10/10 makes for the perfect time to defend a title!

Red Velvet and Diamante have had their war of words, but now they will battle over the ROH Women’s World Television Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NJPW Strong Openweight Open Challenge: Gabe Kidd VS Anthony Henry w/ BEEF; Gabe wins and retains the title.
• Brandon Cutler VS Katsuyori Shibata; Shibata wins.
• Billie Starkz VS Ella Elizabeth; Billie wins.
• Shane Taylor Promotions VS The Infantry w/ Trish Adora; Shane Taylor Promotions win.
• ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS Diamante; Velvet wins by disqualification and retains the title.
• Lance Archer VS Sam Beale; Archer wins.
• ROH Rewind – ROH World Championship: Bryan Danielson VS KENTA; Bryan wins and retains the title.
• ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Mark Briscoe VS Josh Woods w/ The Premier Athletes; Mark wins and denies Woods a title opportunity.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Billie Starkz.

Lexy Nair is very excited, Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths not so much, about the Athena championship celebration. It will be the greatest moment in life! Lexy runs through the checklist. They got the kittens? Billie says check. They got the choreographed dancers and their routine with the flashing lights? That was Lexy’s job, not Billie’s. Okay, okay, worry about that later. What about the green Skittles? Billie doesn’t think those exist anymore. Lexy says no, they can get them at like CVS or something. Athena stumbles in, clutching a steel chain and looking over her shoulder. She bumps into the others and says hey there!

So, uh, Lexy, Athena got you this. What? Yeah, Athena handcuffs Lexy with one end of the chain, and claims it is a friendship bracelet. See, Athena saw the playback of last week’s episode, and Abadon got a little too close for comfort. Too close to Lexy, that is! They cannot let Abadon take Athena’s precious, beautiful Bestie! Lexy is too important, because she’s planning the party! Billie gets fed up! Lexy’s important, Lexy important, but what about Billie?! Athena tells Billie to calm down! Lexy is a beautiful TV personality, the best one in the world! She’s dainty, fragile, and gorgeous. Billie is a wrestler, a former champion, but also a former MIT Graduate. Billie can defend herself.

But Lexy cannot, so this is for her protection. They cannot allow Lil’ “Abandon All Hope” Abadon get Lexy! Athena cuffs herself with the chain so now she and Lexy are connected. This is them for life! The rest of their life! Forever Champion, Forever Bestie, and the Forever Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths! But most importantly… did they get JaRule? OH, yes, well, funny story. Billie interrupts and says she’s done, bye. Billie storms off, and Lexy says her people are talking with his people. Or, well, Athena’s people, their people, are talking with- Lady Frost walks in, and says this is so funny. Athena is TERRIFIED of Abadon.

N-No! Yes. Seeing Athena like this, it’s hilarious. No, what’s hilarious is that Frost LOST to Athena, yet has the audacity to come up here and get in Athena’s face while she is planning the party to celebrate becoming the longest-reigning champion in ALL of ROH history! And well, maybe Frosty is scared! Lil’ Miss Popsicle couldn’t even last 10 minutes with Athena. Athena did it once, she can do it again. Frost throws off the jacket to show she’s in ring gear. If Athena wants another 10 minutes, then she’s got it. Frost leaves, and Athena realizes she just booked herself for a match. Athena storms off, and ends up dragging Lexy along.

Will The Fallen Goddess just admit she’s afraid of the Living Dead Girl so that she can face her fears? Or will Frost freeze Athena’s reign?

NJPW Strong Openweight Open Challenge: Gabe Kidd VS Anthony Henry w/ BEEF!

The Mad Man of the Bullet Club War Dogs put out the challenge to anyone in ROH who wanted a fight, and it was the Saint of Augusta that accepted. Will this Workhorsemen bring home some gold? Or will he not be #WarReady like Gabe Kidd?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just who is NJPW Strong!

The bell rings and Henry runs up to DROPKICK Gabe! Gabe bails out, Henry pursues, and he runs in around the way! CALF KICK against railing! The fans fire up, as does Beef, and Henry puts Gabe in! Henry climbs, leaps, but Gabe dodges. Gabe kicks low, suplexes, but Henry slips free. Henry waistlocks, Gabe bucks the O’Conner, but Henry dodges Gabe to fire off strikes. Gabe UPPERCUTS, then suplexes! Henry lands out, bobs ‘n’ weaves, them CHOPS! Gabe swings but Henry blocks to spin Gabe, and ROCK him! Gabe CHOPS! Henry PELES! Henry waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

The fans fire up and Beef cheers Henry on. Henry climbs, but Gabe runs up! Henry leaps over, KNEES Gabe, then reels him in. TORNADO- NO, Gabe stops the DDT, puts him on ropes, and SHOVES him down hard! Henry falls to the apron then floor and Beef checks on him. The fans rally for Henry but Gabe storms out after him. Beef backs off but he still cheers Henry. Gabe mocks Beef, whips Henry hard into railing, then talks smack on Beef. The fans rally for Beef but Gabe goes back to Henry. The ring count climbs but Gabe CHOPS Henry! Gabe puts Henry in at 7 of 20, then storms past Beef. Gabe grabs a mic?!

Gabe says, “Oi, listen up! You bunch of smelly little tramps!” Gabe stomps Henry, then says he has a message for all the fans! Gabe stomps away on Henry and says he has a message for all the “boys in the back.” None of them can touch him! Gabe stomps Henry more, and says he is the one! He’s the best! He’s the MADDEST! The fans boo but Gabe puts Henry in a corner. Gabe CHOPS, but Henry pie faces him! Gabe CHOPS again, Henry eggs him on! Gabe CHOPS, then eggs Henry on. Henry KICKS! Gabe seethes, and he CHOPS Henry! The fans chant “USA! USA!” but Gabe eats it up. Henry KCIKS, Gabe CHOPS, repeat!

