In the opening episode of Ring of Honor's (ROH) new year on HonorClub, fans were treated to a series of intense matches that set the stage for an exciting year ahead. The highlight was Red Velvet's successful defense of her Women’s World Television Title against HANAKO. Meanwhile, Komander faced QT Marshall in a Proving Ground match, and Shane Taylor Promotions clashed with Dark Order and Iron Savages. Other notable bouts included Harley Cameron's victory over Ashley Vox and Action Andretti & Lio Rush's triumph over Homicide & Rocky Romero. With whispers of a potential TV deal on the horizon, ROH is poised to make significant strides in 2025.

Red Velvet Triumphs in a Brutal Title Defense

In the heart-stopping main event, Red Velvet showcased her prowess as she defended her Women’s World Television Title against the formidable HANAKO. The match took place in a packed arena, setting the tone for ROH's ambitious plans for the year. Despite being the smaller competitor, Velvet's confidence and strategic moves gave her the upper hand. The bout saw moments of intense action, including a brutal slam from HANAKO and Velvet's innovative use of the ringpost. In a climactic finish, Velvet executed her signature move, Mama's Kitchen, securing the pinfall and retaining her title for the fourth time. This victory solidifies Velvet's position as one of ROH's top female competitors.

The evening also featured several other thrilling encounters. Komander put his men's TV Championship on the line against QT Marshall in a high-stakes Proving Ground match. Shane Taylor Promotions, led by Taylor, Moriarty, and The Infantry, faced off against Dark Order and Iron Savages in a chaotic multi-team battle. Elsewhere, Harley Cameron demonstrated her exceptional skills by defeating Ashley Vox in a hard-hitting contest. Finally, Action Andretti & Lio Rush outsmarted Homicide & Rocky Romero, winning through a combination of speed and strategy.

From a journalist's perspective, this event marks a pivotal moment for ROH. With discussions of a potential TV deal gaining traction, the promotion must continue delivering high-quality content to remain relevant. The performances seen tonight, particularly Velvet's dominant display, provide a strong foundation for future success. ROH has proven it can deliver compelling narratives and memorable matches, which are essential ingredients for capturing and retaining audience attention. As the year progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these storylines develop and whether ROH can achieve its ambitious goals.