Tag: marina shafir

Finals set in AEW Women’s World Tag Team title tournament

Posted on by Josh Nason

The first-ever AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions will be crowned on next Wednesday’s Winter is Coming edition of Dynamite and both finalists are now set.

On Wednesday’s Dynamite, The Timeless Love Bombs (Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa) defeated The MegaProblems (Megan Bayne & Marina Shafir) in a holiday-themed death match that also served as a semifinal.

The end came when Storm hit Shafir with a gift-wrapped high heel shoe, followed by a small package for the victory. The match also saw the return of Storm’s butler, Luther, who had been absent for some time and delivered the shoe to Storm.

The match gives Storm and Shirakawa a measure of revenge after the end of last month’s Blood & Guts match that saw Shafir and Bayne double-team Shirakawa while Storm was held back, leading to her submitting for her team.

Storm and Shirakawa now move on to face The Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale) to determine the inaugural champions next Wednesday.

Storm and Shirakawa advanced to the semifinals by virtue over their quarterfinal victory over Alex Windsor and Riho.

Tony Khan reveals new name for AEW tag team

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A new name for a AEW tag team has been revealed.

Tony Khan on social media officially revealed the new name for Marina Shafir and Megan Bayne going forward, now being referred to as The MegaProblems.

The two originally weren’t teaming together in the tournament to crown the first-ever AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions. However, when Penelope Ford suffered an injury and had to step out, Shafir was named as the replacement. The two went on to defeat TayJay in the opening round and now will meet the Timeless Love Bombs (Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa) in the semifinals this coming Wednesday on Dynamite in a Hardcore Holiday Death Match.

At Full Gear, the two teams along with Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron and The Sisters of Sin met in a four-way match with the winners getting to choose the stipulation for their semifinal match. Storm & Shirakawa emerged victorious, thus leading to the death match stipulation.

AEW Dynamite lineup | Wednesday, December 3 | Fishers, Indiana

  • AEW Women’s World Tag Team title tournament semifinals: Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. Marina Shafir & Megan Bayne in a hardcore holiday death match
  • Jon Moxley vs. Claudio Castagnoli – Blue League match
  • PAC vs. Kazuchika Okada – Gold League match
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Kevin Knight – Gold League match

Wheeler Yuta says he’s happy to see AEW star’s recent success

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Wheeler Yuta is ‘happy’ to see fellow Death Riders star Marina Shafir succeed.

Last year, following Jon Moxley’s heel turn, fans witnessed him join forces with Marina Shafir and form a new faction while breaking away from The Blackpool Combat Club. While his old allies remained, Moxley discovered a new found arsenal in Shafir. Long overlooked in mainstream wrestling, Shafir’s alliance with Moxley put her back on the map. Now, nearly a year after their partnership began, Wheeler Yuta has finally commented on Shafir’s hard work and praised the former MMA star’s achievements.

Speaking to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Yuta claimed, “Watching Marina’s growth has been like incredible. She is probably one of, if not the hardest worker, I would say in AEW. She’s still out busting her butt on the independents every time. She’s the one texting the Death Riders group chat like, ‘Hey, when are we going to the building? When are we going to go get some work in?’ She’s always there. She’s shadow boxing, jumping rope. She’s rolling around in the ring, picking people’s brains at ringsides.”

He added, “She’s always incredibly determined to get better. I’m so happy that people can finally see it. She’s been putting in this work for so long that to see it really come to fruition has been awesome. Like watching her just absolutely shine in the women’s Blood & Guts match was incredible.”

Marina Shafir has had a huge influence on the female roster. Commenting on her dominance, Yuta commented, “She’s obviously been such a commanding presence the whole time in the death riders, but now that she’s wrestling more and getting those opportunities too, it’s been great. We had such a fun time in that tornado tag match against Statlander and Darby and just seeing her now just go off on her own and blossom has been great.”

Alongside her All Elite Wrestling run, Shafir is also the reigning DEFY Women’s Champion. She further impressed fans and critics with her performance in the first-ever women’s Blood and Guts match.

Ronda Rousey is also proud of Marina Shafir’s AEW run

Earlier this year during an interview with Yahoo Sports, UFC veteran Ronda Rousey opened up on her friend Marina Shafir’s AEW run. Expressing her glee and pride in Shafir’s work, Rousey said, “coming into her own in that space and feeling really confident and just becoming like a real f—ing pro. Going from being like, ‘How do I do an arm drag?’ To being part of five-star matches and stuff like that, it’s really great to see her just having so much joy with it and rising to the top level of the industry.”

Following Rousey’s WWE departure, the duo teamed thrice in late 2023, winning on two occassions.

WOL: It’s time to call out TNA Wrestling on their bullsh*t

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: TNA

It’s the Sunday edition of Wrestling Observer Live with Josh Nason, filling in for Andrew Zarian.

Last Thursday saw Mike Santana lose his TNA World title after just a month in a time period in which the company held no shows — a mind-boggling decision that was roundly panned after it happened.

This is part of a pattern of TNA missing the mark on babyface champions that dates back to Josh Alexander, continued with Joe Hendry and then continued with Santana. He provides some insights and receipts, and also addresses a well-known fan being thrown out of Saturday’s TV taping.

He also does a quick hit recap of AEW Collision as they head into a big week before Full Gear.

A grab bag segment features thoughts on CM Punk, Bob Caudle, Marina Shafir, Hendry, AJ Styles and more.

