Ring of Honor & New Japan Pro Wrestling “Global Wars” iPPV
May 10, 2014
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Ted Reeve Arena)
Commentators: Kevin Kelly, Steve Corino
Recap by: Jason Namako of Wrestleview.com
We see a video package on the ROH World Title match tonight between Adam Cole vs. Kevin Steen.
We see an intro to the show highlighting the stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Kevin Kelly & Steve Corino welcome us to the show and talk about the World Title match tonight. We go to the opening match.
Michael Bennett w/”The First Lady of ROH” Maria Kanellis vs. “The Last Hero” ACH
Good reaction for ACH. Bennett does not adhere to the Code of Honor. Bennett piefaces ACH early, but ACH with a leg kick to the left knee of Bennett, that is bandaged. Another leg kick backs Bennett into the corner. Commentary mentions talking to Jim Ross earlier in the day. Bennett with a right hand, but ACH with a dropkick to the knee for a nearfall. ACH with elbow drops to the bandaged leg of Bennett. Bennett kicks him off, but ACH sidesteps a back body drop. Maria grabs ACH’s foot, but ACH sends Bennett to the outside. Bennett avoids a dive, ACH misses a clothesline and almost hits Maria. This allows Bennett to hit a SPINEBUSTER ON THE OUTSIDE!!
Maria joins commentary and says that ACH should know not to go after Bennett’s knee. Back in, Bennett gains a nearfall. Commentary mentions that Bennett suffered a dislocated knee last year and never got surgery for it. Bennett sends ACH hard into the corner, with ACH bouncing down to the mat. ACH blocks the Box Office Smash with elbows and goes back to the leg with kicks. Bennett this time hits the Box Office Smash, but only for a nearfall. Bennett is still limping on that leg. Bennett goes for the Twist of Fate, but ACH slips out. ACH slips out of the Photo Finish and hits more kicks to the injured leg.
Dragon Screw, then a leg kick while Bennett’s leg was trapped in the ropes. Enziguri to the back of Bennett’s head from the apron, then a double stomp off the top to the injured leg in the corner for a nearfall. Commentary mentions that ACH listened to what Jimmy Jacobs said about him in a recent match, saying ACH only does high-flying moves and is now more focused on working over body parts. Maria hops up on the apron and shrieks at the ref. ACH goes on the apron with Maria, then sees Bennett coming on the apron and nails him with a right hand. Superkick by Bennett to ACH. Bennett goes to spear ACH, but he moves and BENNETT SPEARS MARIA!!! Maria is out on the outside as Bennett can’t believe what he has done. In the ring, ACH with a head of steam, AIR JORDAN TO BENNETT!!! Back in, ACH heads up top, but Bennett avoids a 450 Splash. Spear by Bennett, but ACH kicks out! ACH slips out of Go Back to Japan, roll-up for a nearfall. Front Kick by ACH and he heads back up top, but Bennett shoves the ref into the ropes, crotching ACH.
Running Dominator by Bennett for the win.
Winner: Michael Bennett by pinfall (Running Dominator)
Referees come out to check on Maria, who is still down on the outside. Bennett says afterward to the camera that there is no lengths he won’t go to beat Tanahashi next week at War of the Worlds. Bennett then carries Maria to the back.
THOUGHTS: Really good opener. Bennett continues to be vastly underrated and ACH worked a different style of match than we are used to seeing from him, changing up his game to do a lot of technical limb work and saving the high-flying til the end of the match. Very impressed. Finally, the Spear that Maria took on the apron was INSANE! Big ups to her for doing something she didn’t have to do. Great way to start off the show.
We see video from Supercard of Honor VIII when Michael Elgin defeated Kevin Steen to earn an IWGP Title shot at War of the Worlds.
Takaaki Watanabe vs. “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin
Big reaction for Elgin. Code of Honor before the bell. No one goes down off a shoulder tackle, then Elgin with a shoulder tackle. Watanabe with a big slam. Elgin with a big forearm, then catches Watanabe off a leapfrog and hits a powerslam for a nearfall. 30-second delayed suplex by Elgin for a nearfall. Crowd wants another delayed suplex. Elgin with a knee to the ribs and a big boot. Knees to the back, chinlock applied. Watanabe fights out and hits a jawbreaker. Watanabe charges, but Elgin hits ST-Joe. Elgin heads up top, but Watanabe avoids the corkscrew senton. Watanabe with a series of forearms and hits a neckbreaker-style clothesline. Elgin blocks a Saito with elbows, then hits an enziguri. Elgin goes to the middle rope and hits a Codebreaker. Watanabe with an uppercut and a Saito for a nearfall. Elgin slips out of a Fireman’s Carry, Watanabe blocks an O’Connor Roll, then Elgin with a rolling elbow to the back of the head. Deadlift German, but Watanabe kicks out! Watanabe goes onto the apron, Elgin goes to the middle rope. Watanabe blocks the Deadlift Superplex and crotches Elgin on the middle rope. Enziguri, followed by a Lung Blower. Watanabe heads up top, but Elgin catches him on the way down with a spinning backfist.
