Ring of Honor: A Whole World of Wrestling... [July 2019-]

olivertaylor276 · August 29, 2019

Really enjoy this diary, as well as the ECW YouTube series. Shame about the ZSJ injury but excited to see who you pick as his replacement. I nominate Shingo Takagi!!

EBEZA · August 29, 2019

Just caught up! I sort-of guessed the Villain Enterprises thing as I was reading the match card post, except I expected Marty to lose clean, attack Cobb post-match, then the other three make the save.

ZSJ is a major loss. Please have him call in a New Japan favour... MINORU SUZUKI!!!

The Lariat · August 30, 2019

Might I suggest looking at SHIMMER/Shine? Nicole Matthews is someone who has been increasingly impressive, Solo Darling and Delilah Doom can connect with fans, Sea Stars could work as a team or desperately. A partnership with STARDOM could also open it up to more available talent, though you might want a home base in the states rather than the “special attraction” feel they might give.

Maybe opening a dojo specifically geared towards women or a development territory might work, though that’s a big investment.

20LEgend · August 30, 2019

Zack Sabre Jr. Replacement... <div style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PL7YVBK" rel="external nofollow">Zack Sabre Jr. Replacement Survey</a> Who do you want to see face Jeff Cobb at Final Battle?</div><hr><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's fine, I'm just not a fan of Flip Gordon. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I would have gone with Woods to build his pedigree as an old-school style ROH guy, like the 2000s guys who just went over to Japan and fought guest stars all the time. A throwback, if you will. Well, maybe you can pick up some lucha lasses somehow? The difference between you and me. I'd can Lethal and Shelley regardless and then get annoyed at my shite ratings. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> If you can get him full-time, I'd say do it. He has the pedigree, the style, the aura... He's the perfect guy to give a three year deal and work around the card however you need him.</div></blockquote> I think maybe I just haven't seen enough of Woods to fully commit, especially with his ratings in game being even worse than most. I wouldn't know where to being for Luchadoras, if anybody has any ideas I'd be happy to take them on board. My ratings have been bad with Lethal and Shelley, so I dread to think how I'd end up without either of them. Plus I still think they have value to the roster, as the just below top tier guys (and sometimes stepping into the main event spots) who can be counted on to put on good matches. The thing with KENTA is that he'll pretty much always be booked somewhere in Japan (he's signed to AJPW and NJPW in-game), so I've been lucky to even have him for Final Battle really. I think he'll be a recurring character who will show up for big matches on big cards, which I think can be a good role for him. As long as he's booked by All Japan and New Japan, it's unlikely I'll ever get to book him as a full-time competitor. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="DGenerationMC" data-cite="DGenerationMC" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I love this Flip push. IMO that's the guy to build around in this and IRL. If the company loses him, it's screwed in terms of the future. Out of all the non-former champions, Flip probably has a strong connection with the crowd which is kinda rare in 2010s era Ring of Honor. Never thought he'd be heel, but that's just some intrigue to keep an eye on. Also, I too am pulling for full-time KENTA. A good pickup to go alongside heavy hitters like Cobb and Rush. Things are looking up and I'm excited to see what's next. If Ring of Honor were to take a similar direction IRL, I'd start watching again. Really speaks to the quality of this diary.</div></blockquote> We've got him for six months at the moment, but I did have my mind set on him heading to AEW when his deal was up. He would be a big loss, but overcoming that would be a fun challenge I think. As for KENTA, he feels a perfect fit for the type of wrestler I want to build the company around. When he's available, I'll make the most of him, but hopefully we give him a special attractions feel also. Matt Taven might not seem like the obvious opponent, but I feel like as a showcase of KENTA as a badass, he's a perfect foil. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Texasrangers13" data-cite="Texasrangers13" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Oof! I’ve had that happen a couple of times as well, hate that you have to lose a main event, but love the randomness it adds. Really really love your take on ROH</div></blockquote> Yeah, it's really annoying initially, especially considering this match has been the plan since I started the save, and was going to be a key piece of the "new direction" going into 2020. With that said, the fact it's caused all my plans to be torn up is what makes it a really fun part of the game. Part and parcel of playing a booking simulator I suppose, things like that can happen. The challenge is now working something else out, and I'm really struggling. I have an option I could go with, which would mean bringing a debut forward from the new year, or I could go to New Japan. The only problem there is that creative control can be an issue when loaning people, and that makes booking the main event of my biggest show of the year pretty difficult. Took a few days to think about it, and I've still not made my mind up... Thanks. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="olivertaylor276" data-cite="olivertaylor276" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Really enjoy this diary, as well as the ECW YouTube series. Shame about the ZSJ injury but excited to see who you pick as his replacement. I nominate Shingo Takagi!!</div></blockquote> Thank you, Takagi is a good option and somebody I hadn't considered before. I'm not 100% sure yet, so suggestions are very much appreciated! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="EBEZA" data-cite="EBEZA" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Just caught up! I sort-of guessed the Villain Enterprises thing as I was reading the match card post, except I expected Marty to lose clean, attack Cobb post-match, then the other three make the save. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> ZSJ is a major loss. Please have him call in a New Japan favour... MINORU SUZUKI!!!</div></blockquote> Yeah, I wanted to do it in a way where they'd acted proactively rather than being like "he's going, we better do something to cover ourselves". A clean finish might have been better, but since it was only an "Honor Club" show and not a proper PPV, I thought the dodgy finish was forgivable. Suzuki was definitely one of the first names that came to mind, I'm just not sure how I'd book that match. Suzuki losing to Cobb just doesn't feel right for some reason. Booking New Japan and other outside guys makes stuff like that tricky, because I don't just wanna bring someone in solely to lose to Cobb. I don't know why, it just doesn't feel right. Partly I think it's to do with Cobb's standing in New Japan, and him beating Suzuki feeling odd. Really has me stumped! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Lariat" data-cite="The Lariat" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Might I suggest looking at SHIMMER/Shine? Nicole Matthews is someone who has been increasingly impressive, Solo Darling and Delilah Doom can connect with fans, Sea Stars could work as a team or desperately. A partnership with STARDOM could also open it up to more available talent, though you might want a home base in the states rather than the “special attraction” feel they might give. Maybe opening a dojo specifically geared towards women or a development territory might work, though that’s a big investment.</div></blockquote> Nicole Matthews can't work in the US, so isn't available to sign if I remember correctly. She's one of a few people I tried to bring in early on. SHIMMER/Shine have been my main places to look for people, with Nicole Savoy, Kimber Lee and Mercedes Martinez already booked, but I will look into those other names. The STARDOM link (which we already have I think) is something I should definitely be making use of, don't know why I haven't really yet. Even if just bringing them in occassionally, as - like you say - special attractions to bolster the ranks. Thanks for the suggestions, going into the new year I'll definitely be looking at putting work into the Women of Honor roster (and probably getting rid of the name).<hr><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PL7YVBK" rel="external nofollow">Zack Sabre Jr. Replacement Survey</a> Who do you want to see face Jeff Cobb at Final Battle?</div>

