ROH: New Beginnings

[Just Juice]

@Roy Mustang with 4 correct, pipped @Stojy by 3 in predictions. Roy feel free to DM me to names and I will do my best to involved them in the project in the future.

 

[Just Juice]

The day after Glory By Honor a short press conference would take place featuring Jeff Jarret and Simon Diamond (Head of Talent Relations). It would be confirmed that there would be two more live events to finish out the year with both of them taking place in Pittsburgh at the Printscape Arena. The first being 'Champions Extravaganza' in November and then 'Final Battle' in December.

Three matches have already been confirmed for the the next show. Mercedes Martinez who was forced to vacate her NWA title, has been rewarded for her loyalty to Ring of Honor as she will be the first person who will challenge inaugural ROH Women's Champion Alison Danger for the title. There will be another title defense as the first ROH World Champion Ronn Killings will take on Jerry Lynn - who has been confirmed to have been given the shot following him winning the Scramble Match at the pay per view. The final announced match will also be Satoshi Kojima's last confirmed match for Ring of Honor before returning to Japan full time. The three time IWGP Tag Team Champion has personally requested to face Low Ki in a Special Singles Match and was quoted that "this is a man who will one day become a multiple world champion". It is also believed that Kojima has given high praise of Ring of Honor to New Japan management and their is hopes a relationship of some sort could form in the near future.

The major news revealed by Jeff Jarrett would be that Ring of Honor had secured a one hour weekly time slot on Spike TV (rebranded from The Nashville Network TNN) on a Thursday Night with the show to be branded as 'Honor 101'. It would be confirmed that episodes would be filmed ahead of time in four hour filming blocks at monthly live shows exclusively filmed at the Murphy Recreation Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) that was going to be repackaged as 'The 101'. And that the first episodes would air in January of the new year. Jarrett would add that moving forward Ring of Honor was looking to work towards a five pay per view per year schedule with events planned for February, April, July, October & December. ​

 

[Stojy]

ROH is moving fast in this timeline, cool. The three matches announced for champions extravaganza sound good so far. Expect Danger and Killings to retain, and Kojima to do the job and do the job for Low Ki before moving on.

Implementing a weekly show so soon is something I didn't expect at all. I understand from a booking perspective though, allowing you to build angles over time through more traditional methods.

Looking forward to what's next.

 

[Gambit]

Oh, no!! Does this mean Slapnuts is gonna be beating Samoa Joe and CM Punk in overly convoluted finishes cause he runs the company?

 

[Just Juice]

- Match One - ROH World Championship -
| Ronn Killings (c) vs. Jerry Lynn |
ROH’s Champions Extravaganza kicked off with a blockbuster title match as the reigning World Champion, Ronn Killings, defended against the ever-resilient Jerry Lynn. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, both men receiving huge ovations. Killings as the inaugural champion who had defied the odds, and Lynn as the veteran workhorse eager to finally grab the top prize. The fact that this was the first match of the night was a curve ball that no one had been expecting, but it certainly had the fans in Pittsburgh pumped for the action ahead. The match began with a respectful handshake, but the tone quickly shifted once the bell rang. Killings leaned on his athleticism, using quick arm drags and dropkicks to keep Lynn off balance, while Lynn countered with his technical precision, grounding the champion and working over his arm. The pace ebbed and flowed - Killings dazzling with agility and charisma, Lynn punishing with experience and grit.

Midway through, the tide turned as Lynn caught Killings mid-springboard with a dropkick, then followed with a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall that had the crowd counting along. Killings answered with a spinning forearm and his signature jumping heel kick, nearly retaining after a close two-count. Both men traded reversals and near finishes, the fans roaring with every exchange as the bout reached a fever pitch. But just as Lynn gained control, signaling for the Cradle Piledriver, chaos erupted. AJ Styles stormed the ring, wielding a baseball bat, and cracked Lynn across the back, sending him crumpling to the mat. The referee immediately called for the bell, disqualifying Killings.

Winner: Jerry Lynn via Disqualification

Ronn Killings didn't seem at all interested in whatever was driving Styles, as he would grab the belt and retreat to the pack as Styles would demand a microphone and crouch over the dazed Lynn and cut a promo in the middle of the ring. Styles would express his annoyance that he and Lynn had fallen short in the tag team tournament and yet it was Lynn who had somehow been granted a shot at the title when the shot had previously never been promised. Styles would make it clear that he and Jerry were done and he was fueled by the frustration nearly a year ago at the first event in Ring of Honor's history 'Welcome Player One' but after all he had learned he was now determined to prove that he truly was the better man: in every single metric. And he recommended that once Jerry stop seeing stars, he watch him team up with Bryan Danielson tonight. As they were two of a handful of men who would help build ROH into the next big national promotion in America.

* * *

Shane Douglas would speak in the ring with Pamala Paulshock and he would express his frustrations and disappointment in regards to his match against Little Guido at Glory By Honor. He would go on to make the point that the F.B.I. were doomed to fail under Guido's leadership, but there was one man in their ranks that was worth lifting up by the bootstraps. Someone who was worthy of being considered Franchise worthy. Douglas would name drop Tony Mamaluke and invite him to turn his back on Guido and come out right now and team up with him tonight, in a match against the Home & Away (Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan) in a Non-Title Match. It didn't take much convincing, as 'Stayin' Alive' by N-Trance would blast out as Mamaluke would appear and remove his F.B.I. singlet and toss it on the floor and spit on it as he would make his way down to the ring and join Shane with the two shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries in the ring with a new partnership being forged.

- Match Two - Non-Title Tag Team Match -
| Shane Douglas & Tony Mamaluke vs. Home & Away (Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan) |
The bout began with Mamaluke showcasing his technical prowess, going hold-for-hold with Williams in a spirited exchange that drew applause from the crowd. Mamaluke’s mat wrestling and surprising aggression kept the champions guessing, as he outmaneuvered Keenan early and even scored a near fall with a bridging German suplex. Douglas tagged in to capitalize but struggled to keep pace with the younger champions. Williams targeted his arm with his methodical precision, while Keenan matched Douglas’s physicality with stiff strikes and power slams. Mamaluke continued to impress when tagged back in, flying across the ring with dropkicks and breaking up multiple pin attempts. In the closing moments, Mamaluke had Keenan reeling after a DDT, but Douglas insisted on tagging himself in, wanting the glory. That hesitation allowed Keenan to recover and slip free of Douglas’s attempted Franchiser. With lightning speed, Keenan hit the ropes and crushed Douglas with a rolling elbow, then tagged in Williams, who set him up for the finish. As Williams cut off Mamaluke, Keenan planted Douglas with a Chaos Driver to secure the win.

Winners: Home & Away (Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan)

After the bell, Mamaluke helped Douglas to his feet, clearly frustrated. The champions celebrated on the ramp, belts in hand, while Douglas glared at his partner, blaming him for the loss despite Mamaluke being the one who’d looked strongest throughout.

* * *

Match Three – Tag Team Match
| Eddie Kingston & BLK Jeez vs. Shane Helms & Amazing Red |
The growing chemistry of True Struggle (Eddie Kingston and BLK Jeez) was put to the test as they faced the exciting high-flying duo of Shane Helms and Amazing Red. The clash of styles made for an electric bout: Helms and Red leaned on speed and aerial precision, while Kingston and Jeez brought raw aggression and street-fighting grit. Red opened the match on fire, outmaneuvering Jeez with quick arm drags and a spinning heel kick that sent him to the corner. Helms followed up with a series of crisp strikes, tagging Red back in for a stereo dropkick that brought the crowd to its feet. But the tide turned when Kingston bulldozed through Red with a lariat that flipped the smaller man inside out.

From there, True Struggle took control, cutting the ring in half and isolating Red. Jeez landed a diving forearm, and Kingston punished Red with heavy chops and a suplex that echoed through the venue. Red eventually broke free, hitting a desperation enzuigiri and tagging in Helms, who cleaned house with his athletic offense a running neckbreaker to Jeez and a knee lift to Kingston. Helms and Red looked poised to seal the win after a double-team springboard crossbody, but Kingston caught Red in mid-air, turned, and drilled him with a Backfist to the Future. As Helms tried to intervene, Jeez tackled him to the floor, leaving Kingston to cover Red for the decisive three-count.

Winners: True Struggle (Eddie Kingston & BLK Jeez)

* * *

Match Four – ROH Women’s Championship
| Allison Danger (c) vs. Mercedes Martinez |
All eyes were on the ROH Women’s Division as Allison Danger made her first title defense against the dangerous and determined Mercedes Martinez. The challenger entered with a chip on her shoulder, having been forced to vacate the NWA Women’s Championship following the NWA’s new partnership with MLW. From the opening lockup, the tone was set this was going to be a fight. Danger, ever resourceful, tried to keep Martinez grounded with holds and technical counters, but the challenger’s raw power immediately became a factor. Martinez muscled out of a hammerlock, backing Danger into the corner and unloading with a barrage of forearms that stunned the champion.

Danger fought back with her ring awareness, targeting Mercedes’ knee to cut her base out from under her. She nearly retained after hitting a swinging neckbreaker, only for Martinez to power out at two, shaking her head and roaring back to her feet. The intensity built with every exchange Danger’s precision against Mercedes’ sheer ferocity. In the final moments, Danger went for another neckbreaker, but Martinez countered, hoisting her up and driving her down with a Fisherman’s Buster that echoed through the arena. Instead of covering, Martinez wanted to make a statement — lifting Danger once more and hitting a second Fisherman’s Buster for good measure before finally making the cover.

