Independent performer David Starr will be challenging Jay Lethal for the Ring of Honor title on 4/21 in Netanya, Israel. Starr cut a promo for the match and in doing so critical of Sinclair Broadcasting’s politics. The ‘Jewish Cannon’ accused Sinclair of being a “corporate propaganda machine.”

Starr was asked to take the promo off of the internet by IPWA (Israeli Pro Wrestling Association). The promotion where the bout will be taking place.

IPWA were contacted by ROH and the American company were very upset with the politics being included with the promo. There are several other reports saying that ROH are threatening to pull Lethal from the show. This would be if the promo didn’t get removed. There has not been any confirmation of this. There’s a belief that IPWA are fearing that would happen if the promo isn’t taken down.

David Starr recently sent out a tweet saying. “Last night, I posted a promo for my historic championship match on April 21st against Ring of Honor champion Jay Lethal. In Netanya, Israel for Israeli Pro Wrestling Association. I, have been asked by the powers that be to remove said promo. Out of respect to IPWA, who have already paid for Jay’s very expensive flight and accommodations, I will comply. My complying with this request is not an admission of wrongdoing or a retraction. I stand by my entire statement and do not regret any of my actions regarding this subject.”

At the time of writing the match will still be taking place. Lethal is still scheduled to head over to Israel in April.

You can check out the full promo below:

ROH World Heavyweight Champion Jay Lethal recently did an interview with Brian Fritz of SportingNews.com where he talked about a wide range of topics. This includes making history by surpassing Samoa Joe’s record of 645 days for having the most combined days as champion.

“When I was pulled aside and they said you know, you’re about to beat Joe’s record of holding the belt for a certain amount of time, I said, ‘No way! That’s insane!’” Lethal exclaimed. “I remember being in Ring of Honor when Joe was champion and I was his protégé and I would come to the ring holding his towel. I didn’t think anyone would ever beat his record.”

Since the beginning of this year, there have been some big names that have left the company that includes the likes of The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Cody Rhodes, and Adam Page for AEW (All Elite Wrestling).

This has been something that ROH has had to face for years now as in the past, Seth Rollins, Cesaro, Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, and Adam Cole made their names known in Ring of Honor before signing with WWE.

Lethal understands this and thinks that ROH needs to keep doing what they’re doing which is to continue to make new stars.

“I feel that Ring of Honor has always been in the rebuilding phase,” said Lethal. “Ring of Honor, in all the time I’ve known it, it’s never been fully settled. It’s always in this rebuilding phase because other rosters out there constantly pluck from the Ring of Honor roster to make their roster better. Look at all of the companies out there and their champions. Most of them came through and from Ring of Honor. I think the winning formula is you don’t try and replace those guys.”

Jay Lethal will look to defend his ROH World Championship on March 15th from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas against Matt Taven. The show takes place just 3 weeks before Ring of Honor and NJPW present the G1 Supercard From Madison Square Garden on April 6th.

Matt Taven had been claiming himself to be the real ROH Champion for some time with Lethal recently reacting to the insult on ROH TV. The match will air on FITE and Honor Club for subscribers.

Also scheduled for the upcoming PPV will be PCO & Brody King challenging the Briscoes for the ROH tag team titles. The Villain Enterprises team earned the title match by winning Tag Wars 2019 on a recent ROH 3-night tour of Texas.

• Jay Lethal Breaks ROH World Championship Record

Jay Lethal ROH World Championship Record

Lethal recently passed Samoa Joe’s previous record of 645 days spent as ROH World Champion. Joe’s days spent as champion occurred throughout one long title run from 2003-04.

Lethal is also one title defense away from breaking the record of 38. He’ll get that chance at Honor Rising night 2 in Korakuen Hall against TK O’Ryan from the Kingdom.

Honor Rising Lineups:

Here are the lineups for ROH’s upcoming shows in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

February 22 Event

• Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada & Jay Lethal vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia & TK O’Ryan)
• ROH Television Champion Jeff Cobb defending against Hirooki Goto
• NEVER Openweight Champion Will Ospreay defending against Dalton Castle
• NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & Ryusuke Taguchi defending against Cheeseburger, Delirious & Colt Cabana
• Juice Robinson, David Finlay, Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare vs. Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
• Jushin Thunder Liger & Jonathan Gresham vs. Taiji Ishimori & Robbie Eagles
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Shota Umino
• Marty Scurll vs. Ren Narita

February 23 Event

• ROH Tag Team Champions The Briscoes defending against Juice Robinson & David Finlay
• IWGP Tag Team Champions EVIL & SANADA defending against Guerrillas of Destiny
• ROH World Champion Jay Lethal defending against TK O’Ryan
• Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Vinny Marseglia)
• Hirooki Goto & Will Ospreay vs. Jeff Cobb & Dalton Castle
• Marty Scurll vs. Robbie Eagles
• Jonathan Gresham & Toa Henare vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Taka Michinoku
• Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Yota Tsuji vs. Cheeseburger, Delirious & Colt Cabana

Jay Lethal has now spent more days as ROH World Champion than any other person on the planet. Today is the 646th-day Lethal has spent as ROH Champion spread out over the course of 2 reigns with the belt.

He passed Samoa Joe today on the all-time combined days spent as champion statistic. Joe spent 645 days as champion all in the course of one reign with the title. Joe won the title on March 22nd, 2003 and held it until Final Battle on December 26th, 2004. He lost the title to Austin Aries on that night.

Jay Lethal won the title the first time at Best in the World 2015, beating Jay Briscoe. He would hold the title for 427 days and defend it 28x during his initial reign. Lethal won the title back by beating Cody, Matt Taven, & Dalton Castle on June 30th, 2018 and has held it ever since.

• Matches Announced For ROH TV Tapings In Lakeland, FL

Jay Lethal – ROH World Champion

There is no shortage of contenders for Lethal’s ROH World Championship at the moment. On the most recent Road To G1 Supercard tour, Lethal successfully defended his title against the Kingdom’s Vinnie Marseglia. Marty Scurll is owed a title match for winning Survival of the Fittest last year. Flip Gordon is also owed a title match due to his winning the Sea of Honor tournament on Chris Jericho’s Rock N Rager at Sea. Gordon will be on the injured list until this spring, however.

