RoH Death Before Dishonor 2025 Review

A very busy writing month for me continues with Ring Of Honor’s latest pay-per-view event, Death Before Dishonor. This is the tenth column I’ll post in the month of August, with another one coming tomorrow for WWE’s Clash In Paris. I’m pretty sure I haven’t posted that much in a single month since the HIPE days when I posted nearly 1000 columns in the span of just over two calendar years.

Trust me… I’m not complaining in any way. I still love this, even after all these years.

I don’t want to waste any more time. There are nine matches on the main card, including five title matches, so there’s a lot to talk about.

Let’s rock.

 

Hologram & Tomohiro Ishii vs Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari

We’re starting the pay-per-view with this one, are we? That is certainly a calculated decision.

Even after all these years, shows still look great from the old ECW Arena. The lighting is better, and the production values are higher, than ECW’s shows were in the 90’s, but it looks great nonetheless.

There aren’t many tag teams in the world today that have partners that are bigger stylistic opposites than Ishii and Hologram. It’s actually kind of funny to see them together.

We’re only a few moments in, but there have been three separate chants from the Philadelphia crowd that have featured the word “fuck.” It’s going to be one of those nights.

The chants are one thing, but this crowd has been pretty amped up for the action in this one. They’re excited for the high-flying offense of Hologram, for the no-nonsense offense of Ishii, and for the opportunity to say how much they hate “Smart” Mark Sterling.

Ishii and Hologram pick up the win. Perfectly acceptable match. Definitely something that would’ve been more fitting of an episode of television, but it was fun while it lasted, which wasn’t all that long. I’ll go with 3 Stars.

 

Ross Von Erich, Marshall Von Erich & Sammy Guevara vs Shane Taylor, Carlie Bravo & Capt. Shawn Dean – RoH Six-Man Tag Title Match

The Von Erichs held these titles with Dustin Rhodes, but the belts were vacated when Dustin went away to have surgery. It’s a little weird that the titles were vacated, only for RoH to immediately give the Von Erichs a shot to regain them, instead of just letting them keep the titles and find a new partner.

The crowd is squarely behind Shane Taylor Promotions here. None of the STP members are from Philly, but they’re all from relatively nearby (Cleveland, Chicago, and New York). We’ve already had another chant that included the word “fuck” and a loud anti-Sammy chant.

I’ve said this in previous RoH review columns, but Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo have really built up an impressive amount of in-ring chemistry. They’re a lot of fun to watch, and things really seem to be clicking for them. Shane Taylor, as the veteran of the group, brings a much needed presence to their presentation.

“Fuck the Cowboys” and “Dallas sucks” chants. It’s definitely football season, folks. You put anything Texas-related in front of these Philadelphia fans, and you’re going to get a bunch of heel heat. To his credit, Sammy put on one of the Von Erichs’ cowboy hats at the start of the match, and he has been wearing it ever since, drawing even more heat.

Fun stuff here. Shane Taylor Promotions are the brand new RoH Six-Man Tag Team Champions. As I said, STP are a blast to watch together, and they only seem to be getting better all the time. A super hot crowd helped make this one even more enjoyable. 3.5 Stars

 

Queen Aminata vs Taya Valkyrie – Quarterfinal Match in the RoH Women’s Pure Title Tournament

What the hell would you even call the shade of yellow that Taya’s hair is? It might be unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, but I’ve always been a fan of the look. It helps her stand out, that’s for sure.

If there’s one thing a Tony Khan company didn’t need, it would be another title. There’s no reason for RoH to be getting a women’s Pure Title, but okay. Go off, I guess.

Decent enough match, I suppose. There wasn’t a ton to it. The main story was that Taya used all three of her Pure Title rules rope breaks rather quickly, and when she tried a fourth one, it wasn’t allowed, and it cost her the match as Aminata took advantage to drop her with a nasty looking heatbutt. A headbutt lead to a pin in 2025. I love it. It’s different. 2.75 Stars. Like I said, there wasn’t a ton to the match. A huge chunk of it was Taya taunting Aminata and playing to the crowd.

 

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett vs Blake Christian & Lee Johnson

Taven and Bennett are one of the most decorated tag teams in RoH history. They are three-time RoH Tag Team Champions, tying them for second in company history (well behind The Briscoes and their 13 reigns), and have held those titles for the sixth-most number of days in company history.

Blake Christian and Lee Johnson, like Shawn Dean and Carlie Bravo, are building a very impressive amount of in-ring chemistry and double-team offense. Honestly, they’re on the verge of me calling for them to be moved up to the AEW tag division. I think Dean and Bravo are already at that point.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Jay Lethal has been shown watching the match on a backstage television, but he is standing at a super weird angle. It’s so weird that pro wrestlers have yet to figure out how to watch television.