Click here to listen to the ad-free version or stream on either Spotify or Apple Pods for free (search Wrestling Observer).

Winners crowned in chaotic first-ever women’s AEW Blood and Guts match

Posted on by Josh Nason

The women of AEW made history Wednesday by competing in their first-ever Blood and Guts match as part of a special edition of Dynamite.

The team led by the Triangle of Madness got their hands raised at the end of the match after Toni Storm surrendered for her team.

The beginning of the end saw Marina Shafir throw a mirror at Storm’s head as she was running in for a hip attack. Shafir then stepped on the glass and used it in stomping Mina Shirakawa’s chest, who had Megan Bayne in a bat-assisted figure four. Shafir then judo tossed Shirakawa onto the glass and held her in place as Bayne whipped Shirakawa’s back with a title belt.

Storm was helpless to assist as she was held back by Thekla, Skye Blue and Julia Hart. Storm eventually surrendered and was then beat up by the heels afterward.

The 12-woman bout featured nearly all of AEW’s top female talent including AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander, Storm, TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, Bayne, Willow Nightingale and others. Statlander and Mone were not part of the end as they had made their way to the outside of the cage where Statlander took out the TBS Champion with a Samoan drop off one of the trusses through a table.

*********

Mone and Statlander, who will meet next Saturday at the Full Gear pay-per-view, had several interactions. Mone made it a point of being grossed out by the blood and later brought in several of her many title belts to hand to her teammates to use on their opponents.

As expected, the match opened up the show from Greensboro, North Carolina, with the men’s Blood and Guts match set for the main event slot. Also as expected, the match featured weapons like a chair, a trash can lid, a belt, a kendo stick with barbed wire, a pool cue, a bag of tacks, and more.

Shafir, a standout in the match, attempted to up the ante after she entered, dragging Statlander outside the cage and counter-clotheslining her on a bed of nails. Storm was the last entrant after Shafir and started hitting women with clutched pearls before Shafir no-sold them and went on the offensive. Storm later got her revenge, wrapping her hands in tape and then sticking broken glass to them for punches.

Blue was busted open early during her opening salvo with Nightingale with her face and upper torso nearly completely covered in red after a few minutes. Statlander was also bleeding at one point as were Bayne, Shafir and Shirakawa.

In another notable spot, Jamie Hayter and Blue were fighting on the top rope when Hayter power bombed Blue through a table that didn’t break, followed up by an elbow drop that also didn’t fully break the table.

The infamous Mone puppet also appeared, hiding a pair of brass knuckles held by Harley Cameron. Cameron, Hayter and Nightingale were not involved in the finish.

Penelope Ford and Queen Aminata, both injured in recent weeks and pulled from the match, made brief appearances.

Order of Entry:

  • Willow Nightingale and Skye Blue
  • Julia Hart
  • Harley Cameron
  • Thekla
  • Jamie Hayter
  • Megan Bayne
  • Kris Statlander
  • Mercedes Mone
  • Mina Shirakawa
  • Marina Shafir
  • Toni Storm

Injury forces change in AEW Women’s Tag Team title tournament

Posted on by Josh Nason

A change has been made in the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team title tournament due to an injury.

Announced during Wednesday’s Fright Night edition of AEW Dynamite, Penelope Ford revealed she suffered a torn UCL in her right arm last week and she is out indefinitely.

Tony Schiavone then asked her partner Megan Bayne what her plan was to which she challenged any woman that thought she was bad enough to join her. Death Riders member Marina Shafir then walked into the frame and offered her services, leading to Jon Moxley walking in the shot to give his approval.

Shafir and Bayne then fist bumped to seal the deal. The two will face TayJay (Anna Jay & Tay Melo) in a first round bout in a date yet to be announced.

Ford hurt her arm on a moonsault in a four-way that took place on last Saturday’s Collision, taped last Wednesday.

Earlier in the night, the Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart & Skye Blue) advanced with a win over Jamie Hayter & Queen Aminata thanks to Thekla’s interference.

AEW Women’s World Tag Team title tournament bracket:

Left side:

  • Julia Hart & Skye Blue defeated Jamie Hayter & Queen Aminata to advance
  • Mercedes Mone & Athena vs. Willow Nightingale & Harley Cameron (Wed., November 5)

Right side:

  • Riho & Alex Windsor vs. Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa (Date TBA)
  • Anna Jay & Tay Melo vs. Penelope Ford & Megan Bayne (Date TBA)

Marina Shafir recounts ‘uncomfortable’ encounter with former male co-worker

Posted on by Ian Carey

Marina Shafir described an uncomfortable incident involving a male coworker during a recent appearance on Saraya’s podcast.

Shafir said the encounter happened around the time she wrestled Athena for the ROH Women’s World title, which took place in January 2023. It was a Wednesday morning and she was on a treadmill when a coworker started behaving oddly on the treadmill next to her.

Shafir said:

“I’m not going to name his name because I’m not like that. But somebody that I used to work with hopped onto the treadmill next to me, tried to copy my workout.”

She said this person ended up slipping and taking a back bump on the treadmill. She stopped her workout to ask if he was okay and then went to another room.

“I’m just going to get the f–k out of there. And I went into the other room to start my mobility and stuff.”

Shafir said she and this person were only on a “hi, bye” basis and not very close.

“I go into this other room to do my mobility and I’m just leaning against the wall and all of a sudden I get f—ing shoved from behind as I’m taking a sip of my water bottle. And it wasn’t like a soft shove. I felt like I just got tackled.”

