Ring Of Honor

[Gabriel]

Explanation: This backstory will consist of four things:

1. Results from 1/15 courtesy of PWInsider.

2. The Re-Instated Code of Honor, updated to include addition of title petitioning.

3. ROH Newswire courtesy of ROHWrestling.com, from 1/16 to 2/9, allowing the fans to catch up on anything they may have missed.

4. The Current Cards for the Third Anniversary Shows.

Credit: www.PWInsider.com

RING OF HONOR IN CAMBRIDGE, MA LIVE REPORT FEATURING MICK FOLEY OFFERING SAMOA JOE A WWE WORLD TITLE SHOT & MORE

by Jason Colacino @ 7:00:00 PM on 1/16/2005

I attended the ROH show in Cambridge, MA on 1/15 and went home extremely happy as did most people I'm sure.

The show opened up with Austin Aries coming to the ring and telling everyone how he will be a better champion than Samoa Joe ever was. This brought out Alex Shelly to confront Austin about the last show when he and Roderick Strong jumped Shelly. This in turn brought out Strong and he and Aries beat down on Shelly until Colt Cabana made his return to not much of a reaction (I believe it was from the crowd not being warmed up at all, however crowd was hot later in the night, ESPECIALLY FOR SAMOA JOE). Cabana cleaned house on Roderick and gave Aries a very scary back bodydrop that was WAY too close to the ropes, fortunately Aries was ok and he and Strong left.

In the first match, Spanky didn't come out to any music and a small, respectful applause. Very good match with lots of false finishes including Shelly kicking out of Slice Bread #2, but eventually fell to a second Slice Bread #2.

The Roderick Strong gauntlet was one of my favorite moments of the night. He seriously beat the living crap out of Punk and Corino's students and gave some of the most loudest and disturbing chops I've ever seen and heard. Heckler behind kept making fun of the underdeveloped students including one joke about one student saying he should go back to gay porn. Very funny stuff.

The Crowd was ALL over Prince Nana during the Tag Team contest saying how his crown is from Wal-Mart and various other discount shopping stores.

In the Ultimate Endurance match, Corino's personal announcer blabbered off all the bad athletes that came from Boston (funny stuff), then ROH ring announcer Bobby Cruise claimed he was from Boston (no Boston accent) and gave him a list of all the great athletes. Crowd was surprisingly not behind Punk (guess it's different for different cities). Now I'm not sure if Julius is just amazing at his gimmick or is just psycho but he seriously and I'm joking almost set off two riots last night including one time where a fan pushed him with no physical provocation and another during the Homicide-Danielson that I'll get too later. However Smokes is very entertaining and is doing wonders for getting the Rottweilers over.

Some idiot near me kept saying something about Smokes putting cheese on his crackers like 15 times (I never got the joke). Carnage Crew was eliminated very early in the match and Punk got very little offense in against the Pitbulls. Strong came out at the end and sent Corino knee first into the guardrail and hit his knee with a chair. He was helped to the back by his entourage after the match.

The Crowd was solidly behind Joe all night. Nigel put up a tremendous effort and traded some stiff blows with Joe at one point. Joe gave what is maybe the stiffest hardest lariat I've ever seen which sent McGuiness right on top of his head. I don't recall how McGuiness got of the choke, but I believe the ending came when Joe gave McGuiness a very stiff muscle buster. Very respectful ovation for Nigel as he left.

The Homicide-Bryan Danielson Tap Out match was by far one of the wildest I've ever seen in my life. Danielson is sporting a huge beard which looks pretty cool. Danielson came out swinging and he and Homicide went into the crowd about 2 feet from me within the opening seconds. Awesome stiff stuff here with Danielson supplying Homicide on a chair. What happened next I can't justify because I couldn't see what happened. The two started towards the entranceway when all of a sudden this older man came out (we believe he was a building official) and started yelling at the two wrestlers and Gabe Sapolsky and Julius Smokes. What I think happened was that either a fan became involved or may of been in the way because Homicide was going on a rampage (I don't believe it was gimmick related) and match was stopped for about 2 minutes until things got settled. Smokes didn't help the situation and he kept egging on the fans in that section. Otherwise it was a tremendous match with both guys working extremely hard. Homicide of course did his tope-con-hilo and practically missed Danielson on the outside. The finish came when Homicide kept working over Danielson's arm (injured from the last show I believe) and slapped on an armlock submission. GREAT MATCH!

Note from Mike Johnson: From what I understand a staffer for the building got upset with the ROH wrestlers for going over the railing and into the crowd and tried to tell them to return to the ring. Homicide and Julius stayed in character and responded to the janitor, which led to his son, who isn’t a fan, not realizing they were working and challenging them. The situation was quickly hashed out and resolved before the end of the evening.

Colt Cabana did his usual Copa Cabana entrance ( I thought he was supposed to be serious?) Very good match though including Colt doing probably the best Asai moonsault every. Maybe he should patent that name...BAME. Again I couldn't see because it was towards the entrance way, but I believe Aries suplexed Colt on the ramp because there was at least a 3-4 minute delay when the crowd started chanting "WTF" because they couldn't see. Colt crawled back to the ring and it wasn't long before Aries hit his beautiful 450 splash for the win.

The Foley-Joe confrontation is summed up very well in Mike Johnson's report and just to add something Foley told Joe he could get him a spot in the Royal Rumble and in turn a shot at HHH's World Title. And he got out his cell phone saying he was going to call the "Big Man" himself and ask for the favor. Everyone thinking the "Big Man" is Vince, however when Foley started talking he asked for Brian Gerwirtz....funny stuff.....also Foley said he'd been in the ring with many many WWE superstars and Joe's breath was by far the mintiest he'd ever smelled...again very funny stuff.

Notes: The National Guard Armory was very hard to find for people coming from the East, but otherwise it was a nice intimate place for a show....There were MANY hecklers in the crowd (much more than usual and I'm sure you'll hear on the home release) including some very funny signs including one with a picture of referee Sean Hanson popping a zit on his face. Hansen must've done some heel stuff awhile ago because the crowd was all over him all night and probably more than any other wrestler. I almost felt bad for him....All in all it was a great night of action including a near riot, keep up the good work!

Edited February 10, 2005 by Gabriel

[Guest ncguy]

Another ROH Diary, this one though seems to be coming together nicely great line-up for next set of shows also one of the better backstorys also looking forward to next show!

[Gabriel]

www.ROHWrestling.com

Newswire for the Week of 2/14

February 14: Colt Cabana is looking ahead to his World Title match with a very serious gaze, but the Master of the Colt .45 isn't all gloomy this week, as he has promised ROH another amazing LIVE edition of his Good Times, Great Memories talk show, which will take place on the afternoon Do Or Die IV card on 2/19. Cabana will feature special guests Ebessan and his partner Billy Ken Kid.

February 14: More names have been added to the 4/19 show in Dorchester, as Colt Cabana, Josh Daniels, Fast Eddie, Alex Shelley and Steve Corino's students Alex Law and Ricky Landell have signed on for the event.

February 15: Alex Shelley has told ROH officials that he plans on confronting Jack Evans sometime this weekend about his stance on the Aries/Shelley split.

February 15: Izzy, Deranged and Lacey of Special K are bragging to anyone that will listen that they are going to send their "drug-free" counterparts packing on 2/19 and win themselves ten times the amount they're making now, which means that they can party harder than ever before... but the team of Azrieal and Dixie insist that since cleaning themselves up, they've become so much better in the ring, and that it will take a miracle for Special K to beat them... The Carnage Crew, however, insist that they will win so that they can get away from their wives and their 9 to 5, minimum wage jobs, and that they don't care who they have to send home without a job to do it... the team of Generation Next doesn't seem too worried about the match, with Strong claiming that Evans will make the right decision, stay with him and Aries, and that they are going to win the Scramble Cage, and go on to win the ROH Titles as well... When reached for comment, the team of Dunn and Marcos simply stated that the "We're Not Gonna Take It 2004" tour is over, and that the "Appetite For Destruction 2005" tour is just beginning.

