Flip Gordon has won the 2026 CMLL Reyes del Aire Tournament on February 3rd, 2026.
Gordon defeated Yutani to crown himself the CMLL Reyes del Aire Tournament winner on the February 3rd edition of Martes de Arena Mexico at Arena Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.
CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) hosted the 2026 Reyes del Aire Tournament, which was available for fans to watch on YouTube.
Gordon overcame 11 other wrestlers to secure the victory for himself. Apart from Gordon, Yutani, Bárbaro Cavernario, Máscara Dorada, Volador Jr., El Cobarde, Neón, Explosivo, Hijo de Stuka Jr., Hijo del Pantera, Barboza & Fugaz took part in the tournament.
The 34-year-old eliminated Yutani to pick up the win. This marked his career’s first CMLL tournament victory. Aside from this, he is also the reigning CMLL World Historic Middleweight Champion and has held the title for 446 days.
Apart from the recently concluded Reyes del Aire Tournament, several more CMLL events are planned and scheduled for the next few weeks.
Quinn McKay joined the broadcast from the holiday-decorated ROH Studio and wished the viewers Happy Holidays. McKay then ran down the card for the show, which will feature the annual Christmas surprise twelve man tag, as well as an ROH Women’s Championship match between current champion Rok-C and Holidead.
A special vignette aired showing Josh Woods and Brian Johnson opening special “presents” that featured the names of their respective teammates. Although the names weren’t revealed, Woods was delighted with his team while Johnson was not.
ROH Women’s World Champion Rok-C defeated Holidead in a title match (13:30)
This was a good title match between two competitors that seemed to match up very well.
Holidead tried to use her size advantage to control the champion throughout the beginning stage of the match, but Rok-C read the room and fended it off well. When Holidead went to the outside, Rok-C attempted a dive but was stopped dead in her tracks when Holidead caught her and slammed her into the turnbuckle.
After a short commercial break, Holidead started to lose her grip on the match. Rok-C hit a knee to the face, and followed it up shortly after with a pair of double knees to the rib area of Holidead. Holidead went on to respond with a swing out flatliner that warranted a near fall, but Rok-C would deliver a running knee shortly after.
In the final stages of the match, both women continued to trade big moves. Holidead hit a backbreaker that resulted in the closest near fall of the match, but Rok-C was able to find that final wind and hit her modified Code Red shortly after for the win.
Dalton Castle had a backstage vignette celebrating Christmas with Dak Draper and his “boys”. Things went awry quickly and Draper started throwing things around.
Christmas Wildcard Twelve Man Tag Team Match: Team Woods (Bandido, Jay Briscoe, Josh Woods, Mark Briscoe, Matt Taven & Silas Young) defeated Team Johnson (Brian Johnson, Flip Gordon, Homicide, Kenny King, Rey Horus & Rhett Titus) (20:45)
This was a blast as always.
Homicide and Jay Briscoe locked up as the tags began to roll in. Woods and Titus got a nice sequence in on the mat, with Woods heavily targeting the arm and scoring a few near falls out of it.
After a commercial break, Flip Gordon and Matt Taven became the legal men. They had a small back and forth before the focus shifted to a face off between Rey Horus and Bandido.
Everybody else included in the match hopped off the apron and let the two luchadors do their own thing. Bandido was the first to strike, springing off the ropes and jumping over Horus. They traded a few hurricanranas before coming to a stalemate — which was applauded by their respective teammates.
King and Mark Briscoe began to tee off on one another shortly after, which led to Titus and Jay Briscoe entering the ring. The commentary team sold the “nostalgia” aspect of the showdown, as the history between the two teams dates back to 2009.
The match fell apart at this point, with everybody in sight hitting a big dive to the outside onto various opponents. Flip Gordon rushed to the commentary booth and began to chat up a storm, before realizing he was still in the match and making a massive dive off the stage.
The final moments of the match saw Brian Johnson try to roll up Mark Briscoe with a handful of tights. After the fall was unsuccessful, Briscoe scolded Johnson and told him to “be a man”. This led to both men teeing off on each other with forearms, but Jay Briscoe eventually came in and helped his brother. The duo scored the win for their team after a Doomsday Device on Johnson.
Everybody in the match celebrated in the ring as the show went off the air.
Final Thoughts: This was a great sendoff show for this era of Ring Of Honor.
Thanks to all that have kept up with my weekly ROH recaps for the past 16 months. Although I’m not sure what the future holds for both me and the supposed return of ROH in April, I appreciate anybody that has stuck around along the way.
ROH has added two title matches to the card for its next pay-per-view.
The ROH World Championship will be on the line in a four-way elimination match at Death Before Dishonor on Sunday, September 12. Bandido will defend his title against Brody King, EC3, and Demonic Flamita.
ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Moses & Kaun) defending their titles against La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dragon Lee & Kenny King) has also been confirmed for Death Before Dishonor.
Bandido won the ROH World Championship from Rush at ROH’s Best in the World PPV last month. At Glory By Honor night one last Friday, Bandido retained the title against Flip Gordon.
