So Against All Odds…was barely passable and that’s only with Xanax. The Knockouts title match was awful, the 4 Man “Home Town Man” was stupid and the only good part was remixing the old Jerry Lynn & AJ Styles “Born in the USA” theme for Home Town Man. Maclin needs to stop having brawls, they’re boring, give him a bump guy. Kaibas and Rascalz was underwhelming. Santino vs Robert Stone was funny, Elias vs Trick was too chalk and lame. IInspiration (IIconics) returning was big news at least. Hendry losing to Kaz was also obvious since Kaz hasn’t won a match in forever.

The show dragged, and as much as I usually like Masha’s wrestling ability…her last 3 title matches have sucked and its not her opponents fault. Killer Kelly returning is sexy though…I mean, good. Yes, good. Saving the best for last, Mustafa Ali vs Jason Hotch was the best match of the show, and really damn good in general. Workrate was great, Tasha and Skyler being conflicted and popping for Hotch when he was doing well was great character work. Hotch looked amazing in the loss, if they don’t capitalize on it, that would be a huge screw up from TNA.

Not really sure what kind of shows we’ll be getting, and I’m not excited.

.@MATTHARDYBRAND and @JEFFHARDYBRAND have a message for FIR$T CLA$$ ahead of TONIGHT's MAIN EVENT!

WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/mTnNBEFBcb

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025

Ratings:

• The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes: IInspiration wins via Idolizer – ** 1/2
• Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater: Leon wins via Swanton 450 – ** 3/4
• 8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz: Indi wins via Hurts Don’t It – ** 3/4
• Indi Hartwell vs Killer Kelly vs Jody Threat vs Tasha Steelz: Kelly wins via Hurts Don’t It – ***
• Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz: Hardyz win via DQ – ***

Results:

Santino opens the show informing Santana of a suspension, kicking Robert Stone out and recapping his victory party before introducing the IInspiration for their first match back. 

The IInspiration vs Missa Kate & Brittani Brookes

A bit of talking and pandering from IInspiration, they’re dominating the jobbers and there’s not much to discuss here. They do the IIconics Pose and actually keep the control. Cassie pulls off some kind of Butterfly Facebuster which looks cool, Jess comes in and the Jobbers cheat a little to take over. Jess tags in Cassie and Scorpion Kick, decent comeback, corner Hip Attacks, Neckbreaker, Jumping Kick to the Head into Fisherman’s Suplex Hold for 2. Idolizer (Magic Killer variant) is hit and IInspiration win, and didn’t look bad. Cassie (Peyton) is still the better wrestler of the two, but neither looked bad.

Jason Hotch w/Jon Skyler vs Leon Slater

I don’t hide the fact I heavily dislike Slater. He has no personality, he’s all flips, no ability to talk…he’s boring. He’s ROH Will Ospreay or Flip Gordon, does flippy crap to pop morons but he’s a worthless character. Since he wants to become the Youngest X Division champion, and they’ve talked about for like the last 7 months…sadly it’s probably going to happen. 

Chain wrestling start and Hotch already looks like the better wrestler. Hotch is on his SANADA in LIJ arch where he looked great losing to the leader, falls back in line but then he hits a Spinning Overhead Kick for a near fall, so I’m not allowed to finish my thought because Hotch is fun to watch. Leon is such a bad wrestler…he held the rope and looked back to take a forearm shiver, the nerd had to watch it to sell it. Man’s not talent.

Hotch has Leon in an Arm Iso Cravat, Leon tries to fire and then Hotch keeps him down. Leon counters a Slingshot Suplex into his own Final Cut to get space to breathe. Double sell, Leon leap frogs, then rope runs, Lariats and Lethal Injection from Leon for 2. Hotch is so fluid, dodges the corner attack, rope assisted side kick, Outside In Neckbreaker for a near fall! Hotch will probably lose, but he looks like the better wrestler by miles. Heavy Irish Whip counter from Leon, into Blue Thunder Bomb. Leon goes to the top, Hotch cuts off, Leon dodges, hits the Knife Edge Chop and they wrestle on the apron, Front Kick from Hotch sends Leon into the post, Double Stomp onto the apron, Hotch wants a finish but counter, Cradle trades and then Hotch gets caught by a Leg Lariat, Swanton 450, selling from Leon was spotty and bad during this whole match.

