It’s a New Era of Honor!

Look who’s back! Ring of Honor returns to weekly wrestling programming, and Claudio Castagnoli defends the ROH World Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Mark Briscoe VS Slim J w/ Ari Daivari; Briscoe wins.
• The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis VS The Infantry; The Kingdom wins.
• NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Blake Christian; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
• Christopher Daniels VS Rohit Raju w/ Jora Johl; Daniels wins.
• Konosuke Takeshita VS Josh Woods w/ Mark Sterling; Konosuke wins.
• The Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS Joe Keys, Alex Lawless & Leon St. Giovanni; The Embassy wins.
• Metalik VS Ari Daivari w/ Slim J & Mark Sterling; Daivari wins.
• The Renegades VS Skye Blue & Madison Rayne; Skye & Rayne win.
• Lady Frost VS Willow Nightingale; Willow wins.
• ROH World Championship: Claudio Castagnoli VS AR Fox; Claudio wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Mark Briscoe VS Slim J w/ Ari Daivari!

ROH is back, honor is back, and you can’t have those back without the Sussex County Chicken! Will an ROH OG lead the way in this new era of honor?

Because this is ROH, the ref calls for the Code of Honor handshake. Mark offers, Slim accepts, but then kicks it away. Fans boo while the bell rings, and Mark circles with Slim. Fans sing, “Briscoe’s gonna kill~ you!” They tie up, Mark headlocks but Slim powers out. Mark slips under and UPPERCUTS! Slim bails out, Daivari and Sterling check on him, but Mark waits. The fans chant for “BRISCOE! BRISCOE!” but Slim comes back. They circle again, tie up, and Slim waistlocks. Briscoe pries free, wrenches to a wristlock and then he waistlocks. Sterling distracts and Slim mule kicks low! Fans boo as Slim tears his shirt off.

Slim mocks Mark, throws hands, but Mark throws hands back. Slim fires off on Mark, bumps him off buckles, and fans boo. Slim whips, Mark goes up and out, and then he UPPERCUTS again! Fans fire up with mark, he shoulders into Slim and then slips around to run and BOOT Slim outta the ring! Fans fire up as Mark builds speed to WRECK Slim with a dropkick! Mark says, “That’s how we do, baby!” Mark throws a chair in the ring! The ref tells him no, but Mark claps with the chair. Fans rally along, Mark sets the chair up and builds speed, to go up, only to stop as Daivari gets Slim to safety. Fans boo but Daivari says to get the chair outta the ring!

Mark waits, Slim gets in the ring and gets in Mark’s face. They talk trash, Mark dares Slim to hit him, so Slim ROCKS him with a haymaker! But Mark comes back to CHOP! Slim spasms, Mark CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS again! Mark CHOPS and then puts Slim up top. Mark fires up to UPPERCUT! Fans fire up while Slim wobbles. Sterling distracts again, Mark chases him off, and then Mark goes back to Slim. Slim fights off the Iconoclasm to FLYING GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO! Mark has a bloody cut on his forehead but Slim brings him up. But Mark throws body shots! Mark swings but Slim blocks to LARIAT, LARIAT and knuckle lock.

Slim goes up and up and FLYING DDTS! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and fans fire up! Slim drags Mark up, throws him out, and then distracts the ref so Daivari can stomp away! Fans boo but Daivari gets away with it. Daivari puts Mark in, Slim goes after him and digs his boots in. The ref counts, Slim lets off at 4, then digs his boots in again! The ref counts, Slim lets off, but then goes after Mark again! The ref backs Slim off, Mark sputters, but Slim ROCKS him with a right! Fans rally for Mark but Slim mocks them. Slim clamps onto Mark’s arm, Mark endures the armlock, and Mark fights up. Slim body scissors to keep the hold!

Mark endures but he drops to a knee. Fans chant “SLIM J SUCKS!” but Slim slips around to a SLEEPER! Mark throws Slim off but Slim ENZIGURIS! Mark goes to a corner, Slim snapmares to wrap on a chinlock. Fans boo but Daivari and Sterling applaud. Mark endures, fans rally up, and Mark stands, only for Slim to throw him down! Fans still rally and Mark hammers the mat. Mark fights up to his feet, he throws body shots, then elbows! REDNECK KUNG-FU CHOPS! Mark fires off, whips corner to corner, then runs in to clothesline! Snapmare and SLIDING BOOT! Fans fire up and Mark brings Slim back up.

Mark turns Slim, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Slim survives the Jay style neckbreaker but Mark drags Slim up. Mark suplexes, but Slim knees free! Slim ROCKS Mark, runs, but into a FOREARM! Mark whips, to CLOBBER Slim again! Fans fire up, Mark reels Slim in, Canadian Rack to the CRUCIFIX BOMB! Cover, TWO!! But Mark fireman’s carries, to ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up and Mark climbs a corner! Mark says this is for Jay, the FROGGY- NO, Slim dodges! But he runs into a BOOT! Mark hoists Slim up, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall

Daivari is frustrated but his boy could not beat the spirit of #DemBoys! Mark even shakes Slim’s hand to keep the Code of Honor. Mark is leading the way, will he reach for the sky?

Backstage interview with Tony Deppen.

Lexi Nair is with the former ROH World Television Champion, and next week, on just the second new episode, Deppen gets his shot at that title, against Samoa Joe! Deppen is probably facing the biggest test of his career, but Deppen brings out a written statement. “I, Tony Deppen, hereby proclaim that next week on ROH Television, exclusively on Honor Club, will do the unthinkable. I will defeat Samoa Joe, either by pinfall or by submission.” And he has two submissions he can win with. The STF, which has been heralded as “ten times better than Samoa Joe’s STF,” or the classic Chicken Wing.

After sitting in the front row at last year’s Supercard of Honor, Deppen knows all of Joe’s weak points, and he will take full advantage! Next week, he reclaims the ROH World TV title and cement his legacy in ROH history! Deppen says he will be the CZAR of Honor! Will Deppen dethrone the One True King of Wrestling Television? Or will his coup be crushed?

The Kingdom w/ Maria Kanellis VS The Infantry!

Mike Bennett & Matt Taven didn’t last that long in AEW Dynamite’s Casino Tag Team Battle Royal, but they’re home now in ROH. Will they begin the climb towards the ROH Tag Team Championships? Or will Captain Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo begin their own march to the top?

