Has Spooky Season come early this year?

While Abadon is haunting her, Athena returns to action in an ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Grounds match! Will she be afraid? Be very afraid?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Ground: Athena VS Aleah James; Athena wins and denies Aleah a title match.
• Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Sidney Akeem; Johnny wins.
• Lance Archer VS Ozzy; Archer wins.
• Mina Shirakawa VS Rachael Ellering; Mina wins.
• Six Man Tag: Action Andretti & Top Flight w/ Leila Grey VS Ace of Space Academy; Top Flight wins.
• EJ Nduka VS Demo Diamond; Nduka wins.
• Jacoby Watts w/ Nick Comoroto VS Evil Uno w/ John Silver; Uno wins.
• Josh Woods w/ Mark Sterling VS Barrett Brown; Woods wins.
• Leila Grey w/ Top Flight VS Promise Braxton; Leila wins.
• Blake Christian VS Rosario Grillo; Blake wins.
• Tomohiro Ishii VS Ariya Daivari w/ Mark Sterling; Ishii wins.
• ROH Pure Championship: Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor VS Angelico w/ Serpentico; Lee wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

ROH Women’s World Championship Proving Ground: Athena w/ Billie Starkz VS Aleah James!

Lexy Nair is of course the special guest ring announcer as we see The Fallen Goddess, the Minion Overlord, and the Forever Champion returning to Esports Stadium! But will Athena continue to be all those things and more? Or will she get caught off guard by AJ from the UK?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Aleah wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Athena powers her way through to wrench right back. The fans chant, “FOR-E-VER! FOR-E-VER!” but Aleah wrenches again. Athena chinbars Aleah to a corner, the ref counts, and Athena lets off at 4. Athena CHOPS Aleah, then scampers away while cheering herself on. Athena eggs Aleah on, and Aleah steps back up. They tie up, Aleah wrenches again, but Athena handsprings through and throws Aleah by her hair! The fans cheer, as does Billie, but the ref reprimands. But Aleah kips up!

Aleah throws Athena down by her hair and Billie complains! Athena complains, too, but that’s a bit of hypocrisy. Athena offers another handshake, Aleah accepts it, but then Athena DECKS her! Athena cheers her own cheap shot, as do the fans, and then Athena drags Aleah back up. Aleah rolls, but Athena wrenches, only for Aleah to ROCK her in return! Aleah cartwheels and MONKEY FLIPS, but Athena lands out! Athena runs back at Aleah, but Aleah redirects her, keeps going, and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Aleah fires up and DOUBLE KNEES in a corner! Then a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while Athena scrambles to the apron.

Aleah storms over, but the ref has her hold on as Athena clutches her neck. Athena stands, Aleah grabs at her, Athena HOTSHOTS Aleah down! Athena scowls, and she drags Aleah to the apron. Athena lifts Aleah for an APRON BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Athena shouts, “This is MY show!” Athena YANKS Aleah to the floor, the fans continue to chant “FOR-E-VER!” Athena SLINGS Aleah into railing, puts her back in, and then stalks her. Athena slaps Aleah around, but Aleah KICKS! So Athena SLAPS Aleah down! And slaps her around more! “You think this is a game?!” Aleah fires forearms!

Athena whips, then pops Aleah up, but Aleah RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Athena bumps Aleah off buckles, whips her corner too corner and UPPERCUTS! Athena keeps moving, and she goes side to side to forearm SMASH! Athena snarls, snapmares Aleah, and clamps on a cravat neck wrench! Aleah endures, the fans rally, but Aleah fights up. Athena gives her Kawada Kicks while holding the cravat! Aleah endures, Athena puts on the pressure, but Aleah fires body shots. Athena shoves Aleah, Aleah comes back but Athena dodges the lariat to back suplex! Aleah lands out of it and CLOBBERS Athena! And CLOBBERS her again!

