Claudio Castagnoli Wins The ROH World Title At ROH Final Battle

Five titles changed hands at ROH Final Battle, but perhaps none bigger than Claudio Castagnoli defeating Chris Jericho to become the Ring of Honor World Champion for the second time.

The Ocho Chris Jericho won the Ring of Honor World Championship from Claudio Castagnoli back at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. Since then, Castagnoli has defeated Jericho twice in tag team action but not when it counts, as he was pinned by Jericho in a four-way match for the title at AEW Full Gear. Castagnoli’s victory tonight all but guarantees him to enter 2023 as the Ring of Honor World Champion.

Here’s how the match broke down, courtesy of our play-by-play coverage:

Jericho refuses to shake Castagnoli’s hand. He runs out of the ring and chases commentators Caprice Coleman and Ian Riccaboni, but Castagnoli drills the champion with an upper cut. In the ring, Claudio takes the fight to Jericho and drops him with a Neutralizer for a two count. He hits a gut-wrench suplex for a two count. Castagnoli presses Jericho over his head and kicks him off the apron. Jericho sends Castagnoli into the ring post and takes control. Jericho and Castagnoli trade blows. The challenger drills Jericho with an European uppercut. Jericho gains the upper hand and punches Claudio in the corner. Jericho goes for a super hurricanrana, and while Castagnoli counters once, Jericho hits the second attempt. Castagnoli counters the Codebreaker. Jericho sends him to the outside. The challenger counters  dropkick with a European uppercut. Jericho suplexes Castagnoli off the apron.

Claudio rallies with a big boot. Jericho fires back with one of his own. Both men are down after a double clothesline. The two competitors exchange strikes, and they refuse to go down. Jericho rakes Castagnoli’s eye. The challenger goes for the swing, but Jericho counters into the Walls of Jericho. Castagnoli escapes and drills Jericho with the European uppercut. Angelo Parker and Matt Menard come to ringside. With the referee distracted, Jericho blasts Castagnoli with a bat for a two count. The referee ejects Parker and Menard from ringside. Castagnoli rolls him up for a two count. Jericho hits the Codebreaker. Castagnoli swings Jericho until he taps.

READ MORE: ROH Final Battle Results (12/10/22): Chris Jericho, FTR, Samoa Joe, And More