February 16: With the new stipulations added to the Scramble Cage match on 2/19, all five teams will literally be fighting for their ROH careers in the barbaric match. But if that wasn't enough, the winning team will not only receive a massive pay raise in ROH, but they will also receive a future shot at the ROH Tag Team Titles, which are currently held by the Rottweillers.

February 16: Allison Danger seems very pleased with herself lately, after having added the stipulation to Maff & Whitmer's title match that if they lose, they must split up. Not only does Danger feel as if the teaming of Maff & Whitmer is coming to an end, but she's also told ROH officials that she has several young stars on the brink of saying yes to joining her Prophecy.

February 17: Three final matches have been added to the Do Or Die IV card on 2/19 to round it out at six bouts for the afternoon. Joining the already announced contests will be two singles matches, featuring "Anarchist" Arik Cannon taking on El Generico, and Vordell Walker of FIP going one on one with EC Negro of the Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz. Also booked is a three team Scramble match, as Ebessan and Billy Ken Kid of Osaka Pro Wrestling will make their ROH debuts against a team of ROH students and the team of New Reality, Corvis Fear and Rush Margera.

Edited February 13, 2005 by Gabriel

[VDP2006]

Really good original Newswire there, and I can't wait for your first show. The bit with Dunn and Marcos and the "Appetite for Destruction 2005" tour just rules.

Edited February 13, 2005 by VDP2006

[Gabriel]

www.ROHWrestling.com

Last Minute Newswire

February 18: We had no intention of releasing a newswire report just one day before the beginning of the ROH Third Anniversary celebration, but there has been an injury, matches added to upcoming cards AND a sale to mention to ROH fans... and therefore, we have decided to release one more Newswire before the event.

February 18: ROHwrestling.com now has a big $10 sale. Selected ROH live event tickets and home releases are now on sale for just $10!!! This includes general admission tickets to the 3/5 six man tag team tournament in Philadelphia, 3/12 debut in the New Haven, CT market when ROH comes to Woodbridge and 4/16 in the Boston area. Lots of ROH shows are available for just $10 including the remastered DVD of the first "Glory By Honor." This event featured the legendary Low Ki vs. Samoa Joe match plus Christopher Daniels vs. Doug Williams, Paul London vs. Spanky vs. Michael Shane and lots more!!!

February 18: ROH has decided to announce two more matches for 3/12 in Connecticut so fans can take advantage of the $10 general admission tickets. If there needs to be a fourth match in the Bryan Danielson vs. Homicide best of five series it will take place on 3/12 at the CT Sports Center. Also just signed is a first time ever match as Spanky takes on Jack Evans!!! This one will have ramifications in the title picture.

February 18: A new team has been signed for the 3/5 six man tag tournament in Philadelphia at the National Guard Armory. You can take advantage of the $10 sale to get general admission tickets. The trio will be Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson & Jay Lethal. This looks to be the team to beat.

February 18: Injured at the hands of ROH World Champion Austin Aries, FIP performer Vordell Walker was forced to pull out of his appearance at the Do Or Die show, and has been given the opportunity by ROH officials to prove himself when he is fit to return on 4/16 in Massachussetts.

Edited February 15, 2005 by Gabriel

[JustinCredible2k]

Hey man this is lookin like the shit. Keep it up.

[Timmoru Suzuki]

Well, I'll be reading as I like ROH, and all your previous work. Its a shame this means no more DARK though.

Very good looking card anyway, looking forward to the show.

[Gabriel]

Saturday February 19, 2005

ROH: Do Or Die IV

Rex Plex in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Singles Match

Arik Cannon Vs Matt Turner

-With Cannon's scheduled opponent, El Generico, unable to make an appearance at the show, the "Anarchist" was surprised with the appearance of ROH student Matt Turner, who challenged Cannon to "give him a shot" and show what he can do. Cannon dominated the beginning of the match, working over the neck and head of his opponent, but Turner mounted a comeback that saw him hit a series of moves including a Snap Suplex, a Gordbuster, and then finally a bridging Northern Lights Suplex for a two count. Cannon sprung up and caught Turner completely out of nowhere with the Glimmering Warlock, knocking the student out on his feet. Cannon unleashed a scream before pulling his opponent up and setting him up on the second turnbuckle for the Total Anarchy, which finished off the match and gave Arik Cannon an impressive victory to open up the Do Or Die IV afternoon.

Winner: Arik Cannon at 6:26

14 / 55 / 34%

Tag Team Match

The Christopher St. Connection Vs The Heartbreak Express

-Buff E and Mase made their ROH returns to take on the FIP tandem of the Heartbreak Express, who's over-the-top, borderline homosexual tactics have led them to a small level of success in the Florida area. CSC came out strong, making quick tags in and out to counter the fact that the Davis' have more in the strength and size departments. Eventually, Phil Davis caught Mase with a big time Powerslam, and the Express took control of the match. Mase managed to make the tag, but Buff E also fell victim to the power game of the Heartbreak Express. In desperation, the Street tried to revert to their homosexual tactics to play mind games with their opponents, but the Express did not waver, and even scored a few near-falls. Buff E escaped a Piledriver attempt by biting Sean Davis on the inner thigh, and then tagged in Mase, who ran in and rolled him up for a quick surprise three count.

After the match, the Christopher St. Connection celebrated ecstatically, having won their return match.

Winner: The Christopher St. Connection at 3:23

17 / 32 / 24%

Singles Match

Evan Starsmore Vs EC Negro w/ KC Blade

-Another ROH student looked to make an impression at Do Or Die, this time against one half of the Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz in EC Negro, whose partner seconded him to the ring and remained in his corner. Negro started the match off by rolling Starsmore into a pinning predicament right out of the handshake for a two count. Starsmore immediately went into a Side Headlock, which Negro countered by rolling out, and then applying one of his own. The two men worked the mat for several minutes before Negro locked Starsmore's head between his legs, only for the ROH student to roll out of it and into an STF, which almost forced Negro to tap out. Negro reached the ropes, and Starsmore showed his inexperience by charging in, only to receive a Drop Toe Hold into the middle turnbuckle, followed by a Springboard Dropkick from Negro, which led to the Brolic Buffalo Legdrop from the top rope for the victory.

Winner: EC Negro at 4:35

9 / 55 / 32%

Singles Match

Kevin Steen Vs B-Boy

-"The New Age Punisher" made his second Do Or Die appearance against Canada's own "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen. The two men started the match off properly with a handshake, and then went right into an exchaneg of stiff strikes, which led to Steen planting B-Boy with a Spinning Uranage Suplex for a two count early in the match. The two then went back into an exchange of strikes, and this time, B-Boy came out on top and connected with a T-Bone Suplex for a two count. Both men scored several more near-falls leading up to the closing of the match. Steen set up for his big finish, the Piledriver, but B-Boy fought it off by ramming him hard into the corner. The Punisher put Steen up on the top rope, and tried for a Suicideplex, but Steen blocked it, and caught him with a big Headbutt that sent B-Boy down to the mat. Steen then tried for a Senton Splash, but B-Boy managed to roll out of the way, and then capitalize on the opportunity by hitting the Shining Wizard for the three count.

Winner: B-Boy at 10:44

35 / 81 / 58%

Tag Team Scramble

Team Osaka Pro Vs Davey Andrews/Shane Hagadorn Vs New Reality

-The match started off with Team Osaka Pro of Ebessan and Billy Ken Kid messing around with their opponents, including a spot where Ebessan offered to shake Corvis Fear's hand for a second time, and then pulled him in and rubbed it on his ass. The Osaka workers demonstrated a good show of teamwork in this bout, as they really got under the skin of New Reality and the ROH Students. Andrews and Hagadorn visibly had some problems working together, and it really showed as New Reality capitalized on their inexperience by separating Hagadorn from his partner and making quick tags in and out. The finish of the match saw Billy Ken Kid hit a Suicide Dive on Hagadorn on the outside, which was followed by Stereo Dives from the team of New Reality. Andrews looked like he was pumped and ready to hit a dive as well, but he turned and ran to hit the opposite ropes for speed, and ran right into a Small Package from Ebessan for the pinfall.

