Do you think Hulk Hogan going to TNA will have any effect on ROH?

Well, I look forward to your responses and rationalizations on the board this week, now it’s onto the action.

We get an update about Jerry Lynn who was injured on last week’s show at the hands of Kenny King and Rhett Titus.  Well, not so much an update, as it’s just footage replayed from last week.

Austin Aries’ music hits and he’s on his way out to the ring with Kenny King in tow.  Aries says that last week, the people were treated to a main event of truly epic proportions when he took on Bryan Danielson.  Aries says that Dragon calls himself the best wrestler in the world, but you’re only the best until someone comes along and beats you, and that’s exactly what A Double did to Dragon last week.  Aries says that it doesn’t exactly make him the best wrestler in the world, it just solidifies his position as the greatest man who ever lived.  Aries says that last week King also did something amazing.  Aries says that even he had to applaud King when he took an un-retireable man, and retired him.  King takes the mic and says that no one sees Jerry Lynn anywhere, because the last time he was in the ring, he put Lynn down like Old Yeller.  King says if people are looking for Lynn, try the hospital because he may still be there.  King says since he retired Lynn, everyone wants to be Kenny King, but there’s only one King.  Tyler Black’s music hits and he’s out on the entrance ramp with a mic.  Tyler says everyone may turn to look at King, but they look at him with disgust because of what he did to Jerry Lynn.  Tyler says tonight he’s going to steal a page out of Aries’ book and have lottery tonight.  He’s going to have a “who wants to kick Kenny King’s ass” lottery.  Black says he got the names of everyone in the back that wants to beat King, and we’re going to find out who King is going to have to fight tonight.  Black pulls Eddie Kingston’s name out of the hat, and apparently King has found an opponent for tonight.

We go to Hog and Prazak who are quick to discuss the main event.  They move on quickly though and introduce the new Executive Producer for ROH on HDNet, Jim Cornette.  Hog says he can’t wait to see what Cornette has in store for ROH, and you can add me to that list, too Hog.

Match #1: Sonjay Dutt vs. Delirious vs. Joey Ryan vs. Necro Butcher

Ryan attacks Necro as soon as he tries to get into the ring, but Necro isn’t having is and he chases Ryan around the ring.  Sonjay and Delirious square off in the ring with Sonjay getting the upper hand with a shoulder block.  Delirious fights back with a leg lariat while Ryan and Necro continue to fight on the floor.  Ryan gets a hold of Delirious and Sonjay charges.  Delirious moves out of the way and Ryan eats a right hand that sends him down to the floor.  Delirious sends Dutt to the outside, goes up to the top turnbuckle and hits a big somersaulting flip to the floor on top of both Ryan and Dutt.  Delirious sends Sonjay back into the ring, but he gets hung up on the top rope when he tries to follow.  Necro pulls Ryan’s feet out from under him by yanking on the ringside mats.  Necro climbs up on the apron, but Ryan grabs his feet and Sonjay executes a sunset flip powerbomb all the way to the floor.  Sonjay tosses Delirious back into the ring and tries to go to work but he gets caught by a reverse Manhattan drop.  Ryan attacks Delirious from behind and he and Dutt continue their double team strategy.  Dutt and Ryan pound on Delirious in the corner, choking away at him with their boots.  Delirious is able to fight back, but it doesn’t last long as Ryan hits a beautiful dropkick.  Ryan charges Delirious with a running forearm in the corner, but as soon as he hits the move, Sonjay rolls him up.  Sonjay only gets two, but it’s obvious that they’re working relationship in this match is over.  Ryan tries to catch Dutt with a roll up of his own, and when Dutt kicks out, they surprisingly work together until Necro makes his way back into the match.  Necro cleans house on Dutt and Ryan, hitting Ryan with a big right hand and a tiger driver, but Dutt is in to break it up.  Dutt hits a big leg drop on Necro before following it up with a springboard dropkick that sends Ryan to the outside.  Dutt goes up to the top rope but when he goes for the diving splash, Necro gets his knees up.  Delirious hits a panic attack on Dutt and Necro hits a somersaulting dive to the outside on top of Ryan.  Delirious goes up top and hits shadows over Hell on Dutt.  Delirious pins Dutt and this one is over.

Winner: Delirious by pinfall

Well, this was a pretty damn good match with just a couple of missteps here and there.  First off, since the only real feud going into this match was Delirious vs. Sonjay, why exactly were Joey Ryan and the Necro Butcher even a part of this match?  I mean, I popped for Necro’s crazy bump to the outside during that sunset flip powerbomb, but other than that and his punch/tiger driver to Ryan he was kind of just laying on the floor for most of the show.  Also, I just want to go ahead and say this here, FIND JOEY RYAN SOMETHING TO DO!  The man is far too talented to be relegated to matches like this.  I mean, his last match on HDNet was a super quick win over Roderick Strong, which I was really hoping would lead to some sort of a push, but seeing where he falls this week, I guess that was just wishful thinking.  Sonjay and Delirious were pretty good here.  I definitely enjoy Sonjay more when he isn’t ripping off every major wrestler’s shtick (Flair’s strut, etc.).  Dutt is definitely a talented performer in the ring, I’d just like to see him work on his gimmick a little bit more; he’s a playa, but he also holds his hands together in prayer, and he rips off other wrestlers taunts, it’s not so much a gimmick as it is three or four half gimmicks all mashed together.  Delirious has been more fun to watch lately, and thank goodness for no Daizee Haze this week.  Kudos to Delirious for his crazy dive to the outside on top of Ryan and Dutt.  I’d have to say that this is definitely on the short list of best openers for ROH on HDNet yet.  A-.

Skullkrusher Rasche Brown, a man who’s been doing the ROH pre-show thing for a little while, looks to be the newest addition to ROH’s roster.  He actually gets a little bit of interview time in the back.  Brown is standing next to a big truck and he says that what people don’t know about him, is that he cares about nothing, he hates everything, and there’s nothing better in life than to hurt a man and watch him squeal.  Before we leave, Brown makes sure to let us know that the pain is coming.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage with Eddie Kingston, the man who was chosen earlier tonight to take on Kenny King.  Durden introduces Kingston and Kingston says that he should be happy being in the main event but he’s not.  Kingston says that anyone who’s been watching the program knows that he wants Chris Hero.  Kingston says that King is going to be an unfortunate victim of how King feels about Hero.  Before the segment is over, Eddie says that King is going to pay for what he did to a man that Kingston considers a legend.

We get an interview with the man who’s leaving in a few weeks (well, in reality he’s already been gone a couple of weeks) Bryan Danielson.  Dragon talks about the history that he has with Aries.  Dragon talks about the 70-minute match that he had with Aries at Testing the Limit ’04.  Dragon says it was so much fun to be able to go out and do whatever they wanted to for as long as they wanted.

Match #2: D-Lo Brown vs. Brent Albright

Before the match, we get some of D-Lo’s thoughts on the whole Jerry Lynn situation.  D-Lo says that he’ll give his thoughts on his Twitter account, and you’ll know exactly what he thinks about Jerry Lynn.  Both men follow the code of honor at the beginning of the match, but D-Lo uses it to try and surprise Albright with a clothesline.  Albright ducks and catches D-Lo with a backslide into a pin, but it’s only good for two.  Albright tries for a couple more quick pins, but he can’t keep D-Lo down for more than two.  Brown rolls to the outside toward the entrance ramp, but Albright follows him out and slams him into one of the ringside barricades.  Albright tries to throw Brown into another barricade, but Brown reverses and sends Albright in instead.  Brown slams Albright’s head into one of the barricades, and he gets in the referee’s face, telling Todd Sinclair not to tell him what to do.  Brown hits a big suplex on the outside before tossing Albright back into the ring.  Albright and Brown trade blows in the middle of the ring with D-Lo getting the advantage with an eye poke.  Albright surprises D-Lo with another quick roll up, but D-Lo pops out and hits a big shining wizard to retaliate.  D-Lo throws Albright out to the floor.  D-Lo tries to hit Albright with a big cross body, but Albright moves out of the way and Brown connects with the barricade.  Albright hits a big exploder suplex on the floor and makes his way back into the ring.  D-Lo makes his way back to his feet and he’s immediately blindsided by Albright who connects with a big suicide dive through the ropes.  Brown and Albright trade blows on the floor and Brown takes Albright down with a snap mare.  Brown goes to the top turnbuckle and leaps all the way out to the floor on top of Albright with a big cross body block.  Brown sends Albright back into the ring at the count of 13 and he stalks Albright, teasing a big clothesline.  D-Lo goes for the clothesline, but Albright connects with a rock bottom (which is incorrectly called a uranage by Prazak) and starts to get himself fired up.  Albright takes D-Lo down with a flurry of offensive strikes, ducks a clothesline from Brown and hits a big powerslam that’s good enough to keep D-Lo down for two.  Albright charges D-Lo in the corner but Brown gets his knees up.  D-Lo hits a beautiful second rope moonsault but it’s only good for a near fall.  Albright surprises D-Lo with a DDT out of nowhere and he goes up to the top turnbuckle.  Albright leaps off with a cross body but Brown is able to roll through into a pin, Albright kicks out at two.  Brown hits a big time clothesline on Albright and he connects with a big powerbomb, but Albright turns the pin attempt into the crowbar.  D-Lo tries to fight out but Albright will not let go of the hold.  Albright cranks back on Brown’s arm and D-Lo is forced to tap out.

Winner: Brent Albright by submission

Well, this was a hell of a lot better than I thought it would be.  I think Albright is at his best against opponents of his own size, but since so much of the ROH roster is smaller guys, it rarely happens.  I’ve always thought that Albright would do well in WWE (and I’m honestly surprised he didn’t make a bigger splash in his first WWE run).  D-Lo has been very impressive since his debut in ROH earlier this year and it’s a shame that we won’t get to see a rematch here with D-Lo joining TNA as a road agent.  I have to say that I love the “ROH-style” of small guys having incredibly athletic matches, but sometimes it’s just fun to watch two huge guys wail on each other, and that is exactly what this match was.  I have to give respect to both Albright and Brown for taking huge suplexes on the outside of the ring.  This was just a lot of hard-hitting fun, and it just makes me wish that D-Lo hadn’t left so we could’ve been treated to a couple more return matches.  B.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage along with Colt Cabana.  Durden asks Cabana how it feels to be in the main event next week against Nigel McGuinness.  Cabana says it’s fantastic, and with great responsibility comes great actions.  Cabana says he’s going to make a stand, a stance, a stain, and a little bit of everything.  Cabana tells Nigel to get ready before closing with, “Spiderman, I’m ready”.

Main Event: Kenny King vs. Eddie Kingston

King looks a bit reluctant to start things out, trying to use his quickness to stay away from Kingston.  King leaps frogs Kingston and ducks out to the floor to catch his breath.  The two men lock up and Kingston backs Kin up into the corner and breaks clean.  King ducks a lock up attempt and Kingston looks to be getting a little frustrated.  Kingston backs King up into the corner, but when he tries to break clean, King catches him with a right hand to the face.  King laughs at Kingston and bails out to the floor, but Kingston is quick to follow this time and he launches King into the ringside barricade, twice.  Kingston beats on King around ringside for a bit before throwing him into yet another barricade.  The fans chant, “one more time” and Kingston is more than happy to oblige.  Kingston rolls King back into the ring and stalks him for a bit before hitting a big exploder suplex.  Kingston beats on King for a bit in the corner, chopping away at King’s chest.  King turns it around on Kingston though and hits a chop of his own.  This only serves to make Kingston mad, and he chops King with so much force King ends up on the mat.  Kingston hits a fisherman suplex and he tries for the pin but King is able to kick out.  Kingston kicks away at King’s head, but when he goes to pick him up King tries to fight back.  Kingston chops away at King and King begs off, but when Kingston charges, King pulls down on the top rope and Eddie Kingston sails out to the floor.  King pounds on Kingston on the floor, slamming his head into the barricade and choking him with his boot.  King throws Kingston into the barricade and repeatedly slams his head into the barricade before tossing Kingston back into the ring.  King connects with a suplex and he floats over right into a mount position, rocking Kingston with some huge forearms.  King locks in a rear chin lock and rips away at Kingston’s nose, but Kingston is able to fight his way out with a series of elbows.  Kingston bounces off the rope but he’s immediately caught with a spinebuster from King.  King slaps Kingston across the face but that only fires Kingston up.  Kingston slaps back, but King puts him down with a duo of shoulder blocks.  King tries to send Kingston across the rope, but Kingston holds on and executes a beautiful uranage.  Kingston knocks King down with a couple of chops before launching King with another overhead suplex.  Kingston hits a nasty lariat and he tries for the pin but King kicks out at two.  Kingston goes for the spinning back fist, but King pulls referee Paul Turner in the way and Kingston is forced to stop himself.  King picks Kingston up and hits royal flush, but again it’s only good for a near fall.  King catches Kingston with an enzugiri before snapping his neck across the top rope.  King goes for a springboard move, but Kingston catches him and hits a big overhead suplex.  Kingston goes for the pin but King is able to grab the rope and stop the count.  Kingston hits the backdrop driver and Chris Hero makes his way down the ring and up to the apron.  Kingston is distracted as he stares down Hero and he quickly falls victim to the shotgun double knees to the back from King.  King follows it up with the coronation, and pins Kingston for the win.

Winner: Kenny King by pinfall

I’ve been saying, pretty much every single match that Eddie Kingston has had, that he needs to be given more credible opponents.  Now that he’s had a credible opponent, I can see a little bit more why people can get behind Kingston.  With that said, I still don’t see him becoming anything more than a one-note kind of guy in ROH.  This is the second time that Kingston’s cut a promo talking about how the guy he’s going to be wrestling tonight is going to have to deal with being a Chris Hero stand-in.  I realize that Kingston has a ton of history with Chris Hero, but the problem is that most of this feud has been built in other promotions and to the more casual fan, they’ve got to be wondering why this guy has such a huge problem with Chris Hero.  All that aside, the one thing that made me happiest about this match was seeing Kenny King in the main event.  King belongs in the ROH main event scene, and in the wake of Nigel and Dragon leaving, King is ready to finally break onto the main event scene in ROH.  These two definitely were able to put on a serviceable match, but Kingston really needs a more diverse offense if he’s going to stick around for any length of time.  Chops and suplexes aren’t a move-set unto themselves.  Necro has been able to build a huge fan base using only big right hands and the occasional tiger suplex, but he’s got a ton more charisma, and he’s not quite as whiny as Kingston.  King needs to move on toward bigger and better things soon.  Kingston needs to hurry up and finish this feud with Chris Hero so he can become something more than just a one-dimensional brawler.  B-.

Report Card

In Ring Action: This week has fewer matches than most normal shows, but the action in those matches more than made up for the lack of a weekly squash.  The King/Kingston match was probably the weakest (which is surprising, because I think this is the first time that I’ve rated the main event the lowest of the week), but it was still a good match.  King performed admirably, but it just seemed like every time the match was starting to get really good, Kingston would be in to slow it down again with one of his overhead suplexes.  The D-Lo Brown/Brent Albright match made me remember that Brent Albright can be somewhat entertaining when he’s not being relegated to squash matches and a somewhat lackluster feud with Castagnoli.  The opening four-way was surprisingly the match of the night, and that’s even a little more surprising considering the recent string of great main events.  I think this was one of the most solid wrestling shows that ROH has put together since the show on HDNet started.  I still do have to say though, find something worthwhile for Joey Ryan, please. B+

Out of Ring Action: Kingston was definitely the weakest link in this category too.  He just sounds like a broken record talking endlessly about his feud with Chris Hero, and how even though they’ve already had a match, Kingston still needs to get his hands on Hero.  This is just one of the most boring feuds that ROH has put forth in recent memory; Kingston constantly talking about wanting to have a match with Hero, and Hero constantly talking about how Kingston isn’t good enough to have a match with him.  The only difference between the two is that Chris Hero cuts some crazy good promos, and he talks about subjects other than Eddie Kingston (what a novel idea).  I know some of you out there probably just think that I have my mind made up about Kingston and nothing’s going to change that, and maybe you’re right.  I’m just saying that I won’t have a chance to truly decide how I feel about Kingston until he’s moved away from this (what seems to be pointless) Chris Hero feud.  The promo with Colt Cabana was entertaining, and even though I don’t think he’s quite back in his stride just yet, I think he’s still cutting some of the most entertaining promos in professional wrestling today.  The Dragon segment was a little weird, since it didn’t really further anything and it was mostly just him talking about how much fun he’s had in ROH, but I think I’m OK with that.  The man has devoted almost 8 years of his life to ROH, and if anyone ever deserved promo time just to shoot the shit, it’s Dragon.  It was nice to hear him talk about one of his favorite matches from his career, and I hope that we get more little promo pieces from him in his final few weeks on HDNet.  The in ring segment to start the show was pretty entertaining, and I’m looking forward to the eventual Kenny King/Jerry Lynn match upon Lynn’s return.  Finally, the Skullkrusher promo was a bit interesting.  Rasche Brown reminds me of a really old-school psycho heel, just in the way that he talks and bugs his eyes out.  I don’t know if I like it yet, or if I just think it’s goofy, but I guess I’ll get a chance to decide for myself when he makes his HDNet debut in two weeks.  B+

Overall: This was a very strong episode of ROH on HDNet (this show is in dire need of a name change), and even though it was one of the more top-to-bottom solid wrestling shows, there were really no storylines furthered outside of Dutt/Delirious and Kingston/Hero.  If you’re looking for a fix of good wrestling this week, then of course you know that this is the place to turn.  But if you were looking for a little more of a story driven episode tonight, you’re out of luck.  I’d have to say though, that this one is worth going out of your way to catch.  B+.