Winner: Mercedes Martinez

The crowd erupted in shock as Martinez stood tall, clutching the belt and having her moment in the spotlight that had been denied by the NWA. Danger, dazed but defiant, rolled out as Mercedes raised the championship overhead the new queen of ROH, claiming a different throne by force, but potentially continuing the same journey she had done when she had originally won the NWA title belt.

* * *

Match Five – Tag Team Match
| Silver King & Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. AJ Styles & Bryan Danielson |
This international showcase pitted two of Mexico’s finest against two of ROH’s most gifted stars. With fans still buzzing from earlier bouts, the atmosphere shifted to pure anticipation as Silver King & Dr. Wagner Jr. squared off against AJ Styles & Bryan Danielson a dream pairing of athleticism and technical mastery. The early exchanges were a masterclass in skill. Danielson and Silver King opened with crisp mat wrestling, trading holds and counters to a round of applause. Wagner entered next, overpowering Danielson with his size and slamming him hard before tagging Silver King for a tandem suplex. Styles tagged in to even the pace, dazzling the crowd with his signature agility a picture-perfect dropkick and a moonsault into a reverse DDT that brought the fans to their feet.

For much of the match, Wagner and Silver King showed off their cohesion, cutting the ring in half and isolating Danielson. The American Dragon absorbed punishing kicks and submission holds, clawing to his corner until finally breaking free with a rolling elbow and tagging in Styles. The momentum shifted instantly, Styles flying across the ring with forearms and a springboard clothesline that nearly ended it. The closing moments erupted into chaos. Danielson locked Silver King in Cattle Mutilation, forcing Wagner to break it up. As Silver King crawled toward his corner, desperate to tag, the referee was distracted trying to separate Danielson and Styles from the ring. At that moment, Eddie Guerrero appearing from the crowd — yanked Dr. Wagner Jr. off the apron, smashing him into the barricade and leaving Silver King stranded.

Unaware of Guerrero’s interference, the referee turned back just in time to see Styles and Danielson hit a double-team sequence Danielson with a roaring elbow followed by Styles’ Styles Clash. Styles made the cover, scoring the three-count as the fans roared in approval.

Winner: AJ Styles & Bryan Danielson

After the bell, Guerrero smirked from the ramp, watching Wagner regain his footing, realizing what had happened. Wagner pointed furiously at Eddie, shouting in Spanish, while Styles and Danielson raised their arms in victory, looking every bit like world-class talents destined for championship gold. That was when a bruised and angry looking Jerry Lynn would emerge from behind the curtain microphone in hand and an angry look on his face. Lynn would lay down the gauntlet and say that if Styles wanted a piece of him, then it was going to be live or death. A best of five series. If Styles won, then Lynn would retire. But if he won, then AJ Styles would be forced to depart Ring of Honor for an entire calendar year. Styles would laugh at the challenge and without a second thought accept and shout that their first battle would be next month at Final Battle. With the fans seeming to show a high level of interest in this future match series, especially considering Lynn hadn't turned forty yet so retirement would certainly be premature.

* * *

Main Event - Special Singles Match
| Low Ki vs. Satoshi Kojima |
ROH closed Champions Extravaganza with a match that perfectly captured the company’s spirit in a true “coming of age” moment pitting the rising star Low Ki against the world-traveled veteran Satoshi Kojima. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, knowing they were about to witness a defining test for one of ROH’s brightest young talents. The opening exchanges were respectful but intense. Kojima used his experience to control the pace, working the arm and testing Ki’s patience. Every time Low Ki tried to explode with offense, Kojima absorbed the blows and responded with sharp chops that echoed through the venue. Ki answered in kind, striking back with furious precision blistering kicks to the chest and a stiff backfist that sent Kojima reeling.

As the match wore on, the tempo escalated. Kojima’s power became the difference-maker; he floored Ki with a lariat that nearly ended the bout, then followed with a DDT and diving elbow drop for a close two-count. But Ki’s heart wouldn’t allow him to quit. The young warrior kept firing back, refusing to stay down, drawing louder chants with every burst of defiance. At the twenty-minute mark, the crowd rose to their feet as Kojima set up for another lariat. Ki ducked at the last second, countering with a rapid barrage of strikes that staggered the veteran. Summoning every ounce of strength, Ki hoisted Kojima and hit the Ki Krusher ‘99, collapsing into the cover as the referee counted three.

Winner: Low Ki

After the bell, the exhausted Ki struggled to his feet as the crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Kojima, ever the proud competitor, slowly rose, approached the young star, and extended his hand. The two shook hands to a roar from the fans, sealing the moment as one of mutual respect. Low Ki stood tall, sweat pouring down his face, bowing to the crowd as the show faded out not just as a winner, but as a man who had proven he belonged among ROH’s very best.​

 

[Just Juice]

Ring of Honor returns to the Printscape Arena in Pittsburgh for the final event of the year 'Final Battle' before the promotion changes his scheduling and begins to offer weekly recorded episodic on Spike TV. Two massive matches will feature to round off the year. The first will be the first ever Ladder Match in Ring of Honor, with a contact to challenge for the ROH World Championship suspended above the ring granting the winner a shot at the belt on the first ever episode of 'Honor 101'. The four men given this opportunity are Bryan Danielson, Samoa Joe and Paul London and Shinya Hashimoto. The first three have shown themselves as pillars of the company, whilst Hashimoto returns to the ROH having recently lost the NWA World Heavyweight Champion at a recent Major League Wrestling Event. It is unclear whether Hashimoto returns means he is committing himself long-term or whether this will be another short excursion for the Japanese star.

The other headline match will be a Six-Man Tag Team Match with a team of champions featuring Ronn Killings, Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan taking on Triple X (Christopher Daniels, Elix Skipper & Low Ki) in the evening's main-event with there no doubt being particular focuses on all exchanges between Low Ki and reigning ROH World Champion Ronn Killings, especially if Triple X walk away with the victory. The feud between Eddie Guerrero and Dr. Wagner, Jr. has been bubbling for the last few months and the pair will finally clash in a Special Singles match. It has recent been confirmed that Guerrero has officially signed with World Wrestling Entertainment and will become part of the roster in the new year. The last confirmed match is the first Best of Five Series match between AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn.

Head of Talent Relations Simon Diamond will also confirm which wrestlers will be officially part of ROH's recording schedule moving forward, with it being suggested wrestlers will be offered short-term contracts with the company but still free to work for other promotions in the indies.
​

 

[Just Juice]

- Match One – Singles Match -
| Daizee Haze vs. MsChif |
ROH’s Final Battle kicked off with the debut of the mysterious MsChif, facing off against the spirited Daizee Haze. Haze started strong, using her speed and agility to land early strikes, but MsChif’s unsettling power and unpredictability quickly shifted the momentum. After withstanding Haze’s offense, MsChif countered a crossbody with a vicious slam, then sealed the match with the Descent into Darkness for the three-count.

Winner: MsChif

MsChif’s chilling scream echoed through the arena post-match, marking the arrival of a dangerous new presence in ROH’s women’s division.

* * *

- Match Two - Scramble Match -
| Jay Lethal vs. Homicide vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jay Briscoe vs. Eddie Kingston vs. Shane Helms vs. Little Guido vs. Amazing Red |
The Final Battle scramble match brought chaos and excitement, featuring eight competitors including the ROH debuts of Jay Lethal and Homicide. The action was non-stop from the opening bell, with Red dazzling the crowd with aerial offense, Briscoe throwing heavy suplexes, and Helms controlling the pace with crisp counters. Lethal impressed early, hitting a stunning top-rope elbow that wowed the Pittsburgh crowd, while Homicide’s gritty brawling added an edge to the mayhem. Kingston, meanwhile, found himself aligned with Little Guido, the two exchanging nods of respect mid-match after working together to fend off multiple opponents. As the bout broke down, Helms looked poised to steal the win after landing the Nightmare on Helms Street on Red. But Kingston cut him off, blindsiding Helms and allowing Guido to swoop in with a Sicilian Slice from the ropes. Rather than breaking the pin, Kingston stood guard, ensuring Guido scored the three-count.

Winner: Little Guido

Little Guido would look ecstatic with the victory, but would seem clueless about the fact that Kingston had effectively given him a pass and would be joined in the ring by Furious Bloody Italians' members Big Vito & Tony DeVito who would hoist him onto their shoulders as Guido would wave the Italian flag in the air and be met with either cheers or jeers from respective demographics.

* * *

- Match Three - Singles Match
| Steve Corino vs. Sean Waltman |
Sean Waltman finally made his ROH in-ring debut, squaring off against the cunning and battle-hardened Steve Corino. It was noticed that BG James did not join Waltman at ring. From the opening lock-up, it was clear this would be a hard-hitting, evenly matched affair Corino leaning on his technical control and underhanded tactics, while Waltman countered with quick strikes and crisp aerial offense. Corino slowed the pace early, grounding Waltman and jawing with the crowd, but Waltman battled back with signature kicks and a spinning heel kick that drew a big ovation. The two traded momentum several times — Corino hitting a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall, Waltman answering with a Bronco Buster and a top-rope crossbody that nearly sealed it. In the closing stretch, Corino went for the Old School Expulsion, but Waltman slipped free and landed a sudden X-Factor, hooking the leg for the three-count in a thrilling finish in a strong debut performance.

Winner: Sean Waltman

Both men earned applause post-match, Corino nodding begrudgingly in respect as Waltman celebrated, proving he could still hang with the best that ROH had to offer. Both men would adhere to the Code of Honor and shakes hands but it was clear that Corino was still livid at having lost the match.

