Post by Cauchi on May 29, 2020 8:31:23 GMT -5
RoH Wrestling
Friday, May 29th, 2020
Toronto, Ontario Canada / Chicago, Illinois USA
Announcers: Mauro Ranallo & Christian (CAN) / Tony Schiavone & Taz (USA)
No pyro and no introduction to open the broadcast this week as RoH starts off with Ken Kennedy sitting alone in a dark room.
Kennedy says that after a week to reflect, he is finally ready to speak about his actions in the RoH World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Kurt Angle. Kennedy explains that when he came to Ring of Honor, he had 1 goal, to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Thanks in large part to Seth Rollins and Age of the Fall, he fell short in his quest to become champion and ended up getting sidetracked along the way. Kennedy had his own issues with Rollins and Joey Mercury, which is why he made the decision to join Team Angle at SuperCard, but with Mercury now out of the picture, and Kennedy losing cleanly to Seth Rollins, it was time to the music. Kennedy says the truth is, no one in this company will get to the top as long as Kurt Angle is around undeservedly stealing the spotlight. Kennedy mentions the SuperCard Main Event was billed as “Team Angle” vs. Age of the Fall, but what did Kurt Angle even do? Kennedy reminds the people watching at home that Kurt Angle got himself counted out of a match, providing absolutely zero support to his team who had to band together and win the match for him. He then brings up that Kurt Angle had the opportunity to take the first shot at Seth Rollins, but elected to let Christian and Kennedy go first so that Rollins would hopefully be tired enough to be beaten by Angle. Everyone thinks that Kurt Angle was being a true leader by not stepping to the front of the line, but in reality he was just doing business for himself like he always does. Kennedy says that when he saw Kurt Angle announce his retirement, he knew it was just a ploy to put more spotlight on himself and to get Seth Rollins’ attention because he was sick of waiting to RoH to come back so he could get another title shot. He then says the biggest slap in the face was when Angle told RoH management that he didn’t want another else in the arena that night in order to “Make sure it’s a fair fight” and that made him sick! The rage in Kennedy’s voice begins to be heard as he explains how this roster has sat at home without pay for over a month only to be told they can’t go back to work because Kurt Angle is afraid of Age of the Fall? Kennedy calls Kurt Angle selfish, egotistical and says he did what people in the locker room have talked about doing since the day he showed up and bought his way in to the RoH World Heavyweight Championship tournament. Kennedy tells Angle to stay home and lick his wounds until he feels better, but when he is, Kennedy promises he’ll be here waiting for him….
*****
We’re welcomed to the broadcast by Mauro Ranallo and Christian who react to Kennedy’s opening statement. Christian says he’s tried calling Angle, but hasn’t been able to get a hold of him since his loss to Rollins. Ranallo explains the format of RoH Wrestling moving forward as the broadcast will be switching between two different locations midway through the show. Mauro informs the fans that they have the privilege of starting off tonight’s broadcast, before mentioning that RoH Owner Eric Bischoff will be starting off the 2nd half of the show with a very special announcement. Christian then tells the fans at home that due to Edge being unable to face Seth Rollins at this time, a new #1 Contender is expected to be named tonight, and RoH GM Jeff Jarrett has decided to allow Seth Rollins to choose his own opponent! Ranallo tells Christian he doesn’t think that’s going to work out well for anyone, before throwing it down to ringside for our first match of the evening.
*****
Match #1: Tag Team Match
3.0 vs. The North
3.0 (Scott Parker and Shane Matthews) and are an independent tag team based out of Quebec that has had a cup of coffee in the MWU before, but to very limited success and it’s easy to see early on in this match why they aren’t expected to see any tonight either. This match is basically a squash to put over The North’s Ethan Page and Josh Alexander who were last seen picking up a major surprise victory over Kennedy Omega and Edge a couple weeks ago. Page and Alexander use their tag team expertise and size advantage to absolutely demolish 3.0 in this one, putting them away rather quickly after hitting Shane Matthews with the Northern Assault for the pin.
