Post by Cauchi on Jun 25, 2017 21:17:41 GMT -5
Cue the lights, cue the pyro! We are live for RoH’s first post draft PPV, Death Before Dishonor! The camera pans around the sold out arena, showing the crowd going absolutely crazy, anticipating tonight’s history making event.
Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is the next. We are live in the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan New York, and we’ve got ourselves at packed house tonight! Mauro Ranallo here joined as always by my broadcast partner Corey Graves.
Graves: You mean “The voice of RoH” Corey Graves, and for our Canadian fans, Happy Canada Day! Happy Canada Day to you too Mauro!
Ranallo: Tonight, history will be made as RoH presents its first PPV under the Eric Bischoff Era, Death Before Dishonor! Tonight we crown our first RoH World Heavyweight Champion in what is bound to be one of the biggest matches in RoH history!
Graves: Brock Lesnar, Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor, Triple H and that idiot Greg Roberts! There have been rumblings that Seth Rollins is here tonight as well Mauro, tonight is going to be historic!
The Dudley Boyz vs. reDRagon
This is match 3 in what has become quite the rivalry between these two teams of different eras. Both teams share 1 win a piece, though The Dudley’s win did come by way of cheating in their last match. Kyle O’Reilly and Devon start this match off. Devon asks for a test of strength to start the match off, but O’Reilly tricks him in to coming close enough to get hip tossed. O’Reilly smirks at Devon, who tries not to let his frustration show as he gets back to his feet and motions again that he wants to tie up.
Ranallo: Kyle O’Reilly getting one over on the grizzled veteran right off the bat.
Graves: That kind of cockiness is going to get him hurt Mauro, The Dudley Boyz don’t like to play games!
O’Reilly obliges, and Devon muscles him in to the corner, forcing him against the turnbuckle. The referee starts a 5 count to break the action out of the corner and Devon lets off the attack, clipping O’Reilly with a sucker punch before walking away. That doesn’t go over well with O’Reilly who charges towards Devon and pushes him, causing the two superstars to begin arguing in the middle of the ring.
Ranallo: This friendly rivalry looks to be getting heated fairly quickly.
Graves: Rivalries don’t stay friendly for too long Mauro!
O’Reilly throws a right hand, Devon does the same. The two superstars trade blows in the middle of the ring until O’Reilly goes to whip Devon against the ropes, but the stronger Devon counters the attack and send O’Reilly in to his corner. Devon levels O’Reilly with shoulder thrusts to the gut before making the tag to Bubba, who comes in and begins stomping O’Reilly down in the corner. Tag to Devon who comes in and does the same, before tagging back out to Bubba for more stomps. Bobby Fish is stuck in his corner watching as the Dudleys take turns tagging in and out while beating on a helpless O’Reilly in their corner.
Ranallo: Classic tag team action here folks. The Dudleys have isolated Kyle O’Reilly in their corner.
Graves: That is why they are one of the greatest tag teams of all time!
Felling as confident as ever, Bubba turns his attention over to Bobby Fish and asks him if he ”Want’s some of this?” to which Fish obliges. Bubba picks up O’Reilly and tosses him to the mat in the vicinity on his partner’s corner. Fish hold his arm out reaching for a tag as O’Reilly tries to pull his way towards Fish. Just as the tag is about to be made, Bubba grabs O’Reilly’s foot and drags him back towards the center of the ring. Fish exchanges words with Bubba who just laughs it off, replying with ”Experience kid!” He pulls O’Reilly up to his feet, and stares at Fish before planting O’Reilly down with a DDT. Bubba covers O’Reilly, but only gets a 2 count, as O’Reilly just manager to get his shoulder up before the 3.
Ranallo: A kick out from O’Reilly! It’s going to take a lot more than that to keep this kid down for the count.
Slightly aggravated, Bubba begins to stomp on the downed opponent. He tags in Devon who goes up to the top rope. Ignoring the referee’s demands to get out of the ring, Bubba hits a Spinebuster on O’Reilly and then sets him up for the Wuzz Up? Which connects.
Graves: If it was anyone else in that ring, my money would have the referee calling a disqualification for that one!
Before the referee can count to 5, Bubba gets out of the ring, but then quickly goes back in, he looks over towards Fish and then tells Devon to ”Finish this!” Devon gets in place for the 3D, as Bubba tosses O’Reilly off the ropes. Unexpectedly, O’Reilly seems to gets a second wind, as he uses the momentum of the ropes to springboard over Bubba and flatten an unsuspecting Devon with a clothesline. Bubba rushes over to grab O’Reilly, but he takes an enziguri to the side of the head. With all 3 men down on the mat, Fish screams for a tag as O’Reilly tries desperately to get to the corner.
Ranallo: Kyle O’Reilly still has some fight left in him!
Graves: Yeah, but he needs to make a tag now!
Devon and Bubba slowly start to rise, but O’Reilly is able to make the tag and in comes a hot and fresh Bobby Fish! Fish dropkicks Bubba, sending him crashing through the middle rope and out of the ring. He then charges towards Devon and levels him with a clothesline, and another, and another! Fish goes over to the corner and waits for Devon to slowly get to his feet, as he runs over, Bubba pushes his partner out of the way and takes a Flying Fish Hook high knee right to the head!
Ranallo: The Flying Fish Hook!
Graves: Devon could have been in for a world of hurt there Mauro! Great teamwork by Bubba to push Devon out of the way and take the brunt of that attack!
Devon spears Fish in to the corner, but still being a little disoriented from multiple clotheslines, it ends up being Fish’s own corner allowing a slightly rested O’Reilly to tag himself in to the match in the process. Devon pulls Fish out of the corner, and goes for the Saving Grace neckbreaker, but O’Reilly clubs Devon in the back. O’Reilly, uses whatever is left of his strength to pick Devon up in the air as reDRagon hit their Chasing the Dragon finisher on Devon for a 1, 2 3!
Ranallo: Chasing the Dragon! The younger team seemed to be the better team tonight, what a hard fought victory by reDRagon to open up tonight’s PPV!
Graves: They got lucky Mauro! I can’t even believe the referee saw that tag by O’Reilly!
Winners: reDRagon by pinfall (Chasing the Dragon).
The referee raises the winner’s hands after the match as O’Reilly can barely stand. As the young tag team celebrate their hard earned win, Bubba enraged, attacks Fish from behind. Unable to move fast enough, O’Reilly then falls victim to a Bubba Bomb keeping him down long enough for Bubba to put the boots to a dazed Bobby Fish.
Ranallo: Oh come on now!
With both members of reDRagon now down and the crowd booing the Dudley’s despicable actions, Bubba turns to Devon who is back on his feet and yells ”DEVON! GET THE TABLES!. Devon obliges dragging not one, but two tables in to the ring as Bubba makes sure his opponents stay grounded. Setting one table up in the corner and another in the middle of the ring, Bubba picks up O’Reilly and tosses him to the ropes before 3Ding him through the table!
Graves: 3D through the table!
Bubba then walks over to the corner, and pulls himself up to the top rope as Devon drags over the lifeless body of Bobby Fish. Devon hands Fish over to Bubba who then Bubba Bombs him through the other table.
Boo’s rain down from the crowd as the Dudleys stand over the bodies of their opponents before exiting the ring and heading to the back.
Ranallo: A despicable attack by the Dudley Boyz! Just a bunch of sore losers!
Graves: Hey, they were just sending a message Mauro! These guys aren’t finished with Fish and O’Reilly. You might want to watch what you say, or else you might be next!
Before the next match we get a video detailing the events leading up to the start of this rivalry.
Bobby Roode vs. Okada
Roode and Okada lock up in the middle of the ring, a different change of pace considering these two have tried to kill each other over the last two weeks. Roode pushes Okada back, causing him to fall over which draws a laugh from Roode. Okada locks back up with Roode and does the same thing to him, sending falling back as well. Okada laughs, but Roode doesn’t think it’s as funny now that it has happened to him.
Ranallo: Okada’s giving Roode a taste of his own medicine.
Graves: You can’t do that to him, he’s glorious!
Roode coerces Okada to lock up again, but this time slaps him in the face instead which causes Okada to fire back with a spin kick to the side and 3 quick right hands, forcing Roode to retreat backwards in defense. Roode can be heard shouting for the referee to step in as Okada has him pressed against the corner, trying desperately to block as many of Okada’s lightning fast shots as he can. Finally the referee steps in and begins a 5 count, causing Okada to settle down and back off Roode to avoid being disqualified.
