Tag: dustin rhodes

Ring of Honor TV live results: Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara in action, Pure title match

Posted on by Jeff Moss

A future Ring of Honor Tag Team title opportunity will be on the line as part of tonight’s tag team heavy HonorClub lineup.

Reigning champions The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) will face The Frat House’s Cole Karter & Griff Garrison. If the challengers can either defeat or draw the champions, they will earn a future title match.

Ring of Honor Pure Champion Lee Moriarty will put his title on the line against AR Fox.

The Infantry (Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo) will battle Dark Order’s Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds.

The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) will look to rebound from their recent AEW Tag Team title challenge loss when they take on Arya Daivari & Tony Nese of the Premier Athletes.

The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) will also be in action.

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Ring of Honor’s Tag Team Scene is absolutely on fire right now, so it makes sense that tonight’s episode of ROH on Honorclub (number 110 for those scoring at home) featured not one, not two, but FOUR big tag matches!

ROH World Tag Team Title Proving Ground Match: The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) defeated The Frat House (Cole Karter & Griff Garrison) (w/Jacked Jameson & Preston Vance)

After a six-man victory (with Willie Mack) against the MxM Collection and Johnny TV, the Sons of Texas once again fell before the quick hands of Mansoor and Madden who stole an ROH World Tag Title (or Six-Man Title, there was some confusion) belt for a record 28th time (give or take). The Frat House spent last week making life difficult for the Dark Order last week, taunting, jeering and generally being huge pains in the asses before finally interfering in their match against the Premier Athletes. If the Frat House can pin the champs or last ten minutes, they will get a shot at the ROH Tag Team Titles (Title?).

The Frat House came to the ring with custom balls for beer pong that were immediately snatched by Rhodes and Guevara and tossed into the crowd. That’s right, the Sons of Texas grabbed the Frat House’s balls and disposed of them.

Karter and Garrison tried to jump the champs off the top but they were ready for them and dispatched them to the outside quickly. That pit Karter against Guevara to start off the match proper.

Rhodes and Guevara have been working in perfect sync since teaming up last year. Garrison and Karter have been a team even longer, so both of the duos in this match were able to give it their best with some classic quick-tag chain wrestling. The wild cards were Vance and Jameson who got some shots in from the outside whenever the ref’s back was turned.

Since it was a Proving Ground match, Karter and Garrison kept the pace slow, isolating Guevara early to keep him from bringing in Rhodes. Guevara went for a hot tag to Rhodes but Vance pulled Rhodes off the ring apron, allowing Karter to continue the assault.

Guevara finally got the tag to Rhodes who played his greatest hits on Garrison and Karter’s repsective faces. It looked like it was over, but the puin got broken up. Guevara hit a senton from the top rope onto Vance and Jameson on the outside while Rhodes Shattered both of Karter’s Dreams in the ring.

Suddenly, the Dark Order slowly wandered to the down the ramp, distracting all four members of the Frat House and allowing Guevara to hit a big cutter on Garrison from the top rope. He pinned him and got the victory for the tag team champs.

Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) defeated Cal Bloom & Deonn Rusman

The one tag match that has nothing to do with anything this week was Gates of Agony vs Bloom and Rusman. The only purpose of this match was to give the Gates a chance to hirt some folks, and Bloom and Rusman drew the short straws. Bloom (FKA NXT’s Von Wagner) is looking for a fresh start after leaving NXT and Rusman was trained at Seth Rollins’ Black and Brave Academy, so both have ties to WWE. Also both are about to get real hurt. 

Bloom is very, very big so he started of the match against Kaun. Bloom held his own as the two pounded on each other, forcing Kaun to wrestle harder than he’s had to in a long time. Rusman tagged in and Kaun settled back into the hard hitting double teams with Liona that he’s used to.

Bloom continued to impress, hitting Kaun with side slams and big boots. Liona actually had to jump in and break up a pin, which is the first time I think I’ve ever seen that. Rusman tagged in to pick over the bones of Kaun and land a big spinebuster.

It was looking like an upset might be possible when Liona managed to tag in across from Rusman. Liona dominated the (slightly) smaller man, delivering huge elbows in the corners. Yes, corners. It went on for a while. Bloom tried to interfere, but Kaun took him out on the outside. Linoa pinned Rusman and added another win for the Gates.

The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd) defeated The Premier Athletes (Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese) (w/Mark Sterling)

The Outrunners rule. There’s not much else to say about them and this week everyone was glad to see them in wrestling action instead of messing around with Basketball mascots (boo local sports team!). The Premier Athletes formed a loose coalition with the Frat House last week, proving that obnoxious jocks of a feather do tend to flock together.

Magnum kicked things off with Daivari and once it began I realized something: These two teams are perfect for each other. The Outrunners classic, hard hitting babyface style is the perfect foil for the modern, technical heeling of the Athletes. This showed as the two went back and forth in a great exchange.

Suddenly, Mark Sterling grabbed a mic and told Floyd that it was “illegal to use dropkicks” in Milwaukee. I cannot confirm or deny this.

In the ring, Daivari tossed Magnum out of the ring and while Floyd was trying to point it out to the ref, Sterling and Nese stomped a proverbial mudhole in him before tossing him back in the ring. Nese went for a big elbow, but Magnum managed to dodge it and tried to get a hot tag to Floyd, but Nese pulled him off the apron.

Daivari and Nese tried a double team, but a miscommunication led to a collision and that allowed Magnum to tag in Floyd who used Nese as a weapon, slamming him onto Daivari. A brawl broke out between all four with the Outrunners coming out on top. They grabbed a dazed Daivari and hit their patented double elbow. Floyd spammed a few clotheslines and Sterling jumped in to cause a distraction. That won him the prize for dumbest move in the match as Floyd laid him out.

The Outrunners hit Total Recall on Daivari and scored the pinfall to make the crowd very happy.

The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) defeated The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno)

Last week, the Dark Order took an L to the Premier Athletes due to interference and general douchebaggery from the Frat House. So it makes perfect sense that this week they aim to settle that score when they take on (checks notes)… The Infantry. Bravo and Dean are no slouches with the might of Shane Taylor Promotions at their backs, but this match seems somewhat randomly put together. Not that I’m complaining. 

Bravo and Reynolds started things off with some trash talk and face shoving with BRavo coming out the winner in both categories. Reynolds tried for an early pin, but Bravo kicked out and tagged in Dean, keeping Reynolds on the other side of the ring from Uno. When he finally tagged him in, Uno got a big cheer from the crowd.

From there, the Order were in control, giving Dean a taste of his own medicine by isolating him from his partner. Bravo pulled Reynolds to the outside and threw him into the steel staircase before popping back into the ring to double team Reynolds with Dean. Dean hit a huge clothesline on Reynolds, but Uno broke up the pin attempt by raking his back.

Uno jumped in for a one-man double team on Dean and Bravo, landing a double DDT on them. The Infantry fought back, but Reynolds evened the score and Uno landed a wheelbarrow German suplex. That brought out The Frat House in all their shirtless glory. They jumped up on the ring apron, distracting the Ref so that a low blow could be dealt to Uno. It broke both his Dark Orders and Bravo was able to pick up the pin and victory.

ROH Pure Title Match: Lee Moriarty (c) w/ Shane Taylor defeated AR Fox

AR Fox had a really great match against Kevin Knight back on Epsiode 108 of ROH on HonorClub. Even though that match went to a time limit draw, Fox was really impressive so I spoke to the ROH Board of DIrectors (who I assume are still a thing) and lined up this Main Event Pure Title Match against Moriarty. Most of that is not true, but Fox did look good against Knight and he and Moriarty are a great matchup. 

After a Code of Honor, the match started out with an extended feeling out process, including a classic test of strength thing that Moriarty won. He quickly got an armbar on Fox, forcing him to use his first rope break inside of the first minutes.

Fox fought back and was gaining momentum until his face ran into Moriarty’s foot. That didn’t stop Fox’s agility though as he utilized a slingshot-rope-assisted-russian-legsweep into a crossface. Moriarty used his first rope break to get out of it at 2:23. Immediately afterwards, Fox was issued his one warning for a closed fist as he punched Moriarty in the face.

Moriarty worked the arm of Fox, wrenching it into a kimura lock at 3:53 and Fox used a rope break to get out of it. Moriarty continued working the arm of Fox, trying to force Fox to use up his last rope break so he couldn’t get out of the next submission. Fox used the top rope to hit a huge stomp on Moriarty on the ring apron (the hardest part of the LCD TVs around the ring!).

Fox hit a swandive from the top rope, but Moriarty managed to kick out at two. Moriarty went right back to the arm and locked in another crossface. Fox scooted back, looking for that last rope break. he finally landed it at 6:24.

Moriarty, with two roper breaks remaining tried a suplex, but Fox countered sending him to the corner. Fox hit a pendulum destroyer in the corner and Moriarty was about to be pinned before he got his foot on the rope, saving himself with a rope break.

Fox tried a 450, but Moriarty dodged it as the “This is awesome” chants broke out. Moriarty wrapped fox up in a modified tarantula hold around the ropes and with no breaks left, Fox was forced to tap out, giving the win to Moriarty.

What a great match! Between the Tag division and the Pure title, ROH is a good time for those who like great wrestling.

Ring of Honor TV live results: Athena vs. La Catalina Women’s title defense

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

The Ring of Honor Women’s World title will be on the line as part of ROH on HonorClub as Athena will defend against CMLL’s La Catalina.

After competing on AEW Dynamite, former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa will return to the red and black brand for only the second time this year.

In a CMLL trios showcase, Blue Panther will team with his sons Blue Panther Jr. and Dark Panther against Gran Guerrero, Euforia and Valiente.

Former ROH Women’s TV Champion Billie Starkz will be in action as will be reigning ROH Tag Team Champions The Sons of Texas (Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes).

Two high-flying brothers — Bandido & Gravity — will battle The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) while the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) will take on Bad Dude Tito & Che Cabrera.

Satnam Singh & Jay Lethal will be in tag team action in addition to The Beast Mortos.

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Chris Jericho was backstage with Renee Pacquette at Dynamite, talking to Big Bill and Bryan Keith about their losses to Bandido and Will Hobbs. Jericho talked about how there was huge opportunities to be main event players, and they were not living out to the potential and expectations that Jerich has for them. Keith and Bill walked away looking focused.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defeated La Catalina

Really solid opening match for ROH this week, with Athena and Catalina both looking good. Athena continues to be one of the best parts of these shows, and somehow still gets heat as a heel despite being their top champion for so long.