Hashasheen · August 30, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I wouldn't know where to being for Luchadoras, if anybody has any ideas I'd be happy to take them on board. </div></blockquote> AAA and CMLL should have some luchadoras worth a darn, I think. Ivelisse Velez of LU should be available, for a start. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>My ratings have been bad with Lethal and Shelley, so I dread to think how I'd end up without either of them. Plus I still think they have value to the roster, as the just below top tier guys (and sometimes stepping into the main event spots) who can be counted on to put on good matches.</div></blockquote> Leave this bitter young man to his musings! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The thing with KENTA is that he'll pretty much always be booked somewhere in Japan (he's signed to AJPW and NJPW in-game), so I've been lucky to even have him for Final Battle really. I think he'll be a recurring character who will show up for big matches on big cards, which I think can be a good role for him. As long as he's booked by All Japan and New Japan, it's unlikely I'll ever get to book him as a full-time competitor. </div></blockquote> > KENTA in AJPW Well, I think you'll have to keep me informed of his career progress in that promotion. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As for KENTA, he feels a perfect fit for the type of wrestler I want to build the company around. When he's available, I'll make the most of him, but hopefully we give him a special attractions feel also. Matt Taven might not seem like the obvious opponent, but I feel like as a showcase of KENTA as a badass, he's a perfect foil.</div></blockquote> KENTA Kills The Kingdom, set to It's Always Sunny. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Suzuki was definitely one of the first names that came to mind, I'm just not sure how I'd book that match. Suzuki losing to Cobb just doesn't feel right for some reason. Booking New Japan and other outside guys makes stuff like that tricky, because I don't just wanna bring someone in solely to lose to Cobb. I don't know why, it just doesn't feel right. Partly I think it's to do with Cobb's standing in New Japan, and him beating Suzuki feeling odd. Really has me stumped!</div></blockquote> Suzuki's level in NJPW is heavily obfuscated, though. He really doesn't drop many falls because he's been heavily scaled back as a driving force. Taichi's really been pushed in his stead.

EBEZA · September 2, 2019

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The thing with KENTA is that he'll pretty much always be booked somewhere in Japan (he's signed to AJPW and NJPW in-game), so I've been lucky to even have him for Final Battle really. I think he'll be a recurring character who will show up for big matches on big cards, which I think can be a good role for him. As long as he's booked by All Japan and New Japan, it's unlikely I'll ever get to book him as a full-time competitor.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As for KENTA, he feels a perfect fit for the type of wrestler I want to build the company around. When he's available, I'll make the most of him, but hopefully we give him a special attractions feel also. Matt Taven might not seem like the obvious opponent, but I feel like as a showcase of KENTA as a badass, he's a perfect foil.</div></blockquote> Sounds like KENTA can be Ring Of Honor's Brock! I'd be ALL for this! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yeah, I wanted to do it in a way where they'd acted proactively rather than being like "he's going, we better do something to cover ourselves". A clean finish might have been better, but since it was only an "Honor Club" show and not a proper PPV, I thought the dodgy finish was forgivable.</div></blockquote> Wasn't criticising the finish, just saying how close I came to predicting you correctly. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I agree that dirty finishes can be okay, in their proper context. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Suzuki was definitely one of the first names that came to mind, I'm just not sure how I'd book that match. Suzuki losing to Cobb just doesn't feel right for some reason. Booking New Japan and other outside guys makes stuff like that tricky, because I don't just wanna bring someone in solely to lose to Cobb. I don't know why, it just doesn't feel right. Partly I think it's to do with Cobb's standing in New Japan, and him beating Suzuki feeling odd. Really has me stumped!</div></blockquote> Draw? Shmozz that leads to Cobb and Suzuki teaming up against common enemies? I dunno what the answer is, but imagine the reaction if his surprise opponent turned out to be Suzuki! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="20LEgend" data-cite="20LEgend" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="46849" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Thanks for the suggestions, going into the new year I'll definitely be looking at putting work into the Women of Honor roster (and probably getting rid of the name).</div></blockquote> Two words: Tenille Dashwood. I love that woman. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

DGenerationMC · September 2, 2019

There were two main guys I wanted to see Cobb up against, but the potential politics of NJPW making it a non-title match soured me on voting for them. Can't believe who I went with instead but I'm sure he'd be free of NJPW and a good performance would get his career back on track

20LEgend · September 6, 2019

World Title Match Pulled From Final Battle!

World Title Match Pulled From Final Battle!

Nick Aldis injured at TV taping, NWA World Heavyweight Championship match CANCELLED

Dubbed by those within the company as the “Final Battle curse”, ROH today announced yet another injury to a member of their roster, as NWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis was pulled from the Final Battle card. Days after his match with Mark Briscoe at ROH’s television taping in Lakeland, Florida, injuries sustained at the event - and aggravated during a post-match brawl with challenger Jay Briscoe - have been confirmed to keep him out of action. This means that the scheduled NWA World Heavyweight Championship match with Jay Briscoe will not take place.

This follows injuries to both Bandido and Flamita, who were scheduled to compete for the World Tag Team Championships, and Zack Sabre Jr., who had been announced as Jeff Cobb’s challenger for the ROH World Championship. Company officials are once again left scrambling for a last minute replacement, and are particularly disappointed due to the long-term effort that has gone into the almost year long storyline. With the “Honor League” TV tapings scheduled for the nights after Final Battle, it is thought that the company was hoping to debut a number of new talents at those events, scheduled to air beginning in January 2020. However, with another change to the Final Battle card throwing plans into disarray, it is expected that one of those newcomers may appear slightly earlier, making their debut at the biggest show of the year.

ROH has no more events scheduled before Final Battle, so any angles to promote the replacement match will have to be done in post-production and via social media. The company must now cross their fingers and hope that those talents who take bookings outside of ROH, can remain fit and healthy going into what was hoped to be a “statement” show for ROH. Having had a difficult year, the last six months has seen changes in the behind the scenes running of the company, changes that have generally been well received. However, with the issues that the company has had throughout the build to their biggest show of the year, fans may be hesitant to choose Final Battle as the show to jump back on board with Ring of Honor.

20LEgend · September 8, 2019

ROH On The Road - Television Taping

ROH: On The Road - Television Taping

On the road to Final Battle, there was one last stop for Ring of Honor - a Television taping in Lakeland, Florida. Of course, yet another spanner had been thrown in the works of the upcoming year end show, with those within the company feeling the show was “cursed”. After injuries to Bandido & Flamita caused major changes to the card, things went from bad to worse as scheduled World Championship challenger Zack Sabre Jr. was injured days after being announced as Jeff Cobb’s opponent. The company scrambled to quickly find a replacement, with reports that they’d called Davey Richards to appear in Lakeland on very short notice. ROH couldn’t work out a deal with the former ROH World Champion in time, leading to alternative measures being taken. This back-up plan would be revealed at the event, and air on the first of three episodes of ROH TV that were shown on Charge!

