Ring of Honor: The Rebirth
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Ring of Honor: The Rebirth
- Thread starter C3K
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Ring of Honor: Episode 1 – Preview
07/05/22
A new era in the world of Ring of Honor is upon as for the first time, we are streaming live on YouTube Premium in the USA and those across the pond will be able to tune in on their respective platforms in a true first for the Ring of Honor brand!
Expect fast paced, hard-hitting action as to commemorate the first episode since All Elite Wrestling’s acquisition, we will see the very first championship match when Minoru Suzuki puts his ROH Television Championship on the line against All Ego, Ethan Page. It has only been one month since Suzuki won the gold, and since this is the first televised episode of ROH, it is only fitting that the television title will be on the line. Ethan Page—perhaps shunned from AEW—has made the jump over to ROH and will be looking to put his stamp on the brand as he aims to dethrone the Japanese star.
And in breaking news, the first episode of the new era will kick off with an appearance by a Ring of Honor Hall of Famer, AEW star, CM Punk! A former ROH World Heavyweight Champion and ROH Tag Team Champion, the outspoken AEW wrestler will be here for one night only as he kicks off the new era. But what – if any – will any of the current ROH wrestlers have to say about that?
One month ago, Lee Moriarty failed to defeat Jay Lethal at Supercard of Honor, but tonight the ROH star gets another chance to impress with Matt Sydal cheering him on, as Moriarty will face off against the formidable Brian Cage – who will undoubtedly have the legendary, Tully Blanchard in his corner.
All that and more to come, on the first episode of the new era in ROH!
07/05/22
A new era in the world of Ring of Honor is upon as for the first time, we are streaming live on YouTube Premium in the USA and those across the pond will be able to tune in on their respective platforms in a true first for the Ring of Honor brand!
Expect fast paced, hard-hitting action as to commemorate the first episode since All Elite Wrestling’s acquisition, we will see the very first championship match when Minoru Suzuki puts his ROH Television Championship on the line against All Ego, Ethan Page. It has only been one month since Suzuki won the gold, and since this is the first televised episode of ROH, it is only fitting that the television title will be on the line. Ethan Page—perhaps shunned from AEW—has made the jump over to ROH and will be looking to put his stamp on the brand as he aims to dethrone the Japanese star.
And in breaking news, the first episode of the new era will kick off with an appearance by a Ring of Honor Hall of Famer, AEW star, CM Punk! A former ROH World Heavyweight Champion and ROH Tag Team Champion, the outspoken AEW wrestler will be here for one night only as he kicks off the new era. But what – if any – will any of the current ROH wrestlers have to say about that?
One month ago, Lee Moriarty failed to defeat Jay Lethal at Supercard of Honor, but tonight the ROH star gets another chance to impress with Matt Sydal cheering him on, as Moriarty will face off against the formidable Brian Cage – who will undoubtedly have the legendary, Tully Blanchard in his corner.
All that and more to come, on the first episode of the new era in ROH!
It actually pains me how much the revival of Ring of Honor has been botched by the creative responsible by Tony Khan. I've toyed with this project as an idea in the past. There's so much you can do, especially with the roster made possible by the bombastic line-up afforded by AEW. I really like that you are choosing to take the digital direction to getting feelers put out for the ROH product, that aren't hidden behind paywalls such as HonorClub and FITE TV (though I'm sure those will be nefarious means for future supercards and PPVs). YouTube Premium is a very effective tool. I'm curious to see how you set this all up, and I do hope there is effective usage of Universal Studios in Orlando to accommodate the tapings.
I'll be watching, very curious to see how the first group of storylines are assembled in the first few shows.
I'll be watching, very curious to see how the first group of storylines are assembled in the first few shows.
Somehow I had missed this one until now. Very much looking forward to seeing how you rekindle the spirit of ROH with this reset of sorts. Wishing you the best of luck with this, looking forward to the first show, and obviously hopefully some talent getting a rub from liaising with CM Punk.
ROH: Episode 1
Rather than a video package to open the show, we dive straight into the building where a small but intimate crowd of around 500 people are cheering their blasted hearts out. The camera pans around the tiny arena before landing on the stage which is simply a door-shaped curtain with ROH branding on either side. The ring, rather than white, is black with red ring ropes.
No commentary…
Then…
***CULT OF PERSONALITY***
Even though we knew it was coming, the crowd here tonight go crazy for the arrival of AEW Star, and former Ring of Honor World Champion – CM Punk! The Chicago native steps confident through the curtain and pause, checking out the ROH branding either side of him before heading down the walkway, taking time out to high five a few hands before sliding into the ring and being handed a microphone.
Loud C-M-Punk chants break out across the crowd as he takes a small victory lap before stopping in the centre. “Well, if this isn’t something’,” he says, “for one night only, The Best In The World, back in Ring of Honor.” As expected, this draws loud cheers, and Punk does explain that while he is only back for one night, Ring of Honor holds a special place in his heart, much like it does for many wrestlers working today, since a lot of them had their starts in Ring of Honor. However, just as he is about to continue speaking, he’s interrupted by the sound of…
***MY WORLD***
Despite playing a bad guy as of late, the arrival of a Ring of Honor legend, former World Champion, Jay Lethal brings a mixed reaction. The man himself, walks onto the stage, through the curtain, microphone in hand and begins walking down the aisle, pausing at the bottom of the ring.
