Former AEW and ROH wrestler Mercedes Martinez recently opened up about her time in AEW and how she was not properly utilized there.
Speaking to A2theKWrestling, Martinez revealed the time she started to realize how her in-ring time was coming near its end.
“I’m blessed for the opportunity that Tony [Khan] gave me for the last four years. But it felt like the last year and a half, almost two years, I just sat on the shelf not doing anything for the company,” she said.
Expressing how she was not properly utilized there, the 45-year-old continued, “And it kind of messes with your mind a lot. It kind of just makes you think, ’Am I worth it? Does he really want to utilize my talent and my expertise?’ I know my style is not like a TV style. It’s very just raw. It’s very rugged. It’s very old school in the sense of very power and strong style. And maybe the girls didn’t want to wrestle somebody like me with that style because it’s very raw. But I also look at Eddie Kingston and be like, ‘Well, if he can do it, I know I can do it. You need a female like that.’”
“It’s kind of one of those things where I’m just like, ‘Man, I’m hitting that age group. I’m 45, and can I still go with the new generation?’ Maybe that’s their thing. Maybe they didn’t want to put me into creative storylines or anything like that I’ve pitched,” she continued. “So it’s just one of those things where I’m like, maybe if we don’t renew the contract, which I already knew wasn’t going to happen, that I’m gonna go out the way I want to go out.“
Earlier this year, she shared a thoughtful message and opened up about embracing one final run in 2026. Her career began in the late 2000s, but she had her first recorded match (as per Cagematch) in 2001. Throughout her long and celebrated career, Martinez wrestled across multiple promotions, including WWE, AEW, ROH, and many more.
Martinez noted that she would have “no contracts” in 2026 and would be dedicating the year to competing on the indies. She is aiming to give back to the younger generation by passing on everything she’s learned. A veteran wrestler who also has experience in WWE, Martinez signed with AEW in 2021 but has not wrestled for the company in some time.
Taven is a former ROH World Champion and ROH Tag Team Champion. One of the top stars in ROH at the end of the Sinclair Broadcast Group era, he continued to be featured on the ROH brand after signing with AEW in 2022.
As of now, Mike Bennett — Taven’s tag team partner in The Kingdom — is still on the AEW roster page.
A member of the Spanish-language broadcast team while with AEW, Abrahantes was an on-screen character as a manager to The Lucha Bros and Komander.
45-year-old Mercedes Martinez is now all set to close her chapter as a full-time active pro-wrestler. After spending nearly 25 years in the grind, Martinez recently announced her ‘one final run’ in 2026.
Sharing a thoughtful message and reflecting on her two-decade-long career, Martinez announced the surprising decision on social media.
“2026. Different mindset. Different fire. This is my last year as a full-time ACTIVE professional wrestler. No contracts. No agents. No creative. Just me – and everything I’ve earned over 25 damn years in this business. Wrestling gave me everything,” Martinez continued. “It broke me. Built me. Tested me. Somehow still made me fall in love with it again. 2025 wasn’t about being showcased. It was about going back to the indies, back to the grind, back to the reason I started -and remembering exactly who the hell I am.”
Hoping to give it back to the industry and the next generation, Martinez opened up about her goals.
“Giving back. Teaching. Helping the next generation. Passing on what was given to me the hard way. That part means everything. So 20z6 gets one more year of my body, my heart, and my fight. One more year of scars, sweat, pain, and pride. One more year of showing up and giving everything I’ve got because that’s the only way I’ve ever done this,” she wrote. “The last few years flew by. I don’t know what’s next. All I’ve ever known is wrestling, grinding, and hustling. And for one more year…that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I trust the universe to meet me where I’m at – like it always has. Goodbye 2025. One last run.“
Martinez’s career began in the late 2000s, but she had her first recorded match (as per Cagematch) in 2001. Throughout her long and celebrated career, Martinez wrestled across multiple promotions, including WWE, AEW, ROH, and many more, spanning the independent scene. Close to beginning her final year as a full-time wrestler, her last match dates back to November 29th, 2025, where she won over Rachael Ellering at the NHPW Final Chapter 16 event.
Mercedes Martinez is being honored for her contributions to independent wrestling.
In Philadelphia this Sunday (April 7), Martinez will be inducted into the Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame. She’s the sixth act announced for the 2024 class. Trent Acid, Jay & Mark Briscoe, indie superfan Kevin “Whack Packer” Hogan, Steve Corino, and Sabu are also being honored.
Fellow Shimmer veteran Lexie Fyfe will be inducting Martinez into the Hall of Fame.
Martinez was an indie standout in the 2000s and 2010s. She later wrestled for WWE and is now contracted to AEW.
Currently wrestling in ROH, Martinez lost to Billie Starkz in the semifinals of ROH’s Women’s TV title tournament last month.
The Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame was established in 2022 by Game Changer Wrestling and Orange Crush magazine. The induction ceremony takes place annually during WrestleMania weekend. This year’s ceremony will stream live on YouTube for free starting at noon Eastern time on Sunday.
Ring of Honor presents its weekly show on HonorClub tonight.
Athena will defend her ROH World Women’s title on the show against the wrestler she defeated for the belt at Final Battle 2022, Mercedes Martinez.
A four-corner tag team survival match featuring The Gates of Agony vs. The Wingmen vs. The Infantry vs. The Iron Savages is also advertised for the show. There will also be a four-way match pitting Angelico vs. Slim J vs. Gringo Loco vs. Metalik.
Other matches scheduled to air on HonorClub include Darius Martin vs. Lee Moriarty, Josh Woods vs. Ethan Page, Leyla Hirsch vs. Robyn Renegade, Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal vs. The Righteous, Kiera Hogan vs. Charlette Renegade, and Rachael Ellering vs. LMK. Nick Comoroto, Action Andretti, and Lee Johnson are also advertised for a triple-threat match.
Ring of Honor TV this week was taped at The Mohegan Sun Theater in Uncasville, Connecticut on Saturday. Spoilers from the show are available here.
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This week’s episode began with Stokely Hathaway announcing that ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston had been temporarily suspended for putting his hands on Hathaway. He said that if Kingston touched him again, Kingston would be on the unemployment line.
The Righteous (Dutch & Vincent) defeated Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal
Dutch used his size advantage to take control of Daniels to start the match. Daniels dumped Dutch into the ropes with a drop-toe hold to get a tag out to Sydal. Sydal hammered both Dutch and Vincent with kicks. Sydal and Daniels double-teamed Vincent, with Sydal hitting a slingshot meteora for a nearfall. Ian Riccaboni announced here that the Final Battle show would be available live on Honor Club, at no extra charge for subscribers.
Dutch cut Sydal off from the apron, allowing The Righteous to isolate Sydal in their corner. Vincent hit Death From Above on Sydal, with Daniels needing to make the save. Sydal hit a spin kick before getting the tag to Daniels. Daniels ran wild, dropping both men with STOs before hitting a Death Valley Driver on Vincent for a nearfall. Dutch came in and dropped Sydal with a Black Hole Slam, leaving Daniels on his own. Vincent hit Autumn Sunshine on Daniels to score the win.
Ethan Page was backstage with Lexy Nair. He said that the old Ethan Page would have reacted very differently to the actions of Tony Nese, but instead, he will go through Josh Woods tonight to get back at Nese.
Hirsch took down a trash-talking Renegade to start the match. Hirsch got distracted by Charlette at ringside, allowing Robyn to get a quick advantage. Hirsch came back with a Chaos Theory before scoring the submission win with an armbar.
Charlette jumped Hirsch after the match, but Rachel Ellering ran them off. Hirsch blew Ellering off, shoving her aside before leaving.
Darius Martin defeated Lee Moriarty
This is the type of match we need more of on ROH and AEW television. Two young, fresh talents having a clean showcase here on television.
This is a rematch from last week, where Shane Taylor interfered to help Moriarty win. The two men used their technical skills early on, catching each other in crucifix pins after scrambling on the mat to no avail. Moriarty hooked Martin in the ropes, before kicking Martin’s arm out from under him to develop his target. Moriarty countered a single-leg takedown into an abdominal stretch before using his leg to crank on Martin’s arm some more.
Martin picked up the pace, hitting a rope-assisted Pele kick for a nearfall. After a back-and-forth, Moriarty caught Martin with a hammerlock neckbreaker for a nearfall. Moriarty locked on the Border City Stretch, but Martin countered it into a pair of crucifix pins for nearfalls. Martin hammered Moriarty with a Penalty Kick, but Moriarty caught Martin with a pop-up flatliner for a nearfall. Moriarty and Martin traded strikes before Martin countered a running uppercut with a German suplex. Martin followed with a suplex before hitting a frog splash for the win.
We got a commercial for Final Battle, where it was reiterated that the show would be exclusively on Honor Club.
Josh Woods (w/ Mark Sterling) defeated Ethan Page
A nice story here, with Page being outnumbered and losing to the Varsity Athletes again.
Page had the early advantage, but Woods clipped Page’s arm on an up-and-over in the corner. Woods went to work on Page’s arm, hitting a hammerlock bodyslam for a nearfall. Woods kept tearing at Page’s arm, but Page fired out of the corner with a shoulder block to take Woods down. Tony Nese made his way to the stage to watch this match.