Shane Taylor Promotions defeated Bandido, Flamita & Rey Horus this February to win the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles. Taylor, Moses & Kaun retained the titles against Incoherence (Delirious, Hallowicked & Frightmare) at Glory By Honor night two on Saturday.
Death Before Dishonor is taking place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
ROH World Champion Bandido defends against Brody King, EC3, and Demonic Flamita in a four-way elimination match
The finals of ROH’s Women’s World Championship tournament
ROH Pure Champion Jonathan Gresham defends against Josh Woods
ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Moses & Kaun) defend against La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dragon Lee & Kenny King)
Two “top free agents” who were recently released from another promotion will face off
A pair of matches have been added to the card for ROH Glory By Honor night two.
Violence Unlimited (Brody King, Tony Deppen, Homicide & Chris Dickinson) will face off with The Foundation (Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham, Tracy Williams & Rhett Titus) in an eight-man tag match at the show. The Briscoes will also take on Flip Gordon & Demonic Flamita in a tag team match.
King defeated Lethal at ROH’s Best in the World pay-per-view earlier this month, while Homicide & Dickinson defeated Titus & Gresham in a Fight Without Honor to win the ROH Tag Team titles. Gresham was filling in for the injured Williams in that match.
Violence Unlimited defeated The Foundation when they faced each other in an eight-man tag match on ROH TV this May.
Violence Unlimited are also set for eight-man tag team action at Glory By Honor night one. They’ll be facing La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dragon Lee, Kenny King & Bestia del Ring).
Gresham is defending the ROH Pure Championship against his stablemate Titus at Glory By Honor night one.
The main event of Glory By Honor night one will be Gordon challenging Bandido for the ROH World Championship.
Glory By Honor nights one and two are taking place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21. Both shows will air live on HonorClub. Here are the updated lineups:
Glory By Honor night one (Friday, August 20) —
ROH World Champion Bandido defends against Flip Gordon
ROH Pure Champion Jonathan Gresham (w/ Jay Lethal) defends against Rhett Titus (w/ Tracy Williams)
Violence Unlimited (Brody King, Tony Deppen, Homicide & Chris Dickinson) vs. La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dragon Lee, Kenny King & Bestia del Ring)
Glory By Honor night two (Saturday, August 21) —
Steel cage match: Matt Taven vs. Vincent Marseglia (Taven’s future ROH World title shot is on the line)
Bandido & Rey Horus vs. Rush & Dragon Lee
Violence Unlimited (Brody King, Tony Deppen, Homicide & Chris Dickinson) vs. The Foundation (Jay Lethal, Jonathan Gresham, Tracy Williams & Rhett Titus)
ROH has announced a new addition to the lineup for next month’s Best in the World pay-per-view.
EC3 vs. Flip Gordon will take place at Best in the World on Sunday, July 11. The PPV is taking place at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. It will be the first ROH show with fans in attendance since February 2020.
EC3 formerly hired Gordon as a mercenary during his feud with Jay Briscoe. EC3 lost to Jay at ROH’s 19th Anniversary this March, but they shook hands after the match and showed each other respect. Gordon defeated Mark Briscoe at 19th Anniversary after hitting a low blow near the end of the match.
On ROH TV last month, EC3 & Gordon defeated The Briscoes after Gordon hit Mark with Jay’s chain. EC3, who didn’t see Gordon use the chain, pinned Mark to get the win. When he was informed what Gordon did during a post-match interview, EC3 promised that violence would be coming to Gordon.
EC3 later interrupted a promo by Gordon on ROH TV and told him, “You have been warned.”
“In addition to this match being personal, it also could have implications for the ROH World Title picture,” ROH wrote. “Gordon is owed a title shot and is No. 3 in the current rankings. EC3 recently stated that his mission is to become ROH World Champion.” The ROH World Championship is currently held by Rush.
Here’s the updated lineup for Best in the World:
Brody King vs. Jay Lethal
Last Man Standing match: Josh Woods vs. Silas Young
The Big Takeaway: Flip Gordon and EC3 took on The Briscoe Brothers in a fun TV match, while PCO answered Brian Johnson’s open challenge. Also, Quinn McKay made her ROH debut.
The broadcast began with Ian Riccaboni checking in from the ROH Studio, rather than Quinn McKay. This is obviously because McKay headlines tonight’s show against Angelina Love. Riccaboni also notes that the ROH board of directors teamed up Flip Gordon and EC3 to take on The Briscoes for tonight’s show.
****
Flip Gordon and EC3 defeated The Briscoes (12:38)
Note: This match was filmed before EC3 was hospitalized with an infection. Best wishes go out to Ethan and I hope recovery is going well for him.
EC3 and Jay started the match out. Commentary put this over because of their phenomenal encounter at the 19th Anniversary show, which is currently in my top 5 matches of the year.
Both men grappled for a minute and exchanged a few head scissors, eventually coming to a stalemate. EC3 sent Jay to the other side of the ring where Gordon cheap shotted him. EC3 questioned Gordon’s antics, to which Gordon responded by tagging himself in.