After the match, Andrews sat in the ring on his knees, pounding the mat and screaming about the loss, as the Osaka Pro workers took pictures with some fans in the front row.

Winner: Team Osaka Pro at 5:20

11 / 58 / 34%

FIP Heavyweight Title

Homicide © w/ Julius Smokes Vs Antonio Banks

-Antonio Banks came into this bout knowing that a win here would not only bring him the honor of being just the second ever FIP Champion, but that it would also secure him a spot on the ROH roster. Banks had a tough hill to climb, however, as he was faced against ROH staple and FIP Heavyweight Champion, "The Notorious 187" Homicide. Homicide started the match by just toying with his opponent, but Banks soon put a stop to that by blocking a lazy attempt at a Lariat and driving Homicide to the mat with a huge STO. Homicide rolled out of the ring and complained to Julius that Banks had cheated, and Smokes tried to convince the ref of that, but while the ref was distracted, Homicide pulled Banks out to ringside and drove him into the steel guardrail. The Notorious 187 went back into the ring and waited for his opponent to stand before hitting the Poetic Tope to the delight of the crowd. Homicide took the fight back into the ring and went for the Cop Killa prematurely, which allowed Banks to connect with a release overhead German Suplex, and then lock in the Crossface. Homicide battled out of the hold and managed to reach the bottom rope with his foot. After conversing with Smokes, Homicide charged in at Banks and hit a devastating Lariat, but the challenger sprung back up to his feet and dared him to try again. Not one to be outdone, the Champion tried again, and this time fell again to the Crossface, right in the middle of the ring. Homicide squirmed and wriggled, but could not break the hold, and in a desperate attempt to lose the pressure, Homicide managed to roll over, pinning Banks' shoulders to the mat for the three count.

Winner: Homicide at 10:19

37 / 72 / 54%

Good Times, Great Memories

Host Colt Cabana and Special Guests, Ebessan and Billy Ken Kid

-The segment started with Colt coming out to the ring, straight faced as "Copa Cabana" played in the background. Cabana entered the ring and did an opening monologue of Michael Jackson jokes without cracking so much as a grin. The straight-faced Cabana then called for his guests for the afternoon, Team Osaka Pro. The Japanese stars made their way out to the ring, and Cabana just handed them the mic, letting them speak in Japanese to the fans. Colt then stopped Ebessan, and told him that he couldn't do this. Cabana then freaked out, yelling at the Osaka Pro workers to get out of the ring. Cabana then started a rant about how he's heading into tonight's main event with vengeance on his mind...but just as he said this, he was interrupted by Alex Shelley, who came out and stole the mic. Shelley nudged Cabana aside and stood in the center of the ring, calling out Jack Evans and demanding an answer as to what side he was on. "Personal Jesus" hit over the PA system and Austin Aries came out, followed by Roderick Strong and Jack Evans. Shelley stood, poised for a fight, and the GenNext members all entered the ring. Aries grabbed the mic and told Shelley that he has his answer now, and should just accept the defeat. Shelley grabbed the mic back, and told Aries that he wants a match, right then and there. Aries told Shelley that he's outnumbered and that it wouldn't be fair, but Shelley slapped Colt on the chect and proclaimed that he was sure Cabana would tag with him in order to get his hands on Aries a little bit early... the ROH Champion then agreed, saying that they can have their match if they want it, right now...against Evans and Strong.

55%

Main Event

Tag Team Match

Colt Cabana and Alex Shelley Vs GenNext w/ Austin Aries

-Both teams started out with the mandatory handshake, but went right into the action, with Shelley going straight for Evans, but Strong taking him down. Strong tried to keep Shelley on the defensive, but he showed a much more aggressive side tonight, taking a Half-Nelson Backbreaker, and then getting up and catching Strong with the Shellshock out of nowhere. Shelley then applied the Broder City Stretch, but inched his way toward the corner of GenNext, forcing Evans to tag in so that his team wouldn't lose. Evans came in and was immediately taken down by Shelley, who took him to the mat, applied an STF, released it, and then slapped his former ally in the back of the head. Evans fought his way back up, but Shelley reveresed a Hurricanrana attempt into a Powerbomb, and then pulled Evans up and hit a Hurricanrana of his own. Cabana came in and went after the back of Evans, trying to get rid of Evans' trademark offense. Aries distracted the referee long enough for Strong to attack Cabana from behind and drag his aprtner over to their corner. GenNext then took advantage, working over Cabana, but Aries' upcoming challenger rebounded back and the match was at a standstill until Strong hit a Lungblower on Cabana, who flew back up after the move and was tagged by Shelley. Shelley came in on fire, but couldn't fight the odds as Evans and Strong worked together to take him down. The finish of the match saw Aries try to get involved, but end up taking a Roaring Forearm from Alex Shelley, which allowed Strong to hit a Chokebreaker, but with Cabana and Evans as the legal men, the GenNext member fell victim to the Colt .45 for the victory.

After the match, all five men stood in the ring staring each other down. After the handshakes, Cabana motioned to Aries that he was taking the belt from him, but after he did, Alex Shelley told him that if he does beat Aries, he'll have him to look forward to.

Winner: Cabana and Shelley at 16:55

44 / 76 / 60%

[JustinCredible2k]

Edit- That's just the first day right?

Edited February 22, 2005 by JustinCredible2k

[Gabriel]

Edit- That's just the first day right?

←

[Gabriel]

Saturday February 19, 2005

ROH: Third Anniversary Celebration I

Rex Plex in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Winner vs John Walters

Jay Lethal Vs Jimmy Rave w/ Prince Nana

-The night started off on a good note as Rave and Lethal fought tooth and nail for the chance to face ROH Pure Champion John Walters later on in the evening. Both men used rope breaks early on, as Lethal caught Rave in a Boston Crab, and Rave managed to apply the From Dusk Til Dawn. Prince Nana spent the match trying to build up Rave, who despite continuous attempts, could not seem to keep Lethal's shoulders down for the three count. Lethal hit a vicious Double Arm DDT for a near fall, and managed to force Rave to use his last rope break by applying a Choke-hold, reminiscent of Samoa Joe, in the ropes. Lethal then applied a Boston Crab again, but Rave refused to tap, and Lethal let go of the hold. Lethal hit a Leg Lariat, but then was rolled up for a two count. Lethal came up and connected with a massive Lariat for another two count. The two men wrestled on the mat for a minute or so, ending with Lethal trying to get in position for a choke, but Rave squirming out of it, and then connecting with his deadly Shining Wizard... but he wasn't done there, as he pulled Lethal up, and in an effort to send a message to an upcoming opponent, Rave put Lethal away with the Rave Clash for the three count.

Winner: Jimmy Rave at 8:47

38 / 86 / 62%

ROH Tag Team Titles

The Rottweillers © w/ Julius Smokes Vs Maff & Whitmer

-Before the match started, Allison Danger came out and wished the Rottweillers luck, saying that if they didn't win, she'd be coming for them as well as Maff & Whitmer when she brought together her new Prophecy. J-Train kept his men motivated by talking smack to their opponents, but the former Prophecy members wouldn't have any of it, as they threatened to attack Smokes at several points in the match. The Champions worked well together, singling out BJ Whitmer and working over his left knee, which he has previously had problems with, and now supports with a knee brace. Maff wouldn't allow his partner to get worked like that, and intervened, pulling Reyes off of his partner and knocking him down with a clubbing blow to the back of the head. Maff's involvement allowed Whitmer to gain a second wind and hit a beautiful Brainbuster on Reyes before tagging out. Maff came in and took out both members of the Rottweillers, but Julius grabbed his attention, allowing Reyes to hit a German Suplex, then tag in Romero for the Cuban Execution. Whitmer broke up the count and the action spilled to the outside, where Maff hit the Cannonball on Ricky Reyes against the steel guardrail. Back in the ring, Whitmer connected with the Wrist-Clutch Exploder on Romero, but Allison Danger had come back out, and this distracted BJ. Romero tried to roll Whitmer up for the win, but he kicked out at two, and then hit a second Exploder, this time pinning the Champion while simultaenously giving Danger the middle finger.