The teams follow the Code of Honor with the handshake and then sort out. We begin with Mike and Carlie, and they circle. Carlie says hi to the lovely First Lady of ROH, but turns around into a BOOT from the husband. Mike CHOPS Carlie, Taven holdsCarlie in for another CHOP! Taven tags, The Kingdom double whip, dropkick and ax handle! Taven says ROH is HIS Kingdom, but then Carlie JAWBREAKERS! Carlie wrenches, tags Dean, and the Infantry mugs Taven. They double whip, double hip toss, and then turn, salute and DOUBLE FIST DROP! Mike runs in but into double shoulders!

The Infantry get the legs, and they SPLIT THE WISHBONE! Mike bails out and Maria checks him. Dean tags Carlie, Carlie whips Taven but Taven goes up and over. Things speed up, Taven hurdles and DROPKICKS! Because “IIII’M! Matt Taven!” Taven stands Carlie up, tags Mike, and The Kingdom double wrench, only for Carlie to fight free! Carlie fires elbows and forearms, runs, but Taven hurdles, Mike ROCKS, and Taven PURPLE THUNDER BOMBS! Jackknife bridge from Mike, TWO! Mike drags Carlie up, reels him in and suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Mike keeps on Carlie and tags Taven in.

Mike trips Carlie, CATAPULT into Taven’s GAMANGIRI! Then Carlie is along the knees, ELBOW DROP BACKBREAKER! Cover, Dean breaks it! Taven shouts to get Dean back and Dean goes to his corner. Taven stands Carlie up, Carlie swings but misses, and Taven KICKS, JABS, KICKS but Carlie wrenches out, slips around and hits a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans fire up. Carlie and Taven crawl, hot tags to Mike and Dean! Dean rallies on Mike with big clotheslines! Dean whips, Mike reverses, but Dean floats around. Taven runs in, Dean kicks and reels him in, DOUBLE DDTS!

Fans fire up and Dean covers Mike, ROPEBREAK! Mike survives but Dean pounds the mat. Fans rally, Dean runs in to ELBOW! Dean whips Mike corner to corner, runs in and back elbows again! Tag to Carlie, Carlie RAMS into Mike, then Dean tags back in. Carlie jukes Mike to ROCK him, then feeds Dean’s FLAPJACK! Fans fire up and Dean tags Carlie back in. The Infantry coordinate, but Taven trips Dean! Mike blocks Carlie’s kick, spins him, but Carlie dodges to SUPERKICK after all! Carlie hurries up top, but Taven ENZIGURIS! Mike gets Carlie in a backpack, Taven coordinates, PROTON PACK!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall

Whoever says you can’t go home again had it wrong! The Kingdom is home, and they’re back on track! Will they soon reign over ROH once again?

Blake Christian speaks.

“All Heart Blake Christian, what does ‘All Heart’ stand for? Not only in the name, it stands for heart, but it’s about seizing opportunity and making moments. They call me last minute, ‘Come wrestle Colt Cabana in the very first show in the comeback of ROH,’ and I did that. Not only did I did that, I made moments. And tonight, I wrestle Zack Sabre Jr. for the NJPW TV title. And I’m gonna make another moment. Not only that, I’m gonna seize opportunity when I beat Zack Sabre Jr. when I become THE NJPW World TV Champion.”

Zack Sabre Jr. responds.

“ROH Wrestling isn’t the only thing back, is it? Zack Sabre Jr. is back in the United States of America. Rejoice, cretins, rejoice. Because not only have I changed since the last time that I was here, TMDK’s got themselves a new front man. And Zed-S-J has got his first NJPW gold, the brand new, shiny NJPW World TV title. And Blake Christian, darling, you’ve got the opportunity of a lifetime, haven’t you? But don’t you forget, this title comes with a 15 minute time limit. Use those 15 minutes wisely, darling, because you’re about to step in the ring with the best technical wrestler in the world. As you were, morons.”

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Blake Christian!

The Front Man of The Mighty, the first and only man to hold this title, has had quite the first season. Will that season continue into the Spring? Or will All Heart take over as the star of the show?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Blake’s 15 minutes of fame start now!

The two circle, feel things out, and ZSJ avoids Blake’s shoot in. They go again, ZSJ knuckle locks, rolls and wrangles Blake, but Blake fights up and hits a fireman’s carry takeover to a ghost pin! ONE, and fans fire up as Blake shows he can keep up. ZSJ and Blake circle again, feel things out, knuckle lock and ZSJ drags Blake down to then stand on the hands. ZSJ pulls on one arm while standing on the other! Blake moves around but ZSJ has the arms for a motorcycle stretch. Blake turns things around but ZSJ turns them right back! ZSJ wrenches the arms, but Blake flips, kips and arm-drags free! Fans applaud but ZSJ keeps cool.

The two reset and circle. They tie up, ZSJ gets the arm and wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ wrenches again, top wristlocks and he wrangles Blake to isolate the arm and STOMP it! Fans rally for “ALL HEART!” but ZSJ pulls on the ear. The ref reprimands, ZSJ lets off and he knuckle locks to wrench. ZSJ WRINGS Blake’s arm, then GROUND WRENCHES it! Fans freak out as ZSJ bends those fingers! ZSJ twists the wrist, cranks the elbow, hammers the hammerlock, then STOMPS the arm again! ZSJ swaggers and Blake shakes the arm out. ZSJ grabs the arm, wrenches, and knuckle locks for a straight arm lever!

ZSJ whips, Blake springboards and arm-drags! Blake shakes the arm out but ZSJ headbutts low! ZSJ headlocks, Blake powers out and follows to run ZSJ over! Blake has the arm, cartwheels and knees, but ZSJ blocks it! But Blake uses that to victory roll, TWO!! Blake dodges, hurdles, rolls, and DROPKICKS ZSJ down! Blake kips up, fans fire up and ZSJ bails out! Fans rally and Blake builds speed to FLY! But into a cravat!! ZSJ throws Blake onto the apron, for a NECK TWIST! Blake writhes and ZSJ says, “How ’bout that, morons?!” ZSJ wants Bryan Danielson to be watching! ZSJ is THE best technical wrestler in the world!

ZSJ drags Blake up, UPPERCUTS him back down, and paces. Fans echo the “Oi oi.” ZSJ kicks Blake, Blake snarls and he throws a forearm! ZSJ grins, Blake forearms again, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS him down! We hear the five minute mark and fans rally up for “ALL HEART! ALL HEART!” ZSJ cravats Blake, hooks a leg to keep him in one place, but fans rally. Blake fights up, throws body shots, but ZSJ cranks the neck wrench. ZSJ snapmares but Blake handsprings through! Blake then drop toeholds ZSJ into the ropes! ZSJ is stuck, 619!! Blake springboards to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Blake bounces off the mat!