Jay came in on a blind tag and sent Gordon to the mat with a headbutt. The Briscoes did a great job keeping in the fresh man in this match. Mark came in and started choking Gordon with his bandana. Gordon eventually was able to tag out to EC3, which sent us into a commercial break.
Back from the break and EC3 was in control of Jay until Gordon tagged himself in. EC3 stared him down for a few moments before stepping out of the ring. Gordon tried a springboard stunner but Jay shoved him down in mid air. Mark got a hot tag and demolished Gordon with the help of Jay. EC3 tagged himself in and got hit with the redneck boogie, but Gordon broke up the pin.
In the final sequence of the match, referee Joe Mandak was distracted by a chair that Mark Briscoe had introduced to the match. Gordon took advantage of this and punched Mark with a chain, letting EC3 hit his inverted DDT for the win. EC3 didn’t see Gordon hit Mark with the chain.
****
Brian Johnson had his best promo of his career before his open challenge. Johnson touched on how faction heavy ROH is, and boasted himself for standing alone. Johnson whined about not getting talked about and said he would do whatever it takes to get noticed, even if it included “bankrupting the Mercenary, mocking the narrative, cooking the Octopus into calamari, lassoing the Bull, ending the Purple Reign or making The Franchise fall.”
Another great quote from the promo: “Before you say the names Danielson, Punk, Nigel or Joe, Aries, Black, Richards, Cole, Lethal, Briscoe, Cabana or Steen; you better clear your throat and say the M.E.C.C.A. Because i don’t care who you are or who you align with, it’ll always be Mecca vs Everybody.”
PCO defeated Brian Johnson (6:57)
PCO accepted Johnson’t open challenge. Danhausen came out and said since he’s beaten Johnson multiple times, he has a gift for him. PCO came out.
Johnson tried to jump PCO before the bell but to no avail. PCO came back with fiery chops and sent Johnson over his head with a back body drop into a commercial break.
Back from the break and PCO back body drops Brian Johnson over the barricade. PCO started to “malfunction” as commentary put it and ran around ringside before launching himself into a barricade. Johnson took advantage of this and threw PCO into the barricade himself.
Johnson slid PCO back in the ring and went to the top rope. Johnson hit a great splash, but PCO sat up immediately after and “malfunctioned” again. Johnson was sent to the mat with a few punches while PCO climbed to the top rope and hit a PCOsault. Johnson surprisingly kicked out.
PCO chased referee Joe Mandak out of the ring and then returned to the ring, where he started ripping Johnson’s jaw apart. It was played off as a submission and Johnson submitted.
****
Angelina Love (w/ Mandy Leon) defeated Quinn McKay (8:01)
Love and McKay started the match with a lock up, which is a weird choice after having a almost year long feud. Love sent McKay to the mat with a wrist lock and then walked on her back. This sent us into a commercial break.
Back from the break and Love is bashing McKay’s head into the mat. Love eventually picked up McKay and nailed her with a flat liner, followed by locking in a Koji Clutch. McKay fought to get a rope break but was on the verge of passing out when Love let her go. Leon exclaimed at ringside that it wasn’t gonna end like that.
Love was showboating when McKay took advantage of an opportunity and hit a stunner. McKay followed it up with a great running powerslam that opened the door for her to get back in the match. McKay then locked in a standing cobra clutch, which Love didn’t really sell at all.
McKay still had the clutch cinched in when Leon stood on the apron and started yelling at McKay. McKay let go of the hold and entertained Leon’s bickering, allowing Love to recover and nail McKay with the “Botox Injection” kick for the win. As a stipulation of her winning, Love will get a first-round bye in ROH’s Women’s World Championship tournament this summer.
****
Final Thoughts: A lot to unpack here on a very eventful and newsworthy episode of ROH TV. The Briscoes and EC3/Flip Gordon had a great match. Briscoes lost again though, and I’m sticking with my theory that they are headed for a split.
Brian Johnson had the best promo I’ve ever heard from him personally and the best promo on ROH TV in some time. But then he loses to a 53 year old PCO. that hasn’t been on TV in months and has no general direction. It was an awful decision in my opinion, and had the results been reversed could have done a lot for Johnson.
Quinn McKay and Angelina Love was short, but sweet. In roughly 8 minutes they told a great story without giving away too much action. With the distraction finish, it’s clearly a story ROH wants to continue and have a bigger payoff for in the future, which is great, if it ends with McKay standing tall.
NJPW has revealed the full card for this Friday’s episode of NJPW Strong.
After last week’s opening round, the New Japan Cup USA 2021 tournament will continue this week with the two semifinal matches.
In the main event of Friday’s show, Lio Rush will face Brody King in a Cup semifinal. Rush defeated Clark Connors in his opening round match on last week’s episode, while King defeated Chris Dickinson in last week’s main event.
In the other semifinal bout, Tom Lawlor will face Hikuleo. Lawlor defeated Ren Narita in the first round with a rear naked choke, and Hikuleo defeated Fred Rosser to advance.
