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<p>Ring of Honor Wrestling: 18th Anniversary Weekend - Night #2</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="thiqCaZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/thiqCaZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH: 18th Anniversary Weekend; Night #2 - Television Taping</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> With the successful first night of the Anniversary weekend providing the company with a new World Champion on the women’s side of the roster, as well as the group of competitors for the “Winner’s Group” of Honor League, the following night looked to continue the momentum with a TV Taping from the same venue. With the Honor League continuing over the next month, focus turned to “Supercard of Honor”, a huge event that will look to take advantage of WrestleMania weekend, using the opportunity to gain the attention of those fans who aren’t currently following the company.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Before then, there were a few more rounds of television to be recorded, and this began the night after the 18th Anniversary pay-per-view:</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Episode #1</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Jay Briscoe bt. Mistico -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Briscoe took out his frustrations over his Honor League defeat, and picked up a victory over the man who beat his brother last month.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">After the match, Jay was joined by Mark Briscoe, who appeared ready to continue to bring the pain to Mistico, before Dragon Lee & Rush came out to aid their brother. When the two teams faced off, The Briscoes took a cheap shot at the Tag Team Champions, and began laying into them. Looking to bring a Table into the ring, The Briscoes were clearly looking to take their rivals out, only to be stopped by the returning Bandido… and his tag team partner Flamita!</span></span><br /><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="GTrgc7q.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GTrgc7q.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9jSAkQs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9jSAkQs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p><br /></p></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Jonathan Gresham, Fred Yehi & PJ Black cut a promo on their relative failures in the Honor League, saying that they were determined to return to winning ways, against The Kingdom later in the night.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Madison Eagles’ Women of Honor World Championship victory was recapped via stills. A replay of the event was promoted, available on Honor Club. Later in the night, Madison Eagles cut a promo on becoming the Champion, while throwing some shade at the previous title holder. Kelly Klein came out, and went tit for tat with Madison Eagles, dropping her as Eagles had done previously, giving her a taste of her own medicine.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Flip Gordon bt. Mark Haskins -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> having been unable to pick up the victory in under 15 minutes when the pressure was on during the Honor League, Flip Gordon beat Mark Haskins. After the match, it was clear he was frustrated he was unable to do that when it mattered most.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Stills from the Honor League were shown, putting over Davey Richards’ victory over Matt Taven. Later, Jeff Cobb discussed his victory, and his determination to walk out of the “Winner’s Group” as ROH World Champion.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Kingdom bt. Fred Yehi, Jonathan Gresham & PJ Black -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Matt Taven managed to pin the Honor Club Champion for the second time in a month, as Jonathan Gresham’s partners walked out of him during the match. No reason was given for this, and even The Kingdom were surprised, as Fred Yehi and PJ Black abandoned Gresham.</span></span><br /></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Episode #2</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Opening the show, footage was shown of a conversation that took place between Dragon Lee & Rush and Bandido & Flamita, regarding the save that aired the previous week. Bandido & Flamita asked for the Tag Team title match that they were robbed of by injury at the end of last year, as a favour in return for last week’s save. Dragon Lee & Rush agreed, with the match airing straight after.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Bandido & Flamita bt. Dragon Lee & Rush © -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> suggestion was made that Rush’s mind was on the Honor League, with him juggling his World title ambitions, with those of remaining a Tag Team Champion. This was proved true during the course of the match, as he was taken out of contention. This left Dragon Lee to fight off both men alone, and he was eventually taken down by Bandido. </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><em>Bandido & Flamita become the new ROH World Tag Team Champions!</em></strong></span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Jonathan Gresham responded to the actions of Fred Yehi & PJ Black last week, baffled by their decision. He didn’t have any answer, and was quickly surrounded by The Kingdom. The three mocked him, with Matt Taven clearly having his eyes on the Honor Club Championship.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Brody King bt. Rhett Titus -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> A one sided match that saw Brody King’s singles run continue. King squashed Titus, barely breaking a sweat in the process. This would be Titus’ final match with the company.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">A fired up Kelly Klein demanded her rematch for the WOH World Championship… as soon as possible!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">The journeys of Jay Lethal and Jeff Cobb in the Honor League were shown during a video package. Next week, the “Winner’s Group” begins with Jay Lethal vs. Jeff Cobb.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Davey Richards bt. Mark Briscoe -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> equally as disgusted by Davey Richards’ return, Mark Briscoe could do nothing as Davey picked up another victory. Davey’s return continues to impress, but now out of the Honor League, Jay Briscoe jumped him from behind, laying him out with a Jay Driller to the outside. After the match, it was clear that Richards had seriously hurt his neck...</span></span><br /></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Episode #3</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Rush responded to suggestions that he had not been focussed on the Tag Team titles match last week, admitting he let his brother down. Despite that, he was still open about the fact that the Honor League had to be his main focus going forward.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Dalton Castle bt. Alex Shelley -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> a bit of a surprise win for Dalton Castle, he rolled Shelley up. After the match, Castle issued a somewhat out of the blue challenge, calling out ROH World Champion Jeff Cobb.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">From the doctor’s room after last week’s show, an interview with the hurt Davey Richards aired. He said that the time would come for his revenge on Jay Briscoe, but he won’t give him the satisfaction of taking his eye off the Honor League!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Madison Eagles accepted the challenge of Kelly Klein, and called on ROH management to make their WOH World Championship rematch official!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Tracy Williams bt. Josh Woods -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> the tough times continued for the youngster Woods, as he was beaten by the Lifeblood member.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><em>[Honor League]</em></strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Jay Lethal drew with Jeff Cobb -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> after pre-match promos, the two competitors gave their all, but couldn’t beat the clock. The new 20 minute time limit elapsed with no winner in sight, and as such the door was left wide open for Davey Richards and Rush to take pole position in the group...</span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black>With a number of solid matches, the positivity continued coming out of the Anniversary weekend. The next scheduled event would be “Honor Reigns Supreme”, an Honor Club exclusive from the Aberdeen Pavilion in Ontario, Canada. ROH would then cross back over the border, returning the following night with a television recording.</span></p>

ECW CyberSlam - Episode #19 Episode #19: <iframe width="745" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/exVd1cc0NlI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p>ECW.com Preview - Episode #19 of ECW CyberSlam</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Previous Episode: </strong></div></div></div></div><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zL8YSt8Imsk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #18: We Are The Champions. [TEW 2016]"></iframe></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> <hr color=black></div></div></div></div><img alt="CGlSRgL.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CGlSRgL.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> This week on ECW CyberSlam, CM Punk will make the first defence of his ECW Television Championship, as he faces off against the leader of “The Extreme Horsemen”, the “King of Pro-Wrestling”, Steve Corino. Corino defeated Sabu last month, with the help of C.W. Anderson and Stevie Richards, and will look for their help once again as he challenges for the TV Title. CM Punk was in the corner of Rob Van Dam & Sabu as they faced “The Enforcer” and “The Gatekeeper” last week, and will need them to return the favour in order to retain his title.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Beyond that, Paul Heyman’s apparent change of heart last week has caught the attention of the Originals, with him saying that his recent actions were done to “motivate and help the talent”. These claims have been met with suspicion, and while Tommy Dreamer will team with Brent Albright this week on CyberSlam, he will surely have something to say in response to the words of his former ally.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Elsewhere, The Hustle will look to move beyond their issues, with Xavier expected to follow the lead of the impressive Low-Ki from last week. After Low-Ki decisively defeated Balls Mahoney, Homicide called on Siaki & Xavier to step up to his level, and the latter will have the chance to do just that, as he faces Johnny Kashmere. With Championship action and two other huge matches scheduled for the show, </div></div></div></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow">ECW.com</a></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/WatchTheBookerman?sub_confirmation=1" rel="external nofollow"></a><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> is the only place to see this weeks, unmissable ECW CyberSlam!</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> <hr></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Match Card</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">ECW Television Championship Match</span></strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> CM Punk © vs. Steve Corino</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Johnny Kashmere vs. Xavier</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Brent Albright & Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke & Johnny Swinger</div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