Winners: The North by pinfall @ 7:12.
After the match, Ethan Page grabs a microphone from Alicia Atout at ringside. Page reminds the fans watching at home that he and Josh Alexander are now 2-0 since coming to Ring of Honor, and their first match was a victory over Kenny Omega and Edge! Page says that he’s heard nether man is here tonight before they didn’t want to be embarrassed by The North once again. Page puts The North over as the best tag team in Canada, even going so far as to proclaim them as the new #1 Contenders for the Tag Team Championships, if they ever get defended again. A thunderous laugh is heard from the arena speakers, which catches the attention of Page and Alexander. The North turn their attention to the titantron to see Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart on screen.
Anvil tells Page that when the government asked us all to practice social distancing, they meant from one another, and not from one’s own brain! Anvil asks Page how they can call themselves the best tag team in Canada when they only hold 2 victories? He gives them credit for their win against Omega and Edge before saying they took advantage of two men who were clearly more focused on their own personal vendettas with each other with focus on the match. Anvil then mentions tonight’s win, saying a victory over two superstars who aren’t even under contract with the company doesn’t carry much weight around here, so they still have a lot to prove before they can start calling themselves the best. Anvil reminds Page and Alexander that he represents the Hart Dynasty, a faction of wrestlers whose roots trace back to some of the best Canadian wrestlers to ever step foot in this business, and even though Brian Pillman, Jr. can’t be here since he’s stuck on the other side of the boarder, there are two other men who can be. Neidhart tells the North if they want to be the best, they should prove it next week by taking on Tyson Kidd and Davey Boy Smith, Jr. Frustrated and embarrassed, Page quickly accepts Anvil’s challenge for next week as Neidhart laughs in approval. We then slowly fade out to our first commercial break of the evening.
***COMMERCIAL***
We return from commercial to a pre-taped video from Austin Aries. Aries says that 50% of all marriages end in divorce, but 100% of a success stories start with making life changes, and cutting the dead weight from one’s life, which is exactly what he did with Scarlett Bordeaux. Aries say he had some time to think about things while RoH was on hiatus, and he realized that even though Scarlett was smokin’ hot, she was a distraction. Aries says Scarlett would try to keep Aries’ focus on her and not on his career, accusing her as purposely trying to start a conflict between Eddie Edwards and himself because she felt like she wasn’t getting enough attention. Aries states after realizing the issue had been her this whole time, he told Scarlett to take a hike, ending things between them, and since she was signed solely as his manager, it also ends her RoH contract, meaning we’ll never have to see her around again. Aries then mentions there is business with Edwards that needs to be dealt with, so that’s going to take place next week. Aries then gets up and walks away as we head back to the ring for more action.
*****
Match #2: Singles Match
Petey Williams vs. Eric Young
Eric Young is out to his old theme music as Mauro Ranallo informs the RoH audience at home that Sanity is no more, with the 3 members all deciding to go their separate ways after a brief failed run in RoH earlier this year. This match is highly entertaining for what it was meant to be, a filler bout between to lower midcarders who do whatever they could to entertain. There is no finish to this match though, as just after the 5 minute mark, RoH Tag Team Champion Michael Elgin comes rushing out to the ring and levels Petey Williams with a discuss lariat and plants Eric Young down with an Elgin Bomb, causing the referee to call for the bell!
Winner: No Contest Due to Interference @ 5:44.
Elgin tosses both Williams and Young out of the ring, before demanding a microphone from Alicia Atout. Elgin holds up his RoH Tag Team Championship belt and says that he’s heard rumours recently that RoH management is talking about stripping he and Lethal of their RoH Tag Team Championships due to them not being able to defend. Elgin tells Jeff Jarrett and Eric Bischoff that as far as he’s concerned, they can have the Tag Team Championships, because Elgin doesn’t need a piece of gold to prove that he’s the most dominate force in Ring of Honor! Elgin put Kevin Owens, Kenny Omega and Edge on notice, promising that each and every one of them are now on his personal hit list. Elgin warns everyone in the back that until things go back to normal, and the company is all under one roof, he’s going to run roughshod through the locker room. He then tosses down the microphone and the RoH Tag Team Championship, before storming off.