Aleah QUESTION MARK KICKS Athena and Athena goes to the corner! Aleah runs in but Athena puts her on the apron. Aleah ducks the haymaker to HOTSHOT! Return from earlier, and Aleah springboards to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO, and Athena rolls back to deadlift Aleah! POP-UP POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! But Athena just POWERBOMBS again! And then POWERBOMBS her again!! Athena clamps on the CROSSFACE, Aleah taps, Athena wins!

Winner: Athena, by submission (denies Aleah James a title opportunity)

But Athena holds on to make Aleah suffer! She even shifts to have the over-the-shoulder crab! The ref reprimands, Athena does let go but she and Billie shout to not tell Athena what to do! Athena still wants more, and she positions the belt. But wait! THEY’RE HERE~! Abadon storms down to the ring and Athena is again frightened like she was a couple weeks ago! Abadon storms into the ring, stares Athena down, and Billie says baddest one swings firsts! The fans chant “This is Spooky!” and Billie says she doesn’t like spooky. Athena ROCKS Abadon, because baddest- STANDS RIGHT BACK UP! Abadon tells Athena she’s done it now!

The chase is on around the ring! Athena falls like in the movies! Athena apologies, but then Billie CLOBBERS Abadon with the belt! Billie grins as she saves her boss, and she assures Athena that it’s safe now. Athena grins and says Lexy’s her hero! No, it was Billie…! Athena cheers Lexy and holds her hand up, but Billie lets it be. Will Billie ever get Athena’s respect again? But then Abadon sits up! Abadon is truly The Living Dead Girl, will she not stop until she’s taken Athena’s title, and maybe even her soul?

Johnny TV w/ Taya Valkyrie VS Sidney Akeem!

Two men who have had many nicknames finally meet here in ROH! Will Johnny continue to be #TVReady, even after falling short of the ROH World Championship? Or will Sidney completely flip the script?

Mr. & Mrs. TV are a bit saucier with their public display of affection than usual, and Sidney’s rather surprised. The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, but then Johnny wrangles Sidney by the arm to get a leg and trip him up! Johnny stumbles but he rolls to recover, and then he gives Taya some more PDA. Wasn’t the entrance enough? Johnny tries to get a chant going, the fans boo, but Sidney SOBATS, KICKS, CHOPS and ROCKS him! Sidney whips, Johnny reverses, but Sidney FLOATING MATRIX DODGES! Then he slips around Johnny, slides under, then UP KICKS! Sidney kips up then SHOTGUN DROPSAULTS!

The fans fire up, Johnny bails out, and he regroups with Taya. Sidney builds speed, Mr. & Mrs. TV split up, so Sidney slows down. Then he adjusts course to DIVE onto Johnny! The fans fire up as Johnny is sent into railing! Sidney storms back over, puts Johnny back in, then he goes up top. But Taya distracts Sidney! Johnny CHOP BLOCKS Sidney and Sidney comes tumbling down! Johnny drags Sidney up, TOSSES him out, then tells fans to shut up. Johnny storms out after Sidney while Taya makes fun of Sidney. Johnny ROCKS Sidney, scoops him, and FLAPJACKS him off the apron!

Sidney flounders, Johnny & Taya kiss again, and Johnny drags Sidney up. Johnny has Sidney against railing, he and Taya talk smack about how hard Johnny’s gonna chop him! But Sidney says just do it already then! Sidney CHOPS Johnny, Johnny pokes Sidney in the eyes! Taya takes off one of her long gloves, and Johnny snatches a fan’s hat! The ref reprimands Johnny and takes the hat back, but Taya CHOPS Sidney! The fans that saw boo but Johnny puts Sidney in the ring. Cover, TWO! Johnny clamps onto Sidney with a chinlock, but Sidney fights around. The fans rally, Sidney fights up, and he fires body shots!