Catalina and Athena kept the Code of Honor, but it didn’t take long before Athena started mocking Catalina. Catalina won a test of strength with Catalina, but it was countered into a cradle. Catalina hit a dropkick after some misdirection, and hit a shotgun dropkick to send Athena to the floor. Athena hit a swinging uranage on the floor on Catalina and ordered Aubrey Edwards to check on Catalina.

 Catalina countered a handspring from Athena with a Basaiku knee and another dropkick. Catalina hit an electric chair drop for a 2-count. Catalina went for an inside cloverleaf, and attempted to get Athena to submit, but Athena got to the ropes and fought out. Athena blocked a German suplex and hit a popup powerbomb, held on, and hit another powerbomb on Catalina for a 2-count. Athena went for a modified gogoplata, but Catalina leaned forward and got a 2-count. Athena transitioned into a LaBell lock, but Catalina countered out and hit a Pedigree for a 2-count. Athena hit a hard elbow and went to the top rope to hit the O-Face for the pinfall.

–MXM was backstage with their own customized ROH World Tag Team Championship that they stole from Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara with custom faceplates with their faces on them. The claimed they did not lose their title in Australia because Australia isn’t real.

Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh (w/ Sonjay Dutt) defeated McCallion & Slade

Lethal started the match with McCallion, but Slade blind tagged in and they started getting heat on Lethal early on. Lethal flipped out of a back suplex attempt and rolled towards Singh and paused, smiled, and as the fans cheered for him to tag in Singh, the two heels tried to shush the audience, which was hilarious. The audience cheered, and Singh tagged in and massacred McCallion, who lost his mask as Singh repeatedly hit short chokeslams on him. Singh then chokeslammed both men, body slammed Slade on McCallion, and pinned them both. That was fun.

Billie Starks defeated Mylo

Starks was quite violent in this match, showing that Athena has had more of an effect on her than she would like to admit as she continues to be one of Athena’s minions. Mylo’s offence in this match did not look that great, but that didn’t stop Starks from looking good with her senton bomb finish.

–A hype video aired for The Outrunners as they hawked Outrunner merch. It was great.

The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) defeated Jon Cruz & Olumide

Guevara started the match with Olumide, sending him from the ring quickly to also throw Cruz across the ring. Dustin Rhodes tagged in and ate a punch from Cruz, which his funny given their size difference. Cruz ate a flying forearm from Rhodes, and Guevara hit a standing moonsault for a 2-count. Guevara hit a stalling suplex on Cruz, but Cruz raked the eyes of Guevara and tagged out to Olumide. Rhodes tagged in and took control, before setting up Guevara for a senton bomb for the pinfall.

–MXM Collection came out and attacked The Sons of Texas from behind, and attempted to double team Guevara by hitting him with the tag title, but Mansoor accidentally hit Mason Madden. Guevara setup Mansoor in the corner, superkicked Mansoor, and let Rhodes hit the shattered dreams. Guevara took back his tag title and ripped the stickers off the belt as Mansoor & Madden were infuriated.

The Beast Mortos defeated Sonico

Mortos swarmed Sonico fast, throwing him all over the ring. Mortos hit a popup Samoan Drop before spiking Sonico on his head and pinning him. There is nothing like a great squash match, and this was one of them.

Thunder Rosa defeated Brittnie Brooks

Rosa kept this match pretty simple, hitting a lariat and bodyslam after a few opening moves, but Brooks managed to hit a suplex after blocking one from Rosa. Rosa ducked a chop and hit a hard one of her own on Brooks, but Brooks did a corner charge, trash talked, and ate a dropkick for it. Rose hit a hip attack in the ropes and then a Northern Lights suplex for a 2-count. Rosa countered a reverse DDT with a package bomb for the win.

Gravity & Bandido defeated The Infantry (Cpt. Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo)

Dean started the match exchanging holds with Gravity, who lured Dean in with his spacewalk, and Dean was obviously flustered. Gravity tagged out to Bandido, who got a nice reaction from the audience that treated him like a star. Bandido hit a dropkick on Bravo and tagged back out to Gravity. Dean blind tagged in, leading to Bravo being able to clip the knee of Gravity and smash his knee against the ring post.

The Infantry kept up their attack for a few minutes, relentlessly attacking the knee of Gravity. Dean hit a Tiger Bomb and then locked on a half crab. Gravity ducked under a clothesline from Bravo and rolled into a tag. Bandido gorilla pressed Dean and tossed him into Bravo, leading to both Gravity and Bandido hitting stereo tope suicidia dives. Bandido popped up Gravity into the air, and he landed with a splash on Bravo for a 2-count that Dean broke up.

Dean and Bravo hit a double team uranage but Gravity broke up the pinfall attempt. Bravo kicked the knee of Gravity, but Bandido shoved Gravity out of the way and hit a wacky knee to Bravo. Instead of hitting the 21-Plex on Bravo, Bandido hit a tope con giro onto Dean while Gravity hit the 21-plex instead for the win.

–Big Bill and Bryan Keith ran out and attacked Gravity and Bandido. Chris Jericho slowly made his way down to the ring and hit Gravity with the ROH World Championship ad Big Bill forced Bandido to look on. Jericho then nailed Bandido with the title as the crowd booed. Simple, effective angle, with Bill and Keith getting a measure of revenge on Bandido, while Jericho continues his campaign against Bandido.

–Athena was backstage with her Minions in Training, asking them to praise her, while Diamante shoved the minions away, claiming that she was minion #1 now.

The Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) defeated Bad Dude Tito & Che Cabrera

The audience was really into Toa Liona in this match as he basically massacred both men at the same time. I am not a fan of seeing Bad Dude Tito in a bit of a squash, but I can’t deny that I really enjoyed this match. Seeing a big guy like Liona crush his opponents was fantastic. Tito, thankfully, did not eat a pin here , with Cabrera taking Open the Gates and being pinned by Liona.

Blue Panther, Blue Panther Jr., & Dark Panther defeated Gran Guerrero, Euforia, & Valiente

This was a ton of fun. It was very much so a standard lucha tag, but since we see a true lucha style tag so rarely, this was delightful.

Blue Panther took his time going around to the front row, shaking hands and high fiving fans. A true babyface. This marked Blue Panther’s first time appearing in ROH, which is very cool. Blue Panther Jr. started with Valiente, with both men exchanging chops. Since the match was lucha rules, as soon a someone goes outside, a partner comes in. Blue Panther and Dark Panther hit a double flying headbutt on Valiente, and the Panther team hitting a wishbone split and a headbutt on Gran Guerrero.

Euforia was able to hit a powerbomb after an assist by Gran Guerrero and Valiente. Guerrero raised the roof and hit a basement slide dropkick that sent Blue Panther Jr. crashing to the mats on the floor hard. The fans started chanting at the heels, calling them dogs in Spanish, and they were very upset, despite their cheating and triple teaming Blue Panther causing it.

Gran Guerrero chopped Blue Panther as Euforia and Valiente held him, and he fired up to attack Guerrero, but ended up getting triple teamed. Eventually, Panther managed to escape and got a hot tag to Blue Panther Jr. and he ran wild. Blue Panther hit a flipping senton off the apron onto Valiente, while the others hit dives to the other opponents. Blue Panther hit a hurricanrana off the apron onto Euforia, which was impressive given his age. Dark Panther hit a powerbomb on Valiente for a 2-count. After a tope sucidia by Dark Panther, Blue Panther cradled Euforia for the win.

AEW/ROH Global Wars results: Three title defenses from Australia

Posted on by Arya Witner

For the first time since September 2019, the Ring of Honor brand (under the AEW banner) held a Global Wars event, taped before this past Saturday’s AEW Grand Slam Australia.

Unlike in 2019, this was a supershow that can best be described in today’s lingo as “Forbidden Door-esque” — a special edition of ROH on HonorClub where two outsiders attempted to walk away with ROH silver.

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Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman were wearing their invisibility cloaks at ringside.

Bandido & Los Outrunners defeated The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho, Big Bill & Bryan Keith)

Los Outrunners caused video distortion in their entrance to reminds us of the 1980s. Bill specifically was upset, saying they had a contract against The Outrunners and not Los Outrunners. Jericho did not follow the Code of Honor and, instead, waved at Bandido followed by a second attempt that led to Jericho flipping him off, Bandido kicking Jericho, and the match commencing.

Bandido and Keith really got the match started here with Bandido getting the best of it. Jericho got in and Bandido got the best of him too. El Truth got in and Jericho managed to knock his mask off. However, thankfully, Truth got the mask back and put it back on. You know, it’s impolite to take a luchador’s mask off. Bill was super over as Jericho tagged him in to square off with El Turbo. Turbo took hold of Bill’s hand in a wrist lock and walked the top rope around the ring. Jericho and Keith were setting up to yank him off, but Bandido and Truth ran over and yanked them down.

After completing his lap around the ring, Turbo celebrated to the crowd before Bill took his head off with a clothesline. Keith tried taking Turbo’s mask off but that would be a disqualification, so referee Aubrey Edwards stopped him. Bandido got the hot tag and ran wild, including press slamming Jericho onto Keith. As much as the fans liked that, they liked Big Bill taking him out even more.

The match led to Jericho getting the Liontamer on Bandido, but the former ROh World Champion got away from the current champion. Jericho tried to hit Bandido with the title belt but missed. Los Outrunners grabbed the belt from him and Bandido pinned Jericho with the 21-Plex.

After the match, the Learning Tree attacked the victors and Jericho hit Bandido with a chair. Before he could do it again, out ran Powerhouse Hobbs to clear the ring of the minions. Jericho hit Hobbs with a chair in the back, but Hobbs no-sold it, knocked the chair out of Jericho’s hands and then threw him down. Bill got in and they went face-to-chest before Bill walked off.

I know we just set up Jericho vs. Bandido, but it’s weird that the champion was a setup man for Hobbs to set up a match with Bill.

– Athena was backstage and reminded us that she is the Forever ROH Champion and said she is soon to be the world dominator. Tonight, Alex Windsor has invited herself in to get a title shot. Athena thinks that’s so wonderful, but this is a lesson for all the minions. She is underappreciated, overlooked, and is the best champion in all of wrestling.

ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty defeated IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion Robbie Eagles to retain

The fans (jokingly) booed the rules being announced. Nigel McGuinness, Christopher Daniels and Jerry Lynn were announced as the judges, but they were watching from the production truck.

In the first minute of the match, Eagles, one half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, went for a figure four and Moriarty scooted to the ropes for his first break. Moriarty was in a hammerlock and teased going into the ropes but instead stomped on Eagles’ foot. They ran near the referee which caused him to cover up. In the confusion, Moriarty punched the TMDK member with a closed fist. When the referee turned back around, Eagles punched Moriarty, earning a warning.

Moriarty slapped on a Border City Stretch and Eagles got the ropes for his first break. A minute later, after a bow & arrow, Moriarty transitioned into another submission attempt and Eagles got the ropes. That was almost immediately followed up by Eagles getting on a heel hook that forced Moriarty to get the ropes. So, barely five minutes into the match, both men were down to just one rope break.

Moriarty got on the Border City Stretch and you could see him debate whether or not to get the ropes, but he had to use his last break. Eagles came right back with a missile dropkick and another leg hold, which made Moriarty use his last break.

Eagles got a bunch of nearfalls, including from the Turbo Backpack. He used 4.5 on Moriarty’s leg, which was hurt earlier, but Moriarty bounced back and won with a schoolboy while holding the ropes — technically legal since neither man had rope breaks left.

This was a really good match, but I know I am not the only one who was hoping Eagles would win the belt.

Mark Davis pinned Tommy Knight

Despite being the newest member of the Don Callis Family, Davis was a babyface here and the crowd loved seeing him. This was a hoss battle as Knight is listed as 6’2″ 323 pounds, and looked every ounce.

We had a chop battle where unfortunately for Knight, not only did Davis shrug off them off but Davis had stiffer chops. Davis did the facewash with his fist instead of a running boot. Knight hit a Spicolli Driver, but only got a one count. Davis won with a Pendulum piledriver.

– Lexy Nair was with Alex Windsor, who said tonight was not the first time she’s wrestled tougher competition and if Athena underestimates her, let her, but we could be seeing the new ROH Women’s Champion as a result.

ROH Tag Team Champions The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) defeated MxM Collection (Mansoor & Madden) to retain

Two weeks ago on HonorClub, MxM Collection stole Guevara’s title belt. Now all blinged out, MxM tries to win it legitimately in the first ever ROH Tag Team title match in Australia. Is there Honor among thieves?

Mason and Mansoor decorated the stolen tag belt with bedazzled jewels and pictures of themselves. Mansoor followed the Code Of Honor with Dustin, but only wanted the tips, not a full handshake.

Mansoor took an arm drag, kipped up and then challenged Rhodes to do the same. He didn’t take the arm drag or the challenge as he tagged out to Guevara which the crowd booed. He then tagged right back out, but this time Rhodes went down, but Mansoor went for an elbow drop, Rhodes rolled out of the way and the match was on. MxM teased doing a dive, but just bounced off the ropes. Rhodes then teased doing a dive, but angered MxM by stopping, doing a Spinnerooni and posing.

Guevara did a top rope 450 from the top rope to the floor. Inside the ring, MxM cut off Rhodes for the heat, working the lower back. Mason attacked his face with his butt and then MxM danced and bounced his head between their hips. Finally, Mansoor missed the top rope elbow and Rhodes made the hot tag. Guevara hit a dive to Mansoor and then gave a shoutout to his daughter. A four-way broke out and Mason used a spinning sidewalk slam for a near fall. They went for the Centerfold, but Rhodes broke that up and hit a Canadian Destroyer on Mansoor.

Mason accidentally distracted the referee so Rhodes could hit Golden Globes followed by him knocking Mason’s head into Mansoor’s groin. Guevara used a GTH on Mason and pinned Mansoor after a senton.

The referee went to give Guevara his title back, but Mason ran in, stole it, and ran away with it. This was a fun house show match.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defeated Alex Windsor to retain

Momo Watanabe shockingly stuck around after Grand Slam and sat ringside for this match as well. If you’re not familiar with Windsor, she was once upon a time the longest Rev Pro British Women’s Champion in history. Now, she has a chance to make more history as she challenges Athena on day 800 of her reign.

Billie Starkz was not here tonight due to Athena being disappointed in her performance on the Jericho Cruise, leading to her actually ripping up Starkz’s $2200 plane ticket. Athena hit the first big move of the match as after Windsor was dropped in the corner of the ring, using a baseball slide to knock her off the apron and onto the pretty grey mats followed by a spinebuster into the apron. In the ring, Windsor ran through Athena’s clothesline and hit one of her own. They took turns running the ropes but being stopped by a strike from the other. Athena went for a springboard crossbody, but got caught and dropped with the S.O.S. Slam.

Windsor got on the sharpshooter, but the problem was no one thought Athena was gonna lose the title here, so the crowd didn’t really get into it and Athena got out of it. Athena tried picking Windsor up, but Windsor tried backdropping out. However, Athena bounced back into position and hit a move that went from a power bomb into knees to the face. Windsor used a spinning fisherman’s buster from the middle rope, but Athena came back, used a shotgun dropkick and an O-Face for the win to remain YOUR forever ROH Women’s World Champion.

Final Thoughts:

This was an excellent example of what they should do with ROH. The weekly show is full of contracted ROH wrestler vs. local guy matches but there’s no effort put into making the matches special or stand out at all. On this show, you had two non-ROH wrestlers battling for championships and a third put in a position to look good against a contracted wrestler. Instead of just doing an hour of squash matches with two competitive matches bookending things, give us a reason to bite onto why the wrestler already in the ring has this opportunity before they get squashed and beaten in two minutes.

If you enjoy my writing, check out my book, 40 Years Of Pay-Per-View: Book 1: 1985-1990. It is unquestionably the greatest book ever written and is available on Amazon in both paperback and eBook formats.

AEW Dynamite live results: MJF vs. Dustin Rhodes, two title matches

Posted on by Ryan Howard

MJF takes on Dustin Rhodes, plus two title matches are set for tonight’s AEW Dynamite.

MJF and Rhodes agreed to a match after Rhodes confronted MJF on last week’s episode as he cut a promo in the ring. Rhodes holds both ROH Tag Team and ROH Six-Man gold.

The AEW Tag Team titles are on the line as The Hurt Syndicate’s Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin defend against Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn.

The AEW Trios Championship will also be defended as The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Wheeler Yuta) defend against The Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly).

Max Caster will hold a “Best Wrestler Alive” open challenge on the show. Kris Statlander will take on Penelope Ford in singles competition. Megan Bayne will also be in action on tonight’s episode.

Tonight’s Dynamite is also the final stop before Saturday’s Grand Slam Australia TV special.

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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with The Hurt Syndicate, The Gunns, MJF, Dustin Rhodes & Megan Bayne all preparing for their matches tonight as Excalibur welcomes us alongside Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness. They barely get off much of an intro before Max Caster hits the ring to a massive chorus of boos. Caster says he’s the Best Wrestler Alive and holds up his trademark saying such. He said he ran Anthony Bowens & Billy Gunn out of AEW, as he was always the mastermind of The Acclaimed. Caster asks who can survive the Best Wrestler Alive? He was furious when the music hit for the one who answered the challenge.

Hangman Adam Page defeated Max Caster

(If you like seeing Caster get his ass handed to him, then his Open Challenges are right up your alley, as Caster is now 0-2 trying to prove he’s the “Best Wrestler Alive”.)

Caster literally ran for his life into the crowd to hide, as the fans gave him away, pointing him out to Page, who was in pursuit to the ring. Caster attacked as the match officially began with a hurricanrana off the second rope. Opting to mock the crowd, Page rose up from behind Caster and clobbered him with a right hand and series of clotheslines. The crowd was amped up, as Page flattened Caster with a Buckshot lariat for the quick win. Page marched to the back, as Caster struggled to hold up his trademark plaque.

-Recap of Ricochet defeating Swerve Strickland last week was shown, as Ricochet was shown saying Strickland had all the threats and insults, but none of it matters when you can’t win, as Ricochet is moving on to bigger and better things. Strickland said they’re far from done, he’s all about an eye for an eye. Prince Nana said Strickland should be focused on Jon Moxley and the AEW World Title, but Strickland said the last time he took his eye off the ball, look what happened and Hangman Adam Page burned his house down. The video ended with Ricochet doing his cocky laugh, as he was shown wearing The Embassy robe he stole to close Dynamite last week.

Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, PAC & Wheeler Yuta) defeated Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) to retain the AEW Trios Titles

(This was the first time since the November 9th episode of Collision that the Trios titles have been defended. Death Riders took a lot of this match, with multiple long stretches of Strong & O’Reilly being isolated, but the crowd went nuts when Cole finally made the hot tag and the match hit another gear down the stretch. I’m hopeful this is the start of the Trios Titles being defended more frequently, as they’ve been absolute afterthoughts for months now. There’s plenty of teams to challenge for them and it looks like Garcia & 2.0 could be getting a shot soon.)

The Undisputed Kingdom attacked immediately, but things went just as quickly to commercial. When things returned, O’Reilly was being isolated, as he tried to fire up on Castagnoli, but Yuta got a cheap shot, as Death Riders triple teamed O’Reilly as Strong & Cole were held back by referee Rick Knox. Kitchen sink knee turned PAC inside out, which allowed for a Strong hot tag, as he ran wild with backbreakers aplenty.  Strong hit PAC with a gutbuster, Cole followed with the backstabber and PK by O’Reilly. Yuta shoved O’Reilly off the ropes, allowing Castagnoli to blindside Strong and find himself isolated this time. All three of the Death Riders took turns grounding Strong, as rapid-fire locomotion charges in the corner led to Yuta turning Strong inside out with a lariat as they go to picture in picture for the second commercial.

When things returned, Strong finally hit a desperation lariat for the double down, as the crowd got really behind the Cole hot tag. A series of strikes dropped Yuta, as he decked PAC on the apron before dropping Yuta with the fireman’s carry neckbreaker on the knee. Castagnoli was sent flying outside, where he ate an O’Reilly dive from the apron, while PAC flew off the top and ate a Cole mid-air superkick. Triple shot on PAC got a close near fall, as Castagnoli flew in with a double stomp before hitting a double suplex on Cole & Strong himself. Fastball Special with Yuta, but O’Reilly got the knees up, inside cradle for the closest two of the match. Superkick from Cole, High/Low from Strong/O’Reilly, but PAC just made the save. Strong tried a dive on Castagnoli, but was caught and hit with a Giant Swing into the barricade. Castagnoli brought a chair in the ring, but wrestled with the ref with it before eating a superkick. As ref Knox placed the chair out of the way, his back was turned, allowing Yuta to hit a low blow on O’Reilly and cradle for the win.