The fans fire up as they now trade forearms! Henry gets the edge, but Gabe BITES Henry on the forehead! The ref reprimands, Beef protests, but Gabe lets off at 4. Gabe flexes but the fans boo. Gabe says he told us, he’s a MAD MAN! But Henry CHOPS the Mad Man again and again and again! Gabe sits down, Henry KICKS away on him! Henry fires off CHOP after CHOP again, then fires up! The fans are with Henry, but Gabe BITES him again! And UPPERCUTS! Scoop and SLAM! Gabe snarls, goes outside, and he looks for stuff under the ring. Beef puts the skirt down and says, “The hell you think you’re doing?!”

Beef says it’s a championship match, and Henry is his cousin! He wants Gabe to have a fair fight! Gabe DECKS Beef! So Henry DIVES onto Gabe!! Henry puts Gabe in the ring, drags him up, fires off Muay Thai knees, but Gabe pushes him back. Henry BOOTS back, skins the cat, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Gabe while he’s standing! The fans fire up and Henry runs corner to corner! METEORA! TORNADO DDT, float over, and facelock! Suplex, SHEER DROP BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives, but Beef shouts, “C’MON, COUSIN!” Henry aims, Gabe eggs him on! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and Beef is frustrated for Henry!

Beef says Henry needs to put it to bed! Henry goes to a corner, the fans rally up, and Henry climbs the corner! But Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS him first! Gabe climbs up, fires hands, but Henry fires back! Henry HEADBUTTS, and Gabe drops back! Gabe UPPERCUTS, suplexes, SUPER BRAINBUSTER!! And now, a wrench and SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!??! Gabe is surprised but the fans are all fired up! Beef rallies the fans for Henry, but Gabe reels him in! Henry fights Gabe’s lift, and the forearms fly! Gabe CHOPS, ROCKS, but Henry SLAPS, SLAPS, and SLAPS!! COMEBACKER from Gabe!! Cover, TWO!!

Henry rises, but Gabe gut wrenches! Henry kicks and kicks, but Gabe still PILEDRIVERS!! Cover, Gabe wins!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)

Henry put up a fight, but it was not enough to dethrone this War Dog. Will Gabe Kidd be unstoppable no matter where he fights?

Brandon Cutler makes his way to the ring.

“Oh~ Toledooo~. You are all so very welcome for these ROH Wrestling nights, presented to you by our EVPs, Matthew & Nicholas!” The fans boo, but Cutler says you don’t boo the Young Bucks! You should worship the ground they walk on! They are pioneers, trailblazers, and most importantly, the current AEW World Tag Team Champions. And this Saturday at WrestleDream, the entire Elite will successfully defend their titles. So in that spirit, Brandon Cutler is calling out any and all ROH champions, past or present! Anyone who has been or is currently a champion, answer the call! What kind of men do they have in ROH?

IT’S KATSUYORI SHIBATA! The former ROH Pure Champion is in Toledo ahead of facing Jack Perry for the TNT Championship, will Cutler be just a tune-up for The Wrestler?

Brandon Cutler VS Katsuyori Shibata!

Cutler says okay, he knows Shibata wants to get his “grubby mitts” on him, but he should remember about the Code of Honor. Shibata can’t touch Cutler until they shake hands. Isn’t that right, ref? The ref confirms. Shibata shakes hands, but Cutler kicks low! The bell rings and Cutler CLUBS Shibata. Cutler CHOPS, but Shibata doesn’t budge! Cutler CHOPS again, but still nothing! Cutler CHOPS and CHOPS, but Shibata CHOPS! Cutler felt that through his tiger stripe vest, and Shibata CHOPS him again! Cutler ends up in a corner, Shibata opens the vest, and CHOPS bare skin! Cutler sputters, but Shibata CHOPS again!

The fans “WOO~” again and again as Shibata fires off more CHOPS! Cutler scrambles to another corner, but Shibata follows him. Shibata CHOPS again! And again! Cutler drops to his knees, clutching his stinging chest! The fans fire up as Shibata drags Cutler up, waistlocks, but Cutler fights the lift. Cutler grabs ropes, then he ELBOWS Shibata! Cutler goes up and out and springboards in to FLYING FOREARM! Maybe not phenomenal but Cutler is already feeling cocky. Cutler pops ‘n’ locks and DABS before the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Cutler drags Shibata up, whips, but Shibata reverses!

Shibata runs up, but Cutler slips out! Cutler GAMANGIRIS, then goes up! Shibata gest under the jump, to RUNNING CHOP! Cutler wobbles, Shibata brings him around to whip and BOOT! The fans fire up as Shibata fires forearms in the corner! The ref counts, Shibata lets off to go corner to corner! HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! The fans fire up, Shibata brings Cutler up, HALF HATCH! Cutler flounders, Shibata brings him around, but Cutler swings! But into the SLEEPER! Cutler is already red in the face, Shibata sits him down, and runs for the PENALTY KICK! Cover, Shibata wins!

Winner: Katsuyori Shibata, by pinfall

The Young Bucks’ buddy didn’t do so well, and now Shibata is rolling into WrestleDream. Will The Wrestler make The Scapegoat into the sacrifice for AEW’s greater good?

Brian Cage speaks.

“I’m a machine every which way you slice it. I train like a machine, I eat like a machine, I plan, prep and attack like a machine. And I’ve been programmed with only one thing, and that’s tunnel vision on becoming the best professional wrestler on this planet. And with that, becoming one of the best champions this sport has ever seen! And Atlantis Jr, you egg-sucking piece of gutter trash, you don’t even go here! You’re holding something that technically should never have even belonged to you, and that don’t sit right with me. Nuh-uh, not today! Not anymore! Not up in here!

