Both big men are down, and now Adora runs out here? Why’d she wait to join STP ringside until now? Kaun short arm LARIATS Lee on the floor! Kaun drags Lee up, puts him in, but Adora is a decoy so THE INFANTRY can run back out here! Dean & Bravo trip Kaun and drag him to the apron, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Adora stops distracting the ref so he can see Lee’s O’Conner BRIDGE! STP WINS!

Winners: Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty, by pinfall

The fans boo but what can anyone do when STP has a 5v2 advantage? They end the 18 match win streak the Gates of Agony were on, and Shane says there is a difference between running with him versus running against him! Shane says this STP is family, so will the family share all the gold in ROH?

Chris Jericho is here!

The Learning Tree, the Nueve, the ROH World Champion, the King of New York, storms out here into the Queen City wearing a new “I ♥ Chris Jericho” shirt, mic in hand. Jericho doesn’t look to be in a good mood, he looks as sour as “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith does. The fans boo but Jericho has them turn his music off. Jericho says this crowd is full of idiots! A bunch of North Carolina morons! Jericho was watching all of them, none of them were chanting for him during those matches! None of them were cheering for Bryan Keith during those matches! The fans boo, why would they? Jericho says all he was hearing before was “Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

They wanna chant “Rock ‘n’ Roll?” Well guess what! The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express LEFT! Jericho saw ’em, too! And lucky they did, cuz if they came out here now, Jericho would whip BOTH their asses! If they were still here, Jericho would wipe the floor with them, then The Bad Apple would wipe the floor again! Wait, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express IS still here! Jericho is upset and confused to see Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton making their way out here, but Charlotte loves to see it! The tag team legends step into the ring, the fans chant “ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!” but Jericho says cut the music! Nope, the music keeps going!

The music does fade so that the chants can come in louder. Jericho says, “Oh, really? You wanna chant Rock ‘n’ Roll? Well I HATE Rock ‘n’ Roll!” Does Jericho not realize the irony of that statement? The fans chant “FOZZY SUCKS!” and Jericho tells ’em to shut up! Jericho reiterates that he really doesn’t like Ricky. He isn’t a fan of Robert, either, but Jericho hasn’t liked Ricky since 1994! Ricky took Jericho’s food, his bags, and made fun of him! Jericho should kick Ricky’s ass here and now! The fans boo but then Ricky ROCKS Jericho! Robby DECKS Jericho, Keith runs up but into an ELBOW! Robby whips and BODY SHOTS, Ricky KNEE LIFTS!

The fans fire up as Keith & Jericho bail out of the ring! Rock ‘n’ Roll Express stand tall, and Ricky grabs the mic Jericho dropped to say, “All I wanna say is that Robert and I are glad to be back home in Charlotte, North Carolina!” The fans are happy about that, too, and clearly Rock ‘n’ Roll will never die! When and where will Ricky & Robby rock ROH again? Will this embarrassment only motivate Chris Jericho to take it to Dax Harwood this Saturday Night Collision?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH here at just under 90 minutes, and again less because of the ROH Rewind. A great match to go with given Sumie Sakai’s retirement match this Saturday, and luckily I had this one covered to just copy-paste it. That match is also a bit sad in hindsight given the tragic end of Hana Kimura. But moving on from that, great women’s matches tonight, even with Billie in an obvious squash match and Adora obviously going to beat Harley. But Billie’s part was a good way to plug Athena’s “world tour” and build her back up from Final Battle. I still argue Billie should not have lost that.

Aminata VS Rachael was great stuff, and good stuff for Aminata to also get back up. Aminata is another example of when ROH should’ve pulled the trigger and dethroned Athena, but maybe Aminata can come back around and win the Women’s World Championship this year. Velvet VS Hao was really good stuff for a Proving Ground match, but of course Velvet won that. Velvet will keep herself sharp, surely Leyla will get some rebound wins, and their rematch can probably be Supercard of Honor at the latest. Also, while last year’s Supercard of Honor was coinciding with WrestleMania weekend, they can’t wait that long, Mania is gonna be late April. So maybe Supercard can be the same weekend as AEW Revolution, aka March.

Good promo from QT Marshall to hype up his title match with Komander, but I would think QT loses again. Komander only got that ROH TV title, he needs to keep going for a little longer. Plus, it kinda works for QT to be a “fail upward” Heel. His ego just grows, even after losing to Jay Lethal and losing to Jeff Jarrett. And speaking of egos that grow no matter what, we got a rather silly promo from Jericho that was just more for the fans to go home happy as Rock ‘n’ Roll Express get to slap Jericho around. The Rated FTR matches on Collision will do much better to build an ROH World Championship match story than this.

And very good main event tag match from STP with Gates of Agony, especially with the history between Shane and Kaun. That very story is a prime example of the real world affecting story. ROH’s dark times during Pandemic Era, Tony Khan picking up pieces of the roster here and there before just buying it all, and then TK not really knowing what to do with most of it after that, that is Shane Taylor Promotions and Gates of Agony right there. But hey, with STP having four men but aiming for all the gold, I feel like the Gates could be some unlikely allies for Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara as a new tag title story starts.

My Score: 8.7/10