Ring Of Honor Results: Jonathan Gresham vs. Matt Sydal [ROH Pure Championship Tournament Second Round]

While we already know who made it through on the top half of the red side, it’s time to check in on the silver side of the Pure Championship tournament bracket. Kicking it off is Jonathan Gresham and Matt Sydal. Gresham defeated Wheeler Yuta in the first round, and is still a favorite to win the whole tournament, being perhaps the best technical wrestler in ROH. He used no rope breaks in his first match, and has a 5-1 record in his last six matches in ROH.

Meanwhile, Matt Sydal knocked off his long time friend Delirious in what was one of the more shocking good matches of the first round. It was an emotional battle, and one that showed that he’s more than just a high flier. Gresham is the favorite to win, but if he takes Sydal lightly, he’s going to be taken out. Sydal had the fastest round one win in just under 10 minutes, and again used no rope breaks in his first match.

Jonathan Gresham Shows Why He’s The Octopus

Code Of Honor would be adhered too, and this one would get started. Gresham would take down Sydal with a wrist lock, easily taking Sydal down to the mat. Sydal would get the leg and take control, but Gresham made it back to his feet. A fake out from Gresham let him take Sydal down again with a single leg, going for another side headlock. Sydal broke out, but ended up back on the ground and the Gresham attacked the surgically repaired foot.

The ankle would be bent, but Gresham rolled into a proper ankle lock merged with a calf crusher, in the middle of the ring. Sydal didn’t use any rope breaks in his first match, but might need to here. Gresham moved to the other leg to spread the damage out, but this allowed Sydal to fight free with some well placed kicks. Another well placed kick to the leg would topple Gresham, who went to work on the ankle himself.

He’d be kicked off, and Gresham got a wrist lock to keep Sydal close. Sydal attempted a suplex, but got brought to the mat again. This time, Gresham went after the leg again in the middle of the ring, while having the arm trapped. Sydal was near defenseless, and had to do something or this one was going to be done early. Gresham would move this into a pin, Sydal kicked out at two and escaped the hold.

The Damage Was Done

After spending almost a minute tied up, Sydal wouldn’t get any freedom as he ate a big chop to the chest. Gresham was throwing strikes, but Sydal took the chance to pick up the pace and hit a hurricanrana into an armdrag, but Gresham ruled on the mat, again shutting Sydal down. Getting back up, Sydal hit another deep armdrag and followed through with an arm lock, but Gresham countered and rolled both men into the ropes, no rope breaks needed here, referee deeming this one neutral.

Some strikes would be exchanged, and Sydal would sweep the leg before looking for a standing moonsault, missing and being run through with a back elbow. At this time, the final commercial break would come and go.

Matt Sydal Is Ruthless, but Gresham Catches His Second Wind

Coming back, Sydal would connect with a spinning wheel kick, and press the advantage with heavy strikes to Gresham, as we hit the ten minute mark. A Michinoku Driver would dump Gresham on his shoulder, but only get a two count. Sydal looked for a Cobra Clutch, got a Russian Leg Sweep while maintaining the hold, but the advantage would not last, Gresham fighting out.

Gresham wouldn’t stay up long, eating a Dragon Screw leg whip, the knee hyper-extending, but a quick counter would get him a two count on Sydal and get him some room. However, Sydal was ruthless at this point, and another leg kick would be met with some weak looking chops. Gresham got a rush off offense with a stunner and looked to follow up with the German Suplex, Sydal rolling through into a pinfall but getting a two count. Sydal followed up with a high kick to the head, but Gresham had his second wind and wasn’t giving up.

A surfboard stretch would be applied by Gresham, before dropping Sydal down into an ankle hold and forcing an instant tap out. Gresham was made for this tournament, and moves on to the semi-finals. There he will face the winner of Josh Woods vs. PJ Black. Will Gresham be the next Pure Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!

Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit YouTube
and Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!