* * *

- Match Four - Special Singles Match -
| Eddie Guerrero vs. Dr. Wagner, Jr. |
What began months earlier in subtle tension erupted into a full-blown war as Eddie Guerrero and Dr. Wagner Jr. settled their score once and for all at Final Battle. This wasn’t just another match it was personal. The Pittsburgh crowd could feel the emotion as Eddie made his entrance, knowing it would be his final ROH appearance before departing for WWE in the new year. From the opening bell, both men fought like they had something to prove. Wagner came out swinging, targeting Eddie’s ribs with heavy forearms and driving him into the turnbuckles with raw force. Eddie answered with fiery aggression, meeting Wagner’s strikes with a barrage of chops and dropkicks. The intensity spilled outside early, where Wagner sent Eddie crashing into the guardrail, only for Eddie to return the favor moments later.

The turning point came when Wagner caught Eddie with a lariat that busted him open above the eye. The sight of his own blood seemed to ignite something deep within Guerrero a mix of anger and pride. Fueled by emotion, Eddie fought back with renewed fury, cutting Wagner down with suplexes and a top-rope rana that had the crowd roaring. Wagner, limping from a series of low kicks, refused to quit. He powered through the pain, nearly stealing the match with a Wagner Driver, but Eddie kicked out at two, the crowd exploding in disbelief. As both men rose slowly, trading blows on sheer willpower, Eddie struck first with a basement dropkick to the knee, then climbed the ropes, blood pouring down his face, and delivered a picture-perfect Frog Splash for the three-count.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero

After the match, both men lay exhausted before Wagner, clutching his leg, extended a hand. Eddie accepted, and the crowd rose in a standing ovation. Chants of “Thank you, Eddie!” filled the arena as Guerrero, overcome with emotion, waved to the fans, leaving ROH on the highest of notes victorious, bloodied, and beloved.

* * *

- Match Five - Best of Five Series -
| AJ Styles vs. Jerry Lynn |
The storied rivalry between AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn took on new life at Final Battle, as the two kicked off a Best of Five Series to determine ultimate bragging rights heading into 2003 and also who would still be working with Ring of Honor when the series came to an end. Fans knew what to expect world-class wrestling and both men delivered in spades. The opening minutes were a showcase of technical precision and mutual respect. Styles used his athleticism to dictate the early pace, hitting crisp arm drags and a textbook dropkick, while Lynn grounded him with slick counters and a punishing tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The momentum swung back and forth, each man reading the other like a book from years of familiarity.

As the match intensified, Lynn targeted AJ’s ribs, slowing the high-flyer down and connecting with a top-rope leg drop for a near fall. Styles rallied, landing the Phenomenal DDT and a springboard forearm that nearly sealed it, but Lynn’s veteran instincts carried him through. In the closing moments, Styles attempted the Styles Clash, but Lynn countered mid-move, rolling through into a cradle piledriver for the emphatic three-count.

Winner: Jerry Lynn (leads series 1–0)

* * *

- Match Six - Tag Team Match -
| Alison Danger & Sara Del Rey vs. Mercedes Martinez & Alexis Laree |
The Final Battle crowd was treated to a hard-hitting women’s tag team clash that carried plenty of history. Former ROH Women’s Champion Alison Danger teamed with the rising powerhouse Sara Del Rey to take on the current titleholder Mercedes Martinez and the ever-resilient Alexis Laree. With Danger still smarting from losing her belt to Martinez at Champions Extravaganza, the tension was high before the bell even rang. The early goings saw Danger and Martinez renew their rivalry, trading holds and strikes in a fiery exchange. Danger fought with desperation, nearly catching Martinez in a submission early, but the champion muscled free and tagged in Laree, who brought quick offense and energy to the match. Del Rey soon entered, and the tone shifted immediately her strength and technical poise commanding attention as she tossed Laree across the ring with a butterfly suplex.

As the bout wore on, Martinez and Laree showed solid teamwork, isolating Danger and working over her shoulder. But once Del Rey got the hot tag, the momentum changed completely. The future “Queen of Wrestling” exploded with authority, flattening both opponents with forearms and a spinning heel kick. In the closing moments, Del Rey cut off a double-team attempt, hoisting Laree into the air and planting her with a Royal Butterfly Slam for the three-count.

Winner: Sara Del Rey & Alison Danger

After the bell, Danger extended a respectful nod toward Del Rey, acknowledging her partner’s breakout performance and perhaps throwing some serious momentum in both women's direction and aiding them in their future title aspirations.

* * *

- Match Seven - Six-Man Tag Team Match -
| Ronn Killings, Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan vs. Triple X (Low Ki, Elix Skipper & Christopher Daniels |
With champions on one side and chemistry on the other, this six-man tag team bout had all the makings of a Final Battle show-stealer. ROH World Champion Ronn Killings joined forces with ROH World Tag Team Champions Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan to take on the well-oiled machine of Triple X Low Ki, Elix Skipper, and Christopher Daniels. The opening minutes showcased a fascinating clash of styles. Williams and Daniels set a deliberate pace, trading grapples and counters, while Skipper and Keenan brought intensity and swagger to their exchanges. Killings’ athleticism shone early, hitting a spinning kick on Low Ki that drew cheers from the Pittsburgh crowd.

Triple X, however, quickly leaned on their superior cohesion. Using slick tags and triple-team combinations, they isolated Keenan and worked him over, Skipper’s rope-walk offense and Ki’s precision kicks keeping the champions off balance. Williams eventually tagged back in, rallying with technical suplexes and forearm strikes, but Daniels shut him down with a well-timed STO. The match built to a fever pitch as Killings got the hot tag, exploding into the ring and taking down all three members of Triple X in a flurry. A chaotic closing stretch followed Killings hit the Axe Kick on Skipper, Low Ki took him out with the Warrior’s Way, and Williams countered Daniels’ Angel’s Wings into a Chaos Theory attempt. But Daniels, showing his veteran savvy, rolled through, cracked Williams with an enzuigiri, and planted him with the Angel’s Wings for the three-count.

Winner: Triple X (Low Ki, Elix Skipper & Christopher Daniels)

After the match, Triple X celebrated mid-ring, proving their unity could overcome even ROH’s champions. Killings helped Williams and Keenan back to their feet, the trio looking disappointed but nodding in begrudging respect knowing on this night, the more cohesive team earned it. Outside the ring Skipper and Daniels were posing with the ROH World Tag Team Championship belts, whilst Low Ki would look to grab the world title belt but Killings would be quicker to belt table and the two men would stare each other down but before anything else could happen would be pulled apart by a collection of referees and members of the security team.

* * *

- Main Event - #1 Contender's Ladder Match -
| Bryan Danielson vs. Samoa Joe vs. Paul London vs Shinya Hashimoto |
ROH closed its landmark first year with the most ambitious match in company history its first-ever Ladder Match, a four-man war to determine the next challenger for the ROH World Championship. The field was stacked: technical genius Bryan Danielson, powerhouse enforcer Samoa Joe, Japanese icon Shinya Hashimoto, and the fearless high-flyer Paul London. The Pittsburgh crowd buzzed with anticipation as the bell rang, and from the start, this one lived up to its billing. Hashimoto set the tone early, using his brutal kicks to clear the ring, only for Joe to meet him head-on in a clash of heavyweights that shook the canvas. Meanwhile, London and Danielson fought with urgency, their speed and precision a stark contrast to the power exchanges between the larger men.

The ladders came into play quickly. London used one as a springboard for a diving forearm, Danielson suplexed Joe onto its rungs, and Hashimoto wielded it like a weapon, blasting anyone in range. The intensity escalated as bodies flew London hitting a picture-perfect moonsault off the top to the floor, Joe launching Danielson with a powerbomb through a propped ladder, and Hashimoto bulldozing through all three opponents with a flurry of strikes. The match grew more brutal by the minute. Hashimoto’s knee, still tender from previous bouts, gave out as he attempted to climb, opening the door for Danielson to target the leg with vicious kicks even in a match with no submissions, his focus was ruthless. Joe responded by hurling Danielson from the ladder with a thunderous uranage. London, battered but unbroken, kept fighting, the crowd chanting his name as he scaled again and again, only to be knocked down each time.

The final minutes were pure chaos. Hashimoto, favoring one leg, traded slaps and headbutts with Joe atop the ladder until Danielson tipped it, sending both crashing to the mat in a heap. London seized the opening, ascending as the arena roared. Danielson scrambled up the opposite side, the two trading punches high above the ring. In a desperate burst, London headbutted Danielson off the ladder, steadied himself, and reached up to unhook the contract, collapsing in triumph.

Winner: Paul London (to become the #1 Contender to the ROH World Championship)

The building erupted as London, clutching the briefcase, looked out at the fans with tears in his eyes. Joe and Danielson, bruised and spent, rolled to the floor, while Hashimoto, limping but proud, nodded in respect from ringside. ROH’s first ladder match ended not just with a new contender, but with a defining moment: Paul London standing tall, the heart and soul of ROH’s underdog spirit, closing out the company’s first year knowing he would challenge for the gold on the first ever episode of 'Honor 101'. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that this was the best match that ROH had offered the fans and London was the man right at the center of it.
​

 

[Just Juice]

The following wrestlers were confirmed to have short-term contract with Ring of Honor with it indicated these would expire following the conclusion of Best in the World (26th April 2003). The list included a number of wrestlers who hadn't appeared at all for ROH during 2002 (indicated in bold). It was made clear by Simon Diamond, that some wrestlers would not be announced until they made their on-screen debuts.