Fun moments but the wrong kid died…

.@MeanGiaMiller gets Tessa Blanchard's thoughts ahead of TONIGHT's 8-4-1 Match!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmexl pic.twitter.com/kurcKH2vtH

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025

8-4-1 Knockouts Match: Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Dani Luna & Rosemary vs Killer Kelly, Indi Hartwell, Jody Threat & Tasha Steelz

Dani and Jody start, so at least there’s a measure of story telling, but I still detest Jody. Sloppy counter wrestling start, Jody stops herself from punching Dani and tags in Tasha. Tasha pauses and jaws to her team and gets Back Body Dropped by Dani, Dani tags in Xia and Tasha pokes her eyes immediately and lights up Xia. Xia fights back, Rope Assisted Headscissors, Crossbody and near fall. Xia tags in Rosemary and Rosemary looks at her like death, then Rosemary goes after Xia, but a Codebreaker from Tasha gives space to tag in Kelly. Kelly kisses Rosemary and then they brawl in full mount. I’m not sure if I clicked the orange website or TNA…oh there’s a Lariat…it’s wrestling again.

Jody doofus tags in, the crowd wants Indi, no one wants Jody and Rosemary Upkick, Drop Toe Hold, Tessa tags in, works over Jody, Jody tries to go to the top, Victoria Crawford fka Alicia Fox trips her, Tessa gets the momentum back, a bunch of distraction and Tessa tags in Dani. Then Dani tags out to Rosemary. Whip, Rosemary misses the Spear, Tessa tags herself in and they’re keeping Indi out of the ring. Tessa crashes and burns as Jody dodges and fights back. Rosemary tags in, Indi gets the tag. Bunch combo, Spinebuster, Dani breaks the pin and now signature spam spot.

Indi is the last on to hit her moves, Hurts Don’t It takes out Rosemary after Tessa just walks out.

Indi Hartwell vs Jody Threat vs Killer Kelly vs Tasha Steelz

Commercial happened and we’re back and it’s Indi vs Jody. Jody takes her down with a Shoulder Tackle, Jody hits the Exploder, and Indi finally stalls some of the offense, Indi throws Jody into the ropes and Jody takes it bad. Jody Drop Toe Hold, looking for her Knees into German spot, but Kelly pulls her out, Tasha tries to pick the bones but Kelly comes in and attacks Indi. Tasha and Kelly have a heel agreement to gang up on Indi. Kelly goes for the pin, so hells are arguing, throw forearms, Kelly with the Double Overhooks, Headbutts, Angel’s Wings gets hit from Kelly but Tasha kicks out. Jody Crossbody takes out both heels.

Jody and Indi team up and 10 Count Lariats on the Heels, pop spot for the crowd since Indi is in the driver’s seat, Simultaneous Lariats each other and everybody down. Mickie James Bulldog from Tasha but Jody pushes her off, Indi tries the Cradle for two. Indi misses the Boot, eats a German. Tasha hits the Mickie Bulldog, but Jody kicks out. Indi grabs Tasha, Hurts-nope. Tasha wanted Blackout, Indi says no, Hurts Don’t It, but Kelly takes out Indi and steals the pinfall. Kelly wins.

.@TheEricYoung will see @TheSamiCallihan NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT!

WATCH on TNA+: https://t.co/F3YYaTmMmT pic.twitter.com/NtKjpYIIRa

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 13, 2025

Fir$t Cla$$ vs The Hardy Boyz

AJ charges before the bell, Hardyz dodge and Lariat AJ to the floor and work over KC with their usual Arm Bar Extreme Elbow, Delete Arm Breakers and Back Elbow Hardyz combo. AJ tries to get back in and the Hardyz attack, Poetry in Motion, AJ is back to the outside. Commercial break time, I wonder if the heels will be winning coming back…OH no, Jeff is still isolating KC. Pleasantly surprised I suppose.

