Tag: rachael ellering

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

Posted on by Jeff Moss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preston Vance defeated Brandon Cutler

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

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

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

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

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

John Silver defeated KM

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

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

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

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

Rachael Ellering defeated Maggie Lee

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

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

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

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

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

This was a good match.

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

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

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

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

Anthony Ogogo defeated Kit Sackett

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

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

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

Brian Cage defeated Rusman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A perfectly fine professional wrestling show.

Ring of Honor TV live results: Mina Shirakawa vs. Rachael Ellering

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Mina Shirakawa will return to Ring of Honor on tonight’s weekly HonorClub TV show against Rachael Ellering.

It’s Shirakawa’s first ROH appearance since April’s Supercard of Honor and her first ROH singles match since a March win over Anna Jay. Ellering is looking for her second straight victory.

ROH Women’s World Champion Athena will battle Aleah James in a Proving Ground match where if James can beat her or go to a draw, she earns a future title shot.

Tomohiro Ishii will look to rebound from Wednesday’s defeat to Hangman Page when he takes on Ariya Daivari.

After not making it into the Casino gauntlet match at All In, Evil Uno will battle Jacoby Watts.

Other announced action includes Johnny TV vs. Sidney Akeem, Blake Christian vs. Rosario Grillo, and Leila Grey vs. Promise Braxton, in addition to matches featuring both Top Flight & Action Andretti and former ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods.

Shane Taylor Promotions will also share some thoughts about what’s next for them.

**********

Thursday arrived as Thursday does and that means Ring of Honor action! The “Board of Directors” Era of ROH was in full effect and as such, the card was jam-packed with good matchups. Starting with with the huge opening match:

PROVING GROUND MATCH: ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defeated Aleah James

ROH’s “Forever Champion” graced us all with her presence and offered James the gift of a Proving Ground match (Athena’s 31st since winning the title). That meant that if James could last until the 10-minute time limit or pin the champion outright, she would get a shot at the ROH Women’s Championship at a later date. Athena had one eye over her shoulder though as not only has she been having difficulty with demoted Minion-in-Training Billie Starkz, but also Abadon has been lurking near the champ in recent days.

Athena has been ROH champion for a million billion days and someone like James was an opponent that didn’t really require her to do much beyond going through the motions. Even when James got in a quick flurry of offense, it didn’t seem like Athena really was going to have a problem with her.

James managed a surprise two-count after a flying crossbody, which got the Champ’s attention. Athena turned up the heat at that point, with big clubbing strikes and a series of powerbombs. Finally, Athena locked in the crossface submission and James tapped out.

-After the match, Athena mocked James and was about to lay in a beating when Abadon showed up! Athena’s eye’s filled with fear as Abadon stared her down in the ring. The crowd chanted “this is spooky” and Abadon chased Athena from the ring where Starkz lay in wait and clocked Abadon with the ROH Women’s Championship belt, knocking her out cold.

Johnny TV w/Taya Valkyrie defeated Sidney Akeem

Akeem has been making a name for himself on the indies lately, partially because of his background training with Cirque de Soleil. That matched up pretty well with the parkour-focused Johnny TV who was looking to spoil Akeem’s ROH debut.

The two seemed a little shaky off the top, but quickly reset with some speed and high dropkicks, ending up with TV on the outside to regroup with Valkyrie. Because of his gymnastics background, Akeem was able to keep up with TV no problem. TV changed up his strategy and tried to keep Akeem on the ground, taking away some of his skills.

TV hit a shining Wizard on Akeem and headed up for Starship Pain. Unfortunately, two things happened: 1) Akeem rolled out of the way, and 2) TV clipped the rope with his foot causing him to land hard on his head. By design or accidental, it looked like it dazed him pretty good.

After a swinging neckbreaker, TV tried another Starship Pain, this time landing it on the prone Akeem. TV rolled him over for the 1-2-3.

Lance Archer defeated “Ozzy”

Archer made a surprise appearance, dragging his opponent, a young man known only as “Ozzy” down to the ring. Archer did not say why he was there, or why he jumped the much smaller Ozzy in the back. He just toyed with him and beat the living hell out of him for a few minutes before hitting a Blackout and pinning him to get the win? I guess?

-We were then joined by Shane Taylor of Shane Taylor Promotions and ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty. Taylor ran down Moriarty’s opponent for the night Angelico. Moriarty suggested that Angelico protect his neck in their main event match.

RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Champion Mina Shirakawa defeated Rachael Ellering 

For those not in the know, Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) is a British wrestling promotion founded in 2012 by Andy Quildan after separating from International Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom. 

Shirakawa hasn’t been seen in ROH since a surprise Stardom showcase trios match at Supercard of Honor. Ellering won a tough battle against Brooke Havok three weeks ago, which one has to think puts her in title contention.

Ellering had a size advantage on the Joshi star, but Shirakawa was able to keep pace with her until Ellering picked her up and attempted to side slam her. Shirakawa was able to wriggle free and taunt Ellering, causing her to lose focus and give Shirakawa a chance to lay in some big kicks.

Ellering, who used a more technical style, didn’t seem prepared for the bouncy, high-energy style of Shirakawa. Ellering resorted to clubbing blows, lariats and standing kicks to imposer her will on Shirakawa. Shirakawa fought back with some spinning kicks and back elbows, stunning Ellering.

Ellering hit a pendulum slam out of a fisherwoman’s suplex that seemed to do some real damage to Shirakawa’s shoulder. That didn’t stop her from climbing to the top rope and landing a big splash on Ellering. Shirakawa grabbed Ellering and went for what looked like a crab hold at first, but instead Shirakawa pulled Ellering on her back and pinned her for the win!

Respect was being shown between the two women when suddenly Taya Valkyrie appeared! She tossed Ellering out of the ring and beat up Shirakawa, leaving her lying in the ring for reasons only she knows.

Top Flight (Darious and Duante) & Action Andretti w/ Leila Grey defeated Ace of Space Academy (LSG, Colton Charles, and GKM)

Andretti kicked things off with LSG, quickly isolating him in Top Flight’s corner. GKM tagged in next but found himself across from Darious who spun him into the feet of Andretti. GKM hit a splash in the corner that saw him getting at least 4 feet of air. Charles tagged in next showboating against Andretti. After a dropkick, Andretti hit a hot tag to Duante who cleared the ring.

Andretti hit a springboard crossbody from the top rope on GKM. Darious set up Colton for a big slam on the outside and Andretti and Top Flight hit a big triple team to knock GKM silly and get the pin.

EJ Nduka defeated Demo Diamond

The 2-0 Nduka arrived to big cheers from family and friends at ringside. The big man worked the crowd for a moment and then hopped into the ring to face Diamond, who was almost the same size. Almost.

The two locked up and when these two behemoths threw each other around the ring, you could feel each impact. Nduka hit a massive hammer strike on Diamond that seemed to send him spinning. Nduka continued with some should blocks in the corner until Diamond managed to get out of the way. Nduka didn’t give up the momentum for long though, planting Diamond with a massive spinebuster. An arrogant standing cover later and it was over, with Nduka emerging victorious.

-Rachel Ellering was interviewed by Lexy Nair backstage. Ellering was interrupted by Harley Cameron who introduced herself to Ellering, in spite of them having met before. Cameron mocked Ellering for losing and showered her with backhanded praise, calling her “kid” and then leaving a flustered Ellering.

Dark Order’s Evil Uno defeated Jacoby Watts w/ Nick Comoroto

Watts was all by himself this week, with his partner Nick Comoroto out of action for the year with injury. Evil Uno took a break from playing video games with Adam Cole to enter this singles bout, and has been on a really aggressive tear the last few weeks with his Dark Order compatriots. 

Watts started the match off by trying to recruit Uno into his “flock.” Uno declined via punch to the face and the match began. Uno laid in some massive chops in the corner on Watts. Watts turned his back, trying to outsmart Uno, but Uno just chopped his back.

Comoroto approached Uno on the outside, but the Order’s John Silver was there and the two exchanged words as Watts hit a big clothesline in the ring. Uno fought back with a big boot and DDT. Uno got Watts up for a piledriver and was able to pull off a pin to get the victory.

Premier Athletes’ Josh Woods w/ Mark Sterling defeated Barrett Brown

Sterling yapped his way to the ring, hyping up Woods and tearing down the rest of ROH. Brown was definitely not as “premier” as Woods, giving up about 8 inches in height. Brown tried to lure Woods into a more technical match, but nothing he managed to hit on Woods really had much of an effect.

Woods hit a hige running knee and then threw Brown across the ring with a massive tombstone 540 suplex. He then sat on Brown to get the pin.

Leila Grey defeated Promise Braxton

Grey’s second appearance of the night was a singles match against Braxton. Top Flight and Andretti accompanied her to the ring, cheering on their Flight Attendant. Braxton had the chance to pick up a huge win if she could get by Grey.