Ranallo: Okada is trying to get as many shots in as he could in 5 seconds, I lost count of how many landed there!
After a quick break in the action, Roode motions for Okada to bring the fight to him again, but rolls out of the ring as Okada heads towards him. On the outside, Roode taunts Okada from the floor, but then turns his attention to the booing crowd which allows Okada to hit Roode with a baseball slide sending him crashing face first in to the barricade.
Graves: That was uncalled for!
Ranallo: Turning your back on an opponent is a rookie mistake that a veteran like Roode knows not to make. Okada took an easy advantage there.
With both superstars now on the outside, Okada grabs Roode’s head and smashes it off the barricade before turning him around and hitting him with a loud and thunderous chop. Okada goes to whip Roode in to the ring post, but Roode counters the attempt, sending Okada crashing in to the ring post instead. Roode rushes over to Okada and jumps on top of him, hitting him with several hard rights before pulling him to his feet and tossing him in to the steel steps.
Ranallo: Roode sending Okada right in to those solid steel steps!
Tossing Okada in to the ring, Roode quickly covers him, but only manages to get a one count. Roode proceeds to beat on Okada before pinning him again, but still only a 1 count. Enraged, Roode pulls Okada back up to his feet and tosses him towards the corner, but Okada clutches Roode’s wrist and reverses it in to a Rainmaker!
Ranallo: The Rainmaker! I’ve seen that move end many matches in Japan!
Graves: Come on Bobby!
1…………………….
2…………………………
Okada only gets a 2 count as Bobby quickly gets his shoulder up to break the count.
Ranallo: Roode kicks up!
Graves: GLORIOUS!
As Roode slowly brings himself up to his feet, Okada hits him with a stiff kick to the back before locking him in a headlock. Okada wrenches on the head and neck of Bobby Roode, while Roode tries to force himself up to his feet. Eventually he manages to get up, landing a couple elbows to the gut before tossing Okada off him and leveling him with a shoulder block. Roode drops an elbow to the chest of Okada and then proceeds to taunt the booing crowd again as he slowly begins to dissect his opponent.
Ranallo: You would have thought he learned from the first time, but there’s Roode at it again.
Graves: He telling this crowd exactly how he feels tonight! Bobby Roode shouldn’t be wasting his time against a nobody like Okada, he should be in the Main Event fighting for the RoH Championship. It’s his day today Mauro, it’s Canada Day!
Roode drops a knee to the shoulder of Okada which causes him to scream out in pain. Pulling Okada up to his feet, Roode send him in the corner before charging at him with a running corner clothesline. Roode goes for a second clothesline, but Okada manages to get a boot up, causing Roode to stumble back. Seeing his opportunity, Okada grabs Roode by the wrist and pulls him in to another Rainmaker, but Roode ducks the Lariat attempt and spins Okada around, flattening him with a Roode Bomb.
Ranallo: Roode Bomb! Bobby Roode counters the Rainmaker attempt in to a Roode Bomb!
Graves: It’s all over Mauro! Happy Canada Day!
1……………….
2……………………….
Roode covers Okada, but only gets a 2 count.
Ranallo: Not quite yet Corey!
Roode pulls Okada to his feet and sets him up for a Glorious DDT, but Okada turns it in to a Dragon Suplex which scores another 2 count. Retreating to the corner, Roode has a look of pure shock in his eyes after almost losing the match. Feeling the effects of this match, Okada stretches out his shoulder, while Roode takes a moment to catch his breath as well.
Ranallo: Both superstars taking a minute to get their bearings back, this has been a great wrestling contest so far!
The two superstars then head back to the centre of the ring when suddenly, Okada collapses to the mat. Confused, Roode turns his attention to the referee who has rushed over to Okada’s side to check on him.
Ranallo: What’s going on? Okada has just collapsed on the mat!
Graves: Bobby Roode has worn him down Mauro, this match is over!
Feeling cocky and confident, Roode shoves the referee out of the way and places his boot on Okada’s chest. Roode yells at the referee to start the count saying he’s not going to let the match end with being declared the winner. The referee having no real choice, obliges.
Ranallo: That just uncalled for.
1……………………
2…………………….
Just then, Okada springs to life! Playing possum, he grabs Roode by the ankle, and pulls him to the ground. With Roode being taken by surprise, Okada has enough time to jump to his feet and lock Roode in his Red Ink submission move right in the centre of the ring.
Ranallo: Red Ink! The Red Ink! Bobby Roode has nowhere to go!
Graves: What? Come on! This isn’t fair!
Screaming out in pure agony, Roode reaches out for the ropes but being in the middle of the ring, he has no way to break the submission hold. As Okada wrenches the hold, Roode begins motioning towards tapping out as the crowd cheers on Okada. Just as Roode is about to tap, he grabs the referee who has leaned over to ask him if he was going to tap, and pulls him on top of Okada, causing Okada to break the hold as he and the referee bump heads.
Ranallo: Okada appeared to have had the match won!
Graves: Bobby Roode has other ideas Mauro, he’s not going to tap out on Canada Day!
Okada, taking his eyes off of Roode tends to the referee, allowing Roode the opportunity to hit Okada with a low blow. As Okada bends over in pain from the illegal maneuver, Roode grabs him and plants him to the ground with a Glorious DDT!
Graves: Glorious DDT!
Roode covers Okada, as the referee slowly begins the count.
1……...
2………
3!!!!!!!!!!
Graves: He did it! Bobby Roode has beat that annoying Okada!
Ranallo: Bobby Roode cheated, he hit a blatant low blow behind the referee’s back to be able to hit that DDT!
Graves: Does it really matter Mauro? Bobby Roode run, the match was Glorious, and now Bobby gets to go and spend Canada Day in style!
Winner: Bobby Roode by pinfall.
(We head backstage to General Manager James Ellsworth’s office where Ellsworth and RoH owner are watching tonight’s show together.)
Ellsworth: We’re off to a great start so far, aren’t we sir? Bobby Roode and Okada sure had one hell of a match!
Bischoff: *sarcastically* To think, we could have had Bobby Roode in the main event instead. What a complete waste that would have been….
Ellsworth: Exactly! No one would have wanted to see him wrestling Brock Lesnar, or Triple H, or Finn Balor, or…. Oh, I think I understand what you’re trying to say.
Bischoff: You know, you could have just put them both in the match from the very beginning.
Ellsworth: Yeah, but that match! That match was so great we should do it again! We should do it again 6 more times! I’m going to make Bobby Roode vs. Okada a Best of 7 Series match! The winner, well the winner gets a shot at the TV Championship!
Bischoff stares at Ellsworth blankly, fighting back every instinct to strangle the life out of him in his own office.
Bischoff: We already have one of those going on tonight. Between Zack Sabre, Jr. and Pete Dunne? I made the match 2 weeks ago? Does any of this sound familiar to you?
Before James can answer, the door to his office opens and in walk Curtis Axel and Mojo Rawley. Bischoff is as confused as ever, but Ellsworth looks like a kid in a candy store.
Mojo: Eh General Manager James! What’s up BRO!
Axel: Hey James! Hey Eric.
Bischoff looks back at Ellsworth, waiting for an explanation.
Ellsworth: Eric, remember when I text you this morning saying I had a major surprise for you? Well here it is, Mojo Rawley and Curt Axel! The two biggest free agents in the wrestling business, and the newest members of the RoH roster!
Bischoff: You have got to be kidding me. James, we don’t have the need or the financial flexibility to keep hiring guys zero talen…Without going through the proper interviewing process.
Ellsworth looks up at Bischoff like a heartbroken child.
Ellsworth: But I already promised them lifetime deals and big money contracts, I thought you’d be happy about this.
Bischoff: Okay James, we have an open spot on the card tonight, so how about this. Mojo, you and Axel can go out there and the winner can have whatever contract James here offered you, AFTER I revise a few things.
Mojo and Axel talk things over and although the contracts Ellsworth offered them had already been signed, they explain that Ellsworth had forgotten to sign them in order to make them official, so they agree to the terms of the match.
Ellsworth: This is great! Come on guys I’ll show you to the locker room! This going to best match on the card tonight. The two biggest free agents, battling to join MY company, oh boy!
