Eddie Kingston defeated long-time rival Claudio Castagnoli to win the ROH World Championship.
The rivalry between Kington and Castagnoli stretches back the best part of 15 years and has been one of the most heated in AEW history. However, this time back in his hometown of New York, it was Kingston who emerged with the upper hand.
Unsurprisingly, the match was a frightening hard-hitting contest, with the combatants trading strikes. The end came with Kingston smashing Castagnoli with a spinning back fist and a powerbomb.
EXCLUSIVE!
Our cameras caught up with NEW @ringofhonor World Champion Eddie Kingston, after his historic victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City #AEWDynamite#AEWGrandSlampic.twitter.com/Py9KroRlpT— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 21, 2023
Eddie Kingston Dedicates Win To Former Champion
Speaking backstage after the show, Eddie Kingston toasted the NJPW Openweight Championship and his newly-won ROH World Title. The Mad King dedicated his World Title win to Xavier who was the second-ever Ring of Honor World Champion.
Xavier sadly passed away in 2020.
“I’m in pain. That stage hurts. Claudio hurts every time he hits you. I don’t like him as a human being. But I shook his hand because let’s be honest, he was a great Ring of Honor Champion, and I’ve always said he was a great wrestler. I just don’t like him as a person, and that’s not gonna change. But I can definitely show him that I’ve grown. I’ve grown up. Back in the day, I wouldn’t have shook his hand. I would have spit in his face, and then I would have gloated. But bro, I grew up man. I’ll give him his due and his respect. I’m proud, I’m happy.
When I get back to the hotel, I’m not gonna be proud and happy because now I know I gotta defend this championship, and this championship [Holds up NJPW Openweight and ROH World Title belts]. It’s gonna be hard, but I like it. Without struggle, there is no progress. I feel too weird if there is no struggle. But this is dedicated to Xavier, the second-ever Ring of Honor World Champion. Rest in peace, bud.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for this business. Thank you for being good to me in the locker room. But this one’s for you, dog. This one’s for you because people should remember who you are. X marks the spot, baby. Love you, X. Rest in peace. I’m good, man. I just wanna go see my parents. We good? New York in this mother, you heard!”
H/t to Fightful