Male Talent

Andy Douglas | AJ Styles | Amazing Red | BG James | BLK Jeez | Bryan Danielson | Charlie Haas | Chase Stevens | Christopher Daniels | Doug Williams | Eddie Kingston | Elix Skipper | Hirooki Goto | Homicide | James Storm | Jay Briscoe | Jay Lethal | Jerry Lynn | Konnan | Little Guido | Low Ki | Mikey Whipwreck | Minoru Suzuki | Monty Brown | Paul London | Petey Williams | Ronn Killings | Samoa Joe | Sean Waltman | Shane Douglas | Shane Helms | Sterling James Keenan | Steve Corino | Tony Mamaluke

Female Talent​
Alexis Laree | Alison Danger | Daizee Haze | Jackie Gayda | Mercedes Martinez | MsChif | Rochelle Loewen | Rumi Kazama | Sara Del Rey | Trinity ​

 

[Just Juice]

Episode One

The first episode would begin with no theme music, opening titles or any video packages of any sort. Instead Honor 101 would begin with a cold open inside the Murphy Recreation Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) that had been repackaged as 'The 101'. Standing in the middle of the ring would be ROH World Champion Ronn Killings with a microphone in his hand. Standing by his side in some sort of bodyguard role was Monty Brown, with the pair color coordinated with matching sports apparel in shades of orange and black with a white trim. There was a particular focus on the belt that was strapped around Killings' waist as he had a big smile on his face as he would address the fans. Killings would talk about the important position of being the face of the company and that tonight the wrestle of America was on notice, because Honor 101 was just the first step in Ring of Honor becoming the a top tier promotion. Killings would announce that he intended on kicking off tonight with a bang and the first ever match on television would be his title defense against the official number one contender Paul London. Ronn would offer praise to London performance at Final Battle, but all of that was irrelevant because there was no chance he wasn't walking away with the win tonight.

* * *

- Match One - ROH World Championship -
| Ronn Killings (c) vs. Paul London |
The match opened with a show of respect, both men shaking hands before quickly raising the intensity. London came out hot, using his quickness to keep the champion guessing hitting deep arm drags, dropkicks, and a crisp standing shooting star press that earned an early near fall. Killings, though, stayed composed, using his veteran instincts to turn the tide with his blend of power and athleticism, flooring London with a spinning forearm and a suplex into a neckbreaker. As the match wore on, both men pushed the pace. London’s aerial assault — a tope to the floor and a top-rope crossbody had the crowd on their feet, while Killings responded with explosive offense of his own, including a jumping heel kick that nearly ended it. The back-and-forth exchanges built to a fever pitch, the television audience witnessing the kind of intensity that had defined ROH’s rise. In the closing stretch, London countered a suplex into a roll-up for a dramatic near fall, then climbed the ropes for his signature 450 Splash. Killings rolled away at the last second, popped to his feet, and blasted London with a Lie Detector spinning forearm. With London dazed, Killings hit the Truth or Consequences suplex, hooking both legs for the three-count.

Winner: Ronn Killings (to retain the ROH World Championship)

After the match, Killings helped London to his feet, raising his hand in a show of respect as the crowd applauded both men. The champion held the belt high in the air and as Paul London would look to pass through the ropes only to be spiked as Monty Brown would bounce off the ropes and cut London in half with a brutal Pounce before dragging him up to his feet and throwing him over the rope rope like a bag of garbage as Killing's Theme Song (Toma by Pitbull) would blast out as the cameras would cut backstage.

* * *

In the backstage interview Pamela Paulshock would be joined by Eddie Kingston & Little Guido. Kingston would make it known that the F.B.I. was dead and the two Vitos had been shown the door and would not be coming back anytime soon. Kingston would hype up Little Guido and that he truly was a man that was not on a general in the ring but also a leader of men outside of it and that was why True Struggle had decided to hitch themselves to Guido's wagon. That is when Guido would speak, although he would introduce himself as Silvio Maritato and he was the new boss of 'The Mob' (which would be explained as the new name of the unit including BLK Jeez & Eddie Kingston). Maritato would close by focusing on numbers and that he was looking to add a number of soldiers to cause and that if anyone felt as if their wants and needs were being ignored, then 'The Mob' would always have their back as long as they stayed loyal.

* * *

- Match Two – Tag Team Match -
| The Naturals (Andy Douglas & Chase Stevens) vs. Shane Helms & Amazing Red |
ROH’s television debut continued with fast-paced tag team action, as The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens) - made their ROH debut, stepping in against the dynamic pairing of Shane Helms & Amazing Red. Douglas and Stevens immediately made an impression, showing crisp teamwork and veteran composure, cutting off the ring and keeping Red grounded with smart double-teams. Their blend of power and precision caught the crowd’s attention, especially when Douglas hit a gutwrench suplex that nearly scored an upset early. Red fought back with his signature speed, slipping through Stevens’ grasp and tagging in Helms, who brought the fight with a series of flying forearms and a swinging neckbreaker. The pace quickened as all four men got involved Red taking out Douglas with a springboard dropkick, while Stevens nearly rolled up Helms after dodging a superkick. In the closing sequence, Helms ducked a double clothesline and connected with a Nightmare on Helms Street on Stevens, securing the victory for his team after a competitive, crowd-pleasing contest.

Winner: Shane Helms & Amazing Red

After the bell, The Naturals received a respectful ovation from the ROH crowd, having turned plenty of heads in defeat, while Helms and Red celebrated, proving once again why their fast-paced chemistry makes them one of ROH’s most exciting duos. Jeff Gorman on commentary would make a point of letting the viewers know that the pairing from this point onwards would work under the tag team name 'Redscape' and from his point of view they had all the makings of future tag team champions.

* * *

Bryan Danielson would make his way out from the back and would gloss over the fact that he had fallen short at Final Battle and one again talk about the importance of purity in wrestling and that now that ROH had a television platform to showcase their wares every week, it was now very much his dream to make Pure Rules his legacy and something that the rest of the wrestling world would want to be part of other promotions in the industry. Danielson would say he was stoking the fire until one day Simon Diamond, Jeff Jarrett or whoever was actually making the money decisions, that Pure Rules was more than just a match type and that blood, sweat, tears and glory would one day be attached to competitor's name when they competed in matches of this types. Danielson would then reveal that that the first man he would face in this new era of purity was Petey Williams.

- Match Three - Pure Rules Match -
| Bryan Danielson vs. Petey Williams |
From the opening lock-up, Danielson dictated the pace, applying relentless pressure and forcing Williams to wrestle his style. Every hold was deliberate from hammerlocks to front facelocks Danielson made each exchange a statement, working over the arm and shoulder to neutralize Petey’s explosive offense. Williams fought back with quick reversals and bursts of speed, hitting a crisp dropkick and even attempting the Canadian Destroyer, but Danielson scouted it perfectly, countering into a bridging German suplex for a near fall. As the match wore on, Williams burned through his rope breaks, struggling to escape Danielson’s arsenal of submissions. The final minutes saw Danielson tighten the screws a flurry of European uppercuts, a grounded surfboard stretch, and finally the Cattle Mutilation, forcing Williams to tap in the center of the ring.​

Winner: Bryan Danielson​

The code of honor was adhered once the dust had settled, with the respect really felt and even in loss Williams was gracious. Chants for Danielson would circulate amongst the fans within 'The 101' with the fans really have an appetite for more Danielson in the future.

* * *

Jerry Lynn would cut a promo backstage and would talk himself up following his first victory in the best of five series over AJ Styles. Lynn showed no fear in his voice and there was no anxiety about possibly having to retire. Lynn would close by confirming that the second match in the series would take place on the 22nd February at the ROH One Year Anniversary Show. Lynn would state this was fitting because it was at the very first show that he had been the catalyst of all this nonsense with AJ Styles when he had beaten the young upstart at 'Welcome Player One'. Lynn would then confirm that on the next episode of 'Honor 101' he would be picking the poison for Styles and that AJ would be going toe-to-toe with none other than one half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions Sterling James Keenan. Lynn would wish Styles the best, but highly doubted he had the ability to beat someone who was capable of holding championship gold.

* * *

- Main Event - Tag Team Match -
| BG James & Sean Waltman vs. Steve Corino & Shane Douglas |
The debut episode of Honor 101 closed with a star-studded main event, pitting the reunited duo of BG James and Sean Waltman against the hard-nosed veterans Steve Corino and Shane Douglas. What followed was an entertaining, personality-filled brawl that mixed nostalgia with intensity and a crowd fully engaged from bell to bell. With Corino having claimed wins over both James and Waltman, it was obvious that both men had a bone to pick with Corino. Right from the start, chants of “DX! DX!” filled the arena, with James and Waltman leaning into the energy. James dropped his signature dancing punches early, while Waltman hit a slick spinning heel kick to send Corino reeling. Douglas and Corino weren’t impressed, responding with old-school roughness grounding Waltman, jawing with the fans, and cutting off the ring with quick tags and punishing holds.

The heat segment saw Corino hammer Waltman with forearms and Douglas work the ribs, taunting James every step of the way. When Waltman finally escaped and made the tag, BG exploded into the match, cleaning house with clotheslines and atomic drops before teaming up with Waltman for some playful but effective double-team offense capped off by a nostalgic crotch chop that sent the crowd into a frenzy. In the final moments, Corino tried to sneak in a chair, but the referee caught him. Amid the chaos, Douglas went for the Franchiser, only for James to counter with a pump-handle slam. Waltman followed up with the X-Factor, scoring the three-count as the fans erupted.