Buckle Bomb, ELGIN BOMB!!! 1-2-3!!
Winner: “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin by pinfall (Elgin Bomb)
Code of Honor afterwards as Elgin raises Watanabe’s hand.
THOUGHTS: Good showcase for Elgin heading into his IWGP Title match next week at War of the Worlds. Watanabe was impressive in his matching power-for-power with Elgin. Good stuff.
Triple Threat Tag Team Match: #DemBoys The Briscoes (Jay & Mark) vs. The Decade (“The Buzzsaw” BJ Whitmer & “The Zombie Princess” Jimmy Jacobs w/TD Thomas vs. reDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly)
Big reaction for #DemBoys. No Code of Honor before the bell. O’Reilly & Mark start. O’Reilly goes for head kicks early, but Mark avoids them. Mark with a shot to Fish, but O’Reilly with an elbow drop. Fish in, but Mark sends O’Reilly into Fish. Redneck Kung Fu by Mark to reDRagon. Mark slips out of a back suplex by Fish, tags in Jay. Jay peppers Fish with jabs and a headbutt. Corner clothesline by Mark to O’Reilly. Fish avoids a Briscoes double team by slipping out to the outside. Briscoes corner Fish, but he gets back in and tags in Whitmer. Whitmer nails Jay from behind and sends Fish to the outside. Jay with an uppercut and a headbutt to Whitmer. Mark in, gut shots to Whitmer. Mark with an overhand chop and right hands. Jay in, running boot in the corner to Whitmer. Another headbutt by Jay. Fish nails Whitmer from the apron, but Whitmer then knocks both of reDRagon off the apron. Jacobs nails Jay from the apron, allowing Whitmer to hit a spinebuster. Jacobs then spears Mark OFF THE APRON!!
Jacobs in as the Decade slam Jay into the turnbuckles and unload with double sledges. Jacobs gains a nearfall. Whitmer in, powerbombs Jacobs onto Jay for a nearfall. Whitmer sends Jay’s head into Jacobs’s feet. Jacobs in, stomps away at Jay. Jay fights back, but Jacobs with a flying forearm. Fish tags himself in and gains a nearfall. Snap suplex by Fish for a nearfall. O’Reilly in, seated abdominal stretch, but Jay counters out and gains a nearfall. O’Reilly with his series of strikes, ending in a leg sweep. Jay fights out of the reDRagon corner, tags in Mark.
Mark with Redneck Kung Fu & the Uncle Mule Kick to O’Reilly. Fish catches a kick, but Mark with a big boot. Jacobs in, but Mark hits a T-Bone, Whitmer breaks up the pin. Whitmer with the Exploder on Mark. O’Reilly in, Axe & Smash to Whitmer. Jay with a big boot and a Hangman’s Neckbreaker to O’Reilly. Fish with a Samoan Drop to Jay. Fish avoids Jacobs and sends him into the corner. Whitmer with a Lariat to Fish. All Seeing Eye by the Decade on Fish, but then Mark nails Jacobs with a springboard dropkick. Whitmer with right hands to Mark, but Mark clotheslines him to the outside. Mark with a head of steam and wipes out reDRagon with a flip dive!! Jacobs & Jay now in the ring. Jay with a gorilla press into a Death Valley Driver.
DOOMSDAY DEVICE ON JACOBS!!! 1-2-3!!
Winners: #DemBoys The Briscoes by pinfall (Doomsday Device)
Briscoes celebrate their win afterwards. reDRagon complain afterwards to commentary that the ref had no control over this match and they are filing a protest.
THOUGHTS: Wild three-way match, but a lot of fun.
We see video on the rivalry between Cedric Alexander and Roderick Strong.
Roderick Strong is in the ring and calls out Cedric Alexander for our next match. Cedric rushes to the ring and here we go!!