ROH 18th Anniversary Show! Announcers: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman & Colt Cabana - Venue: Sam’s Town Live! Location: Las Vegas, Nevada<hr color=black> <hr color=black> Honor League - Group A Match #1 - Dalton Castle (0 points) vs. Dragon Lee (3 points) The Background: With Dalton Castle already eliminated, and Dragon Lee hoping for a slip up from Jeff Cobb in his match with Alex Shelley later, the pressure was on one half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions to keep his Honor League ambitions alive with a victory. Dalton Castle had nothing to lose, but would put Dragon Lee into last place with a win, based on the head to head standings. Castle has had problems with Dragon Lee and family for much of the last year, and would love the opportunity to gain some bragging rights over them with a win. The Result: Dalton Castle struggled throughout the match, with his frustration getting the better of him. In a move that would have seen him kicked out of the competition (following a review by the referee), had he still been in with a chance of winning it, Dalton Castle was intentionally DQ’d, shortly after throwing Lee from the top rope. The Reasoning: Dragon Lee’s victory keeps open the chance of a three way tie at the top of the group, and the potential of a play-off (due to the matched head to head records). This places extra interest in the Cobb/Shelley match later. Dalton Castle losing all three matches is not ideal, but his character and charisma means he is somebody who can lose without too much damage to his credibility. The DQ means that Castle hasn’t been pinned three times, and somewhat protects him as he stands tall following the match. The Aftermath: Dalton Castle continued his attack on Dragon Lee after the bell, taking out his frustrations re: the Honor League, as well as Lee and his brothers. While the attack didn’t last too long, it was brutal enough that Castle could stand over Lee, albeit not with his arm raised. [Jeff Cobb 6*, Dragon Lee 6, Alex Shelley 3*, Dalton Castle 0]<hr color=black>Jay Briscoe cut a promo on his match with Jay Lethal later in the evening, putting over his animosity towards the man who is joint top of Group B with him. Jay Briscoe said that Lethal teams with guys who claim to be the “Lifeblood” of ROH, and who say they’ll stand for what is right, but they were all suspiciously quiet when Davey Richards walked back into the company... Briscoe said Jay Lethal is nothing but a stooge, and is therefore complicit in Richards being allowed to return. That is a slap in the fact to the history of Ring of Honor, and - since he’s been here since day one - a direct slap in the face of Jay Briscoe!<hr color=black> Honor League - Group B Match #2 - Fred Yehi (0 points) vs. Tracy Williams (0 points) The Background: Having each been beaten by Lethal and Briscoe in Group B, Yehi and Williams were fighting for honor in this match, looking to sort themselves into third and fourth place. Both men had been frustrated with how the Honor League had gone so far, and had vowed to make sure that the quality of the match, more than made up for the fact there was nothing riding on it. The Result: Tracy Williams made Fred Yehi submit with a Crossface, securing his third place finish in Group B. The Reasoning: Tracy Williams is the one of the two I am slightly higher on, despite both being part of our long-term plans. With future storylines that are sketched out, Fred Yehi losing this match felt like the right move, and will add to the future direction of his character going forward, beyond the end of the Honor League. The Aftermath: Tracy Williams offered the handshake to Fred Yehi after the match, as had been customary throughout the Honor League. While they had followed the mandatory “Code of Honor” prior to the match, Fred Yehi was too frustrated to take part post-match, heading up the ramp and leaving Williams hanging. [Jay Briscoe 6*, Jay Lethal 6*, Tracy Williams 3, Fred Yehi 0]<hr color=black> Honor League - Group D Match #3 - Flip Gordon (4 points) vs. Mark Haskins (3 points) The Background: Coming into the match, Flip Gordon, Mark Haskins and Rush could still win Group D, and while a draw would send Flip to the top of the group, it would open the door for Rush to take top spot. For Mark Haskins the match was must win, anything else and he would be eliminated from the Honor League. Despite enjoying much control of his match with Rush earlier in the tournament, Flip Gordon was unable to show the cutting edge to pick up the win. In this match, he’d have to show that killer instinct. The Result: Flip Gordon and Mark Haskins went to a 15 minute time-limit, with both competitors coming close to victory on a number of occasions. The Reasoning: This result keeps the group open, with Flip Gordon in top spot, but by only a single point. As a result, Rush’s match with PJ Black later becomes a high pressure situation for Rush. While a draw will be enough to take him joint top with Gordon, Rush will be looking to take the group outright. Mark Haskins ends on a creditable 4 points from 3 matches, and the suggestion that Flip Gordon lacks a ruthless streak gains traction with another draw. The Aftermath: Both men were frustrated following the match, having both missed a golden opportunity to go clear at the top of Group D. The commentators put over that while Flip Gordon was top “as it stands”, the group is now in the hands of Rush! [Flip Gordon 5, Rush 4*, Mark Haskins 4, PJ Black 0*]<hr color=black> Honor League - Group C Match #4 - Davey Richards (6 points) vs. Matt Taven (6 points) The Background: The first group deciding match of the evening, the two top ranked Group C competitors had each defeated Jonathan Gresham and Josh Woods in the build up to the match. Matt Taven has continued to prove doubters wrong, a chip on his shoulder developing due to the lack of respect shown to the former World Champion. This in contrast to Davey Richards, who has returned with a lot of hype. Taven promised that he’d prove himself in the Honor League, and will have to beat Richards to take his place in the “Winner’s Group”. Davey Richards’ mind has been solely on the Honor League since his return at Final Battle, where he defeated Jay Briscoe. Despite Briscoe’s issues with him, Richards has not allowed anything to take focus from the goal of becoming ROH World Champion, and he could take a step closer to that with a victory over Taven. The Result: Davey Richards secured his place as the winner of Group C, and his advancement to the “Winner’s Group”, with a convincing victory over Matt Taven. At one point, Taven looked content to try and see out the time limit and tie Group C, but couldn’t hold out when he was locked in the Ankle Lock by Richards. Davey Richards wins Group C; advances to Honor League “Winner’s Group”! The Reasoning: Davey Richards was always going to win his group, and certainly couldn’t afford to be beat by Matt Taven this early into his return. Taven was built up through his victories over Jonathan Gresham and Josh Woods, but there was little belief he’d defeat Richards. Nonetheless it gave Richards somebody to overcome, and sets him as a serious threat to Jeff Cobb’s title, going into the “Winner’s Group”. The Aftermath: Davey Richards stood tall after the match, focussed on the task ahead. The commentators put over that half of the night’s “Honor League” matches were over, and 3 groups were still open to multiple winners! [Davey Richards 9, Matt Taven 6, Jonathan Gresham 0*, Josh Woods 0*]<hr color=black>Coming between those Honor League matches, the commentators turned attention to the upcoming Women of Honor World Championship match, airing an interview with Kelly Klein. During the interview, Klein put over the challenge of the talented and respected Madison Eagles, but said that she’d face big challenges before… and walked out as WOH World Champion!<hr color=black> ROH Women of Honor World Championship Match #5 - Kelly Klein © vs. Madison Eagles The Background: Stealing the thunder of Kelly Klein at Final Battle, Madison Eagles made her ROH debut, taking down the longest-reigning - and only two time - World Champion in Women of Honor history. Kelly Klein had just defeated Mercedes Martinez, and understably took the incident as a huge sign of disrespect. Things went from bad to worse, as Kelly Klein called out Eagles, only to be laid out once again by the newcomer. Klein appeared to be out for vengeance when she confronted Madison later in the month, but instead had a simple message. If Eagles wanted a shot at the Champion, then she’d get it! The Result: Kelly Klein had expected a tough challenge from Madison Eagles, the latest of a number of established names looking to take her Championship. Where Nicole Savoy and Mercedes Martinez had failed, Madison Eagles succeeded, pinning Kelly Klein after a gruelling contest, hitting a Hellbound to secure the victory. Madison Eagles is the NEW ROH Women of Honor World Champion! The Reasoning: Something that has needed to be done for a while, but where I have failed to address the weakness, the Women of Honor World Championship changes hands for the first time since the new regime took over. While others had been considered to take the title from Klein, Madison Eagles felt like the right choice, a reliable performer who will bring the best out of her opponents, and carry the Championship well. Kelly Klein improved throughout her title reign, but didn’t reach the heights needed to bring the division to prominence. Women of Honor has long been neglected (the past 8 months included), but the hope is that this title change - coming somewhat out of the blue - will be the shot in the arm needed for the women’s division to build some momentum throughout 2020. Buried between the Honor League matches, this match went under the radar, and would hopefully provide a pleasant surprise on what looked like it could have been a routine title defence. The Aftermath: Following her title win, Madison Eagles stood tall in the ring, as her meteoric rise was put over on commentary. Debuting just two months ago, Eagles had steamrolled her way to the Women of Honor World Championship. Tribute was also paid to the record-setting reign of Kelly Klein, with Ian Riccaboni sure that she’d hold the title again, one day in the future.<hr color=black> Honor League - Group A Match #1 - Alex Shelley (3 points) vs. Jeff Cobb (6 points) The Background: Going into this match, and this whole tournament, the pressure on Jeff Cobb was heightened beyond any other competitor, as he had put his ROH World Championship on the line. Responding to the “Suzuki Incident” at Final Battle, Jeff Cobb requested a place in the Honor League, and stated that whoever won the tournament, would be the rightful holder of the World Championship. With Jeff Cobb desperate to prove himself, he needs a draw or a victory to secure his advancement to the “Winner’s Group”, with a defeat leaving him in a three way tie with Alex Shelley and Dragon Lee. The Result: While Alex Shelley looked close to what would have been a pretty big upset, he was unable to keep Jeff Cobb down. Cobb eventually took control of the match, hitting a Tour of The Island to secure top spot in Group A. Jeff Cobb wins Group A; advances to Honor League “Winner’s Group”! The Reasoning: Jeff Cobb was always set to advance to the “Winner’s Group”, and winning every match on the way serves as part of his journey to prove himself as a worthy ROH World Champion. Alex Shelley comes third in the group, and is increasingly looking less of a credible threat. While this isn’t great for him, plans for Shelley to return to prominence as part of a Motor City Machine Guns reunion have been shelved, leaving him somewhat directionless. With Chris Sabin leaving the company, on somewhat bad terms, the future looks uncertain for Alex Shelley, and there was no hesitation in having him fairly convincingly defeated by the ROH World Champion. The Aftermath: Jeff Cobb’s relief was put over on commentary after the match, more than anybody the Honor League had put huge pressure on Cobb. While much of this was self-inflicted, Cobb’s celebrations after the match showed just how much victory meant to him. [Jeff Cobb 9, Dragon Lee 6, Alex Shelley 3, Dalton Castle 0]<hr color=black> Honor League - Group D Match #7 - PJ Black (0 points) vs. Rush (4 points) The Background: With PJ Black eliminated, the only story going into the match was whether Rush could secure the victory necessary for him to advance to the Winner’s Group. The most delicately balanced of all the groups, the three potential results led to three potential scenario for the final standing. If Rush could win, he would take top spot, a draw would leave him level with Flip Gordon on 5 points, while a defeat would see Flip take the group. The Result: The commentators put over the high pressure scenario for Rush, pointing out that a draw wouldn’t be a disaster for him, but a win was needed to advance. The group with the only two draws in it so far, things seemed set up to go to the wire, only for Rush to quickly take control. Taking the tension out of proceedings with a thoroughly professional and ruthless performance, Rush scored the quickest win of the Honor League so far, taking less than 5 minutes to beat PJ Black. Rush wins Group D; advances to Honor League “Winner’s Group”! The Reasoning: Creating the scenario where the group could swing in various directions, the decision was made to subvert this by giving Rush a quick, decisive win. While there was a story built for the match to go down to the wire, I had little interest in Rush and PJ Black going almost 15 minutes, especially on a card with 9 matches. Instead, Rush’s victory puts him into Winner’s Group, with the best performance of the competition so far, continues the story of Flip Gordon comparatively lacking the “cutting edge” that Rush showed, and plays into plans that I have for PJ Black going forward. The Aftermath: There we no questions about Rush lacking a cutting edge after the match, as he celebrated the most decisive victory of the Honor League so far. The commentators put him over as a dark horse to take the World Championship, as he joins Davey Richards and Jeff Cobb in the final four. [Rush 7, Flip Gordon 5, Mark Haskins 4, PJ Black 0]<hr color=black>Playing on the fact that their group is already decided, and there is no reason to be invested in their match, Josh Woods cut an opportunistic promo as Jonathan Gresham stood in the ring. Woods pointed out that Davey Richards had already advanced to the “Winner’s Group”, and that makes this match a dead rubber. However, Woods noted they were live on Honor Club… and he sees the Honor Club Championship around the waist of Gresham. Putting pressure on Gresham and trying to get the crowd on board, Woods challenged Jonathan Gresham to put the title on the line. As a fighting Champion, and somebody who wants every match to count, Gresham agreed to make the match a Honor Club title defence. After the referee received word from the back… the match was official!<hr color=black> Honor League - Group C; ROH Honor Club Championship Match #8 - Jonathan Gresham © (0 points) vs. Josh Woods (0 points) The Background: With both men already eliminated, the only background to speak of in this match was made moments before the contest began. Now an Honor Club Championship match, Josh Woods had created an opportunity to turn a dismal Honor League performance, into a potential career defining moment. The Result: Making a competitive match out of a potential damp squib, the two men went toe to toe on strikes, and matched each other on the ground, resulting in an intense contest. Jonathan Gresham eventually won, rolling up Josh Woods to retain his title, and take third place in Group C. The Reasoning: Adding the title to the match gave it some meaning where it otherwise would have been a throwaway - and completely out of place on a pay-per-view card. As this was the case, and there is no intention of Jonathan Gresham dropping the title just yet, it was a fairly easy decision. Gresham also takes 3 points from the group, with the rookie Josh Woods taking less of a hit from coming last than Gresham would have. The Aftermath: Jonathan Gresham raised his arm after the match, and offered a handshake to his beaten opponent. Woods accepted, as Group C came to a close. Both men were eliminated, but had put in a number of solid performances during the Honor League. [Davey Richards 9, Matt Taven 6, Jonathan Gresham 3, Josh Woods 0]<hr color=black> Honor League - Group B Main Event - Jay Briscoe (6 points) vs. Jay Lethal (6 points) The Background: As well as being the decider for Group B, with the two competitors both on 6 points from the first 2 matches, Jay Briscoe has made this match personal, tying his issues with Davey Richards into the build up to this match. Before the contest began, a video package was shown, that in turn preceded by a Jay Lethal promo. During the promo, Lethal accused Briscoe of being “obsessed” with Davey Richards, and said that he should be focussing on the Honor League. While that may be true, Jay Briscoe feels strongly about his point, and is particularly disappointed by Lethal’s lack of objection to Davey Richards’ return. Jay Briscoe has repeatedly stated that he feels Davey Richards should not have been allowed to resign with the company, given the nature of his departure, but has not been backed up by other senior figures. Jay Lethal & Lifeblood should have spoke out according to Jay Briscoe, who called them “yes men” and “stooges”. Their ethos was in direct contradiction to Davey being allowed back, and Jay Briscoe considers it a slap in the fact to all those who stayed and tried to build ROH, that nothing is being done. The poster boy for that, somebody who Briscoe considers as having considerable influence in the locker room, is his Group B opponent Jay Lethal... The Result: Evenly matched throughout the Honor League, and this match for that matter, the two Jays gave everything they had to secure their advancement to the “Winner’s Group” of the tournament. So closely matched were they, that the 15 minute time limit expired before either could seal the victory. Jay Briscoe and Jay Lethal finish joint-top of Group B. With both men on 7 points, and their head to head ranking similarly matched, the referee had a decision to make. He left the ring after the bell, speaking into a headset and receiving feedback from somebody behind the curtain. Due to the fact that the other positions in the group wouldn’t be affected in any way, and the need for the group to have a winner, it was announced that the match would be restarted… From the restart, there was an added intensity and energy to the match, the “sudden death” scenario of overtime creating a high stakes feel. This brought more out of both competitors, with Jay Briscoe setting up for a brutal looking move from the top rope, only for Lethal to fight back. Briscoe had seemed intent on sending Lethal through a Table on the outside of the ring, but Lethal fired boots to his chest that sent him backward. Lethal then jumped from the second rope, hitting an Elbow Drop to the standing Jay Briscoe. This sent both of them flying backwards, crashing through the Table at ringside. As neither man had set the Table up, there was no suggestion that any rules had been broken, but Jay Briscoe had clearly taken the brunt of the damage. While the match continued briefly, that incident was undoubtedly the definitive factor, and another Elbow Drop from Jay Lethal, this time in the ring, was enough for him to pick up a hard-fought victory. Jay Lethal wins Group B; advance to Honor League “Winner’s Club”! The Reasoning: Of all the groups, this was certainly the most difficult to call, with Jay Briscoe and Jay Lethal being considered to win the group right up to the night of the event. In the end, the Winner’s Group will be about putting on the best matches possible, and on the evidence of their recent performances, Jay Lethal is better suited to the role. As a group, I feel Davey Richards, Jeff Cobb, Rush and Lethal works better, and this should reflect in the quality of the Honor League contests going forward. As for Jay Briscoe, he has yet more fuel to his fire, his bitterness exasperated by not only coming so close, but by watching Davey Richards advance in the Honor League, as he is eliminated from the tournament. Richards being potentially just 3 matches from becoming ROH World Champion fans the flames, and gives Jay Briscoe plenty to work with as the rivalry continues. The Aftermath: Closing the show, Jay Lethal stood tall in the ring, the commentators promoting the completed line up for the “Winner’s Group”, as a graphic displays the final standings of the initial phase of the competition. Jay Lethal was delighted having dug deep, with the commentators signing off on an excellent night of action, the first event of ROH’s 18th Anniversary Weekend!<hr color=black> Quick Results: [Group A] Dragon Lee bt. Dalton Castle (DQ) (C-) [Group B] Tracy Williams bt. Fred Yehi (D) [Group D] Flip Gordon drew with Mark Haskins (C-) [Group C] Davey Richards bt. Matt Taven to advance to the Honor League “Winner’s Group” (C-) Madison Eagles bt. Kelly Klein © to become the NEW ROH Women of Honor World Champion (C-) [Group A] Jeff Cobb bt. Alex Shelley to advance to the Honor League “Winner’s Group” (C-) [Group D] Rush bt. PJ Black to advance to the Honor League “Winner’s Group” (C-) [Group C] Jonathan Gresham © bt. Josh Woods to retain the ROH Honor Club Championship (D-) [Group B] Jay Lethal bt. Jay Briscoe (in overtime) to advance to the Honor League “Winner’s Group” © Show Rating ©