Lethal’s 38 all-time title defenses are tied for the ROH record. Nigel McGuiness and Daniel Bryan each had 38 title defenses during their only reigns with the belt as well.

Ring of Honor has announced that Jay Lethal’s next title defense will be on January 13th in Concord. His opponent will be former ROH World Champion, Dalton Castle.

BREAKING: @TheLethalJay will defend the #ROH World Championship against @theDALTONcastle at Honor Reigns Supreme! #ROHHRS

Sun Jan 13 – 7e/4p – #ROHConcord
Streaming LIVE for #HonorClub!

Get your tickets now: https://t.co/ATK9E1DRv8
Event Info: https://t.co/0FWWnN0BM9 pic.twitter.com/PunaQXQ94q

— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) December 17, 2018

An ROH press release explained the booking decision as follows:

“With several competitors owed a title match,” the press release begins. “Castle earned the right to be first in line during the international television taping in Philadelphia over the weekend. Castle, who won the title from Cody at Final Battle 2017, holds a victory over Lethal, as he successfully defended the ROH World Title against him at the 16th Anniversary Show this past March.”

Lethal lost to Matt Taven at Final Battle 2018. He never received his title rematch after losing the belt in June, however.

Jay Lethal’s Ring of Honor World Championship Statistics

This match could be the last title defense for Lethal before he ties Samoa Joe’s record for combined days spent with the title on February 3rd. Lethal will tie Joe with 645 combined days spent as champion then. Joe earned all 645 days spent as champion during a single reign, whereas Lethal split his up amongst two different reigns.

If successful, Lethal’s defense against Dalton Castle would be his 37th split amongst his two reigns. It would bring him one behind the record of 38 tied between Nigel McGuiness and Bryan Danielson.

Ring of Honor World Champion Jay Lethal did an interview with Mat Elfring of Gamespot recently where he discussed his Macho Man impression and how Randy Savage and his brother Lanny Poffo loved it.

Jay Lethal gained popularity due to his persona inspired by ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, which he called ‘Black Machismo.’ He revealed how when he first spoke to Randy Savage and came to know that Randy loved his impression:

“The first time I spoke with [Macho Man Randy Savage], now I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t believe it was him because I can do a pretty good Macho Man impression, and I’m sure other people could too. I’m sure that I know a couple people who can do one.”

“So, when I was talking to him on the phone, deep down inside, I thought this could be somebody else playing a trick on me. Until Lanny [Poffo] actually confirmed that it was his brother. But he loved it. He said he didn’t watch it on TV but he did watch some of the stuff, he pulled my stuff up on YouTube and he absolutely loved it.”

Jay Lethal also talked about how he had talked with Randy’s brother Lanny Poffo and how their hilarious but sweet interaction took place.

“He loved it so much that at the All In pay-per-view, the days before Starrcast, big signing, there was so much to do. Well, I had a signing with Lanny, we were at the same table and he told me, ‘One of the things that I miss the most about my brother is, just sometimes at random times he would just yell at me. So if you could, just at random times throughout this signing just find a reason to yell at me I would love it.’”

Jay Lethal had revived the Black Machismo character at All In and not only that, he also came to the ring accompanied with Lanny Poffo, which made for a really memorable moment. Last night, Jay Lethal defeated Cody Rhodes at Final Battle to retain the ROH Championship. You can check it out by clicking here.

Cody will not be taking the ROH World Championship into free agency. He was defeated tonight by Jay Lethal at Final Battle 2018.

Lethal needed to kick out of the Cross Rhodes twice to retain his championship. There was also a strange moment in the match when Cody had Lethal in a figure-four leglock. Hangman Page ran to ringside and rang the bell. He then handed the ROH title belt to Cody and ran away. The ref immediately waved it off, however, as Lethal had not submitted.

The finish of the match came when Lethal gave Cody a series of super-kicks and followed it up with a Lethal Injection. Rather than go for the pin, however, he attempted his finish a second time, which Cody countered. Lethal then grabbed Cody’s leg and locked in his own figure-four leglock and Cody tapped.

After the match, Marty Scurll came to the ring to remind Lethal he is owed a title match as a result of winning Survival of the Fittest in November. Nick Aldis also made an appearance, applauding Lethal from the stage.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1073792861169217536

Jay Lethal 57 Days Away From Making History

In 57 days, Jay Lethal will pass Samoa Joe’s record for total days spent as champion with 645. Lethal has spread out his days as champion amongst two title reigns. Samoa Joe had one 645 day reign with the belt.

Ring of Honor presents their final PPV of the year tonight from New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom. In many ways, tonight could be both the end of an era for the promotion, as well as the beginning of a new one.

Final ROH Final Battle Card

• ROH World Champion Jay Lethal vs. Cody – Main Event
• ROH World TV Champion Jeff Cobb vs. Adam Page
• ROH Women Of Honor World Champion Sumie Sakai vs. Madison Rayne vs. Karen Q vs. Kelly Klein
• ROH Tag Team Champions SoCal Uncensored (Frankie Kazarian and Scorpio Sky) vs. The Young Bucks vs. The Briscoes – Triple Threat Ladder War
• Matt Taven vs. Dalton Castle
• Jonathan Gresham vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• Bully Ray vs. Flip Gordon – I Quit Match
• Christopher Daniels vs Marty Scurll
• Kenny King vs. Eli Isom

Refresh this page for Live Updates of ROH’s Final Battle 2018

1. Kenny King vs Eli Isom

Before the match could even begin, Kenny King cut a promo about how Eli Isom is from the ROH Dojo. King said he doesn’t like “new school”, he likes “old school”. Then King started the match by hitting Isom on the head with a microphone.

King got the early offense in after attacking Isom before the bell. The youngster fought back and was able to get in a fair amount of offense in. King looked like he had the 3-count after a springboard blockbuster but picked his opponent’s head up before 3. Isom then got some near falls from pinning combinations but King then hit him with a fireman’s carry driver for the win. King then neglected to shake hands with Isom after.

