20LEgend

<p>ECW.com Preview - Episode #22 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/P1uOKo3a2Mo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #21: The NEW ECW! [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="D9wRP3R.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D9wRP3R.png" 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, Paul Heyman finally laid out his "new vision" of ECW, as CyberSlam debuted a whole new broadcast style, exclusively on </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;">!</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;"> In the ring, there was more of the same high-intensity action that ECW fans have grown to love, as The Havana Pitbulls won the World Tag Team Championships... before seemingly aligning with The Hustle. That wasn't all that was seen of that group however, as Sonny Siaki & Xavier fell to defeat against Johnny Kashmere & Trent Acid later in the night. With the group looking stronger than ever, there is some suggestion that Siaki & Xavier's places in the group are under threat...</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, in the Main Event, CM Punk picked up a victory over "The Shooter" Brent Albright, retaining the Television Championship. The big story came after the match however, as Paul Heyman announced that CM Punk would face Rob Van Dam at Heatwave, with the ECW World Championship on the line. This week, Rob Van Dam & Sabu face Homicide & Low-Ki, with question marks over the alignment of CM Punk continuing to be a hot topic of conversation. Punk maintains he has nothing to do with Paul Heyman or The Hustle, but even those who backed him in light of recent accusations, will be looking for answers to this latest revelation.<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;"> Homicide & Low-Ki 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. Elijah Burke</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. Tony Mamaluke</div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p><hr color=black></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Big up the signing of the Havana Pitbulls. They're definitely a part of the ECW feel, and I'm wondering how you'll play them up in relation to the HUSTLE given the history between certain Latinx members on either side.</div></blockquote><p> I'd had my eye on them from the start, but held them off until we were bringing back the tag titles. They've been signed for a couple of months, waiting to debut. Definitely need a few more new teams, but we're starting to get a bit of a division together.</p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow, Brent Albright really fell on his face here. <p> </p><p> Also, I'm surprised you didn't go to RVD vs. Sabu as a filler title defense, stir up some chaos in the Originals, and then head into Punk vs. RVD. Feels a bit early to me.</p></div></blockquote><p> Yeah, I'm pretty much done with pushing him as a top guy now, and after Heat Wave I think I'll go ahead and put him in a tag team. He can be a decent midcarder (on his day), but him as one of the "new stars" of ECW isn't working. Maybe one day, but perhaps I need to see if he can get over more organically and see where it goes from there.</p><p> </p><p> I wanted to go big for the first PPV, and RVD vs. Sabu doesn't feel like that to me. Rob Van Dam vs. CM Punk is the best match we can put on, and with a basic idea of where we're going long-term, I'm happy to go with it now. There will be rematches down the line I expect, but enough will have changed for it to feel fresh again. Or at least that's the idea.</p>

<p>ROH: Honor League Culminates!</p><p> </p><p> </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" /><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>ROH Honor League Culminates - Television Taping</strong></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Heading to Pittsburgh the night after Honor Reigns Supreme, ROH turned their attention to the final episodes of TV before Supercard of Honor, which would take place during WrestleMania weekend. Before then, the Honor League would conclude, with Davey Richards, Jay Lethal, Jeff Cobb and Rush battling it out to win the tournament. The person who won the tournament would go into Supercard of Honor as the ROH World Champion, and would choose their own opponent for the event.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="t58HKAq.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/t58HKAq.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p></div><p></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><ul><li><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>David Finlay, Fred Yehi & PJ Black bt. Shinobi Shadow Squad -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> having come together at Honor Reigns Supreme, the new group picked up a convincing victory. After the match, Jonathan Gresham, Mark Haskins & Tracy Williams were out for revenge, but the three men escaped.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">A promo from the aforementioned Black, Yehi & Finlay was then aired, as the three men explained that they had been sidelined for different reasons, but weren’t going to be sidelined anymore. Finlay pointed out that he was in the original lineup of Lifeblood, but since returning from injury, he’s heard nothing from his so called stablemates. Instead, he reached out to Yehi & Black, two men who know what it’s like to have Lifeblood’s back, and get nothing in return. They had been relegated to cannon fodder by Lethal & Lifeblood… and now they are “The Blacklist”!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Footage recapped the recent incident where Davey Richards was attacked by The Briscoe Brothers. With the Honor League still ongoing, and Davey still in contention to win the tournament, The Briscoe Brothers were sent home, ensuring they couldn’t have any involvement going forward.