He begins by stating the obvious—that his is a ROH show, not an AEW show, therefore he must ask the question, why is CM Punk here? Lethal floats the idea that it’s because Punk is an egomaniacal sycophant who loves the idea of receiving all the adulation in the world—being the reason why the so-called Best In The World just had to be the first man to appear in the new era of Ring of Honor.
Before CM Punk can reply, Lethal continues, by informing the man across from him, that Ring of Honor is the Jay Lethal show, so “if you know what’s best for you, I’d suggest you get the hell out of my ring.”
However, Punk doesn’t move, and says, “That sounds like a threat to me. And while I’m meant to be here in a strictly non wrestling capacity, I have no trouble lacing up my boots one more time in Ring of Honor, so how about it? You and me, one on one, tonight.” Lethal pauses for a moment, but then—
***UNSTOPPABLE***
It appears business is about to pick up because leading the big man, SATNAM SINGH out from the back is SONJAY DUTT and the two have their eyes locked on the man in the squared circle, joining Lethal.
Lethal says, “We could have a match, Punk. But I think I have some other ideas in mind…” With a nod, he sends the signal, and Satnam and Sonjay each take one side of the ring and Lethal hops up on the apron too. CM Punk is surrounded but he smartly backs himself into a corner as the three men step into the ring—he has his back to the turnbuckle and keeps his eyes on all three until…
***COLISEUM CLASH***
It’s a real Ring of Honor legend lovefest tonight because striding slowly out from the back is a former Ring of Honor World Champion, the one and only, SAMOA JOE! He walks down the ramp, not dressed in his ring gear but dressed in shorts and a black t-shirt but even his presence sends Jay Lethal and his posse running for the hills—leaving CM Punk to grab the microphone again.
Punk points at the men scampering up the ramp while standing awkwardly beside Samoa Joe – it’s clear the two aren’t friends. He says, “Man, Lethal I think you messed up, because now I’m in the mood for a fight. So how about we give the people what they want… a match later tonight, you two goons against Samoa Joe and The Best In The World, CM Punk!
Joe doesn’t react much to this, instead he has his eyes set on Jay Lethal who is angrily walking away, upset at being shown up in early stages of the opening show. Meanwhile, Punk is playing to the crowd, riling them up for the show to come as a small graphic appears on the right-hand side of the screen, advising us we’re taking a 30 second ad break.
AD BREAK
Back from the break, and we’re at the announce desk where Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman are waiting with smiling faces. The duo welcomes us to the new era of Ring of Honor and it’s fitting that we kick that era off with a championship match—namely a match for the Ring of Honor World Television Championship!
***MY EGO***
Out first, aggressively walking his way down the ramp, All Ego, ETHAN PAGE ignores the jeers from the crowd, dressed in white tonight, he slides into the ring, takes a pair of sunglasses off and throws them to the ground. He turns to face the entrance way and awaits his opponent.
***KAZE NI NARE***
And here he comes—receiving a great ovation from the crowd, the brand new, and current Ring of Honor Television Champion, MINORU SUZUKI makes his way through the curtain and approaches the ring, and of course, in time with the music, the crowd play along. Once in the ring, Suzuki hands the title over to the referee.
The referee invites them to shake hands in the centre of the ring before he calls for the bell but neither man moves, and it’s Ethan Page who looks at the referee and shakes his head, which draws a disgruntled comment from the commentary team.
ROH World Television Championship
Minoru Suzuki © defends against Ethan Page
Being the first match of the new era, and due to the fact it is for a championship, the crowd are understandably fired up. As the bell rings, Suzuki takes a measured approach, gauging Page’s movements before Ethan, eager to make a statement, rushes forward and attempts to overwhelm the champion with a series of quick strikes, however Suzuki deftly counters, eating all of the shots before putting Page on the mat with a hard left hand then a sharp knife-edged chop, to which Ethan quickly backs off into the corner.
Throughout the match, the champion uses his vicious strikes and a number of submission holds to wear Page down, cutting off Page each time he got some momentum. Later, Suzuki lands a series of devastating forearms, but Ethan manages to duck one, and pokes the Japanese star in the eye, then let’s loose with an impressive suplex, then a high-fiving cross body and a running drop kick.
The momentum shifts back and forth as both competitors begin to exchange near falls until Suzuki traps Page in a hard sleeper hold, only for the challenger to reach the ropes, breaking the hold. In a display of sheer strength, Page kicks Suzuki in the gut, and hoists him up, landing a harsh powerbomb, resulting in another near fall.
As the match reaches the end point, the champions offense intensifies. Fighting back, he delivers another series of strikes, until Page again pokes him in the eye, and receives a reprimand from the referee. Page continues, heading to the top rope, risking it all but Suzuki counters, kicking Page in the middle of an attempted axe-handle, and then lands a huge piledriver to a near fall. Battered and bruised, both men struggle to their feet, where out of nowhere, Suzuki takes Page down with a tight arm bar, forcing Page to tap out!
