Wait, Billie Starkz and Athena are what?!

Even though they’ll battle for the ROH Women’s World Championship tomorrow night, Athena and Billie Starkz are going to tag together?! Will they be able to keep it together to make it to Hammerstein?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka VS Bishop Kaun w/ Toa Liona; Lee wins.
• Queen Aminata VS Lady Frost; Aminata wins.
• The Murder Machines w/ Don Callis VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; The Murder Machines win.
• ROH Rewind – Final Battle 2023, ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Billie Starkz; Athena wins and retains the title.
• Serpentico VS Sidney Akeem; Serpentico wins.
• Athena & Billie Starkz VS Missa Kate & Blair Onyx; Athena & Billie win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Dark Order & The Kingdom VS Grizzled Young Veterans & Shane Taylor Promotions; GYV & STP win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka VS Bishop Kaun w/ Toa Liona!

Big Shotty could not best the Samoan Lion, and now he’s up against the Cameroonian Prince! Will Lee hit the mark this time? Or will the Gates of Agony slam shut on him again?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally as Lee and Kaun circle. They feel things out, Kaun grabs a leg and trips Lee, but Lee gets right back up. Kaun smirks as the two go again. They knuckle lock, but Lee kicks! Kaun blocks the kick, trips Lee, and he waits on Lee to get up. Lee goes to a corner, EJ rallies the fans, and the two reset. Lee and Kaun tie up, Kaun powers Lee to a corner, but the ref counts. Kaun lets off slowly and offers Lee his way out of the corner. Lee shoves Kaun in frustration but Kaun keeps calm. The two go again, tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and they go around.

Kaun headlocks but Lee powers up and out. Kaun runs Lee over, but Lee gets up in a huff. The fans applaud while Kaun grins. Kaun and Lee circle, feel things out, and tie up. Lee headlocks but Kaun puts Lee in a corner. The ref counts, Kaun lets off, but then he CHOPS! Lee is stinging but Kaun whips him corner to corner. Lee goes up and over, keeps moving, but Kaun drops down then hurdles over. Lee shoves Kaun< Kaun hurdles again! Lee gets moving and he SHOTGUNS Kaun down! The fans fire up while Kaun bails out, and Lee builds speed. Lee FLIES and down goes Kaun at the ramp!

The fans fire up with Lee again and he high-fives the front row. EJ is hyped and Lee puts Kaun in the ring. Lee slides in but Kaun goes out to the apron. Lee kicks, but Kaun blocks and traps the leg in ropes! Kaun then grabs the other leg to trip Lee up! Lee endures as he’s stuck in not quite a Tree of Woe, maybe more a bush. But Kaun runs side to side to drop a leg! And then drop another leg! And then drop another leg! Lee gets free of the bush but Kaun drops one more leg! The fans are torn but Kaun covers, TWO! Lee stays in this but Kaun drags Lee around. Kaun stomps arms and legs, picking Lee apart.

Lee clutches his knee but Kaun clamps on for a toehold! Lee endures, EJ rallies the fans up again, and Lee throws hands from below! Kaun lets go, Lee fires more hands, but Kaun kicks the bad leg! Lee hobbles, Kaun runs up, and Kaun blocks a kick! Kaun puts that leg in the ropes then grabs the other leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Cover, TWO! Lee is still in this but Kaun grabs the leg again! Kaun stomps it then GROUND DRAGON SCREWS! And GROUND DRAGON SCREWS again! Kaun holds onto the leg, and he makes Lee wait, before the LEG DDT! Lee writhes but the fans rally up again.

Kaun drags Lee by his bad leg, turns him over, and has the HALF CRAB! Lee endures and Liona is taunting him from the ropes! Lee reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Kaun turns Lee back over, drags him from the ropes, but Lee kicks! Kaun holds on but Lee kicks and kicks, and Kaun lets go! Kaun hurries back but Lee brings him into a cradle! TWO, and Kaun dodges a lariat! Kaun breaks the next one, and he LARIATS Lee down! Kaun then Alabama Lifts Lee, for the ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lee survives and the fans fire up! EJ coaches Lee up and Lee reaches out. Lee rises, but Kaun is right on him with a waistlock.

Kaun lifts but Lee lands out of the back suplex! The leg jams, but Lee still jukes to roll Kaun up! TWO, and Lee SUPERKICKS! Lee hobbles but he comes back for Kaun. Fireman’s carry, but the bad leg gives out! Lee lets Kaun down, but he dodges to ENZIGIRI! JUMP NECKBREAKER! Lee kips up, adrenaline is helping him fight through the pain! Lee runs to PENALTY KICK! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Kaun is still in this, but Lee pounds the mat. The fans rally with Lee as he rises, and Lee fires hands on Kaun! Kaun goes to a corner, Lee fires more shots high and low! The ref counts but Lee reels Kaun in.

But Kaun turns things around to put Lee up top! Kaun climbs up after Lee, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Kaun isn’t done, he hauls Lee up to a fireman’s carry! GUT BUSTER DROP! A bit double-edged but Kaun covers, TWO!! Lee survives but Kaun roars! Kaun hauls Lee up, underhooks, but Lee is a ragdoll! Kaun drops Lee and wants the ref to call it. Lee is still in this so Kaun drags him back up. But Lee trips Kaun to a jackknife bridge! LEE WINS!!

Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall

Lee was the underdog fighting on one leg, but he snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Lee goes 1-1 with the Gates, but Kaun drags him up! Kaun wants to show respect but Liona shoves Lee back down! The Gates argue, EJ gets in to get at them, but Kaun is the voice of reason. Kaun whispers to Liona, and Liona stands down. The Gates seem to be turning over a new leaf, though a bit slowly. Will Kaun & Liona have to settle things 2v2 with #LEEJ before going back for the ROH World Tag Team Championships?

Backstage interview with Lee Moriarty.

Alicia Atout is with the ROH Pure Champion and brings up his Open Challenge for the title this Friday at Final Battle in the historic Hammerstein Ballroom. Is Moriarty ready to take on literally anyone that comes out and accepts the challenge? Lee chuckles and says, “Am I ready? I’ve shown myself to be a dominant champion, Alicia. Everyone who’s stepped in the ring against me, I’ve shown why I’m levels above them when it comes to pure wrestling. Even Matt Taven. People thought he was finally going to win the one championship that he hasn’t won, and guess what? I proved them wrong and retained.”

Every time he gets in the ring, Lee gets better! He gets stronger! He gains confidence! And he proves why he is the BEST technical wrestler in the world! This Open Challenge is so he can face the best competition and nothing less. Hammerstein is Lee’s night to solidify himself as THE best. So watch your step, and protect ya neck. Because this is Lee Moriarty, and this is #TAIGASTYLE. Then just who will meet Lee Moriarty in New York City, ready to put him and themselves to the test?

Backstage interview with Red Velvet and Leyla Hirsch.

Arkady Aura says the ROH Women’s World Television Championship is on the line for Final Battle, and she has both champion and challenger with her. They agreed to No Physicality, and Arkady knows Leyla wanted this time to speak to Red Velvet so the floor is hers. Leyla tells Velvet that last week, Leyla had Velvet beat. And tomorrow night, she does the same thing. The only difference is, there won’t be Billie or Athena there to save her. Velvet repeats, “Save me? Who says I need saving?” If Leyla thinks she had Velvet beat, then she can prove it. Leyla says she already did. And tomorrow night, the TV title is hers.

Velvet gets in Leyla’s face with belt held high but Arkady reminds them of the No Physicality Agreement. Velvet says see you tomorrow. Leyla says same back. One way or another, that match will be LEGIT, but will the champion be after it’s done cooking?

Someone is spying…

Whoever this is, they’re watching Dustin Rhodes get out of his truck and go into the gym. The camera turns around, and it’s The Righteous! Vincent says, “This is gonna be exciting. Follow us.” The Righteous lead this cameraman up to the door, and they sneak right in! Dustin is vacuuming the ring mat to clean it up, and The Righteous flank him! They slide in before he notices, and just as Dustin finishes, Vincent attacks! Vincent knocks Dustin down, throws down fists, then lets off to stomp him out of the ring! Dutch hands Vincent the vacuum power cord and Vincent uses that to CHOKE Dustin! Then Dutch storms up with the cowbell!

Dutch CLOBBERS Dustin right in the head! Vincent says, “I told you, man! I told you it’d be euphoric! Now you’re seeing the polka dots for Daddy~! I have an idea.” Vincent grabs Dustin’s phone and calls Sammy Guevara. The Spanish God is furious to see Vincent on FaceTime instead of Dustin! Vincent mockingly asks how everything’s going with the Guevara family. But speaking of family, here’s a little surprise! Vincent shows Sammy Dustin’s busted up forehead! “Just for you, Sammy! Just for you! Call it a Final Battle gift from The Righteous to you.” Sammy shouts at Vincent & Dutch, but Dutch says, “Death walks in New York City!”

Vincent uses Dustin’s blood to draw a little something, and Dutch says they’re blood brothers now. The Righteous leave The Natural sputtering, but Dustin manages to sit up. Have the Righteous ensured their victory? Or have they simply sealed their doom?

The Murder Machines w/ Don Callis VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson!

A rare appearance by Don Callis the scumbag himself, but he wants to watch Lance Archer & Brian Cage dominate the ROH Tag Division. But as the Savages make their way out, Jacked Jameson of course has the mic to give introductions. He calls himself the Post Malone of iron pumping, “and when these two sauced up mass monsters step on a scale, it says ‘Over the limit!’ Unhinged power and feral instincts, these two mass monsters are gonna eat you alive!” Jameson says they are the Iron Savages! Sippin’ sauce, livin’ hoss, and taking all the Low T Meat Riding wussies to #TIDDYCITY!

But will Bulk Bronson & Beefcake Boulder learn they’re still small potatoes compared to the Murderhawk Monster & The Machine?

The teams sort out, Cage starts against Bronson and the fans rally up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage and Bronson tie up, Cage headlocks, but Bronson powers up and out. They RAM shoulders and Bronson says you want meat, here’s meat! Bronson RAMS Cage, Cage RAMS Bronson, and repeat! The fans chant “MEAT! MEAT!” with every shoulder tackle! Bronson dodges, wrenches, ROCKS and ELBOWS Cage, then reels him in for a suplex! The fans are torn but Cage stands right up! Cage kicks and suplexes Bronson! Cage flexes while Bronson flounders, and Boulder tags in. Boulder eggs Cage on as he stomps around.

The fans rally up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage and Boulder DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Boulder gets the better of that, then runs, but into an UPPERCUT! “Who betta than Cage?!” Cage runs but Boulder runs him over! The fans fire up and Cage tags in Archer. Archer says now we’ve got some meat! Archer and Boulder fire up to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up again as they LARIAT, and LARIAT, and LARIAT! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” They switch arms even, and then Archer laughs! Archer pie faces, but Boulder HEADBUTTS! Boulder whips but Archer CROSSBODIES! Bronson runs up but Archer kicks him back out!