Arm Wringer, simple offense, Jeff tags in Matt, Stalling Tandem Suplex and Matt covers, only 2. Matt with Short Arm Shoulder Tackles, close quarters forearms and the Rocket Launcher into the middle rope followed by a Leg Drop onto the apron, KC keeps kicking out but he’s getting dog walked. Stomps into Splash, KC needs to tag out, but Jeff stays on him, AJ finally pulls out Jeff, KC flies into Jeff and tags out. Finally AJ gives KC a break and bends Jeff back in a Bow and Arrow Stretch. Jeff tries the comeback, AJ pulls the hair to throw him down, stomps his face and AJ is manhandling Jeff as KC is sucking wind. Little Bro deserves a big break.

Tennessee Whiskey from AJ, connects and “Money, Money, Money”. AJ gets a little distracted trying to one up Matt, Jeff hits two Twists, and tags in Matt, so Delete Face Smashes and AJ is getting rocked. AJ reverses the Irish Whip, but Back Elbow from Matt into a Middle Rope Side Effect. Trick Williams comes out to attack the Hardyz. Hardyz win via DQ, but then Hendry and Elijah come out for the save. System is out…old school TNA donnybrook.

Overall Score: 5.5/10

The ring work was mediocre at best, but nothing miserable. Cassie and Jess look like they never missed a beat, take that for what you will if you loved or hated the IIconics. Trick solidifying his alliance with First Class makes for interesting cross promotion. If Fir$t Cla$$ ends up with the NXT Tags while Trick is the TNA Champ…that’s…a pretty neat visual I ain’t mad at. Yes I’m bias because KC is awesome, but AJ has done good work in TNA, so he deserves some flowers. Tessa keeping Victoria Crawford in the Robert Stone ejection is wonderful. I’ve always loved Alicia Fox and teaming her with Tessa is very interesting for the obvious reasons I don’t need to mention again, just search Twitter, you’ll understand.

Sami looks like a doofus getting sideswiped, Jay-SANADA Hotch is the best thing TNA has right now for home grown talent. Slater is still useless but oooo he can flip…I hate no personality flip-tards. Indi getting screwed sets things up nicely to not push her too quick to the top of the card, but she’s very over. The lack of Lei Ying Lee is annoying since I really don’t think the poor match was her fault. Also, putting her in a throwaway tag match against the Elegance girls next week? TNA really doesn’t know what to do with Lei, do they? She’s been mishandled the entire time since debut.

So even with my nitpicks, there were a lot of building blocks in the show. Hell Tessa insulting Gia is also probably something brewing…but I’m glad we didn’t lose Gia when we lost Ace. Gia is the best backstage interviewer since Lauren Brooke. So very middle of the road show, either things will get slightly better going to Slammiversary, or it’s the calm before the storm. We…shall see.

Is the Iron Chic #TVReady for The Most Wanted?

Mansoor wants to turn ROH into “Ring of Hotties,” but he first has to win the Proving Grounds match against ROH World Champion, Bandido!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Atlantis Jr. & Templario VS Volador Jr. & Magnus; Atlantis & Templario win.
• Preston Vance w/ The Frat House VS Evil Uno w/ Alex Reynolds; Vance wins.
• Red Velvet VS Harleen Lopez; Velvet wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Shane Taylor Promotions VS Vaughn Vertigo, Martian Webb, Riley Reinhart & Joe Demaro; STP wins.
• ROH World Championship Proving Grounds: Bandido VS Mansoor w/ #MXMTV; Bandido wins and denies Mansoor a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

Shane Taylor Promotions speaks.

Carlie Bravo says, “Hey man, if I said it once, I done said it a thousand times, we the hardest ever made.” Shawn Dean adds, “We them.” Bravo says, “We them like you pointing at us. And when you built like this and when you look like this, there ain’t a team on this planet that can rumble with you.” Shane Taylor himself says, “They say good things come to those who wait. Well, STP is tired of being patient. So from here on out, every night’s a main event. From here on out, every night is a trip to the bank. And if you ain’t got our money, then we’re gonna start running in cats’ pockets.” That means run and hide, cuz STP is outside. Rumble, bad man, rumble.

