Even with an injury taking out a main eventer, Saturday’s UFC 196 has no shortage of buzz around it, thanks to the new main event of featherweight champion Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz at welterweight.
The two had a memorable kickoff press conference to announce the fight, made when lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos had to bow out due to a broken foot, in which McGregor was accused of taking steroids and Diaz was accused of making gang signs with one hand and balloon animals in the other. Yes, that happened. The UFC Embedded series has also had its share of memorable moments, notably Nick Diaz’s brother commenting on McGregor’s movment coach Ido Portal.
Today’s 4 PM EST press conference will feature McGregor, Diaz, women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm, and Miesha Tate. Sadly, our “Filthy” Tom Lawlor will not be in attendance as he continues to hatch out a secret plan to defeat Corey Anderson on the PPV main card Saturday.
On this week’s edition of Smackdown that aired in Canada Wednesday and in the U.S. Thursday, WWE announced that Brock Lesnar will wrestle Bray Wyatt at the Network exclusive special on March 12th, emanating from Toronto, ON.
This match was originally scheduled for this year’s WrestleMania, but Dean Ambrose was moved into the Wyatt spot prior to the Fastlane PPV. Wyatt does not have a WrestleMania opponent as of yet, but it’s expected that he and the rest of the Wyatt Family will compete in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
In an effort to compete with WWE, New Japan owner Takaaki Kidani announced Thursday that the company will be bringing back the Super J Cup this year, a one-night junior heavyweight tournament that is clearly the company’s shot at WWE’s cruiserweight tournament on the WWE Network.
The Super J Cup, which has occurred five times previously, the most recent being in 2009, will take place on 8/21 at the Ariake Coliseum. New Japan, Ring of Honor, CMLL, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Dragon Gate, Suzuki-Gun, Zero-One and K-Dojo all will participate.
At today’s New Japan show at the Ota Ward Gym, NOAH president Naomichi Marufuji and K-Dojo’s Taka Michinoku appeared to say wrestlers from their companies would be competing.
They also announced the revival of the Tiger Mask television cartoon, which was a famous series in Japan during the 1970s. New Japan wrestlers will be characters in the new series which the company hopes will open up their audience more to kids. When making the annoucement, Kidani even made a remark that this is something WWE won’t be able to do.
On tonight’s episode of NXT on WWE Network, it was announced that NXT Tag Team Champions The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) will defend their titles against Enzo Amore & Big Cass on Saturday, March 12th at the Roadblock Network show from Toronto, Canada.
The match had been rumored for a few weeks, and would be the main roster major show debut for both teams. (Enzo and Cass have been appearing on WWE house shows recently.)
The two teams have wrestled numerous times and done a number of angles with the latest being a parking lot attack by Dash & Dawson that aired last week on NXT television. Dash and Dawson have held the titles since October when they beat the Vaudevillians to become the company’s eighth tag team champions.
The Roadblock show will be headlined by WWE Champion HHH vs. Dean Ambrose, and will be the company’s final major show before Wrestlemania weekend which also features a big Friday night NXT Takeover show in Dallas, TX.
The show starts with a recap of the Sexy Star-Marty the Moth feud. We see Catrina’s issues with Puma and her closing the casket on Konnan at the end of Ultima Lucha. Catrina’s vignette with Pentagon Jr. is shown as well, while her issues with Cuerno are recapped since he lost to Fenix. Tonight, Cuerno battles Fenix once again – in a ladder match for the Gift of the Gods Title. In a temple, Mil Muertes prays and says that he listened to Catrina and she says that she’s known him since he was a little boy.
She says he’s a scared little boy and if it wasn’t for her, he’d have never had been removed from the tomb the gods put him in. If he could bury her, he would – but he’ll settle for Puma and Pentagon. She denies his request and disappears while he bellows in anguish. Mil’s acting here was dreadful, but Catrina was good. Mil should stick to staring at people from a giant throne to make his point. Vamp notices that Mil isn’t in his throne and Melissa Santos introduces the first match. Sexy Star is back to her regular ring gear and looks fine – so that whole kidnapping didn’t do much to her. She’ll face Kobra Moon here.