Decade banned from ringside: Cedric Alexander vs. “Mr. Ring of Honor” Roderick Strong
The two slug it out early, then Cedric clotheslines Strong to the outside. Cedric with a head of steam, HEAT SEEKING MISSILE to Strong!! Cedric sends Strong into the barricade and off the apron. Back in, Cedric with chops to Strong. Strong with a knee to the ribs and an elbow to the back of the head. Cedric with a right hand and an uppercut. Cedric stomps away at Strong in the corner. Strong with a back elbow and a big chop. More knees to the ribs, but Strong runs into a boot. Cedric goes to the middle rope, but Strong uses the ref as a shield, allowing him to dropkick Cedric off the turnbuckles, causing Cedric’s leg to be trapped in the top turnbuckle. Strong goes to the apron and hits a sliding dropkick and a running boot. Another sliding dropkick sends Cedric down to the outside.
Back in, Strong stomps away and rubs his boot against the face of Cedric. Cedric fights back, but Strong with a kick to the injured leg. Strong with a knee to the face and more chops in the corner. Cedric again fights back, but Strong goes back to the leg. Snap suplex for a nearfall. Chinlock applied with Strong pulling at Cedric’s face. Cedric fights out with a jawbreaker, but runs right into a dropkick by Strong for a nearfall. Backbreaker, then Strong taunts the crowd. Inverted Curb Stomp by Strong for a nearfall. Strong jaw-jacks with the crowd, but it allows Cedric to fight back, however Strong with another dropkick for a nearfall. Abdominal Stretch applied, with Strong hitting slaps to the exposed ribs of Cedric. Cedric fights out with forearms, but Strong with a knee to the ribs. Pumphandle Backbreaker by Strong for a nearfall. Cedric with forearms, but Strong with another knee to the ribs. Cedric slips out of an Olympic Slam by Strong and hits the 540 Kick, both men down.
Both men get up by the ref’s 6 count. Cedric unloads with right hands on Strong. Ref pushes him back, but Cedric with a clothesline and a back elbow. Cedric then unloads with a series of headbutts to Strong. Cedric sent onto the apron, but hits a forearm. Springboard clothesline by Cedric for a nearfall. Strong with another chop, but Cedric with a spinning back kick. Strong off Cedric’s blind side, but Cedric catches him with a Power Driver for a nearfall. Strong slips out of a Fireman’s Carry, but runs into a uppercut. Strong catches a kick and turns it into another backbreaker for a nearfall. Strong is starting to get frustrated. Cedric blocks the Urnangi Backbreaker, then hits a Crucifix for a nearfall. Strong with a Kitchen Sink and another big chop. Strong places Cedric up top, but gets distracted by the crowd mockingly chanting “Roddy” at him. Cedric blocks a superplex, but Strong with an enziguri and this time hits the Top Rope Superplex for a nearfall. Strong can’t believe it! Strong locks in the Strong Hold and pulls Cedric back in when he almost gets to the ropes. Cedric then counters out with an inside cradle for a nearfall. Strong with another knee to the ribs. Strong slaps Cedric, then Cedric SPITS IN STRONG’s FACE!! Strong then unloads with forearms and knee strikes in the corner. 2 running elbows by Strong in the corner, but then Cedric hits Concussion on Delivery! Strong slips out of a back suplex and Cedric runs into a boot. Enziguri by Strong, but Cedric lifts him up and hits Kick 2 Kill: Part 2! Cedric runs up the ropes and hits a roundhouse kick, but Strong kicks out! Cedric heads up top, but Strong avoids him. Strong with a big forearm, then lifts up Cedric and hits Death by Roderick! Strong off the ropes and goes for the Sick Kick, but Cedric catches him, LUMBAR CHECK!!! 1-2, STRONG GETS HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!! “This is awesome” chants by the crowd. Strong with a leaping knee strike and has a smile on his face.
Strong goes for End of Heartache, but Cedric counters with an inside cradle! 1-2-3!!
Winner: Cedric Alexander by pinfall (Inside Cradle)
The Decade come out afterward and attack Cedric from behind. Whitmer holds Cedric for TD to drill him with a big chest kick. Jacobs grabs 4 chairs and sets them up like a platform against one another. The Decade send Cedric into the waiting arms of Strong. END OF HEARTACHE BY STRONG ON CEDRIC ONTO THE CHAIRS!!! The Decade stand tall over a fallen Cedric.
THOUGHTS: Helluva match between Strong & Cedric that told a great story of the veteran Strong getting frustrated with the upstart in Cedric. Then, Strong got overconfident at the end, which lead to Cedric getting the flash pin. Strong & Cedric both put on awesome performances and the angle afterwards with the Decade laying out Cedric, using chairs in the process, continues the storyline of the Decade group being the bullies of ROH. Whenever you got Jimmy Jacobs leading the charge of a heel stable, you are bound to have great stories within it and the Decade stuff so far has been very well done. Very good match and one of the best ROH performances I have seen from Cedric to date and from Strong in a very long time.