Post-match, Castagnoli, PAC & Yuta all continued their beat down until Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker hit the ring for the save, causing Death Riders to bail through the crowd. Garcia helped Cole up as everyone gave a nod o

-Jon Moxley & Marina Shafir were walking backstage when Cope clocked Moxley in the back with a chair before he shoved Shafir into a side room. Her hand was still handcuffed to the briefcase, as Switchblade Jay White came in with bolt cutters, snapped off the case and they bailed with the briefcase containing the AEW World Title, as Moxley & Shafir recovered and chased after them.

-MJF is backstage with Renee Paquette and said Texas isn’t a real state and Dustin Rhodes isn’t a real man. MJF said if he were Rhodes, he’d get down on hands and knees to pray to the devil after what he does to him. Hangman Adam Page walks in and tells MJF to get out. MJF asks if Page has a crush on him, as this is 4 weeks in a row he’s interrupted him and asks if Jack Daniels came out with a cologne? Page asks if that was the best MJF has got and MJF said this isn’t who Page is, he’s seen him lose everything for what, an apology? What makes MJF sick is that the fans actually still believe in him. Tonight, MJF will beat Dustin Rhodes and move on to what Page has failed to do, become 2-time AEW World Champion. MJF called Page Seabiscuit and walks off, as Paquette tried for a word, but Page stopped her.

Samoa Joe, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata defeated Aaron Solo, Jon Cruz & Rosario Grillo

(This was a slaughter, but I was bummed we didn’t get another gif-worthy shot of Cruz trying a dive and Joe side-stepping him like their match a little over a year ago.)

Joe, HOOK & Shibata waste no time and attack at the bell, as HOOK drops Solo with a leg captured suplex, Grillo ate machine gun chops from Shibata before Joe just tripped him with one foot and hit a senton. Cruz tried his darndest to fight Joe, who stood unphased and dropped Cruz with a Muscle Buster for the win.

Post-match, Joe took the mic and every week he’s asked what is this partnership about? It’s simple, they have a common answer, violence. What stands before you are three men, they always have a problem and will always beat your ass to solve it. Joe said they are The Ops, they will hunt you down in the streets, which leads him to The Patriarchy. This could’ve been real simple, all Christian Cage had to do was take his ass kicking like a man, but continues to hide like a chicken ass. Joe issues a challenge for a six-man tag next week on Dynamite.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Chris Jericho & Bryan Keith, as she asks if it was any consolation that he got to keep his $200,000 on the bounty he put on Bandido last week and Keith failed to cash-in. Jericho said he would’ve paid double or triple to have that bounty answered, so he’s going to do it himself and wants Bandido in the ring, now. Jericho left, as Keith said for Paquette to never embarrass him in front of Jericho again.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Willow Nightingale, who was about to talk about her return to Japan next month, when she was attacked by Marina Shafir. Jon Moxley walks in and calls it pathetic for Cope to try and fight fire with fire, as he’s a dead man walking.

Chris Jericho & Bandido Duel

Both men came to the ring, as the lights dimmed and a spotlight hit the ring, as a bell sounded, each turned their backs to each other and took 10 paces. Right as Jericho was about to charge, Bryan Keith tripped Bandido, as he & Jericho put the boots to him. The Outrunners hit the ring and evened the score, brawling with Jericho & Keith around ringside, as Big Bill charged to the ring, holding up the bounty flyer. Bill was about to chokeslam Bandido when Powerhouse Hobbs marched to the ring and slugged it out with Bill. Bandido got off an enzugiri, as Bill stumbled into a Hobbs spinebuster with Bandido laying the flyer on the motionless Bill.

-Cope & Switchblade Jay White are backstage asking if Jon Moxley is missing his precious cargo? White said they have a canvas they must paint with the blood of the one true king. Cope said he’s carried a briefcase like this once or twice in his career, as all Moxley has to do in order to get this briefcase back is meet them in the ring at the end of the night.

**********

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Dustin Rhodes, who got the crowd going before saying the real Devil is here as MJF will find out why he’s the last of his kind, bitch.

MJF defeated ROH Tag Team & Six Man Tag Champion Dustin Rhodes

(This match was commercial free and an excellent one at that. There’s nothing like a reaction a Rhodes can get in Texas, as everything Dustin did here tonight was met with a huge ovation, they were behind him from the jump. Even if this wasn’t in Texas, Rhodes is so good at drawing emotion from the fans that he would’ve gotten the same reaction regardless of where this show was at. The post-match was a fantastic brawl to really kick this MJF & Page feud into gear and it’s a match I can’t believe we’ve only gotten once back in 2019 for the Dynamite Diamond Ring.)

Rhodes drew a line in the sand, as MJF charged, but Rhodes immediately hit a snap powerslam. MJF tried to take a powder, but Rhodes wasn’t having it and brought the fight back to the ring, only to hang up Rhodes on the top rope before targeting the arm. Rhodes tried a sunset flip, but MJF dropped a leg on the arm for a one count. MJF mocked the crowd & Rhodes before going up in the corner to mock the Goldust pose, but ate a powerbomb for his troubles. Manhattan Drop, running boot and 10 corner punches of his own by Rhodes, as the crowd counted along with every one of them. Rhodes hit the signature Bulldog, tried the Final Reckoning, but MJF spun out and hit a double stomp to the bad arm. MJF wanted the arm bar, but Rhodes cradled for a near fall. Both men up, as MJF nearly hit Cross Rhodes, but Rhodes spun out and connected on the move himself for two.

Rhodes fired up, as he again wanted the Final Reckoning, but both traded inside cradles. MJF floated over a back suplex, faked a knee injury, allowing him to hit a snap piledriver for a near fall. MJF tried placing a chair on the injured arm, but referee Bryce refused to allow it and took the weapon away, allowing Rhodes to crotch MJF in the ropes and hit a Shattered Dreams. Third time was a charm, as Rhodes finally hit the Final Reckoning for the closest two of the match. MJF was able to snap the bad arm to regain control, hit a Final Reckoning of his own for two before locking on the Salt of the Earth. Rhodes was about to get the ropes, so MJF repositioned and locked in a Crossface, causing Rhodes to pass out.

Post-match, MJF ran off referee Bryce before re-applying the Salt of the Earth. Hangman Adam Page’s music hit and he stormed to the ring, having another stare down with MJF, this time finally resulting in MJF shooting a double leg, but Page quickly turned the tables and unloaded punches in bunches. This was the weekly security hitting the ring with AEW agents, as Jerry Lynn & Chuck Taylor are the agents out there with Page & MJF breaking free multiple times, as they spilled to the floor. MJF tried leaving through the crowd, but Page was hot on his trail and they brawled up high into the stands where MJF tried dumping Page off a balcony. They were finally separated for good, as Page was ushered to the back, while MJF threw a beer on a fan.

MJF came back to the ring, took the mic and said for the fans cheering let them fight, he’s ready to go, but their boy sucks, as Page is afraid of him, he’s a gutless coward. MJF said Page is a loser like all the fans. Page ran out from the back and the brawl was on again. Security separated them, as this was a great brawl.

-Video package on the matches on tap for Grand Slam Australia this Saturday was shown.

**********

-Footage of Hangman Adam Page laying out the security guards in the ring who held him back during commercial was shown. We’re told by Excalibur that Tony Khan made it official, next week, MJF & Page will be Face-to Face.

Megan Bayne defeated Maya World

(Bayne looks awfully impressive, as she has the look and demeanor of a heater, only we don’t know whose body she’s guarding at the moment, signs certainly point to potentially Penelope Ford.)

Footage of Bayne & Penelope Ford beating down Thunder Rosa on Collision was shown after Rosa’s victory over Ford. Being a local, World got a nice reaction from the crowd, but Bayne steamrolled her with a shoulder tackle and overhead belly to belly. Bayne no sold strikes from World and hit another overhead suplex before connecting on a leaping lariat. Bayne delivered a F-5 for the quick win.

Bayne was making her way to the back after her victory when Kris Statlander’s music hit for her upcoming match and the two had a stare down on the stage.

Kris Statlander defeated Penelope Ford

Mind games from Ford early, as she got a hammerlock and licked the side of Statlander’s face. That didn’t end well for Ford, as Statlander responded with a sliding lariat before delivering corner forearms. Statlander missed a charge, Ford tried to lick her again, but Statlander grabbed at the mouth and slammed her down when Ford tried a Matrix. Ford floated over in the corner, but Statlander rolled through into a snap dropkick for two. Vertical suplex connects, as Statlander strikes a pose for the crowd until Ford hit a cazadora sending Statlander throat first into the ropes, controlling the action during commercial.

Statlander turned the tables with a superplex during break, as short arm lariats and a snap powerslam got a near fall. Both ladies trade charging corner boots, as Ford wanted a hanging neckbreaker in the corner, but didn’t get much of it and was super awkward looking. Ford wanted her moonsault, but Statlander cut her off, wanted a deadlift German, but Ford landed on her feet, hit the Matrix Stunner. Ford tried a springboard, but leapt into Statlander’s clutches for a German suplex for two. Statlander wanted a fireman’s carry, but Ford turned it into a Poison-rana. Ford missed the corner handspring, as Statlander hit a big-time lariat and Wednesday Night Fever for the win.

Post-match, Megan Bayne walked out from the back, as Statlander was distracted, allowing Ford to dropkick her through the ropes to the feet of Bayne, who hit a F-5 on the floor, standing over the fallen Statlander.

-A music video from Harley Cameron and puppet Mercedes Mone is shown. Cameron machine gun raps to Mone’s theme while also singing with puppet Mercedes until Cameron says to cut it. We then cut to a serious promo from Cameron sitting down, who said you always have to start somewhere, as there was a time she didn’t know how to wrestle, sing, play guitar, ventriloquism, learn Chinese, but thanks Mone for doubting her, it’s only made her stronger. Cameron thanks Mone for elevating the women’s division, but she’s going to win the TBS Title in her hometown at Grand Slam, as she doesn’t want to ride the Mone Train, she wants to drive it.