Episode #1

Opening the show with the confirmation of Zack Sabre Jr. being pulled from Final Battle, the commentators promised an update later in the night. Jeff Cobb would go to the ring, with the announcement of Sabre’s replacement promoted.
Dragon Lee & Rush bt. Eli Isom & Ryan Nova - picking up a convincing victory, Dragon Lee & Rush returned to remind ROH fans what they’d been missing over the last month. They also showed what to expect at Final Battle, and were met by their future opponents, Brody King & PCO, after the bell. The two teams went face to face, but remained respectful, ahead of the World Tag Team Championship match in three weeks.
A vignette aired, promoting the presence of Bullet Club at Final Battle. They would face Lethal & Lifeblood for the World Six Man Tag Team Championships. Jay Lethal gave his thoughts on the match, saying that ROH vs. The World was an important night for the company, and his team were ready to represent the Lifeblood of ROH...
Kelly Klein bt. Thunder Rosa - Mercedes Martinez joined ringside, as Kelly Klein matched her victory over Rosa in impressive fashion. Klein had proved she could match Mercedes Martinez, with the challenger to the Women of Honor World Championship set to be in action in two weeks time.
Mark Briscoe replied to Nick Aldis’ promo from earlier, making it clear he was ready for the NWA World Heavyweight Champion next week!
A video package looked at Flip Gordon’s victory over Marty Scurll last month, putting over how great his last two months have been. As well as beating Marty Scurll, Flip won a match at Make The Cut, ensuring him as the final man to face Jushin Thunder Liger in North America, before the legendary figure retires in January. After that package, a vignette promoted “The Honor League”, tickets on sale for the two nights after Final Battle, airing in 2020...
Matt Taven bt. Cheeseburger - following a pre-match promo where he insisted he was not afraid of KENTA (lady doth protest), Matt Taven picked up a dominating win over Cheeseburger. Following the match, he made it clear he was ready for KENTA, before Jeff Cobb made his way down to the ring...
Once in the ring, Jeff Cobb addressed the injury to Zack Sabre Jr., putting over how gutted he was that the match wouldn’t happen. Cobb accepted injuries happen, but couldn’t shake how disappointed he was that he wouldn’t be able to test himself against one of the best wrestlers in the world. As Cobb continued, he was cut off by ZSJ, who appeared on the screen. Zack Sabre Jr. mocked Jeff Cobb, telling him that if he wanted to know how the match would have gone, he could tell him right now. However, that wasn’t what Zack Sabre Jr. was going to address. Instead, Sabre spoke about a call he made as soon he heard he was unable to compete at Final Battle, saying that he called in a favour from a very close personal friend. At Final Battle: ROH vs. The World, Jeff Cobb’s World Championship would be on the line… against MINORU SUZUKI!

<hr color=black>Episode #2

Dalton Castle bt. PJ Black - building momentum before his open challenge on the Honor Club exclusive pre-show, Dalton Castle picked up a win over one of ROH’s most experienced competitors. After the match, Castle talked about the year he has had, saying that nothing will shock him at Final Battle… and he’s ready for whoever walks through that curtain!
A video package promoted the heated rivalry between Nick Aldis and The Briscoe Brothers. In the main event, Nick Aldis would face Mark Briscoe.
Brody King, Flip Gordon & PCO bt. Fred Yehi & Coast 2 Coast - Flip spoke before the match, putting over how the former Villain Enterprises were ready for their huge matches at Final Battle: ROH vs. The World. They proved that during the course of the match, picking up a convincing victory.
Next Week: Jeff Cobb interviewed regarding Minoru Suzuki replacing Zack Sabre Jr. in the Main Event of Final Battle.
Sent in from Japan, KENTA responded to Matt Taven’s words about him that aired the previous week, mocking him in a manner which made it clear that he was very laid back about their match at Final Battle.
Nick Aldis bt. Mark Briscoe - in a heated and obvious preview of the scheduled match at Final Battle, Nick Aldis beat Mark Briscoe after a wild brawl. Despite being hurt during the match, Aldis still managed to come away with the victory.
After the match, Jay Briscoe gave the hurt Aldis no time to recover, as a brawl broke out between the two. The fresher of the competitors, Briscoe was able to take control, sending Aldis through a table off the stage. This potentially aggravated the injuries Aldis had already sustained. The commentators promised an update on Aldis’ condition the next week.

<hr color=black>Episode #3

The episode before Final Battle was slightly different to the usual TV shows, with Ian Riccaboni in a studio “live”, in between the pre-recorded matches. He gave an update on the ROH card, confirming that due to injuries sustained during his match with Mark Briscoe, Nick Aldis would not be cleared to compete at Final Battle. Ian then brought in Jay Briscoe, who had some very strong words for Aldis. Jay Briscoe said that he should be the World Champion right now, and while he isn’t… he still earned his spot on the Final Battle card! For that reason, he’s calling out any World Champion competitor. Former Champion, current Champion… even future Champion. Jay Briscoe wants ROH to find him the best possible opponent for Final Battle, and if they don’t - what he does in 2020, is going to make what he did in 2019 look like child’s play!
Lethal & Lifeblood bt. Kenny King, Silas Young & Shane Taylor - gearing up for a title defence at Final Battle, the World Six Man Tag Team Champions picked up a fairly straight forward victory.
After the match, Lethal & Lifeblood’s Final Battle opponents were shown, Taiji Ishimori, El Phantasmo and Chase Owens cutting a promo on the match. KENTA then walked into the scene with his fellow Bullet Club members, once again laughing at the challenge of Matt Taven.
Matt Taven’s fired up response showed that he was tired of being mocked, as he vowed to show KENTA that ROH is a different beast from when he was there. Little sign of fear showed on the face of Taven, who had reached his breaking pointed, sick of the lack of respect for a former ROH World Champion!
Before the second match of the night, Ian Riccaboni went in depth on the “Honor League” a competition coming to the company following Final Battle. Riccaboni revealed the competitors would be confirmed the night after Final Battle: ROH vs. The World, and would feature some of the best talent in world wrestling. 16 competitors would enter, in 4 groups of 4. The winners of each group would then go into the “Winner’s Group”, each facing each other until one winner is declared the 2020 Honor League Champion.
Mercedes Martinez bt. Hollidead - proving anything Klein could do, she could do better, Martinez quickly dispatched of her opponent. After the match, Champion and Challenger spoke in the ring, vowing to put on one of the best Women of Honor matches ever, at Final Battle.
Jonathan Gresham promoted his match with Chris Brookes, not as a rivalry, but by putting over his close friend and tag team partner. Gresham promised that the two would put on a classic match, made even better by the fact that they know each other so well. This was followed by one final run down of the “Final Battle: ROH vs. The World” card.
Jeff Cobb & Jonathan Gresham bt. TK O’Ryan & Vinny Marseglia - another fairly decisive victory on the show, Cobb & Gresham proved themselves ready for Final Battle with two convincing performances. The two shook hands after the match, before Riccaboni introduced the much promoted Jeff Cobb interview up next...
Jeff Cobb closed the show, cutting a promo where he “bared all” about the situation within the ROH locker room. Cobb admitted morale had been low at points during the year, but also put over just how determined the Ring of Honor roster had been to put things right. He spoke of the talent in the company, saying that he was proud to represent everybody in ROH as the World Champion. He spoke about what Final Battle means to the company going into 2020, and the importance of regaining the trust of the fans. That was why he was so frustrated when Zack Sabre Jr. got hurt, not to mention the other injuries in the build up. He did admit however, that they had landed on their feet with Sabre bringing in his NJPW stablemate Minoru Suzuki. Cobb put over Suzuki as one of the toughest, most feared and respected competitors in the whole world of wrestling. But Cobb doesn’t fear anybody, he’s proved himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world, both as an Olympian and as a World Champion. At Final Battle, he’ll show everybody who watches, that no matter where he competes… the Hawaiian Juggernaut is a world-class professional wrestler!