Atlantis Jr. & Templario VS Volador Jr. & Magnus!

Grand Slam: Mexico is next Wednesday, and Global Wars: Mexico will surely follow, so the stars of CMLL are back again! The second generation star and the Lion Warrior want after FTR for the disrespect they’ve shown, but will they sharpen their teeth and build momentum with a win? Or are they falling into Los Depredadores’ trap?

The teams sort out and the fans rally for “Lucha Libre!” Templario starts against Volador, and The Code of Honor is denied as Volador pulls the classic hair smoothing trick. The bell rings, Temp and Volador circle and push each other. Volador trips Temp, flips him over, but Temp arm-drags Volador away! Volador comes back, trips Temp, but Temp reaches up to RANA! Volador returns to sweep and cover, ONE! Temp sweeps and covers, ONE! TEMPLAROONI! The fans fire up for that, and the two back off. Tags to Atlantis and Magnus and the fans rally. They feel things out, then things speed up.

Volador gets a cheap shot on Atlantis, Magnus BLASTS Templario, and then they both stomp away on Atlantis! The fans boo and tell them off, but Los Depredadores soak it up. Los Depredadores double whip but Atlantis reverses to send Volador away. Atlantis SUPERKICKS Magnus, then runs up on Volador, only for Volador to put him on the top rope! Volador takes a swing but Atlantis BOOTS him and throws him down by his hair! Then Atlantis FLYING RANAS Magnus! Atlantis whips Volador to the corner, Volador goes up but Atlantis KICKS him out of the air! Atlantis then builds speed, rolls, and he fakes Volador out!

The fans cheer and Atlantis tags Templario. Templario slingshots, somersaults, and he dares someone to get in the ring. The fans fire up, Magnus steps up, but Temp says no, he wants Volador. Magnus obliges and tags Volador in. They circle, the fans tell Volador off, but he tells them to shut up! Temp speeds things up, Volador hurdles but Temp leaps over! Temp keeps moving, he rolls off Volador’s back, but Magnus jumps in! Temp dodges their double lariat to then RANA Volador! Temp just keeps moving, but then stops himself so he can KICK Magnus! Temp runs and tilt-o-whirl ARM-DRAGS! Magnus tumbles out, Temp bails out to let Atlantis jump in!

Atlantis builds speed and he FLIES out onto Magnus! Templario jumps back in, drop toeholds Volador into the ropes, then wheelbarrows! Volador fights free, runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Templario hurries up top and the fans cheer! Templario tightrope walks to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, Magnus breaks it! Magnus runs up to CHOP Atlantis down! Magnus then drags Templario up to CHOP! The fans boo but Magnus calls Volador over. They whip, bypass, and drop toehold Temp onto ropes! Magnus dials it up, 619! Or perhaps 915 since they’re in El Paso! Volador adds a SUPERKICK! Volador covers, TWO!

Atlantis is back but Magnus CLUBS him! The ref reprimands but Los Depredadores double whip Atlantis to a corner! Magnus sends Volador in and he LARIATS! Magnus adds on with a LARIAT of his own, then feeds Atlantis to the SUPERKICK! Volador covers again, but Templario breaks it! Magnus is on Temp while the ref argues with Volador, and Magnus YOINKS Templario down low! Templario falls from that sneaky low blow, and Magnus puts him on the ropes. Los Depredadores whip, bypass, then POP-UP ROUND KICK! Temp falls and Volador covers, TWO! Volador clamps onto Temp and pulls on the arm!

The fans rally as Templario endures. Templario fights, spins, and breaks free to SOBAT! KICK! ENZIGIRI! Volador sputters, Temp hurries, hot tag to Atlantis! Magnus ELBOWS Atlantis down fist! The fans boo but Magnus HAMMERS away on Atlantis! Magnus drags Atlantis up, puts him up top, and then climbs to go after the mask! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Magnus keeps undoing the strings! He almost exposes Atlantis! The fans boo but Magnus puts Atlantis in the Tree of Woe! Magnus stomps away, then does some push-ups just to show off. Atlantis flops out of the Tree but Magnus drags him up.