Ellsworth leaves his office with Mojo and Axel, leaving Bischoff standing there trying to comprehend everything that has just happened.
Bischoff: Biggest free agents on the market? Isn’t Del Rio still available?
We head to ringside where Matt Sydal is standing in the middle of the ring with a microphone in his hand. Sydal brings up his embarrassing loss to Tommy End on the very first RoH TV. He then brings up the beat down he suffered at the hands of Cesaro and Hero before being responsible for letting Ricochet down and taking the loss a week later to the Kings of Wrestling. Sydal informs the crowd that starting tonight he’s reinventing himself and challenged anyone to come out from the back so he can prove it to them.
MOOSE! MOOSE! MOOSE! MOOSE!
Graves: He’s here!
Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the much anticipated debut of Moose!
Moose’s music hits the loud speaker as Moose make his much anticipated RoH debut, lead out by his manager Stokely Hathaway who is leaving the crowd in a ”MOOSE!” chant. The former NFL player gets in to the ring and begins to bounce back and forth ala Brock Lesnar. Looking confident, Matt Sydal tells the referee to ring the bell and rushes Moose as soon as the match begins. Sydal begins hit Moose with a multitude of kicks to the sides of his legs, but they barely budge Moose who shoves Sydal backwards. Sydal quickly gets up to his feet and runs back at Moose who catches him and plants him down with a spinebuster. Move then stands in the corner and begins to lead the crowd in another ”MOOSE! chant as he waits for Sydal to get up again.
MOOSE! MOOSE! MOOSE! MOOSE!
Once up to his feet, Moose levels Sydal with the Hitstick and covers him for the 1, 2, 3! Quite the impressive debut for Moose.
Ranallo: An impressive victory by Moose here in his RoH debut match!
Graves: So much for Matt Sydal reinventing himself here, that was embarrassing.
Winner: Moose by pinfall.
Marty Scurll © vs. Roderick Strong
RoH Television Championship
Scurll is out without any members of the Bullet Club tonight, meaning Strong only has to worrying about the match, and not what’s on the outside. Both superstars begin to pace around the ring, sizing each other up from a distance while the crowd loudly chants Roderick Strong’s name, he is clearly the favourite here tonight.
RODDY! RODDY! RODDY! RODDY!
Ranallo: The Ring of Honor crowd is letting it be known who they want to walk out of here as Television Championship tonight!
Graves: They have no idea what they’re talking about! Marty Scurll is hand down one of the best competitors in the industry!
Not letting the crowd get in to his head, Scurll makes the first move coming in to grabble with Roddy, but Strong just ducks under it and catches Scurll with a hard chop to the chest instead. It’s now Roddy’s turn to grapple, but this time it’s Scurll who take the advantage, kicking Strong in the gut and raking his eyes. Strong collapses to the mat holing his face, as the referee gives The Villain his first of what will probably be many warnings tonight.
Ranallo: Dastardly tactics early in the match by Marty Scurll!
Graves: They don’t call him The Villain for nothing Mauro!
The referee allows Strong for a moment to get back to his feet, but Scurll doesn’t bother to listen, charging at Strong and connecting with a baseball slide right to the ribs. Angry, the referee rushes over to Scurll, issuing his second warning and threatening to disqualify him, but Marty just laughs and tells the referee to ”Bugger off” before kicking Strong in the ribs again clearly working that abdominal region in favour of his submission style. As Roderick crawls to the ropes to get back to his feet, Scurll rushes over, bombarding him with several hard stomps as the referee begins a 5 count. The count is broken though as Scurll grabs Strong by the head and pulls him towards the center of the ring, DDTing him and covering for only a 1 count. Scurll forces Roddy to sit up before disrespecting him with a hard slap to the back of the head.
Ranallo: Scurll showing Roderick Strong no respect here in this match. He feels his opponent is beneath him and he’s certainly showing him how he feels.
Graves: Marty Scurll is on a whole other level compared to Roderick Strong. Strong should have hung up his boots before the draft!
The Villain then bounces off the ropes for another dropkick to the back, but Roddy rolls out of the way. Sending himself off the ropes, Strong then catches an unsuspecting Scurll in the face with a dropkick of his own. Scurll tries to retreat out of the ring, but Strong catches him by the waist and muscles him to his feet before German Suplexing him to the mat, bridging for a pin that only ends up being a 1 count.
Ranallo: That’s some great technically wrestling skill shown there by Roderick Strong!
Graves: Couldn’t have been that great Mauro, it only got a 1 count.
Again, Scurll attempts to retreat out of the ring, but again his plans are foiled by the veteran Strong who is able to cut him off before he can roll to the outside. Roderick pulls Scurll up to his feet and tosses him in the corner before charging in for a missile dropkick. He then charges in again, and monkey flips Scurll out of the corner, climbing up top and catching Scurll with a Tornado DDT from off the tope rope. Strong covers Scurll, but The Villain is able to kick up at 2.
Ranallo: Roderick Strong showing some excellent athleticism there!
Graves: Not nearly enough to beat the Television Champion though!
Roddy takes a look around at the crowd who are still well on his side. He pulls Scurll to his feet and tries to lift him up for the Death by Roderick, but Scurll is able to slide down behind him and shove him towards the ropes. Roddy is ready though and uses the momentum to springboard back towards Scurll with an elbow, but Scurll jumps and catches Roderick in mid air with his Crossface Chickenwing right in the middle of the ring.
Ranallo: Crossface Chickenwing! What a maneuver by Scurll getting that submission locked in out of nowhere!
Graves: It’s over Mauro, I told you!
Strong has nowhere to go. The hold is in tight and he is nowhere near the ropes. He wants to tap, but the crowd, still behind him, are chanting for him to hold on.
RODDY! RODDY! RODDY! RODDY!
Slowly Strong starts fading, as the referee goes in to check on him. The referee lifts Strong’s arm and it goes limb, he tries a second time and it’s limp again, on the third try though just as all was bleak, Strong springs to life! He tries desperately to escape the hold, hitting Scurll with elbows to each side of the ribs but to no avail. The attacks must have softened Scurll’s hold slightly though as Roderick is able to get his hand up to The Villain’s face, and with no other options, he sticks his thumb in Scurll’s eye, finally breaking the submission hold. Scurll rolls around as if he had just been shot, though the referee having witness Scurll’s earlier attempts at bending the rules, doesn’t even bother to discipline Strong.
Ranallo: With no other option, Roderick Strong taking a page out of Marty Scurll’s own book to keep this match alive!
Graves: Ridiculous! What is the referee doing? He should be ringing the bell, come on referee!
Ranallo: What goes around always comes around Corey!
Seeing his opportunity to keep Strong from gaining any momentum, Scurll rolls out of the ring but Roddy is hot on his tail. Strong jogs towards Scurll, when out of nowhere he is leveled by a fan sitting at ringside.
Ranallo: What the hell was that?
Graves: Come on! Someone needs to get security out here right now, some idiot fan just hit Roderick Strong!
Strong hits the ground hard, as the fan jumps over the guardrail and is revealed to be Tama Tanga of The Bullet Club! He is soon joined by his brother Tanga Roa as the Guerillas of Destiny begin to lay the boots to Roderick on the outside as Scurll watches on. Having no other option, the referee calls for the bell ending the match on a disqualification which seems to have been Scurll’s plan all along, as he retains his title due to a technicality.
Ranallo: That wasn’t a fan, it’s The Bullet Club!
Graves: The Guerrillas of Destiny! Marty Scurll’s got himself an insurance policy!
The G.O.Ds roll Strong back in to the ring as he tries to fight back but to no avail as the G.O.Ds easily overpower him. At the command of Marty Scurll, the G.O.Ds pick Roddy up, and plant him to the ground with the Nightfall.
Ranallo: The Bullet Club has just ruined this match just as it was getting going, how is this an insurance plan Corey? It’s nothing but a beatdown!
Graves: Marty Scurll retains his Ring of Honor Television Championship! That’s all that matter to him Mauro. The Bullet Club doesn’t care how, they just want to keep their titles!
The 3 members of the Bullet Club all pose together, pointing their gun symbols at the fallen body of the crowd favourite before leaving the ring together to a chorus of loud boos.
Winner: Marty Scurll by disqualification.
Curtis Axel vs. Mojo Rawley
Winner Receives an RoH Contract
Ranallo: Up next we have an impromptu match between free agents Mojo Rawley and Curtis Axel with the winner being granted an official Ring of Honor contract.
Graves: Yeah, a “genius” move by our “genius” General Manager, James Ellsworth. The biggest free agents in the market in Ellsworth’s opinion. I think a kitten would make a better GM in mine.
The bell rings and both men head to the centre of the ring. Axel asks for a test of strength, as him and Rawley tie up. Rawley easily overpowers Axel, sending him down to his knees. He then forces Axel back up and hits him with a shoulder to the gut, knocking Axel back.
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRR
Ranallo: Here we go!
Graves: Oh thank God!
Both men stop in their tracks, with wide eyes and their jaws to the floor as out walks the 6’8” 385lb unstoppable behemoth, Braun Strowman! As Strowman enters the ring, the referee blocks his path telling him to leave, but Braun sends the referee flying half way across the ring with ease. Knowing they have no other choice, Rawley and Axel work together, both charging at Strowman and both hitting the mat hard as Braun catches them with a double clothesline. Strowman then picks up Axel and tosses him over the ring with such force, that Axel slams hard in to the barricade on the outside.
Ranallo: Air Axel!
Graves: Bodies are flying Mauro!
As Strowman turns around, an eagerly waiting Mojo runs in to him with a running shoulder tackle that barely budges Strowman, who then grabs Mojo by the neck and sends him crashing to the ground with a double handed chokeslam. Strowman looks up the ramp towards the stage where numerous RoH officials have begun to make their way to the ring to try and stop Strowman, and roars out ”Ellsworth!” before picking up Mojo and sending him crashing to the match with a Running Powerslam.
The RoH officials surround the ring, none of them wanting to be the first one in to go after Strowman, but this distraction allows Curtis Axel enough time to slide back in to the ring and get behind Braun. Axel clubs Strowman with multiple hard forearms to the back, but to no avail as Strowman turns around looking even angrier than before. Axel slowly backs up, begging Strowman for mercy, but Braun tosses him in to the ropes, and drops him with a big boot to the face. Again, Strowman roars out ”Ellsworth!” who still hasn’t come down to ringside before picking up Axel and slowly choking him unconscious with a Standing Triangle Choke.
Ranallo: Enough is enough here!
Graves: Strowman is doing us all a favour! Eric Bischoff should pay Strowman to come out here and destroy all of James Ellsworth’s terrible ideas!
As Axel’s body slowly goes limp, the RoH officials try to get in to the ring but are backed off by the gigantic figure of Braun Strowman, who takes Axel’s lifeless body and tosses him out of the ring on to the referees below.
With Axel, Mojo and the RoH officials all down in and around the ring, Braun Strowman steps over the many laying bodies, surveying the carnage as he heads back up the ramp towards the locker rooms.
Winner: No Contest
Short video packages play on the jumbotron, hyping up the next match as well as focusing on the strengths of both high flying competitors, and allowing the ring crew and EMTs enough time to clean up the carnage left in Strowman’s wake before the start of the next match. After the video package finishes, the camera pans over to Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves, standing at their announce desk.
Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to witness match number 1 in what Eric Bischoff promises to be the first of many Best of 7 Series matches between standout superstar Zack Sabre, Jr. and the Bruiserweight Pete Dunne!
Graves: Hold on a minute there Mauro! I’m getting word that we have a special surprise before the start of this next match. It looks like he’s coming right now!
A very familiar tune plays from the arena’s sound system and the crowd goes absolutely nuts. Those cheers only grow louder once stepping out from behind the curtain is former matchmaker, former RoH Champion and RoH Legend Nigel McGuinness.
Graves: From the London Dungeon, Nigel McGuinness, the RoH Icon is here! I heard the rumors Mauro, but I had to see it to believe it!
Instead of heading down towards the ring, Nigel heads over to the announce table, shaking hands with Mauro and Graves before taking a seat and putting on a headset.
Ranallo: Nigel McGuinness is joining us here at the broadcast booth. Nigel I have to ask, what brings you out here?
McGuinness: Well I’ve heard 3-man announce teams seem to be all the rage around the wrestling world these days, so I called up Mr. Bischoff and expressed my desire to return home, low and behold, he seemed to be just an anxious to have me around as well. This best of 7 has two homegrown talents from my side of the pond going against each other and I just needed to be here for this. You boys don’t mind if I join you do you?
It appears Nigel McGuinness has joined the RoH broadcast booth going forward.
Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Pete Dunne
Best of 7 Series: Match #1
Sabre extends his hand before the start of the match, a tradition long held by Ring of Honor since its inception, but not yet seen in the new era until now. Dunne though, in typical cocky fashion slaps Sabre across the face instead which draws the ire of the crowd. Not giving Dunne the satisfaction of a heated response, Sabre just laughs off the disrespectful maneuver and tells the referee to ring the bell.
McGuinness: The traditional gesture of Ring of Honor, a classic show of respect not reciprocated by young Master Dunne.
Graves: Dunne doesn’t want to waste time with handshakes, he’s ready to fight!
As the bell rings, officially signalling the start of this match, Dunne extends his hand in a mocking fashion, but Sabre quickly grabs it, pulling Dunne in to an arm drag. Dunne quickly gets up and heads towards Sabre, who arm drags him again. Once again, Dunne gets up and charges at Sabre who ducks under a clothesline attempt and rolls Dunne up for a very quick 1 count. Infuriated and embarrassed, Dunne whips his hair out of his face and yells at Sabre to ”Stop playing games! to which Sabre chuckles, glad to know he’s already in the head of his younger and much more hot tempered opponent. Sabre extends his hand once again, giving Dunne another chance to show him some respect, and this time Pete Dunne obliges, but after the handshake, Dunne tries to slap Sabre again, who is ready for it and sends him towards the ropes. Dunne bounces back, Sabre jumps over him. Dunne his the ropes on the opposite side and runs right in to a hurricanrana by Sabre for another 1 count.
Ranallo: A beautiful hurricanrana by Zack Sabre!
McGuinness: Zack Sabre, Jr. is not the kind of person you’re going to fool twice.
Both superstars get up to their feet quickly. Dunne lands a hard right. Sabre responds with a right of his own. Another punch by Dunne, another response by Sabre. Dunne fakes a right hand and leans out of the way of a punch by Sabre, instead opting to jab his thumb in Sabre’s eye causing Sabre turn to his back to Dunne who uses the opportunity to land a backstabber on Sabre before the referee can jump in and discipline Dunne for his illegal move.
McGuinness: Blatantly illegal maneuver by this young fellow!
Graves: I disagree Nigel, any opportunity to win!
Ranallo: Of course you do Corey…
Seeing Sabre start to sit up, Dunne runs over and lands a leaping stunner, snapping Sabre’s neck forward. He then springboards off the ropes and lands a Jericho-like Liontamer, which gets a quick 2 count from the referee. Not wanting to give Sabre a minute, Dunne kneels beside him, grabs a handful of Sabre’s hair and begins to unload with hard right hands to the head of Sabre as the referee begins a 5 count causing Dunne to stop, reset, and pounce back on Sabre.
Ranallo: Dunne’s got a handful of Zack Sabre’s hair!
Graves: Sabre’s hair is short Mauro, it’s barely a handful!
McGuinness: Ha ha.
Dunne seems unwilling to give Sabre even a moment to regain any strength, sitting him up, before driving his knee right in to his spine and putting him in to a chinlock. Dunne wrenches the hold causing Sabre to shout out in pain unable to get free. Releasing the hold, Dunne heads over to the corner and climbs the top rope where he waits for Sabre to pull himself closer in to position. This moment proves to be a poor choice for Dunne, who leaps off the ropes with a flying crossbody that is countered by a perfectly timed roundhouse kick to Dunne, much to the crowd’s approval.
Ranallo: What a kick right to the temple of Dunne!
McGuinness: Sabre caught him right in mid air!
Sabre is down on one knee trying to catch his breath while Dunne is not moving after that kick to the temple. Surveying the situation, the referee decides against a standing 10 count allowing Sabre to pull himself to his feet and head over to Dunne, who has also slowly started to stir as well. Pulling Dunne up to his feet, Sabre quickly takes him down again with a snap suplex. Trying to transition it in to an armbar, Dunne is able to scramble away and roll to the outside before the hold can be locked in.