Winner: Kenny King

2. ROH TV Title
Jeff Cobb (c) vs Adam “Hangman” Page

IMO, this was incredible. Both guys wrestled as babyfaces and the crowd was somewhat divided between them but popped for each guy’s big moves. They both unloaded their extensive offensive arsenals on each other leading to the finish. Page hit a Buckshot Lariat and went for the Right of Passage but Cobb reversed. Cobb then went for a Tour of the Islands but Page countered into a backslide for a nearfall. Page then went for the Buckshot Lariat again but Cobb countered into the Tour of the Islands. Cobb then gave him another one just for good measure and got the pin.

Winner: Jeff Cobb

3. WOH World Championship
4-Corners Elimination Match
Sumie Sakai (c) vs Madison Rayne vs Kelly Klein vs Karen Q

Kelly Klein eliminated Karen Q to start the elimination match. Klein gave her K-Power, a fireman’s carry driver not unlike what Kenny King used to beat Eli Isom earlier.

Sumie Sakai hit Smashmouth on Madison Rayne but Klein kicked the champ out of the way and got the pin on Rayne herself. It’s now down to just Klein and Sakai for the belt.

Sakai looked to have retained when she hit Smashmouth but Klein kicked out at 2. Klein got a near fall with K Power and again with a power-bomb. She would then deliver a super K Power from the turnbuckle and got the pin to win the title.

Winner and new champion: Kelly Klein

4. Jonathan Gresham vs Zack Sabre Jr.

This was the type of technical masterpiece you would expect from these two. After a match’s worth of exchanging submissions and grappling, ZSJ scored a 3 count on the octopus with a pinning-bridge combination.

ZSJ didn’t follow the code of honor after the match and Cabana talked about how arrogant he is.

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr. 

5. Matt Taven vs Dalton Castle

TK O’Ryan forced the ring announcer to announce Taven as the real ROH World’s Champion. He even said the title was on the line in his match against Castle.

Castle came into this match all bandaged up. His 2018 has been about injuries, unfortunately. At one point in this match, Taven absolutely impaled himself on the guardrail from a suicide dive to the outside. TK O’Ryan broke up a pin by throwing one of the boys onto Dalton and subsequently was sent to the back. After that, Taven reversed the Bangarang and moments later hit his impaler DDT for the win.

Winner: Matt Taven

6. Marty Scurll vs Christopher Daniels

The story here is if Daniels wins he gets Scurll’s title shot he earned from winning Survival of the Fittest. Daniels needs to win or he’s gone from ROH. Joe Koff said at Final Battle last year that his contract would not be renewed in 2019, so he had a year left. The story leading up to this match for Daniels has been that he needs to earn the title shot in order to receive a new ROH contract.

The finish of the match came when Daniels hit the Angels Wings but wasn’t able to connect his hands on it because Scurll had done his finger-breaking spot earlier. Scurll was then able to kick out of the weakened finisher. He then got his knees up as Daniels attempted the Best Moonsault Ever. Daniels kicked out of Graduation but then Scurll locked in the Chicken Wing and Daniels tapped.

Daniels got a “Thank you Daniels! SCU!” chant after as his ROH career is supposedly finished.

Winner: Marty Scurll via submission

Bully Ray then hit the ring and gave Daniels a low blow. He did this likely because he is a bully. He then called out Flip Gordon.

7. I Quit Match
Flip Gordon vs Bully Ray

Gordon made his way through the Hammerstein during his entrance through the crowd just like the Sandman used to.

Bully tried to get the victory by picking up Flip’s girlfriend who was sitting in the front row and threatening to powerbomb her through a table. This caused Carey Silkin to hit Bully with a kendo stick to break stop him from doing it.

Flip almost got the submission with a crossface with a kendo stick with an American flag attached but Silas Young interfered. Colt Cabana also made a run in and then the lights went out. When the lights went back on the Sandman was standing with a beer and kendo stick! He took out Young, who had defeated him on ROH television in the build-up to this match. Flip then started repeatedly laying in kendo shots to the back of Bully Ray until he quit.

Winner: Flip Gordon

ROH World Championship
Jay Lethal (c) vs Cody

Cody wasted no time making sure he was the heel in this match. He cut a promo telling the fans if he loved them (the fans) he’d be on the Madison Square Garden show. Then he faked a knee injury.

So many things happened in this match. Lethal kicked out of the Cross Rhodes twice. Cody ducked out of a Lethal Injection by shoving Brandi in front of him. Hangman Page came out and rang the bell when Cody had Lethal in the figure-four. Page then gave the belt to Cody and ran away. The ref waved it off as Lethal had not submitted, however. That was strange.

The finish of the match came when Lethal gave Cody a series of super-kicks and then a Lethal Injection. Instead of going for the pin, however, he looked to go for the move a second time but Cody countered. Lethal then countered Cody into the figure-four leglock and Cody tapped.

Winner: Jay Lethal

After the match, Marty Scurll hit the ring and reminded Lethal he has a title match owed. NWA Champion, Nick Aldis, then came to the ring as well. He just clapped for Lethal and then walked to the back.

ROH World Tag Team Championships
Ladder War VII
SCU (Kazarian & Scorpio Sky) vs the Briscoes vs the Young Bucks

So much to call here. This was a bloody, fast-paced, brutal, and amazing main event. After spring-board cutters through tables, a staple gun, multiple ladder spots and way too much to recap, the Briscoes have won the ROH Tag Team Championships for the tenth time.

The finish of the match came moments after Nick Jackson was thrown off the ladder through a table (and took a nasty spill) and then Kazarian was knocked off the ladder as well, allowing Mark Briscoe to grab both titles and win Ladder War VII

Winners: the Briscoes (new champions)

Jay Lethal spoke with Sporting News to promote Friday’s (December 14, 2018) Ring of Honor Final Battle pay-per-view event in Manhattan, New York at the Hammerstein Ballroom where he’s slated to headline when he defends the ROH World Heavyweight Title against Cody Rhodes. This is where he noted that it’s good to be back in NYC and that this match features two wrestlers who take their job seriously and give 100 percent every single time they step in the ring

“When I wrestle, my main priority is to make sure that I give the fans value for money and that they leave the venue and go home with some amazing memories from watching Jay Lethal. Cody is exactly the same and if he’s going into next week’s match the way I am then I’m certain that we can deliver something special and everyone will go home more than happy after watching us go all out for my Ring of Honor title.”