Johnny knees low, clinches and fires more knees! Then he somersaults into a gut wrench and Canadian Rack, for an AK47 KNEE STRIKE! And then the FLYING CHUCK! And the SHINING WIZARD! Johnny puts Sidney in a drop zone, goes up, and STARSHIP PAIN CRASH LANDS!! Johnny spikes himself as Sidney dodges! Taya rallies for Johnny as hard as she can, and Johnny drags Sidney up. Sidney breaks free to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! Sidney fires more CHOPS, Johnny ducks, so Sidney DOUBLE CHOPS! Sidney goes up, Johnny uses the ref as a shield! Sidney hesitates, Johnny shoves the ref, but Sidney leaps over to FLYING WHEEL KICK!

Direct hit on Johnny and Sidney hurries to cover! TWO!! Johnny survives and the fans rally up! Sidney brings Johnny up, fires forearms, but Johnny fires back! They go back and forth, the fans on Sidney’s side! Johnny kicks low, ROCKS Sidney again and again, then winds up, but Sidney ducks, SUPERKICKS, and runs! Taya distracts the ref as Johnny pops Sidney up and over, to LOW BLOW MULE KICK! The fans boo but Johnny hits a MOONLIGHT DRIVE! Then he goes up, and STARSHIP PAIN! It hits this time and Johnny covers, Johnny wins!

Winner: Johnny TV, by pinfall

Sidney wasn’t #TVReady, because he didn’t think he’d have to do this 2v1! But will Johnny & Taya prove they’re the main characters of ROH, even if no one else likes it?

Shane Taylor Promotions speaks.

Shane Taylor himself tells Angelico, “You laid out a challenge to the ROH Pure Champion, TAIGASTYLE, Lee Moriarty. I like that confidence, homeboy. Maybe it’s because you were trained by the maestro of maestros, Negro Navarro. Maybe that’s what allows you to party all night, come into a match, and go into that flow state you love so much.” Lee mocks Angelico’s Bernie Lean, and Shane tells Angelico that all that confidence, all that vibing, that still won’t be enough to get you past the best young technical wrestler on the planet. That still won’t be enough to make you a champion!

Lee Moriarty says in Spanish that he knows a little Spanish, and that if Angelico wants a match for this Pure Championship, challenge accepted! Just watch your step, and protect ya neck. Rumble, Pure Champ, Rumble. This title match goes down TONIGHT! Will #TAIGASTYLE show the South African Stud that his llave style won’t cut it in this Pure Renaissance?

Mina Shirakawa VS Rachael Ellering!

The Fighting Gravure Idol, the NEW Rev-Pro Women’s Champion, returns to ROH because nothing is ever enough! Will she strut her way up the ranks until she’s fighting for more gold? Or will the Queen of Strong Style prove her own worth to the powers that be?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the two circle. The two tie up, Rachael powers Mina to a corner, then lets off. They reset, the fans rally for Mina, and Mina shimmies and swaggers a bit. The two tie up again and Mina headlocks. Rachael powers up and carries Mina to a corner! Rachael puts Mina up top, then lets off to pat Mina on the cheek. Mina thanks her for that, and then dares her to bring it. Rachael runs up but Mina BOOTS her! Mina gets moving, but Rachael CLOBBERS her! The fans fire up, Rachael keeps moving, but she steps over the dropdown to deadlift Mina! Mina fights free, waistlocks, but Rachael breaks free.

Mina ducks the lariat and slides! Mina smiles and shimmies, and Rachael says yes, very good dance moves. Rachael runs up, but Mina sweeps the legs! Mina KICKS Rachael, and Rachael goes to a corner. Mina runs corner to corner but Rachael dodges! Rachael comes back, Mina slips to the apron! Mina runs Rachael side to side to bump her off buckles! Mina then goes in, ENZIGIRIS, and covers, TWO! Mina keeps cool, brings Rachael up, but Rachael throws her away! Rachael blocks a roundhouse to LARIAT Mina down! The fans fire up, and Rachael drags Mina up. Rachael bumps Mina off buckles, then CHOPS!