Triple Threat Match for the IWGP Jr. Tag Titles: The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) (c’s) vs. The Forever Hooligans (Alex Koslov & Rocky Romero) vs. Time Splitters (Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA)
Good reaction for the Hooligans. Very good reaction for Time Splitters, especially for Shelley. Good reaction for the Bucks. “New Japan” chants by the crowd before the bell. Crowd also chants for Shelley, who is returning to ROH after a 4-year absence. Shelley & Matt start. “Welcome back” chants for Shelley. Commentary mentions that the cast has been removed from the right hand of Matt, who suffered a broken hand in February. Chain wrestling early. Shoving match ensues, then Shelley with a forearm and a chop. Shelley sidesteps a back drop attempt, Koslov blind tags in. Koslov with an uppercut to Matt, but Matt with a shot to the throat. Nick in, but Koslov with an armdrag. Another armdrag, Koslov sent onto the apron. Nick avoids a springboard, but then Koslov makes Nick put on the brakes. Koslov wants a handshake, but instead arm whips Nick down. Koslov with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Romero in, but Nick avoids a Hooligans double team and tags in KUSHIDA. KUSHIDA with a shoulder tackle, does a cartwheel and hits an armdrag. Romero avoids another armdrag, but KUSHIDA with a dropkick. KUSHIDA fights out of the Hooligans’ corner and hits a rana on Romero. Time Splitters ping-pong Romero with right hands back-and-forth. Shelley in, double chop by the Time Splitters on Matt. Nick springboards in, but Time Splitters catch him with a double gut kick and a double kick to the back. Double back elbows to Romero, then Time Splitters catch Koslov coming in. Koslov sent into Romero in the corner. KUSHIDA with a running high knee, then Time Splitters with a Poetry in Motion variation to the Hooligans in the corner. Koslov sent to the outside, La Magistral by Shelley to Romero for a nearfall. Shelley with a chop, but Koslov pulls him out to the outside. Romero then leaps off the apron and nails Shelley with a flying knee.
Back in, Koslov with a suplex to Shelley and asks for the Russian Beret. Kodak Kicks and the running double stomp by Koslov, but KUSHIDA breaks up the pin. Romero in, basement dropkick to Shelley. Front chancery applied. Crowd wills on Shelley. Romero knocks KUSHIDA off the apron, then Shelley with a back drop to Romero, but can’t make the tag. Bucks come in as Nick with a running knee to Shelley in the corner. Assisted Shirnaui by the Bucks and a basement running knee by Nick on Shelley for a nearfall. Koslov in, but Nick sends him to the outside. Matt runs into double boots by Shelley. Nick is sent onto the apron, but Shelley avoids a charge by Matt, causing Nick to enziguri his own brother!!
KUSHIDA in, springboard kick to Nick and a double Koppo Kick to the Hooligans, knocking them off the apron. Backflip Kick to Matt sends KUSHIDA onto the apron. Enziguri, then KUSHIDA with a springboard dropkick, sending Matt to the outside. KUSHIDA sets to dive, but Nick trips him up. Matt charges in, but KUSHIDA moves and Matt knocks Nick off the apron! Enziguri and a backbreaker by KUSHIDA to Matt. KUSHIDA heads up top, but then wipes out the Hooligans on the outside with a crossbody off the top! Shelley heads up top and the Time Splitters hit a Frog Splash/Standing Moonsault combo on Matt, but Matt just BARELY kicks out! Time Splitters go for a Super Shirnaui/Powerbomb combo on Matt, but Koslov breaks it up and sends Shelley to the outside. Hooligans send Nick into KUSHIDA, then hits the Battering Knees on them both! Koslov gourdbusters Matt on the ropes, then Romero with a springboard dropkick, but Shelley breaks up the pin. Time Splitters sends the Hooligans to the outside. Time Splitters go for stereo planchas, but the Hooligans move out of the way. Matt with a dropkick through the ropes on Time Splitters, then Nick wipes out the Time Splitters with a Tornillo!! Koslov now with a head of steam and wipes out everybody with a flip dive! Hooligans call for the Contract Killer, but Matt slips out. Koslov with an enziguri on Matt, but Nick with a spinning back elbow to Koslov. Koslov avoids a Windmill Kick and hits a big forearm, but runs right into a SUPERKICK!! Nick avoids a Romero enziguri, but Romero with a back heel kick. Matt slips out of a Shirnaui by Romero, SUPERKICK TO ROMERO! Time Splitters with an inverted atomic drop/dropkick to knees combo on Matt. Shelley holds Matt in a chinlock, then KUSHIDA with a cartwheel into a dropkick. Shelley goes for a Shirnaui, but Matt catches him in Tombstone position. SIX SECOND ABS BY THE BUCKS!!! Hooligans & Bucks exchange strikes. Hooligans hit big forearms on the Bucks. Romero slips out of a double back suplex by the Bucks, then does a Spidey move in the ropes, but the Bucks treat him with a SUPERKICK PARTY, sending Romero to the outside!! Koslov avoids the Bucks in the corner and springboards, SUPERKICK PARTY BY THE BUCKS!!!