Really enjoyable tag match here, with a ton of back-and-forth, wild tag team offense. Blake and “Shotty” Lee pick up the win, and they looked great doing it. On commentary, Ian Riccaboni and Caprice Coleman hint that the winners could be next-in-line for a shot at whichever team walks out of tonight’s show with the RoH Tag Team Titles. I’d be down for that. 3.5 Stars

 

Lee Moriarty vs Xelhua – RoH Pure Title Match

Tony Khan’s working relationship with Mexico’s CMLL promotion continues, as Xelhua gets the showcase here in his biggest profile match yet with RoH.

While he has a lot of athletic ability, Xelhua stands out from a lot of other luchadores because his in-ring style isn’t full of high-flying offense. He’s involved in the Pure Title picture because he fits right in with his technical knowledge, mixed with his power game.

Perhaps it’s the language barrier, but there have been a couple of awkward moments so far with the timing of spots. One wrestler will be standing around, almost waiting for their opponent to make the next move before it finally happens. That type of thing. Really minor hiccups, but it’s still something I’m keeping an eye on.

Xelhua’s submission arsenal is super impressive. He’s delivering a ton of holds that wrestling fans in the United States simply aren’t used to seeing.

Well, we have a new leader for Match Of The Night. Great stuff from both men. Lee Moriarty retains his title, but Xelhua looks like someone that should get some continued burn in RoH, and dare I say, maybe even AEW. 4.25 Stars. The rope breaks were the story again, with Xelhua having no rope breaks left, and Moriarty taking advantage of that by locking in a submission in the ropes to get the win. Big night for Shane Taylor Promotions, with Taylor, Dean and Bravo winning the Six-Man Tag Team Titles, and now, with Moriarty retaining the Pure Title. Can Trish Adora advance in the Women’s Pure Title tournament?

 

Paul Walter Hauser vs QT Marshall – Fight Without Honor

It’s still weird to see Hauser, a Golden Globe and Emmy winning actor, involved in the wrestling business. No matter what roles he’s had, I still see him as Stingray from the Cobra Kai series on Netflix.

Marshall goes to perform a Slingshot, sending PWH’s face into a ladder, but he barely gets any lift on  PWH’s body. PWH’s face BARELY touched the ladder, if at all, and yet, he came up a bloody mess. WRESTLING HAS BEEN EXPOSED.

Aaron Solow hits the ring with a kendo stick, and he goes to town on PWH. After a few minutes, Hook’s new… interesting… entrance music hits, and he hits the ring. He goes straight after Solow, finally evening the odds. He hits a Tazplex through a table, and then locks in the Katahajime, dragging Solow to the back. Thanks for coming, Aaron.

PWH swings a steel chair that hits QT’s hands a foot away from his face. Moments later, PWH grabs a Golden Globes award and swings it, not coming within two feet of hitting QT’s face. Yikes.

Broken glass! QT is slammed on the glass twice, and sure enough, it’s a Jack Perry Special, as it’s real glass. QT’s back is all cut up.

The momentum shifts again, as QT powerbombs PWH onto thumbtacks. Mr. Houser is barely moving at all after taking that bump. He’s been on his back, on the tacks, for multiple minutes.

LOL @ QT cutting a mid-match promo on the mic, but being caught saying “go ahead” to PWH, giving Paul the green light to hit him with a low blow. Whoops.

A table is set up, and a bunch of the broken glass from earlier is poured atop said table. QT hits a Diamond Cutter from the middle rope, putting PWH through the table, for the win.

The match was entertaining, but it was really sloppy at times. I guess that should be expected with a non-wrestler being involved. All the props in the world to Paul Walter Houser for going through what he went through in this one. He damn sure didn’t have to do it, but he loves wrestling, and he earned the respect of the Philadelphia crowd. 3.25 Stars

 

Sammy Guevara & A Mystery Partner vs The Outrunners – RoH Tag Team Title Match

Earlier in the show, it was implied that Sammy was going to choose one of the Von Erichs to be his partner here. However, earlier in the day, Sammy himself dropped a hint that Chris Jericho could be returning to be his partner here.

Naturally, none of those men is the mystery partner. Instead, that role goes to Rush, a two-time RoH World Champion. He’s a much better option than the other names.

Like the Six-Man Tag Titles, Sammy and Dustin Rhodes were the champions here, but the titles were vacated when Dustin was put on the shelf. Also like the Six-Man Tag Titles, Sammy was allowed to have a chance to win the titles back, so that’s what this match is all about.

We’re definitely getting the Sammy Guevara of old tonight. He’s enjoying the heel heat that he’s receiving, and that only pisses the crowd off even more. The crowd is pretty much chanting non-stop when Sammy is in the ring.

On commentary, Riccaboni and Coleman are playing this like it’s a master plan from Sammy, and they’re asking if he lost the Six-Man Tag Titles on purpose so that he could get this team with Rush. That doesn’t make sense in the slightest. Yes, losing one set of titles makes his job easier, but a smarmy heel like Sammy should want as much spotlight, as much publicity, and as much money as possible. Being a double champion would do that for him.

I think a lot of the shine that The Outrunners once had has worn off, but this ECW Arena crowd is still solidly behind them, and not just because they hate Sammy Guevara.

