Ring of Honor returned to HonorClub on Thursday, November 5, with eight matches, two Pure Championship Proving Ground encounters, a promising debut, and enough developing rivalries to remind audiences that ROH has considerably more to offer than simply serving as an extension of AEW.
Episode 191 featured action taped at WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, with Eddie Kingston and Ortiz facing RPG Vice in the main event. Elsewhere, AR Fox pushed ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty to the time limit, Deonna Purrazzo demonstrated why technical wrestling remains such an important component of women's competition, and Marcus Mathers made an impressive ROH debut against Mark Davis.
But beyond the victories and defeats, this episode raised an interesting question about Ring of Honor's identity. With a roster capable of delivering traditional technical wrestling, high-impact competition, developing talent, and character-driven storytelling, is ROH doing enough to distinguish itself within an increasingly crowded wrestling landscape?
Let's get into it.
ROH Pure Championship Proving Ground: Lee Moriarty vs. AR Fox Ends in a Draw:
ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty faced AR Fox in a Proving Ground match under Pure Rules, with Fox needing to defeat the champion or survive the ten-minute time limit to earn a future championship opportunity. The encounter emphasized technical exchanges, submission attempts, and the strategic importance of rope breaks. Moriarty targeted Fox's fingers and limbs, attempting to gradually weaken his opponent, while Fox demonstrated impressive versatility by combining his athletic offense with increasingly effective counters and submissions.
As the clock approached its conclusion, Moriarty applied the Border City Stretch, but Fox refused to submit. The final moments saw both competitors scrambling for control before the ten-minute time limit expired.
Result: Lee Moriarty and AR Fox fought to a ten-minute time-limit draw. AR Fox earned a future ROH Pure Championship opportunity.
This is precisely the kind of match that makes the Pure division interesting when its rules are properly utilized. The time limit isn't simply an administrative detail; it becomes another opponent that both wrestlers must account for.
Fox's ability to survive Moriarty's technical offense established him as a credible challenger without requiring the champion to suffer a pinfall defeat. More importantly, Fox subsequently emphasized that Moriarty had been unable to defeat him within the allotted time, suggesting that the psychological advantage may not belong entirely to the champion.
The question now becomes whether Fox can translate that survival into an actual championship victory. Ten minutes against Moriarty is an accomplishment, but defeating him under Pure Rules presents an entirely different challenge.
Women's Division: Robyn Renegade Defeats Rachael Ellering:
Robyn Renegade faced Rachael Ellering in a competitive singles encounter that featured technical exchanges, physical offense, and several convincing near falls.
Ellering demonstrated her strength with a gutwrench suplex, a senton, and the Bosswoman Slam. However, when Ellering attempted to secure the pinfall following the latter maneuver, Renegade countered into a crucifix roll-up to steal the victory.
Result: Robyn Renegade defeated Rachael Ellering by pinfall following a crucifix roll-up.
While Renegade secured the win, Ellering's performance demonstrated the importance of experienced competitors within a developing women's division. Not every match requires a championship opportunity or elaborate storyline to serve a purpose. Sometimes, the objective is to establish credibility, showcase complementary wrestling styles, and provide competitors with opportunities to build momentum.
Renegade capitalized on a moment of vulnerability, which is something younger wrestlers must learn to recognize. You don't always need the biggest move in your arsenal to win a match. Sometimes, awareness and timing accomplish considerably more.
Tag Team Competition: Adam Priest and El Phantasmo Defeat Kiran Grey and Dante Casanova:
Adam Priest and El Phantasmo teamed against Kiran Grey and Dante Casanova in a match that showcased their individual abilities while also exposing some interesting tension between the winning partners.
Priest and El Phantasmo worked through moments of miscommunication before Priest ultimately forced Casanova to submit with a single-leg crab.
Result: Adam Priest and El Phantasmo defeated Kiran Grey and Dante Casanova by submission.