Woods ducked another shoulder block, but Page hit him with a big boot on the rebound. Page fired out of the corner with a clothesline, but Woods held onto Page’s arm when Page tried to send him out of the ring. Page countered the Anarchist Suplex with a running powerslam for a nearfall. Sterling took the referee’s attention as Page hit a head kick on Woods. Page caught Woods in a small package, but Nese came in the ring to flip Woods on top of the pin to score Woods the win.
We got a recap of the Mogul Embassy winning the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles from Hangman Page & The Young Bucks on Dynamite.
Angelico defeated Slim J, Metalik, Gringo Loco
A fun, Lucha-influenced four-way match here, as Angelico scores another win on the way to his future ROH Title match against Eddie Kingston.
Slim J used a handshake from Angelico to vault into a headscissors on Metalik, kicking off the fast-paced action in this match. Loco hit a dive onto Slim J and Angelico before Metalik followed with a springboard moonsault. Angelico isolated Slim J, locking him up with submission holds until Metalik broke it up. Metalik hit Angelico with a Slingblade bulldog and a rope-walk dropkick for a nearfall. Metalik hit a rope-walk rana on Loco for a nearfall.
Metalik kicked out of an Angelico sunset flip before getting caught by a Loco step-up cutter. Slim J hit a splash onto Angelico for a nearfall. We got a series of flash pin attempts before Angelico and Slim J sent Metalik and Loco to the floor respectively. Angelico caught Slim J in a Mouse Trap-style pin for the win.
Sonjay Dutt spoke on his history with Jay Lethal before trashing Eddie Kingston. Stokely Hathaway came in to congratulate Dutt on the work he and his crew did on Kingston on Collision. Dutt asked Hathaway when Jay Lethal was going to receive his title match, but Hathaway gave him the runaround before leaving him hanging.
Rachel Ellering defeated LMK
LMK stands for Little Mean Kathleen, but she was called LMK throughout the match. Ellering scored a quick win with the Bosswoman Slam.
Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) defeated Iron Savages (Boulder & Bronson), The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean), The Wingmen (Peter Avalon & Ryan Nemeth)
The Savages worked on Avalon to start. Avalon hit a splash on Boulder, but Boulder repeatedly bench-pressed Avalon out of pinning position. Dean and Kaun tagged in, with the Gates isolating Dean. The Wingmen got involved, with Nemeth hitting a pendulum DDT for a nearfall. Dean fought his way out of their corner and tagged Bravo.
Bravo ran wild, taking out Avalon with a swinging DDT. The Gates of Agony came in and laid out Bravo, but the Wingmen sent them out of the ring. Dean hit a butterfly backbreaker on Nemeth before hitting Boot Camp on Avalon. Boulder blind-tagged his way in and took out the Infantry with a double flapjack. Kaun got a blind tag before Liona pounced both Savages. The Gates hit a double spinebuster on Avalon to score the win.
We got a recap of Mark Briscoe’s return on last week’s Rampage, taking out Kip Sabian.
Action Andretti defeated Nick Comoroto & Lee Johnson
Comoroto looked good here with his impressive power spots.
Comoroto trucked over both his opponents with a double clothesline, but Johnson and Andretti low-bridged him out of the ring. Johnson and Andretti got caught in a pinning predicament before Comoroto came back in and dropped them both. Comoroto picked up Johnson with a one-handed gorilla press while simultaneously hitting Andretti with a DDT. Shane Taylor watched from backstage, having offered Johnson a spot in Shane Taylor Promotions.
Johnson and Andretti tried to team up on Comoroto, but Comoroto continued to hammer them both. Comoroto hit them both with a running crossbody. Comoroto went for a powerslam on Johnson, but Andretti caught Comoroto with a springboard dropkick. Andretti rolled up Comoroto to get the win.
Kiera Hogan defeated Charlette Renegade
Hogan got a quick win with Face The Music.
Leyla Hirsch was backstage with Lexy Nair. Rachel Ellering came up, but Hirsch didn’t want any help from her. Ellering noted that the one person Hirsch wanted help from – that being Maria Kanellis – wasn’t around. Hirsch said that Maria would be around next time, and shunned Ellering.
Dalton Castle, Gravity, & The Boys (Brandon & Brent) defeated Cole Karter, Griff Garrison & The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake)
Gravity had peacock gear on to match his squad. Karter and Garrison isolated Brent in their corner, allowing the Workhorsemen to clubber on him. The Boys teamed up to get a tag to Gravity, who ran wild on Garrison until Henry laid in a kick from the outside. Garrison hit a powerslam on Gravity for a nearfall.
Gravity fought off the Workhorsemen before getting the tag to Castle, who ran wild on all four of his opponents. Castle flung Boys at his opponents until Drake shut it down. The Boys hit dual enzuigiris on Drake to stop him. Castle catapulted Gravity into a dive to the floor before hitting Drake with the Bangarang for the win.
ROH Women’s World Title Match – Athena defeated Mercedes Martinez (w/ Diamante) to retain
Another standout title defense for Athena, as these two beat seven shades out of each other and took the crowd on a ride. Athena’s partnership with Billie Starkz solidified here, as Starkz did what she needed to do to keep Athena happy.
Athena jumped Martinez at the bell with a forearm before clubbering her in the corner. Athena sent Martinez to the floor, where Martinez sent Athena into the barricade. Athena fought back and sent Martinez into the ring, where she ran into a main event spinebuster from Martinez. Huh, a main event spinebuster that’s actually in the main event. You don’t get those too often.
Athena flipped out of a spider suplex attempt, booting Martinez to the floor before landing a suicide dive. Diamante caught Athena’s attention, allowing Martinez to clobber Athena with a forearm. Martinez sent Athena into the timekeeper’s area before laying her on a chair. Martinez stood over Athena, but Athena fought her way up and superplexed Martinez off of the barricade.
Both women beat the 20-count before getting into a strike exchange in the ring. They traded big strikes before Athena hit a big forearm to reset. Athena went to the top rope, but Diamante got on the apron to cut her off. Martinez hit the OG Drop for a close nearfall. Martinez went for the Brass City Sleeper, but Athena bit her way out of it. Martinez turned a crossface attempt into a crucifix pin for a nearfall.
Athena dropped Martinez with a forearm before hitting the O-Face, but Diamante took the referee’s attention. Athena dropped Diamante with a forearm before hitting the Wig Splitter on her. Athena pulled the turnbuckle pad off, but Martinez booted her into the exposed turnbuckle in a call back to the Final Battle match between these two. Martinez hit a Perfect Plex for a nearfall. Martinez went for an O’Connor Roll, but Athena kicked her into the ropes where a hooded individual hit Martinez with the title belt. Athena hit the Wig Splitter on Martinez to win and retain the title.
The hooded person revealed themselves as Billie Starkz, who presented Athena with the title. After berating Starkz last week, Athena seemed pleased with Starkz this week as we went off the air.
The ROH Women’s World Championship will be defended on Saturday.
Ring of Honor announced on Friday that Athena will defend her title against Mercedes Martinez on tomorrow’s taping in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Athena and her minion Billie Starkz have been involved in a rivalry with Martinez and Diamante of late on ROH TV. On last night’s show, Martinez and Diamante beat Athena and Starks in a tornado tag bout and Martinez posed with the ROH Women’s title after the match.
Athena defeated Martinez to win the title at Final Battle 2022. It was the fifth singles match they’ve had, with three taking place in Shimmer, one in NXT, and one in ROH. One match ended in a double DQ and Athena won the other four.
AEW Presents Collision Sat • Oct 28 • 7:30 PM Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
Available Tickets => 1,175 Current Setup => 3,997 Tickets Distributed => 2,822
2 new sections added. +346 since the Kenny Omega v. MJF announcement.
WrestleTix reported that 2,822 tickets have been distributed for Saturday’s show as of yesterday. AEW announced on Wednesday that Kenny Omega will challenge MJF for the World Championship on that night’s Collision.
The lineup for the Saturday, October 28 Collision:
AEW World Championship: MJF defends against Kenny Omega
AEW Women’s World Championship: Hikaru Shida defends against the winner of Skye Blue vs. Willow Nightingale vs. Anna Jay vs. Abadon on Rampage
The Ring of Honor World title will be on the line as part of tonight’s ROH TV on HonorClub.
Reigning titleholder Claudio Castagnoli will defend against Rocky Romero in hopes of gaining his 10th defense of the gold.
Ethan Page will make his first ROH appearance since 2014 as he takes on Griff Garrison.
Former NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale will face off with Lady Frost.
After failing to defeat AEW International Champion Jon Moxley recently, AR Fox will go one-on-one with Tony Nese. In a similar situation, Shane Taylor will look to rebound from his loss to ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe at All Out when he wrestles Lee Johnson.
The Gates of Agony (Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) will be in tag team action against GCW regular Cole Radrick & Matt Brannigan.
Former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez will be in action as will former ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods.
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ROH World Title Match – Claudio Castagnoli (c) defeated Rocky Romero
This was Castagnoli’s tenth title defense.