Volador joins in, Los Depredadores double whip. Volador runs in but Atlantis goes up and over! Atlantis RANAS Magnus, then scoop BACKBREAKERS Volador! And a scoop BACKBREAKER for Magnus! Temp runs in and gets the boost, DOUBLE DROPKICK! Volador tumbles out but Templario DIVES! Down goes Volador, and now Atlantis is on Magnus! Magnus whips him away but Atlantis goes up and over! SNAP POWERSLAM! Atlantis goes up, up, and gives some Latino Heat for El Paso! FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Atlantis y Templario win!

Winners: Atlantis Jr. & Templario, by pinfall

A hot finish for Atlantis and Templario, and they’re rolling into Grand Slam: Mexico’s GRANDE 12 Man Tag! Will Atlantis, Templario, Bandido, Brody King, Daniel Garcia & ADAM COLE BAYBAY be able to humble FTR & The Don Callis Family?

Preston Vance w/ The Frat House VS Evil Uno w/ Alex Reynolds!

On a scale of one to ten, the animosity between these former Dark Order allies has escalated to about a 17. But will Perro Peligroso keep the party going for him and his new friends? Or can Player One smack some sense back into an old friend?

The Code of Honor is NOT upheld as the brawl pops off! The bell rings, Uno fires off more shots! Uno ROCKS, kicks, CHOPS, CLUBS, and CHOPS again! The fans fire up as Uno just fires off and CHOKES Vance on the ropes! The ref counts, Uno stops, and Vance bails out. Reynolds is there and says nope! He puts Vance back in for Uno to bump him off buckles! The fans rally for Uno as he ROCKS Vance, then BITES him on the forehead! The ref reprimands, Uno stops, and he whips Vance to ropes. Vance grabs those ropes and bails out! The Frat House is there to support Vance, but Uno storms out and they back off! Uno CHOPS Vance against railing!

The fans fire up as Uno whips Vance into the railing! Then he kicks at the Frat House to back them off. Uno puts Vance in the ring, but Vance distracts the ref. This lets Griff Garrison trip Uno up! Vance BOOTS Uno down, then he argues with the ref so the Frat boys can beat Uno down! The fans boo, Griff puts Uno in, and Vance stomps away! El Paso tells Vance off but he bumps Uno off buckles. Vance CHOPS Uno, ROCKS him, then stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Vance lets off and he mocks the Dark Order hand. Vance goes back to Uno, but Uno fires body shots! Vance ROCKS Uno, CHOKES him on the ropes, and the Frat all laugh at Uno.

The ref reprimands, Vance backs off to argue with him, but that lets The Frat House get cheap shots in! Vance scoops Uno and SLAMS him! Vance then runs and swaggers, flips off Reynolds, and he ELBOW DROPS! Cover, ONE!! Uno wags his finger and shakes his head. The fans fire up but Vance stomps Uno. Reynolds and the fans rally for Uno as Vance throws hands and pie faces him. Uno huffs ‘n’ puffs and fires hands! Vance ROCKS and KNEES Uno, CLUBS him, then clinches. Uno breaks free, swats the lariat, and STUNNERS! Vance goes to the corner and the fans fire up! Uno feeds off the energy to run corner to corner! But Vance dodges!

Vance has the PERFECT TEN NELSON!! Uno flails, reaches out, but he’s fading! The ref checks, the arm drops once! The arm drops twice! The arm- NO, Uno is alive! Uno RAMS Vance into buckles! Uno is free, he goes to the far corner, but Vance runs in! Uno dodges Vance and comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Uno CHOPS Vance! Uno whips, Vance reverses, but Uno blocks the kick to spin him into a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up more while The Frat grows frustrated. Uno has Vance in a corner, and he rains down fists! The fans count along, but Cole Karter gets on the apron at nine! Uno DECKS him for it!

