Jonathan Gresham Wins ROH World Title At Final Battle
After defeating former partner Jay Lethal
Jonathan Gresham is the new ROH World Heavyweight champion, defeating former partner Jay Lethal to win the vacant title at Final Battle on Saturday night in Baltimore.
Gresham won after forcing Lethal to submit with an octopus stretch, aided by repeated strikes to the head. The ROH locker room had emptied out during the closing stages of the match, the men and women all watching the conclusion.
The two men wrestled for the original ROH World Heavyweight title belt. After the match, Gresham was presented the classic belt by Cary Silkin. Gresham also celebrated with his wife, Impact star Jordynne Grace.
Gresham becomes the 29th man to hold the ROH World title. He is a former ROH Pure champion and ROH World Tag Team champion (with Lethal).
The match was originally meant to be Gresham vs. defending champion Bandido. However, Bandido had to be pulled from the match due to a positive COVID test.
Bandido was in his first reign as ROH World champion. He had reigned since defeating Rush at Best in the World on July 11.
Lethal was not originally intending to work Final Battle. After the announcement that ROH talents were free to sign anywhere immediately, Lethal signed with AEW in November, and debuted at Full Gear.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