The Baltimore-based promotion has been around since 2003 and has changed dramatically over time. When asked about it, it noted that on a personal level, he recalls just going into an office and trying to do the job of someone far more qualified and expecting to get good results for the company. He brought up how he ended up in a company that had the best wrestlers in the world He recalled seeing guys such as Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Low Ki

“It gave me a solid foundation to become the wrestler I am today. Ring of Honor taught me so much about the wrestling business, and then I had to go to TNA to learn about wrestling on TV, in front of cameras, on PPV, and that was another part of my life that went a long way to shaping my character. Today I feel like I could offer an awful lot to any wrestling company, but there’s no way I felt like that back then.”

Jay Lethal has re-signed with Ring of Honor as the company approaches their final two shows of the year. Final Battle will take place in New York on December 14th. The company will then travel to Philadelphia the following day for TV tapings.

According to PW Insider, Lethal re-signed with the company recently. Although the terms of the deal aren’t known, many ROH contracts tend to start in January and end in December. Some ROH stars are known to be on different deals, however. Flip Gordon is said to be locked in for 2 years. Marty Scurll is believed to have signed an extension to his deal until April 2019 as well.

Jay Lethal – Greatest ROH Champion Of All-Time Statistics

Jay Lethal is on pace to pass the most combined days spent as ROH champion record of 645 days on February 3rd, 2019. The record is currently held by Samoa Joe who held the title for 645 straight days on his only run with the belt. Lethal, who is on his second reign with the title, also needs 3 more title defenses to tie Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness’ record of 38.

Lethal will defend the title against Cody at Final Battle. Should Cody win, he is saying he’ll take the title with him into free agency.

Ring Of Honor (ROH) announced yesterday that World Champion Jay Lethal will defend his title against Cody at “Final Battle” next month (Fri. December 14, 2018). The show will go down from The Manhattan Center in New York.

Cody took to Twitter to respond to the news. He confirmed this will be his last match with ROH before heading into free agency next year. Cody’s contract with ROH will expire soon, making him a free agent in 2019. There has been a ton of speculation as to where the now-former Bullet Club member might end up.

In regards to his match with Lethal, Cody said it’s only fitting that he face Lethal in his last match with ROH, as Lethal was his first match with the promotion two years ago. “The American Nightmare” then vowed to take the ROH World Title into free agency with him:

“Jay was the first match I had in ROH two years ago. He will be my last. And I will take the World Championship into free agency.”

Jay was the first match I had in ROH two years ago. He will be my last. And I will take the World Championship into free agency. ? https://t.co/6qlrg6d8vZ

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) November 15, 2018

Updated Card for ROH Final Battle 2018

In addition to the Jay Lethal vs. Cody headliner, several other matches have been confirmed for Ring of Honor’s final pay-per-view of the year.

ROH World Champion Jay Lethal vs. Cody Rhodes

Four Corner Survival for the Women of Honor World Championship
Sumie Sakai (c) vs. Madison Rayne vs. Karen Q vs. Winner of Kelly Klein/Jenny Rose

Dalton Castle vs. Matt Taven

Reports coming from the Chris Jericho Rock N Rager At Sea are that Johnny Impact and Jay Lethal have agreed to a match. While no date or time has been scheduled, the ROH World Champion and the Impact World Champion have agreed to go one-on-one.

Johnny Impact vs Jay Lethal

“Johnny Impact, the Impact champion and Jay Lethal, the ROH champion, agreed to a title vs. title match,” wrote Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “We don’t have the date and place confirmed. Impact and ROH talked about this months ago, the idea of a match with neither title at stake.”

Earlier this year, then Impact World Champion Austin Aries, appeared on several ROH shows as part of a program with Kenny King.

Ring of Honor and Billy Corgan’s NWA

Ring of Honor has also been working with the National Wrestling Alliance as of late. ROH COO, Joe Koff, had the following to say in regards to the relationship.

“We have a great relationship with Dave and Billy with meetings planned down the road to make decisions that benefit both companies but more importantly the fans.”

Billy Corgan offered up the following, “Our relationship with ROH thus far has been stellar and beyond beneficial to the NWA. And we owe much of where we stand currently to Joe. His trust means a lot to us, I can assure you.”

Jay Lethal has now held the Ring of Honor World Championship for more combined days than anyone aside from Samoa Joe. Lethal officially moved into second place in the all-time combined days as ROH World Champion category today.

Lethal just passed Nigel McGuiness on the list. Lethal’s 546 days as ROH World Champion across two reigns surpasses McGuiness’ 545-day reign from October 6th, 2007 to April 3rd, 2009. McGuiness’ 545-day reign is second only to Samoa Joe’s 645-day reign from March 22nd, 2003 to December 26th, 2004.

Jay Lethal ROH Champion

Lethal is also 5 title defenses away from tying Nigel McGuiness and Bryan Danielson’s record of 38. He is currently in 3rd place with 33, 4 ahead of Samoa Joe who is in 4th place in this category.

Combined Days as ROH Champion Statistics:

1. Samoa Joe (1x Champion, 29 defenses, 645 days)
2. Jay Lethal (2x Champion, 33 defenses, 546 days)
3. Nigel McGuiness (1x Champion, 38 defenses, 545 days)
4. Bryan Danielson (1x Champion, 38 defenses, 462 days)
5. Adam Cole (3x Champion, 22 defenses, 445 days)
6. Austin Aries (2x Champion, 29 defenses, 419 days)
7. Jay Briscoe (2x Champion, 18 defenses, 375 days)
8. Kevin Steen (1x Champion, 18 defenses, 328 days)
9. Davey Richards (1x Champion, 10 defenses, 321 days)
10. Takeshi Morishima (1x Champion, 20 defenses, 231 days)
11. Tyler Black (1x Champion, 7 defenses, 210 days)
12. Dalton Castle (1x Champion, 7 defenses, 197 days)
13. Roderick Strong (1x Champion, 5 defenses, 189 days)
14. Xavier (1x Champion, 4 defenses, 182 days)
15. Cody (1x Champion, 16 defenses, 175 days)
16. Christopher Daniels (1x Champion, 8 defenses, 105 days)
17. Eddie Edwards (1x Champion, 3 defenses, 99 days)
18. Michael Elgin (1x Champion, 7 defenses, 76 days)
19. Jerry Lynn (1x Champion, 6 defenses, 71 days)
20. Homicide (1x Champion, 3 defenses, 56 days)
21. Low Ki (1x Champion, 1 defense, 56 days)
22. CM Punk (1x Champion, 4 defenses, 55 days)
23. James Gibson (1x Champion, 4 defenses, 36 days)
24. Kyle O’Reilly (1x Champion, 0 defenses, 33 days)

