I did write 2025 in the title for this right? Worst thing about a New Year is remembering to write the correct date for like three months. But one of the best things is, a new year means…no more useless Awards shows with clips or “never before seen matches” that no one cares about!

We’ve got some Tessa Blanchard time upcoming and much like last year…Joe Hendry will say words probably to open the show. If we can get a semblance of a coherent storyline this year and Hendry wins the damn title at Genesis, maybe Tommy Dreamer is a redeemable booker. But currently, “Booking by Tommy” makes “Booking by Tunney” look like a genius Einstein equation.

Can we please start things off with some hope? Maybe? Please.

Rascalz vs. The Hardy at #TNAGenesis!? @MATTHARDYBRAND @JEFFHARDYBRAND @ZacharyWentz @TheTreyMiguel

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpSxQB pic.twitter.com/33UE1CdYjE

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025

Ratings:

• Ryan Nemeth vs Rhino: Ryan Nemeth wins via DQ – *
• Kushida vs Ace Austin: Ace wins via The Fold – ****
• Elegance Clique (Heather & ASH) w/Personal Concierge, Tasha Steelz & Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich & Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat): Masha wins via Requiem – **

Results:

And the show opens with a Joe Hendry segment, where’s the surprised Pikachu meme when I need it. He doesn’t say a ton of new stuff except for the fact that he’s number one contender now. Ryan Nemeth comes out to call Hendry a mid-carder and is referring to Nic as “his big brother” so often, he’s obviously trying to get it over, and it’s not the worst. It’s so lame its almost great. Hendry turns it around of course, but Ryan deflects in a delusional dweeb kind of way and talks about he’s gonna make big moves after he beats Rhino later in the night. 

Hendry decides to use the most inconsistent wrestling trope of them all and calls out Rhino to start the match now. Cause you know wrestlers don’t make matches, unless they do, and then commentary just says the authority figure texted approval or something.

Ryan Nemeth vs Rhino

They start with Arm Wringers, just very basic bare bones 90s wrestling start. Nemeth gets shot off into the ropes, grabs them to stop Rhino from getting momentum. Ryan tries to go for a hand shake, the crowd chants Gore and Rhino doesn’t fall for the hand shake. Ryan takes a few short cuts landing opportunistic kicks, spots on the outside, he gets a bit arrogant digging into old Dolph Ziggler mannerisms so that’s the cue for Rhino to start the comeback. Ryan eats fists, back to back Lariats, short Spear in the corner, and then Ryan powders. Rhino tries to grab him, Ryan rakes the eyes, grabs a chair…the referee just lets him bring in the chair. Rhino steps on the chair, levels Ryan, grabs the chair and starts lighting up Ryan.

So Ryan wins via DQ.

Awful match that only ends up giving Ryan a “win” on paper, so I guess we’re gonna get B Team level of Delusion. Which could be great…like the B Team, or it will be cringe like Axelmania.

Kushida vs Ace Austin

Starts off a little slow with both jockeying for position, very reminiscent of classic Kushida Junior matches in New Japan where he tries to shoot a little early to find something quick, but Ace is slippery. Snapmares, Headscissors and variations of those keep Ace grounded for a little until he utilizes the Wrestler’s Bridge to get out, float over but then get caught by Kushida right away before slipping out and then a rope run spot, Kushida sets up his Cartwheel Dropkick as normal but Ace Kips Up during the Cartwheel and Dropkicks Kushida himself! Kushida powders so Ace goes for the Marufuji Plancha. They toy with each other on the apron, Ace goes for his signature apron dodge but Kushida returns the favor of watching the tape and grabs Ace’s wrist he planted on and rips him off the apron. Kushida puts more focus on that arm with an Armbar, and…commercial break.

We come back, big Chop drops Ace through the ropes, Kushida hits the Baseball Slide and hypes the crowd on the apron. He collects Ace with a Wrist Lock on the bad arm, but Ace is being indignant, he’s goading Kushi to hit him, slaps Kushida a few times so Kushida hits an Enzuigiri or a snap Shining Wizard to shut up Ace. Kushida keeps up some damage on the arm, looks for the Kawada kicks but pivots to a corner spot where they drop each other with simultaneous moves. Fighting Spirit spot when they get up, Kushida kicks at the injured arm, Tanaka Punch gets countered by Ace, Russian Leg Sweep into Click Click Boom! Ace looking for a Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb but Kushida fights it off twice before Ace grits it out and snaps off the Gutwrench Sitout Powerbomb for two. Ace looks for the Art Finesse, but Kushi grabs him, hits him quick and pulls off the Cartwheel Dropkick into the Shotei and looks for the Avalanche Hoverboard Lock but Ace counters, then Kushida counters, a little rolling, Ankle Lock from Kushi! Ace grabs for the rope with the injured arm, Kushida lets go of the Ankle to kick the arm, Shotei off the ropes and only a two count!

Ace baits Kushida into missing the corner spot, Triangle Kick from Ace into his Miz style Rope Hung Seated Lariats. He perches Kushida, tries for the Step Over Headscissors but takes to long, Kushida catches him, rocks him, Handspring Back Kick into the Avalanche Cross Armbreaker, Ace counters it twice, they slip and counter each other, Ace tries an Art of Finesse, Dropkick from Kushi says no, Back to the Future is sandbagged from Ace! Kushi can’t get him over, Ace Roundhouse Kick rocks Kushida, hits the Fold after pulling out the old playing card, and Ace wins!

Ace cuts a heartfelt promo afterwards talking about Bey and how Bey told him to go on a crazy singles run and aim for the World title. Moose walks out to play spoiler on the promo. Moose feels disrespected, Moose tries to say something about Bey and Ace immediately gets hot and they seem to have really good promo chemistry. Moose’s comments get under Ace’s skin enough to get him to focus on Moose, wants to fight him and Santino’s music hits. So the ‘splainin’ will prolly be “You haz da match in Genisys! Terminator 5 get hype”. Yup…more or less, X Division title match Moose vs Ace. 

