It’s a shootout in the main event!

Best of the Super Juniors Round 3 continues as now B Block takes its turn! But will Robbie Eagles outdraw Taiji Ishimori? Or will The Sniper of the Skies be shooting blanks?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Katsuya Murashima & Boltin Oleg VS Kevin Knight, Tiger Mask & Shoma Kato;  Desperado, Murashima & Oleg win.
• HAYATA & Tomoaki Honma VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi; Kanemaru & Takahashi win.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS TJP, Callum Newman & Blake Christian; LIJ wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Franceso Akira; Kushida wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Ninja Mack VS SHO; Sho wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Dragon Dia; Hiromu wins.
• Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Ninja Mack: 2-0, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 2-0, 4 points
KUSHIDA: 2-0, 4 points
SHO: 1-1, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-1, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-1, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-1, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 0-2, 0 points
Dragon Dia: 0-2, 0 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 0-2, 0 points

Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: KUSHIDA VS Franceso Akira!

The Timesplitter is approaching 88 miles per hour, and is looking to turn back time to when he was the Ace of the Juniors! However, the Nova Fireball is looking to turn up the heat! Will Kushida or Akira be the one to blaze a trail to the top of the block?

Akira gets in Kushida’s face, Kushida shoves him back, and the ref has them both back off. The bell rings and Akira runs in! Kushida dodges to kick and headlock, but Akira powers out. Kushida runs Akira over, things speed up, and Akira hurdles. Kushida shoves, Akira wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Then Akira CALF KICKS Kushida down! The fans cheer and join in on “A! KI RA!” Akira CHOPS then CLUBS Kushida, but Kushida kicks back. Akira CHOPS, whips but Kushida reverses. Kushida runs in but Akira goes up and gets Kushida for the- NO, Kushida fights out of the Tarantula and brings Akira down to the apron! Kushida YANKS Akira into the post!

The fans rally while Akira shakes out the bad arm. Kushida gets Akira up and scoops to SLAM him on the floor! Kushida leaves Akira behind and the fans rally up more. The ring count starts, Akira stands and slides in at 4 of 20, only for Kushida to TOSS him right back out. Kushida goes out after Akira to scoop and SLAM him again! The fans applaud while Kushida gets Akira up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO! The fans rally while Kushida looms over Akira. Kushida wrenches the arm, CLUBS the arm, then wrangles Akira with a top wristlock. Kushida isolates the arm, to STOMP it!

Akira writhes, goes to a corner, but Kushida is after him. Akira fires a forearm! And fires another! But Kushida wrenches the bad arm and wrangles Akira again! Kushida stands on Akira’s head to twist the arm and hammerlock it, to then TWIST it! Akira flounders away but Kushida is after the legs! Kushida turns Akira over to a SEATED SURFBOARD! Akira fights, Kushida slaps him on the back to get at the arms! Kushida pulls Akira back, but Akira fights to turn things over! They roll and into the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Kushida lets off. Kushida drags Akira up, wrenches and wristlocks, then cravats to snapmare.

Kushida scrapes his soles off Akira’s face, then handsprings to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Akira slowly rises. Kushida brings Akira up, wrenches the arm, but Akira shoves him away. Kushida comes back, Akira ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans fire up while Kushida bails out, and Akira aims. Akira slingshot, but Kushida slides back in! Akira lands on the apron, only for Kushida to KICK a leg! Kushida runs, but into a SLINGSHOT CUTTER! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Akira and Kushida rise, and Kushida goes after Akira. Akira fires forearms but Kushida knees low.

Kushida whips, Akira reverses, but Kushida ducks the enzigiri! Akira slides Kushida, Kushida slides under Akira! Kushida flips Akira to get the KIMURA! Akira gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Akira and Kushida go to corners, the fans rally for “A! KI RA! A! KI RA!” Akira runs in to clothesline! Then he comes back to UPPERCUT! Akira snapmares Kushida, goes to the apron, “IKU ZO!” The fans fire up and Akira climbs, but Kushida GAMANGIRIS the arm! Kushida then goes up after Akira but Akira fires forearms! Kushida drops back, Akira adjusts and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up while both men are down. Akira shakes out the bad arm, stalks behind Kushida and half nelsons, but the bad arm won’t let him full nelson! Kushida KICKS Akira in the leg! Then KICKS again! Kushida whips, Akira reverses, Kushida handsprings, but Akira DROPKICKS Kushida! Kushida bails out, Akira PLANCHAS, but into a FUJIWARA! The ref reprimands, Akira fights up, but Kushida hits an ARMBAR BULLDOG to the floor! Akira writhes and clutches his elbow, and the ring count starts. Both men are down at 5 of 20, but Kushida stands at 10. Kushida flounders at the apron, falls back, and we’re at 15!

Kushida springs up to slide in at 17! Akira staggers around, but he slides in at 19! PENALTY KICK! Kushida leaps, but Akira rolls him up! TWO, but Akira drop toeholds! Akira steps over, Kushida slips out to LA MAGISTROL, but Akira pushes it back to a cradle! TWO!! Akira goes to a corner, Kushida runs in, but into the TARANTULA!! The ref counts, Akira lets go at 4, but he fires back up! The fans rally, Akira BUZZSAWS! Akira roars and the fans fire up! Akira gets Kushida up, SPEED FIRE!! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and the fans fire back up. Akira goes to a corner, pounds the mat, “A! KI RA!”

Akira aims as Kushida slowly rises. Akira runs up, but Kushida ducks the Fireball! SHOTEI!! Kushida snarls while Akira flounders away. Akira goes to a corner, Kushida runs up, but Akira blocks the Shotei! Akira CLUBS the arm, but Kushida ROCKS him right back! Akira fires forearms in return! Akira then cravats for KNEE after KNEE! Kushida KICKS the bad arm! Akira SUPERKICKS! Akira dodges the fastball to HALF ‘N’ HALF! Akira roars, runs, but has to duck the fastball! COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO! Kushida’s still in this but Akira fires back up! Akira puts Kushida up top, CHOPS him, then climbs.

Akira brings Kushida up but Kushida fights the armlock! Kushida throws elbows, but Akira CHOPS! Akira fires forearms but Kushida wrenches his arm! ELBOW BREAKER! Akira drops down to the apron, but he SUPERKICKS back! Akira fires up again, the fans are with him, and Akira goes back up! But Kushida has a KIMURA!! HOVERBOARD ARM-DRAG!!! Akira endures as Kushida has him caught!! Akira reaches, Kushida rolls him from ropes, and cranks the hold! Akira taps, Kushida wins!!