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Sumie Sakai bt. Kelly Klein -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> put over as a surprising result, Kelly Klein’s week went from bad to worse with another defeat. Since losing the title, Klein has been all out of sorts, and her frustrations boiled over after the match.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">With the Honor League concluding the following week, the “story so far” was recapped, before an interview with Jeff Cobb. Cobb said he couldn’t control anything that was happening between Rush and Richards, but knew that whatever happens, his match with Davey Richards is must win!</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> Davey Richards bt. Rush -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> despite feeling the pain in his neck, still lingering from the Jay Briscoe attack, Richards fought through to make sure he stayed in control of the “Winner’s Group”. Another match coming close to the 20 minute time limit, Richards picked up the victory with moments to spare. The group was now in the hands of Davey Richards, with anything </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><em>but</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> defeat to Jeff Cobb securing him the Honor League trophy and the ROH World Title.</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="rTgngjy.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rTgngjy.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><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;"><strong><em>[Honor League]</em></strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong> Rush bt. Jay Lethal -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> while the match was essentially a dead rubber, it didn’t stop the two competitors giving their all to secure third place in the group. Picking up the quickest victory of the initial stage of the Honor League, Rush also took this accolade for the “Winner’s Group”, beating Lethal in the first sub-15 minute match.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">With Jay Lethal finishing bottom of the “Winner’s Group”, his night got a whole lot worse, as he was attacked by The Blacklist after Rush had left the ring. The attack was quick, and with the Honor League still ongoing, security acted swiftly. Later in the night, it was confirmed that the three men had been escorted from the building.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Following a video package for the Main Event, Madison Eagles was interviewed on the stage, speaking about the Women of Honor World Championship. Eagles confirmed that she would be defending the title at Supercard of Honor, in a “Champion of Champions” match. That meant that the three former Champions would be given the chance to take her title, as Madison defends against Kelly Klein, Sumie Sakai and Mayu Itawani!</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> Jeff Cobb bt. Davey Richards -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> the final and most important match of the Honor League, Davey Richards came into the contest far from 100%. This didn’t stop Jeff Cobb, who in fact appeared encouraged by Richards’ injury. Focussing much of his offence on the Davey’s weak spots, the referee even had to step in at one point. While a draw would have been enough for Davey Richards to win the Ring of Honor World Championship, and time appeared to be on his side, Cobb gave him his first defeat since returning, hitting a Tour of The Islands in 19:39!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Following the match, Jeff Cobb was handed the ROH World Championship and the Honor League trophy, by the same man who was present at the Honor League announcement. This man had been behind Minoru Suzuki being stripped of the title, and looked happy to have Cobb secure as the Champion. Jeff Cobb shook hands with Davey Richards, who headed to the back, before issuing his challenge once again. Garnering a clear, negative reaction from the member of management who had given him the Honor League trophy, Jeff Cobb reiterated that there was only one man he wanted at Supercard of Honor… Minoru Suzuki!</span></span></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="B9d1rJ5.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B9d1rJ5.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><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;">After a recap of the previous week’s show, Davey Richards’ reaction to losing to Jeff Cobb was shown, with the second placed competitor saying he’d been advised to take time off. Davey spoke about how long he’d waited to return to ROH… and for that reason there was </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><em>no</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> chance he’d be taking time off!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Flamita bt. Flip Gordon (DQ) -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> attempting to show his “cutting edge”, Flip went too far the other way, and got himself Disqualified. After the match, he threw Flamita to the outside, promising to show ROH his cutting edge! It was later confirmed that Gordon would face KENTA at Supercard of Honor.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Beginning with Jonathan Gresham, and continuing throughout the night, there was promotion for the “Honor Rumble” at Supercard of Honor. The winner of the Battle Royal would challenge for Gresham’s Honor Club Championship later in the event.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Madison Eagles bt. Tasha Steelz -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> a convincing win, as Eagles geared up for the Champion of Champions match at Supercard of Honor.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Jeff Cobb returned to the ring, confirming that he would face Minoru Suzuki at Supercard of Honor. Cobb said that management might not be happy, but he has something to prove. Jeff Cobb added that it wasn’t just the bosses who were unhappy, because the fans weren’t happy with how it went down at Final Battle, and neither was he. This time they’re going to do it right. The referees, the fans and everybody else will be protected from Minoru Suzuki, because Jeff Cobb will be locked inside a Steel Cage with “The Man with the Worst Personality in the World”!