It's a wild scene backstage between The System, @TheEddieEdwards, @TheEricYoung and @TheJonGresham!

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpSxQB pic.twitter.com/ztlSI0vkNJ

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025

TNA+ Moment of the Week: DCC vs The Broken Hardyz vs Decay, Genesis 2017

Them going back to the Throwback match segment is kinda neat. As long as its not every week and maybe only to highlight old PPVs of the same name, this could be fun to bring back in moderation.

The Nemeth Brothers will deal with @Rhyno313 and @joehendry NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! @NicTNemeth @ryrynemnem

Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/SjpCtpS013 pic.twitter.com/vroc11UnrC

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2025

Santana comes out to cut a promo still with Josh’s head gear in his hand, so Josh’s music hits for him to walk out with his nerdy nobody jabroni squad. Hell the stable uses Josh’s theme, the other two literally don’t matter. The crowd in Atlanta is very vocal and it’s making all the wrestlers react to them. All in good ways, but it’s just nice to see. Josh pulls out facts about how Santana won nothing after he left TNA, Josh tries to mic drop and walk off so Santana just clowns him. He asks if he won the matches because he was good or be cause he was kissing up to the man with the pencil, and that gets under Josh’s skin. Santana challenges the entire Armoury next week. Not sure if it will be a gauntlet match or a 3 on 1. 

Nic Nemeth comes out, cuts a decent promo putting Hendry over but as soon as he starts talking about Ryan there are audible boos, so Ryan walks out to more boos. The Atlanta crowd hates Ryan, his voice is super whiny, this is frustrating fantastic work. 

Elegance Clique (Heather & ASH) w/Personal Concierge, Tasha Steelz & Rosemary vs Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich & Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat)

Masha and Rosemary start, Rosemary tries to start quick but Masha stifles her, tags in Jordynne, Jordynne and Masha do a tandem Electric Chair Splash but only a near fall. So then things break down to all 8 throwing hands, the babyface team gets the best of it, Quadruple Suplexes cause all of the heels to powder and then Masha and Jordynne open the ropes for Spitfire to Dive through ala Motor City Machine Guns for a big car crash bowling spot. Rosemary gets tossed back in, another near fall and then we’re off to commercial town again.

We’re back and for reasons unknown beyond “tags happened” Heather is getting tossed around by Dani. Jody with the blind tag, so rolling low Dropkicks and Crossbodies make Heather desperate. Heather slips Jody’s lift and tags in Tasha, in which Tasha is immediately snatched up, slammed and Dani is tagged back into keep the punishment going. Jawbreaker from Tasha gives her the time to tag out to ASH, but ASH is immediately countered, Jody is tagged in and Tandem Stalling Suplex. The heels just look stupid in this match so far. Concierge finally makes himself useful and allows ASH to grab Jody’s hair and swing the momentum. Referee is getting spun around with all the people so Rosemary takes a short cut choking Jody in the heel corner while ASH tags in Heather and Jody is reeling. ANOTHER COMMERCIAL

The match started with a commercial and there’s been two during…sheesh. Jody is still getting worked over but this time by ASH, but I’m definitely no longer invested in this match. I’m just waiting for Tessa to show up. Rosemary tags in after ASH hits her Back Handspring Elbow, Rosemary tries to choke out Jody, Jody starts fighting back. She fights out of the heel corner, Rosemary tries to throttle her, perches her but Jody is still fighting off 4 people even though she’s been eating moves for like 6 minutes. Jordynne tags in, starts running over everyone, rocks her, Spicolli Driver with the pop, Sliding D for two. Juggernaut Driver is countered, World’s Strongest Slam into Vader Bomb but Tasha jumps off the top with a splash to break up the pinfall. Jordynne lays out Tasha with a Lariat, Masha tags in, Sambo strikes into a Capo Kick that has to be broken up by Rosemary. Signature spam moment, so we’re either gonna get a finish or Tessa to just show up and no contest the world. Tasha Okurrr on Jordynne to force her to powder but Masha is lying in wait, Roundhouse Kick into Requiem, Masha gets the pinfall.

Tessa attacks Jordynne only from behind and then the heels go after the other three with Rosemary green misting Masha. Tessa ties Jordynne’s gym bag around her neck, drags her to the door and throws her out ala Buff Bagwell and Booker T. Tessa says she’s gonna take HER locker room back. 

Overall Score: 7.25/10

Even though there wasn’t a lot of wrestling, the segments were actually pretty fantastic. Ryan’s new gimmick could get old quick, but it’s so pathetically addictive to hate and mock; I love the hell out of it. Ace and Moose have some great chemistry so that should be a great match, Kaz with Leon Slater and the Dango cameo was good stuff and I’m a big Tessa fan. So as I said for Final Resolution, if she’s really trying to become a better person and made amends, she deserves a second chance and I’ve missed her in American wrestling shows. Rascalz against The Hardyz also makes obvious sense, I can’t imagine a world where Rascalz win, but it should be a fun match and maybe build a good angle. Santana going through the Northern Armoury could be fantastic also, so it gives something to look forward to next week.

Honestly I didn’t even realize there were only three matches until we got to the main event because the show was such a fun and easy watch.

So all things considered, I’d call this a damn good start to 2025. Plus Ace vs Kushida is easily in the MOTY conversation right now (yes it’s mostly humour since its only the second).

Happy New Year from ROH!