“And at WrestleDream, in Zero Hour, in 48 hours, Brian Cage, ‘The Machine’ Brian Cage, the NEXT ROH TV Champion Brian Cage, is gonna correct that and claim my prize. Who betta?” The Swolverine has spoken, but can he dethrone the second generation CMLL star? Or will Atlantis Jr. be the answer to #WhoBetta?

Shane Taylor Promotions VS The Infantry w/ Trish Adora!

Big Bad Shaney T. wants his team to take over ROH, so he and #TAIGASTYLE are stepping into tag team competition. Will they be one step closer to total domination? Or can Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo march up the ranks?

The teams sort out and Shane himself starts against Bravo. Bravo fires Toledo up, “OORAH~!” “OORAH~!” Shane and Bravo circle, tie up, and Shane powers Bravo into a corner. The ref counts the break, Shane lets off but he’s in Bravo’s face. Bravo pushes Shane, the two reset and circle again. The fans rally, the two tie up again, and Bravo wrenches an arm. Bravo headlocks, but Shane powers up and out. Shane RUNS Bravo over, then taunts him. Shane says this is The Land! HE runs this! But Bravo kips up, brushes himself off, then dodges to ROCK Shane! Bravo talks some smack, but Shane grabs him by the neck!

Shane shoves Bravo, then pops him up, but Bravo slips away to DROPKICK! Bravo RAMS Shane into the corner, Dean ENZIGIRIS, then tags in. The Infantry double whips but Shane blocks! And he blocks again! Bravo fires off hands! Dean joins in, the fans fire up and Infantry double whips. They DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, and the fans fire up! Dean fires hands on Shane to keep him on the ropes, literally. Dean whips, Shane reverses to JAB! Dean drops to a knee, Shane brings him around, and Shane TOSSES Dean to the corner. Tag to Lee and Lee drags Dean up to run up, but Dean arm-drags! And arm-drags again!

Dean grinds the armlock, but Shane barks at Adora so Bravo storms up to bark back. The ref tells them both to stop, and this arguing keeps Bravo from taking the tag! Lee wrenches and WRINGS Dean out! Shane taunts Bravo over it, and Lee drags Dean up. Lee fires knees into Dean, then whips him into the STP corner. Lee runs up to LARIAT, then he tags Shane. Shane CHOPS Dean, and then he mock, “OORAH!” Dean ROCKS him for it! But then Shane DECKS Dean for it! Shane and Bravo argue again, and Lee sneaks a CHOKE. Shane storms over to dig boots into Dean. The ref counts, Shane lets off, and Lee sneaks some hair pulling!

Shane runs up on Bravo, Bravo steps back and says they aren’t playing that. But Lee is pulling Dean back, which Adora points out. Shane runs up to KNEE Dean down! Shane scoops Dean to SLAM him, then he lines up a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Shane makes sure Bravo understands it was that close. Bravo and Shane keep talking trash, but Adora rallies Toledo. Shane puts Dean in the corner, tags Lee, but Dean fires hands on everyone! Shane ROCKS Dean, Lee steps in for Shane to whip. But Dean BOOTS Lee away! Shane runs up but Dean DUMPS him out! The fans fire up, Dean dodges Lee to hot tag Bravo!

The fans fire up as Bad News & Tattoos rallies on Taiga Style! Bravo eggs Lee on, then dodges Lee! Bravo blocks a kick, slips around, JUMPING NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Bravo, and he brings Lee around. Bravo whips, Lee reverses, but Bravo ducks the boot, for the CARLIE CROSSOVER! Cover, TWO!! Lee stays in this but Bravo stays focused. Bravo pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Bravo clinches. But Shane storms in to CLOBBER Bravo! Dean storms in to ROCK Shane! The Infantry regroup, dodge Shane, and they fire off Cap & Bucky Combo! DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW! They kick Shane out, and then Bravo kicks Lee.

Dean kicks Lee, Bravo hits a DDT! The fans fire up as Bravo puts Lee in the drop zone, but Shane anchors Dean! Bravo BOOTS Shane, but Lee shoves Bravo into Dean! O’Conner BRIDGE, STP wins!

Winner: Shane Taylor Promotions, by pinfall

Bravo can’t believe it! Two matches in a row, they have lost! They got outmaneuvered here against Shane Taylor Promotions, and now they’re falling down the ranks! Will Dean & Bravo just have to go back to the drawing board to figure out a way to win? Shane tells them one day, they will understand. Will he and Lee show that when they rumble with the tag team champions?

The Dark Order speaks.

Evil Uno says, “Finally! Finally! Dark Order is on a roll! Evil Uno, big singles win. John Silver, big singles win. Alex Reynolds, John Silver, big tag team win. Well it’s time for Dark Order to get back to their bread ‘n’ butter, the Trios Division! Because that is when-” The Iron Savages interrupt! Jacked Jameson says hold on, Dark Order, hold on. They were just passing by, sippin’ sauce, and were about to hit the gym to work off those double chunk chocolate cookies, and they couldn’t help but overhear Dark Order talking about the tag win over Jameson & Beefcake Boulder. Congratulations! Jameson’s first ROH match, and they weren’t ready!

Bulk Bronson was not cleared, it was a last minute change, and yet they went out there! If Bronson was 100% and they were all ready, Dark Order would’ve lost! Boulder says damn well that in 2v2, anything could happen, it doesn’t mean anything! And in 3v3, you got NO shot! Bronson almost chokes on sauce, but he says he has an idea! Okay, buddy, breathe. Bronson says next time, Dark Order VS Iron Savages, it’ll be a TRIOS MATCH! Then they and the whole world finds out that The Iron Savages are “The t*ts!” Sip on that, chumps! Silver says if they want their asses kicked, he’ll go ahead and kick all their asses!

