Ring of Honor will host its second pay-per-view since being bought by Tony Khan. The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 23 in Lowell, MA. With the big show two weeks away, they’ve been getting more TV time including AEW Rampage.
Lee Moriarty challenged Jonathan Gresham for the ROH World Championship, but was interrupted by Tully Blanchard. They had handshake deal for Gresham and Moriarty to face Gates of Agony tonight. In a promo for the match, Gresham pointed out that his name is not one heard on AEW television very often. He’s tired of Bryan Danielson and Claudio Castanogli calling themselves the best technical wrestlers.
The match started out routinely. Then, Moriarty went to tag in his partner, but Gresham was distracted by Blanchard. Moriarty continued to be taken to task by Liona and Kaun. When he was finally able to get to the champ, Gresham pulled his arm away to avoid the tag. Shocked by what just happened, Moriarty is pinned.
And #GatesOfAgony steal the win in their #AEW tag team debut, after a disastrous turn of events for @theleemoriarty! Watch #AEWRampage on @tntdrama right now! pic.twitter.com/jPaBw0Ea4O
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 9, 2022
Gresham embraced Blanchard ringside. After the match, Gresham lamented that he’s been sitting at home since March. Blanchard called him up and “laid out a plan that I’d be a fool to say ‘no’ to.” Tully Blanchard Enterprises now consists of Gresham, Gates of Agony, and Brian Cage.
Tony Schiavone informed “The Foundation” that Tony Khan made it official that he would face Moriarty at Fyter Fest on next week’s Rampage. The match is for the title.
After a shocking display of disrespect to tag team partner Lee Moriarty, @TullyBFTR may have just gained ROH World Champion @TheJonGresham as a client & @theleemoriarty gets his shot at the ROH World Championship next FRIDAY on #AEWRampage!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 9, 2022
Tune in NOW to #AEW Rampage on TNT! pic.twitter.com/s4sDUgPMdx
Moriarty’s mentor, Matt Sydal called Gresham’s actions “disrespectful” and “dishonorable”. Moriarity declared that he will take Gresham’s title.
After ROH World Champion @TheJonGresham's shocking actions against tag team partner @theleemoriarty tonight on #AEWRampage, Moriarty has his eyes set on the ROH World Championship next FRIDAY on #AEWRampage!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 9, 2022
Tune in NOW to #AEW Rampage on TNT! pic.twitter.com/SfEDB9I2Qy
Gresham has been a revered babyface in ROH for years. Turning heel certainly freshens things up for him and will introduce a new side to fans. A wrestler of his caliber under the tutelage of someone like Blanchard is brilliant. This relationship could elevate Gresham to another level.
With the match taking place at Fyter Fest, it leaves an opening for a World Championship match at Death Before Dishonor. Gresham has been open feeling slighted by not being considered the best technical wrestler in the world. Should he retain next week on Rampage, perhaps Gresham will get to face Castanogli or have another dream match at the pay-per-view.