*****
The scene switches to RoH Owner Eric Bischoff who welcomes us all to the 2nd half of the broadcast, which will now be held at Black x Brave Academy and hosted by Tony Schiavone and Taz. Bischoff thanks the RoH superstars for banding together to continue to put on the most entertaining weekly television they can under the circumstances, before thanking the RoH audience at home for not giving up on the product during these trying times. Bischoff states some good news, as he’s officially announcing RoH SuperCard II will take place Friday, June 26th, 2020! He says that unfortunately, there will only be talent from the US brand appearing on this broadcast as it will take place live here in Illinois. Bischoff then announces that starting tonight, there will be a series of matches taking place over the next several weeks to determine the competitors who will be facing off at SuperCard II for a brand new RoH Championship! Bischoff says that Drew Gulak will face Brian Pillman, Jr tonight with the winner securing the first spot in the match, but refused to add any more details, stating that RoH GM Jeff Jarrett would reveal the rest next week! Bischoff thanks everyone once again as we head to ringside.
*****
Tony Schiavone and Taz officially welcome us to the Black x Brave Wrestling Academy before reminding us that Seth Rollins will be naming his own number #1 contender for the RoH World Heavyweight Championship later tonight!
*****
Match #3: Singles Match
Drew Gulak vs. Brian Pillman, Jr.
Winner Secures the First Spot in Mystery Championship Match at SuperCard II
A pure wrestling fans dream match as the technical specialist Drew Gulak faces off against RoH newcomer and 2nd generation superstar Flyin’ Brian Pillman, Jr. The commentators spend quite a bit of time chatting about this new mystery championship which will be revealed next week, which takes some television audience attention off what is a very exciting match, but Gulak and Pillman are still able to produce a classic mat wrestling bout. The end of this match comes after Pillman misses a flying crossbody, which allows Gulak to get behind Pillman and lock in the Gu-Lock! Pillman reaches for the ropes, but as close as he may get, is forced to tap out, meaning Drew Gulak has won his place in the SuperCard II Championship match!
Winner: Drew Gulak by submission @ 12:41
***COMMERCIAL***
We return from commercial break to the news that Kurt Angle will be live at Black x Brave Wrestling Academy next week to respond to the comments made by Ken Kennedy at the beginning of tonight’s broadcast!
*****
Main Event: Tag Team Match
Age of the Fall w/ Jimmy Jacobs vs. Motor City Machine Guns
Our Main Event tonight pits the former RoH Tag Team Champions the Motor City Machine Guns against Age of the Fall’s resident monsters, Brodie Lee and Erick Rowan. Sabin and Shelley get a rather surprising amount of offense in to this match given the clear size and strength advantage of Lee and Rowan, but the experience of MCMG allows for Sabin and Shelley to use their speed advantage to keep their opponents guessing. The end of this match comes after interference by Jimmy Jacobs distracts the referee just enough to allow Rowan to hit a low blow on Sabin, which puts him in the perfect position for Lee to nail him with the Discuss Lariat. Rowan charges the corner, and knocks Shelley to the floor as Lee pins Sabin for the victory.
Winners: Age of the Fall by pinfall @ 18:25.
Lee and Rowan stay in the ring as Jimmy Jacobs slides in to join them, congratulating them on their victory over The Motor City Machine Guns. The three men then turn their attention to the entrance ramp as Tony Schiavone comments that it must be time for Seth Rollins to name the new #1 Contender for his RoH World Heavyweight Championship.
BUURRRRNNN IT DOOOOOOOOOOWWWN!