Uno has Silver stand down, and Reynolds says Iron Savages wanna come in here with the fun and games, fine. But Dark Order has been where they’ve been, and it got them nowhere! “Playtime’s over, boys! Dark Order’s war ready. And the next time we step in the ring, we’re gonna kick your ass!” Boulder says his ass is too big to be kicked, so sip on THAT! The Savages head out, and this is getting tense. Who wins this big Six Man Tag to then chase down Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs?

ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS Diamante!

Past battles in the ring and their war of words these past few weeks have led to this! The Chef is looking to cook, will she serve another L? Or will the Cuban Diamond finally have some gold in ROH?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who gets served!

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and then Velvet ducks a sucker punch! Velvet wrenches, wristlocks and wrangles Diamante! diamante kips up but Velvet wrangles her again! Velvet drops a leg on the arm, and has a short arm scissor! Diamante endures, fights around, pushes Velvet to a stack, TWO!! Velvet gets free in time, but Diamante arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Diamante runs up, but Velvet avoids the arm-drag that time, then Oklahoma Cradles! Cover, TWO! Velvet bypasses Diamante to CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Velvet stays on Diamante with a top wristlock, and Diamante endures as Velvet twists.

The fans rally and Velvet steps over, this is almost a Shankly Gates! Diamante endures, fights around, and fires knees. Diamante whips Velvet into buckles, then runs her side to side to bump off buckles! Then Diamante bumps Velvet off more buckles! Velvet stops the full lap, ELBOWS back, and runs up to LEG SCISSOR CRADLE! TWO, and the fans rally up. Diamante goes to a corner, Velvet fires body shots! Velvet stomps a mudhole, lets off as the ref counts, but then she digs her boot in! Velvet does the splits, blows a kiss, and lets off as the ref counts again. Velvet runs up, but Diamante sends her into buckles!

Diamante CHOPS Velvet, ROCKS her, then CHOPS again! Diamante fires off forearms, then UPPERCUTS! The fans rally and Diamante goes corner to corner, but Velvet BOOTS her! Velvet climbs up, but Diamante YANKS her down! Velvet hits buckles then the mat! The fans are torn but Diamante stomps Velvet. Diamante stomps away in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and she stands Velvet up. Diamante grinds Velvet’s face off the ropes! Diamante bumps Velvet off buckles, the fans rally up, and Diamante TOSSES Velvet away! Diamante runs in to SPLASH at the corner! Then a whip the other way, but Velvet dodges this time!

Velvet runs up, but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Velvet crashes into buckles, and Diamante runs in, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Velvet survives but Diamante stays focused. Diamante turns Velvet over, reels her into the waistlock, and the fans rally up. Velvet fights, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Diamante CLUBS Velvet as she lets off. Diamante brings Velvet around, puts her through ropes, then avoids the counter shoulder! Diamante turns Velvet for a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Velvet survives again and the fans rally up. Diamante is frustrated but she CLUBS away on Velvet.

Diamante drags Velvet around, the fans rally more, and Diamante CLUBS away on Velvet with crossface forearms! Diamante then reels Velvet in, for a SAIDO! Velvet flounders, Diamante taunts her, and then hits another SAIDO! Velvet sputters, but Diamante drags her back up. Diamante SAID- NO! CROSSBODY COUNTER! Cover, TWO! Diamante CLOBBERS Velvet! Cover, TWO! Velvet is still in this and the fans rally again. Diamante clamps on a full nelson and she leans on the hold! Velvet endures, the fans rally, but Diamante thrashes Velvet around! Diamante stands Velvet up to ragdoll her more!

Velvet is fading, so Diamante TOSSES her! Diamante fires up, runs corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK again!! Cover, TWO!! Velvet still lives! The fans rally up while Diamante is shocked! Diamante drags Velvet up but Velvet fires hands. Diamante knees low, whips, but Velvet wheelbarrows. Diamante stops that to GERMAN SUPLEX! Velvet flounders, Diamante fireman’s carries, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Velvet is showing some serious grit, but Diamante won’t stop here. Diamante suplexes, but Velvet cradle counters! TWO!!! Diamante escapes, and she LARIATS Velvet back down!

Velvet flounders away to the apron, but Diamante runs up, BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Diamante doesn’t let off, she goes out to THROW Velvet into railing! The fans rally up, “One More Time!” and Diamante hauls Velvet up. Diamante whips Velvet into more railing! The ref reprimands but Diamante drags Velvet up again. Diamante runs with Velvet, to POST her! Velvet sputters but the ring count is 7 of 20. Diamante stands Velvet up, to CHOP her! And then whip again, but Velvet reverses! Only for Diamante to reverse again! Velvet hits steel steps! Diamante refreshes the ring count at 12, and she lines up a shot!

Diamante runs up, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK against steps! The ring count starts again, but Diamante grabs the belt? Diamante admires the red leather Velvet put on it, and the ref tells Diamante to stay back. Put the belt back! Velvet sits up, Diamante taunts Velvet, but Velvet fires hands! The fans fire up, Diamante pushes back, and she ROCKS Velvet! Diamante lines up a shot!? BELT SHOT!!!

Winner: Red Velvet, by disqualification (still ROH Women’s World Television Champion)

Diamante has just snapped! She LASHES away on Velvet! But why? She would’ve won that belt! Instead, she uses it to brutalize Velvet! The ref tells her to stop, and Diamante snaps back to reality. Diamante realizes she cost herself, will she ever get another chance like this?

The Infantry regroups backstage.

Carlie Bravo “ain’t gonna hold you,” he feels something is off. Shawn Dean tells Bravo about the game plan. What was going on? All the studying! Everything they’re doing! They can’t have this! But they’re feeling off! But then in steps Shane Taylor Promotions! Shane asks what Bravo means by “off?” How many times do they have to keep going through this?! How many times do they have to get their asses kicked until they get it?! Infantry is one of the most impressive tag teams he’s ever seen, and yet they keep going this over and over.

