There are just two open slots left in the 2021 Survival of The Fittest final match. So far, Demonic Flamita, Brian Johnson, Eli Isom, and Chris Dickinson have moved forward, and tonight either Bandido or Bateman will join the field. Bandido is a favorite to win Survival of The Fittest, being someone with a legitimate chance of defeating RUSH to become ROH World Champion. Bateman however is hard hitting and devious, and is not someone you ever want to count out, especially as he is fighting for Vincent, not himself.
Bateman Flaunts His Size Advantage
Before the bell, Vita Von Starr and Dutch of The Righteous would be sent to the back. Bandido offered the handshake for Code of Honor, and Bateman would have none of it. Bateman shoved Bandido to the ropes on the opening lock up, but allowed a clean break. Bandido got Bateman to the ropes, and dodged a cheap shot from Bateman off the ropes.
Bateman flaunted his height advantage and patted him on the head, before another stalemate. Bandido looked for a backslide, but Bateman got it for a two count before blocking a Fireman Carry Takeover. Bateman nailed a stiff forearm strike, before resetting with another lock up. Bandido went for a handspring elbow strike, before Bateman side stepped and hit a chop.
Determined to take Bateman down, Bandido went up top for a spinning crossbody before hitting a flying headscissor takedown, sending Bateman to the outside where he blocked a PK. Bandido was tripped onto the apron, and hit with a hard knee strike to the face, with Bateman looking into the distance to see if it was a home run.
Never Underestimate Bandido
Back in the ring, Bateman hit a fall away back suplex and got a two count. He’d absorb a forearm strike, before sending Bandido down to the mat with ease with one of his own. Bateman looked for a Blue Thunder Bomb but Bandido slipped out. A dropkick to the knee was followed by a Dragon Screw, before hitting a Shining Wizard.
Bandido showed his insane power as he got Bateman up for a Press Slam into a Michinoku Driver, before hitting a standing Shooting Star Press. Bateman slipped outside and was taken off his feet by the Fosbury Flop. Bandido has found his second wind, only to dive into a forearm strike from Bateman, who followed up with a Swinging Neckbreaker.
A superkick stunned Bateman to set up a Crucifix Driver for a two count. Charging into the corner, he’d catch Bateman with a back elbow before getting some fingers to the eyes and a knee to the face. Bateman looked for This Is A Kill, but Bandido countered. Bandido would nail 21 Plex for the win.
This match was oddly low energy for a Bandido match, due to Bateman determining the pace. However, once it picked up at the end, it came together nicely. Bandido was the right choice to advance, and Bateman showed his worth as a solid powerhouse in the ring. Match Rating: 2.75/5 (** 3/4)
Following the match, Vincent would return to ROH. We haven’t seen him since the 19th Anniversary, and he gave Bateman a mission. However, while Vincent was on a journey, he had a moment of clarity. What is now important to Vincent is the ROH World Championship, and Bateman failed him. Bateman would be beaten down by Von Starr, before Dutch took him out. What is next for Bateman & The Righteous? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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