Winner: Kushida, by submission (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)

The Timesplitter extinguishes the Nova Fireball and continues to 3-0! Will nothing stop Kushida until he’s the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Akira reignite before it’s too late?

Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: DOUKI VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

Japones del Mal came away with a big shocker last round when he took down Hiromu in the main event! But is that one win enough to propel him to the top of the block? Or will 44 Caliber shoot Douki right back down to the bottom?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Douki. Drilla gets annoyed by that, especially as the fans start to chant “DOUKI! DOUKI!” The two tie up, Douki headlocks, Drilla powers up, but can’t power out as Douki holds on. Drilla lifts, Douki flails, but Drilla powers out this time. Drilla runs Douki over, and fans do applaud the show of strength. Drilla runs, Douki drops down but Drilla drags him up. Douki arm-drags Drilla, then runs. Drilla hurdles, drops down, but Douki avoids the dropkick! Douki wheelbarrows but Drilla fights around to arm-drag! Drilla reels Douki in, but Douki trips him to a jackknife bridge! TWO!!

The fans fire up as Douki says it was that close. Drilla is mad, runs up, but Douki dodges to RANA! Douki RAMS Drilla, runs, springboards, but into Drilla’s arms! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Drilla snarls while Douki goes to the apron. Drilla WRECKS Douki with a dropkick! Drilla then goes out and he RAMS Douki into the apron! Douki falls in a heap, but Drilla steps on his back! Drilla soaks up the heat while throwing up the Too Sweet. Drilla then steps away, to take a fan’s chair! Drilla scoops Douki for a BACKBREAKER on the chair! Douki writhes and flops off the chair while Drilla leaves him behind for the ring count.

The fans rally but Drilla tells them to shut up. The count reaches 5 of 20, then 10 before Douki sits up. Douki moves the chair aside, slides in at 15, and the fans cheer. But Drilla is right on him with a whip hard into a corner! Douki falls in a heap again, but Drilla storms up to pull at the mask! The ref reprimands, Drilla lets go, and Douki drags himself up with ropes. Drilla CHOKES Douki, but also goes after the mask! The fans boo, the ref reprimands and counts, and Drilla lets off at 4. Drilla stands Douki up to CHOP him down! Cover, with feet on the ropes! TWO!! Douki still gets free and the fans cheer.

Drilla sits Douki up into a chinlock and digs his knee into Douki’s back. Douki endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Drilla grinds his forearm into Douki’s face, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Drilla stomps Douki but Douki gets right up to fire forearms! Douki goes to run, but Drilla reels him in! Drilla pops him up but Douki slips free to waistlock! Drilla breaks that, switches, but Douki elbows free! Douki again goes to run, Drilla reels him back in but Douki kicks free, kicks low, and DDTs! The fans fire up while both men are down! Drilla sits up but Douki stalks him. Douki whips Drilla, Drilla reverses but Douki arm-drags first!

Douki runs in at the corner to ELBOW Drilla, then keeps going, springboard BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Drilla is still in this but Douki keeps cool. Douki drags Drilla up, hooks him up, but Drilla fights the lift! Douki still Gory Especials, but Drilla fights free! Douki blocks the chop, trips Drilla, and rolls him into ITALIAN STRETCH #32! Drilal reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Douki lets go, Drilla bails out, but Douki builds speed! Douki slides out, Drilla slides in! Douki hurries back up and he RAMS into Drilla! Slingshot, DAY- NO, Drilla stops that to SPINEBUSTER and DOUBLE STOMP ELBOW COMBO! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up for Douki again while he slowly sits up. Drilla aims from a corner, loads up and runs in, but Douki ducks the boot! Douki then BOOTS back, goes to the apron, and slingshots, DAYBREAK! Douki drags Drilla to a cover, TWO! Drilla is still in this but Douki fires up! The fans are with him and he brings Drilla into the wheelbarrow. Drilla elbows free, ripcords and CHOPS, but Douki kips up! Drilla SUPERKICKS! Drilla runs, Douki ducks the boot to tilt-p-whirl, but Drilla blocks and flips Douki around! But Douki arm-drags free! And he rolls Drilla into the ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! Drilla endures while fans fire up!

Drilla fights around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Douki pulls until the ref counts 4, then he drags Drilla away from ropes, for ITALIAN STRETCH! But Drilla just powers right out! DRILLA KILLA!!! Cover, Drilla wins!

Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)

The fans were behind the underdog and Drilla wasn’t having any of it! Will the Ichiban Gaijin storm his way to the top of this block? Can Douki turn this around next round?

Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Ninja Mack VS SHO!

The American Shinobi is on a roll at 2-0, but now he has the misfortune of running into the Murder Machine. Will the Mack attack not be able to get past a deck that’s stacked? Or can he grab a golden ticket off the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?

OH NO! Sho’s dragging Mack out from the back! And he’s CHOKING Mack with the Torture Tool! The fans boo but Sho grins as he brings Mack all the way to the ring and throws him in! Sho puts his props aside, then “helps” Mack to his feet. Mack flops back over, Sho says he’s fine and stands him back up. And then puts a leg in the ropes? Sho has the ref ring the bell, then he runs in to clothesline! Sho scoops to SLAM Mack, then he gets the legs! BOSTON CRAB! Mack endures, the fans rally, and Mack taps!! Sho wins!!

Winner: Sho, by submission 

Sho laughs at Mack, and brags that this is how good he is! But wait! Some other Ninja Mack runs in and CLOBBERS Sho!! Wait, this is the real Ninja Mack?! Sho tied Mack up to then replace him with a fake? Well, the tape Mack’s tearing away is compelling evidence. The ref then strikes the previous decision and this match restarts! Sho bails out but Mack gives chase! Mack CLOBBERS Sho again, stands him up and DOUBLE CHOPS him! Mack rips Sho’s shirt away, throws it to the crowd, then KICKS Sho against the apron! Mack puts Sho in, the fans fire up, and Mack storms in. Sho kicks Mack, whips, but Mack reverses.