The announcers talked about how Romero could throw a spanner in both Castagnoli and Eddie Kingston’s plans, as Romero would defend the title against Kingston at Dynamite: Grand Slam if he won here. Romero sent Castagnoli to the floor with a headscissors. Romero hit a pair of dives before Castagnoli cut off a third dive with an uppercut. Castagnoli sent Romero into the top turnbuckle with a Gorilla Press before dropping him with a big boot for a nearfall.
Romero tried fighting back with a rewind kick, but Castagnoli caught him in the Giant Swing for ten revolutions. Romero sent Castagnoli to the floor with another headscissors before sending Castagnoli over the vacant Collision announce desk with a dive. Romero hit a dropkick to Castagnoli while he was tied up in the ropes. Romero hit a tornado DDT for a nearfall.
Romero hit the rewind kick before landing a 619 and a Standing Sliced Bread for a nearfall. Romero went to the top rope, but Castagnoli cut him off with an uppercut. Romero knocked Castagnoli down and went for a crossbody, but Castagnoli caught him and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a nearfall. Castagnoli clubbered Romero in the corner before hitting a short-arm lariat for a nearfall. Romero caught Castagnoli with a couple of flash pins, but Castagnoli cut off a Tornado DDT. He hit Swiss Death before landing another heavy European Uppercut for the win.
The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) & Willie Mack defeated The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd) & Kevin Ku
The Infantry and Mack held firm control, with Dean hitting a dive onto all three of his opponents. The Outrunners cut him off while he was getting in the ring, allowing their team to take control of him. The Outrunners and Ku took time to pose, allowing Bravo to tag in and run wild. Mack tagged in and traded elbows with Ku. Ku landed a heavy kick, but Mack came back with a pop-up forearm and a Stunner before the Infantry hit their move for the win.
Lexy Nair was backstage with Ethan Page. Page said that he’s let his ego take control of his career, chasing the money and losing his competitive edge. He doesn’t know who he is anymore, but he knows who he wants to be. He’s here in Ring of Honor to prove it to the people and to himself.
Mercedes Martinez defeated Zoey Lynn
This match was dominated by Martinez. Lynn made a short comeback that got cut off with a main event spinebuster. Martinez had the win but pulled Lynn up to hit a rabbit forearm. Martinez locked on the Brass City Stretch to win by submission.
Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) (w/Prince Nana) defeated Cole Radrick & Matt Brannigan
Kaun quickly hammered Brannigan before menacing Radrick off of the apron. Radrick tried running away, but Liona pounced him into the barricade. Liona and Kaun quickly ended things after flapjacking Radrick into Brannigan.
We got a video package recapping the history between Athena & Billie Starkz. After that, we got Lexy Nair in the back with Starkz. Nair gave Starkz a to-do list from Athena to be done before Athena came back in two weeks. Starkz initially balked, but after Nair reminded her that Athena would take it out on the both of them, Starkz decided to get it done. This story is very silly.
Darius Martin defeated Christopher Daniels
The two went back and forth to start before Daniels dumped Martin on his head with a back suplex. Daniels cut off a Martin springboard before leg dropping him off of the ropes for a nearfall. Daniels spun Martin around with a lariat. Daniels went for the uranage, but Martin turned it into an armdrag.
Martin fired up, but Daniels cut him off again, catching him in a Koji Clutch. Martin backdropped his way free of the Angel’s Wings, and after a pinning predicament, Martin held Daniels for a three count for the win.
Shane Taylor defeated Lee Johnson
Johnson tried bouncing around to gain advantage on Taylor before Taylor dropped him with a punch. Taylor flung Johnson across the ring multiple times before sending him into the barricade. Taylor hit an apron legdrop for a one count, then leveled Johnson with a lariat for a nearfall. Johnson tried fighting back, but Taylor headbutted him. A pull-up uranage followed by a splash only got a two count for Taylor.
Johnson came back, dropping Taylor to a knee after a pop-up dropkick. Taylor hit a pendulum DDT for a nearfall. Johnson went to the top rope before Lee Moriarty appeared at ringside to distract him. Taylor hit the Marcus Garvey Driver for the hometown win. Taylor shook hands with Moriarty before they left together.
Willow Nightingale defeated Lady Frost
Nightingale held serve until Frost ducked an enzuigiri. Frost cartwheeled off of Nightingale’s back before hitting a big kick for a nearfall. Frost kept control before running into a Pounce from Nightingale. Nightingale rocked Frost with short-arm lariats before landing an enzuigiri for a nearfall. Frost hit a hurricane kick before going for the Frostbite moonsault for a nearfall. Nightingale cut off Frost with a main event spinebuster before hitting the Babe With The Powerbomb for the win.
Lexy Nair was backstage with Shane Taylor & Lee Moriarty. Taylor said that he and Shane Taylor Promotions have carried Ring of Honor for years, and now it’s time for him to start making history. He officially introduced Moriarty as the newest member of Shane Taylor Promotions. I’m interested in this pairing.
Josh Woods (w/Mark Sterling) defeated Dominic Garrini
This wasn’t a Pure Rules match, but this still had a technical flair to it with both men having similar styles. They traded gutwrenches and wristlocks before Woods sent Garrini flying with suplexes. Woods hit the Anarchist Suplex for the quick win.
Ethan Page defeated Griff Garrison
Garrison hit a big splash in the corner while Maria Kanellis-Bennett & Cole Karter watched from the stage. Page hit a stalling suplex for a nearfall. Garrison hit a big boot and a knee drop to take control. Page cut off Garrison on the top rope and hit a powerslam for a nearfall. Garrison slipped out of the Ego’s Edge and hit a rolling elbow for a nearfall. Page came back with an outside-in cutter to score the win.
The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake) defeated The Boys (Brandon & Brent)
The Workhorsemen got a jump start on the match, but the Boys were able to evade corner attacks and isolate Henry for a moment. Drake got a blind tag in before Henry baited Brandon into a forearm. Drake hit a twisting Vader Bomb for a nearfall.
Henry and Drake worked over Brandon for a while before Brent eventually tagged in. They teamed up to take down Henry, but Drake proved to be too much to handle. A strike combination took out Brandon before a Henry double stomp took out Brent for the win.
Lexy Nair was backstage with Griff Garrison. He was quickly interrupted by Maria Kanellis-Bennett & Cole Karter. Bennett told Garrison that he had potential but needed to surround himself with like-minded people. There was then some humor about Maria’s pearl necklace.
AR Fox defeated Tony Nese (w/Mark Sterling)
You’ll never guess, but Tony Nese wanted to do group training. AR Fox interrupted, thus giving us our match. A quick back-and-forth exchange ended with Nese almost scoring the win with a roll-up with the tights for a nearfall. Fox caught Nese with a series of kicks before mockingly jumping jacks. Sterling tried to cut off Fox, but Fox kept control and hit a skin the cat dropkick in the corner for a nearfall.
Nese choked Fox in the ropes before hooking him over the top rope. Sterling got a few shots in while Nese distracted the referee. Nese brought Fox to the top rope and hit a rolling uppercut. Fox held onto the ropes on a hurricanrana attempt, but Nese came back with the spinning heel kick for a nearfall. Fox came back with a pendulum DDT in the ropes.
Fox fired up, hitting his walkthrough cutter for a nearfall. Nese countered another cutter with a German suplex for a nearfall. Nese went for the Running Nese, but Fox moved. Fox got Nese to the top rope and hit Lo Mein Pain for the win.
CM Punk will defend what he claims is the rightful World title against Ricky Starks on tonight’s AEW Collision with Ricky Steamboat as special guest referee.
After weeks of carrying around a red bag, Punk revealed the “Real World title” last week which he then spray painted with his X symbol. Starks confronted Punk and said the title should be his after recently defeating him, leading to this rematch.
AEW Tag Team Champions FTR will look to continue their roll on Collision with title defenses as they face Big Bill & Brian Cage. The latter earned their shot after recently winning a battle royal on Rampage. FTR successfully defended against Adam Cole & MJF last Saturday.
TBS Champion Kris Statlander will defend her title against former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez.
The Acclaimed will speak publicly for the first time since Billy Gunn seemingly retired after their recent loss to AEW Trios Champions House of Black.
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Our opening comments feature CM Punk saying he’s gonna separate the contenders from the pretenders, Ricky Starks saying he’s going to leave the Greenville crowd chanting his name, Prince Nana saying that his “brolic buddies” will leave with the titles, and FTR saying that they’re going to retain the titles in FTR Country.
AEW World Tag Team Title Match: FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) (c) defeated Big Bill & Brian Cage (w/ Prince Nana) to retain
This was another fun TV Title defense from FTR. Big Bill and Brian Cage worked well together as the big men that the hometown babyfaces needed to topple. Big Bill in particular has shined lately, taking complete advantage of the opportunities he’s been given.
Wheeler started this match by giving a hug to his mother in the front row. He engaged with Cage, with Cage bowling him over with a shoulder block. Harwood tried his hand and staggered Cage, but Cage dropped him with a lariat. Cage and Harwood went back and forth before Cage dropped both champions with shoulder blocks.
