Last week: Tony Deppen shocked the ROH world by defeating Tracy Williams to become the new ROH World Television champion.
ROH TV Episode 503
May 8, 2021
Baltimore, MD
Ian Riccaboni took over the intro duties to hype tonight’s main event of Angelina Love versus Quinn McKay.
The Briscoes vs. EC3 & Flip Gordon
EC3 confronted Flip Gordon backstage regarding their match with The Briscoes, only for Gordon to talk over his partner while promising him to lead them to victory single-handily considering he’s defeated The Briscoes on his own in the past. Dem Boys were happy to be back in the boat together. Both Briscoes were hyped to get a hold of Flip Gordon more than EC3.
Code of Honor was followed between Jay Briscoe and EC3 before the bell so they could lock up soon after. Neither got a solid advantage after a couple of exchanges, resulting in blind tag from Mark that allowed for The Briscoes to double team EC3 until he was prone in the corner for a mudhole stomping prior to the commercial break.
An illegal shot from Gordon allowed his team to turn the tides, but EC3 didn’t care for his partner’s actions. Just as fast as Flip gained some momentum, Jay tagged in off an Irish whip to set up a double team that ended with Gordon taking a big clothesline from the former ROH World champion. Briscoe Shoulder Tackle connected with perfection on Gordon, as did Mark using his shirt to choke Flip after the youngest Briscoe brother reminded his opposition about how “The Mercenary” used a low blow to win when himself & Gordon fought at the “19th Anniversary”.
Jay was the legal man, losing grip of Gordon as he fell to the floor. Gordon pulled Jay out by his legs for a wheelbarrow suplex on the floor. After a super kick, Gordon tagged out to EC3 who followed up his partner’s attack with a flying dropkick off the apron. EC3 had Jay stunned long enough to not only deliver a huge elbow drop, but also cinch in the front face lock. Jay used the jawbreaker to free himself, but couldn’t stop Psycho Boy before the commercial break.
Big suplex from EC3 led to Gordon tagging himself in against his partner’s will to attempt a pin on Jay. Jay kicked out of the pin, and his brother saved him from a pin off the falcon arrow. Gordon sprung off the ropes, running into a spine buster that allowed Jay to tag out. Redneck Kung Fu was on showcase tonight as he worked over both opponents.
Iconoclasm connected for Mark, but EC3 stopped the pin. Jay and EC3 started slugging it out at ringside until Jay reentered with the intent of executing Redneck Boogie on Gordon. EC3 stopped the double team with a double clothesline on both Briscoes. EC3 tagged himself in, eying Mark for something big. Mark put a halt to EC3’s attack, setting up & pulling off Redneck Boogie … for a near fall thanks to Gordon!
Flip took Jay to the floor before grabbing a chair. As the referee took the chair thrown into the ring, Gordon bashed Mark in the face with Jay’s entrance chain. Mark was out on his feet and walked right into the 1 Percenter to give EC3 the pin fall for his team.
When Jay got up, Mark informed his already angry brother that he was hit with something illegal.
Brian Johnson spoke via a pre-taped interview about society as a whole with ROH reflecting said society with like-minded individuals coming together with the intent of showcasing their beliefs. But proudly on his own is “The Mecca”. With a 4-1 record in 2021, Johnson is ready to become the next Television champion en route to earning his spot as one of the ROH all-time greats.
Danhausen greeted “Johnstone” after reminding “The Mecca” about him decimating Brian in their previous matches. So Danhausen had a substitute in the form of the former ROH World champion, PCO.
PCO vs. Brian Johnson
Johnson got the jump on PCO, knocking him into the corner. PCO exited the corner throwing right hands before unleashing a pair of punches at the same time. Big clothesline from PCO was topped by the overhead exploder suplex into the turnbuckles. As if that wasn’t enough, PCO executed a DVD against the turnbuckles heading into the commercial break.
PCO was wearing out Johnson at ringside including back body dropping “The Mecca” over the barricade. PCO suddenly had an electrical malfunction, attacking the timekeeper and ring announcer Bobby Cruise. Throwing himself through the barricade, PCO was the worst for wear when Johnson recovered. Whipping PCO against the barricades softened PCO up for a flying clothesline when the action returned inside. Landing a series of punches allowed Johnson to knock PCO to the floor for a successful dive. Johnson followed up with a Superfly splash, but the impact woke up PCO. Pop-up power bomb from PCO put Johnson in position for the PCOSault … for a near fall!
PCO was having another malfunction; chasing the referee. PCO didn’t see Johnson undo the top turnbuckle pad. PCO ran after Johnson, only for “The Mecca” to sidestep PCO so the latter hit the steel turnbuckle chest first. Johnson rolled up PCO while slinging his feet on the ropes to earn a two count. Johnson wanted to know why PCO wouldn’t die; leaving his mouth open to be gripped with the mandible claw/Destructo Claw for the submission victory. Danhausen wanted Johnson’s teeth.
Angelina Love w/ Mandy Leon vs. Quinn McKay
Quinn McKay found herself being outmaneuvered and disrespected with slaps & being walked on prior to a very early commercial break.
Quinn had taken control by simply using a side headlock. Stomping on McKay’s foot, Love used Quinn’s hair against her by whipping her against the canvas. Love was using the mat to bounce Quinn’s head like a basketball. Mandy Leon got a choke in being the referee’s back. Back elbowing her way out of the corner, McKay rushed the former Women of Honor champion. Instead of hitting a move, Quinn got kicked in the mouth and slammed in position for the Koji clutch.
McKay clawed her way to the ropes, only for Love to pull Quinn back the ring’s middle. McKay passed out in the submission, only for Love to give up on the hold before the referee could call for the bell. Angelina wanted to add more damage. McKay caught Love with a jawbreaker, but Leon tripped the running Quinn. McKay turned around, avoiding the Botox Injection to execute a power slam … to gain a near fall!
Love found herself in the cobra clutch/Tangerine Dream. Angelina was searching for the ropes when Quinn dragged Love to the ring’s middle. Love was fading as Quinn demanded for Angelina to quit. Leon jumped onto the apron to distract McKay. Quinn relinquished the hold to confront Mandy. Quinn missed Mandy, turning into the Botox Injection for the pin in Love’s favor.
Overall: While not the historic episode in the same vein as last week’s show, this one definitely left a lasting impression mostly thanks to the first women’s match on ROH TV since the pandemic. Quinn McKay looked like a star and did a great job hanging with Love, but the former multi-time Women’s champion had the numbers going for her when Angelina’s ego got the better of her. It would be great if Quinn kept splitting duties by wrestling & interviewing going forward because as a wrestler McKay has all the makings of becoming one of the biggest fan favorites in ROH’s restarted Women’s division especially when fans are allowed to come to live events.
Like Quinn, The Briscoes were overwhelmed by outside forces thanks to the strategic Flip Gordon. Just like he promised, Gordon knew how to overcome Dem Boys by any means necessary in a fun little outing. EC3 also is so much fun to watch when he’s wrestling Jay & Mark; topped off by the fact his reactions to Gordon taking the helm (or the narrative) made him visibly question if Flip is worthy of honor. Someone who has let his mouth get the better of him was Brian Johnson. The man with the golden tongue couldn’t topple the monster PCO in a fun, pretty unpredictable match considering the twists & turns the bout took before the conclusion. Another really enjoyable episode from the men, and finally, women of ROH that should be the foundation for a remarkable Women’s title tournament and the continuation of the Gordon-Briscoes series.