It’s a New Year, but will there be new champions? Red Velvet defends her ROH Women’s World TV Championship against the towering HANAKO!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• ROH Women’s World Television Championship: Red Velvet VS HANAKO; Velvet wins and retains the title.
• Rocky Romero & Homicide VS Lio Rush & Action Andretti; Lio & Action win.
• Harley Cameron VS Ashley Vox; Harley wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Shane Taylor Promotions VS The Dark Order & The Iron Savages; STP wins.
• ROH Rewind – Death Before Dishonor 2023, ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Willow Nightingale; Athena wins and retains the title.
• ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground: Komander VS QT Marshall; Time Limit Draw, QT earns a future title opportunity.

PLAY BY PLAY

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

While The Chef survived a LEGIT challenger in Leyla Hirsch, she must now find a way to overcome Stardom’s 181 Centimeter Wonder Tower! Can Velvet stay hot even into the New Year? Or will she end up eating an L?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who tastes sweet victory!

The Code of Honor is upheld, though barely by Velvet. The bell rings, the fans rally up, and Velvet taunts Hanako by flexing. Velvet calls for a Test of Strength, but then she keeps switching hands on Hanako. She even makes it a smooth pop ‘n’ lock. Hanako then returns the favor by taunting Velvet over height. The fans applaud but Velvet resets with Hanako. They tie up, Velvet waistlocks then headlocks, then spins through to hammerlock. Hanako reaches back to headlock and she thrashes Velvet. Velvet wrenches out, wristlocks, then talks trash. Hanako slips the hold up and over to wristlock back!

Velvet rolls, kips up, wrenches and then breaks the wristlock so she can stir it up! The fans are torn but Hanako SHOVES Velvet! Velvet uses ropes as defense and the ref has Hanako stay back. Velvet and Hanako reset and tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Velvet headlocks but Hanako powers up! Velvet holds on tight but then Hanako powers out. They RAM shoulders and Hanako eggs Velvet on. Velvet runs and RAMS Hanako, but Hanako stays put! Hanako eggs Velvet on again, but Velvet pie faces Hanako! The fans boo but Hanako frowns. Hanako runs, but into a mule kick! Might’ve been a superkick but Velvet can’t reach that high.

Velvet mocks the fans, runs, but Hanako CLOBBERS her! The fans fire up as Hanako scoops Velvet, but Velvet slips free! Velvet kicks low, fires a forearm, but Hanako blocks the whip! Velvet kicks low, whips again, but Hanako reverses. Velvet ducks ‘n’ dodges and leaps, but Hanako catches her! Hanako pops Velvet around for the SLAM! The fans cheer as Hanako then runs, but Velvet hurries out of the ring! The fans boo but Velvet says she’s not getting hit by that splash! The fans duel as Hanako pursues, Velvet leads her on a cat ‘n’ mouse game! They get in the ring, and Velvet runs up to CHOP BLOCK!

Velvet taunts Hanako and stomps the bad leg. Velvet bumps Hanako off buckles, then she puts the leg in the ropes. Velvet pulls on the leg, but she lets go as the ref counts. Velvet throws body shots and even punches the leg! The ref counts, Velvet lets off, and she tells fans to shut up. Velvet returns but Hanako CLOBBERS her! Velvet gets up to dropkick legs out! Velvet pushes Hanako down, then drags her back up. Velvet puts Hanako in a corner, bumps her off buckles, then drags her to the corner! The fans rally but Velvet “gets a taste” before she SWINGS the leg into the post! Hanako writhes while Velvet fixes her hair.

Velvet then SWINGS the bad leg into the post again! The ref reprimands but Velvet steps inside. Velvet tells the fans that she’s only gonna break their hearts, so don’t bother cheering. Velvet then drags Hanako up, CLUBS her, then CLUBS her again. Velvet tells off a rather sassy fan, but Hanako blocks the suplex! Velvet CLUBS away on Hanako, then brings her around, but Hanako suplexes first! Stall and then SLAM! The fans fire up while Hanako hobbles to a corner. Hanako aims, Velvet runs up, but Hanako ELBOWS her! Velvet scowls, tells fans to “SUCK IT!” but then Hanako BOOTS her! Velvet staggers back up and Hanako CLOBBERS her!

Hanako BOOTS Velvet again, then fires up! Hanako fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Velvet flounders to a corner, Hanako runs corner to corner, SPLASH! Hanako whips Velvet, runs corner to corner again, SPLASH! Hanako snapmares Velvet for the SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Hanako fires up. Hanako torture racks Velvet but Velvet flails! Velvet grabs ropes, Hanako YANKS her away, but then Velvet slips free! Velvet staggers, Hanako runs up, but Velvet drop toeholds her onto ropes! The fans boo but Velvet runs to DOUBLE KNEE! Velvet digs her knees in, tells fans off more, then flips them off!

Velvet YANKS Hanako from ropes, then STIR IT UP! Cover, TWO?!? Hanako survives the kick and Velvet is seething. Velvet drags Hanako up, tells the fatties to shut up, but Hanako fires elbows! Hanako fireman’s carries, and has the HUNGARIAN BACKBREAKER STRETCH! Velvet endures, then CLAWS Hanako’s eyes! Hanako lets Velvet down, Velvet kicks the legs out! SUPERKICK! Velvet then dragon sleepers, STRAIGHT OUT THE KITCHEN! Cover, Velvet wins!

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

Velvet tells off the fans again, then holds up her title. Will the heat keep climbing until The Chef’s cooked this division?

Shane Taylor speaks.

“This is America. Land of the greedy, home of the corrupt. Where you’re not judged by the content of your character, but by the casualties you leave behind. Hell, in today’s day and age, people don’t care about how you rise to power, only what you do when you get there. They don’t even think about the bodies that you had to step on along the way. Gone are the days of the warriors, the true warriors, who stood toe to toe, went blow for blow, with the best, at their best. To figure out one simple question: Who’s the baddest? Until now. Shane Taylor Promotions, we ain’t running from nobody, we ain’t ducking nobody, and we damn sure ain’t afraid to go to war.

