The festivities don’t end with Christmas!

In the true spirit of giving, ROH keeps things going with the fallout from Final Battle! But wait, Athena is calling a Minion EXPULSION Meeting?!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• AR Fox VS Blake Christian; Blake wins.
• Lee Johnson w/ EJ Nduka VS Serpentico; Johnson wins.
• Katsuyori Shibata & Tommy Billington VS The Premier Athletes w/ Mark Sterling; Shibata & Billington win.
• Toni Storm VS Rebecca Scott; Toni wins.
• ROH Rewind – ROH Night of Grudges II, Soccer Riot Match: Colt Cabana VS Nigel McGuinness; Cabana wins.
• QT Marshall & Aaron Solo VS Rocky Romero & Homicide; Rocky & Homicide win.
• MXM Collection VS Dustin Waller & Kylon King; MXM wins.
• ROH World Television Championship: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Johnny TV w/ MXM Collection; Komander wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

AR Fox VS Blake Christian!

Two men who were in Survival of the Fittest at Final Battle but did not survive now battle each other in hopes of reaching the ROH World TV Championship. Will ROH soon be the Whole Fox’n Show? Or will All Heat try and win us over as the “Vanilla Baby Face” he claims to be?

Blake holds out his hand for the Code of Honor and Fox reaches out, only for Blake to pie face him! The fans boo, of course “Vanilla Baby” is a facade! The bell rings, Blake ducks a lariat to waistlock but Fox switches. Blake hurries to ropes, the ref calls the break, and Fox lets off slowly. Blake mule kicks! Blake mocks Fox’s strut then brings him up, but Fox fires off fast hands and CHOPS! Fox whips and CALF KICKS! The fans fire up and Fox brings Blake around. Fox whips, Blake reverses but Fox goes up, only for Blake to catch his legs. Fox kicks Blake away then jumps off the corner for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while Blake tumbles out!

Fox goes to the apron and the fans rally. Fox goes up and up to MOONSAULT off the corner! Down goes Blake and the fans rally behind Fox. Fox brings Blake up and puts him in. Blake goes to a corner, Fox runs in, but Blake dodges! BOOT! Blake cheers but the fans boo. Blake pushes Fox to the corner, then climbs up. MISSILE DROPKICK! Blake grins while fans tell him off. Blake conducts the Hammerstein choir while Fox bails out. The ring count starts but Blake builds speed, only for Fox to catch him! But Blake shoves Fox away! Fox stands while Blake builds speed again, TOPE FOSBURY! The fans are torn while Fox goes down!

Blake soaks up the cheers and jeers, brings Fox up, and Blake fireman’s carries Fox to then hit SNAKE EYES off the apron! The fans are still torn and the ring count is climbing again, but Blake fireman’s carries again. SNAKE EYES off railing! Fox sputters and flounders but Blake mocks the strut again. Blake goes back out to fetch Fox, and he fireman’s carries again. The fans boo but Blake hits SNAKE EYES off the steel steps! Fox flops back, the ref reprimands, but Blake drags Fox up again. Blake puts Fox in the ring, hears the fans telling him off again, then goes in the ring to stomp Fox around!

The fans boo but Fox fires body shots! Blake KNEES Fox down! Blake stands Fox up to fireman’s carry but Fox fights free! Fox throws forearms again and again, but Blake knees low! Blake whips, Fox reverses and follows, but Blake basement tiger feints! Blake mule kicks but Fox blocks! Fox spins Blake, dodges the lariat by going Matrix, and then kips up to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up while Blake staggers to a corner. The fans rally behind Fox as he runs corner to corner, A-LIST LARIAT! Blake sits down, Fox skins the cat, SWINGING DROPKICK! Blake bails out but Fox goes to the apron! Fox runs but Blake trips him!

The fans rally while Fox writhes on the apron. Blake brings him around to sit down in a chair. Blake throws hands, then he CHOKES Fox! The fans boo but Blake says time to take a lap. Blake struts his way into a run, but Fox slides into the ring! Fox meets Blake on the other side with a DIVE! Direct hit into railing and the fans fire up! Fox roars and he drags Blake back up. Fox puts Blake in the ring, goes up a corner, and SWANTON BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Blake survives and Fox almost falls on the ref! Fox checks on the ref then apologizes before going back for Blake. The fans rally, but Blake fights the firemans’ carry!