The fans “WOO~!” and Rachael stands Mina up again. Rachael CHOPS, the fans duel, and Mina staggers away to another corner. Rachael storms up to CHOP Mina again! Mina wants mercy but Rachael just CHOPS again! Rachael brings Mina out, WRINGS her arm, then basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Mina stays in this but Rachael stays cool. Rachael drags Mina up, fireman’s carries, but Mina fights free! ROLLING ELBOW! URAKEN! CALF KICK! Both women are down and the fans fire up! A standing count starts, Mina rises first, but Rachael sits up. Mina clamps onto Rachael, but Rachael ROCKS her first!

The fans rally, Mina ROCKS Rachael back! Rachael ROCKS Mina, Mina ROCKS Rachael! Mina fires up and eggs Rachael on! So Rachael fires a flurry! Rachael winds up, Mina dodges the lariat to tilt-o-whirl, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up with Mina and she runs corner to corner again! BIG back elbow, and Mina says one more! But Rachael reverses the whip and she LARIATS in the corner! Rachael keeps moving, and she UPPERCUTS Mina down! The fans fire up, Rachael drags Mina up, and Rachael reels Mina in. The fans fire up for “Women’s Wrestling!” and Rachael has the leg hooked.

Rachael fisherman suplexes, for a FISHERMAN SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Mina survives and the fans fire up! Rachael is a little frustrated now, and the fans rally up. Rachael aims from a corner, “SQUISH~!” Rachael runs up, but Mina avoids the senton! Ghost pin, TWO!! Rachael escapes, but Mina knuckle locks, CHOPS, and fires up! The fans cheer, Mina goes up and up, and she FLYING KNEE DROPS! Then she puts Rachael in the drop zone, fires herself back up, and climbs up top! Rachael stirs, but Mina still FLYING SPLASHES! Cover, TWO! Rachael survives and Mina cannot believe it! But then she fires back up!

Mina drags Rachael up, the fans rally, and Mina dragon sleepers. Rachael powers free, ROCKS Mina, but Mina comes back with fast hands! ROUNDHOUSE! Mina runs, but into the BOSS WOMAN- NO, Mina slips free and wrangles Rachael into GLAMOROUS COLLECTION MINA! MINA WINS!

Winner: Mina Shirakawa, by pinfall

A powerful battle between rising stars, but it is the star of Stardom that snatches victory away! Mina shows Rachael respect with a bow and an offer of the handshake. Rachael shows respect back with the handshake, and the fans cheer. But wait! Taya sneaks back in to CLOBBER Mina! And she TOSSES Rachael! The fans boo but the self-proclaimed Main Character ruins the moment! Then she literally steps on Mina on her way out! Will Taya go after Mina’s gold on her way to taking the ROH Women’s World TV Championship?

Backstage interview with Rachael Ellering.

Lexy Nair is with The Queen of Strong Style and personally welcomes her back. This was her second match back after her injury, it was against Stardom’s Mina Shirakawa, and while a great showing, it was her loss. How is she feeling otherwise? Rachael thanks Lexy for the welcome back, and losing always stinks. Mina is tough, but this is proof Rachael just has to keep working and getting better. Harley Cameron walks in to mock Rachael saying, “Better, better, better.” Harley then “apologizes” for interrupting but says she is looking for ROH. Uh, she’s here. Oh, well, then nice to meet you. Rachael says this is deja vu. Harley, they already met.

No, Harley doesn’t like mustard. But she does remember now. This is “RE.” Good to see you again, Reh! Harley enjoyed her match out there. Who did she wrestle again? Um, no, she’s Rachael Ellering, and she faced Mina Shirakawa. Oh, yes, of course. Did she win? No… Oh…! Oof, ouch. But hey, if you fall down five times, just get up six. Anyway, very nice to see you again, Reh. Harley then pulls Lexy in close to ask if ROH is just hiring anyone these days. But hey, Reh, don’t give up on the dream, kid! Harley leaves and Rachael says, “Kid? Kid? Kid…” Harley has always been a couple cans short of a six pack, but will Rachael make sure she remembers the name?