Shane has seen them beat world champions. Shane has seem them beat the best tag teams ROH has to offer! And it’s gotten The Infantry NOWHERE. They are dead set on proving to these people that they can wrestle. But Shane needs them to show the people that they can RUMBLE. And for the last time, Shane will ask them both, or rather, all three of them, when are they going to stop being “good soldiers?” And specifically to Miss Adora, Shane hasn’t forgotten their conversation, either. And he is a man of their word.

STP heads out, Bravo asks what that means, but Adora says it’s nothing. But Dean says Shane is saying something. Can The Infantry refocus and finally have their moment?

ROH Rewind – ROH World Championship: Bryan Danielson VS KENTA!

It was September 6th, 2006, New York City at Glory By Honor 5 when The American Dragon defended this title against a then rising star in Pro-Wrestling Noah. Tonight, we relive this match in honor of Bryan Danielson’s AEW World Championship defense this Saturday at WrestleDream. Did Bryan hold onto this gold in the Big Apple? Or did Kenta make him #GoToSleep?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this instant classic begins!

The Code of Honor is upheld, the fans applaud, and the bell rings. The fans duel between Bryan and Kenta as they circle. They tie up, Kenta puts Bryan on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Kenta tries a kick but Bryan ducks it! Bryan and Kenta reset, tie up again, and are in a deadlock. Kenta powers Bryan to ropes, the ref calls the break, and Kenta lets off, to SLAP! The fans are torn but the ref reprimands. Bryan slaps himself to get fired up, and they reset again. They tie up, and Bryan puts Kenta on ropes now. The ref counts, Bryan lets go, but he SLAPS back! Kenta brushes that off as the two reset again.

The two knuckle lock, tie up, and they go forehead to forehead. They move around, Kenta waistlocks, but Bryan pries the hold open. Bryan wrenches the arm and he powers Kenta to a corner! The ref counts but Bryan KNEES Kenta down! The ref reprimands but Bryan backs off to wait on Kenta. Kenta stands up, the two circle, and Kenta kicks low! Kenta puts Bryan on ropes, to KICK! Bryan feels that one, and he clutches his bad shoulder as he bails out. Kenta is taking advantage of past damage, and Bryan paces around. Bryan steps back in, he ties up with Kenta again, but Kenta puts him back on ropes, for another KICK!

Bryan fights through the pain to fire palm strikes and a HEADBUTT! The fans fire up and Bryan brings Kenta around, for a KNEE! Snapmare, and KICK! Kenta stands right up, to snapmare and KICK Bryan! Bryan writhes, Kenta storms up on him, but Bryan keeps his distance. They circle, feel things out, and Kenta KICKS the bad arm! Kenta CLUBS Bryan, but Bryan headlocks! Bryan grinds Kenta down and the fans fire up. Kenta fights, but Bryan hits the takeover. Kenta headscissors, and he pushes up for pressure. Bryan endures, bridges, and moves around. Bryan headstands, and the fans cheer as he turns Kenta over to tie up the legs!

Bryan pushes to have the legs locked up, and he goes for the headlock. Kenta fights as he’s stuck in the modified Angelito Stretch, but then Bryan bends him back! Kenta endures, moves around, and has a ROPEBREAK! Bryan lets go, but then he stomps Kenta! The fans fire up as Bryan wrenches, wristlocks, and grinds Kenta again. Kenta KICKS Bryan’s leg, KICKS the arm, then wrenches with a wristlock. Bryan endures, fights up, and he powers Kenta back to whip. Bryan hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Kenta bails out! Bryan aims, PLANCHAS< but Kenta dodges! Kenta KICKS the bad arm again!

Kenta stalks Bryan to railing, KICKS him, KICKS him again, then wrenches the bad arm into a hammerlock. Kenta runs Bryan all the way into railing! Bryan slumps down in the corner, the fans rally for him, but Kenta stomps him! Kenta drags Bryan up, puts him in the ring, and stomps him right on the bad arm! Bryan writhes but Kenta drags him up into another corner. Kenta wraps the arm around ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands, Kenta stops at 4, but then pulls the arm again! The ref counts more, Kenta stops at 4 again, and then KICKS the arm! And KICKS! Kenta brings Bryan around, clamps onto the arm, and he pulls on it!

Bryan endures, even as Kenta digs an elbow in. Bryan rolls but Kenta just makes it a top wristlock. Bryan headscissors, Kenta moves around, and pops free to have the headlock, then the armlock! Kenta grinds with a double wristlock, but Bryan shifts to get a ghost pin! TWO, and Kenta keeps the arm. Kenta drops knees right on the elbow, and does it again, and again! Kenta digs his knee in, but the fans rally as Bryan endures. Bryan fights up, Kenta snapmares him back down, and drops more knees on that elbow! Kenta goes to the apron, to slingshot and scuff Bryan! The fans are torn, but Bryan goes for legs!

Bryan trips Kenta, Kenta scrambles around, and he has the KIMURA!! Bryan endures, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Kenta lets go at 4, and Bryan clutches his arm. Kenta storms back over to Bryan, but Bryan PALM STRIKES! And again, and again, and again! Then the HEADBUTT! Bryan runs, sunset flips, but Kenta stays up! Kenta SLAPS Bryan right in the face!! The fans are thunderous while Kenta paces. Kenta now covers, TWO! So it’s right to the top wristlock! Fans let Bryan know, “You Got B*tch Slapped!” Kenta pushes on the arm but Bryan endures. Bryan slips around the back, and he wants a chinlock!

Kenta blocks, pushes Bryan right off the mount and has the arm again. Bryan reaches out with a foot, ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets go, but he stands Bryan up to KICK! And KICK! Bryan sits down in the corner, the ref has Kenta step back. Kenta stands Bryan up, whips him corner to corner, but Bryan goes up, under, and KNEES low! Then cravat, for a CRAVAT PLEX! The fans fire up as Bryan busts out moves he’s learned from his ROH peers! Bryan drags Kenta up as the fans duel, and Bryan brings Kenta over. Bryan bumps Kenta off buckles, then he KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! This was long before the Yes Movement so they’re just KICKS!