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">The Honor League winner was then joined by the runner up, as Davey Richards came down to the ring. Davey put over Jeff Cobb, and said that he also wants to talk about Final Battle. At that event he returned to ROH, but since then he’d been targeted by The Briscoe Brothers, particularly Jay Briscoe. With The Honor League out of the way, Davey can finally give Jay the attention he craves, challenging him for Supercard of Honor… to a FIGHT </span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><em>WITHOUT</em></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> HONOR!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Speaking on behalf of Lifeblood, Jay Lethal accepted Blacklist’s challenge. It was clear he was still feeling the effects of their attack.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Mistico bt. Bandido -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> representing his family in place of the sidelined Dragon Lee, Mistico picked up a victory. Commentary later confirmed that Dragon Lee had aggravated an injury to his bicep, and would be out of action for a while. At Supercard of Honor, Bandido & Flamita will face Rush & Mistico, once again taking his injured brother’s place.</span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Episode #4</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Much of the show before Supercard of Honor was focussed on building to the upcoming event. This included an in-depth run through of the card from Ian Riccaboni, as well as recaps of the Honor League which took place earlier in the year.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Jonathan Gresham bt. TK O'Ryan -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> a convincing victory for the Honor Club Champion, with Vinny Marseglia's presence at ringside doing little to help his Kingdom partner.</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Another video package looked at the rivalry between Davey Richards and Jay Briscoe. At Supercard of Honor, they will have a Fight Without Honor, and a promo sent in from Jay Briscoe showed that he was looking forward to the match. He had a clear plan of what he intended to do to Davey Richards, and promised once he was done… Davey wouldn’t want to call ROH “home” anymore. </span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Jeff Cobb spoke with Ian Riccaboni during the episode, promoting his Steel Cage match with Minoru Suzuki at Supercard of Honor!</span></span><br /></li><li><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><strong>Brody King bt. Josh Woods -</strong></span></span><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> After the match, as Taven cut a promo on the stage vowing to take the Honor Club Championship, King took out the entire group. Like Taven, Brody King would fight for a shot at the Honor Club Championship, in a Battle Royal at Supercard of Honor.</span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><hr color=black>The injury to Dragon Lee wasn’t the only bad news to come out of ROH following the last taping before Supercard of Honor, as two top talents informed management they were finishing up with the company. While Flip Gordon is still expected to leave for AEW, Alex Shelley and Jay Lethal are both confirmed to be leaving.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><img alt="03EG5u0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/03EG5u0.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" /></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> Alex Shelley was not at the taping at Stage AE, and is already done with the company, while Jay Lethal will finish up at Supercard of Honor and the following night’s TV taping.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> ROH are said to be surprised by Jay Lethal’s decision, but had been aware of Shelley’s unhappiness since plans for a Motor City Machine Guns’ reunion didn’t work out. Lethal and Shelley join Chris Sabin and a number of other veteran roster members in leaving the company, with ROH once again forced to make new stars and bring in more fresh faces. Some within the company see this as a great opportunity to continue the reshaping of the roster, but in truth it is difficult to put any positive spin on losing a talent like Jay Lethal.</span></p>

<p>Excellence Begins At Home!</p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">January 1st 2016:</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><strong> Happy New Year!</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Two weeks ago I made the toughest decision of my life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Working for The Stone Family had always been a dream of mine, and 4 years ago I got the call. Tommy London was speaking about retirement, and NOTBPW were looking to bring in his replacement with enough time to teach them the NOTBPW “way”. As an announcer, and a lifelong fan of the company, I couldn’t have asked for more. The first few years, largely as an on-screen interviewer, I soaked up as much knowledge as I could, occasionally calling “pre-show” matches before the pay-per-views. When Tommy London’s contract expired, and he opted to step away from the business, it felt like a natural transition for me to step into the booth with Tom Townsend. But the call didn’t come. I remained on interview duty, while Samuel Curran was brought in as the lead announcer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> To be frank, it was a kick in the balls. But I carried on, reminding myself that this was my dream job, and even if it was only holding a microphone while wrestlers cut promos, I was still working for The Stone Family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Over the last 12 months, that changed. I wasn’t happy “just being there” anymore. It had been an honour and a privilege, and perhaps more importantly financially secure, but I needed something to change. Two weeks ago, I requested a meeting with Jeremy and Victoria.