Ranallo: Such great technical skill! Sabre almost transitioned that snap suplex in to a perfectly executed Jim Breaks Armbar!
Graves: Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades Mauro. The fact is, Dunne didn’t allow for it to happen.
McGuinness: That could have been fatal for Pete Dunne.
On the outside catching his breath, Dunne smacks himself in the face to psych himself up while Sabre taunts him to return to the ring. Slowly, Dunne climbs on to the apron, but with Sabre standing there waiting for him, Dunne opts to jump back down and look for another way in to the ring. The referee begins a 10 count while Dunne continues to pace around the outside of the ring. Getting impatient, Sabre rolls out of the ring, but seeing this as an opportunity, Dunne quickly slides back in. Sabre rolls back in the ring, but is met with stomps from Dunne who takes the opportunity to attack him while Sabre is defenseless. Dunne pulls Sabre to his feet and goes to whip him in to the ropes, but Sabre counters the whip sending Dunne against the ropes instead. On the rebound, Sabre bends over to flip Dunne, but the Bruiserweight stops short of Sabre and uses the momentum to set him up for a powerbomb, instead flipping over him in to a Canadian Destroyer ala Petey Williams.
McGuinness: A ode to your heritage Mauro.
Ranallo: A Canadian Destroyer by Pete Dunne!
Graves: On Canada Day!
Dunne pins Sabre, but ZSJ just manages to get a shoulder up before the 3 count and Dunne is now beside himself in frustration. As Sabre slowly begins to pull himself to his feet, Dunne heads over to the corner and begins to remove the turnbuckle which draws the ire of the referee, who threatens to disqualify Dunne if he uses the exposed turnbuckle post as a weapon in this match. Ignoring the referee, Dunne grabs Sabre and sends him head first in to the corner, but Sabre is able to get his foot up last second, stopping himself from going in to the exposed turnbuckle. Sabre then uses that leg to push out of the corner and turns that in to a bulldog that plants Dunne hard. Sabre covers Dunne, but the Bruiserweight kicks up before the 3 count.
McGuinness: Pete Dunn will not win this match if he can’t control his temper. He was willing to get himself disqualified.
Graves: You don’t want to lose the first match in the best of 7 series, any momentum in these things carries a long way.
Frustrated, Sabre has a word with the referee about the accuracy of that last count as Dunne uses the ropes to slowly pull himself up to his feet. With Dunne now up, Sabre throws a kick to the gut of Dunne, but Dunne blocks it by catching Sabre’s leg. Sabre however is quick to react, pulling his leg back with such force it send Dunne in to Sabre who flips him in to the Jim Breaks Special, but Dunne is able to immediately grab the ropes breaking the submission hold before it could even be properly executed.
Ranallo: Sabre finally got that Jim Breaks locked in, but Dunne had enough whit’s in him to grab that rope right away.
Dunne holds on to the ropes desperately as a smirking ZSJ mention with his fingers how close he was to taking match #1. Dunne gets back up to his feet and spits out his mouth guard. He charges at Sabre, using his shoulder to guide Sabre back first in to the exposed corner. Dunne steps aside as Sabre falls forward holding his back in pain signaling for the finish, Dunne picks up Sabre and goes for the Bitter End, but Sabre pushes Dunne forward who hits his head on the exposed turnbuckle. Sabre then spins Dunne around who falls forward in to Sabre and his planted with a Sabre Driver for the 1, 2, 3!
McGuinness: There it is, Zack Sabre, Jr. takes the first match in this series.
Ranallo: Sabre now leads this series 1-0.
Graves: That fine folks, Pete Dunne will win the next 4 matches in a row, mark my words gentlemen!
Winner: Zack Sabre, Jr.
We head backstage to Eric Bischoff who was watching that last match in his office and by the look on his face, he is clearly impressed with what he just saw. Bischoff pics up his phone and begins to text when the door to his office flies open and in storms Seth Rollins who is still visibly limping but full of rage none the less.
Rollins: Was this your idea? This was all a part of your master plan huh! You let Triple H take me out so you basically hand him my spot in the RoH Championship match? That’s my spot!
*Rollins backs a surprised Bischoff in to the wall*
I want Triple H and I want him tonight! You take him out of that match or I’m going to take him out myself!
Bischoff: What the hell are you talking about? Seth I had nothing to do you’re your attack and neither did Triple H! Hunter wasn’t even in the area two weeks ago and you can check the security tapes to prove it! Seth, I don’t know who attacked you and I’m sorry it happened, but the reason Triple H is in the RoH Championship match is because the doctors said you couldn’t be!
Rollins: That’s bullshit Eric! I’m here! I’m standing on my own two feet, and I’m going do to Triple H what I know he did to me! I don’t care if it’s with or without your blessing Bischoff, nothing is going to stop me from giving Triple H exactly what he deserves tonight.
A bunch of security guards enter the room and try to get in between Bischoff and Rollins, but Bischoff signals for them to back off. He fixes his suit jacket and takes a step forward, forcing Rollins to take a step back.
Bischoff: Seth I’m telling you, Triple H had absolutely nothing to do your attack, but clearly there’s no changing your mind. How’s your knee?
Rollins: My knee is fine! It’s not going to stop me from tearing Hunter limb for limb!
Bischoff: Well then, since you’re going to go out there and ruin my Main Event anyways, you’re back in the match! Just know, if anything happens to you out there, I’m not being held responsible.
*Rollins laughs*
Rollins: Good, because I wasn’t giving you a choice.
Rollins pushes his way passed the security guards and leaves Bischoff’s office. Once Rollins leaves, Bischoff takes a look around at the security guards who are all still standing there.
Bischoff: What are you looking at? Get the hell out of here, all of you!
The Young Bucks © vs. The Hardyz
RoH Tag Team Championship
(To try and keep from confusing everyone, Jeff Hardy will be referred to as “Jeff”, Matt Hardy as “Hardy” and the Bucks as “Matt” and “Nick”. In any other cases, I’ll use their full names.)
Matt Hardy and Nick Jackson start off this match as the bell rings to signify the start of tonight’s 2nd title bout. The two superstars begin to pace around the ring (well, Hardy paces, Nick skips) getting a feel for each other’s movements before Hardy makes the first move. Hardy moves in and locks up with Nick, transitioning in to the headlock as he begins to walk Nick around the ring shouting out "WONDERFUL!” before dropping down and flipping Nick over top of him to the mat. Nick quickly gets to his feet and the two superstars lock up again, but this time it’s Nick who gets the upper hand, backing Matt Hardy in to the corner. Nick pushes his forearm across Hardy’s face before simply backing up and giving Hardy the DX inspired “Suck It!”. This doesn’t sit well with Hardy though, who levels Nick with a hard right hand and responds with a ”DELETE!” taunt of his own
Ranallo: Something tells me this is going to be one hell of a match.
Graves: That was a sucker punch Mauro!
McGuinness: Two very similar styles, two completely different mentalities.
Once Nick gets back to his feet, they tie up a third time. Hardy with an armbreaker followed by a wrist lock as he walks Matt over to the corner so Hardy can make the tag to his brother Jeff, who heads right up to the top rope and comes down on Nick’s exposed arm with a double axe handle smash. Jeff continues to wrench on the arm of Nick Jackson with elbows and armlocks before making another quick tag to bring his brother back in. The Hardyz send Nick in to the ropes and take him down with a double elbow smash before dropping stereo elbows on him as the referee steps in telling Jeff to go back to his corner, but in runs Matt who is not happy with seeing his brother take so much abuse early on. Matt charges at Jeff, who sweeps the legs taking Matt down and proceeds to preforms a standing leg drop to the groin on Matt Jackson while Matt Hardy comes off the ropes in hits a leg drop on Matt’s neck in sync with his brother’s attack.
Graves: Get Jeff Hardy out of the ring! He’s not the legal man anymore!
McGuinness: Neither is Matt Jackson, but he’s finding that out the hard way.
As Matt Jackson rolls out of the ring, his brother Nick has gotten back up to his feet, but Hardy sends him hard in to the corner and motions over to his brother Jeff, who gets in position in the opposite corner. On Hardy’s command, Matt Hardy drop down to his knees and Jeff comes charging in, using his brother as a launch pad to hit Nick with the Willow of the Wisp. Hardy covers Nick as Jeff leaves the ring, but Nick Jackson kicks up at 2. Nick gets up looking for a tag, but his brother is still down on the outside, leaving him vulnerable for more Hardy punishment.