Bryan then JUMP SOBATS! Kenta falls over, but Bryan stands him up to reel him in. Bryan huffs ‘n’ puffs and suplexes high! Cover, but the ref sees that’s a forearm to the throat! Bryan stops, scrapes laces off Kenta’s face. and then he grinds Kenta’s face on ropes! The ref reprimands and counts, Bryan pushes Kenta down, and Bryan storms around. Bryan grabs Kenta’s leg, turns him over, and he hooks up the legs. The fans rally up as Bryan reaches for arms. Kenta resists, but Bryan powers Kenta into it! Bryan nods as the fans fire up, and it’s up, up, but Bryan’s arm won’t let him lift, so he just STOMPS the knees!

Bryan tells the fans there was no “F up.” Bryan NEVER F’s up! The fans cheer, and Bryan has the leg for a spinning toehold! And another! And another! Bryan then ties up the legs, the fans “WOO~!” and it’s a FIGURE FOUR! Kenta endures, tells everyone, “NO!” but Bryan drags him around. Bryan reaches out, and he’s sneaky with using the ropes for a chin-up! Kenta protests, the ref looks, but Bryan lets go of the ropes! Bryan waits, and he does it again! Another chin-up! Kenta points, the ref looks, but he misses it! Bryan denies using ropes, but Kenta powers things into turning over! Bryan turns it back over, but Kenta has the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Bryan claims he needs help getting free, but the ref counts again. Bryan finally breaks the hold and the ref reprimands for messing around. Bryan says he has ’til 5! Bryan then puts Kenta under ropes, GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! The ref reprimands again but Bryan smirks. The fans rally up and duel some more as Bryan storms up to Kenta in a corner. Bryan winds up to CHOP! Bryan whips, Kenta reverses, but Bryan BOOTS back! Kenta ELBOWS in return, blocks a kick, and KICKS the hamstring! Then a snap suplex! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Kenta brings Bryan up.

Kenta whips, then runs to DROPKICK Bryan down! Kenta drags Bryan back up to KICK, KICK, KICK, and SOBAT! Kenta keeps moving, he goes up and out and springboards in, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Bryan stays in this and he brings Bryan up. Kenta hooks a leg but Bryan fights the suplex! Kenta goes for the arm, shifts to a double underhook, BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO, into the ARMBAR! Bryan endures, flails around, reaches out, and Kenta pulls on the arm as hard as he can! The fans rally, Bryan fights around, ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets go at 4, and he stomps Bryan around.

Kenta drags Bryan up, whips corner to corner, but Bryan goes up and over! Then Bryan slides under, roll into the HALF CRAB!! The fans fire up as Bryan already sits deep on that hold! Kenta powers up, crawls his way over, but Bryan drags him back! Bryan knees on Kenta while pulling on the leg! Kenta powers around, even as Bryan twists and turns the leg! Kenta still fights forward, to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, but Kenta stands to ENZIGIRI! Bryan wobbles, Kenta kicks him, and fireman’s carries! But Bryan slips free to ROLLING ELBOW! Bryan runs up to forearm SMASH! Bryan fires up and the fans are with him!

Bryan puts Kenta up top, SLAPS him, then climbs up after him. Bryan brings Kenta to the very top, and the fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Bryan crawls over, covers, TWO! But Bryan clamps on, CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING! Kenta fights up, reaches out, but Bryan drops back to have the body scissors! Kenta flails, reaches out, crawls with his legs, and he fights to the ROPEBREAK! Bryan holds until 4, and the fans rally up again. Bryan drags Kenta up, scoops him, and SLAMS him! Bryan snarls, and he points to a corner. Bryan climbs up, even with the one good arm.

Kenta is still down as Bryan reaches the top. Bryan aims, leaps, DIVING HEADBUTT into BOOTS! Kenta saves himself there, and he goes to the apron. Kenta springboards, but into a DROPKICK! Bryan returns the favor and both men are down again! The fans rally as hard as they can while we have a standing count. Kenta sits up at 4 of 10, rises at 5, and Bryan follows. Kenta fires a forearm, Bryan fires a SLAP, repeat! They go back and forth, and now Kenta SLAPS while Bryan JABS! Kenta runs to BOOT! Bryan rebounds to HEADBUTT! Kenta BOOTS, Bryan HEADBUTTS! And then HEADBUTTS! And then GERMAN SUPLEXES!

But Kenta is up! FISHERMAN BUSTER! But Bryan is up! ROLLING ELBOW! Kenta DISCUS LARIATS!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Another standing count starts, “This is Awesome!” as Kenta and Bryan stir. Both men drag themselves up with ropes to stand at 6 of 10! Kenta runs up, and he LARIATS Bryan out! Kenta then rolls out after him, and Kenta whips. Bryan reverses, but Kenta stops himself! Kenta comes back, into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX to the floor! The fans fire up again, and Bryan drags himself up with the apron skirt. Bryan rolls in, leaving Kenta to the count.

Kenta rises now, and he uses the skirt, too. Kenta’s cornermen coach him on, but Bryan runs up to WRECK him with a dropkick! Kenta goes up and over railing and into the front row! The fans hurry to move aside, and Bryan aims! SPRINGBOARD FLYING KNEE into the crowd!! The fans are losing their minds for “R O H! R O H!” Bryan drags himself up from the mess of chairs, the fans cheering him on. Bryan drags Kenta up, and Bryan dumps Kenta back to ringside. Bryan raises his fist and the fans fire up! Bryan then puts Kenta in the ring, climbs a corner, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS! Kenta lands hard, but Bryan kips up!