Mack drops down, hurdles over, then backflips. Sho moves but Mack handsprings up to JUMP KNEE! Mack TOSSES Sho, builds speed and the fans rally with “NINJA! NINJA!” Mack handsprings to SASUKE SPECIAL! How fitting for a ninja! The fans fire up and Mack gets Sho back in the ring. The fans continue to rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” as Mack sees Sho go to the far side. Mack slingshots to sunset flip, Sho blocks a kick but Mack fires CHOP after CHOP after forearm, then an UPPERCUT! Mack then handsprings to LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Sho flounders, Mack storms up on him and stands Sho up.

Mack knuckle locks, CHOPS and then goes up, up and tightrope walks! But Sho bends fingers! Sho kicks the ropes out and Mack falls! The fans boo but Sho goes out to grab the ring bell hammer. Sho brings that over, but also gets a chair. The ref stops Sho from using the hammer, but Sho just uses the chair to JAM Mack! Sho digs the chair into Mack’s back while the fans boo! Sho also digs the chair into Mack’s stomach! The ref returns, reprimands, and Sho lets go of the chair. Sho brings Mack to the very back of the crowd and BOWLS him into chairs! Weak, he only got two. But Sho leaves Mack behind to go to the ring.

The fans rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” as Mack hurries back to ringside. The ring count starts but Mack is ringside by 4 of 20. Mack slides in at 6, but Sho drags Mack up. Sho kicks low, whips, and kitchen sink knees! Sho storms up on Mack again, drags him around, and has a body scissor squeeze! Mack endures, reaches out, but Sho even pulls the mask! But Mack pushes back to a cover, TWO! Sho keeps on the squeeze, but Mack still endures. Mack fights around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Sho lets go. Mack sputters and says “Itai <It hurts.>” Sho gets Mack up, and hangs him out to dry!

Sho then drags Mack off the ropes for a CANADIAN GUT BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this, but Sho covers again, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Sho is annoyed but the fans rally up. Sho kicks Mack around, Mack blocks to body shot! And body shot! And body shot! Sho KNEES low! Sho scoops Mack and puts him on the top rope. Sho CLUBS away on Mack’s back, then runs to TOP SHELF KNEE! And TOP SHELF KNEE again! Sho goes corner to corner, but Mack dodges! Mack ROCKS Sho, springboards to KICK, then runs in to UPPERCUT! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Sho survives, but Mack’s on him with a CROSSFACE!

Sho endures as Mack pulls back! Sho flails, reaches out, crawls his way over, but Mack cranks the hold! Sho still gets the ROPEBREAK! Mack lets go and the fans rally again. Mack brings Sho up, DOUBLE CHOPS him, then DOUBLE CHOPS again! Mack whips corner to corner, Sho reverses, but Mack BOOTS back! And SUPERKICKS! And fires body shots and an UPPERCUT! Mack cravats, but Sho pulls the mask! Sho shoves Mack to the corner, then shoves the ref into Mack! The ref goes down, Sho SPEARS Mack! The fans are torn while everyone is down! Sho checks the ref, says he’s okay, and then grabs his Torture Tool!

Sho grins as he takes aim, but the fans boo. Wait, that’s the fake yellow Mack! Sho realizes that and wonders where the real Mack went. Mack snatches the wrench away and Sho freaks out! Mack puts the wrench down, but Sho rolls him up! But the ref’s still out, he can’t count! Sho gets mad at the ref when this is Sho’s fault! But Mack rolls Sho up! TWO!! Cradle, TWO!! Sunset flip! TWO!! Sho escapes, Mack kips up and SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up and Mack brings Sho to a drop zone. Mack goes up the corner, to NINJA- NO, Sho moves! Mack rolls through, comes back, but Sho dodges! Sho gets the title belt now! But Mack grabs Sho’s legs!

The ref grabs at the belt, it’s a weird tug-o-war, but the ref takes the belt away! Sho LOW BLOWS Mack!! Roll-up, with tights! SHO WINS!!

Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)

This is the worst! Sho tried to steal a win with a fake, then cheated to steal this win anyway! Will anyone ever humble the Murder Machine? Or will he continue to lie, cheat and steal until he holds both the trophy and the belt?

Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Dragon Dia!

The Ticking Timebomb is inexplicably 0-2 to start, but things haven’t gone so well for the Infinity Carat Diamond. Only one can win their first points of the tournament, so who ends up at the bottom of the block?

The frame on Hiromu’s framed picture of himself seems a bit patched together, but Milano Collection AT-san still accepts it graciously. Hiromu then eggs on “Taguchi.” The bell rings and the two rush up! Dia DROPKICKS Hiromu and tells him the name’s Dragon Dia! Dia fires off forearms in the corner, the ref counts, and Dia roars as he lets off. He drags Hiromu up and shouts “ORE WA DIA DA! <I’M DIA!>” Hiromu swings, Dia dodges but Hiromu ELBOWS him. Hiromu whips, ROCKS and puts Dia on ropes to KICK the ropes! Hiromu says he’s Taguchi and runs, but Dia ducks ‘n ‘dodges ‘n’ slides under a boot!

Dia tilt-o-whirls to arm-drag! Then he DROPKICKS! Hiromu tumbles out, Dia fires up and the fans rally. Dia builds speed but Hiromu ELBOWS him! Hiromu whips Dia to a corner, clotheslines and snapmares to basement dropkick! The fans cheer, Hiromu covers, TWO! Dia stays in this and the fans rally up. But even as the fans call out to Dia, Hiromu asks how Taguchi is doing. Hiromu drags Dia up, CHOPS him, then stands him up to CHOP again! Dia falls back, Hiromu covers, TWO! Dia stays in this and the fans rally up. Hiromu storms up and asks who’s this Dia the fans are talking about. Hiromu CHOPS Dia, then whips.

Dia reverses, Hiromu holds ropes and BOOTS Dia, to then have a HANGING HEADSCISSOR! The ref counts, Hiromu lets off at 4, and he drags Dia out to snap suplex to the floor! Dia writhes, the fans rally, and Hiromu asks the cameraman how Taguchi became such a great high-flyer. Hiromu really thinks this is Ryusuke Taguchi? Hiromu goes back to Dia, drags him up and brings him around POSTS him! Dia falls in a heap but Hiromu storms over to him. The fans rally up but Hiromu drags Dia up and puts him in. Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps on Dia with a headscissors squeeze! Dia endures and the fans rally, even as Hiromu puts on the pressure.