Winner: BG James & Sean Waltman

Post-match, James and Waltman celebrated with the crowd, tossing out “Suck It” gestures and high-fiving fans at ringside. The lights in 'The 101' would go pitch black for about twenty seconds or so. When they came back on standing in the ring holding a guitar was Jeff Jarrett and standing next to him holding a kendo stick was The Sandman. The two of them would charge forward catching the victors off guard as the kendo stick would be connect between James' eyes as simultaneously Jarrett would shatter the guitar over Waltman's head with the Acoustic Equalizer with it shattering into pieces and looking like a neck tie as the first ever episode would come to an unexpected ending.​

 

[Just Juice]

Episode Two

The second episode would begin with a short video package that would act as a highlight reel of the first episode. Action including the match between Killings/London, Bryan Danielson impressing under the Pure Rules Stipulation, the ROH debut of The Naturals, the main-event match of James + Waltman against Corino + Douglas and the shocking closing to the show featuring The Sandman & Jeff Jarret in the middle of the action. As the package would end Jeff Gorman and Dave Prazak would promise the fans that the action inside 'The 101' would continue to be just as fiery and exciting as the debut episode and that tonight's show would kick off with a Scramble Match that had very much become one of the staple of the company with the winner of the match being gifted the unique opportunity of a shot at the ROH World Tag Team Championships and getting to personally pick their tag team partner. With that match set to be the opening contest of the night.

* * *

- Match One - Scramble Match -
| BLK Jeez vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Mikey Whipwreck vs. Hirooki Goto vs. James Storm vs. Ken Anderson |
The Scramble Match, a chaotic, high-energy showcase that had become a fan-favorite staple. With a huge prize on the line a Tag Team Title opportunity and the power to select your own partner all six competitors entered hungry for victory. The action was wild from the opening bell. James Storm and Ken Anderson (with both making their ROH debuts) started things off with a flurry of hard strikes and quick tags, before the pace skyrocketed as BLK Jeez and Hirooki Goto (touring as a New Japan Young Lion) stormed in, trading stiff kicks and suplexes. Christopher Daniels, ever the strategist, picked his spots carefully, breaking up pins and letting others wear themselves out. The veteran Mikey Whipwreck played it smart, slipping in and out of the ring, conserving energy while chaos unfolded around him. Storm hit a thunderous Eye of the Storm on Jeez, Goto leveled Anderson with a lariat, and Daniels nearly stole the win with a Last Rites on Storm only for Whipwreck to swoop in and break up the fall. In the closing moments, as everyone scrambled in the ring, Whipwreck seized his opening countering Anderson’s Mic Check into a stunner-like Whippersnapper. Before anyone could react, he dove on top for the three-count, stealing the win and stunning the crowd.

Winner: Mikey Whipwreck

Whipwreck celebrated wildly, grinning ear-to-ear as the announcers speculated who he might pick as his tag partner for the upcoming title opportunity. His previous partner had been Konnan, but considering how the pair's relationship had broken down in the previous year there was a real question mark as who would Whipwreck pick as his partner.

* * *

Pamela Paulshock would be joined backstage by Sean Waltman & BG James with the two men visibly angry about the manner in which they had been blindsided by Jeff Jarrett and his crony and they were not taking this lying down. James would make the point that both he and Waltman were wrestling royalty and it was in everyone's best interest to protect their star players because anyone who had walked down the corridors in Stanford and actually achieved anything was automatically the most important person or persons on the roster. And the next time they crossed paths with double Jeff they would make an example of him, irrespective of his position in the management hierarchy.

* * *

- Match Two - Tag Team Match -
| Triple X (Low Ki & Elix Skipper) vs. The Kill Team (Monty Brown & Minoru Suzuki) w/ Ronn Killings |
The crowd buzzed with anticipation for Suzuki’s ROH debut, and the Japanese star didn’t disappoint. From the opening lock-up, Suzuki’s precision and aura stood out tying up Low Ki in painful submissions and flooring Skipper with snapping forearms. Monty Brown complemented him perfectly, using raw power to dominate the early minutes. Triple X, though, are masters of timing and teamwork. Ki and Skipper used their chemistry to chip away at the larger opponents, focusing on isolating Monty and forcing Suzuki to fight from the apron. Every time Triple X built momentum, Killings made his presence felt — shouting instructions, jawing with the crowd, and even tripping Skipper behind the referee’s back to hand his team control. Suzuki nearly sealed victory after a brutal sleeper suplex on Skipper, but Low Ki broke the pin and swung the momentum back. The closing stretch descended into chaos Monty charged for the Pounce, only for Skipper to duck, sending him crashing into Killings on the apron. Ki capitalized, hitting a Warrior’s Way on Suzuki while Skipper nailed a sudden Play of the Day, allowing Low Ki to score the pin.

Winner: Triple X

After the match, Killings helped Suzuki and Monty regroup, glaring at Triple X as the victors raised their arms. While Triple X proved their synergy once again, Suzuki’s ROH debut turned plenty of heads a cold, calculating striker clearly aligned with the champion’s growing power faction. Killings would whisper words in both men's ear and dismiss them to the back as he would grab a microphone and cut a promo in the ring. Killings would say that how the night had closed, had everyone talking about Jeff Jarrett and The Sandman. And he knew how the business worked and therefore he wanted to entertain the fans and give them exactly what he wanted. He would then announce that on the next episode he would put the ROH World Championship on the line against the man that everyone was talking about - THE SANDMAN.

* * *

- Match Three - Eight-Woman Tag Team Match -
| Sara Del Rey, Daizee Haze, MsChif & Rochelle Loewen vs. Alexis Laree, Trinity, Rumi Kazama & Jackie Gayda |
The women’s division took center stage in a lively eight-woman tag team match, featuring two ROH debuts - Rochelle Loewen and Jackie Gayda alongside a mix of familiar faces and rising stars. The match also featured the entire of the female roster apart from current champion Mercedes Martinez and her current biggest rival Alison Danger. For this reason it meant that whoever was able to shine and earn themselves a spot under the spotlight could get a major boost to their career and boosting in the ratings. Early on, both teams showed off impressive cohesion. Laree’s team leaned on experience, with Rumi Kazama setting a punishing tone, grounding Haze with sharp strikes, while Gayda used her athleticism to surprise the crowd in her first outing. Trinity’s aerial offense dazzled, but her risk-taking would later cost her. On the opposing side, Sara Del Rey anchored her team with power and poise, throwing suplexes that shifted momentum. Daizee Haze played the fiery underdog, absorbing punishment before tagging in the wild card, MsChif. Loewen, meanwhile, impressed in short bursts, using her strength to muscle opponents off their feet and protect her teammates. The closing stretch saw chaos erupt, all eight competitors trading offense in rapid succession. As Trinity climbed the ropes to go high-risk, MsChif let out her trademark scream, dodged the aerial attack, and snatched Trinity into a sudden Descent into Darkness (inverted DDT) to score the victory.

Winner: MsChif, Sara Del Rey, Daizee Haze & Rochelle Loewen

MsChif’s team celebrated in the ring, while Trinity looked frustrated after taking the fall. Meanwhile, both Loewen and Gayda received warm applause for their impressive debuts, signaling that the women’s division was only getting deeper and more competitive heading into 2003. A particular focus was clearly on MsChif and Dave Prazak would comment that a future match between MsChif and Martinez would certainly be something he personally would like to see and would surely help rise the stock for all the women on Ring of Honor.

* * *

Steve Corino would feature in a recorded promo and he would name drop Bryan Danielson and state that he might be older than a lot of the member of the roster, but he was certainly interested in this Pure Rules dynamic so he was putting his name forward as Bryan's next opponent and was going to put the the young gun in his place and show Danielson exactly how business works.

* * *

- Main Event - Pick Your Poison Match -
| Sterling James Keenan w/ Doug Williams vs. AJ Styles |
Honor 101 closed with a high-stakes Pick Your Poison main event, as one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions, Sterling James Keenan, stepped into singles competition against the AJ Styles. With Doug Williams in his corner, this was Keenan’s chance to prove he could hang with one of the best pure athletes in the world and he did more than that. And considering Jerry Lynn had setup the this match, in many way all the pressure was on AJ's shoulders. From the opening bell, the match was a technical showcase. Styles, as expected, exploded out of the gate, using his speed and agility to take early control arm drags, dropkicks, and that signature springboard forearm keeping Keenan guessing. But SJK, calm and methodical, absorbed the storm and began grinding Styles down with calculated precision. He trapped AJ in tight headlocks, hammered him with knees, and turned every counter into an opportunity to slow the pace and assert his power. Williams stayed hands-off, offering only quiet advice from ringside as his partner found his rhythm. The Pittsburgh crowd Keenan’s home base rallied behind him as he began to match Styles counter-for-counter. AJ’s athleticism remained unmatched, but SJK’s poise and composure shone through. A mid-match sequence saw AJ go for the Styles Clash, only for Keenan to twist free and hit a rolling elbow, drawing a gasp from the audience. The closing minutes were electric. Styles seemed to have victory in hand after hitting a Pele Kick and setting up for another Clash. But Keenan deadlifted out, shoved Styles into the ropes, and caught him on the rebound with a Lights Out Lariat, immediately transitioning into the MK Ultra (modified reverse STO) for the stunning three-count.

Winner: Sterling James Keenan

Keenan and Williams stood tall in the ring, the champions proving their dominance extends beyond tag team gold. Styles, though frustrated, offered a nod of respect, acknowledging Keenan’s breakthrough performance. For SJK, this wasn’t just a win it was a statement: the tag champion is no sidekick, but a main event-caliber star in his own right. The episode would end with Jerry Lynn standing on the entrance ramp and slow clapping Styles, clearly enjoying the fact that his rival had failed to pick up the win.​

 

[Just Juice]

Episode Three

The show would open up in the parking lot where Mikey Whipwreck would arrive with his wrestling gear and clamber out the backseat of a taxi. Jeff Gorman would remind everyone that Whipwreck had earned himself and a partner of his choice a shot at the tag team champions, so when a second man exited the vehicle it was clear that this was the man that Whipwreck would be partnering with. The individual was none other than Kaz Hayashi, with the Japanese star not having featured on an ROH show since the very first show 'Welcome Player One' back in February of the previous year. The pair had matching gear and would be approached by Pamela Paulshock for a comment. Whipwreck would confirm that himself and Kaz would be challenging for the straps on next week's show and that 'WH Power' were going to bring the hits and show Keenan and Williams what really championship class looks like.