Big Bill tagged in and dropped Wheeler with a bodyslam and an elbow drop for a nearfall. Wheeler fought out of the corner and tagged Harwood. FTR fought off both challengers but couldn’t hoist up Bill for the Shatter Machine. Bill chokeslammed Wheeler on top of Harwood, then press slammed Wheeler out of the ring onto Harwood on the outside. The challengers posed as we went to a commercial break.
We came back from break with Bill beating on Wheeler in front of Wheeler’s mother. Bill posed in front of Wheeler’s mother, earning a slap to the face from her. Back in the ring, Cage hit his apron superplex to Wheeler for a nearfall that Harwood broke up. Wheeler fought out of a Torture Rack attempt from Bill and eventually rolled him up, but Bill kicked out and dropped him with a lariat. Wheeler avoided a corner charge from Bill and hit a German suplex on Cage, then fought his way to his corner to tag in Harwood.
Harwood ran wild, sending Bill out of the ring with a running forearm and hammering Cage with lariats. Harwood punched him in the face, then tagged in Wheeler to hit the Steiner Brothers Doomsday Bulldog for a nearfall. They set up the spike piledriver, but Cage caught them both and hit a fallaway slam/Samoan drop combination. Cage and Bill hit their finishers on Harwood and Wheeler, but Wheeler kicked out at two.
Bill sent FTR to the floor, with Cage following them with a tope over the top rope. Bill hit his big boot on Wheeler for a nearfall. Cage went for the F-5, but Wheeler sent him into Bill on the apron. That allowed FTR to hit Cage with the Shatter Machine to win the match and retain the titles.
After the match, Harwood took to the mic and ran down FTR’s accomplishments. They said there was one thing they needed to do. Wheeler made the challenge for Wembley Stadium. FTR vs. The Young Bucks, the rubber match at All In.
We got a video package running down the recent history between CM Punk and Ricky Starks.
Back from the commercial, Tony Schiavone was backstage with Juice Robinson & a cardboard cutout of Jay White. Robinson bigged up the Bullet Club Gold before the real Jay White arrived, saying he would take care of Metalik tonight. The Gunns entered the frame, mocking Schiavone’s commentary. White said that when Bullet Club Gold was having fun, no one else would.
TBS Title Match: Kris Statlander (c) defeated Mercedes Martinez
This was Martinez’s best showing since coming to AEW. She and Statlander had a solid TV match, with the crowd firmly behind Statlander. Diamante has gotten some necessary reps in ROH lately, having a quality title challenge against Athena last week.
They got a jump start on each other in the corner to start, with Statlander getting the early advantage with a shotgun dropkick. Martinez seemed to avoid a somersault senton from Statlander before taking control of the match. Martinez hit two butterfly suplexes, but Statlander fought out of the third. Martinez hammered Statlander with elbows before hitting a tree slam for a nearfall. Martinez clubbered on Statlander in the corner as we went to commercial.
Statlander fired up on Martinez as we came back from the break. Martinez tried to cut her off with a rolling elbow, but Statlander came back with a running knee that sent Martinez to the floor. Martinez avoided a crossbody on the floor, but Statlander came back with a backbreaker. Martinez rolled to the other side of the ring and hung Statlander up in the ropes, but Statlander came back with a powerslam.
Statlander went to the top rope, but Martinez cut her off and followed her up. Martinez hit a Spider Suplex, then followed with a running knee for a nearfall. Statlander countered a Fisherman’s Buster with a roll-up, then hit Saturday Night Fever for a nearfall. Martinez countered a wheelbarrow facebuster attempt by sitting down for a nearfall. Martinez went for a running forearm but Statlander ducked it and rolled Martinez up for the win.
After the match, Martinez jumped Statlander. Diamante came out, feigning the save for Statlander. Diamante quickly helped Martinez beat down Statlander, leading to Willow Nightingale coming out to make the actual save.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone was with a distraught Toni Storm. Storm had a crisis of confidence, wondering whether she was good enough anymore.
Samoa Joe defeated Serpentico
Joe won this match with the Coquina Clutch before I finished typing the competitors in the match. Riccaboni teased that Joe may have set a Collision record for fastest victory.
Joe grabbed the mic and was upset that he had no dance partner for All In. Joe called out CM Punk, noting that he was able to walk around knowing he was better than the Best In The World. He lost that ability during the Hart Foundation Tournament, but a roll-up wasn’t good enough for their legacy. He challenged Punk to a rematch at All In, saying that if Punk made him wait, Joe would make sure to convince him.
We got a quick video package on last week’s ladder match between Andrade and Buddy Matthews, with Andrade saying that if anyone took from him, he would pursue them until it is returned.
Back from the commercial break, we cut to a video from earlier today of Tony Schiavone sitting down with The Acclaimed. They say that they’ve talked to Billy Gunn this past week, with Gunn refusing to take his boots back. Gunn believes he has lost a step and cost the Acclaimed both the Tag Team and Trios Titles. Caster disagreed with him but will respect his decision. Bowens says that they will carry the boots with them as they move forward before telling Gunn how much he means to both of them. The Acclaimed will return to action next week on Collision.
Open House Rules Match for AEW World Trios Title: The House of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) (c) defeated Action Andretti, Darius Martin & Lee Johnson
Brody King has been getting larger and larger reactions for his participation in these matches. It makes sense as he looks like an unstoppable force in these Trios Title defenses. Lee Johnson came back from injury and didn’t miss a step, as he looked fantastic in his short flurry.
The House Rule chosen by the challengers was to have Julia Hart banned from ringside. Martin started with King, running wild until King stood tall on a crossbody attempt. Black tagged in and avoided an Andretti shotgun dropkick before sending Andretti into the barricades. Matthews tagged in and hung up Andretti on the ropes before sending him into the announce table as we went to commercial.
Andretti made the tag to Johnson as we came back from commercial. Johnson ran wild, taking Matthews and Black down with a double reverse DDT. Matthews and Black teamed up to take him down before King hit a cannonball to Johnson in the corner. Matthews and Black launched Johnson into a King forearm for a nearfall that Andretti cut off with a 450 splash.
A Pier Six brawl broke out, with Martin and Andretti taking King down with superkicks. Black and Matthews hit dual knees to Andretti before King hit a discus lariat for the win. As the House of Black celebrated, Ian Ricabonni announced that the House of Black would defend their titles next week against CM Punk and FTR.
Backstage, Tony Schiavone was with Powerhouse Hobbs. QT Marshall & Harley Cameron came into the frame, bearing gifts to apologize. Marshall offered Hobbs a set of gold chains and a marquee match at All Out in Chicago. Hobbs told them that he didn’t want their help but took the chains anyway. I would have taken the chains too, they looked nice.
Back from the commercial, Tony Schiavone was with TNT Champion Luchasaurus, Christian Cage, and a small child. Christian introduced the child as his daughter. He brought his daughter in to prove a point that he is a role model for children, unlike Darby Allin and his snot-nosed protégé Nick Wayne. Christian’s daughter asked to hold the TNT Title, but Christian said that she didn’t get to hold it because she didn’t win it. He told her to go find her mother, then told security to kick her out as she wasn’t credentialed. A very funny segment.
Jay White defeated Metalik
The Gunns joined commentary, with White throwing them his shirt. White caught Metalik on a springboard and dropped him with a DDT. White hit a backbreaker and locked on a single-leg crab, but Metalik got to the ropes. White clubbered on Metalik, but Metalik came back with a rope walk hurricanrana. White sent Metalik to the apron, but Metalik ducked a charge and hit a springboard moonsault in one fluid motion. White avoided a moonsault in the ring before hitting a snap suplex and the Blade Runner for the win.
We got a rundown of the Dynamite card, with the addition of Hikaru Shida vs. Anna Jay for the AEW Women’s Title. In a video package, Jay talked about Shida being her first opponent in AEW. She accused Shida of taking advantage of a rookie. She said that while she had a lot on her plate with the Jericho Appreciation Society meeting, she would still beat her and win the title.
Next week on Collision, we will get the House of Black vs. CM Punk & FTR, and Mercedes Martinez & Diamante vs. Willow Nightingale & Kris Statlander.
AEW “Real World Title” Match (Special Outside Official: Ricky Steamboat): CM Punk defeated Ricky Starks
This was an electric main event, as Greenville treated both men like superstars. Punk got the win here with the outside official he chose, but Starks’ reaction should keep this iron on the fire for Punk.
Jim Ross joined commentary for this match. He’s going to enjoy the extra-focused officiating in this one, without a doubt. Ricky Steamboat came out to his WCW music, giving JR a hug at the desk.
The two men started as the crowd gave dueling chants for both men. Punk dropped Starks with a shoulder block before mocking Starks’ pose to a big reaction. Starks hit a pair of deep arm drags before hitting his pose to a big reaction. Steamboat looked impressed by the arm drags. Starks took control and went for the Rochambeau, but Punk fought out. Punk went for the Go To Sleep, but Starks fought out and sent them both to the floor with a clothesline as we went to commercial.