In Friday’s opener, Karl Fredericks, Kevin Knight, The DKC and Alex Coughlin will face Misterioso, Barrett Brown, Adrian Quest and Jordan Clearwater in an eight-man tag.
Strong airs Fridays at 10 p.m. Eastern time on NJPW World and is available on demand shortly after airing.
Here is Friday’s full lineup:
New Japan Cup USA semifinal match: Lio Rush vs. Brody King
New Japan Cup USA semifinal match: Tom Lawlor vs. Hikuleo
Karl Fredericks, Kevin Knight, The DKC & Alex Coughlin vs. Misterioso, Barrett Brown, Adrian Quest & Jordan Clearwater
The Big Takeaway: Dak Draper defeated Fred Yehi, Tony Deppen upset ROH World Tag Team Champion Kenny King, and Flamita defeated Flip Gordon.
The broadcast began with Quinn McKay checking in from the studio. She previewed the three matches that are set to take place tonight and played a clip of Jay Lethal’s comments after winning the number one contendership to the ROH World Championship.
Lethal said despite losing the ROH Tag Team titles, he has a chance to redeem himself at the upcoming 19th Anniversary PPV. Lethal also hinted at the rest of The Foundation being involved in championship matches at the PPV, citing that they have a chance for a “gold sweep”.
McKay revealed later that Rhett Titus and Tracy Williams will challenge Kenny King and Dragon Lee for the ROH World Tag Team titles at the PPV.
*****
Dak Draper had pre-match comments. Draper said he respects Yehi for not letting his success get to his head, but can’t say the same for himself. Draper laughed about letting it go to his own head and called it a good thing. He finished off the promo by saying he eats success for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Fred Yehi reflected on his losses in ROH. Yehi said that if he doesn’t win, he doesn’t “eat”. Yehi then acknowledged that Dak Draper is on a bit of a tear, but asked if he was ready for a hungry savageweight.
Dak Draper defeated Fred Yehi in a Pure Rules match (11:15)
Yehi and Draper adhered to the Code Of Honor.
Both men jockeyed for a position for a good minute before coming to a stalemate. Draper eventually picked Yehi’s leg and tried to keep him grounded but it didn’t work. Yehi had a moment of offense with a few chops that took Draper off his feet. Yehi remained in control as a commercial break ensued.
Over the break, Draper retained control. Draper hit Yehi with a beautiful tilt-a-world power slam. Draper tried to capitalize but Yehi answered with a series of strikes that brought him to the ground yet again. Yehi attempted a Koji Clutch, but Draper denied it. The two men made it back to their feet and Draper nailed Yehi with a closed fist strike (which is illegal in Pure matches). Draper was issued a warning from the referee. Draper took advantage of a weary Yehi and hit a sloppy-looking Magnum K.O for the win.
******
Quinn McKay had a pre-match interview with Tony Deppen. Deppen said that one match stands between him and being the #1 Contender for the ROH Television Championship. Deppen said he knows La Faccion Ingobernable will be lurking around the ring, but he’s ready for anything.
Kenny King also had pre-match comments. King taunted Deppen for being an “Internet” favorite and dared him to step in the ring with him. King’s work in recent months has been a delight to watch.
Tony Deppen defeated Kenny King (9:26)
King offered the Code Of Honor to Deppen but then hit Deppen with a forearm instead. King took control of the match early and dominated Deppen in the corner and on the ground into a commercial break.
Back from the break and Deppen tried to roll up King but failed. King retaliated and hit a great pop-up spinebuster for a two count. Deppen made his way back to his feet and flushed King in the jaw with a forearm, followed by a series of chops and slaps. Deppen kept the momentum going with a knee to the face that sent King reeling to the outside.
Deppen followed King to the outside and nailed him with a tornado DDT on the floor. Deppen rolled King back in and attempted a springboard dropkick, but he slipped. King then tried to hit Royal Flush, but Deppen countered and rolled him up for the 3 count.
Immediately after the bell, LFI immediately rushed the ring and attacked Deppen. Brody King hit the ring to save Deppen but Rush showed up as well, making the odds stacked against King. LFI introduced a table to the ring and put King on it. La Bestia flew off the top rope and crashed into King through the table. The segment ended with LFI standing over King
******
Flamita def Flip Gordon (10:02)
Gordon and Flamita traded open palm strikes to start the contest. They took the match to the outside quickly, with Flamita connecting with a moonsault off the second turnbuckle onto Gordon. Gordon rolled back in the ring and Flamita tried to dive onto him again, but Gordon caught him with a dropkick.
Gordon maintained control for a few more minutes, eventually powerbombing Flamita off the top rope. Gordon picked up Flamita by his mask and started to taunt, but Flamita responded by spiking Gordon with a poison rana instead. Flamita went to the top rope and hit a magnificent frog splash on Gordon, but that didn’t put away The Mercenary.
In the closing sequences of the match, Mark Briscoe appeared from under the ring and slid a chair in the ring. With the referee distracted Briscoe pulled out another chair and nailed Gordon with it, allowing Flamita to roll him up for the win.