Blake aims from a corner, ZSJ stands, and Blake runs in, only for ZSJ to block the boot! ZSJ wrenches the foot but Blake BOOTS him away! Blake kips up, runs in again, but only gets buckles. ZSJ runs in, Blake goes up and over then Alabama Lifts, for the ALABAMA SLAM! And then CATAPULT into buckles! And then an ENZIGURI! Blake brings ZSJ around, SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ escapes and Blake grows frustrated. Fans argue the count for Blake but the ref defends it was a fair count. Blake drags ZSJ up and ripcords, but ZSJ GUILLOTINES! ZSJ cranks, but Blake powers up! Only for ZSJ to HALF HATCH SNAP SUPLEX!

Both men are down and fans rally up. ZSJ stands, he brings Blake up, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS Blake down! ZSJ brings Blake around, UPPERCUTS again and Blake falls over! ZSJ flexes, fans fire up, and Blake stands. ZSJ full nelsons, spins, and UPPERCUTS! Blake wobbles but he leans on ropes. ZSJ runs in, Blake dumps him to the apron! ZSJ lands on his feet, swings but Blake dodges to then go up and out and SPEAR on the apron! Fans fire up as ZSJ flops to the floor. Blake builds speed again and he FLIES! Direct hit with the Fosbury Flop! Fans fire up more as Blake puts ZSJ back in, and Blake aims again!

Blake springboards, FLYING KNEE! ZSJ is down but Blake wants to add on! Blake drags ZSJ up and fans rally behind him. Ripcord, but ZSJ slips around to COBRA TWIST! Blake endures but ZSJ pulls way back on it! Blake pries at the hold, ZSJ shifts to a DRAGON SLEEPER! Blake reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go in frustration but time is still on his side. Fans rally for Blake again, but ZSJ smirks. ZSJ gives toying kicks, then KICKS him sharply! We hit ten minutes, ZSJ pie faces Blake around, but Blake CHOPS! ZSJ wobbles and fans fire up! Blake CHOPS again, then CHOPS again!

ZSJ eggs Blake on, so Blake winds up, but ZSJ blocks! ZSJ UPPERCUTS the arm, UPPERCUTS Blake, runs, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!! ZSJ survives and Blake is beside himself! Fans continue to rally and Blake brings ZSJ back up. Blake fireman’s carries, but the back gives up! ZSJ has the KIMURA, and he even headbutts the elbow! But Blake powers up to ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! SUPERKICK! And then suplex, to the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives again and Blake grits his teeth. Blake pounds the mat, fans rally behind him, and Blake goes to the apron. Blake springboards again, but ZSJ gets under! But Blake handsprings to NEURALIZER!

Blake goes back to the apron, we’re under three minutes, SPRINGBOARD 450, into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Blake fights it, ZSJ lifts Blake with his legs to flip him into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Blake flails, but ZSJ shifts to an INVERTED TRIANGLE!! ZSJ pulls way back and Blake taps, ZSJ wins!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still NJPW World Television Champion)

With a couple minutes to spare, the Front Man breaks All Heart’s heart to hold onto the gold! The Code of Honor is upheld here, but who will be next for the ZSJ Show?

Backstage interview with Konosuke Takeshita, Mark Sterling and Ari Daivari.

Lexi Nair notes that Konosuke is to face Josh Woods later tonight, but Sterling is here with an offer to make. It’s more like a command, but here’s the deal. The match is not happening for three reasons. One: Sterling is MJF’s lawyer, Konosuke hit MJF from behind, that’s a conflict of interest. Two: Sterling just doesn’t like Konosuke. And three: Woods really wanted his first match back in ROH to be against someone of a “higher caliber.” So here’s what we do. Cancel the match, split the winner’s purse 50-50. Well, okay, it’ll be more like 55-45 as Sterling has his legal fees Konosuke must cover.

Sterling hands over the contract for Konosuke to look at. All Konosuke has to do is sign it and we’re all good. Daivari says he’ll even throw in another $10,000 for Konosuke. Konosuke nods, and RIPS UP THE CONTRACT! Sterling says this is a mistake, Woods is a national champion! Konosuke clearly doesn’t care, will he earn 100% of the winner’s purse here tonight?

Christopher Daniels speaks.

“21 years ago, a new promotion emerged, and reinvigorated professional wrestling for a fanbase that was starved for it. That promotion was ROH. Well now, 2023, a new era, new owners, with all the things that have changed, two things remain the same. The competition is still the toughest in the land, and Christopher Daniels is still in the thick of it. So let me give a warning to each and every member of the ROH roster. For all the things that I’ve already done, there’s a lot more that I wanna do. So if you stand in my way, say your prayers.” The Fallen Angel returns to action in ROH, will he help lead the way in this new era?

Christopher Daniels VS Rohit Raju w/ Jora Johl!

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. The two circle, fans rally up, and the two tie up. Raju pushes Daniels to a corner, stomps away, but the ref counts. Raju lets off to soak up the heat, then he runs back in to forearm smash! Snapmare and running ax handle drop! Cover, ONE! Raju stalks Daniels to ropes, CLUBS him, then CHOKES him! The fans boo and the ref counts but Raju lets off. Raju high-fives with Johl, then Raju whips. Daniels ducks ‘n’ dodges and arm-drags! Mule kick and JAB, JAB, and whip! Daniels swings, Raju ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Daniels hits a CALF KICK! Daniels brings Raju up to CHOP to a corner!

Raju shoves Daniels but Daniels kicks low. Daniels suplexes high and hard, then he covers, ONE! Fans rally for Daniels as he stands Raju up and CLUBS away on him. Daniels runs, but Johl trips him up! Fans boo but Raju CLOBBERS Daniels from behind! Raju again distracts the ref so Johl can CLOBBER Daniels! Fans boo more but Johl puts Daniels in. Raju covers, TWO! Daniels is an ROH Grand Slam Champion, these tactics aren’t enough. Raju stomps Daniels, eggs him on, but Daniels throws body shots. Daniels wings but into a strike fest! Daniels ducks a roundhouse but Raju sweeps the legs, and then DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally while Raju grows frustrated. Raju stomps Daniels more, and then he rains down forearms! Fans boo, the ref sees there are closed fists in there, so Raju lets off. Raju headlocks, Daniels powers out, but Raju runs him over! Raju headlocks again, Daniels powers out again, but Raju runs him over again. Raju headlocks a third time, but Daniels hits a SAIDO! Fans fire up as both men slowly rise. Daniels runs in to CLOBBER Raju, CHOP him, and then whips him to ropes. Raju reverses but Daniels LEAPING LARIATS! Fans fire up and Daniels clinches, EXPLODER! Daniels roars, fans fire up, and Daniels calls his shot!