Back from commercial as Starks was hitting chops on Punk. Starks and Punk traded chops, then slaps, before brawling with each other in the corner. Starks slapped Punk and bailed to the floor, but Punk followed him and sent him over the barricade. Punk mounted Starks and hammered him with forearms, leading Steamboat to pull Punk off of him.
Back in the ring, Punk went to hit the ten punches in the corner, but Starks dumped him onto the ropes before baseball sliding him to the floor. Starks took control, hitting a top rope chop before eyeing Steamboat on the floor. Starks locked on a waistlock before sending Punk into the turnbuckle sternum first. Starks sent Punk hard into the other turnbuckle, but a third Irish Whip saw Punk hit a reverse crossbody for a nearfall. Punk went for a sunset flip, but Starks held onto the ropes. Steamboat noted it, forcing Starks to let go of the ropes and drop an elbow on Punk for a nearfall.
We came back from another commercial with both men fighting on the top rope. Punk hit a superplex on Starks. Punk hit a big set of punches before landing a leg lariat and a neckbreaker. Punk hit the rising knee and bulldog for a nearfall. Punk went to the top rope for an elbow, but Starks stood up. Punk flew, they crashed into each other, and Starks ended up getting a nearfall. Punk went for another rising knee, this time with the knee exposed, but Starks caught him and hit a powerbomb for a nearfall.
Starks went to take care of Punk with Old School, but Punk pulled him into a GTS attempt. Starks fought out and sent Punk into the ringpost. Punk avoided a spear, with Starks going into the turnbuckle. Punk hit a high kick for a nearfall. The crowd chanted This Is Awesomeas both men recovered. Punk went for a piledriver, but Starks reversed it into an Alabama Slam for a nearfall. Starks went for the Rochambeau, but Punk fought out of it. The referee got bumped to the floor, leading Starks to try and get another pin with his feet on the ropes. Steamboat knocked his feet off the ropes, leading to Punk rolling up Starks. Steamboat got into the ring and counted the three for Punk to win the match and retain his version of the World Title.
After the match, Starks shoved Steamboat into Punk to knock him off the apron. Starks ripped off Steamboat’s belt and started whipping him with it before Punk ran him off with a chair. Starks teased coming back, but Punk chased him up the ramp with the chair. The show ended with Punk and the ringside doctor helping Steamboat back to his feet.
Four women will vie for an AEW Women’s title shot on Friday’s Rampage on TNT from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In a four-way former champions Britt Baker and Nyla Rose will face Skye Blue and former Ring of Honor Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez. The winner will challenge current titleholder Toni Storm on this Wednesday’s Dynamite.
The plot will continue to thicken in the AEW trios division with two matches.
In one, ROH Tag Team Champions The Lucha Brothers (Penta & Rey Fenix) will unite with Bandido against former Firm teammates Ethan Page, Lee Moriarty & Big Bill. In the other bout, former AEW Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) and Billy Gunn battle the Spanish Announce Project (Serpentico, Angelico & Luther).
Powerhouse Hobbs will return to action ahead of an anticipated move to the impending Collision show on Saturdays.
Our coverage begins at 10 PM Eastern.
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Taped in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Jim Ross, Excalibur, and Tony Schiavone were on commentary.
Bandido & The Lucha Brothers vs. Big Bill, Lee Moriarty, and Ethan Page
Ethan Page was teaming with his former partners in The Firm, even though his contract is now under the control of Matt Hardy. Because this match was signed before Hardy got control of the contract, you see. Page hit a nice-looking rana on Rey Fenix before tags were made to Bandido and Moriarty. Bandido hit Moriarty with a tornio and then a tijeras, before tags were made to Big Bill and Penta. Penta showed no fear facing Bill. Bill kept going for a choke on Penta, who kept breaking free with kicks. Pent tried for a tope through the ropes on Bill, who cut him off with a right hand. Bill whipped Penta into the barricade, and soon everyone was brawling around the ring.
After a split screen break, Bill overpowered Bandido in the corner. Bill hit Bandido with a boot, and Page hoisted Bandido from the mat into a powerslam for a near fall. Bandido slipped out of a powerbomb attempt and hit an enziguri, then got the tag to Ray Fenix. Fenix sent Page to the floor with a superkick, then the Lucha Bros took out Bill with a series of double team superkicks. Penta catapulted Bandio over the ropes into a torino onto their opponents on the floor. Back in the ring, Page took a beat from the Lucha Bros. Bill ate some more superkicks, and Moriarty caught a cutter from Fenix.
The Lucha Bros hit the Fear Factor on the ring apron on Moriarty. Page got his knees up when Bandido went for a splash. Page set up the Ego’s Edge, but the Hardys came out to chastise Page for not wearing the special arm sleeves that Jeff Hardy gifted Page. Page pulled his brand new arm sleeves up, but this distraction allowed Bandido to hit the 21-plex and get the pinfall.
– A QTV segment. They can’t think of an edgy idea for Collision that hasn’t already been done, so they agree to send Powerhouse Hobbs out to beat someone up.
Crush is from Colorado Springs, which is probably convenient for him since he’ll know where the hospital is. Hobbs destroyed this poor kid. Crush caught Hobbs with an enziguri. Hobbs bodyblocked him into the ropes and put him through the mat with a spinebuster to get the pinfall.
– Rene Paquette interviewed Arn Anderson and Wardlow about the beating Brock Anderson took at the hands of Christian Cage and Luchasaurus. Wardlow promised to make Cage and Luchasuarus pay, and talked about an open challenge he has next Wednesday with Jake Hager for the TNT title.
The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn defeated Serpentico, Angelico, and Luther
Collectively, Serpentico, Angelico and Luther are known as SAP, and in his rap Max Caster revealed what that really stood for.
The first four minutes of this match were just goofiness around scissoring spots before they went to a split-screen break.
After the break, Billy Gunn got the hot tag. Angelico caught Gunn with an enziguri and Luther got a near fall. Bowens got the tag and hit Luther with the Arrival, and Caster dropped the big elbow to get the pin. As a match, this was nothing but the crowd was happy.
– A Dynamite recap.
– Rene Paquette brought out Jeff Jarrett’s crew for an interview. Karen Jarrett grabbed the mic and demanded Aubrey Edwards come out. Edwards came out with Mark Briscoe. AEW won’t sanction a one-on-one match between Edwards and Karen (because Aubrey is a referee and Karen “sure as hell isn’t a wrestler.”). But Mark announced that they will sanction a mixed trios match, The Jarretts & Jay Lethal against Aubrey Edwards, Mark Briscoe… and Papa Briscoe.
Skye Blue defeated Nyla Rose (w/ Marina Shafir), Britt Baker (w/ Hikaru Shida) and Mercedes Martinez in a four-way match to become the No. 1 contender for the AEW World Women’s Championship.
Toni Storm and Ruby Soho were shown watching the match in the back.
Shafir interfered and tried to choke out Martinez, and Shida chased her to the back with a kendo stick.
After the split-screen break, Rose had Martinez hung up in the ropes for her guillotine legdrop, but Baker pushed her off the ropes to the floor. Baker hit Martinez with a slingblade for a one count. Blue and Baker exchanged forearms in the middle of the ring, and Blue got a near fall after an enziguri. Baker went for the lockjaw on Martinez, and Blue added a half crab, but Rose broke the submission attempt up.
Blue and Barker hit a double superkick on Rose. Rose chokeslammed Baker and went for the pin, which Martinez broke up with a running knee. Baker gave Rose a stomp, and Martinez dumped Baker to the floor. Baker pulled Martinez out. Blue then snuck back in the ring and hit Rose with the Code Blue and got the surprise pinfall. Blue teared up after getting the surprise win.
As a result, Sky Blue will face Toni Storm for the AEW World Women’s championship on Dynamite Wednesday. Toni Storm reacted to the win by spray painting a green “L” on the monitor in the back.
Thursday’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub will feature an NJPW Strong Women’s title defense.
Willow Nightingale will defends against the returning Rachael Ellering, making her first ROH appearance since October 2016.
Griff Garrison takes on Lee Moriarty in his first match since last October due to an injury that required surgery.
Ahead of her opportunity at an AEW Women’s title shot on Friday, Mercedes Martinez will take on VertVixen.
In a Proving Ground match, ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) face Marcus Kross, Eli Isom & Cheeseburger.
Two trios matches will be featured as Dark Order’s Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver face The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry) and Shane Taylor while Darius Martin, Action Andretti & AR Fox battle Sonny Kiss, Jeeves Kay & Slim J.
The rest of the card features Rey Fenix, Matt Sydal, Kiera Hogan and more.
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Ian Riccaboni, Nigel McGinness and Caprice Coleman were on commentary from Orlando, Florida.
Kyle Fletcher defeated Christopher Daniels
Good back-and-forth action. Daniels took Fletcher down with a modified flat liner off the middle ropes and locked in a Koji Clutch, but Fletcher made it to the ropes to force a break. Daniels and Fletcher took turns dropping each other on their heads with suplexes. Fletcher countered an STO and went for a spinning piledriver, but Daniels countered with a cradle. Fletcher escaped an Angel’s Wings attempt and caught Daniels with a spinning tombstone to get the pinfall. Solid match. This is Fletcher’s 3rd win in a row, which is the old ROH days used to get you in the conversation for a title shot. The code of honor was adhered to after the match.