Dia kicks around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets off quickly. Hiromu drags Dia up, but Dia pushes him away. Dia CHOPS, but Hiromu eggs him on. Dia CHOPS, then fires a forearm! Hiromu CHOPS, runs, and he counters a hip attack into an atomic drop! Hiromu says that proves this is really Taguchi! Hiromu runs to run Dia over, then stacks him, TWO! The fans rally as Dia stays in this, and Hiromu drags Dia up. Hiromu CHOPS Dia to a corner, then whips corner to corner. Hiromu runs in but into BOOTS! Dia then RANAS Hiromu away! Hiromu bails out, Dia fires up and slingshots, but he feints the plancha!

Dia resets but Hiromu slides in. Dia ducks Hiromu’s lariat to then trip him up and slingshot, TORNILLO! Hiromu bails out, so Dia resets, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up as both men are down! The ring count starts, the fans rally, and Dia rises at 7 of 20. Dia fetches Hiromu at 11, puts him in at 12, and the fans cheer. Dia fires up again and he goes up the corner. Hiromu rises and Dia leaps, but Hiromu blocks the DDT to fireman’s carry! CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Hiromu drags Dia up, fireman’s carries again, TIMEBOMB- NO, Dia wheelbarrows and somersaults! Hiromu stops that to drag Dia up!

Dia swings an elbow but Hiromu ducks! Dia still SOBATS, runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans rally and Hiromu suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Dia survives and the fans fire up! Hiromu keeps cool, and he waits on Dia. Dia rises, Hiromu runs, but Dia dodges and rolls, to REPTI- NO, Hiromu stops the rana to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! The fans fire up as Dia stays in this! Hiromu taunts Dia, slaps him around, but Dia drags himself up. Hiromu runs, but Dia blocks the lariat! Hiromu SUPERKICKS, runs, but Dia falls! Dia scrambles back up to CHOP! Hiromu gets in Dia’s face!

Hiromu CHOPS Dia, runs, but Dia HIP ATTACKS!! So is he Taguchi or not!? Dia roars, goes to a corner, and then storms up on Hiromu to chicken wing! DODON BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives another Taguchi move and Dia roars! Dia again shouts, “Ore wa Dia da!” Fisherman and lift, but Hiromu fights free! Dia ducks the superkick to ENZIGIRI! Hiromu rebounds, into another ENZIGIRI! Dia hurries to get Hiromu up, gets under a leg and lifts, END OVER!! Cover, TWO?!? Hiromu survives and Dia is furious! But Dia also goes to a corner and aims from a corner. Hiromu slowly rises, Dia runs up, roll and REP-

NO, Hiromu blocks the sunset to make it a CRUNCHY!! Cover, TWO!!! Dia survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu shakes his head and has that wild grin on his face. Hiromu drags Dia up, reels him in, suplex, but Dia fights free! Dia wrenches, dodges, but Hiromu follows! Dia wheelbarrows, but Hiromu makes it a WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But Dia’s right up!! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu hauls Dia up, fireman’s carry, but into REPTILIAN KAI!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives #DoubleCork but the fans are thunderously behind Dia! Dia drags himself to a corner, rises up, and he goes up the corner!

Dia roars and the fans fire up again! Dia aims to 450, onto knees! Hiromu rolls Dia into a fireman’s carry and lifts him up! TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!!! Dia survives the 1.5 and Hiromu can’t believe it! Hiromu stands Dia up, runs, to HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! And then he adds on with the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Dia earns 0)

Hiromu finally gets on the board! And at least in his mind, he still has Taguchi’s number in this tournament. Will Hiromu make this a comeback story for the history books? Will Dia ever crack that goose egg in his win column?

Best of the Super Juniors 31 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Taiji Ishimori!

The Sniper of the Skies may be 1-1, but that means he’s only a step behind The Bone Soldier’s 2-0. Who will be number one with a bullet in this main event caliber shootout?

The bell rings, the fans rally up, and Eagles encourages them to get louder. Fans start up a “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” and Robbie joins in. Taiji doesn’t it but Robbie tries to start one for him. The fans don’t respond and Robbie shrugs. The two feel things out, tie up, Taiji waistlocks but Robbie switches. Taiji wrenches, Robbie rolls then wrenches back. Robbie hammerlocks but Taiji switches that onto Robbie. Robbie headlocks, hits the takeover, but Taiji headscissors. Robbie kips free, and the fans applaud as the two stand off. Taiji and Robbie reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Taiji wrenches right into a top wristlock!

Robbie goes to ropes, Red Shoes calls the break, but Taiji twists the wrist first. Red Shoes counts but Taiji YANKS the arm as he lets off. Taiji then whips, but Robbie holds ropes to block! Taiji tries again but Robbie still holds on, so Taiji CLAWS the eyes! Taiji whips, Robbie reverses to go up and around and arm-drag! Robbie keeps moving, hurdles Taiji to then RANA him! Taiji gets back up, but Robbie WHEEL KICKS! Robbie kips up, the fans fire up and Taiji bails out. Robbie builds speed but Taiji moves, so Robbie springboards to backflip! The fans cheer but Taiji eggs Robbie on. Robbie slides out but Taiji slides in, and still taunts Robbie.

Robbie slides back in, but Taiji catches him for a NECK TWIST! Robbie staggers away, Taiji goes out after him, and Taiji SMACKS Robbie off the commentary desk! Robbie staggers away, Taiji pursues and scoops, to LAWN DART POST him! Red Shoes reprimands and wants this back in the ring. Taiji goes back in, but he unties the blue buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is in play, and then Taiji waits on Robbie. The ring count starts, Robbie sits up at 5 of 20, then rises at 8. Robbie slides in at 9, but Taiji storms up on him. Robbie CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Taiji CLUBS Robbie on the neck! Robbie falls and flops against ropes.

Taiji drags Robbie up, cravats for a neck wrench, and he snapmares to NECK TWIST again! Robbie writhes but Taiji looms over him. Taiji clamps on a chinlock and digs his knee into Robbie’s back. Robbie endures, so Taiji pushes him down for a FIST DROP! Taiji then pushes Robbie to a cover, TWO! Robbie gets away and the fans rally up. Taiji stalks Robbie, clamps onto an arm, CLUBS Robbie in the neck, then traps both arms in chicken wings! Taiji spins Robbie around, then gets a leg, and he lifts Robbie into the fisherman stretch! Then he hits the SHOULDER BUSTER! Robbie flounders out of the ring and Taiji says, “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE! F YOU!”