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> I was told by my colleagues that it wasn’t a good time, but considering what has happened since that night (Sean Fly’s injury and Steve DeColt leaving), I couldn’t have timed it better. Jeremy and Victoria both seemed fine with my decision, and I didn’t know what to make of that. Telling me to make the most of the Holiday season with my family, they even told me not to worry about working my notice. Before I left however, Jeremy called Duane, sending me to see him on my way out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Going in, I hadn’t known what to expect, but that certainly wasn’t it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Despite having a match that night, Duane gave me a lot of time, not only wishing me luck, but giving a great insight on what to expect outside of the company. There was a bit of an announcer merry-go-round happening in Canadian wrestling at the time (which I was well aware of), but Duane had the inside track. He’d heard that Davis Ditteritch was departing CGC to join the English broadcast team of SOTBPW, and in turn ACPW’s Tony Marsh was heading to work for The DeColts. Duane said that he’d make a call to Daedalus Buchinsky, and see what he could do.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Two days later, I got a call from Buchinsky, who told me he’d heard “great things” from Duane Stone. I was flattered, and delighted to be offered a job with a position at their announce table. As well as finally being the lead voice for the company, we also spoke about Face Nelson, who had been booking the company for the past 5 years, and would be my broadcast partner going forward. Buchinsky told me that over the last year, Tony Marsh had been helping Nelson with putting the shows together, and on Duane’s recommendation, he was happy for me to take up that position. Again I was flattered, and didn’t hesitate in accepting the extra workload.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> January 1st 2016. I start my new job at All Canadian Pro Wrestling. From a small spoke on the wheel, the dynamic has completely changed. No longer a student, my job is to pass </span><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><em>my</em></span><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> knowledge to this generation of talent. One day I will return to North of The Border Pro Wrestling, but for now, my job is to help make ACPW, the fastest rising company in the entire world!</span></p>

<p>Excellence Begins At Home!</p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">January 1st 2016:</span></strong></span><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"><strong> Happy New Year!</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> 2016! Things can only get better after how last year ended…</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> In fact, the past twelve months have been the most trying of my time in charge of the company, with Dan’s retirement in July proving the catalyst for a series of events which change how I viewed the business. Attendances dropped and financial difficulties followed. There was money in the bank, but I wasn’t willing to risk this family’s future. With my brother joining me and Victoria in retirement, Duane was the last member of the family still competing in the ring. This meant we had to face something we’d known for some time, we needed new stars and we needed them soon. The intent had always been there, and the wheels had been in motion, but bad luck and unfortunate timing made things difficult as 2015 came to an end.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> But December 2015 was where things went from concerning, to disastrous. First it was Damien “The Natural” Carvill, putting up his Christmas tree on his day off and somehow breaking his ankle in the process. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Then Steve called.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> DeColt had been off-screen for the past two months, since his contract expired in October. Victoria had been talking with him, but things were progressing slowly. The spanner in the works was USPW, they’d offered Steve DeColt the kind of money that blew us out of the order, and our only hope was his desire to stay closer to home. One week before Christmas he spoke to Victoria, and told her he wouldn’t be extending his deal. As of January 2016, Steve DeColt would be a member of the USPW roster.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> This wasn’t the end of the bad news however, with the final sting in the tail coming the night before Christmas Eve. NOTBPW’s “Christmas Classic” episode of Championship Wrestling, a festive celebration of the year’s action, ended in the worst way imaginable. During the Main Event, a match between Sean McFly and one of our top up-and-coming stars Sean Deeley, disaster struck. Sean went down holding his neck, and as he tried to continue the match, collapsed to the ground. The family spent Christmas in the hospital with Sean, and the worries about the company faded into insignificance. We were told that Sean had broken his neck, but was expected to make a full recovery. He was told however, that his days in the ring would be over.