Matt Sydal defeated Zack Clayton (w/ Cole Karter) (3:04)
Karter distracted Sydal as he came off the top with a crossbody and Clayton caught him with a spinning powerslam for a near fall. Sydal countered a slam with a DDT and came off the top with a meteora to get the pinfall. After the match, Sydal called out ROH Television Champion Samoa Joe. Samoa Joe v. Matt Sydal for the TV title was made later in the show.
Dralistico (w/ Jose the Assistant) defeated Willie Mack (7:40)
Mack offered Dralistico a handshake to start, but Dralistico only offered one finger in response. Dralistico hit a tope con hilo out of the ring and a senton in the ring for a near fall. Mack came back with a running shining wizard and hit a tope con hilo on Dralistico and Jose on the floor. Jose grabbed Mack’s foot to keep him from getting back in the ring, and Dralistico tied up Mack in the ropes and came off the top with a kick for a near fall.
Mack and Dralistico exchanged strikes and kicks in the center of the ring, with Mack finally getting the edge with a spinning leg lariat. Mack caught Dralistico with a pop-up fall away slam, and Mack popped up with a standing moonsault for a near fall. Mack came off the top with a splash, but Dralistico got his knees up at the last minute. Mack caught Dralistico with a pop-up uppercut. Jose got on the apron to distract Mack and the referee, allowing Dralistico to hit a low blow and then the Incinerator Knee to get the pinfall. Good match but a bad finish.
Tony Khan has a huge announcement
Khan came out to announce Matt Sydal vs. Samoa Joe for the ROH Television Title. He then brought out the new ROH Board of Directions to help him do some of the backstage work in ROH: Stokely Hathaway (who looks like he’s doing a disingenuous babyface gimmick) and Jerry Lynn. Khan sure loves his announcements.
Caprice Coleman sang his own made-up lyrics for Nightingale’s music, and I hope he’s paying Taz some residuals for stealing his gimmick. Nightingale got a fisherwoman’s suplex for a near fall. Ellering hit an STO and a spinning legdrop off the ropes for a near fall. Nightingale and Ellering exchanged chops in the corner. Nightingale came off the middle ropes with a dropkick to get a near fall. Ellering caught Nightingale with a black hole slam for a near fall. Nightingale came back with the pounce and a cannonball in the corner. Nightingale caught Ellering with a spinebuster, then locked in a Camel Clutch to force a tap out.
ROH Six-Man Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage & The Gates of Agony) defeated Cheeseburger, Eli Isom & Marcus Cross in a Proving Ground match(4:57)
In a Proving Ground match, if the challengers get a time limit (10 minutes) draw or win the match, they will earn a title shot. Isom put up a fight for about a minute before Page caught him with a superkick. Isom came back with a jawbreaker on Loa and made the tag to Cheeseburger. Cheeseburger tried but the Gates of Agony ate him up and gave nothing. Khan missed a splash in the corner and Cheeseburger got the tag, but the match fell apart and the Embassy just destroyed all three of their opponents. Cage and Tanga Loa tossed Isom into a power bomb from Bishop Khan and got the pinfall. This was a glorified squash.
Mercedes Martinez defeated VertVixen (4:23)
VertVixen got a dropkick early, but Martinez kipped up and floored her with a clothesline.VertVixen had the offense for a while, but Martinez came in the corner with a charging forearm and hit an anarchist’s suplex for a near fall. Martinez hit VertVixen with a forearm to the back of the head, then locked in an inverted surfboard to get the submission.
Lee Moriarty defeated Griff Garrison
Garrison is back after an injury, trying his hand at singles. Moriarty dominated the match early by working over Garrison’s shoulder. Garrison came back and caught Moriarty with a spinning powerslam, then hit a twisting forearm for a near fall. Garrison tried to pick Moriarty up for an Angle Slam, but Moriarty raked Garrison’s eyes and rolled him up for a pinfall.
Kiera Hogan defeated Robyn Renegade (4:32)
Hogan hit a legdrop for two. Renegade worked over Hogan’s arm. Renegade locked in an overhead wristlock, but Hogan made the ropes to force the break. Hogan came back with a series of forearms and flying axehandles before stomping a mudhole into Renegade in the corner. Hogan followed up with a sliding dropkick and a running hip attack, and Robyn slid to the floor. Charlette Renegade (not her twin sister but very much a lookalike) ran in to help. Hogan dropped to the floor to take them both out, then brought one of the Renegades back in the ring and finished them off with a superkick to get the pinfall.
After the match, Athena ran in and attacked Hogan with a kendo stick. But that backfired, and Hogan got the kendo stick and beat Athea out of the ring. Hogan held up Athena’s ROH Women’s title to taunt Athena.
Dark Order (Evil Uno, Jon Silver & Alex Reynolds) defeated Shane Taylor and The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry)
A slugfest broke out during the handshake between both teams to start the match. Reynolds took a lot of punishment from Taylor and Drake in the corner. Drake hit a belly to belly suplex on Reynolds, and Shane Taylor followed up with a big splash for a near fall. Drake hit a cannonball in the corner, then Taylor and Drake did a tag team stunner for a near fall. Anthony Henry came off the top rope with a double stomp,
Reynolds got the tag to Uno. Uno sent Drake to the floor with a boot, then stomped away at Henry in the corner. Uno hit a suplex on Henry for a near fall. Taylor and Uno exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring a battle which Taylor easily won. But a miscommunication spot lead to Drake hitting his own partner Taylor with a boot. Uno hit Henry with a Sky High. The Dark Order gave Henry a triple team windmill slam. Reynolds and Silver hit their rapid-fire finisher on Drake to get the pinfall.
– After the match, the Righteous with new member Stu Grayson (formerly of the Dark Order) were interviewed by Dasha Fuentes. They were not impressed with the Dark Order. The Righteous will have a match next week.
AR Fox, Darius Martin & Action Andretti defeated The Trustbusters (Sonny Kiss, Slim J and Jeeves Kay) (6:00)
There sure are a lot of trios in ROH. Sonny Kiss press slammed Andretti out of the corner, then hit a standing moonsault for a near fall. Kiss split into a legdrop for a near fall. Slim J got the tag and ran right into a boot from Andretti. Darius Martin tagged in and hit Slim J with a forearm. Darius gave Slim J a pump handle into a facebuster for a near fall. Kiss hit a spinning kick on Martin, and after an assisted slice break, Daivari came off the top with a splash for two. AR Fox came in and hit a couple of cutters, then Martin and Andretti hit a double steam slam on Daivari to get the pinfall.
The Kingdom (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven) (w/ Maria Kanellas) defeated El Cobarde & El Dragon
Two minutes into the match, Bennett got busted open. Dragon took both guys to the floor with a hurricanrana. Cobarde and Dragon had their chances, but this was another glorified squash match in a series of them. Bennett and Taven won with the Proton Pack. After the match, Maria kissed her bloodied husband to celebrate the victory.
The ROH Board of Directors announcement
Hathaway suggested Action Andretti vs. the entire Embassy, but Jerry Lynn whispered his own suggestion to Tony Khan, making an ROH Six-Man title match with the Embassy against Andretti, AR Fox, and Darius Martin. Khan then brought ROH Tag Team Champion Rey Fenix out for the main event.
Rey Fenix (w/ Alex Abrahantes) defeated Gravity (10:38)
Gravity is Bandido’s brother and making his ROH debut. Gravity dressed like an astronaut for his entrance but took the astronaut suit off for the match. Fenix locked up Gravity on the mat, and twice it looked like Gravity tapped out, but the ref never acknowledged it and the match continued. Gravity countered a suplex attempt with a small package, but Fenix escaped and floored Gravity with a superkick. Gravity hit a springboard crossbody over the ropes to the floor for a near fall.
Gravity hit Fenix with a powerslam and a standing moonsault for a near fall. Fenix hit a sit-out burning hammer for a near fall. Fenix tied Gravity up into a crucifix on his own back, then spun him around like an airplane spin for a near fall. Gravity and Fenix exchanged a series of cradles for near falls.
Gravity deadlifted Fenix into a power bomb off the mat for a near fall. Gravity missed a splash off the top, and Fenix ran the ropes to give Gravity a kick to the head for another near fall. Gravity hit a crucifix driver for another near fall. The crowd chanted “This is awesome!” for a match that actually deserved it tonight.
Fenix and Gravity exchanged chops in the center of the ring. Fenix hit the pop-up cutter, then finished off Gravity with the sit-out tombstone to get the pinfall. This was a great main event.
Final Thoughts:
This was my first Ring of Honor show. No show needs to be two hours of glorified squashes. It felt like I was watching AEW Dark from 2021, and that’s not a good thing. A 60-minute show would be a lot easier to digest.
Next week:
Samoa Joe defends the ROH TV title against Matt Sydal
The Embassy defends the ROH Six-Man titles against AR Fox, Action Andretti & Darius Martin
Willow Nightingale will defend her NJPW Strong Women’s title for the second time on this Thursday’s 12-match Ring of Honor on HonorClub.