“You think you got what it takes to fight the baddest fight team in the wrestling business? Be our guest. We’ll win the fight, and then we’ll win the crown. Rumble, bad man, rumble.” STP is ready for anyone and everyone, so who will they go through to reach the top of the mountain?

Rocky Romero & Homicide VS Lio Rush & Action Andretti!

The Rottweilers are reunited and looking good, but they’re running up against the #1 contenders to the AEW World Tag Team Champions. Will Azucar and the Notorious 187 prove they could be next in line? Or will The Bad Child & Sight to See make this the Final Hour?

The Code of Honor is offered, but neither side really wants to. Homicide goes to the corner but Rocky keeps trying. Lio accepts, the bell rings, and then Lio kicks low! Lio DECKS Rocky, throws more hands, but fans boo. Lio brings Rocky up, CLUBS him back down, then talks trash on Homicide. Lio whips, Rocky reverses, but Lio stops, redirects, then baits Rocky in. Rocky runs up into BOOTS, then Action tags in. Action CLOBBERS Rocky, but Homicide avoids the cheap shot! Action talks trash, Homicide storms in, and the ref keep Homicide back. But then Rocky rolls Action! TWO, and Rocky CHOPS!

Rocky scoops Action to SLAM him, then he wrenches an arm. Tag to Homicide but Action scrambles away. Tag to Lio, but then the team talks strategy. Homicide is annoyed but the ref has him stay inside. The fans rally up with Homicide, but Lio & Action tell him to shut up. Lio slides in, then things speed up. Lio redirects, redirects, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then gets around. Homicide fights the waistlock, wrenches, but Lio slips around to SLAP Homicide on the head! The fans boo but Lio talks trash. Homicide takes the headbands off, and he SLAPS Action! Then he SMACKS Lio! Tag to Rocky and the fans rally up.

Rocky & Homicide double whip and double shoulder tackle! Homicide taunts Action, Rocky ROCKS Lio. Rocky whips corner to corner, runs up, and the fans fire up for the LARIAT! Rocky then hits TWO-EVER! Then THRE- NO, Lio dodges and CLAWS Rocky’s face! Tag to Action, they mug Rocky, then they double suplex! Rocky fights that, though, and fires off kicks! Rocky runs, but Action ‘n’ Lio crisscross to confuse him! Lio spins Rocky for Action to kick, knee lift, and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires off fast hands, then ROCKS Rocky! Action mule kicks Rocky, then he and Lio DOUBLE FALCON ARROW!

The fans boo but Action BLASTS Homicide off the corner! Homicide gets mad and he throws a chair! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands. Lio drags Rocky to the corner, he and Action mug Azucar, but the ref counts. Action digs his boots in, then he soaks up the heat from Hammerstein Ballroom. Action stomps Rocky more, then he tags Lio. Lio & Action double whip Rocky while fans rally. DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Lio clamps on with a facelock to grind Rocky. Rocky fights up, reaches for his corner, but Lio shoves him and DROPKICKS him! Lio then gets Rocky up to wrench, and he tags in Action. Action CLUBS the arm!

Action puts Rocky in an open corner, and he wraps the arm around ropes. Action digs his boots in, then lets off to taunt Homicide. The fans boo but Action CHOPS Rocky. Tag to Lio, he and Action stomp Rocky more, then Lio tags Action back in. Action drags Rocky up for him and Lio to double wrench and double back suplex! But Rocky lands out! Rocky puts Lio on the apron, dodges Action, and Action hits Lio! Action hurries to stop Rocky but Rocky crawls! Action drags Rocky back, ducks the enzigiri, but not the HEEL KICK! Hot tag to Homicide! The fans fire up as Homicide rallies on Action with big hands!

Homicide RAMS into Action at the corner, and RAMS him again and again! Lio runs up to CLUB Homicide! Lio whips, Homicide reverses, and then Homicide catches Lio for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Action kicks Homicide, mocks Latino Heat, but it’s Homicide who snap suplexes! Uno Amigo! Dos Amigos! Then right to THREE AMIGOS! The fans fire up and Homicide covers, TWO! Action survives but Homicide rallies the fans. Homicide drags Action up but Action mule kicks! Action runs, but Homicide catches him, spins him, but Action denies the cutter! Homicide ducks the roundhouse to CUTTER! Cover, Lio breaks it!

The fans boo but Lio runs up to fire hands! Lio has Homicide in a corner, but Rocky fires hands on Lio! The fans rally, Rocky whips but Lio reverses. Rocky reverses back, and he STOPS Rush Hour! Rocky shoves Lio to the apron but Lio ROCKS Rocky! Lio slingshots, but Rocky DECKS him! Lio is on the outside, Rocky runs up to PLANCHA! Lio dodges, goes up the apron, ASAI MOONSAULT! Both men are down on the outside and the fans fire up! Homicide rises and he brings out the FORK! The fans fire up as Homicide puts some stank on it! Homicide runs up, Action dodges, and the fork gets stuck in the buckle pad!

The ref reprimands, but Homicide blocks a low blow! The ref is busy with the fork while the two fight for control, and Action LOW BLOWS after all!! Cover, Lio & Action win!!

Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall

Homicide wanted to take a bite out of Action, but Action decided to stoop to new lows! Action says to take a good look, because they’ll be the NEW AEW World Tag Team Champions! Will Lio & Action grab the gold? Or will Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make sure the party doesn’t stop?

ROH shares footage from after Final Battle.

The Sons of Texas regrouped backstage after successfully defending the ROH World Tag Team Championships. Dustin Rhodes asks Sammy Guevara how he’s doing, and Sammy says, “Been better.” Dustin thanks Sammy, Sammy thanks Dustin. They are on a roll! Undefeated as a tag team! And at the start, it was questionable, Dustin has just been burned so many times. But when Dustin saw Sammy for the first time today, him coming around the corner in these blue jeans with “DREAM” on the leg, that floored Dustin. It struck a nerve. From then on, Dustin knew this was their night, because Sammy was 110% behind him.