Fox powers through to lift Blake, but Blake sunset flips! Fox breaks the grip, steps over and brings Blake up, but Blake blocks the cutter to then CLAW Fox’s face! The fans boo, Blake shoves Fox to a corner, and Blake “apologizes.” But Fox ELBOWS Blake! Fox runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Fox escapes in time and the fans rally up! Blake rolls outside and he grabs that chair from earlier. The fans boo as Blake brings this chair over. Blake slides it in but the ref snatches that right up! The ref warns Blake, and Fox FLIES! Down goes Blake and the fans fire up! Fox hurries to put Blake back in and go back up! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!

Blake survives and Fox is frustrated, but the fans are cheering on “R O H! R O H!” Fox cools off, and he sees the chair… Fox walks over and the fans are torn. Some want him to use it, some want him NOT to use it. The ref warns Fox, it will be a disqualification. Fox hands the chair over and the ref puts it outside, but Blake LOW BLOWS Fox behind the ref’s back!! The fans boo, but Blake grins as he goes to the corner. Blake then runs to STEP-UP DOUBLE STOMP Cover, Blake wins!

Winner: Blake Christian, by pinfall

That was anything but vanilla and anything but baby face! That was ALL HEAT! Blake soaks it all in, even getting in the face of the front row fans, but will there be gold waiting for him in the New Year?

Shane Taylor speaks.

“‘Someone like you isn’t meant to be champion. Your job is to sing, dance, and entertain. There’s nothing that you can do to change this game. People like you need to know your place.’ I heard it all before. Shane Taylor Promotions, we know our place in the game. It’s just not where you want. We’re coming for everything. And there’s nothing, nothing, you can do about it. Rumble, bad man, rumble.” Will 2025 be the Year of STP?

Toni Storm VS Rebecca Scott!

It’s hard to say if “The Portrait of a Rockstar” is just a new role for Timeless Toni, or if this is a genuinely concerning psychological break. The bright spot is that Toni has been winning on AEW shows, and is now making her ROH debut! Is it going to be #ToniTime here in the Hammerstein? Or will the actual newbie get the win?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. The fans rally for Toni as she and Rebecca circle. They tie up, Rebecca slips around and jumps on for a SLEEPER! Toni spins around with Rebecca as a backpack, and she throws Rebecca down! Toni goes for a facelock, but Rebecca trips her! Toni uses body scissors, Rebecca goes to stack! ONE and Toni wants the arm! Rebecca works to stack, but then slips around to lateral press. Toni fights up so Rebecca facelocks, but Toni finds an angle to topple Rebecca over. Toni covers, ONE! Toni facelocks now, but Rebecca fights up. Rebecca wrenches and headlocks.

Toni endures the grind, powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Toni says try again, so Rebecca pumps up. Rebecca runs, Toni follows and runs Rebecca over! Things speed up, Toni redirects to SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Toni storms back over to Rebecca. Toni snap suplexes Rebecca and Rebecca goes to a corner. The fans cheer for the HIP ATTACK, but Toni only gets buckles! Rebecca runs up to SHINING WIZARD! Rebecca then digs her heel into Toni! The ref counts, Rebecca lets off, and then she fires off kicks and forearms on Toni! The ref reprimands, Rebecca stops, and the fans boo.

Rebecca kicks, Toni leans back, but then Rebecca mule kicks! Toni staggers back to a corner, Rebecca runs up, forearm SMASH! Rebecca whips corner to corner, Toni reverses, but Rebecca goes up and up! CROSSBODY, but Toni catches Rebecca! SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Toni then hauls Rebecca up and waistlocks to SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Rebecca flounders back into a corner and the fans fire up! Toni runs in, HIP ATTACK! And then STORM ZERO! Cover, Toni wins!

Winner: Toni Storm, by pinfall

Toni’s debut is a success here in ROH, and she even keeps the Code of Honor. But will it be Toni Time here in ROH all the time? Or will it take some time for Toni to reach the top?

QT Marshall & Aaron Solo VS Rocky Romero & ???

He tried to bring the DOOM, but ended up on the wrong side of an ROH homecoming against Jay Lethal. But can the once and former God’s Gift to Pro-Wrestling make a true comeback? Or will Azucar and the mystery partner bring more DOOM to QT & Solo?

But who is the mystery partner? QT says it’s no one, Rocky has no more friends! But wait! It’s HOMICIDE! The fans go wild over having another homecoming as the Notorious 187 is here in the Hammerstein! QT is a bit worried, are he and Solo about to get bit by a couple of Rottweilers?