Well, another week, come and gone.  I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks of ROH programming.  Nigel McGuinness vs. Colt Cabana next week should be an interesting match to say the least, and Dragon/Strong vs. The American Wolves in two weeks should be a blow-away match.  Alright guys, you know the drill.  Same bat time, same bat channel.  Until next week…

YOU MESS WITH ANOTHER MAN’S WOMAN, YOU AT LEAST GOTTA LOOK HIM IN THE EYE!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

OK, so I’m double cheating a little bit here because not only have I used this before, but this time around it’s just a little bit wrestling related too.  Whatever, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.  It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is one of the most consistently funny shows on television right now, so if you haven’t watched it, go watch it.  For even more incentive, this past week’s episode featured the gang trying to put on a wrestling show “for the troops” and it even featured Roddy Piper.  So seriously, go watch it.

Do you think Nigel McGuinness made the right choice by going to TNA instead of WWE?

Now, since I don’t have pre-show notes, and this is such a great question, I’m going to go ahead and give my answer up here this week.  Just one week ago, I would have been less than happy about McGuinness joining TNA, but after the spectacular Bound for Glory PPV last week, I’m OK with it.  TNA really looks like they’re beginning to realize that their younger talent truly is their bread and butter.  That alone is good news for Nigel, but the news gets even better.  Nigel has been thrust into a main event level feud in his first week on Impact, and the fact that he looked rather dominant over Kurt Angle bodes very well for McGuinness.  Now, Nigel vs. Kurt is a bit of a dream match to indy wrestling fans out there, and I for one, can’t wait to these two lock up.  Let’s just hope that TNA doesn’t drop the ball on Nigel, because we, as ROH fans, know what Nigel is capable of doing, and it would be a shame if he wasn’t able to showcase his talents properly.

Well, with that, lets get on to the action.

We get a really nice video package even before the main credits, that hypes the main event title match tonight between Bryan Danielson and Austin Aries.  Aries/Danielson from the third week of shows is still one of the strongest main events ROH on HDNet has put forward, so tonight’s match has the potential to be great.

Hog and Prazak welcome us to the show proper and Hog talks about how Aries has his first legitimate ROH title match on HDNet.  Prazak says it doesn’t get any better than this.  Hog throws it down to the ringside area where the first match is set to begin.

Match #1: Kenny King vs. Jerry Lynn

King makes fun of Lynn’s age before the match, miming Lynn with a walker, but Lynn surprises King with a quick roll up right off the bat.  King fights back and takes down Lynn with a shoulder block, but he falls victim to a quick hip toss before Lynn hits an arm drag that turns straight into an armbar.  Lynn slides to the outside and King tries to follow with a dive over the top rope, but Lynn simply walks out of the way.  Lynn goes up to the apron and dives off with a forward somersault directly on top of King.  Back in the ring, King surprises Lynn with a chin breaker and he follows it up by snapping Lynn’s neck across the top rope.  King continues to pound on Lynn for a bit, jawing to the camera and saying, “This one’s for you, Hog!”  Lynn chokes King in the corner, but Lynn turns it around and chops away at King.  King fights out with a back rake, and he follows it up with the shotgun double knees to Lynn’s chest.  King hits a snap suplex and he floats over into the ground and pound before locking in a submission focusing on Lynn’s shoulder.  Lynn fights out, but King quickly pulls him back down to the mat, and when Lynn makes it back to his feet, he’s caught by a nasty leg lariat.  King locks in a rear chin lock, but Lynn fights out of it.  King tries to snap Lynn’s throat on the top rope again but Lynn blocks it this time.  Lynn hits his fancy jumping leg drop on King, who’s coming back in the ring, and he follows it up with a Thesz press and some big right hands.  Lynn goes for a splash in the corner but King moves.  King goes for his shotgun double knees, but Lynn gets out of the way and is able to deliver a sunset bomb to King, but the pin is only good for two.  Lynn calls for the cradle piledriver, but King fights out and delivers a modified TKO to Lynn.  King sets up for the coronation but Lynn fights out and gets King in piledriver position.  Lynn goes for the piledriver, but Rhett Titus is out to the ring apron and he pushes King’s feet down.  King goes for a quick pin, holds the ropes, and gets the three count.  After the match, Titus and King gloat for a little bit before Lynn attacks Titus.  The numbers game catches up to Lynn and King gets Lynn in piledriver position.  Titus picks up Lynn’s legs and the two execute a spike piledriver. The ref calls for help from the back, and Lynn looks to be in pretty rough shape.

Winner: Kenny King by pinfall

So, these two had a lot of nice interactions during this match, and I liked the story they were trying to build, with King being the cocky young lion who has to cheat to win over the seasoned veteran.  Lynn was good in this match, and it was fun to watch him calmly walk away from King’s over the top rope dive.  King is pretty awesome, and him jawing with the camera and fans was a lot of fun.  On a side note, it was kind of neat to know that Hog commentated on Kenny King while King was in college, just a neat little coincidence I guess.  The spike piledriver was pretty damn scary to watch, but I know recent newswires have said that apparently Lynn will be coming back sooner rather than later, we still probably won’t see him for a while on this show though.  All in all, this was a good match, and I really hope it pushes Kenny King more into the main event scene.  I realize he can’t really go for the title with his “mentor” Austin Aries holding the belt, but King should be the guy everyone else has to go through to get a shot at Aries’ belt.  I could eventually see King turning face and feuding with Aries for a little while, but hopefully that’s a year or more down the road.  Cocky, heel Kenny King is just a little too much fun right now.  B.

Hog throws it back to Kyle Durden while Lynn is tended to in the ring.  Durden calls over Tyler Black, and he asks if Black knows anything about Lynn’s condition.  Black says he doesn’t know anything but he’s on his way out to check on Lynn.

Back at the ringside area, staff (including Bobby Dempsey) carries Lynn to the back.

We get a video package from Bryan Danielson talking about his main event match against Austin Aries tonight.  Danielson says that Aries is incredibly quick, he has the brainbuster, and he has some nasty kicks and submissions.  But Danielson says Aries doesn’t have as many ways to beat him as he has to beat Aries.  Dragon says that he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in and tonight, Aries is in for the fight of his life.

Match #2: Sal Rinauro vs. Nigel McGuinness

Sal Rinauro actually gets an entrance tonight (good for him), but I still smell a huge squash.  Rinauro bails to the floor immediately and McGuinness grabs the mic.  McGuinness tells Rinauro not to be worried about getting hurt like Lynn.  McGuinness says they’re just going to have a very basic match because he’s not going to appease the people in the crowd tonight.  McGuinness locks in a wristlock right off the bat, and Rinauro is actually able to reverse it.  Rinauro’s advantage is extremely short lived though as Nigel locks in another wristlock and yanks Rinauro down to the mat by his arm.  Nigel launches Rinauro with a suplex, but when he charges Rinauro in the corner, Rinauro bails to the floor.  Rinauro grabs the mic and says that this isn’t what they agreed upon, it hurts!  Sal distracts Nigel long enough to be able to snap his throat across the top rope and score a quick springboard cross body that actually scores a two count.  Sal goes up top but Nigel is quick to catch him.  Nigel teases a tower of London, but he flips off the fans instead.  Nigel locks in the London dungeon and cranks back, forcing Rinauro to tap.  Nigel refuses to break the hold as Rinauro screams and continues to tap.  After he lets go, Nigel grabs the mic and says he doesn’t want to draw attention to what happened to Jerry Lynn earlier tonight but he feels obligated to.  Nigel says that Lynn wanted to please the fans, and now he’s on a stretcher in the back.  Nigel says that all of the fans are responsible for Lynn’s injury before heading to the back.

Winner: Nigel McGuinness by submission

Normally, I wouldn’t comment too much on this kind of match, but I did want to say that I enjoyed this more than I usually enjoy squashes.  I liked both Nigel and Rinauro on the mic, and it was really kind of cool that ROH gave a little mic time to Rinauro, even though he was pretty much squealing about how bad it hurt.  It was more fun than I thought it would be, so I guess it’s time to break out a new grade.  SQUASH +.

We get the retaliatory video package from Austin Aries this time around.  Aries calls Danielson one of the forefathers of ROH.  Aries says he has a better title though, the greatest man that ever lived.  Aries says that Dragon is only the best in the world until someone better comes along.  Aries says that as long as he follows his plan in the match, and not Dragon’s he should be fine.

Durden is back to give us an update on Jerry Lynn.  He says that trainers have been in and out, but he’s yet to get an update.  Kenny King interrupts, and starts spouting off names: Michael Jordan, Brett Favre, Roy Jones Jr., Jerry Lynn.  King says that all four men in their day were great athletes, and champions, but the problem is, sometimes they don’t realize when they’re not so great anymore.  King says he heard Lynn says that no one really retires in pro wrestling, but maybe they just need a little bit of help.

Match #3: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Colt Cabana

Claudio has a black glove on one hand, which he takes off and uses to smack Colt Cabana across the face instead of shaking hands.  Cabana shakes hands with Paul Turner instead.  Castagnoli and Cabana start off with some nice chain wrestling and a couple of goofy little spots (courtesy of Cabana of course), Cabana even gets in one of his crazy pins for good measure.  Cabana utilizes some crazy submissions, and he lifts Claudio up with his feet before dropping him straight down into a body scissors.  Cabana and Claudio trade forearms, with Castagnoli getting the upper hand with a big European uppercut.  Claudio slams Colt down hard and he tries for several quick pins, but he can’t get more than a one count.  Claudio hits a big head butt to Colt’s midsection before connecting with a dead lift gut wrench suplex.  Claudio locks in an arm bar, but he can’t hold onto it for long. Cabana tries to roll Castagnoli up with a sunset flip, but Castagnoli will not go down and instead he locks in a submission hold.  Colt fights out with a shot to the side of the head, but Claudio goes right into a rear chin lock.  The crowd gets behind Cabana and he’s able to finally fight back against Castagnoli with a flying cross body.  Cabana and Castagnoli exchange near falls before Cabana gets one of his crazy pinning combinations to hold Castagnoli down for the three count.  Claudio disputes the outcome of the match, saying that Cabana held his tights.

Winner: Colt Cabana by pinfall

This one was a little odd, and it never really clicked for me here.  I mean don’t get me wrong, both of these guys are fantastic athletes, and I very much enjoy watching both of them wrestle, but this match just didn’t really work.  I think there was a bit too much of a focus on submissions in this match, which is a bit odd since neither of these guys are particularly known for their submissions (outside of Colt’s Billy goat’s curse, which he didn’t break out here).  Colt was very vocal during the match, which was funny in a few spots, but it did get a little bit old.  I know he’s very funny, but it’s wrestling, not stand-up comedy.  The wrestling was solid, and Colt’s outbursts were funny (at least, about half the time or so), but they just couldn’t seem to get this one out of first gear, and I just can’t figure out why.  C.

Main Event for the ROH World Title: Bryan Danielson vs. Austin Aries

Prazak mentions that Danielson is on the Final Countdown tour, and it’s sad to remember that Danielson is finished up with ROH, so this will be one of the last couple of times we see Dragon on HDNet (good luck in WWE, Dragon).  Dragon and Aries lock up with Dragon being able to lock in an arm bar.  Aries takes Dragon to his back though ties up Dragon’s leg, but Danielson kicks Aries away.  Dragon takes Aries down with a shoulder block, but he’s caught by two arm drags that lead straight into an arm bar.  Danielson and Aries trade more submissions culminating with Dragon locking in the ankle lock.  Aries grabs the ropes to break the hold and he bails to the outside for a bit to regroup.  Back in the ring Aries buries his knee in Dragon’s midsection, but he gets caught by a dropkick from Danielson.  Aries bails to the outside again and Danielson teases a dive; when Aries moves out of the way, Danielson slides onto the apron and dives off with a running knee to Aries’ face.  Dragon sends Aries back into the ring and goes to the top rope, but Aries catches him, dropping him across the top rope and hitting a rope-assisted neckbreaker.  Aries continues to focus on the neck with some calculated strikes and a nerve hold.  Dragon fights his way out of the hold, but he falls victim to a back elbow/elbow drop combination.  Aries locks in a rear chin lock, but Danielson is able to fight out and lock in a sleeper hold.  Aries locks in a sleeper of his own, but Dragon hits a chin breaker.  Aries locks in a dragon sleeper, but Danielson makes his way to the corner, climbs up the turnbuckles, and flips over Aries, locking in another sleeper.  Aries tries to do the same thing to Dragon, but Dragon turns it into a belly to back suplex.  Dragon wails away at Aries with some forearm shots and a big kick to the chest.  Danielson hits a stiff kick to Aries’ back and he goes for cattle mutilation but Aries fights out of it.  Aries catches Dragon with a running forearm that sends him to the outside, but when Aries goes for the heat-seeking missile, Dragon connects with a forearm instead.  Danielson goes up to the top rope and hits a big missile dropkick.  Dragon hits a big forearm in the corner, follows it up with a German suplex and he bridges for the pin but it’s only good for two.  Danielson puts Aries on the top turnbuckle, but Aries fights Dragon off and sends him down to the floor.  Aries tries for the heat-seeking missile again and he connects this time.  Aries sends Danielson back to the inside and he goes to the top rope where he hits a missile dropkick of his own.  Dragon locks in the triangle choke but Aries fights out.  Aries goes for the brainbuster but Dragon hits a knee strike to block it and he locks in the triangle choke again.  Aries tries to get out of the triangle choke, but Danielson breaks it to lock in an ankle lock.  Aries is able to kick his way free with his other foot and the two men fight it out from their knees.  Dragon hits a nasty rolling elbow, some stiff kicks to the chest and he tries for a tiger suplex but Aries lands on his feet and hits a stiff kick to the head.  Aries locks in the last chancery, but Dragon is able to make his way to the ropes to force a break.  Aries sends Dragon to the floor and he pulls the turnbuckle pad off while Sinclair’s back is turned.  Aries tries to send Dragon into the turnbuckle, but Dragon fights it off and is able to connect with a tiger suplex.  Dragon locks in cattle mutilation, but Aries is able to turn it over and make his way up to his feet.  Aries connects with his shin breaker/suplex combo, and he tries for the corner dropkick but Dragon catches him in the ankle lock.  Aries fights out by sending Dragon into the exposed turnbuckle.  Aries hits a nasty dropkick to Danielson’s head, which is resting against the exposed turnbuckle bolt.  Aries pins Dragon and gets the three count and the win.

Winner and STILL ROH World Champion: Austin Aries by pinfall

Wow, this was, pretty unsurprisingly, really good.  These two have had fantastic matches in the past, and as Prazak mentioned, Dragon helped put Aries on the map in ROH with a spectacular 70-minute match toward the beginning of Aries’ ROH tenure.  I don’t know what else to say other than this match was exciting, and it was really, really good.  I think this match may even be better than the excellent 4 way match for the belt (the only other real ROH World Title match that’s taken place on HDNet), but I’ll have to watch that one over again before I can fully make that call.  I know I’ve said this about the past couple of main events, but it’s worth it to go out of your way to check this match out.  It’s not quite as good as the KENTA/Hero match from last week, but it’s still a damn good match in its own right.  A.

Report Card

In Ring Action: Well, the only match that I wasn’t really a big fan of was the Castagnoli/Cabana match, and like I said above, it’s nothing to do with technical proficiency, I just feel like they couldn’t get out of first gear.  The Aries/Dragon match was really good, and the Kenny King/Jerry Lynn match showed that King is ready and able to hang in the main event division.  Even the squash had a little something extra to it.  This week was a fairly good top to bottom episode.  B+.

Out of Ring Action: I have to say that I thought both video packages featuring Aries and Danielson were really well put together, and I enjoyed them.  The running thread through the episode of Jerry Lynn being hurt was interesting, and although it was under some pretty unfortunate circumstances, it did a good job of tying the show together, especially when Nigel mentioned Lynn in the ring twice, before and after his match.  Kenny King cut a damn good promo, once again, it was a little distasteful under the circumstances, but it was still a good promo.  The only thing that didn’t really fit in this week’s episode was the appearance by Tyler Black.  Why have Black be shown in the back for two seconds, only for him to say, “I have to get out there.” and then he doesn’t even go out to the ring.  It just seemed a little odd to me, and it seemed like an excuse to give Tyler Black some screen time, even if it was only for two seconds.  That one little awkward moment aside, this was a strong category this week.  B+.

Overall: Well, I don’t think there’s much to explain with this grade.  If you look at the in ring grade, and average it with the out of ring grade, I’m pretty sure you’ll come up with the same grade that I do.  Strong episode.  Not the greatest, but definitely one of the better ones.  B+.

Well guys, that’s it for this week’s installment, but you can catch me doing the live results for Bragging Rights this weekend.  Have a great weekend everyone.  Alright, you know the drill.  Same bat time, same bat channel.  Until next week…

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU HOG!  EASY MONEY!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

This one’s for all you comic book fans out there.  I’m not sure how many of you may remember the comic book and television series (both were relatively short lived) The Maxx.  This show/comic was really interesting, and I’ve recently started re-reading the series.  I read it as a kid, and now that I look back on it, there was no way I fully understood what was going on.  It’s a crazy story about a guy, named The Maxx, who drifts between worlds, the subconscious, and the conscious.  In one, he’s homeless and living in a box, and in the other, he’s the king of the plains.  It sounds weird, and it is, but it’s also pretty damn awesome.  There are a couple of episodes up on YouTube, how long they’ll be up for, who knows?

Poll of Honor: How do you feel about Jim Cornette returning to ROH?

On to this week’s show.

Match #1 for the ROH World Championship: Austin Aries def. “Sugarfoot” Alex Payne by submission

Payne is, obviously, the winner of Aries’ Lucky Lottery, and I had the same problem with this match that I had with Aries’ match against Grizzly Redwood a couple of weeks ago.  Sugarfoot got in way too much offense, and it’s just too hard to believe that someone who’s been a certifiable jobber for so long would be able to get in any sort of offense against the ROH Champ.  The guy who holds the ROH World Championship has been, for a good while, one of the top wrestlers in the entire world, and the championship has been contested on three different continents in some mind-blowing matches.  This lucky lottery concept could yield some pretty impressive matches if Aries is put up against the right opponents, but I don’t really think anyone wants to watch Alex Payne try and have a competitive match for the ROH World Title.  Hopefully, the post-match antics with Bryan Danielson will lead to Aries either dropping the LL, or making it more legitimate.  As far as the match though, this was still pretty disappointing. D+.
We get a video package of Chris Hero discussing his match against KENTA tonight.  It’s OK, but nothing special next to some of the amazing promos he’s been cutting on Videowire’s as of late.

Match #2: Bison Smith vs. Necro Butcher ended in a Double Count Out

Even though it may have had a bit of a predictable ending, this was better than I expected it would be.  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d like to see more of this feud.  Smith’s pacing seems a bit off, as he goes from wailing away and displaying impressive stamina to slowing down the match at the drop of a dime.  Necro’s brawling style really complements Smith, and it should be fun to see more between these two guys.  The crowd brawling post-match was a lot of fun too; there were several impressive spots, including Necro whacking Smith with a trashcan and Smith cracking Necro over the head with a folding chair.  I can’t even say that I’m too upset about the match being really short, because the crowd brawl afterwards was fun, and I’m sure this is only beginning.  B-.

Colt Cabana talks a little bit about his time spent at his “last job”.  It’s nice to hear him get a bit more serious for a bit, until he admits that the job was a lemonade vendor in Chicago.

Match #3: Tyler Black def. Rhett Titus by pinfall

Firstly, I know this may not be a popular opinion, but I’m going to go ahead and say it here; I’m glad that Rhett Titus has been getting a push as a more serious competitor in ROH.  Yeah, he obviously didn’t win here, but he still got his offense in and looked really solid doing so.  Rhett is a prime example of ROH continually making stars on their roster; he’s also probably the only really successful student to graduate from the ROH academy, so it’s good to have him rising through the ranks.  Black got a lot of his usual spots in here, winning with God’s last gift, and he looked good as well.  This match wasn’t spectacular by any means, but it was good, and it’s good that it seems to be building toward something (since Jerry Lynn came out after the match to congratulate Tyler on the win).  B.

Main Event: KENTA def. Chris Hero by pinfall

Well damn, this is definitely one of the top three main events that ROH has put forward on HDNet.  Chris Hero has been having an absolutely stellar 2009, and if it weren’t for Davey Richards, he would probably be a serious contender for ROH’s MVP of 2009.  I’m going to have to re-watch the Tyler Black/Bryan Danielson trio of matches before I decide where this truly ranks, but it definitely gives those matches a run for their money.  Hero hit a couple of really nasty elbows to the back of KENTA’s head that seriously looked just short of lethal.  The crowd was hotter than I can ever remember them being on one of these shows, and that only helped things.  KENTA was on, but when hasn’t he been?  This one was one of those matches that it’s worth your while to seek out.  Every part of it seemed to flow perfectly, and it went by so quickly, not because they were short on time, but just because it all worked so well.  Great, great match, and definitely worthy of an A+.

Report Card

In Ring Action: What can I say about this week’s main event, really?  You need to see it.  That alone makes this a must-see episode.  The Titus/Black match was solid, and the Necro/Bison brawl was fun (man, I still can’t believe I’m using such complementary adjectives about a match involving Bison Smith).  The Lucky Lottery was the weakest part of this show, which is not good.  The fact that the championship match was the worst of the bunch tonight doesn’t do any favors to the prestige of the title, good thing this match was short, I guess.  Overall, this was a very strong episode of wrestling, there is no denying that.  B+

Out of Ring Action: This episode didn’t really have too many video packages, and that’s just fine by me.  The Hero promo was OK, but like I said above, it’s hard to get too into it when he’s been putting forth some amazing promos on a regular basis in the Videowire’s and this just falls well short of those.  The Cabana promo was, likewise, just OK and while it was nice to hear him talk a bit more seriously, the punch line at the end wasn’t really that great either.  So, it was mostly mediocre, but there really weren’t too many, allowing for more actual wrestling.  So I guess we’ll call it a push this week.  C.

Overall: Chris Hero vs. KENTA.  What else is there to say?  Go to YouTube so you can watch this week’s episode already.  B.

Alright guys, I’m going to wrap this up quickly because I’m actually getting ready to go to an independent wrestling show headlined by Chris Hero vs. Sabu (flu be damned!).  This will be the fifth time I’ve seen Hero wrestle this year, and I’m really looking forward to it.  The guy always impressed me, and I’m sure tonight will be no exception.  Hopefully Sabu won’t be too broken down, because if he’s healthy, I’m sure these two guys will be able to put on a very interesting match.  Alright guys, makes sure you stay healthier than I’ve managed to.  You all know the drill.  Same bat time, same bat channel.  Until next week…

THIS ONE WILL BE TALKED ABOUT FOR A LONG TIME!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

I’ve been gradually checking out some of the new TV shows that have premiered over the past couple of weeks, and I finally came upon Modern Family.  Man, is this show awesome.  First off, I’m a huge fan of the fact that Ed O’Neill has a starring role on this show.  Second off, I really like the Office-style documentary format that this show employs.  And finally, the writing and acting are just simply off the charts hilarious.  This show is great, and everyone needs to make sure to check this one out.  Hopefully it’ll be around for a long time and won’t fall victim to low ratings.

As far as wrestling thoughts beforehand, I covered Hell in a Cell last weekend, and was pretty disappointed as a whole.  I just felt like the whole pay-per-view was completely lacking.  On the ROH front, last week’s episode was pretty forgettable.  The cage match was less than stellar, although looking at the track record of the feud between Albright and Castagnoli, that’s not the biggest surprise.  Alright, let’s get on to this week’s show.

Almost forgot; before we get to this week’s review, it’s time for this week’s Poll of Honor provided by WNW reader The Guy.  This week’s question:

Do you think ROH should have a secondary title?  If so, would you prefer the Pure Title or the FIP World Title?

We get some footage of last week’s cage match between Brent Albright and Claudio Castagnoli.  It was an ok match, but I would have liked a lot more for ROH’s first cage match on HDNet.

Prazak and Hog talk about tonight’s Honor Rumble main event, but they don’t talk too long as they go straight to the action.

Match #1: Sonjay Dutt vs. Delirious w/ Daizee Haze

Sonjay and Delirious don’t really do much of anything for the first couple of minutes of the match.  I mean, they wrestle, but nothing that really builds up the match in any way.  Sonjay catches Delirious with a hurricarana and sends him to the outside, twice.  Sonjay attempts to go after Delirious, but Delirious moves out of the way, and instead throws Sonjay into the ringside barricade.  Delirious climbs up to the top turnbuckle, but Dutt grabs Haze to bring Delirious down.  Dutt pulls Delirious to the floor and hits a clothesline to put him down.  Sonjay takes things back into the ring and tries to go after Delirious’ mask, just for some cheap heat thought.  Delirious avoids Sonjay in the corner and tries for the never-ending story clothesline but Sonjay fights out after a few clotheslines.  Delirious is able to fight back with a modified TKO/back splash combo, but Sonjay is the first man to his feet.  Delirious hits an inverted atomic drop and follows it up with a clothesline that sends Dutt to the floor.  Delirious goes to the top turnbuckles and dives out to the floor on top of Sonjay.  Delirious throws Dutt back into the ring and goes for the pin but he can only get a two count.  Delirious hits the cobra clutch suplex out of nowhere and again it’s only good for a two count.  Delirious goes to the top turnbuckle and tries for the double stomp but Dutt moves and Delirious ends up in the corner eating right hands from Dutt.  Delirious sends Dutt across the ring, but Dutt avoids Deli in the corner, catching him with his boots, and follows it up with a sling shot leg drop.  Dutt tries for a pin, but his feet end up on the ropes and the ref catches it.  Dutt and Delirious trade near falls with neither man being able to get three.  Delirious locks in the cobra clutch stretch but Sonjay fights out.  Sonjay charges Delirious, but Delirious hits a drop toehold that sends Dutt into the middle turnbuckle.  Delirious hits a panic attack, tries for shadows over hell, but Sonjay counters with an ace crusher.  Sonjay locks in the camel clutch with Delirious’ tassels for extra leverage (the ref doesn’t see because Daizee gets involved) and Delirious is forced to tap.  After the match Dutt grabs Daizee, but Delirious pushes him and Dutt bails from the ring.

Winner: Sonjay Dutt by submission

I can’t really believe that this is supposed to be a program, and that we haven’t seen the last of these two.  Honestly, I keep getting chills and bad flashbacks to the Dutt/Lethal/Val angle in TNA.  I don’t know why, but I just honestly can’t see Sonjay in a long running feud with anyone on the ROH roster (at least not a feud that I would want to see).  Delirious is ok, but I really don’t like him being paired up with Daizee Haze.  ROH has done love triangle story lines before, but I really don’t want to see one here.  I’ll be honest in that I think that Dutt has been putting on better matches in ROH than he was putting on in TNA, but I also think he’s taking on better people on a more regular basis.  I’m not saying that Delirious carried him through the match here (at least not like Roddy and Generico carried him through their respective matches), I’m just saying it’s easier to put on a better quality match when you’re working with better quality wrestlers.  This match itself was just kind of there.  It wasn’t terrible by any stretch, it just felt flat more than anything else.  I just have a hard time getting behind either guy in this feud that I really could care less about.  And when you’re not having absolutely stellar matches in a bad program, it just makes the program (and the matches themselves) seem that much worse.  C+.

Eddie Kingston is backstage saying that he’s not done with Chris Hero.  He says he feels bad for the person who has to step into the ring with him tonight, because he thinks of Hero in the ring.  He says that tonight, the injuries he causes are on Hero’s hands.  Kingston dares Hero to knock him out.

Match #2: Eddie Kingston vs. Kyle Matthews

Eddie Kingston rushes the ring (well, he kind of power-walks more than anything else) and immediately begins beating down Kyle Matthews.  Kingston hits rapid-fire chops in the corner before launching Matthews with a big suplex.  Matthews attempts to fight back but Kingston just stands there and knocks him back down with a big forearm.  Kingston hits a suplex and double stomps, and for some reason gets the crowd to chant “Hero”.  Kingston hits a T-bone suplex and follows it up with the backdrop driver.  Matthews stands up just in time to catch a spinning back fist.  Kingston pins Matthews and the ref counts three.

Winner: Eddie Kingston by pinfall

Wow, what a surprise.  Eddie Kingston destroyed a jobber in less than three minutes.  Just like every single other match that Eddie Kingston has had on HDNet.  SQUASH.

We get a great video package highlighting the teams in the Honor Rumble later tonight.  Not only is it fun, it’s really well put together and serious in all the right places.  Obviously Steenerico and the American Wolves stand out in the promo department.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage with Chris Hero.  He talks briefly about Hero’s match with KENTA next week before quickly changing the topic to Eddie Kingston.  Hero says there’s nothing to talk about with Eddie Kingston.  That is dead, gone and buried.  Hero says next week, KENTA will go face to face with Chris Hero, he says KENTA’s kicks are about as pretty as his haircut, but Hero’s elbows make him an assassin.

Match #3: Joey Ryan vs. Roderick Strong

I’m really glad that Joey Ryan has finally made his way to HDNet.  This guy is super talented, and very personable (as those who recall my stories from Toronto might remember), and I wouldn’t mind having him around more often now that Dragon and Nigel are both gone.  Before this one starts Nigel McGuinness makes his way out of the crowd with a mic.  He says he’s got one thing he wants to say.  He wants to reiterate a point he made in the past about how wrestlers give up control to people in the crowd.  He says that Roderick is a prime example of that.  Nigel says Roddy cares more about what the fans think, than the well-being of his opponents or himself. Ryan attacks Strong from behind and the bell rings.  Roderick is able to get a boot up and chop away a couple of times at Ryan before hitting a leg lariat.  Roddy sends Ryan to the outside and Strong is quick to follow out, lighting up Ryan with a couple more chops.  Back in the ring, Roddy sets Ryan up in the corner to chop him again three more times.  Roddy charges Joey in the corner, but Joey charges out and hits Roddy with a dropkick to the knee to take Strong off his feet.  Joey stomps away at Roderick’s legs and knees before choking him on the middle rope.  Roddy hits a cross body from the second rope, but Ryan kicks out at two and hits a big clothesline.  Ryan locks in a modified sleeper, but Strong fights out.  Strong hits the ropes, but he falls victim to a spinebuster.  Ryan puts Roddy on the top rope and calls for the mustache ride, but Roddy fights out and knocks Ryan off the top rope.  Roddy hits a running forearm in the corner, and a belly to back suplex, but when he goes for the pin he can only get two.  Roddy hits a uranage back breaker and he tries for the Strong hold, but Ryan gets to the ropes before he can lock it in.  Joey surprises Roddy with a modified pump handle suplex and he tries for a suplex, but Roddy turns it into a near fall.  Ryan hits a big spear and a neckbreaker, but he still can’t keep Roddy down for three.  Roddy tries for the enzugiri but Ryan moves out of the way and Ryan pins Roddy with his feet on the ropes, but Strong is still able to kick out.  Roderick is able to turn things around with an enzugiri and he sends Ryan to the top turnbuckle where he launches him off with a superplex.  Roddy hits a big gut buster, but Nana pulls Strong out of the ring at the count of two.  On his way back into the ring, Strong is surprise by a superkick from Ryan.  Ryan locks in a small package and he gets the three count.  Ryan poses on the turnbuckle, but when he turns around he eats a sick kick from Strong.  Strong yells into the camera, telling Nigel McGuinness that he’s going to break his arms.

Winner: Joey Ryan by pinfall

This was a really nice, really competitive match up between these two guys, and I wouldn’t mind seeing them work together in the future.  I’m also really glad to see Ryan get such a big singles win over someone like Strong since Ryan’s W/L record has been less than stellar since coming to ROH.  I can’t really speak to psychology or story in this match, since truth be told, there really was none.  But as far as a purely athletic contest, this was fun.  B.

Durden is backstage with Austin Aries.  Durden says that Aries has a very special announcement.  Aries says the A Double L Double was a huge success, and since Aries is so giving, he announcing the second A Double L Double drawing which will take place at the next HDNet show.  Durden says that some people felt that the last drawing was rigged.  Aries says that he has it on good authority that some people say it’s not rigged, so it’s Aries’ some people against Durden’s some people, and Durden’s got nothing.  Aries walks away, leaving Durden to say, “I got nothing”.

We get a nice video package highlighting KENTA’s appearances on HDNet.  This is definitely doing its job in getting me pumped up to see next week’s main event of Hero vs. KENTA.

Main Event: Tag Team Honor Rumble

So the rules of this match are similar to the Royal Rumble, but instead of a single man coming out, every 90 seconds a new team will enter the match.  When one man is eliminated, the team is still eligible to win (so both men need to be eliminated for the team to be eliminated).

Team Number One: Jimmy Rave and “Dirty” Ernie Osiris

Team Number Two: The Young Bucks

The Embassy start things off during the handshake, trying to send the Bucks to the floor early.  The Bucks fight back though, and utilize some of their impressive double team maneuvers to take down Rave and Osiris.  The Bucks eliminate Osiris with a double superkick while Osiris is standing on the apron.