Daniels underhooks Raju but Raju RAMS Daniels into a corner! JUMP KNEE! Daniels is down, Raju goes up top! DEIS DRAGON- NO, Daniels dodges the stomps, but he runs into a BOOT! Raju ROLLING- NO, URENAGE! Daniels goes to the corner, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Daniels wins!

Winner: Christopher Daniels, by pinfall

The Fallen Angel defeats the Desi Hitman! Then, now and forever, Daniels is ROH! Will he be back on top in this new era soon enough?

Backstage interview with Rhett Titus & Tracy Williams.

Lexi is with the former ROH Tag Team Champions, “The Professional” and “Hot Sauce,” and asks about their paths here in the new era. Titus says the path is the same. That path Titus started 17 years ago, ROH his entire career, and that path leads right back to the mountaintop. And Hot Sauce has worked for his entire career to be IN ROH! ROH represents the kind of pro-wrestling that Williams loves! This is what pro-wrestling should be. He and Titus became a team, they worked hard to achieve a goal, and they did it. They’ve both been ROH World TV Champion, they were ROH Tag Team Champions together, but those were snatched away!

Tracy & Titus don’t take this lightly, and their path is singular. They will once and for all achieve that goal, work harder than ever, and restore the honor in ROH! They turn to go, but then Aussie Open walks in? Fletcher & Davis being here is a surprise, but they just want to ask something. They couldn’t help but overhear those lists of accomplishments, and they are so happy for Tracy & Titus. So happy that they found success in the past. But this is 2023, and in 2023, there is no better tag team in the WORLD then Aussie Open.

So ROH TV next week, if they wanna have a pro-wrestling tag match, Aussie Open will adhere to the Code of Honor, so long as Tracy & Titus will be men enough to adhere to it after they lose. Tracy & Titus accept, and they shake hands now. Will the Professional and the Hot Sauce get back on track towards the ROH Tag titles? Or will the United Empire start to conquer ROH?

Konosuke Takeshita VS Josh Woods w/ Mark Sterling!

Since the deal fell through and The Future said no to a settlement, he and the Technical Beast will battle it out! Will Konosuke regret refusing Sterling’s offer? Or will Smart Mark look like a dummy for riling up the Japanese phenomenon?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. Fans rally for Konosuke, he and Woods tie up, and are in a deadlock. They go around, Woods puts Konosuke in a corner but Konosuke pushes him back. Konosuke has Woods in a corner now, but he lets off cleanly. Fans applaud the sportsmanship and Woods even grins. They go again, tie up, and Woods shoots in to get a leg. Woods throws Konosuke up and over, then waistlocks to roll Konosuke around. Woods now has a full nelson, but Konosuke pushes back, rolls out of it, and shifts to a facelock. Woods wrenches out, Konosuke waistlocks, but Woods switches.

Woods has a hammerlock, but Konosuke reaches back to headlock. Woods powers up and out, but Konosuke RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man falls, Konosuke dares Woods to try, so Woods runs. They RAM shoulders again, and fans cheer as neither man falls. Woods dares Konosuke, Konosuke runs, and they RAM shoulders again! Konosuke fires up and dares Woods to run and fans fire up with him! Woods runs, but Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke whips, Woods reverses and they RAM shoulders again! Woods rebounds, RAMS, but Konosuke rebounds to run Woods over! Fans fire up but Sterling is furious!

Konosuke has Woods in a corner, whips him corner to corner, then storms up to rain down fists! Fans rally and count, Konosuke gets nine, then winds up for TEN! Konosuke whips, Woods reverses but Konosuke goes up. Woods catches Konosuke, hangs him out to dry, and then gut wrenches him off the ropes for the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Sterling and many Woods fans argue that was slow, but Woods just RAMS into Konosuke at the corner. Woods drags Konosuke up, whips him to ropes, and KNEES him against the ropes! Konosuke falls, fans duel, but Woods steps on Konosuke. Woods pushes Konosuke to a cover, TWO!

Konosuke stands, Woods puts him through ropes, and then stands him up. Fans duel, Woods CHOPS Konosuke, and throws knees! The ref counts, Woods lets off, and then Woods fisherman’s a leg through ropes to pull! Fans boo, the ref counts, and Woods lets off. Konosuke flops to the apron and Woods drags him in to cover, TWO! Sterling coaches Woods to lay into Konosuke, and Woods stands Konosuke up to whip. Woods kitchen sink knees, but Konosuke turns it into a roll-up! TWO!! Woods blocks the V-Trigger, HEADBUTTS low, then whips! Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges, TAKESHITA LINE!

Fans fire up while both men are down! Woods drags himself to a corner and fans rally up. Konosuke runs in corner to corner, and he BOOTS! That was a hell of a kick, and Konosuke pushes Woods down. Konosuke goes to the corner, goes right up, but Woods trips him up! Konosuke hits ropes and falls to the apron, but Woods is after him immediately. Woods throws forearms, then reels Konosuke in. Konosuke throws body shots, kicks back, APRON DDT! Woods is stuck in the ropes and fans are thunderous! Konosuke shoves Woods into the ring, Sterling tries to shout down his fans, but Konosuke goes up!

Konosuke leaps, Woods ducks under, but Woods swings into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Woods survives and Sterling coaches him up but fans rally behind Konosuke. Konosuke runs corner to corner, but Woods avoids the kick! And then another, to FLYING CHUCK! Konosuke staggers around, Woods brings him in, gut wrench for the DOCTOR BOMB! And then flip-over, KNEE THRUST! Cover, TWO!!! Konosuke survives and Woods can’t believe it! Fans fire up again, but Woods goes to a corner? Woods climbs up, but Konosuke stands to BOOT him first! Konosuke then climbs up, but Woods resists the superplex!

Woods throws body shots, ROCKS Konosuke, and then SUPER TWISTING SUPLEX! Sterling shouts for the pin, Woods crawls to cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives again and fans fire up! Fans rally again, Woods snarls and he stands back up. Woods drags Konosuke up, but Konosuke swings on him! Woods catches him for a JAWBREAKER to an EXPLODER! But Konosuke’s right up! GERMAN SUPLEX! Sterling panics and fans fire up again! Konosuke powers up, but DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOWS collide!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Sterling shouts for Woods to stand, but fans say “This is Awesome!”