* * *

- Match One - Singles Match -
| Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jay Briscoe |
Honor 101's first contest of the night with a fast-paced, hard-fought singles contest between two of ROH’s most promising young stars Jimmy Jacobs and Jay Briscoe. Both men entered hungry to make a statement in the new year, and the Pittsburgh crowd was firmly behind them from the opening bell. Jacobs brought his usual energy and unpredictability, darting around the ring and using his speed to frustrate the larger Briscoe. Early on, he scored a near fall with a flying senton and a surprise roll-up, forcing Jay to regroup. Briscoe responded by upping the aggression — turning the tide with a stiff lariat and a running boot that nearly knocked Jacobs out of his boots. The match balanced intensity and athleticism throughout, with Jacobs showing plenty of heart but Briscoe’s power game gradually taking over. In the closing moments, Jacobs attempted his trademark contra code, but Briscoe muscled out, countering into a thunderous Jay Driller for the three-count.

Winner: Jay Briscoe

* * *

Jeff Jarrett would be dressed in his executive suit and appear to me in the office space backstage as he would address the camera. Jarrett would make it clear to BG James and Waltman that The Sandman had been a talent for hire and when you were able to finance a wrestling promotion, you were able to offer leverage and make deals and would state that he had taken great delight in making the two federation reject look like a pair of jabronis on the debut episode of Honor 101. Jeff though would state that he understood the pair would want a chance and getting their revenge, so would throw down a challenge. At the Anniversary Show they come to a clash in a four-on-four elimination tag team match in which he would offer the pair the best of luck in find two idiots who would be stupid up to team up with them and make enemies with someone already in a corporate position in Ring of Honor.

* * *

- Match Two - Singles Match -
| Samoa Joe vs. Charlie Haas |
The second match of the night featured two world-class athletes in a first-time encounter, as Samoa Joe made his Honor 101 debut against Charlie Haas, who was stepping into an ROH ring for the very first time. The bout delivered exactly what fans expected a blend of raw power, technical precision, and pure physicality. The opening minutes were a battle for control. Haas tried to ground Joe with amateur-style grappling, chaining holds and targeting the arm, but Joe’s sheer size and striking ability quickly became the deciding factor. Every time Haas tried to shoot for a takedown, Joe punished him with punishing knees and thunderous chops that echoed through the arena. Haas managed a comeback mid-match, countering a uranage into a German suplex that got a strong reaction from the crowd. He followed up with a bridging belly-to-back suplex for a near fall, forcing Joe to retreat briefly to the corner. But once the Samoan Submission Machine shifted gears, there was no stopping him. Joe unleashed his trademark offense: a flurry of forearms, an enzuigiri in the corner, and a crushing powerslam. The end came when Haas went for another suplex, but Joe countered, hoisted him up, and delivered the Muscle Buster, immediately transitioning into the Coquina Clutch. Haas had no choice but to tap.

Winner: Samoa Joe defeated Charlie Haas via submission.

After the bell, Joe stood tall, glaring into the camera as the commentators declared him one of the most dangerous men in ROH. As he would demand a microphone be passed up to him. Joe would call out Low Ki's name and roar out that he better not be considering himself as somehow worthy of ever challenging for the ROH World Championship without first getting a victory over himself. Joe seemed incensed and perhaps this was largely due to the way in which Low Ki and Killings had interacted with each other at Final Battle. Joe would demand that Low Ki go toe-to-toe with him once again for the third time (with Joe having beaten Low Ki in their last encounter and come to a time-limit draw in their first encounter) at the Anniversary Show in a repeat of their very first match with Ring of Honor with the caveat that Low Ki would never truly be worthy of challenging for the big prize if he wasn't able to hold him down for the three count. Low Ki didn't come out from the back to respond, but the fans present in 'The 101' were most certainly excited about the prospect of: Samoa Joe vs. Low Ki III.

* * *

AJ Styles looked tired and beaten up as he would appear in a recorded promo and would offer high praise to Sterling James Keenan for truly pushing to the limit last week, before finally bringing up Jerry Lynn's name. AJ would congratulate him on poisoning the chalice and finding him an opponent that he had clearly underestimated. Styles though would say it was now his term to pick the poison for Lynn and he couldn't think of a better choice of opponent than a man that in many ways reminded him a lot of himself and would thus reveal that Lynn would face off against former number one contender Paul London on the fourth episode of Honor 101.

* * *

- Match Three - Pure Rules Match -
| Steve Corino vs. Bryan Danielson |
The Pure Rules Match between the wily veteran Steve Corino and the innovator of the match type Bryan Danielson was nothing short of a complete wrestling clinic. It was a bout that not only showcased both men’s technical brilliance but also helped cement the Pure Rules format as one of ROH’s defining, prestigious match types. From the opening bell, both wrestlers treated the match like a chess game. Corino leaned on his experience, keeping the tempo slow and forcing Danielson to work for every hold, while Danielson used his precision and conditioning to control the mat exchanges. Every rope break mattered, and both men showed tactical awareness Corino conserving his early, Danielson forcing him to use two in quick succession with relentless armbars. Corino’s striking game kept him in the fight, his European uppercuts and short elbows visibly rocking Danielson. The veteran even scored a close near fall after countering a bridging suplex with a lariat, earning loud applause from the crowd. But Danielson’s endurance and adaptability gradually took over. He absorbed the punishment, shifted momentum with brutal kicks to the chest, and trapped Corino in a series of submissions designed to exhaust him. In the closing minutes, both men had burned through all three rope breaks, and the tension reached its peak. Corino countered a Cattle Mutilation attempt into a roll-up for two, but Danielson quickly transitioned into a Regal Stretch, wrenching back until Corino, with no escape left, was forced to tap out.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

After the match, both men shared a respectful nod as the crowd gave a standing ovation as they would adhere to the Code of Honor by shaking hands with each other and ending the encounter in a respectful manner. Danielson having claimed a victory over Corino was certainly a big deal though, and the fans seemed to recognize that fact with chants of 'AMERICAN DRAGON' circulating around the arena.

* * *

- Main Event - ROH World Championship -
| Ronn Killings (c) vs. The Sandman |
The third episode of Honor 101 came to a thunderous conclusion with a match that felt more like a war than a wrestling contest a No Disqualification ROH World Championship match between the reigning champion Ronn Killings and the hardcore icon The Sandman. From the moment The Sandman made his entrance through the crowd, cigarette in mouth, beer in hand, and kendo stick raised high, the atmosphere was electric. The fans chanted his name as he soaked in every second, swinging the cane wildly while Killings watched from the ring, a mix of confidence and irritation on his face. The second Sandman stepped through the ropes, Killings struck first with a dropkick, but Sandman shrugged it off and cracked the champion over the back with the kendo stick to officially start the match. From that point on, the bout became an all-out brawl. They fought into the crowd almost immediately chairs flying, beers spilling, and fans scattering as Sandman sent Killings crashing into the guardrail. Killings responded by hurling Sandman into the steel steps, then grabbed a chair and launched it into his face.

Inside the ring, Killings tried to ground the challenger, mixing in some athletic offense a jumping leg lariat and a missile dropkick but Sandman’s toughness was on full display. He absorbed every shot, spitting blood, laughing maniacally, and swinging the kendo stick like a madman. The two men traded momentum for nearly twenty minutes, breaking tables at ringside and introducing a ladder at one point, which Sandman used to deliver a brutal leg drop across Killings’ chest for a near fall. The crowd came unglued when Sandman set up two chairs and attempted a Russian leg sweep through them, but Killings countered mid-motion with a low blow. Both men were down, crawling toward their weapons, the title belt lying in the corner. That’s when Monty Brown made his move. Charging down the ramp to loud boos, Brown dragged Killings out of harm’s way just as Sandman went to swing the kendo stick again. The referee, powerless under No DQ rules, could only watch as Brown hit the ring. Sandman tried to fight him off, but Brown leveled him with the Pounce, sending him flying through the ropes and crashing into the barricade. Killings seized the moment, retrieving his belt and slamming it across Sandman’s skull before hitting the Truth or Consequences suplex onto the steel chair. He covered, shouting “Count it!” and the referee did.

Winner: Ronn Killings (to retain the ROH World Championship)

The champion stood tall, blood on his knuckles and sweat pouring down his face, as Monty Brown joined him in the ring. The two men posed over Sandman’s battered body, Killings raising the title high while Brown yelled into the camera, “This is Kill Team territory!” The show closed on that image boos raining down from the home crowd, but the message was unmistakable: Ronn Killings’ reign was secure, his allies ruthless, and no one, not even a hardcore legend - was safe whilst Killing's remained in control of the most important prize in Ring of Honor.​

 

[Just Juice]

According to multiple sources and appearing on a few Dirt Sheets, NWA: Major League Wrestling is aggressively pursuing a number of women in the indies including multiple workers presently appearing on Ring of Honor programming. If true this could spell major trouble for Ring of Honor and their Women's Division and there is no guarantee who will remain, especially when Major League Wrestling has been signing workers to exclusive contracts. The rivalry between MLW and ROH has very much become a woeful relationship, with it clear that both promotions are looking to claim a place in the market although Major League Wrestling are looking to do this in a much more aggressive and ruthless manner. ​

 

[Just Juice]

Episode Four

Honor 101 would begin for the very first time with a custom video package showing a highlight reel of some of the best and fast paced action that had featured on previous episodes as well as over major shows in the promotion's short history as 'My Last Serenade' by Killswitch Engage would accompany the video with it later being confirmed by Dave Prazak that the song was very much the officially theme song for the show and that tonight's show was jam packed with action including the the night's opening contest that would be the Pick Your Poison Match between Paul London and Jerry Lynn. For added spice it was confirmed that AJ Styles would join Prazak and Gorman at the commentary desk and so would get a front row seat of the action.

