WOR: RAW report, Roman Reigns, Von Erichs history, more!

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including a full recap of RAW from Monday night, how Roman Reigns’ schedule has changed — again — Kevin Nash talks WWE booking and business, Dave on the Von Erich’s doc, ratings, Rousey vs. Carano and tons more. A packed show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:
Start: Roman Reigns working June shows after all, AEW sues Triller
5:54: Kevin Nash critical of TKO interfering in WWE storylines
9:22: Dave’s thoughts on the Von Erichs A&E Biography
29:29: Garrett Borden making pro wrestling debut, ratings
36:24: CMLL notes, Gina Carano & Ronda Rousey fighting this weekend
44:42: WWE Raw recap

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DragonKingKarl: February 1986 in wrestling

On today’s DragonKingKarl Show, Karl Stern takes a detailed look back at February 1986 from his upcoming DragonKingKarl’s 1986-1987 Pro Wrestling Omnibus, set to be released in March.

This month was a very historic one in pro wrestling history.

It featured the tragic death of World Class wrestler Gino Hernandez (pictured above) which shocked the pro wrestling world.

Plus, NWA Superstars was on the Superstation, The Bullet battled Mr. Olympia over their masks, the Honky Tonk Man gimmick was born, a famous tag team wrestler was arrested for a fatal car accident, the first pro wrestling video game came out, and huge, tall tales were spun by the Von Erich family.

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ROH TV live results: Two championship defenses, Women’s Pure title tournament continues

Two Ring of Honor titles will be defended on tonight’s ROH on HonorClub.

After unsuccessfully unseating AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, interim ROH Women’s TV Champion Mina Shirakawa will defend her title against the debuting Lacey Lane, formerly Kayden Carter in WWE.

The ROH Tag Team titles will be decided as LFI (Sammy Guevara & Rush) defend against former ROH Six-Man Champions The Von Erichs.

The ROH Women’s Pure title tournament continues with a quarterfinal match between Billie Starkz and CMLL’s Olympia. In another Pure rules bout, future tourney competitor Deonna Purrazzo will take on Viva Van in non-tournament action.

ROH World Champion Bandido will also be featured, battling Dralistico in a Proving Ground match where if the challenger draws or beats the champion, they earn a future title shot.

The show is rounded out by Tony Nese and Ari Daivari in mixed trios action with new Premier Athletes partner Stori Denali.

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With two title defences, a pair of Pure Rules bouts and a World Championship Proving Ground match, this week’s episode of ROH on Honorclub is so packed from bell to bell, we should all make sure to pee before it starts!

ROH World Title Proving Ground Match: Bandido [c] vs Dralistico (w/Rush)

Brodido (Bandido and Brody King) are fresh off defending their AEW tag titles in Toronto at All Out (which I think ended about a15 minutes ago) but tonight’s a singles bout in which if Dralistico can last 10 minutes or pin/submit Bandido, he slingshots into an ROH World Title match.

Dralistico started things off by giving Bandido the Middle Finger of Honor and then rolling out of the ring. Bandido followed, but Draslistic was waiting to throw him into the barricade a whole bunch. Rush approved.

Bandido rolled back into the ring and Dralistico’s foot followed, planting him on the mat. Dralistico went for the mask of Bandido to a chorus of boos. Dralistico responded with some superkicks and set Bandido up in the corner for one more.

Bandido powered up and threw some punches and a hurricanrana. Bandido caught Dralistico in a one-handed Millitary Press and then slammed him to the mat. Rush did not approve.

Out of the corner, Dralistico tried to get a quick pin while Rush helped him grab the ropes, but the ref caught it and sent Rush to the back as the five minute warning sounded.

Bandido hit a high knee square in the face of Dralistico and that seemed to knock him cold. Bandido pinned him and got the victory.

Match Result: Bandido defeated Dralistico

After the match, a masked man jumped Bandido and threw him into the steel steps. He ripped off his mask to reveal one-half of the worst named tag team of all time, Blake Christian! Christian threw Bandido into the ring and Lee Johnson was waiting for him. They laid a beating on Bandido, capped off with a Lethal Injection.

That brought Hologram out, but he didn’t come alone as Komander returned to ROH to run off Christian and Johnson and save Bandido.

Mixed Six Person Tag Team Match: The Premier Athletes (Ariya Daivari, Stori Denali & Tony Nese) vs JD ink, El Magnifico and Rebecca Scott

The Athletes came down to the ring complaining that their manager MArk Sterling was gbetting surgery because of the Conglomeration. Their opponents were exaxtly what their names suggest; JD Ink had a lot of tattoos, El Magnifico had a magnificent mask and Scott definitely looks like her name is Rebecca.

Nese started off against Ink, controlling the match every step of the way. He tagged in Daivari who backflipped Ink, but also gave him a chance to get a tag to Magnifico. Daivari sent the smaller man into the corner and introduced his shoulder to Magnifico’s stomach.

Magnifico punched Daivari, which sent him backwards into a blind tag from Denali. Scott tagged in, but Denali had a bout a foot’s height advantage on her. Scott tried to wear her down with punches, but Denali didn’t so much kick Scott, as she stepped on her.

Nese and Daivari ran in and knocked Ink and Magnifico off the apron. Denali chokeslammed Scott and that was in. Athletes suck– uh, I mean win. Athletes win.

Match Result: The Premier Athletes defeated JD Ink, El Magnifico and Rebecca Scott.

Pure Rules Match: Deonna Purrazzo vs Viva Van

This match isn’t part of the Tournament to crown the new Women’s Pure Rules Champion, but Purrazzo is a participant and a likely winner of said tournament. Tonight she warms up against Van who lost a Proving Ground match to Athena recently.

Code of Honor was adhered to and the clock started ticking. Purrazzo got Van in a headlock right off the top, but Van got out of it. She chose to celebrate and Purrazzo jumped in an put on an arm bar, causing Van to use her first rope break at 0:45.

Van hit a spinning heel kick, knocking Purrazzo to the mat. Van went for a facelock, but Purrazzo pushed her into the corner and flipped her into a surfboard attempt. She couldn’t get it on and went for a shoulder wrench instead.

Purrazzo then focused on the arm of Van, looking to take away her striking power. Van tried a sunset flip, but Purrazzo worked it into another arm bar. Van got her foot on the rope at 2:53 for her second rope break.

Van went up top for a spingboard dropkick, but also walked right into a spinning back fist from Purrazzo. Van dropped low for a pump kick, but when she got back up, Purrazzo hit her with a big boot and a snap piledriver to get the pin and the victory.