“I just pause for a second. I turn around and he’s just standing over me going like, ‘Come on, come on.’”

Saraya asked if the person was being serious and Shafir responded that he was being “playful” but described the situation as “uncomfortable.”

“I did not invite that. I had my f—ing headphones on and I’m minding my own f—ing business.”

She mentioned there were two witnesses to the incident but they seemed too frozen to intervene. Shafir then described what happened next:

“I’m like, ‘Alright, m––f—r.’ I got up. I stood southpaw just to f–k with him. I faked a f–king left, took a big step and just fucking hooked the f–k out of him. Just like raised his f–king chin.”

The person then tried a takeown, but Shafir stuffed his attempt. She then fought off another takedown attempt before giving him a verbal warning.

“He tried to pop up for a f—ing double and I f—ing stuffed it again. My headphones pop out and I just remember the last thing I remember saying is, ‘I will f—ing take your money, don’t ever f—ing touch me ever again.’”

Shafir’s full appearance on the show is available below:

Ring of Honor TV live results: CMLL trios showcase

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Ring of Honor returns to Friday night once again for a short episode that is airing both on YouTube and HonorClub.

In a CMLL trios showcase that is becoming a signature of ROH, Volador Jr., Hechicero & Barbaro Cavernario challenge former ROH Men’s TV Champion Atlantis Jr., Fuego & Neon.

In a Pure rules bout, Queen Aminata takes on the returning Allysin Kay.

Ahead of Sunday’s Anarchy in the Arena bout at AEW Double or Nothing, Marina Shafir goes one-on-one with Laynie Luck while the main card is rounded out by Gringo Loco vs. Blake Christian.

**********

Episode 117 of ROH on Honorclub kicked off with the ROH Women’s Forever Champion, Athena. Athena told us that she has entered Billie Starkz in the upcoming Women’s Pure Championship. Under Pure Rules, she can’t receive any help, so Athena said she was on her own, and that she expects Starkz to win!

Marina Shafir defeated Laynie Luck

To tap in the 2-ft putt, Laynie’s luck might just have run out as she takes on Marina Shafir. Shafir has made a habit of decimating anyone who gets in the ring with her and has not lost a singles match since 2023. Luck has not actually won a Ring of Honor match since 2021. I admire the tenacity, but I don’t see either of those stats having much of a chance of changing here. 

There was a definite contrast in styles to this match. Luck had flair and color, while Shafir’s style employed more murder than anything else. Shafir locked in an armbar right off of the Code of Honor, twisting Luck in ways that did not seem natural.

Shafir dragged her to the middle of the ring and Luck tried to flip Shafir onto her back, but only got a two count. Luck tried to pull Shafir out of the ring, but got a triangle choke for her trouble. Shafir delivered a snap suplex and sent Luck into the corner for some deep shots.

Shafir will be in Anarchy In The Arena this sunday and that was all the commentators really cared about. In the ring, Shafir locked in an STF. Luck actually managed to power out of it, but her comeback was short lived as Shafir quickly got her into Mother’s Milk and Luck was forced to tap out.

Match Result: Marina Shafir defeated Laynie Luck

Blake Christian (w/ Lee Johnson) defeated Gringo Loco

Christian has been on a red-hot streak in ROH, being undefeated in singles matches since July 2024. In fact, his only loss has been as part of a six-man match for the ROh TV title way back at Final Battle 2024. He’s one of the most successful heels in ROH right now, but now he’s up against someone like Gringo Loco, who almost earned a shot at the ROH World title in a Proving Ground match a couple of weeks ago. Christian and Loco have a lot of history on the indies so this should be a banger!

Christian jumped Loco before the bell, stomping him in the corner. Christian’s strategy was to keep Loco off his feet, but that only lasted so long. Loco could easily match Christian in speed, and the two traded lucha-style moves all around the ring.

Loco went up top for a split-legged moonsault, but Christian kicked out at two. Loco seemed to over power Christian, knocking him down with some huge strikes. Loco went up top again, but Christian joined him and slammed Loco’s face into the turnbuckle, sending him out of the ring.

Back inside, Christian took over with a series of Judo throws and a big leg drop. He began toying with Loco, which came back to bite him when Loco nailed a spin out flatliner. The punches flew and it looked like Loco was going to put this one away when Christian reversed the momentum with a 450 double stomp from the top rope. Only a two count though.

Christian took a trip to the 619 area code and hit a poisonrana. He set up Loco in Vanilla Choke Zero and Loco tapped out in the middle of the ring, preserving Christian’s 2025 undefeated streak.

Match Result: Blake Christian defeated Gringo Loco

Pure Rules Match: Queen Aminata defeated Allysin Kay

There is an impending tournament to crown the first ever Women’s Pure Champion in ROH and Aminata is sure to be a main player in those brackets. She even said as much in a promo last week. Kay is a likely participant as well, but her last ROH appearance was a loss to Aminata back in January. 

For those not in the know, in a Pure Rules match competitors are allowed one closed fist warning and three rope breaks. There is a 10 minute time limit and if there is any outside interference it’s an immediate DQ.

Kay had a size advantage over Aminata, but Aminata has been brushing up on her technical skills, quickly locking in a reverse submission, causing Kay to use up a rope break just :45 seconds in. Kay tried to get an armbar in the middle of the ring, but Aminata reversed it into a face lock. Kay dragged them both to the ring ropes, using her second rope break at 2:05.