Sexy Star vs. Kobra Moon
Striker talks about how Sexy influenced an entire generation – of who and in what way, he does not say. Moon slaps Sexy, while The Mack comes down to watch the action and presumably protect Sexy from Marty the Moth. Striker name-drops Selena to put over Sexy Star. Kick to the back from Moon and then an awful forearm to the face. Sexy gets a wacky lucha cradle into a wackier lucha submission. Marty the Moth stands in the crowd and claps, distracting Sexy and leading to a loss via the dragon sleeper with a bodyscissor.
Famous B’s ad tells us that he’s famous because he has dominated the world of underground fighting. Pick up “yo fone” and get fame – in keeping with tradition on this show, he does beat up at least one masked man lurking around the world. Dragon Azteca Jr. is watching the ad and interrupted by Rey. The two luchadors have another kung-fu fight and have a staredown. King Cuerno says he is a hunter, but he’s not out to kill. However, as a hunter – he has to kill. We get slick shots of Cuerno hitting moves and a great one of him sitting in a chair with his hat and title slung over his shoulder.
A Fenix highlight video airs during the break. Melissa Santons introduces Prince Puma as the former Lucha Underground Champion – which really does make even holding that title seem important. Pentagon Jr. comes down in his one other cooler-looking shirts – a white and black variant of a shirt with his mask on it.
Prince Puma vs. Pentagon Jr.
Puma gets a running elbow smash, but eats a Slingblade. Puma is sent to the floor and responds with a springboard lariat. Puma sends him to the floor and lands a moonsault to the floor. Puma goes for a Tajiri-style handspring elbow, but Pentagon dropkicks the ribs for a 2 count. Pentagon revs up his chop and Striker says it’s time to just be silent and we hear the nasty THWACK. Puma lands the northern lights into the brainbuster and gets 2. Puma goes up top, but comes down and runs into Pentagon in the corner. He is lifted up and Mil comes back to his throne. Canadian Destroyer hits for Pentagon Jr. and gets 2.
Mil takes the sling off! Pentagon showboats and sets up the package piledriver, but Mil comes in and lands a corkscrew chokeslam to Pentagon! Punch and a spear to each man. Double Flatliner by the champ takes out his top two contenders. Backstage, Mil and Catrina meet and he says he will defend his title against both men and no one can stop him. This statement clearly pisses her off. Striker announces Aztec Warfare II – and that should be amazing.
The winner gets a shot at Mil’s title, and it’s coming in three weeks. Fenix comes down to face King Cuerno in the ladder match main event. Cuerno comes down and Vamp ponders that he just might kill someone. Mil Muertes resumes his spot on his throne.
Fenix vs. King Cuerno – Gift of the Gods Title Ladder Match
Cuerno tosses him into the ropes, but Fenix evades and flips onto him for a brief edge. Fenix sends him to the floor and he climbs the ladder briefly, but is pulled down by Cuerno. Cuerno leans the ladder against the ropes and lands a nasty powerbomb where the ladder doesn’t bend at all. Cuerno sets up a double ladder bridge on the floor. Cuerno hoists him up and just drops him over the top with his face smacking the apron. Fireman’s carry facebuster into the ladder bridge on the floor. Cuerno sets up another ladder next to Catrina’s office – just like he did in the last man standing match. Fenix prevents him from doing anything there, but gets chucked into the post.
Fenix gets up and eats a punt to the ribs. Fenix tosses Cuerno into the office-leaned ladder, but Cuerno hops up and clotheslines him on the floor. Cuerno and Fenix fight on a ladder, with Cuerno wanting to suplex him to his demise. Fenix forearms his way out of danger. Fenix climbs the office ladder, gets on top of the office and does a swanton dive off the top of the office, over the ladder and onto a standing Cuerno! Fenix smacks him into the barricade, but he tosses Fenix into the crowd afterwards.
They fight in the crowd and Fenix kneedrops him over a chair. They fight into a higher deck of the Temple and Fenix hits a superkick that snaps Cuerno’s head back. Fenix goes for a dive, but Cuerno shoves him off and onto the ladder bridge. Vamp’s “HE BROKE HIS ASS” is rather fitting since hid land hip-first. Cuerno goes for a headshot with the ladder, but Cuerno misses and his arm is hit by the ladder. Fenix gets another superkick! They play hot potato with the ladder, but Cuerno just shoves it in his face. Cuerno climbs the ladder, but eats a dropkick – sending him to the mat once again.
