We open with Ian welcoming us to the program, and tonight we’ve got TV Title action in the men’s and women’s divisions, with Billie Starkz in Proving Ground action, and new ROH World TV Champion Atlantis Jr. defending his title against Serpentico. Weird that the title match isn’t the main event, but whatever. Away we go to the action!
MATCH 1 – Robyn Renegade vs. Marina Shafir vs. Taya Valkyrie
This feels like it could be a number one contenders match for the TV Title, but as we’ve already set up challengers for both women’s titles for Death Before Dishonor, who knows. Regardless, should be interesting. Robyn gets a shot in on Taya, but then gets booted in the head by Marina. Ian discusses that this match has relevance because you want to get the first crack at whomever walks out with the titles after Death Before Dishonor. Shafir locks in Mother’s Milk, but Robyn takes long enough to go out that Taya is able to break it up. She tosses Shafir and Shania Pain finishes.
Taya Valkyrie pins Robyn Renegade after Shania Pain in 5:59.
Death Before Dishonor ad. Yeah, we still have only two matches announced and it’s two weeks away. I have a couple theories.
Backstage with The Kingdom. Matt Taven’s ROH debut was in 2009. They’ve been at every show, and they’ve put their work, and they ask Tony Khan for the day off for Death Before Dishonor, because it’s Roderick Strong’s birthday, and they’ve got a nice seafood dinner lined up. Bennett points out they don’t have the best record at Death Before Dishonor events. Taven has lost a World Title, and a Six Man title there, he’s not losing tag titles. Bennett suggests they get a big party like Mercedes Mone gets, and goes off to look for Tony Khan.
We get a video package from two weeks ago as Atlantis Jr. defeated Kyle Fletcher at Arena Mexico for CMLL to win the ROH World TV Title. Post-match, Fletcher says next time they do this, he wants it to be in his territory.
MATCH 2 – Atlantis Jr. vs. Serpentico – ROH World TV Title Match
This is also Atlantis Jr’s Ring of Honor debut. Atlantis Jr. pauses on the handshake, drawing boos from the crowd. Serpentico explains things and a handshake gets a cheer, before Serpentico grabs a headlock. The CHICANERY. After a solid little exhibition of his skills, Atlantis Jr. scores with a frog splash for the win.
Atlantis Jr. pins Serpentico with the frog splash in 4:22.
Adam Cole (aka Chuggs) and Evil Uno discuss the launch of the upcoming All Elite Arcade Podcast. Available Mondays wherever you get your podcasts. As we come back to the show, Caprice quips, “That Chuggs guy looks familiar.”
MATCH 3 – Skye Blue vs. Laynie Luck
Skye Blue with a new look, in all white gear, and I think with different hair? Maybe? I’m not good at noticing these things. Laynie Luck is a mainstay on the midwest indies, and this is her fourth appearance on Honor Club, previous losses to Taya Valkyrie (Ep. 61), Nyla Rose (Ep. 48), and Leyla Hirsch (Ep. 31). She also appeared on several of ROH’s Women’s Division Wednesdays under the Sinclair era. At one point she catches Skye Blue on a cross-body attempt and elevates her into a nice Death Valley Driver for a two count. But it’s all for naught, as Code Blue finishes the Party Unicorn pretty quickly.
Skye Blue pins Laynie Luck with Code Blue in 3:39.
The MxM Collection, Mansoor and Mason, are coming to ROH. Soon, ROH will stand for more than just Ring of Honor. It will stand for Radiant Ozempic Hotties. Now to wonder if they’ll actually wrestle at Death Before Dishonor or just show up for a big pop.
MATCH 4 – Billie Starkz vs. Mackenzie Morgan
Athena is on crutches still, with a walking boot, and Caprice points out that her injury seems to get worse every week. I don’t recognize her MIT security this week. This is Billie’s FIFTH Proving Ground match since winning the title in April. She’s yet to have an actual defense. Caprice also point out that Mackenzie has held the CWFM (Championship Wrestling from Memphis) Women’s Championship for over 300 days. She’s a local talent as well, but isn’t getting much of a hometown pop. A couple minutes in, they start to get behind her. Athena calls Billie her favorite minion, prompting Caprice to threaten to tell Lexy. Mackenzie gets hung over the second rope in front of Athena, who gets picked up by her security so she can lay in a cheap shot. After which she limps. Love it. Billie locks in her new submission for the tap. I still have no idea what to call it. It looks like a half nelson with a leg capture and a crossface. Regardless, Athena stars celebrating without her crutches. IT’S A MIRACLE.
Billie Starkz def. Mackenzie Morgan by tap out in 5:22.
MATCH 5 – Diamante vs. Nyxx
Ian points out that Diamante and Leyla Hirsch have agreed to a street fight, and we’re waiting for a date and time for that match. I mean, I can think of a date… Nyxx lost to Leyla Hirsch back in episode 35.
Diamante def. Nyxx by tap out with a cross arm breaker in 1:40.
Backstage, Athena is giving a pep talk to Billie and her two security guards, until she notices the camera at which point she collapses in agony. Tremendous.
In a video package, we talk about Roderick Strong’s accolades in ROH, before pointing out that he lost his last ROH match to Dalton Castle, as Dalton was on his way to the ROH World Title. They will meet on Collision to determine the No. 1 contender to the ROH World Title at Death Before Dishonor. Also, if you want to watch that match, it was on ROH Wrestling Ep. 252, from June of 2016.
MATCH 6 – Lee Johnson and The Infantry vs. Dark Order
The Infantry have teamed with a variety of folks in six-man action, and have been kept in the focus, but have kind of been treading water. Likewise, it’s nice to see Dark Order continuing to get exposure in ROH. This is also Lee’s first match since that tremendous 2/3 falls title match against Kyle Fletcher. This trio also got together on Episode 48 to defeat the Iron Savages and Jacked Jameson. Once again, The Dark Order sort of work heel, but sort of not, and no one really knows if they’re supposed to cheer or boo them. Meanwhile, this long stay in ROH continues to do wonders for Lee Johnson, and I’d put the tag titles on The Infantry yesterday. Solid TV match with everyone getting some time to shine. Lee escapes Dark Order’s swinging slam finish, and The Infantry hits Boot Camp to set up the finish.
Lee Johnson and The Infantry def. Dark Order (Lee Johnson pins Evil Uno) following Boot Camp and a frog splash in 10:10.
As we wrap things up and Lee and The Infantry celebrate, Ian wishes us HAPPY WRESTLING, EVERYBODY.
THE NUMBERS
Total Show Time: 0:55:26
Total Match Time: 0:31:12 (56.3%)
Average Match Time: 5:12
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