Grey controlled the pace for the most part, lots of armdrags and off-the-rope strikes. Braxton tried to out-muscle Grey, but it didn’t seem to work for her as Grey reversed a hold into a massive slam. Grey hit a blockbuster off the top rope, but Brown only gave up a two count.

Grey put Braxton on her back with a full nelson slam and followed it up with a butterfly brainbuster to win the match.

Blake Christian defeated Rosario Grillo

Christian won 5 matches in the Best of The Super Juniors tournament in Japan. Not moving further in the competition seems to have weighed heavily on him and given him a bit of an attitude. Grillo is a student of the Nightmare Factory and Christian laid him out right off the top, with a vicious stretched shoulder stomp.

Christian threw Grillo around the ring for a bit then finally pinned him. There wasn’t much to this match, but Christian looked good, and has a bright future in ROH.

Tomohiro Ishii defeated Ariya Daivari

The Premier Athletes and the Conglomeration explode! Or, at the very least, had this match. Daivari had his athletic background to rely on and Ishii had the fact he appears to be made of stone to his advantage. Sterling ran down the Conglomeration on the way to the ring, claiming that the Premier Athletes have the class the Conglomeration does not.

Daivari didn’t really know what to do with Ishii. He tried chops, no dice. He tried tying up with no result. He even tried leaving, but that didn’t work either. Diavari made a critical mistake early on by putting Ishii in a headlock. Ishii, famously neckless, was able to break free easily and chop Daivari into next week.

On the outside, Daivari managed to get ahold of Ishii’s chopping hand and slam it into ringposts and the steel steps, robbing Ishii of one of his bigger weapons. Daivari was able to maintain control of the match, working the hand over and over.

Ishii fought back though, clotheslining Daivari in a circle. Ishii hit a big german suplex and a back ground elbow to knock Daivari out and get the pin. Ishii left favouring his chopping hand.

ROH PURE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Lee Moriarty(c) w/Shane Taylor defeated Angelico w/ Serpentico

After a very impressive turn in his first-ever Pure Rules match last week, Angelico decided he was ready for the big time and issued this challenge to current ROH Pure Champion, Moriarty. In a Pure Rules match, each competitor gets three rope breaks and one closed fist warning and after that they are out of luck. If the match went to time, a panel of judges (Christphoer Daniels, Jerry Lynn and Paul Wight) would award the match based on points.

The gangly Angelico had about 6 inches in height on Moriarty, but in terms of pure muscle, Moriarty had the one-up on his opponent. Moriarty’s strategy seemed to be to keep Angelico still, locking in holds that didn’t give the high-flyer a chance to get into the flow of things.

From there, the match went back and forth, with neither man getting control over the other. They did dance though, so there was that. At 3:30, Moriarty used his first rope break and got some words of encouragement from Taylor. These two worked extremely well together, everything in the match flowed really well and it was a calm, yet edge-of-your-seat vibe. At 6:37, Angelico was forced to use his first rope break, and began favoring his shoulder.

Angelico managed to get an ankle lock on, causing Moriarty to use a second rope break at 8:08. Moriarty responded with a bridge stretch, causing Angelico to use his second rope break at 9:20. Moriarty hung up Angelico’s shoulder on the ropes and began to take control. He locked in a Kimoura on Angelico at 10:37, forcing the challenger to use his last rope break.

Angelico put Moriarty in a twisting figure four at 11:22 and Moriarty grabbed the rope by his fingertips, exhausting all rope breaks. The two exchanged moves back and forth until Moriarty got a surprise rollup on Angelico, ending the match at approximately 12:30 and keeping the belt on Moriarty. The two showed respect in the ring and Moriarty stood tall as the show came to a close.

Women’s TV Title tournament matches set for ROH TV

Posted on by Ian Carey

Some big matches have been announced for ROH TV this week. 

After weeks of build, Athena will look to defend her ROH Women’s World Championship against Nyla Rose in a best two-of-three falls tables match on the show. 

The ROH Women’s World TV title tournament also continues this week, as the final first-round matches are set to air. 

Matches for this week’s episode were taped on February 10 in Henderson, Nevada, and February 14 in Cedar Park, Texas. 

