Tag: Dak Draper

ROH TV results: Josh Woods vs. Dak Draper Pure title match

Posted on by Skylar Russell

Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

Quinn McKay welcomed the audience to the show from her usual spot in the ROH studio. McKay revealed that this week’s episode is a “Top Prospect” special. Some of the rising stars in the company will be in action, and the two most recent winners of the Top Prospect tournament will face off in singles action as ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods takes on Dak Draper in the main event.

Rayo defeated Joe Keys, Adrian Soriano, and Eric Martin in a four-way match (7:57)

Adrian Soriano was on a different level early on in the match, hitting a combination of moves on all of his opponents. After downing Rayo with a great standing dropkick, Soriano was stopped dead in his tracks by Joe Keys, who executed a few German suplexes.

Eric Martin ran in and tried to stop the momentum of Keys, but he was met with another German suplex. Keys was in control of the match headed into a commercial break. 

Rayo nailed Soriano with a butterfly backbreaker as the bout returned from commercial. Rayo tried to capitalize by going to the top rope, but Soriano met him up there and was able to hit a superplex. Keys found his way back in the match — but before he could do anything of substance, he was shoved into the corner post by Soriano. 

Soriano and Keys kept focusing strictly on each other, while Rayo and Martin were more focused on winning the match. Martin tried for a spinebuster, but Rayo reversed the move and hit a standing kick to Martin’s face. Rayo followed it up with a springboard DDT, then a springboard elbow drop that was able to secure him the victory.

**********

Matt Makowski (w/ Rocco) defeated Dante Caballero (12:06)

Matt Makowski took Dante Caballero to the mat with a headlock early on, focusing on that area heavily. Caballero virtually got no offense in on Makowski into a commercial break. 

Makowski was still in full control of the match when the break returned. He nailed Caballero with a few forearm strikes. But after Makowski celebrated for a split second, Caballero was able to pick him up and hit a very quick Falcon’s Arrow for a near fall. 

Caballero used the momentum to his advantage, hitting a spinebuster on Makowski shortly after. After kicking out of Caballero’s pin attempt, Makowski took back control of the match and delivered a kick to the face of Caballero before locking in an armbar. Caballero submitted to the maneuver almost immediately. 

**********

ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods defeated Dak Draper to retain his title (13:45)

Although this was supposed to be a non-title match, Dalton Castle and Dak Draper convinced Josh Woods to put his Pure Championship on the line shortly before the bell rang.

Woods hoisted up Draper in a clutch, but Draper caught the top rope with his feet, therefore costing him his first rope break. Draper was frustrated, but he would turn his frustration into an ankle pick that took Woods off the mat. Woods escaped the hold rather quickly and began unloading on Draper in the corner with open hand strikes.

Draper responded to the offensive onslaught with a closed fist, which he was issued a warning for. A commercial break ensued shortly after. 

Draper had control of the match when the break ended, but Woods changed course with a springboard knee strike that landed right between the eyes of Draper. Woods kept it going with a few running strikes in the corner. But when he attempted a pin, Draper got his foot on the rope.

Draper escaped an armbar and turned it into a powerbomb, but it wasn’t enough to score the victory. Draper attempted another move, but Woods reversed it and positioned Draper in the tombstone before launching him over his head with a suplex. Woods picked up the victory via pinfall shortly after.

**********

Next Week —

  • ROH Women’s World Champion Rok-C defends against Holidead
  • Christmas tag team match

**********

Final Thoughts —

Although these matches still fail to bring much of a purpose to the table, they were all still solid bouts that entertained me thoroughly. Woods vs. Draper was especially very good, and I’m excited to see what the two can do if they are brought back to ROH in the future.

ROH TV results: Dalton Castle vs. Eli Isom vs. Dak Draper

Posted on by Skylar Russell

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

**********

Quinn McKay joined us from the ROH studio to start the show. McKay revealed that beginning next week on ROH TV, the Women’s World Championship tournament will officially begin. Miranda Alize vs. Alex Gracia, Nicole Savoy vs. Mazzerati, and Sumie Sakai vs. Rok-C are all scheduled for the episode.