They each climb the ladder once again and hang off of the belt-holding structure. They knock each other off as Vamp leaves to join the fans. Vamp comes back right as Cuerno hits the Thrill of the Hunt. Running punt to the gut in the corner once again from Cuerno. Cuerno gets a table and goes up for a Super Thrill of the Hunt. Fenix escapes and gets a wacky pop-up palm strike before hitting a wackier rana and climbing the ladder to win and regain his title. Fenix stares at Mil in his throne and get a giant staredown. For the first time this season, we don’t get a post-credits scene.
This was a super-fun video game match, and easily the best part of the show that didn’t involve Famous B or Mil Muertes destroying two dudes in rapid succession.
Last time on Impact Wrestling: Lockdown! All the matches took place in the diabolical Six Sides of Steel Cage, sending the audience into roars. The main event left an impact with Matt Hardy defeating Ethan Carter III to retain the TNA World title! Rockstar Spud turned on EC3 by slamming the cage door on his head helping Matt win the match.
Tonight on Impact
Tonight kicks of Kurt Angle Week in TNA. Kurt’s nearly ten year long career in TNA Wrestling is coming to an end. Kurt Angle Week will include: Kurt’s final two matches in TNA and a commemorative Kurt Angle Farewell Tour bundle, which are available at ShopTNA.com. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour Bundle includes a Kurt Angle T- Shirt, Kurt Angle poster and other merchandise. Also, fans are encouraged to share their favorite Kurt Angle memories using #ThankYouKurt.
The Farewell Tour is nearing its conclusion and tonight Kurt competes in his second to last match in TNA. Kurt will face off with one of TNA’s most talented wrestlers and one of half of Beer Money, Bobby Roode. Then later, bursting back into the ring, EC3 and Matt Hardy continue their feud over the TNA World title. Not just that, but “The Miracle” Mike Bennett meets his toughest challenge yet when he faces Drew Galloway.
Show Recap
– We start the show off backstage, as TNA World Champion, Matt Hardy, Reby and Tyrus approach Rockstar Spud. Matt proclaims to Spud, “You’re my number one guy.”
– Josh Matthews and The Pope welcome us to the show and Josh lets us know that we’re kicking the night off with the second last match in The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour.
The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour: Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode
The night begins with a bang! Right off the bat we get hit with the main event, Roode vs. Angle. Roode comes out alone and leaves James Storm in the back. Josh mentions that Kurt is going to be inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame at the Arnold Expo next month. Josh failed to mention that HHH and NXT will also be involved with the Arnold Expo.
What an amazing match. These two worked a babyface vs. babyface match like it was all she wrote. They have a charismatic dual back and forth, both sides scoring several near falls. They traded submission holds with Kurt going for the Ankle Lock and Roode going for the Crossface. Kurt powered out of the Crossface and hit the Angle Slam, but only got a two count. Roode hit the Roode bomb, but Kurt kicked out. Kurt got the Ankle lock on Roode again, and this time Roode tapped out.
Post match, Kurt and Roode embraced and posed for the crowd. This was a fantastic match and they tore the house down, the roof was on fire, not literally obviously, but certainly metaphorically. The live crowd embraced this match and truly appreciated its significance by cheering for both men.
– Bobby Roode grabs the microphone, but before he speaks we cut to commercial.
– Back from commercial, it’s a mini Kurt Angle Celebration. Roode has the mic and says, “There is no shame in losing to one of the best wrestlers alive.” Roode thanks Kurt for everything he has done for the fans and the company. The crowd is chanting “Thank You, Angle, Thank You, Angle.” Kurt becomes humbled and emotional. James Storm comes down to the ring and thanks Kurt as well.
Storm pulls out two beers to celebrate Kurt’s career. The only problem is Kurt doesn’t want a beer, so James pulls out a jug of milk. Kurt chugs down the milk as the crowd chants, “Chug! Chug! Chug!” Kurt says that he wants to see Beer Money vs. TNA Champs The Wolves. The Wolves came down the ring to join the celebration and to show respect to Kurt. The Wolves agree to defend their titles against Beer Money. Josh says it’s official for next week.
– TNA World Champion Matt Hardy, his powerful wife, Reby and his brute force, Tyrus come down to the ring. Matt mentions that he’s beaten EC3 so many times it’s boring now, he’s no longer amused. Matt say’s he’s done facing EC3 and that EC3 will never get another title shot again. Matt thanks Rockstar Spud and encourages him out. Spud comes down to the ring wearing all black and not his custom bright colors and bowtie. The crowd chants “You Sold Out!” and “EC3”. Rockstar Spud becomes angry, and his enemies won’t like him when he’s angry, the crowd might though.