Winner: Minoru Suzuki @ 12.18
After the match, the referee hands the championship belt to Suzuki who raises it over his head to loud cheers before taking one look at Ethan Page, and a moment of thought passes his face, but it soon fades and the champion exits the ring, living to fight another day.
Meanwhile, Ethan Page sits on the mat, frustrated. He slaps a closed right fist against the apron before sitting for a long moment.
Then, from the shadows, MARIA KANELIS appears, having gone unnoticed coming down the ramp—she walks around the ring, and approaches Page, pausing and looking at him for a moment before reaching him and cupping a closed hand to his ear and whispering something. Ethan regards her for a moment before nodding and then following the woman back up the aisle and past the curtain while the commentary team wonder what that was all about.
AD BREAK
Back from the short thirty second break, we’re in some kind of a backstage area, concrete floors, concrete walls, with only a ROH branded sign hanging on the wall—and backstage interviewer, Lexi Nair hanging on for her cue.
She welcomes in her guests as the joint holders of the Ring of Honor Women’s World Championships—bringing in DEONNA PURRAZZO and MERCEDES MARTINEZ! Both women hold the same championship belt, and she says it’s clear they need to settle who is the Undisputed Women’s Championship. And she’s just heard from AEW President and ROH owner, that next week, on episode 2 of the new era of Ring of Honor—the two women will go head-to-head, and the winner will be Undisputed Women’s Champion.
Mercedes interjects here—emphatically stating that she does not win this championship by beating Willow Nightingale one month ago to lose it in her first match. She tells Deonna that things have changed since she won the belt, and next week, Mercedes will become the Undisputed Women’s Champion and—
Purazzo cuts her off by saying, “Let’s get one thing perfectly straight here—the only reason you had an opportunity to be labelled as the interim champion, is because the real champion was too busy to defend her title at Supercard of Honor.” She goes on to say that’s just what happens when you are in as much demand as she is—but she tells Mercedes she thinks it’s cute that she gets to hold an interim title, but next week, Deonna says she will be leaving as the undisputed Women’s Champion.
Back in the ring, it’s time for the second match of the night, as all ready in the ring, is Lee Moriarty, accompanied by Matt Sydal in one corner, and Brian Cage, accompanied by Tully Blanchard.
Singles Match
Brian Cage vs. Lee Moriarty
Not much description here, for the first minute, Lee Moriarty shows a wonderful array of offense before Tully Blanchard provides a distraction, allowing Brian Cage to take control. This continues for a minute, until a brief comeback occurs for Moriarty but its cut short when Brian Cage grabs him and puts him down with the Drill Claw.
Winner: Brian Cage @ 3.18
And with that, Brian Cage stands over Moriarty for a moment before heading out of the ring and backing up the aisle with Blanchard behind him. He pauses before the curtain before disappearing backstage.
In the ring, Lee is using the ropes to help himself up while Matt Sydal slides into the ring and tries to help him but Moriarty pushes him away to a sudden jeer from the crowd. But, after a moment, the tension fades, and Lee holds his hands up, apologising to Matt, and the two shake hands before they leave the ring.
The commentary team advise us, that after this final thirty second ad break, our main event, and because of the beauty of streaming, we’ll be staying with it until the very end.
AD BREAK
It’s main event time…
***MY WORLD***
JAY LETHAL leads SATNAM SINGH and SONJAY DUTT out from behind the curtain and down the aisle. The threesome climb into the ring and confidently await their opponents.
***UNSTOPPABLE***
Ring of Honor legend and hall of famer, SAMOA JOE now makes his entrance, dressed to compete and looking focused on the men in the ring.
***CULT OF PERSONALITY***
And a loud cheer now for the arrival of AEW star, another Ring of Honor hall of famer, CM PUNK! The man who is currently hunting the AEW World Championship walks down the ramp, eyes on his tag team partner.
Main Event
CM Punk & Samoa Joe vs. Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh w/Sonjay Dutt
The bell rings, and CM Punk starts off against Jay Lethal. They circle each other, testing the waters with quick jabs and collar-and-elbow tie-ups. Punk gains an early advantage with a series of precise kicks and forearms. Lethal counters with his own impressive array of offense including a snap suplex that sends Punk crashing to the mat.
After a heated exchange, both men tag in their partners. Samoa Joe steps into the ring, staring down the towering Satnam Singh. Singh, using his size and strength, attempts to overpower Joe with powerful blows. However, Joe's experience comes into play as he dodges Singh's attacks and counters with stiff kicks and punches.
The match intensifies as both teams tag in and out. Punk and Joe work in perfect harmony, utilizing quick tags and double-team maneuvers to keep Lethal and Singh on the defensive. They execute a stunning double suplex on Lethal, bringing the crowd to its feet.
Lethal manages to tag in Singh, who enters the ring with a renewed ferocity. Singh uses his massive frame to dominate Punk, delivering a devastating big boot followed by a crushing body slam. Joe rushes in to break up the pin, leading to an all-out brawl between the four men.
In the chaos, Joe and Singh take their fight to the outside, exchanging brutal strikes and crashing into the barricades. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Punk and Lethal are left as the legal men. Punk gains the upper hand with a high knee in the corner, followed by a bulldog. He signals for the GTS but Lethal counters, rolling Punk up for a near fall.