That shine I mentioned is wearing off even more, as The Outrunners just lost. Sammy Guevara and Rush are the brand new RoH Tag Team Champions. Dralistico comes out and pretends like he’s upset, but he celebrates with Sammy and Rush. Sammy appears to be the newest member of La Facción Ingobernable.

After the match, the Von Erichs come out, demanding answers from Sammy, but they’re attacked by the three LFI members.

The match was decent enough, but the focus was more on Sammy’s “turn” instead of trying to have the best possible bout. 3.25 Stars

 

Bandido vs Hechicero – RoH World Title Match

LMAO @ one fan screaming out “DON CALLIS, YOU DICKHEAD!” as soon as Hechicero’s entrance music stopped. Philly gonna Phil.

In the early moments of the match, the crowd is much more interested in chanting “fuck Don Callis” and “you bald fuck” than reacting to anything Bandido and Hechicero are doing.

A slower pace to start, with Hechicero trying to keep Bandido grounded. I have no doubt things will get crazy before too long, but for now, Hechicero is slowing it down.

The crowd is still focused on Don Callis, but they’re also starting to chant for the match itself. They’re red hot, as they’ve been for pretty much the entire show.

Hechicero locks Bandido in a Mexican Surfboard, but Bandido powers up to a seating position, and then reverses it to a Mexican Surfboard of his own. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen anyone do that before. Very impressive. Then, hilariously enough, Hechicero does the same thing and reverses it back. Cool spots.

Hechicero pulls and tears at Bandido’s mask, nearly succeeding in pulling it off. It’s crazy how often that happens in Bandido’s matches.

Well, it’s only fair that Bandido rips and tears at Hechicero’s mask, nearly succeeding himself. In a very interesting twist, the crowd wasn’t appreciative of Bandido’s tactics, booing him when he was done. Sure, they went right back to chanting for him seconds later, but they want him to do things for the right reasons.

Both men stand atop the ringside guardrail, and after a bit of a back-and-forth, Bandido lands a suplex, causing Hechicero to land with a sickening thud on the guardrail. There was zero margin for error there, and it landed perfectly.

I’m loving the opposing styles in this one. Hechicero wants to slow things down and work his power and submission game, while Bandido is looking to pick up the pace as much as possible with his death-defying offense. It’s a beautiful game of chess.

What a match. After that slower, more deliberate pace in the first half, the second half was about as balls-to-the-wall as can be. After something in the vicinity of 35 minutes, Bandido picks up the pin and the win, retaining his title in an absolute banger. Bandido is a megastar, but Hechicero has proven that he belongs in a big-time spot, as well. 4.5 Stars, and that might be underselling it a bit. Fantastic stuff.

 

Athena vs Mina Shirakawa – RoH Women’s Title Match

This is the 993rd day of Athena’s title reign. She won the title by defeating Mercedes Martinez on December 10th, 2022.

It wouldn’t be an ECW Arena show without a real ode to ECW. During Athena’s entrance, Billie Starkz randomly brings out Blue Meanie, who is a Minion/Meanie In Training. He performs his dance, and then Athena and Billie join him in dancing. Upon entering the ring, Meanie dances with Mina, but that’s too much for Athena, who angrily kicks him out of the ring and sends him to the back.

Athena is announced as being from Dallas, Texas (she’s actually from nearby Garland), which the crowd hates. They boo her, and then sing the Philadelphia Eagles fight song.

So far, this hasn’t been the best in-ring work of Mina’s career. She has thrown some piss poor strikes, and has had a few poorly timed spots that made her look bad. Well, I mean… she can’t look bad… but you get what I’m trying to say.

Man, after what the previous match delivered, there’s no reason why this should be the main event. I get that Athena has the most epic title reign of any sort in RoH history, but Bandido and Hechicero had a Match Of The Year contender. This match never had a chance to come close to that level, and I say that as a big fan of both women.

They’re dropping bombs on each other now. Stiff strikes from both women are connecting left and right.

Mina has really bounced back after that rough start I mentioned earlier. Athena is her usual great self, but Mina reaching a high level has helped the match to get better and better as it has gone on.

O-Face from Athena picks up the win, and the champion retains her title. Her title reign lives on, as it approaches the 1,000-day mark. Back-to-back bangers to close out the show. 4 Stars, and again, that might be underselling it a bit. I’ll have to go back and watch the show again to see. Great back-and-forth, physical battle with the type of urgency that both women should have in a main event title match.

 

First and foremost, there is zero reason for Ring Of Honor to have a four-hour pay-per-view in 2025. Tony Khan simply can’t help himself. If you trim a few matches off of this show, we’re looking at a Show Of The Year contender, but instead, it was hurt by the overall length. There’s still a big-time recommendation from me, though. If you didn’t check it out, do yourself a favor and give it a viewing. Three great matches, and some entertaining stuff elsewhere on the card.

I’ll see all of you tomorrow for WWE’s Clash In Paris show.