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We begin this week’s ROH TV with current ROH Tag Team Champion and former 2-Time ROH World Champion Jay Lethal sitting down for an interview. He’s struggling with deciding which are his favorite ROH matches. He reminisces about his first match with Homicide. He puts over Samoa Joe as both a partner and as an opponent. He talks about being the first Pure Champion to defend the title overseas and looks back fondly on his encounter with Dusty Rhodes.
The top of his match list is against Jay Briscoe at Best in the World. He looks back on his father attending all of his early matches.
Jay Lethal (ROH TV Champion) vs Jay Briscoe (ROH World Champion) Best in the World for both the ROH World and TV Titles
Rather than a play by play of an older match, I’ll convey more of the story told here. Immediately, fellow House of Truth member, Donovan Dijak is ejected form ringside. Crowd was clearly behind Jay Briscoe here. Lethal stalls at the outset and the crowd riles up with “Man UP!” chants. I’ve forgotten how much I used to like ROH’s “bird’s eye” camera view. They have a special focus and the Lethal and Briscoe families at ringside. It’s mentioned that Lethal in his 441st day as TV champion AND that Jay Broscoe hadn’t been pinned in over 800 days. The Lethal fans then came to life and dueling chants prevailed.
The action on the outside is definitely more brawl-oriented. The crowd is completely immersed in the action. I’m glad ROH (pre-virus cancellations) was beginning to win back some of the audience, as this crowd definitely helped get over how big this match was. It’s mentioned that ROH Ambassador Cary Silkin is not in NY this night. His podcast with current ROH play by play man Ian Riccaboni, “Last Stop, Penn Station” is very entertaining. I highly recommend it.
Big superplex attempt by Briscoe and Lethat hits his Randy Savage Elbow for 2. Truth Martini’s interference leads to his ejection by ROH Match Maker Nigel McGuinnes. Jay Driller through a table and Lethal is out. Somehow he made it back before the count. These two have the Terminal 5 crowd in a complete frenzy. Lethal with a Jay Driller of his own and a Lethal Injection for the Pin.
Winner and New ROH World Champion: Jay Lethal
Back to the sit down interview, Lethal discusses his admiration for AJ Styles (who may or may not have been tragically killed 2 days ago in the WrestleMania Boneyard Match against The Undertaker
Jay Lethal vs AJ Styles
Another raucous crowd. Truth Martini and Taeler Hendrix are at ringside. I always thought Henrix had a great look and tremendous presence at ringside with the House of Truth. I recall a really good match her and Mandy Leon had about 2 years ago. The action is obviously excellent. In both matches we’ve seen tonight, Lethal has employed the Koji Clutch. I forgot that move was something he used fairly regularly. Funny thing in watching this match is that I realized that AJ Styles has been the world champion in just about every company he worked in besides ROH. Big Lethal Injection after a huge table spot only got a two count. I mentioned Mandy Leon. This was back when she was the ringside timekeeper. Cradle piledriver and a Lethal Injection and The ROH World Champion gets the pin.
WINNER: Jay Lethal
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