Spud talks about how terrible EC3 treated him. Spud promises to dedicate his life to Matt Hardy, Reby and their son, Maxell. Spud tells Matt “they’ve gotten rid of the cancer” in reference to taking out EC3 last week. Cue the catchiest music in wrestling, EC3 runs down and clears the ring. EC3 challenges Spud to a fight later tonight.
– Backstage, Gail walks down the hallway when the interviewer asks to talk to him about Maria. Gail says she wants to talk to Maria and is going to call her out to the ring for a fight.
– We get another creepy video featuring Decay walking down the streets. Bring on the nightmares!
– Back from commercial, backstage Matt, Reby, Tyrus and Spud are arguing with TNA President, Dixie Carter. Dixie is disgusted by their actions. They want her to fire EC3. Dixie is going to wash her hands of the situation by making EC3 vs. Rockstar Spud an unsanctioned match.
Monster’s Ball: Abyss w/ Decay (Crazy Steve & Rosemary) vs. Jimmy Havoc
As Decay makes their way to the ring, we get a recap of Jimmy Havoc trying to get Rosemary back and Decay beating him down. Jimmy Havoc is wearing a “Die Havoc Die” t-shirt. Havoc is the hometown hero for tonight as he hails from London. Like most Monsters’ Ball matches, and Abyss matches, there are lots of weapons at the wrestler’s disposal. Crazy Steve and Rosemary set up tables ringside. Abyss tries to use a cheese grater but Havoc steals it. Havoc uses the cheese grater on Abyss’ groin. This gives Havoc a brief advantage.
Jimmy goes to the top rope, but Rosemary distracts him and Abyss nails him with a chair shot. Jimmy falls from the top through a table on the outside. Abyss goes to use Janice, but Havoc makes another come back and he sends Abyss through a table in the corner. Havoc pulls out a barbwire board from underneath the ring. Havoc teases using Janice on Abyss, but Abyss hits the Blackhole Slam on the barbwire board for the pin and the win!
– TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim comes down to the ring. They recap the Lethal Lockdown from last week and Gail talks about the Knockouts division. The crowd loves Gail and is going crazy for her. Gail calls out Maria Kanellis and requests a fight. Maria finally comes down to the ring. They argue back and forth. Maria mentions that she was on The Celebrity Apprentice and in Playboy. Maria brings up Donald Trump to get some heat, which she got. Maria says she won’t wrestle and starts to leave. Gail chases after her, but Jade runs out and jumps Gail, beating her pretty bad. Jade poses with the Knockouts Title over the fallen body of Gail Kim.
– King Of The Mountain Champion Eric Young and Bram come down to the ring. EY wants a fight and demands a challenger and referee. Out comes Belfast’s own Big Damo. Big Damo is very well know on the Independent scene in the U.K. Josh mentions that Damo has a cult following. By the time Big Damo actually gets to speak, EY slaps him, stifling the large brute.
King of The Mountain Champion Eric Young w/Bram vs. Big Damo
Out of nowhere Big Damo hits a running dropkick that sends EY to the outside of the ring, starting the match. For a big guy, Big Damo is extremely agile and quick on his feet. Damo dominates the early moments with high impact moves. However, EY quickly gains the advantage. Damo makes a comeback and scores several near falls. Eric Young hits a very impressive Piledriver on Big Damo and scores the win.
-Backstage, Drew Galloway talks about his upcoming match with “The Miracle” Mike Bennett. Drew says that not even a Miracle can save Bennett tonight because he’s going to make an example of him.
“The Miracle” Mike Bennett w/ “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling” Maria Kanellis vs. Drew Galloway
Back from commercial, “Miracle” Mike Bennett and “The First Lady of Professional Wrestling”, Maria Kanellis make their way down to the ring. They recap Bennett beating Drew backstage a few weeks ago. Drew has his Feast of Fired Briefcase with him as he heads to the ring. In another recap, they bring up Drew beating Kurt with Drew’s new submission, The Iron Maiden.