<hr color=black>As reported following the event in Lakeland, Florida and confirmed on ROH TV, the Final Battle “curse” continued with the injury of Nick Aldis. A rivalry that predated the removal of Bully Ray and Delirious from the company, the disappointment was compounded by the fact both World Championship matches on the card had now been affected by injury. With three nights of shows planned for the weekend of Final Battle, the company hoped talent could get through the shows unscathed, and begin 2020 with a more positive outlook than 2019 started with. The company hope that their ability to work around these enforced changes, and still present a show that fans are happy with will work in their favour, and are confident that the reworked card will deliver just as well - if not even better - that what had originally been planned.

There is also optimism around the Honor League, which will begin the night after Final Battle, with matches airing on ROH TV from January 2nd 2020. The tournament will see 16 competitors placed into 4 groups of 4, each facing every other member of their group. 3 points will be received for a victory, with a 15 minute time limit draw earning the competitors 1 point each. The top ranked wrestler from each group will advance to the “Winner’s Group”, where the process will be repeated. The athlete who wins that group will be named the Champion of the 1st Honor League, and receive a future shot at the Ring of Honor World Championship.

This will make up the majority of the content aired by the company in the first few months of the year, and with the talent internally confirmed to be involved, is seen to guarantee top quality action throughout every episode of ROH’s television show going forward. Before then, of course, is the final show of the year, the final show of the decade and one of the biggest shows in company… Final Battle: ROH vs. The World!

Hashasheen · September 8, 2019

In retrospect, I'm surprised you didn't make it Jay Briscoe vs. Jeff Cobb.

20LEgend · September 8, 2019

AAA and CMLL should have some luchadoras worth a darn, I think. Ivelisse Velez of LU should be available, for a start.

Leave this bitter young man to his musings!

> KENTA in AJPW

Well, I think you'll have to keep me informed of his career progress in that promotion.

KENTA Kills The Kingdom, set to It's Always Sunny.

Suzuki's level in NJPW is heavily obfuscated, though. He really doesn't drop many falls because he's been heavily scaled back as a driving force. Taichi's really been pushed in his stead.

Yeah, I've had a look at CMLL who we're in alliance with, going to use a couple of them. A few others on the shortlist to start in 2020 as well. I think we'll move in the right direction soon (I've been saying this since the start though). I have a feeling Ivelisse has signed somewhere, not sure though.

Interesting move for him, and he's performed really well IIRC. KENTA kills The Kingdom sounds perfect Can picture that opening scene and title card perfectly!

Sounds like KENTA can be Ring Of Honor's Brock! I'd be ALL for this!

Wasn't criticising the finish, just saying how close I came to predicting you correctly. I agree that dirty finishes can be okay, in their proper context.

Draw? Shmozz that leads to Cobb and Suzuki teaming up against common enemies? I dunno what the answer is, but imagine the reaction if his surprise opponent turned out to be Suzuki!

Two words: Tenille Dashwood. I love that woman.

Yeah, I was thinking something like that. Different guys, but perhaps a role he would fit well.

We'll have to wait and see, but I am looking forward to booking Suzuki and Cobb. Think I've got something good planned. I think some will like it, some will hate it, but I don't know. We'll have to see.

This is a multiplayer game, the other player is Impact and has signed Tenille. We have an agreement to not sign each other's talent until they're in the last month (so we can do bidding wars then, but not before). I agree she'd have been great, and her staying in ROH would have probably had me build the division around her. Maybe she'll come in down the line, as I do have my eye on a few Impact contracts.

There were two main guys I wanted to see Cobb up against, but the potential politics of NJPW making it a non-title match soured me on voting for them. Can't believe who I went with instead but I'm sure he'd be free of NJPW and a good performance would get his career back on track

I assumming Davey Richards? Correct me if I'm wrong. He is an interesting one, as I'm not sure how ROH fans would react to his return. He's definitely in the mould of talent I want to sign, but he does have issues with Joe Koff in-game based on his departure. Tricky one, but we may find out how his return would go sooner or later

In retrospect, I'm surprised you didn't make it Jay Briscoe vs. Jeff Cobb.

It would have been an option, but I announced the replacement before Aldis was hurt. Then the next week Aldis goes and gets hurt . I basically had a World Champion and a World title number one contender without matches, seemed a perfect fit, but just didn't fall right:mad:. Like pretty much everything else so far, if it can go wrong, it probably will (this includes another issue I've run into with Dragon Lee's loan from CMLL, but I'll go into that after Final Battle).

Hashasheen · September 8, 2019

Yeah, I've had a look at CMLL who we're in alliance with, going to use a couple of them. A few others on the shortlist to start in 2020 as well. I think we'll move in the right direction soon (I've been saying this since the start though). I have a feeling Ivelisse has signed somewhere, not sure though.

Sweet.

Interesting move for him, and he's performed really well IIRC. KENTA kills The Kingdom sounds perfect Can picture that opening scene and title card perfectly!

Seriously though, keep me in touch on his AJPW run.

We'll have to wait and see, but I am looking forward to booking Suzuki and Cobb. Think I've got something good planned. I think some will like it, some will hate it, but I don't know. We'll have to see.

To be fair, you're already a step ahead by linking Zack's injury and Suzuki stepping in.

It would have been an option, but I announced the replacement before Aldis was hurt. Then the next week Aldis goes and gets hurt . I basically had a World Champion and a World title number one contender without matches, seemed a perfect fit, but just didn't fall right:mad:. Like pretty much everything else so far, if it can go wrong, it probably will (this includes another issue I've run into with Dragon Lee's loan from CMLL, but I'll go into that after Final Battle).

Well, clearly Jay Briscoe is now the No.1 Contender to Jeff Cob, which is a big all-ROH style main event. Plus I think his reign will breathe easier once the easy, safe option for a title swap is out of the picture.

20LEgend · September 9, 2019

ROH Final Battle: ROH vs. The World - Match Card

Venue: UMBC Event Center - Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA

ROH World Championship Match

ROH Women of Honor World Championship Match

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match

ROH World Tag Team Championship Match

ROH Honor Club Championship Match

Jay Briscoe Demands A Top Level Opponent!

KENTA Returns To Ring of Honor

Jushin Thunder Liger's Last Ever Match Outside Of Japan

Dalton Castle’s Open Challenge

Final Battle: ROH vs. The World - Match Card

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent?

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge?

Hashasheen · September 9, 2019

ROH World Championship - [ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship - [ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team - [CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man - [ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship - [ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

--

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent?