Woods and Konosuke flounder, and Woods brings Konosuke up. Woods fireman’s carries, but Konosuke fights free to full nelson! Woods breaks it, switches, but they run to a corner. O’Conner, CHAOS- NO, VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Woods swings, misses, ROLLING ELBOW from Konosuke, to a KICK, and then a O’Conner, CHAOS- NO, Woods victory rolls! TWO, WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! Bridging cover, KONOSUKE WINS!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall

Fans give a standing ovation to this battle! The Code of Honor is upheld, and both men even bow to show more respect. Will these two both be the future of wrestling now that ROH is back?

Backstage interview with Claudio Castagnoli.

Lexi is with the Swiss Superman ahead of his ROH World Championship defense, and that is a lot of firsts. The first episode of ROH Wrestling back on Honor Club, Claudio’s first title defense on ROH Wrestling TV, and Claudio’s first 1v1 match with AR Fox. How is he feeling tonight? “Pressure makes diamond. I am born for situations like this. I look forward to situations like this every single day. That’s why we wake up, that’s why we step in the ring, that’s why the Blackpool Combat Club exists. Tonight, my first title defense against AR Fox.

“AR Fox, you and your little group, Top Flight, may’ve cost me some money on AEW television, but there’s absolutely nothing that will spoil my title defense tonight on ROH on Honor Club.” Claudio warns Fox in German that he is up against the absolute best in ROH and in wrestling! Will Fox show Swiss Superman what flying is really like?

The Embassy w/ Prince Nana VS Joe Keys, Alex Lawless & Leon St. Giovanni!

Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona are the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champions, and they’re hungry for competition! Will they have their fill tonight? Or will even The Machine & Gates of Agony falter?

The Embassy flank Keys, Lawless & LSG in the ring. Lawless rushes Kaun but Kaun dumps him out! Kaun then CLOBBERS Lawless with an elbow! Liona TOSSES Keys, then CLOBBERS him at the ramp with a shoulder! Fans fire up and Cage actually upholds the Code of Honor with LSG. The bell rings, Cage kicks LSG and whips him, to then swing. LSG ducks ‘n’ dodges and springboards, but into Cage’s arms! Cage RAMS LSG into the corner, RAMS him more, then CHOPS him! Cage ROCKS LSG, CLUBS him, then whips him corner to corner. LSG goes up and over, rolls and handsprings and DROPKICKS!

LSG runs, but into a trophy lift, and a TOSS into buckles! Tag to Kaun, he drags LSG up and CHOPS him! LSG ends up in the Embassy’s corner, Kaun puts him up top and Liona tags in. Kaun climbs up to hoist LSG up, TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER! And then Liona tags Cage before he hits an APRON SENTON! LSG just got crushed, but the suffering isn’t over! Cage deadlift SUPERPLEXES LSG! The Embassy poses together as fans cheer and jeer, then they BLAST Keys and Lawless off the apron! The Gates set LSG up, DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH, and then a rock-a-bye POWERBOMB! Cover, The Embassy wins!

Winners: The Embassy, by pinfall

Dominant and destructive barely even cover it! If these three are the ROH World Six Man Champions, who will ever take those titles from them?

Metalik VS Ari Daivari w/ Slim J & Mark Sterling!

Also known as Mascara Dorada, The King of the Ropes checks off competing in ROH after also being in the WWE, NJPW and AEW. But after his boy, Slim J, failed to win big, will the money behind the Trustbusters cash in? Or will he bust against a real golden star?

The Code of Honor is upheld, though reluctantly, and the bell rings. They circle, Daivari talks trash to the fans given how they were against Slim J just earlier, and then he ties up with Metalik. Daivari wrenches an arm, wristlocks, but Metalik rolls, wrenches and wristlocks back. Daivari rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, but Metalik reaches back to hit a headlock takeover. Daivari scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Metalik lets off cleanly but Daivari and Sterling still protest. Metalik and Daivari reset, circle, and tie up again. Metalik headlocks, Daivari powers out, but Metalik runs him over. Things keep moving, and Metalik handsprings!

Daivari dodges, but Metalik keeps moving! Handspring arm-drag! Daivari dodges in the corner but runs into boots! SLING-DOG! Fans fire up and Metalik goes up the ropes, spins in the corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS Daivari down! Fans fire up again while Daivari bails out. Slim and Sterling check Daivari, but Metalik builds speed! Metalik sides, Daivari ducks in, and Slim gets in Metalik’s face. The ref tells Slim to back off, but Daivari whips Metalik into the POST! Fans boo, Slim is loving it and Daivari soaks up the heat. Fans boo harder, Daivari drags Metalik up and puts him in the ring.

Daivari drags Metalik up to put him on the ropes, and CHOKE him! The ref counts, the fans boo, and Daivari lets off. Daivari argues with the ref, and Slim CHOKES Metalik! Fans chant “SLIM J SUCKS!” but Daivari whips Metalik to the corner hard! Metalik bounces off buckles and hits the mat, and Sterling soaks up the heat. Daivari drops a knee on Metalik’s head, then another, then another! Daivari covers, TWO! Daivari sits Metalik up into a chinlock and grinds Metalik down. Fans rally, Metalik fights up, and he throws body shots. Metalik CHOPS, runs, but into an ELBOW! Daivari hurries to cover, TWO!

Sterling coaches Daivari and Daivari talks trash to the fans. Daivari drags Metalik up to CHOP! Daivari CHOPS again, then he hoists Metalik up top. Daivari CHOPS again, then climbs up top. Fans boo but Daivari stands Metalik up. Metalik throws body shots and then bumps Daivari off buckles. Metalik CHOPS Daivari and Daivari falls! Metalik stands, walks the tightrope, CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, things speed up, Metalik scoops to a BACKBREAKER! Metalik whips, Daivari reverses, but Metalik handsprings to back elbow! Daivari bails out again and fans rally as Metalik pounds the mat.

Metalik builds speed again, he goes up and up, ESCALARA SWANTON! Direct hit at the ramp and fans are fired up for “LUCHA! LUCHA!” Metalik brings Daivari up while Slim and Sterling coach Daivari. Fans fire up with Metalik, he aims and springboards, FLYING SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Daivari survives but Metalik keeps his focus. Metalik drags Daivari up, fireman’s carries, but Daivari fights free. Daivari waistlocks, Metalik elbows free, Metalik springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Slim and Sterling say Daivari has Metalik now, and Daivari hurries to the corner. Daivari climbs, aims, LION SPLASH- NO! Metalik moves! Metalik sunset flips, TWO!!