Archer roars, Jameson checks on Bronson, and Archer runs up to ELBOW Boulder. Archer keeps moving, and he ELBOWS Boulder again! Archer keeps moving, but he blocks a boot first! Then he ROCKS Boulder! Archer runs again, but Boulder runs up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up but here comes Cage! Boulder scoops Cage to SLAM him! Bronson returns and the Savages storm up on Archer. But Archer choke grips them both! But the Savages power out, and they get Archer for a DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM instead! The fans fire up as Bronson DIVES onto Cage! Then Boulder goes up the ropes! VADER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Archer survives the “Beefcake Bomb” but Boulder tags Bronson. The Savages call for the Devastator! Bronson goes up onto Boulder’s shoulders, but Archer avoids the Savage Splash! Bronson flounders, Cage runs up and gets aroudn Boulder! Boulder fights but Archer BOOTS him into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Cage ripcords Bronson to ROCK him! Archer ROCKS Bronson, too! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Archer hits a SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Archer argues with the ref but Bronson’s tougher than they thought. Archer tags Cage, and Cage hauls Bronson up. Cage reels Bronson in, puts one out, but Boulder BOOTS him!

Archer BOOTS Boulder! Bronson ROCKS Archer! Cage JUMP KNEES Bronson! Boulder runs up, Cage dodges, and the Murder Machines DOUBLE LARIAT Boulder up and out! Archer grabs Bronson, lifts him up for Cage, CHOKE SLAM BOMB!! Cover, Murder Machines win!

Winners: The Murder Machines, by pinfall

Callis joins his savages in the ring to celebrate another win, and he even gets some stomps in on Bronson! Surely Callis will be with Cage tomorrow night, too. Can Cage keep the ROH World Television Championship when it’s Survival of the Fittest?

Sit-down interview with Jay Lethal and QT Marshall.

At least, it’s supposed to be both Lethal and QT. Ian Riccaboni has Lethal to his right and Lethal asks what’s keeping QT. Ian isn’t sure, QT sent him a text earlier that he’d be here. Maybe they can just start? Big match tomorrow for Final Battle, live from the Hammerstein Ballroom! The Franchise Player, Jay Lethal is here, and- Oh now QT shows up. QT says, “What a surprise, Ian. You started without me.” Lethal shoots back, “What a surprise, you’re late.” QT says they run on his time. Uh, the world doesn’t revolve around QT. QT says QT’s world revolves around him.

Ian says the fans are anticipating to this match, a grudge match really. The Franchise Player Jay Lethal VS QT Marshall, and the first question is to Lethal. Lethal has most days as ROH World Champion in that title’s history. How does it feel to return to ROH with Final Battle? Lethal says that’s a bit of a tough question, “How does it feel to return back here?” Lethal thought back on everything he’s accomplished until now, and he credits it to everything he went through in ROH. At the ripe young age of 17, he was in the ring with guys like Samoa Joe, Nigel McGuinness, Bryan Danielson, it is unreal. He should’ve paid money for that.

But to answer that question, what does it feel like? It feels amazing. Ian says the fans were certainly excited, and so were many of the wrestlers. QT was one of the first to put his hat in the ring so to speak when he heard this news. But Lethal’s enthusiasm exactly the same as QT’s, despite all of QT’s mainstream publicity. QT says yeah, it’s disrespectful, isn’t it? Yeah. The fact that QT extended an invite for a match, with all the buzz and the wave of publicity QT is riding. And Lethal says he wanted bigger fish. Lethal wants to explain. He isn’t apologizing, but he is sympathetic, because there is no nice way to say Lethal didn’t wanna wrestle QT.

No wrestler anywhere wants to hear that, and it would’ve stung Lethal if someone had said that. But Lethal is saying, given the opportunity, he wants to be back in the title picture, back in the spotlight, at the top of ROH where he once was. That’s where his head was at. This isn’t personal, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to wrestle QT, he just had sights set on something much bigger, and there’s just no easy way to say that. QT took it too personally. QT didn’t even let Lethal explain, he just got pissed off. QT says yeah, sure.

Ian says some fans might recall that these two met before about 12 years ago, it was Survival of the Fittest 2012. Lethal became a two-time ROH World Champion following that win while QT suffered a neck injury in that tournament. So it must be rather fulfilling for Lethal to return to the Hammerstein while QT- QT stops Ian there. Lethal will say it’s not personal for him, because he’s handed everything. When QT got to ROH in 2012, the talk already was, “Jay Lethal’s the franchise, he’s this, he’s that.” Literally, 17 years old, stuff Lethal should’ve paid for, and he didn’t, he was just handed those moments.

Lethal says he didn’t pay with money but he paid with his body and time. Oh, good that Lethal brought that up. Speaking of paying with his body, it was October 13th, 2012 that QT paid with his. See this scar? They know all about it. Six SCREWS in his neck. That started the trajectory of his career going the wrong way. It was a snowball effect, and no, hear him out. Discs in his neck that needed to be fixed. It wasn’t just physical damage but psychological as he had to handle the stress of living up to the nickname, “God’s Gift to Professional Wrestling.” A nickname the office gave him because he WAS supposed to be the future!