Match Result: Deonna Purrazzo defeated Viva Van

ROH Interim Women’s World Television Title Match: Mina Shirakawa (c) vs Lacey Lane

Shirakawa is the Interim Women’s TV Champion while Red Velvet is stuck at home remodelling Mama’s Kitchen. Shirakawa broke her hand shortly after winning a four-way for the title, but keeps on going, this time taking on Lane, who is a wrestler who works at Ring of Honor.

Off the top, Shirakawa was stuck in her own jacket due to the wrapped hand. Lane did not take advantage of that though and Shirakawa took control with the first pin attempt. Lane tried to work the leg of Shirakawa (who has a broken HAND, I remind you), but Shirakawa was able to transition into a double stomp.

Lane hung Shirakawa up in the corner and delivered a drop kick for a two count. Shirakawa was able to dodge a few kicks, but caught one in the side of the head. Lane started chopping Shirakawa and threw another big kick. This time, Shirakawa responded with one of her own.

Shirakawa threw some forearms and hit an around the world headscissor into a side Russian leg sweep. Shirakawa went for a cloverleaf backstabber and locked in a figure four. Lane managed to get to the ropes though and the rf broke it up.

Lane hit a big kick through the ropes and then a legdrop for a two count. She started hitting her knee, trying to get the blood flowing. Shirakawa rolled through a hold but was planted with a modified bulldog for two.

Lane went up top, but Shirakawa awakened and pulled her leg-first off the top rope. Shirakawa scrambled up and hit a slingblade from the top turnbuckle. Lane kicked out at two though, but Shirakawa hit two spinning fists and went back to the figure four.

Lane held on as long as she could, but was forced to tap as she wasn’t anywhere near the ropes.

Match Result: Mina Shirakawa defeated Lacey Lane

ROH World Tag Team Title Match: La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush & Sammy Guevara) w/Dralistico (c) vs The Von Erichs (Marshall von Erich & Ross von Erich)

At Death Before Dishonor, Guevara turned on the Von Erichs and joined LFI. He and Rush became tag champions and Dustin Rhodes wept silently in a hospital room in Texas. Tonight though, they might be able to get a bit of revenge.

Guevara and Rush jumped the Von Erichs off the bell, but Marshall was able to get the upper hand on Guevara and send him into the barricade. Ross didn’t fair as well though as Rush chopped him on the outside before tossing him back into the ring.

All four men battled in the ring with Rush and Guevara taking both Von Erich’s down. Ross rolled to the ring apron, which made Marshall legal (i guess) and he and Guevara locked up so the match could start. Guevara went right to a set of three amigos, but after two, Marshall reversed into a suplex of his own.

Ross tagged in and ran across to knock Rush off the apron before hitting a sling blade on Guevara. Ross went for a falcon arrow but the pin was only a two count. Ross went up top and tried to hit a move off the second rope, but Guevara caught him with a hight knee.

Guevara stomped him and tagged in Rush who went to work on the ankle of Ross. He tossed him in the corner and then he and Guevara took a moment to pose. From there, Rush tossed Ross out of the ring where Dralistico took the opportunity to stomp him.

Rush took his time getting Ross back into the ring while Guevara stole Marshall’s hat. Rush chopped Ross while Guevara mugged for the cameras. Rush charged Ross, but Ross ducked it and crawled for a tag to Marshall.

Marshall took out Rush and Guevara (somehow the hat stayed on) and Marshall splashed them both in the corner, retrieving his chapeau (that means hat). Marshall hit a big foot on Rush and hit the Iron Claw. Ross came in and they turned it into a Claw Slam double team.

Guevara broke it up and distracted the Ref so Dralistico could come in and kick the Von Erich’s to death. Rush set up Marshall in the corner and as promised gave him the horns. He tagged in Guevara so that he could hit the swanton and get the pin to retain the titles.

Match Result: La Faccion Ingobernable defeated The Von Erichs

-Backstage, Deonna Purrazzo cut a promo about his she’s the foundation of Women’s Wresting in ROH. She was interrupted by the ROH Six-Man Champions, Shane Taylor Promotions. They jawed at her and then Trish Adora punched her into a stack of road cases in anticipation of their upcoming Women’s Pure Championship Tournament match.

ROH Women’s Pure Title Tournament Quarter Final Match: Billie Starkz vs Olympia

Speaking of said tournament, Olympia debuted in ROH last week and it was an impressive debut at that. Starkz has long sat under the Athena learning tree though and has a Tournament win under her belt as she was the inaugural ROH Women’s TV Champion.

Starkz had height, but Olympia had the strength and the lockup off the top was a long one. Olympia sent Starkz to the mat and tried a waist lock. Olympia turned it into an armdrag though and they took a moment to reset.

That reset led to Olympia kicking the knee out of Starkz and going to work on her arm, twisting it behind her back. Starkz reversed it though and ended up using a rope break at about 2:30 to get some space between her and Olympia.

It didn’t last long though as Olympia grabbed her in a huge powerbomb. Olympia scrambled to put on a hold, but Starkz beat her to the rope, costing her a second rope break. She then poked Olympia’s eye and tossed her out of the ring for a suicide dive. Unfortunately, Olympia saw it coming and moved.

Olympia slammed Starkz on the ring apron (the Starkz-est part of the ring!) and tossed her back in for a springboard splash. Olympia got too close to the ropes though and Starkz wrapped her leg around it. Olympia used a rope break and Starkz tossed her outside for another connecting dive.

Starkz threw Olympia into the barricade and steel steps before wrapping her knee around the ring post. Olympia writhed in the ring and Starkz began stomping the injured knee. She dropped down and put the knee in an elbow lock, working it harder.

Starkz delivered a bunch of forearms in the corner followed by some shoulder shots. She flipped Olympia out of the corner and kicked her in the back for a two count. Starkz tried a suplex, but Olympia was able to block it.

She pulled Starkz into a crade for a two count, but Starkz went back to the knee. Olympia hit a shotgun dropkick before she could do much damage then hit a pendulum bronco buster in the corner. Starkz kicked out at two.

Olympia got the crowd going and hoisted Starkz above her head for a big slam. She then wrapped Starkz up in a grapevine ankle lock in the center of the ring. Starks punched her in the face and was issued her warning from the ref.

From there Starkz put on a face lock and went up top. Olympia followed her and pulled her down for a swinging slam, but Starkz managed to swing around and turn it into a rollup to get the pin and punch her ticket into the Semi-Finals of the tournament to crown the first ROH Women’s Pure Champion.

Match Result: Billie Starkz defeated Olympia

Ring of Honor TV live results: El Sky Team vs. Los Depredadores

A CMLL rivalry will make its way to Ring of Honor on HonorClub tonight as El Sky Team will take on Los Depredadores.

El Sky Team is made up of Mistico, Neon & Mascara Dorada while Los Depredadores is Volador Jr., Rugido and Magnus.