Sammy Bach vs Marc Speed Ali vs Dazzling Dave Diamond Guide vs A member of C.O.N.T.R.A

<p>ECW CyberSlam - Episode #18</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Episode #18: </strong></p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zL8YSt8Imsk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #18: We Are The Champions. [TEW 2016]"></iframe></div></div><p> <iframe width="745" height="420" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zL8YSt8Imsk" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/zL8YSt8Imsk"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></div><p></p><p></p>

<p>ROH 18th Anniversary Show Preview</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="thiqCaZ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/thiqCaZ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="k5WnlLS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/k5WnlLS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><img alt="03EG5u0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/03EG5u0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="C48zpWc.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/C48zpWc.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group A: Alex Shelley [3 points] vs. Jeff Cobb [6 points]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><img alt="hgYUS77.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hgYUS77.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oZs1Y2Z.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oZs1Y2Z.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group A: Dalton Castle [0 points] vs. Dragon Lee [3 points]</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><img alt="G1bJHC8.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/G1bJHC8.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="b3KTs4i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/b3KTs4i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group B: Fred Yehi [0 points] vs. Tracy Williams [0 points]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><img alt="1bkAAGV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1bkAAGV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="lnaDQBd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lnaDQBd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group B: Jay Briscoe [6 points] vs. Jay Lethal [6 points]</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><img alt="Q6DPqJ1.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Q6DPqJ1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TjVWgle.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TjVWgle.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group C: Davey Richards [6 points] vs. Matt Taven [6 points]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><img alt="QpPzCbO.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QpPzCbO.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Lx7NIDW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Lx7NIDW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group C: Jonathan Gresham [0 points] vs. Josh Woods [0 points]</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><img alt="uKE0irC.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKE0irC.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ndPxhb6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ndPxhb6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group C: Flip Gordon [4 points] vs. Mark Haskins [3 points]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><img alt="CCSygxs.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CCSygxs.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="D4g9EHy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D4g9EHy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Group C: PJ Black [0 points] vs. Rush [4 points]</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><img alt="TPKsu2J.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TPKsu2J.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH Women of Honor World Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><img alt="7bRCiTH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7bRCiTH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="B2hlALF.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2hlALF.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">ROH 18th Anniversary Show - Match Card</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Alex Shelley [3] vs. Jeff Cobb [6] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group A</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Dalton Castle [0] vs. Dragon Lee [3] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group A</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Fred Yehi [0] vs. Tracy Williams [0] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group B</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Jay Briscoe [6] vs. Jay Lethal [6] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group B</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Davey Richards [6] vs. Matt Taven [6] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group C</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Josh Woods [0] vs. Jonathan Gresham [0] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group C</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Flip Gordon [4] vs. Mark Haskins [3] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group D</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> PJ Black [0] vs. Rush [4] </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- Group D</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Kelly Klein © vs. Madison Eagles </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>- ROH Women of Honor World Championship</strong></span></p></div><p></p>

<p>ECW.com Preview - Episode #18 of ECW CyberSlam</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Previous Episode: </strong></div></div></div></div><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/yRYQytUlme4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #17: TV Champion Crowned! [TEW 2016]"></iframe></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><hr color=black></div></div></div></div><img alt="CGlSRgL.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CGlSRgL.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Last week on ECW CyberSlam, the TV title tournament final stole the show, as CM Punk became the first ECW World Television Champion since the company returned in early 2006. Homicide is expected to react to the defeat, looking into why there was no backup available to him, when he most needed it from his Hustle teammates. CM Punk will also make his first appearance as Champion, while the World title holder Rob Van Dam will team with Sabu in the Main Event.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Last month, C.W. Anderson & Stevie Richards aligned with Steve Corino, helping him secure a victory over Sabu. This week, The “Homicidal, Genocide, Suicidal, Death Defying Maniac” will turn to his best friend, looking for revenge on “The Enforcer” and “The Gatekeeper”. The other action on the night will see Low-Ki look to return to winning ways, following his defeat to Rob Van Dam two weeks ago, as he faces a different challenge in the form of Balls Mahoney.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Kevin Fertig will look to extend his spell of dominance over the lower end of the card, as he faces Little Guido, with girlfriend Shelly Martinez by his side.<hr></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Match Card</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">ECW World Championship Match</span></strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> C.W. Anderson & Stevie Richards vs. Rob Van Dam & Sabu</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Balls Mahoney vs. Low-Ki</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Kevin Fertig vs. Little Guido</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Didn't see that ending coming at all. Intrigued as to where that is going, but it's a really good twist. Freddys guilt trip and Fonz's family is working really well, getting a little creepier by the week