Lethal says hold on! His mentors, guys like Samoa Joe, told Lethal day in and day out that this business isn’t ballet. They step in and out of the injured list all the time. Don’t blame Lethal, and don’t even blame yourself, QT. Don’t use it as a crutch! QT doesn’t use it as a crutch, that’s all the truth. The mental stress caused him to lose his hair! All of his hair! He almost thought his career was over. The fact he was able to stay in the game with a training facility, and how that helped someone finally see what QT has always known was in him. QT got some money, and then he had one of the best glow-ups in pro-wrestling history! QT isn’t bald anymore!

Lethal wants to double check with Ian, is QT trying to say this is actually personal for him? QT says of course it’s personal for him! Lethal says it isn’t for him, and there in lies the conflict. That’s QT’s whole attitude. Did Lethal mean to hurt QT’s neck? No. It was a match, it happened. QT asks if Lethal at least feels bad it happened. What kind of question is that? QT says he cares! When QT hurts Lethal, QT will care! Okay, that Lethal does not care for. Eye for an eye, neck for a neck, is that what QT wants? QT again says physically and mentally. QT stands, Ian wants things to calm down, but Lethal has Ian step aside, Ian doesn’t need to-

QT SUCKER PUNCHES LETHAL! QT has Lethal on the ground from hitting him right in the nose! QT cools off and asks if there are any more questions. Ian says no and QT storms off. Lethal is pissed but his nose might also be broken. QT has made this personal, but will Lethal make him regret that?

BREAKING NEWS for Final Battle: Zero Hour!

The Undisputed Kingdom’s Matt Taven & Mike Bennett will be in action as they take on The Infantry, both teams hoping to move closer to the ROH World Tag Team Championships with a win. Then Harley Cameron “welcomes” Stardom’s Hanako to ROH. Will the “181cm Tall Wonder Tower” feel the WRATH of Harley Cameron? Then after seeing Lee Johnson split even with The Gates of Agony, Kaun & Liona will take on #LEEJ in tag team action! And in a big grudge match, the Grizzled Young Veterans look to make Alex Reynolds & John Silver the butt of the joke! Will the Dark Order learn to #GritYourTeeth?

BREAKING NEWS for Final Battle’s main card!

As if this card wasn’t big enough, we’re adding a fashionable showdown as MXM Collection’s Mansoor takes on CMLL’s Atlantis Jr! Will the Iron Chic strut all over the second generation luchador? Plus, there will be a real hard hitting affair as Katsuyori Shibata takes on Tommy Billington! Will The Wrestler put The Dynamite Kid through the wringer? Plus, that Survival of the Fittest field is filled: Brian Cage will defend against Komander, Mark Davis, AR Fox, Blake Christian and Cage’s long time rival, Willie Mack! Will we finally find an answer to #WhoBetta?

ROH Rewind – Final Battle 2023, ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Billie Starkz!

How time flies. Just last year, we saw the Fallen Goddess and Minion #400,237 & 3/4ths face off, just as they’re about to do in not even 24 hours! Relive how things were, and perhaps see why they’ve turned out the way they have now.

The Code of Honor is skipped, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. Billie and Athena circle, Athena takes a swing but Billie dodges! Billie ROCKS Athena, and then fires off at the ropes! The ref counts, Billie whips, but Athena reverses. Billie ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS but Athena handsprings through! Billie SHOTGUNS Athena down and fans fire up. Athena scowls and stands back up as the fans rally for “WOMEN’S WRESTLING!” Athena and Billie circle again, things speed up, and Billie gest around to tilt-o-whirl sunset. TWO, but Billie EDDY GORDO KICKS! Fans fire up as Athena bails out!

Billie builds speed and DIVES! But Athena deflects enough of it, and then drags Billie up! Athena THROWS Billie into railing, and then THROWS her into more railing! Athena drags Billie up, whips her hard into railing, and Billie falls in a heap! The fans fire up as Athena drags Billie up. Athena SMAKCS Billie off the railing, and again, and again! Athena dribbles Billie, the ring count climbs, but Athena lets off. Athena refreshes the count, then runs back in, DOUBLE KNEES against the railing! “This is MY show!” Athena throws Billie’s own costume pieces around, then storms back to Billie. Athena drags Billie up and POSTS her!

The ref reprimands and tells Athena to let off. Athena says this is what Billie wanted! Athena slides into the ring and waits. The fans cheer and the ref has Athena hold on . The ref checks Billie, Athena says Billie smashed her face so she deserves this! Billie sits up, she’s busted open on her forehead. Athena goes out to SMACK Billie off the desk! Athena digs at the bloody wound then CLUBS her down! “Are you gonna cry, little girl? Are you gonna cry!?” Athena puts Billie in the ring, stomps her down, and the fans are torn. Billie crawls, Athena puts her on ropes and CHOKES her! “This is MY crowd, Billie! This is MY crowd!”

Athena tells the ref to back off, then she kicks Billie around. The fans rally as Athena drags Billie around. Billie throws body shots, Athena kicks and knees low! Athena whip Billie to a corner, back body block! Athena runs in to ROCK Billie with a right! The fans fire up, Athena snapmares and then handspring KNEE DROP! The fans fire up and Athena storms around. Athena stalks Billie, and clamps on a neck wrench! Athena fishhooks Billie to make her smile, but the ref counts. Athena SMACKS Billie off the mat, then drags her up. Athena fishhooks again, and CLUBS Billie in the chest! The fans are torn as Billie writhes.