Jacoby Watts w/ Nick Comoroto VS Evil Uno w/ John Silver!

Well this is an interesting encounter. On the one hand, Watts has charmed the Freak Beast into being a follower, though he is most assuredly a false prophet. Meanwhile, Uno has been there and done that when it comes to creating a cult-like following. Will even Uno be saying, “Praise be to HE?” Or will Uno convince Watts & Comoroto to #JoinDarkOrder?

Just like last time, Watts grabs a mic to introduce himself, and he says he wants to grow his flock. So he asks if Uno and his “purple headed goofballs” want to join. Uno laughs and tells Mr. Jacoby that he greatly appreciates the offer. But Evil Uno is a one cult man! Then Uno DECKS Watts so hard, even he falls over! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and Uno CHOPS Watts in a corner. Uno fires hands, then lets off, to CHOP again! The fans “WOO~!” while Watts goes to another corner. Uno storms up to CHOP again! Watts goes to another corner, so Uno CHOPS him again! Uno stalks Watts to a corner, but Watts turns around! So Uno CHOPS Watts on the back!

The fans cheer, Uno takes a bow, and Watts flounders. Uno whips Watts, but Watts stops himself to bail out! Uno goes out after Watts to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Uno stalks Watts again. Uno puts Watts in, has the fans cheering, but Comoroto says Praise be to HE, and HE is Jacoby! Silver steps up to say he’s freakin’ jacked, baby! Uno goes into the ring, tells the ref to pay attention to the match, not Silver and Comoroto. But then Watts sucker punches Uno! Watts fires himself up, runs corner to corner, then SPLASHES! Watts keeps going to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Uno but Watts talks smack on him.

Watts fireman’s carries, but Uno slips free! Uno shoves, ducks then BOOTS! Then DDT! The fans fire up for Uno and he STOMPS Watts’ hands, to then BUZZSAW! Uno fixes his tie while the fans fire up. Uno drags Watts up, reels him in, and calls his shot. Uno lifts to PILEDRIVER! Cover, Uno wins!

Winner: Evil Uno, by pinfall

Uno shows Watts that belief means nothing without action. Will Watts have much to learn about leading by example? Will Uno and the boys soon prove that #DarkOrderIsGood enough for opportunities?

ROH Pure Championship: Lee Moriarty w/ Shane Taylor VS Angelico w/ Serpentico!

The challenge was made just last week, and #TAIGASTYLE said bet! Will Lee Moriarty keep the Pure Renaissance strong with his own two hands? Or can the “flow state” bring some gold home to Spanish Announce Project?

The judges for this match are Christopher Daniels, Jerry Lynn, and Paul Wight. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, we see who really has style!

The Code of Honor is upheld, though with some tension, and the bell rings. We’re on the clock, the fans rally up for “TAIGA STYLE!” as the two circle. They tie up, Lee wrenches and wristlocks, but Angelico wrenches and slips through to cording hold. Lee kneels, but rises up to facelock. Angelico wrenches, Lee wrenches, and then Lee snapmares with both arms, to then roll and wrench. The fans cheer this opening exchange, and Angelico rises. Angelico’s fans rise up, and Angelico rolls, to trap a leg for a heel trip! Angelico floats to a cover, ONE, and the two reset. The fans cheer and this is just the first minute!

The fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Lee waistlocks to then spin and wrench Angelico to another wristlock. Lee puts on the pressure, but Angelico spins and breaks the hold to slip around and headlock. The fans applaud, and Angelico wrenches to a wristlock. Lee spins, slips through, wrenches, then spins Angelico to wrangle him down! The fans cheer that technical display, but Angelico moves around. Angelico stands, spins, slips through, spins Lee now, then wrenches to arm-drag! Lee stands, runs up, and slips around to waistlock. Angelico switches, Lee switches, but Angelico fights the lift. Lee shoves but Angelico handsprings through the hip toss!

The fans cheer, things speed up, and Lee cartwheels to do a cha-cha real smooth! Angelico runs up, Lee trips and covers, ONE! Angelico sweeps and covers, ONE! Lee hero poses, but Angelico spins and stands to Bernie Lean! The fans are torn but Lee is annoyed. Shane says Angelico’s a chump, but the fans rally up. Angelico eggs Lee on, Lee runs up, but into a drop toehold! Angelico hooks the leg, it’s an INVERTED STF! Lee scrambles, for the ROPEBREAK! Angelico lets go, and that is Lee’s first of three. Shane coaches Lee, saying he’s still good, Angelico is not on Lee’s level. Lee steps back in as we approach four minutes.

Lee and Angelico reset and feel things out. They knuckle lock, Angelico kicks and wrenches! Lee resists but Angelico loops around to have the wristlock. Angelico loops Lee again, rolls and wrenches to wrangle Lee down! The fans cheer, and Angelico cranks the wristlock. Lee rolls back, wrenches and reels Angelico in for a COBRA TWIST! Angelico endures, powers up, but Lee slips around to GROUND COBRA! TWO! Angelico escapes and he has a standoff with Lee. The fans rally and Angelico literally takes the gloves off. This is getting serious and we’re just five minutes in! The two reset and the fans rally more.

Lee and Angelico tie up, Angelico wrenches and has the cording hold again. Angelico shifts to a hammerlock but Lee headlocks. Angelico cranks the arm, then steps over, and hooks a leg! Angelico SLAPS Lee on the back, gets the other arm, and has a standing double armlock! Angelico Bernie Leans and rolls Lee up! TWO! Both men stand, Lee runs up and wrenches. Lee whips. Angelico reverses, but Lee stops himself. Lee ducks under, but Angelico avoids the Eddy Gordo Kick, a move he knows well! Angelico waistlocks, Lee pries at the hold, but Angelico shifts to a half nelson and snapmare! Angelico fakes Lee out to roll off his back!

Lee turns around, jumps the sweep and then ducks Angelico’s Eddy Gordo Kick! Lee rolls Angelico, TWO, but into the BORDER CITY STRETCH! Angelico endures, reaches out, scoots around, and has the ROPEBREAK with a leg! Lee lets go, Angelico has used his first of three. Lee mocks Angelico by kissing him on the hand. Angelico shakes out his arms, Shane says Angelico is shook right now! Lee and Angelico reset, they feel things out, and Angelico waistlocks. Lee fights the lift, drops down, and rolls free to wrench! Angelico rolls but Lee keeps him down with a top wristlock. The fans rally, Angelico kips up, but Lee wrangles him again!

Angelico moves around, kips up again, then rolls back to slip around, slide under, and heel trip again. Angelico then rolls, he gets both legs at once! ANKLE LOCK CALF SLICER COMBO!! Lee endures, we pass eight minutes, but Lee uses the ROPEBREAK! Angelico lets go, Shane complains the break took too long, but Lee is now down to one! Lee and Angelico reset, each guarding a limb. Lee fakes high to go low and he trips Angelico! Then he floats to get the arm, a SNAP into the short arm scissor! Then Lee flips Angelico over and grabs the other arm! Lee tortures Angelico as he pulls the arm around, then makes it a RECLINER!