Death Before Dishonor
September 28th
Orleans Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Kenny King defeated Jushin Liger

Liger appeared to suffer a back injury and it looked as though he wouldn’t be able to continue. As the ref was checking on Liger, King started to lead the crowd in chants for Liger. He then reached out to shake Liger’s hand but then gave him a spinebuster instead. King then covered him and got the pin.

As King was leaving he thanked Austin Aries and said he now “gets it.” Basically, he learned he should cheat from his rivalry with Austin Aries.

2. ROH World Tag Team Championships
The Briscoes (c) defeated SCU (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) w/Scorpio Sky

The Briscoes improved to 4-0 against Daniels and Kazarian when Jay pinned Daniels after multiple Jay Drillers.

The commentary team talked about how with the Addiction’s expiring contracts, they’ll need to win titles or Joe Koff won’t re-sign them.

3. WOH Championship
Sumie Sakai (c) defeated Tenille Dashwood

Dashwood came into the match with her shoulder heavily bandaged. She started favoring it after hitting Sakai with a punch midway through the match. Dashwood kicked out of Smash Mouth but ultimately tapped to an armbar from the champion.

Later in the show, Dashwood was shown beat up in the back and favoring her arm even further.

4. ROH TV Title
Punishment Martinez (c) defeated Chris Sabin

Sabin got a few near falls but ultimately Martinez retained the title with a South of Heaven Choke-Slam.

After the match, Martinez kept up the attack on Sabin. This led to Jeff Cobb making the save. Martinez looked like he was going to leave without incident but then attacked Cobb with a chair. Cobb then gave him a suplex and stood tall in the ring to end the segment.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1045861598705963008

5. Tables Match (Elimination Rules)
Bully Ray and Silas Young defeated Flip Gordon and Colt Cabana

Cabana was eliminated via powerbomb through the announce table for the first elimination.  Bully then eliminated himself when he missed an attack on Flip Gordon. There was a ref bump and then Flip came off the top rope and put Silas through a table. Since the ref didn’t see it though, Bully made it look like it was Flip who went through the table and the ref called for the bell when he came to. Bully then continued to whip Flip with a chain after the match was over.

6. Cody, Marty Scurll, Adam Page, and the Young Bucks (Bullet Club) defeated Kazuchika Okada, Chuck T, Beretta, Rocky Romero, and Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS)

Nick Aldis provided guest commentary for the match. While doing so he announced that his NWA title rematch with Cody will be contested under best 2 out of 3 rules.

This was a crazy 10-man but eventually, Marty Scurll was able to make Rocky Romero tap to the Chickenwing for the victory.

After the match, Cody joined the commentary team and said he accepts the best 2 out of 3 falls stipulation.

7. ROH World Championship
Jay Lethal (c) defeated Will Ospreay

Ospreay came into this match after gaining 20lbs. Riccaboni said Ospreay said the weight gain has made him a better wrestler. The commentary team mentioned how serious he looked in comparison to his usual fun-loving demeanor.

Lethal kicked out of the Oscutter and got the victory with Lethal Injection. The victory is Lethal’s 4th successful title defense since winning the title 91 days ago. It’s his second reign as champion. Lethal is now just over 4 months away from passing Samoa Joe has having spent more combined days as ROH Champion than anyone. He’s at 517 days between his two reigns and is behind Samoa Joe’s 645 days. Joe only held the ROH World Championship once.

Following the victory, the Kingdom’s Red Balloons floated to the roof and they attacked Lethal. Jonathan Gresham attempted to make the save but he too was taken out.

A new freshly mohawked Matt Taven then hit Lethal with a purple-strapped ROH World Title replica belt. The show closed with Taven claiming he was the real ROH World Champion.

ROH World Champion Jay Lethal recently spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated to talk about various topics to promote the ROH Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view event at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada where he is slated to headline the show by defending his title against Will Ospreay.

Lineage & Importance Of ROH Title

Lethal takes being the world champion of the Baltimore-based promotion seriously and has a lot of pride in being the champ but also part of the company. He stated that he doesn’t know if he has been doing a better job than the champions before him as he doesn’t think he has topped anyone that has held the title up to this point in his reign but he does know that ROH is much bigger than in the past.

“The company is much healthier and bigger and better than it was when they were here, but I would never say I am better than they are. I do have a tremendous amount of pride for the company that had so much trust in me to make me the face of the company in and out of the ring—not just once, but twice. I still feel that I’m the face of the company whether or not I don the world title across my shoulder or around my waist.”

Potentially Joining Bullet Club

Lethal was also asked about joining the group, which he noted that if it’s up to him then he would say no. However, he did note that who knows what different opportunities will present themselves as he loves the fact that there is always that person to rival and go against them. He wants to be the one standing against them and everytime that he faces one of the members of the group, it’s always something special. “If I have my way, I want to go against them.”

Ring Of Honor (ROH) World Champion Jay Lethal was interviewed by Newseek to discuss his career with the promotion. Lethal initially worked for ROH from 2003 to 2006. After a run with TNA, he returned to ROH in 2011 and remains there today. Lethal is a two-time ROH World Champion and is in the middle of his second reign.

As the ROH World Champion, Lethal essentially serves as the face of the company. The 33-year-old confirms there’s “one-hundred percent added pressure” with the ROH Title:

“One-hundred percent added pressure. Not only from all the new eyes of people who have never heard of Ring of Honor, but now you are working and you have to hook and wow them so they can want to keep watching.