After the match, Gordon began beating up Flamita and ripped his mask off. Gordon taunted Flamita with the mask until Bandido and Rey Horus hit the ring, standing beside an unmasked Flamita to end the broadcast.
*******
Final Thoughts:
This week’s episode of ROH TV was exactly what it seems like on paper: filler. The three singles contests were average or good, but didn’t really contribute to any storyline or hype for the PPV. Tony Deppen seemed a bit slow and as if his timing was off during his match. Kenny King has always been very hit or miss for me, but his recent reintroduction to LFI is good and works well for him. King has also teased being annoyed with LFI, so a break-up could be coming soon.
Not a big fan of Tracy Williams and Rhett Titus challenging for the ROH Tag Team Titles given the ranking system, but it fits the whole “Foundation vs LFI” vibe they’re giving off for the PPV.
Tracy Williams put down the newly reinvented World Famous CB in a Pure Rules match. In the main event, La Faccion Ingobernable fought to a brutal no contest with Brody King, PCO & The Briscoes.
**********
Quinn McKay welcomed us to the show, per usual. She revealed the stacked main event, pitting La Faccion Ingobernable & Flip Gordon against Brody King, PCO & The Briscoes. McKay also announced the opening match on the card: Tracy Williams vs. The World Famous CB (formerly known as Cheeseburger). It seems as though Cheeseburger has been repackaged which is a good move on ROH’s part.
McKay then shifted the focus to last week’s broadcast. We got a recap of the Vincent/Beer City Bruiser incident where Bruiser seemingly turned heel after smashing a bottle over Matt Taven’s head.
Some post-match comments aired from Beer City Bruiser as well. Bruiser essentially said he was tired of being second and being everybody’s bitch. Brian Milonas approached him and questioned his actions, but Bruiser walked away.
**********
Tracy Williams had a pre-match promo. He said that The Foundation’s goal is to take underutilized professional wrestlers and show them the light of being a Pure wrestler. Williams pointed to stablemate Rhett Titus as an example of this. Williams also noted that he realizes the talent of “World Famous CB” and he won’t be taking him lightly.
The World Famous CB also had some pre-match comments. CB said that the Cheeseburger gimmick is in the past — and that it was the best and worst thing to ever happen to him. He also said that joining the Pure division will help him break through the glass ceiling that the Cheeseburger gimmick set for him.
**********
Tracy Williams defeated The World Famous CB in a Pure Rules match (13:04)
CB and Williams tangled up early with Williams getting the advantage, locking in multiple headlocks. As commentary noted, Williams had a great reach advantage over CB and it showed.
After a commercial break, CB began to regain some control in the match as he worked on the arm of Williams. CB jumped on Williams’ back and instead of using a sleeper hold, he cinched both arms behind Williams’ back. Williams bit down on the rope, causing him to use his first rope break.
Williams regained his position quickly after, hitting a series of suplexes and then attempting his crossface. CB got his foot on the rope before Williams could lock it in, costing CB his first rope break. CB tried to submit Williams with an armbar, but he used his second rope break. The match sped up after that, with CB getting in some signature offense including a standing superkick. Williams ended up regaining his composure and spiking CB with a piledriver for the win
**********
La Faccion Ingobernable (ROH World Champion Rush, ROH Television Champion Dragon Lee & La Bestia Del Ring) & Flip Gordon vs. Brody King, PCO & The Briscoes ended in a no contest (14:23)
Amy Rose joined the commentary team for this match.
An interesting note before the match: Mark and Jay Briscoe came out separately.
Mark Briscoe and Gordon began the match. Gordon had the advantage early on, but Mark turned it around and powerslammed Gordon. LFI jumped off the apron while Gordon was getting beat down and began admiring each other’s hair. Jay Briscoe tagged in and stomped on Gordon in the corner. He threw Gordon out of the ring, but LFI tossed him right back in and laughed.
King tagged in and chucked Gordon out of the ring, but LFI again tossed him right back in and taunted. Jay Briscoe tagged back in and ran into a flying Gordon. Gordon tried to extend his arm for a tag, but all three members of LFI jumped off the apron instead. Mark Briscoe came in and hit the Redneck Boogie on Gordon and tried to pin him, but LFI came in and all hell broke loose.
Rush took a chair and drove it into King’s knee and followed that up with taking an extension cord and whipping it into King’s knee as well. LFI positioned King on the apron and draped him while Lee stomped on him and sent him to the floor. Lee and PCO were the legal men after the chaos. But when PCO went to dive on LFI on the outside, they shoved Gordon in harm’s way.
In the final moments of the match, King and Lee had an exchange in the ring that saw Lee get the best of King with help from LFI. Mark Briscoe set up a chair in the ring and dove onto a pile of practically everybody in the match. King positioned Rush on a table and instructed PCO to go to the top rope, which he did. PCO then crashed into the table by himself after Rush moved out of the way. Finally, referee Todd Sinclair called the match a no contest as all hell continued to break loose.
After security and multiple ROH officials rushed the ring to put a stop to the chaos, the cameras cut backstage to The Foundation. Jonathan Gresham and company shook their heads as the broadcast went off the air.