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge?

Can we not get a list or something to guess from?

joshspicer · September 9, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] Marty Scurl (technically he's a free agent now and it's an easy-in, probably TOO easy, but it's safe)

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] Tomohiro Ishii (I dunno, random choice, plus it'd be a hell of a match that'd make Dalton look like a beast even in loss)

DGenerationMC · September 9, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? Davey Richards

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? Tomohiro Ishii

olivertaylor276 · September 9, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein (c) vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? E-LI DRAKE. Dummy, yeah!

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? I don't think it can be a major name since it's only on the pre-show... So I'll go with El Desperado, who later seconds Minoru Suzuki in the main event.

I don't feel great about four title retentions, but keeping with the 'ROH vs. The World' slogan, this set of predictions would see ROH fall to a quick 1-3 deficit, before rallying back to tie it at 4-4 and Jeff Cobb sealing the victory at 5-4. Very excited for this show!

crackerjack · September 9, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? James Storm

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? Juice Robinson

Powerbrock100 · September 10, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? Eli Drake

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? Juice Robinson

Texasrangers13 · September 10, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Going with A-Double, Austin Aries making a shocking return to ROH... and then stealing a shocking victory.

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? Ryusuke Taguchi... make a bit of a comedy bout? I have no clue really... Castle wins.

EBEZA · September 10, 2019

<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;">Final Battle: ROH vs. The World - Match Card

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

I desperately want to predict a draw here, but it's the main event of the biggest show of the year...

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

The last match I predicted, and I needed more "outsider" wins (see next match's prediction), and also feel there must be a title change, so...

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

Some "outsiders" have to win, and this is an easy way to achieve one such victory...

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

Keeping the belts on home turf.

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes

The focus is on the friendship and friendly competition, so Gresham probably retains, followed by either a handshake or a heel turn...

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent?

Jay's been built up so strong, unless this is a HUGE name, he's winning.

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

I think this match can aid Taven without him having to win it. Maybe KENTA tweaks his GTS to an F5? <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

Under any other circumstances, I'd ditto my thoughts on Taven/KENTA here, but as it's Liger's last match in America, give Flip the win!

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge?

Castle's promo saying he's ready for whatever walks through the curtain makes me think he really won't be!

ROH wins the night 5-4, if that's being tracked.</div>

Kijar · September 10, 2019

ROH World Championship

[ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki

WOH World Championship

[ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [SHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez

ROH World Tag Team Championships

[CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? Joe Hendry

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? Bandido

merrykieran2 · September 10, 2019

ROH World Championship

WOH World Championship

ROH World Tag Team Championships

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships

[ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori)

ROH Honor Club Championship

[ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes-Please bring in Brookes full time. Him and Gresham vs Lee and Rush would be insane

[ROH] Jay Briscoe vs. [Free Agent] ???

Who will be the “top level” free agent that replaces Nick Aldis as Jay Briscoe’s Final Battle opponent? David Starr?

[NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven

[ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger

[ROH] Dalton Castle vs. [The World] ???

Who will accept Dalton Castle’s pre-show Open Challenge? Will Ospreay

20LEgend · September 12, 2019

Final Battle 2019: ROH vs. The World

Pre-Show: [CMLL] Mistico bt. [ROH] Dalton Castle; [ROH 0-1 The World (ROW)]<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2XRLNGW.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2XRLNGW.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Announcers: Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman and Colt Cabana - Venue: UMBC Event Center - Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA</div><hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;">

<img alt="2Wmxcko.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2Wmxcko.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TjVWgle.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TjVWgle.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Match #1 - [NJPW] KENTA vs. [ROH] Matt Taven</div>

The Background: The story going into the match, beyond KENTA’s return to Ring of Honor, was Matt Taven’s apparent fear of his opponent. Despite continued attempts to deny this, Matt Taven’s body language and general behaviour led commentators to believe otherwise. Having held the ROH World Championship for almost half of 2019, this has only fuelled the fire of Matt Taven, who feels that he doesn’t get nearly enough respect for what he has achieved. Whether he is afraid or not, Matt Taven will go into Final Battle more determined than ever before, representing Ring of Honor against one of NJPW’s most dangerous competitors.

The Result: KENTA picked up a convincing victory over Matt Taven, overcoming attempts from the former World Champion (and his Kingdom teammates) to cheat his way to an upset. Taven did manage to get some offence in during the match, but always looked a level below his opponent. Eventually KENTA hit the Go 2 Sleep, making the score for the night [ROH 0-2 ROW].

The Reasoning: With KENTA returning to Ring of Honor, and hopefully being a fairly regular member of the roster, it was important to put him over in his first match back. Taven felt like the right choice to be in that position, somebody who has achieved a lot in ROH, but isn’t quite at the level he once was. While Taven is a solid member of the roster, I don’t quite see him hitting the upper reaches of the card again any time soon, and as a result he could take a decisive defeat to KENTA. In the process, it was hoped the fairly short nature of the match would put over just how much of a threat KENTA can be!

The Aftermath: Following his win, KENTA stood in the ring, folding his arms and not really celebrating. The first of two matches featuring Bullet Club members tonight, KENTA had scored a victory that the commentators explained would make the night very tricky for those competitors representing Ring of Honor.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="gTPrWkf.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gTPrWkf.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

ROH Honor Club Championship Match

<img alt="QpPzCbO.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QpPzCbO.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uhU8fkA.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uhU8fkA.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Match #2 - [ROH] Jonathan Gresham © vs. [RevPro] Chris Brookes</div>

The Background: While little went into this match in terms of on-screen build, there is a history between the men - related to Jonathan Gresham’s regular appearance on the European wrestling scene. Forming a tag team in 2012, Brookes and Gresham have often teamed when Gresham appears overseas, include multiple matches in RevPro. Representing RPW, Chris Brookes knows Jonathan Gresham better than just about anybody, and will look to take the Honor Club Championship back to the United Kingdom with him.

The Result: Slower paced than the opener, Chris Brookes and Jonathan Gresham took a little time to feel each other out early in the match, both aware of how dangerous their opponent was. From there, the tempo continued to pick up, with the two coming close to victory on a number of occasions. It was Jonathan Gresham who picked up the win, catching Brookes in an Octopus Hold, and hitting him repeatedly in the head with his elbow. After a struggle, the referee stepped in, Brookes unable to respond when checked upon. As well as retaining his title, Gresham scored ROH’s first win on the night. [ROH 1-2 ROW].

The Reasoning: Chris Brookes was brought in as a representative of RevPro in the UK, who we hoped could put on a good match with somebody he was familiar with. Jonathan Gresham will be one of the cornerstones of the roster going in 2020, so him picking up ROH’s first victory on the night felt fitting, and gives him another successful defence of the Honor Club Championship. Throughout the match, the importance of ROH getting a win would be highlighted, with Gresham’s victory and the relief of the commentators hopefully adding an extra wrinkle to the match, which had been built fairly dryly.