ROH Final Battle Fallout! ROH: Final Battle Fallout - Television Taping While the major storyline from the Final Battle fallout was already widely known, having circulated on ROH’s social media, the episodes recorded in the two days after Final Battle offered some of the best wrestling the company has seen in quite some time. The top 16 selected full-time members of the Ring of Honor roster were put into groups of 4, with the first two rounds of matches contested over the course of the two nights. That meant that the vast majority of matches that took place were part of the “Honor League”, with just a few other matches filling out the rest of the cards. It was also announced during the course of the weekend that the 18th Anniversary of Ring of Honor would be celebrated in late February, with two events to mark the occasion. The first night would see the final round of matches in the Honor League’s initial stage, with the “Winner’s Group” beginning the night after. That show would be recorded for ROH TV. The controversial decision to strip Minoru Suzuki of the ROH World Championship - less than 24 hours after he won it - received at best a mixed reaction, but with Jeff Cobb’s title now on the line in the “Honor League”, ROH hoped to win the doubters round with the two nights of action. Over the next seven weeks, those matches and accompanying angles would air on Charge! in roughly the following order: Day 1 [Group B] Jay Lethal bt. Tracy Williams - two thirds of the World Six Man Tag Team Champions kicked off the Honor League, and showed great respect to each other during the match. It was established before the match that the Code of Honor must be adhered to before any match in the Honor League got underway. [Group D] Flip Gordon bt. PJ Black [Group C] Matt Taven bt. Jonathan Gresham - Taven gouged Gresham’s eyes to escape an Octopus Hold, winning the match in a tainted manner. [Group A] Alex Shelley bt. Dalton Castle - Alex was open about his discontent at being left off the Final Battle card, and set his sights on the ROH World Championship. Kelly Klein & Mercedes Martines bt. Local Talents - there was clear tension remaining between the two, who weren’t happy to be forced together during the match. [Group A] Jeff Cobb bt. Dragon Lee - the ROH World Champion began with a victory, easing some of the huge pressure he put himself under. This match was the contest that came closest to reaching the 15 minute time limit during night 1. Mistico bt. Mark Briscoe (DQ) - with Mistico looking good for the win, Mark Briscoe pushed him from the top rope to the outside, and then intentionally got DQ’d. After the match, Jay Briscoe joined the attack (commentary claimed his brothers Dragon Lee & Rush were being interviewed when this happened, and were unaware of the assault), and cut a promo about Davey Richards’ return to ROH. He wasn’t happy to see him back, and asked how ROH could forget everything he did when he walked out on them. Jay said that while Davey Richards was still in the Honor League, ROH would have a black cloud over it’s reputation, and he promised to take the former World Champion out of the picture… permanently! Madison Eagles bt. Amber Nova - winning her debut match, Madison Eagles was confronted after the bell. It was expected that Klein would want revenge for the Final Battle attack, but instead challenged Eagles to put her money where her mouth is, and face her in a one on one match! [Group C] Davey Richards bt. Josh Woods - before the match, a candid interview with Davey Richards aired, where he talked about his return to ROH and his desire to be the best fighter in Ring of Honor. He didn’t want to speak about Jay Briscoe, saying that his only focus was the competition put in front of him in the Honor League. Richards’ return to TV was successful, as he made Josh Woods tap out in convincing fashion. [Group B] Jay Briscoe bt. Fred Yehi - with Mark Briscoe kicked out before the match began, it was established that nobody is allowed at ringside for Honor League matches. [Group D] Rush bt. Mark Haskins - comfortably the best match of the first night of the taping, Rush’s win put him joint top of Group D with Flip Gordon. <hr color=black> As well as those tables, a number of rules were firmly established during the night, including: There is a 15 minute time limit to all matches in the initial phase. Competitors receive 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss. If any two competitors end on the same points, their head to head record will be used to decide final positions. If their match was a draw, a rematch may take place. The “Code of Honor” must be adhered to before any match in the Honor League begins. After the match, the code is optional. No wrestlers other than the two competitors will be allowed at ringside at any point during the match. If any involvement happens without the official’s knowledge, a review will take place based on the footage after the match. It will be up to the referee to decide what action is taken. In light of recent incidents involving non-wrestlers, anybody who gets physically involved with a referee or any other non-competitor will be removed from the Honor League and face further sanctions.<hr color=black> Day 2 Bullet Club’s KENTA & Taiji Ishimori bt. The Kingdom’s TK O’Ryan & Vinny Marseglia [Group C] Matt Taven bt. Josh Woods - following up his victory over Jonathan Gresham with another win, Taven put pressure on former group leader Davey Richards to match him. Brody King bt. Chase Owens - a sit-down interview established Brody as a singles competitor for 2020, and he began with an impressive victory. [Group A] Jeff Cobb bt. Dalton Castle - things didn’t get much better for Dalton Castle, as the ROH World Champion came out victorious in a close contest. As far as Castle is concerned, his last match with (of all people) Dragon Lee is a dead rubber. [Group B] Jay Briscoe bt. Tracy Williams - Briscoe continued to be outspoken before the match, suggesting that a company with “Honor” in its name, and presenting a tournament called the “Honor League” needed to take a look in the mirror. He said that the company welcoming Davey Richards back, after how he left the company, was a slap in the face to everybody who stayed and fought to build ROH. Jay was particularly disgusted in his fellow roster members, pointing out that Tracy Williams and Jay Lethal (both in his group) have been suspiciously quiet for two people who are supposed to represent the “Lifeblood” of ROH! [Group D] Flip Gordon drew with Rush - the first time limit draw of the Honor League gave Mark Haskins and PJ Black chance to gain ground on the group leaders. [Group A] Dragon Lee bt. Alex Shelley - keeping the group wide open, Dragon Lee scored his first victory of the Honor League. [Group D] Mark Haskins bt. PJ Black - Haskins was able to capitalise on Rush and Flip Gordon dropping points, putting himself right back in contention to win Group D. [Group B] Jay Lethal bt. Fred Yehi - Lethal maintained his perfect record, joining Jay Briscoe on 6 points at the top of the group. Their match at ROH’s Anniversary show would decide the winner of Group B. Judging by Briscoe’s words about Lethal in recent weeks, that match would also be a very personal contest. [Group C] Davey Richards bt. Jonathan Gresham - within moments of another draw, Richards finished Gresham off. He and Matt Taven would also have a deciding match at the Anniversary show, with the winner confirming their place in the “Winner’s Group”!<hr color=black> <hr color=black>With the final round of Honor League matches scheduled to air on PPV, at ROH’s 18th Anniversary show, 5 competitors are on full points. Both Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal and Davey Richards vs. Matt Taven are set up to be deciding matches in their respective group. 6 competitors stand no chance of advancing, but can still affect the final standings of their group. Alex Shelley, Dalton Castle and Jeff Cobb are in with a chance of topping Group A, while Group D could still be won by Flip Gordon, Mark Haskins or Rush. Of course, ROH World Champion Jeff Cobb has the most to potentially lose, as if he fails to advance, four other competitors will battle it out for the chance to win his title, as well as the Honor League trophy. With huge stakes going into the event, there are high hopes for the Anniversary show, despite storyline build somewhat lacking over the last two months. Given the quality of the matches in the Honor League so far - considered some of the best in ROH’s recent history - particular expectation has been placed on Davey Richards vs. Matt Taven and Jay Briscoe vs. Jay Lethal, one of which is likely to Main Event the show. After the PPV, the Anniversary weekend continues, with an Honor Club event that would later air on ROH TV. Those episodes will begin the build to “Supercard of Honor” during WrestleMania weekend, with the company looking for that to be another landmark event, as wrestling fans from around the world descend on Tampa, Florida. Ring of Honor’s website was also updated in early 2020, with names such as Shane Taylor, PCO, Beer City Bruiser and Kenny King all removed from the roster page. It was reported that Kenny King requested his release from the company, while the others were not offered new deals to stay in ROH. While a small talent pool was used during the post-Final Battle shows, and the same would be true over the Anniversary weekend, there is interest in adding to the roster in the coming months. Having cut down numbers significantly over the last half of 2019, the rebuild will continue with talent from Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom being approached, as well as some of the biggest independent names in the North American scene. Chris Sabin also left the company, just weeks after being cleared to return to the ring. ROH were said to be extremely disappointed in Sabin's decision, after the help they'd given him during his time on sidelines.

<p>ECW CyberSlam - Episode #17</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Episode #17: </strong></p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/yRYQytUlme4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #17: TV Champion Crowned! [TEW 2016]"></iframe></div></div><p> <iframe width="745" height="420" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yRYQytUlme4" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/yRYQytUlme4"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></div><p></p><p></p>

Honor League Survey ROH 2020 / Honor League Survey <hr color=black> The surprise factor was the idea, I'm still not sure if I think it was the right call. But I think it would get people talking... followed by "LOLROH" after the reversal of the decision. I really would have liked that, and it was the plan with Sabre Jr. Unfortuntely it didn't come to pass, but it would have been great exposure for the title. Haha, I can take those two minor issues from the full show. Either would have been good to see though. I felt like anybody else (i.e referees or other staff members) would have not been seen as such definite grounds for stripping him of the title. The idea, while not neccessarily going to be explored on-screen, is that the exec was there to see the culmination of what was supposed to be six months of turning the company around, only for the incident to take place. ROH management trying to impress the exec only for him to be attacked by the World Champion forced them into a taking serious action Suzuki's actions could have seriously jeapordised the company in their eyes, so he won't be welcome back any time soon... Ishii was joint first in the survey and was only beat out by Suzuki on the slightest of margains (Suzuki was more people's second choice so had more points overall). Ishii would have been a cool option too, and easier to book Jeff Cobb to go over. I wanted to do something shocking and different for the end of the major show, even if it could be perceived as screwing the fans out of Suzuki as Champ. I'm not going to definitively say he'll never be back, but he's blacklisted from the company at the moment. If that can lead into a long-term story, somewhere down the line, it may be something I come back to. I think the season finale is the best way to describe it. Jeff Cobb getting the title back is a bit iffy, but it does create a clean slate for the new year, which is really like. The first month of shows in 2020 have felt like the first time I have "my" roster, so I think it's going to be a good year. It did step into sports entertainment, but I wanted to keep it in the relms of something that could happen in ROH. It doesn't feel ROH to go full out with a on-screen character, but I like the idea of an undercurrent of maybe the company playing things "safer". With the Honor League starting, an example of this is how strict the rules will be enforced during the tournament. It's not quite a "storyline" coming out of what happened with Suzuki, but more the company has been forced to reflect on the behaviour of people like - for example - Jay Briscoe, who has been out of control for some time. The full rules of The Honor League will come soon, but the effects of what happened at Final Battle, and the actions of Suzuki, will shape the company in 2020. It's another part of the clean slate, things have got out of control and Suzuki ending the last show of the decade in the way that he did was symbolic of that. Going into 2020, I have a structured roster that I'm happy with, and the company is forced to make sure the competitors stay in line. That means only a certain type of worker will be signed, and they will have to be of a certain standard. I said earlier about the company losing or lacking a true identity, I hope the next few months will see a new identity take shape. As for Rhyno, I've been on the fence about him since I started. Part of me thinks he'd be a good addition, part of me thinks he isn't a good fit for the roster I'm trying to build. I do have him pencilled in for a match at the Mania weekend show, but that could change before then... I don't know if that's good or bad, but I'm pleased for the reaction <hr color=black> ROH 2020 / Honor League Survey

ECW.com Preview - Episode #17 of ECW CyberSlam Previous Episode: <hr color=black> Heading to Buffalo, New York, CyberSlam presents one of the most anticipated matches since ECW's return, CM Punk facing Homicide in a Ladder match in the final of the World Television Championship Tournament! Both men have taken different routes to the final, Homicide receiving a bye through the first round, while CM Punk had to face two members of The Hustle already to make it this far. Last week, Paul Heyman announced the match would be a Ladder match, with both men having to take the ultimate risk to win the title. Punk of course has the backing of the vast majority of the locker room, having rejected an offer from Paul Heyman to join The Hustle. That group will do whatever it takes to stop CM Punk from taking home the title, but will meet resistance from the Originals, who have spoke out in support of Punk as Champion. As well as the huge Main Event, Brent Albright will be in action against "The Revolutionary" Xavier, "The Shooter" looking for revenge after he was screwed out of the Television Championship tournament by Homicide and The Hustle. With those two matches confirmed for CyberSlam, the in-ring action promises to be off the scale, and can be seen exclusively on ECW.com!<hr> Match Card Ladder Match for the ECW World Television Championship CM Punk vs. Homicide Brent Albright vs. Xavier

The Story So Far - Month #4 Click for Series Playlist/Episode Archive <hr color=black> ECW 2006: The Story So Far Month #4: RVD’s Homecoming, TV Title Tournament Begins! Four months into ECW’s return, and the company headed to Battle Creek, Michigan - the hometown of ECW World Champion Rob Van Dam - for four episodes of ECW CyberSlam. The month didn’t go quite how RVD had envisioned it, as he was kicked out of the building on two separate occasions. When RVD was eventually allowed back in the building, he was attacked by The Hustle, with Low-Ki stealing the ECW World Championship from him. The only way to get it back, according to Paul Heyman, was to defend the title against Low-Ki, in the Main Event of the 16th episode of CyberSlam. Rob Van Dam’s close friends were also targeted, with Paul Heyman going as far as to call the cops and get Sabu arrested, in the hopes of helping Low-Ki to victory. When an incident in the back resulted in a shift in the momentum of the locker room, Paul Heyman was forced to change his plans. He banned every member of The Hustle and The Originals from ringside, hoping his Personal Security Team could be the decisive factor. What Heyman didn’t count on was the emergence of Brent Albright, whose issues with The Hustle stemmed from being screwed out of the ECW Television Championship tournament. Rob Van Dam would go on to retain his World Championship, pinning Low-Ki with a Five Star Frog Splash. With their stranglehold over the roster, and numbers advantage diminishing, the focus of The Hustle was now squarely on the Television Championship tournament… As seen above, Homicide received a bye through the first round, that was never fully explained by Paul Heyman, before beating Brent Albright - with outside help - in the Semi-Finals. CM Punk on the other hand overcame The Hustle’s involvement, defeating two members of the group en route to the final. ECW heads to Buffalo, New York next, with CM Punk and Homicide set to go one on one in a Ladder match, the winner becoming the ECW Television Champion!<hr color=black>Also This Month… Johnny Swinger and Danny Doring’s attempts to win the heart of Shelly Martinez failed to bear fruit, as Shelly’s “new man” debuted this month. The huge man, by the name of Kevin Fertig, has spent half of his time since coming to ECW destroying anybody who goes - or has ever gone - anywhere near Martinez, and the other half with his tongue down her throat. The Sandman announced his retirement from wrestling, citing his injury at the hands of Sonny Siaki as the reason. Steve Corino picked up a much needed win against Sabu, enlisting the help of C.W. Anderson & Stevie Richards to get him over the line. The man who claimed he would go it alone in ECW went back on his word, and has restated his desire to become the ECW World Champion. The group’s name was later revealed to be the “Extreme Horsemen”, with Corino announcing they’re on the lookout for a fourth man!