This was go out of your way stuff to check out and the best Cameron vignette/segment/anything yet. I can’t say enough good things about her and I’m happy she’s getting not only pushed, but over with the crowd.

The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP) defeated The Gunns (Austin & Colten) to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles

(For being off for a little over four months, I thought the Gunns looked fantastic here, as Lashley & Benjamin gave them a lot more offense than they did Private Party a few weeks back. Once they started making their comeback, the crowd did chant for The Gunns, but We Hurt People chants were pretty darn loud here once again. I assume those chants will continue whenever the Hurt Syndicate faces their next challengers, who appear to be the Murder Machines, a big hoss battle if there ever was one.)

Lashley & Colten start things off, as Colten used his speed briefly, only to be mowed down with a shoulder tackle. Dueling chants from the crowd, as Austin tagged in and used his speed as well, but tried a float over out of the corner, caught and launched over the top to the outside by Lashley. Benjamin sent Austin crashing into the side of the ring before tossing him into the front row. Benjamin made the tag and Austin was controlled during commercial.

When things returned, Benjamin made a blind tag, Austin low bridged Lashley to the outside and dropped Benjamin with a Cutter. Austin leapt to tag his brother, but Colten was pulled off the apron by Lashley and rammed into the barricade. Back in the ring, Austin managed to use his speed to dodge a corner attack and finally made the diving hot tag to Colten who ran wild with a series of dropkicks. O’Connor Roll from Colten, but Benjamin escaped into the Ankle Lock, which Austin flew in to break up. An assisted Blockbuster led to Benjamin being dropped with a Fame Asser for two. Lashley came back in and cut off 3:10 to Yuma, as Benjamin hit a massive superkick on Colten before sending Austin flying with a series of German suplexes. Lashley followed with a massive spinebuster, as Austin ate a corner pump knee from Benjamin, while Lashley finished it off with a Spear for the win.

Post-match, Brian Cage & Lance Archer slowly applaud the tag champs from the stage and have a stare down as MVP had to hold back Lashley.

Mariah May is backstage and said Toni Storm should’ve died back in August, but beating her in Australia isn’t the worst thing she could do. She could have Storm beat her and leave for months to make everyone realize the women’s division is nothing without Mariah. May guesses she really does love Storm, as this will be a mercy killing.

**********

Cope & Switchblade Jay White came to the ring with Cope holding up the briefcase they swiped earlier in the evening. Crowd chanted for them to open it, as it’s been months since the AEW World Title has actually been seen on TV (I believe since Wrestle Dream). Cope said he has a better idea and brings out Spike, the nail covered board, as Cope said she’s pretty hungry and said if Jon Moxley doesn’t come out, he’s going to smash it.

Moxley walks out from the crowd and said Cope thinks he doesn’t care about the AEW Title, he or the people don’t know jack about it. Moxley has left pieces of his soul in that ring for the AEW Title and what it represents, as he’s the protector and its shepherd. At Revolution, he’s going to break Adam Copeland’s neck and agrees to Cope’s challenge for a title match at the PPV. Cope said that’s what he wanted, but he’s still going to show how much he cares and starts smashing the briefcase with Spike. Wheeler Yuta hit the ring, but ate a Blade Runner. Claudio Castagnoli hit the ring and brawled with White to the floor, as PAC tried sneaking in, but ran distraction long enough for Marina Shafir to slid in and grabbed the briefcase.

Moxley attacked Cope from behind and the boots put to him with PAC, but Cope hit a Spear on PAC and brawled with Moxley briefly until Castagnoli came back in, tried a charging uppercut but was planted with a Blade Runner. Moxley took Spike and White dared him to hit him with hit, but distracted long enough for Cope to hit Moxley with a Spear. White & Cope went up the stage, as White took the mic and said Grand Slam Australia they put the Death Riders into the ground. Moxley and crew stare down Cope & White to end the show.

AEW Grand Slam Australia 2/15/25

  • Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Cope & Switchblade Jay White in a Brisbane Brawl
  • Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher
  • Mariah May vs. Timeless Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s Title
  • Mercedes Mone vs. Harley Cameron for the TBS Title
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Buddy Matthews for the Continental Title

AEW Dynamite 2/19/25

  • MJF & Hangman Adam Page Face-to-Face
  • The Patriarchy (Christian Cage, Nick Wayne & Kip Sabian) vs. The Ops (Samoa Joe, HOOK & Katsuyori Shibata)

Daily Update: Joe Hendry, Dustin Rhodes, new NXT name

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • The most detailed look at the updated Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE. We look at the new claims, the arguments in favor of the case not going to arbitration as McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE have argued, who is the most in jeopardy, lots of notes on the legal strategy from both sides, more text messages released as well.
  • Tons of records set at the 2025 Royal Rumble, the direction going into WrestleMania, the fake record John Cena may break and who has always been planned to break it later, Dwayne Johnson, Jey Uso, Alexa Bliss, business records including a very noteworthy record set by the show. We have an apples-to-apples comparison between Rumble viewers on Netflix and Raw viewers which is very interesting.
  • The ringboys lawsuit goes forward against Vince & Linda McMahon and WWE, details of what the issues that put it on hold were as well as a very important note about the suit that hasn’t gotten much talk.
  • The most detailed look at TV ratings and streaming numbers for pro wrestling programming in the U.S., including segment-by-segment numbers, what countries Raw is strongest in, competition and more.
  • Unique tournament this month in Mexico City
  • A look at major international matches over the past week
  • Stardom PPV notes
  • Tag champ brothers release a new album and music video.
  • New Beginning in Osaka and Fantastica Mania upcoming shows.
  • Young Bucks talk their return to Japan
  • Why Hiroshi Tanahashi was in tears after Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Hall of Famer says his son has recently got a WWE offer
  • Ed Wiskowski’s time in Australia.
  • Lots of news on Grand Slam Australia.
  • International TV numbers and streaming numbers
  • Ticket sales to all the major upcoming WWE & AEW shows including WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, Revolution and All In.
  • Jericho Cruise notes
  • Merch sale leaders from WWE & AEW
  • Story on the retirement of Dominick Cruz and his legacy in UFC
  • One of the key people in the pro wrestling business and the most important person in the MMA business are rumored to be working together to start a new sports franchise
  • How is ESPN+ doing
  • Another world champion wants release from his promotion.
  • All the craziness of the Canelo negotiations
  • TKO stock reaching record highs
  • Lots of news on Mania week
  • More on cancellation of Cena TV show
  • More on new Evolve TV show
  • Another lawsuit with Nick Khan’s name in it
  • How much WWE stock does Dwayne Johnson now own?
  • Lots of contract news
  • WWE & AEW injury stats – which company, on average, has more serious injuries.

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full main event from NXT last night, which was Tony D’Angelo vs. Ridge Holland in a steel cage match for the North American Championship.
  • Karyn Best – a track and field athlete who joined the WWE Performance Center in 2024 – confirmed that her new NXT name is Summer Sorrell. WWE filed a trademark for that name on February 9.
  • TNA star Joe Hendry responded to a question from SHAK Wrestling asking if he anticipates making WWE his next destination when his contract with TNA is up:
    • My job is to be the TNA World Champion, and my job is to represent TNA – to elevate this championship and to elevate the company. So my focus is on TNA Wrestling.
  • In a story published by Billboard, rap star Travis Scott reflected on his appearance at Raw’s Netflix premiere:
    • The energy out there was crazy. I was talking to Triple H and was like, ‘Yo. This s–t is wild.’ In my shows, I try to create that maximum energy level and have the people feel they can reach the highest level of ecstasy as far as being happy and free. And in those environments — things like wrestling, and even in sports where the characters can be so free and create this livelihood for kids, adults and families — it’s dope.
  • Ahead of its debut on A&E this Sunday, WWE shared a sneak peek clip of its WWE LFG series. The clip is an introduction to The Undertaker, Booker T, Mickie James, and Bubba Ray Dudley, who are coaching young talent on the show.
  • Rey Mysterio appeared as a guest on Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez.
  • X-Pod 97 interviewed Big E about his role on the Disney+ animated series “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.”

Other Wrestling

  • Keith Lee posted a tweet refuting reports that claimed he was backstage at Dynamite in Athens, Georgia last week, though Lee said he was at AEW’s recent shows in Texas: “For the record…. this isn’t true. I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at the Dynamite in Austin briefly. I do live in Texas after all. Good day.”
  • While appearing on the Battleground podcast, Dustin Rhodes said he’s thought about plans for his retirement match and wants it to take place in three years:
    • I have [thought about it]. I keep it close to the vest about my opponent, but I have had this planned the last couple years of who kind of I want to finish up with. And that’s going to take place in three years. It’s going to be tough to step away, but by no means am I anywhere on Sting’s level, but I want that same kind of out. I do. I think I’ve earned it. To finish it off on a pay-per-view and to cut a heart-wrenching emotional promo afterwards is what people like. It’s not like the old days – I want to win. I want to win that last match. I don’t want to lose. It means a lot to me. So I have been putting a lot of thought into it. And I would say probably about three years. I mean, things change, we’ll see where they take us. It’s hard enough to even say, ‘It’s almost time, Dustin.’
  • Rhodes said he’ll still be coaching and producing after his in-ring retirement, which is something he’s already doing. He is trying to purchase the rights to his old WCW theme music from when he was “The Natural” to use it for his last match.
  • Renee Paquette interviewed “Timeless” Toni Storm on a new edition of AEW Close-Up.
  • NJPW announced that a charity auction for El Desperado’s overmask from November’s Historic X-Over event raised $3903.64, which has been donated to Chris Bey and El Phantasmo:
    • Late last year, El Desperado auctioned his overmask from Historic X-Over II, with proceeds going to aid El Phantasmo in cancer treatment, and Chris Bey in recovery from injury. 
    • Auction proceeds totaled 598,963 Yen (US $3903.64) and have been distributed to both parties. 
    • NJPW and El Desperado thanks fans for their support.
  • NJPW has signed an extended broadcast agreement with Extreme Channel in the UK.
  • Tokyo Joshi Pro star Shoko Nakajima will make her MLW debut at Battle Riot VII in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 5. An opponent for Nakajima has not been announced yet: “MLW officials are currently in discussions with TJPW to finalize Nakajima’s opponent for this highly anticipated debut. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect a major fight for the Big Kaiju when she steps into an MLW ring for the first time.”
  • X-Pac will make a special appearance at Prestige Wrestling’s show in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, April 12.
  • Wrestlesphere interviewed Donovan Dijak.