The fans cheer, Uno revels in the moment, and gives Vance TEN! The fans rally as Uno reels Vance in! But Vance wrenches free, fireman’s carries, but Uno slips down! Uno BOOTS Vance, spins him, and DDT! Cover, TWO! Vance survives and Uno is a bit surprised. The Frat coaches Vance, Reynolds and the fans rally for Uno. Uno reels Vance in, but Vance BACKDROPS free! Vance runs up, fireman’s carries, and LANDSLIDE DRIVER! Cover, TWO!?! Uno survives, but Vance dares to shoutout Brodie Lee! DISCUS- NO, Uno ducks that and kicks low! Uno reels Vance back in, STUFF PILEDRIVER!! Uno isn’t done, he wants Vance to rise!

Now Uno gives tribute to Mr. Brodie, DISCUS LARIAT!! But Jacked Jameson gets on the apron! The ref is distracted from the cover! Reynolds CLOBBERS Jameson! Griff BOOTS Reynolds! Uno storms up on Griff but Karter slides the paddle over to Vance! The fans boo as Vance CLOBBERS Uno with it! Cover, Vance wins!!

Winner: Preston Vance, by pinfall

The numbers game plays in the favor of the Frat House as their 4v2 works out again! And they continue to mug Uno & Reynolds, but wait! The Dark Order music hits? BECAUSE JOHN SILVER IS BACK!! The fans fire up as The Meat Man grabs one of them Pledges to GERMAN SUPLEX! And then he kicks the other, torture rack, HELICOPTER SLAM!! The Frat House still have the advantage at 4v3, but they don’t wanna take on a reinvigorated Dark Order! Will Silver be just the thing to tear down the Frat House?

Red Velvet speaks.

“Attention CMLL, your longest reigning ROH Women’s World Television Champion is coming back to Mexico. And I’m not just dropping by. I’m gonna be there all week long, June 17th, 18th and the 20th with AEW and ROH, and you should be there, too. Because everybody knows that a good recipe has a secret ingredient, and that’s me. I’ll see you guys in Mexico.” Will The Chef be serving L’s all week in Arena Mexico? Or will someone take a bite out of Red Velvet’s reign?

The Dark Order regroups backstage.

John Silver is all fired up! “The Meat Man is back, baby! Check it out! American made meat! Whatcha think about that, huh!?” Uno shouts at The Frat House, “It has been MONTHS that you have been metaphorical thorns in our side! And you have outnumbered us time and time again! But that ends here, because this man is worth at least two of you!” Silver brings up Jacked Jameson, and Reynolds says, “Big mouth, tiny little package.” Cole Karter? Dumbest man alive. Preston Vance? Traitor! And uh… Who’s the fourth guy? Griff Garrison. Who the F is that?! But the point is, anywhere, anytime, any three of Frat House against the three of them! Dark Order still rules!

8 Man Tag: Shane Taylor Promotions VS Vaughn Vertigo, Martian Webb, Riley Reinhart & Joe Demaro!

We heard from them earlier tonight, and now Shane Taylor will lead Lee Moriarty & The Infantry into battle! And after weeks, months, maybe even years of waiting, will they finally and for truly TAKE opportunities for their own?

The teams sort out and El Paso chants for “S T P! S T P!” as Shawn Dean starts against Riley. They tie up, and Dean SLAMS Riley down. Dean then RAMS Riley into the corner and STP mugs him! The fans fire up, Dean scoops and puts Riley in the Tree of Woe. Tag to Carlie and the Infantry stomps away! The ref counts, Carlie steps off, and the Infantry taunts Riley’s team. Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Carlie says they’ll get every one of them! “What’s our name?!” “S T P! S T P!” Carlie drags Riley up, but Riley JAWBREAKERS free! Hot tag to Webb, but Carlie BOOTS him down!

Carlie laughs at the #AlienSpider, then RAMS him into the corner! STP mugs Webb now and the ref reprimands! STP lets off, Carlie tags Dean back in, and they put Webb through the ropes. The Infantry LARIAT Webb over and over, the ropes keeping him up! The ref is busy arguing with Lee and Shane, and Webb flops down. Dean stalks Webb, drags him back from his team, and puts him back in the corner. Tag to Shane and the man himself hushes the fans. Then he CHOPS Webb! Lee mocks Webb’s pain, Dean says, “That’s a man! That’s a man right there!” The fans want that one more time, so Shane winds up to CHOP!