I think Sam Strong might be President

[ROH Television Spoilers] Fallout From The Final Battle Main Event DISCLAIMER: THIS WILL NOT BE A POPULAR POST - PROCEED WITH CAUTION <hr color=black>[ROH Television Spoilers] Fallout From The Final Battle Main Event Minoru Suzuki Striped of The ROH World Championship! Last night at Ring of Honor’s Final Battle event, Minoru Suzuki defeated Jeff Cobb to become the new ROH World Champion. However, after the match, having refused to release Jeff Cobb from the Rear Naked Choke that had won him the title, Minoru Suzuki attacked a number of ROH officials and crew members. Looking to restore some order, an executive from Sinclair Broadcasting Group (ROH’s parent company) came down to the ring, after the decision had been made to reverse the result of the Main Event. “The Voice of ROH”, ring announcer Bobby Cruise, was informed of this, but was unable to make the announcement before Minoru Suzuki attacked the SBG executive. The high ranking member of the Sinclair hierarchy has previously had zero training or involvement in the Pro Wrestling business, and is said to be seeking further legal action against Suzuki. While internally some believe that the executive had no right to get involved in front of the curtain, and is at least partially responsible for what happened, there is huge pressure on ROH management to act in the strongest manner possible. As a result, ROH announced that Minoru Suzuki had been stripped of the Ring of Honor World Championship, with the title reverting back to it’s previous holder Jeff Cobb. This isn’t seen as an ideal situation by those within ROH, but was deemed a necessary step in ensuring that the demands of their paymasters were met. It is believed that New Japan Pro Wrestling were contacted before the announcement was made, but it is unknown how they reacted to the decision. The section below contains spoilers for upcoming episodes of ROH TV: The event began with Colt Cabana and an unnamed member of ROH management walking down to the ring. The suited man held the Ring of Honor World Championship, and had a very serious demeanor. Colt Cabana matched this tone, explaining the situation from Final Battle, and the reaction over the last 24 hours. Colt Cabana confirmed that Minoru Suzuki had been stripped of the ROH World Championship, and while his 1 day reign would remain in the title’s lineage, the former holder Jeff Cobb would have the Championship returned to him. Jeff Cobb came out from the back, and took the title, but was clearly reluctant to accept the decision. Colt Cabana continued to speak, explaining that tonight would also mark the beginning of the “Honor League”, a 16 man round robin, featuring 4 groups containing 4 of Ring of Honor’s top competitors. The 4 men who scored the most points in their group would advance to a “Winner’s Group”, the man scoring the most points in that group earning a Ring of Honor World Championship shot at the April Supercard in Tampa, Florida. Jeff Cobb had something to say about this, pointing out that upon losing the ROH World Championship, he was set to enter the “Honor League”, along with every other male title holder in the company. However, due to him now being the World Champion, there was a space left in the tournament. Cobb added that being handed back the title didn’t sit well with him, and while he is proud to be the ROH World Champion, he had a proposal for the ROH management representative in the ring. Jeff Cobb suggested that he keep his place in the “Honor League”, but to truly prove to the fans that he is a worthy Champion, he’ll put his title up as well. Whoever wins the Honor League, whether it’s him or somebody else, they are the true Ring of Honor World Champion. It was correct that Jeff Cobb was scheduled to be in the Honor League, and after some deliberation the proposal was accepted. Colt Cabana confirmed that the winner of the Honor League would not only be the first man to win the trophy attached to the competition, but will also become the Ring of Honor World Champion! This led into the opening match of the high-stakes Honor League, Jay Lethal versus fellow ROH World Six Man Tag Team Champion, Tracy Williams…