MORE BANG… FOR YOUR…. BUCK!!! 1-2-3!!
Winners and STILL IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champions: The Young Bucks by pinfall (More Bang for your Buck)
“That was awesome” chants by the crowd afterwards as the Bucks celebrate their title retention.
THOUGHTS: Just pure insanity. No other words needed.
The music of RD Evans hits as he makes his way to the ring with Ramon, who is carrying the official tally for the #NewStreak, currently at 104-0. RD says he knows he needs no introduction, but just in case, my name is RD Evans, but my fans, or my “streak freaks” call me “Papa Bear.” “Papa Bear” chants by the crowd. RD says what he does is win and has the ONLY winning streak in pro wrestling today. Its called the #NewStreak and it stands at 104-0. RD then says the last line in French. The metric conversion is 207.5-0. I am a world traveled pro wrestler, as a matter of fact, I just got home from a tour where the rings are three-sided. When I heard that ROH had an event called Global Wars, I said that I needed a piece of that. So I approached ROH management and asked “who am I gonna face?” They said you are the reason this event is sold out, so you can face whoever you want. In this envelope is the name of a man who has also performed all around the world. My opponent, who is also undefeated in ROH. Ring Announcer Bobby Cruise, please read the name out loud. Cruise reads the name………which is his OWN!!
RD rolls up Cruise and Ramon counts the pin. #NewStreak CONTINUES!!!
RD & Ramon celebrate his win, while Cruise is upset.
Nigel McGuinness joins commentary for the next 2 matches.
“The Ace of the Universe” Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jushin “Thunder” Liger vs. IWGP Intercontiental Champion “The King of Strong Style” Shinsuke Nakamura & Jado
Big reaction for Nakamura. HUGE reaction for Liger. BIG reaction for Tanahashi. Tanahashi & Nakamura start. Chain wrestling early. Springboard crossbody and a series of arm drags by Tanahashi into an armbar. Commentary compares Tanahashi to John Cena. Nakamura messes around with Tanahashi and takes him down. Jado in, series of chops to Tanahashi. Tanahashi sidesteps a backdrop and Jado with a Flair Flop. Liger in, sends Jado to the outside. Liger with a baseball slide on Jado. Liger sends Nakamura to the outside and hits him with a baseball slide as well. Liger poses for the crowd. Running Palm Strike to Jado back in the ring. Liger & Jado head up top, but Jado with a low blow while the ref was distracted.
Nakamura with knees to the ribs of Tanahashi on the outside. Jado stomps away at Liger in the ring and uses the ropes to his advantage. Liger sent into Nakamura’s boot in the corner. Nakamura in, knee drop to Liger for a nearfall. Jado in, back club to Liger. Commentary gives history on all 4 guys to people watching the New Japan guys for the first time. Liger comes back with chops out of the corner, but Jado takes back over. Nakamura in, does the shaky boot deal to Liger in the corner. Nakamura runs into an elbow by Liger. Jado shoves Tanahashi off the turnbuckles. Liger avoids a double team and sends Nakamura into Jado, then hits Nakamura with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
Tanahashi in, back elbows to both Nakamura & Jado. Flying Forearm to Nakamura, Dragon Screw to Jado. Slam to Nakamura, Tanahashi heads to the middle rope. 2nd Rope Senton for a nearfall. Tanahashi avoids a head kick, but Nakamura with a back heel kick. Nakamura places Tanahashi across the top rope and hits a running knee to the ribs for a nearfall. Nakamura knocks Liger off the apron and hits a reverse suplex on Tanahashi. Nakamura goes for the Boma-Ye, but Tanahashi catches him with a dropkick to the knees. Nakamura with an enziguri, tags in Jado. Jado with a kneelift, then locks Tanahashi in the Crossface while Nakamura keeps Liger at bay. Tanahashi is somehow able to get to the ropes. Nakamura kicks Liger to the outside. Jado with a corner clothesline, Nakamura with a big boot, Jado with a back suplex on Tanahashi for a nearfall. Jado with a draping DDT, but Liger breaks up the pin. Nakamura sends Liger again to the outside. Tanahashi avoids a Punt Kick, Liger hits Jado with a Palm Strike. Nakamura with a one-legged dropkick to Liger. Tanahashi with a dropkick to Nakamura, sending him to the outside. Liger then leaps off the apron and wipes out Nakamura with a crossbody! In the ring, Tanahashi runs into an elbow by Jado, but comes back with the Slingblade.