Drew dominates the early part of the match, but Bennett trips Drew on the apron and takes over. Bennett sets up for the M.I.P. but Drew counters into a sweet looking Celtic Cross that would make Sheamus proud. Drew hits the Claymore and locks on the Iron Maiden submission. Maria puts Bennett’s leg on the bottom rope, breaking up the submission. With Drew distracted by Maria, Bennett rolls up Drew for the three count to win the match.
-Backstage, Matt Hardy and Tyrus approach Rockstar Spud and hype him for his upcoming match.
-Back from commercial, backstage The Wolves talk about their match next week with Beer Money.
-Earlier, Grado was outside talking about accomplishing his dream of competing in TNA. The dream was shattered in the Feast or Fired match. He says next week he is going to prove that he was screwed.
Ethan Carter III vs. Rockstar Spud
They recap Rockstar Spud turning on EC3 last week. Spud makes his way to the ring and he’s very confident. Backstage, as EC3 makes his way to the ring both Tyrus and Matt Hardy jump him. However, EC3 gets the better of both guys and he locks them in the back of a tractor-trailer. Back in the arena, Spud is shocked when EC3’s music hits as he expected Hardy and Tyrus to take him out.
Back from commercial, Spud tries to run up the ramp, but EC3 cuts him off. Rockstar Spud is on his own because Hardy and Tyrus are locked in the back of the tractor-trailer. Spud keeps trying to escape, but EC3 is really enjoying throwing Spud around. Spud gets the brief advantage but EC3 quickly takes over. Spud continues to find ways to cheat in order to gain the advantage, but EC3 makes a comeback each time. The crowd is chanting for tables and unlike The Dudley Boys, EC3’s going to give them what they want. EC3 sets up a table in the ring. Spud tries to crawl up the ramp, but EC3 brings him back. Spud hits a low blow to slow down EC3. EC3 makes his own comeback and powerbombs Spud through the table. EC3 locks on a chokehold to put an end to the match.
Final Thoughts
Another good Impact this week. The shows have been solid lately and TNA is trying there best to make each Impact important. Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode was fantastic match and a show stealer. Exciting matches and decent angles throughout the show kept it fun to watch and compelling for the crowd.
Next Week on Impact
Next week is a historic and sad TNA Impact with an exciting line up. The Kurt Angle Farewell Tour and Kurt Angle’s TNA career comes to its final conclusion. The highly anticipated main event will feature Kurt Angle’s final match in TNA as he takes on “The Destroyer”, Lashley. Also, TNA Tag Champs The Wolves defend against Beer Money in a tag team dream match.
From Atlanta, GA’s Philips Arena, taped for Wednesday in Canada and Thursday in the U.S.
Dean Ambrose opened the show sitting on a chair in the ring. He said that some people have five-year plans, but he has a five second plan. He said it sometimes gets him in trouble like when Brock Lesnar throws him through a windshield or HHH beats him down, but it sometimes works because he’s got a world title match. He wondered if he’d have to defend against Lesnar or HHH after he wins the title.
Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens came out and said he’s the IC champion and there are no contenders for him around. Owens insulted Ambrose and tried to attack him, but Ambrose nailed him with a chair.
– Sheamus & Rusev beat The Usos when Sheamus pinned Jimmy after a Brogue kick. After the match, the Dudleys came out and attacked the Usos. The Dudleys had a table but refused to use it.
– Dolph Ziggler beat The Miz for revenge for Raw.
– R-Truth was at catering. He apologized for how he’s been treating Goldust and said he would be his partner. Goldust refused and threw food in his face.
– Sasha Banks DDQ Becky Lynch when Charlotte attacked both of them.
– WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day did a promo building up their match with A.J. Styles & Chris Jericho on Raw on Monday.
– A.J. Styles beat Kofi Kingston
– Dean Ambrose beat I-C Champion Kevin Owens in a non-title match with the Dirty Deeds.
In an effort to increase the star power of the April post-WrestleMania tours of Europe, WWE announced that the recently-retired Daniel Bryan and The Undertaker would be heading to each be part of one leg.
It had already been announced that there would be a Daniel Bryan Appreciation Night in London, one of many such events happening in the months ahead, one of which is happening at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on March 25th.
While that will be a big draw on one tour, Shane McMahon’s opponent for Wrestlemania has been added for the other tour, actually wrestling on the shows. No opponent has been announced yet.