Episode #16: <iframe width="745" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PsI94GFqE7w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p>Final Battle 2019: ROH vs. The World</p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>Pre-Show:</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> [CMLL] Mistico bt. [ROH] Dalton Castle; </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>[ROH 0-1 The World (ROW)]</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2XRLNGW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2XRLNGW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Announcers:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman and Colt Cabana - </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Venue:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> UMBC Event Center - </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Location:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Baltimore, Maryland, USA</span></p></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><img alt="2Wmxcko.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2Wmxcko.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TjVWgle.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TjVWgle.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Match #1 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[NJPW]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> KENTA vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Matt Taven</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> The story going into the match, beyond KENTA’s return to Ring of Honor, was Matt Taven’s apparent fear of his opponent. Despite continued attempts to deny this, Matt Taven’s body language and general behaviour led commentators to believe otherwise. Having held the ROH World Championship for almost half of 2019, this has only fuelled the fire of Matt Taven, who feels that he doesn’t get nearly enough respect for what he has achieved. Whether he is afraid or not, Matt Taven will go into Final Battle more determined than ever before, representing Ring of Honor against one of NJPW’s most dangerous competitors.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> KENTA picked up a convincing victory over Matt Taven, overcoming attempts from the former World Champion (and his Kingdom teammates) to cheat his way to an upset. Taven did manage to get some offence in during the match, but always looked a level below his opponent. Eventually KENTA hit the Go 2 Sleep, making the score for the night </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 0-2 ROW]</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> With KENTA returning to Ring of Honor, and hopefully being a fairly regular member of the roster, it was important to put him over in his first match back. Taven felt like the right choice to be in that position, somebody who has achieved a lot in ROH, but isn’t quite at the level he once was. While Taven is a solid member of the roster, I don’t quite see him hitting the upper reaches of the card again any time soon, and as a result he could take a decisive defeat to KENTA. In the process, it was hoped the fairly short nature of the match would put over just how much of a threat KENTA can be!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Following his win, KENTA stood in the ring, folding his arms and not really celebrating. The first of two matches featuring Bullet Club members tonight, KENTA had scored a victory that the commentators explained would make the night very tricky for those competitors representing Ring of Honor.<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="gTPrWkf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gTPrWkf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH Honor Club Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> </strong></span><img alt="QpPzCbO.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QpPzCbO.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uhU8fkA.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uhU8fkA.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Match #2 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Jonathan Gresham © vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[RevPro]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Chris Brookes</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> While little went into this match in terms of on-screen build, there is a history between the men - related to Jonathan Gresham’s regular appearance on the European wrestling scene. Forming a tag team in 2012, Brookes and Gresham have often teamed when Gresham appears overseas, include multiple matches in RevPro. Representing RPW, Chris Brookes knows Jonathan Gresham better than just about anybody, and will look to take the Honor Club Championship back to the United Kingdom with him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Slower paced than the opener, Chris Brookes and Jonathan Gresham took a little time to feel each other out early in the match, both aware of how dangerous their opponent was. From there, the tempo continued to pick up, with the two coming close to victory on a number of occasions. It was Jonathan Gresham who picked up the win, catching Brookes in an Octopus Hold, and hitting him repeatedly in the head with his elbow. After a struggle, the referee stepped in, Brookes unable to respond when checked upon. As well as retaining his title, Gresham scored ROH’s first win on the night. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 1-2 ROW].</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Chris Brookes was brought in as a representative of RevPro in the UK, who we hoped could put on a good match with somebody he was familiar with. Jonathan Gresham will be one of the cornerstones of the roster going in 2020, so him picking up ROH’s first victory on the night felt fitting, and gives him another successful defence of the Honor Club Championship. Throughout the match, the importance of ROH getting a win would be highlighted, with Gresham’s victory and the relief of the commentators hopefully adding an extra wrinkle to the match, which had been built fairly dryly. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> It took a while after Gresham had been handed the title for Chris Brookes to get back to his feet, and it was clear that both men had taken considerable damage throughout the match. Jonathan Gresham offered his partner and friend a handshake after the contest, with Brookes accepting and hugging the Honor Club Champion on his ROH debut.<hr color=black>During a break between matches the commentators spoke about what had happened so far, before leading into footage of Jeff Cobb and Minoru Suzuki arriving at the building. Champion and Challenger in tonight’s ROH World Championship match, it was clear that while Jeff Cobb commands the respect of his peers and colleagues, only one word could describe the feeling as Suzuki entered the building - fear. The commentators suggested that the one man who didn’t fear Suzuki was Jeff Cobb, relaying his words from his interview with Ian Riccaboni which aired earlier in the week.<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="yNYd4Dl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yNYd4Dl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH World Tag Team Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> </strong></span><img alt="Pel36B0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Pel36B0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6J1JT41.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6J1JT41.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="E9KoMCB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E9KoMCB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WvWDT7O.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WvWDT7O.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Match #3 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[CMLL]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Brody King & PCO</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Winning a match at Make The Cut to become the Number One Contenders, a lot has changed for Brody King & PCO since that event, as the Main Event of the same show saw Flip Gordon turn on Villain Enterprises leader Marty Scurll. Scurll had claimed that he was taking the rest of Villain Enterprises with him when he left Ring of Honor, but that wasn’t the case, as the group made it clear that they were staying where they were. Not least because of their upcoming Final Battle match with Dragon Lee & Rush. Former World Six Man and NWA World Tag Team Champions, Brody King & PCO will look to add another Championship to the collection, against two of ROH’s most impressive performers of 2019. Despite appearing for the company throughout the year, Rush & Dragon Lee elected to represent their “home” promotion CMLL at Final Battle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> The longest match of the night so far, Dragon Lee & Rush picked up a victory over King & PCO to retain their ROH World Tag Team Championships. Rush pinned PCO to finish the match, gaining another victory for “The World”. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 1-3 ROW].</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Brody King & PCO were replacements for the originally planned match featuring Bandido & Flamita, and for that reason there was little chance of them winning. Due to the thrown together nature of the match, it never really caught fire during the build and wasn’t a match that particularly excited me. It was another good showcase for Dragon Lee & Rush, who continue their impressive World Tag Team Championship reign. With a number of big tag teams set to join the division, it is important to further solidify Dragon Lee & Rush as a strong unit, with tougher tests around the corner in the coming months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Dragon Lee & Rush celebrated in the ring, as the commentators updated the situation of the “ROH vs. The World” stipulation. Things were looking bad for the “home team”, with Jay Lethal & Lifeblood next up to try and restore the balance...<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ZAnrRNK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZAnrRNK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> </strong></span><img alt="lnaDQBd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lnaDQBd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ndPxhb6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ndPxhb6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="b3KTs4i.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/b3KTs4i.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="HWOdQsu.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/HWOdQsu.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tlHzmus.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tlHzmus.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WH5iQ2j.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WH5iQ2j.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Match #4 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Lethal & Lifeblood © vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[NJPW]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Bullet Club</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Lethal & Lifeblood won the World Six Man Tag Team Championships from Villain Enterprises back at Death Before Dishonor, and make their second defence against the outside threat of Bullet Club. The stable will represent New Japan Pro Wrestling, and look to become the third group of BC members to hold the titles. Their opponents proudly represent Ring of Honor, having worked throughout the year to continue to maintain the standards that gave the company the reputation it holds. Jay Lethal in particular stands as a long-tenured member of the roster, who has stressed the importance of them coming out on top in this ROH vs. The World concept for Final Battle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Designed to allow all six members of the match to showcase their styles and abilities, the contest was given enough time for each of them to give a good account of themselves. Taiji Ishimori and Jay Lethal perhaps led their teams throughout the match, but it was Chase Owens who suffered the decisive fall. Pinned by Jay Lethal following an Elbow Drop, Owens had no answer to the count. Lethal & Lifeblood retain the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 2-3 ROW].</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Beyond the need for ROH to remain in with the opportunity of coming out on top on the night, there was little heed given to the idea of a title change in the match. Lethal & Lifeblood’s reign so far has been successful, and helped all three members of the group. There was never a suggestion for them to lose the titles yet, and certainly not to a group who are unlikely to feature in Ring of Honor on a full-time basis.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Jay Lethal took a microphone as the Champions celebrated, rallying the troops ahead of the next four vital matches on the night. Lethal put over the pride in the locker room, and the need to prove ROH can hang with any company in the world. Jay Lethal said that Lifeblood and Jonathan Gresham had done their bit, and it was up to the rest of the roster to step up!<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TPKsu2J.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TPKsu2J.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH Women of Honor World Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> </strong></span><img alt="7bRCiTH.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7bRCiTH.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8D9npPW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8D9npPW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Match #5 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Kelly Klein © vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[sHIMMER]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Mercedes Martinez</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> At Make The Cut, Mercedes Martinez won a SHIMMER Showcase match, defeating Kimber Lee to earn a shot at the Women of Honor World Championship. Kelly Klein has proved herself throughout the year, keeping hold of the title through many heated rivalries. Most recently, she faced Maria Manic, widely regarded as her toughest test yet. She came out of that one with the Women of Honor World Championship, but will face the most skilled in-ring competitor that she has faced in recent months. Mercedes Martinez had made her desire to become a World Champion clear, and Final Battle presents a perfect opportunity for just that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Kelly Klein beat Mercedes Martinez despite coming very close to submitting to her on a number of occasions. Kelly Klein also could only get her foot to the rope during one close fall, but ultimately had enough to pick up the victory. Klein retains the ROH Women of Honor World Championship. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 3-3 ROW]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> The original plan when Mercedes Martinez signed up to appear at Make The Cut and Final Battle was for her to win the Championship and join the roster on a full-time basis. However, with changes that had to be made to the card, and the results that were altered to ensure the ROH vs. The World wins and losses were balanced going into the decisive match, the title switch was held off. Whether it will be Martinez or somebody else who eventually ends Klein’s fairly unspectacular run with the title, remains to be seen. While Martinez wasn’t happy with the booking of the match, it was deemed a necessary measure to be taken, and unfortunately somebody had to be the one to give up their Final Battle victory, and in this case a run as World Champion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> The win would also have been an impactful moment for the division as a whole, potentially giving it the shot in the arm that it’s needed with a new Champion for the new decade. In lieu of that, the following post-match segment was designed to keep the division’s momentum going, despite the title remaining with Kelly Klein.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Following the match, as Kelly Klein stood tall in the ring, a previously unheard theme song played. Unknown until she made her appearance, Ian Riccaboni instantly recognised Madison Eagles as she walked down to the ring.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="B2hlALF.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2hlALF.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Klein clearly hadn’t been expecting to see Eagles, who looked to overshadow the Champion’s impressive victory. Eagles then extended a hand to Klein, before pulling her in and hitting her with a Hell Bound (Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker). Despite her victory, Kelly Klein was left laid out in the ring, Eagles stood over her with sights on the Women of Honor World Championship.<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uKE0irC.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKE0irC.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tfCceLk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tfCceLk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Match #6 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Flip Gordon vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[NJPW]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Jushin Thunder Liger</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Before the match, a video package put over the background to this match, showing highlights from the legendary career of Jushin Thunder Liger. His final match outside of Japan, prior to his retirement on January 4th 2020, Liger’s opponent was selected at Make The Cut. Beating out the other hopefuls, Gordon earned the chance to face Liger and has spoken about how much the match means to him. As much as it is an honour to share a ring with Jushin Thunder Liger, beating him would mean all that much more to Flip.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> While the match was one final showcase of what Jushin Thunder Liger was capable of, and saw many of his signature moves executed, it didn’t go particularly long and didn’t end the way the NJPW legend had hoped. Flip Gordon was able to pick up the victory, hard fought as it was, pulling out the Shooting Star Press for the decisive fall. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 4-3]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Jushin Thunder Liger’s upcoming retirement was the focus of the match, and was put over on commentary, but there was little to gain from him actually winning the match. While his future is uncertain, Flip Gordon is certainly seen as one of the “ROH guys” on the roster, having built his name up in the company from being a virtual unknown. This made him a good choice to be put over by Jushin Thunder Liger, who isn’t really hurt by ending his final match in North America looking up to the lights.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Another adherence to the “Code of Honor” followed the match, with Flip Gordon helping Liger back to his feet. Flip then left the ring, allowing Jushin Thunder Liger to be showered with applause as he left the ring for one of the very last times. When Liger had left the ring, the commentators put over that for the first time in the night, ROH are in the driver’s seat, leading Final Battle 4-3 against the Rest of the World.<hr color=black>When the dust of Jushin Thunder Liger’s farewell had settled, and the commentators looked forward to the rest of the show, Jay Briscoe came out to the ring, looking to be in an even worse mood than he has in recent months. The commentators explained that an injury to Nick Aldis had robbed Jay of a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but did point out that he was at least partially responsible for Aldis being unable to compete.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="1bkAAGV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1bkAAGV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mJ5pYv6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mJ5pYv6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Once in the ring, Jay Briscoe (joined by his brother Mark) was completely unchained, firing shots in all directions. He called out the NWA, ROH and the other companies involved, as well as pretty much everybody on the card. The point was that Jay wasn’t happy, and he wanted a fight. He’d previously challenged Ring of Honor management to find him a top level talent from around the world to maim, with Briscoe ready to direct his aggression at whoever walked through the curtain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Jay Briscoe did get a former World Champion, and somebody who he was familiar with as his opponent, but couldn’t help but be shocked to see the man who had accepted the challenge coming down the ring...</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="DcSsE8f.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DcSsE8f.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> As Davey Richards walked the ramp, Jay Briscoe turned to his brother, shaking his head and telling him that Davey doesn’t belong here. Richards entered the ring, with Jay Briscoe telling him that he doesn’t just get to walk back into the company, and he wasn’t welcome in Ring of Honor. Having acted amorally for the past year, and ramped it up considerably in the past 6 months, Jay Briscoe suddenly found himself standing for something, adamant that Davey Richards didn’t deserve to be back in Ring of Honor.<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="DcSsE8f.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DcSsE8f.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="1bkAAGV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1bkAAGV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Match #7 - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[Free Agent]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Davey Richards vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Jay Briscoe</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> In some ways this open challenge has very little background and build, an impromptu match made to replace a scheduled one that had been cancelled. On the other hand, this match is steeped in history, a man who walked out on the company in acrimonious circumstances, against a man who has been with ROH from day one, through thick and thin. Despite Jay Briscoe’s abhorrent behaviour throughout the year, there was an argument to be made that he had every right to be angry. Whether he liked it or not, Davey Richards was back in Ring of Honor, and Jay was his first opponent.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Caught off guard by Davey Richards’ arrival, Jay Briscoe was quick to work out his technique for the match, only interested in engaging in a fist fight with Richards. Davey is of course known for his strikes, but also for his ground game and technical wrestling. These elements were thrown out of the playbook for much of the match, with the referee showing leniency as the two let off years of tension all around ringside. The referee did eventually step in, sending Mark Briscoe to the back and in turn giving Davey Richards a chance to dictate the tempo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Eventually they did return to the ring, only for Jay Briscoe to set up a Table in the ring. Again the referee was somewhat passive, watching as Briscoe’s plan backfired. As he set up to put Richards through the table from the second rope with a J-Driller, Davey fought back. Escaping to put Jay through the Table with a Folding Powerbomb, Richards would roll Jay back through onto his knees, hitting him with a brutal Kick to the head to knock him out. This allowed Davey Richards to pick up a returning victory over Jay Briscoe. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 4-4 ROW]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Bringing Davey Richards back was something I’d ummed and ahhed over for the past few months, but with a clear “Redemption of Davey Richards” storyline planned out, the decision was made for him to return. This was initially supposed to take place in 2020, but with Nick Aldis’ injury enforcing a change, a return match with Jay Briscoe - a man who has been with the company through all their ups and downs - seemed to fit perfectly. Despite being a despicable heel going into the match, the fact that Jay has a valid reason to not want Richards to be allowed back into the company, adds a realism and creates shades of grey for the storyline. This sets the perfect tone for how the storyline will progress, and leave the audience’s reaction towards Davey as the driving force to dictate how it goes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> There was an idea for Davey Richards to lose his first match back, giving Jay Briscoe a big win and making it clear that Richards wasn’t going to just walk back into a top spot. Richards winning does however add fuel to the fire of Jay Briscoe, and rather than their interactions being one and done, allows for more potential matches between them in the future. Davey’s angle is likely to be a long-term, slow build storyline, but winning the first match in a return can never hurt, and felt like the right choice for the match.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Both men were clearly hurt after the match, Davey Richards checked on as Jay Briscoe returned to his feet. As he headed up the ramp, Jay Briscoe was clearly furious to have been defeated, with Davey Richards having his arm raised in the middle of the ring.<hr color=black>After discussing the shocking return of Davey Richards, who Colt Cabana “never thought [he’d] see in Ring of Honor again”, the commentators looked at another ROH debut earlier in the night, as Dalton Castle’s Open Challenge was answered by Mistico.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hgYUS77.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hgYUS77.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jzU9gjQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jzU9gjQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Footage was shown of Dalton Castle’s promo, as he said “nothing” could surprise him after the year he’s had. Dalton was proved wrong, as the brother of Dragon Lee & Rush made his first appearance in Ring of Honor. The commentators put over the troubles and struggles Dalton has had against Mistico’s two brothers, as Castle depaired in the ring at once again being forced to compete against a member of “that” family. Dalton Castle never fully recovered from Mistico’s arrival, and was defeated in the opening match of Final Battle: ROH vs. The World!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="k5WnlLS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/k5WnlLS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Moving on from that, Ian Riccaboni promoted the “Honor League”, a two-night event over the next coming days, with the matches airing on ROH TV from the beginning of 2020.<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="VRdqLHS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VRdqLHS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH World Championship Match</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> </strong></span><img alt="C48zpWc.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/C48zpWc.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6Sbktqj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Sbktqj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Main Event - </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[ROH]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Jeff Cobb © vs. </strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="font-size:8px;">[NJPW]</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Minoru Suzuki</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Background:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Following his second successful defence of the ROH World Championship, which he had previously won from Matt Taven at Death Before Dishonor, Jeff Cobb made it clear that he wanted to face one of the very best wrestlers in the world. With the ROH vs The World theme of Final Battle, management found Cobb the perfect opponent, Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion and Suzuki Gun member Zack Sabre Jr.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> However, just days after the announcement was made official on ROH TV, Sabre fell to an injury working for his home promotion, RevPro in the UK. This left Ring of Honor scrambling for a replacement, until Zack Sabre Jr. stepped up with a suggestion of his own. At the next ROH event, ZSJ appeared via satellite connection to reveal that the man challenging for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle, would be… Minoru Suzuki!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Result:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> With the scores level going into the match, ROH and the Rest of the World both on four victories each, this final contest would be the decider of the night. More importantly, the ROH World Championship was on the line, just weeks before Minoru Suzuki walked into the Tokyo Dome for WrestleKingdom. From the opening bell, the two men went hell for leather, a physical and brutal contest followed. Minoru Suzuki laughed off Jeff Cobb’s attempts to match him in the striking stakes, but did have more difficulty with the power and technique of Jeff Cobb’s Suplexes and Throws. This led to a highly intense match, which didn’t go too long, but did pack a lot into the 15 minutes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Such was the heat brought into the match, both men ended up losing their focus on a couple of occasions, with the match spilling to the outside. The referee tried to be hands on in returning the match to the ring, but stayed a safe distance away from Suzuki. Once they had returned to the ring, Suzuki continued to bend the rules, ruthlessly taking shots at Jeff Cobb in the corner. Having exhausted the five count, the referee came between the two men, and was shoved away by Suzuki. The referee could have called the bell there and then, but didn’t, instead looking for a clean break from Suzuki. This came, but only when Suzuki grabbed Jeff Cobb, throwing him into the referee. The referee stumbled backwards, and in the split second Cobb took to check on the official and steady himself, he was caught from behind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Minoru Suzuki had Jeff Cobb locked in a Rear Naked Choke in the middle of the ring, and took the Champion down to the mat. Cobb struggled and tried to fight free, but couldn’t, fading into an unconscious state. Checking on the Ring of Honor World Champion, the referee got no response, and was as such forced to call for the bell. </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><em>Minoru Suzuki is the NEW Ring of Honor World Champion!</em></strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>[ROH 4-5 ROW]</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Aftermath:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Despite the bell ringing, and Minoru Suzuki being declared the new ROH World Champion, he refused to release Jeff Cobb from the Rear Naked Choke. The referee took the Championship from ringside, to hand to Suzuki, but had to place it back on the mat to try and pry him away from Jeff Cobb. Other officials and backstage personnel joined the referee in the ring, having the desired effect of Suzuki releasing the hold. However, as Suzuki got up, he attacked the group that had assembled in the ring, laying them all out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> As Suzuki continued to abuse the officials, laying boots into them on the canvas, a man in a suit came down the ramp. Ian Riccaboni recognised him immediately, saying that the man was not a Ring of Honor official, but in fact a high level executive in Sinclair Broadcasting, the promotion’s parent company. With Suzuki still caught up in causing destruction in the ring, the man took the Championship from the apron, and spoke with the ring announcer. The executive looked furious and was very animated, firmly relayed some information to ring announcer Bobby Cruise. This caught the attention of Suzuki, who left the ring and pushed the man over. Colt Cabana put this over as a big thing, saying that this man wasn’t involved in wrestling operations of Ring of Honor, and there would be serious repercussions for Suzuki’s actions. Suzuki of course had no idea who the man was, not that he would have cared much if he did.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> With the “executive” down on the ground, Minoru Suzuki grabbed the Ring of Honor World Championship from the ring announcer, returning to the ring and raising it in the air. The men who had been taken out by Suzuki laid out all across the ring, as well as around the ringside area, “Final Battle: ROH vs. The World” ending in extremely controversial circumstances. Nonetheless, the announcement had been made, and the deciding match of the event had ended with New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Minoru Suzuki standing tall, the new Ring of Honor World Champion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>The Reasoning:</strong></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Originally the Main Event of Final Battle, Jeff Cobb vs. Zack Sabre Jr. would have seen the same 4-4 score going into the match, with Zack Sabre defeating Jeff Cobb cleanly, to become the ROH World Champion. The idea behind this was not only to put the ROH World Championship on someone widely perceived as one of the best in-ring performers in the world (evoking previous Champions such as Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinness and Samoa Joe), but also to give a shocking conclusion to Final Battle. The hope was that the surprising title change (with ROH expected to win the night over the Rest of the World) would create a buzz around the company, particularly with Zack Sabre Jr. walking into the Tokyo Dome for WrestleKingdom in the coming weeks, holding the Ring of Honor World Championship.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> When the match was changed, the decision became less clear, with the desire to have a big moment to end the show, the year and the decade balanced against wanting to keep Jeff Cobb looking strong. After much deliberation, the decision was made for Minoru Suzuki to win the ROH World Championship, in a tainted manner, for similar reasons to those above. It was felt that those in attendance and those watching on Pay-Per-View would be happy with a title change, with somebody as respected and well regarded as Minoru Suzuki hopefully garnering a positive reaction. It was also hoped that those not up to date with Ring of Honor would be drawn in by hearing the news, creating a buzz around the company, and intrigue to where the story would go following Final Battle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> This was also kept in mind with the post-match booking, as Minoru Suzuki created a chaotic and violent scene, which included him attacking a non-wrestling related “Sinclair Broadcasting Group Executive”. The fallout from this would come on the events that followed Final Battle, with two “Best of 2019” compilation shows being followed by the new episodes of Ring of Honor TV beginning to air from January 2020. Of course, there would be repercussions for the actions of Minoru Suzuki, the news of which would be known well in advance of those new episodes airing...<hr color=black></span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Quick Results:</span></strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> [Pre-Show] Mistico bt. Dalton Castle </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(D)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> KENTA bt. Matt Taven </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(C-)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Jonthan Gresham © bt. Chris Brookes </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>to retain the ROH Honor Club Championship</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(D-)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Dragon Lee & Rush © bt. Brody King & PCO </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(D+)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori)</span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>to retain the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(C-)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Kelly Klein © bt. Mercedes Martinez </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>to retain the ROH Women of Honor World Championship</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(D-)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Flip Gordon bt. Jushin Thunder Liger </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(D+)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Davey Richards bt. Jay Briscoe </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(D+)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Minoru Suzuki bt. Jeff Cobb © </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><em>to become the ROH World Champion</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(C-)</strong></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> Overall Score </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>ROH 4-5 ROW</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"> - Show Rating </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-size:8px;"><strong>(C-)</strong></span></span></p></div><p></p>