ROH TV lineup for Thursday, February 22, 2024 —

  • ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defends against Nyla Rose in a best two-of-three falls tables match
  • ROH Women’s World TV Title first round: Abadon vs. Viva Van
  • ROH Women’s World TV Title first round: Red Velvet vs. Sandra Moone
  • ROH Women’s World TV Title first round: Taya Valkyrie vs. Sussy Love
  • ROH Women’s World TV Title first round: Billie Starkz vs. Robyn Renegade
  • Exodus Prime vs. AR Fox vs. Matt Sydal vs. Komander
  • Danhausen vs. Brandon Cutler
  • Ethan Page vs. Anthony Henry

Ring of Honor TV live results: NJPW Strong Women’s title match

Posted on by Suit Williams

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. 

NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Willow Nightingale defeated Rachel Ellering to retain (6:49)

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

NJPW Strong Women’s title match announced for Ring of Honor TV

Posted on by Josh Nason

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
  • Rey Fenix vs. Gravity

Ric Flair’s Last Match notes: Flair’s health, show changes, production team

Posted on by Josh Nason

Following Sunday’s Ric Flair’s Last Match pay-per-view, Dave Meltzer provided some notes on how the “Nature Boy” is doing, some changes to the show, and who was handing production.

Meltzer said that there were two family doctors backstage that are close with Megan Fliehr, one of Flair’s daughters. He said Flair “was said to be fine after the show.”

“It was interesting because a lot of people I know really liked the main event who were in the building, because of the drama and such, but man, was it hard to watch from home,” he said.

A star-studded audience

Meltzer did a roll call of the various wrestling luminaries that were in the house for the event, both in the crowd and backstage:

“Mick Foley, Michael Hayes, Shane Helms, Magnum T.A., J.J. Dillon, Vickie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, Charlotte Flair, Rikishi, Baby Doll, Al Snow, Undertaker, Bret Hart, Stephanie Hart, Michelle McCool, Mojo Rawley, Sammy Guevara, Ricky Starks, Billy Gunn, Dorian Roldan, Santino Marella, Kid Rock and likely many others. WWE active talent was not allowed to appear on camera although Dolph Ziggler was in a video clip and called by his real name: Nick Nemeth.”

He also noted Flair was emotional and crying all day in seeing so many wrestlers and former talent come out for the event.

Production team

Meltzer said that former WWE producer Brian James and Impact’s Scott D’Amore produced and timed the show. Additionally, David Sahadi and Josh Matthews produced while Keith Mitchell, who headed up production for AEW before retiring in May, worked the show as well.

Card changes & injuries

Meltzer said MLW World Champion Alex Hammerstone was supposed to be the one to go after Frank The Clown on the pre-show, but due to his flight being canceled, he was unable to attend. Jacob Fatu filled in instead as he was on the show already.

The Von Erichs vs. Briscoes match was pushed back to later on the card as Marshall & Ross’ flight from Hawaii was delayed. They missed a meet & greet earlier in the day and were rushed to the building upon arrival to make the match.

As discussed on Wrestling Observer Radio Sunday, Rachael Ellering suffered a badly sprained ankle in her three-way match with Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Deonna Purrazzo. The injury occurred early in the match when Grace rolled on it accidentally, resulting in a loud pop. She continued to work the match, gutting through it.

Ellering hasn’t given an update as of this writing, but did post about it after the match:

Impact Knockouts title match set for ‘Ric Flair’s Last Match’ event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship will be on the line at “Ric Flair’s Last Match.”

It was announced today that Jordynne Grace will defend her Knockouts title against Deonna Purrazzo and Rachael Ellering in a three-way match on the undercard for “Jim Crockett Promotions Presents: Ric Flair’s Last Match.” The event is taking place as part of Starrcast V in Nashville on Sunday, July 31.

Grace won the Knockouts Championship in a Queen of the Mountain match at Slammiversary this past Sunday.

This is the second Impact title match that’s been confirmed for the “Last Match” event. Josh Alexander is also set to defend his Impact World Championship against MLW’s Jacob Fatu.

“Ric Flair’s Last Match” was originally set to be held at the Nashville Fairgrounds but has been moved to the larger Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The pay-per-view will be available to watch live via Fite TV.

Jim Crockett Promotions Presents: Ric Flair’s Last Match (Sunday, July 31) —

  • Ric Flair’s last match (match to be announced)
  • Impact World Champion Josh Alexander defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Impact Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace defends against Deonna Purrazzo and Rachael Ellering in a three-way match
  • The Wolves (Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)

Change made to women’s Ultimate X match at Impact Hard to Kill

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A change has been made to Impact Wrestling’s first-ever women’s Ultimate X match.