“Especially since we sold out MSG, people are talking like, ‘Hey, what is this all about? Let’s check this place out.’ But more than that, you have a roster of the best wrestlers in the world and the world champion has to follow all of that. The pressure is unreal, but I welcome it.

“It makes me feel alive. It’s something that makes me feel like I can keep pushing myself to stay at that top level. To keep pushing to be the best or one of the best. It’s that ultimate motivation and I love it.”

Having been in the professional wrestling industry for nearly 20 years, Lethal has accomplished so much. He has won several titles for promotions such as IMPACT Wrestling and ROH. When asked if he thinks he’s at the peak of his career, Lethal offered a very interesting answer:

“I thought I was at my peak when I first had my first world championship run. And I thought I was at my peak when I was in the ring with Shinsuke Nakamura, I said to myself, ‘Man, I must be doing something right that they gave me a dream match.’

“And I thought I was at my peak when I wrestled Roderick Strong and we had a match that went for one hour and went to a time-limit draw – and I think I’m at my peak now. So what I’m trying to say is that I have no idea [Laughs]. Part of me hopes that I am and the other part of me hopes that I’m not there yet.”

Last night’s episode of Ring of Honor was the first to air from the promotion’s August 25th tapings in Philadelphia. ROH TV begins airing over the weekend on various networks and is posted to Honor Club on Mondays.

ROH TV Results 9/17

Jay Lethal Promo

ROH World Champion Jay Lethal started the show off with an in-ring promo. He talked about how much he loved his match with Jonathan Gresham last week. Lethal defeated Gresham in a 30-minute Ironman match 2:1 in a 5-minute overtime period.

Lethal said he wants to have more matches like that. He then issued a “Lethal Challenge” to not only the ROH locker room but any wrestler around the world to face him.

His challenge was immediately accepted by Will Osprey via video on the big screen. Lethal accepted and the match has now been made official for September 28th, 2018 at Death Before Dishonor.

Sumai Sakai defeated Tasha Steelz
(Proving Ground Match)

Brandi Rhodes joined the commentary team for this match. In any proving ground match if the non-champion can defeat the champion they earn a title shot.

Sakai took the victory with Smash Mouth, however, meaning Steelz doesn’t earn a title shot. Rhodes brought up how Sakai’s Smash Mouth is similar to the Cross Rhodes.

After the match, Sumai Sakai cut a promo which was interrupted by Tenille Dashwood. She told Sakai she respected her and what she’s done for Women of Honor. Dashwood also said, however, that she wants to take the WOH title from around her waist. It was then made official that Dashwood will challenge Sumai Sakai for the WOH Championship at Death Before Dishonor.

Jonathan Gresham Promo

Ian Riccaboni was interviewing Jonathan Gresham when Bully Ray interrupted. Bully ordered Ian out of the ring but Gresham confronted him. Gresham and Bully went back and forth with Gresham saying D-Von carried Bully for years. Bully then said Gresham was a nobody. Gresham then said if he can beat him, Bully needs to shake his hand. An impromptu match was then scheduled.

Jonathan Gresham defeated Bully Ray via DQ

As soon as the bell rang, Bully kicked Gresham in the groin to cause the DQ. Bully then shook Gresham’s hand and continued to beat him up with his chain. Flip Gordon then made the save but Bully was able to get the better of him. That brought out ROH World Champion Jay Lethal who was able to get the better of Bully only for Silas Young to make the save for Bully.

The commentary team wondered why Silas would make the save for Bully after Bully abandoned Young in a tag match recently. Young then left the ring without celebrating with Bully.

SCU defeated The Briscoes & Punishment Martinez

Chris Sabin was on commentary as he will take on Martinez for the ROH TV title at Death Before Dishonor. The commentary team also mentioned how SCU’s contracts are up after Final Battle in December and they will need to hold championships come that time or Joe Koff will simply let them leave.

The match came unglued when Jay Briscoe hit the referee with a chair. The Briscoes and Martinez then took it to their opponents, taking out all 3 members with chairs. Sabin then came out to make the save and he and Punishment Martinez battled to the back. With Martinez gone, SCU hit the “Best Meltzer Ever” on Mark Briscoe for the win.

Next week:

• Silas Young and Bully Ray vs Jonathan Gresham and Jay Lethal
• Adam Page vs Kenny King
• The Briscoes vs the Addiction
• Update on the Top Prospects Tournament

Ring of Honor television this week featured a 30-minute Ironman match for the ROH World Championship. Jay Lethal would defend his title against “the Octopus” Jonathan Gresham.

The show was filmed from Center Stage in Atlanta.

ROH TV Results 9/10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfkYo8bKcJk&frags=pl%2Cwn

Kazarian defeated Mark Briscoe

This match was filmed before SCU and the Briscoe Brothers would face off on the All In preshow. The feud between these two teams doesn’t seem as though it is close to being over.

Mark Briscoe missed a Froggy-bow and Kazarian countered into a crucifix-pin for the win. This brought out Jay Briscoe to start a 2-on-1 beatdown but SCU made the save. SCU then had a 3-on-2 advantage but Punishment Martinez hit the ring and aligned with the Briscoes.

The Briscoes and Punishment Martinez stood tall to end the segment.

• Highlights of the Dawks beating up Cheeseburger and LSG (the Bouncers) were shown. The Bouncers had just defeated the Dawgs in tag action.
• Video recap of Bully Ray walking out on Silas Young last week was shown.

ROH World Championship Match
30-Minute Ironman Match
Jay Lethal (c) defeated Jonathan Gresham (2-1)

The vast majority of the match went without a pin. Then, with only minutes to spare, Lethal tapped out to an Octopus stretch.

Lethal went after Gresham as soon as the next fall started. He locked in a figure-four leglock in the middle of the ring with 2minutes and 24 seconds to go. Gresham tried to turn it over but was forced to tap out with just under 90 seconds remaining.

Gresham went for several pinning combinations with under 30 seconds left but none were successful. The 30 minutes ended with each wrestler having earned one fall. Gresham challenged Lethal to a 5-minute sudden death overtime period and the champion accepted.