SUPERKICK! Daivari sits down but Sterling distracts the ref! Slim slips in to chicken wing Metalik, fans boo but Daivari runs in, only to CLOBBER Slim! Metalik rolls Daivari up but the ref is still distracted! Metalik would’ve won by now! The ref finally sees what’s going on, counts, TWO!! Metalik is furious, but Daivari hammerlocks! LION’S LARIAT!! Cover, Daivari wins!

Winner: Ari Daivari, by pinfall

The numbers game won this one for the boss, #InBustWeTrust! But will the Trustbusters get to the top by any means necessary?

Backstage interview with AR Fox.

Lexi is now with the challenger, The Whole Fox’n Show, so how is he feeling going into the first main event of ROH TV 2023? Fox says that about ten years ago, he tried out for ROH. They never invited him back. Guess they didn’t think he was good enough. Maybe he wasn’t. So from that point on, Fox busted his ass to be the best he could be, and now look at him! He’s main-eventing the first episode of the new era! So Claudio, Fox is coming for that title. Will Fox have the biggest win of his career when it’s for the ROH World Championship?

The Renegades VS Skye Blue & Madison Rayne!

Charlette & Robyn have fought their way up on AEW Dark and Elevation, and even held the NWA Women’s Tag Team Championships, but now they might be reaching a new level in the ROH Women’s Division. But will the student-teacher combo be the ones starting strong in the new era?

The Code of Honor is upheld, and the teams sort out. Skye and Robyn start, circle, and tie up. Robyn pushes Skye back but Skye puts Robyn in the corner. Skye lets off, they tie up again, and now Robyn puts Skye in the corner. The ref counts, Robyn grinds forearms in then shoves Skye. Fans boo but Skye shoves back. Skye dodges, Robyn blocks the arm-drag but Skye arm-drags from the other side! Things speed up, Skye wheelbarrows and arm-drags again! Fans rally, Skye ROCKS Robyn, then she bumps Robyn off buckles. Skye runs in, Robyn dodges, but Robyn runs into a roll-up and bridge, TWO! Oklahoma Roll, TWO!

Skye facelocks Robyn, tags Rayne, and they double whip. Skye SHINING WIZARDS at the ropes, then snapmares to feed Rayne’s SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rayne drags Robyn up but Robyn pulls hair! Robyn puts Rayne in the corner, tag to Charlette, and the Renegades mug Rayne! They stomp away, let off as the ref counts, and then Charlette bumps Rayne off buckles. Charlette RAMS into Rayne, lets off at the ref’s count, but Rayne slips away to shoulder in, slide under, and she sunset flips! TWO, Rayne facelocks and whips. Charlette reverses, runs in but Rayne trips her, rolls her and runs to basement dropkick! Cover, ONE!

Rayne facelocks Charlette, she tags Skye in, and they double whip to trip and basement dropkick! Skye covers, TWO! Skye brings Charlette up but Charlette throws body shots. Charlette knees low, mocks the fans, then ROCKS Skye! Skye swings back, Charlette gets around to waistlock, but Skye switches. Charlette runs to ropes and Robyn GAMANGIRIS Skye! Fans boo but Charlette BOOTS Skye down! Charlette then DECKS Rayne for good measure. Charlette mocks the fans rallying for Skye, then she bumps Skye off buckles. Tag to Robyn, Robyn CHOPS Skye then snapmares. Robyn runs to BASEMENT SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up but Robyn drags Skye up. Tag to Charlette, the Renegades double suplex and they hold Skye up! But Skye shifts to DOUBLE CRADLE! TWO!! Robyn kicks low, she reels Skye in, back suplex, but Skye lands on her feet! Robyn still CLOBBERS Skye! Robyn rains down fists, brings Skye up, but Skye ENZIGURIS! Both women are down and fans rally up! Skye and Robyn crawl, hot tag to Rayne! Rayne fires off forearms and CHOPS then DECKS Robyn! Charlette runs in but she gets an ENZIGURI! Rayne dodges Robyn, ripcord, CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Rayne drags Robyn up, dragon sleepers, but Robyn pulls hair!

Robyn dodges the haymakers, clinches, FACEBUSTER! Tag to Charlette and she hurries to fireman’s carry. MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, Skye breaks it! Fans fire up, Skye has Charlette but Charlette dodges the lariat, only for the SUPERKICK to hit! Robyn runs in, ROLLING ELBOW for Skye! Rayne clinches Robyn, COMPLETE SHOT! All four women are down and fans fire up again! Rayne and Charlette stir, the fans rally, and Rayne tags Skye! Skye goes up top to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Robyn stomps Skye, but Rayne SPEARS Robyn! Rayne & Skye double whip, to SOBAT, BOOT and SKYFALL FACEBUSTER! Cover, Skye & Rayne win!

Winners: Skye Blue & Madison Rayne, by pinfall

A big win for the rookie and the veteran, will they soon become a top team in the Women’s Tag Division?

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.

“A new era of ROH begins here tonight in Orlando, Florida, and with that, it is my pleasure to introduce my guest at this time, the ROH Pure Champion, Wheeler Yuta!” Fans cheer as the Decoder makes his way out to the ring. Yuta shakes Ian’s hand and Ian says tonight has “all the makings of a historic evening. As the junior member of the Blackpool Combat Club,” Yuta’s tag partner in Claudio Castagnoli defends his ROH World Championship against AR Fox in the main event! Yuta says that he’ll get to that in a moment as he’s also excited for that match. But Ian called him the “junior” member of the BCC.

Yuta wants to get one thing straight. He is no junior member, he is no rookie, he is no upstart, he is a champion! And he did not become the ROH Pure Champion by accident. He didn’t become a champion by doing someone else’s laundry or making someone’s dinner. No, he surrounded himself “with three of the best wrestlers of all time.” Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and the ROH World Champion, Claudio Castagnoli. They beat him down, made him nothing, and then forged him in combat so that he is the champion he is today. And he’s feeling a little left out with all these title defenses going on. Yuta’s free next week, too.

So if anyone wants to take a shot at the champ, if anyone wants to get in the ring and wrestle with him, Yuta says to make themselves known right now. We wait, and out comes TIMOTHY THATCHER! The Professor of Pain walks out on stage, and he has a mic. “HEY! I am Timothy Thatcher, and you know that, Yuta. I’m not a big fan of talking, but I’m a big fan of fighting. So if you’re offering a challenge for the ROH Pure Championship, I accept.” Fans like the sound of that! Yuta holds up his belt now, but will he be holding onto it for much longer?

Lady Frost VS Willow Nightingale!