And that is what it was about: That cowbell that Dusty gave Dutch. This has come together amazingly. They went out there and did what they said they would. Dustin could not be happier, or prouder. They hug it out and Dustin says Sammy has grown as a man so much. Their chemistry is off the charts. Sammy says yeah, he’s not the same kid with the panda on his head. Yeah, no. Sammy is doing great, Dustin appreciates him. They are undefeated here! Dustin does have two titles, too. Undefeated team, undefeated trio, from Wembley to Hammerstein, and now to the Tokyo Dome!

Dustin says that’s right. They saw that video from the House of Torture. Do they really want a piece of this? The Natural, the Spanish God, the Sons of Texas! Do they really want a shot at the ROH World Tag Team Champions in the Tokyo Dome? Well, Dustin & Sammy agreed, that if Sho & Kanemaru want that shot, they’ll get that shot. See you at WrestleDynasty! The Sons of Texas are headed for the Land of the Rising Sun, but will they return still undefeated?

Backstage interview with Red Velvet.

Lexy Nair congratulates The Chef on retaining the ROH Women’s TV title, but she wants to take us back to Final Battle. Velvet retained the title there, but with questionable tactics. Why did she do what she did? Velvet says, “Why? Why? Por que, por que, por que?” She is starting to get real tired of everyone asking her why! Should we run it back to the old tapes? Everyone is acting like what she did isn’t the same stuff as- Wait, Leyla Hirsch storms in, and she’s asking what the hell? Lexy leaves so Velvet can ask Leyla, “What?” Leyla says she gets it. In the past, she did Velvet dirty. Oh yeah she did.

But Leyla has matured! At Final Battle, Velvet had to cheat because she knows deep down that she couldn’t beat Leyla. Velvet smirks and says yeah, she gets it, too. Leyla doesn’t give up. But Velvet likes that. So if Leyla wants another shot, she can have it. But this time, it’ll be on Velvet’s time. Velvet pushes past Leyla, when and where will The Chef choose to cook Leyla?

8 Man Tag: Shane Taylor Promotions VS The Dark Order & The Iron Savages!

The man himself said it doesn’t matter how you get power, only what you do when you get power. Then will he, Lee Moriarty and The Infantry storm up the ranks until they’re reigning over all of ROH? Or can Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds, Bulk Bronson & Beefcake Boulder send them on a detour?

Well, speaking of, Jacked Jameson has the mic as he leads the way out, and he wants us all to rumble about this! He gives introductions for himself and the Iron Savages. Jameson says STP reminds him of Santa’s reindeers: On Low T, on Meat Rider, on Wussy, on Wimp! Oh, hey, Trish. When you’re done playing with these elves and their little toys, come join the Savage Clauses to ride on their sleds! The Infantry gets mad but Shane has them stand down. Jameson says they’re livin’ hoss, sippin’ sauce, and taking all of STP to #TiddyCity! Then The Dark Order make their entrance, with Johnny Hungy as their cornerman given the beat up hamstring.

The teams sort out and #TAIGASTYLE starts against Reynolds. The fans rally as the two circle, and the two tie up. Reynolds waistlocks, Lee switches and he SLAMS Reynolds down. The fans rally while Lee gator rolls to a cover, ONE! Lee has the arm but Reynolds rolls. Lee wrenches and wrangles Reynolds, but Reynolds kips up. Lee wrenches again, hooks Reynolds, and brings him around just to flex. Reynolds fights but Lee arm-drags him away. Reynolds comes back, Lee sidesteps but Reynolds turns hip toss into takedown! Cover, ONE, and Lee has the ghost pin! TWO, both men scramble to their feet.

Lee baits Reynolds with a call for the knuckle lock, but then he goes for a leg. Reynolds steps over the takedown to then roll Lee up, but Lee rolls free! Reynolds DROPKICKS Lee and kips up again! The fans cheer while Lee flounders. Lee goes to the STP corner, Reynolds drops back to the #SavageOrder corner, and they each tag out. The fans rally up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Boulder and Bravo step up. Bravo runs up but into a choke grip! Bravo stomps a foot then ROLLING ELBOWS! Boulder stays up, Bravo runs, but into a military press! Oh, the irony! Boulder SLAMS Bravo, then tags Bronson.

The Savages bring Bravo around, and time to visit TIDDY CITY~! The fans fire up but STP protest! Shawn Dean storms in, but he’s sent into TIDDY CITY~! Trish is furious, but then the Savages scoop Bravo & Dean! DOUBLE SLAM! The Savages fire up more, Bronson sits Bravo back up. Bravo sputters but Bronson runs, only for Trish to step in the way! Bravo JUMP PUNCHES Bronson! The fans boo but Bravo argues with the ref. Dean brings Bronson the apron for a CUTTER! Bravo goes to the apron now, for a GUILLOTINE KNEE! The fans duel while The Infantry talk trash on the “big ass b*tch.”

Bravo shoves Bronson in the ring, facelocks to keep him down, and then he tags Shane. Shane hauls Bronson up and to the corner. Shane shouts, “You wanna have fun ‘n’ games?” CHOP! Dean says Shane is a MAN right there! But Bronson fires haymakers! Shane ROCKS Bronson in return! Tag to Lee and STP mugs Bronson. The fans are torn, the ref counts, but Lee sneaks mule kicks while “apologizing” to the ref. Tag to Bravo and he digs his boot in. The ref counts, Bravo steps off, and he tags in Dean. The Infantry gets Bronson up, but Bronson fights with forearms and elbows! The Infantry throw Bronson back!