After the match, Allison freaked out and tried to get BJ to slap her and break the Code of Honor, but he refused and told her that she'll get hers in time. Danger then yelled at the Rottweillers for losing, and promised that they would pay for this loss.

Winner: Maff & Whitmer at 9:07

43 / 77 / 60%

Singles Match

Alex Shelley Vs Jimmy Jacobs

-Jacobs came into this match looking to finally prove himself against the man that he has been seemingly incapable of defeating in Alex Shelley, but the former Generation Next member was a man on a mission, looking to secure himself a spot at the top of ROH and possibly a future World Title shot against the man that turned on him, Austin Aries. Neither man seemed to gain an advantage until really late in the match, where Shelley caught Jacobs with a vicious STO into a Backbreaker. Shelley worked over the back from that point, and looked to have the match in the bag when Jacobs resorted to a thumb to the eye to escape a Shellshock attempt. The Barbaric Berserker then ignored the ensuing boo's, and hit the Berserker Boot for a two count. Jacobs then went up top and hit the Senton Splash for another two count, but couldn't follow up, as he had hurt his back on the move. Jacobs tried for the Contra Code at the end of the match, but Shelley blocked it and locked in the Border City Stretch for the submission win.

Winner: Alex Shelley at 7:46

45 / 82 / 63%

Singles Match

CM Punk w/ Tracy Brooks Vs Spanky

-Both men came into this match looking to pick up a major win heading into the last two nights of the Third Anniversary celebration, as a strong showing here and on both nights would almost definately put both men in line for a future World Title shot. The match started out with a feeling out process, but they kicked it into high gear soon after, exchanging a series of Chops, Powerslams and Lariats. Spanky tried for a Springboard move, but Punk caught him with an Inverted Atomic Drop, which he followed up with a running Neckbreaker for a two count. Punk pulled Spanky up and hit his Double Underhook Backbreaker for another two count, but Spanky fought back out of the pin, and managed to hit a Flying DDT from the second rope a couple minutes afterward. Spanky worked over Punk's neck, trying to set him up for the Sliced Bread #2, but he wouldn't get to hit the move, as Punk would block it and place him hard on the turnbuckle, setting him up for the Pepsi Plunge. Spanky fought off the move, but when he tried to Backdrop Punk off the top rope, Spanky ended up taking a hard Sunset Flip Powerbomb, which proved to be enough to score the pinfall for CM Punk.

Winner: CM Punk at 7:58

63 / 83 / 73%

Grudge Match

Steve Corino Vs Roderick Strong w/ Jack Evans

-Corino came out without any entrance music and demanded that Roderick Strong come face him now, like a man. Strong came out, accompanied by Jack Evans. Strong didn't even get into the ring when the match started, as Corino dove through the ropes, taking out both Strong and Evans. Corino favored his injured hand, but kept on the attack, throwing punches with his good hand, and stomping Strong against the guardrail. Corino went to pick up his opponent, and Strong took advantage of the injured hand by clamping down on it with his own, and then whipping Corino into the guardrail. The match made it into the ring after several minutes, and Strong was on the offensive. Every time that Corino would mount anything resembling a comeback, Strong would go back to the hand, which was bleeding by the end of the match, as Roderick had stomped on it several times and even bit it once while he had Corino in an Abdominal Stretch. The King Of Old School finally made a successful comeback, taking out Strong with a vicious Lariat to top it off, but when he went for the pin, Corino was pulled out of the ring by Jack Evans. Evans and Corino exchanged words, allowing Strong to get up. Roderick then tried for a Slingshot Plancha, but Corino moved out of the way and he ended up taking out his own partner. Strong tried to use a steel chair, but Corino stole it from him and clocked Evans in the head with it. Corino then swung at Strong, but Roderick ducked underneath and sent Corino face first into the steel corner post. Strong took his opponent into the ring and set up for the CX '02, but Corino would have none of it, blocked the move and hit the Old School Expulsion. The fans burst into a "bullshit" chant when Strong kicked out, but Corino was back on the attack as he screamed "NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!" Corino connected with the move big time, and then made the cover to defeat Roderick Strong in a grueling battle.

Winner: Steve Corino at 13:37

53 / 84 / 68%

Best Of Five Series

Taped Fist Match

Homicide w/ Julius Smokes Vs Bryan Danielson

-With Danielson down one-to-nothing in the Best of Five series, the American Dragon looked to pick up a win in this brutal Taped Fist match. Both men managed to bloody their opponent early in the bout, which was fought more like a Mixed Martial-Arts fight than a wrestling match. The two men fought all over the ring, pounding away at each other without any remorse. Danielson tried to apply the Cattle Mutilation, but couldn't hook his hands because of the tape, and Homicide got out of it, mounted on top of him, and fired away, cutting Danielson twice above the bridge of his nose. Danielson positioned himself to get out from underneath Homicide, and managed to apply a Cross Armbreaker, which was only broken as Julius Smokes pulled Homicide from the ring. The fight continued on the floor, where Smokes placed something on the right hand of the Notorious 187. Danielson took the fight back into the ring, and looked ready for a knockout punch, when Homicide came out of nowhere with one of his own, hiding his hand after the shot, and crawling on top of Danielson for the three count.

After the match, Smokes took the object back from Homicide, revealing it to be a set of Brass Knuckles.

Winner: Homicide at 5:28

66 / 82 / 74%

ROH Pure Title

John Walters © w/ Prince Nana Vs Jimmy Rave w/ The Embassy

-The two Embassy members came out prepared for a grueling match-up, and that's what they got. Before the match satrted, however, Nana introduced the newest member of The Embassy as Nigel McGuinness. Nigel came out and quickly berated the fans, telling them that while he does like them, that he likes money better, and Nana supplies lots of that. Walters and Rave both laughed at Nigel's comment, and all three men shook hands. The Champion had Prince Nana in his corner, while the Challenger had Nigel and the Outcast Killahs in his. Both men shook hands several times throughout the match at stalemates. Walters got the upper hand, but Rave fought out of a Camel Clutch and pinned him for a two count. Walters hit the Hurricane DDT for a two count, but Rave got his foot on rope to break it. Nearing the end of the match, Walters had used two of his three rope breaks, and had been caught with Rave's From Dusk Til Dawn. Nana, cheering on Walters, encouraged him to break the hold and grab the ropes, so he did... but soon after Rave applied the move again, this time putting his arms over the bottom rope and pulling Walters' neck up against the rope with the Crossface. As Rave wrenched back on the hold, Nana's face changed from concern to laughter as began to cheer on Jimmy Rave. Walters refused to tap out, and the referee had to stop the match because Walters was unable to continue due to passing out while in the Crossface.

After the match, Nana revealed to the crowd that he played John Walters, and that the plan all along was for Rave to be Pure Champion. Nana then said that he brought in Nigel McGuinness to make sure that Walters never gets a shot at Rave's belt.

Winner: Jimmy Rave at 12:55

46 / 80 / 63%

Special Challenge Match

Samoa Joe Vs Trent Acid w/ Mick Foley

-Mick Foley came out to the ring and told Joe that he had originally planned to bring in Al Snow, but that Al was a little busy "getting some head", and that his backup plan...himself...wasn't in the proper shape or state of mind to be fighting...so Foley said that he went out and recruited a man that he thinks will not only defeat Joe, but also make a strong return into ROH... that man, was the returning Trent Acid. Acid put out a strong showing against Joe, almost pinning him twice with the Yakuza Kick, but Joe would not be out-done by Foley's man, and he let out an onslaught of stiff strikes before catching Acid in the Triangle Choke for the submission win.