Kay followed that up with a straight shot to Aminata’s face, earning her one closed fist warning. Kay tried to over power Aminata with a series of shots and slams. Aminata rolled to the outside to regroup, but Kay followed and worked her over by the barricade.

Aminata fought back though and tossed Kay back into the ring. Kay tried a butterfly slam, but Aminata kicked out. Aminata delivered some big forearms, but Kay rolled through and locked in a head scissors. Aminata powered out though and got her with a headbutt. Aminata tried an inside figure four and at 6:06, Kay tapped out, making us 3-for-3 on submission finishers tonight.

Match Result: Pure Rules Match: Queen Aminata defeated Allysin Kay

-Serena Deeb, Aminata’s first round opponent whenever the Women’s Pure tournament starts, cut a promo from the back. Deeb wondered what she has to show for her five years in AEW/ROH and she is tired of pretending to be happy about it. She isn’t here for anything but proving she’s the best at professional wrestling. She said that the ROH Women’s Pure Championship was made for her and she was made for it.

Atlantis Jr., Fuego & Neon defeated Barbaro Cavernario, Hechicero & Volador Jr.

The so-called (by me) Crisis of Infinite Luchadores that ran through ROH this spring returns in this six-man bout! Former ROH World Television Champion Atlantis Jr teams with CMLL;s Fuego and 1/3rd of the CMLL Trios Champions, Neon. Literal caveman Cavernario heads up his team with Los Infernales member Hechicero and 27-year veteran Volador Jr. 

Volador and Fuego kicked things off, with Fuego tossing Volador out of the ring. Cavernario took his place, and met with a similar face. Even Hechicero found himself right back on the outside when facing Fuego.

Caervnario and Atlantis faced off next, with Volador and Hechicero coming in for a triple team while Fuego and Neon, uh, watched. Atlantis managed to distribute backbreakers to them all though and tagged in Neon. Volador volunteered to face him, but it wasn’t long before Cavernario and Hechicero tried their hands. Neon got a similar triple team treatment until Fuego managed to run off the other team.

Cevernario delivered a missile dropkick in midair as Fuego was thrown backwards by Volador. The timing was perfect. Atlantis jumped in to avenge his teammate but Hechicero and Volador knocked him down with a reverse monkey flip double kick. Yes, that’s what it was.

Atlantis fought back though, hitting Cavernario so hard he did the worm. Atlantis dove through the ropes and hit Cavernario into the barricade as in the ring, Neon and Fuego took out Volodor and Hechicero.

Cavernario dragged Atlantis back into the ring and hit a big DDT, but could only get a two count. He tried a springboard drop but Atlantis blocked it and hit a frog splash from the top rope. Atlantis picked up the win while Neon and Fuego held Hechicero and Volador to the outside. Bueno Lucha!

Match Result: Atlantis Jr., Fuego & Neon defeated Barbaro Cavernario, Hechicero & Volador Jr.

Ring of Honor TV live results: Deonna Purrazzo in action, Jay Lethal vs. Atlantis Jr.

Posted on by Jeff Moss

With the upcoming inaugural Women’s Ring of Honor Pure Championship tournament, Pure rules will be showcased on this week’s special Friday edition of ROH TV on HonorClub and YouTube.

Tournament participant Deonna Purrazzo will be in action in a Pure rules bout against Ashley Vox while another tournament competitor — Leila Grey — will take on Marina Shafir of the Death Riders in a traditional rules match.

Former ROH Men’s TV Champion Atlantis Jr. will battle former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal.

Blake Christian & Lee Johnson will team up against the Spanish Announce Team’s Serpentico & Angelico.

**********

Its a special day for Ring of Honor, coming at you with Episode 115 of ROH on Honorclub! With a pair of Proving Ground matches, a Pure Rules bout and two ROH Legends going head to head, it promised to be very special indeed!

Atlantis Jr. defeated Jay Lethal

Even if you’re not aware of the lengthy ROH history that Atlantis and Lethal have built for themselves, who wouldn’t want to see this match? Atlantis was the ROH World Television champion up until a few weeks ago when he lost said ROH TV title on AEW TV. Lethal is a Grand Slam Champion in ROH, with World, Tag, Pure and TV title reigns under his belt. His lineage in ROH goes all the way back to 2002, so this is definitely home for Lethal. 

Atlantis Jr is actually undefeated in singles bouts in ROH. Which makes total sense when you think about him winning and losing the ROH TV Title. A code of honor was shared between these two heavy hitters and the match was on.

Lethal seemed a bit back on his heels early on as Atlantis’ speed seemed to get the best of him. Lethal bailed to the outside and Atlantis followed with a suicide dive into the barricade. Atlantis seemed in complete control, moving slowly but steadily until Lethal reversed and armdrag into a hip-toss dropkick.

Lethal went up to the top rope for his big elbow drop, but Atlantis was wiggling around too much and he couldn’t find a good angle from three of the four turnbuckles. Atlantis climbed up and grabbed Lethal into a superplex, knocking Lethal silly.

Lethal fought back though and hooked Atlantis into a figure four leg lock. Atlantis managed to wiggle his way to the rope to break the hold. Lethal continued to work the knee though, delivering some stiff kicks to Atlantis before attempting a Lethal Injection. Atlantis caught him though and Lethal tried again, but Atlantis had it scouted and hit a powerslam.

Atlantis nailed a frog splash from the top rope and that was it. He got the pin 1-2-3.