The Code of Honor is skipped as QT wants the mic instead. “As somebody from the northeast, being from New Jersey, I think you all should be ashamed of yourselves in the fact that you are celebrating and chanting words like ‘Homicide,’ and ‘187.’” The fans chant, “1 8 7!” right now! QT says they don’t even deserve the rest of what he has to say. The fans are okay with that, actually. QT storms into the ring, and now he offers the Code of Honor. But now he doesn’t like Homicide’s literal left handed handshake. But Homicide is left handed… Homicide gives a middle finger instead! Homicide and QT starts and the fans rally up with the bell.

QT talks trash on fans as he and Homicide circle. They tie up, QT puts Homicide in a corner, but the ref counts. QT lets off slowly, but he complains Homicide was pulling hair. Homicide and QT reset, tie up, and QT wrenches to a wristlock. Homicide slips through and wrenches to wristlock. QT rolls, wrenches, and hammerlocks. Homicide drop toeholds and floats to a facelock! QT wrenches out to hammerlock on the mat. Homicide fights up, the fans rally, and he figures out a counter to then inside arm-drag! QT drags Homicide down but then Homicide keeps rolling! They roll and roll, then QT has the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Homicide wrenches while standing up, and he lets go so he and QT can reset. The fans applaud the exchange, and QT calls for a knuckle lock. Homicide obliges, but then QT kicks low! QT wrenches to a wristlock but Homicide powers him to ropes. The ref counts, Homicide lets go, to then BITE QT’s ear! The fans fire up and Homicide grins while the ref reprimands. Homicide tags Rocky and they double whip. They DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE QT, then Rocky brings QT up. Rocky whips, QT grabs ropes, and QT tags to Solo! Solo circles with Rocky, they tie up, and Solo wrenches to wristlock.

Rocky rolls, wrenches, and wrangles Solo to drop knees on the arm! Rocky CHOPS Solo to a corner, CHOPS him in the corner, then ROCKS him! Rocky whips Solo then runs up to CLOBBER him! Solo scrambles away, Rocky gives some Latino Heat but QT tags in. QT and Rocky knuckle lock, but then QT kicks low and ROCKS Rocky! And ROCKS him again! The ref reprimands about closed fists but QT whips Rocky, only for Rocky to RANA! The fans fire up while QT bails out, but Solo CLOBBERS Rocky! Solo grins, fires forearms, then whips. Rocky grabs ropes, then he DUMPS Solo out! The fans rally and Rocky builds speed, but QT trips him up!

The fans boo but Solo gets in, DREAMCAST KICK! Solo “tags” in with a loud clap, then he stomps away on Rocky. The fans boo but Solo puts Rocky in the corner for shots. The ref backs Solo down, but QT CHOKES Rocky! Solo ROCKS Rocky, tags QT in, and QT mocks Latino Heat before he ROCKS Rocky. The fans boo but QT UPPERCUTS Rocky in a corner. QT soaks up heat, brings Rocky up, and QT whips corner to corner. QT winds up, runs up, but Rocky BOOTS him away! QT staggers around, Rocky runs up, SHIRANUI! Both men are down and the fans fire up! QT and Rocky crawl to their corners, hot tags to Solo and Homicide!

Homicide dodges Solo to BLAST QT, but Solo kicks low! Solo laughs at the fans, but Homicide snap suplexes! Uno Amigo! Another snap suplex, Dos Amigos! And then THREE AMIGOS! The fans fire up for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Homicide covers, TWO! Homicide drags Solo up, clinches, but Solo fires elbows! The fans boo as Solo runs, but Homicide hits a counter BELLY2BELLY! Cover, but QT breaks it! The fans boo more but QT scoops Homicide, and Solo adds on! NECK BREAKER BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, Rocky breaks it! QT TOSSES Rocky, then he storms up on Homicide. But Homicide HELL STABS!

Solo BOOTS Homicide, goes up, and leaps, but into a kick! Homicide tucks Solo in and lifts, but QT saves Solo! The fans boo but QT kicks low! QT flips Homicide off, runs, but into a kick from Rocky! Rocky TOSSES QT up and out, then builds speed! Rocky DIVES onto QT and takes him out! QT goes up and over the railing! CUTTER for Solo from Homicide! The elbow pads come off, and a LARIAT takes Solo down! Cover, Rocky & Homicide win!

Winners: Rocky Romero & Homicide, by pinfall

A big return for the 187, the Rottweilers reunion is a happy one! Will Homicide hang around a little longer as ROH enters the New Year?

ROH shares footage from after Final Battle.