McKay then ran down the card for tonight’s show. After falling in defeat to Shane Taylor Promotions at the Best in the World PPV, Dalton Castle, Eli Isom and Dak Draper will face each other in a triple threat bout. PCO vs. Sledge and Flip Gordon vs. The World Famous CB are our other matches.

**********

Flip Gordon defeated The World Famous CB (8:46)

Gordon and CB started off the bout by exchanging various wristlocks and holds. CB got an early advantage and was able to start working Gordon down into the commercial break.

Coming back from the break, CB had full control of the wrist of Gordon. Gordon eventually got frustrated with the style CB was working, which led to him showing a more aggressive side. Gordon took the match to the outside and hit an impressive axe handle from the top of a barricade before rolling CB back in the ring.

Gordon took a breather for a moment before charging at CB, who dodged out of harm’s way and sent Gordon shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. CB wasted no time and capitalized on Gordon’s arm injury by performing a running bulldog to the arm.

CB’s success wouldn’t last long, though. Gordon popped up rather quickly and caught CB on the top rope with a superkick. Gordon followed it up with his version of the STF for the win.

**********

PCO vs. Sledge ended in a no contest (9:43)

Danhausen joined commentary for this match.

PCO and Sledge wasted no time getting right into the match, with both men exchanging stiff strikes early. Sledge held his own well with the former ROH World Champion, and the two ended up having a very physical bout.

It was pretty even throughout until PCO dove onto Sledge on the outside. PCO followed that up with a brutal-looking senton onto Sledge, who was laying on the apron. PCO looked to be in full control before he “malfunctioned,” to which Sledge took advantage of by kicking him in the head.

Referee Joe Mandak went to check on PCO, but he was greeted with a shove. Sledge also shoved Mandak, therefore prompting him to throw the match out.

**********

Triple threat match: Dak Draper defeated Eli Isom and Dalton Castle (6:21)

This bout got out of hand rather quickly and spilled to the outside within the first few seconds. Most of the action was between Isom and Draper, with Castle attempting to pick the leftovers. Draper got so frustrated with Castle at one point that he just heaved him over the barricade at full speed.

Isom and Draper have fantastic chemistry and they had a great exchange while Castle was recovering at ringside, including an incredible second rope moonsault from Isom to the outside onto Draper.

While Isom was celebrating, Castle re-emerged and launched a chair into Isom’s face. Castle then encouraged Draper to get in the ring and take advantage of Isom, which he did. Draper hit the Magnum KO for the win shortly after.

**********

Final Thoughts —

Eli Isom is quickly becoming one of my favorite wrestlers in the company. Isom’s past ventures in ROH have been very underwhelming, but since making his return this year he’s been great. Dak Draper is quite enjoyable as well. Otherwise, this was a bit of a throwaway show with nothing of great importance happening.

In recent weeks I’ve introduced a scale in order to let you know if the current week of TV is worth your while. The scale is as follows:

  • Must-Watch TV
  • Go Out Of Your Way
  • Recommend Viewing
  • Watch YouTube Clips
  • Avoid At All Costs

This week’s episode of ROH TV is: Watch YouTube Clips (specifically of Eli Isom)

Six-Man Tag Team title match added to ROH Best in the World

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new title match has been announced for ROH Best in the World.

ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Moses & Kaun) will put their titles on the line against Dalton Castle, Eli Isom & Dak Draper at Best in the World. The pay-per-view is taking place at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland on Sunday, July 11.

In storyline, the Six-Man Tag Team title match was made without Castle telling Isom and Draper about it first. Castle said Isom and Draper may not see it, but they know that the three of them have something powerful here.

Isom and Draper went to a 15-minute time limit draw against each other on ROH TV this April. They each wanted five more minutes added to the match, but Castle made his way out before it could be restarted. Castle said he was blown away by their match and wasn’t there to fight them. Castle said he’s been watching Isom and Draper since they came to ROH and has seen the growth that they’ve shown.