Other CMLL stars will be on the show as Hechicero takes on former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal while The Beast Mortos battles AR Fox.

Blake Christian takes on Beef while Trish Adora will also be in action.

Two thirds of the ROH Six-Man Tag Team titles — The Von Erichs — will be in traditional tag team action as they try to navigate the waters with Dustin Rhodes out of action.

A potential new ROH Six-Man title contender may be on the rise as The WorkHorsemen and Adam Priest will join forces.

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BEEF! BEEF is back! Where is the BEEF? Here is the BEEF! Who is BEEF?

All that and more on this week’s edition of ROH on Honorclub!

CMLL World Trios Title Match: El Sky Team (Mascara Dorada, Mistico & Neon) (c) vs Los Depredadores (Magnus, Rugido & Volador Jr.)

Hook it to my veins! El Sky Team would have to be the favorite here, especially when judging by crowd excitement (and music selection!). Volador and Mistico have allegedly wrestled each other over 600 times. That’s crazy!

Rugido and Neon paired up first with a quick exchange of wrist and other such locks. Dorada and Magnus tagged in with Magnus getting a big spin on Dorada before being sent out of the ring on the rebound. Volador tagged in for a frustrated Magnus.

Mistico sent him to the mat with some high kicks, sending Volador packing. Magnus took out Neon on the outside and then Magnus, Volador and Rugido triple teamed Mistico. Dorada tried to help but ended up taking the place of Mistico in the triple beatdown.

Mistico and Neon came in with stereo springboard headscissors and Dorada added one of his own for good measure. Then a triple dive to get everyone out of the ring.

Once the dust had settled, Mistico and Magnus were legal. Magnus popped up Mistico who reveresed it with some help from Dorada. Dorada then tagged in to take on Volador ending a great chain with a hurricanrana.

Mistico tagged in to take on Magnus, who cheap shotted him with a punch from behind. That brought in Dorada and Neon and a brawl ensued leaving all six men laying. Magnus and Mistico got up first and climbed the turnbuckles for Mistico to land a C4.

Neon caught Rugido and Dorada countered a spin from Magnus. Mistico and Dorada grabbed Rugido and Magnus and put them in a double leg stretch. Neon then hit a triangle moonsault wristlock takedown I(that’s what Riccaboni called it) and Dorada hit a shooting star press. Mistico locked in LA Mistica on Rugido and he tapped out, leaving those belts with the champions!

Match Result: El Sky Team (Mascara Dorada, Mistico & Neon) defeated Los Depredadores (Magnus, Rugido & Volador Jr.)

Good match but there should be a law preventing luchadores on the same team from dressing alike.

Blake Christian (w/Lee Johnson) vs BEEF

If you don’t remember BEEF, he’s the “cousin” of either Anthony Henry, or JD Drake. He filled in for one of them in the Workhorsemen. His thing is that he gets over excited and can’t be stopped. Really. Christian is, as always, one of the grumpiest and best dressed in ROH.

The two locked up and the much more agile Christian found himself up against a wall of, well, BEEF. Christian tried hard to get the bigger man off his feet, but BEEF was able to take just about anything that was dished out, including interference from Johnson.

Christian tried to meet BEEF’s brawling style in the middle with some punches in the corner. He then climbed the ropes and literally sauntered on them until BEEF pulled him down. BEEF started with the punches, but Christian was able to hit a high lariat and send him down in the middle of the ring.

Christian then kicked BEEF a lot, but kept checking his shoes for stains, so I assume BEEF is quite greasy,

BEEF started punching the gut of Christian, but fell to a drop kick to the knee. Christian then choked BEEF with the ropes. Christian went for a springboard, but BEEF met him with some jabs, a cartwheel and dropkick, in that order.

Johnson caused a distraction allowing Christian to hit a spear on the ring apron (the beefiest part of the ring!) followed by a second, before throwing BEEF back into the ring. Christian hit a 450 stomp and Vanilla Choke Zero, forcing BEEF to tap out.

Match Result: Blake Christian defeated BEEF

After the match, Christian attacked BEEF, nailing a top rope stomp spicolli driver with the help of Johnson.

Fun match, what I like about a lot of ROH matches is that they are timed very well. Each match feels like a natural and appropriate length.

-Backstage, QT Marshall reminded us that he and Paul Walter Hauser will have a Fight Without Honor at Death Before Dishonor. Neat. I guess.

The Beast Mortos (w/Dralistico & Rush) vs AR Fox

Fox won $50k last month. I don’t know about you, but I’d take a few months off, or at least carry it around in a sack with a dollar sign on it. Anyway, Mortos is an unstoppabale monster from the depths of the nether realm.

Mortos charged out of the gate, but Fox matrix-ed it and was able to dodge. That continued for a bit, Mortos would charge, Fox would get out of the way. On the last one, Mortos exited the ring and Fos dove over the top rope onto him.

Back in the ring, Mortos hit a big death valley driver and followed it with a flapjack. Mortos set Fox up in the corner and hita. few back elbows to get a two count. Dralistico made a bunch of noise on the outside while Rush stalked around approvingly.

Mortos pulled Fox to the ring apron for another driver, but Fox got out of it and pulled him back into the ring over the top rope. He then delivered a double stomp to Mortos’ middle followed by a moonsault onto Mortos on the outside.

Fox then hit a swanton from the top rope inside the ring, but Mortos kicked out at two. Fox tried to get Mortos up in ta direman’s carry, but Mortos reversed it and crushed him for a two count. Mortos picked up Fox who flipped over and charged, but Mortos hit him with a big boot.

Fox finally got Mortos up for a fireman’s carry and death valley driver, but Mortos responded with a spiked powerbomb and that was in for AR Fox.

Match Result: The Beast Mortos defeated AR Fox

After the match, Rush and Dralistico joined Mortos in the ring for a beatdown on Fox. Sadly, no one came to help Fox and LFI celebrated in the ring.

-The Workhorsemen then came down to the ring. Drake grabbed a mic saying that they hard a match with the Trios Champions (The Von Erichs and Dustin Rhodes), but they will have to forefit since Dustin Rhodes is out of action. The Von Erichs then came to the ring.

Ross said that they had a new partner (and I guess new champion?) and called down… Sammy Guevara! One half of the ROH Tag Champions, also with Dustin Rhodes.

The Workhorsemen (JD drake, Anthony Henry & Adam Priest) vs ROH Trios Champions The Von Erichs (Marshall and Ross) and Sammy Guevara

With not a word about if the titles were on the line or not, the match started with Guevara and Priest. Quickly Marshall was tagged in and took over with a slam to Priest. Ross tagged in to take a turn and Priest sent him to the ropes, where Henry kicked him in the back. That started a brawl of all six men.