The victory was followed by another significant development when ROH World Television Champion Action Andretti attacked Priest with his championship belt. El Phantasmo helped fend off the attack, and both competitors appeared interested in pursuing Andretti's title.
This creates an intriguing situation because Priest and El Phantasmo may have a common enemy, but that doesn't necessarily make them compatible partners. Both possess championship ambitions, and their personalities don't always appear particularly interested in compromise.
Could their temporary alliance become a legitimate partnership, or will their individual ambitions eventually create a rivalry of their own? There's potential in either direction, provided the story continues developing beyond occasional disagreements.
Eight-Man Tag Team Match: Shane Taylor Promotions Makes a Statement
Shane Taylor Promotions entered eight-man competition with Shane Taylor, Tehuti Miles, Carlie Bravo, and Capt. Shawn Dean facing TJ Crawford, Ori Gold, Hadar Horvitz, and Sean Maluta.
The encounter largely showcased STP's physicality and ability to isolate opponents. Their coordinated offense prevented the opposing team from establishing sustained momentum, and Taylor eventually finished Crawford with the Marcus Garvey Driver.
Result: Shane Taylor Promotions defeated TJ Crawford, Ori Gold, Hadar Horvitz, and Sean Maluta by pinfall.
There's something to be said for a faction that understands its identity. Shane Taylor Promotions doesn't need to reinvent itself every week to remain effective. The group's strength lies in its physical presentation, collective confidence, and willingness to overwhelm opponents.
However, dominant victories become more meaningful when they lead somewhere. If ROH intends to position STP as a significant force within its tag team or championship divisions, those ambitions should become increasingly visible.
Otherwise, the danger is that impressive performances begin feeling routine rather than consequential.
ROH Debut: Mark Davis Defeats Marcus Mathers in a Standout Encounter:
Marcus Mathers made his ROH debut against Mark Davis, and the young competitor certainly wasn't handed an easy introduction.
Davis entered the encounter with considerable momentum following his involvement in AEW's Blood & Guts, but Mathers demonstrated that he was prepared to compete against an established heavyweight. The match featured hard strikes, impressive counters, and several sequences in which Mathers appeared capable of securing an upset.
Mathers connected with a springboard stunner, a deadlift German suplex, and a Spicolli Driver, forcing Davis to survive several dangerous moments. Ultimately, Davis countered Mathers' attempted 450 splash by raising his knees before connecting with the Doctor Driver for the victory.
Result: Mark Davis defeated Marcus Mathers by pinfall following the Doctor Driver.
For a debut, this was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Mathers' potential without requiring him to defeat an established competitor. Losses don't automatically damage emerging talent, particularly when the performance provides audiences with reasons to become invested in their future.
In fact, one of professional wrestling's most valuable storytelling tools is allowing a developing competitor to earn credibility through resilience. Mathers didn't win, but he demonstrated that he belongs in the conversation.
That's an important distinction, especially for someone entering a promotion where established stars already occupy considerable television time.
Darius Martin Defeats QT Marshall: Post-Match Chaos Escalates:
Darius Martin faced QT Marshall in a singles match that featured athletic counters, technical exchanges, and increasingly competitive pinfall attempts.
Martin ultimately reversed Marshall's backslide attempt into his own variation of the maneuver, securing the three-count.
Result: Darius Martin defeated QT Marshall by pinfall following a backslide counter.
The match itself was only part of the story. Following the decision, Bryan Keith, the Grizzled Young Veterans, RPG Vice, and The Kingdom attacked both competitors. Big Boom AJ, Scorpio Sky, Matt Sydal, and Bustah & The Brain arrived to even the odds, forcing the attackers to retreat.
The confrontation reinforced the growing conflict involving several of ROH's factions and alliances.
Backstage, SkyFlight, Boom & Doom, and Bustah & The Brain continued addressing their opposition, establishing that the confrontation was far from finished.
Multi-team rivalries can be entertaining, but they require careful attention to continuity. When several groups become involved, audiences need to understand why those alliances exist and what each faction hopes to accomplish.