With under 2 minutes remaining in overtime, Lethal countered a sleeper into a cutter and then hit Lethal Injection for the pin and the victory.

After Cody Rhodes failed to win the ROH World title, it looked like the Championship will not be represented at the upcoming All In event, but things have changed.

After All In announced an Over Budget Battle Royal for their one-hour pre-show; the ROH Champion Jay Lethal suggested on Twitter that the winner of this bout should be given a title opportunity against him later in the show:

Tell you what, since I’m a fighting champ who believes in Opportunities for all. How about I give the winner a Shot at the ROH world title! https://t.co/oQkL39C7NF

— Jay Lethal (@TheLethalJay) August 7, 2018

Two hours later, the match was made official and now it’s confirmed that both the ROH and NWA World titles will be defended at the upcoming indie event:

https://twitter.com/ALL_IN_2018/status/1026947329197318144

NWA President Billy Corgan announced in May that the NWA World Championship will be defended at the upcoming All In event and Cody Rhodes will be the one to challenge for the title.

Then during an ROH event later in the month, it was revealed that if Rhodes is able to win the ROH World Championship before the show, then the announced match will be turned into a Winner Takes All bout with both the titles being on the line.

This had fans hyped up and many believed that we’ll see the ROH and NWA World Champion colliding each other for the first time in many years at the upcoming show.

Though Cody failed to capture the title on two separate occasions, and after he couldn’t win the Championship during the June 30th ROH tapings, it was confirmed that the upcoming bout will be for the NWA title only.

Yesterday, Jay Lethal released a statement regarding accusations made by Taeler Hendrix. Lethal denied all allegations against him and encouraged fans on Twitter to refrain from sending hateful messages to either himself or the accuser.

Hendrix responded on Twitter, posting direct messages sent to her by Lethal.

deny all you want. you sent me this before you pulled me aside at a live event, told me what you told me. just because the business has been a certain way for so long. I'm tired of it and I'm fighting for what's right. pic.twitter.com/CxUkFsGOrY

— Taeler Hendrix (@Taeler_Hendrix) July 8, 2018

The Taeler Hendrix/Jay Lethal Situation

Hendrix made her accusations against Jay Lethal during an interaction on social media with a fan on July 4th, 2018.

also the dude your standing up for is the same dude that told me because I didn't sleep with him they sabotaged me and took me off TV. that being the all mighty Jay.

— Taeler Hendrix (@Taeler_Hendrix) July 4, 2018

I know this is going to be on wrestling sites. My name is Taeler & this is my statement: attorneys on my behalf have an ongoing investigation. I know I'm not the only one & ppl that have known of this investigation have been supportive. I'll continue to fight for what's right.?

— Taeler Hendrix (@Taeler_Hendrix) July 4, 2018

ROH released a statement regarding the matter to PW Torch:

“We were troubled to hear the allegations that surfaced last night on Twitter. We take these matters very seriously and will be investigating this situation thoroughly, reviewing all evidence related to the matter. Ring of Honor strives to provide an environment and workplace where male and female wrestlers are free from any misconduct or abuse. We will take appropriate action upon the conclusion of our findings.”

Jay Lethal then released a statement on the matter yesterday:

Please do not use my words here as fuel to attack myself or my accuser, there is already too much hate going around in the world so let’s not add to it. pic.twitter.com/eZ5IVcPSez

— Jay Lethal (@TheLethalJay) July 8, 2018

“Let me be clear, there is absolutely no validity to these baseless allegations,” Lethal wrote in his longer response. “Throughout my career, I have sought to conduct myself with honor and integrity. I would never engage in any conduct that disrespects this business or the men and women in this industry.

“Every individual has a right to be heard and must be given every opportunity to speak truth to power. Anyone engaging in misconduct or abuse of any kind simply has no place in our business or our society.

“I am confident that these unfortunate allegations will be proven to be completely unfounded at the conclusion of Ring Of Honor’s investigation.”

Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter stated ROH officials told them Hendrix was never released from the promotion. “According to ROH, Taeler Hendrix was never fired,” Alvarez Tweeted. “She was not under contract, was working on a per-show basis, and was booked for events in April 2017, but then resigned in writing prior to those events.”

– On July 7, 1996, the New World Order was formed and professional wrestling was changed forever.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hILCw66sLU&w=560&h=315]

Hulk Hogan took to Twitter on Sunday to look back at “the biggest turn of all time” and the formation of the nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

22 years ago, the biggest turn of all time went down. @SCOTTHALLNWO, @RealKevinNash and I took over the wresting world because the maniacs jumped on 4 Life and it was too sweeeeeet brother! HH #nwo #wwe #wcw #toosweet #4life pic.twitter.com/SJEWJerAom

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 8, 2018

Hogan concludes his video by saying, “Maybe I should just come back down through the crowd and take over the whole (laughs) WWE for a couple more decades … for life.”

On the 22-year anniversary of the formation of the nWo, Nash posted the following.

https://instagram.com/p/Bk9puUgAhK8/

– As has been reported, Taeler Hendrix claimed last Wednesday on social media that Jay Lethal sabotaged her career in Ring of Honor in 2017 because she refused to sleep with him. Hendrix worked an indie show on Friday in San Antonio, Texas and fans heckled her over the matter.

While wrestling Barbi Hayden at a River City Wrestling event, fans chanted “Jay Lethal,” “ROH” and a lot worse at Hendrix, according to F4WOnline. She lashed back at the hecklers, although she usually portrays a heel.

Hendrix posted a photo from the show on Instagram and said she “had a great time.”

https://instagram.com/p/Bk73UCoHpD6/

• Braun Strowman with his girlfriend on Independence Day

Ring Of Honor (ROH) has issued out an official statement, initially sent to PWTorch, in regards to the allegations towards ROH World Champion Jay Lethal from former promotion star Taeler Hendrix.

Hendrix alleged on Twitter that her push was “sabotaged” because she refused to sleep with Lethal. It all began when Hendrix started Tweeting negative comments about Lethal before a fan begun to defend him.

She responded by saying “the dude your standing up for is the same dude that told me because I didn’t sleep with him they sabotaged me and took me off TV. that being the all mighty Jay.”