When things settled down, Ross and Priest were the legal men and Priest blocked a splash in ther voner and tagged in Henry. He dragged Ross to his team’s corner, isolating him from Marshall and Guevara for a triple team.

Ross battled out of it with a huge dropkick to the head of Priest, which brought in Henry to stomp on Ross. Drake came in and he and Henry had a miscommunication and knocked noggins. Guevara then hit a splash on Henry and Drake, causing another melee.

Priest and Guevara ended up legal and Guevara hit a big cutter for a two count. Henry tagged in and caught Guevara with an elbow, followed by a slam from Drake and a flying elbow from Priest. They dragged Guevara up to the entrance ramp and Guevara hit a double cutter and a drop kick, dispatching the Workhorsemen.

Priest and Guevara headed back to the ring, but Guevara got a hot tag to Marshall who began cleaning house. Marshall caught Priest in a crossbody and hit a Claw slam followed by a Claw Classic on Priest to get the win.

Match Result: The Von Erichs & Sammy Guevara defeated The Workhorsemen and Adam Priest

I was so upset when Rhodes got hurt, but I’m very glad they are working towards doing something with the ROH titles that he held.

Trish Adora vs Janai Kai

Adora and Kai locked up after the usual Shane Taylor Promotions entrance. Kai kept pace with Adora through the opening minutes, but Adora soon wrestled her to the mat. Kai responded with a series of kicks and a pin attempt.

Adora swept the leg of Kai (yeah, that happened), and began stomping her knee, keeping her off her feet. Adora hit a DDT on Kai’s ankle, that was in a brace of some kind.

Adora did the split-legged squash/stretch that has been devastating recently, but Kai remained in the match and came back with a twisting slam on Adora. She left herself open for a backbreaker though and Adora obliged.

Kai hit a big kick to the back followed by a waistlock slam for a two-count. Adora responded with a German suplex and Lariat Tubman to put Kai on the mat for three,

Match Result: Trish Adora defeated Janai Kai

That was fun! Kai may actually be made of spaghetti.

-Backstage the Von Erich’s and Guevara discussed how Guevara should wrestle with them at Death Before Dishonor. Guevara thanked them and said he has a spot to fill too. Marshall said that either one of them would stand in and help him defend the Tag Titles. Then they left. So I guess the three of them are ROH Trios AND Tag Team Champions?

-Next, a promo aired featuring Bandido beating up cowboys a the Silver Dollar Saloon. It had no purpose other than it existed and I’m thankful for it.

Hechicero (w/Don Callis) vs Jay Lethal

Speaking of Bandido, he is facing Hechicero at Death Before Dishonor for the ROH World Title, so Hechicero gerts this warm-up match with former ROH World Champion, Jay Lethal. I love it when everything works together like that.

Hechcero grabbed a waistlock on Lethal to open things up. Lethal reversed it into a wristlock and the two took a second to reset.

Lethal came out swinging with an armdrag and dropkick, sending Hechicero out of the ring. Lethal dragged him back in and got a two count, but Hechicero was far from done. He grabbed Lethal’s ankle in mid air and slammed him to the mat, following that with a healthy dose of kicks and stomps.

Callis looked pleased at ringside as Hechicero put a headlock on Lethal. Lethal roilled out of it and tried a few flash pin strategies,but two-counts all around. Hechicero got tired of this and hit a DDT, showing he was in full control. Callis choked Lethal at ringside, causing the Ref to eject him.

Hechicero, foreced to wrestle without his muse, went to trading jabs with Lethal. Lethal hit him with a crossbody and tried a fireman’s carry but Hechicero wriggled out of it. Lethal went up top for an elbow, but Hechicero got his feet up. Lethal saw it coming and avoided the reversal, hitting a lethal combination instead.

Lethal tried to get a Lethal Injection in, but Hechicero stopped him. Hechicero hit a sunset flip and locked in a grapevine, stretching Lethal until the Ref was forced to call it.

Match Result: Hechicero defeated Jay Lethal

Excellent match, super fun and a great preview of what should be a banger between Hechicero and Bandido at Death Before Dishonor next week!

Ring of Honor TV live results: Dustin Rhodes teams with all of his championship partners

Ring of Honor Tag Team and Six-Man Tag Team Champion Dustin Rhodes will unite with all of his championship friends on tonight’s ROH on HonorClub.

Rhodes will join fellow Tag Team Champion Sammy Guevara and fellow Six-Man Champions Ross & Marshall Von Erich to battle MxM Collection (Mansoor & Madden) and Tony Nese & Ari Daivari of the Premier Athletes.

In singles action, Wheeler Yuta will return to ROH against Matt Mako, the former Matt Makowski, in his first ROH match in four years.

The show is rounded out by Trish Adora against Rachael Ellering, and a tag team match between The Frat House’s Cole Karter & Griff Garrison against Dark Order’s Evil Uno & Alex Reynolds.

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ROH on Honorclub returns to Thursday for Episode 116 and we return with it!

Wheeler Yuta defeated Matt Mako

And so did Wheeler Yuta! It’s been a few months since we’ve seen Yuta in ROH, pre- his Dave Grohl lookalike phase. Yuta’s been busy in AEW being a Death Rider. Speaking of which, do they like, ride the grim reaper? Is that it? Anyways, he’s been doing that, so it’s cool of him to show up here to take on Mako, in what is technically his ROH Debut. Mako had a couple matches in the 2021 version of Ring of Honor, but went by Makowski at the time. He’s hit the reset button here though and so shall we all. 

After a traditional test of strength lockup, waist locks were traded and Mako actually got the drop on Yuta with a cross armbreaker hold. Yuta got out of it bu standing on Mako’s head until he let go. Yuta relied on his Pure Wrestling skills but a lot meaner in order to keep Mako off his feet and on the mat.

Yuta set in with a very casual bridged indian deathlock, before dragging Mako to the corner for some patented chopping of the chest. Mako showed a flurry of offense, but Yuta was able to quickly recover, putting an end to it with a right angle slam.

Mako locked in a really vicious armbar, but Yuta wiggled free and delivered a high knee to the face. Yuta then put Mako in a Cattle Mutilation and Mako passed the heck out, giving Yuta the victory

Match Result: Wheeler Yuta defeated Matt Mako

-A promo aired showcasing Tom Lawlor and Josh Woods’ history and their match at AEW x ACTION DEAN~!!!2 on May 24th. It was about 17 minutes long. TLDR: They know each other and are going to fight.

Trish Adora (w/Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) defeated Rachael Ellering

Ellering and Adora have only met one other time in ROH, way back on Episode 93 in November of last year. Adora came out on top in that match and is looking to do the same here with Bravo and Dean in tow. Ellering is more than likely looking ahead to the ever-impending Women’s Pure Title Tournament that’s right up her alley. The wild card(s) here would be Shane Taylor protegees Dean and Bravo.

