The week in ROH began on Monday with CMLL action in Arena Puebla, where The Swirl took on Esfinge & Templario in a losing effort. It was then on to Las Vegas for Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite, where the #1 Contender for the ROH World Title, Nick Wayne, was unsuccessful in a 3-Way Match against MJF & “Speedball” Mike Bailey to determine the #2 entrant in the Casino Gauntlet at All In on August 30. The following night, it was back to Arena Mexico for ROH Global Wars Mexico!
Ring of Honor
ROH on HonorClub #179 – Global Wars Mexico 2026
August 13, 2026
Arena Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
Watch: WatchROH.com
Ian Riccaboni & Caprice Coleman were on commentary.
The show featured non-ROH matches that CMLL aired last week.
- AEW TNT Title Match: Kevin Knight (c) def. Titan (Aired August 4, 2026)
- Lightning Match: Soberano Jr. defeats Komander (Aired August 4, 2026)
- Singles Match: Kyle Fletcher def. Mascara Dorada (Aired August 4, 2026)
ROH World Television Title Match
Lio Rush (c) def. El Clon (w/Don Callis)
This was a rematch after El Clon beat Lio Rush on the July 25 edition of AEW Collision in an AEW International Title Ladder Match Qualifier, where El Clon used the ropes to steal the win. Before this rematch began, the referee instructed Rush to remove his umbrella hat before the match could begin. Rush proceeded to fold the hat, exposing the wiring, then threatened to stick it in El Clon’s eye, chasing him outside. Seeing this “Blackheart” character in Arena Mexico is strange but the fans in attendance seemed to be enjoying it as they were firmly behind the Blackheart over the rudo, and Don Callis Family member, El Clon. Gimmicks aside, these two work very well together and I really enjoyed the heel/face dynamic that accompanied the fun Arena Mexico atmosphere. This was fast-paced, crisp, and even though I went in spoiled, they got me on a couple of close near-falls, which is high praise. Rush used his new submission finisher to get the win and retain the title. If Lio’s new gimmick doesn’t “grind your gears,” and you are looking for a fun match to brighten your spirits, I highly recommend this one. Match of the Night (And no, the non-ROH matches that have already aired do not qualify)
After the match, Tony Khan “made it official.” Lio Rush will defend his title against Action Andretti in a Fight Without Honor Match at Death Before Dishonor on August 21.
Backstage, Athena cut a promo on her opponent at Death Before Dishonor, Hazuki. It was then time for Billie Starkz to “Chop it Up” with Caprice Coleman. This was a nice little interview going over Billie’s backstory, including being signed by AEW. The interview was cut short by an angry Athena who didn’t want Caprice filling Billie’s head with “stupid ideas.”
Hyan, Maya World & Thunder Rosa def. Hikaru Shida, Marina Shafir & Skye Blue
A bit of a thrown-together “strange bedfellows” team on the Rudas side, as this match started with a brawl that quickly went to the floor. They kept the action moving in this match but of all the AEW/CMLL/ROH matches that I have seen over the past couple of weeks in Arena Mexico, this one felt the most out of place. The match ended after Shida accidentally hit Shafir with Sky Blue’s Artist of Stardom Title belt and Rosa took advantage by rolling her up for the uno, dos, tres. This match was intended to put a spotlight on the Mexican National Women’s Champion, Thunder Rosa, and it accomplished that, if nothing else. Fine
It was announced that Dalton Castle & The Outrunners would be defending their ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Titles at Death Before Dishonor against The Lethal Twist.
Final Thoughts
I wish they had taped more actual Ring of Honor matches for this episode of Ring of Honor television, but it still was a nice change of pace, and I did enjoy this episode. I had already watched the non-ROH matches when they happened on August 4th, so there wasn’t a lot to chew on, but rewatching those matches with Ian & Caprice on commentary was a joy. The week isn’t over, though, for fans of ROH, as Bandido heads to Germany to defend his ROH Title against 1 Called Manders at WXW’s Shortcut to the Top, and Nigel McGuiness takes on Katsuyori Shibata in the first round of the AEW Continental Challenge Cup on Collision. So long and Happy Wrestling!
