Jay Lethal turned back the clock at ROH Final Battle, stepping into the ring as his iconic “Black Machismo” persona for his match against QT Marshall. The gimmick, a heartfelt homage to the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage, brought a wave of nostalgia to fans in attendance. Lethal was accompanied by Karen Jarrett, who fully embraced the retro vibe by channeling Sensational Sherri as “Sensational Karen.”
The match wasn’t just about Lethal’s tribute, though. QT Marshall leaned into the storyline with his own take on Randy Savage, donning the infamous “Marshall Madness” persona complete with Savage’s NWO-era look. The build-up to their clash was filled with playful nods to wrestling history, making the showdown a treat for old-school fans.
“Black Machismo” is a persona Lethal first debuted in 2006 during his TNA Wrestling days, quickly becoming a fan favorite. While he has sporadically revived the character over the years, this marked the first time he has used it since joining AEW. The decision to bring it back for ROH Final Battle added a layer of fun and nostalgia to the event, further solidifying Lethal’s reputation as a masterful entertainer who knows how to captivate an audience.
What did you think of Jay Lethal’s return as “Black Machismo” at ROH Final Battle? Does this character deserve a longer run in ROH or AEW? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!