Match Result: Atlantis Jr. defeated Jay Lethal

Marina Shafir defeated Leila Grey

Shafir has been running around with a little group you may have heard of called the Death Riders. I don’t know if that means I can still make “problem” jokes at her expense, but regardless she is a big problem for Grey. These women are set to participate in the ROH Women’s Pure Tournament when it starts up and would make a heck of a first round match. Just saying, booking people. 

The bell rang and as with most Shafir matches, so she controlled the pace from the start. Grey was caught completely off guard by the no-nonsense Shafir style. Grey kept making mistakes by posing for the crowd, allowing Shafir to kick her to death.

Grey never really recovered, taking everything Shafir dished out, including kicks and judo throws. Shafir couldn’t get the three count though as Grey got the shoulder up at the last second every time. Shafir locked in a really crazy half-crab stretch, but left Grey’s leg unattended so she was able to wriggle out.

Grey tried to fight back, but Shafir no-sold every strike. Grey tried a rolling neckbreaker and shotgun dropkick, but Shafir didn’t even leave her feet. She slammed Grey to the mat and locked in the Mother’s Milk submission, causing Grey to tap out.

Match Result: Marina Shafir defeated Leila Grey

Blake Christian & Lee Johnson defeated Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico)

I’m just going to come right out and say it: Blake Christian is a bad influence on that nice Lee Johnson. His mom should really talk to Christian’s mom about the path Christian is walking and the trouble he can get Johnson into! After losing via the dreaded numbers game to the Frat House last week, nice boys Angelico and Serpentico just wanted to have a nice, fun, laid back match, but with that dastardly Christian around, it was bound to get somewhat chippy. 

Angelico and Christian kicked things off and Christian set the tone by kicking away the Code of Honor. From there it was an oddly slow exchange. Christian held Angelico in a wristlock for what seemed like 10 minutes (it wasn’t, but time has no meaning).

Angelico picked up the pace with some good old fashioned punches to the face, which brought Serpentico in to work a double team. Johnson caught a blind tag and took down Serpentico, giving Christian an opening to spear him on his way to the corner.

Even though it was their first time teaming together, Johnson and Christian worked really well together. They set each other up for moves as if they had done it a hundred times before. They then started messing with Serpentico’s mask, which made me think that Serpentico might want to get less cool masks because someone seems to always been trying to steal his.

Angelico tagged in and cleared house for his partner. Angelico’s lankiness has always been a strength and he was able to wind and dodge around Johnson, setting him up for a Snakebomb from the top rope from Serpentico.

Angelico got planted by Christian and tossed to the outside. Serpentico avenged him with a monkey flip. He tried it again on Johnson, but got caught in a super destroyer from the top rope. Johnson pinned Serpentico and that was that.

Match Result: Blake Christian & Lee Johnson defeated Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico)

Pure Rules Match: Deonna Purrazzo defeated Ashley Vox

With the ROH Women’s Pure Championship Tournament about to kick off, Purazzo and Vox get a bit of a warm up and the audience got a bit of a reminder how Pure Rules matches work. In case you missed it, the match has a ten minute time limit and each competitor gets 3 rope breaks. Once those are exhausted, a person can be submitted or pinned even if they get to the ropes. Competitors also get one warning for a closed fist and a second instance is a DQ. This would actually be the first ever Women’s Pure Rules match, which is a nice bit of history.

The clock started ticking as the two women locked up. Purrazzo seemed to have the confidence as they traded wristlocks. Purrazzo dragged Vox to the ground and locked in a hold forcing Vox to use the rope at 1:36. Purrazzo strong armed her way out of a fishook hold next as Vox tried everything she could.

Purrazzo dropped the finesse at that point and clubbed Vox down to the mat. She tied up Vox with a hammer lock into a half-crab. vox used her second rope break at 3:25 to get out of it. Purrazzo followed that up with a single arm DDT.

A lariat got Purrazzo a two-count, and then she hit a powerbomb into a Venus De Milo hold. Vox was way to far away to use her final rope break and was forced to tap. Purrazzo becomes the first woman to win a Pure Rules match in ROH history.

Match Result: Deonna Purrazzo defeated Ashley Vox

-Backstage, Queen Aminata talked to the camera about how she has learned so much during her time in ROH. She assured us that she will out-work every other woman in the Pure Tournament. At this point they had talked a LOT about the Tournament but never really mentioned when it was due to start.

ROH Women’s World Television Title Proving Ground Match: Red Velvet [c] defeated Laynie Luck

Red Velvet has held the ROH Women’s TV Championship for 287 days as of this writing. In that time, she’s had some great matches but virtually no one has come close to taking the title from her. Luck is currently the Glory Pro Women’s World Crown Champion and has been for 194 days. Winning this Proving Ground match would give her a shot at being a double champion, which seems like a lot, but I’m told is really great for nicknames and stuff. 

Velvet got the drop on Luck off the top with a tight headlock. Luck wormed out and responded with a shoulder tackle and gator roll suplex, which woke the crowd up. Luck blocked a casa dora from Velvet, who slid out of the ring to regroup. Luck tried a baseball slide, but got wrapped up in the ring apron, allowing Velvet to regain control.

Velvet then landed a meteora to the back of the head of Luck and used her boxing skills to pepper Luck with shots. The time was ticking away though and Velvet seemed to be unaware of it as she laid in a choke in the corner.

Luck battled back with a snap Spiccoli driver that looked absolutely devastating. It only got her a two count though. Velvet came back with a twisting neckbreaker and that was enough to put Luck away and give Velvet the win.