As the match reaches its climax, Joe and Singh’s battle escalates, with Joe throwing Singh against the steel ring steps, prompting Lethal to look over. Punk capitalizes on the distraction, finally lifting Lethal onto his shoulders and delivering the GTS. Lethal crumples to the mat, and Punk covers him for the three-count.
Winners: CM Punk & Samoa Joe @ 10.41
And there we have it, CM Punk and Samoa Joe come out on top in a hard-fought victory, overcoming the constant interference by Sonjay Dutt. The duo have their hands raised by the referee but sliding into the ring behind them is Satnam Singh, who clubs CM Punk in the back, sending the AEW star tumbling through the ropes.
Joe turns and tries to attack Satnam but the big man connects with a standing big boot. On the outside, Sonjay Dutt grabs a black steel chair from ringside and slides it underneath the ring. In the corner, Jay Lethal slides in, just in time to jump on CM Punk who’s trying to climb back in, underneath the bottom rope. Satnam stands over Joe with the steel chair held over his head when…
***BLAZING HEART***
Oh my! For the first time in the new era, the current Ring of Honor World Champion makes an appearance, rushing down the aisle with the title belt in his right hand. He slides into the ring and ducks an awkward attempt by Satnam to connect with the chair. Gresham bounces off the ropes and comes back, leaping off the mat with the title belt and smashing Satnam in the face with the gold!
The big man stumbles back, falling through the ropes and landing on the outside as Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt have wisely retreated, halfway up the aisle, leaving the World Champion standing tall, with Joe slowly getting to his feet and Punk standing in the corner. The commentary team do remind us that Jonathan Gresham and Jey Lethal used to be ROH Tag Team Champions together.
And with that, the final shot of the first episode of the new era of Ring of Honor is of CM Punk, Samoa Joe and the Ring of Honor World Champion, Jonathan Gresham standing in the centre of the ring—CM Punk due to return to All Elite Wrestling while Samoa Joe will be staying right here on Ring of Honor, and the eagle-eyed viewer will notice while Joe and Gresham are focusing on Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh, the Samoan does glance at the Ring of Honor World Championship sitting on Gresham’s shoulder.
However, cutting backstage briefly, in a picture in picture shot, we see the figure of Swerve Strickland watching the events in the ring on a small monitor.
But regardless, for this week, that’s all, folks!
Confirmed for 14th May 2022, Ring of Honor Episode 2
ROH Undisputed Women’s World Championship:
Deonna Purrazzo © vs. Mercedes Martinez ©
ROH Pure Rules #1 Challenger Match
Kip Sabian w/Penelope Ford vs. Matt Sydal w/Lee Moriarty
The Captain, Shawn Dean vs. Alex Zayne
Ninja Mack vs. Tony Nese
Rather than a video package to open the show, we dive straight into the building where a small but intimate crowd of around 500 people are cheering their blasted hearts out. The camera pans around the tiny arena before landing on the stage which is simply a door-shaped curtain with ROH branding on either side. The ring, rather than white, is black with red ring ropes.
No commentary…
Then…
***CULT OF PERSONALITY***
Even though we knew it was coming, the crowd here tonight go crazy for the arrival of AEW Star, and former Ring of Honor World Champion – CM Punk! The Chicago native steps confident through the curtain and pause, checking out the ROH branding either side of him before heading down the walkway, taking time out to high five a few hands before sliding into the ring and being handed a microphone.
Loud C-M-Punk chants break out across the crowd as he takes a small victory lap before stopping in the centre. “Well, if this isn’t something’,” he says, “for one night only, The Best In The World, back in Ring of Honor.” As expected, this draws loud cheers, and Punk does explain that while he is only back for one night, Ring of Honor holds a special place in his heart, much like it does for many wrestlers working today, since a lot of them had their starts in Ring of Honor. However, just as he is about to continue speaking, he’s interrupted by the sound of…
***MY WORLD***
Despite playing a bad guy as of late, the arrival of a Ring of Honor legend, former World Champion, Jay Lethal brings a mixed reaction. The man himself, walks onto the stage, through the curtain, microphone in hand and begins walking down the aisle, pausing at the bottom of the ring.
He begins by stating the obvious—that his is a ROH show, not an AEW show, therefore he must ask the question, why is CM Punk here? Lethal floats the idea that it’s because Punk is an egomaniacal sycophant who loves the idea of receiving all the adulation in the world—being the reason why the so-called Best In The World just had to be the first man to appear in the new era of Ring of Honor.
Before CM Punk can reply, Lethal continues, by informing the man across from him, that Ring of Honor is the Jay Lethal show, so “if you know what’s best for you, I’d suggest you get the hell out of my ring.”
However, Punk doesn’t move, and says, “That sounds like a threat to me. And while I’m meant to be here in a strictly non wrestling capacity, I have no trouble lacing up my boots one more time in Ring of Honor, so how about it? You and me, one on one, tonight.” Lethal pauses for a moment, but then—
***UNSTOPPABLE***
It appears business is about to pick up because leading the big man, SATNAM SINGH out from the back is SONJAY DUTT and the two have their eyes locked on the man in the squared circle, joining Lethal.