A frozen heart meets a bubbly positivity, this is going to be like immovable object and irresistible force! Will Frost put Willow on ice? Or will Willow be too hot to handle?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two tie up. Fans rally, Frost powers Willow back but Willow powers Frost all the way to a corner! Willow lets off and flexes. Fans cheer, Frost and Willow reset and tie up again. Frost gets around to waistlock but Willow wiggles and bumps free. Willow shows off the twerk, and Frost is a bit taken aback. Willow wants Frost to get in the groove and fans want to see it, too! Frost just runs, and things speed up. Frost ducks ‘n’ dodges, leaps over, but Willow runs her over! Fans cheer, Willow waits on Frost, then runs her over again. Willow runs, and SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!

Willow keeps on Frost, short arm LARIATS, then short arm LARIATS again! Willow keeps going, but Frost elbows back. Willow doesn’t budge, she just scoops and SLAMS! Willow and the fans fire up again, and Willow winds it up. Willow CHOPS Frost in the corner! Willow whips corner to corner, Frost goes up and over and handsprings to mule kick. Frost keeps moving, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up more, Frost brings Willow up but willow shoves her away. Frost handsprings, headscissors, and Willow staggers. Frost comes back, tilt-o-whirls to sunset flip, TWO! Frost kicks, Willow ducks, DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES take both women down!

Fans fire up while both women stir. A standing count starts, fans rally, and both women go to corners. Willow and Frost stand, Willow runs corner to corner to back body block! And clothesline! Snapmare and BOOT! Fans fire up with Willow more, and she whips Frost to then SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Frost is tough but fans rally behind Willow. Willow runs corner to corner, but into an elbow! Willow comes back, Frost dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Willow falls, Frost climbs up! MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Willow survives and flounders to the corner! Frost keeps focus, she runs back in, to RAM into Willow!

Frost rolls back, runs in again, but Willow catches her! Gut wrench for the DOCTOR BOMB! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

A big win on the big return to ROH, and Willow shows respect with the Code of Honor. Fans are ready to party with Willow, and Ian returns to the ring to do a little shimmy. He also interviews Willow, saying that she’s Mrs. Riccaboni’s favorite wrestler, but this isn’t about that. He has one question for her after another big win: what’s next? Well, first she has to wipe the dumb smile off her face. Willow gets serious now, and says that before thinking about the future, let’s look at the past. Willow knows Ian’s been around ROH a minute, just like her. They are from the old regime. The past two ROH PPVs, Death Before Dishonor and Final Battle, ya girl got two big wins!

And tonight in the NEW ROH, the NEW lifeblood, another win! Fans cheer that, so Willow says she’s kind of on a roll. The only next logical step would be… Willow challenging Athena for the ROH Women’s World Championship! But speaking of, here comes the Fallen Goddess! Athena has the belt around her waist and a mic in her hand. Athena says, “Willow. Congrats on your win, girlfriend. But… I know that you’re just so happy to be here. But if I was happy to be here, I wouldn’t be ROH champion. So, I’ma do you a favor, girl, cuz I am a fighting champion, I am a generous champion! I will accept your mediocre offer of challenging me for my title.

“But… When I beat your ass all over this arena, I want you and the world to know, that Willow Nightingale is nothing but porcelain, and is just lucky enough to be in my division. Hey, Willow. I’ll see you next week, porcelain.” The Fallen Goddess is looking to break Willow’s spirit, but will nothing stop that positivity?

ROH World Championship: Claudio Castagnoli VS AR Fox!

The Swiss Superman is ready to make history on this already monumental night. Will he retain his title in the first defense of ROH’s new era? Or will Fox no longer be a “best kept secret,” but THE best wrestler in ROH?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who flies higher as ROH takes flight again!

The  Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. The two circle, fans rally up, and they tie up. Claudio puts Fox on ropes, the ref calls the break, and Claudio lets off cleanly. Fans applaud the sportsmanship and the two reset. They tie up again, fans duel, and Claudio spins Fox to an armlock. Fox rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Claudio rolls and wrenches back. Fox rolls, kips up, handsprings, and wrenches again. Claudio clinches, facelocks, then hooks an arm and a leg to bring Fox down. Fox fights to stay off the mat but Claudio cravats for the snapmare and cover, TWO! Claudio wrenches and whips, but Fox goes up and over!

Fox keeps moving, Claudio comes back but Fox slips out the side to trip Claudio! Fox then slingshots in for a facelock roll, only for Claudio to block the suplex! Claudio suplexes, Fox slips free and whips. Claudio reverses, Fox ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to a schoolboy, ONE! Claudio UPPERCUTS Fox off his feet! Fans rally and duel, Fox staggers up but Claudio is on him. Claudio scoops and SLAMS, then runs to drop a leg, brother! Cover, ONE!! Fox won’t be beat so easily, but Claudio brings Fox up. Claudio bumps Fox off buckles hard, and then he brings him around. Fox fights the lift, wrenches and knuckle locks.

Fox kicks, goes up and up, jumps around and flying wheelbarrows to the BULLDOG! Fans fire up while Claudio flounders, Fox covers, ONE!! Fans rally and duel and Fox goes to the apron. Fox climbs, but Claudio DROPKICKS! Fox is stuck up top, Claudio trophy lifts him but Fox makes it a FLYING HEADSCISSOR! Claudio ends up on ropes, Fox runs to hit the BODY SLIDE ATTACK! Fox then springboards, but Claudio trips him up! Fox crashes down and fans rally. Claudio slides out, drags Fox out, and he SLAMS the leg on the apron edge! Fox clutches the knee, he pushes Claudio away and gets in the ring.

Claudio storms up, gut wrenches and SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Claudio holds onto the leg for a modified leglock! Fox gets the ROPEBREAK, and Claudio lets off, to then stomp away on Fox! Claudio jumps to STOMP Fox down! The ref reprimands, Claudio drags Fox to a cover, ONE!! Fox is fighting but Claudio wraps on a chinlock. Fox endures, fans rally, and the two hand fight over the grapple. Fox fights up but he can’t fireman’s carry because of the bad leg! Claudio hits a GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Fox flounders to a corner, clutches his leg, and Claudio storms up again. Claudio stands Fox up to whip him into a corner, and UPPERCUTS!

Claudio suplex and basically TOSSES Fox! Claudio gets the bad leg, drags Fox over into the HALF CRAB! Claudio sits deep on the hold but Fox still endures! Fans rally, Fox crawls and reaches out, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Claudio lets go quickly, and he drags Fox to the apron. Claudio SLAMS Fox’s chest on the apron, then UPPERCUTS him! The ref reprimands, Claudio apologizes, and he goes up the steps. Claudio DOUBLE STOMPS Fox on the back! Claudio steps in, saying that was just “on the way” back in. Claudio then ROPE GUILLOTINES! Cover, TWO! Fox is hanging tough but Claudio keeps focus.