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Having initially feared the worst, the “good news” didn’t lift Sean’s spirits at all. He was insistent he would step back in the ring one day, but plans going forward would have to be made without him. Victoria also told me that she would be staying home with Sean throughout his recovery, an understandable decision, that nonetheless increased the pressure on my shoulders. Thankfully, a year end “compilation show” was scheduled for the last week of the year, giving me extra time to prepare for the New Year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Of course, there would be no New Year’s celebration at our father’s house this year, but Duane, Dan and I still went to visit. Since retiring from the business, Dan Sr. had rarely spoke about the company in its present state, respectfully leaving me to run things how I saw fit. While I appreciated his position, now more than ever I needed advice. My father and my brothers spoke with me for hours, much of the time reflecting on what made the “golden eras” so great. Reflection was the key theme of the entire night, and as we continued to speak the home phone rang. It was Victoria, wishing us a Happy New Year. We may have missed the turn of the New Year, but the situation it was during this time that the situation really hit me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Like myself, Dan and now Sean, Duane wouldn’t be able to compete forever. Neither would Johnny Bloodstone or John Maverick. Of all the men who have held the Canadian Championship, not one of them is under 40. Even the lower card is dominated by men who have been working - at this highly intense level - for over two decades. We have never been about the biggest names, the suggestion of bringing in “stars” from south of the border was never an option, even if we could afford it. The key to our success, as we all tried to dissect what gave NOTBPW its unique identity, became clearer the more we spoke. It wasn’t about taking a star like Steve DeColt, somebody who would jump ship for a better offer at the drop of a hat, it was about instilling a culture and an identity, building a family of performers who help themselves by helping those around them. The loyalty in the locker room spreads to the fans, and while personnel may change, the recognition of a commitment to our own ethos, would ensure their love for the company remained strong.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Through the ups and the downs, the peaks and troughs, one thing has remained constant with NOTBPW, a core of “House of Stone” talent, maintaining standards and produce excellence. With Dan now committing himself full-time to the training school, the levels were ready to reach new heights. Once their training was complete, it would be my responsibility to mould them into the next generation of stars. For a decade plus, the same faces had dominated the same position at the top of the card. While there was no doubt that they were there based solely on merit, it’s clear that those times are coming to an end. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Of all of our family, Duane had always been the most knowledgeable and studious of the wider wrestling business - a curiosity which led him to work in Japan for 5 years. In recent years, the company has favoured sending House of Stone graduates out into the wider world (with some exceptions) giving them the chance to find their identity as performers elsewhere. Of course, the effects of this are twofold. The idea is for them to eventually return “home” to NOTBPW, as more rounded performers. However, as we have seen, many of them fall by the wayside - with the lax “standards” and unprofessional atmosphere of many independent promotions instilling bad habits in talent from early ages. These habits can be hard to train out of a worker, who feels they have already “paid their dues” on the independent scene. One promotion which has proved beneficial to many of the Stone-graduates has been ACPW, with whom we enjoy a healthy relationship and who by all accounts are an excellently ran company.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Given Duane has been involved with scouting and discovering many of the young talents coming into NOTBPW in recent years (going as far as attending some ACPW and 4C events within the last year), I asked him to source some “tapes” of the graduates, to be studied by Sean (McFly), in order to keep him busy during his recovery. It is clearer than ever since his injury, that nothing will keep Sean away from the business. Given his contribution to NOTBPW over the last 15 years, there will of course always be a place for him in this company. Even if his wrestling days were over, a mind as sharp has Sean’s could be vital in bringing the next generation to the required level, offering his expert advice and eye for the small details. This wouldn’t just be limited to our homegrown talent, but any independent workers who Duane deems to have the potential to work with us. With Duane’s focus switching to spearheading the company on-screen, his role as talent scout would conveniently be transitioned to Sean McFly over the next year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> Unlike myself and Dan, many of the business’ young stars work a style more in the image of Duane and Sean McFly, rejecting the more methodical approach in favour of an “exciting, all action” style. This approach inevitably leads to increased injuries but, caught early enough, that potential can be channelled and refined, creating a new generation of performers in the NOTBPW image. This is one of the major plus points of Dan’s new role at the “House of Stone”. There, we can mould performers from day one, as they learn from one of the greatest minds in the history of Canadian wrestling. While foreign talent can undoubtedly provide interesting seasoning to the roster, it is my belief is that only homegrown talent can truly understand the traditions and identity of a promotion. From a young age, Canadian wrestlers were inspired and encouraged by those who they saw on our Television show, and it is that respect and reverence for the promotion which can not be replicated by those from the US, Mexico or Japan (with some exceptions). This is why the House of Stone - and the rest of Canada generally - is the world leader at producing elite level “Pro Wrestlers”. With Japan a close second, the American “entertainers” of recent years struggle to even come close to rivaling our in-ring quality. TCW may have tried, but from a pure wrestling standpoint, they are still some distance behind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> With those foundations in place, NOTBPW’s prerogative has not been to engage in revolution, but rather evolution. Looking to the products of our own training school, and the plethora of talent at our disposal in this country, it would be financially irresponsible and short sighted to look to “superstars” from the US to boost our company’s profile. Instead, while a temporary downtime may be a necessary evil, investing in our own talent will give us the best chance of creating that next “golden generation”, which I believe will benefit the business as a whole.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> This makes the beginning of 2016 a key moment in the history of NOTBPW. While the current crop - undoubtedly the most talented in the history of our sport - may not quite be ready to “ride off into the sunset”, it is essential that we look forward to tomorrow. To do this, we must take the men and women who grew up watching these iconic figures, and allow them first hand experience at the learning tree of their heroes and idols. It is this “passing of the torch” which will provide both the knowledge and the motivation to build a new golden generation of Canadian Wrestling. With the current crop still very much at the top of their game, we are provided with this unique landscape, and it would be both reckless and foolish to fail to utilise this opportunity. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:'Century Gothic';"> From the time I entered the business, there was not a show that went by without a peer of my father’s recounting a classic story, or a contemporary of mine sharing their memories of watching my father’s generation as they toured the country. For us it was normal, but to hear of how our father inspired others - in the same way he inspired his own children - filled all of us with immense pride. More recently, the trend changed. Instead of talking about working with, or watching our father as children, increasingly we are told about watching myself, Dan Jr. and the rest of the family. To realise that these youngsters view us, with the same respect that we saw the previous generation, is humbling, but also speaks to the great responsibility we have. Now more than ever, we must harbour that hunger and passion, those same feeling we felt at the beginning of our journeys, to provide a bridge to the next generation. Different in numerous ways, given how the world has changed around us, there is one thing that binds one generation to the next. That is the traditions and the culture of North of the Border Pro Wrestling. I do not deny that great talent can be found all over the world, nor that great wrestling can come in many forms. But for The Stone Family, and the future of our company - Excellence Begins at Home!</span></p>

<p>ECW CyberSlam - Episode #21</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Episode #21: </strong></p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/P1uOKo3a2Mo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #21: The NEW ECW! [TEW 2016]"></iframe></div></div><p> <iframe width="745" height="420" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P1uOKo3a2Mo" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/P1uOKo3a2Mo"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></div><p></p><p></p>

ECW.com Preview - Episode #21 of CyberSlam Previous Episode: <hr color=black> Welcome to the NEW ECW! This week on CyberSlam, Paul Heyman's true vision for the company in 2006 becomes a reality, with a revamped and redesigned show airing exclusively on ECW.com! The online home of ECW will be the only place to see three high stakes matches, the first of which will see company's first World Tag Team Championship match since 2001. The men who won that match, and were the final title holders in the Original ECW, will face two newcomers to the company, as Danny Doring & Roadkill face The Havana Pitbulls. Debuting recently with an attack from behind on their opponents, Ricky Reyes & Rocky Romero will look to make the ultimate instant impact, becoming the ECW World Tag Team Champions. With that in mind, there will be a second Tag Team match on the show, as long-term rivals Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere and The Hustle's Sonny Siaki & Xavier square off. While the match will be a heated personal affair, the winning team would surely put themselves in the conversation to be the first challengers to whoever wins the show's opener. Closing out the card, a competitive rivalry which has spanned many years and many countries, will write its latest chapter in ECW. Two members of the "New Breed" of talent, CM Punk and Brent Albright have both endeared themselves to fans and Originals alike, displaying a commitment to cause of ECW. Unlike many of the other newcomers, these men have shown respect and understanding of the history of ECW, and will Main Event the first show of the "NEW ECW". CM Punk's TV title will be on the line, and despite recent issues with Sabu, the Champion's focus will be on defeating "The Shooter"... and keeping the gold around his waist! As well the stacked hour of in-ring action, Paul Heyman has confirmed that the ECW World Championship match is set for Heat Wave 2006, and he will announce Rob Van Dam's opponent ahead of the pay-per-view!<hr> Match Card ECW Television Championship Match CM Punk © vs. Brent Albright ECW World Tag Team Championship Match Danny Doring & Roadkill vs. The Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes & Rocky Romero) Trent Acid & Johnny Kashmere vs. The Hustle's Sonny Siaki & Xavier Who will Paul Heyman name as Rob Van Dam's Heat Wave opponent, challenging him for the ECW World Championship?

Enjoyed the show, had a feeling Mark would get the win when he got the upset over Cobb and it should be a great match for Final Battle!

<p>ECW CyberSlam - Episode #20</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Episode #20: </strong></p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/irxp-zbg2_I?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW CyberSlam | Episode #20: Punk Drinks The Kool-Aid? [TEW 2016]"></iframe></div></div><p> <iframe width="745" height="420" src="<a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/irxp-zbg2_I" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/embed/irxp-zbg2_I"</a> frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></div><p></p><p></p>

<p>ECW.com Preview - Episode #20 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/exVd1cc0NlI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="ECW Cyberslam | Episode #19: Punk's First Defence! [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;"> Following CM Punk's victory last week, and after CyberSlam went off the air, the ECW Television Champion was called in Paul Heyman's office. While the conversation that went down between the two remains private, word around the ECW locker room suggests that the man in charge is trying to feed CM Punk the famous Paul Heyman "Kool-Aid". CM Punk will address those rumours on the show, while Paul Heyman has an update on the ECW World Tag Team Championship situation. "The Chief of ECW" will call Danny Doring & Roadkill to the ring, to discuss the future of the titles that they held back in 2001...</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;"> Roadkill will have more than just that to focus on however, as he faces Kevin Fertig in singles competition. Since coming to ECW, Fertig has been completely unstoppable, with Roadkill looking to be the man to change that on 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;"> </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;"> Homicide will also be in action, but most attention will be on the Main Event, as Trent Acid receives a huge opportunity, against the ECW World Champion Rob Van Dam. Impressing in tag team competition recently, Trent will get the chance to prove himself in singles competition, the up and comer facing the toughest possible challenge, only on </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;">!</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;"> Rob Van Dam vs. Trent Acid</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;"> Cory Kastle vs. Homicide</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. Roadkill</div></div></div></div></div><p></p><p><hr color=black></p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Pitbull" data-cite="The Pitbull" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Been watching your shows</div></blockquote><p> Really appreciate the feedback, and while I agree with a lot of it, I'll try and respond to and "justify" some of your points.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Things i like: <p> </p><p> The push of Cide and The Hustle. That is one hell of a group, former ROH World Champions, to build a brand around, but i don't get the inclusion of Siaki. Good, but not on the Low-Ki , Cide levels.</p></div></blockquote><p> The idea behind Siaki is that he was in WWE developmental at the time, and a part of the M.O of this ECW was to use some of the guys from development and bring something out of them. I'd say it hasn't quite worked out for Siaki (yet), and there were indy guys who would probably suit the role better, but part of the "challenge" I set myself was trying to integrate some development guys in. I could have put Samoa Joe in for instance, and improved the group unquestionably, but I like having some people who don't quite fit, and trying (sometimes failing) to find something in them.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The attention given to The Shooter. Brent has been pushed , despite not delivering the results and will probably be one of your top babyfaces. In the mold of Benoit, he could rise to the top.</div></blockquote><p> That's pretty much what I see in him. He's a bit midcard at the minute, despite my attempts to push him, but I think with time he'll be a huge asset to the company. </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The focus on Dreamer. Tommy, more than anyone, IS ECW. More than Sabu or even RVD, Tommy is the man who shines in ECW. Why he can't go without a script, as evidenced by your shows, is beyond me, but Tommy needs to be front and center in ECW.</div></blockquote><p> Yeah I don't get him struggling without a script either, I expected more from him. From a storyline perspective he'll always have a place in ECW. Lots of stories left to tell with him.</p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Heyman's heel turn. Felt long and dragged. Could have been easier to just have him lead the group into the first main-event and just direct traffic while they were beating up RVD , Sabu , Sandman and Dreamer. Felt a swerve for a swerve. </div></blockquote><p> Fair enough, it probably did drag a little, but it was a while back so I'd need to watch the episode back. I always wanted Heyman to push for the new breed and new mould of talent, but fair enough if you weren't a fan of the execution. Going forward, I want him to be less "hands on" with his biases, and have them more implied (through opportunities given) than being so on the nose (him ordering attacks on Originals).</p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>RVD as World Champion. I know he was hot during this time and it needed to be done, but i still would have liked another World Champion. Will get there.</div></blockquote><p> He is so far ahead my biggest star it felt hard not to put the title on him. I always feel like if you have a big name like RVD (and like Kenny Omega in my AEW save), then putting them as the first champ gives you the ability to build other people and make the second Champ mean a lot too. Part of me did think about him having more of a journey to his first title, but I didn't feel anybody else on the roster had a strong case to be the Champion. I am a fan of putting the title on the "best guy" as the first Champion, and having them as a centerpiece to build around. Makes the title feel important and means that when somebody wins it, they've truly proved themselves to be better than the top guy in the company.