MJF vs. Dustin Rhodes booked for next AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Ethan Renner

MJF will face “The Natural” on the February 12 AEW Dynamite.

As announced during Wednesday’s episode, MJF vs. Dustin Rhodes is set for next week’s AEW Dynamite. The match stems from an in-ring promo segment on this week’s show where Rhodes confronted MJF.

Rhodes admonished MJF for bringing people’s real-life issues into his feud with Jeff Jarrett, with the two agreeing to a match on next week’s Dynamite.

The Tag Team titles will also be up for grabs on next week’s episode, as The Hurt Syndicate defend AEW Tag Team gold against The Gunns. Austin and Colten Gunn made their return to Dynamite this week and challenged Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin to a title match for next week’s show, a bout The Hurt Syndicate’s MVP quickly agreed to on Lashley and Benjamin’s behalf.

Next week’s Dynamite is also the final stop before next Saturday’s Grand Slam Australia special.

The announced card for the February 12 Dynamite:

  • AEW Tag Team Champions The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP) defend against The Gunns (Austin & Colten Gunn)
  • MJF vs. Dustin Rhodes

Dustin Rhodes will never face Cody again after ‘magical’ 2019 AEW match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Because their last match went so perfectly, Dustin Rhodes has no interest in ever facing his brother Cody again.

Dustin — who signed a new multi-year contract with AEW last month — posted a tweet on Thursday night expressing how proud he is of the success his brother has achieved in WWE. Dustin said every member of the Rhodes family is different, but each has left their own mark on professional wrestling.

“I get asked daily about how I feel about Cody’s success. I love it and I am super proud,” Dustin wrote. “Proud of him, proud of my dad, proud of our family. We all 3 have different styles that stand us out and Cody has definitely surpassed every expectation of him. We are all different in many ways and each of us have left its mark on the world of pro wrestling and entertainment and that #RhodesTrain ain’t stopping. #RhodesFam”

When a fan responded that they want to see Dustin (as Goldust) challenge Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship, Dustin said that will never happen. He will never wrestle Cody again after the all-time classic they had at AEW Double or Nothing 2019.

“No. I will never fight him again,” Dustin tweeted. “I wouldn’t dare touch something so magical.”

Dustin, 55, currently holds the ROH Tag Team titles with Sammy Guevara and the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles with Ross & Marshall Von Erich. He also competes in AEW and runs his Rhodes Wrestling Academy training school in Texas.

At the Royal Rumble this Saturday, Cody is defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in a ladder match.

Dustin Rhodes signs new multi-year contract with AEW

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dustin Rhodes is staying with AEW.

The current ROH Tag Team and Trios Champion announced on social media Monday that he has signed a new multi-year contract with the company, thanking Tony Khan for the opportunities he’s given him over the year.

“Since coming here and being an original since inception, I have truly had the time of my life,” he wrote. “Everybody knows my story, and how much I have been through in all my yrs. Lost my passion and found it again HERE in @AEW at the first Double Or Nothing. Did not expect this One Last Ride to last as long as it has, and man, what a run I have had.”

In his post, Rhodes said he would remain with AEW through the end of his career.

“I will finish my career here at #AEW as I feel it is home to me. I have never felt respected and wanted like I have here. This makes me want to do my very best for Tony and push myself harder than I ever have. I feel loved and wanted here. I love all of our roster deeply,” he said.

In recent months, Rhodes has competed in ROH as a double champion, sharing the Tag Team titles with Sammy Guevara and the Six-Man tag titles with Ross & Marshall Von Erich.

ROH notes: Current champion injured, Tag Team title match, faction adds new members

Posted on by Josh Nason

A third of the Ring of Honor Six-Man Tag Team Champions is currently on the shelf recovering from an injury.

On the Von Erich podcast, Marshall Von Erich said he is recovering from a torn pec, suffered when he landed on the mat after a dropkick. He said he got too much air as he was all “hyped up” from the crowd.

He hasn’t wrestled since a late-September Proving Ground match in ROH alongside brother Ross and Dustin Rhodes. There is no timetable for his return.

**********

On Thursday’s ROH on HonorClub, a future match for the ROH Tag Team titles was agreed to that will see the aforementioned Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara defend against The Righteous.

Dutch & Vincent kicked off the show by issuing a challenge for the titles which Rhodes and Guevara later agreed to. Later in the show, the champions saved Solomon Tupu from a beatdown after The Righteous attacked he and Jay Marten after defeating them.

The Righteous weren’t done with Rhodes and Guevara, attacking them following a backstage promo:

It’s assumed the match will be taped Saturday, along with other ROH action, prior to AEW Collision.

**********

The Shane Taylor Promotions faction has grown larger after Thursday as The Infantry are now part of the group.

The move was made in a backstage segment when Taylor and Pure Champion Lee Moriarty approached Shawn Dean, Carlie Bravo and Trish Adora after previously having tried to recruit them. The Infantry agreed and later picked up a victory over the Spanish Announce Project after Moriarty assisted by hitting Angelico with a foreign object.

Cody Rhodes: Goldust is worthy of WWE Hall of Fame induction

Posted on by Ian Carey

Cody Rhodes believes his brother should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Rhodes recently told The Schmo that Dustin’s Goldust character was an underrated part of the Attitude era. He also said he respected his older brother’s efforts at being more than just “a Rhodes.”

Cody said:

“I think I was 14 years old when Goldust was really hitting his stride on WWE television, and I can certainly say it was a unique thing to see. My friends had a lot of feelings about what Goldust was doing. However, knowing how much he averted expectations, knowing how much he didn’t just want to be a Rhodes, he wanted to be his own thing—and the lengths he went to do it—I was very proud of Dustin throughout that whole run. Goldust is an underrated part of the Attitude Era. (He’s) certainly someone I think is worthy of the Hall of Fame.”

Our Dave Meltzer addressed the latest concerning Dustin Rhodes’ AEW contract in the September 30, 2024, edition of The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, writing:

“Dustin Rhodes, whose AEW contract expires soon but he’s expected to renew, announced he would start running regular live shows in Texas under the banner of the Rhodes Wrestling Federation. The first show will be 11/21 in Leander, TX at the RWA Bullpen. Rhodes trains a crew of wrestlers in Austin, TX, so these shows are likely to give them experience in working before live crowds.”

Dustin first debuted in WWE alongside his father during Dusty’s feud with Ted Dibiase in 1990. After a few months, both left for WCW, and Dustin wrestled for four years as “The Natural.” He returned to WWE in the summer of 1995 as the eccentric Goldust. He would continue to portray the character during his various stints with the company until signing with AEW in 2019.

Dustin Rhodes: ‘I’ve realized I’m a really good teacher’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dustin Rhodes is proud of the work he’s doing to help the future of professional wrestling.

In addition to competing in the ring, the 55-year-old Rhodes is a mentor to talent in AEW and has his own training school in Texas. He told Texas Monthly that working with younger wrestlers and seeing them improve is the “greatest payoff.”

“I’ve realized I’m a really good teacher, and I’m proud of myself for that,” Rhodes said. “I love when I see these young kids, like in our women’s division, who work with me every single week. Before we’re even supposed to be at the building, they’re training with me. And when I see them go out and do something in a match that I taught them and it works, that’s the greatest payoff. To see them succeeding and getting better is truly amazing. It has nothing to do with money. This is me giving back to the business.”

Rhodes operates the Rhodes Wrestling Academy and the new Rhodes Wrestling Association indie promotion, which is holding its first show in Leander, Texas on Thursday, November 21.

“I always wanted a wrestling school, but there was just never time to do it,” Rhodes told Texas Monthly. “I’ve finally had time to open up and we’re about three years in business right now and pumping out really good students. I teach them a lot of things that other schools don’t teach.”

Currently, Rhodes is a double champion in ROH. He holds the ROH Tag Team titles with Sammy Guevara and the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles with Marshall & Ross Von Erich. In the Texas Monthly interview, Rhodes indicated that he’s not thinking about retiring from in-ring competition soon.

“I always think I can give a little bit more, because I’m still passionate,” he said. “Here I am, fifty-five years old, and I’m hanging with the kids and putting on some tremendous matches. I don’t think I’ve had a bad one since I’ve been in AEW, to be honest. It’s shocking to me that I’m still able to do it and that I’ve had a plethora of meaningful matches here in my fifties. Yes, my body is beat up, and I hurt, but I rehab all the time. I’m in the gym every single day, no matter what.”

Dustin Rhodes to launch Rhodes Wrestling Association in November

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Dustin Rhodes is starting his own wrestling promotion.

Rhodes announced on X that the Rhodes Wrestling Association will hold its first show in November called Texas Fall Fury.

“FINALLY!!! @RhodesWrestling is LAUNCHING!!.” he wrote. “Stay tuned in the coming weeks for all info. November 21st Thursday at 6pm central #RWA’s Bullpen in Leander Texas. Lets make the first one special! I will be doing a VIP Meet and greet at 5pm central.”

The Rhodes Wrestling Academy training facility has held showcase events in Texas, with their most recent show on July 15. Wayne and Wyatt Rhodes, who have trained at the Rhodes Wrestling Academy and are the nephews of Dustin and Cody Rhodes, made their AEW debut in August, taking on Jon Cruz and Aaron Solo.

Rhodes has seen much success in 2024 on AEW television. After winning the ROH Six-Man Tag titles with Ross & Marshall Von Erich, he followed that up by winning the ROH Tag Team titles with Sammy Guevara. They successfully defended the titles on Saturday’s AEW Collision, defeating The Kingdom in a Bunkhouse Brawl.

AEW Collision live results: Bunkhouse Brawl for ROH Tag Team titles

Posted on by Suit Williams

A Bunkhouse Brawl for the Ring of Honor Tag Team titles headlines tonight’s live AEW Collision from Springfield, Massachussetts.

Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes will defend the titles against former champions The Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett). The former titleholders lost the gold back on the August 17th Collision in Arlington, Texas, while tonight marks the first defense for the champs.

The show will feature an all star ten-man tag team match with FTR, Hook and The Outrunners uniting to take on the Grizzled Young Veterans, Roderick Strong, The Beast Mortos, and Rush. The Outrunners made the save for FTR last Saturday after they were attacked by GYV after their match.