She then revealed in a Tweet that her attorneys are in the midst of an ongoing investigation into the matter:

I know this is going to be on wrestling sites. My name is Taeler & this is my statement: attorneys on my behalf have an ongoing investigation. I know I'm not the only one & ppl that have known of this investigation have been supportive. I'll continue to fight for what's right.?

— Taeler Hendrix (@Taeler_Hendrix) July 4, 2018

Let the hate roll in. Doesn't change what happened. I came forward privately long ago & now it's public. If I stay silent I'll be part of the problem. I can't live w/ that. I'll fight for what's right. Threatening me/supposed burned bridges changes nothing. Let the hate roll in.

— Taeler Hendrix (@Taeler_Hendrix) July 4, 2018

“I know this is going to be on wrestling sites. My name is Taeler & this is my statement: attorneys on my behalf have an ongoing investigation. I know I’m not the only one & ppl that have known of this investigation have been supportive. I’ll continue to fight for what’s right.Let the hate roll in. Doesn’t change what happened. I came forward privately long ago & now it’s public. If I stay silent I’ll be part of the problem. I can’t live w/ that. I’ll fight for what’s right. Threatening me/supposed burned bridges changes nothing. Let the hate roll in.”

ROH responded with the following:

”We were troubled to hear the allegations that surfaced last night on Twitter. We take these matters very seriously and will be investigating this situation thoroughly, reviewing all evidence related to the matter.

“Ring of Honor strives to provide an environment and workplace where male and female wrestlers are free from any misconduct or abuse. We will take appropriate action upon the conclusion of our findings.”

We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available…

Jay Lethal is on top of the mountain in Ring of Honor once again.

Ring of Honor held TV taping last weekend in Fairfax, Virginia at the EagleBank Arena. At the show, Lethal beat Matt Taven, Cody and champion Dalton Castle in a fatal 4-way match to win the ROH World Title.

This is Lethal’s second time winning the title. Castle won it back in December at Final Battle. It was a surprise to most fans as the promotion held its Best in the World PPV just 24 hours before this taping.

Lethal spoke with the official Ring of Honor website about his big win and how he wants it to be longer than his first reign as champion. The newly crowned ROH Champion stated that this title win means that he’s at the top of his game once again as being champion comes with operating at a higher level, a level that most people never reach.

“There’s only a select few people that have been at that level twice. I plan on making this title reign way longer than my first title reign.”

Lethal also talked about winning the title for the second time and how it differs from the first time in 2015. He brought up the fact that when he won the title the first time there was a lot of bragging because he could back it up.

“Maybe had a few people in my ear, helping me think that way, being a little bit braggadocious. As to now, it’s not overconfidence, I’m more comfortable and confident in my abilities – not over confident – but confident. That would probably be the biggest comparison between now and then. Just a little more trash talking before – while still backing it up – this time maybe all actions will be in the ring and a little less trash talking.”

What are your thoughts on Lethal’s comments? Sound off in the comment section.

Ring of Honor crowned a new World Champion last night in Fairfax, VA.

Following his ROH World title defense at Best in the World 2018, Dalton Castle would have to defend his title again for the second night in a row. Not only that, Castle would have to defend the belt in a fatal 4-way match against Cody, Jay Lethal, and Matt Taven.

The winner of the match and new ROH World Champion is Jay Lethal. He is now just the 4th person to ever hold the title on multiple occasions.

The show in Fairfax last night was a scheduled TV taping but the world title match streamed live for Honor Club subscribers. Normally, TV tapings don’t air on the streaming service until after they have aired on television.

#ROH World Championship Match from #ROHFairfax: @theDALTONcastle vs @CodyRhodes vs @TheLethalJay vs @MattTaven!

Streaming NOW for ALL #HonorClub members: https://t.co/YuiBPTHz1Bhttps://t.co/vS7fcMBTTh pic.twitter.com/eIRVDVc2Sc

— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) July 1, 2018

New ROH World Champion

Jay Lethal’s first run with the ROH World title lasted 427 days. During his reign, Lethal successfully defended his title 28 times. He would eventually drop the title to Adam Cole.

As for the former champion, Dalton Castle, it looks as though he’ll be taking some time off. Castle was walking gingerly on his left leg last night and at Best in the World on Friday. Commentary let fans know that he was also suffering from a herniated disc in his lower back as well.

Castle’s reign as ROH World Champion concludes at 198 days. He defeated Cody for the title at Final Battle 2017. He defended the title 5x during his reign. He defeated Punishment Martinez, Tarkan Aslan, the Beer City Bruiser and Beretta (3-way), Jay Lethal, and Cody and Marty Scurll (3-way).

Only Adam Cole has won the ROH World title more than 2x. Lethal now joins Austin Aries and Jay Briscoe as the only others to hold the title multiple times.

Lethal currently sits at #5 on the all-time list of most combined days spent with the title. The record holder is still Samoa Joe, whose one reign with the belt lasted 645 days.

Ring of Honor have confirmed that injured former World Champion Jay Lethal will be making his way to the United Kingdom for the upcoming Honor United UK tour taking place on the following dates:

• May 24, 2018 — Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland, 7:30 p.m. local time
• May 26, 2018 — Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London, England, 6 p.m. local time
• May 27, 2018 — The Doncaster Dome, Doncaster, England, 6 p.m. local time

As we posted recently, Lethal suffered an injury while working a six-man tag match where EVIL, SANADA & Hiromu Takahashi defeated Kenny King, Colt Cabana & Lethal at May 12th’s War of the Worlds: Toronto in the main event of the show. It was reported that Lethal sustained the injury whilst hitting a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor and that he suffered from “memory issues” after the match. There were fears surrounding the performer’s condition with regards to a possible concussion and he was therefore removed from a planned fatal four way match against King, Matt Taven, and Marty Scurll in Royal Oak, Michigan as a precaution.

Ring of Honor posted the video below to Twitter where Lethal confirms his status for upcoming ROH events and the aforementioned Honor United UK tour.

Despite injuries that kept him from appearing at the last 2 ROH events… @TheLethalJay will compete at #HonorUnited in the United Kingdom! #WatchROH pic.twitter.com/Hu4zYgUuSw

— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) May 14, 2018