Castle told Isom and Draper that things have gotten a little dull around here. Castle said he wants to spice things up — and Isom and Draper can help him with that. Castle looked at Draper and said he sees so much inside of him that he likes. Castle then looked at Isom and said he sees so much that he doesn’t like. Castle kicked Isom in the groin but then did the same thing to Draper.

Isom and Draper then faced off in the first round of ROH’s Survival of the Fittest tournament last month. Castle came out to ringside during the match and watched on. Castle leaving near the end of the match distracted Draper and caused him to lose.

Shane Taylor Promotions have held the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles since winning them from Bandido, Flamita & Rey Horus this February.

Best in the World will feature ROH’s first live crowd since February 2020. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:

  • ROH World Champion Rush defends against Bandido
  • ROH Television Champion Tony Deppen defends against Dragon Lee
  • ROH Pure Champion Jonathan Gresham defends against Mike Bennett
  • Brody King vs. Jay Lethal
  • EC3 vs. Flip Gordon
  • Last Man Standing match: Josh Woods vs. Silas Young
  • ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Shane Taylor Promotions defend against Dalton Castle, Eli Isom & Dak Draper

ROH TV results: Tony Deppen vs. Kenny King

Posted on by Skylar Russell

The Big Takeaway: Dak Draper defeated Fred Yehi, Tony Deppen upset ROH World Tag Team Champion Kenny King, and Flamita defeated Flip Gordon.

The broadcast began with Quinn McKay checking in from the studio. She previewed the three matches that are set to take place tonight and played a clip of Jay Lethal’s comments after winning the number one contendership to the ROH World Championship.

Lethal said despite losing the ROH Tag Team titles, he has a chance to redeem himself at the upcoming 19th Anniversary PPV. Lethal also hinted at the rest of The Foundation being involved in championship matches at the PPV, citing that they have a chance for a “gold sweep”.

McKay revealed later that Rhett Titus and Tracy Williams will challenge Kenny King and Dragon Lee for the ROH World Tag Team titles at the PPV.

*****

Dak Draper had pre-match comments. Draper said he respects Yehi for not letting his success get to his head, but can’t say the same for himself. Draper laughed about letting it go to his own head and called it a good thing. He finished off the promo by saying he eats success for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 

Fred Yehi reflected on his losses in ROH. Yehi said that if he doesn’t win, he doesn’t “eat”. Yehi then acknowledged that Dak Draper is on a bit of a tear, but asked if he was ready for a hungry savageweight.

Dak Draper defeated Fred Yehi in a Pure Rules match (11:15)

Yehi and Draper adhered to the Code Of Honor.

Both men jockeyed for a position for a good minute before coming to a stalemate. Draper eventually picked Yehi’s leg and tried to keep him grounded but it didn’t work. Yehi had a moment of offense with a few chops that took Draper off his feet. Yehi remained in control as a commercial break ensued. 

Over the break, Draper retained control. Draper hit Yehi with a beautiful tilt-a-world power slam. Draper tried to capitalize but Yehi answered with a series of strikes that brought him to the ground yet again. Yehi attempted a Koji Clutch, but Draper denied it. The two men made it back to their feet and Draper nailed Yehi with a closed fist strike (which is illegal in Pure matches). Draper was issued a warning from the referee. Draper took advantage of a weary Yehi and hit a sloppy-looking Magnum K.O for the win.

******

Quinn McKay had a pre-match interview with Tony Deppen. Deppen said that one match stands between him and being the #1 Contender for the ROH Television Championship. Deppen said he knows La Faccion Ingobernable will be lurking around the ring, but he’s ready for anything.

Kenny King also had pre-match comments. King taunted Deppen for being an “Internet” favorite and dared him to step in the ring with him. King’s work in recent months has been a delight to watch. 

Tony Deppen defeated Kenny King (9:26)

King offered the Code Of Honor to Deppen but then hit Deppen with a forearm instead. King took control of the match early and dominated Deppen in the corner and on the ground into a commercial break.