Lethal says, “We could have a match, Punk. But I think I have some other ideas in mind…” With a nod, he sends the signal, and Satnam and Sonjay each take one side of the ring and Lethal hops up on the apron too. CM Punk is surrounded but he smartly backs himself into a corner as the three men step into the ring—he has his back to the turnbuckle and keeps his eyes on all three until…
***COLISEUM CLASH***
It’s a real Ring of Honor legend lovefest tonight because striding slowly out from the back is a former Ring of Honor World Champion, the one and only, SAMOA JOE! He walks down the ramp, not dressed in his ring gear but dressed in shorts and a black t-shirt but even his presence sends Jay Lethal and his posse running for the hills—leaving CM Punk to grab the microphone again.
Punk points at the men scampering up the ramp while standing awkwardly beside Samoa Joe – it’s clear the two aren’t friends. He says, “Man, Lethal I think you messed up, because now I’m in the mood for a fight. So how about we give the people what they want… a match later tonight, you two goons against Samoa Joe and The Best In The World, CM Punk!
Joe doesn’t react much to this, instead he has his eyes set on Jay Lethal who is angrily walking away, upset at being shown up in early stages of the opening show. Meanwhile, Punk is playing to the crowd, riling them up for the show to come as a small graphic appears on the right-hand side of the screen, advising us we’re taking a 30 second ad break.
AD BREAK
Back from the break, and we’re at the announce desk where Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman are waiting with smiling faces. The duo welcomes us to the new era of Ring of Honor and it’s fitting that we kick that era off with a championship match—namely a match for the Ring of Honor World Television Championship!
***MY EGO***
Out first, aggressively walking his way down the ramp, All Ego, ETHAN PAGE ignores the jeers from the crowd, dressed in white tonight, he slides into the ring, takes a pair of sunglasses off and throws them to the ground. He turns to face the entrance way and awaits his opponent.
***KAZE NI NARE***
And here he comes—receiving a great ovation from the crowd, the brand new, and current Ring of Honor Television Champion, MINORU SUZUKI makes his way through the curtain and approaches the ring, and of course, in time with the music, the crowd play along. Once in the ring, Suzuki hands the title over to the referee.
The referee invites them to shake hands in the centre of the ring before he calls for the bell but neither man moves, and it’s Ethan Page who looks at the referee and shakes his head, which draws a disgruntled comment from the commentary team.
ROH World Television Championship
Minoru Suzuki © defends against Ethan Page
Being the first match of the new era, and due to the fact it is for a championship, the crowd are understandably fired up. As the bell rings, Suzuki takes a measured approach, gauging Page’s movements before Ethan, eager to make a statement, rushes forward and attempts to overwhelm the champion with a series of quick strikes, however Suzuki deftly counters, eating all of the shots before putting Page on the mat with a hard left hand then a sharp knife-edged chop, to which Ethan quickly backs off into the corner.
Throughout the match, the champion uses his vicious strikes and a number of submission holds to wear Page down, cutting off Page each time he got some momentum. Later, Suzuki lands a series of devastating forearms, but Ethan manages to duck one, and pokes the Japanese star in the eye, then let’s loose with an impressive suplex, then a high-fiving cross body and a running drop kick.
The momentum shifts back and forth as both competitors begin to exchange near falls until Suzuki traps Page in a hard sleeper hold, only for the challenger to reach the ropes, breaking the hold. In a display of sheer strength, Page kicks Suzuki in the gut, and hoists him up, landing a harsh powerbomb, resulting in another near fall.
As the match reaches the end point, the champions offense intensifies. Fighting back, he delivers another series of strikes, until Page again pokes him in the eye, and receives a reprimand from the referee. Page continues, heading to the top rope, risking it all but Suzuki counters, kicking Page in the middle of an attempted axe-handle, and then lands a huge piledriver to a near fall. Battered and bruised, both men struggle to their feet, where out of nowhere, Suzuki takes Page down with a tight arm bar, forcing Page to tap out!
Winner: Minoru Suzuki @ 12.18
After the match, the referee hands the championship belt to Suzuki who raises it over his head to loud cheers before taking one look at Ethan Page, and a moment of thought passes his face, but it soon fades and the champion exits the ring, living to fight another day.
Meanwhile, Ethan Page sits on the mat, frustrated. He slaps a closed right fist against the apron before sitting for a long moment.
Then, from the shadows, MARIA KANELIS appears, having gone unnoticed coming down the ramp—she walks around the ring, and approaches Page, pausing and looking at him for a moment before reaching him and cupping a closed hand to his ear and whispering something. Ethan regards her for a moment before nodding and then following the woman back up the aisle and past the curtain while the commentary team wonder what that was all about.
AD BREAK
Back from the short thirty second break, we’re in some kind of a backstage area, concrete floors, concrete walls, with only a ROH branded sign hanging on the wall—and backstage interviewer, Lexi Nair hanging on for her cue.
She welcomes in her guests as the joint holders of the Ring of Honor Women’s World Championships—bringing in DEONNA PURRAZZO and MERCEDES MARTINEZ! Both women hold the same championship belt, and she says it’s clear they need to settle who is the Undisputed Women’s Championship. And she’s just heard from AEW President and ROH owner, that next week, on episode 2 of the new era of Ring of Honor—the two women will go head-to-head, and the winner will be Undisputed Women’s Champion.