Impact Wrestling announced on Thursday night that Alisha Edwards is replacing Rachael Ellering in the women’s Ultimate X match at Hard to Kill. It will now be Jordynne Grace vs. Rosemary vs. Chelsea Green vs. Tasha Steelz vs. Lady Frost vs. Edwards at Saturday’s pay-per-view.

The winner of the Ultimate X match will get a future shot at the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship. Mickie James currently holds the title and is set to defend it against Deonna Purrazzo in a Texas death match at Hard to Kill.

A stipulation has also been added to Trey Miguel and Steve Maclin’s match for the X-Division Championship on Saturday. If Maclin fails to win the title, he won’t get another shot as long as Miguel is champion.

Hard to Kill is being held at The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. The updated card for the PPV is listed below:

  • Impact World Champion Moose defends against Matt Cardona and W. Morrissey in a triple threat match
  • Texas death match: Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James defends against Deonna Purrazzo
  • X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defends against Steve Maclin
  • Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champions The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay) defend against The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood)
  • ROH World Champion Jonathan Gresham defends against Chris Sabin
  • Women’s Ultimate X match: Jordynne Grace vs. Rosemary vs. Chelsea Green vs. Tasha Steelz vs. Lady Frost vs. Alisha Edwards
  • Josh Alexander vs. Jonah
  • Hardcore War 10-man tag match: Violent By Design (Eric Young, Joe Doering & Deaner) & The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows) vs. Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath & Rhino

Two matches added to next Impact Wrestling

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two new matches have been added to Thursday’s Impact Wrestling.

NJPW’s Juice Robinson will face Doc Gallows in a singles match. Finjuice (Robinson and Dave Finlay), the current Impact Tag Team Champions, successfully retained their titles at Rebellion, defeating The Good Brothers (Gallows and Karl Anderson). Finlay, Robinson, and Eddie Edwards will face Kenny Omega, Gallows, and Anderson at Under Siege on May 15 following the end of the last episode of Impact Wrestling, where Omega and The Good Brothers laid out Edwards and Finjuice.

Rachael Ellering, meanwhile, will face Kiera Hogan. Ellering made her in-ring debut at Rebellion as Jordynne Grace’s tag team partner, replacing Jazz who was forced to retire last month. Together, they defeated Hogan and Tasha Steelz to win the Knockouts Tag Team titles.

Segmemts already announced for Impact include:

  • NJPW’s El Phantasmo debuts
  • Moose vs. James Storm in a number one contender qualifying match
  • Rhino vs. Chris Sabin in a number one contender qualifying match
  • Trey Miguel vs. Rohit Raju in a number on contender qualifying match

AEW Dark results: Ellering vs. Ford, SCU vs. Butcher & Blade

Posted on by Landon Pipkin

Match Recommendations:

The Butcher & The Blade vs. SCU (Kazarian & Christopher Daniels) | 11:38

Penelope Ford (w/Kip Sabian) vs. Rachael Ellering | 5:41

Show Recap:

Rey Fenix defeated Lee Johnson

Johnson carried an 0-9 AEW record into this one while Fenix has a record of 8-5 this year. Johnson held his own early in the match, but fell for Fenix’s handshake offer which allowed the masked man to take control.

Fenix has shown how ruthless he can be in other promotions, but this was the first time he’s shown it in AEW. Between brutal head kicks, chops, and unorthodox offense, Johnson didn’t stand a chance. In the end, Fenix hit the Black Fire Driver for the win.

Shawn Spears (w/Tully Blanchard) defeated Alex Chamberlain

Chamberlain made his AEW debut tonight while Spears looked to improve his 8-2 record this year. Spears worked over Chamberlin’s arm for the majority of the match. Halfway through, the referee once again checked Spears’ glove for any foreign objects, but it was clean. After a flurry of offense, Spears hit the C4 (death valley driver) for the win. After the match, Blanchard handed Spears a metal slug to load his glove which he then used to knock out Chamberlain. 

Gunn Club (Billy & Austin Gunn) defeated M’Badu & Shawn Dean

This was another debut on tonight’s show as M’Badu was making his first AEW appearance. It was interesting that Dean and Badu made separate entrances which hasn’t been normal for these jobber teams.

Austin and Dean started off with Austin taking control almost immediately. M’Badu and Dean had a bit of momentum, but in the end, the Gunn Club’s experience would prevail as Austin hit a hip toss into a neckbreaker for the win. 