Athena drags Billie up, fans want that “One More Time!” Billie pushes to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Athena CLUBS away on Billie and fans fire up! Athena roars and Billie flounders to the apron. Athena goes out after Billie as the fans rally. Athena runs up to basement dropkick! Billie sputters, Athena shouts, “You think this is a game? HUH!?” Athena CLUBS Billie then shoves her down! Fans fire up while Billie flounders. Athena storms out, drags Billie up, and stands on that bad arm! Billie endures, the ref reprimands and counts and Athena SNAPS the fingers as she lets off! Athena CLAWS Billie’s back as she drags her up to the apron.

Athena stands Billie up, and Billie ROCKS Athena! And ROCKS her again! And again! The fans fire up as Billie fires more shots, but Athena catches her, APRON SIDE EFFECT! Athena shoves Billie in, covers, TWO! Billie is still in this but Athena scowls. Athena stalks Billie, brings her up, and hoists her to the top rope backwards. Athena puts Billie in a Tree of Woe to KICK and KICK and KICK! The fans duel, Athena is furious, but Billie KICKS from upside-down! And then Billie spins Athena around, snap suplex into buckles! The fans fire up again as Athena and Billie slowly rise. Athena has Billie, Billie rolls her up, TWO!

Billie gets up, Athena rolls her up, TWO! Both stand, Billie dodges, but then Athena wrenches! Billie blocks the kick, Athena ducks a kick! Billie goes Matrix then full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous as Billie crawls to a cover, TWO!! The fans rally up, Billie hobbles after Athena, and Billie gets the legs. Billie YANKS Athena up, Athena lands on her feet and HEADBUTTS! That was double-edged for Athena but the fans rally up. Athena storms up on Billie, drags her up, and UPPERCUTS! Billie ends up in a corner, Athena whips corner to corner, then runs in to UPPERCUT! Billie goes up but Athena blocks the boots. Billie REBOUND KICKS!

The fans fire up and Billie hurries out to the apron. Billie goes up, to SLINGSHOT HANDSPRING SPEAR!! Billie drags Athena up by her mask and peels it away! Athena is without protection and the fans fire up as Billie gives ground ‘n’ pound! Billie roars, but Athena scrambles away. The ref gets on Billie’s bad side, and she runs to LARIAT Athena! And LARIAT again! Then wrench, Cravat KNEE SMASH, and HEEL KICK! Billie goes up, but Athena crawls away. Billie hops down, steps on Athena and goes to the other corner. Billie goes up, and she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and Billie is stunned!

The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” and Billie refocuses. Athena flops out of the ring, but Billie builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit and right into the railing! The fans are thunderous again as Billie roars! Billie gets Athena up, and runs her to THROW her into railing! Athena writhes, Billie enjoys the taste of her own blood, and she paces. Athena flounders, Billie runs in, but Athena dodges the knee! The knee hits railing, and then Athena runs in, SHOTGUN into the railing! Billie goes down in another heap, and Athena clears the desk! Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman scoot back as far as they can, and she even disrespects Caprice’s coffee.

Athena refreshes the ring count, fetches Billie, and drags her over to the table. Athena puts Billie on the table, climbs up onto it, and the fans fire up. “You will NEVER have what is mine! You hear me?!” Athena SLAPS Billie, SLAPS her again, then reels her in! But Billie resists the suplex! Fans fire up as Billie turns things around, but now Athena fights! Billie throws body shots, and she suplexes Athena to the floor!! The fans lose their minds as Billie then gets Athena up, to snap suplex her onto the desk hood! The fans fire up for crazy-eyed Billie as she puts Athena in! Cover, TWO!! Billie can’t believe it but the fans are thunderous again!

Athena flounders, Billie stomps away on her, then Athena flops to the outside again. Billie pursues, brings her around, but Athena fireman’s carries! Billie slips free, and throws Athena by her hair! Billie puts Athena in the ring, Athena rolls all the way out the other side, and fans boo. Billie is annoyed, but she storms out after Athena. Athena makes it to railing, and Billie DUMPS her over! Billie then throws the protective pads at Athena, to then bring Athena up. Athena blocks to SMACK Billie off the railing! Athena climbs up onto the railing, brings Billie up to join her, and fans fire up for the SUPER SLING-DOG to the floor!

The ref checks both women and they’re both somehow still in this! Athena drags Billie up, puts her in the ring, and storms in after her. Athena drags Billie up, Electric Chair Lifts, and then goes up a corner?! Fans are worried what’s going on here, Athena hits a SUPER COYT’S WRATH!! Cover, TWO!?! Billie survives and Athena is shocked! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Athena drags Billie by her legs, but Billie BOOTS Athena, into the ref!! Athena CLOBBERS Billie, covers, and would’ve won by now! Athena can’t help but laugh, and then she calls to Lexi?

Athena wants Lexi to bring the belt, but Lexi is hesitant. “Lexi! BRING MY BELT!” Lexi says okay but like, Athena doesn’t need to do “that” to Billie, does she? Athena says she doesn’t care who she’s facing, just give her the belt! Lexi still hesitates, then hands the belt over. But Billie’s up, and she SHOTGUNS Athena into her own belt!! And then Billie tucks Athena in, STAR TEN!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Athena survives Billie’s best shot and Billie can’t believe it! The fans are electric, and “This is Awesome!” Billie drags Athena up again, puts her in the ropes and CLUBS away on her! Athena fights back, and she drags Billie to the apron!