The Aftermath: It took a while after Gresham had been handed the title for Chris Brookes to get back to his feet, and it was clear that both men had taken considerable damage throughout the match. Jonathan Gresham offered his partner and friend a handshake after the contest, with Brookes accepting and hugging the Honor Club Champion on his ROH debut.<hr color=black>During a break between matches the commentators spoke about what had happened so far, before leading into footage of Jeff Cobb and Minoru Suzuki arriving at the building. Champion and Challenger in tonight’s ROH World Championship match, it was clear that while Jeff Cobb commands the respect of his peers and colleagues, only one word could describe the feeling as Suzuki entered the building - fear. The commentators suggested that the one man who didn’t fear Suzuki was Jeff Cobb, relaying his words from his interview with Ian Riccaboni which aired earlier in the week.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="yNYd4Dl.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yNYd4Dl.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

ROH World Tag Team Championship Match

<img alt="Pel36B0.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Pel36B0.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6J1JT41.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6J1JT41.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="E9KoMCB.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/E9KoMCB.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WvWDT7O.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WvWDT7O.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Match #3 - [CMLL] Dragon Lee & Rush © vs. [ROH] Brody King & PCO</div>

The Background: Winning a match at Make The Cut to become the Number One Contenders, a lot has changed for Brody King & PCO since that event, as the Main Event of the same show saw Flip Gordon turn on Villain Enterprises leader Marty Scurll. Scurll had claimed that he was taking the rest of Villain Enterprises with him when he left Ring of Honor, but that wasn’t the case, as the group made it clear that they were staying where they were. Not least because of their upcoming Final Battle match with Dragon Lee & Rush. Former World Six Man and NWA World Tag Team Champions, Brody King & PCO will look to add another Championship to the collection, against two of ROH’s most impressive performers of 2019. Despite appearing for the company throughout the year, Rush & Dragon Lee elected to represent their “home” promotion CMLL at Final Battle.

The Result: The longest match of the night so far, Dragon Lee & Rush picked up a victory over King & PCO to retain their ROH World Tag Team Championships. Rush pinned PCO to finish the match, gaining another victory for “The World”. [ROH 1-3 ROW].

The Reasoning: Brody King & PCO were replacements for the originally planned match featuring Bandido & Flamita, and for that reason there was little chance of them winning. Due to the thrown together nature of the match, it never really caught fire during the build and wasn’t a match that particularly excited me. It was another good showcase for Dragon Lee & Rush, who continue their impressive World Tag Team Championship reign. With a number of big tag teams set to join the division, it is important to further solidify Dragon Lee & Rush as a strong unit, with tougher tests around the corner in the coming months.

The Aftermath: Dragon Lee & Rush celebrated in the ring, as the commentators updated the situation of the “ROH vs. The World” stipulation. Things were looking bad for the “home team”, with Jay Lethal & Lifeblood next up to try and restore the balance...<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="ZAnrRNK.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZAnrRNK.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championship Match

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Match #4 - [ROH] Lethal & Lifeblood © vs. [NJPW] Bullet Club</div>

The Background: Lethal & Lifeblood won the World Six Man Tag Team Championships from Villain Enterprises back at Death Before Dishonor, and make their second defence against the outside threat of Bullet Club. The stable will represent New Japan Pro Wrestling, and look to become the third group of BC members to hold the titles. Their opponents proudly represent Ring of Honor, having worked throughout the year to continue to maintain the standards that gave the company the reputation it holds. Jay Lethal in particular stands as a long-tenured member of the roster, who has stressed the importance of them coming out on top in this ROH vs. The World concept for Final Battle.

The Result: Designed to allow all six members of the match to showcase their styles and abilities, the contest was given enough time for each of them to give a good account of themselves. Taiji Ishimori and Jay Lethal perhaps led their teams throughout the match, but it was Chase Owens who suffered the decisive fall. Pinned by Jay Lethal following an Elbow Drop, Owens had no answer to the count. Lethal & Lifeblood retain the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships. [ROH 2-3 ROW].

The Reasoning: Beyond the need for ROH to remain in with the opportunity of coming out on top on the night, there was little heed given to the idea of a title change in the match. Lethal & Lifeblood’s reign so far has been successful, and helped all three members of the group. There was never a suggestion for them to lose the titles yet, and certainly not to a group who are unlikely to feature in Ring of Honor on a full-time basis.

The Aftermath: Jay Lethal took a microphone as the Champions celebrated, rallying the troops ahead of the next four vital matches on the night. Lethal put over the pride in the locker room, and the need to prove ROH can hang with any company in the world. Jay Lethal said that Lifeblood and Jonathan Gresham had done their bit, and it was up to the rest of the roster to step up!<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="TPKsu2J.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TPKsu2J.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

ROH Women of Honor World Championship Match

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Match #5 - [ROH] Kelly Klein © vs. [sHIMMER] Mercedes Martinez</div>

The Background: At Make The Cut, Mercedes Martinez won a SHIMMER Showcase match, defeating Kimber Lee to earn a shot at the Women of Honor World Championship. Kelly Klein has proved herself throughout the year, keeping hold of the title through many heated rivalries. Most recently, she faced Maria Manic, widely regarded as her toughest test yet. She came out of that one with the Women of Honor World Championship, but will face the most skilled in-ring competitor that she has faced in recent months. Mercedes Martinez had made her desire to become a World Champion clear, and Final Battle presents a perfect opportunity for just that.

The Result: Kelly Klein beat Mercedes Martinez despite coming very close to submitting to her on a number of occasions. Kelly Klein also could only get her foot to the rope during one close fall, but ultimately had enough to pick up the victory. Klein retains the ROH Women of Honor World Championship. [ROH 3-3 ROW]

The Reasoning: The original plan when Mercedes Martinez signed up to appear at Make The Cut and Final Battle was for her to win the Championship and join the roster on a full-time basis. However, with changes that had to be made to the card, and the results that were altered to ensure the ROH vs. The World wins and losses were balanced going into the decisive match, the title switch was held off. Whether it will be Martinez or somebody else who eventually ends Klein’s fairly unspectacular run with the title, remains to be seen. While Martinez wasn’t happy with the booking of the match, it was deemed a necessary measure to be taken, and unfortunately somebody had to be the one to give up their Final Battle victory, and in this case a run as World Champion.

The win would also have been an impactful moment for the division as a whole, potentially giving it the shot in the arm that it’s needed with a new Champion for the new decade. In lieu of that, the following post-match segment was designed to keep the division’s momentum going, despite the title remaining with Kelly Klein.

The Aftermath: Following the match, as Kelly Klein stood tall in the ring, a previously unheard theme song played. Unknown until she made her appearance, Ian Riccaboni instantly recognised Madison Eagles as she walked down to the ring.