After the match, Foley berated Acid and even hit him with a Double Arm DDT before turning his attention to Joe. Foley demanded that Joe come back into the ring, and the former champion did. Joe went face to face with Foley, and the two exchanged blows as the crowd exploded. Joe knocked Foley down with a forearm, and the Hardcore Legend rolled out of the ring, telling Joe that next time he sees him, he better be ready for an ass kicking.

Winner: Samoa Joe at 6:46

60 / 78 / 69%

ROH World Title

Steel Cage Match

Austin Aries © Vs Colt Cabana

-Both men came out alone, with Colt even stopping after walking through the curtain to tell CM Punk to go to the back. Cabana took it to Aries right out of the gate, using the cage to his advantage by sending the Champion face first into the mesh several times early on. Aries fought back and gave Cabana a taste of his own medicine, but then fell victim to a desperation Lariat, and both men were down. Aries was the first up and he really gave it to Cabana. The Champion scraped Colt's face against the mesh incredibly aggressively, and Cabana's face was a bloody mess. Aries tried to apply the Rings of Saturn, trying to use Colt's injured shoulder to win the match, but Cabana fought out of it, but fell victim to a vicious Scoop Powerslam for a two count. The Wrestling Machine set up for a Brainbuster, but Colt fought it off and rolled him up for a one count. Cabana ducked under a Lariat, and then hit a boot to the gut, followed by the Colt .45 for another two count, which the fans almost thought was three. Colt crawled toward the door, and the ref opened it for him, but Aries grabbed him by the foot, pulled him back toward the middle of the ring, and the flipped over while holding Colt's knee, wrenching it back extremely hard in a snapping motion. Cabana writhed around on the mat in pain and screamed for his partner. CM Punk ran out from the back with a concerned look on his face and tried to get into the cage, but Aries booted Punk in the face when he opened the door. Punk and Aries exchanged words, and Cabana was trying to pull himself up using the ropes. Colt fell twice before he managed to stand up, and even then, he was taken out with a huge punch, followed by being tossed back into the cage. Aries pulled Colt up, and then Powerbombed him against the Cage. Aries toyed with the idea of pinning Colt, but didn't, and it cost him, as Cabana rolled him up several times for a count of two. Colt tried for another Colt .45, but his knee wouldn't hold up, and Aries connected with the Crucifix Driver for a two count of his own. Aries then went up top for the 450 Splash, but Cabana moved out of the way. Colt rolled Aries up for another two count, and then tried and connected with another Colt .45. The fans chanted for Cabana as he crawled toward the door. Punk opened the door for his partner and cheered him on. Colt pulled himself up on the ropes so he could step out of the door, but Aries came out of nowhere with an amazing Spear, sending Colt between the cage and the ropes, and sending himself outside of the ring onto CM Punk. Punk managed to almost catch Aries, who's feet remained on the ringsteps. Punk sent Aries back into the ring and closed the door. Aries hit the ropes and hit a sliding Dropkick into the door, which nailed Punk in the face. Aries was about to leave, but Cabana grabbed him from behind. Aries reversed the hold by taking Colt to the mat and then applying the Fish Hook of Doom. Aries screamed and pulled on the hold, forcing Cabana to scream "I Quit" and award the match to the Champion, Austin Aries.

After the match, Punk immediately came into the ring and had a confrontation with Aries, but instead of dealing with that, Punk went to the aid of his fallen partner as Aries celebrated his second successful title defense in ROH.

Winner: Austin Aries at 21:02

56 / 72 / 64%

Scramble Cage Match

Special K w/ Lacey Vs The Carnage Crew Vs The Ring Crew Express Vs Azrieal & Dixie Vs GenNext

-With so much on the line in this match, none of the teams could afford to lose here. The winning team would be paid ten times their regular pay, and would also be in line for a shot at the new ROH Tag Team Champions; while the losing team would be out of ROH for ninety days. The first two teams in the ring were the Special K team of Izzy and Deranged, as well as the Ring Crew Express. All four men went all out for the first three minutes of the match, including Izzy hitting a Hurricanrana off the top rope on Dunn. The Express got their opponents down and put them in an arm submission that allowed them to play air guitar, and the fans applauded for that, but the team of Azrieal and Dixie were out next, and they came in hard and fast, taking out all four men. Azrieal hit both Marcos and Izzy with a Springboard Flipping Neckbreaker, and Dixie took out Dunn with a Tornado DDT before hitting Deranged with a running Powerbomb. Azrieal and Dixie looked to be in control, but Marcos flew off the top of the cage with a Crossbody on the two of them and their former Special K counterparts. The next team out was The Carnage Crew of Loc and Devito, who cleared house as well. The Crew sent all six of their opponents into the mesh caging before Devito was caught by Azrieal with a leaping Superkick. The four teams did battle inside of the cage until the last remaining team, Roderick Strong and Jack Evans, made their way in. Strong was visibly tired from his earlier battle with Steve Corino, and didn't help his team out any more after that either, as he needed to be carried out after Izzy hit a Phoenix Splash off the platform onto all nine other men. Evans had his work cut out for him, and tried to play it safe, but broke down and hit the Double Rotation Moonsault into the ring on HC Loc, Dixie and Special K. The end of the match saw everyone hitting their finishers, including Evans connecting with a 630 from the top rope on Devito. Lacey came in to help out her team, but fell victim to a Sit Down Death Valley Driver from Azrieal. The Carnage Crew hit Izzy with the Carnage Plex, and were setting him up for the Carnage Driver when Azrieal caught Deranged with a leg hook Sit Down Death Valley Driver for the three count.

After the match, the Carnage Crew hit Izzy with the Carnage Driver anyways, and the team of Azrieal and Dixie celebrated their victory.

Winner: Azrieal & Dixie at 15:43

37 / 79 / 58%

[Gabriel]

Title Petitions Following 2/19

-To earn the right to petition for a title shot after a show, the worker or team must have won their match on the show. There may only be a maximum of 10 petitions for the singles belts (ROH World and ROH Pure Titles) and 5 petitions for the ROH Tag Team belts. Once you have received a shot at a title, a worker or team's petition will be removed, and they will be forced to start the process over.

ROH World Title: Austin Aries (v2)

ROH Pure Title: Jimmy Rave

1. Samoa Joe

Will challenge for the World Title on 2/26, but will first team with Bryan Danielson against the Champion and his partner Jack Evans.

2. Homicide

Defeated Bryan Danielson on 2/19 to go up 2-0 in their best of five series. A clean sweep of the series could very well earn the Notorious 187 a shot at the ROH Title.

3. CM Punk

Bested Spanky in an amazing match-up on 2/19 in Elizabeth. An upcoming match against Alex Shelley could earn Punk a shot at the belt.

4. Alex Shelley

The Next defeated long time rival Jimmy Jacobs again on 2/19, and with a match on 2/25 against CM Punk, Shelley could potentially slide himself up the ladder.

ROH Tag Titles: Maff & Whitmer

1. Azrieal & Dixie

Earned a shot at the ROH Tag Titles by winning the Scramble Cage match on 2/19.

[Gabriel]

Newswire for the week of 2/20

February 21: Now that Dan Maff & BJ Whitmer have won the ROH Tag Team Titles, Allison Danger has promised to put the duo through hell in order to get the belts off of them and force them to discontinue teaming. Danger has claimed that she is going to recruit a whole new Prophecy, and personally take the belts from them.

February 21: There has been a Four Corner Survival match added to the 2/25 card, as Puma will make his ROH main card debut against the returning Delirious, as well as Prince Nana's newest Embassy member Nigel McGuinness and the "Barbaric Berserker" Jimmy Jacobs.

February 21: Prince Nana and Jimmy Rave were ecstatic over the way their plans came to fruition on 2/19, but will have a lot to pay for, as John Walters left the building in New Jersey with one goal in mind, and that is vengeance. Walters didn't even grab his bags before leaving, as he just stormed out of the Rex Plex as soon as he regained consciousness. With what has transpired, you can expect Walters to accept more dates with ROH in hopes of getting his hands on Rave and the man that stabbed him in the back, Prince Nana.