“This is MY move!” Athena CLUBS away on Billie now! Athena swings again, but Billie waistlocks! Athena fights, holds onto ropes, and she runs to POST Billie! Fans fire up, Athena cheers herself, and she climbs up the corner. Athena aims, but Billie gets her for an Electric Chair Lift! APRON ONE WINGED ANGEL?!?! Billie is looking like The Cleaner after that one!! Athena is down on the ground but Billie has to get her in the ring to win this! Billie hears the count climbing, and then goes out at 7. Billie drags Athena up, dead weight as she is, and gets Athena in the ring. Billie pushes Athena from the ropes and the fans rally up.

Billie goes up a corner, the fans fire up, Billie SWANTON BOMBS but FLOPS as Athena moves! Athena rises, runs in, BAYONET FOREARM!! But both women fall over!! The fans are thunderous again, and Athena crawls. The fans cheer “ROH! ROH!” for giving them this main event, and a standing count starts. We’re at 5 of 10, Billie stirs and reaches for Athena. Athena crawls her way over, both women rise at 8, and the ref leaves it at that. Athena eggs Billie on and then ROCKS her! Billie ROCKS Athena! The forearms go back and forth, Athena gets the edge but then Billie gets it! Athena CHOPS, Billie CHOPS, repeat!

Athena CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Billie ducks one to ROCK Athena! Billie runs, but Athena reels her in, BLINDSIDE SHOT! Canadian Rack, DESPICABLE KNEES! Cover, ONE?!?! WHAT?!? Athena is about to tear out her own hair over that! The fans are cheering Billie on and Athena tells them to shut up! Athena drags Billie up for Kawada Kicks! And a SUPERKICK! Billie flops back, Athena goes up. Athena grins as Billie rises, O- NO!! Billie waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! Billie comes back, PENALTY KICK! And then a flip and tuck, for STAR- NO, Athena kicks free, trips and flips Billie, and reels her in!

Athena tucks Billie’s arms, but Billie fights her own move! Billie back drops, Athena sunset flips, but Billie sits down! TWO!! Both women hurry to their feet, Athena hammerlocks and tucks, roll and KOJI KLUTCH!!! Billie endures, reaches out, but QUITS! Athena wins!!

Winner: Athena, by submission (still ROH Women’s World Champion)

In 2023, Billie could not best the best champion in ROH history. But in 2024, Billie is about to blow. The champion and challenger have a tag match together still to come, will things implode before another Final Battle?

Athena & Billie Starkz VS Missa Kate & Blair Onyx!

Well speaking of that tag match, here it is. We just saw how tough these two fought each other, but will they fight hard together for at least one more night?

The Code of Honor is kept and teams sort out. Athena tells Billie to go on out so Billie does as told. The bell rings, Athena and Kate circle, but then Athena gives Billie an almost chop like tag. Athena now says for Billie to get in the ring and fight, so Billie circles with Kate. The fans rally for Billie as she and Kate tie up. Billie waistlocks, Kate switches, but Billie bucks the O’Conner. Billie deflects the boot to then GERMAN SUPLEX! Kate flounders, Billie throws off her armbands, but Onyx tags in. Onyx runs up, whips Billie to a corner, then runs up, but she blocks boots! Billie comes back with the ENZIGIRI and the RANA!

The fans fire up and Billie smiles. Billie storms up on Onyx to stomp away in the corner! The ref counts, Billie lets off, but Athena pushes her. Athena doesn’t want Billie getting them disqualified! Billie says she wasn’t, the ref reprimands Athena but Athena tells him not to tell her what to do! Onyx slips away to tag in Kate, and Kate runs up to spin Billie around! Arm-drag! SUPERKICK! Cover, ONE!! Billie is tougher than that but Kate drags Billie up. Tag to Onyx and she clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Tag back to Kate and Onyx scoops her to SLAM her onto Billie! Kate covers, TWO! Kate is frustrated, but so is Athena.

Kate tags Onyx, they drag Billie up and double whip. Billie ducks ‘n’ dodges, Athena tags in before the DOUBLE LARIATS! Billie poses, but then Athena brings her around and THROWS her at Kate & Onyx! The fans cheer the teamwork, and Athena SUPERKICKS Onyx! Athena brings Billie around again, SUPERKICKS Kate, then Athena suplexes Billie! GOURD BUSTER SPLASH onto Onyx! SAIDO on Kate! Athena hooks Billie up in the Reverse Gory Especial, INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM for Billie onto Kate! Athena then drags Onyx down with a cradle catch, and SLIDING FOREARM! Then SNAKE BITE!! Onyx TAPS, Billie & Athena win!

Winners: Athena & Billie Starkz, by submission

Athena cheers herself on as always, but Billie gets out of there with Athena’s belt! Athena asks what’s going on, and then she sees Billie holding onto the spinner belt! Billie says come and get it, “Boss.” Then she RIPS OFF the spinner sticker, and THRASHES the belt around!! Billie CHUCKS the belt at steel steps, and Athena is furious! Athena storms out but Billie DECKS her! They brawl, the fans fire up, and the ref tries to stop this! Security runs in and pulls these two apart, but Billie DECKS the one, then DECKS the other! But Athena BOOTS Billie down! The fans boo but the Fallen Goddess has fury in her eyes!

Athena pulls at her hair in anger, and then she looms over Billie. Athena drags Billie up, and RAMS her into barriers! Athena rains down fists on Billie, more security hurries out here, but Athena DECKS that guy! The fans boo more but Athena stalks Billie to the steel steps. Athena RAMS Billie into the side again and again! Billie is a ragdoll but Athena shouts, “This could’ve been different! This is what you wanted?!” Athena puts the belt in place, that exposed spinner now a dangerous spike! Athena SMACKS Billie off the belt!! Athena storms off, shouts at the ref, and the fans boo even more. Will Athena make sure Billie is never ROH Women’s World Champion?