<p>Another good episode, really liked Eric as the mouthpiece of Marat and the explanation behind him bringing him in. Cool way to bring the fact Phil isn't completely in charge to the screen. Got a bit of "The Network" in ECW about it. </p><p> </p><p> Thought the restraining order on Buff was smart too, and Marc looks good in defeat, simply by being the one with the guts to be the first to step up to Khoklov. Interested in where Huggins goes, getting the treatment he deserves from his colleagues, and looking forward to RDJ and Marat's face off next week. Good stuff all round!</p>

ECW.com Preview - Episode #16 of ECW CyberSlam Previous Episode: <hr color=black> The final episode of ECW CyberSlam from the hometown of Rob Van Dam, sees the ECW World Champion make the second defence of his title, against Hustle member Low-Ki. Having stolen the physical title, following one of a number of assaults on the Battle Creed native, Low-Ki could walk into the match with the title in his hands, but will have to defeat Rob Van Dam to leave with it. This would be no mean feat, but Low-Ki’s cause is greatly helped by his alliance with Paul Heyman & The Hustle, and by extension Heyman’s Personal Security Team. RVD will have the crowd behind on the night, but with Paul Heyman promoting an announcement regarding the Main Event at the start of the show, it will be an uphill struggle for “Mr. Saturday Night”. The aftershocks of the backstage “riot” that took place two weeks ago will also continue to be felt on CyberSlam, as Justin Credible, Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid face the formidable team of Steve Corino, C.W. Anderson and Stevie Richards. Forming in recent weeks, to help Steve Corino’s push towards the ECW World Championship, the group will make their debut as a team, looking to make an impact against the trio who stand against Paul Heyman’s “new vision” for ECW. CM Punk and Homicide will also look forward to their ECW Television Championship match next week, as both men won Semi-Final matches on the previous episode of CyberSlam. Paul Heyman will also have an announcement regarding that match, the final of an 8 man tournament to crown the first Television Champion of the new ECW.<hr> Match Card ECW World Championship Match Rob Van Dam © vs. Low-Ki C.W. Anderson, Steve Corino & Stevie Richards vs. Justin Credible, Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid The Full Blooded Italians vs. Elijah Burke & Johnny Swinger

ROH Final Battle: ROH vs. The World - Match Card Venue: UMBC Event Center - Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA <hr color=black> ROH World Championship Match <hr color=black> ROH Women of Honor World Championship Match <hr color=black> ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match <hr color=black> ROH World Tag Team Championship Match <hr color=black> ROH Honor Club Championship Match <hr color=black> Jay Briscoe Demands A Top Level Opponent! <hr color=black> KENTA Returns To Ring of Honor <hr color=black> Jushin Thunder Liger's Last Ever Match Outside Of Japan <hr color=black> Dalton Castle’s Open Challenge <hr color=black> Final Battle: ROH vs. The World - Match Card ROH World Championship [ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki WOH World Championship [ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez ROH World Tag Team Championships [CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships [ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori) ROH Honor Club Championship [ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes [ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ??? Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? [NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven [ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger [ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ??? Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge?

ECW CyberSlam - Episode #15 Episode #15: <iframe width="745" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nMBo_XnC9KE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <hr color=black> He's been great, but I worried Siaki might be a step too far. I do eventually switch his gimmick, I think it's another two or three weeks before I remember though! I assume everything going wrong is my fault, on account of me not being very good at the booking side of the game. I'd love nothing more at this point than for Siaki to become a business transcending star. The Siakolypse gaining steam Two people is practically a movement! Siaki's real life story is what drew me to him in the first place (and him being a Flying Elvis obviously), so I would really love to see him succeed. He has potential, but I've not made much progress with him just yet.