February 21: The new team of Joey Matthews and Matt Sydal have been named "S&M" by the ROH Message Board, and the two men have expressed joy toward their chosen name. The new team will debut with Daizee Haze at their sides in a tag team bout on 2/25 against the Ring Crew Express, and then will wrestle against the RCE again on 2/26 in a Tag Team Scramble that will also include the Generation Next team of Jack Evans and Roderick Strong.

February 22: Steve Corino has said that he is more than satisfied with the lesson he taught to Roderick Strong on 2/19, but that he is infuriated with the way that Generation Next treated his partner Colt Cabana. Corino has been telling friends that he hopes that Generation Next will enter themeselves into the Six Man Tag Tournament so that Cabana gets another crack at Aries.

February 22: With Homicide up 2-0 in their best of five series, it could all come down to the Falls Count Anywhere match on 2/26 to determine the winner, as Bryan Danielson is now in a position where he can lose this series if he loses that match. It all comes down to 2/26 and whether or not Danielson can mount a comeback in this series.

February 22: Samoa Joe told ROH Officials that Mick Foley is going to have to do a lot better than a "CZW reject" if he wants to defeat him. Joe has demanded that next time Mick Foley shows up at an ROH event, he'd better be ready for a fight, because he won't even look at him unless he is.

February 22: A couple of new teams have been added to the six man tournament on 3/5, as the team of Generation Next have decided to sign up, as well as the Dream Team of Spanky, James Gibson and another former WWE superstar, who the two men have decided to keep a secret until the night of the tournament.

February 22: Another team has been added to the Six Man Tag Team Tournament on 3/5, as the Ring Crew Express will be looking to kickstart their Appetite For Destruction tour when they team up with New Japan's Puma.

February 22: Jay Lethal has approached ROH officials about a rematch with the new Pure Champion Jimmy Rave... but because of Rave's Championship win, Lethal's request has been made into a petition and he will be forced to earn that shot at Prince Nana's client, and Lethal will receive this opportunity on back-to-back nights, taking on Homicide on 2/25, and then on 2/26, going one on one against CM Punk who he will also meet in a tag team match on 3/12.

February 22: AJ Styles told ROH officials that this Friday in Dayton will be a very emotional night for him as he finally gets to step foot in a ROH ring for the first time in almost a year. Styles said it will also be emotional because he will be across the ring from a man he once considered his friend. AJ feels betrayed by Jimmy Rave and he has had the aggressions building up since 7/17/03 when Rave joined The Embassy. Now Styles will unleash all those months of aggression on Rave this Friday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Coliseum.

February 22: Azrieal and Dixie were more than happy with their performance in the Scramble Cage, and both men were equally happy that they managed to win the match AND put away their former Special K teammates in the process. The duo are now turning their attention to their Tag Team Title shot, and have requested it for 2/25 against the new Champions of Dan Maff and BJ Whitmer.

[Guest JayLethal]

The only complant I have is the time on these matches seem very short.

[JustinCredible2k]

I personally think the length of the matches are very good. I mean its not too long and not too short. Its readable. Great job thus far.

-Nigel McGuinness And Jimmy Jacobs joining the Embassy could be promsing.

-Matthews and Sydal a team? That looks like that would be a pretty good team. And them involved in your upcoming show in the Tag team scramble? Nice.

-I wonder who Spanky and Gibson aer gonna bring in. Hope its its someone big. Not big as in Vader but big as in, someone you would least expect.

-Lethal vs. Homicide and then Punk? Both seem to be pretty good matches. Hopefully Homicide dont stomp a mudhole in him before CM can get his hands on him. 2 very good potential matches.

- And AJ styles returning? Againt Rave no less. The one he mentored. That should be a VERY good match. Probably one of the best.

Hope the next show goes good for ya.

Edit- I see what Lethal was talkin about. Some are alittle shorter then what they should be. But still ok.

Edited February 27, 2005 by JustinCredible2k

[Gabriel]

Newswire for the Week of 2/20...Cont'd.

February 24: Bryan Danielson has been giving Jay Lethal advice heading into Lethal's one on one encounter with "The Notorious 187" Homicide on 2/25. Danielson has been meeting with Lethal at the request of Lethal's mentor and former ROH Champion Samoa Joe.

February 24: ROH officials have decided that the winning team of the six man tag team tournament on 3/5 in Philadelphia will be given the chance to book their own future matches. The winning members of the team can book themselves in any match they want whether it is for title shots or personal dream matches.

February 24: We are very proud to announce that in partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling, our return to the Rex Plex in Elizabeth on 4/2 will see an eight man single elimination tournament, with the winner receiving a spot in this years "Best of the Super Juniors" tournament in New Japan. Expect to see names announced for the tournament in the coming weeks.

February 24: The eighth and final team has been announced for the tournament on 3/5, as Jim Cornette has submitted a team of his own, claiming to have three of the best young talents in the business ready to take over ROH. When asked about who would be competing on his team, Cornette replied that he will reveal everything on 2/26 in Chicago Ridge.

February 24: Julius Smokes and the Rottweillers were infuriated by the comments made from Allison Danger on 2/19, and Smokes has told ROH officials that whenever Danger has a team ready, the former Champions will be more than willing to beat them in the ring.

February 24: The Carnage Crew will not be on either of the Midwest shows this weekend, as their wives have refused to allow them to continue travelling without them, and both Loc and Devito felt it would be better to skip out on the shows than it would be to have to bring their wives with them.

[Gabriel]

Final Card

ROH Third Anniversary Celebration II

February 25, 2005

Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio

One Night Only

Grudge Match

AJ Styles returns Vs Jimmy Rave w/ Prince Nana

Screw Sports Entertainment Match

Spanky Vs James Gibson

Tag Team Match

Samoa Joe and Bryan Danielson Vs GenNext of Aries/Evans

Grudge Match

CM Punk Vs Alex Shelley

ROH Tag Team Titles

Maff & Whitmer defend Vs Azrieal & Dixie

Singles Match

Jay Lethal Vs Homicide w/ Julius Smokes

Tag Team Match

Matthews & Sydal w/ Daizee Haze Vs Ring Crew Express

Four Corner Survival

Puma Vs Delirious Vs Nigel McGuinness Vs Jimmy Jacobs

I'm going to start running prediction contests with the 2/25 show. The winner is the man with the most right predictions of the announced matches, and they will receive the opportunity to book one match involving any ROH superstar (within reason).

The tie-breaker this show will be...who scores the pin in the Joe/Danielson Vs Aries/Evans match?

[Gabriel]

Friday February 25, 2005

ROH: Third Anniversary Celebration II

Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Dayton, Ohio

Tag Team Match

S & M w/ Daizee Haze Vs The Ring Crew Express

-The team of Matt Sydal and Joey Matthews made their Tag Team debut in Dayton, accompanied by Daizee Haze and taking on ROH fan favorites, the Ring Crew Express of Dunn and Marcos. Both teams went all-out, with the new team hoping to secure a solid victory in their first showing, and the RCE looking to shut down S&M and prove that they belong in ROH. Dunn and Marcos did everything they could, short of cheating, to try and put away their opponents, but every time they would have one of them in a bad predicament, the other would come in and put an end to it. Dunn hit Sydal with a Senton Splash off the shoulders of Marcos, but Joey Matthews came in and hit a vicious DDT on Dunn, and then tossed Marcos over the top rope to the floor. Matthews then pulled something out of his tights, but Daizee tried to stop him. The ref became distracted by Daizee, and Matthews tried to hit Dunn, but missed and received a Dropkick to the ass. Dunn tried to follow up by Sydal came in from behind and rolled him up for the three count.

After the match, Daizee yelled at Matthews about cheating, and he almost shoved her, but she fell backward on her own accord. She then tried to get Sydal to help her, but he spat on her and left with his new partner.