These two were pretty evenly matched in terms of strength and size, as well as attitude. It felt like the match could devolve into a brawl at any second. Both women worked with hard strikes, Ellering a particularly nasty shoulder block and Adora with a huge fisherman bridge suplex.

Adora managed to get the drop on Ellering with a huge lariat that actually put Ellering down for the three. Quick and dirty with no Infantry involvement.

Match Result: Trish Adora (w/Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) defeated Rachael Ellering

-Red Velvet cut a promo in the back, saying that her TV Title is much more important than a Pure Title that no one has even won before. She then tried out a few new catchphrases that didn’t really land and ended it off demonstrating how she stirs it up.

The Frat House (Cole Karter & Griff Garrison) (w/Jacked Jameson & Preston Vance) defeated The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno)

The story here is as old as time: The Frat House are the cool, cocky jocks and the Dark Order are the kids who spend their lunchtime plotting DnD campaigns. They are natural enemies in the wild and even if you raise them as puppies, there is bound to be some conflict. In this case, the conflict is simply two groups of people who (in wrestling parlance) cannot co-exist. 

A couple of NPC pledges accompanied the Frat House to the ring. The best part of the Frat House intro was the much thinner Garrison flexing next to Jameson and Vance. the Dark Order arrived with their usual poses and the fight was on.

Karter and Reynolds kicked things off, with Karter casually addressing Reynolds and Reynolds exploding with anger, causing a flailing Karter to get a quick tag to Garrison. Uno joined the fray and the Order hit a double neckbreaker on Garrison and Karter.

Uno and Garrison carried the match into the next phase where Vance tried to get involved in an attempt to distract Uno. It didn’t work, but Karter managed to trip Uno up and leave him open for a double team. The numbers game (6 against 2) began to catch up to the Order here.

Uno was dragged to the outside where the Pledges, Vance and Jameson worked him over. The ref saw it but couldn’t really do much about it. Back in the ring Uno finally managed to get a a tag to Reynolds who cleared the ring of Garrison and Karter. Uno took out the Pledges and Reynolds went up top for a double stomp on Karter.

The Order hit a Gory Special on Garrison, but Jameson distracted the ref so that they couldn’t get a pin. Karter grabbed a pledge bat, but Uno wrestled it away. The ref caught it and gave it back to Jameson. While he was doing that, Vance hit a lariat on Uno, knocking him silly. Garrison got the pin when the ref’s attention returned.

Match Result: The Frat House (Cole Karter & Griff Garrison) (w/Jacked Jameson & Preston Vance) defeated The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno)

The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) & The Von Erichs (Marshall von Erich & Ross Von Erich) defeated MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) & The Premier Athletes (Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese)

At this point, I think that everyone in this match has wrestled each other so often over the last few months, they should know how to do this in their sleep. Rhodes’ worlds collide here as his Tag Team Champion Partner (Guevara) teams up with his Six-Man Championship partners (The Von Erichs). All of them as Sons of Texas, but I’m just going to call the team Dustin’s Pals for simplicity. MxM and the Premier Athletes (or MxMxPA as I’ll be referring to them) have been making the Frat House look like polite gentlemen with their antics over the last few months, but have failed to claim any of the gold on the other side of the ring with resorting to thievery. Also, whatever happened to Danhausen? 

Guevara and the Von Erichs have benefited greatly from Rhodes’ veteran influence and it showed by the pile of gold (well, silver) around their waists. The Crowd was hot as a chili dog for this one too, loud and raucous.

Nese and Marshall kicked things off and immediately, Nese isolated Marshall in the MxMxPA corner. MxM tagged in and double teamed him. He got a little help from Eric who managed to tag himself in and isolate Mansoor. Guevara tagged in and put on a show of dropkicking Mansoor. He played a little too long to the crowd though and Mansoor nearly got the drop on him.

The match progressed and Eric and Daivari locked up. Daivari went up top for a splash, but Eric dodged it and got a tag to Rhodes to a huge ovation. Rhodes played his greatest hits on Nese and Daivari and went for a pin, but MxM broke it up.

Sterling caused a distraction which sent Rhodes into Marshal and left Guevara open to a powerbomb neckbreaker from MxM. Rhodes pulled Sterling into the ring and set him up for a Shattered Dreams that would surely result in a lawsuit. Marshall and Eric locked dueling Iron Claws on Nese and Daivari and both tapped out simultaneously, ending the match.

Match Result: The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) & The Von Erichs (Marshall von Erich & Ross Von Erich) defeated MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) & The Premier Athletes (Ariya Daivari & Tony Nese)

After the match, strange music hit and who should come wandering out for reasons unknown? Cru; Action Adretti and Lio Rush. They have a match against Guevara and Rhodes coming up and stared them down as the show came to a close.

Ross and Marshall Von Erich announce they have signed with AEW

The Von Erichs are officially members of the AEW roster, they have announced.

Speaking on the debut episode of their new The Claw Pod podcast, Marshall Von Erich and Ross Von Erich announced that they are under contract to AEW, noting that their independent careers were an “expensive hobby,” but that they are now full-fledged professionals.

“This day we’ve dreamed about for so long is finally here,” said Ross. “This is kind of like the thing that we’ve been working towards our whole careers.”

“Of course, personally, Ross and I, we strive to be the best, the greatest tag team in professional wrestling. And so, we want the biggest accolade you can get, which is the AEW Tag Team Championship,” Marshall said.

Marshall and Ross currently hold the Ring of Honor World Six-Man Tag Team Championship with Dustin Rhodes. The trio have not defended their titles since September after Marshall suffered a partially torn pectoral that has kept him out of action. Rhodes also holds ROH Tag Team gold with Sammy Guevara.

The debut episode of The Claw Pod is embedded below.

Cody Rhodes: Dustin Rhodes teaming with The Von Erichs is ‘so cool’

Cody Rhodes discussed his brother’s team with Ross and Marshall Von Erich in a new interview with Sports Illustrated.

Dustin Rhodes and The Von Erichs won the ROH Six-Man Tag Team Championships at Battle of the Belts XI last month. Dustin then cut an emotional promo after the match and thanked Kevin Von Erich for everything he’s given to the wrestling business.

Cody told Justin Barrasso that he studied Kevin Von Erich and found Dustin teaming with Kevin’s kids to be “very touching.”

“Dustin doing the spot with the Von Erichs was so cool,” said Cody. “I have such a love for the Von Erichs. I don’t think Kevin knows this, but I studied Kevin, I watched Kevin, I was so fascinated by Kevin Von Erich. To see his kids and Dustin, it was very touching.”

