ROH Supercard: Eddie Kingston Denied Gold Again

Five weeks of television have led to ROH’s biggest show of the year: Supercard of Honor. Every title was on the line, including in a Reach for the Sky Ladder Match to crown the new ROH World Tag Team Champions. The entire show was dedicated to the memory of the late Jay Briscoe.

ROH’s biggest feud has been Eddie Kingston vs. Claudio Castagnoli. When ROH’s “new era” began, Kingston had “quit” AEW the night before. He demanded a title shot from his nemesis. For weeks, the champion denied him. Castagnoli finally relented, but not before saying some brutal things to Kingston, including calling him a waste of potential.

Their history stretches out over 15 years. The way the current chapter is unfolding felt like it was leading to Kingston finally getting what he coveted. He spoke of the lineage the title has from his mentors: Homicide, Xavier, and Low-Ki. It belonged to the underdog, which Kingston embodies. He was denied gold in AEW. He also burned bridges with the handful of people he likes. ROH could be a fresh start. He could finally get what has long been denied to him. More importantly, he could take the title from a man he despises.

Castagnoli and Kingston put on a hell of a match. For everything the champion threw at him, Kingston was ready. At one point, he kicked out at one. Castagnoli has treated Kingston’s challenge as beneath him. That nearly cost him because he underestimated his opponent. Kingston came so close to victory. He rolled up the champ, but Castagnoli reversed it and pinned him. The crowd was heartbroken for Kingston.

After the match, the champion was joined by Wheeler Yuta. The two started to corner Kingston, when the new ROH Pure Champion, Katsuyori Shibata, came down to the ring. He quickly sided with Kingston. He stared down Castagnoli, who held his title in the air. “The Wrestler” returned the favor.

Kingston got the mic and vowed that he was not done. “I’m not going (expletive) anywhere! Claudio, I’m going to beat your (expletive)!” While last night’s loss was deflating, especially coupled with Mark Briscoe losing to Samoa Joe, it seems like Kingston’s time may be coming.

His story with Castagnoli isn’t done. He proved to his rival that he can keep his temper in check and stay right on his heels. For every step Castagnoli made, Kingston was right there in his shadow. AEW and ROH are headed to New York next week. Perhaps “The Mad King” comes for the champion once again in his own backyard.