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Klein clearly hadn’t been expecting to see Eagles, who looked to overshadow the Champion’s impressive victory. Eagles then extended a hand to Klein, before pulling her in and hitting her with a Hell Bound (Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker). Despite her victory, Kelly Klein was left laid out in the ring, Eagles stood over her with sights on the Women of Honor World Championship.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="uKE0irC.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uKE0irC.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="tfCceLk.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tfCceLk.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Match #6 - [ROH] Flip Gordon vs. [NJPW] Jushin Thunder Liger</div>

The Background: Before the match, a video package put over the background to this match, showing highlights from the legendary career of Jushin Thunder Liger. His final match outside of Japan, prior to his retirement on January 4th 2020, Liger’s opponent was selected at Make The Cut. Beating out the other hopefuls, Gordon earned the chance to face Liger and has spoken about how much the match means to him. As much as it is an honour to share a ring with Jushin Thunder Liger, beating him would mean all that much more to Flip.

The Result: While the match was one final showcase of what Jushin Thunder Liger was capable of, and saw many of his signature moves executed, it didn’t go particularly long and didn’t end the way the NJPW legend had hoped. Flip Gordon was able to pick up the victory, hard fought as it was, pulling out the Shooting Star Press for the decisive fall. [ROH 4-3]

The Reasoning: Jushin Thunder Liger’s upcoming retirement was the focus of the match, and was put over on commentary, but there was little to gain from him actually winning the match. While his future is uncertain, Flip Gordon is certainly seen as one of the “ROH guys” on the roster, having built his name up in the company from being a virtual unknown. This made him a good choice to be put over by Jushin Thunder Liger, who isn’t really hurt by ending his final match in North America looking up to the lights.

The Aftermath: Another adherence to the “Code of Honor” followed the match, with Flip Gordon helping Liger back to his feet. Flip then left the ring, allowing Jushin Thunder Liger to be showered with applause as he left the ring for one of the very last times. When Liger had left the ring, the commentators put over that for the first time in the night, ROH are in the driver’s seat, leading Final Battle 4-3 against the Rest of the World.<hr color=black>When the dust of Jushin Thunder Liger’s farewell had settled, and the commentators looked forward to the rest of the show, Jay Briscoe came out to the ring, looking to be in an even worse mood than he has in recent months. The commentators explained that an injury to Nick Aldis had robbed Jay of a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but did point out that he was at least partially responsible for Aldis being unable to compete.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="1bkAAGV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1bkAAGV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mJ5pYv6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mJ5pYv6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Once in the ring, Jay Briscoe (joined by his brother Mark) was completely unchained, firing shots in all directions. He called out the NWA, ROH and the other companies involved, as well as pretty much everybody on the card. The point was that Jay wasn’t happy, and he wanted a fight. He’d previously challenged Ring of Honor management to find him a top level talent from around the world to maim, with Briscoe ready to direct his aggression at whoever walked through the curtain.

Jay Briscoe did get a former World Champion, and somebody who he was familiar with as his opponent, but couldn’t help but be shocked to see the man who had accepted the challenge coming down the ring...

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As Davey Richards walked the ramp, Jay Briscoe turned to his brother, shaking his head and telling him that Davey doesn’t belong here. Richards entered the ring, with Jay Briscoe telling him that he doesn’t just get to walk back into the company, and he wasn’t welcome in Ring of Honor. Having acted amorally for the past year, and ramped it up considerably in the past 6 months, Jay Briscoe suddenly found himself standing for something, adamant that Davey Richards didn’t deserve to be back in Ring of Honor.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="DcSsE8f.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DcSsE8f.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="1bkAAGV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1bkAAGV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Match #7 - [Free Agent] Davey Richards vs. [ROH] Jay Briscoe</div>

The Background: In some ways this open challenge has very little background and build, an impromptu match made to replace a scheduled one that had been cancelled. On the other hand, this match is steeped in history, a man who walked out on the company in acrimonious circumstances, against a man who has been with ROH from day one, through thick and thin. Despite Jay Briscoe’s abhorrent behaviour throughout the year, there was an argument to be made that he had every right to be angry. Whether he liked it or not, Davey Richards was back in Ring of Honor, and Jay was his first opponent.

The Result: Caught off guard by Davey Richards’ arrival, Jay Briscoe was quick to work out his technique for the match, only interested in engaging in a fist fight with Richards. Davey is of course known for his strikes, but also for his ground game and technical wrestling. These elements were thrown out of the playbook for much of the match, with the referee showing leniency as the two let off years of tension all around ringside. The referee did eventually step in, sending Mark Briscoe to the back and in turn giving Davey Richards a chance to dictate the tempo.

Eventually they did return to the ring, only for Jay Briscoe to set up a Table in the ring. Again the referee was somewhat passive, watching as Briscoe’s plan backfired. As he set up to put Richards through the table from the second rope with a J-Driller, Davey fought back. Escaping to put Jay through the Table with a Folding Powerbomb, Richards would roll Jay back through onto his knees, hitting him with a brutal Kick to the head to knock him out. This allowed Davey Richards to pick up a returning victory over Jay Briscoe. [ROH 4-4 ROW]

The Reasoning: Bringing Davey Richards back was something I’d ummed and ahhed over for the past few months, but with a clear “Redemption of Davey Richards” storyline planned out, the decision was made for him to return. This was initially supposed to take place in 2020, but with Nick Aldis’ injury enforcing a change, a return match with Jay Briscoe - a man who has been with the company through all their ups and downs - seemed to fit perfectly. Despite being a despicable heel going into the match, the fact that Jay has a valid reason to not want Richards to be allowed back into the company, adds a realism and creates shades of grey for the storyline. This sets the perfect tone for how the storyline will progress, and leave the audience’s reaction towards Davey as the driving force to dictate how it goes.

There was an idea for Davey Richards to lose his first match back, giving Jay Briscoe a big win and making it clear that Richards wasn’t going to just walk back into a top spot. Richards winning does however add fuel to the fire of Jay Briscoe, and rather than their interactions being one and done, allows for more potential matches between them in the future. Davey’s angle is likely to be a long-term, slow build storyline, but winning the first match in a return can never hurt, and felt like the right choice for the match.

The Aftermath: Both men were clearly hurt after the match, Davey Richards checked on as Jay Briscoe returned to his feet. As he headed up the ramp, Jay Briscoe was clearly furious to have been defeated, with Davey Richards having his arm raised in the middle of the ring.<hr color=black>After discussing the shocking return of Davey Richards, who Colt Cabana “never thought [he’d] see in Ring of Honor again”, the commentators looked at another ROH debut earlier in the night, as Dalton Castle’s Open Challenge was answered by Mistico.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="hgYUS77.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hgYUS77.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jzU9gjQ.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jzU9gjQ.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Footage was shown of Dalton Castle’s promo, as he said “nothing” could surprise him after the year he’s had. Dalton was proved wrong, as the brother of Dragon Lee & Rush made his first appearance in Ring of Honor. The commentators put over the troubles and struggles Dalton has had against Mistico’s two brothers, as Castle depaired in the ring at once again being forced to compete against a member of “that” family. Dalton Castle never fully recovered from Mistico’s arrival, and was defeated in the opening match of Final Battle: ROH vs. The World!

