ROH: New Beginnings

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Just Juice

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@Roy Mustang with 4 correct, pipped @Stojy by 3 in predictions. Roy feel free to DM me to names and I will do my best to involved them in the project in the future.
 
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The day after Glory By Honor a short press conference would take place featuring Jeff Jarret and Simon Diamond (Head of Talent Relations). It would be confirmed that there would be two more live events to finish out the year with both of them taking place in Pittsburgh at the Printscape Arena. The first being 'Champions Extravaganza' in November and then 'Final Battle' in December.

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

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The major news revealed by Jeff Jarrett would be that Ring of Honor had secured a one hour weekly time slot on Spike TV (rebranded from The Nashville Network TNN) on a Thursday Night with the show to be branded as
'Honor 101'. It would be confirmed that episodes would be filmed ahead of time in four hour filming blocks at monthly live shows exclusively filmed at the Murphy Recreation Center (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) that was going to be repackaged as 'The 101'. And that the first episodes would air in January of the new year. Jarrett would add that moving forward Ring of Honor was looking to work towards a five pay per view per year schedule with events planned for February, April, July, October & December.
 
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ROH is moving fast in this timeline, cool. The three matches announced for champions extravaganza sound good so far. Expect Danger and Killings to retain, and Kojima to do the job and do the job for Low Ki before moving on.

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

Looking forward to what's next.
 
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Gambit

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

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

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

Winner: Jerry Lynn via Disqualification

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

* * *

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


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

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

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

* * *


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

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

Winners: True Struggle (Eddie Kingston & BLK Jeez)

* * *


Match Four – ROH Women’s Championship
| Allison Danger (c) vs. Mercedes Martinez |

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

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

Winner: Mercedes Martinez

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

* * *


Match Five – Tag Team Match
| Silver King & Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. AJ Styles & Bryan Danielson |

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

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

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

Winner: AJ Styles & Bryan Danielson

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

* * *


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

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

Winner: Low Ki

After the bell, the exhausted Ki struggled to his feet as the crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Kojima, ever the proud competitor, slowly rose, approached the young star, and extended his hand. The two shook hands to a roar from the fans, sealing the moment as one of mutual respect. Low Ki stood tall, sweat pouring down his face, bowing to the crowd as the show faded out not just as a winner, but as a man who had proven he belonged among ROH’s very best.
 
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Ring of Honor returns to the Printscape Arena in Pittsburgh for the final event of the year 'Final Battle' before the promotion changes his scheduling and begins to offer weekly recorded episodic on Spike TV. Two massive matches will feature to round off the year. The first will be the first ever Ladder Match in Ring of Honor, with a contact to challenge for the ROH World Championship suspended above the ring granting the winner a shot at the belt on the first ever episode of 'Honor 101'. The four men given this opportunity are Bryan Danielson, Samoa Joe and Paul London and Shinya Hashimoto. The first three have shown themselves as pillars of the company, whilst Hashimoto returns to the ROH having recently lost the NWA World Heavyweight Champion at a recent Major League Wrestling Event. It is unclear whether Hashimoto returns means he is committing himself long-term or whether this will be another short excursion for the Japanese star.

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

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

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- Match One – Singles Match -
| Daizee Haze vs. MsChif |

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

Winner: MsChif

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

* * *


- Match Two - Scramble Match -
| Jay Lethal vs. Homicide vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Jay Briscoe vs. Eddie Kingston vs. Shane Helms vs. Little Guido vs. Amazing Red |

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

Winner: Little Guido

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

* * *


- Match Three - Singles Match
| Steve Corino vs. Sean Waltman |

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

Winner: Sean Waltman

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

* * *


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

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

Winner: Eddie Guerrero

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

* * *


- Match Five - Best of Five Series -
| AJ Styles vs. Jerry Lynn |

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

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

Winner: Jerry Lynn (leads series 1–0)

* * *


- Match Six - Tag Team Match -
| Alison Danger & Sara Del Rey vs. Mercedes Martinez & Alexis Laree |

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

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

Winner: Sara Del Rey & Alison Danger

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

* * *


- Match Seven - Six-Man Tag Team Match -
| Ronn Killings, Doug Williams & Sterling James Keenan vs. Triple X (Low Ki, Elix Skipper & Christopher Daniels |

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

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

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

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

* * *


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

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

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

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

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

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

Male Talent
Andy Douglas | AJ Styles | Amazing Red | BG James | BLK Jeez | Bryan Danielson | Charlie Haas | Chase Stevens | Christopher Daniels | Doug Williams | Eddie Kingston | Elix Skipper | Hirooki Goto | Homicide | James Storm | Jay Briscoe | Jay Lethal | Jerry Lynn | Konnan | Little Guido | Low Ki | Mikey Whipwreck | Minoru Suzuki | Monty Brown | Paul London | Petey Williams | Ronn Killings | Samoa Joe | Sean Waltman | Shane Douglas | Shane Helms | Sterling James Keenan | Steve Corino | Tony Mamaluke
Female Talent
Alexis Laree | Alison Danger | Daizee Haze | Jackie Gayda | Mercedes Martinez | MsChif | Rochelle Loewen | Rumi Kazama | Sara Del Rey | Trinity
 

Just Juice

He/Him
Joined
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85,378
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Points
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Episode One

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

* * *


- Match One - ROH World Championship -
| Ronn Killings (c) vs. Paul London |

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

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

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

* * *

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

* * *

- Match Two – Tag Team Match -
| The Naturals (Andy Douglas & Chase Stevens) vs. Shane Helms & Amazing Red |

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

Winner: Shane Helms & Amazing Red

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

* * *

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


- Match Three - Pure Rules Match -
| Bryan Danielson vs. Petey Williams |

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

Winner: Bryan Danielson

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

* * *

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

* * *


- Main Event - Tag Team Match -
| BG James & Sean Waltman vs. Steve Corino & Shane Douglas |

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

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

Winner: BG James & Sean Waltman

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