The challenger is former Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion Rachael Ellering who will be making her return to ROH for the first time since October 2016.
The show will also feature the return of Griff Garrison. He faces Lee Moriarty in his first match since last October in either AEW or ROH due to an injury.
The show also features Rey Fenix vs. Gravity, an ROH Six-Man Tag Team title Proving Ground match, Kyle Fletcher, Dark Order, Dralistico, and more.
Here’s the lineup, taped last weekend in Orlando, Florida:
NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale defends against Rachael Ellering
Matt Sydal vs. Zack Clayton
Dark Order (Evil Uno, Alex Reynolds & John Silver) vs. The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry) and Shane Taylor
ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Embassy (Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) vs. Marcus Kross, Eli Isom & Cheeseburger in a Proving Ground match
Kiera Hogan vs. Robyn Renegade
Mercedes Martinez vs. VertVixen
Darius Martin, Action Andretti & AR Fox vs. Sonny Kiss, Jeeves Kay & Slim J
Griff Garrison vs. Lee Moriarty
Kyle Fletcher vs. Christopher Daniels
Dralistico vs. Willie Mack
The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) vs. El Cobarde & El Dragon
Zack Sabre Jr. will return to Ring of Honor TV on HonorClub Thursday to defend his NJPW TV title once again.
After appearing on the revived debut show, the inaugural NJPW TV Champion will put the gold on the line against AR Fox in pursuit of his seventh title defense.
In a no DQ Fight Without Honor match, The Kingdom’s Mike Bennett and Matt Taven will face Darius Martin and Action Andretti.
Former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez returns to action off the injured list for the first time since last December when she goes one-on-one with Ashley D’Amboise.
Former ROH Tag Team Champions Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal will continue their reformed run as they face Cole Karter and Zack Clayton.
In a high-flying affair, Rey Fenix will take on Gringo Loco.
Other action includes Willow Nightingale vs. Madi Wrenkowski, Lady Frost vs. Miranda Alize, and several tag team matches.
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– The show started with Dasha backstage with Willie Mack and Ninja Mack. They showed respect to each other and made the decision to team together.
This week’s Ring of Honor was taped at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. Ian Riccaboni, Caprice Coleman, and Nigel McGuinness were on the call.
Rey Fenix (w/Alex Abrahantes) defeated Gringo Loco
This was a great opener to the show. Loco was a great pickup by ROH, as his basing allows these high-flyers to really shine.
These two started off quickly, avoiding each other’s offense before Fenix scored the advantage with several kicks. Fenix sent Loco to the floor with an armdrag before following him outside with a springboard dive. Fenix hit a frog splash in the ring for a nearfall. Loco caught Fenix on a rolling move, picking him up in a gorilla press before slamming him down.
After going for the mask, Loco dropped Fenix with a facebuster for a nearfall. Fenix fought Loco off with a pair of thrust kicks before hitting his spinning back kick in the corner. Fenix followed up by running on the top rope to kick Loco in the head before landing another splash for a nearfall. Loco cut Fenix off, but Fenix hit the rewind kick through the ropes.
Fenix brought Loco to the corner and went for a rolling cutter, but Loco caught Fenix with a cutter of his own for a nearfall. Fenix scored with a rolling Frankensteiner for a nearfall before drilling Loco with a superkick. Fenix brought Loco to the top rope before hitting a double jump rana for a nearfall. Fenix brought Loco back to the top rope, but Loco knocked him down before hitting a step-up twisting Destroyer for a nearfall.
Loco brought Fenix up on his shoulders, but Fenix pulled him down with a poisonrana. Fenix hit the rolling cutter to win.
– Dasha was backstage with The Wingmen, Peter Avalon and Ryan Nemeth. They mock the Iron Savages and want to prove that ROH is Wingmen Country. Good luck with that.
– Ian Riccaboni announces that Katsuyori Shibata will defend his title against his protégé Alex Coughlin in two weeks on ROH television from Las Vegas.
Willow Nightingale defeated Madi Wrenkowski
Nightingale was in firm control to start, landing a senton. Wrenkowski got a boot in on Nightingale before choking her over the ropes. She brought Nightingale to the apron and covered her up with the apron itself, landing heavy strikes.
Back in the ring, Nightingale fired up, hitting a splash in the corner before hitting the spinebuster. Wrenkowski fought out of the Babe With The Powerbomb, forcing Nightingale into the corner. Nightingale caught Wrenkowski in powerbomb position, but Wrenkowski took her down by the head Billy Kidman-style for a nearfall. Nightingale moved out of the way of a boot and hit the Pounce. Nightingale followed that with the Babe With The Powerbomb for the win.
Iron Savages (Boulder & Bronson) (w/Jacked Jameson) defeated The Wingmen (Peter Avalon & Ryan Nemeth)
Jameson led the Savages out with an energetic introduction, hyping up the crowd for the Savages. Riccaboni noted that Nemeth will be playing Gino Hernandez in the new Von Erich movie that MJF also plays a part in. Currently, Nemeth was getting pounded on by the Savages. Nemeth desperately tagged out to Avalon, who got the advantage after Nemeth chop-blocked Bronson.
Nemeth took some time to swivel his hips, which was met with a spinebuster from Bronson. Boulder tagged in and ran wild on the Wingmen, landing a double flapjack. Boulder went for a moonsault, but Avalon moved and hit a splash of his own for a nearfall. Boulder repeatedly pressed Avalon to kick out before dropping both Wingmen with a crossbody. Bronson tagged in and scored the win after getting electric chair dropped onto both Wingmen.
Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal defeated Cole Karter & Zack Clayton
Daniels and Sydal got the advantage first, scoring an offensive combination on Karter. Clayton tagged in but met the same fate and took an offensive combo for a nearfall. Karter cut Sydal off on the ropes, allowing Clayton to hit a lariat on Sydal. Karter and Clayton worked over Sydal for a while, with Karter sending Sydal off the top rope into a powerslam from Clayton. Karter hit a splash for a nearfall that Daniels broke up.
Daniels tagged in and ran wild, landing a bulldog/clothesline combo. Karter cut off an Angel’s Wings attempt, bringing Sydal in to send Karter out. Daniels hit the STO as Sydal landed a dive on Karter on the floor. Daniels got the win with the Best Moonsault Ever.
Lady Frost defeated Miranda Alize
Both of these women maximized their minutes here. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them in this women’s division.
A quick start to this one, as Alize drilled Frost with a rana before booting her in the gut. Alize hit a strong face wash boot in the corner, but only scored a one-count. Alize talked trash, but Frost hit a jumping knee and a cartwheel cannonball in the corner for a nearfall. Alize came back with a release suplex for a nearfall. Alize hit a Tiger Driver for a nearfall.
Alize set up a neckbreaker, but Frost fought out and cartwheeled into an Air Raid Crash. Frost went to the top rope and hit a corkscrew moonsault for the win.
Cheeseburger and Serpentico got started, with Cheeseburger getting the better of Serpentico with technical maneuvers. Angelico broke up Cheeseburger’s momentum before tagging in and showing off his llave submissions. SAP worked over Cheeseburger until he got a tag out to Isom. Isom ran wild, hitting a dive on Serpentico on the floor.
Luther booted Isom on the floor while the referee was focused in the ring. Angelico caught Cheeseburger in a leg vine submission for the quick submission win.
NJPW World Television Title Match: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated AR Fox to retain
All NJPW World TV Title matches have a 15-minute time limit, with the title remaining with the champion in the case of a draw. It was announced that the winner would defend the title against Jeff Cobb at NJPW Dominion on June 4th.
After an opening exchange, Fox caught Sabre with the double dropkick combo in the corner for an early nearfall. Fox sent Sabre to the floor and hit the superman dive to the floor. Fox hit a springboard dropkick for a nearfall. Sabre got a hold of Fox’s arm and slammed him down.
Sabre started the work on the arm, manipulating his wrist while in an armbar. Fox tried fighting back, but lost Sabre on an Irish Whip attempt due to the bad arm. Sabre did more work on the arm, twisting Fox into an armbar that Fox fought off. Fox caught Sabre with a jumping clothesline. Fox booted Sabre twice before hitting a swinging suplex for a nearfall.
Sabre went back to the arm, dropping Fox to all fours and stomping on his elbow. Sabre hit the Penalty Kick for a nearfall. Sabre toyed with Fox, allowing Fox to fight back and send Sabre to the floor. Sabre cut off a dive, but Fox superkicked him in the ropes. Fox hit a pendulum DDT for a nearfall. Fox brought Sabre to the top rope, but Sabre caught him in the Cobra Twist on the top rope. Fox popped back up, hitting the Lo Mein Pain for a nearfall.
At the 10-minute call, AR Fox went to the top rope, but Sabre rolled to the floor. Fox followed him with a big dive to the floor. Back in the ring, Sabre avoided a 450 and caught Fox in a European Clutch for a nearfall. Sabre started ripping at Fox’s legs, catching Fox in the Orienteering With Napalm Death submission for the win and his 7th successful defense of the title.