* * *

- Match One - Pick Your Poison Match -
| Paul London vs. Jerry Lynn |
The show opened with a technical showcase between Paul London and Jerry Lynn, two of ROH’s most proven competitors over the last year. The early exchanges were crisp and respectful: London relying on speed and aerial agility, while Lynn used his veteran experience to control the pace. At ringside, AJ Styles added tension from commentary, taking jabs at Lynn throughout the match. As the action intensified, Styles left the booth, jawing with Lynn from ringside. When Lynn turned to confront him, AJ yanked his leg from under the ropes, sending him crashing to the mat before storming the ring and attacking him outright. The referee immediately called for the bell as Styles continued his assault, leaving London looking conflicted as AJ screamed that “the spotlight belongs to me!”

Winner: Jerry Lynn (via disqualification)

The crowd booed as Styles stood tall over Lynn, escalating one of ROH’s hottest rivalries as it took a surge of security and match officials to enter the ring and pull styles off the grizzled veteran.

* * *

The cameras would cut backstage with Shane Douglas speaking with Tony Mamaluke standing behind him. Douglas would state that from where he stood he was the man most deserving of a shot at the ROH World Title and would demand that Killings give him a shot in the coming weeks, although this seemed like a throwaway comment in comparison to the main body of the promo. Instead his focus was on his young protege Tony Mamaluke who 'The Franchise' would proceed to hype up him up and declare that if anyone was going to bring an end to this Pure nonsense it was Tony and he would push the envelope forward that he would be the man to bring an end to this charade and remind the wrestling community what real wrestling was.

* * *

- Match Two - Women's #1 Contender’s Match -
| MsChif vs. Alison Danger |
The women’s division took the spotlight as Allison Danger faced the unpredictable MsChif in a match to determine the next challenger for Mercedes Martinez’s ROH Women’s Championship. MsChif’s eerie intensity kept Danger on the defensive early, with her trademark screams unsettling both the crowd and her opponent. She dominated the opening minutes with sharp strikes and submission holds, nearly forcing a tap-out with a bridging choke. But Danger, ever resilient, fought back with technical precision, targeting MsChif’s arm and grounding the offense. In the final moments, MsChif went for Descent into Darkness, but Danger slipped free, countering with a Russian leg sweep into a crossface, forcing MsChif to tap out. And thus Danger would have a chance and reclaiming the belt she had lost to Martinez at Champions Extravaganza.

Winner: Allson Danger

* * *

Ronn Killings would come out to the ring and be joined by 'The Kill Team' (Monty Brown & Minoru Suzuki) who were in their wrestling gear and looked ready to compete. Killings would make a few digs at The Sandman's expense and continue to blow his own trumpet before openly accepting Shane Douglas' challenge and that he wasn't at all worried about what a crusty old dinosaur would bring to the table and he would see Douglas at the top of next week's show. Killings would then confirm that 'The Kill Team' would be competing next, and he was using his digression as the face of the company to book them against two young rookies, who deserved their shot under the spotlight but without actually naming them.

- Match Three - Tag Team Match -
| The Kill Team (Monty Brown & Minoru Suzuki) w/ Ronn Killings vs. Petey Williams & Jay Lethal |
Williams and Lethal started fast, using their speed and teamwork to keep the bigger men off balance. Lethal connected with a springboard dropkick, and Petey followed with a quick hurricanrana that sent Suzuki to the floor. But once Brown got in the ring, the tone shifted immediately. His power was overwhelming flooring Lethal with a massive shoulder block and hurling Williams halfway across the ring with a fallaway slam. Suzuki methodically dismantled Williams with submissions, softening him up for Brown’s explosive offense. In the closing stretch, Lethal tried to mount a comeback, landing a top-rope elbow for a near fall, but when he ran the ropes again, Brown cut him in half with the Pounce, nearly flipping him over.

Winners: The Kill Team (Monty Brown & Minoru Suzuki)

After the match, Ronn Killings entered the ring, raising both men’s hands and declaring that “the era of The Kill Team has begun.” The message was clear the champion wasn’t just leading a faction; he was building a dynasty. The way that Brown and Suzuki were gesturing with their hands, it was also obvious that they very much had their sights set on title gold sooner rather than later.​

* * *

BG James and Sean Waltman would appear off location and would seem in high spirits and would say that they weren't surprised that Jarrett so early on in his Ring of Honor career was already hiding behind warm bodies instead of actually fighting in his own battles, but would proceed to accept the term of the elimination tag team match at the anniversary show that was set to take place on 22nd February. The pair would then introduce a third man into the shot and someone who was no stranger to appearing on Ring of Honor: Konnan. Konnan would say he had never had an real issue to stick it to Jeff Jarrett, but that he had no problem helping out some new friends and that if that meant he Double J would have to suck it, then so be it. This nod towards DX would go over with the fans well, although it would be noticed that Waltman didn't seem to find the reference as comical as James did.

* * *

- Main Event - ROH World Tag Team Championships -
| Home & Away (Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan) vs. WH Power (Mikey Whipwreck & Kaz Hayashi) |
Honor 101 closed with a stunning main event that delivered both chaos and history, as the reigning champions Home & Away defended the ROH World Tag Team Championships against the untested duo of Mikey Whipwreck and Kaz Hayashi, collectively known as WH Power. The challengers entered as an unlikely pair Whipwreck’s unpredictability paired with Hayashi’s precision striking but from the opening bell, their chemistry was undeniable. Williams and Keenan controlled the early minutes with their usual crisp teamwork, grounding Hayashi and cutting the ring in half, but Whipwreck’s manic energy constantly disrupted their rhythm. Midway through the match, Keenan and Hayashi traded stiff forearms that brought the crowd to its feet, while Williams and Whipwreck countered each other in a flurry of reversals. Every near fall had the audience louder, every exchange sharper. Williams nearly retained after hitting the Chaos Theory on Whipwreck, but Hayashi broke it up with a perfectly timed moonsault.

In the closing moments, Williams went for another Chaos Theory, but Whipwreck shifted his weight, sending both men crashing into the corner. As Keenan tried to intervene, Hayashi caught him with a superkick, followed by a rolling heel kick, clearing the ring. Whipwreck then hit the Whippersnapper on Williams, and Hayashi immediately followed with a Final Cut from the top rope to secure the shocking three-count.

Winners: WH Power (to become the new ROH World Tag Team Champions)

The arena erupted as Whipwreck and Hayashi embraced mid-ring, both stunned and overjoyed. The former champions looked on in disbelief while the crowd chanted “W-H-Power!” The win wasn’t just an upset it was a complete shake up of the entire tag division that as of late had proven to be extremely competitive and now with new champions had been truly turned on its head.​

 

[Stojy]

I've been enjoying this tremendously so admittedly pretty shit of me to only be dropping some comments for the first time now.

Lynn/London is a solid enough opener for the show. A shame London didn't get more of chance to strut his stuff here, but it makes sense that this was about the booking. AJ finally snapping, or at least being the most heelish he's been so far as I can remember was good. Can't help but think that you're building AJ/Lynn well, but I don't know how much of it I want to see after this was run pretty strongly in TNA at the same time. A one off would probably work for me here.

Can't help but think that Mamaluke is nothing but a bit player in the long. Douglas is a known name and an okay mouthpiece so intrigued to see if this pairing is long term... Or whether Douglas will move to somebody else when Mamaluke is proven to be no good.

Danger over MsChif works for me. Literally nothing else to say about it.

The way you've started building The Kill Team is definitely one of the highlights so far. Everything from the promo, the match and the aftermath celebration all hit the nail on the head. Nice work.

BG James and Waltman being together in this BTB is a guilty pleasure for me. It's hitting me right in the nostalgia. Konnan as a third man is a decent enough pick, and the promo was fine. Just making note that I picked up on Waltman not being enthused with Konnan's use of the old DX catchphrase. Hmm, interesting.

Whoa, new champs. I didn't necessary expect it but for what it's worth, I really like the WH Power team. Big fun ending to the show with the shock title change, which in my opinion, only strengthens your tag division.

Enjoying the booking, enjoying the format of the shows being such a breeze to read as well. Can't wait for more.

 

[Just Juice]

Episode Five

Honor 101 would begin with custom video package showing a highlight reel of some of the best and fast paced action that had featured on previous episodes as well as over major shows in the promotion's short history as 'My Last Serenade' by Killswitch Engage. The cameras would cut to the commentary table where Jeff Gorman would inform the viewers that tonight's opening contest would be a Pure Rules match between Bryan Danielson and the third challenger in in this series of matches Tony Mamaluke who would be joined at ringside by Shane Douglas.

* * *

- Match One - Pure Rules Match Match -
| Bryan Danielson vs. Tony Mamaluke w/ Shane Douglas |
From the outset, Mamaluke tried to frustrate Danielson by working a fast-paced, counter-heavy style. He used his agility to avoid Danielson’s grappling traps and focused on leg holds to disrupt the American Dragon’s base. But Danielson, calm and methodical, adjusted quickly, transitioning from a collar-and-elbow tie-up into fluid mat control that had Mamaluke reaching for rope breaks early. Douglas’ presence at ringside played a key factor. His constant shouting and subtle distractions allowed Mamaluke to seize small openings a quick jawbreaker here, a roll-up there, but every time Mamaluke tried to build momentum, Danielson’s composure and technical superiority shone through. The crowd came alive during a tense closing sequence: Mamaluke countered Cattle Mutilation into a triangle choke, forcing Danielson to burn his final rope break. But moments later, Danielson fired back with brutal forearms, locked in the Regal Stretch, and wrenched it deep. With no rope breaks remaining, Mamaluke had no choice but to tap out.