MXM Collection regrouped backstage, Mason Madden carrying Mansoor in his arms while shouting, “Gosh dang it, son of a biscuit, Danhausen! DANHAUSEN~!! You ugly, masked bastard!” Mason drops Mansoor before telling Danhausen that he comes into MXM’s company, puts teeth in Mason’s mouth… Look at his teeth! He doesn’t need any more teeth, his teeth are perfect! Perfect forever! And Danhausen had to RUIN Mansoor’s PPV match! He was gonna win, and Danhausen RUINED it! If there are two things Mansoor hates, it is singles matches and “nepo babies” like Atlantis Jr!

Atlantis has not done anything on his own! His father, the CMLL Legend that is Atlantis Sr! His mother, famous singer/songwriter Atlantis Morrisette! MXM have built everything with their own damn hands! And with these hands, they’re coming for Danhausen & Atlantis Jr! It will be like the rain on your wedding day! MXM declares war on all the masked wrestlers! Mason is gonna rip that mask of Danhausen’s face! Mansoor corrects Mason that it’s face paint, but Mason explains Danhausen did the Sting double mask thing, he was wearing a mask that looked like his face and then he had the face paint on underneath.

Point is, MXM is mad, mad, MAD! But will they make sure that the Very Nice, Very Evil Danhausen is very sorry he ever messed with them?

Chris Jericho speaks.

The “King of New York” is once again live in New York with his New York Minute. “And here on 34th Street, in the heart of Historia, I’m still feeling the Christmas spirit. Can you feel it?” Big Bill feels it! Jericho says that is why he has one more Christmas miracle to grant, one more gift to give, and that is to Anthony Bowens. Bowens challenged Jericho on Collision, Jericho was not ready then, but he’ll be ready this Friday night on Rampage. Jericho VS Bowens, and Jericho hopes things get better for Anthony, as he doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends anymore. Isn’t that right, Scissor King?

Let’s hope Bowens didn’t bite off more than he can chew here in “The Grand Apple.” So that’s it, another New York Minute! See you Friday, Anthony! Merry Christmas, everybody, and to all a good night! Jericho waves bye, but will Bowens make sure to cut down The Learning Tree for New Year’s Smash?

ROH shares footage from the Final Battle Media Scrum.

Athena sat down with Tony Khan and Ian Riccaboni to address the media, and she said she could tell. Everyone is wondering what The Forever Champion is going to do. Athena feels it is time, after thinking long and hard, that MIT must handle an expulsion. It is time to expel a member of the MIT team because they just aren’t working out for Athena anymore. The concern was clear on both Ian’s and Tony’s faces, and Athena says while she has ton of Minions that’d love to take you know who’s place, so Athena hopes this is the only expulsion MIT ever needs. Someone will have to leave MIT, so Boxing Day Brawl is the perfect place to address this.

Lexy Nair is in the ring.

Back to the present, Lexy introduces herself, and welcomes us to the first ever Minion Expulsion Meeting, the M-EX-M, not to be confused with MXM who we just saw. So welcome out the loser from Final Battle, Billie Starkz. The fans cheer as Billie makes her way out, and she’s clearly not happy. One part is from her loss at Final Battle, where she was quite literally cheated, but also partly because of this expulsion. Lexy now welcomes out the Fallen Goddess, their Minion Overlord, THE longest-reigning ROH Women’s World Champion, Athena! The fans are torn as Athena makes her way out, saying thank you to all her Minions.

Athena steps into the ring with Billie and Lexy, and Lexy hands over the mic. The fans boo more but Athena says, “Hello, Minions! Last week at Final Battle, we saw another historic victory from your Forever ROH Champion. But guys, guys, guys, we’re not here to talk about me. As Minion Bestie Lexy Nair said, we are here… apologetically, to expel a Minion.” Billie rolls her eyes, already knowing where this is going. Athena tells Billie Starkz, aka Minion 400,237 & 3/4ths, “we have had nothing but problems from you~. Consistently time and time again, you ignore my guidance. And you still suck.”

The fans boo but Athena says don’t boo Billie! Billie is doing the best she can with what she’s got! Do not boo a young Minion. Athena apologizes to Billie for the fans, and says they are all truly terrible. But Billie, you don’t listen, you complain, you bitch ‘n’ moan, and all Athena tries to do is help! Athena goes home, thinks to herself, “How do I teach this kid?” What is this, 1988’s biographical drama, Stand and Deliver? Fans tell Athena to shut up already, but Athena says ignore them, this is unprofessional. Lexy, you are Minion Bestie! Valedictorian, first-ever graduate of MIT, and consistently, time and again, has surprised Athena!

