Ring of Honor delivered an electrifying night on August 7, 2025, during the 128th episode of ROH On HonorClub, highlighted by Bandido’s hard-fought victory over Gringo Loco in a Proving Ground match that solidified his status as ROH World Champion heading into Death Before Dishonor. The night also featured standout performances by top CMLL stars Mistico and Máscara Dorada, plus action-packed tag team and women’s division bouts, reinforcing ROH’s reputation as a hotspot for intense, high-caliber wrestling action.

Bandido vs. Gringo Loco: Proving Ground Drama

The episode’s main event saw Bandido put his ROH World Championship on the line in a Proving Ground match against challenger Gringo Loco. With the stipulation that a draw or victory for Loco would grant him a future title shot, the stakes were high from the opening bell. The match was a showcase of agility, technical skill, and fierce determination from both competitors.

Gringo Loco started strong, catching Bandido off guard with powerful strikes and a sit-out powerbomb. Bandido quickly countered with his signature high-flying arsenal, including multiple hurricanranas and a decisive frog splash that sealed the victory at 5:32. Despite Loco’s ambitious moonsault attempts and a spectacular reverse C4 from the top rope, Bandido’s resilience prevailed. Ian Riccaboni noted during commentary that Bandido will defend the ROH World Title against Hechicero at the upcoming Death Before Dishonor pay-per-view, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash[1][2][5].

A WWE insider confirmed to Fightful that Bandido’s momentum is a strategic push by ROH management, capitalizing on his diverse skill set and international appeal ahead of the high-profile PPV[1].

CMLL Stars Elevate Tag Team Action

ROH’s partnership with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) shone during the tag team matches. El Sky Team, comprising Mistico and Máscara Dorada, delivered a commanding performance against Lee Johnson and Blake Christian. After a sequence of rapid exchanges and near-submissions, Mistico locked in his renowned submission hold, La Mistica, forcing Johnson to tap out and securing the win for his team.

Additionally, the trio of Volador Jr., Rugido, and Magnus defeated Dark Order’s Evil Uno, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds in an intense six-man tag team encounter. The finish saw Magnus hit a powerful butterfly suplex, Rugido following up with a splash, and Volador Jr. pinning Ugly Uno to secure the victory[1][3][5].

Reports from 411Mania praised the CMLL showcase bouts for their seamless blend of high-flying maneuvers and grounded holds, enhancing the overall match quality seen on the broadcast[2].

Women’s Division and Tag Team Highlights

The women’s division also took center stage as ROH Women’s World Champion Athena teamed up with Billie Starkz to demonstrate their growing dominance. Athena dropped Diami in a spirited bout, only to be confronted by Toni Storm after the match, who ominously promised to “give Athena a Cleveland Steamer,” signaling an intense future rivalry[4].

Meanwhile, tag team action featured the undefeated duo of Satnam Singh and Jay Lethal in a bout reflecting their rising synergy and popularity among fans. Jay Lethal, a veteran widely respected for his ring psychology and technical prowess, continues to mentor emerging stars like Singh, adding depth to ROH’s tag team division[1][3].

Behind the Scenes and Future Implications

Sources close to the ROH locker room revealed to Wrestling Headlines that the ongoing storylines, particularly Bandido’s title reign and the CMLL talent integration, are part of a broader effort by ROH to expand its global footprint while nurturing homegrown stars. The upcoming Death Before Dishonor PPV is poised to be pivotal for many top ROH narratives, including Bandido’s title defense and Toni Storm’s feud with Athena.

On social media, ROH took note of QT Marshall’s reaction from last week, teasing more confrontations ahead, which Fightful reports will likely lead into summer-long angles adding tension to ROH’s midcard and championship scenes[1][4].

Looking Ahead

With only weeks left before Death Before Dishonor, ROH has kept fans engaged with fast-paced, competitive matches that highlight both established stars and rising talent. Bandido’s victory over Gringo Loco has set a high bar, and his upcoming title defense against Hechicero promises to be one of the marquee matches of the year.

Moreover, the flourishing partnership with CMLL continues to boost ROH’s international appeal, ensuring diverse and dynamic matchups continue to captivate audiences on HonorClub.

For continued ROH updates, including in-depth analysis, interviews, and insider reports, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and 411Mania as the road to Death Before Dishonor heats up.

SEO Keywords: ROH On HonorClub results, Bandido vs Gringo Loco, ROH World Championship, CMLL partnership, Mistico, Máscara Dorada, Death Before Dishonor 2025, ROH wrestling news