Ranallo: Nick Jackson has no one to tag at the moment.
Graves: Thanks to those cheating Hardy Boyz!
Matt Hardy grabs Nick by the head and takes him down to the ground with his second headlock of the night, wrenching as hard as he can as Nick struggles to find a way out of the hold. Nick is eventually able to pull himself to his feet and tries to elbow Matt Hardy in the gut, but Hardy sees it coming and breaks the hold, stepping away from the attack before hitting Nick with two hard shots and whipping him back in to the corner. Hardy charges at Nick, but Nick is able to get an elbow up at the last second that sends Hardy staggering back and lets Nick connect with a beautiful Superkick to the face of Hardy.
Graves: Superkick!
McGuinness: One of I’m sure many in this match. It is one of the most used maneuvers in the Young Buck’s arsenal.
At this moment, Matt Jackson has rolled back in to the ring and catches an unsuspecting Jeff Hardy with a Superkick of his own, knocking him off the apron. Nick pins Hardy but much to the crowd’s excitement, is only able to get a two count. Nick picks up Hardy and throws him in to the corner where he begins to unload with punches and kicks of his own, as Matt Jackson holds Hardy in the corner before finally getting tagged in by his brother.
Ranallo: The Young Bucks now seem to be in control of this match, thanks in no small part to some double teaming here.
Graves: You mean just like the Hardyz earlier?
Hardy staggers away from The Bucks and tries to tag in Jeff, not realising that Jeff has been taken out with an earlier Superkick as well. Hardy then turns around right in to a running high knee from Matt who begins to taunt Jeff from inside the ring before turning his attention back to Hardy, stomping him multiple times as Hardy tries desperately to roll away but to no avail. Matt then picks Hardy up and tosses him in to the corner, tagging his brother Nick back in to the match. Matt heads to the far side of the apron, and Nick takes a couple steps back before the both charge towards Hardy. In a split second decision, Hardy collapses to the mat and allows Nick to run with in to a corner enziguiri from Matt! Seeing the mistake he just made, Matt quickly tags himself back in to the match and hopes over the ropes, but as this is happening, Hardy has made it to his own corner and tagged in his brother Jeff who was back up on the apron.
McGuinness: The wasn’t a part of the Buck’s plans.
Ranallo: Jeff Hardy is up, and he’s just been tagged in.
Graves: Great, the paint drinking freak!
Jeff rushes in to the ring and attacks Nick with a barrage of rights and lefts before hitting the ropes and coming back with a flying cross body. Jeff then takes a step back and catches a seated Nick Jackson with a dropkick to the face, pinning him but only getting a 2 count. Nick scurries towards his brother trying to make a tag, but Jeff grabs his legs and pulls him back to the middle of the ring before leaping over Nick’s body and dropping a leg on his neck. Jeff then tags in his brother who enters the ring and heads towards Nick, but not wanting to see his bother get punished again, Matt hops back in the right and tries to catch Hardy with another Superkick, but Hardy grabs Matt’s leg and starts to bite it, causing Matt Jackson scream out in pain as the referee tries to pull the two of them apart.
Graves: You can’t bite in a wrestling match, that has to be a disqualification!
McGuinness: Try telling that to Abdullah the Butcher, Corey.
Once the referee finally gets Hardy off Matt’s leg like a rapid dog, the referee walks Matt back to the corner, which gives Nick the opportunity to hit Hardy with a low blow. Seeing this happen, Jeff rushes to get back in to the ring, but is cut off by the referee who is trying drastically to maintain some kind of order in this match. With the referee now tied up with Jeff, Matt gets back in the ring and The Young Bucks hit Hardy with a Twin Superkicks as he gets to his feet.
Graves: Superkick Party!
Ranallo: Jeff has accidentally allowed this to happen by distracting the referee, now Matt is in some serious trouble.
McGuinness: The price of being a good teammate sometimes lads.
Matt then rolls back out of the ring and Nick pins Hardy. The referee, who has finally got his attention back on the match, begins the count but it’s broken up by Jeff who launches himself off the top rope and on to Nick Jackson, breaking up the pin. Jeff seems so have tweaked something on his landing though as he is slow to get out of the ring, causing the referee to once again turn his attention away from the match, which allows Matt to sneak back in to the ring and put the boots to Hardy with his brother. This time though, the referee isn’t distracted long and catches The Bucks in action, rushing over to force Matt out of the ring while Nick pleads his case to the referee. After receiving quite the scolding from a visibly frustrated referee, Nick turns his attention back over to Matt Hardy who is not only back on his feet, but ready for Nick, hitting him with the Twist of Fate.
Ranallo: Matt Hardy with the Twist of Fate!
McGuinness: How the tides of turned.
Hardy doesn’t pin Nick though, instead he stumbles over to his corner and tags in Jeff who is chomping at the bit to be let in to the ring. Once the tag is made, Jeff climbs up to the top rope, looking down at Nick Jackson, he leads the crowd in another ”DELETE!” chant before launching himself off the ropes and hitting the Swanton Bomb.
DELETE! DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!
McGuinness: Swanton!
Graves: Get in there Matt!
Jeff covers Nick, while Matt Hardy stands at his side to make sure Matt Jackson can’t break up the pin as the referee begins the count.
1……………………..
2……………………..
Ranallo: New champions!
NOOOOOOOO! Just as it looked like it was all over, Nick somehow manages to get his foot on the rope at the last second, breaking up the count. The Hardyz can’t believe it, Matt Jackson on the other hand looks white as a ghost standing in his corner. The Hardyz begin discussion their next move as Nick slowly begins to stir. Jeff tags out to his brother but instead of heading to the apron, he goes to the outside and begins to search under the ring, before finally pulling out a 40” ladder from under the ring causing the crowd to go wild.
Graves: What’s this idiot doing?
McGuinness: As a former colleague of mine used to say, business is about to pick up!
Seeing what is unfolding before his eyes, Hardy lets out a thunderous ”WONDERFUL!” along with the crowd. Nick at this point has made it to his corner, but isn’t able to make the tag, as Matt Jackson doesn’t seem to be there. The camera pans over to Jeff who is setting up the ladder, when Matt ambushes him from behind. The two begin to trade blows on the outside, as the referee shouts for them to return to their corners or he’s going to call off the match.
Ranallo: We’ve got a brawl on the outside here in front of a 40’ ladder!
McGuinness: I’ve got a feeling that someone is going hurt really bad here.
Back inside the ring, Nick tries to catch Hardy off guard with another Superkick, but Hardy catches his foot again. This time instead of biting it like he did to his brother, Matt pushes Nick over and drops an elbow right in to his knee, transitioning in to a hell hook. We pan back to the action on the outside, where Matt has Jeff leaning against the ladder and charges at him, but Jeff moves out of the way causing Matt to crash face first in to the ladder. Staggering back, Jeff hits the Twist of Fate on Matt. The camera then zooms in close on Jeff’s face as his eyes begin to move up the ladder. Jeff clears off the Spanish announce desk and rolls Matt Jackson on to the table.
Ranallo: Jeff Hardy has something on his mind!
Graves: Yeah, killing himself.
McGuinness: He’s going up!
He then slowly begins to climb up to the top of the ladder as all the attention is now off the match and on outside. Once at the top of the ladder, Jeff sets himself up, taunts to the crowd before launching himself off the ladder for a Swanton Bomb, but Matt Jackson, who has started to come to, rolls off the table causing Jeff to crash through the announce table himself.
Ranallo: Jeff Hardy just put himself through the Spanish announce table!
Graves: He’s dead!
McGuinness: We need help out here!
The referee motions for EMTs to get down to the ring and check on Jeff Hardy, but does not call off the match as neither man on the outside are the legal men. Momentarily distracted by his brother’s accident, Matt Hardy turns his attention back to the match, grabbing Nick and planting him to the mat with an Ice Pick. Hardy then climbs the top rope, setting up for a leg drop to hopefully end the match. Hardy taunts the crowd, but this moment proves to be his downfall, as Matt Jackson quickly hops up on the apron, and catches the side of Hardy’s head with a Superkick sending Hardy tumbling down to the mat. With Hardy down, Matt stays on the apron, screaming at Nick to hurry up to his feet. Once on his feet, Nick picks up Hardy and holds him in the tombstone position, allowing for his brother to slingshot over the ropes and execute the Meltzer Driver.