Previously, the two tours were announced as being headlined by Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus on one tour and I-C champion Kevin Owens vs. Dean Ambrose on the other tour. Reader Tom Griffiths said that for the first show, the lineup is listed as Bray Wyatt vs. Roman Reigns, New Day vs. Rusev & Sheamus, and Kane, Strowman, Becky, Sasha, Charlotte (w/ Flair), Usos, Dudleys, Jack Swagger, Rowan, Neville, Stardust, Sin Cara & Tyler Breeze.
The tour dates for the Wrestlemania Revenge tour is as follows:
Saturday, 16 April, 7:30 p.m.: Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, England
Sunday, 17 April, 5 p.m.: Nottingham Capital FM Arena, Nottingham, England
Monday, 18 April, 7 p.m.: Monday Night Raw at O2 Arena, London, England SOLD OUT
Tuesday, 19 April, 7 p.m.: SmackDown taping at O2 Arena, London, England
Tuesday, 19 April, 7:30 p.m.: Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
Wednesday, 20 April, 7:30 p.m.: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England
Wednesday, 20 April, 7:30 p.m.: The SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Thursday, 21 April, 7:30 p.m.: 3Arena, Dublin, Ireland
Friday, 22 April, 7:30 p.m.: Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England
Saturday, 23 April, 7:30 p.m.: The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
On Monday, the relationship between WWE, WWN, and Evolve Wrestling continued to develop as WWN announced that NXT General Manager William Regal will appear at Evolve’s next two shows in New York.
He will be available for pictures and autographs at both the March 19th event in Queens, NY, and the following night in Brooklyn. Regal will have an undisclosed role at both shows as well.
Regal first made an appearance at the Evolve 54 show in Orlando, held the same weekend as the Royal Rumble, where he helped set up the Evolve title match between Timothy Thatcher and former UFC fighter Matt Riddle, who WWE is said to be interested in. It’s fair to assume that Regal would be looking at talent for the Global Cruiserweight series scheduled to take place on the WWE Network this summer.
Internet exclusive match: Brian Kendrick pinned Will Ferrara
TV Taping (week of March 14th)
– Cedric Alexander vs. ROH TV Champion Tomohiro Ishii
Veda Scott paid original opponent BJ Whitmer to leave and get the match for Cedric Alexander. Ishii won with a brainbuster.
– Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian demanded that Chris Sabin apologize to them for what he did. Sabin & Alex Shelley came out and they went at it with Sabin & Shelley demanding a match, but Daniels refused.
– Mark & Jay Briscoe beat Reno Scum
Scum is a local tag team of Adam Thornstowe & Luster the Legend.
– Hiroshi Tanahashi & Michael Elgin beat Young Bucks
Post-match saw The Addiction attack the Bucks and the Motor City Machine Guns made the save.
TV Taping (week of March 21st)
– Roderick Strong won four-way over Adam Page, Moose and Matt Sydal when Strong pinned Page
– Adam Cole did an interview saying he would be the next world champion. Matt Taven returned, and said that Cole is no longer part of the Kingdom and that he would be forming a new Kingdom.
– Cheeseburger vs. an unknown ended when Kenny King & Rhett Titus attacked both guys and laid them out
War Machine and the Briscoes made the save. The segment ended with the Briscoes grabbing the tag team title belts so they are in the immediate tag title picture.
– ROH Champion Jay Lethal beat Hirooki Goto in a good match to retain
Lethal won thanks to interference from Truth Martini and Taelor Hendrix. Donovan Dijak returned with Prince Nana and kicked Martini. Martini laid motionless and they did an injury angle that was played up big in the building. A lot of people thought he had broken his neck, but he was taken out on a ringside table.
TV Taping (week of March 28th)
– Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly beat Kazuchika Okada & Gedo
Fish and O’Reilly won when they pinned Gedo after Chasing the Dragon
– Adam Cole beat Kushida with a brainbuster in a super match
– Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley beat Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian
After the match, Daniels & Kazarian jumped them until Kushida & Matt Sydal ran in. The Young Bucks ran in after.
TV Taping 4 (week of April 4th)
– ROH Tag Champions War Machine retained beating Rocky Romero & Trent Baretta
– Donovan Dijak & Prince Nana did an interview. Dijak said he had been protecting the House of Truth, but now it’s time to go after the world title. Jay Lethal and Dijak ended up brawling so that’s a new title direction.
– Kenny Omega beat ACH with the One Winged Angel
– Dalton Castle beat Silas Young in a Fight Without Honor