The RoH Word Heavyweight Champion makes his way down to the ring as fellow Age of the Fall member Jimmy Jacobs handles the introduction duties for his entrance, reminding those watching at home that Rollins is not only the World Champion, but also the “Saviour of Ring of Honor”.
Rollins thanks Jacobs for his accurate introduction, before congratulating Brodie Lee and Erick Rowan on their victory tonight as well, stating that this new era in Age of the Fall will be one of dominance, and most importantly, one of victory. Rollins brings up his matches against Christian and Ken Kennedy before the covid-19 shutdown as the turning point in Age of the Fall’s road to success, culminating in the victory against Kurt Angle here in his very own building, Black x Brave Academy. Rollins brings up the interference by Ken Kennedy that helped seal the victory for him, but discredits Kennedy’s help by stating that he would have defeated Angle by himself, and condemning Kennedy for taking away Rollins’ opportunity to retire Kurt Angle himself. Rollins brings up how Edge is technically supposed to be the next man in line, but due to him not being allowed out of Canada, he’s officially lost his title opportunity, and as far as Rollins is concerned, if Edge wants a title shot down the road, he’s going to have to earn it again. This brings us to right now, GM Jeff Jarrett was kind enough to bestow to Rollins the honor of selecting his own number #1 contender, and Seth says he’s though very long and hard on this as there are many superstars in the back who would make great opponents, but only one man who is truly worthy of challenging for the RoH World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins pauses for dramatic effect before announcing the new number #1 contender as…….JIMMY JACOBS!
Jacobs is ecstatic, he leaps in to Rollins’ arms, thanking him for the opportunity and claiming he’s always dreamed of becoming the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Champion! Rollins calmly interrupts Jacobs, reminding him that he’s not going to be winning the Championship, his job is to lay down and let Rollins pin him. Jacobs looks heartbroken, but ultimately agrees to do what his co-leader of Age of the Fall has asked. Jacobs, then asks Rollins when the match is supposed to take place, and Rollins says that they technically could do right now. Rollins sees the referee from the Main Event making his way backstage, but stops him and demands he come back in to the ring, to which the referee nervously obliges. Jacobs lays down, and Rollins lightly places his foot on his chest, telling the referee to start the match. The referee signals for the bell to ring, but before it can…..
Ring of Honor GM Jeff Jarrett is out from the back, and he’s not happy! Jarrett tells Rollins that he knew giving him an opportunity to name is own challenger would backfire on him, which is why he had already selected a Plan B just in case. Rollins tells Jarrett he can’t do that, but Double J informs Rollins that as General Manager he can do whatever the hell he wants, and as of this moment, he’s officially reversed his decision to allow Rollins to choose his own opponent. Jarrett tells Rollins that his match is not tonight, but it’s at SuperCard II, and his opponent is not Jimmy Jacobs. Jarrett tells Rollins it’s not Brodie Lee, Big Red or Double J himself, the Number #1 Contender for his RoH World Heavyweight Championship at SuperCard II is……..KEITH LEE!
Lee makes his way out from behind the curtain, as Rollins order the rest of Age of the Fall to attack him. Jacobs hops out of the ring and charges towards Lee, but before Rowan and Brodie can move, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley who were still down at ringside, slide back in to the ring and attack them from behind. Jacobs, not knowing that he’s rushing Lee all alone, continues to charge at him, only to eat a massive shoulder block that flattens him on the entrance ramp! Rollins drops his title as Lee makes his way in to the ring, the camera quickly pans to the outside to see Erick Rowan and Brodie Lee now brawling with Sabin and Shelley in the empty stands. Rollins charges at Lee for a Stomp as he slides in to the ring, but Lee who moves extremely fast for a man of his size, rolls out of the way and plants the Champion with a Spirit Bomb instead!
With the champion floored, Lee grabs a hold of his RoH World Heavyweight Championship and holds it high in the air with his music playing in the background as RoH Wrestling fades to a close.
***END OF THE SHOW***