Mercedes interjects here—emphatically stating that she does not win this championship by beating Willow Nightingale one month ago to lose it in her first match. She tells Deonna that things have changed since she won the belt, and next week, Mercedes will become the Undisputed Women’s Champion and—
Purazzo cuts her off by saying, “Let’s get one thing perfectly straight here—the only reason you had an opportunity to be labelled as the interim champion, is because the real champion was too busy to defend her title at Supercard of Honor.” She goes on to say that’s just what happens when you are in as much demand as she is—but she tells Mercedes she thinks it’s cute that she gets to hold an interim title, but next week, Deonna says she will be leaving as the undisputed Women’s Champion.
Back in the ring, it’s time for the second match of the night, as all ready in the ring, is Lee Moriarty, accompanied by Matt Sydal in one corner, and Brian Cage, accompanied by Tully Blanchard.
Singles Match
Brian Cage vs. Lee Moriarty
Not much description here, for the first minute, Lee Moriarty shows a wonderful array of offense before Tully Blanchard provides a distraction, allowing Brian Cage to take control. This continues for a minute, until a brief comeback occurs for Moriarty but its cut short when Brian Cage grabs him and puts him down with the Drill Claw.
Winner: Brian Cage @ 3.18
And with that, Brian Cage stands over Moriarty for a moment before heading out of the ring and backing up the aisle with Blanchard behind him. He pauses before the curtain before disappearing backstage.
In the ring, Lee is using the ropes to help himself up while Matt Sydal slides into the ring and tries to help him but Moriarty pushes him away to a sudden jeer from the crowd. But, after a moment, the tension fades, and Lee holds his hands up, apologising to Matt, and the two shake hands before they leave the ring.
The commentary team advise us, that after this final thirty second ad break, our main event, and because of the beauty of streaming, we’ll be staying with it until the very end.
AD BREAK
It’s main event time…
***MY WORLD***
JAY LETHAL leads SATNAM SINGH and SONJAY DUTT out from behind the curtain and down the aisle. The threesome climb into the ring and confidently await their opponents.
***UNSTOPPABLE***
Ring of Honor legend and hall of famer, SAMOA JOE now makes his entrance, dressed to compete and looking focused on the men in the ring.
***CULT OF PERSONALITY***
And a loud cheer now for the arrival of AEW star, another Ring of Honor hall of famer, CM PUNK! The man who is currently hunting the AEW World Championship walks down the ramp, eyes on his tag team partner.
Main Event
CM Punk & Samoa Joe vs. Jay Lethal & Satnam Singh w/Sonjay Dutt
The bell rings, and CM Punk starts off against Jay Lethal. They circle each other, testing the waters with quick jabs and collar-and-elbow tie-ups. Punk gains an early advantage with a series of precise kicks and forearms. Lethal counters with his own impressive array of offense including a snap suplex that sends Punk crashing to the mat.
After a heated exchange, both men tag in their partners. Samoa Joe steps into the ring, staring down the towering Satnam Singh. Singh, using his size and strength, attempts to overpower Joe with powerful blows. However, Joe's experience comes into play as he dodges Singh's attacks and counters with stiff kicks and punches.
The match intensifies as both teams tag in and out. Punk and Joe work in perfect harmony, utilizing quick tags and double-team maneuvers to keep Lethal and Singh on the defensive. They execute a stunning double suplex on Lethal, bringing the crowd to its feet.
Lethal manages to tag in Singh, who enters the ring with a renewed ferocity. Singh uses his massive frame to dominate Punk, delivering a devastating big boot followed by a crushing body slam. Joe rushes in to break up the pin, leading to an all-out brawl between the four men.
In the chaos, Joe and Singh take their fight to the outside, exchanging brutal strikes and crashing into the barricades. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Punk and Lethal are left as the legal men. Punk gains the upper hand with a high knee in the corner, followed by a bulldog. He signals for the GTS but Lethal counters, rolling Punk up for a near fall.
As the match reaches its climax, Joe and Singh’s battle escalates, with Joe throwing Singh against the steel ring steps, prompting Lethal to look over. Punk capitalizes on the distraction, finally lifting Lethal onto his shoulders and delivering the GTS. Lethal crumples to the mat, and Punk covers him for the three-count.
Winners: CM Punk & Samoa Joe @ 10.41
And there we have it, CM Punk and Samoa Joe come out on top in a hard-fought victory, overcoming the constant interference by Sonjay Dutt. The duo have their hands raised by the referee but sliding into the ring behind them is Satnam Singh, who clubs CM Punk in the back, sending the AEW star tumbling through the ropes.
Joe turns and tries to attack Satnam but the big man connects with a standing big boot. On the outside, Sonjay Dutt grabs a black steel chair from ringside and slides it underneath the ring. In the corner, Jay Lethal slides in, just in time to jump on CM Punk who’s trying to climb back in, underneath the bottom rope. Satnam stands over Joe with the steel chair held over his head when…
***BLAZING HEART***
Oh my! For the first time in the new era, the current Ring of Honor World Champion makes an appearance, rushing down the aisle with the title belt in his right hand. He slides into the ring and ducks an awkward attempt by Satnam to connect with the chair. Gresham bounces off the ropes and comes back, leaping off the mat with the title belt and smashing Satnam in the face with the gold!