Back from the break and Deppen tried to roll up King but failed. King retaliated and hit a great pop-up spinebuster for a two count. Deppen made his way back to his feet and flushed King in the jaw with a forearm, followed by a series of chops and slaps. Deppen kept the momentum going with a knee to the face that sent King reeling to the outside.

Deppen followed King to the outside and nailed him with a tornado DDT on the floor. Deppen rolled King back in and attempted a springboard dropkick, but he slipped. King then tried to hit Royal Flush, but Deppen countered and rolled him up for the 3 count. 

Immediately after the bell, LFI immediately rushed the ring and attacked Deppen. Brody King hit the ring to save Deppen but Rush showed up as well, making the odds stacked against King. LFI introduced a table to the ring and put King on it. La Bestia flew off the top rope and crashed into King through the table. The segment ended with LFI standing over King 

******

Flamita def Flip Gordon (10:02)

Gordon and Flamita traded open palm strikes to start the contest. They took the match to the outside quickly, with Flamita connecting with a moonsault off the second turnbuckle onto Gordon. Gordon rolled back in the ring and Flamita tried to dive onto him again, but Gordon caught him with a dropkick. 

Gordon maintained control for a few more minutes, eventually powerbombing Flamita off the top rope. Gordon picked up Flamita by his mask and started to taunt, but Flamita responded by spiking Gordon with a poison rana instead. Flamita went to the top rope and hit a magnificent frog splash on Gordon, but that didn’t put away The Mercenary. 

In the closing sequences of the match, Mark Briscoe appeared from under the ring and slid a chair in the ring. With the referee distracted Briscoe pulled out another chair and nailed Gordon with it, allowing Flamita to roll him up for the win. 

After the match, Gordon began beating up Flamita and ripped his mask off. Gordon taunted Flamita with the mask until Bandido and Rey Horus hit the ring, standing beside an unmasked Flamita to end the broadcast. 

*******

Final Thoughts:

This week’s episode of ROH TV was exactly what it seems like on paper: filler. The three singles contests were average or good, but didn’t really contribute to any storyline or hype for the PPV. Tony Deppen seemed a bit slow and as if his timing was off during his match. Kenny King has always been very hit or miss for me, but his recent reintroduction to LFI is good and works well for him. King has also teased being annoyed with LFI, so a break-up could be coming soon. 

Not a big fan of Tracy Williams and Rhett Titus challenging for the ROH Tag Team Titles given the ranking system, but it fits the whole “Foundation vs LFI” vibe they’re giving off for the PPV.

Four-way match for TV title shot later in night set for ROH Final Battle

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ring of Honor has revealed how Television Champion Dragon Lee’s challenger for Final Battle will be decided.

It was announced today that Tony Deppen, Dak Draper, LSG, and Josh Woods will face off in a four-way match at Final Battle. The winner will go on to challenge Dragon Lee for the TV title later in the show.

Woods picked up a big win on this week’s episode of ROH TV, defeating Jay Lethal in a Pure Rules match. LSG also recently impressed against Lethal. He went to a 15-minute time-limit draw against Lethal in a Pure Rules match on ROH TV last week. Lethal was declared the winner by split decision.

Deppen is a regular for Game Changer Wrestling. He made his ROH debut by losing to PJ Black in the first round of ROH’s recent Pure title tournament. The tournament was won by Jonathan Gresham.

Draper was the winner of last year’s ROH Top Prospect tournament.

After being on hiatus since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ROH returned to television production with closed set tapings in Maryland this August. Dragon Lee hasn’t appeared since ROH’s return.

Dragon Lee has been ROH TV Champion since winning the title from Shane Taylor at last year’s Final Battle.

Final Battle is taking place on Friday, December 18. It will air on pay-per-view and HonorClub. Dragon Lee’s brother and La Faccion Ingobernable stablemate Rush will defend his ROH World Championship against Brody King in the main event. EC3 vs. Jay Briscoe is also set for the show.