Taiji waits on the ring count, and Robbie is still down at 5 of 20. Robbie sits up at 8, stands at 9, but he falls over at 10! Robbie rises at 12 and rolls into the ring, and fans cheer the resilience. Taiji looms over Robbie, Robbie kicks from below, but Taiji stomps him! The fans rally for Robbie but Taiji wrenches an arm, hammerlocks, then scoops, but Eagles slips free! CHOP BLOCK! Robbie keeps moving, but Taiji ducks the blindside lariat! JUMP KNEE, LA MYSTICA, but Robbie stops it partway! Robbie gets the backslide, TWO! Taiji runs up, Robbie gets around, SNAP SAIDO! The fans fire up while both men are down!

The fans rally up again, and Robbie pounds the mat. Robbie waits on Taiji to sit up, and then he KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS again! Taiji flounders, Robbie runs, and LEG LARIATS! The fans cheer as Robbie rolls and aims from a corner. Robbie runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE, then he rolls back, to BASEMENT 619! Taiji sits down, Robbie runs back in, METEORA! The fans fire up and Eagles pushes Taiji to a cover, TWO! Taiji stays in this but the fans rally for Robbie again. Robbie shakes out the bad arm, goes up and out, then climbs the corner. But Taiji SLAPS Robbie first! Taiji lifts Robbie off the corner, but Robbie hooks ropes!

Red Shoes counts, Taiji puts Robbie on the apron. Robbie GAMANGIRIS back! Robbie springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK the legs! Robbie then ties up those legs into the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Taiji endures, flails around, reaches out, but Robbie puts on the pressure! The fans rally, and Taiji gets the ROPEBREAK! Robbie lets go, but drops knees on the knee! Taiji flounders away, Robbie vows to end it now. But Taiji ducks the Shining Wizard! BONE LOCK!! Robbie endures, the fans rally, but Taiji puts on the pressure! Robbie reaches back with a leg, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Taiji lets go in frustration.

Taiji hobbles around, drags Robbie up, and Taiji POSTS Robbie in the blue corner!! Then Taiji hammerlocks, lifts, and SHOULDER BUSTERS! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives and Taiji is frustrated but the fans rally up. Taiji goes to a corner, aims and BANG. Taiji drags Robbie up, but Robbie fights the lift! Taiji still tries but Robbie kicks the bad leg! Taiji runs in but Robbie ELBOWS him away. Robbie runs up, into a BOOT! Taiji runs in, blocks boots, and puts Robbie in ropes! ENZIGIRI and- Robbie springs out to FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally as Robbie rises. Robbie drags Taiji up, but Taiji fires a forearm!

Robbie fires a forearm in return! Taiji fires another forearm! Robbie kicks back! Taiji fires another forearm, and the two stand. Robbie CHOPS, Taiji CHOPS, Robbie CHOPS again! Taiji fires a flurry of forearms, but Robbie KICKS a leg! Taiji LARIATS, runs, but Robbie blocks to ROUNDHOUSE! SUPERKICK! ENZI- NO, Taiji ducks! BONE LOCK! But Robbie slips out to steal BONE LOCK! But Taiji rolls him up! TWO!! Both stand, Robbie blocks the boot, slips around and fires palm strikes! Robbie hooks Taiji up, but Taiji fights the backpack into a gut wrench! But Robbie turns that around to steal- NO, Taiji flips through to somersault clutch! TWO and Robbie has it! TWO!!

The fans fire up, Robbie rolls Taiji with the bridge, TWO!! Robbie steps through, but Taiji BOOTS him into the bare buckles!! Roll-up, TWO, but into BONE LOCK!!! Robbie endures, reaches out, and the fans rally! Taiji pulls way back on the hold! Robbie still fights his way forward, but Taiji rolls him! Robbie pops free, and rolls Taiji into the RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, reaches out, crawls forward, but Robbie drags him back! Robbie puts on the pressure and Taiji flails! Taiji still fights, claws at the mat, but Robbie drags him back again! Robbie KICKS away on the bad leg, then steps through to drop knees on the knee!

The fans are thunderous and Eagles steps through, but Taiji cradles! Then BLOODY CROSS!! Cover, Taiji wins!

Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)

It was a shootout until the end, but it was Taiji who hit the mark! Will Eagles be able to reload and try again in the next round?

As for Taiji, he gets an icepack for his knee, then gets the mic. Taiji taps the mic on the mat for the sound check, then he sits up to say, “Oi Gunma, were you fired up?” The fans cheer, they definitely were. Taiji asks if they wanted Robbie Eagles to win tonight. “Be honest, that’s what you wanted! Well that’s too bad! It is what it is. Sorry to say, I’m here.” The fans do applaud his win. Taiji adds that unfortunately, he’s not interested in anything but the top! And he won’t give this spot to anybody! “You wanna be more fired up, huh? You want more, huh? Well, keep your eyes on me, and only me! Taking it all is my destiny.

“I’m given all that I need, you know what I mean? All of it… by God’s grace!” The Bone Soldier feels he is destined for greatness, but will he make destiny into reality?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

KUSHIDA: 3-0, 6 points
Taiji Ishimori: 3-0, 6 points
SHO: 2-1, 4 points
Ninja Mack: 2-1, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 1-2, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-2, 2 points
“Drilla” Moloney: 1-2, 2 points
DOUKI: 1-2, 2 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 0-3, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great third round for B Block, and Hiromu finally getting his win here made sense. Pretty funny gag where he is convinced Dragon Dia is just Ryusuke Taguchi with a new look. Not sure why he went with that but Dia insisting he’s his own person while still using moves that Taguchi also uses was really good stuff. I also really liked Sho having a fake Ninja Mack and trying to get a win that way. Bit of a shame Mack didn’t turn things around and win, but I suppose the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion can’t be owing too many matches after this tournament.

Kushida’s still 3-0, a good move in itself. But as the guy who beat Sho, there’s a chance Kushida does have to fall back to his “golden ticket” for a title match. And great main event from Eagles VS Taiji, great win for Taiji to also be undefeated 3-0. His promo was good, and I wonder if claiming God is behind him is him taking a shot at Titan, who always thanks God for his victories. But as it stands, Kushida and Taiji are strong choices for making it out of the block, but I suppose it depends on the plans for Hiromu. Hiromu could replace Taiji as a semifinalist since Kushida already beat Hiromu, because his story really is about redeeming himself from falling short last year.

My Score: 8.9/10

Is the landscape about to shift?