Kip Sabian (w/Penelope Ford) defeated Michael Stevens

Stevens is a perfect example of a character that shouldn’t be showcased to a national audience. Comparing this match to baseball, Stevens is playing A ball while Sabian is in the majors. I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t stay focused as Taz and Tony Schiavone barely called the match. Sabian finally hit a neckbreaker to end this madness.

Private Party (Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy) defeated Griff Garrison & Brian Pillman Jr.

Private Party really showcased all of their moves during the match and looked much more comfortable than they have in the past. It’s honestly amazing to see how far Private Party has come in these ten months since their debut on the first episode of Dynamite. Garrison and Pillman Jr. worked over Kassidy, but he made the tag to Quen which allowed the two to take control and hit a top rope leg drop and splash for the win.

Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus & Marko Stunt) defeated Corey Hollis, Pineapple Pete & Aaron Solow

Jurassic Express worked over Solow for the first part of the match which included their usual trio team moves. Hollis knocked Jungle Boy off the top rope which allowed Solow and his team of misfits to gain control. This six man tag match turned into chaos as no ten count was enforced, leading to every wrestler hitting their signature moves. Stunt finished everything with a top rope 450 for the win.

The Natural Nightmares (Dustin Rhodes & QT Marshall) w/Brandi Rhodes & Allie defeated The Hybrid 2 (Jack Evans & Angelico)

Rhodes and Marshall beat down Evans for the majority of the match, showcasing some new tag team maneuvers. The Hybrid 2 had minimal offense in this one and lost momentum when Evans allowed Marshall to make the hot tag to Rhodes who hit a spinning suplex for the win.

Penelope Ford (w/Kip Sabian) defeated Rachael Ellering

For the second time tonight, we got to see Ford and Sabian who have been very good of late. Ellering was making her AEW singles debut tonight after being released from WWE in May. At the time of her release, she was inactive due to a torn ACL which she suffered at an NXT live event in mid-2019. She made her tag team debut Monday in the Women’s Tag Team Cup.

This was a very competitive match. Ellering hit a spinebuster for a near fall, but after countering a leg drop, Ford hit a fisherman’s suplex for the win. This was a really fun match where Ellering looked great. I’d like to see her become a regular in the women’s division.

The Butcher & The Blade defeated SCU (Kazarian & Christopher Daniels)

Kazarian and Blade started off the match with reversing headlocks and solid technical wrestling. The ‘crowd’ tonight was very quiet which affected the show’s quality. When you can control your audience, I’m not sure why they are not forcing them to be louder.

Daniels and Kazarian’s experience as a team was on display as they executed quality tag team moves on Blade. Taz and Schiavone are still working out the wrinkles in their commentary as it feels like there’s at least five awkward moments between them per show. Daniels was going for the Best Moonsault Ever on Blade, but Butcher intercepted him and the two hit The Full Death for the win.

AEW Women’s Tag Team Cup results: Final opening round matches

Posted on by F4W Staff

by Parker Klyn

Tonight is week two of AEW’s Deadly Draw Women’s Tag Team Cup, as we conclude the first round of matchups. Shaul Guerrero is the ring announcer, and Tony Schiavone is joined by Veda Scott on commentary. 

Previously announced for today’s show was AEW backstage interviewer Dasha Gonzalez & former WWE developmental talent Rachael Ellering (daughter of Paul Ellering) vs. Ivelisse and Diamante.

The opening video package and song for this tournament is excellent. AEW has a bit of a depth problem in their women’s division but it really makes them look like stars.

Big Swole was interviewed backstage, and the interviewer had a surprise for her. It was Lil Swole, known as Nicole Savoy in the indies. It was also revealed that Leva Bates is teaming with Rache Chanel, and they faced off next.

First Round: Big Swole & Lil Swole defeated Leva Bates & Rache Chanel (with Peter Avalon)

This was the weakest match of the tournament yet. Bates and Chanel did some comedy, so while the Swoles looked dominant, it was hard to take their opponents seriously. Bates’ work was okay but Chanel looked really weak. Lil Swole looked very competent, however –– she deserves a contract in this division, although the fact that she is in fact bigger than Big Swole is a bit comedic.

Bates did her shushing gimmick during her entrance. She also brought a fashion book as a gift for Chanel. This was also Big Swole’s first match back from kayfabe suspension.

Chanel and Lil Swole started off. Schiavone and Scott put over Lil Swole’s technical aptitude. Chanel and Bates teased dissension, as well as being in over their heads against their more-talented opponents.