Match Result: Red Velvet [c] defeated Laynie Luck

Satnam Singh defeated Lord Crewe

In case you missed it, Satnam Singh is big. Like, really big. He stands at 7’2” and weighs over 300lbs. That gives him an ability to move that most men of his height don’t have. Crewe was last seen on ROH back in January when he was chewed up and spit out by The Beast Mortos. Crew is not a small man, but even at 6’3” he still gives up a foot of vertical to Singh. If these two don’t break the ring, it should be a fun match!

The two locked up and Singh honestly made Crewe look like a small child. He threw him into the corner like a ragdoll and chopped him so hard I think they heard it in Texas, where AEW is holding All In, in case you didn’t know or missed the 13 promos for it during this episode.

Singh then picked up Crewe by the beard and threw him across the ring. Crewe tried to fight back, coming in off the ropes to try and get the big man off his feet.

Spoiler: He didn’t.

Singh picked up Crewe and dropped him on his head before landing a 12-foot chokeslam to get the victory.

Match Result: Satnam Singh defeated Lord Crewe

ROH World Title Proving Ground Match: Bandido [c] defeated Gringo Loco

Bless Bandido and his actually defending the ROH World Championship on ROH TV. It’s a small thing, but it really makes the show more exciting when the champions are working the shows they are champions of. Loco is no slouch either. He’s currently the Warrior Wrestling Lucha Champion and the Demand Royal Canadian Tag Team Champion (with Arez as Los Desperados). So this should be a super fun lucha fest! (Also the name of my J-pop band). 

The crowd was firmly behind the champion, chanting his name as he got his gear off and the match began. Loco was the bigger of the two, but he moved like a man half his size. The two dove and twisted with each other before pausing for a brief dance off. This was entertaining, but since there’s a 10-minute time limit on these Proving Ground matches, didn’t seem very prudent.

Bandido matched Loco’s strength with a huge hit on the outside and celebrated with the crowd, again wasting more and more time and giving Loco a bit of an advantage.

Back in the ring, Loco hit a dropkick and got a two count before heading to the top rope to hit a bouncing split legged splash on Bandido. From there, he chopped the champion to the mat again and again. Loco caught Bandido in midair and hit a powerbomb as the mid-point of the match passed by.

Bandido landed an around the world DDT and he jumped to the top rope for a picture perfect frog splash, but Loco kicked out at two. Bandido bounced off the ropes, but Loco turned him inside out with a superkick. Loco dragged Bandido to the top turnbuckle for what appeared to be an inverted Angle slam from the top rope, but again Bandido kicked out at two.

“This is awesome” chants began to rain down as Bandido joined Loco on the top turnbuckle again. Bandidio hit a super-rana on him followed by a shining wizard and that was it for Loco. Just under the time wire, Bandido got the win in an absolutely killer match.

Match Result: Bandido [c] defeated Gringo Loco

Ring of Honor TV results: Bandido vs. Jay Lethal title eliminator

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Days after kicking off his second Ring of Honor World title reign, Bandido will put a future title shot on the line as part of tonight’s HonorClub streaming show.

Bandido will face former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal in a Proving Ground match where if the challenger can draw or defeat the champion, a future shot is his. While they have shared the ring plenty through the years, this will be their first ever singles match.

For the first time since last September, ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & the Von Erichs will be in action against Violence is Forever and Davey Bang.

NJPW’s Tomohiro Ishii will make his return to the black and red brand to challenge Preston Vance.

After returning to action recently, Marina Shafir will look get on the winning track tonight against Nixi XS.

MxM Collection and Johnny TV will reunite for a trios bout against Drake Daniels, Jordan Kross & Ryan Matthews.

**********

A brand new ROH World Champion, a pair of high-profile six-man tag matches and the return of a certain problem are all backed tightly into ROH on Honorclub episode 111! 

(Also, Preston Vance will be there).

Johnny TV & MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) (w/ Taya Valkyrie) defeated Drake Daniels, Jordan Kross & Ryan Matthews

Johnny TV, Mansoor and Madden are a match made in gorgeous heaven. So, I’ll be calling their Trios Team MxMxTV. A while back, Madden and Mansoor stole a championship belt from Dustin Rhodes, tonight carried to the ring by Taya Valkyrie. So that makes MxMxTV 1/3rd of the Six-Man belt holders. Or something like that. Daniels, Cross and Matthews (who sound like a 1970’s folk trio) were all making their ROH debuts in this match. 

TV and Kross kicked things off like anyone would: by engaging in a dance battle (TV won). He used that advantage to deliver some really devastating knees to the face of Kross. Mansoor and Madden isolated Kross in the corner and doubled teamed him with various pose-based offense. Matthews tried to help, but it did not work.

While Valkyrie and TV made out over the title belt at ringside, Daniels entered the match and was immediately destroyed by the much, much bigger Madden. Kross and Matthews were easily dispatched while TV, Madden and Mansoor hit a three-way Centerfold and posed with the beaten Daniels.

Match Result: Johnny TV & MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) (w/ Taya Valkyrie) defeated Drake Daniels, Jordan Kross & Ryan Matthews

Marina Shafir defeated Nixi XS

Shafir was back in ROH after spending some time hanging out with Voldemort’s forces in AEW. …What? …Death RIDERS? Oh, that’s totally different. Either way, she’s back and ready to face off against XS in her ROH debut. 