The champions of ROH are in action to defend their spots! Will Athena, Kyle Fletcher & The Undisputed Kingdom all make it through the Proving Grounds?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground: Kyle Fletcher VS Mentallo; Fletcher wins and denies Mentallo a title match.
• Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh w/ Sonjay Dutt VS Evil Uno & John Silver w/ Alex Reynolds; Lethal & Singh win.
• Anna Jay VS Tara Zep; Anna wins.
• Rachael Ellering VS Skye Blue; Skye wins.
• Darius Martin & Action Andretti VS Jon Cruz & Levi Night; Darius & Action win.
• ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground: The Undisputed Kingdom VS Jason Geiger & London Lightning; The Kingdom wins and denies Geiger & London a title match.
• ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Ground: Athena VS Nicole Matthews; Athena wins and denies Nicole a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground: Kyle Fletcher VS Mentallo!

The Protostar may have failed to tear down the Blackpool Combat Club for the Don Callis Family, but now he must focus on his own success. Will the Aussie Arrow be able to shoot down The Zombie Killer? Or will Mentallo look to add this title to the three he already has?

Kyle skips the Code of Honor and the fans boo. The bell rings and Kyle GAMANGIRIS Mentallo in the corner! The fans boo but Kyle soaks up the heat. Mentallo rises, Kyle stalks him, and then Kyle bumps Mentallo off buckles. Kyle CHOPS, then fires off forearms and CHOPS in the corner! The ref counts, Kyle fires a flurry, but then lets off at 4. Kyle dusts himself off while the fans boo. Kyle drags Mentallo up, brings him around and whips to ropes. Kyle ELBOWS Mentallo down, then pushes him to a cocky cover. TWO, and Kyle mockingly applauds. The fans rally but Kyle taunts them. Kyle stomps Mentallo down, but Mentallo sits up.

Kyle stomps him again, but Mentallo rises! Kyle reels Mentallo in, suplexes, and he holds Mentallo up, even with one arm! The fans are torn seeing that feat of strength but Kyle says deuces, and then he SLAMS Mentallo down! Cover, TWO! Mentallo is still in this so Kyle again mockingly applauds. Kyle stalks Mentallo, drags him up, and half nelsons. Kyle full nelsons, but Mentallo fights free! The fans fire up, Mentallo runs, but Kyle ROCKS him! Kyle whips, Mentallo ducks ‘n’ dodges and dropkicks the legs out! Mentallo keeps going, for a basement dropkick! Kyle goes to the apron, Mentallo BOOTS him down!

Mentallo goes to the apron, climbs the corner, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up! Mentallo rises, the fans rally behind him, and he puts Kyle in. Mentallo goes to another corner, climbs up top, and Kyle sits up, for the FLYING LEG DROP! Mentallo clutches the tailbone but he manages to cover, TWO! The fans rally for Mentallo as he rises up again. Mentallo drags Kyle up, underhooks, but Kyle fights the lift! Kyle wrenches out, swings, but Mentallo ducks to ROLLING ELBOW! Kyle goes to a corner, Mentallo powers up and runs in, SHOTEI! The fans fire up and Mentallo feels it!

Mentallo goes corner to corner, but Kyle CYCLONE BOOTS! Kyle seethes while the fans boo, but Kyle half nelsons, SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Mentallo is in the corner, Kyle GAMANGIRIS again! And then suplex for SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Kyle is shocked and the fans fire up! Kyle shouts, “WHAT!?” Kyle seethes and looms over Mentallo. Mentallo slowly rises, Kyle brings him up and in, but Mentallo fights the lift! Mentallo wrenches, somersault clutch! TWO!! Kyle escapes, but Mentallo BUZZSAWS! The fans fire up, Mentallo runs, but Kyle BOOTS him at the ropes!

Kyle roars, aims, BANG and CALF KICK!! Mentallo wobbles, Kyle reels him in! PILEDRIVER!! Cover, Kyle wins!

Winner: Kyle Fletcher, by pinfall (denies Mentallo a title opportunity)

The ROH World Television Champion outdoes the joint Cloud 9 Heavyweight Champion, WRSA Interprovincial Heavyweight Champion and CWE Champion, and he sarcastically keeps the Code of Honor. Kyle says if you don’t like it, he doesn’t care, because he’s still going to become history’s greatest Television Champion! Will nothing stop The Protostar from becoming THE star of wrestling today?

The Iron Savages speak.

Jacked Jameson says, “When you’re flexin’, it’s hard to be humble. Well, I’m always flexin’ so we can forget about humble. The Iron Savages are stepping out of line, we’re gonna start taking spots from everybody else. I’m too jacked and they’re too massive to keep walking around here like we ain’t three of the biggest, baddest athletes in ROH. So no more Stepping Stone Savages. Nah, we’re gonna be the roadblocks of ROH, cuz we’re done getting passed by.” Boulder says in case you were too Low T to understand last time, which cracks Bronson up. Boulder almost chokes on his ground beef, but he says he’ll make it clear as day, and as clear as that beef in his throat.

This is category of most massive and highest T go to The Iron Savages. Bronson says the feedback they’ve gotten online is, “D-Does this mean y-you guys aren’t gonna be f-fun anymore?” Oh like you suddenly all care now?! Bronson tells us right now that this right here is peak male performance! That is nothing to joke about! Your opinions mean absolutely NOTHING to them anymore. They are the Iron Savages, and they are gonna start working for themselves. Because they’re sippin’ sauce, livin’ hoss, and taken EVERYONE to #TiddyCity! Will there be no stopping these three juggernauts from finally having everything they want?

Rachael Ellering VS Skye Blue!

The Queen of Strong Smile almost lost her smile after the awful things Maria Kanellis said about Women’s Wrestling, and about Rachael specifically. Will Rachael prove Maria around on all counts? Or will the Chicago Skye just rain on her parade?

The Code of Honor is not upheld but Rachael brushes that off. The bell rings, Rachael blocks a boot, then spins Skye to headlock. Rachael grinds Skye with the hold, and even holds on tight as Skye tries to power out. Skye fights up, throws body shots, and she gets free to headlock back. Rachael powers up to lift Skye, carry her around, and she throws Skye away! Skye comes back but Rachael runs her over! The fans fire up, Rachael headlocks, but Skey pulls hair. The ref reprimands, Skye puts Rachael on ropes, and now the ref calls for the break. Skye throws a body shot as she lets off, but Rachael blocks the whip.