The Swoles performed some cool tag maneuvers and Lil Swole locked in a modified crossface on Chanel, but Avalon distracted the ref and Chanel attacked with a ruler. 

Lil Swole eventually made a comeback to get the hot tag to Big Swole. Big Swole got a visual pinfall on Bates, but Chanel broke it up in a mistimed spot. The finish came when the Swoles hit a combination flatliner/blockbuster on Bates.

We got an advertisement for All Elite Heels, the new women-focused wrestling community established by Brandi Rhodes. 

Ivelisse and Diamante were shown meeting after their chip selections. 

Dasha was told by Shaul Guerrero that she’d be competing in the tournament, which surprised her. When she drew her chip, Rachael Ellering showed up, and they tried to get across that they recognized and remembered each other from working in WWE.

First Round: Ivelisse & Diamante defeated Rachael Ellering & Dasha

As far as I can tell, this was only the second professional match of Dasha’s career, and her first in almost five years. You honestly wouldn’t have known it. While still very green and indecisive at times, Dasha’s a great athlete and she didn’t have a single noticeable botch.

In terms of the match, it wasn’t anything special but it was still better than everything else in the tournament’s first round. There was a classic, simple tag formula with by far the best face/heel dynamic we’ve seen in the Deadly Draw. 

Dasha performed a corner arm-drag and a kip-up at the bell. She kept the offense up with a running dropkick before tagging in Ellering. Dasha also performed a nice cartwheel splash.

Ivelisse and Diamante eventually cut off Dasha and worked her over, performing frequent tags and hitting lots of double-teams. Dasha eventually escaped to Ellering for the hot tag.

Ellering hit some great knife-edged chops on Ivelisse and nearly got a pinfall with a running senton. Diamante held Ellering against the ropes, but Ellering escaped and Ivelisse hit her partner off the apron. Ellering almost got the pinfall with a springboard leg drop, but Diamante broke it up.

After tagging in, Diamante hit a nice-looking cazadora stunner on Dasha, who kicked out. The heels hit a couple more double-teams. Diamante dispatched Ellering, and Ivelisse hit the running Yoshi Tonic for the win.

Alex Marvez interviewed the Swoles backstage. They were really charismatic, and I expect them to be the favorites (along with Brandi and Allie) going forward.

Marvez then interviewed Dasha. She views this match as a starting point, and hopes that she gets a chance to compete again. She thanked AEW for the opportunity.

Finally, Marvez interviewed Ivelisse and Diamante. Ivelisse said they got off to a rocky start, but their respect for the craft is what pushed them through.

Next Monday will be the semifinals, where Big & Lil Swole will face the Nightmare Sisters and Ivelisse & Diamante will face Tay Conti & Anna Jay.

The show was about 37 minutes, almost the exact same length as last week.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I thought the second week of the Deadly Draw was better than the first. The opener was pretty miserable as a match, but Lil Swole is someone AEW should be chomping at the bit to bring in more often. The main event was a good match, with the novelty of Dasha competing making it even more compelling. 

I’m still waiting to see what the outcome of this tournament will be, although the idea of it returning next year with (hopefully) access to international talent should make it a far more worthwhile endeavor.

Dasha teaming with Rachael Ellering in AEW Women’s Tag Team Cup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW broadcaster Dasha Gonzalez (formerly known as Dasha Fuentes in WWE) is making her AEW in-ring debut as part of the Deadly Draw Women’s Tag Team Cup.

Dasha will be teaming with Rachael Ellering in the tournament. Ellering, who was formerly Rachel Evers in NXT, is debuting for AEW in the tournament. They’re facing Ivelisse & Diamante in the opening round.

The first round will conclude with the final two quarterfinal matches premiering on YouTube at 7 p.m. Eastern time tonight. The Nightmare Sisters (Brandi Rhodes & Allie) and Tay Conti & Anna Jay have already advanced to the semifinals on opposite sides of the bracket.

Dasha wrote about being in the tournament: “I’m on cloud 9 right now!!! I can’t even believe that this happened!!! It’s been a dream of mine for quite some time and it just goes to show that you can dream big, set goals and accomplish them! Thank you @allelitewrestling for allowing me to participate in such a historic event! I am beyond humbled and thrilled for this opportunity! #AEWWTTC #tournament Let’s do this @therachaelellering”

Dasha, who has trained to be a professional wrestler, has been featured as a contestant on the latest season of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Titan Games on NBC. 

