Welcome to an all new edition of Blogs Count Anywhere, the complementary pro wrestling blog to the ODPH podcast and 607 on Twitch (& podcast form). The Vince McMahon news (again) has put a damper on some of the other noteworthy stories going on. Leading off this edition is one that pro wrestling fan SHOULD be talking about. On this past week’s AEW Rampage, fans were treated to a small reminder that Ring Of Honor isn’t dead, but might be making a claim for that Friday night spot. This is a great move especially heading towards their return under Tony Khan management) to Pay Per View with “Death Before Dishonor”. Let’s recap what’s been happening there, shall we?
Lee Moriarty
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
On Friday, there were 2 matches involving Ring of Honor talent. The Serena Deeb/Mercedes Martinez tag match exploded with Deeb atacking the ROH women’s champ post match, setting up a possible match at the PPV. The other was ROH champion Jonathan Gresham teaming with Lee Moriarty to take on Tully Blanchard’s Gates Of Agony team. Mid match, fans witness Gresham turn his back on Morarty and join up with Tully’s new faction. After the match, it was announced that Moriarty would challenge for the ROH title on ….. next week’s Rampage. Being two weeks out from the July 23rd show from Lowell, MA, there still is no title matches made for the respective world champions.
Mercedes Martinez
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
This is a surprising move in some ways but makes sense in others. All signs point to Martinez defending against Deeb for the women’s belt, which will be fire. Deeb is an instant contender from her history in the NWA and AEW. Her feud with Shida was incredible. Martinez needs a solid feud to grow that division & I think they’vefound the perfect match to get that started. Fully expecting the announcement of this title match made this week and don’t sleep on this match. It could be a MOTY candidate
Ring Of Honor “Death Before Dishonor”
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
As for Gresham, showcasing him more on AEW TV will only make him look better in front of fans who might not know he’s arguably the best technical wrestler on the planet. Doing the match with Moriarty on free TV is a big deal, but only if they’re given enough time to work. They also need a clean finish UNLESS they’re going to run it back at the Pay Per View. This is a main event no matter where you have it. If they decide on not having the rematch at DBD, then who makes the most sense to face the champ? That becomes less clear.
The AEW-led ROH hasn’t really established a roster where there are possible contenders in the mix at this point. Could we see someone from AEW jump over for the night? Sure, but where does that get the promotion until they get more TV? It’s a big question but with a card that is STACKED already (Yuta/Garcia for PURE title, Samoa Joe/Lethal for ROH TV & BRISCOES FTR 2!), sliding in someone in a filler position might not be a bad thing. Hopefully we see Gresham/Moriarty ran back on the PPV….but don’t doubt it’s Claudio taking that spot for the night (or longshot - Johnny Gargano signing?). Either way, ROH is making a run on Friday nights to start. The roster there needs time to grow for a new audience. Optimistic we see the start of it here and build some momentum into the big show on the 23rd.
WARDLOW
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
On Wednesday night, AEW crowned anew TNT champion in WARDLOW! The big man finally got a chance at some AEW gold (post MJF split) and cashed in. From here, fans will be watching the “hot potato title” and see if it changes hands quickly again. One name that is starting to make some noise for a shot is former champ Sammy Guevara. Personally, I don’t want to see this match at this stage. AEW has abrand new “homegrown” talent that is over BIG with their fans. Give him some time to run with this championship. Adding some fresh faces into the title picture can only help here. Why not the House Of Black? Death Triangle? or how bout a Christian Cgae led Luchasaurus? There’s enough talent to go around and build up Wardlow for a run to watch. Congrats.
Eddie Kingston
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
It was also announced that Eddie Kingston will be facing Chris Jericho in a BARBED WIRE DEATHMATCH live on the July 20th edition of Dynamite! Interesting move as the last time tere was a deathmatch on Dynamite, NICK FUCKING GAGE was on the show and there was a VERY mixed reaction from the non deathmatch AEW supporters. Will this mirror the same reaction and what will Warner Bros Discovery brass have to say about this? Wait and see how this one plays out.
Orange Cassidy & DanHausen
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling
No real story here. This was a fun match to close AEW Rampage out on. Side note: “JANE” IS BACK AS ORANGE CASSIDY’S MUSIC. ALL IS RIGHT IN THE WORLD!
GCW Settlement Series
Photo Credit: Game Changer Wrestling
In other news, Game Changer Wrestling is kicking off their “Settlement Series” with Independent Wrestling TV with Part 1 on July 10th on IWTV. This has been a messy court case so I’m just happy to see some wrestling come out of this. Akira, Brandon Kirk, Axton Ray and Charles Mason leads this card’s headline so check it out to start your Sunday wrestling off right. Following that show:
JCW Great American Birthday Bash
Photo Credit: JCW/Game Changer Wrestling
Jersey Championship Wrestling will be having their “Great American Birthday Bash” at 6pm on July 10th. This card will be airing for FREE on GCW YouTube! Notable matches here: Tony Deppen vs. Alec Price and Speedball Mike Bailey taking on Axton Ray among a very loaded lineup. Make plans to catch this card!
Photo Credit: Major League Wreslting
It has been announced that Major League Wrestling & beIN Sports have a deal in place to air MLW content on the beIN Sports Extra channel starting on July 8th at 10pm EST. More exposure to wrestling is always a good thing. For more information on this deal, check out MLW.com
Glory Pro Wrestling “STL Vice”
Photo Credit: Glory Pro Wrestling
Last but not least, a card I’m keeping my eye on is Glory Pro Wrestling “STL Vice". It’s shaping up into a very solid card that I’m guessing will be announced to be airing on the GP YouTube channel so make sure to keep your eyes on the Glory Pro Socials for more information.
That’s all the pro wrestling talk for this column. Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what pro wrestling you’re watching. As Always thanks for reading and supporting 607podcasts.