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Moving on from that, Ian Riccaboni promoted the “Honor League”, a two-night event over the next coming days, with the matches airing on ROH TV from the beginning of 2020.<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="VRdqLHS.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VRdqLHS.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

ROH World Championship Match

<img alt="C48zpWc.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/C48zpWc.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BXYJnHD.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BXYJnHD.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6Sbktqj.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6Sbktqj.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Main Event - [ROH] Jeff Cobb © vs. [NJPW] Minoru Suzuki</div>

The Background: Following his second successful defence of the ROH World Championship, which he had previously won from Matt Taven at Death Before Dishonor, Jeff Cobb made it clear that he wanted to face one of the very best wrestlers in the world. With the ROH vs The World theme of Final Battle, management found Cobb the perfect opponent, Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion and Suzuki Gun member Zack Sabre Jr.

However, just days after the announcement was made official on ROH TV, Sabre fell to an injury working for his home promotion, RevPro in the UK. This left Ring of Honor scrambling for a replacement, until Zack Sabre Jr. stepped up with a suggestion of his own. At the next ROH event, ZSJ appeared via satellite connection to reveal that the man challenging for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle, would be… Minoru Suzuki!

The Result: With the scores level going into the match, ROH and the Rest of the World both on four victories each, this final contest would be the decider of the night. More importantly, the ROH World Championship was on the line, just weeks before Minoru Suzuki walked into the Tokyo Dome for WrestleKingdom. From the opening bell, the two men went hell for leather, a physical and brutal contest followed. Minoru Suzuki laughed off Jeff Cobb’s attempts to match him in the striking stakes, but did have more difficulty with the power and technique of Jeff Cobb’s Suplexes and Throws. This led to a highly intense match, which didn’t go too long, but did pack a lot into the 15 minutes.

Such was the heat brought into the match, both men ended up losing their focus on a couple of occasions, with the match spilling to the outside. The referee tried to be hands on in returning the match to the ring, but stayed a safe distance away from Suzuki. Once they had returned to the ring, Suzuki continued to bend the rules, ruthlessly taking shots at Jeff Cobb in the corner. Having exhausted the five count, the referee came between the two men, and was shoved away by Suzuki. The referee could have called the bell there and then, but didn’t, instead looking for a clean break from Suzuki. This came, but only when Suzuki grabbed Jeff Cobb, throwing him into the referee. The referee stumbled backwards, and in the split second Cobb took to check on the official and steady himself, he was caught from behind.

Minoru Suzuki had Jeff Cobb locked in a Rear Naked Choke in the middle of the ring, and took the Champion down to the mat. Cobb struggled and tried to fight free, but couldn’t, fading into an unconscious state. Checking on the Ring of Honor World Champion, the referee got no response, and was as such forced to call for the bell. Minoru Suzuki is the NEW Ring of Honor World Champion! [ROH 4-5 ROW]

The Aftermath: Despite the bell ringing, and Minoru Suzuki being declared the new ROH World Champion, he refused to release Jeff Cobb from the Rear Naked Choke. The referee took the Championship from ringside, to hand to Suzuki, but had to place it back on the mat to try and pry him away from Jeff Cobb. Other officials and backstage personnel joined the referee in the ring, having the desired effect of Suzuki releasing the hold. However, as Suzuki got up, he attacked the group that had assembled in the ring, laying them all out.

As Suzuki continued to abuse the officials, laying boots into them on the canvas, a man in a suit came down the ramp. Ian Riccaboni recognised him immediately, saying that the man was not a Ring of Honor official, but in fact a high level executive in Sinclair Broadcasting, the promotion’s parent company. With Suzuki still caught up in causing destruction in the ring, the man took the Championship from the apron, and spoke with the ring announcer. The executive looked furious and was very animated, firmly relayed some information to ring announcer Bobby Cruise. This caught the attention of Suzuki, who left the ring and pushed the man over. Colt Cabana put this over as a big thing, saying that this man wasn’t involved in wrestling operations of Ring of Honor, and there would be serious repercussions for Suzuki’s actions. Suzuki of course had no idea who the man was, not that he would have cared much if he did.

With the “executive” down on the ground, Minoru Suzuki grabbed the Ring of Honor World Championship from the ring announcer, returning to the ring and raising it in the air. The men who had been taken out by Suzuki laid out all across the ring, as well as around the ringside area, “Final Battle: ROH vs. The World” ending in extremely controversial circumstances. Nonetheless, the announcement had been made, and the deciding match of the event had ended with New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Minoru Suzuki standing tall, the new Ring of Honor World Champion.

The Reasoning: Originally the Main Event of Final Battle, Jeff Cobb vs. Zack Sabre Jr. would have seen the same 4-4 score going into the match, with Zack Sabre defeating Jeff Cobb cleanly, to become the ROH World Champion. The idea behind this was not only to put the ROH World Championship on someone widely perceived as one of the best in-ring performers in the world (evoking previous Champions such as Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinness and Samoa Joe), but also to give a shocking conclusion to Final Battle. The hope was that the surprising title change (with ROH expected to win the night over the Rest of the World) would create a buzz around the company, particularly with Zack Sabre Jr. walking into the Tokyo Dome for WrestleKingdom in the coming weeks, holding the Ring of Honor World Championship.

When the match was changed, the decision became less clear, with the desire to have a big moment to end the show, the year and the decade balanced against wanting to keep Jeff Cobb looking strong. After much deliberation, the decision was made for Minoru Suzuki to win the ROH World Championship, in a tainted manner, for similar reasons to those above. It was felt that those in attendance and those watching on Pay-Per-View would be happy with a title change, with somebody as respected and well regarded as Minoru Suzuki hopefully garnering a positive reaction. It was also hoped that those not up to date with Ring of Honor would be drawn in by hearing the news, creating a buzz around the company, and intrigue to where the story would go following Final Battle.

This was also kept in mind with the post-match booking, as Minoru Suzuki created a chaotic and violent scene, which included him attacking a non-wrestling related “Sinclair Broadcasting Group Executive”. The fallout from this would come on the events that followed Final Battle, with two “Best of 2019” compilation shows being followed by the new episodes of Ring of Honor TV beginning to air from January 2020. Of course, there would be repercussions for the actions of Minoru Suzuki, the news of which would be known well in advance of those new episodes airing...<hr color=black><div style="text-align:center;">Quick Results:

[Pre-Show] Mistico bt. Dalton Castle (D)

KENTA bt. Matt Taven (C-)

Jonthan Gresham © bt. Chris Brookes to retain the ROH Honor Club Championship (D-)

Dragon Lee & Rush © bt. Brody King & PCO to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships (D+)

Lethal & Lifeblood (Haskins & Williams) © vs. Bullet Club (Chase Owens, El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori)to retain the ROH World Six Man Tag Team Championships (C-)

Kelly Klein © bt. Mercedes Martinez to retain the ROH Women of Honor World Championship (D-)

Flip Gordon bt. Jushin Thunder Liger (D+)

Davey Richards bt. Jay Briscoe (D+)

Minoru Suzuki bt. Jeff Cobb © to become the ROH World Champion (C-)

Overall Score ROH 4-5 ROW - Show Rating (C-)</div>

EBEZA · September 12, 2019

Damn, I was doing so well up to a certain point with my predictions! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Btw, the result of that main event... I've never looked more like this -> <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> reading a diary! Wow!

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