ROH Pure Rules match set, Gabriel Kidd and Eddie Kingston pick up where they left off

The first two matches have been made official for Collision in Philadelphia on April 16. With the 2300 Arena rapidly approaching capacity, two hard fought battles perfectly represent the diversity of professional wrestling that made the venue famous, and set the tone for more incredible matches to be announced soon. 

Collision in Philadelphia tickets

Gabriel Kidd will meet Eddie Kingston in singles action. April 16 will see the two face to face for the second time in an NJPW ring in the States, with their first meeting on NJPW STRONG in January 2022 earning more than a few votes for match of the year from fans for its intensity and hard fought violence. Gabe Kidd’s teachings from Katsuyori Shibata, and influences from Hroyoshi Tenzan earning the nickname of the Young Bull puts him firmly in the camp of Strong Style tradition, while Eddie Kingston true to his name prefers to walk the path of Kawada, Kobashi and Taue. Styles make fights, and this fight is one to be there live for.

Also set for Philadelphia, Alex Coughlin will face Tracy Williams in an ROH Pure Rules match. Part of the Foundation on ROH programming, ‘Hot Sauce’ Tracy Williams hasn’t been seen in an NJPW ring since the Night Before Rumble on 44th Street. Now he faces the power of the Android. Under ROH Pure rules, each competitor has up to three rope breaks that can be used before submissions and pinfalls in the ropes are recognised, closed fist punches to the head are illegal with a referee warning followed by immediate disqualification, and the match will be determined by a panel of judges should it reach its time limit. The rule set in itself implies that this match’s winner could instantly shoot up the rankings for the ROH Pure Championship currently held by Wheeler Yuta; might a new contender emerge from this matchup?