Dustin and the Von Erichs also participated in the ROH TV tapings last night at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Spoilers from the show are available here.

Cody continued to discuss his family’s history in wrestling.

“In addition to that, behind the curtain are my nephews Dalton and Dylan. They’re close with Dustin, and to see them go from playing around to the point where now I can see it–it’s one of those things where, once you start, you can’t stop. They’re both at the University of Texas and more than anything, my mom would like them to finish. But I look forward to the decisions they make. They’re not ready to wrestle Jacob Fatu just yet, but they’ll get there.”

Dalton and Dylan are the sons of Dusty Rhodes’ daughter, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Kristen Ditto. They have wrestled under the names Wayne Rhodes & Wyatt Rhodes on Rhodes Wrestling Academy showcase events. Their tag team name is The Texas Outlaws, the former name of Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch’s team.

“It doesn’t–and won’t–end with me. We have our own bloodline,” Cody said.

Ring of Honor TV live results: Death Before Dishonor go-home show

The final stop before Friday’s Death Before Dishonor has arrived with this week’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub.

Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta will take on Shane Taylor Promotions’ Anthony Ogogo & Lee Moriarty.

Ahead of their Survival of the Fittest match on Friday, ROH TV Champion Atlantis Jr. will team with Lio Rush against Shane Taylor & Johnny TV.

Former MLW Tag Team Champion EJ Nduka will make his promotional debut as he challenges Jon Cruz.

In a 10-man tag team match, Top Flight, Action Andretti, Komander & the returning Fuego Del Sol will take on the Iron Savages, Nick Comoroto, Jacked Jameson & Anthony Henry.

Marshall & Ross Von Erich will be in tag team action against Dark Order’s John Silver & Alex Reynolds ahead of a trios clash on Friday.

Lexy Nair will interview Queen Aminata and Red Velvet ahead of their respective title challenges of ROH World Women’s Champion Athena and ROH Women’s TV Champion Billie Starkz Friday.

Abadon will make her return to ROH action this week as well.

*********

-The show starts with video of Roderick Strong pinning Tomohiro Ishii from Collision last week and then being confronted by Mark Briscoe. That segued into a quick Blood and Guts recap and a backstage promo by Mark Briscoe where he was confronted by Mike Bennett. Bennett told Briscoe there are more important things than wrestling. Of course this was all a set up so Matt Taven could attack him from behind. Roderick Strong told him he may be ROH Champion now, but he’ll never be Mr. ROH.

*********

-Lexy Nair interviewed Bennett and Taven, who don’t have opponents for Death Before Dishonor. Bennett said TK hasn’t been answering his messages, so they must be getting the day off. Taven was in the middle of thanking TK when Paul Wight walked in with good news and bad news. The good news is Wight is now on the ROH Board of Directors. The bad news is because of the shenanigans they have pulled, they will now defend at Death Before Dishonor against Ishii and Kyle O’Reilly.

*********

Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta defeated Lee Moriarty & Anthony Ogogo w/Shane Taylor

Just a reminder, Yuta is the ROH Pure Champion and apparently they are now babyfaces because Claudio is slapping the fans hands. Tomorrow is Yuta vs Moriarty.

Moriarty and Yuta start and we get some nice wrestling with a lot of mirror spots. Yuta has a really nice armdrag. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but I will always appreciate a good armdrag. Ogogo tagged in and demanded Claudio tag in as well, so of course, Claudio obliged. Ogogo hit a punch to the liver, but Claudio quickly took back over and tagged out. Thanks to a distraction by Moriarty, Ogogo got the heat on Yuta. Yuta played babyface in peril really well and the crowd popped a little for the Claudio hot tag as the former ROH Champ ran wild on Moriarty. Claudio went for The Big Swing, but Moriarty fought and made the ropes. Claudio ran around the outside with a European Uppercut to Moriarty and fell through the barricade, which hadn’t been properly secured. Ogogo took back over, but missed his Discuss Punch and got hit with a pop up uppercut, but the fall was broken up by Moriarty. A 4-way broke out, highlighted by a Yuta Suicide Dive to Moriarty. Finally Claudio used The Big Swing on Ogogo and pinned him after a lariat in around 13 minutes. After the match, Yuta and Moriarty had to be separated, but Shane Taylor punched Yuta in the jaw.

Fun opener.

*********

-Lexy Nair was in the ring to introduce the challengers in the Women’s title matches at Death Before Dishonor: Queen Aminata and Red Velvet. Aminata challenges Athena for the Women’s World Title and Velvet faces Billie Starkz for the TV Title. This was actually taped last night at Dynamite, while the matches happened last Saturday.

Lexy asked Velvet a question and then pulled the microphone away. Then she asked Aminata how she sleeps last night after what she did to Athena and pulled the mic away again. This time Aminata ripped the mic away and said the bitch got what she deserved.

This brought out Athena, who was carried to the ring by an ROH staff member. Athena hobbled into the ring and got held up by Lexy. Athena said Lexy did her best, but these two are too uncultured to do an interview segment. Athena said ever since she beat the tar out of those two, they were nothing but tyrants and bullies. Athena noted they called her Ashy and called Billie “trashy”. Athena said Aminata is not ready for the opportunity she usurped and the two of them are raggedy ass lot lizards. This brought out Billie Starkz, who attacked the challengers from behind. Billie is wearing matching gear and Lexy took off Athena’s boot because of course she’s not actually injured.

My computer keeps crashing, but ultimately the champions laid out the challengers leading into tomorrow.

*******

Gates of Agony defeated Angelico and Serpentico

This was a lot more competitive than I expected it to be. Actually, Angelico and Serpentico got a lot of offense on Bishop Kaun. Of course, the Gates finally took over and specifically on Angelico. Serpentico eventually got the hot tag and did a flying crossbody to Toa, but got caught and dropped with a powerslam. That was probably a Pobody’s Nerfect moment, as they pretty much immediately ignored it and Serpentico ran wild for a few seconds, before he got cut off and pinned after Open The Gates.

*******

EJ Nduka defeated Jon Cruz

Nduka is like a foot taller than Cruz. Apparently he’s a legitimate 6’8 and I believe it. Nduka held Cruz up for a vertical suplex and held him there for around 10 seconds before tossing him. He did it a second time for a count of 11 from the crowd. Nduka used Snake Eyes and a flying shoulder tackle, called The Hammer, before picking up the win with Exodus, which is a spinning back suplex.

*******

-We got a video package for the MXM Collection, who will debut tomorrow at Death Before Dishonor.