**********
Final Thoughts —
Another Monday and another great showing for ROH. Seeing Cheeseburger repackaged was something i didn’t expect, but it was for the better. CB put up a great fight against Tracy Williams and i hope he is a future player in the Pure division.
I’m also glad we saw the return of ROH World Champion Rush and his faction. They’re absolutely phenomenal heels and do a lot for the ROH product. They just need to be on TV more. The dynamic of the match with them letting Flip Gordon getting beat up by himself early was brilliant. The match was an absolute war and one of my favorites so far this year. The no contest finish was the right move, as well. All in all, this was my favorite ROH TV episode of 2021 so far.
– An eight-man tag match will headline Ring of Honor television the first weekend of February.
ROH has announced that Brody King, PCO & The Briscoes will face La Faccion Ingobernable (ROH World Champion Rush, ROH Television Champion Dragon Lee & La Bestia del Ring) & Flip Gordon in an eight-man tag match on the ROH TV episode that premieres the weekend of February 6.
“LFI member Kenny King is unable to appear, so the ROH Board of Directors named Gordon to be his replacement. RUSH, Lee and Bestia are said to be less than thrilled about the board’s decision. Their reaction is understandable considering Gordon, Brody King and PCO were associates not all that long ago,” ROH’s Kevin Eck wrote.
Rush retained his ROH World Championship against King in the main event of December’s Final Battle pay-per-view. Rush won that match after interference by Lee and Bestia del Ring.
– In an interview with PWinsider, The Bouncers (Beer City Bruiser & Brian Milonas) revealed that they’ve come to terms with ROH on new contracts. Beer City Bruiser & Milonas are facing The OGK (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) on the episode of ROH TV that premieres this weekend.
ROH announced earlier this month that Mark Haskins, Bandido, Amy Rose, Bateman, Brian Johnson, Sumie Sakai, and Tracy Williams have also re-signed with the promotion.
The Big Takeaway: Flip Gordon defeated Rhett Titus in a stiff Pure Rules match and Dragon Lee defended his ROH Television Championship against 1/3rd of the ROH Six-Man tag team champions Rey Horus.
We began the broadcast with Quinn McKay, per usual. She ran down the TV card. McKay also showed a contender ranking system for the Television title similar to AEW’s. In first place was Rey Horus, followed by Tony Deppen, Dak Draper, Kenny King, and LSG. McKay mentioned that this will be a regular thing going forward for all divisions in ROH. I like this a lot and it should work out for ROH a lot better than it does for AEW.
McKay also announced that for the health and safety of the crew, Matt Taven and Vincent are banned from appearing at the same ROH event for now. I don’t think I really care about drawing this feud out more.
*****
Rhett Titus cut a promo package before his match. He shamed Gordon for not shaking Jonathan Gresham’s hand after his loss at Final Battle. Titus also made fun of Gordon for thinking the earth is flat. He said he is going to beat the honor into Gordon.
Flip Gordon was up next and he defended his decision to not adhere to the Code Of Honor at Final Battle. He said there was no honor in the way Gresham won the match. Gordon also bragged about defeating Titus every single time they’ve wrestled each other. This wasn’t Gordon’s best promo work at all. His facial expressions really ruined it for me.
Flip Gordon pinned Rhett Titus in Pure Rules match (14:47)
Gordon again refused to adhere to the Code Of Honor.
Both men twisted up early with the end result being Titus attempting multiple pinning maneuvers with Gordon’s arms pinned to the mat. Titus maintained control afterward, wrenching in multiple armbars. Gordon eventually used his first rope break. Titus still remained in firm control of the match, locking in a Boston crab that caused Gordon to use his second rope break.
Gordon came back firing on all cylinders with a couple of open hand chops, followed by a swinging neck breaker on Titus. Gordon kept the momentum up with a stiff kick to the throat and cinching in a leg lock. Titus eventually made it to the ropes, using his first rope break to stop the hold.
Titus gave Gordon a stiff running boot in the corner that made his eyes turn inside out. Titus tried to cinch in another Boston crab after but Gordon escaped quickly. Titus went to the second turnbuckle but Gordon got up and sprung off the second rope, planting a kick square on Titus’ jaw. Titus fell to the outside and Gordon followed him and dumped him back in the ring. Gordon talked trash for a second before Titus rolled him into another Boston crab, causing Gordon to use his final rope break.
Gordon and Titus made their way back to their feet, with Gordon using a closed fist that sent Titus crashing to the mat. Gordon was only issued a warning and capitalized with a Flip-5 to get the win.
Gordon met with Quinn McKay after the match. McKay informed Gordon that due to his lack of honor and using a closed fist, he’s been suspended from the Pure Division. Gordon said he didn’t care and would join another division.
*****
Rey Horus cut a promo prior to the main event. He revealed he was trained by Rey Mysterio Sr and that he has spent his entire life in the wrestling business. Horus said despite using a lot of Lucha Libre, he’s wrestled all over the world and can adapt to any style.