Bronson stands, but into a clinch, wrench, and DOUBLE BACKBREAKER! Dean covers, Uno breaks it! The fans cheer but Dean keeps Bronson down. Dean drags Uno up, tags Bravo back in, and Infantry double whip. Body shot, sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bravo runs up, but Bronson scoops him! PILEDRIVER onto Dean! Bronson crawls away from The Infantry, Bravo crawls to the corner, hot tags to Uno and Lee! Uno dodges Lee, BLASTS Shane, then BOOTS Lee! Uno keeps moving and he LARIATS! And CHOPS! Uno whips, Lee reverses but Uno ducks ‘n’ dodges! BOOT! Then DDT! The fans fire up with Uno as he brings Lee back up.

Uno suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lee is tougher than that but Uno stays close. Uno brings Lee up but Lee wrenches and TWEAKS the arm! Uno staggers back, Boulder tags in. The Infantry run up but into Boulder’s big mitts! The Infantry double kick, then run, but into DOUBLE SOMETHING WICKED!! Boulder upgrades Uno’s move to extra large, but now Shane storms in! The fans fire up for this “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Boulder and Shane circle, the straps come down, and Boulder eggs Shane on. Shane ROCKS Boulder! But Boulder stays up! Boulder scoops Shane!! And POWERSLAMS HIM!!

The fans go nuts as Boulder stands tall! Tag to Bronson and he climbs up! The Savages combine their power, SAVAGE SPLASH!! Cover, Lee breaks it! The fans fire up but Boulder runs up! Lee DUMPS Boulder out, Infantry POSTS him! Lee swings on Reynolds but Reynolds wrenches him for a ROLLING ELBOW! Lee tumbles out of the ring but Reynolds slides! Lee dodges and wrangles Reynolds! BORDER CITY STRETCH on the floor! Uno storms in, The Infantry intercept, but Uno fires fast hands on them both! The fans rally up as Uno ROCKS and CHOPS and then SMACKS Infantry into each other!

Uno fires up, runs, but Shane distracts the ref and Trish trips Uno up! The fans boo but then Shane blocks Uno’s kick! Shane shoves Uno down, and the Infantry hit the DOUBLE TAP! Tag to Lee and he clamps on the BORDER CITY STRETCH!! Uno endures, but he TAPS! STP wins!

Winners: Shane Taylor Promotions, by submission

It was chaotic, but the baddest team in ROH used that to their advantage! Will nothing and no one stop them from taking everything ROH has?

ROH Rewind – ROH Women’s World Championship: Athena VS Willow Nightingale!

At this time, The Fallen Goddess was 31-0 in ROH, and 49-1 overall because the Babe with the Power beat her in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament! This was the make-or-break tiebreaker, witness this classic chapter in Athena’s reign!

The introductions are made, the ROH title is raised, and we see who truly has the power!

Fans chant “NEW CHAMP!” and “Let’s Go, Willow!” and that upsets Athena. The Code of Honor is barely upheld, and the bell rings. The two circle but then Athena bails out. Fans boo but Athena is taking her time, given she has Champion’s Advantage. Willow calls Athena a chicken, so Athena storms up to the apron. Athena steps in, she and Willow circle, and the fans are all on Willow’s side. They tie up, Willow powers Athena to a corner, but then Athena powers her back. They go along the ropes and Willow has Athena in another corner. Athena powers out but Willow arm-drags her away!

Athena scrambles to a corner and Willow storms up after her. The ref has Willow stay back, and Athena stands up. They tie up again, Willow wrenches and wristlocks but Athena rolls and flips to arm-drag back! Willow is right up to arm-drag again! Athena ducks ‘n’ dodges, but so does Willow, and dropkicks cancel out! Fans fire up as the two reset. They approach and they both throw forearms! And again! And again! They go back and forth with big shots, and Willow gets the edge! Willow whips but Athena reverses, only for Willow to cartwheel and ENZIGURI! Fans fire up, Willow hauls Athena up, snap suplex! Una Amiga!

Willow snap suplexes again, Dos Amigas! But Athena cradle counters the third, TWO! Willow has it, TWO! Athena slips around, crucifix takedown, TWO! Willow keeps Athena, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Willow keeps her cool. Willow goes out to the apron to fetch Athena. Willow fires forearms but Athena ROCKS her back! And again! Willow swings, misses, and Athena POSTS her! Then APRON BACK SUPLEXES! Willow flops off and her parents are a little concerned seeing this from ringside. Athena rolls into the ring and demands a count out!

The ref counts, the fans boo, but Willow’s family coaches her up. Willow drags herself up and in and Athena stomps Willow to a corner. Athena fires forearms, ROCKS Willow, and then BOOTS her! Willow slumps and Athena DOUBLE KNEES! Athena goes corner to corner as Willow sputters, and Athena runs back in to UPPERCUT! Snapmare and KICK! Then Athena clamps on a chinlock! Willow endures and fans rally up but Athena grins as she shifts to almost a Bully Choke! Willow fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Athena falls over, Willow SENTONS but misses! Athena grins as she storms back up and RAMS Willow into buckles!

Fans rally for Willow but Athena digs her boots in! The ref counts, Athena lets off but then digs a knee in! The ref counts more, Athena lets off again and shouts at the ref to back off. Willow staggers up, and she POUNCES Athena! Fans fire up with Willow, and she rallies on Athena with clotheslines! Athena flounders, Willow runs in and BACK BODY BLOCKS! And clotheslines! And whips, to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Athena is still in this and Willow grows frustrated. Fans rally for Willow and she stalks Athena. Willow drags Athena up, CHOPS her, but Athena CHOPS back! Willow CHOPS again!

Athena and Willow CHOP back and forth and fans fire up! Athena blocks to SOBAT, front kick, and FOREARM! Willow staggers to a corner, Athena roars and runs in to FOREARM SMASH! Snapmare and CALF KICK to the back of the head! Athena gets Willow up, CLIFFHANGER CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Athena is beside herself as Willow survives! Fans fire up as Athena and Willow rise. Athena runs in but Willow dumps her out! Athena still drags Willow out to join her, but Willow fights the suplex with elbows! Athena drops off the apron, and Willow CROSSBODIES her down!