Skye still tries but Rachael still blocks. So Skye ROCKS Rachael, whips, but Rachael reverses and runs Skye over again! The fans fire up, and Rachael gut wrenches Skye up! Rachael carries Skye around to show off, then she GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Rachael then runs up to SENTON onto knees! Skye saves herself and she stomps away on Rachael! Skye kicks Rachael to a corner, digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Skye lets off at 4, then she stands Rachael up. Skye CHOPS, fans “WOO~” and Skye rolls her eyes. Skye bumps Rachael off buckles, then CHOPS again! Skye shakes out her hand, then she goes back to Rachael.

Skye throws Rachael out hard, then dusts herself off. Skye goes out to SMACK Rachael off the apron, BOOTS her, then CLUBS Rachael down! Skye puts Rachael back in, Rachael goes to a corner, and Skye runs corner to corner. Skye handsprings but Rachael LARIATS first! The fans fire up while both women are down! A standing count starts, Skye and Rachael slowly rise up. We hit 5 of 10 as they go to corners and stand up. Skye runs up, Rachael BOOTS her! Rachael runs to UPPERCUT! And then NECKBREAKER DROP! Rachael hooks a leg, suplexes Skye, and GOODBYE METRODOME! Cover, TWO!!

The fans rally as Skye survives that cradle buster, but Rachael CHOPS her at the ropes! Rachael says one more time, and she CHOPS again! Skye sputters and snarls but Rachael is on her again to whip. Skye slips out of the scoop, but Rachael stops the superkick! Rachael UPPERCUTS, then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Skye ghost pins, TWO! Rachael high stacks, TWO! Skye prawn holds, TWO! Rachael sunset flips, TWO! Skye swings, misses, and Rachael shoves to pop-up SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Skye survives again but Rachael keeps her cool. Rachael checks her teeth, gets Skye to her feet, and fireman’s carries.

Skye flails and sunset flips, but Rachael sits on her! TWO!! Skye gets up, ducks a lariat and SUPERKICKS! Then she runs to hop on, CODE BLUE!! Cover, Skye wins!

Winner: Skye Blue, by pinfall

Rachael put up a fight, but her bright smile wasn’t enough to cut through the darkening Skye! Will Skye soon find her way towards an ROH Women’s title opportunity? Can Rachael rebound and prove she’s got what it takes?

Spanish Announce Project speaks.

Angelico asks, “Can you imagine what it’s like to have a nightmare, but to never wake up? Cuz that’s been our lives the last few months. We’ve been beat up, attacked from behind, low blow’d. They even tried to reinjure my bad knee. Not only that, they tried to humiliate my snakeman by stealing his mask, and then they took it a step too far by trying to break his freakin’ neck!” Serpentico tells Angelico, tranquilo, calm down. He can’t calm down! They hurt Serpentico and that hurts Angelico! Yes, but let’s just take the aggression down and put up the good vibes. Angelico gets into the groove and says he gets.

But Griff, Cole, Maria, this is to let them know that it isn’t over. And now, it’s about to get ugly! Will SAP make Maria’s baby boys RIP and finally get back on track towards the top?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground: The Undisputed Kingdom VS Jason Geiger & London Lightning!

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett have been making it through still holding onto these belts, but it feels like they’ve only just been getting by. Can they turn it up and truly be as good as they say they are? Or will Geiger & Lightning get lucky and strike down the Kingdom?

The Code of Honor is upheld, then the teams sort out. Bennett starts against Geiger and we’re on the clock. Bennett swipes at London, then kicks Geiger low. Bennett ROCKS Geiger, ROCKS him again, then brings him around to CHOP! Geiger falls back, Bennett soaks up the heat and he reels Geiger in> Geiger slips out of the suplex and sits Bennett down for a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Bennett flails so Geiger goes for the ARMBAR! Bennett moves, ends up in a triangle hold, but he deadlifts! Geiger lets go, Bennett ROCKS him, but Geiger still hits a leg scissor takedown, into a HEEL HOOK! Bennett endures and the fans fire up!

Bennett pries at the hold but Taven stomps away on Geiger! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Bennett hobbles over. Tag to Taven and The Kingdom double whip. Geiger KICKS Bennett, dodges Taven, hot tag to London! London rallies on The Kingdom, fires hands on Taven then stomps away. Bennett whips London but London reverses! Bennett hits buckles, Taven back suplexes! London lands out, to atomic drop! Taven hobbles into Bennett, London DROPKICK them both! SPINEBUSTER for Taven! Cover, Bennett dropkicks it apart! Bennett drags London up but London JAWBREAKERS! London runs, but into a POP-UP BOSTON BAYONET! Cover, TWO!!

The fans rally as London survives, but Bennett sucker punches Geiger! The ref has to keep Geiger back but Bennett CHOPS London! Bennett ROCKS London, the fans taunt The Kingdom, but Bennett stomps and CHOPS London! Tag to Taven, and he digs his boot in! The ref counts, Taven lets off, and he soaks up the heat. Taven CHOPS London, brings him around and tags in Bennett. The Kingdom mugs London, then Bennett hits a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Bennett drags London up, tags Taven, and The Kingdom mug London more. They double whip, Taven sends Bennett in, FOREARM! Taven SPLASHES, then feeds London to Bennett’s DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!

Taven runs to hit London with JUST THE TIP of the knee! Cover, TWO!! London survives and Taven is furious! Taven hauls London up but London wrenches, dodges, rolls, and hot tags Geiger! Geiger runs up to rally on The Kingdom! Kick and snap suplex for Taven! Bennett runs up, he gets a kick and BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Taven swings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Geiger covers Taven, Bennett breaks it! London fires off on Bennett, but Bennett TOSSES London! ROLLING ELBOW! London falls, but Geiger fires off CHOPS and forearms on Bennett! Taven CLOBBES Geiger from behind!

The Kingdom get Geiger up for the ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies Geiger & London a title opportunity)

Bennett & Taven finish this within the time limit, and Taven taunts the fans. The lady up front backhand slaps him! Taven is upset but the refs get The Kingdom out of there. That’s what Taven gets for insulting Canadians in Canada. But will they take down the Canadians known as Matthew Menard & Angelo Parker when it comes time for them to face off?

ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Ground: Athena VS Nicole Matthews!

The Fallen Goddess, The Minion Overlord, the gatekeeper of ROH, is a historic FIFTY and zero! And if you’d ask her, she’ll never stop adding to that streak. Will Athena prove she is the Forever Champion? Or will there be a Riot in Edmonton?