</p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hustle in-fighting. Too early. I get the "man up" angle, but it's too soon. Yes, they had obstacles, but with Homicide failing to Punk, wouldn't he be exposed too? Too much , too soon. </div></blockquote><p> Fair point, and going forward (I've booked a few shows in advance to what have been released) it isn't a big part of the story. It was more used as a way for Homicide not to look too weak in defeat. The leader was deflecting from his defeat, and lashed out, that way they could move forward and we could all forget his defeat.. </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46739" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wrong World Champion and bad booking of one of your best wrestlers. Yes, Corino is great as as chickenshit heel. But he took one too many losses. And now , you have this story of "can Corino still go"? He is in the epitome of his career. I mean a broken down Sabu is the focus of your stories, even if as RVD's partner, but Corino is a fringe main-eventer?<p> </p><p> In my opinion , you should have left Corino and Punk out of all the Originals vs Hustle story and have Steve go with the World Title and Punk with the TV one. Build heat and do a champion vs champion.</p><p> </p><p> All in all , i like what you are building and the focus on Dreamer The Hustle, Punk and Burke, but i think you could have had a bigger focus on Corino.</p></div></blockquote><p> Corino was one of the guys I wanted to build around, my "ECW Six" was Corino/Low-Ki/Albright/Sabu/RVD/Punk. The guys I felt could put in the in ring performance to build the first few months around. But Sabu, who you compare him to, has put in considerably better performances and is being pushed in Main Events for that reason. Corino's matches have been disapointing, and as a big fan of his, I expected more. He's taken a bit of a back seat because of that, but will continued to be booked well going forward. He has a solid record, and is having a stable built around him. His next storyline coming up you may or may not like, but he will be in a marquee match at Heat Wave and hopefully his booking in the next weeks can win you round. He's definitely someone who will be a big part of the roster going forward, and hopefully can step up to justify that.</p>

ROH Supercard of Honor 2020 Announcers: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman & Colt Cabana - Venue: Aberdeen Pavilion Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada <hr color=black>Before the show, it was confirmed that due to the World Championship being on the line in Honor League, the winner would get to choose their own opponent for April’s Supercard of Honor event. Throughout the course of the night, the four competitors had their say, with the following potential Main Events of that show: Jeff Cobb © vs. Minoru Suzuki Davey Richards © vs. “The best ROH has to offer” Jay Lethal © vs. Jeff Cobb Rush © vs. Dragon Lee Airing exclusively on Honor Club, the following are the results from Honor Reigns Supreme 2020: [Honor League] Jeff Cobb bt. Rush - coming into the match with different mentalities, the win seemed just that bit more important to Jeff Cobb, who had already dropped two points against Jay Lethal in the “Winner’s Group” opener. That extra bit of pressure may have been just what he needed, as he hit a Tour of the Islands to give Rush his first pinfall defeat in Ring of Honor. (C-) PJ Black & Fred Yehi bt. Lifeblood’s Mark Haskins & Tracy Williams - since walking out on Jonathan Gresham earlier in the month, PJ Black and Fred Yehi have been completely silent, but some answers came during the course of the match. With Lifeblood in control, David Finlay Jr. made his return from injury, and turned on his former stablemates. Seemingly aligning with PJ Black and Fred Yehi, Finlay’s involvement was enough to secure them the victory. Why these men had come together was unclear, but their impact couldn’t be any more obvious. (C-) Jonthan Gresham © bt. Matt Taven to retain the ROH Honor Club Championship - Taven couldn’t follow up his two pinfall victories over Gresham when it mattered, and despite taking the Champion to his limits, there was no title change in this match. (D) The Briscoes bt. Dragon Lee & Mistico - with Rush in singles competition, his brothers were given the chance to settle a personal issue, only to be defeated by The Briscoes. Jay & Mark were fired up for the match, and came out victorious, but reports suggest punishment was coming their way in the near future... © Madison Eagles © bt. Kelly Klein to retain the ROH Women of Honor World Championship - making her first defence of the title, Eagles once again had the number of Kelly Klein. Following her impressive title run, Klein appears to be in a bit of a rut, and it seems Madison Eagles is the one woman who has her number. (D+) Before the Main Event, Bandido & Flamita issued an open challenge, having won the titles at night #2 of the 18th Anniversary weekend. They were answered by Flip Gordon & Brody King, the two remaining members of the group formerly known as Villain Enterprises. Bandido & Flamita © bt. Brody King & Flip Gordon to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships - surprisingly accepting the challenge, having both made their intentions to become singles stars clear, the former running buddies gave a good showing of themselves, but lacked the cohesion of Bandido & Flamita. In the end, Brody King was pinned after taking moves from both Bandido & Flamita, and wasn’t happy with Flip Gordon. After the match, the two big egos clashed, bubbling over until Brody King walked away. © [Honor League] Davey Richards bt. Jay Lethal - as Lethal’s match with Jeff Cobb had previously, this match almost went right to the wire, and would have left the group wide open. However, with less than a minute remaining of the time limit, Davey Richards hit a Kick to Lethal’s head that knocked him clean out. Richards pinned Lethal, sending him to second place in the group, but having only competed in one match, compared to Jeff Cobb’s two. (B)<hr color=black>Following the event, ROH would travel back to the US for the final episodes of TV before Supercard of Honor 2020 on pay-per-view. Going into those shows, the Honor League “Winner’s Group” looked as follows:

Do these show up? If so, I think you linked the page the image is on, instead of the image link. If you right click and use "copy image location", then put them in link it should work I thnk.

<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!