Angelico endures, the fans fire up, and he kicks around to have the ROPEBREAK! Angelico’s used his second, things are even again as we pass nine minutes. Lee stands Angelico up, wrenches and RAMS the arm, then wrenches and RAMS it again! The fans rally, Lee wrenches again, to then whip. Angelico stops, reverses, but Lee slips out to the apron! Lee blocks Angelico’s shot to wrench and ELBOW BREAKER HOTSHOT! Shane fires up, the fans fire up, and we hit 10 minutes as Lee CLOBBERS Angelico! Cover, TWO! Lee clamps onto the arms again, he wants it, and he gets it! KIMURA!! Angelico scrambles, thinks about it, but Lee pulls!

Angelico has no choice, he uses the ROPEBREAK! That is his last one, and Lee tells #SNAKEMAN to back off! Angelico rises, Lee goes up a corner, and Lee leaps, but Angelico dodges! Angelico grabs Lee’s legs, ties those up, NAVARRO DEATH ROLL!! Lee flails as Angelico has the Trailer Hitch Ankle Lock combo! Lee flails, scrambles, and he uses his last ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Angelico lets go at 4, and now no one is safe! The fans rally while both men are down, clutching their limbs. They both rise, and Angelico still eggs Lee on! Lee grabs that hand to wrench, but Angelico wrenches and trips!

Angelico has a leg, Lee uses the British style reel, and he headlocks to then wrench. Angelico rolls, trips Lee, flips him around and brings him up. But Lee wrenches, slips around to straitjacket and tuck into a cover! STRAITJACKET BRIDGE! LEE WINS!!

Winner: Lee Moriarty, by pinfall (still ROH Pure Champion)

Angelico can’t believe he got caught, but Lee solved the puzzle in 12 minutes and 10 seconds! And he keeps the Code of Honor with Angelico, both men showing respect. The Pure Renaissance continues, who will be the next man up to challenge #TAIGASTYLE?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH here, though I clearly skipped quite a bit because quite a bit of the hour-and-41 minutes was filler matches with obvious outcomes. Not that they weren’t competitive on some level, such as the Six Man Tag of Top Flight VS Space Academy, but Archer of course squashed Ozzy. I was surprised at how quick Blake Christian’s match went, but he definitely showed more of the “All Heat” side of his character he was using during NJPW Best of the Super Juniors. And while Ishii does seem to be building some story with Premier Athletes, as Ishii also beat Nese a couple weeks ago, I just knew he was winning anyway.

Of course, that’s not to say there were big surprises tonight. Athena of course won another Proving Ground match, but Aleah put up a good fight. Abadon of course showed up, and while Athena’s team stood tall, Abadon of course got back up. Athena’s constant disrespect of Billie is still going to come back to bite, but I don’t see Abadon taking the title. Athena is just 17 DAYS away from surpassing the all-time longest reign, Samoa Joe being at 645 as ROH World Champion. Athena will surely reach that, and I bet it will be because of Billie. And when Athena fails to recognize Billie’s contributions, that’ll be the last straw, and maybe they push this all the way to ROH Final Battle.

Very good ROH debut for Sidney Akeem, but Johnny of course won. Mina VS Rachael was really good, and it worked to feed story as Taya attacks after, and then Harley appears to insult Rachael. Mina VS Taya and Rachael VS Harley will be good stories and good matches, and while I’m sure Rachael defeats Harley, Mina VS Taya could go either way. Knowing that Taya’s ultimate goal is the ROH Women’s TV Championship, that does lean things in her favor so that she can build momentum towards challenging Red Velvet. Good stuff in Uno VS Watts, but I figured Uno would win. I am a little surprised Watts’ group hasn’t grown, but maybe they’re just trying to figure out if it’s even going well from a fan reception point of view.

Very good promo from Shane Taylor Promotions to surprise us with the Pure Championship match as our main event. And while it was clear Lee would retain as this was his first full defense (Lee VS Action was just Proving Ground), this was a great match. They both used up all the ropebreaks, and in the end it came down to a unique pinning hold rather than a finisher or submission. Lee is definitely holding this title for a good amount of time to help build the importance of this title.

My Score: 8.6/10