Ellering has also been announced for this week’s episode of AEW Dark. She’s facing Penelope Ford on the show.

Rachael Ellering part of AEW Dark lineup

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Nine matches have been announced for AEW Dark this Tuesday.

Rachael Ellering, who most recently worked as Rachael Evers in NXT, will make her AEW debut on the program, taking on Penelope Ford. Ellering was part of wide-ranging cuts back in April.

The Hybrid 2 (Jack Evans & Angelico) will be teaming again for the first time in months as they will take on the Natural Nightmares, QT Marshall and Dustin Rhodes. Evans and Marshall both made their return to AEW on last week’s episode of Dark.

Other matches announced for Dark include:

  • Private Party vs. Griff Garrison & Brian Pillman Jr.
  • SCU vs. The Butcher & The Blade
  • Shawn Spears vs. Alex Chamberlain
  • Lee Johnson vs. Rey Fenix
  • Kip Sabian vs. Michael Stevens
  • Jurassic Express vs. Corey Hollis, Pineapple Pete, and Aaron Solow
  • Austin & Billy Gunn vs. M’Badu & Shawn Dean

Matches announced for this week’s Dynamite include Cody vs. Scorpio Sky for the TNT title, The Young Bucks vs. Evil Uno & Stu Grayson of the Dark Order, Jurassic Express vs. Hangman Page & Kenny Omega, and Chris Jericho vs. Orange Cassidy in a $7,000 obligation match.

The show will be part of Tag Team Appreciation Night, featuring appearances from Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, and The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express.

Rachael Evers part of recent NXT releases, posts comeback video

Posted on by Josh Nason

This story was updated at 9:45 AM Eastern.

The now former Rachael Evers announced her comeback with a video posted to Twitter Wednesday night as she was part of the recent WWE/NXT releases, confirmed by our Dave Meltzer.

Returning to her real name of Rachael Ellering, the video starts with her first picture at the WWE Performance Center and then a black and white montage of her getting beaten on during her NXT run with Charlie Chaplin’s final speech from The Great Dictator as a voiceover. It then transitions to color and Shinedown’s ‘Cut The Cord’ of her on offense during her days on the indies, closing with ‘Rachael Ellering: Don’t Call It A Comeback’.

We know who we are, who we’ll always be and we have a choice: we can hide in the shadows or stand in the light pic.twitter.com/DKpF7rafka

— Rachael Ellering (@RachaelEversWWE) May 13, 2020

She also released some new merchandise, calling herself the Queen of Strong Smile.

The 27-year-old was trained by Lance Storm and worked in NXT sparingly in 2016 and 2017 before signing a full-time contract in January 2019. She spent considerable time in both Stardom and SHIMMER in between those runs. Outside a Mae Young Classic appearance in 2018, Evers mainly worked NXT house shows and hadn’t had a match since last July due to a torn ACL.

On the Wednesday night Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer said that there was an issue between she and the medical staff regarding her rehab from that injury but didn’t have the full details. She didn’t ask for her release, according to Meltzer, but was considering quitting anyway.

She is the daughter of Paul Ellering, longtime manager of the Road Warriors and former manager of the AOP.

Rachael Evers suffered torn ACL at NXT house show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Rachael Evers (Rachael Ellering) has confirmed that the injury she suffered last weekend is a torn ACL.

Evers was facing Lacey Lane at last Saturday’s NXT house show in Fort Pierce, Florida when she suffered the injury. The match ended in a no contest due to Evers getting hurt.

Evers posted a statement about her injury today and wrote that she’ll be having surgery on Tuesday:

Professional wrestling is the love of my life. My heart is at home when I’m in that ring sharing moments with you all.

On Saturday night, my heart broke a little bit. At our NXT show in Florida, I tore my ACL. Those three letters have caused me to feel so much pain, disappointment and fear.

I never thought that I would have to face this challenge and be ripped away from what makes my heart thrive — what I’m born to do.

But here I am.

That same passion that fueled me in the ring, will now push me to return to it. The unsettling, sorrowful, aching feelings will pass. I have incredible people in my corner; people who love me and believe in me and that means so much. 

I have surgery on Tuesday and Wednesday I begin my journey back to my home — the ring.

As a wise woman once said, “I am a goddess, a glorious female warrior.” So now its time to prove it.

Evers signing with WWE was officially announced this February. She had taken part in the 2017 and 2018 Mae Young Classics and made appearances on NXT television prior to being signed.