Darby Allin, who is set to face Jon Moxley at Wednesday’s Grand Slam, will take on Evil Uno while AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May, who will defend against Yuka Sakazaki Wednesday, will square off with Lady Frost in non-title action.

**********

Collision kicked off with plunder all around the ring for the opening match. Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness were on the call.

Bunkhouse Brawl for ROH World Tag Team Titles – Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara (c) defeated The Undisputed Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett)

A fun, fast-paced plunder brawl to kick off the show. The Rhodes and Guevara team is working wonders, as Guevara gets to benefit from Rhodes and his eternal goodwill with the fans. I’d expect these two to continue to get shine on the road to All In: Texas next year.

The champions came out first in jeans and jumped the challengers on the ramp to kick off the title defense. Rhodes used his father’s belt buckle to carve up Bennett while Guevara hit a moonsault off the barricade to Taven. Bennett sent Rhodes into a chair in the corner to take him out for a moment. Guevara had a chair flung in his face to cut off a dive before the Kingdom hit a suicide doomsday device from the ring to the floor.

Rhodes menaced both of the Kingdom with a tazer, but they cut him off with a double superkick. Rhodes fought Bennett away and took Taven off the stage with a bulldog through barbed wire tables. Bennett sent Rhodes into the ring, but Guevara pulled him off the apron with a cutter through another table as we went to a commercial.

After the commercial break, Guevara climbed a ladder before a now-bloodied Taven shoved him off the ladder through two tables. A bloody Rhodes fought both men off with double crotch grabs, then got his hands on a cowbell and ran wild with it. Rhodes sent Taven into a chair with a powerslam, then suplexed him through the chair for a nearfall. Bennett sent Rhodes through two chairs with a Death Valley Driver, then held a chair in place for a Just The Tip with the chair.

Guevara cut off the pin and hit Taven with the Go To Hell. Guevara set Bennett up in the corner for Shattered Dreams, which Rhodes hit with a barbed wire cowboy boot. Rhodes hit the Final Reckoning, then held Bennett in place for a Guevara senton off of a ladder for the win.

Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, & Hologram were backstage with Lexy Nair when The Premier Athletes immediately cut them off. Mark Sterling noted that his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts named today AEW Day, and that he was going to make sure there were no Conglomeration shenanigans tonight. Mark Briscoe took offense, calling Sterling a “shenanigator” and bringing in Rocky Romero as an equalizer for their team.

We got a short video hyping Britt Baker’s return to the ring at the Dynamite 5 Year Anniversary show on October 2.

Tony Schiavone announced that after the events of last week, Queen Aminata demanded a match with Serena Deeb and will get it tonight.

Evil Uno was backstage with Lexy Nair ahead of his match with Darby Allin. He was upset that people were overlooking him when Allin entered the frame. Allin warned Uno that Jon Moxley was starting a war and that he looked down on everyone else in AEW. Allin challenged Uno not to wrestle him tonight, but to fight him tonight and prove Moxley wrong.

Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, & Hologram (w/ Rocky Romero) defeated The Premier Athletes (Ari Daivari, Josh Woods, & Tony Nese) (w/ Mark Sterling)

Hologram took the first advantage of the match, evading Nese in the corner before hitting a ropewalk dropkick. The Athletes caught O’Reilly in the corner and laid the boots to him as we went to a commercial. I normally fast-forward the commercials, but there was one for the season premiere of 911, in which a truck crashed and sent 22 MILLION KILLER BEES into the streets. And they called a bunch of firefighters to…wrangle them up, I guess? I just about died. Why were there so many bees in a truck? What is Jennifer Love Hewitt supposed to do about it?

I wiped the tears out of my eyes for Hologram’s hot tag. He got cut off but tagged in Briscoe for his own hot tag. Briscoe hit a Death Valley Bomb and went up for the Froggy Bow, but Sterling cut him off. Romero got Sterling in place for a Hologram dive, and Briscoe hit the Jay Driller on Woods for the win.

(MxM Collection taking tips from Jean Pierre Lafitte, it seems.)

Non-Title Match – Mariah May defeated Lady Frost

May blew McGuinness a kiss on commentary, allowing Frost to steal a roll-up for a nearfall. May took control with a Mariah-Go-Round spinning sidewalk slam. May took Frost off the top rope with a headscissors and hit a John Woo dropkick, but Frost came back with a cartwheel off of May’s back into a dropkick. May and Frost traded German suplexes before May hit a headbutt and a running knee. May hit the Storm Zero for the win.

During this match, it was announced that the Learning Tree would take on The Conglomeration (Cassidy, Briscoe, & O’Reilly) next week on Collision: Grand Slam in a Tornado Trios Match.

We got a video package for the Women’s Title match next week on Dynamite: Grand Slam between Mariah May & Yuka Sakazaki.

Willow Nightingale was backstage with Lexy Nair. Nightingale said that she was still hurting from her loss at All Out but was looking forward to the future. Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie entered the frame to chew out Nightingale for not looking out for her friend Yuka Sakazaki over the past few weeks. Purrazzo offered Sakazaki protection, drawing Nightingale’s objection. Valkyrie got in Nightingale’s face, and a challenge was made for next week’s Rampage.

(I can’t say that a Purrazzo & Valkyrie team excites me very much.)

The Acclaimed were in the back. Caster insulted MxM Collection with a freestyle, saying that their style was weak and that MxM was stealing the Acclaimed’s style to get themselves noticed.

We got a video package for Darby Allin vs. Jon Moxley on Dynamite: Grand Slam that also brought up the group’s pleas to Wheeler Yuta to join them.

Darby Allin defeated Evil Uno (w/ Alex Reynolds)

Much better than it looked on paper, as Allin fired Uno up to fight hard in the pre-tape. Allin is one of the most consistently good TV wrestlers in the world, as he never takes a night off in the ring and always finds an interesting angle to approach a match.

Uno slapped Allin in the face to start, then clubbered on him in the corner. Reynolds distracted the referee to allow Uno to whip Allin with his belt. Allin came back with a suicide dive and tore into Uno’s mask, but a Reynolds distraction allowed Uno to pinball Allin around ringside. A piledriver got uno a nearfall. Allin caught Uno in a Bully Choke, a move that Jon Moxley used to beat Uno in the past, but Uno got to the ropes. Uno hit a buckle bomb and a flatliner for a nearfall.

Reynolds helped Uno fight off a sunset flip, forcing Allin to hit him with a suicide dive. Allin side-stepped an Uno cannonball off the apron, then hit a Coffin Drop to the floor. Allin hit a Coffin Drop in the ring to score the win.

We got a recap of the Hangman Page/Jeff Jarrett interaction from Dynamite. In video from after Dynamite, Jeff & Karen Jarrett were with Renee Paquette. To his wife’s dismay, Jarrett challenged Hangman Page to a Lumberjack Strap Match at Grand Slam. Jarrett named a few people he had in mind to be lumberjacks, like the Dark Order, Jay Lethal, & Satnam Singh. He had enough of Page’s attitude and his ego and was going to kick his ass at Grand Slam.

Serena Deeb defeated Queen Aminata

The crowd wasn’t into this match to start, chanting for Willow instead. By the end, these two earned This Is Awesome chants as they had a very good TV match here.

Deeb outwrestled Aminata to start, catching her in a seated surfboard stretch. Aminata had a short flurry before Deeb took Aminata down with a neckbreaker in the ropes. After a commercial break, Aminata fought out of an Octopus Stretch with a sidewalk slam.

Aminata made her comeback, hitting a swinging suplex for a nearfall. Aminata dropped Deeb with a German suplex before hitting a sliding kick for a nearfall. Deeb came back with a hammerlock lariat for a nearfall. We got a pinning predicament before Deeb hit a chop block. Aminata hit Deeb with the Brain Drain headbutt, but it sent Deeb to the floor. Deeb caught Aminata with a Dragon Screw on the way back into the ring, then hit the Detox in the ring for the win.

We got a recap of the Harley Cameron vs. Hikaru Shida match from Rampage. It featured interference from both Saraya & Jamie Hayter, leading to Saraya challenging Jamie Hayter to a Saraya’s Rules match for Grand Slam. Saraya & Cameron were with Renee Paquette backstage. Cameron ran down what Saraya’s Rules were, all of them essentially saying that Saraya could cheat and that Cameron could interfere.

Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara were backstage with Lexy Nair. They put each other over before Guevara noted that he wanted two titles like Rhodes had. He challenged Kazuchika Okada to an eliminator match for Grand Slam and said that if he won, he’d take his title match at the 5-Year Anniversary Dynamite the following week.

(Sammy Guevara vs. Kazuchika Okada. What the hell does that look like? I guess we’ll find out next week.)

All-Star Ten Man Tag Team Match – Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson), Roderick Strong, Rush & The Beast Mortos defeated FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood), Hook & The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd)

This felt like a throwback to CM Punk’s Collision, with a multi-man tag main event that went one commercial break too long. It’s good to see Rush get a win, though.

Wheeler & Drake started, but a big brawl kicked off and the babyfaces pinballed Strong around before Mortos saved him from the Redrum. After a commercial, Mortos had control of Harwood and hit him with a cannonball. Rush tagged in and stomped on Harwood before hitting his pose. Gibson tagged in but got overwhelmed by Harwood. Hook tagged in but took a double clothesline from the Veterans for a nearfall.

Strong and Hook got after it, with Hook laying the rudos out with strikes before sending Strong flying with a T-Bone suplex. The rudos took control of Hook as we went to another commercial. Hook made the tag to Floyd, who ran wild with bodyslams. Magnum tagged in to hit the Predator elbow drop. They hit Drake with the Shatter Machine, but the pin got broken up and a Pier Six brawl broke out.

Gibson cut off Magnum with a throat chop. Magnum got worked on by the rudos into and through the commercial break before getting the tag to Harwood. We got German suplexes from the tecnicos before another Pier Six brawl broke out. Strong and Hook brawled to the back, and Rush and Harwood were left in the ring. FTR set up the Shatter Machine, but Mortos broke it up before hitting the spinning tornillo to the crowd on the floor. Another Shatter Machine attempt got broken up by Mortos, who worked together with Rush to lay Harwood out. Rush hit the Bull’s Horns and pinned Harwood to get the win.

Serena Deeb was backstage and challenged Britt Baker to a match on the 5 Year Anniversary Dynamite from Pittsburgh on October 2.