Dragon Lee appeared on screen with an ROH producer. The producer mic’d him up and asked him to sit, but Lee kicked the chair and shooed away the producer. Lee said that he’s going to destroy Horus and make him feel pain like never before. Lee came across like a superstar and a badass here with a short, effective promo..
Dragon Lee pinned Rey Horus to retain the ROH TV Championship (11:14)
Before Lee could enter the ring, Horus came flying over the top rope. Horus rolled Lee into the ring and planted him with a hurricanrana DDT which only warranted Horus a two count. Horus went to the apron but Lee came flying over the top rope and took Horus out with a hurricanrana to the floor. Lee and Horus stood back on their feet and began exchanging blows to the head until the ref reached a 19 count. Both men rolled back in the ring.
Lee connected with a pump knee, but Horus retaliated with a Spanish fly. Lee eventually cornered Horus and began delivering elbows to a grounded Horus. Lee brought Horus back to his feet and attempted to dropkick him, but Horus launched him over his head and into the turnbuckle.
Horus hoisted Lee on the top rope and connected with a Spanish fly. Lee bounced back with a flurry of offense and followed it up with a running powerbomb for a two count. Lee tried another powerbomb, but Horus reversed it into a Mexican destroyer. Horus still couldn’t put him away, however. Lee rose back to his feet and delivered two running knee strikes for the win..
Final Thoughts:
ROH started off 2021 with a strong TV episode, despite a few weak points. Gordon’s promos came off really weak and forced. Dragon Lee was the highlight of this show by far, his promo was phenomenal and he’s an ELITE wrestler.
Not a fan of Gordon winning if he was just going to get removed from the pure division rankings. Speaking of rankings, I’m a big fan of them introducing a ranking system. As i said before, I feel like it will benefit ROH more than it does AEW.
The Big Takeaway: On the go-home episode for Final Battle, Mark Briscoe and PCO defeated The Bouncers, and Flip Gordon defeated Josh Woods. We also saw promos from Brian Johnson, Flip Gordon, Tracy Williams, and Taven/Bennett.
Quinn McKay welcomes us to the broadcast. She runs down tonight’s card, including Flip Gordon vs Josh Woods in a Pure Rules contest. Also, Mark Briscoe and PCO take on The Bouncers.
She also ran down the Final Battle card.
McKay then cut to a recap of the aftermath of the contest between Mike Bennett and Vincent last week. A promo that took place after the match aired featuring Bennett and Taven. Taven said that at Final Battle the original Kingdom will put an end to the feud with Vincent for good.
*****
A pre-match promo aired for The Bouncers. Beer City Bruiser claimed he has a legacy to live up to. Bruiser mentions that his tag partner Brian Milonas’ mentor is Killer Kowalski. Milonas mentions that they used to be the fun guys, but they’re now switching gears as a team and focusing on winning matches and tag team gold.
Another pre-match promo aired for Mark Briscoe and PCO. Mark Briscoe says he’s more than happy to throw down with the new version of the Bouncers. PCO says that they’ll rest in hell.
Mark Briscoe and PCO pinned The Bouncers (11:04)
Beer City Bruiser and Mark Briscoe began the contest. Briscoe laid in some elbows early, but Bruiser started a chopping war, which Bruiser won. Briscoe tagged in PCO. PCO came in hot and clotheslined Bruiser, which prompted a Milonas tag. PCO stayed on the attack, delivering constant knife-edge chops. Milonas gained control back with a crossbody and followed it up with a trip to the top rope. PCO brought him down quickly and delivered a knife-edge chop that sent Milonas out of the ring. We went to a commercial break.
Coming back from a commercial, PCO and Bruiser had another chopping war. With Bruiser down, Briscoe pulled him to the apron while PCO headed to the top. PCO dove off, but Bruiser rolled out of the way, causing PCO to hit hard on the apron. Bruiser eventually tagged Milonas in, who threw Briscoe into the turnbuckle. Milonas tagged Bruiser back in, who delivered a spine buster to Briscoe. Milonas went outside and tossed a chair into the ring, but Briscoe used it to his advantage, setting it up and springboarding onto Milonas and Bruiser at ringside. Briscoe rolled Bruiser back in and held him in place for a PCO assault for the pinfall victory.
Quinn McKay met the winners after the match. Briscoe said they’ll beat Jonathan Gresham and Jay Lethal at Final Battle. PCO says they’ll rest in hell.
*****
A promotional video aired for Final Battle. The package ran down the card, including matches like The Righteous vs. Matt Taven and Mike Bennett, Danhausen vs. Brian Johnson, Flip Gordon vs. Jonathan Gresham, and Brody King vs. Rush.
*****
Flip Gordon cut a pre-match promo. He took off a mask with a bunch of holes in it. Gordon claimed he loves the competitive aspect of a Pure rules contest. He says while he’s failed at capturing ROH gold so far, it’s still his primary focus in ROH. Gordon said he wants to be known as more than a high-flyer.
Josh Woods also spoke before the match. He said the Jay Lethal victory has him at a loss for words and is easily the biggest win of his career. Woods said that Gordon’s style of wrestling doesn’t belong in a Pure Rules match.