The fans are thunderous, Bryan aims and swings, but into a takedown! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Kenta pushes on the arm, Bryan fights with his legs, and Bryan has the ROPEBREAK!! The ref counts and Kenta lets go in frustration. Kenta drags Bryan up, waistlocks, back suplex! Bryan lands out, BOOTS back, and goes up, to leap into a CUTTER! And then FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Bryan endures, even as Kenta pushes back! Bryan still fights, still reaches out, and the fans fire up more as he finds the ROPEBREAK!! Kenta lets go again, the frustration growing, but the fans are loving this! Kenta drags Bryan up again, and has chicken wings!

Bryan fights, so Kenta fires fast hands! But Bryan blocks the uraken to REGAL PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Kenta survives and the fans rally up again! Bryan huffs ‘n’ puffs and feeds off that dueling energy. Bryan THROWS the shoulder tape away! Bryan hauls Kenta up, puts him on the top rope backwards, and then climbs up after him! Bryan goes back to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER BACK SUPLEX!! Both men are down but Bryan manages to crawl over! Cover, TWO!! But Bryan hooks the arms! CATTLE MUTILATION!! Kenta endures, but he can’t find the ropes! Kenta moves around, but he finds the ROPEBREAK!!

Bryan lets go at 4, reminding us he has ’til 5! The fans are dueling as hard as they can, but Bryan rises up. Bryan stands Kenta up, reels him in, SNAP HALF HATCH! Bryan storms around, goes up a corner, but Kenta jumps right up!? Bryan blocks what Kenta’s after, to SUPER GOURD BUSTER! And then, Bryan leaps, but into a fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!! Kenta has to crawl to the cover, ROPEBREAK!!! Bryan saves himself by a literal foot and Kenta cannot believe it! The first time anyone survived a GTS, “This is Awesome!” Kenta rises, and he KICKS the bad arm! And KICKS! Kenta runs to BLINDSIDE BUSAIKU KNEE!

Bryan is on ropes, Kenta runs up to BLINDSIDE KNEE again! Bryan staggers, Kenta roars and runs, and runs, but Bryan dodges! O’Conner BRIDGE, TWO!?!? Kenta escapes and the fans are going nuts! Bryan runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans rally as hard as they can and Kenta says time to end it! Fireman’s carry, but Bryan slips free! Crucifix takedown, TWO! But into HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!! Bryan is making Kenta into a ragdoll! The ref checks on Kenta, but Kenta comes back to life!! But then Bryan wrangles him back into CATTLE MUTILATION, only for Kenta to roll! Cover, TWO!! Bryan still has the arms!

Bryan hits a TIGER PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! But into CATTLE MUTILATION!!! Kenta is reaching for ropes even now, so Bryan shifts, to HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOW!! And then, CATTLE MUTILATION!!!! Kenta is stuck this time! Kenta TAPS, Bryan wins!!!

Winner: Bryan Danielson, by submission (still ROH World Champion)

The Manhattan Center erupts in cheers as The American Dragon manages to bring down Kenta! The fans chant “BEST IN THE WORLD!” but Bryan shows respect by pointing to Kenta. The fans chant, “Thank You, Kenta!” and Bryan offers the Code of Honor. Kenta takes it, the two bow to each other, and the fans cheer the show of respect. This is just one example of how hard Bryan can and will fight, but will he make this match look easy in comparison to how he fights Jon Moxley this Saturday?

ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Mark Briscoe VS Josh Woods w/ The Premier Athletes!

Moving from past to present, The Sussex County Chicken is now going to defend the ROH World Championship at WrestleDream against Chris Jericho. However, before then, he meets The Technical Beast on the Proving Ground. And as such, “Smart” Mark Sterling takes over introductions to say that The Premier Athletes are getting sick and tired of saying they suck. “Lemme tell you who sucks! The people of Toledo suck! The Conglomeration sucks! Orange Cassidy sucks! Kyle O’Reilly sucks! Ishii sucks! And Mark Briscoe SUCKS!” The fans boo Sterling but he says here is one last chance to make this right.

When they say “Athletes,” you all say, “Rule.” Hands in, boys. Ohh… “ATHLETES!” “SUCK!!” Sterling is again furious but he’s clearly not smart enough to see he always sets his team up for that one. But now, “Reach for the sky, boys!” Mark makes his way to the ring, and while Cassidy & Kyle conquered Nese & Daivari, time to see if the Chicken can conquer the Beast. WAIT, Woods attacks first, no waiting on Code of Honor or anything! The bell rings, Woods fires off knees, then he TOSSES Mark out! The fans boo but we’re on the clock, 10 minutes or less wins Woods a title shot! Woods ROCKS Mark, then SWINGS him into railing!

The fans boo as hard as they can, but Woods puts Mark back in the ring. Woods soaks up the heat, but he has to avoid a backhand! Woods says he’s too smart, but then Mark gets him with a REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as Mark builds speed, and Mark WRECKS Woods with that “spicy dropkick.” Mark RKF UPPERCUTS again! And then CHOPS! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, fires off hands on Woods, and then Mark gets in the ring. The fans fire up as Mark sets the chair up. Mark builds speed, Sterling freaks out, but the Chicken FLIES! Down goes Woods and the fans high-five with Briscoe!

Mark Briscoe gives a young fan his Conglomeration T-shirt, but now Sterling barks at him! Briscoe backs Sterling off, the fans cheer on “DEM BOYS! DEM BOYS!” Mark stands Woods up to ROCK him! Mark puts Woods in, storms up and ROCKS him! Woods ROCKS Mark back! The forearms fly, then Mark ducks one to CHOP! Mark ROCKS Woods, CHOPS him, then ROCKS him again. Mark whips, Woods reverses, but Mark CLOBBERS him! Woods goes to a corner, Mark runs up to LARIAT! Mark reels Woods in to EXPLODER! Cover, ONE!! Mark is surprised by that, but he runs up to RKF UPPERCUT!