Nigel McGuinness Town Hall

A very good promo from McGuinness to close out the show. I liked Schiavone standing up for Danielson in his absence and calling out McGuinness for trying to manipulate the situation outside of Danielson’s control. McGuinness really got it across how his obsession with Danielson had driven him crazy and how badly he needed the Danielson match to prove himself right after over a decade of retirement. A great final sell for Grand Slam.

Nigel McGuinness was on the stage, noting that Bryan Danielson had still refused to answer his challenge for Grand Slam. He accused Danielson of faking his injury, and that the reality was that Danielson feared McGuinness. McGuinness said that if Danielson wouldn’t do it for them, and if he wouldn’t do it so his family couldn’t be embarrassed by him anymore, he should do it for the fans.

Tony Schiavone took to the stage and said that he knew that McGuinness was trying to manipulate Danielson into a match. He said that Danielson wasn’t afraid of McGuinness and that he would fight McGuinness if he was cleared. Schiavone said that in his five decades of calling wrestling, Danielson was the greatest wrestler he had ever seen. McGuinness said that if anybody else had said that to him, they would have gotten laid out.

He told Schiavone to sit back down, then told Danielson that it was his destiny to get one more match with Danielson. He spent years shouting at the moon about how he was as good as Danielson, but no one believed him. There were only two people who knew what he was saying was the truth, himself and Danielson. Danielson knew that McGuinness was better than him and refused to give McGuinness his vindication. McGuinness hoped Danielson showed up, and if he didn’t, he hoped the devil heard his prayers.

Ring of Honor TV live results: Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes vs. Dark Order

Posted on by Jeff Moss

The Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions will be in non-title action as part of tonight’s ROH TV show on HonorClub.

Sammy Guevara & Dustin Rhodes will team up against recent rivals John Silver & Alex Reynolds of the Dark Order in a Proving Ground match. If the challengers beat or draw the champions, they earn a future title shot.

Two teams vying for a future shot themselves — The Infantry (Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo) and Serpentico & Angelico — will battle in tag team action.

Hard-hitting Rachael Ellering will be in action as will Olympic boxing knockout artist Anthony Ogogo in his first bout since August’s All In. This will be his first singles match in either AEW or ROH since a dark match in April.

Both Brian Cage and his partners the Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) will be in action in separate bouts.

**********

ROH World TV Champion Red Velvet defeated Allysin Kay in a Proving Ground Match

This was power vs. finesse as Velvet picked up a victory in this proving ground match. Ian Riccaboni noted on commentary that Velvet’s rivalry with Diamante is heating up.

Velvet started strong but Kay used a fallaway slam, suplex, and other power-based moves to gain the advantage. Kay put Velvet in an ankle lock and a straight jacket before Velvet started to make her comeback. Kay cut off her momentum at one point with a spinebuster but then it was all Velvet.

Velvet hit a running knee while Kay was draped in the ropes before landing a facebuster-type move, not unlike LA Knight’s Blunt Force trauma, for the win.

The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) defeated Dante Leon & Trip Gordy

This was a total squash win for the Gates of Agony. Riccaboni noted on commentary that Gates of Agony have one of the best win/loss records in the ROH tag division, which could mean a title shot is not too far off for them.

A video on the history between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson aired.

Preston Vance defeated Brandon Cutler

On commentary, they played up how Vance is looking to honor Brodie Lee’s legacy now, and he would do that by picking up his second win in a row with a discuss lariat.

Cutler came out to cut a promo and ran down the fans until Preston Vance came out. Cutler told Vance he wasn’t allowed to lay a hand on him until he showed him respect and adhered to the code of honor. Vance then punched him in the face immediately after shaking his hand.

Vance took the early offense while Cutler ran away. Cutler eventually hung him up on the ropes and got a period of offense, which mainly consisted of rest holds. Cutler did hit a superkick and pump handle slam at one point but that was about it.

Vance picked up the win with a discus lariat, not unlike the one Brodie Lee used.

The Outrunners cut a promo on the Iron Savages backstage and it was just wonderful. They said they would take them on anytime any place. So, we’ll likely get that match booked at some point.

John Silver defeated KM

Silver and KM had a pose down before the match began, with the crowd heavily favoring Silver.

The Dark Order have been heels of late, but that was not the case here. Silver was playing to the crowd and KM was being a heel.

Silver suplexed KM and gave him an airplane spin into a slam for the win, which looked really impressive considering the size difference between the two. Riccaboni noted on commentary that Sid Vicious used to use a similar move and Silver has adopted it of late.

Mark Sterling and Josh Woods cut a promo in the back. Sterling played up Woods’ collegiate record and said there was more to come. He concluded the promo by saying Woods would take on anyone at any time.

Rachael Ellering defeated Maggie Lee

They noted that Lee was trained by former ROH World Champion Tyler Black, aka Seth Rollins. Riccaboni with some sly plugs for Black’s matches being available on Honorclub.

Ellering hit a big shoulder block, a running elbow, a knife-edge chop that looked like it hurt, a running dropkick, and a running senton. She then hit the Bosswoman slam for the win.

Ellering went to shake Lee’s hand but Lee rejected it. Man, I guess Rollins doesn’t teach sportsmanship at his academy.

A video on Anthony Henry, JD Drake, and BEEF aired. The angle is that BEEF is Henry’s second cousin by marriage and is filling in for the injured Drake. They are undefeated together so far.

The Infantry (Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo) w/Trish Adora defeated The Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico)

This was a good match.

Serpentico and Angelico got the first real period of sustained offense, working on Bravo. He eventually made a hot tag to Dean who hit a DDT on Angelico and a big clothesline on Serpentico. He hit a floating back elbow and then Bravo tagged back in and got a two-count on a Falcon Arrow.

Angelico and Serpentico got back on offense and then started to work on Dean. Angelico hit a flatliner followed by Serpentico hitting a frog splash for a two-count.

Infantry got back on offense and worked two-on-one against Serpentico, finishing him off with the Boot Camp.

The Code of Honor was adhered to by both teams and the Infantry raised their opponents’ hands after the match. Some nice sportsmanship after Maggie Lee’s display against Ellering.

Anthony Ogogo defeated Kit Sackett

They snuck in some ads for Forbidden Door in London next year during this squash win for Anthony Ogogo.

Coleman noted on commentary that Sackett has an MMA background. Ogogo played to the crowd a lot. He hit a pump handle powerbomb, running kick to the face, an overhead suplex, and a big running clothesline. He hit his pop-up punch in the face move and referee Bryce Remsburg called for the bell.

Ogogo then went around ringside flipping off fans and generally being a bad guy.

Brian Cage defeated Rusman

Cage was in “Wolverine” gear for this one. His gear has often been Wolverine-focused since the latest movie came out.

Rusman got a nearfall off a uranage after not getting much offense at all in the early going. He then missed a move from the top and Cage took over the match from there. Cage hit a discus clothesline, powerbomb and then finished him off with an inverted cloverleaf for the submission victory. Coleman noted that now that he has submissions in the mix as well, Cage is even more dangerous.

Anthony Ogogo cut a promo backstage. He said it was time for him to win some gold in ROH. Taylor then said STP is going to take every title in ROH.

ROH Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara defeated The Dark Order’s Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds

The code of honor was adhered to but Reynolds gave Guevara a little shove after. The Dark Order were definitely heels here. Reynolds left the ring and pointed out that they don’t have to beat the champions in a proving ground match, they can go the distance and they will still earn a tag title shot.

Rhodes broke out a spinaroonie at one point here. Riccaboni pointed out on commentary that Rhodes has been tag champs with hall of famers, such as Booker T and Ricky Steamboat.

Dark Order ended up on offense, working on Rhodes. Rhodes eventually fought back with a powerslam on Uno and went to make a tag tag but Silver got in the ring, distracted the ref so he didn’t see the tag, and the Dark Order were able to gain the advantage again. Uno hit a piledriver on Rhodes for two-count.

Guevara eventually made a hot tag and the crowd got pretty into Guevara. He hit a cutter on Reynolds, Rhodes then ran in with a shrinking wizard for a two-count. The Dark Order retreated to the outside again, because they are trying to run out the time limit. Guevara dove on all three of them and tossed Reynolds back in the ring. Rhodes hit him with what Riccaboni called a “Texas Destroyer,” then a twisting suplex and Guevara hit a swanton on Reynolds for the win.

As Rhodes and Guevara are celebrating, Cage of Agony attacks them. The Dark Order joined in so it was a six-on-two attack to close the show. It looks like Gates of Agony will probably get a shot at Rhodes & Guevara, and then possibly Cage of Agony against Rhodes & The Von Erichs as well.

A perfectly fine professional wrestling show.

Dustin Rhodes ‘couldn’t be prouder’ of new AEW/ROH faction

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Dustin Rhodes couldn’t be prouder of the group of wrestlers he’s now working with in AEW/ROH.

The 55-year-old Rhodes is currently a double champion, holding the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles with Marshall & Ross Von Erich and holding the ROH Tag Team titles with Sammy Guevara. They all joined forces with Katsuyori Shibata to win a 10-man tag match on the pre-show for All In.

Reflecting on the experience, Rhodes posted a tweet on Monday saying he thought his career was over in 2019 when he left WWE, but he thinks he’s now doing the best work of his career in AEW/ROH. Rhodes is excited to help elevate The Von Erichs and Guevara.

  • Gonna be real for a moment. If You asked me when I left the fed if I was done. I would have told you yes. AEW called and passion was renewed. I have had 5 wonderful passionate yrs in @AEW. I am grateful that I can still perform at a very high level, and that impresses me personally.
  • I watched Sting my whole life and he paved the way for all of us. To watch him for so long, still able, is inspirational. Whether you love me or hate me, I believe in all my yrs that I am doing my best work.
  • Time to elevate the #VonErichs @MarshallVonEric and @RossVonErich and pass on my knowledge to them and @sammyguevara
  • I couldn’t be prouder or happier with this faction of guys.
  • I may have been done 5 yrs ago, but passion came calling. Thanks @TonyKhan for all the opportunities. Here’s to another 36

Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun, Toa Liona, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett were the opponents for Rhodes and his team at All In. Rhodes & Guevara won the ROH Tag Team titles from Taven & Bennett earlier this month. In July, Rhodes & The Von Erichs defeated Taven, Bennett & Roderick Strong for the ROH Six-Man titles.

Rhodes, Guevara, and The Von Erichs are all from Texas.