LEE MORIARTY WINS ROH PURE CHAMPIONSHIP

TAIGASTYLE!

Lee Moriarty claimed his first piece of gold in the Tony Khan multiverse by winning the ROH Pure Championship from Wheeler Yuta at Death Before Dishonor (July 26, 2024).

The bout was contested under Pure rules. Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, and Paul Wight were judges in the case of a time-limit draw.

Moriarty used his first rope-break at 1:40 into the match to escape a leglock. Yuta used his first rope-break at 3:40 to escape the Border City Stretch submission.

Moriarty bent the rules with an illegal closed-fist punch over the top when the referee tried to separate a corner break. Yuta retaliated with a closed-fist of his own, and the ref caught sight of that strike. Yuta was issued an official warning. Another closed-fist punch from Yuta would result in a disqualification, and the title would change hands. As the referee had his back turned to inform the ring announcer, Moriarty landed another closed-fist punch.

Moriarty used his second rope-break on an armlock at 7:00. The technical skills flipped the switch to high altitude. Yuta leaped for a flying forearm smash. Moriarty retaliated for a superplex. He also bit Yuta in the head to set up that move.

Moriarty continued with dirty tricks for another closed-fist punch. The ref caught him this time for an official warning. Moriarty took advantage for a Border City Stretch. Yuta was in deep trouble, but he eventually managed to reach the ropes for his second break at 13:50.

When the action spilled outside, Yuta connected on a battering ram suicide dive.

The next pair of rope-breaks came on a crucifix submission from Moriarty at 16:50 and a Cattle Mutilation hold from Yuta at 17:40. No more rope-breaks. Three was the limit. That means submissions in the ropes are now legal.

Sound on to hear the impact for this drop suplex from Moriarty to Yuta on the apron.

Moriarty was in control, but he couldn’t keep Yuta down. Frustration mounted for the challenger, then Yuta suckered Moriarty into an armbar. Moriarty reached the ropes, but no more breaks allowed. Moriarty grabbed the ropes to assist rolling over for a pin. His foot hooked the ropes for leverage to secure the win. 1, 2, 3. New champion at 19:58.

If you thought that the finish was controversial, commentary explained that it was fair game. Since there were no more rope-breaks, the positioning of Moriarty’s foot for leverage on the ropes didn’t matter. They chalked it up to excellent strategy from TAIGASTYLE.

After the match, Yuta passed the torch of the Pure division with respect to strap the belt around Moriarty’s waist.

Share your thoughts on the Pure championship bout. Get full results here for Death Before Dishonor. The replay is available for streaming through the ROH Honor Club subscription service.

2024-07-27T05:25:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd