Ring of Honor Wrestling on Sinclair (Pursuit Night #1 Edition #1)
November 23, 2013
Dearborn, Michigan (Ford Community & Performing Arts Center)
Commentators: Kevin Kelly, Steve Corino
Recap by: Jason Namako of Wrestleview.com
We see video highlighting last week’s Champions vs. All-Stars match that saw Michael Elgin defeat Adam Cole to earn a ROH World Title shot. We then see what happened afterward when Jay Briscoe showed off his personalized ROH World Title belt and laid out Elgin & Cole with it.
We go to the usual intro, then Kevin Kelly & Steve Corino welcome us to the show. For the next 2 weeks, we will see matches from the November 15th “Pursuit: Night 1” live event in Dearborn, Michigan.
Ring of Honor Television Title: Zach Gowen vs. Matt Taven (c) w/Truth Martini & HOOPLA Hottie Scarlett Bordeaux
This is Gowen’s first appearance in ROH in 3 years. When last we saw Gowen, he was a part of Truth Martini’s House of Truth back in 2010 which saw the ROH debut of Michael Elgin. After losing a match, Martini had Elgin lay out Gowen and kicked him out of the House of Truth.
Before the match, we see footage from the November 2nd “Golden Dream” live event in Columbus, Ohio and the Triple Threat match that saw Tommaso Ciampa defeat Jay Lethal and Mark Briscoe to challenge for the ROH TV Title at Final Battle on December 14 in New York City.
Martini grabs a mic and says that a blind man could see that Gowen is handicapped. He has heard Gowen say he is “Handi-capable”, but me and the champ tend to disagree with you. I see the look in your eyes, I see that you believe you have a shot at becoming the ROH TV Champion. And from the reception, I know that these people believe in you. But if that is true, these people are even more stupid than you are. Its poetry in motion because this match is just a warm-up match, because after we are done with you, we’re going on to Final Battle. One more thing, I always speak the truth, even when it hurts. The only thing you have better than Matt Taven is……a parking spot.
Code of Honor before the bell. Taven knocks Gowen down, then mocks Gowen being one-legged. Crowd chants for Gowen. Taven takes down Gowen again, then mocks the crowd chanting for Gowen. Taven evades Gowen and goes to the outside to confer with Martini and Scarlett as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Gowen avoids a Taven elbow drop and hits 2 one-legged dropkicks. Taven shoves the ref into Gowen and nails Gowen from behind. Taven chokes Gowen with his boot as Martini does a victory lap on the outside. Elbow drop to the leg of Gowen, then Taven applies a leglock. Gowen gets free, but then Taven with a clothesline in the corner. Taven runs into a back elbow, then Gowen goes onto the apron. Gowen with a forearm, then avoids Martini on the outside, but the distraction allows Taven to hit Gowen with a springboard enziguri, sending Gowen to the outside. Taven taunts the crowd while Martini talks trash to Gowen on the outside. Taven with an elbow to the top of Gowen’s head off the apron. Back in, Taven gains a nearfall. Taven talks trash to Gowen, then someone in the crowd mentions that Taven looks like Pauly Shore. “Pauly Shore” chants then come from the crowd. Martini goes over to the commentary table and says he can’t believe Pauly Shore is still this over. Taven with a delayed suplex and a kip-up. Taven measures Gowen and hits a clothesline. Gowen, though, fires himself up and tells Taven to give him another clothesline. Taven goes for it, but Gowen with a roll-up for a nearfall. Taven then responds with a dropkick. Taven goes to the middle rope, taunts the crowd, but takes too long as Gowen gets his boot up. Gowen avoids a corner charge, then avoids another charge as Taven goes sailing to the outside. Gowen then wipes out Taven with a springboard flip dive! Back in, Gowen heads up top, but Taven stops him. Taven goes up with Gowen and hits a series of back clubs. Gowen fights back and knocks Taven off the ropes. Scarlett gets on the apron to distract the ref, allowing Martini to knock Gowen off the ropes. Taven goes for the Climax, but Gowen with a roll-up for a nearfall. Inside cradle for another nearfall. Gowen slips out of a back suplex and catches Taven with a Flatliner for a nearfall. Gowen transitions into a Koji Clutch, but Taven is able to grab the ropes. Taven drop toe holds Gowen throat-first into the middle rope. Taven charges, but Gowen avoids him and Taven crotches himself in the ropes. Gowen with a springboard moonsault, but Martini hops up on the apron to prevent the ref from making the count. Gowen with a baseball slide, knocking Martini off the apron. Scarlett again hops up on the apron and Gowen looks to go after her.
However, the distraction allows Taven to hit the Climax to retain the title.
Winner and STILL Ring of Honor Television Champion: Matt Taven by pinfall (The Climax)
The H.O.T. celebrate Taven’s title retention afterward, but then Martini holds Gowen as Taven grabs one of Gowen’s crutches. Taven looks to hit Gowen with the crutch, but Tommaso Ciampa runs in to make the save, clearing the ring of the H.O.T. Ciampa helps Gowen to his feet while the H.O.T. celebrate on the rampway.
Commercial
Before we come back from commercial, we see a promo by Veda Scott. Veda says she is sure people were looking to see the return of RD Evans, but she is sorry to disappoint you. RD is not here this week. He has chosen to spend a little more time training in every athletic discipline. But I promise, when he does come back, he’s gonna be a wrecking machine. Honestly, everyone in ROH is fortunate that they have a few more weeks to prepare for the wrath of RD Evans. All of a sudden, we see Eddie Kingston wearing a clown mask creep up behind Veda. Veda backs away and hands Kingston the mic. Kingston says to Nigel McGuinness that Outlaw Inc. have been asking for a title match against the reDRagon. Sooner or later, you will give us that title match, because we will help ROH rise, RISE!!
Back from commercial, we see video footage from the November 2nd “Golden Dream” live event from Cincinnati, Ohio that saw Jay Briscoe face Kevin Steen for the right to be a part of the main event World Title match at Final Battle. Adam Cole was not able to compete on that show due to the concussion he sustained in the Champions vs. All Stars match at Glory by Honor XII. Jay Briscoe defeated Kevin Steen, so at Final Battle, it will be a Triple Threat Match for the ROH World Title as Adam Cole defends against Michael Elgin and Jay Briscoe.
Jay Briscoe says that at Final Battle, I put up the REAL World Title against Michael Elgin and Adam Cole, the pretty little b***h. Michael Elgin says that just like he has done since day one, I’m gonna do whatever it takes to leave New York as the REAL World Champion.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go to a promo from Michael Bennett & Maria Kanellis. Bennett says how fitting a name is Final Battle? Final, Kevin, that is the key word here, final. Because at Final Battle on December 14th in New York City, its me and you in a Stretcher Match. Now as far as I’m concerned, this is just sour grapes because I already beat you, I pinned you. But now, Kevin, you always like to stick your nose where it doesn’t belong, always have to get that last line in, in that quick-witted mind of yours, you’re so intelligent, Kevin. But, you know what? Like I said, final, because the loser can no longer use the piledriver. But, that’s not what is important here when I say final. This could be….no, this WILL be your final match and how fitting there is a stretcher there, Kevin? Because that’s what you’re gonna need to get out of New York City.
Jay Briscoe makes his way to the ring, with new music and his personalized ROH World Title belt. “Man Up” chants for Jay. Jay has a mic and says it is a truly an honor and a privilege to stand before you fans as the reigning and defending ROH World Champion. In case you haven’t heard, the main event of Final Battle has been changed to a 3-way. Jay Briscoe puts the ROH World Title on the line against Michael Elgin and Adam Cole. Now, that’s all well and good for the people of New York City, but tonight, I’m worried about the people of Dearborn, Michigan. You see the problem is, tonight in Dearborn, we need a World Title match because the belt that Adam Cole carries around don’t mean s**t! So, I have an open challenge. Any man with the b**ls enough to face the world champ, bring yo ass down here!
Silas Young comes out and asks Jay if he heard him say he has an open challenge for any man in the back? You’re looking at the only man in the back. What kind of man comes out here with his own title belt and claims to be a champion? Just like your brother, Mark, you’re nothing but a joke. Silas gets in the ring as Jay tells ring announcer Bobby Cruise that since this is a World Title match, do the pre-match intros to make it official.
Jay Briscoe vs. Silas Young
No Code of Honor before the bell. “Man Up” chants for Jay. Jay with a gut kick and a headbutt. Back elbow sends Silas into the corner. Jay stomps away at Silas in the corner, then chokes him with his boot. Jabs by Jay, then Silas runs into an elbow by Jay. Rolling forearm by Jay sends Silas to the outside. Jay gives chase, but Silas draws Jay back in and hits a series of back clubs. Jay comes back with a trifecta of headbutts, followed by a hangman’s neckbreaker for a nearfall. Headbutt and a jab by Jay, but Silas slips out of the Jay Driller. Jay slips out of the Finlay Roll and hits a running boot that sends Silas back to the outside. Silas throws Kevin Kelly’s chair into the ring, but also grabs the timekeeper’s hammer. Referee removes the chair as Silas goes to hit Jay with the hammer, but Mark grabs the hammer to stop Silas. While Silas is distracted, Jay kicks the middle rope into Silas’s groin as Silas was getting into the ring to crotch him.
Jay Driller for the win.
Winner: Jay Briscoe by pinfall (Jay Driller)
Mark gets in the ring afterward and celebrates his brother’s win. Jay says to the camera and Adam Cole that they are looking at the REAL World Champion as we go to commercial.
Commercial
We see video from Death Before Dishonor XI when BJ Whitmer announced his retirement, but asked Nigel McGuinness to give Jimmy Jacobs another chance in ROH. Jimmy Jacobs says that anyone who doesn’t feel accepted understands how much a comment like that from BJ Whitmer means. We see footage of Jimmy Jacobs’ Trial Series over the course of the Fall with Nigel voicing over that he reluctantly gave Jacobs this opportunity and that if he won 3 of the 5 matches, he would be reinstated in ROH and given an ROH World Title shot. Jacobs says that for the people that don’t believe me, he will give them no choice but to believe in me. We see footage from the November 2nd “Golden Dream” live event when Jacobs won his 3rd match out of 5, defeating Roderick Strong, to get reinstated in ROH and earn an ROH World Title shot. Adam Cole says that this is a dream come true for Jacobs, you’re wrestling in your hometown. Jacobs says that the last time he and Cole wrestled in Dearborn, I came pretty close to beating you. Now, the stakes are higher. Cole says Jacobs is wrestling for the most important title in all of pro wrestling and you are getting a chance at redemption. Jacobs says that the ROH World Title is the one title that has evaded him throughout his career. Cole says that he hates to break it to Jacobs, but this title over my shoulder, is going nowhere. Jacobs says that at Dearborn, Michigan, 20 minutes from where I live, will be my city. Cole says he doesn’t care that this is your hometown, I don’t care that this is your shot at redemption. Jacobs says that the ROH World Title will be my championship. Cole says he will hurt Jacobs and this belt will be mine forever. Jacobs says to someone off-camera that he hopes they will be there to have his back that night. The camera pans to BJ Whitmer, who says he will be there.
Main Event: Eddie Edwards w/Davey Richards vs. Jay Lethal
This will be the first time these two have wrestled in ROH. Code of Honor before the bell. Both men jockey for position in a lock-up. Side headlock and a shoulder knockdown by Edwards. Edwards slides under a Lethal leapfrog, then avoids a Lethal springboard and trips up Lethal. Edwards goes quickly for the Achilles’ Lock, but Lethal counters with an inside cradle for a nearfall. Side headlock takedown by Edwards, but Lethal gets out with a headscissors. Lethal now with the side headlock takedown, but Edwards gets out with a headscissors, we have a stalemate. Commentary mentions that Edwards just got back from a tour of Japan and could be feeling jet-lag heading into this match. Test of Strength in a Knucklelock between both men. Edwards gets the advantage, but Lethal gains control and takes Edwards down into a back bridge. Lethal takes him all the way down and gains a nearfall. Edwards tries to back bridge again, but Lethal drops his weight on him to take him down. Edwards counters out with a Monkey flip, but Lethal lands on his feet. Lethal hits the hiptoss/cartwheel/front dropkick combo for a nearfall. Lethal with a right hand and a drop toe hold that sends Edwards into the ropes. Lethal slides out to the outside and nails Edwards with a dropkick. Back in, Lethal gains a 1 count. Chinlock applied as Richards the crowd will Edwards on. Edwards backs himself into the corner, then Lethal with a chop. Edwards runs into a boot, then Lethal with a leg lariat off the middle rope for a nearfall. Chinlock re-applied as the crowd and Richards again will on Edwards. Edwards gets out, but Lethal with an uppercut. Lethal now runs into a boot, then Edwards places Lethal in the Tree of Woe. Hesitation Dropkick by Edwards, then he goes to the outside and hits a sliding dropkick while Lethal was still in the Tree of Woe. Edwards gains a nearfall as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Edwards sends Lethal off the turnbuckles. Big chop knocks down Lethal. Lethal fights back, but Edwards with a headbutt. Lethal slips out of a back suplex, but Edwards with another chop. Edwards charges, but Lethal pulls down the top rope, sending Edwards to the outside. Lethal with a head of steam and he hits not one, but 2 tope suicidas on Edwards! Lethal goes for the trifecta, but Edwards gets back in and hits a rana that sends Lethal to the outside. Edwards with a head of steam and he soars and scores with 2 tope suicidas of his own! Now its Edwards who goes for the trifecta, but Lethal gets back in and catches Edwards with a superkick! Edwards rolls out to the apron and Lethal with a springboard dropkick. Lethal with another head of steam and he wipes out Edwards with another tope suicida! Ref begins his 20 count as the crowd chants “ROH.” Richards wills on his partner as both men begin to stir at the count of 15. Both men then BARELY get back in before the 20 count. The two go nose-to-nose in the center of the ring and exchange forearms. Edwards gains advantage with a series of chops. Lethal comes back with a spinning back kick, but Edwards with a running elbow. Edwards off the ropes, but Lethal catches him with the Lethal Combination! Lethal heads up top and hits Hail to the King, but Edwards kicks out! Lethal cannot believe it as the crowd chants “this is awesome.” Lethal motions for the Lethal Injection, but Edwards stops him. Edwards misses a clothesline, but catches Lethal off the handspring and hits the Front-Plex for a nearfall. Edwards heads up top, but Lethal knocks him down. Lethal with a chop and places Edwards up top. Dueling chants by the crowd for both men as Lethal goes up with Edwards. Edwards fights out of a superplex and knocks Lethal off the ropes. Lethal avoids a double stomp, then Edwards runs into a boot. Lethal goes to the middle rope, but Edwards with an enziguri. Chin Checker for a nearfall. Edwards then transitions right into the Achilles’ Lock. Lethal is able to counter out with an inside cradle for a nearfall. Edwards rolls through an Oklahoma Roll attempt, jackknife pin for a nearfall. Series of reservals between both men for a series of close nearfalls. Lethal with a running palm strike, but then Edwards with a running forearm in the corner. Edwards avoids a charge, but Lethal counters an O’Connor Roll attempt for a nearfall.
In-ring Lethal Injection for the win.
Winner: Jay Lethal by pinfall (In-Ring Lethal Injection)
Crowd chants “that was awesome” afterwards. Lethal celebrates his win as we go to credits.