Ranallo: What a slingshot piledriver!
Graves: That’s the Meltzer Driver Mauro! With no Jeff Hardy, this match has to be over.
Matt then rolls back out of the ring as Nick covers Hardy.
1………………………
2…………………………
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Young Bucks have beaten The Hardyz to retain their RoH Tag Titles. Battered and bruised, The Bucks elect to celebrate their win while heading up the ramp instead of in the ring as both Hardyz are still down after what had to be an unbeatable matchup.
Graves: Yes! What a match! The Young Buck retain their Tag Team Championships! Those part timer Hardyz can go back to their compound now!
McGuinness: It’s going to be hard to top that matchup lads.
Ranallo: At least The Bullet Club won this match fair and square.
Winner: The Young Bucks by pinfall.
(We get another video package before the main event. This once hyping all the events leading up to this moment. Bischoff’s introduction, Ellsworth’s announcement, Nakamura vs. Sabre, Balor vs. Bennett, Robert’s incredibly lucky journey to the main event, the inclusion of Lesnar, Rollins’ attacked & HHH winning the Battle Royal. These events all lead up to this moment.)
Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins vs. Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Greg Roberts vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
RoH World Heavyweight Championship
When we return from the video package, Greg Roberts is already in the ring trying desperately to pump himself up for what surely will be a very painful night.
Seth Rollins is the last man out and he makes a B-line to the ring going right after Triple H. Rollins backs The Game in to the corner and begins to hammer on him with hard right hands. Triple H tries to cover up, but Rollins continues to squeak in a number of hard shots causing Nakamura and Balor to rush in and get in between the two stars, so that the referee can start the match.
Ranallo: Here we go!
Graves: This match hasn’t even started yet and Seth Rollins is already out of control!
McGuinness: There’s no love lost here between these two.
Balor backs up Rollins yelling at him to ”Calm down!” while Nakamura stands in front of Triple H. As the chaos seems to settle down, Triple H sees his moments and pushes passed Nakamura, jumping on Rollins and beginning to throws strikes of his own in retaliation. While this is going on, Greg Roberts has cowered behind Brock Lesnar who is just calmly watching this all unfold. Lesnar glances behind him to see Roberts, and snarls at him causing Greg to back as far away from The Beast as possible.
Graves: Do us all a favour and crush him now rock, please!
McGuinness: Oh boy.
While this is going on, Nakamura and Balor have once again pulled Triple H and Rollins apart long enough for the referee to finally ring the bell and start this match.
Ranallo: We are officially underway!
At the sound of the bell, Rollins and Triple H go right back at it leaving Balor and Nakamura to turn their attention to an eagerly awaiting Brock Lesnar. Before anything can happen, Greg Roberts runs in between the three superstars and begins to psych up Nakamura and Balor, who just stare blankly at him. Fearing for his safety, Roberts takes a step back and bumps right in to Brock Lesnar. Turning around slowly, Roberts stares Lesnar right in the eyes before Lesnar picks him up and destroys him with an F-5 that sends the crowd in to a frenzy.
Ranallo: A devastating F-5 by Brock Lesnar!
Graves: That’s what I like to see!
McGuinness: Well I guess this is now back to being a Fatal 5-Way.
Finn and Shinsuke take one more look at each other before they each rush towards Lesnar, but The Beast is more than ready. He grabs Balor and hits a Belly-to-belly suplex before tossing the incoming Nakamura to the corner, where he begins to ram his shoulder in to the ribs of Shinsuke. Turning his attention back to Balor, Lesnar grabs him and hits a German Suplex, then Nakamura gets a German suplex for his troubles as well. Over at the other side of the ring, Rollins has Triple H backed in to the corner again, but The Game is able to wrestle his way in to dominate position and hit Rollins with hard shots to the ribs before taking an opportunity to kick Seth right in his injured knee. The Game then grabs Rollins’ leg and sets it up on the ropes before driving his own knee right in to Rollins’ knee again. In serious pain, Rollins falls out of the corner, and rolls out of the ring holding his knee. With his Rollins problem temporarily solved, Triple H turns his attention over to the rest of the superstars in the match, turning face to face with the only other man standing in the ring, Brock Lesnar.
Ranallo: Triple H working that knee of Seth Rollins which was injured during a sneak attack two weeks ago on RoH TV!
Graves: Forget about Seth Rollins, things are about to pick up here!
The Game and The Beast size each other up in the middle of the ring as the excitement in the crowd grows. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife as both superstars begin to jaw with each other trying to convince the other to take the first swing. Eventually, Triple H throws a hard right hand which Lesnar returns with a right of his own. Punch after punch, these two slug it out in the centre of the ring much to the crowd’s approval, until Lesnar shoots in on Triple H, taking him down with a double leg where he begins to pound on The Game in mount position with numerous heavy blows.
Ranallo: The former UFC champion using his mixed martial arts background to take control.
McGuinness: That’s right up your alley Mauro.
Trying to gain an advantage, Nakamura plays Triple H’s saviour by running at Lesnar with a Kinshasa, but Lesnar is able to move out of the way, and sends Nakamura crashing to the mat with another German suplex. Seeing an opportunity to strike, Balor charges towards an unsuspecting Lesnar and dropkicks him right in the back, knocking The Beast head first in to the middle turnbuckle post and stunning him. Triple H and Lesnar, both down on opposite ends of the ring, both elect to roll to the outside to catch a breather. Balor turns around and sees Nakamura standing in the other corner. Smiles as wide as a 4 lane highway appear on the faces of both men as they meet each other in the middle of the ring.
Ranallo: You want to talk about business picking up Corey, this is what RoH is all about!
Graves: The number 2 and number 3 picks for RoH in the draft alone in the ring!
McGuinness: These two have had quite the past in Japan, I can only imagine this being the start of something new here tonight lads!
Balor and Shinsuke shake hands before locking up. Balor muscles Shinsuke in to the corner, but Shinsuke easily ducks under a forearm strike by Balor that follows. Balor turns around and tries to grab Nakamura, but Shinsuke hip tosses him and begins to strut around the ring like only he can. Not frustrated at all, Balor raises up to his feet smiling, which returns a smile from Nakamura as well. They tie up again, Arm wrench by Balor. Nakamura flips out of it and puts Balor in a headlock. Balor turns the headlock in to a back suplex, but Nakamura catches him on the ground with head scissors. Balor flips out and drops an elbow, but Nakamura rolls out of the way. Big boot from Nakamura, but Balor ducks, and sends Nakamura in to the ropes. Leap frog over Balor by Nakamura who grabs on for a Tiger Suplex that is countered by Balor in to a DDT, only to be countered by Nakamura in to a suplex, which is countered by Balor in to a Reverse STO, which is then countered by Nakamura who drops down and rolls up Balor for a 2 count. A PURE WRESTLING CLINIC that has the crowd on their feet!
THE IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
Ranallo: Can you believe what we are seeing here in the right!
Graves: I’m speechless Mauro. The crowd can’t believe it either!
McGuinness: Simply incredible.
With smiles still on their faces, Nakamura and Balor both bow to each other, signaling to their long history in Japan. The fun is soon broken up though as Lesnar has regained his composure and so has Triple H, as the two swoop in and begin to attack. Lesnar has Balor and HHH goes for Nakamura, as the two big heavyweights beat down on their smaller opponents until Seth Rollins, climbing to the top rope, dives off with a flying crossbody that takes down the other 4 members in the ring. At this moment, Greg Roberts who has only just recovered from an F-5, begins to pull himself up on to the apron, but Rollins has no time for him and shoves Roberts off the apron, causing him to crash to the outside again.
Ranallo: Rollins is now the only man standing, as the match has now turned in his favour!
Graves: Matches like this see changes of pace and momentum at a rather constant rate Mauro.
McGuinness: Poor Greg Roberts.
Looking around for someone to pin, Rollins laughs to himself as he realizes everyone is slowly starting to get to their feet, meaning he has wasted his opportunity. Rollins kicks Lesnar in the ribs, before stomping on Nakamura. He then knees Finn Balor in the head before turning in to a Spinebuster by Triple H.
Ranallo: Spinebuster by Triple H!
Graves: The Kings of Kings is ready to take control here!