XS looked straight out of an episode of GLOW, which was a great juxtaposition to the more straight forward look and style of Shafir. Shafir used the Code of Honor to whip XS around in a series of Judo throws. XS had a very, very expressive face, so she was able to really sell Shafir’s offense. Shafir on the other hand, no-sold everything that XS threw at her. One Mother’s Milk submission later and XS was tapping out.

Match Result: Marina Shafir defeated Nixi XS

-Backstage the ROH Trios Champions (with all three belts?) cut a promo. The Von Erichs talked about how it made them mad that MxM stole Rhode’s title belt. Rhodes called MxM stupid. Yes, Stupid. Rhodes then issued a challenge to MxMxTV to show up next week so he could take his belt back.

Tomohiro Ishii defeated Preston Vance (w/ Jacked Jameson)

Vance, Jameson and their Frat House compadres Griff Garrison and Cole Karter have been running around being professionally obnoxious in ROH for a few weeks now. Their very presence makes me seethe with rage (which means they are very good at their jobs. And being jerks. Their job is to be jerks), so it’s with great pleasure that everyone welcomed Ishii back to ROH to smash, cook up and eat  at least one member of the Frat House. 

Vance tied up with Ishii and even though he had about a foot on him in height, Ishii has the density of a dying sun and was able to shrug off just about everything Vance threw at him. Vance tried to turn up the speed of the match, but Ishii ended up being grabbed by Jameson and pulled out of the ring.

Jameson gave Ishii a few shots while Vance distracted the Ref and tossed him back into the ring. Vance hit Ishii in the back of the head and delivered a suplex which seemed to enrage Ishii who began growing with every elbow Vance threw at his head.

The match devolved into the two of them just punching each other until Ishii caught Vance with a side slam. Vance ran the ropes and brought down Ishii with a football-style tackle. He tried for a discus lariat, but Ishii avoided it and clotheslined Vance.

Jameson jumped up on the ring apron (the highest part of the ring!) and tried to cause a distraction, but Ishii knocked him off and he and Vance traded strikes until Ishii landed a big head butt followed by a brainbuster to pick up the victory.

After the match, Ishii called out Jameson, who claimed that he had a “broken nose” so he couldn’t fight. Sure.

Match Result: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Preston Vance (w/ Jacked Jameson)

-An interview with Bandido aired from backstage at AEW Dynasty. He’s very excited to be ROH World Champion and was grateful to God to be there with his family. He declared his mom “the real champ” for her support. Then he challenged her to a Ladder match for the belt. OK, that didn’t happen, but I’d watch it. Just saying.

ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs (Marshall & Ross) defeated Davey Bang, Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku in a non-title match

It’s the return of Texas’ favorite (grand)sons to team up with one half of the Sons of Texas! Marshall and Ross Von Erich have been on the shelf due to injury since February and their return couldn’t have come at a better time, as MxM just stole Rhodes’ Championship title belt, which we dealt with earlier. Their opponents tonight Bang, Garrini and Ku were all last seen in ROH in 2023 with a collective 0-5 record between them. 

Rhodes and one of the other guys kicked things off and Rhodes made him look good. At this point, I need to note that the commentary team was absolutely terrible this week regarding who was in the ring with the better known wrestlers. It was like they didn’t know who was who and shared that lack of knowledge with the audience.

Anyways, (I think) Bang and Garrini tried to isolate Ross in the corner with a double team. Garrini tried to do the same with Ku, but that allowed Ross to get the tag to Marshall who cleaned house. When the dust settled, it was Marshall and Ku, with Ross and Rhodes keeping the other two at bay.

Bang tried to go up top, but ended up jumping right into an Iron Claw from Marshall. Marshall transitioned it into a front slam and got the pin to pick up the victory for his team.

Match Result: Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs (Marshall & Ross) defeated Davey Bang, Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku

-Backstage, Taya Valkyrie cut a promo about how she has the opportunity to take on Red Velvet and get a shot at the ROH Women’s TV title. The one thing stopping her is La Catalina, who Valkyrie claims copied her by coming to ROH via Mexico. The two will face off next week, with the winner getting a shot at Red Velvet’s ROH Women’s Television championship.

ROH World Champion Bandido defeated Jay Lethal in a Proving Ground match

Bandido defeated Chris Jericho (not an ROH Wrestler) at AEW Dynasty (not an ROH Show) to become the ROH World Champion for the second time. Unlike his predecessor, this ROH World Champion actually appears on the show and got right down to business here with a Proving Ground match against one of the legends of ROH, a former ROH World, Pure, Television and Tag Team Champion, Jay Lethal. If Lethal scored a victory or lasted to the 10 minute time limit, he’d be slingshotted right into challenging for Bandido’s not-even-cold-yet title. (No word on if Bandido’s Mom will be there).

The two locked up and almost immediately the action left the ring. Lethal landed a running dive through the ropes, knocking Bandido almost back up the ramp, before tossing him back into the ring. Lethal tried to get a figure four on, but Bandido reversed it into a small package for a two count.

Lethal and Bandido then traded chops with Lethal having the advantage because he has “calloused hands from years of weightlifting” according to Ian Riccabonni. Lethal spun Bandido around with a bit lariat and tried for another figure four, which Bandido reversed into another small package, and got another two count.

Third time was the charm though as Lethal got a figure four on Bandido in the center of the ring. Bandido wormed his way to the ropes though and Lethal broke the hold, but continued working the knee of the Champion.

Lethal went for a Lethal Injection, but Bandido caught him midair and threw him to the ropes. The Champion then hit a 21 plex and picked up the win over Lethal. After the match, Lethal shook Bandido’s hand, showing respect to the new Champion.