– In the ring, Dasha interviewed Sabre after his win. He said that he saw a chance to make history as the first NJPW World TV Champion, and he took it. He declared himself the best champion in wrestling, and the most active TV Champion in wrestling. ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe came out taking offense to this. Joe offered a fight against Sabre right now, but Matt Sydal and Christopher Daniels made their way to the stage. Daniels stated that he, Joe, and Sabre have all held TV Titles, but Sydal was overdue for a title shot of his own. Sabre offered up a tag team match, with a TV Title shot on the line for Sydal and Daniels if they won. Everyone seemed to agree, with Sabre saying that afterward, they’ll figure out which champion is better. I’m excited about all of these potential matches.
The Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) (w/Prince Nana) defeated Dalton Castle & Boy Brandon
This stems from the mystery attack on Boy Brent last week. Boy Brandon started off with Kaun and got the better of him in a grappling exchange. Kaun then tagged in Liona, who tackled Brandon and threw him with abandon. The Gates threw Brandon around for a while until Brandon caught Kaun with a low flatliner. Kaun cut him off and sent him into the ropes where Liona booted him.
The Gates clubbered on Brandon more until Brandon crotched Liona on a splash attempt. Castle got the hot tag and ran wild with offense. Liona took a half dozen splashes from Castle and Brandon, but Liona kicked out at one. Brandon got caught on a dive, with Kaun taking out Castle with a gutbuster. Liona and Kaun landed a double facebuster on Brandon for the win.
Shane Taylor & The Workhorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake) defeated Midnight Heat (Eddie Pearl & Ricky Gibson) & Schaff
Henry caught Pearl with a heavy kick to the midsection for the first advantage in the match. Drake tagged in and flattened Pearl with a senton and a Vader Bomb. Schaff tagged in and used his size to run wild, but Taylor dropped him with a lariat. As the Workhorsemen took out Pearl and Gibson, Taylor hit the Package Piledriver for the quick win.
– Dasha was backstage with Vincent & Dutch. Quickly, Stu Grayson entered the frame to wonder why they’d been watching him lately. Dutch and Vincent said that while the Dark Order brought him back, they were also holding him back. The Dark Order came in to drive them away, but Grayson decided to give Vincent and Dutch one chance to impress him.
Mercedes Martinez defeated Ashley D’Amboise
Martinez couldn’t keep a hold on D’Amboise early on until she caught D’Amboise with a rolling forearm. Martinez hit the Three Amigos for a nearfall. Martinez clubbered on D’Amboise until D’Amboise avoided a corner charge. D’Amboise fought back until she walked into a spinebuster for a nearfall.
D’Amboise countered a Fisherman’s Suplex into a rollup for a nearfall. D’Amboise threw a bunch of strikes at Martinez. D’Amboise caught Martinez with a forearm in the ropes, then followed it up with a Burning Hammer for a nearfall. Martinez caught D’Amboise with a curb stomp, then scored the submission win with the Dragon Sleeper.
Fight Without Honor: Action Andretti & Darius Martin defeated The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) (w/Maria Kanellis-Bennett)
This was one hell of a battle in this main event. Everybody took a beating in this one, and they did some sick spots here too. This is one to seek out for sure.
The Kingdom menaced Andretti on the ramp, but Martin jumped them from behind to kickstart this match. The plunder came out quickly, with Bennett catching a double dropkick with a chair in the face. Taven took a drop-toe hold into the chair, with Martin launching off of Taven’s back for a dropkick to Bennett. Andretti and Martin clubbered on Taven with weapons as he was trapped in a garbage can, but Maria involved herself, allowing Taven to dropkick a ladder into their faces. Martin got on the apron, but Maria hit a low blow, allowing Bennett to drill Martin with a chair.
Bennett got lacerated but didn’t let that stop him from hitting a spinebuster to Andretti on top of a trash can. Taven hit Just The Tip on Martin with a ladder in his face, but the Kingdom brought out a table to do more damage. They went for the big Doomsday Device to the floor, but Martin moved, leading to Taven taking out Bennett. Andretti hit an Arabian Press to both Kingdom members on the floor.
Back in the ring, we got a train of offense that left Dante Martin standing. Taven took down Martin with a chair to the back. The Kingdom hit a Hail Mary to Martin on top of chairs. Andretti fought out of the Proton Pack, hitting a bulldog on Taven. Andretti put Taven on a table, hitting a springboard 450 throu…onto the table. Andretti finished the job, suplexing Taven through the table for a nearfall that Bennett broke up.
Bennett and Andretti traded strikes, leading to Bennett hitting a spear and a DVD through the table. Martin fought his way up, but Taven dropped him with the Purple Thunder for a nearfall. Andretti and Martin got sent to the floor. Maria hit Martin with a pipe and held him up for chops from Bennett. Bennett went for the rebound forearm, but Martin moved, and Maria took the shot instead.
Martin and Andretti fired up, dropping Taven on a chair. They hit Bennett with a Doomsday Device off of the ladder to win. After the match, The Kingdom offered a handshake, which was accepted.
The NJPW TV title will be on the line this Thursday on Ring of Honor TV as Zack Sabre Jr. will defend against AR Fox.
Sabre Jr. was part of the first ROH TV show on HonorClub in a successful title defense against Blake Christian. The inaugural TV Champion will be looking for the seventh defense of his title.
Former ROH Women’s Champion Mercedes Martinez will make her return to action after dealing with an injury as she faces Ashley D’Amboise. This will be her first match since losing the title to Athena at last December’s Final Battle.
In a Fight Without Honor (no DQ) match, The Kingdom (Mike Bennett & Matt Taven) will take on Darius Martin & Action Andretti in a feud that began while Dante Martin was still healthy before his recent ankle/foot injury.
The 11-match lineup will also feature ROH Tag Team Champion Rey Fenix against Gringo Loco in their third-ever singles match.
Here’s the full lineup:
The WorkHorsemen & Shane Taylor vs. Schaff, Ricky Gibson & Eddie Pearl
The Kingdom vs. Darius Martin & Action Andretti in a Fight Without Honor
NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defends against AR Fox
Lady Frost vs. Miranda Alize
Gates of Agony vs. The Boy & Dalton Castle
Angelico & Serpentico vs. Eli Isom & Cheeseburger
Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal vs. Cole Karter & Zack Clayton
Shane Taylor & The WorkHorsemen (JD Drake & Anthony Henry) defeated Schaff & Midnight Heat (Eddie Pearl & Ricky Gibson)
Kyle Fletcher (w/ Mark Davis) defeated Tony Deppen
Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, John Silver & Alex Reynolds) defeated The Trustbusters (Slim J, Sonny Kiss, Jeeves Kay) & Josh Woods
ROH Women’s Champion Athena defeated Skye Blue to retain the title. The match had plenty of time to build for some late drama. Post-match, Athena shook Blue’s hand before knocking her down and gloating.
Show 2:
Mark Briscoe defeated Shane Taylor
Willow Nightingale defeated Madi Wrenkowski
Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal defeated Zack Clayton & Cole Karter
Lady Frost defeated Miranda Alize
Angelico & Serpentico (w/ Luther) defeated Eli Isom & Cheeseburger
NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. defeated AR Fox to retain the title. It was on the line with the winner defending at NJPW Dominion. In a post-match interview with Dasha, Sabre Jr. said he’s the best TV Champion which brought out ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe who was ready to fight. Sydal and Daniels interrupted and offer to face the two and if either of them win, they would get a TV title shot of their own.
Gates of Agony (Kaun & Toa Liona) (w/ Prince Nana) defeated Dalton Castle and one of the Boys. Castle was thrown off that he only had one Boy.
Mercedes Martinez defeated Ashley D’Amboise. This was Martinez’s first match since last December’s Final Battle.
Action Andretti & Darius Martin defeated The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) (w/ Maria Kanellis) in a Fight Without Honor that features a trash can, chairs, ladders and kendo sticks. The crowd gave a “That was awesome chant post-match for both teams.
An ROH Women’s Championship match will air on AEW: Dark Elevation.
Athena will defend her title against Kiera Hogan on the show. It will be Athena’s second defense of the belt after winning it from Mercedes Martinez at Final Battle. She retained against Vertvixen on Dark Elevation last week.
As for Hogan, she’s been racking up singles wins since being fired from Jade Cargill’s Baddies. She’s defeated Skye Blue, Kennedi Copeland, and Nikki Victory in recent weeks.
Other notable matches scheduled to air on Monday’s show include Dralistico vs. Blake Christian, The Bunny vs. Madison Rayne, and Konosuke Takeshita vs. Frankie Kazarian
This week’s episode was filmed from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
AEW Dark: Elevation airs Monday at 7 p.m. Eastern time on YouTube. The advertised lineup is as follows:
ROH Women’s Championship: Athena defends against Kiera Hogan
LFI’s Dralistico vs. Blake Christian
Marina Shafir & Nyla Rose vs. Leva Bates & Karizma
Konosuke Takeshita vs. Frankie Kazarian
House of Black’s Julia Hart vs. Promise Braxton
The Bunny vs. Madison Rayne
Ruby Soho & Willownightingale vs. Vertvixen & Madi Wrenkowski