Winner: S & M at 7:47

40 / 73 / 56%

Four Corner Survival

Puma Vs Delirious Vs Nigel McGuinness w/ Prince Nana Vs Jimmy Jacobs

-Puma was making his main show debut here, but the major story coming into this match was that Nigel McGuinness had joined Prince Nana's Embassy just six days prior. The match started off with Jacobs and Delirious exchanging what would have been words if the two men were anybody else...Delirious spoke in his lizard tongue, and Jacobs replied by screaming "HUSS!". Jacobs tried to take Delirious down, but the lizard man reversed out of a waistlock and caught Jacobs hard on the jaw with a stiff right hand. The two men went back and forth with Arm Drags until Jacobs yelled HUSS again, confusing Delirious, and allowing him to hit a Dropkick. Puma came in and a bit of a three way battle ensued, with Puma and Jacobs taking Delirious out with a Double Spinning Heel Kick. Puma had Jacobs set up for the Skull Crusher, but Jacobs fought out of the move and rolled him up for a two count. McGuinness finally got himself involved in the match, and he stretched Puma for a bit, before the New Japan student fought out and hit a Superkick, allowing him to tag out. The end of the match saw Jacobs hit the Senton Splash on Delirious, but Puma came in and broke the count. Puma and Jacobs fought, with Jacobs coming out on top with the Contra Code, but before he could make the cover, he ran into Nigel, who hit a boot to the gut, applied a Hammerlock and then turned it into the Guvnor's Crumpet for the three count.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness at 12:30

28 / 76 / 52%

Singles Match

Screw Sports Entertainment Match

Spanky Vs James Gibson

-Both men came out to a great reaction from the crowd, who started up a loud "SmackDown Sucks" chant, to which Spanky responded "I wasn't on SmackDown... I was on Velocity." Both men went for a feeling out period, to test how far their opponent was willing to go. Spanky took the advantage at first, working over the leg of Gibson, but the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion fought him off and went to work on the knee of Spanky, setting him up possibly for the Trailer Hitch. Spanky fought out of an early attempt at the move and hit a running Enziguri for a two count. Spanky followed up with a few big moves, including a Neckbreaker onto his knee, followed up by a Snapmare, and a soccer kick to the back of Gibson. Gibson fought off an attempt at the Sliced Bread #2, and connecting with a sick Dragon Suplex for a two count of his own. The end of the match saw both men exchange a series of WWE finishers; Gibson hit Spanky with a Stunner for a two count, then Spanky answered with a Pedigree for one of his own. Gibson hit the Rock Bottom, but Spanky kicked out and hit an Angle Slam. Gibson then hit his opponent with a massive Batista-Bomb, but Spanky kicked out, and after teasing a Stunner of his own, Spanky turned it into the Sliced Bread #2 for the three count in a hard-fought match.

Winner: Spanky at 15:58

65 / 86 / 75%

Singles Match

Jay Lethal Vs Homicide w/ Julius Smokes

-Lethal came into this match needing to pick up a win in hopes of making a title petition so that he could get a rematch with Jimmy Rave. Lethal had been training for the week prior to this match with Homicide's nemesis, "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson. Lethal started the match out well, showing that his time with Danielson was not a waste. Lethal took Homicide to the limit, sending him down to the mat and showing him some incredible chain-wrestling skills, which got the crowd behind Lethal, but infuriated Homicide at the same time. The Notorious 187 blocked a German Suplex attempt, went behind and hit a Half Nelson Suplex on Lethal, dropping the younger competitor on the top of his head. Homicide worked Lethal over in the corner, and busted open his nose with a brutal bootscrape. Homicide hit a Lariat, and made the cover, but Lethal kicked out just before the count of three. Homicide pulled him up, and tried for the Cop Killa, but Lethal flipped out of it and hit a German Suplex for a two count. Lethal regained his composure and hit a series of Forearms on Homicide, followed by a Leg Lariat. The fans really got behind Lethal, and he went up to the top rope, but Julius Smokes distracted him, and Homicide caught him with an Ace Crusher from the top. Homicide teased making the cover, but Lethal began to try getting up, and Homicide changed his mind. Smokes started to scream "Oh shit, son...here it comes!" and Homicide pulled Lethal up to his feet and connected with the Cop Killa for the three count.

Winner: Homicide at 16:43

42 / 90 / 66%

Tag Team Match

ROH Tag Team Titles

Maff & Whitmer © Vs Azrieal & Dixie

-The new Tag Team Champions, Dan Maff and BJ Whitmer, made their first defense against the team that won the Scramble Cage match just 6 days prior to this encounter, of Azrieal and Dixie, formerly of Special K. The challengers came in at less than 100%, due to the grueling bout on night one of the Third Anniversary Celebration, where they finally ridded themselves of their former Special K teammates in the Scramble Cage. Despite being un-fit for the match, the challengers showed themselves to be a real threat to the new Champions, and scored several near-falls early in the match; the closest of which came after a series of moves saw Azrieal hit Whitmer with a Superkick...then Dixie with a Roaring Elbow to Whitmer...followed by a Springboard Somersault Ace Crusher from Azrieal. The only way BJ managed to kick out was because he was so close to the ropes. Azrieal and Dixie managed to continue their domination when Maff came in, making quick tags in and out and employing a hit and run technique to ensure that Maff couldn't get the upper hand...but Maff caught Azrieal coming in for a kick, and hit a Capture Suplex for a two count. Maff and Whitmer showed why they were the Champions, absolutely pulverizing both of their opponents on separate occasions, including a Boot Scrape from Whitmer and a Cannonball from Maff to each man. The end of the match saw Azrieal hit a Spinning Heel Kick on Maff from the top rope, only for Maff to kick out at two, get up, level him with a Lariat and then deliver the Maff Drop for the three count.

Winner: Maff & Whitmer at 12:32

38 / 73 / 55%

Grudge Match

CM Punk Vs Alex Shelley

-Shelley offered his hand at the beginning of the match, but Punk, now sporting regular black trunks with two white stripes down the left side of them, had not forgotten the hell that Shelley put him through as the leader of Generation Next. Punk slapped Shelley's hand away, and took him to the mat with a vicious Lariat, followed up by an equally vicious chokehold. Punk then went to work on Shelley's neck, pounding away with forearms whil sitting on his back. Shelley countered out of that predicament by turning into a Leglock, but Punk planted his free boot right between Shelley's eyes, and was back on the attack soon after. Punk took Shelley to the outside and rammed his shoulder and neck into the ringpost, and then into the guardrail. Punk then tried for a running knee striek against the metal ROH sign on the guardrail, but Shelley moved out of the way and Punk's knee went hard into the railing. Shelley took advantage and connected with a Kneebreaker, and then followed up with one onto the rail, which left Punk laying and clutching at his knee. The fight finally made its' way back into the ring, where Shelley tried for the Double Foot Stomp from the top rope, but no one was home as Punk rolled out of the way, and then connected with a Shining Wizard out of nowhere. Punk clutched at his knee again, and was unable to go for the pin. At this point, Austin Aries and Jack Evans made their way out to the ring. Both men pulled up chairs and sat in the aisle to watch the match. Punk and Shelley both got up around the same time, but Punk blocked a punch from Shelley and hit a series of Knife Edged Chops that saw Shelley's chest go bright red. Shelley stopped that with a thumb to the eye, but couldn't keep control, as he took a Hotshot Suplex from Punk, which had Shelley's chest hit the top rope hard, and then the slingshot into the suplex. Punk rolled through with Shelley's head still locked, and wrenched back for a submission, but Shelley refused to submit, and managed to roll-up his opponent for a two count. The two fought for a bit more before Punk Suplexed Shelley to the outside of the ring. Shelley crawled over to the guardrail to get himself up, but found himself just feet away from Aries and Evans, who stood from their chairs and circled the exhausted Alex Shelley. Aries slapped Shelley, then pulled him up to his feet, but before anything else could happen, CM Punk came flying through the ropes and took out all three men to a huge "ROH" chant. Aries and Evans got up, but both men were taken down by punches from CM Punk, who then took Shelley back to the ring. Shelley rolled Punk up for two, and then set up for the Shellshock, but Punk blocked it and applied the Anaconda Vice, which forced Shelley to submit.