Fans fire up with Willow and she drags Athena up. To APRON POWERBOMB! And then fireman’s carry, but Athena slips free! Athena shoves then SHOTGUNS Willow down! Willow sits up against the steel steps, her parents and family rally for her, but Athena runs in! Willow dodges and Athena smashes steps! Willow runs in to CANNONBALL against the steps! Fans fire up, Willow puts Athena in and covers, TWO!! Athena survives and Willow grows frustrated but the fans rally up to encourage her. Willow stands, paces around Athena, and drags her up. Willow suplexes but Athena fights, to GOURDBUSTER!

Willow ducks the superkick to roll Athena up! TWO!! Athena ENZIGURIS! Willow falls and fans boo but Athena cheers herself. STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO and Willow sits up with Athena! Willow rolls to her feet, pops Athena around, SMASH MOUTH!! Shoutout to Sumie Sakai! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Willow stalks Athena to a corner. Willow CHOPS Athena, then goes corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Athena goes up, leaps, and FLYING RANAS! But Willow is right up to BOOT! And then underhooks, lift, and ROYAL BUTTERFLY! Cover, TWO!! Athena survives and Willow can’t believe it!

Fans rally up harder than ever and Willow drags Athena up. Willow reels Athena in, gut wrenches, but Athena grabs a leg to block! Athena wrenches, holds Willow’s arm up, and punches her in the rib! Athena then BOOTS, and CRAVAT DRIVERS! Cover, TWO!!! Athena is beside herself as Willow survives! “This is Awesome!” as Athena scowls and powers up her hand. Willow stands, Athena runs in, but Willow dodges the haymaker to reel Athena in, SWINGING DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! Athena survives but Willow fires up! Fans are thunderous as Athena goes to another corner. Willow runs in, but Athena sends her into buckles!

Athena blocks the boot, puts it on ropes, and ROCKS Willow! Athena puts the other leg on the ropes, and she fires off forearms! Athena climbs up and reels Willow in, OBLITERATION!!! Athena drags Willow to a stack cover, only to DEADLIFT SITOUT POWERBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!??!?! Willow survives and Athena is going nuts! The fans are thunderous for Willow and that angers Athena more! Athena goes to a corner, climbs up top, and she grins as she prepares her move. Willow stands, and ROCKS Athena first! Fans fire up as Willow fires shot after shot, then climbs up after Athena! Fireman’s carry, SUPER DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!

Willow crawls to the cover, TWO!!!! Athena survives by nanoseconds and fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” But it has to end sometime, the PPV doesn’t go forever! Athena flounders her way to the apron and slumps to the floor. Athena stands, Willow pursues! Willow keeps Athena from going up the steps! Athena throat chops! And then fireman’s carries! WASTELAND SLAM to the floor! And then Athena RAMS Willow into steel steps! Athena puts Willow back in, climbs up again, and Willow staggers around. O-FACE!!! Cover, TWO?!??!?!? HOW?!?!? Athena throws a fit while Trenton is volcanic!

Athena pulls at her hair and bites her nails as she tries to figure out what she has to do! Fans are loving that “WOMEN’S WRESTLING!” is the main event, but Athena argues with the ref about the count! She can’t understand how that wasn’t three! But Willow rolls her up! And rolls her through, to a gut wrench, BABE WITH THE POWERBOMB!!!! Cover, TWO!??!?!? Now Willow can’t believe it!! Fans want her to try again, so Willow drags Athena back up. But Willow also puts Athena up top? Willow goes up after Athena, reels her in, but Athena holds ropes! Willow CLUBS away on Athena!

Athena DECKS Willow! And adjusts, for the O FACE!!!! And CROSSFACE!!!! Willow flails, endures, powers back to a cover, TWO!! CROSSFACE!! Willow reaches out, Athena grabs a leg to keep it from ropes!! Willow fights around again, pulls Athena along, but Athena just keeps on the hold! Willow is fading!! Fans are thunderous but Willow is OUT!!! ATHENA WINS!!!

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

A powerful showdown between two legends-in-the-making, and they will meet again this Sunday in the Tokyo Dome! Athena, Willow, Persephone and Momo Watanabe will all battle in a Fatal 4 Way, who will be the winner of the inaugural International Women’s Cup?

ROH World Television Championship Proving Ground: Komander w/ Alex Abrahantes VS QT Marshall!

Going from the Hammerstein Ballroom to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, the Commander of the Skies takes on “Big Doom QT!” If QT can win here, or even just last ten minutes, he will earn himself a title match for somewhere down the line. Will QT indeed bring that DOOM? Or will nothing stop Komander now that he’s shining with ROH gold?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and we’re on the clock. The fans chant, “QT SUCKS! QT SUCKS!” but QT bails out just to get some stretches in. QT knows time is on his side, but not the ring count. QT steps back in at 4 of 10, circles with Komander, but then bails out before even making a full circle. QT mockingly asks if we’re wrestling or doing gymnastics. The ref and Abrahantes tell QT to get in the ring, and QT says now he’s ready. QT steps into the ring, and mockingly claps along with the fans as they rally up. QT and Komander circle, but then QT bails out again! The fans boo, but then Komander WRECKS QT with a dropkick!

The fans fire up as Komander storms out to fire hands on QT! Komander ROCKS QT, puts him in the ring, but QT kicks low. QT UPPERCUTS and Komander wobbles! QT whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then RANA! QT tumbles, stands up, but Komander DROPKICKS him again! Cover, TWO! QT goes to a corner but Komander storms up. Komander SPLASHES, then CHOPS! The fans fire up, Komander eggs QT on, but QT kicks low! QT CHOPS Komander in return! Komander grits his teeth but QT swings again. Komander dodges to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Komander whips, QT reverses, but Komander goes up, only for QT to KICK him out of the air!