The Game covers Rollins, but the pin is broken up by Lesnar, who grabs Triple H and goes for a German suplex. The Game manages elbows his way out of it though, turning around to Pedigree Lesnar, but Lesnar pushes Triple H back instead. Seeing Rollins charging towards him, Lesnar side steps and grabs Rollins, using his momentum to spear Rollins in to the stomach of Triple H, sending them both crashing through the middle rope to the outside.
McGuinness: Brock Lesnar’s strength is simply incredible! He just used Seth Rollins’ body as a human torpedo!
Graves: He’s definitely my pick to win it all tonight!
Balor attacks Lesnar from behind again, sending him forward in to Nakamura, who catches him with an elbow to the side of the head. Lesnar takes a step back and Balor is there waiting for him, jumping off the top rope and taking down Lesnar with a diving neckbreaker. On the outside of the ring, Triple H is growing incredibly frustrated with Rollins constantly getting in his way. Triple H shoves him yelling ”I didn’t attack you Seth! Leave me the hell alone!” which is just met with a hard right from Rollins, who then sends Triple H crashing in to the steel steps. Rollins takes a step back and runs towards Triple H, intent of kneeing his head in to the steps, but Triple H moves sending Rollins crashing bad knee first in to the steel steps instead. Seeing his moment to rid himself of Rollins for good, Triple H drags Seth up on to the steps and attempts to Pedigree him on them, but Rollins is able to flip Triple H over him, sending him crashing hard on the floor outside. Rollins then picks Triple H up and sends him crashing face first in to the ring post, as The Game seems to have been knocked out. Rollins takes a minute to slump against the ring steps, holding on to his injured knee which seems to be giving him a lot of trouble.
Ranallo: Rollins seems to have temporarily taken Triple H out of this match!
Graves: At what cost though Mauro? It appears Rollins may have done some serious damage to that knee in the process.
McGuinness: His night definitely could be over as well if that injury gets any worse.
Joining the action back inside the ring, Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura have turned this in to a handicap match, as the two superstars work together trying desperately to wear down Brock Lesnar. Nakamura kicks out Brock’s knee, causing the Beast to fall over and Balor plants him with a DDT. As Lesnar slowly starts to get to his feet, Nakamura sets himself up in the corner, signaling to the crowd his intent to hit the Kinshasa on Lesnar. As Shinsuke charges towards Brock, Lesnar side steps the attack, and Nakamura connects with a Kinshasa on Balor.
Graves: KINSHASA!
McGuinness: That wasn’t Nakamura’s intended target.
That wasn’t Nakamura’s plan, but considering it’s really every man for themselves, he’ll take it. Before Shinsuke can try to pin Balor though, Lesnar spins him around and hits the F-5.
Ranallo: F-5 on Nakamura!
Graves: I told you!
McGuinness: Lesnar has Nakamura down, and there is no one around to stop him!
Seeing he is the only man left in the ring, Lesnar takes a moment to lets the crowd’s boos soak in before dropping to his knees to pin Nakamura.
1…………………..
2…………………
Ranallo: Our first RoH World Champion, Brock Lesnar.
Graves: Doesn’t it just sound great!
McGuinness: Something tells me it’s going to be a very very long reign.
NOOOOOOOO!
Rollins dives in to the ring and breaks up the pin at the last second, saving the match by a hair. As Lesnar starts to raise up to his feet, Rollins is ready for him and charges in, catching Lesnar off guard with a Curb Stomp.
Graves: No! Come on!
Ranallo: Seth Rollins with the Curb Stomp! A move that was seemingly banned until recently, and The Beast is down!
McGuinness: He was Ring of Honor’s number 1 pick for a reason.
Wasting no time, Rollins quickly pins Lesnar who is completely unconscious.
1………………….
2…………………………..
GREG ROBERTS BREAKS UP THE PIN!
Ranallo: CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!
Graves: HE’S STILL ALIVE?
McGuinness: For a moment I forgot he was even in this match!
Rollins can’t believe it! He had the RoH Championship firmly in his grasp, and Roberts breaks it up. Enraged, Rollins gets right in to the face of the cowering Roberts, who tries to talk himself out of the situation, but it’s of no use as Rollins grabs Greg by the wrist, and pulls him in to a Kingslayer.
Graves: Seth Rollins is angry, and rightfully so! The man who has no place in this match has just cost him the RoH World Championship!
McGuinness: I think I just saw a tooth fly out of his mouth after that move.
Balor has started to stir and Nakamura is slowly moving around as well, but Lesnar is still unconscious. Needing to act fast, Rollins turns to pin Lesnar again, but this time he turns face to face with a scowling Triple H, who kicks Rollins in the stomach and Pedigrees him.
Ranallo: Pedigree!
Graves: He’s back up!
Triple H isn’t able to go for a pin though, as Finn Balor is now steadily back on his feet and staring at him. The Game and the Demon stare each other down before Triple motions for Balor to bring it and the two superstars begin to brawl. Triple H catches Balor with a knee to the stomach, trying for another quick Pedigree, but Balor is able to push Triple H back in to the corner. Running forward, Finn hits a double stomp to the chest of The Game which causes him to stumble forward trying to catch his breath. Balor uses this opportunity to grab a hold of The Game and hit the 1916.
Balor then looks around the ring, seeing only Nakamura stirring, he pulls himself to the top rope, lining Triple H up for the Coup de Grace.
Ranallo: Balor is thinking is time to end this match.
Graves: A Coup de Grace before anyone can get back up to their feet!
McGuinness: He’ll need to act fast, Nakamura is almost up on his feet as well!
Seemingly coming from the crowd, Mike Bennett hops up on to the apron and pushes Balor off the top rope, sending him crashing down to the mat. Bennett pushes the bodies of Seth Rollins and Triple H out of the ring to clear some room for him to move, and nails Balor with the Miracle in Progress.
Ranallo: Mike Bennett? What the hell is he doing here?
Graves: Bennett was the first superstar eliminated from contending in this match when he was beaten by Finn Balor nearly a month ago!
McGuinness: It seems like he hasn’t forgotten about that.
With the damage done and the boos raining down from the crowd, a laughing Bennett exits the ring and heads up the ramp to the backstage arena visibly happy with what he has just done. Rollins and Triple H are still down on the outside, Balor is out thanks to that attack from Mike Bennett, and both Nakamura and Lesnar are still struggling to get to their feet. There is however, one man who is now up and standing alone amongst the bodies, Greg Roberts! Roberts’ eyes light up like a Christmas tree, his moment is finally here and the boyhood dream has come true. Roberts pins Finn Balor.
1……………………………
Graves: This is absolutely ridiculous!
2………………………………
Ranallo: This can’t really be happening!
Graves: We’ve just gone out of business!
McGuinness: Well it was fun while it lasted lads.
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Lesnar grabs Roberts by the tights with one hand, and lifts him right off of Finn Balor to break up the pin. Using his unheralded strength, Lesnar tosses Roberts over his shoulder and F-5’s him.
Ranallo: LESNAR BREAKS UP THE PIN!
Graves: YES! THANK YOU BROCK!
McGuinness: It looked like you were about to slide in there and break up the pin yourself if Lesnar didn’t Corey.
Sitting up, Lesnar begins to laugh. That smile though is wiped right off his face, as Nakamura is up and was waiting. Lesnar has lined himself up in the perfect position and Nakamura connects with a perfectly timed Kinshasa.
Graves: KINSHASA!
Nakamura collapses on to Brock Lesnar as the referee slides in to position to make the count.
1…………………………..
2………………………………..
3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DING! DING! DING!
Ranallo: He’s done it! Shinsuke Nakamura has won the RoH World Championship!
McGuinness: The first RoH Champion of the new era!
Graves: Brock was so close…
Nakamura poses with his newly won RoH World Heavyweight Championship as Eric Bischoff and James Ellsworth head out to the top of the stage to applaud the new champion. Confetti explodes from everywhere, and streamers begin to littler the ring as the crowd showers the new champion with their approval.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura by pinfall.
Ranallo: Well ladies and gentlemen, we now know who will be walking in to RoH this Wednesday as the World Heavyweight Champion!
McGuinness: A truly deserving champion Nakamura is, and the crowd definitely agrees.
Graves: I’m sure I know of someone who doesn’t, Brock Lesnar!
**END OF SHOW**