ROH shares Chris Jericho’s GCW sneak attack.

The Learning Tree made sure to record a message after he left the venue. “Well, Matt Cardona, like I said last week, you’re getting everything that you ever wanted. Man, you got a lot of bravery. You’ve got some balls, Matt, I appreciate that, I respect it. But you made a big mistake because you forgot who you’re dealing with.” The Nueve then stormed into the building, right into the ring, and he used Floyd the Baseball Bat to CRACK Cardona right in the head! “I always get my man, Matt Cardona. It doesn’t have to be in AEW. It doesn’t have to be on Dynamite or Rampage or ROH, Collision. It can be anywhere.

“Never turn your back on Chris Jericho. That doesn’t just count in AEW, that counts anywhere worldwide. You are the King of the Indies, congratulations. But I think you might’ve bit off more than you can chew when you wanted to challenge Chris Jericho. So there you go. Fans worldwide now know how high the stakes are. Matt Cardona, I will follow you around the world. Thankfully, next Friday at Final Battle, December 20th in the Hammerstein Ballroom in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, your quest comes to an end. That’s the difference between The Nueve, between a nine-time world champion, and you, Matt Cardona.

“It’s time for The King to retain his crown, in his castle known as the Hammerstein Ballroom. Thanks, Matt.” The Learning Tree has escalated things with Cardona, but will he get his comeuppance?

8 Man Tag: The Dark Order & The Kingdom VS Grizzled Young Veterans & Shane Taylor Promotions!

This is practically a Final Battle All-Star match with how we’re going to see many of these men face each other tomorrow night. But will Evil Uno being in the mix be the change needed to tip the scales in their favor? Or will Zack Gibson, James Drake, Lee Moriarty and Bad Boy Shaney T. team them to #GritYourTeeth as they #RumbleBadManRumble?

The teams sort out and Reynolds steps up to Liverpool’s Number One. The Code of Honor is waived, the bell rings, and the two tie up. Reynolds waistlocks but Gibson wrenches to a wristlock. Reynolds rolls, handsprings and WRINGS Gibson. Gibson kicks Reynolds away but the two reset. They tie up again, Gibson headlocks, and Reynolds powers up and out. Gibson runs Reynolds over, things get moving, and Reynolds hurdles. Gibson whips Reynolds away but Reynolds ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Then DROPKICK! Reynolds handsprings to show off and the fans cheer. Reynolds wrenches Gibson, tags Uno, but Gibson slips away.

Uno dares Gibson to bring it but Gibson says Uno needs to stop wasting his time on the Dark Order. Lee Moriarty tags in and he grins as he circles with Uno. They tie up, go around, and Lee wrenches to hammerlock. Uno reaches back, wrenches out, and full nelsons. Uno spins Lee to hammerlock, but Lee squats, uses the British escape, and then he cravats. Uno endures the neck wrench, spins through, and then headlocks. Lee powers up and out but Uno whips. Lee RAMS Uno but Uno rebounds to CLOBBER Lee! The fans fire up with Uno and he runs. Lee stays low, hurdles, then hip tosses! Lee keeps moving, SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!

Lee keeps on Uno with a wristlock and wrench. Uno breaks free and CHOPS Lee down! The fans cheer and Uno brings Lee up. Uno says boots up, and the whole corner puts their feet on the buckle. Uno brings Lee in, TRIPLE BOOT BUMP! Tag to Reynolds and Uno feeds Lee to Reynolds’ BOOT, then Uno adds a JAWBREAKER! BACKBREAKER then DDT! Cover, TWO! James Drake was also there but the ref has him back off. Reynolds tags Bennett and they mug Lee. Bennett wrenches Lee’s arm to wristlock but Lee breaks free! Lee throat chops! The fans boo but Lee facelocks. Lee brings Bennett over, but Drake tags in!

Lee is a bit upset but he still works with Drake to mug Bennett. Drake ROCKS Bennett but Bennett CHOPS Drake! And CHOPS! Drake headlocks, Bennett powers up and out, but Drake ducks ‘n’ dodges! But Bennett gets Drake with a THESZ PRESS! Bennett rains down fists but Drake pushes him away! Bennett tags in Taven then goes after Drake. Drake dodges but Taven reels him in! GOURD BUSTER! Bennett adds a BOSTON BAYONET! Taven covers, TWO! Taven hurries to get Drake up for the CLI- NO! Drake powers out, but Gibson takes a swing! The ref reprimands, Taven headlocks Drake, but Gibson tags in as Drake powers out.

Drake drops, Gibson hurdles, GYV bypass Taven to DOUBLE LARIAT! Drake KICKS Taven on his way out, and Gibson brings Taven up to DECK him! The fans rally for Taven but Gibson tags Shane. They mug Taven, but Taven CHOPS Shane! And CHOPS! But Shane ducks to HEADBUTT! Shane keeps Taven up to reel him in and URENAGE! The fans boo but Shane runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Shane drags Taven up and puts him in a corner. Shane smothers Taven but Taven fires haymakers! The ref counts but Shane CHOPS! Taven sputters but Shane brings him over, tag to Lee.