Immediately after Shelley submitted, however, Aries and Evans slid into the ring and attacked CM Punk. Aries took him out with a Brainbuster, and set up Punk's arm inside of a steel chair. Evans went up top, and the two looked to be trying to injure CM Punk, but Shelley attacked Aries from behind, sending him into the ropes and crotching Jack Evans on the turnbuckle. Shelley hit the Shellshock on Aries, but Evans slid out of the ring before he could get to him. Evans then pulled Aries out of the ring, and told Shelley that if he touches either of them now, he will go to the ROH board and make sure Shelley never gets a title shot again. With that said, Shelley helped up Punk, and extended his hand again. This time, Punk shook his hand, and taking a microphone, told him that he has a lot more to work off before anyone in the back will trust him again.

Winner: CM Punk at 21:16

60 / 93 / 76%

Tag Team Match

Samoa Joe and Bryan Danielson Vs GenNext of Austin Aries and Jack Evans

-Evans started the match out for his team, as Aries was still recuperating from the attack by Alex Shelley just prior to the bout. Danielson started out for his team, and after a few minutes of being unable to catch the lightning fast Jack Evans, Danielson managed to avoid a Springboard move from Evans and apply an Armbar. From that point, the American Dragon took Evans to school, stretching him in so many different ways that the fans began chanting "Stretch Armstrong" at Evans. Evans used his incredible flexibility to get out of a Side Headlock variation, and then caught Danielson with a vicious kick to the face, followed by a desperation Standing Shooting Star Press for a one count. Danielson then hit a series of Chops, followed by an Airplane Spin, and then a tag to Joe, who came in and absolutely destroyed Evans, turning him inside-out two or three times with one incredible Lariat. Joe beat Evans into his own corner, and dared Aries to tag in. The Champion teased making the tag, but instead spat in Joe's face and then slapped him. Aries jumped down from the side of the ring, and Joe tried to grab him, allowing Evans to get out of the corner, and catch Joe with a Spinning Toe Kick. Aries made the tag in and mounted Joe, sending a barrage of rights and lefts down on the former Champion. Aries got up and hit a running Dropkick to Joe's face as he tried to get to his feet...but then got cocky, and paid for it. Joe caught him with a Scoop Powerslam for a two count, and then the match broke to the outside. With Danielson's help, Joe managed to hit the Ole Kick on both of his opponents. Back in the ring, Joe caught Evans with an Island Driver, and then a Muscle Buster, but Aries came flying off the top rope with a Macho Man-esque Elbowdrop to the back of Joe's head to break the count. Danielson tried to take Aries out, but failed and received a Brainbuster for his troubles. Evans caught Joe in the face with a Dropkick, which busted him open and forced him to tag out to Danielson. Evans also tagged out, and with Danielson still feeling the effects of the Brainbuster, the Wrestling Machine managed to attack the neck, hit a second Brainbuster, and then apply the Rings of Saturn, fish-hooking the mouth of Danielson as the ref couldn't see it, and scored the submission win when Danielson gave up.

Winner: GenNext at 19:50

53 / 88 / 70%

One Night Only

Grudge Match

ROH Pure Championship

AJ Styles Vs Jimmy Rave w/ Prince Nana and the Embassy

-The fans popped huge for the return of "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, but Styles was all business on this night, as he walked straight to the ring. Rave came out with Nana, the Outcast Killahs and Nigel McGuinness behind him. Before the match started, Styles grabbed a microphone and todl Rave that he's not leaving tonight without the ROH Pure Title. Nana answered by telling AJ that this was a non-title match, but Rave stole the mic and told Styles that he'll put the belt on the line, if AJ will put his ROH career on the line. Styles agreed, but Rave told him that if he wins, he's going to own Styles' Ring of Honor career for the rest of it. The match started out as an all-out brawl, with Rave sliding to the outside of the ring and getting consoled by the Embassy after AJ dropped him with a huge right hand. Nana tried to convince Rave that he could beat Styles, but before they knew it, AJ sailed over the top rope with a Swan Dive onto all five men. The crowd broke out into an ROH chant, and Styles grabbed Diablo Santiago, and hit the Styles Clash on the floor. ROH officials came out to help Diablo to the back, and the match went back to the ring. Styles maintained the advantage until he hit the ropes and Nana tripped him. AJ caught him with a boot to the head, and then hit a vicious Spinning Lariat on Rave. Styles went for the cover, but Nana slid into the ring and broke it up. Before he could get out though, AJ had him up and down again with the Styles Clash, and the officials returned to help Rave's manager to the back. Rave hit a series of German Suplexes, and finished with a Dragon Suplex for a two count, but Styles fired back, and hit the Quebrada DDT, but Nigel and Oman grabbed his attention. Rave dumped AJ over the top rope, and the Embassy attacked with a 2 on 1. AJ got the upper hand when Nigel hit Oman, and then hit the Clash on McGuinness on the outside. Officials helped Nigel to the back, but AJ took a DDT on the hard floor from Turtoga. Rave then connected with the Gravity Killer, but celebrated too much, and only got a two count. AJ fought back into control, and hit the Styles Clash on Rave, but instead of going for the pin, AJ attacked Oman Turtoga on the outside, and gave him a Clash onto one of the metal ROH signs. Styles went back into the ring, Rave was still down, and he tried for the pin, but Rave rolled him into the Crossface, and he wrenched back on the hold. The fans chanted "Please Don't Tap" for Styles, but AJ was forced to do just that, as he was in the middle of the ring and could not reach the ropes.

After the bout had ended, Jimmy Rave celebrated by himself, and laughed as AJ sit kneeling in the ring, a broken man.

Winner: Jimmy Rave at 20:15

59 / 80 / 69%

[Gabriel]

Final Card

ROH: Third Anniversary Celebration III

February 26, 2005

Frontier Fieldhouse in Chicago Ridge, Illinois

ROH World Title

Austin Aries defends Vs Samoa Joe

Best of Five Series

Falls Count Anywhere Match

Homicide (2) w/ Julius Smokes Vs Bryan Danielson (0)

Singles Match

James Gibson Vs Puma

Sliced Bread #2 Vs Contra Code

Spanky Vs Jimmy Jacobs

The Great Managerial Confrontation

Jim Cornette Vs Bobby Heenan

Singles Match

Jay Lethal Vs CM Punk

Tag Team Scramble

S & M Vs GenNext Vs Ring Crew Express

Tag Team Match

Alex Shelley and Delirious Vs Jimmy Rave and Nigel McGuinness w/ Prince Nana

Plus: Colt Cabana and more!

Okay, so the winner of the 2/26 Prediction contest will be given the opportunity to book a dream match of their own (within reason).

2/26 Tie-Breaker: Which two men will Jim Cornette have at his side during "The Great Managerial Debate"? (Hint: Remember, Cornette's team consists of two members of the ROH roster.)

[Steve Corino]

I like a ROH diary as much as I like a WCW one....and I love WCW diaries.

I don't want ya sayin about predictions without anyone predicting, so here's some predictions.

ROH World Title

Austin Aries defends Vs Samoa Joe

Best of Five Series

Falls Count Anywhere Match

Homicide (2) w/ Julius Smokes Vs Bryan Danielson (0)

Singles Match

James Gibson Vs Puma

Sliced Bread #2 Vs Contra Code

Spanky Vs Jimmy Jacobs

The Great Managerial Confrontation

Jim Cornette Vs Bobby Heenan

Corny's team: No idea.

Singles Match

Jay Lethal Vs CM Punk

Tag Team Scramble

S & M Vs GenNext Vs Ring Crew Express

Tag Team Match

Alex Shelley and Delirious Vs Jimmy Rave and Nigel McGuinness w/ Prince Nana