*******

Johnny TV & Shane Taylor w/Taya Valkyrie defeated Lio Rush & ROH TV Champion Atlantis Jr

The bell rings, but the match can’t start until TV and Taya make out. Taya gets on the apron to yell at Lio Rush, but he runs at her, so she falls off into Johnny’s arms, but then Johnny has to drop her, as Lio is flying through the ropes at him. Taylor got tired of the shenanigans and booted Lio’s head off. Atlantis got in and worked really well with TV. Rush was in with Taylor and it honestly looked ridiculous with the size difference that Taylor needed interference by Taya on the floor to cut Lio off. Taylor slapped around Lio and bad mouthed him in the corner, which got the crowd to react, but they were yelling for Taylor to slap him around more. Taylor did mockingly get the crowd to chant for Lio briefly, however. We had a bit of a contrived spot where Lio rushed between Shane’s legs and then had to literally stop because it wasn’t time to make the hot tag yet and Johnny TV, who blind tagged in, needed to to get in the ring, run across and cut him off. Of course, seconds later, TV was playing to the audience and let Atlantis get the tag. A 4-way breaks out and Lio did this neat move where he bounced off the bottom ropes with his thighs and hit a Stunner. Finally Atlantis accidentally superkicked Lio and got pinned by Taylor after a Package Piledriver.

It was a fine match, but it felt like it could have been a lot better.

*******

In reality no one would have complained had the show ended here. We got a 1-hour show with 4 matches and a lot of good stuff to plug DBD. However, we needed more.

*******

Abadon defeated Dulce Tormenta

Well if the show had ended, I wouldn’t have gotten to see my favorite non-binary wrestler win a squash match. Dulce got to do a little bit, but Abadon got the win with a Black Dahlia.

*******

Komander, Action Andretti, Top Flight & Fuego Del Sol w/Alex Abrahantes defeated Iron Savages, Nick Comoroto & Anthony Henry

This is Fuego’s first AEW match since February 2023. Well, it’s his first ROH match, but you know what I mean.

Everyone got the chance to tag in, do something, get cut off, sell for a minute and tag out to start the match. Bronson and Boulder threw around Komander like he was a 161 pound Luchador and they were 2-300 pounders. Fuego made up for lost time by being dropped on the pretty black mats by Henry and then got quadruple-teamed in the heel corner. In case you haven’t seen Nick Comoroto since The Factory broke up, he looks A LOT different without the beard. He has grown out sideburns and looks like the perfect 80’s/early 90’s heel and that’s not a bad thing. Bronson teased a standing moonsault, but instead did a sit down splash. Dante Martin eventually got the hot tag and him and Darius ran wild on all 5 heels until they had their heads knocked off by a double clothesline by Comoroto. Outside the ring, Iron Savages were teasing doing something to Fuego, but they got stopped and we had a crazy dive sequence by Dante, Action and Fuego. Finally in the ring, all the babyfaces hit a splash on Comoroto and Dante Martin pinned him.

*******

-Backstage Queen Aminata and Red Velvet both vowed to win their matches.

*******

Tomorrow night at Death Before Dishonor:


-Athena vs Queen Aminata for the Women’s World Title

-Billie Starkz vs Red Velvet for the Women’s TV Title

-Mike Bennett & Matt Taven vs Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii for the ROH Tag Team Titles

-Wheeler Yuta vs Lee Moriarty for the ROH Pure Title

-Diamante vs Legit Leyla Hirsch in a Texas Death Match

-Atlantis Jr. vs Lee Johnson vs Lio Rush vs Shane Taylor vs Johnny TV vs Brian Cage in a Survival of The Fittest Match for the ROH TV Title

-Komander vs The Beast Mortos

-Dark Order vs Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erich’s where the winners get an Undisputed Trios Title Match at Battle Of The Belts on Saturday

-Mark Briscoe vs Roderick Strong for the ROH World Title

*******

Ross & Marshall Von Erich w/Kevin Von Erich vs John Silver & Alex Reynolds w/Evil Uno

The Dark Order got the early advantage on Marshall, complete with Evil Uno cheating from the outside. Ian noted this wasn’t the Evil Uno we’re used to. I mean his name IS Evil Uno, what did you expect? Ross tagged in, but got power bombed by Silver on Reynolds’ knees, which did not feel good. I mean I am not Ross Von Erich, but I can’t imagine it would tickle. Ross was able to make the hot tag to Marshall, which gave him the chance to run wild. Silver went to the middle ropes, but Marshall got up with a dropkick to knock Silver to the floor. Marshall went for The Iron Claw, but Evil Uno jumped on the apron and got a Claw. However that just gave Reynolds and Silver and chance to gain a brief advantage. That lasted until Reynolds yelled at Kevin outside the ring. He turned around and got his head taken off by a clothesline by Marshall, who picked up the win.

After the match, all three Dark Order members attacked Ross and Marshall. Kevin teased getting in the ring, but instead Dustin Rhodes ran in for the save. Reynolds was left and he stood up to all 3 faces, who just let him talk all the shit in the world, until Kevin got in the ring and slapped on The Iron Claw, which easily got the biggest reaction on the show.

The show ended with the Von Erich’s and Dustin standing tall.

*******

I don’t think I am being mean by saying this, but again, the show would have been better off ending after an hour. The rest of the stuff was nice, but you could have substituted the two squash matches for this main event and no one would have batted an eye. The last 30 minutes was fun, but did nothing to build to tomorrow’s show. However, if you’re someone who is going to pay for Honor Club, you probably aren’t going to be turned off by the excess.

Thank you all for reading. If you wish to hear my thoughts on classic wrestling, check out Something Else Podcast Network, available on almost all your favorite streaming platforms. My co-hosts Trae and Cyndi join me to discus Mid-South Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, NWA: Total Nonstop Action and Smoky Mountain Wrestling and it’s completely free-e-e!

Von Erichs returning to AEW during Texas residency

The Von Erichs will be part of AEW’s upcoming residency in their home state of Texas.

In partnership with the city of Arlington, AEW is heading to Esports Stadium Arlington for a residency that begins on Saturday, July 20 and ends on Saturday, August 17. The residency consists of five AEW Collision episodes, a Ring of Honor pay-per-view, and two days of ROH television tapings.

Marshall & Ross Von Erich announced on their Von Erich podcast that they’ll be returning to AEW at the Collision event on July 20. Though they didn’t know if they could reveal the other dates they’re set for, they mentioned they’ll be working the “next couple of Saturdays” after that as well.

When asked about their status with AEW, Marshall Von Erich noted that they haven’t signed full-time deals yet but have signed for some matches.

“We signed some matches,” he said. “But we’ll see what comes from this.”

Back in May, The Von Erichs said they feel like they’ll be signing with a major wrestling company soon. They indicated that they’ve had conversations with both AEW and WWE.