The fans welcome Nikki and cheer her on. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans fire up as the two circle. Athena is annoyed by how much Nikki is being praised, but the two tie up. Athena headlocks, Nikki wrenches out and headlocks back, then hits a takeover. Athena headscissors, Nikki bridges back and rolls to pop free. Nikki headlocks and the fans cheer. Athena fights up, powers Nikki to a corner, but Nikki wrenches to wristlock. Athena flips through, wrenches back, but Nikki wrenches again. Nikki slips around, hammerlocks, but Athena reaches back. Nikki cranks the arm, and fans rally for “NICOLE~! NICOLE~!”

Athena reaches out with a leg, but Nikki hooks a half nelson to then cravat. Athena endures the neck wrench, but Nikki thrashes her. Nikki brings Athena to her knees, but Athena bridges and pops free! Athena cheers herself, the fans boo, but Nikki trips her! The fans fire up, Nikki facelocks, but Athena wrenches to switch the facelock onto Nikki. Athena gator rolls Nikki around, but Nikki slips out the back, switch to OKLAHOMA ROLL! TWO and Athena bails out in frustration. The fans cheer for Nikki and Athena gets upset. Athena cools off, steps back inside, and offers a handshake. But Nikki dodges the sucker punch!

Nikki whips, Athena reverses, then Athena slides to trip Nikki! Athena spins Nikki around on the apron to ROCK her! The fans boo but Athena goes up to slingshot and CORKSCREW SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Nikki goes to a corner, Athena stomps a mudhole in, then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Athena lets off, and fans boo. Athena CLUBS Nikki at the ropes, CLUBS her again, then drags her up. But Nikki throws body shots in return! Athena knees low, whips, and UPPERCUTS! Athena goes side to side to ROCK Nikki! Athena grins but fans boo, and Athena shoves Nikki down. Athena looms over Nikki, then pulls her hair!

The ref reprimands, Athena KICKS Nikki in the back! Athena soaks up the heat, hooks an arm, then clamps onto a chinbar! Nikki endures, the fans rally, and Athena is annoyed again. Nikki powers out the back, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Athena clamps on with another neck wrench, Nikki shrugs her off, but Athena goes for a SLEEPER! Nikki rolls back, pops free, grabs Athena’s arms, and pulls on those arms! Athena’s shoulders are down so it’s a cover, TWO! Athena fights, rolls back, but Nikki catches her for a EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Athena escapes and SLIDING FOREARMS! Nikki is dazed and Athena scowls while fans boo.

Athena licks her chops and smirks, then soaks up the heat. Athena drags Nikki up, but Nikki cradles! TWO!! Nikki goes to a corner, dodges Athena, then wrenches to turn, NECKBREAKER into short arm LARIAT! And then LARIAT! And then a wrench and clinch, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Nikki can’t believe it but the ref defends his count. The fans rally behind Nikki and she fires herself back up. Nikki stalks Athena to ropes, and Athena flounders up. Nikki grabs the legs, to YANK Athena up! Athena lands on her feet to ROCK Nikki! Athena whips, Nikki reverses, but Athena goes up and up to FLYING CODE BREAKER!

Nikki goes to the apron but Athena runs, and WRECKS her with that baseball slide! Athena drags Nikki up, puts her in, and then goes up a corner! Athena aims, leaps, O-FACE!! Cover, Athena wins!

Winner: Athena, by pinfall (denies Nikki Matthews a title opportunity)

And with that, Athena crosses over the 50 win threshold. But she’s not done, she clamps onto Nikki for a CROSSFACE!! Nikki taps but it doesn’t do anything! The fans boo as Athena shows no respect for her Shimmer senpai! But wait, Queen Aminata slides in and SUPERKICKS Athena!! Aminata helps Nikki to safety, Athena is furious! Athena runs up, but Aminata BOOTS the lariat, then “Mare Whip” HEADBUTTS Athena right outta the ring! The fans cheer, and Aminata eyes the ROH Women’s World Championship. She doesn’t touch it, though, she’ll wait until she owns it. When and where will Aminata fight Athena for the throne here in ROH?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH with it coming it at just 62 minutes. I did speed through the matches I skipped, and when it comes to those tag matches, there was quite a bit of comedy involved. Dark Order have returned to being jobbers despite the great rework of their characters last year, shame on Tony Khan for letting that all fizzle out. But Jon Cruz & Levi Night were very silly, not sure why their match with Top Flight’s Darius & Action lasted as long as it did. Much more serious and sinister match from Anna Jay bullying Tara Zep, and a good win for Anna here on ROH. Good promo from Iron Savages, I do feel they need to get on a dominant win streak.

Good match from Rachael VS Skye, though I was expecting Maria to show up to insult Rachael more. Instead, Skye gets a straight up win, so Rachael will perhaps start to doubt her skills. Speaking of Maria, really good promo from SAP, and they are of course calling for one last match with Griff & Karter. And this really needs to be the last one, with Serpentico getting the stolen mask back so that he and Angelico can move on victorious. At the same time, if Griff & Karter are to go after The Kingdom for the tag titles, maybe they win the match but SAP get the moral victory of taking the mask from Maria and actually keeping it from her.

And great stuff in all the Proving Ground matches. Kyle VS Mentallo was a great opener, but Mentallo is clearly better than AEW & ROH have shown him to be if he’s got championships in three different Canadian wrestling promotions. Commentary did a good job talking Mentallo up, though, given his history with Kenny Omega and other Canadian wrestlers that have since gone international. The tag team Proving Ground match was good, Kingdom of course won, but the best part was Taven getting that slap from the lady in the front row. Hopefully they get to Kingdom VS Menard & Parker sooner rather than later, though.

And great main event from Athena and Nicole, commentary helping keep in mind that Nicole’s been around, been in the same indie promotions as big names running around today, such as Athena but also Becky Lynch. Plus, even though she didn’t bring the belt, Nicole is the Femme Fatales Champion and has been for almost a year now. But of course Athena wins here, tries to do her bullying after, and then Aminata makes the save. Now, the next ROH PPV, Death Before Dishonor, is surely on the horizon, and there’s a very good chance they’re going to stretch things out so that Athena VS Aminata doesn’t happen until then. But should that be the case, then Aminata has to be the one that finally dethrones Athena, seeing as how Aminata didn’t win the ROH Women’s TV Championship.

My Score: 8.6/10