Fans rally for “FOX! FOX! FOX!” but Claudio clobbers Fox into a chinlock! Claudio smothers Fox but fans rally and Fox fights back up. Fox throws elbows but Claudio shoves him to CLUB him on the back! Fox drops to his knees but Claudio stands him back up. Claudio shoves and CLUBS Fox in the back again! And then another shove, but Fox elbows back! Claudio ROCKS Fox, but Fox dumps Claudio out! Fox avoids the shoulder to KICK, but Claudio HEADBUTTS! Fox comes back, REBOUND DDT!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Fans rally as both men stir, and Fox stands first!

Fox LARIATS, but Claudio roars as he stays standing! Fox LARIATS, but Claudio eggs him on. Fox DISCUS LARIATS! Claudio rebounds, Fox goes Matrix to then PELE! Fox cravats, Claudio powers out, but Fox goes up and mule kicks! Then springboard CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Claudio survives and the fans fire up! Fox gets his bad leg moving, runs corner to corner, and he A-LIST LARIATS! Then Fox skins the cat to SWINGING DROPKICK! Claudio bails out, so Fox builds speed! Fox FLIES to CROSSBODY Claudio down! Fans fire up as Fox then puts Claudio back in. Fox climbs a corner, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Fans rally up harder as Fox watches Claudio go to a corner. Fox runs in, back elbows, but Claudio shoves him away. Claudio BOOTS Fox, covers, TWO!! Fox survives and Claudio grits his teeth. Fans rally, Claudio drags Fox up, but Fox breaks free. Claudio blocks a boot, KNEES back but Fox ENZIGURIS! Fox whips, goes Matrix, but Claudio was faking him out! SWISS SWING!! Fox goes around TEN times before Claudio lets him go! But Fox flops out of the ring to safety! Fans rally, Claudio goes out after Fox, and he drags Fox up. Claudio pushes Fox into the ring while fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS!”

Claudio goes to a corner, he goes along the ropes, and he LIMIT BREAKER ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! But to the SHARPSHOOTER!! Fox endures as Claudio sits deeeeeep! Fox endures, but Claudio shifts to a CROSSFACE!! Claudio rolls Fox away, shifts his grip, but Fox rolls Claudio to a cover, TWO!!! JAWBREAKER! Fireman’s carry, but the leg! Claudio LARIATS!! Cover, TWO?!!? Fox survives and fans are thunderous for “R O H! R O H!” Claudio drags Fox up, puts him up top, and then UPPERCUTS! Claudio climbs up, Fox resists and throws body shots, but Claudio HEADBUTTS! Claudio resets, but Fox slips under! GAMANGIRI!

Claudio roars and grabs at Fox, but Fox GAMANGIRIS again! Fox firemen’s carries with help from the corner, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Fox goes right up top, for the 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Claudio survives again and no one can believe it! Fans rally as hard as ever and Fox feels he’s close. Claudio grits his teeth, Fox brings Claudio up, and he reels Claudio in. Claudio fights the suplex so Fox throws a forearm. Claudio throws a forearm back! Fox ROCKS Claudio, Claudio ROCKS Fox, then Claudio fires off a strike fest! UPPERCUT into a backslide! TWO!!! Claudio escapes, he puts Fox on the apron, but Fox ROCKS Claudio!

Fox springboards, but into the UPPERCUT!! Cover, Claudio wins!!

Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (still ROH World Champion)

An epic battle of strength, speed and technique, and in the end it was that knockout uppercut that wins it for the champion! The Swiss Superman shows respect by applauding Fox with the fans, as well as the Code of Honor handshake. Will Fox be back for another try soon enough? Who else will want to take that title from Claudio? WAIT! THE MAD KING IS HERE!! Eddie Kingston said on AEW social media that he was DONE with AEW, and fans are thunderous to see him storm into the ROH ring! Eddie has the music cut and he grins at Claudio. “Guess what, buddy, guess what? I’m an independent contract, dog! I’m 1099, so I can be here!

“And y’know how I promised Mox I wouldn’t beat your ass in AEW? This ain’t AEW, bro. I’m coming after that championship. What do you say, huh?” Fans like the sound of it, and Eddie tells Claudio not to be scared. Here, have the mic. Eddie hands it over, but Claudio drops it! Fans boo, but it seems the Swiss Superman does things on his time, not Eddie’s. But will the King of Wrestling have no choice but to protect his throne against the Mad King of New York?

My Thoughts:

A great return to weekly programming for ROH, and I have a feeling they’re going to maintain a two hour format since it’s online and not needing to worry about commercials. Real good stuff in the non-title matches, though in many cases, they went as I expected. The Six Man Tag was a great squash win for The Embassy, and of course the ROH icons like Daniels and Briscoe won. Konosuke VS Woods was a great one for a couple younger wrestlers, and it was pretty amusing for Sterling to think he can help Woods avoid a loss with a settlement. Good win for Willow, real good promo from Willow, and we’re gonna get a great women’s title match between her and Athena.

And also good promo from Yuta and Thatcher to set up an ROH Pure title match, that is going to be some incredible technical wrestling next week. Another great NJPW World TV Championship match, Blake Christian got a great showing even in defeat, but of course ZSJ wins out since this is a NJPW title. I do have to say it’s a bit funny how in an AEW backed ROH, there’re still some NJPW guys helping get this going, such as Aussie Open challenging an ROH team to a match. And I’m thinking Aussie Open wins, because while Titus & Tracy are good, Fletcher & Davis really are a great team. I’m already getting flashbacks to the NJPW ROH partnership before pandemic where it felt like NJPW got the better part of the deal.

And of course, an awesome main event with the ROH World Championship. Good promos from Claudio and Fox before, too, and what an awesome showing for Fox even in defeat. The fans loved the guy by the end of the night, Fox is finally getting the spotlight he deserves, he will have a title soon enough. And what a great surprise to see Eddie Kingston show up in ROH. While his story with Ortiz and the House of Black had potential, AEW let it fizzle out, but at least there’s continuity they’re calling upon in how Eddie and Claudio did not get along during the Blackpool Combat Club VS Jericho Appreciation Society feud. Claudio VS Eddie is going to be a great one, they’ll probably do that for Supercard of Honor in LA during WWE’s WrestleMania weekend.

My Score: 8.8/10