Marshall & Ross, the sons of Kevin Von Erich, worked Texas dates for AEW/ROH in December 2023 and February 2024. Their father appeared with them for some of those events.

The Von Erich siblings are former tag team champions for MLW.

Dustin Rhodes ‘honored’ to team with Von Erichs on AEW Rampage

On AEW Rampage this Friday night, two legendary pro wrestling families are joining forces.

Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs (Ross & Marshall Von Erich) are teaming together in a trios match on this Friday’s Rampage episode. The match was taped after Wednesday night’s Dynamite in Cedar Park, Texas. Spoilers from the show can be found here.

Teaming with Ross & Marshall was an honor for Dustin Rhodes, who made a social media post thanking Tony Khan for booking the match. Dustin noted that his father Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Von Erich only teamed together once during their careers:

A little history lesson for you. Our own @alexmarvez told me last night that their dad Kevin tagged 1 and only 1 time with my pops back in 1978. So you can imagine how special this meant to me. #VonErichsAndRhodes #TexasBoys whooping tail!! 

Trios anybody?

Thanks @TonyKhan for making this happen. Historical and honored. #keepsteppin and see you tomorrow night on #AEWRampage baby!!!#hookem

Rhodes & The Von Erichs faced the team of Hit, Romero Cruz & Shimbashi in the Rampage trios match. This was Ross & Marshall’s first time competing for AEW or ROH since December.

This Friday’s Rampage has a special start time of 7 p.m. Eastern. The announced lineup for the show is listed below:

  • No DQ match: Jeff Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara
  • Anna Jay vs. Queen Aminata
  • Bang Bang Scissor Gang in 12-man tag team action
  • Dustin Rhodes & The Von Erichs in trios action

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: February 1984 & the death of David Von Erich

On this week’s DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, I present the 99th installment of my long-form history.

I am now up to February 1984 — a month that was infamous due to the shocking and unforeseen death of David Von Erich just before he was scheduled to begin a tour for All-Japan Pro Wrestling.

Taken from my new book DragonKingKarl’s 1984-1985 Pro Wrestling Omnibus, this is one of the most detailed looks at February 1984 ever undertaken.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

The Von Erichs added to ROH Final Battle lineup

The Von Erichs will be in action on Friday’s ROH Final Battle event in Texas. 

Tony Khan announced on social media Thursday that Ross Von Erich & Marshall Von Erich will be cornered by Kevin Von Erich in a tag team match against Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum of The Outrunners at Final Battle on Friday, December 15. 

The bout will air on the Zero Hour pre-show which begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time.

In addition to their live match at Final Battle, The Von Erichs will be in trios action on Friday’s taped edition of AEW Rampage as they team with Orange Cassidy against Matt Menard, Angelo Parker, and Jake Hager. 

Nine matches are now set for Friday’s Final Battle show which streams on Honor Club. 

Here is the announced card so far:

ROH Final Battle, Friday, December 15, 7 p.m. Eastern time on Honor Club —

  • ROH Women’s World Champion Athena defends against Billie Starkz
  • ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta defends against Tom Lawlor
  • Survival of the Fittest six-way elimination match to crown a new ROH World Television Champion: Dalton Castle vs. Komander vs. Lee Moriarty vs. Lee Johnson vs. Kyle Fletcher vs. TBA
  • AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo defends against Black Taurus
  • ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champions Brian Cage & Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) defend against TMDK (Shane Haste, Bad Dude Tito & Kosei Fujita)
  • Keith Lee vs. Shane Taylor
  • I Quit match: Ethan Page vs. Tony Nese
  • Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, & Bryan Danielson vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) & Mark Briscoe
  • The Von Erichs (Ross Von Erich & Marshall Von Erich) w/Kevin Von Erich vs. The Outrunners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum)

Ross & Marshall Von Erich to team with Orange Cassidy on AEW Rampage

Orange Cassidy and The Von Erichs are teaming together this Friday.

During a segment on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, Kevin Von Erich and his sons Marshall & Ross Von Erich were being interviewed when Orange Cassidy came up to them and said he needed partners for a match on Rampage. Danhausen and Trent Baretta seemed upset that Cassidy wouldn’t partner with them, but Cassidy told them that this was Texas. The Von Erichs agreed to back up Cassidy for his match on Friday. It wasn’t said who Cassidy and The Von Erichs would face.

Cassidy most recently wrestled on the December 8 edition of AEW Rampage, successfully defending the International title against Angelico. This would be the in-ring debut of Ross & Marshall Von Erich in AEW, who have wrestled in the past for MLW, Impact, and Pro Wrestling NOAH.

The Von Erichs were in Arlington, Texas during Wednesday’s Dynamite to promote the upcoming Iron Claw film, which tells the story of Fritz Von Erich and his sons Kevin, David, Kerry, and Mike. The film opens in theatres on December 22.

VIDEO: Trailer released for ‘The Iron Claw’ Von Erich family biopic

The first trailer has been released for The Iron Claw, the upcoming biopic on the Von Erich family.

The movie is from A24 Films and is directed by Sean Durkin. It will be released in theaters on Friday, December 22. The trailer can be watched below:

The Iron Claw tells the tragic story of the Von Erich family, who ran World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas. Here’s the full description for the film:

The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports.

Zac Efron stars in the movie as Kevin Von Erich. It also features Jeremy Allen White (Kerry Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), Holt McCallany (Fritz Von Erich), Maura Tierney (Doris Von Erich), and Lily James (Kevin Von Erich’s wife Pam).

AEW World Champion MJF also has a role in the movie, playing WCCW wrestler and fake Von Erich family member Lance Von Erich.

Marshall Von Erich, one of Kevin’s sons, reacted to the trailer:

Actor Aaron Dean Eisenberg cast as Ric Flair in ‘The Iron Claw’

An actor has been cast to play Ric Flair in “The Iron Claw.”

Deadline reported today that Aaron Dean Eisenberg will play the role of Ric Flair in the Von Erich family biopic. Eisenberg is known for having been part of the cast of the HBO series “The Deuce.”

Deadline noted that the role of Flair is expected to be a cameo:

While the role is expected to be a cameo, Flair played a huge part in the Von Erich’s wrestling legacy when he fought Kerry Von Erich for the NWA Championship Belt in 1984. 

Kerry Von Erich won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from Flair at the first Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions, which took place in May 1984 following the death of Kerry’s brother David Von Erich.

“The Iron Claw” is also set to feature Zac Efron (Kevin Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), Jeremy Allen White (Kerry Von Erich), Holt McCallany (Fritz Von Erich), Maura Tierney (Doris Von Erich), Lily James, and AEW World Champion MJF (Lance Von Erich).

Production on “The Iron Claw” is currently underway. The movie is from A24 films and is being directed by Sean Durkin.