Yeah, I've had a look at CMLL who we're in alliance with, going to use a couple of them. A few others on the shortlist to start in 2020 as well. I think we'll move in the right direction soon (I've been saying this since the start though). I have a feeling Ivelisse has signed somewhere, not sure though. Interesting move for him, and he's performed really well IIRC. KENTA kills The Kingdom sounds perfect Can picture that opening scene and title card perfectly! Yeah, I was thinking something like that. Different guys, but perhaps a role he would fit well. We'll have to wait and see, but I am looking forward to booking Suzuki and Cobb. Think I've got something good planned. I think some will like it, some will hate it, but I don't know. We'll have to see. This is a multiplayer game, the other player is Impact and has signed Tenille. We have an agreement to not sign each other's talent until they're in the last month (so we can do bidding wars then, but not before). I agree she'd have been great, and her staying in ROH would have probably had me build the division around her. Maybe she'll come in down the line, as I do have my eye on a few Impact contracts. I assumming Davey Richards? Correct me if I'm wrong. He is an interesting one, as I'm not sure how ROH fans would react to his return. He's definitely in the mould of talent I want to sign, but he does have issues with Joe Koff in-game based on his departure. Tricky one, but we may find out how his return would go sooner or later It would have been an option, but I announced the replacement before Aldis was hurt. Then the next week Aldis goes and gets hurt . I basically had a World Champion and a World title number one contender without matches, seemed a perfect fit, but just didn't fall right:mad:. Like pretty much everything else so far, if it can go wrong, it probably will (this includes another issue I've run into with Dragon Lee's loan from CMLL, but I'll go into that after Final Battle).

ROH On The Road - Television Taping ROH: On The Road - Television Taping On the road to Final Battle, there was one last stop for Ring of Honor - a Television taping in Lakeland, Florida. Of course, yet another spanner had been thrown in the works of the upcoming year end show, with those within the company feeling the show was “cursed”. After injuries to Bandido & Flamita caused major changes to the card, things went from bad to worse as scheduled World Championship challenger Zack Sabre Jr. was injured days after being announced as Jeff Cobb’s opponent. The company scrambled to quickly find a replacement, with reports that they’d called Davey Richards to appear in Lakeland on very short notice. ROH couldn’t work out a deal with the former ROH World Champion in time, leading to alternative measures being taken. This back-up plan would be revealed at the event, and air on the first of three episodes of ROH TV that were shown on Charge! Episode #1 Opening the show with the confirmation of Zack Sabre Jr. being pulled from Final Battle, the commentators promised an update later in the night. Jeff Cobb would go to the ring, with the announcement of Sabre’s replacement promoted. Dragon Lee & Rush bt. Eli Isom & Ryan Nova - picking up a convincing victory, Dragon Lee & Rush returned to remind ROH fans what they’d been missing over the last month. They also showed what to expect at Final Battle, and were met by their future opponents, Brody King & PCO, after the bell. The two teams went face to face, but remained respectful, ahead of the World Tag Team Championship match in three weeks. A vignette aired, promoting the presence of Bullet Club at Final Battle. They would face Lethal & Lifeblood for the World Six Man Tag Team Championships. Jay Lethal gave his thoughts on the match, saying that ROH vs. The World was an important night for the company, and his team were ready to represent the Lifeblood of ROH... Kelly Klein bt. Thunder Rosa - Mercedes Martinez joined ringside, as Kelly Klein matched her victory over Rosa in impressive fashion. Klein had proved she could match Mercedes Martinez, with the challenger to the Women of Honor World Championship set to be in action in two weeks time. Mark Briscoe replied to Nick Aldis’ promo from earlier, making it clear he was ready for the NWA World Heavyweight Champion next week! A video package looked at Flip Gordon’s victory over Marty Scurll last month, putting over how great his last two months have been. As well as beating Marty Scurll, Flip won a match at Make The Cut, ensuring him as the final man to face Jushin Thunder Liger in North America, before the legendary figure retires in January. After that package, a vignette promoted “The Honor League”, tickets on sale for the two nights after Final Battle, airing in 2020... Matt Taven bt. Cheeseburger - following a pre-match promo where he insisted he was not afraid of KENTA (lady doth protest), Matt Taven picked up a dominating win over Cheeseburger. Following the match, he made it clear he was ready for KENTA, before Jeff Cobb made his way down to the ring... Once in the ring, Jeff Cobb addressed the injury to Zack Sabre Jr., putting over how gutted he was that the match wouldn’t happen. Cobb accepted injuries happen, but couldn’t shake how disappointed he was that he wouldn’t be able to test himself against one of the best wrestlers in the world. As Cobb continued, he was cut off by ZSJ, who appeared on the screen. Zack Sabre Jr. mocked Jeff Cobb, telling him that if he wanted to know how the match would have gone, he could tell him right now. However, that wasn’t what Zack Sabre Jr. was going to address. Instead, Sabre spoke about a call he made as soon he heard he was unable to compete at Final Battle, saying that he called in a favour from a very close personal friend. At Final Battle: ROH vs. The World, Jeff Cobb’s World Championship would be on the line… against MINORU SUZUKI! <hr color=black>Episode #2 Dalton Castle bt. PJ Black - building momentum before his open challenge on the Honor Club exclusive pre-show, Dalton Castle picked up a win over one of ROH’s most experienced competitors. After the match, Castle talked about the year he has had, saying that nothing will shock him at Final Battle… and he’s ready for whoever walks through that curtain! A video package promoted the heated rivalry between Nick Aldis and The Briscoe Brothers. In the main event, Nick Aldis would face Mark Briscoe. Brody King, Flip Gordon & PCO bt. Fred Yehi & Coast 2 Coast - Flip spoke before the match, putting over how the former Villain Enterprises were ready for their huge matches at Final Battle: ROH vs. The World. They proved that during the course of the match, picking up a convincing victory. Next Week: Jeff Cobb interviewed regarding Minoru Suzuki replacing Zack Sabre Jr. in the Main Event of Final Battle. Sent in from Japan, KENTA responded to Matt Taven’s words about him that aired the previous week, mocking him in a manner which made it clear that he was very laid back about their match at Final Battle. Nick Aldis bt. Mark Briscoe - in a heated and obvious preview of the scheduled match at Final Battle, Nick Aldis beat Mark Briscoe after a wild brawl. Despite being hurt during the match, Aldis still managed to come away with the victory. After the match, Jay Briscoe gave the hurt Aldis no time to recover, as a brawl broke out between the two. The fresher of the competitors, Briscoe was able to take control, sending Aldis through a table off the stage. This potentially aggravated the injuries Aldis had already sustained. The commentators promised an update on Aldis’ condition the next week.<hr color=black>Episode #3 The episode before Final Battle was slightly different to the usual TV shows, with Ian Riccaboni in a studio “live”, in between the pre-recorded matches. He gave an update on the ROH card, confirming that due to injuries sustained during his match with Mark Briscoe, Nick Aldis would not be cleared to compete at Final Battle. Ian then brought in Jay Briscoe, who had some very strong words for Aldis. Jay Briscoe said that he should be the World Champion right now, and while he isn’t… he still earned his spot on the Final Battle card! For that reason, he’s calling out any World Champion competitor. Former Champion, current Champion… even future Champion. Jay Briscoe wants ROH to find him the best possible opponent for Final Battle, and if they don’t - what he does in 2020, is going to make what he did in 2019 look like child’s play! Lethal & Lifeblood bt. Kenny King, Silas Young & Shane Taylor - gearing up for a title defence at Final Battle, the World Six Man Tag Team Champions picked up a fairly straight forward victory. After the match, Lethal & Lifeblood’s Final Battle opponents were shown, Taiji Ishimori, El Phantasmo and Chase Owens cutting a promo on the match. KENTA then walked into the scene with his fellow Bullet Club members, once again laughing at the challenge of Matt Taven. Matt Taven’s fired up response showed that he was tired of being mocked, as he vowed to show KENTA that ROH is a different beast from when he was there. Little sign of fear showed on the face of Taven, who had reached his breaking pointed, sick of the lack of respect for a former ROH World Champion! Before the second match of the night, Ian Riccaboni went in depth on the “Honor League” a competition coming to the company following Final Battle. Riccaboni revealed the competitors would be confirmed the night after Final Battle: ROH vs. The World, and would feature some of the best talent in world wrestling. 16 competitors would enter, in 4 groups of 4. The winners of each group would then go into the “Winner’s Group”, each facing each other until one winner is declared the 2020 Honor League Champion. Mercedes Martinez bt. Hollidead - proving anything Klein could do, she could do better, Martinez quickly dispatched of her opponent. After the match, Champion and Challenger spoke in the ring, vowing to put on one of the best Women of Honor matches ever, at Final Battle. Jonathan Gresham promoted his match with Chris Brookes, not as a rivalry, but by putting over his close friend and tag team partner. Gresham promised that the two would put on a classic match, made even better by the fact that they know each other so well. This was followed by one final run down of the “Final Battle: ROH vs. The World” card. Jeff Cobb & Jonathan Gresham bt. TK O’Ryan & Vinny Marseglia - another fairly decisive victory on the show, Cobb & Gresham proved themselves ready for Final Battle with two convincing performances. The two shook hands after the match, before Riccaboni introduced the much promoted Jeff Cobb interview up next... Jeff Cobb closed the show, cutting a promo where he “bared all” about the situation within the ROH locker room. Cobb admitted morale had been low at points during the year, but also put over just how determined the Ring of Honor roster had been to put things right. He spoke of the talent in the company, saying that he was proud to represent everybody in ROH as the World Champion. He spoke about what Final Battle means to the company going into 2020, and the importance of regaining the trust of the fans. That was why he was so frustrated when Zack Sabre Jr. got hurt, not to mention the other injuries in the build up. He did admit however, that they had landed on their feet with Sabre bringing in his NJPW stablemate Minoru Suzuki. Cobb put over Suzuki as one of the toughest, most feared and respected competitors in the whole world of wrestling. But Cobb doesn’t fear anybody, he’s proved himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world, both as an Olympian and as a World Champion. At Final Battle, he’ll show everybody who watches, that no matter where he competes… the Hawaiian Juggernaut is a world-class professional wrestler!<hr color=black>As reported following the event in Lakeland, Florida and confirmed on ROH TV, the Final Battle “curse” continued with the injury of Nick Aldis. A rivalry that predated the removal of Bully Ray and Delirious from the company, the disappointment was compounded by the fact both World Championship matches on the card had now been affected by injury. With three nights of shows planned for the weekend of Final Battle, the company hoped talent could get through the shows unscathed, and begin 2020 with a more positive outlook than 2019 started with. The company hope that their ability to work around these enforced changes, and still present a show that fans are happy with will work in their favour, and are confident that the reworked card will deliver just as well - if not even better - that what had originally been planned. There is also optimism around the Honor League, which will begin the night after Final Battle, with matches airing on ROH TV from January 2nd 2020. The tournament will see 16 competitors placed into 4 groups of 4, each facing every other member of their group. 3 points will be received for a victory, with a 15 minute time limit draw earning the competitors 1 point each. The top ranked wrestler from each group will advance to the “Winner’s Group”, where the process will be repeated. The athlete who wins that group will be named the Champion of the 1st Honor League, and receive a future shot at the Ring of Honor World Championship. This will make up the majority of the content aired by the company in the first few months of the year, and with the talent internally confirmed to be involved, is seen to guarantee top quality action throughout every episode of ROH’s television show going forward. Before then, of course, is the final show of the year, the final show of the decade and one of the biggest shows in company… Final Battle: ROH vs. The World!