Tanahashi heads up top, HIGH FLY FLOW!!! 1-2-3!!
Winners: “The Ace of the Universe” Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jushin “Thunder” Liger by pinfall (High Fly Flow)
Tanahashi & Liger celebrate their win as the crowd chants “Please Come Back” & “New Japan.”
THOUGHTS: For those watching New Japan regularly, it was a par-of-the-course New Japan “Road To” tag match. For those watching New Japan for the first time, it was a pretty fun match and a way to get fans introduced to the New Japan guys. Commentary did a great job getting over the personalities and history of all 4 guys. Definite treat for those live in Toronto.
Four Corner Survival for the ROH Television Title: Jay Lethal (c) w/Truth Martini vs. “The Last Real Man” Silas Young vs. Matt Taven vs. “The Sicilian Psychopath” Tommaso Ciampa
Big reaction for Ciampa. Lethal comes out to new music. No Code of Honor as Ciampa & Taven attack Lethal as the bell sounds. Silas rolls up Ciampa for a nearfall. Taven sends Lethal into the barricade. Ciampa with a Cactus Clothesline, sending he & Silas to the outside. Ciampa sends Taven into the barricade. Running Knee by Ciampa to Taven against the barricade, then one to Lethal. Ciampa places Lethal by another side of the ring and hits another Running Knee, sending himself into the crowd. Ciampa goes to hop back over the barricade, but Silas stops him and hits a SUPLEX OFF THE BARRICADE ONTO THE FLOOR!! Taven, in the ring, with a head of steam and wipes out everyone with a no-hands plancha! Taven gives chase to Martini, but Lethal nails him from behind. Lethal sends Taven into the barricade. Back in, Taven catches a superkick and hits an enziguri. Taven with a basement superkick to Ciampa. Taven heads up top, but Silas crotches him on the ropes. Silas then walks up the ropes and hits a Northern Lariat to Taven, sending him down to the outside. Killer Combo by Silas on Ciampa, but Lethal breaks it up. Taven heads up top, but Lethal catches him on the way down with a dropkick. Silas catches Lethal off the back handspring, but Ciampa with a forearm to Silas. Lethal Combination by Lethal to Ciampa. Lethal taunts the crowd, then hits a running forearm on Silas. Silas catches Lethal and hits the Finlay Roll. Silas headstands on the top, PEE GEE WAJA PLUNGE!! 1-2….TAVEN BREAKS IT UP!! Silas with the Finlay Roll on Taven, but Ciampa stops him on the turnbuckles. Taven rolls up Ciampa, but Ciampa with the Knockout Knee for a nearfall. Ciampa goes up top with Silas, SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! 1-2…….LETHAL BREAKS IT UP!! “This is awesome” chants by the crowd. Ciampa with a knee to Lethal, but Lethal with a superkick. Enziguri by Lethal to Taven, but then Silas turns Lethal inside out with a lariat! Taven with a superkick to Silas, then a spin kick to Ciampa, sending him to the outside. Angels’ Wings variation by Taven to Lethal. Taven heads up top, but Silas stops him. Taven kicks him off, then wipes out Silas & Ciampa with a moonsault off the top!! Back in, Taven heads up top, but Martini gets on the apron to distract him. Taven leaps off, then sends Lethal into Martini, sending Lethal to the outside and Martini into the ring.
Taven grabs Martini, but Lethal comes out of nowhere with the Lethal Injection! 1-2-3!!
Winner and STILL Ring of Honor Television Champion: Jay Lethal by pinfall (Lethal Injection)
Nigel leaves commentary as he is gonna reprimand the referee for allowing Martini to get into the ring. Lethal & Martini celebrate Lethal’s title retention.
THOUGHTS: Good, but short match. Obviously, the story of the match and the finish revolves around continuing the rivalry between Jay Lethal & Truth Martini against Matt Taven. Good for what it was.
Michael Elgin joins commentary for our next match.
IWGP Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles & IWGP Tag Team Champion “Machine Gun” Karl Anderson vs. “The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada & Gedo
BIG reaction for Okada. Big reaction for Styles & Anderson. Okada & Anderson start, but Okada wants Styles to start. Styles obliges and tags in. Chain wrestling early. Okada holds on to a side headlock when Styles tries to Irish whip him off. Styles comes back with the Phenomenal Dropkick. Styles with a running forearm, but Okada places Styles on the turnbuckles and dropkicks him to the outside. Gedo in, but Styles backs him into his corner and tags in Anderson. Anderson with uppercuts to Gedo. Gedo sidesteps a backdrop, peppers Anderson with jabs and a big right hand. Styles gets a shot in from the apron, allowing Anderson to hit a spinebuster.