Without that clarity, the storyline risks becoming a revolving door of run-ins rather than an escalating conflict with meaningful stakes.
ROH Women's Pure Championship Proving Ground: Deonna Purrazzo Submits Jody Threat:
ROH Women's Pure Champion Deonna Purrazzo faced Jody Threat in another Proving Ground encounter, with Threat attempting to earn a future championship opportunity. The match emphasized technical wrestling and the strategic consequences of Pure Rules. Purrazzo targeted Threat's arm, repeatedly forcing her opponent to consider whether escaping a submission was worth sacrificing a rope break.
Threat demonstrated considerable aggression and resilience, including a German suplex and several attempts to disrupt Purrazzo's methodical approach. However, Purrazzo ultimately secured the Fujiwara armbar and forced Threat to submit before the time limit expired.
Result: Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jody Threat by submission with the Fujiwara armbar.
This was an effective demonstration of why Purrazzo is such a natural fit for the Pure division. Her technical style doesn't require significant adjustments to accommodate the rules because submissions, positioning, and limb manipulation are already fundamental components of her wrestling identity.
Threat's performance also provided an interesting contrast. Her physical aggression made her dangerous, but Purrazzo's ability to capitalize on the rules ultimately proved decisive.
As someone who has competed in women's wrestling, I appreciate matches that demonstrate different approaches to the craft without suggesting that one style is inherently superior. There is room for power, speed, technical wrestling, and physical aggression within the same division.
The challenge is ensuring those differences influence the actual competition rather than existing solely as descriptions of the performers.
ROH Final Battle: Athena Challenges Hyan:
ROH Women's World Champion Athena addressed Billie Starkz and Diamanté backstage, expressing frustration over their absence and announcing that Hyan would become part of her plans. Athena challenged Hyan to a match at ROH Final Battle, presenting the confrontation as another step in Hyan's development. She also arranged for Starkz and Diamanté to face Hyan and Maya World.
The segment continued Athena's increasingly controlling approach to the women surrounding her.
And that creates an interesting dynamic because Athena's character frequently operates as both a dominant champion and someone determined to shape the careers of other competitors according to her own expectations. But does she genuinely want to develop Hyan, or does she simply want another wrestler willing to accept her authority? Those are two very different motivations, and the eventual match could provide an opportunity to explore that distinction...
Main Event: Eddie Kingston and Ortiz Defeat RPG Vice:
Eddie Kingston and Ortiz faced RPG Vice's Rocky Romero and Trent Beretta in a physical main event that began with a confrontation around ringside before the match officially started. I have to say I was particularly looking forward to seeing this bout.
I hold immense respect for Eddie Kingston. He was my tag partner for a mixed tag match against The Portuguese Princess early in my career when I was just starting out. One of the first flip bumps off the turnbuckles I ever did was assisted by him. I never forgot his kindness and patience with me. Nor his F around and find out energy that made me feel protected in the ring. Needless to say I HAD to see this match. And my guys won!
RPG Vice utilized their experience and tag team chemistry to isolate their opponents, with Kingston absorbing considerable punishment during the encounter. Romero and Beretta repeatedly attempted to prevent Kingston and Ortiz from establishing momentum, but their control eventually began to unravel.
Ortiz created an opportunity for Kingston to reenter the contest, allowing the team to mount a comeback. After a series of exchanges, Ortiz countered Romero's attempted Shiranui and helped create the opening for Kingston to connect with a DDT, securing the pinfall victory.
Result: Eddie Kingston and Ortiz defeated RPG Vice by pinfall following Kingston's DDT on Rocky Romero.
Kingston's appeal has never depended upon presenting himself as the most polished or conventional competitor in professional wrestling. His strength lies in the authenticity of his character, the physicality of his performances, and his ability to make audiences believe that every confrontation matters to him personally.