Flip Gordon pinned Josh Woods in a Pure Rules contest (9:33)
Both men adhere to the Code Of Honor. Woods immediately caught Gordon in an ankle lock, causing Gordon to use his first rope break. Gordon took back the momentum and locked Woods in a side headlock. Gordon tossed Woods out of the ring and dove through the ropes for a suicide dive. Commentary sent us to a commercial break.
Back from the break and Gordon has Woods in an armbar. Gordon sent Woods to the corner and charged him with a forearm. Gordon got Woods on the ropes and began raining in elbows, which cost Gordon a rope break. Woods uses the argument between Gordon and the referee as an advantage, charging Gordon in the corner with a knee. Woods poached Gordon on the top rope, then followed him up there and delivered a superplex. Woods followed up the superplex with a gut-wrench powerbomb, and then tried to lock in a cloverleaf submission. Gordon escaped, went to the top rope, and delivered a moonsault for a two count. Gordon followed it up with a curb stomp for the pinfall victory.
Final Thoughts: On the final stop to Final Battle, ROH put together a good go-home show. It was nice to see The Bouncers have a new layer added to their characters.
I still just don’t understand the PCO and Mark Briscoe pairing. I understand they are two crazy dudes, but it just seems awkward. The Matt Taven and Mike Bennett pairing is working really well; Bennett is a hard working dude who deserves to constantly be on TV. Josh Woods is a guy who is really entertaining for me personally, and a great wrestler. So I most definitely wasn’t a fan of him getting little action versus Flip Gordon. Gordon controlled 85% of the match, which doesn’t make much sense after Woods beat Jay Lethal just two weeks ago. Nonetheless, I’m excited for Final Battle.
Flip Gordon has signed a new contract to remain with Ring of Honor.
On the debut episode of ROH Week By Week on the promotion’s YouTube channel today, it was announced that Gordon has re-signed with ROH. Gordon tweeted that it’s a multi-year deal: “I’m very happy to announce that I’ve signed a NEW Multi-Year Deal with @ringofhonor #TheMercenaryGetsPaid”
Gordon had signed a two-year deal with ROH in 2018 that was set to expire this year.
At ROH Free Enterprise in February, Gordon won a battle royal to get a future shot at the ROH World Championship. He was supposed to challenge for Rush’s World title at Supercard of Honor in April, but that show was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. ROH has canceled all shows through the end of June.
Gordon is part of Villain Enterprises with Marty Scurll, PCO, and Brody King in ROH. Gordon & Scurll had been set to challenge Jay Lethal & Jonathan Gresham for the ROH Tag Team titles at ROH’s 18th Anniversary pay-per-view in March prior to that show being canceled.
Matt and Nick Jackson were shown filming promos to hype up their match on next week’s BTE 200. Matt said this was the biggest match of his career. Brandon Cutler reminded him of two AEW ppv matches. Matt ultimately decided this was the ninth biggest match of his career.
Nick said the match will be held in his backyard on the BTE Compound.
Matt refused to discuss any of his brother’s weaknesses.
Nick said that Matt’s weakness is his back and he plans to attack it.
Matt said he loves his brother and doesn’t want to hurt him.
Nick said he’s better than Matt.
Matt said he has an insurance policy under his shoe.
Matt Hardy provided analysis on the upcoming match both in and out of his Broken character.
Scorpio Sky, Brandon Cutler, Cody, Christopher Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, Kenny Omega, Joey Ryan, Hangman Page, Marty Scurll, Fat Ass Massa, Colt Cabana and Flip Gordon broke down the match.
Kazarian said that Matt has called Nick a jobber that he’s tired of carrying.
Cody acted out the way he sees the match going with Young Bucks Funko Pops.
Scurll said Matt and Nick are dead to him.
Ryan said that Nick has the best hot tag in the business but this isn’t a tag match.
Cabana taunted Omega.
Gordon said he was going to try to get booked.
Massa said f–k The Young Bucks.
Matt and Nick asked Cutler to make a prediction for the match. he refused.
The first teams for the Crockett Cup have been announced, while a couple of new matches have been added to the card.
NWA announced today on their Circle Squared program that The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, Flip Gordon & Brody King, Rey Horus & Flamita, and Thom Latimer & Royce Issacs are the first four teams to enter the tournament. There will be three more teams announced.
Like last year, there will be a match that will determine the final spot in the tournament. The rules, however, will be different. It will instead be a gauntlet-style match where both tag teams and singles wrestlers will be eligible to enter. Two wrestlers will start, and every 90 seconds a new participant will enter the match. The last two participants remaining will be the last team to enter the tournament.
Tim Storm, Ricky Starks, and Zicky Dice have been announced for the gauntlet match.
It was also announced that Trevor Murdoch will get a chance at the NWA National championship, as he will face champion Aron Stevens.
The show will be headlined by Nick Aldis defending the NWA World’s Heavyweight title against Marty Scurll, who is putting $500,000 on the line.
This year’s Crockett Cup will take place on April 19 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.