But Athena has already made her decision. And now, Athena will reveal to all of her loving, adoring Minions out there, who boo, who Athena will be expelling from MIT. Billie shakes her head, just waiting for the words. Athena turns around, and she tells Billie… It’s just the two of them from now on! WHAT?! Lexy is furiously asking why but Athena says no no no, do NOT raise your voice! After that mediocre entrance she gave Athena at Final Battle, and where even was her DC Comics Penguin costume to go with Athena’s Two Face?! Not to mention, the mic fumble that almost cost her the title!

Lexy Nair, you are officially stripped of all rankings and EXPELLED from MIT, permanently! The fans boo and Lexy is beside herself! Lexy keeps the tears back while she exits the ring, and Athena says yeah, sing it! “Nana na na! Nana na na! Hey hey hey! Goodbye~!” Lexy is even more upset, but Athena says try not to embarrass yourself on the way out. Billie has no idea what is going on but Athena says she understands now. She sees why they had this block. Lexy’s expulsion is a stepping stone for Billie. It is very crucial for Billie’s development, because girl, Athena cares about you and your future!

The fans chant, “F HER UP, BILLIE, F HER UP!” But Athena says it is just her and Minion 4EVER! Athena hugs Billie, pats her on the back, and the madness only grows worse. What is it going to take for Billie to get away from the Fallen Goddess?

ROH shares footage from after Final Battle.

Komander returned backstage the NEW ROH World TV Champion, and he was able to celebrate with everyone. Tony Khan was there to welcome him, and Komander, tears flowing, thanked Tony for this opportunity. They hugged it out and the roster applauded. First title here in ROH, then that huge win over Claudio Castagnoli on Christmas night, is the Commander of the Skies just going to keep on soaring? We find out as his first title defense is Boxing Day’s main event!

ROH World Television Championship: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS Johnny TV w/ MXM Collection!

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly #TVReady!

The Code of Honor of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. Wait, MXM have moved up into the upper deck so they can hold up their sign, “If Johnny LOSES… We’ll Be Really SAD 🙁 ” Okay… Johnny and Komander tie up, but Johnny shoves Komander down. Komander goes to a corner while Johnny does TikTok dances and other poses. Johnny and Komander reset, circle, and then Komander fakes the tie up to “admire” Johnny’s muscles. Johnny soaks that up and flexes. The fans boo but Johnny just keeps flexing. MXM sure like it. But then Komander kicks low! Johnny swings, Komander ducks and headlocks.

Johnny powers up and out, Komander slides and runs, but Johnny hurdles! Komander leaps over but Johnny kips up! The two have a standoff and the fans cheer. Komander runs up, rolls off Johnny’s back then keeps moving. Springboard CROSSBODY! Komander bounces off the cover, runs back in, and goes up, spins and wheelbarrows to arm-drag! Johnny goes to a corner, Komander runs up to forearm SMASH! Komander knuckle locks then CLUBS Johnny’s arm. Komander goes up, up, but Johnny kicks out the legs! Johnny then fireman’s carries Komander, and MXM says to drop Komander on that stack o’ dimes!

Johnny hits a SAMOAN DROP POP, then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Komander stays in this, the fans rally and duel, and Johnny clamps on with a chinlock. Johnny throws down elbows, the fans rally harder, but Johnny stomps Komander. Johnny runs for a SHINING WIZARD! Somersault and basement KICK! Cover, TWO! Komander is still in this, but Johnny drags him around. Johnny clinches, shifts, and has an arm with the dragon sleeper! The fans rally and duel as Komander endures, and Komander fights up! Johnny brings Komander to ropes to INVERTED SUPLEX, but Komander lands on the apron!

Johnny GAMANGIRIS Komander to the floor, then he builds up speed. Johnny has to stop himself as Komander dodges, and rebounds back to then roll and SENTON! Johnny asks, “How about them apples?” The fans chant “You Still Suck!” Johnny puts Komander in the ring, then aims to slingshot ELBOW FLOP as Komander moves! The fans fire up and MXM is concerned. Johnny writhes, clutches that elbow, and Komander rises! Johnny also stands, and he runs up, but into a BOOT! Johnny runs back in, but into a BOOT! Johnny tries again, but Komander SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up while Johnny wobbles!