The big man stumbles back, falling through the ropes and landing on the outside as Jay Lethal and Sonjay Dutt have wisely retreated, halfway up the aisle, leaving the World Champion standing tall, with Joe slowly getting to his feet and Punk standing in the corner. The commentary team do remind us that Jonathan Gresham and Jey Lethal used to be ROH Tag Team Champions together.
And with that, the final shot of the first episode of the new era of Ring of Honor is of CM Punk, Samoa Joe and the Ring of Honor World Champion, Jonathan Gresham standing in the centre of the ring—CM Punk due to return to All Elite Wrestling while Samoa Joe will be staying right here on Ring of Honor, and the eagle-eyed viewer will notice while Joe and Gresham are focusing on Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh, the Samoan does glance at the Ring of Honor World Championship sitting on Gresham’s shoulder.
However, cutting backstage briefly, in a picture in picture shot, we see the figure of Swerve Strickland watching the events in the ring on a small monitor.
But regardless, for this week, that’s all, folks!
Confirmed for 14th May 2022, Ring of Honor Episode 2
ROH Undisputed Women’s World Championship:
Deonna Purrazzo © vs. Mercedes Martinez ©
ROH Pure Rules #1 Challenger Match
Kip Sabian w/Penelope Ford vs. Matt Sydal w/Lee Moriarty
The Captain, Shawn Dean vs. Alex Zayne
Ninja Mack vs. Tony Nese
I’m actually a little torn on the opening to the show to be honest. I mean as a stand alone segment it was very good. Punk kicking us off with a bang, before the heels interrupt, Joe saves and a main event tag match is announced. Formulaic and fine. However, this is the return of ROH, which is built on wrestling. Maybe you were hamstrung with the appearance of Punk having to start the show to find an excuse for him to wrestle, but this just felt off brand. Even now in TK’s warped version, ROH is probably the least sports entertainment thing happening in mainstream wrestling, it’s mainly just wrestling. Think it would have been more on brand to open up with a 20 minute classic or something. Something that feels like ROH, as opposed to a show that could appear on any sports entertainment wrestling program for any company. I feel like this sounds really harsh in terms of feedback, but it’s just my two cents.
Definitely back on track with the TV Title match here. A nice match by the sounds of things and solid defence for Suzuki. That’s all fine and dandy, but the intriguing part is definitely Maria coming and whispering to Page afterwards, and him seemingly being receptive. I feel like Maria is way to under utilised in current ROH, so this has me excited for the prospect of what you’re doing here already.
Mercedes/Purazzo backstage interview was perfectly fine hype for their Women’s Title match next week. Solid stuff.
I think Cage is a bit underrated for a big man personally so I could go for him just squashing people and being a big deal in this version of ROH. The shove followed by the apology between Moriarty and Sydal is one to watch for sure.
Main event went as expected with Lethal and Singh acting as fodder for the huge team of Punk and Joe. Maybe some more tension between Punk and Joe could have been referred to throughout the match to play on their history, but that’s ok. Still really solid stuff, and a really star filled main event for the return episode of TV.
Aftermath with Gresham standing tall is the right move, because the World Champ definitely needs to be on the return episode. Speaking of which, Gresham/Swerve would be an amazing direction to take.
A really solid first show here. I wasn’t huge on the opening but everything else flowed nicely, and it was such a breeze to read. Looking forward to the Women’s title match next week as well.
Definitely back on track with the TV Title match here. A nice match by the sounds of things and solid defence for Suzuki. That’s all fine and dandy, but the intriguing part is definitely Maria coming and whispering to Page afterwards, and him seemingly being receptive. I feel like Maria is way to under utilised in current ROH, so this has me excited for the prospect of what you’re doing here already.
Mercedes/Purazzo backstage interview was perfectly fine hype for their Women’s Title match next week. Solid stuff.
I think Cage is a bit underrated for a big man personally so I could go for him just squashing people and being a big deal in this version of ROH. The shove followed by the apology between Moriarty and Sydal is one to watch for sure.
Main event went as expected with Lethal and Singh acting as fodder for the huge team of Punk and Joe. Maybe some more tension between Punk and Joe could have been referred to throughout the match to play on their history, but that’s ok. Still really solid stuff, and a really star filled main event for the return episode of TV.
Aftermath with Gresham standing tall is the right move, because the World Champ definitely needs to be on the return episode. Speaking of which, Gresham/Swerve would be an amazing direction to take.
A really solid first show here. I wasn’t huge on the opening but everything else flowed nicely, and it was such a breeze to read. Looking forward to the Women’s title match next week as well.
Ring of Honor #1 - May 7, 2022:
I'm glad to see this take shape, and stay true to what really captured the essence of Ring of Honor in its' hey day. A smaller and intimate crowd made for a great setting with a larger-than-life reaction to the moves and characters, even if you could have shot higher into the thousands given the buzz that AEW still generated at the time. And of course, opening with CM Punk, the marquee original, I feel like this just compelled people to tune in and watch what the product had to offer.