Team Number Three: Dark City Fight Club

DCFC charge the ring and immediately go to work on the Bucks, hitting their Hart attack style double team move on Nick Jackson before catching Matt Jackson mid air and taking him down with a huge double team move.  Rave tries to attack Davis from behind but he quickly falls victim to the fluid teamwork of DCFC.

Team Number Four: Rhett Titus and Kenny King

King and Titus take their time getting in the ring, letting the Bucks and DCFC fight it out.  Titus and King pose, and King is almost eliminated by Rave, but luckily Titus and King are able to use their teamwork to take Rave down.

Team Number Five: Brent Albright and Erick Stevens

Things are getting extremely difficult to call as the ring is filling up quick.  Albright and Stevens waste no time, quickly eliminated Rave (The Embassy has been eliminated).  Albright and Stevens face off with DCFC, but both teams are attacked from behind by King and Titus and the Bucks respectively.

Team Number Six: Kevin Steen and El Generico

Generico enters the ring with a cross body on Rhett Titus and Erick Stevens.  Steenerico get a huge pop.  The Bucks eliminate the Dark City Fight Club (DCFC has been eliminated) with a pair of dropkicks to each man’s back.  Matt Jackson charges Kenny King in the corner, but he ends up getting crotched on the top turnbuckle.  Titus dropkicks Matt, and Jackson is eliminated.  DCFC begin to assault Matt on the outside, and Nick is quick to the rescue with a swanton to the outside on top of both Chavis and Davis (The Young Bucks have been eliminated).

Team Number Seven: The Briscoe’s

The Briscoe’s go after everyone right off the bat.  Rhett Titus ends up being dumped over the top by Brent Albright, who in turn is dumped over the top by Kenny King.  King and Stevens fight for a bit, until Stevens goes to the top rope and King catches him with a spinning kick to the top of the head, sending Stevens crashing to the floor (Erick Stevens and Brent Albright have been eliminated).  King gets cocky for the crowd before turning around and realizing that the Briscoe’s and Steenerico have stopped fighting.  King falls victim to a right hand from everyone, a lung blower from Steen, and a Yakuza kick from Generic that sends him over the top rope (King and Titus have been eliminated).

Team Number Eight: The American Wolves

Steenerico and the Briscoe’s decide not to attack each other when they hear the American Wolves music hits but that ends shortly as all the teams end up fighting each other.  There’s an insane flurry of offense from all six men that’s pretty damn impressive.  Steen ends up sending Richards over the top but there’s not a referee around to see it so Richards slides back into the ring.  Richards eliminates Steen and Generico (who’s standing on the apron), in one swift movement by dumping Steen over the top rope (Kevin Steen and El Generico have been eliminated).  Steen flips out and tries to explain that he’s eliminated Richards, but the referees won’t have it.  The Wolves and the Briscoe’s square off with the Wolves getting the upper hand.  Jay Briscoe goes to the top turnbuckle, but Edwards catches him with an enzugiri that sends him falling to the floor.  It’s down to Mark Briscoe and the Wolves.  Briscoe tries to fight against both men and is able to hold his own.  The Wolves hit the ropes and Jay grabs Davey’s feet, distracting him for long enough for Mark for duck a clothesline from Edwards and send Richards to the floor.  Edwards sends Briscoe over the top rope and he thinks that he’s won it but Briscoe lands on the apron.  Briscoe connects with a springboard dropkick, hits alternating chops and throat thrusts, and sends Edwards over the top onto the apron.  Briscoe ducks a punch and connects with a big kick to the face, sending Edwards crashing to the floor (The American Wolves have been eliminated).

Winners: Jay and Mark Briscoe

I had to watch this match twice, back-to-back, because when I watched it through the first time to do play-by-play, I kept having to stop to catch up to the action.  The second time through, I wanted to see how well the match flowed, and it flowed pretty damn well, the only problem that I had was that the time between entrants was way too short.  If I had my druthers, I’d probably have at least two minutes between each teams entrance.  I’m very much looking forward to the new match ups that could come out of this match.  Young Bucks/King and Titus, Dark City Fight Club/Brent Albright and Erick Stevens, and the Embassy/Bucks are all matches that I’d really enjoy seeing.  Maybe I liked this because I just have a soft spot for battle royals (Royal Rumble is my favorite PPV of the year), but I really enjoyed this one.  Even though the beginning was there more just for brawling, and fancy moves from the Bucks, the match got really good toward the end when it narrowed down to the final three teams.  I really hope that someday down the line we’ll see a Briscoe’s/Steenerico/Wolves three way match because I can’t even begin to fathom the greatness that those three teams would put forth.  Keep your fingers cross, I guess, and hopefully someday we’ll be so lucky.  A-.

Report Card

In Ring Action: What’s been up with this pattern lately of ROH putting on poor to mediocre under cards and following them up with good to great main events.  It’s not good, as what we really want, as wrestling fans, is for the whole show to be good to great.  I’m so tired of watching Kingston squash jobbers that it makes me not want to watch him wrestle.  Ever.  Delirious has gotten a little stale, and honestly I attribute a lot of that to Daizee Haze.  Sonjay Dutt is (like I said above) better than he was in TNA, but really, how big of an accomplishment is that?  The Joey Ryan/Roderick Strong match was a lot of fun, but it wasn’t really necessary, as it didn’t really push any story lines forward (I mean, maybe Nigel/Roderick just a little bit, but not really).  The Honor Rumble was a hell of a lot of fun, and I’m always up for a good battle royal (it’s probably the only thing I like more than tournaments).  The beginning of the Rumble was just a clusterf**k, but when it got down to the Wolves, Steenerico and the Briscoe’s, the action was just damn good and I would’ve loved to see even more.  I definitely agree with the outcome, as it’ll be fun to watch a Briscoe’s/Wolves title match somewhere down the road.  ROH puts on great main events; they just need to work on consistency throughout the rest of the show.  B-.

Out of Ring Action: I have to say that I very much enjoyed the Honor Rumble video package and the hype for next week’s main event.  I figure Chris Hero vs. KENTA is definitely a big enough main event to warrant multiple segments on this weeks show.  Austin Aries is always welcome on the mic in my book, and although the A Double L Double really isn’t my favorite storyline, he’s still one of the best promo guys in ROH right now.  Kingston’s promo was pretty weak, and that was a bit of a surprise, because that’s usually the one area he is strong in.  All in all though, this really was one of the better episodes as far as promos go.  B+.

Overall: I don’t know if I could call this episode “must-see”, especially with such a weak under card.  If you’re a fan of battle royal matches though, this week’s episode if definitely worth checking out.  I don’t really know what else to say.  I guess if you’re a fan of singles matches… next week will have something for you.

OK guys, it’s been a pretty long day for me, and I don’t really have anything to nicely wrap up this week’s blog.  I’m looking forward to next week’s main event, as I’m sure many of you are.  I look forward to covering it.  Alright guys, you know the drill.  Same bat time, same bat channel.  Until next week…

TECHNOLOGY BAD!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

I recently picked up Patton Oswalt’s new CD My Weakness is Strong.  I think Patton is one of the funniest people on the face of the planet, and while this CD isn’t quite as good as his last one (Werewolves and Lollipops), it still had me cracking up all the way through.  I’m sure people thought I was crazy when they drove by me and saw me in my car laughing my ass off.

I’m beginning to lose what I thought was my unshakable faith in technology (well, certain kinds of technology at least).  For the second week in a row, my Tivo has neglected to record ROH on HDNet and I’ve been forced to catch the show on YouTube (which is much less desirable than watching it on an actual TV).  I’ve never really had problems with my DVR until recently, and while it’s (probably) not something that can even be fixed, I thought it might make me feel a little bit better to vent about it.

So I didn’t get a chance to answer the poll of honor last week and I thought I’d go ahead and pop it in here.  I feel like there’s definitely a lot of talent going around the indy scene right now that would fit well into ROH at the current moment.  Number one on my list (and indeed it’s with a bullet) is Chuck Taylor.  Now while I can’t see Taylor ever becoming a serious contender for a championship, he would be a wonderful addition to the mid-card roster.  Chuck is also one  of the most hilarious wrestlers on the planet right now (his match with Bryan Danielson at PWG’s 99 had me almost falling out of my chair laughing so hard), and if it’s true that TNA is taking a serious look at Colt Cabana, Taylor could conveniently fill up the comedy void that would be left by Cabana (if he does indeed head off to greener pastures… again).  Number two is Kota Ibushi, and I can totally include him here because he wrestled for Chikara this year.  Ibushi has wrestled in ROH before, and if anyone out there deserved a roster spot based on ability, Kota has to rank high on that list.  If you’ve never seen his work, check out the Rey de Voladores semi-final match from Chikara’s King of Trios 2009 featuring Ibushi vs. Jigsaw vs. Nick Johnson vs. El Generico (a match that ranks pretty damn high on my personal MOTY list).  Finally, in a little bit of a cheap move, number three on my list is a local tag team that wrestles around my area, the Set.  J-Sinn and Lance Lude have actually appeared on ROH pre-shows, and I know for a fact they’ll be in an upcoming squash match on a soon to be aired episode of ROH on HDNet.  The Set has a really fun big man/little man dynamic, and in a match where they’re allowed a bit of offense, they really can shine.  As in the case of Taylor, I don’t really think The Set would be a particularly big threat to any of the current ROH titleholders, they would be a fun lower-to-mid-card tag team.

So you’ve got my three (although it’s really four) U.S. indy stars, but it’s time for another question from the ever-faithful WNW reader, The Guy.  This week’s question:

Who do you prefer more as ROH booker: Adam Pearce of Gabe Sapolsky

OK, guys, so we’ve gotten the formalities (and my bitching) out of the way, so on to your regularly scheduled (albeit play-by-play-less) blog.

Austin Aries makes his way out to the ring to start the show.  Aries is flanked by King and Titus (who is wearing the big bird hat from last week, while King wears the bucket hat).  Aries is here tonight to make history by overseeing the very first “A Double L Double”, or Austin Aries’ Lucky Lottery for the uninformed.  The fans overwhelmingly want Aries to use the Big Bird hat, so Aries tells Titus to burn it and he goes for the bucket hat instead.  Aries draws a name from the hat and the lucky winner is Kenny Omega, but unfortunately Omega isn’t in the building, so Aries is forced to draw another name, this time Aries pulls Grizzly Redwood.

Match #1: Austin Aries def. Grizzly Redwood by pinfall

I know that I’m usually a little less than impressed by straight squash matches, but if there ever was a need for a straight squash, this match was definitely it.  I am a big fan of Grizzly Redwood; I met him when I was up in Canada for Death By Dishonor earlier this year, and he’s just an absolutely great guy.  Now, with that said, he got in far too much offense in this match.  Someone like Grizzly Redwood should never be in the position to catch the champion in a gorilla press slam (however bad the actual slam itself looked).  Aries should have put Grizzly away pretty much as soon as the match began.  I’m all for suspension of disbelief, but I just can’t believe that a low-card guy like Grizzly Redwood would be able to hold his own in any fashion against the ROH World Champion.  The ROH Title is far too prestigious for something like this match, and if these types of matches continue over the course of the “AA LL”, I think it could actually hurt the reputation of the title a bit.  Bottom line, if you’re going to throw the champ in against jobbers, the jobbers really shouldn’t get any offense in.  It’s like throwing someone like Chavo Guerrero into a match with John Cena; no one is going to believe for a second that a guy like Chavo could even get a hit in on Cena.  To be completely fair, I did like the match (although it was a bit on the short side), I just don’t agree with the booking.  C.

After the match, Kyle Durden makes his way into the ring and asks Aries what he’s going to do next.  Aries says he feels really good after that match, and it’s pretty obvious that that was a definite MOTYC.  Aries says there’s still 19 names in the hat, and that there’s a winner out there, and it could be you.

The American Wolves cut a promo about Ladder War II; the package is cut with some of the footage of the American Wolves/Steenerico feud.  Davey says he knows that they’re going to the Emergency Room after the match, but come New York City, the Wolves will be bringing D-Day.

Hog and Prazak talk about the rivalry between Eddie Kingston and Chris Hero, which leads nicely into a video package about… Eddie Kingston and Chris Hero, what a surprise.  It’s a pretty good video package, but we’re walking some well-worn ground here.

Match #2: Brandon Stevens def. Brandon Day by pinfall

You guys know my policy on squash matches.  One thing I do want to say, it’s nice to see a local guy from my area get some entrance music and a proper introduction.  This one was definitely the Erick Stevens show, and that’s really not high up on my list of favorite shows.  SQUASH.

We get yet another video package, this time focusing in on Tyler Black.  Black talks about his recent match with Jerry Lynn, where McGuinness (arguably) cost Tyler a fair shake against the champion.  Tyler says he should thank Nigel for pushing him under Lynn’s wing.  It’s not very solid logic, but then again, it’s pro-wrestling.

Kyle Durden is standing in the back with Bryan Danielson, Roderick Strong and KENTA.  Durden asks them about their match tonight against the American Wolves.  Dragon says Roddy chops harder than anyone in North America, and KENTA kicks harder than anyone in the world; he then singles out himself as the greatest submissions wrestler on the planet.  Dragon says that tonight, we’re going to get to see three of the best in six man tag team action.

Match #3: Necro Butcher def. Jimmy Rave by DQ when Bison Smith interfered

This was another questionable booking call in my book (or I guess in this case, in my blog).  The match started with a pretty crazy brawl that involved Necro grabbing the barricade and slamming it in Rave’s face.  The beginning of this match seemed to be contested under no DQ rules, but as soon as Smith entered the ring, it was over.  Now I know Prazak and Hog were tying to cover by saying that there never was an opening bell, but by my count, we never got a bell when they finally made their way into the ring.  Does that mean that this whole match never really happened (at least not officially)?  I’m not a big fan of the fact that Necro can wail away on people with pieces of the set without fear of repercussion while the Embassy is DQed for their interference.  It just doesn’t make too much sense to me.  This was another fun match that was marred by questionable booking and a real lack of time (something that every single other match on this particular show has suffered from).  C+.

We get a nice video package highlighting the (never-ending) feud between Brent Albright and Claudio Castagnoli.  These two men will be settling their score next week in a steel cage match (the first ever for ROH on HDNet).

Roderick Strong, KENTA and Bryan Danielson def. Chris Hero and The American Wolves when Strong pins Edwards following a Gibson driver

So, before I do my write up on this match, let me pick my jaw up from the ground.  In absolute, complete honesty, I truly believe that is the best six-man tag match I’ve ever seen in my life.  I can’t think of a single other six man tag that comes even close to being this good.  Both teams did a great job of rotating talent into and out of the match, and at no point was I hoping to see more of any particular guy.  I legitimately popped at least a half a dozen times just sitting at home watching this match on my computer.  ROH apparently really enjoys making my job difficult; with matches as spectacular as this, it’s just so hard to put into words how great this match was.  The fact of the matter is, if you’re a wrestling fan, SEEK THIS MATCH OUT RIGHT NOW!  Thank goodness this match was here, because it saved a show that was highly skippable, and turned it into a “can’t miss” show.  I’ve only given out a couple of these, but I truly feel like this match earned a rock solid A+.

Report Card

In Ring Action: OK, so we’re going to split this category in two this week.  The first half of this category (i.e. the first half of the show) was full of missteps and less than stellar storytelling.  I’ve already vented my frustrations about the “Championship match”, and I think I’ll leave that where it is already.  The Stevens squash was just as good as all of his other squashes, which is to say, not very entertaining at all.  Necro and Jimmy Rave had a fun little brawl while it lasted, but much like the opening match, a lot of it just didn’t make sense (although I must admit, a Necro/Bison Smith program is probably the only thing that ROH could do right now to get me interested in Bison Smith).  Moving on to the second half of the show (i.e. the main event) is like moving from night into day.  Tonight’s main event had officially been added to my “HDNet MOTY” list (something that I plan on posting at the end of the year, along with a straight up “ROH MOTY” list which will also include DVD releases).  Currently, the only match that I feel was better than this main event was Black/Dragon III from a couple of months ago, and that’s saying a whole lot.  Thankfully the main event was here to be a saving grace for this show, because otherwise, I can guarantee that this category would have scored a lot lower than B.

Out of Ring Action: This was an exceptionally promo and video package heavy episode, and in most cases that wouldn’t be the worst thing, but on a night when the wrestling was pretty weak for the most part, I think it hurt the show more than it helped it.  When this show first started I was a big fan of these professionally done video packages, but it seems like now we have four or five per show, and they’re either way too short (like the American Wolves promo from tonight), or they’re way too long (like the Castagnoli/Albright video package).  The pre-match promo from Aries was a lot of fun (although a bit predictable), but a lot of the other packages just had a tendency to run together for me, and that’s not a good thing.  It just makes me wish ROH would put more time and effort into having more matches longer than 6 minutes, and focus less on the promos and video packages that they’ve kind of OD’ed on these past few weeks.  Not a good week for this category.  C.

Overall: So, let’s get this out of the way; as a top to bottom show, this really doesn’t rank that high on the list, but don’t let that fool you, this show is not to be missed.  The main event alone is worth going out of your way to find (shoot, I’m probably going to watch it again as soon as I finish typing this up).  While the rest of the show didn’t quite stack up, this is one of the best TV matches of the year, from any promotion.  B-

One last thing before I end this week’s edition of BoH.  This weekend marks the end of the Final Countdown Tour, which is a signaling of the changing of the guard in ROH.  This weekend, ROH will lose (unarguably) their two biggest stars when Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness leave for the greener pastures of the WWE.  While it’s a bit bittersweet, I’m glad to see them move on to bigger and (hopefully) better things.  Bryan Danielson has been a part of Ring of Honor since the very first show, he was in the main event as a matter of fact, so it’s only fitting he go out the same way he came in, on the top of the card.  Nigel McGuinness has definitely been one of the “Aces” of ROH, both his Pure Title and World Title runs are fantastic, and he took both of those belts (but especially the Pure title) to new heights in ROH.  This weekend will see Bryan and Nigel face off for what could very well be the last time in an ROH ring, and I’m honestly really sad that I won’t be able to make it up to New York to see it in person, but before I finished off this blog, I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to both Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness.  You two men have been putting on the best matches in all of professional wrestling over the past few years, whether it has been with each other, or different opponents.  You two really are some of the best that this business has to offer, and I hope that you’ll be able to find an even greater following in WWE.  I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been thrilled to see either of you work, live or on DVD, and for that I’m truly thankful.  I wish you two nothing but the best of luck in all that you do, and I hope that one day, we’ll all hear “Best in the World”, and “You’re a Wanker” echoing through Madison Square Garden as you square off inside a WWE ring.

Bryan and Nigel, I can pretty much hand you two all of the credit for bringing me back into the crazy world of professional wrestling after growing board of it in high school, and for that, I am eternally grateful.  Good luck and Godspeed to the both of you.  You deserve it.

I DIDN’T REALLY HEAR ANYTHING FUNNY THIS WEEK, BUT DAMN THAT MAIN EVENT WAS GREAT!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

So, I never really got that into It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia before, but now that I have, I’m kicking myself for not seeking this show out sooner.  This is absolutely one of the most hysterical shows on television (especially if you like your TV offensive and laugh your ass off funny).  Season 5 just started last week on FX and if you haven’t checked this show out yet, do so.  Quickly.

So I didn’t get a chance to answer the Poll of Honor last week, so I thought I’d use this space here since I don’t really have any pre-show notes this week. Two weeks ago, the answer to the question “who’s your favorite ROH wrestler” would have been Bryan Danielson, without a doubt. Due to recent events, I feel like I may have to revise that answer. As of right now, I think I’d have to say my favorite ROH wrestler is probably Davey Richards. I think Richards has been great in his current run with Eddie Edwards (minus Shane Hagadorn of course), and I can’t wait to see what I feel is an inevitable ROH World Title run in the future. I think it’d be pretty hard to argue against Richards as ROH’s MVP (up to this point) for this year. I understand those who think Austin Aries is the best thing going in ROH in 2009, but no one has been putting on matches like Davey Richards this year. His match against KENTA at Supercard of Honor, the stellar feud with Steenerico highlighted by the tables match on HDNet, and the tag team match pitting the American Wolves against Bryan Danielson and Tyler Black in Markham, Ontario are all potential MOTY candidates at this point, and that was all in the span of about four months. Richards has silently been building his case all year long, and I don’t doubt that he’ll continue to deliver those MOTY candidates for the rest of this year.

OK guys, it’s time for The Guy’s very own Weekly Poll of Honor: What is, in your opinion, the greatest match in ROH history? (for the people who just started watching recently just talk about stuff you’ve seen)

Hog and Prazak welcome us to the show and hype the Team Cabana vs. Embassy main event tonight. Prazak says tonight will be the first time that Nana steps into the ring as a competitor (which is outright false, see the Embassy/Generation Next cage match at Steel Cage Warfare for one of several examples proving Prazak dead wrong).

Match #1: Delirious w/ Daizee Haze vs. Sonjay Dutt

Dutt cuts a promo before the match saying that Delirious may be crazy, but tonight, no one on the corner has swagger like him. Dutt and Delirious start off with some quick chain wrestling and Delirious tries to get a couple of handshakes from Dutt, trying to be a good sportsman. Sonjay hits a big hurricarana that sends Delirious to the outside where he goes under the ring. When Dutt goes to look for him, Delirious comes out from the other side. Delirious tries to catch Dutt off guard, but Dutt sends Delirious back outside with another hurricarana, and surprises Delirious with a modified 619 on the outside. Dutt sends Delirious back in the ring and goes up top, but when he comes off the top rope, Delirious hits a head butt that puts Dutt down. Delirious tries to roll up Dutt, but Dutt rolls through and hits a quick dropkick. Dutt sends Delirious into the corner and hits a flying asshole type maneuver. Dutt puts Delirious down with a body slam and follows it up with a somersaulting senton, but when he goes for the pin he can only hold Delirious down for a two count. Delirious starts to fight back, hitting an atomic drop on Dutt and following up with a pumphandle neckbreaker variation. Delirious hits a German suplex, but when he tries for another, Dutt lands on his feet and sends Delirious into the ropes. Dutt hits a slingshot leg drop, and a big springboard splash, but again he can only hold Delirious down for a two count. Dutt does the Randy Orton RKO set up (pounding fists on the canvas), and he goes for what looks to be the RKO but Delirious blocks. Delirious locks in the cobra stretch, but Dutt is able to back Delirious up in the corner and force Delirious to break the hold. Delirious goes up top, but he gets caught with a big spinning kick to Delirious. Dutt sets Delirious up for the muscle buster and he hits it, but Delirious kicks out of another pin attempt. Sonjay locks in a camel clutch, but Delirious fights out, only to get hit by a superkick from Sonjay. Sonjay hits the ropes but when he comes off he gets caught with a drop toe hold and Delirious is able to lock in the cobra stretch again. Dutt gets to the ropes, forcing a break and Delirious tries for the cobra clutch suplex, but Dutt fights out. Dutt goes for a kick in the corner, but Delirious catches Dutt’s feet and hits a neckbreaker instead. Delirious nails the panic attack and goes up to the top turnbuckle. Delirious goes for shadows over Hell, but Sonjay rolls out of the way. Dutt and Delirious trade near falls with Delirious coming out with a win on his third roll up attempt.

Winner: Delirious by pinfall

Well, I thought this match was kind of fun, but I’m not too high up on either of these guys right now, so I wasn’t really that into this match. I really don’t know how I feel about the ending. I’m usually OK with someone getting surprised by a roll up, but that wasn’t really the case here, as Delirious just kind of came up with the pin in the middle of a series of roll ups. It just doesn’t really seem right to me. Some people might argue with me on this one, because to be honest this was a pretty action packed match with several nice spots, I just couldn’t get into this one. C.

Cameras are backstage on the Embassy where Nana is trying to psych up his men, saying tonight they are going to make it to the top of ROH. He says that tonight is going to be something.

We get a nice little video package about the Young Bucks and the Briscoe brothers. Apparently the Briscoe’s will be action next week, I’m pretty sure it won’t be against the Bucks, but it’ll be good to see the Briscoe’s back in the ring together.

Match #2: The American Wolves of Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards vs. Cheech and Cloudy

Before the match even gets underway, Hog lists off all the teams he feels are in contention for the tag team titles in ROH right now, and for some reason, he doesn’t have Cheech or Cloudy on his list. Richards and Edwards opt out of the handshake, kicking Cheech and Cloudy in their respective midsections instead. The Wolves fall victim to double headscissors and double dropkicks that send them to the outside. When Cheech and Cloudy go for stereo dives over the top rope though, the Wolves move out of the way and C&C fall to the floor. Richards and Edwards punish C&C on the outside for a little bit before moving the action back into the ring. Richards and Edwards work over Cheech with quick tags, but Cheech is able to use his quickness to tag in his partner, who comes in with a big missile dropkick to Edwards. Cloudy tries to hits Richards with a couple of forearms, but it has no affect and Davey nails a kick to the midsection. Cloudy hits an enzugiri, but he turns his back on the Wolves, and when he turns back around, he gets nailed with a huge alarm clock. The Wolves follow up with a powerbomb/lungblower combo, and Edwards locks in the half crab forcing Cloudy to tap out. After the match, Dark City Fight Club make their way into the ring and hit their big sit-out powerbomb/neckbreaker combo, which just so happens to catch the attention of Davey Richards at the top of the ramp.

Winners: The American Wolves by submission

Cheech and Cloudy got in WAY too much offense in this one. OK, so it wasn’t that long of a match, and C&C never really had any real advantage, but the fact that they were able to land even a single offensive blow is a bit of a joke. These two guys are on the absolute bottom of the ladder (I mean, besides Orange Cassidy and Leslie Butterscotch), and I just wanted the champions to be even more dominating, maybe even to the point of an extended squash. Although it was a bit on the short side, I enjoyed watching the Wolves beat up on Cheech and Cloudy, even though I feel like C&C shouldn’t have been more than glorified crash test dummies. B-.

Colt Cabana is backstage hyping up Albright, Grizzly and Necro for their match against the Embassy tonight. Cabana asks if everyone’s ready. Cabana says he plans on everyone being survivors in this match. Cabana says tonight they surf the beaches of Ghana. Cabana storms off screen, but comes back long enough to drag the rest of his crew with him.

We get a recap of what happened between Jerry Lynn and Tyler Black last week. We get a video package of Lynn; he says just because he lost the ROH World Title, he’s not taking his upcoming match with Black lightly. Lynn says that if he loses this match it could really hurt his chances at a successful run when he returns.

Match #3: Silas Young vs. Erick Stevens

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Stevens squash a jobber her on ROH on HDNet (this show still really, really needs a name), so I guess it’s about time. Young tries to get the early advantage with a less than clean break in the corner. It’s not long though before Erick Stevens hits a big shoulder block that puts Young down. Stevens hits a body slam and an elbow drop and tries for the pin but he can only come up with a two count. Stevens his a belly to back suplex and he tries to follow up with the choo-choo, but Young moves out of the way and hot shots Stevens’ throat across the top rope. Young tries to take this opportunity to continue to bring the fight to Stevens, hitting a modified neckbreaker and a lariat to the back of Stevens’ head. Stevens hits a couple of Polish hammers out of nowhere, and a shoulder block from the second rope that sends Young to the mat. Young tries going up top, but when he comes off the top rope, Stevens catches him and turns it into a Samoan drop. Stevens tries for the Dr. bomb, but Young counters with a roll up. Young hits his backbreaker/clothesline combo, but he can only hold Stevens down for a two count. Young hits a Finlay roll and goes for the Arabian press, but Stevens rolls out of the way. Young lands on his feet, but he immediately falls victim to a German suplex. Stevens follows it up with a choo-choo in the corner and a big lariat. Stevens hits the Dr. bomb, pins Silas Young and gets the three count.

Winner: Erick Stevens by pinfall

Well, I haven’t been the biggest supporter of Erick Stevens, and this match didn’t really do anything to change that. I’m also not really the biggest fan of Silas Young, so this match was really not the most interesting for me. I don’t understand why Stevens is going through this push again, because he seems like he’s been going through it every couple of months for the last two years or so. I mean, Erick Stevens was the FIP World Champion and he’s challenged for the ROH World Title before, so why do we have yet to see him in a truly competitive singles match. True, I’m not really the biggest Erick Young fan, but I will admit that he’s able of putting on good matches when given competent opponents (his matches against Roderick Strong in FIP over the title were pretty damn good). I’m just probably not going to find myself getting behind Stevens as long as this continues. Seriously, this guy must feel like he’s living out Groundhog’s Day in real life. This match was really nothing to go out of your way for. C-.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage with Eddie Kingston. Kingston says that he knows that Hero is around, but he’s hiding because he’s a coward. Kingston says that at least he fights for what he believes in. Kingston says that sooner or later he and Hero will have to meet, and on that day, the sky will rain blood. Kingston says that Hero better bring it next week, because otherwise, Kingston’s going to bring it to him.

Main Event 8 Man Elimination Tag Match: The Embassy of Prince Nana, Jimmy Rave, Claudio Castagnoli and “Dirty” Ernie Osiris vs. Colt Cabana, Brent Albright, Necro Butcher and Grizzly Redwood

Things break down pretty quickly and all eight men start off brawling, well, all eight men besides Prince Nana who tries to stay as far away from the action as possible. The faces send the heels to the floor, and apparently things are going to calm down into an actual match now. Necro and Osiris are the two to start things off in this one. Ernie immediately falls victim to a series of chops and big right hands from Necro before Necro hits a big bulldog and tags in Grizzly. Grizzly throws Osiris across the ring by his beard before hitting an ax handle smash and a flapjack. Osiris tags out to Rave, who comes in, only to tag out as soon as Necro is tagged in. Necro and Claudio are the two legal men and Castagnoli catches Necro in an abdominal stretch assisted by Jimmy Rave. Paul Turner sees the cheating going on and forces a break, allowing Necro to catch Claudio off guard with a head scissors. Necro locks in an abdominal stretch of his own, which is assisted by Grizzly, which is then in turn assisted by Albright, who is assisted by Colt Cabana, who ends up being assisted by a good portion of the front row, all of whom hold on until the ref reaches the four count (this was a pretty amazing spot). Cabana and Claudio square off in the middle of the ring, showing off their cart wheels, but the fun and games end when Cabana hits Castagnoli with a dropkick and Claudio tags in Rave. Cabana tags in Albright who comes in and hits a big belly to belly suplex before immediately tagging out to Redwood. Grizzly sends Rave to the floor, where he gets caught with a somersaulting dive from Necro. Castagnoli tries to dive out on top of Necro, but Albright catches him with a knee to the top of the head, before throwing him to the outside with a hip toss over the top rope and diving on top of him. On the floor, Albright and Necro hold up Castagnoli and Rave while Cabana hits a beautiful springboard moonsault taking out everyone. Grizzly Redwood poses on the top rope, but he gets caught with a roll up by “Dirty” Ernie that puts him down for the three count and sends him out of the match. Grizzly Redwood has been eliminated. Back in the ring Cabana grabs Osiris and has him over his shoulder, but Claudio catches him out of nowhere with a bicycle kick and all four members of the Embassy stomp away on Cabana. Rave kicks away at Cabana in the corner before hitting a snap mare and following up with a big stomp to Cabana’s face. Osiris tags in and hits a neckbreaker on Cabana, but when he pins Cabana he can only hold him down for a one count. Cabana and Claudio fight it out in the middle of the ring, but Castagnoli pokes Cabana in the eye. Cabana ducks Castagnoli and makes the hot tag to Albright who comes in and beats down all four members of the Embassy. Albright hits an air raid crash on Osiris, but Castagnoli surprises him with a European uppercut out of nowhere. Albright hits a big boot that sends Castagnoli to the floor, and he follows Castagnoli out with a suicide dive between the ropes that sends Castagnoli into the front row. Both men fight out in the crowd where they are eventually counted out and both men are gone. Claudio Castagnoli and Brent Albright have been eliminated. Back in the ring, Necro works over Jimmy Rave in the corner, but Nana is able to distract Necro by spitting in his face. Rave hits an STO on the ring frame. On the floor, Rave and Nana hold Necro’s foot on a steel chair and Osiris hits a somersaulting dive off the ring apron directly on top of the chair. Rave sends Necro back into the ring and immediately locks in the heel hook, forcing Necro to tap out. Necro Butcher has been eliminated. Cabana is all by himself, but that doesn’t stop him from putting both Osiris and Rave down with big right hands. Cabana throws Rave over the top rope, but he gets caught from behind in a sleeper hold by Osiris. Cabana smiles before sends Osiris over his head and down to the mat. Cabana his Osiris with the Colt 45 and pins him for the three count. “Dirty” Ernie Osiris has been eliminated. Rave tries to sneak up on Cabana, but he doesn’t catch him off guard as Cabana counters with big right hands, a couple of elbows and a flying asshole to boot. Cabana tries for the Billy goat’s curse, but Rave fights out. Rave goes for the heel hook, but he can’t keep it locked in. Rave hits a spear, but again it’s only good enough for a near fall. Prince Nana tags into the match for the first time, but he only really kicks Cabana in the stomach before immediately tagging right back out. Rave comes back into the ring and grinds down Cabana in the corner, burying his shoulder in Cabana’s midsection. Rave charges Cabana in the corner, but Colt jumps up and catches Rave with a surprise roll up that puts him down for the three-count. Jimmy Rave has been eliminated. Cabana brings in Nana the hard way and wails on Nana with a couple of closed fists. Cabana sends Nana into the corner and hits a big flying asshole before locking in the Billy goat’s curse. Nana is forced to tap and Colt Cabana pulls this one out for his team. After the match, Albright and Grizzly make their way out to the ring to celebrate with Cabana.

The winner and sole survivor: Colt Cabana

This match was a whole lot better than I thought it would be. I really have to admit I wasn’t expecting too much just because this is a pretty huge multi man match, and I knew the eliminations would come pretty quickly. I was a bit surprised though when I found myself getting so into the match and genuinely wondering who would be next to be eliminated. I have to admit that I used to be a huge fan of the traditional Survivor Series matches that the WWE puts on, but I haven’t liked them as much since they got rid of the teams (and I’m not talking about “Team Raw” or “Team Smackdown”; I’m talking about like when Jerry Lawler and his team of midget kings, Sleazy, Wheezy and Cheesy took on Doink and his team of midget clowns, Dink, Wink and Pink). It was a bit of a blast from the past and it was a lot of fun to watch. If you’re a fan of multi-man elimination style matches (as I am) then I would definitely recommend checking this match out. B+.

Report Card

In Ring Action: I have to admit that this category was a little bit lacking this week. I mean, the main event was a lot of fun, but I could see someone not liking it because it was a bit too chaotic, or there were too many bodies flying around the ring at once. The American Wolves semi-squash was fun, but to be honest I’d rather be watching the American Wolves in longer, more competitive matches. The other two matches, well, the less said the better. Well, that may not be fair, I’m sure there are people out there who will find things to like in the Delirious/Dutt and Stevens/Young matches, they just weren’t for me. I’d have to say this was really one of the weaker shows for this category since ROH on HDNet started. C.

Out of Ring Action: There really wasn’t too much going on in this category this week. The Jerry Lynn promo was pretty flat, but so are most of his other promos, so that’s not really a surprise. Some people rave over Eddie Kingston’s promos, and while I admit they’re stronger than his in-ring skills, I just don’t get all the love for the guy. Hopefully one of these days he’ll prove me wrong, but right now I can only wonder why he’s getting any screen time. The Team Cabana/Embassy promos were fun, but I felt like both were a bit too short, and Nana especially could always use a bit more time on the mic. I do want to say that I was happy that there seemed to be a bit less canned footage on this show, and that’s a good thing. B-.
Overall: Well, I’d have to say if you’re not a fan of multi-man elimination matches, this week’s episode is pretty much skippable. Really, you’re not missing much (and even if you are a huge fan of multi-man matches, you still probably wouldn’t be missing too much by missing this episode). Nothing too standout here this week, just a pretty middle of the road (a little on the weak side) episode. C+.

So next week we get the match that I’m sure you’ve all been clamoring for, Tyler Black vs. Jerry Lynn! OK, so I’m not really that excited about it either, but hopefully these two will at least be able to pull off a technically proficient, solid match. Alright guys, you know the drill. Same bat time, same bat channel. Until next week…

I’M TOO TIRED TO BE FUNNY DOWN HERE THIS WEEK!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

OK, I’m going to cheat a little bit on this one. I talked about how Erick Stevens seemed to be living a real life Groundhog’s Day, by living the same push over and over again. Well, the movie itself is pretty kick ass. Bill Murray is one of the funniest actors ever, and I have to say he was much better in the late 80’s and early 90’s than he is now, now that he’s going through an “arty” phase (although I did love The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou). Seriously though, Groundhog’s Day is a really funny, not to mentioned well constructed movie.

I’m really sorry this is late this week guys, but to be honest, I’ve been putting off writing this week’s intro. I knew I was going to have to talk about the whole situation with Bryan Danielson, and honestly, I didn’t really want to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely thrilled that Bryan is getting his chance to work on the biggest stage in the world, and show the wrestling community at large, what us group of die hard fans have been saying for years; that this man is the best wrestler in the world. I can only hope that WWE will use him in a way that he is able to get over. I would really like it if he was able to keep his name, as I feel like he’s earned it. If he’s got to go, I’d most definitely want to see him on Smackdown, because I feel like that’s the place where he’d have the best chance at actually progressing up the card (plus the ideas of Danielson vs. Jericho, and Danielson vs. Morrison make me all warm and tingly inside). I just really don’t want anything to happen where someone gets in Vince’s ear saying “he doesn’t have a good look”, and Danielson ends up staring at the ceiling every night in the dark match (although if that happens I guess we can expect him back in ROH).

I’ve been watching ROH for about four years now, and I’ll tell you what got me into the promotion in the first place: American Dragon Bryan Danielson. His ROH World Title run was absolutely phenomenal, and I really don’t think there’s anyone in this business that is capable of putting on the level of matches that he put on, as consistently as he did during that time period. His matches with Takeshi Morishima, culminating in a Fight Without Honor at Final Battle 2008 (coincidentally, the show that I reviewed to get this position) were some of the most brutal, and best matches I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I completely credit the man with revitalizing my interest in professional wrestling, and were it not for him, I don’t know if I would be writing this blog right now. It’s arguable to say that without Bryan Danielson, ROH might not be on HDNet right now. I think Bryan truly is that level of a performer where his presence makes a company better. I realize I may hold him in very high regard, but I’m sure most people that would call themselves serious ROH fans would agree with me on that. I can say with absolute certainty that Bryan Danielson will be missed in ROH. If you have a chance to make it out to one of his final matches over the next month or so, make sure you do it. It’ll be a treat.

One final thing I want to address in this week’s pre-show notes is the rumor going around that WWE is interested in possibly signing away four more wrestlers from ROH. I just don’t think that’s a good move for any of the parties involved. I really think that losing Dragon is going to hurt ROH. It won’t do a ton of damage; Dragon wasn’t at the shows in Toronto when I went but they were still great shows. Losing four more of their top tier stars though might do a ton of damage to the company. DVD sales in ROH have been down for a while, and losing five top stars at once won’t change that trend. ROH has the absolute best talent pool in all of independent wrestling, and if WWE goes through with this raid that talent pool could literally disappear and find itself dispersed over the globe, working in much, much smaller indy companies. The great thing about ROH is that it makes it quite a bit easier to make stars. Two of the most popular “recently made” Superstars are Evan Bourne and CM Punk, both of whom came from ROH. Punk’s current Smackdown act, which has quickly catapulted him to the number one heel on that show, is a complete rehash of an angle that played out in ROH about four years ago. Vince would be wise to allow ROH to grow. They don’t really have a chance of becoming a threat, so why not allow them to be a sort of nationally televised FCW (I don’t mean Vince should buy out ROH in ANY WAY, that should ABSOLUTELY NEVER HAPPEN). The current generation of Superstars is aging fast, let ROH cultivate the next generation of stars for you, don’t kill them.

Ok, and with that I’ve said my peace on the matter, let’s get on to this week’s show.

Silly me, I almost forgot the newest addition to the Blog of Honor. Starting this week, the “Poll of Honor” that’s found a home on the message board will be moving right here to the beginning of the blog every week. This poll is being provided by WNW reader The Guy, so make sure you thank him. This week’s question of the week!

Who’s your favorite wrestler in ROH overall (For whatever reason, be it character, mic skills, in ring work; anything that makes you like that particular wrestler)?

We get video footage from June of this year when Jerry Lynn won the four-way match on HDNet and was booed by the fans. We also see footage of Aries hitting Lynn in the head with the belt. Footage of Nigel trying to get in Lynn’s head in a backstage promo. And finally, footage off Lynn losing to Tyler Black, and Black losing to Austin Aries, making Aries the current ROH World Champion.

Hog and Prazak welcome us to this week’s edition of ROH on HDNet (this show needs a real name so badly). Hog says that tonight Jerry Lynn has promised to give us an answer about his future. Prazak hypes the non-title main event between Roderick Strong and Austin Aries. Hog doesn’t want to waste any time so he sends us down to the ring.

Match #1: Tony Kozina and Sami Callihan vs. El Generico and Kevin Steen

Apparently Callihan is still the “New Horror” as that’s what Prazak calls him when he makes his way down to the ring. Kozina falls flat on his face as he tries to jump the top rope into the ring. Steen and Generico get a warm reception on their way out, and we get some video footage (I’ve used that word to much already) of the ongoing feud between Steenerico and the American Wolves. Kozina and Callihan don’t so much shake hands, as they slap the hands of Steen and Generico before the start of this one. Generico and Callihan are starting things off for their respective teams with some chair wrestling. El Generico gets the better of Callihan with a kick to the face and tags in Mr. Wrestling Kevin Steen. Steen comes in and accidentally knocks Generico off the ring apron as he hits the ropes and delivers a lariat to Callihan. Steen shrugs it off and hits a senton on the “New Horror”, but it’s only good to keep Callihan down for a two count. Callihan is finally able to tag out to Kozina, but Tony is of no help as he runs straight into a big back drop from Steen. Steen tags in Generico and they double team Kozina with a drop toe hold/front flip leg drop combo. Callihan comes in from out of nowhere and attacks Steen and Generico, gaining a bit of advantage and allowing himself to be tagged back in. Callihan puts Generico down with a rear chin lock; Generico tries to fight out, but he can’t quite gain any leverage. Callihan tags in Kozina, who comes in, hits a butterfly suplex, and very quickly leaves the ring. Generico is able to make the hot tag to Steen who comes in and cleans house on Kozina and Callihan, in one instance powerbombing Kozina onto Callihan. Steen goes up top and tries for the swanton, but Callihan gets his knees up. Kozina makes the tag in and immediately attacks Generico. Kozina hits a springboard bulldog on Steen but when Callihan and Kozina try to double team Steen, Steen stacks the both up in the corner where they fall victim to a nasty Yakuza kick from El Generico. Steen picks up both men on his shoulders, Kozina stacked on top of Callihan, and executes a double Samoan drop. Generico sends Callihan to the floor so that he and Steen can hit their package piledriver/brainbuster combo on Kozina. Steen pins Kozina and the ref counts three as this one is over.

Winners: Kevin Steen and El Generico by pinfall

This was one of those kind of in between matches. I don’t know if you could call it an outright squash, but I certainly don’t think you could call it a competitive match. I’ve liked Sami Callihan a little bit more in these matches where he has a chance to be a little bit more competitive. Kozina doesn’t really impress me too much; his goofy, fall over the top rope shtick just really doesn’t do anything to entertain me, which is a shame because he is a fairly competent wrestler. Kevin Steen and El Generico are always able to put on a somewhat entertaining match, but this one was a little closer to just average territory. There’s really no reason to go out of your way to catch this match, unless you really, really want to watch Steenerico beat a couple of jobbers. C-.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage alongside Roderick Strong. Durden asks Roddy how he feels about the fact that if Roddy can beat Aries tonight, Aries may throw Strong’s name into his “magic hat”. Roderick says that how he feels is that Aries is scared of him, and he knows exactly what Strong brings to the table. Strong says that Aries should ask people like Nakajima, KENTA, Jay Briscoe and others. Strong says that he does his talking in the ring, and that tonight, he will prove that he is more than worthy for a title shot

Match #2: D-Lo Brown vs. John Kermon

I have to say I popped a little bit because John Kermon is a local worker around this area and he’s pretty decent. I could possibly see him working in the ROH under card more regularly some day in the future. Brown waves off Kermon before the match even starts. D-Lo starts the match out aggressively, hitting burying his leg in Kermon’s midsection. Kermon ducks an ax handle smash attempt and actually scores a couple of quick forearms, but it’s not long before he’s caught by a big lariat from Brown. Brown slams Kermon’s head into the turnbuckle and chops away at his chest. D-Lo asks the crowd for silence and chops Kermon’s chest again. Kermon scores with another set of quick forearms, but when he sends D-Lo into the ropes, Brown just stays there and avoids Kermon’s dropkick attempt before connecting with a sliding clothesline. D-Lo hits Kermon with a high knee strike in the corner and a stiff slap to the face. D-Lo goes up top and Kermon actually gets in a shot and tries to go for a superplex. Brown immediately fights out and hits a top rope sky high, putting Kermon down for the three count. After the match D-Lo poses and talks trash to Kermon. Durden comes out to ask D-Lo how he feels about Jerry Lynn contemplating retirement. D-Lo says that he can’t believe that the first time in ROH that Durden comes to talk to him, he asks him about Jerry Lynn. Brown sends Durden packing and says that the last time he checked, when a man turned 65 years old, he’s supposed to retire. Brown says that he hopes that Lynn retires, and that he just wants him to shrivel up and die, because that means there will be one less obstacle in his way on his journey to the ROH World Title.

Winner: D-Lo Brown by pinfall

This one, I don’t think there’s any argument, was a squash. I like Kermon, and I have to admit that he at least looked pretty good being beat down. D-Lo was fun to watch in the ring, and that top rope sky high was pretty damn awesome. You know my policy on these types of matches though; I don’t like to spend too much time on these. SQUASH.

We get a paid message from the Embassy. Nana says that next week is going to be one of the greatest days in the Embassy because they’re going to get rid of Necro Butcher, Grizzly Redwood, Colt Cabana and Brent Albright. Nana asks Claudio who he’s going to take out. Castagnoli says that it’s time he stomped Brent Albright’s head in, and it’s time that he eliminates Albright from ROH. Rave says that Necro Butcher has stuck his nose in the Embassy’s business one too many times, and that in the elimination match, he will have his eyes set on him. Nana says that he wants his men to save Boo-Boo Cabana for him. Nana tells the camera man to move it and shoves the camera away.

Durden is standing backstage with Nigel McGuinness. McGuinness says they don’t need to rehash what happened in his match last week against Tyler Black because everyone saw it. Nigel says for once he took his eye off the ball, but that is never going to happen again. Nigel runs down Tyler Black and Jerry Lynn, saying Tyler can’t win the belt and Jerry lost the belt. Nigel gets interrupted by music off screen and Durden says we need to get back to the ring.

Tyler Black makes his way out to the ring and grabs the mic. Black says that he came out because he wanted to address the situation about Jerry Lynn possibly retiring. Black says he doesn’t know how he feels about that, but he does know that he’ll do what Lynn did, and he’ll be ROH World Champion before the end of his career. Lynn’s music hits, and Jerry makes his way down to the ring wearing his trunks (an odd choice considering this is an announcement about whether or not he’ll be retiring. Lynn says that he hates to interrupt, and he references the comments Brown made after the last match. Lynn said that at the ripe old age of 45 years old, he came to ROH, and it was exactly what his career needed. Lynn says that he took the belt from Nigel and became the ROH World Champion. Lynn talks about his family and his daughters not wanting him to leave, and not being able to play with his daughter. Lynn said he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t thinking about semi-retiring. Lynn says that the one thing he knows is that no one ever truly retires from pro-wrestling. Jerry says that Tyler was the one who eliminated him from the ROH World Title match where Austin Aries won the belt, and that when Jerry faces Tyler, it’s going to be one of the biggest matches of his career.

Main Event Non-Title Match: Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries

Aries makes his way out to the ring in a pretty crazy looking pink, fuzzy ring jacket. Hog can’t get over the fact that Aries is wearing pink in the wrestling ring (ever heard of Bret Hart, Hog?). Prazak mentions the fact that these two men were both members of the Generation Next faction a few years ago. That’s one thing I love about ROH, is the fact that they have a strong sense of history and they’re quick to make mention of it. I really think that the fact that they give the past history between the two wrestlers really make the matches seem to mean a lot more. Roddy and Aries start things out with some mat wrestling, but that doesn’t last long as they quickly transition to some fast paced chain wrestling. Aries locks in the last chancery, but Roderick is already in the ropes, and Austin is forced to immediately break the hold. Strong tries for the Strong hold, but Aries is able to work his way to the ropes, forcing Strong to break the hold before he can even lock it in. Aries ducks a lariat and cartwheels around Strong, but gets caught with a pretty nasty chop followed by a backbreaker. Strong chops away at Aries chest, almost sending him to the outside, but Roddy grabs Aries, stands him up in the corner and hits another chop. Aries is able to bounce back quickly and throw Strong into the corner to hit a chop of his own, but Strong turns it right back around and hit his third chop in a row. The last chop sends Aries falling to the outside, but his feet get caught up on the top rope. Roderick makes his way to the outside of the ring and catches Aries with another chop while Aries is hung upside down. Strong goes to the well one time to often and tries to chop Aries, only to be backdropped onto the barricade. Aries pulls up some of the ringside mats and teases the brainbuster, but Roderick blocks and hits a front suplex (on mats). Roddy rolls into the ring to break the count, rolls back outside and hits Aries with a chop that sends Austin into the front row. Strong tries to go for the gutbuster on the outside, but Aries fights his way out and sends Roderick face first into the ring post. Aries goes up to the top turnbuckle and jumps to the outside, hitting Roderick with a double ax handle smash. Aries rolls Strong back to the inside and hits the power drive elbow, but it’s only good enough to hold Roderick down for a two count. Strong tries to fight back, but Aries chokes him on the middle rope, stopping his momentum. Strong catches Aries off guard with an inverted atomic drop, which opens Aries up to a series of lariats. Strong sends Aries into the corner, hits a running forearm and follows it up with an over the shoulder backbreaker. Strong goes for the Strong hold yet again, but Aries is too close to the ropes. Strong goes for the half-nelson backbreaker, but Aries counters with a crucifix-bomb. Aries pins Strong but Strong kicks out at two. Aries chops Strong’s chest in the corner before falling victim to a side Russian leg sweep. Aries hits a big back rake (it was pretty goofy) and charges Strong in the corner. Strong catches Aries and has him in position for a gutbuster, but Aries fights out and hits a neckbreaker across the second rope. Strong catches Aries out of nowhere with a huge chop, but that’s all the offense that he can get before Aries grinds him down with punches and kicks. Aries charges Strong in the corner but Strong catches him with an enzugiri. Strong hits a modified belly to back suplex and both men are up at three. Strong and Aries chop away at each other in the middle of the ring with Strong getting the upper hand, hitting a dropkick. Strong hits a big combination in the corner, follows up with another backbreaker and gets an extremely close near fall. Aries sends Strong through the ropes to the floor and follows him out immediately with a heat seeking missile. Aries sends Strong back inside and goes up to the top turnbuckle. Aries comes off the top but he gets caught by Strong who hits a big uranage backbreaker. Strong tries for the Strong hold but Aries kicks at Strong’s head and fights him off. Aries tries to go up top again, but Strong catches him with a quick enzugiri. Strong tries for a gutbuster but Aries counters with a roll up. Strong kicks out but Aries catches him immediately with a kick to the top of the head. Aries hits a dropkick in the corner to Strong which is good for another near fall, but when Roddy kicks out Aries immediately locks in the last chancery. Strong is able to get to the ropes and Aries is forced to break the hold. Aries tries for a suplex on the ring apron, but Roderick falls to the inside; Strong wins the exchange and hits a slingshot suplex but it’s still only good enough for a two count. Strong tries for the half-nelson backbreaker and when Aries tries to counter he ends up on Roderick’s shoulders. Roderick nails the gutbuster, follows it up with a nasty Yakuza kick and pins Aries, but Aries grabs the ropes! Roderick grabs Aries by the legs, pulls him up into the air and somehow turns it into a backbreaker. Strong goes for the Strong hold but Aries is able to counter with a roll up. Aries puts his feet on the ropes to gain leverage and the referee misses it. Austin Aries gets the three count and bails from the ring immediately. Aries makes his way to the back with the ROH World Title. Roddy gets a huge pop from the crowd and makes his way to the back to end this episode.

Winner: Austin Aries by pinfall

Holy Goodness ROH is absolutely amazing at putting on top notch main event matches. As much as Roderick Strong isn’t adept at putting together good promos, that guy can wrestler. Outside of a couple too many Strong hold attempts I don’t really have anything to complain about. These two have been great rivals and allies over the past four or so years, but I have to be honest I’ve enjoyed their encounters as enemies even more than their stellar run as tag champs. These two proved why ROH will be ok, even with the loss of Dragon, because ROH has been able to cultivate some wonderful home grown talent. Austin Aries and Roderick Strong are two examples of wrestlers that will continue to make ROH even better as they move forward. This is another match that my words could never do justice to. Go on the interwebz and find this match now. A.

Report Card

In Ring Action: Well, the only match that was really a standout this week was the main event, but the main event was more than enough reason to check out the whole show. Austin Aries and Roderick Strong really delivered with about 25 minutes of really solid action. The other two matches on the card were a squash match and a semi-squash match. Even with the low grade of the first match and the non-rating in the second match, the fact that half of the show was made up of great wrestling sort of makes up for it. This week’s show gets a solid B.

Out of Ring Action: There sure were a lot of promos this week, and a lot of pre-aired footage. I’m all for giving the history of feuds and whatnot, but there’s really only so many times that you should air the same footage. Roderick Strong is in serious need of some acting classes to better his promo skills, immediately. I love the guy in the ring, but he can’t cut a decent promo to save his life. D-Lo’s promo after his match with Kermon was pretty good, although I have to admit it was surprisingly harsh. The Embassy’s “paid message” was a whole lot of fun and Prince Nana is always entertaining when he’s given a mic. Nigel McGuinness has been on a pretty good roll recently putting out some of the best promos of his career. Lastly, the Jerry Lynn/Tyler Black segment was OK. Lynn always has a tendency to come off a little flat and Black is not really the best mic man in the business or anything. Overall this was a pretty so-so show for this category, thank goodness for the great main event. C+.

Overall: While this definitely wasn’t the strongest episode of ROH on HDNet ever, it did have one of the strongest main events, so while it’s an episode that you definitely should seek out, it’s not something you should expect to be great from top to bottom. I think that’s probably the best way I could describe this episode. B-.

Well, next week looks to be a pretty darn entertaining show with a main event featuring Prince Nana, “Dirty” Ernie Osiris, Jimmy Rave and Claudio Castagnoli taking on the team of Necro Butcher, Colt Cabana, Grizzly Redwood and Brent Albright. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Nana in the ring again, because it’s always funny to watch him hide behind his stable of heels. Alright guys, you know the drill. Same bat time, same bat channel. Until next week…

WHAT THRIFT SHOP DID HE GET THAT THING FROM?

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

My wife and I saw Inglorious Basterds this past weekend and the movie was freaking fantastic. Seriously, it’s one of the best movies that I’ve seen in the theaters in a long, long time. I can honestly see one actor in particular having a chance at being nominated for an Oscar, and I really wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie get nominated for Best Picture. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, just know that this is one of the best films to come to theaters in a good while.

Alright guys, I don’t have a whole lot of pre-show notes this week, but I did want to talk a little bit about tonight’s main event. Tonight’s match between Tyler Black and Nigel McGuinness features the return of Nigel McGuinness from a potentially career threatening bicep injury. The crazy thing about this though, McGuinness never had surgery to repair the injury, he simply took some time off to rehab the injury. Now, I realize that McGuinness couldn’t really afford to take the time off and have surgery (trust me I understand, living without insurance for the past year), but I really hope he isn’t rushing back into anything here. McGuinness has had problems with his biceps for years, stemming from his dependence on his lethal jawbreaker lariat. McGuinness throws that lariat with such force that it’s just shredded the muscles in his arm. Hopefully McGuinness will be able to tone down his style and extend his career; tonight will set the tone for McGuinness, let’s just hope it isn’t quite as hard-hitting as his pre-injury style.

We get some footage of the brawl last week between the American Wolves and Steenerico. Hog and Prazak welcome us to tonight’s edition of ROH on HDNet, and mention that tonight will see Kevin Steen taking on Eddie Edwards. Tonight will also see Tyler Black taking on a returning Nigel McGuinness in the main event.

Match #1: Eddie Edwards vs. Kevin Steen

Apparently this match will be contested under the stipulation that each man’s tag team partner will be banned from ringside. Steen is out and the fight is on as soon as he enters the ring. Steen takes Edwards down with a series of forearms, and then beats on Edwards in the corner. Steen catches Edwards with a back heel kick and chops away at Edwards’ chest. Edwards finally catches Steen off guard, blocks a package piledriver attempt, and kicks Steen square in the chest. Edwards finally gets a chance to take off his vest, and he celebrates the occasion by chopping away at Steen’s chest in the corner. Steen fights back with a lariat and a senton before sending Edwards to the outside with a clothesline over the top rope. Hagadorn trips up Steen, causing Steen to give chase. Edwards catches Steen with a running knee to the back while Steen is busy jawing with Hagadorn. Edwards kicks Steen’s head straight into the barricade, and an Irish whip into another barricade. Edwards does push-ups in the ring while the ref begins to administer the 20 count on the outside. Steen makes it back in to the ring at 18, but he’s greeted immediately with a kick to the side of the head from Edwards. Steen tries to catch Edwards with several chops, but Edwards avoids them all and kicks away at Steen’s head. Steen tries going up top but he gets caught by Edwards. Edwards goes for the backpack chin breaker, but Steen blocks and hits a kind of reverse blockbuster on Edwards. Steen hits Edwards with two cannonballs before connecting with a front flip leg drop, but he can only hold Edwards down for a two count. Steen goes up to the top turnbuckle, but he gets caught by Edwards yet again. Edwards connects with the backpack chin breaker again, but it only puts Steen down for a two count. Steen catches Edwards with a roll up, and locks in the sharpshooter, but Edwards is able to make it to the ropes to force Steen to break the hold. Edwards comes off the top rope and hits a lung blower before connecting with a knee strike to the side of Steen’s head, but again Edwards can only come up with a near fall. Steen hits the pumphandle neckbreaker out of nowhere. Steen goes for the package piledriver, but Edwards fights his way out of it and both men are down on the mat. Hagadorn slides a chair into the ring and distracts the referee; Kevin Steen comes up with the chair however, and he blasts Edwards with it. Steen goes up top, hits the swanton, and pins Edwards for the three.

Winner: Kevin Steen by pinfall

I think it’s a pretty huge testament to ROH’s wonderful tag team division that their tag teams are also capable of putting on some incredible singles matches. I have been nothing but impressed with the rivalry between the American Wolves and Steenerico. This is a feud that’s been going on the entire time that ROH on HDNet (this show, still needs a name) has been on, and that long slow build has made me even more interested to see everything that these two teams are a part of. Even though this is a match that we’ve already seen on HDNet (Steen took on Edwards at the very first set of tapings), it was still a great match, and I would rate it even higher than their first encounter. I really enjoy Kevin Steen’s in ring work, and I honestly think he’s the best seller in pro wrestling today. Edwards, I would say, has been the weakest link in this whole feud but over that time he has just gotten better and better, both in the ring and on the mic. Like I said before, I’ve been nothing but impressed with all four of the men that have been involved in this feud. While I think Davey vs. Generico from last week may have been a bit better, this match was still a hell of a lot of fun to watch. Steen and Edwards put on a match that is more than worthy to be a part of this feud. B.

We get a recap of Nigel McGuinness interrupting Tyler Black’s promo a couple of weeks ago, causing Tyler to fall victim to a belt shot from Austin Aries. This transitions us nicely into a pair of video packages (actually they’re snippets from previous video packages) about Nigel and Tyler respectively.

McGuinness says he can’t remember a time that Tyler got in the ring and someone chanted “next world champ”. Nigel says that the people can chant as much as they want, as long as Tyler can’t keep his eye on the ball, he’ll never be World Champion.

Tyler talks about his past history with Nigel, about how he’s beaten him before, but never in a big-time match. Tyler says he needs to step up and finally get the job done when it means something.

Hog and Prazak hype the tag team division, highlighting the Young Bucks in particular.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage with the Dark City Fight Club. Durden talks about Davis’ injury (which was horrific according to all reports) and how Davis isn’t even medically cleared to compete. Davis says it’s funny, because where DCFC is from, they don’t need medical clearance to beat someone’s ass. Davis says they came here for a fight, and Chavis adds that if you don’t like it, do something about it.

Match #2: Sal Rinauro and Tony Kozina vs. Cheech and Cloudy

Wow, Rinauro and Kozina actually get an entrance this week, although as soon as C&C make their way to the ring, it’s clear that this is just an opportunity to give someone who’s been a jobber since this show started a win. The two teams shake hands before the match and Rinauro and Cheech will be starting things out tonight. Rinauro catches Cheech with a knee to the midsection, but there’s already a bit of team miscommunication as Cheech ducks a punch and Rinauro connects with Kozina. Cheech and Cloudy come up with a series of impressive double team maneuvers, but they can’t keep Rinauro down for longer than a two count. Rinauro stretches for the tag, and Kozina actually stretches a bit too far and falls into the ring. More miscommunication as Rinauro Irish whips Cheech into Kozina, who’s standing on the apron, sending Kozina to the floor. Cheech catches Rinauro with a drop toe hold that leaves him hanging on the middle rope. Cloudy tags in and he and Cloudy set up a double team maneuver that sees Cloudy hit a six one nine, while Cheech simultaneously hit a dropkick to Rinauro’s back. Just as Cloudy is going for the pin, the Dark City Fight Club run in and absolutely destroy Cheech and Cloudy. Rinauro bails from the ring while Kozina poses with DCFC. Kozina gets surprised though as he falls victim to DCFC’s sit-out powerbomb/neckbreaker combo.

Winners: No Contest

To be honest, I don’t know if this match really deserves a rating, and let me explain. I really did think this match was just an excuse to give Cheech and Cloudy a win (I really should have known better with the pre-match DCFC promo), but it was really just a way to keep DCFC in the mix while John Davis is out with his wrist injury. This match had no point but to give DCFC four guys to come out and destroy, and in that, it was successful. As a match, it was much less successful. None of the four men in the scheduled match are capable of carrying a match on their own, and really, neither of the teams are able to carry a match on their own. The one good thing about that match was that it was kept short. With all that in mind, I think I’m fair in giving this match an Incomplete.
Durden is backstage yet again, this time with Sonjay Dutt. Dutt says he’s gonna bring a new reinvented Sonjay Dutt to ROH. Dutt says that it’s time to get ready for the “Original Playa’ from the Himalayas”

Match #3: Sami Callihan vs. Necro Butcher

So apparently, in a move that is probably for the best, Callihan is not announced as the “New Horror”. Necro comes out with a staple gun, but loses it when Callihan immediately attacks him in the ring. Callihan’s advantage is short lived though, as Necro wails away on Sami with right hands. The action spills to the outside where Necro chops Callihan’s chest and slams his head into the ringside table. Necro peels up the ringside mats, grabs a chair, and hits the chair assisted body slam straight down on the concrete. Necro slams Callihan into the barricade, chops him again and the action moves back into the ring. Necro catches Callihan in the corner with a series of right hands and chops. Callihan stomps down on Necro’s ankle (which is taped up due to an assault by Jimmy Rave), and when Necro goes for the tiger driver, he can’t support Callihan’s weight. Callihan hits a low superkick and follows it up with a falling lariat, but when he goes for the pin he can only hold Necro down for the two count. Callihan bites Necro’s ankle (really?). Callihan catches Necro with a kick to the side of the head and Necro’s ankle continues to bother him. Necro catches Sami with a big right hand out of nowhere, and Necro grabs the staple gun. Necro teases using the staple gun, but Callihan stomps on Necro’s foot again. Necro goes for a powerbomb, but Callihan reverses out, where he gets hit with another big right. Necro connects with the tiger driver, pins Callihan, and gets the three. After the match, Colt Cabana, Grizzly Redwood and Brent Albright make their way out to the ring. Cabana has a mic in hand; he calls Necro one of the craziest dudes he’s ever seen in his life. Cabana says that he’s got three guys on his team right now, and even though Cabana thought he’d never have anything in common with Necro, they both hate Prince Nana and the Embassy. Cabana says he’s got three people ready to take on the Embassy and he needs a fourth. Cabana needs someone crazy, hardcore and demented, so Necro picks up Callihan and uses the staple gun on his head. Cabana says a “yes” would have sufficed, but that’ll do.

Winner: Necro Butcher by pinfall

I really want to call this a squash, but I guess Callihan got in enough offense where I need to rate this. I’ll be blunt; this match was not very good. I really enjoy Necro Butcher in a good old fashioned brawl, where he takes on an opponent that can fight back. I get a little tired when Necro is in regular matches where he does nothing but throw punches. I mean, really, how many different ways are there to punch a guy in the side of the head. Callihan was passable, and I’m really happy that he dropped the whole “New Horror” thing (if that is indeed the case), but I really never see him in a role different than what he played in this match. This was another match where the whole point of it was to get to events that occurred after the match, and I’m not really a big fan of that. I think that matches should be used to move along storylines, and I don’t really feel like that’s what happened here. I feel like the match was a pretty throwaway effort, and the events after the match were much more important, and I don’t feel like it should be that way. Maybe I’m alone in this, but I feel like the matches and storyline are both made better when they both matter. This match didn’t really matter, and I think it’s only fair that the grade reflect that. D.

Durden is backstage again with Austin Aries, Durden starts to ask him a question, but Aries reminds him how things went in the past, so he tells Kyle to be careful about his first question. Durden asks how Aries’ day has gone, but Aries doesn’t want to answer that. Durden asks how it is living life as the first and only two time ROH World Champion, and Aries says that Durden will never know, but it feels great. Aries says that he’s the guy who sets the bar, he’s Mr. “It”. Aries says everyone wants to talk about all the things that aren’t important. Everyone wants to talk about Nigel, Jerry and Tyler, and that’s fine and good, but it doesn’t mean anything. The ROH Title is important. Aries says that Roderick Strong will find out what it means that Aries is Mr. “It”. Aries says that he’s the greatest man that ever lived, and he’s our (not Durden’s) ROH World Champion. Durden sneaks in the last line, letting us know that he’ll try better next time.

