Ring of Honor television from this past week featured what was supposed to be Bullet Club vs. Los Ingobernables. However, it didn’t quite work out that way. Plus, Bobby Fish defended the TV title against NEVER champion Katsuyori Shibata.
Jay Lethal, Michael Elgin & Kyle O’Reilly defeated Adam Cole, Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi
(Photo: six-man dream match in ROH… or maybe not)
A six-man tag match announced last week began as Bullet Club vs. Jay Lethal, Tetsuya Naito & EVIL. As the match progressed, Adam Cole squared off with Lethal. Suddenly, Naito and EVIL both bailed on the match, leaving Lethal outnumbered as they left the scene.
Lethal was being pummeled when Michael Elgin came down to be a substitute tag partner for Lethal. Matchmaker Nigel McGuinness gave his blessing. In storyline, Elgin is the next challenger for Cole’s world title at the next pay-per-view.
After a hot tag, Elgin cleaned house on Bullet Club. As the Club cut off Elgin, Kyle O’Reilly stormed to the ring to volunteer as another substitute tag partner. O’Reilly ran wild after tagging in. He eventually squared off with his rival, Cole, as O’Reilly wants both revenge and a future title shot.
Despite being beaten down while being outnumbered earlier in the match, Lethal scored the deciding pinfall after hitting Takahashi with the Lethal Injection and covering him.
(Photo: the winners with their sights set on Adam Cole)
After the match, all three babyfaces glared at Cole. Each of the three has their own issues with him. Lethal is the former champion looking to regain his title, Elgin is the next challenger in line, and O’Reilly continues his blood feud with Cole.
Later in the show, Lethal demanded a match against Naito for his treachery in bailing on him. McGuinness granted him a match at the next PPV. He also reminded Lethal of the last time Lethal “begged for a match,” referring to Lethal losing the title to Cole after their feud became personal.
ROH World Television Champion Bobby Fish defeated Katsuyori Shibata to retain his title
They exchanged kicks and strikes early on. As the match unfolded, Fish began to work a leg. Prince Nana came down to ringside during the match. Nana provided guest commentary as he supposedly was scouting for Donovan Dijak, who faces the winner at the next PPV.
Fish was working over Shibata when he fired up. Shibata began to pummel Fish. Shibata went for the penalty kick but Fish dodged the attempt and applied an ankle hook submission.
(Photo: stereo submission holds)
As Fish was applying a leglock, Shibata countered with one of his own. Both had each other locked in submission holds.
The pace quickened in the closing moments as they exchanged strikes and suplexes. Shibata went for an armbar but Fish fought to counter. Then, Shibata went for a triangle choke and Fish countered by bridging into a cover and pinned him.
Dijak walked out on the stage to stare at Fish. Shibata also indicated that he wanted a rematch.
In other news, McGuinness announced the suspension of Steve Corino is over and he will return to commentary on the next episode.
Also on the next episode that begins airing in syndication this weekend, it’s Kazuchika Okada & Roppongi Vice vs. Kamaitachi & The Addiction.