STP mugs Taven in the corner, the ref counts but Lee lets off. Lee sneaks mule kicks while the ref reprimands him, but then the ref has to keep Bennett & The Dark Order from storming in. Lee mockingly claps at them all, then he does a dance before going back to Taven. Tag to Shane, STP mugs Taven more, and then Shane digs his knee in. The ref counts, Taven endures, and Shane lets off. Shane sucker punches Uno! Reynolds is mad but the ref holds him back. Shane drags Taven back to the STP/GYV corner, tag to Gibson. They mug Taven, and Gibson brings Taven up to pull hair. The ref reprimands but Gibson UPPERCUTS Taven down!

Gibson sucker punches Reynolds! The fans boo but Gibson goes back to Taven. Taven fires body shots! Gibson KNEES Low, then brings Taven up for a suplex! Taven slips free, and HEEL KICKS Gibson down! The fans fire up as Taven crawls, but Drake tags in! Drake has the legs, but Taven ENZIGIRIS! Hot tag to Bennett! Lee tags in, but Bennett dodges to BLAST Shane! Bennett CHOPS, CHOPS and MACHINE GUN CHOPS Lee! Drake storms up but Bennett puts him in the corner, MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Gibson runs up but Bennett adds him to the corner! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up as Bennett tops it off with another CHOP!

Bennett short arm LARIATS Gibson, then hits a SPINEBUSTER on Drake! Bennett fireman’s carries Lee for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, Shane breaks it! The fans boo but Bennett kicks. Shane blocks to KNEE in return! Uno is in to ROCK Shane! Shane shakes his head but Uno fires more shots! Shane JABS then whips, but Uno ducks ‘n’ dodges! Uno BOOTS Shane down and the fans fire up! But Lee storms in, spin and THE SLASH! But Reynolds POP-UP KNEES Lee! Gibson waistlocks Reynolds, Reynolds switches, but Gibson powers him back into a corner! Drake runs up, Gibson moves, SPLASH for Reynolds!

Gibson comes back, LARIAT for Reynolds! Feed to Drake’s WHEEL KICK! The Kingdom is back, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for GYV! Shane runs up to DOUBLE LARIAT The Kingdom! Uno returns, Shane runs up, but Uno DUMPS Shane out! Lee runs up, Uno says STOP! HAYMAKER!! Reynolds gets Lee up, Uno helps him, they REBOUND BACK SUPLEX, and DOUBLE SHOTGUN! The fans fire up with the Dark Order, but GYV mugs Silver! They send him into steel steps! The fans boo but Reynolds DIVES onto Gibson! Reynolds HAMMERS away on Gibson, but Drake goes after Reynolds!

Uno goes out and now Dark Order brawls with GYV, big preview of tomorrow night! These teams go brawling up the ramp, that means we go from 4v4 to 2v2! Taven runs up on Shane but is sent into railing! Shane BLINDSIDE FOREARMS Bennett! Shane says Boston doesn’t amount to nothing! Shane shoves Bennett, Bennett rolls through and then he dodges the lariat! BOSTON BAYONET!! Shane falls and Bennett goes to Lee! Bennett reels Lee in but Lee wrenches, cravat, cradle, with ropes!! GYV & STP WIN!!

Winners: Grizzled Young Veterans & Shane Taylor Promotions, by pinfall

Taven was right there to see all of that! The Kingdom knows that #TAIGASTYLE doesn’t play fair, but will Lee Moriarty still be Pure after Final Battle?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode of ROH, and while it was two hours, that was because they gave us the epic ROH Women’s World Championship match from last year in its entirety. And after that tag squash match tune-up from Athena & Billie, we got a great bit for the go-home math. Billie made it clear to Athena that they are not pretending to fight, and ripping off the spinner sticker was a great way to do that. Athena of course stood tall because as I am guessing, Billie will win and finally be world champion, letting Athena go off to WrestleDynasty to win the International Women’s Cup and use that to then segue to an AEW Women’s World Championship match in 2025.

Good stuff in Lee VS Kaun, and that win helps set up LEE-J VS Gates of Agony, which is still happening just because. I’m sure we’ll see teams build themselves up to challenge for the ROH World Tag Team Championships, but it feels like we’ll need a lot of that. Very good promo from The Righteous attacking Dustin and rubbing it in Sammy’s face. Though, it’s not like there wasn’t already heat on their match, so not sure it was needed. I feel like this is their go-home math telegraphing Dustin & Sammy will win tomorrow and move on to some other team. Very good match from Murder Machines VS Iron Savages, and I feel like Archer & Cage could be the next contenders to the tag titles. Cage is in that Survival of the Fittest match, and it could be the best way to get the TV title off him.

Very good 8 Man Tag main event to build momentum going into Final Battle. Good win for the Heels, which may or may not mean GYV beats Dark Order. Lee Moriarty had a good promo to hype up his Open Challenge, I can’t wait to see who shows up. Good promo from Leyla Hirsch and Red Velvet for their match, which feels it can go either way. Great stuff from Serpentico and Sidney Akeem, formerly known as Scrypts/Reggie. I would’ve covered that if I had more time, but it was an example that Sidney could’ve still done so much in the WWE if they’d found a story or character that’d work for him. Though being weighed down by “He’s Reggie!” was a lot to be saddled with.

Good promo from Lethal and QT to really turn up the heat for their match. Lethal VS QT is going to be some good stuff, can’t wait to see it. And very good promo from Jericho with bits of his GCW attack included. Jericho VS Cardona also has some more heat on it now, but I can’t be sure if this really changes the outcome. Jericho’s thing is still getting ROH that cable deal, so he might hold onto the title until then.

My Score: 8.7/10