Webb coughs and sputters, and Shane says he hits too hard for these chumps! Then Shane TOSSES Webb to his team! Shane dares someone to tag in, so Vaughn tags in. Lee tags in and he BOOTS Vaughn down! #TAIGASTYLE drags Vaughn up, whips, but Vaughn reverses. Lee sunset flips, but Vaughn rolls through to PENALTY KICK! Lee avoids the standing moonsault, whips Vaughn, but Vaughn reverses, only for Lee to BOOT him down! Demaro tags in and the fans do cheer. But now Shane tags back in. Demaro is his team’s biggest man, but that’s nothing compared to Shane Taylor. Shane tells El Paso to shut up for the Detroit Import.

Shane dares Demaro to take a shot, and Demaro HAYMAKERS! Shane nods, but then he bobs ‘n’ weaves to HEADBUTT! Clinch and URENAGE! Then the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, but Alienated Youth break it up! Shane glares at them and the fans tell Riley & Webb they messed up. They apologize to Shane, but the Infantry drag them out! And THROW them into railing! Bravo says, “Goodnight, nerds!” Demaro kicks, Shane blocks, and he brings Demaro over to tag Lee. KNEE from Shane, JUMP KICK from Lee! Lee is all fired up, and then he clamps on the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Demaro TAPS, STP wins!

Winners: Shane Taylor Promotions, by submission

The Border City Stretch finishes it in the Borderland, and STP moves on with the winner’s purse. ROH, run or hide, but STP is still coming for it all! Will Shane, The Infantry, and even Trish Adora soon have gold to go with Lee’s Pure Championship?

ROH World Championship Proving Grounds: Bandido VS Mansoor w/ #MXMTV!

Speaking of championships, The Most Wanted knows there is a growing list of contenders, and he now steps into the ring with The Iron Chic. But will the Sultan of Suave strut his stuff and snatch that golden ticket to the title match? Or will he bust when Bandido hits Blackjack?

The Code of Honor is upheld with a tip touch, and the bell rings. The fans rally behind Bandido as he and Mansoor circle. They approach, but Mansoor dodges to POSE! He even mocks the finger guns. He and Bandido go again, Mansoor headlocks, but Bandido powers up and out. Mansoor goes up and over, handsprings, and then he POSES! Mansoor smiles, Bandido says he can play that game. Bandido has El Paso wind up, “Eyyyy~… PU*O~!” Mansoor gets mad and tells them not to call him that! Bandido and Mansoor circle, tie up, and Mansoor headlocks. Bandido powers up and out, but Mansoor RAMS him!

Mansoor brushes himself off, but Bandido RUNS him over! The fans fire up and Bandido aims his finger gun. Mason Madden says no guns! Mansoor runs up, Bandido blocks the kick and FLIPS Mansoor! Mansoor belly flops but he gets back up. Bandido back suplexes but Mansoor lands out this time! Mansoor waistlocks, Bandido bucks the O’Conner to DROPKICK! Mansoor sputters and goes to ropes, and Bandido builds speed! But Mason drags Mansoor out of the ring before Bandido can deal Blackjack! The fans boo but Bandido says hold on, and he DIVES! But Mason catches him! And Johnny TV distracts the ref while Mansoor hits the DRAPING SENTON!

The fans boo but Mansoor soaks up the heat. Mansoor blows kisses, then he fetches Bandido. Mansoor whips Bandido into steel steps! The ref reprimands, Mansoor rolls into the ring, and Mansoor distracts the ref so MXM TV can mug Bandido! The fans boo more but Johnny y Taya talk trash in Espanol. Mansoor puts Bandido in the ring, covers, TWO! El Paso calls Mansoor more names, but Mansoor hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Mansoor KNEES Bandido in the back, KNEES him again, then clamps onto Bandido’s arms for the motorcycle stretch! The fans rally, Bandido fights up, and he turns things around on Mansoor!