The fans boo but QT soaks up the heat. QT stomps Komander but fans again chant, “QT SUCKS!” QT stands Komander up to scoop and SLAM! QT “runs” the ropes to then drop a knee! Cover, ONE!! Komander is tougher than that, QT tells Abrahantes to shut up with the cheering, but Abrahantes still coaches Komander with, “Vamos! Vamos!” QT stands Komander up but Komander KICKS, CHOPS, and ROCKS him! Komander runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Komander writhes but QT takes his time catching his breath. Cover, TWO! QT drags Komander to ropes, and covers with feet on the ropes!

The ref doesn’t see that so Abrahantes shoves QT’s feet off the ropes! The fans cheer but QT warns Abrahantes! Abrahantes says it won’t go down like that, QT! QT clamps onto Komander and he pulls on the mask! The ref reprimands, the fans rally, and Komander fights up. Komander fires body shots but QT throws Komander down by the mask! The ref reprimands again, but QT storms over to CHOKE Komander! The ref counts, QT stops and flexes, but he’s also kneeling on Komander’s neck! Cover, TWO! QT drags Komander into a chinlock and he grinds Komander down. The fans rally again as Komander endures.

Komander fights up, fires body shots, but QT CLUBS him down. QT drags Komander up, reels him in, and he suplexes. Komander slips around to SLEEPER! And then the FLOATING COBRA! The hold Komander’s been using on everyone lately, but QT fights to go to a corner! QT RAMS Komander into buckles and is free, but Komander BOOTS him! Komander whips, QT reverses, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls to go up for a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up and Komander KICKS, KICKS, and knuckle locks! Komander CHOPS, CHOPS, then goes up, up, jumps around, and FLYING RANAS!

The fans fire up as QT tumbles out! Komander builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! Asheville fires up for Komander as he hurries to put QT in the ring. Komander climbs a corner, but QT stands! Komander leaps over, comes back, but QT POP-UP FOREARMS! QT then suplexes, but ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO!! Komander survives and QT is shocked! QT drags Komander up, puts him in a corner, then hauls him to the top. QT CHOPS Komander, climbs up, and he calls his shot! The fans boo but QT has the cravat, only for Komander to fire body shots! Komander then climbs up to FLIP AND SUPER STEINER!

The fans fire up while QT tumbles out again. Komander runs, but QT ducks! Komander stops, adjusts course, triangle jump PLANCHA! QT dodges and Komander tumbles! QT SUPERKICKS Komander, then brings him into the ring. QT then SUCKER PUNCHES Abrahantes! The fans boo but QT plays innocent. Komander knows what happened, and he runs up to go up, salute and ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and Komander puts QT in the ring! Komander checks Abrahantes, Abrahantes says to go get QT. Komander climbs, but he avoids QT! QT hits buckles, Komander springboards to FLYING DESTROYER!!

The fans are all fired up as Komander puts QT in a drop zone! Komander climbs, takes aim, tightrope walk and CIELITO… LINDO!! But QT tumbles out of the ring! Komander flounders, his own ribs bothering him, but then TIME’S UP!?!

Time Limit Draw; QT earns a future ROH World Television Championship match

Komander can’t believe it, but QT’s strategy worked out! QT played for time, and he used up the ten minutes to get the “win!” Will QT soon become the Face of ROH TV when he brings the DOOM?

My Thoughts:

A great ROH with it clocking in at an even 90 minutes flat, and technically less time with the ROH Rewind. Thankfully it was a match I’ve covered, and it was a great selection in Athena VS Willow from Death Before Dishonor 2023. I still think Athena should win the International Women’s Cup to then aim for an AEW title, but again, this was in a timeline where Athena lost the ROH Women’s World Championship to Billie Starkz. A little surprised they didn’t address Athena dumping Lexy from Team MIT, but I guess Athena had to get going on her trip to Japan. Though, Lexy was here, she and Billie could’ve talked about it “behind Athena’s back.”

Very good ROH Women’s World TV Championship match from Velvet VS Hanako, but it was dragged down a bit by Velvet responding to the ruder fans. Though, I suppose a Heel would be the kind to mouth off to fans… Well, very good showing for Hanako and solid win for Velvet, and we also got a good promo from Velvet and Leyla. Their rematch will be great, just like Final Battle, but hard to say Velvet loses there. Very good tag match from Rocky & Homicide VS Lio & Action, though Homicide was maybe a little unsure at times what was what. Good Heel win for Lio & Action, though, and they’ve got momentum going into Collision, but I would think Private Party retains the tag titles.

Good stuff from Harley and Ashley but of course Harley won that. I hope TK hasn’t forgotten Harley’s story with Rachael Ellering, those two need time to actually do things in the ring together. Great promo from Shane Taylor and a great 8 Man Tag from Shane Taylor Promotions against Dark Order & Iron Savages. While the Savages have played Heel, STP are clearly the bigger Heels, and they win in a relatively Heelish way. Very good promo from Dustin & Sammy, they will most certainly get past Sho & Kanemaru at WrestleDynasty. Pretty sure Dustin & Sammy VS Infantry will happen next, or rather it should so that we can start seeing STP go for total domination in ROH.

And QT VS Komander being the main event seems solely because it was in Asheville as a Fight for the Fallen bonus, because Proving Ground matches are only 10 minutes max, that’s not enough to really be a main event. Good tactic from QT to run the clock out, but I feel like they need to have ring announcers announce the time at five minutes or something. I could not be sure that was a real ten minute match, but whatever, QT has the title match without beating Komander, and we’ll get something great out of a full match with these two.

My Score: 8.7/10