Match Result: Bandido defeated Jay Lethal

And that does it for Episode 111. Next week: Taya Valkyrie vs La Catalina.

Willow Nightingale returns from injury at AEW Full Gear

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

Former TBS Champion and former CMLL Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale returned to AEW, making her presence felt during the main event title match between Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy at Saturday’s Full Gear.

Nightingale suffered a concussion during the late-October CMLL Women’s International Grand Prix and has been out of action anywhere since then.

During one of the many skirmishes and run-ins that took place during the World title match, Nightingale ran out to help even the odds for The Conglomeration and target Marina Shafir. The two had a brawl at ringside before Nightingale eventually disappeared.

Shafir joined Moxley and the rest of the Death Riders in escaping the scene in a stolen car after Darby Allin ran into their truck with his own car. That was following Moxley’s successful title defense that saw Hangman Page come out to confront Moxley followed by Christian Cage teasing cashing in his guaranteed title shot followed by Jay White preventing it.

Ronda Rousey debuts for Ring of Honor in tag team match

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former WWE Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey made her surprise Ring of Honor debut Friday in Los Angeles.

Rousey was the mystery partner for Marina Shafir against ROH Women’s Champion Athena & Billie Starkz in a match that is assumed is be airing on ROH TV this Thursday, coming out to Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” as she had in WWE.

The match took place after Friday’s live AEW Collision & Rampage shows at The Forum.

The two teams went to a no contest on Thursday’s Wrestling Revolver event in Rousey’s first match since an October indie bout with Shafir against Brian Kendrick & Taya Valkyrie.

Rousey wrapped up a run with WWE at August’s SummerSlam where she lost to Shayna Baszler in an MMA rules match.

AEW & ROH head Tony Khan tweeted about the match without saying it was Rousey:

Rousey, the past UFC bantamweight superstar, made her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34 in 2018 which kicked off a run that saw her win the Raw Women’s title, the SmackDown Women’s title twice, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles with Baszler.

Ronda Rousey & Marina Shafir team together at Wrestling Revolver Unreal

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Ronda Rousey wrestled in the main event of Thursday’s Wrestling Revolver Unreal event.

Teaming with Marina Shafir, she faced off against AEW’s Athena and Billie Starkz in the main event. At one point during the match, Rousey took a suplex from Starkz and landed on her head, but continued the match anyway. The finish of the match had Athena attack Rousey with the ROH Women’s Championship, ending the match in a no contest. The show ended with Rousey thanking everyone for their support.

This was Rousey’s second match post-WWE, with her first being at a Lucha VaVoom event on October 28. In an impromptu match, she teamed with Shafir to defeat Brian Kendrick and Taya Valkyrie.

Rousey had her final match with WWE following August’s SummerSlam event, where Shayna Baszler defeated Rousey in an MMA rules match. Rousey had spent the entirety of her pro wrestling career in WWE, where she had her debut match back at WrestleMania 34 in 2018, teaming with Kurt Angle to defeat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

Ronda Rousey & Marina Shafir’s Wrestling Revolver Unreal opponents revealed

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Ronda Rousey will team with Marina Shafir in her Wrestling Revolver debut, and the promotion has announced the duo’s opponents. 

In a social media post Thursday, Wrestling Revolver officially announced Rousey & Shafir vs. ROH Women’s World Champion Athena & Billie Starkz for its Thursday, November 16 Unreal event. 

Wrestling Revolver had previously announced on October 28 that Rousey would debut at the show, and a tag match with Shafir was a safe bet, but not official until Thursday’s official announcement. 

Rousey made a surprise return to the ring on October 27 at a Lucha VaVOOM show in Los Angeles in her first wrestling appearance since leaving WWE following this year’s SummerSlam in August. Rousey & Shafir defeated Brian Kendrick & Taya Valkyrie in a tag bout at the Lucha VaVOOM event. 

Rousey left WWE following a loss to Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam, capping her second run as an in-ring performer with the company. In her time with WWE, Rousey was a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, a Raw Women’s Champion, a Women’s Tag Team Champion, and won the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble match.

Ronda Rousey makes surprise in-ring return at Lucha VaVOOM event

Posted on by Ian Carey

Ronda Rousey returned to the ring on Thursday night. 

Rousey attended Lucha VaVOOM Area 51 at the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles. She ended up involved in an impromptu match on the show and teamed with her long-time training partner, Marina Shafir. The two Four Horsewomen of MMA members wrestled Taya Valkyrie and Brian Kendrick in a tag team match.  

Rousey picked up the win for her team by making Kendrick tap out to an ankle lock. She posted footage of the match to Instagram on Friday. 

@luchavavoom was honestly the best Lucha/burlesque hybrid show I’ve ever had the pleasure of jumping into unannounced. Anyone who doubted me and @marinashafir could make magic in a ring is an idiot – thank you @thetayavalkyrie and @mr.briankendrickfor being down to get down with us

https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:Cy57ahURsdA

In the days leading up to the show, Lucha VaVOOM teased that something big was planned, writing, “Let’s just say this very simply for the record. We can’t tell you who it is. But if you miss this tonight, you’ll be kicking yourself tomorrow. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Seriously.”

The promotion runs the second night of the two-night Halloween-themed event on Friday from the same venue. It is unknown if Rousey will be back at the show. 

https://twitter.com/LuchaVaVOOM/status/1717232958472704299