The fans cheer as Mansoor endures, but MXM TV coach him on turning things back around! Mansoor then CLUBS Bandido in the back! Mansoor kisses his biceps, then underhooks. Bandido fights the suplex, wrenches free and ROCKS Mansoor! Mansoor kicks low, whips Bandido to a corner, but Bandido SUPERKICKS in return! Bandido goes up, up, and TORNILLOS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Mansoor goes to ropes, Bandido storms up and wrenches him for a facelock. Bandido calls his shot, and he suplexes, only for the back to give out! Mansoor CLUBS Bandido, wags his finger, and runs, but into a military press!

Bandido holds Mansoor up with one hand, then SLAMS him down! Bandido goes up, up, and gives some Latino Heat! FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Mansoor survives the tribute to Eddie Guerrero but the fans cheer it. Bandido has Mansoor on ropes again, but Mason distracts the ref! Johnny grabs Bandido’s legs! Mansoor SUPERKICKS Bandido while he’s upside-down! BUTTERFLY SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Bandido survives and MXM TV is frustrated! The fans rally for Bandido while MXM TV rally for Mansoor. Mansoor argues with the ref about the count, MXM TV attack Bandido! They go after the mask!

But then the ref spots them all! They’re all caught red-handed, so the ref EJECTS MXM TV! The fans cheer Aubrey while MXM TV throws a fit! Bandido waves adios, but Mansoor rolls Bandido up! TWO!! Bandido fireman’s carries, pops Mansoor up, but Mansoor hits a BACKSTABBER! Mansoor drags Bandido into the drop zone, goes up top, and MANSOOR-SAULT FLOPS as Bandido moves! Mansoor staggers into the scoop, torture rack, and X KNEE!! Mansoor sputters and goes to the ropes! Bandido deals, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!! Bridging cover, Bandido wins!

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

With just minutes to spare, The Most Wanted seals the deal! But wait, is that Lee Johnson? Big Shotty calls out Bandido from the stage. Bandido dares Lee to step closer if he wants this shot. But wait, BLAKE CHRISTIAN attacks! The fans boo as the Vanilla Babyface strikes the champ! Blake is 9-0 in ROH, and still stinging from Ricochet talking down to him. Will Blake prove to everyone that he’s championship material? Lee & Blake keep beating up on Bandido, but wait! MASCARA DORADA is here! And he rushes in to run off Blake & Lee! Dorada may be Bandido’s opponent for next Tuesday’s CMLL VS AEW/ROH event, but he helps Bandido to his feet.

The fans cheer as Dorada holds up the ROH World Championship, and he tells Bandido that it’ll be them mano a mano. Will Dorada change everyone’s plans for the Summer? Or can Bandido deal another winning hand in Arena Mexico?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH at just over 50 minutes, and we got quite a bit of hype for next week’s huge CMLL crossover. I can only hope that AEW helps broadcast that special event on Tuesday, either from YouTube or they integrate a lot of it into next week’s ROH episode. For that matter, I wonder about that CMLL Fantasticamania event on Friday, with AEW, ROH and even NJPW stars showing up to have great matches. Red Velvet had a good promo to hype her appearance(s), and she of course won her match tonight to have momentum going into that event. Great tag match  to open, and good win for Atlantis & Templario to build momentum into that huge tag match for Grand Slam.

Very good match from Vance VS Uno that of course the Frat House cheated to win, but I’m very happy to see John Silver return. Great promo from Dark Order after, and I would think they win the Six Man Tag. Just not sure how this story ends unless it is a wild No Disqualification Six Man Tag rematch. Very good promo from STP and they of course won that 8 Man Tag. A little disappointing that Shane Taylor wasn’t the one going out there at the end to confront Bandido. Bandido of course denies Mansoor in the Proving Grounds, but Blake Christian going after Bandido is still a logical move. Blake is 9-0 and has earned some kind of title shot, so he might as well aim for the top.

That said, Dorada with the save was a nice touch, and Bandido VS Dorada will be an awesome match. Bandido likely beats Dorada, and likely beats Blake, but Shane should really be built up as the guy who takes the title from Bandido. Shane has been going strong in his own story as an ROH ride-or-die talent, he deserves something in recognition of that.

My Score: 8.7/10