Mark fireman’s carries, but Woods CLAWS eyes! Woods waistlocks, goes to the corner, CHAOS- NO, Mark fights the suplex and breaks the waistlock to PELE! Fireman’s carry, and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! The fans fire up and Mark climbs! FROGGY- NO! ARMBAR!! Woods has Mark caught! Mark fights around, even bites at Woods’ leg! Mark has the ROPEBREAK! Woods lets go to argue with the ref, but that just lets Sterling PULL on Mark’s arm! The fans boo, but Sterling lets go before he gets caught. Woods drags Mark back in, and he stomps away on the bad arm! Woods says, “Athletes!” Toledo says, “SUCKS!”

Woods fires more shots on Mark, then hammerlocks the arm to scoop and SLAM! Mark writhes, Woods covers, TWO! Woods is annoyed but he grabs the bad arm to turn Mark over. Woods digs his knee into the shoulder, pulls on the arm, but the fans chant it themselves, “ATHLETES SUCK! ATHLETES SUCK!” Mark fights, has the ROPEBREAK, and Woods lets go at 4. Woods stands Mark up to ROCK him! And UPPERCUT the arm! Woods hammerlocks the arm again, scoops again, but Mark slips free! Mark fires forearms and elbows, then kicks, kicks and kicks! Mark puts Woods in a corner with those kicks!

Woods shoves Mark back, runs up, but into a drop toehold! Mark gets moving, he goes up a corner, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS! Woods tumbles away to the corner! The fans fire up, Mark runs in, SHOTGUN BOOT! Woods staggers, Mark fires up again, and the fans rally behind him. But Woods FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Mark on ropes! Woods puts Mark in a corner to fire knee after knee! Woods puts Mark up, then climbs up. Woods UPPERCUTS the bad arm, UPPERCUTS it again, and then SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Cover, TWO!! Mark gets free, but the ARMBAR is back! Mark hurries to stack! TWO!!

Woods lets Mark go in time, but Mark kicks low! Underhooks, lift, and- NO, the bad arm stops Mark! Woods runs up to SHINING WIZARD! Knuckle lock, straight arm lever, and Woods has Mark back up top! Hammerlock, clinch, but Mark BITES Woods! Mark fires forearms, then HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Mark shouts and HEADBUTTS again! Woods falls, Sterling freaks out, FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, Mark wins!!

Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (denies Josh Woods a title match)

Woods kicks out at 3.1 but that’s not soon enough! But with all this damage Woods did to the Chicken’s wing, will it be that much easier for Chris Jericho to go from Ocho to Nueve? Or will nothing stop the legacy of The Briscoes in ROH?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode coming in at an hour and 50, and while it’s only the second week, maybe they’re going to keep padding time with retro matches. That’s not so bad in some ways, I am certainly someone who wasn’t watching those early days of ROH, mostly because I had no idea. Bryan VS Kenta was awesome stuff, and definitely works to hype up Bryan’s match at WrestleDream as well as the ROH World Championship. Briscoe VS Woods was really good, especially for a Proving Grounds match with the 10 minute time limit. But I figured Briscoe would win that, it gives him momentum going into WrestleDream and facing Chris Jericho.

Great stuff with the ROH Women’s World Championship story. Good promo from Athena, Lexy and Billie to add to Athena’s denial about her fear of Abadon. And then Frost calling Athena out for a match was also good. I have a feeling Athena and Lexy are going to be chained together even then, adding a somewhat comedic element to the match. At the same time, I could see a way the chain helps Athena cheat a win, hard to say. Billie got a good match out of Ella Elizabeth, that win definitely keeps Billie going in the rankings as again, this has to be leading to Athena VS Billie for the title at Final Battle or something.

Great ROH Women’s World Television Championship match, until that confusing and disappointing ending. I don’t know what anyone was thinking with that but it wasn’t good. Diamante may be the aggressive Heel, but she’s not going to go into a blind rage where she doesn’t realize the ref is watching her hold the belt. They should’ve tried a ref bump and cheap shot that the ref still ends up seeing. For one, “getting caught red handed” is a pun they could easily use to sell the moment via commentary.

Pretty funny set up into the squash match for Shibata, but between this and the Six Man Tag win last week, Jack Perry is definitely finding some underhanded way of retaining the title. Archer got to have fun squashing a rather well-liked Toledo indie wrestler, I just hope that with the “trade” to the Don Callis Family, Archer actually gets himself a championship. Brian Cage had a good promo to call out Atlantis Jr, and honestly, why not have him win? Zero Hours don’t always have things “important” in them, so a title change for the ROH TV title would work. And then maybe Cage can defend that title week in and week out on ROH TV.

Great opening title match with Gabe Kidd and Anthony Henry. Gabe of course retained, but the real shame is that Henry legitimately hurt his arm in that match. The Workhorsemen just can’t catch a break, you gotta feel for Henry and JD Drake. And who knows what happens with Beef now. He’s a great personality and the fans clearly love him, but much of his story was relying on The Workhorsemen. So unless JD Drake really is ready to come back and he can take over the story from this point, Beef’s going solo. And speaking of beef, Iron Savages and Dark Order look to settle their beef in a Six Man Tag. I’m torn because Dark Order already had their program with Dustin & The Sons of Texas, but they also just got back on a roll. They got booked into a corner and can’t seem to get out.

And very good stuff in The Infantry’s story. Great tag match with Shane Taylor Promotions, and really good promo backstage with them, too. Shane & Lee get a strong win to move up the ranks, maybe start after the ROH World Tag Team Championships, but there might even be a faction upgrade if Infantry start to see things Shane’s way. A Heel turn was already teased when Infantry disrespected The Outrunners, but joining up with STP so that Dean & Bravo can be the tag team guys and Shane targets the singles titles would be something cool to see.

My Score: 8.7/10