Ortiz complements that presentation through his own intensity and experience in tag team competition. Together, they provide a partnership that feels rooted in shared history rather than simply being assembled for convenience.
The victory gives both men momentum, but the question is whether ROH intends to position them for a sustained tag team championship pursuit or continue using them within broader faction conflicts.
Either direction could work. What matters is giving their victories consequences beyond the episode in which they occur.
Complete ROH Wrestling Results: November 5, 2026:
Lee Moriarty vs. AR Fox: Ten-minute time-limit draw in an ROH Pure Championship Proving Ground match. Fox earned a future championship opportunity.
Robyn Renegade defeated Rachael Ellering: Pinfall following a crucifix roll-up.
Adam Priest and El Phantasmo defeated Kiran Grey and Dante Casanova: Submission following Priest's single-leg crab.
Shane Taylor Promotions defeated TJ Crawford, Ori Gold, Hadar Horvitz, and Sean Maluta: Pinfall following Shane Taylor's Marcus Garvey Driver.
Mark Davis defeated Marcus Mathers: Pinfall following the Doctor Driver.
Darius Martin defeated QT Marshall: Pinfall following a backslide counter.
Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jody Threat: Submission with the Fujiwara armbar in an ROH Women's Pure Championship Proving Ground match.
Eddie Kingston and Ortiz defeated RPG Vice: Pinfall following Kingston's DDT on Rocky Romero.
Additional developments: Athena challenged Hyan for ROH Final Battle and confronted Billie Starkz and Diamanté. Action Andretti attacked Adam Priest following his tag team victory. Multiple factions became involved in a post-match confrontation following Darius Martin's victory over QT Marshall, while AR Fox emphasized his preparation for a future Pure Championship match.
Taeler's Take: ROH Has the Talent, but Does It Still Have a Distinct Identity:
There is a great deal to appreciate about this episode of Ring of Honor, particularly its willingness to feature different wrestling styles and provide opportunities for competitors who may not consistently receive prominent exposure elsewhere.
Marcus Mathers made an impressive debut despite losing to Mark Davis. AR Fox demonstrated that athleticism and technical wrestling aren't mutually exclusive. Deonna Purrazzo showcased the strategic importance of submissions, while Eddie Kingston and Ortiz delivered the kind of physical main event that appeals to audiences who appreciate intensity and authenticity.
But here's where I believe ROH has an opportunity to strengthen its overall presentation.
A promotion doesn't establish its identity simply by having talented wrestlers. It establishes that identity by giving audiences a reason to invest in those wrestlers and the stories connecting them.
ROH possesses a valuable legacy built around competition, athletic credibility, and wrestlers earning opportunities through their performances. The Pure Championships are particularly important because they offer something distinctive. Their rules influence how matches unfold, how competitors prepare, and how victories are achieved.
That distinction should be celebrated.
At the same time, the promotion needs to ensure its developing rivalries receive sufficient attention to become meaningful. Multi-team confrontations, championship ambitions, and faction disagreements can all contribute to a compelling product, but they require consistency and consequences.
And while I appreciate seeing established performers alongside emerging talent, I would like to see ROH continue giving those younger competitors opportunities to develop identifiable characters and motivations beyond simply being impressive athletes. To allow them to make a home at ROH the way they deserve. With visibility, profitable pay, and opportunity for growth.
Because the independent wrestling scene is filled with talented performers capable of delivering excellent matches. What separates someone who has a good match from someone audiences actively want to follow is often the emotional connection established outside the bell-to-bell competition.
ROH has the roster, the championship structure, and the history to provide that environment. The question is whether the promotion can consistently capitalize on those strengths while distinguishing itself from AEW.
For me, the answer doesn't require ROH to abandon its roots. Quite the opposite. It requires embracing what made Ring of Honor special in the first place while allowing the next generation to build something meaningful of its own. After all, a wrestling promotion's legacy isn't simply defined by the stars who previously competed there. It's also defined by the opportunities it creates for the wrestlers who come next...
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