The opening promo saw a plethora of ex-ROH alumnus appear, while also lending homages to the AEW product of the time. I wouldn't be surprised to see you utilise Satnam Singh more with the Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett consortium assembled. Pretty big main event for the first show, but I do hope we don't see these old faces become prevalent faces of the new ROH. They should be kept for special attractions, I feel. It was a very cookie-cutter opening segment that set up a tag team main event, but let's hope green Satnam learns a thing or two and is protected against CM Punk and Samoa Joe.
I wouldn't mind seeing Minoru Suzuki enjoy a tenure as an unbeatable champion, honestly. I get why he wasn't at the hand, given his NJPW commitments. That said it was a shame to see Ethan Page lose out on the ROH World Television Championship. I'm sure there will come a time and a place - Page definitely could be a key star of the new Ring of Honor. I'm interested in what Maria Kanellis can offer Ethan, considering he's definitely good enough to stand on his own.
It's curious you are choosing to unify the two ROH Women's World Championships next week, as opposed to waiting it out for Death Before Dishonor. I suppose it's still a time away, though. I wouldn't be shocked to see Mercedes Martinez come away with the gold, but I do think Deonna Purrazzo has far more upside than Mercedes.
Lee Moriarty was still a fresh face on the scene in AEW, so I'm sure we'll see far more of him. I do think Brian Cage disposed of him a little too quickly, though. Cage should definitely be in the ROH World Championship picture.
CM Punk and Samoa Joe defeating Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh made for a solid television main event. It was a great attraction for first-time viewers of the ROH product, but as I said before, I hope it doesn't come as a permanent thing. I guess Satnam was protected and will be pointed out as a future project on the Ring of Honor brand. The size difference between Singh and Jonathan Gresham, I'll bet was something else. Hopefully that isn't the first program for the ROH World Championship - if so Gresham is in for a...tall task. I liked the scene of Punk, Joe and Gresham standing tall to represent ROH in its' closing moments, but again I can't help but feel Joe is beyond this. I suspect maybe he's a long-term opponent for Gresham. Swerve Strickland watching was a cool touch, and I trust we'll see some form of continuity with his main roster character when he does make an appearance.
Not a bad start, and next week's show looks decent from an in-ring perspective. Really the first five or six weeks will be most notable, to see how you craft your top decks of talent on the roster going forward. Kip Sabian, Ninja Mack and Tony Nese all look like mainstays who belong.
I'm glad to see this take shape, and stay true to what really captured the essence of Ring of Honor in its' hey day. A smaller and intimate crowd made for a great setting with a larger-than-life reaction to the moves and characters, even if you could have shot higher into the thousands given the buzz that AEW still generated at the time. And of course, opening with CM Punk, the marquee original, I feel like this just compelled people to tune in and watch what the product had to offer.
The opening promo saw a plethora of ex-ROH alumnus appear, while also lending homages to the AEW product of the time. I wouldn't be surprised to see you utilise Satnam Singh more with the Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett consortium assembled. Pretty big main event for the first show, but I do hope we don't see these old faces become prevalent faces of the new ROH. They should be kept for special attractions, I feel. It was a very cookie-cutter opening segment that set up a tag team main event, but let's hope green Satnam learns a thing or two and is protected against CM Punk and Samoa Joe.
I wouldn't mind seeing Minoru Suzuki enjoy a tenure as an unbeatable champion, honestly. I get why he wasn't at the hand, given his NJPW commitments. That said it was a shame to see Ethan Page lose out on the ROH World Television Championship. I'm sure there will come a time and a place - Page definitely could be a key star of the new Ring of Honor. I'm interested in what Maria Kanellis can offer Ethan, considering he's definitely good enough to stand on his own.
It's curious you are choosing to unify the two ROH Women's World Championships next week, as opposed to waiting it out for Death Before Dishonor. I suppose it's still a time away, though. I wouldn't be shocked to see Mercedes Martinez come away with the gold, but I do think Deonna Purrazzo has far more upside than Mercedes.
Lee Moriarty was still a fresh face on the scene in AEW, so I'm sure we'll see far more of him. I do think Brian Cage disposed of him a little too quickly, though. Cage should definitely be in the ROH World Championship picture.
CM Punk and Samoa Joe defeating Jay Lethal and Satnam Singh made for a solid television main event. It was a great attraction for first-time viewers of the ROH product, but as I said before, I hope it doesn't come as a permanent thing. I guess Satnam was protected and will be pointed out as a future project on the Ring of Honor brand. The size difference between Singh and Jonathan Gresham, I'll bet was something else. Hopefully that isn't the first program for the ROH World Championship - if so Gresham is in for a...tall task. I liked the scene of Punk, Joe and Gresham standing tall to represent ROH in its' closing moments, but again I can't help but feel Joe is beyond this. I suspect maybe he's a long-term opponent for Gresham. Swerve Strickland watching was a cool touch, and I trust we'll see some form of continuity with his main roster character when he does make an appearance.
Not a bad start, and next week's show looks decent from an in-ring perspective. Really the first five or six weeks will be most notable, to see how you craft your top decks of talent on the roster going forward. Kip Sabian, Ninja Mack and Tony Nese all look like mainstays who belong.