Anderson knocks Okada off the apron, then he & Styles do the “Too Sweet” hand gesture and stomp away at Gedo. Anderson taunts the crowd, then unloads with right hands from the mount on Gedo. Commentary again talks about the history and personalities of all 4 guys to people watching the New Japan guys for the first time. Anderson knocks Okada off the apron again, then continues to taunt the crowd. Styles in, gut kick to Gedo. Backbreaker by Styles for a nearfall. Styles with a grounded hammerlock on Gedo, Okada breaks it up. Styles with a shoulder to the ribs of Gedo. Anderson in, chinlock applied on Gedo. Gedo fights out, but Anderson with a leg lariat for a nearfall. Anderson toys with Gedo, but Gedo comes back with a big right hand. Anderson stops Gedo from making a tag, but Gedo hits a crossbody, both men down.
Okada in, back elbow and a boot to Anderson. Styles sent to the outside. DDT to Anderson, Okada kips up. Front slam, then a slingshot senton from the apron by Okada. Anderson avoids a charge, flying kick to Okada. Anderson goes for a powerbomb, but Okada counters with an Emerald Frosion across the knee. Okada heads up top and hits a big elbow drop. Okada signals for the Rainmaker, but Anderson avoids it. Okada blocks the Gun Stun, but Anderson counters another Rainmaker attempt and hits a leaping neckbreaker. Styles in, springboard forearm to Okada. Styles goes for the Styles Clash, but Okada slips out. Okada with a big forearm, but Styles with a series of strikes. Styles off the ropes, but Okada catches him with the Picture-Perfect Dropkick. Gedo in, knocks Anderson off the apron. Back body drop, a jawbreaker and a DDT to Styles for a nearfall. Anderson nails Gedo from behind, but runs into a boot, followed by a boot from Okada. Series of running back elbows by Okada & Gedo, followed by a Flapjack by Okada to Styles. Gedo with a basement superkick to Styles for a nearfall. Gedo with jabs to Styles as Anderson sends Okada into the ringpost on the outside. Styles hits the Pele Kick on Gedo, then Anderson hits the Gun Stun!! Styles hits BLOODY SUNDAY on Gedo as Anderson holds Okada.
STYLES CLASH!! 1-2-3!
Winners: IWGP Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles & IWGP Tag Team Champion “Machine Gun” Karl Anderson by pinfall (Styles Clash)
Styles, Elgin & Okada all stare each other down in the ring afterwards as Styles defends the IWGP Title against Elgin at War of the Worlds next week and Okada faces the winner at New Japan’s Back to Yokohama Arena on May 25th.
THOUGHTS: Better “Road To” style tag match involving the New Japan guys than the previous match. Okada & Styles had some very good exchanges, as well as Okada & Anderson. Another good job by commentary on getting over the past history & personalities of all 4 guys.
Main Event for the Ring of Honor World Title: “The One” Adam Cole (c) vs. “Mr. Wrestling” Kevin Steen
INSANE reaction for Steen. Cole throws the Canadian flag that Steen brought down to the ring with him to the outside before the bell. Code of Honor as the bell sounds, then Steen kisses Cole’s hand. They slug it out as the bell sounds. Steen with a back elbow and a big chop. Another big chop knocks down Cole. Cole slips out of a slam and hits a dropkick to the knees. Cole goes to work on Steen’s leg. Cole goes for the Figure Four, but Steen kicks him off and to the outside. Cole drives Steen’s leg onto the apron. Cole goes for a slingshot plancha, but Steen just walks away from him, causing Cole to crash & burn. Steen grabs a fan’s sign and nails Cole with it. Steen lifts up Cole and sends him crotch-first into 3 of the 4 corner ringposts around the ring. Steen goes for the fourth and final ringpost as the crowd does the “OLE” chant, but Cole slips out and sends Steen into the ringpost. Cole misses a right hand and Steen completes the process, sending Cole crotch-first into the fourth and final ringpost. Back in, Steen does the 10 punches to Cole in the corner as the crowd counts along in Spanish. Steen then bites Cole and plays to the crowd, but then Cole with a superkick to the leg of Steen, sending him crashing off the turnbuckles and to the mat.