Winner: Bryan Danielson

After the bell, Douglas pulled Mamaluke from the ring and berated the referee, shouting that Danielson “couldn’t beat his man clean without bending the rules.” Danielson simply smirked, bowing to the fans as the commentators praised him for yet another masterclass in pure wrestling with Dave Prazak reminding the fans that no rules had been broken and Danielson was continuing to show himself a a technical wizard.

* * *

The new ROH World Tag Team Championships WH Power (Mikey Whipwreck & Kaz Hayashi) would look very pleased with themselves with Pamela Paulshock seeking to get a sound bite from the new champions. Whipwreck would do most of the speaking and speak about their being an importance of actually defending the belts, unlike the previous champions who despite holding the belts for over a hundred days failed to successfully defend the belt even just once. Whipwreck would talk about the importance of backing yourself and not being seen as cowards, so tonight himself and Kaz would give Williams and SJK a chance at redemption and they would give them a chance to win back the belts - RIGHT NOW! Before the pair's entrance music would start and they would begin to stroll down to the ring.

* * *

- Match Two - ROH World Tag Team Championships -
| WH Power (Mikey Whipwreck & Kaz Hayashi) (c) vs. Home & Away (Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan) |
Just one week removed from their shocking title victory, WH Power the unlikely and brand new dynamic pairing of Mikey Whipwreck and Kaz Hayashi took part in an immediate rematch against the former champions, Home & Away (Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan). This time, Williams and Keenan entered laser-focused, determined to reclaim their belts and erase the embarrassment of losing to a brand-new team. They dominated early, using crisp double-team sequences to keep Whipwreck isolated. Williams targeted the neck, softening him up for the Chaos Theory, while Keenan grounded him with his power and sharp strikes. Hayashi finally got the hot tag and shifted the momentum flying into the ring with lightning-fast kicks and a handspring elbow that fired up the crowd. The pace quickened as all four men traded near falls in a frantic closing stretch. Keenan nearly sealed the win with the MK Ultra on Whipwreck, but Hayashi broke the pin at the last second with a missile dropkick. In the final moments, Williams attempted another Chaos Theory on Hayashi, but Whipwreck cut him off with a Whippersnapper, allowing Hayashi to roll through and hit a Final Cut to score the decisive three-count.

Winners: WH Power (Mikey Whipwreck & Kaz Hayashi) (to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championships)

After the match, the champs celebrated to a standing ovation, cementing that their win wasn’t a fluke. Williams and Keenan both look frustrated at failing to reclaim their prize and would stumble to the back as WH Power would continue to enjoy their moment inside 'The 101' with the Philadelphia faithful showing their full support.

* * *

Jeff Jarrett would appear side by side with Head of Talent Relations Simon Diamond in the management office, with it still not being clear what Jeff's actual role backstage stage although it seemed to be one steeped in authority. Jarrett would confirm that using Mr. Diamond's booking power he had managed to build a dream team of three men who in his mind would be the perfect candidates to team up with him at the Anniversary Show and that with Diamond's authority in booking decisions he had acquired the services of three of the very best that ROH had to offer and would reveal that Paul London, Bryan Danielson and despite the fact that he had recently lost his half of the tag team belts Sterling James Keenan to round off the four man team. He would finish off by laughing and say it was very much looking forward to whatever loser would round off the Degenerate Rejects.

* * *

- Match Three - ROH Women's Championship -
| Mercedes Martinez (c) vs. Alison Danger |
The third bout of the night saw Mercedes Martinez defend her ROH Women’s Championship against the ever-determined Allison Danger in a rematch months in the making. Their first encounter had been technical and intense this one felt personal. From the opening bell, both women wrestled with urgency, aware that this match could define the hierarchy of the women’s division. Danger opened aggressively, attacking the champion’s arm with sharp precision hammerlocks, armbars, and rolling wristlocks designed to slow Martinez’s punishing power game. Mercedes struggled early, visibly frustrated as Danger used her technical edge to outmaneuver her. The challenger nearly scored an early victory after countering a clothesline into a crucifix pin for a close two-count. But once Martinez found her rhythm, the tone shifted dramatically. She used her raw strength to break free from Danger’s holds, leveling her with heavy forearms and spine-jarring suplexes. The crowd gasped when Martinez launched Danger into the turnbuckles with a release German suplex, following it up with a running boot that nearly ended the match.

Danger refused to back down. Digging deep, she countered a powerbomb into a facebuster and connected with a springboard crossbody for another near fall. The two traded submissions mid-ring Danger locking in a crossface, Martinez powering through and turning it into a ground-and-pound flurry that left both women exhausted. In the final sequence, Danger attempted a second neckbreaker, but Martinez blocked it, driving her knee into Danger’s midsection before hoisting her up and delivering a thunderous Fisherman Buster. Instead of pinning immediately, Martinez stood tall, lifted Danger again, and planted her with the Spinebuster Bomb for the emphatic three-count.

Winner: Mercedes Martinez (to retain the ROH Women’s Championship)

After the bell, Martinez extended a hand to Danger a silent show of respect after an intense battle. The crowd gave both women a standing ovation, with commentary noting that the ROH women’s division had just delivered one of its most physical and emotional matches to date. As Alison would turn away though, Martinez would pull Danger back and spike her with a heavy armed lariat that would leave everyone stunned at the champion's brutality as she would exit with the strap with Danger left on her back seeing stars in the middle of the ring.

* * *

After the match, the cameras would cut backstage again with Simon Diamond announcing that tradition and history was an important part a promotion's identity and would remind everyone that at the very first Ring of Honor show 'Welcome Player One' a Women's Rumble match that taken place. And that this was something that would take place at the Anniversary Show on the 22nd February and to add additional spice to the contest not only would Mercedes Martinez feature in the Rumble, but a shot for the ROH Women's Championship would be up for grabs for the sole survivor of the contest.

* * *

- Main Event - Six-Man Tag Team Match -
| Triple X (Christopher Daniels, Elix Skipper & Low Ki) vs. The Kill Team (Ronn Killings, Monty Brown & Minoru Suzuki) |
The main event of Honor 101 was everything Ring of Honor promised intensity, athleticism, and storytelling at its finest as two dominant trios collided: Triple X, the self-proclaimed “standard of excellence,” against the powerhouse alliance of ROH World Champion Ronn Killings, Monty Brown, and Minoru Suzuki, collectively known as The Kill Team. The moment the bell rang, the tension was palpable. Daniels started against Killings, the two leaders feeling each other out with crisp chain wrestling and verbal barbs. Daniels’ technical finesse briefly outmaneuvered Killings’ athleticism, forcing the champ to tag out to Suzuki, who immediately grounded Daniels with a headlock takeover and transitioned into a brutal armbar. When Low Ki tagged in opposite Suzuki, the arena went silent everyone sensing the storm about to erupt. The two exchanged vicious strikes, stiff kicks, and palm strikes that echoed like gunshots through the crowd. Neither man gave an inch, and both staggered after a blistering exchange before tagging out to reset the pace.

From there, Elix Skipper and Monty Brown took over, injecting chaos and energy into the match. Brown used his raw power to dominate, at one point catching Skipper mid-air and tossing him over his head with a military press. But Skipper’s speed and creativity turned the tide landing on his feet from a suplex and nailing Brown with a leaping enzuigiri. Triple X began to click as a unit, cycling tags to wear down Suzuki and isolate him in their corner. Daniels and Ki executed tandem offense with seamless precision, Daniels hitting a snap suplex into Ki’s double stomp, drawing a massive reaction. But when Daniels went for a springboard moonsault, Suzuki caught him midair with a sleeper hold, dragging him to the mat as Killings tagged back in to take control. The middle stretch of the match was pure warfare Killings using his speed and charisma to dictate the pace, while Brown and Suzuki brutalized Daniels with power spots and submissions. Every time Triple X tried to rally, The Kill Team shut them down, displaying frightening cohesion.

The final ten minutes saw all six men erupt into a breathtaking sequence of chaos. Low Ki hit a tope con hilo onto Suzuki at ringside; Skipper connected with a rope-walk rana on Brown; Daniels reversed Killings’ Lie Detector into a blue thunder bomb for two-and-a-half. The crowd chanted “This is awesome!” as exhaustion set in on both sides. The finish came after a dizzying flurry Killings ducked the Best Moonsault Ever, countered into a spinning axe kick, and went for the Truth or Consequences suplex. But Daniels twisted out midair, landing behind him and grabbing hold of the champion for a perfectly timed Angel’s Wings in the middle of the ring. The impact shook the mat, and Daniels hooked the leg for the emphatic three-count as the crowd exploded.

Winners: Triple X (Christopher Daniels, Elix Skipper & Low Ki)

After the bell, the arena roared with chants of “Triple X! Triple X!” as Daniels stood tall over the fallen world champion. Skipper and Low Ki raised his arms, while Killings rolled to the floor, clutching his title and staring daggers back into the ring. Daniels pointed directly at the ROH World Championship, mouthing the words: “That’s next.” The image of Triple X standing united over the dominant champion closed the broadcast the message unmistakable: the balance of power in Ring of Honor had just shifted and Killings would look incredibly weak if he didn't put the belt on the line against Daniels in the near future. ​