Komander climbs a corner, tightrope walks, and he ARABIAN PRESS- NO, Johnny stops the arm-drag and puts Komander on the apron! But Komander comes back to GAMANGIRI! Then Komander springboards to FLYING DRAGON RANA! Cover, TWO!! Johnny survives and the fans fire up! MXM is still trying to figure out how that worked, but Komander tells them to watch this. Komander CHOPS Johnny, CHOPS again, then CHOPS! But Johnny pokes Komander in the eyes! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Johnny gets under Komander to Alabama Lift! Komander grabs ropes but Johnny pulls him free!

Komander still kicks, flails, and adjusts for a DESTROYER! Cover, TWO!! Johnny survives and MXM is relieved. Komander has the fans behind him again, and he rises up. Komander swings, but into a clinch! BACKBREAKER, then STRAITJACKET MOONLIGHT DRIVE!! And then another MOONLIGHT DRIVE! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives as Johnny busts out some unique stuff, and MXM decide to “go down the elevator.” Johnny drags Komander in and gets him up, but Komander slips free! SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK! Then wrench and wrench and POISON-RANA!! And a solid one at that!

Komander rises up while Johnny is crawling around. The fans rally as Komander stalks Johnny, then pushes him over. SENTON! Johnny’s in the drop zone now, and Komander climbs! The fans fire up, but MXM have magically appeared at ringside! They drag Johnny to safety, so Komander adjusts on the fly! ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto MXM!! The fans are thunderous for Komander as he hurries up on Johnny !Johnny pops him up to the apron, blocks a kick, then trips Komander up! Now Komander’s in the drop zone! Johnny goes up, and STARSHIP PAIN FLOPS! Komander hurries back up, for CIELITO LINDO!! Cover, KOMANDER WINS!

Winner: Komander, by pinfall (still ROH World Television Champion)

They say you aren’t really a champion until you’ve defended the title, so go ahead, call Komander a real champion! Johnathan Television could NOT become Television Champion, but will MXM add Komander to that list of masked wrestlers they hate? Will none of that matter as Komander continues to be the star in the sky?

My Thoughts:

A very good ROH with the “Boxing Day Brawl” just put on there because for one, Boxing Day is a holiday that follows Christmas in plenty of countries (it isn’t really a big deal for Americans), and also because this was of course recorded while AEW & ROH were still hanging out in Hammerstein the whole weekend so they had to make it something related to the holidays. I kinda wish they’d done a themed Street Fight or something for the hell of it, but reliving the Soccer Rules Brawl was a good substitute.

Good matches and therefore good wins for all these matches. I enjoyed Blake Christian of course still being a Heel while using a sarcastic, satirical “I’m a good guy!” act. Great to see Rocky bring Homicide back into ROH, real fun match with QT & Solo, and a real good win. Not sure the chances Homicide sticks around that long, this was probably just because they were in New York. And of course they had to replay Jericho’s most recent New York Minute, because he’s still ROH World Champion and all that. I much more appreciated that they replayed Shane Taylor’s promo from Final Battle because it was fixed, no bad audio-visual sync.

Toni Storm also gets a solid win, and being on ROH totally fits being an AEW newbie/midcarder, which is the whole point of this return to Rockstar Toni. While I am still very disappointed in Athena VS Billie not giving the title to Billie last week, this stuff with Toni could eventually lead to Toni VS Athena. And given those two met before, Athena could also be used to break the delusion, not just Toni facing Deonna Purrazzo or Mariah May. Speaking of Athena, the “Minion Expulsion Meeting” stuff definitely had me feeling that swerve coming. Athena is the Goddess of Gaslighting and Contradictions, so of course she got rid of Lexy. Plus, Lexy Nair and Big Bill Morrissey had their wedding recently (which is why Bill was absent for an episode), those two need to go on a proper honeymoon.

Now, while I’m all for continuity and long term booking, those things need to be good and logical. I don’t want them to do another whole YEAR of Athena & Billie, it should’ve ended last week. Billie needs to just snap and beat Athena up before the next ROH PPV, maybe even screw her over in the Tokyo Dome at WrestleDynasty, so they can just settle this once and for all. Very good promo from MXM to call out Danhausen & Atlantis Jr, and all other masked wrestlers. Great match from Komander VS Johnny TV, with MXM constantly doing gags on the outside. Great win for Komander, too, this is all great stuff for him after putting in a lot of work for both AEW & ROH without complaints. I could see a Six Man Tag of Komander, Atlantis & Danhausen VS #MXMTV down the line, too.

My Score: 8.7/10