Cole goes outside and drives Steen’s leg against the apron multiple times. Back in, Cole with a Knee-DT on the injured leg of Steen. Cole stomps away at the leg, then applies a leglock. Steen pulls at Cole’s face, but Cole with a kneedrop to the injured leg. Steen again blocks the Figure Four, but Cole with a boot to the face. Another leglock applied, then Cole rakes Steen’s eyes. Steen fights back with chops, but Cole goes back to the leg. Cole is sent onto the apron and Steen nails him with a draping DDT, sending Cole to the outside. Cole then crotches Steen against the ringpost and drives the injured leg multiple times against the ringpost. Cole then locks in the ringpost variation of the Figure Four. Cole drives the injured leg of Steen against the barricade, then gets back in the ring and yells “ADAM COLE BAYBAY!” to taunt the crowd. Steen avoids a double sledge off the apron by Cole and hits the apron powerbomb, but goes right to clutching his leg. Crowd chants “Kill Steen Kill” for Steen. Steen goes to another side of the ring and hits Cole with another apron powerbomb. They go to a third side of the ring and Steen hits a third apron powerbomb. Steen goes to complete the process of four straight apron powerbombs and does so, with a fourth apron powerbomb on Cole. Back in, Steen heads up top and hits the Steenton Bomb for a nearfall. Steen goes for the Package Piledriver, but Cole slips out. Steen then goes for F-Cinq, but Cole slips out and hits the Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker for a nearfall.
Cole runs into a back elbow and a boot by Steen. Steen goes to the middle rope, but Cole with another dropkick to the knee. Cole goes up top with Steen, looking for a superplex, but Steen counters with a Super Fisherman’s Buster!! 1-2…….COLE KICKS OUT!! Steen goes for the Cannonball, but Cole moves out of the way! Steen goes for the Package Piledriver, but his injured knee gives out on him! Cole takes Steen down, Figure Four applied. Ref counts Steen’s shoulders down for a nearfall. Steen is able to turn over and reverse the hold, Cole gets to the ropes. Steen fights out of a German, but Cole slips out of the Sleeper Suplex and hits another shot to the knee. Cole off the ropes, but Steen with the Pop-Up Powerbomb for a nearfall. Steen locks Cole in the Sharpshooter, but again, his knee gives way and he has to break the hold. Steen hits the Sleeper Suplex for a nearfall. Steen calls for the end and goes for the Package Piledriver, but Michael Bennett runs out. Steen kicks the ropes, crotching Bennett as he comes in, then lays him out with the Package Piledriver! However, the distraction allows Cole to superkick Steen in the back of the head, followed by a release German. FLORIDA KEY!!! 1-2…………STEEN KICKS OUT!!! COLE IS IN SHOCK!! Crowd chants for Steen. Cole piefaces Steen, but Steen with a big right hand. Cole feigns a superkick, causing Steen to cover up and allowing Cole to hit a superkick to the injured knee. Basement superkick by Cole, then he goes to the middle rope. Cole goes for the Panama Sunrise, but Steen rolls through and locks back in the Sharpshooter! However, Cole is able to reach the ropes. Cole rolls out to the outside. Steen goes to bring him back in, but Cole nails him with an enziguri. Cole heads up top, but Steen stops him. Steen goes up with Cole, BRAINBUSTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! 1-2…………….COLE KICKS OUT!!! Crowd again does the “OLE” chant to will on Steen. Steen goes for the Package Piledriver, but Cole with an inside cradle for a nearfall.
Steen goes for the Package Piledriver, but Cole slips out again and hits a superkick! 1-2-3!!!
Winner and STILL Ring of Honor World Champion: “The One” Adam Cole by pinfall (Superkick)
Cole celebrates his title retention to close the show.
THOUGHTS: Awesome main event. Great atmosphere as the Toronto crowd wanted to see lightning strike twice for Steen, who won the ROH World Title in the same Toronto building 2 years ago. Loved the false finish of Bennett getting involved and it almost helping Cole win with his move, the Florida Key, but Steen being able to kick out. Nice limb work by Cole on the leg of Steen and Steen did a great job selling the leg throughout the course of the match. The out-of-nowhere finish of the superkick to get the job done for Cole was also well done as he got that one last gasp to put Steen down long enough and stun him for the win so that it gives Cole a HUGE win in his title reign, while at the same time, protects Steen so where he loses NOTHING in defeat in his home country. Great main event, best match on the show, hats off to both Cole & Steen.
Overall, Global Wars was a fun mix of the show. It introduced the New Japan guys to a new American audience, the Ring of Honor guys stepped their game up (Strong/Alexander, Cole/Steen) and it gave us a taste of what is to come next week for War of the Worlds. I’d say, job well done for ROH/New Japan with their first joint outing in this new partnership.