Main Event: Nigel McGuinness vs. Tyler Black

Nigel and Tyler both follow the code of honor before the opening bell. Both men start things out pretty cautiously with neither being very aggressive at all. Nigel finally starts to get the action going with a stiff forearm to Black’s face. Nigel ties Black up in the corner, working over the arm. Nigel continues to work over Tyler’s arm, taking him down to the mat and applying pressure to Black’s shoulder. Both men slap each other across the face in the middle of the ring and Nigel follows up with a head butt to Black’s midsection. McGuinness sends Black to the floor with a back body drop, but Black is quick to recover, coming back in the ring with a slingshot back heel kick. Nigel rolls to the outside, and when Tyler goes for a dive to the outside but McGuinness avoids it. Black makes his way to the outside and takes the fight to McGuinness, sending him into the ringside barricade. Tyler rolls Nigel back into the ring and wrenches back on McGuinness’ arm. Black chops away at Nigel’s chest, but McGuinness is able to surprise Tyler with a hammerlock divorce court. Nigel twists Black’s wrist, and launches him overhead with a modified suplex. McGuinness continues to work on Black’s arm, stomping down on Tyler’s forearm. Nigel bends Tyler’s arms, making it so that Black’s arm is bent backwards to the point where it’s perpendicular to his body. Black almost fights his way out of one of McGuinness’ submissions, but he gets caught with a boot to the side of the head, putting him back down on the mat. Nigel sends Tyler into the corner with a powerful Irish whip. Nigel places Tyler on the top turnbuckle and goes for the tower of London, but Tyler will not budge. Black fights out of the tower of London and hits Nigel with a dropkick that sends him to the outside. Black follows McGuinness to the outside with a somersaulting dive over the top rope. On the outside, Tyler does a moonsault off of the ringside barricade on top of McGuinness to a huge pop from the crowd. Tyler hits the springboard lariat back into the ring, but he can only hold Nigel down for a two count. Black goes for God’s last gift, but McGuinness counters with a small package. Black charges Nigel in the corner, but McGuinness sidesteps him, hits a kick to Black’s back and a lariat. McGuinness goes for another tower of London, but Black reverses out again and connects with paroxysm. Black goes for a lionsault, but McGuinness rolls out of the way. McGuinness tries to lock in the London dungeon, but when he can’t he tries for a pin instead, but it’s only good for two. Nigel sets Tyler up, straddling the top rope, but when he goes for the lariat Tyler ducks. Nigel tries for a jawbreaker lariat, but Tyler blocks. Black goes for the bucklebomb, but it’s countered. Nigel is able to lock in the London dungeon but Black will not quit. Black works his way to the ropes, forcing McGuinness to break the hold. Nigel sits Tyler on the top turnbuckle yet again, and again he is unable to connect with the tower of London. Tyler leapfrogs McGuinness, but McGuinness catches him in reverse DDT position. McGuinness lifts up Tyler Black (from reverse DDT position), sends him over his head to the top turnbuckle, and connects with the tower of London. Nigel drags Black into the middle of the ring and tries for the London dungeon again, but Black fights out of it. McGuinness tries for the jawbreaker lariat, but Black ducks it, hits God’s last gift, and pins McGuinness for the three count. After the match, Tyler reaches out his hand for another hand shake, which McGuinness accepts.

Winner: Tyler Black by pinfall

Well, I think a fair description of this match would be interesting. Obviously Nigel is still adjusting to not being able to throw his crazy lariats, and his more ground based submission style offense is definitely going to take some getting used to. I think it’s a pretty obvious statement, but this was definitely not Nigel and Tyler’s best encounter. Their matches earlier this year at Full Circle and Injustice II were leaps and bounds better than this, but they both occurred before Nigel’s injury became debilitating. For what it’s worth, this definitely wasn’t a bad match, and several of the spots were pretty damn awesome (Tyler moonsaulting off the barricade and Nigel finally connecting with the tower of London spring to mind). The only thing that this match suffers from, is the fact that McGuinness and Black have put on so many great matches before it that it’s hard to live up to their legacy. One thing is for sure though, Nigel is not at 100%, and that’s a scary thing; let’s all just hope that McGuinness doesn’t push himself too hard too fast, or that career threatening injury could very well turn into a career ending one. Like I said before, this isn’t the greatest encounter between these two ever, but it’s a really good match, and I highly recommend checking this match out. If you want a great match, check out their encounter earlier this year at Full Circle (which I prefer to Injustice II, and not just because I was there), but if you want a really fun, darn good match, check this one out. B+.

Report Card

In Ring Action: Well, two of this week’s matches were pretty throwaway efforts, but the other two were good matches, and are worth going out of your way to see. The Steen/Edwards match in particular was a lot of fun, and goes a long way in showing how much Eddie Edwards has improved since his days in the Special K faction. Tyler and Nigel put on a good match that while not as good as their previous matches, was still a good offering. Necro/Callihan was just kind of there, and C&C/Kozina and Rinauro was just an excuse to give DCFC a match to interrupt. The middle of tonight’s episode was definitely not the strongest action that ROH has given us on HDNet, but the first and last matches somewhat made up for that. It definitely wasn’t the strongest episode, but it was better than Raw, and I’m sticking by that statement. B-.

Out of Ring Action: It always surprises me that the guys in Ring of Honor are so adept at cutting promos. I mean really, I’m a hell of a lot more impressed with people like Austin Aries when they’re on the mic, than I am by people like Randy Orton or Jeff Hardy. Speaking of Aries, I REALLY enjoyed his exchange with Durden. Bad blood between Durden and Aries has been going on in ROH Videowire’s since the beginning of this year, and I have to admit that I always love watching Aries come up with new ways to berate Durden mid-interview. Dark City Fight Club’s promo was short and to the point, and while it wasn’t the most earth shatteringly good promo by any means, it really fit their characters, and that’s a very good thing. OK, I guess it’s time to get to the weak point. One thing that I haven’t been very pleased with is the recycling of footage on this show. The McGuinness and Black videos didn’t need to be reused when they could have just as easily cut a minute long promo. If that’s the only thing wrong with this category this week though, ROH is doing something right. B+.

Overall: Well, again, not quite the strongest episode of ROH on HDNet, but still a damn solid showing from the ROH locker room. That’s the thing, even if every episode isn’t the best showing from ROH, you still know it’s going to be the best professional wrestling showcased on television that particular week, and that’s not too bad of a thing. B.

Well, another week come and gone and the only difference is that this show is on Monday nights. Find this show on YouTube when it’s posted and come to the comment board and let me know your thoughts on this weeks show.

I have one final question for you guys this week. I’ve been doing ROH DVD reviews for a while now, and even though I’ve fallen a bit behind (something I’ll work on fixing this weekend), I’ve been thinking about piling a little more on my plate. Would any of you guys be interested in PWG and/or Chikara DVD reviews on the site? Please let me know if you guys would be interested, and if so, I’ll try to make that happen as soon as possible. Alright guys, that’s it for this weeks edition of Blog of Honor. You know the drill. Same bat time, same bat channel. Until next week…

SARA DEL RAY IS TOUGHER THAN MOST GUYS HOGEWOOD!

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

OK, so this week, I’m just going to cheat and use the show that I’m watching as I finish up this particular blog. Entourage is a show that’s currently in its sixth season on HBO. This show is about four friends, one of whom is a movie star (the rest of them are his entourage, get it?). I’ve heard it described as Sex and the City for men, and I don’t know if I can argue with that.

OK guys, there’s really not a whole lot to discuss in the world of ROH recently, which I blame on the relative drought of live ROH shows recently (only two in the last month, both of which I was at, both of which were awesome, and both of which can be read about in last week’s blog). There is a small bit of news, in that starting August 17^th, ROH will be moving to Monday nights at 8 o’clock. I think in the long run this will definitely end up benefiting ROH. Hopefully more casual wrestling fans (that also happen to have HDNet) will find this channel while flipping around stations waiting for Raw and discover what real professional wrestling is all about. Alright, with that in mind, let’s get on to the show.

Hog and Prazak welcome us to tonight’s show and immediately begin hyping the main event between Davey Richards and El Generico. Hog also creams his pants over the fact that Mark Briscoe is returning. That’s all though, as we head straight into the action.

Match #1: Jimmy Rave and Claudio Castagnoli vs. Colt Cabana and Brent Albright

Rave and Castagnoli come to ringside accompanied by Prince Nana and “Dirty” Ernie Osiris. There’s no Bobby Cruise tonight as someone else is handling the ring announcing. The heels attack from behind to start things off. We get a horrible split screen as Rave fights with Cabana in the ring, and Castagnoli fight on the floor. Albright and Cabana rally and send Jimmy Rave out to the floor with a double press slam. Albright teases attacking Nana, but gets caught with a bicycle kick to the side of the head from Castagnoli. Castagnoli launches Albright with a gut-wrench suplex, and the crowd starts a small “USA” chant. Nana jaws a bit with the camera while Rave and Claudio continue to dominate Albright. Albright catches Rave with a wheelbarrow suplex and finally makes the hot tag to Cabana, who comes in and hits Rave with a few rights and a couple of bionic elbows for good measure. Cabana hits a flying asshole on an unsuspecting Claudio, and tries for one on Rave, but Rave ducks. Claudio attempts to come into the ring, but Cabana scares him off by teasing another bionic elbow. Cabana hits a beautiful lionsault on a standing Jimmy Rave, but it’s not enough to hold Rave down for a three count. Rave and Albright come up with some great teamwork, Castagnoli hitting a diving European uppercut to Cabana’s back before Rave hits a shining wizard. Albright tags in and cleans house on Rave and Claudio, launching Rave with a belly to belly suplex before taking Claudio down with a swinging neckbreaker. Albright hits a six one knee, Cabana follows it up with a backbreaker. Albright locks in the crowbar in the middle of the ring and Cabana is pulled to the floor by Prince Nana. Albright tries for the half-nelson suplex, but Claudio holds on to the ropes and the referee. Nana comes in from behind and hits Albright with a low blow, Castagnoli follows up with a Ricola bomb that puts Albright down for the three count. After the match, Rave and Claudio continue to attack Albright and Cabana. Claudio puts a chair on Albrights head and stomps down. Grizzly Redwood and Necro Butcher run out to make the save, sending the Embassy running.

Winners: Claudio Castagnoli and Jimmy Rave by pinfall

You know, I have to admit, ever sense Brent Albright has teamed up with Colt Cabana, he’s become much more tolerable, although really Albright is much easier to watch in tag team matches because he spends less time in the ring. The Embassy was very entertaining, as per usual, and I really wish they would mic Nana or something while he’s ringside (HUH?!?). This wasn’t a particularly great match, but it was a lot of fun, and it was a good opener. I want to comment on one thing really quickly though, it’s not the 1980’s, Hulk Hogan isn’t a World Champion, and the “USA” chant is really, really lame. I mean, honestly, how lame is it that the best way that you have to insult Castagnoli is to chant a country’s name? It’s just a little pet peeve of mine that I wanted to address. All in all, this match did exactly what it was supposed to do, entertain, and further the feud between the Embassy and Cabana/Albright/Redwood/Necro. B+.

Kyle Durden is standing backstage with the ROH World Tag Team Champions, the American Wolves. Durden asks Richards about his singles match with Generico tonight. Richards says he’s disappointed that all the attention that should be paid attention to the Wolves, is getting paid to the returning Mark Briscoe. Davey says Generico is stupid for getting in the ring with himself. Richards says he’s crippled both Generico and Briscoe before, and he’ll do it again. Edwards gets a couple of quick words in saying it doesn’t matter what kind of match it is, because they’re still the ROH Tag Champs. Edwards makes sure to work in the fact that “the hunt is on”.

We get a nice little video package featuring former ROH World Heavyweight Champion, Nigel McGuinness. McGuinness says the fans can chant “next world champ” all they want, but as long as Tyler can’t keep his eye on the ball, it’ll never happen.

In a surprising turn of events, Silas Young actually gets a bit of promo time (although I’m guessing he still probably won’t win his match). Young says that when people think of ROH, they think of some of the most athletic and respectable men in the business, but Young isn’t like that. Young apparently does what he wants, when he wants to who he wants, and he’ll show that to Delirious tonight (OK, so he definitely isn’t winning this match).

Match #2: Delirious vs. Silas Young

Delirious makes his way out to ringside with Daizee Haze, who apparently is needed to psych up Delirious before the match. Young and Delirious work some quick chain style wrestling in to start things out, with Delirious working his way out of several headscissors. Young takes Delirious to the match and spits in his face, which prompts Delirious to connect with three quick belly-to-back suplexes in succession before getting Young in camel clutch position and executing a face-wash. Young goes out to the floor and goes after Daizee Haze, which brings Delirious out of the ring. Young shoves Haze into Delirious and uses the distraction to score a quick right hand on Delirious. Back in the ring, Delirious rails on Young with several clotheslines, but Young is able to catch Delirious with a backbreaker/lariat combo, but it only holds Delirious down for a two count. Young lifts Delirious up from the mat by his goatee, but it only makes Delirious mad as he comes back with a crucifix and a jumping kick. Delirious takes Young down with a leaping lariat from the top rope, but again we only get a near fall. Young hits a Finlay roll and does a headstand in the corner, but when he goes for the Arabian press, Delirious gets his knees up. Delirious hits the panic attack, shadows over Hell, and pins Young for the win. Durden makes his way into the ring after the match and asks if Delirious has anything to say to the fans. Delirious jibber-jabbers on the mic, and that’s it for this one.

Winner: Delirious by pinfall

You know what I still don’t really understand at all? The whole relationship between Delirious and Daizee Haze. I mean, I’ve been a fan of ROH for a long time, and I know the whole Haze/Deli thing has been going on for a while now, I just don’t get it. These two characters don’t really have all that much chemistry together, and their characters just don’t really mesh at all. OK, enough of that, onto the actual match. I have to admit I was pretty surprised with Young here; I’ve seen him put on entertaining matches before, but it’s still not something I expect to see every time he gets into the ring. Delirious has gotten a little stale over the past few months, but his interesting offense is still fun to watch (for now at least). This was another match that wasn’t anything spectacular, but it was still pretty damn solid. B.

Back in the studio with Hog and Prazak, apparently we’re still waiting on hearing about the future of Jerry Lynn. Instead of a definitive answer about Lynn, we instead get a video package about Bryan Danielson (which honestly, didn’t we all want that a little bit more). Danielson says his future is always up in the air because there are so many awesome things to do with your life, but for the time being, Dragon is happy being in ROH. Dragon says that he wants to change the sport of pro-wrestling (which, if anyone could do it, it’s certainly Dragon).

Match #3: Mark Briscoe vs. Alex “Sugarfoot” Payne

In a nice, almost heartfelt moment, Jay Briscoe is the one to introduce his brother, the returning Mark Briscoe, who gets a very warm reception from the Philly crowd. Briscoe wails away on Sugarfoot in the corner with some right hands, elbows and chops. Briscoe hits a beautiful Northern lights suplex, but it’s only good for a two count. Sugarfoot catches Briscoe with a surprise rollup and is even able to pull together a nice little string of offensive moves, but it doesn’t last long as Briscoe pops right back up and locks in a chin lock. Briscoe continues to brawl with Payne, hitting him with right hands, but he still manages to work in a couple of nice technical maneuvers, like a good belly-to-belly suplex. Sugarfoot catches Briscoe out of nowhere with a chop block, and immediately goes to work on Briscoe’s knee. Sugarfoot hits a Dragon screw, and locks in what looks to be a reverse figure four, but Briscoe makes it to the ropes to force a break. Briscoe catches Sugarfoot with a boot to the side of the head, before hitting a top rope ace crusher. Briscoe hits a powerbomb and goes straight into the pin to put Payne down for the three count.

Winner: Mark Briscoe by pinfall

Well, I guess Sugarfoot got in enough offense to where this wouldn’t be considered a squash, but I still don’t think I’d call this a competitive match. It was good to see Briscoe back in the ring, and it was even better to see him play it a little safe. It’s good that Mark has figured out that he doesn’t need to pull out super crazy, spotty moves all the time to get over. So yeah, it wasn’t a squash, so I guess this match gets a rating, but it was still a short, and not very competitive match, so I think the best I can give this match is a C+.

We get another package on next week’s main event, this one focused on Tyler Black. Black talks about his history with Nigel. Tyler says he’s never been able to do it when there’s been a title on the line, or when it really mattered. Black says next week, he’ll beat McGuinness when it matters.

Main Event: Davey Richards vs. El Generico

Richards is accompanied to the ring by Sara Del Ray, Hagadorn and Eddie Edwards, while Generico is accompanied by Kevin Steen. Before the match even starts there’s a little bit of shoving on the outside. Generico starts things off big with a Yakuza kick and a blue thunder powerbomb, but Richards kicks out of a pin attempts and makes his way to the outside. Richards tries to escape through the crowd, but Generico catches him and sends him into the barricade with an Irish whip. Richards attacks Generico’s bad knee, but when he tries to follow up, Generico sends him over the top rope with a belly-to-back suplex. Generico follows to the outside with a somersaulting dive over the top rope, taking out both of the American Wolves. Generico and Davey trade forearms in the middle of the ring; Richards gains the advantage with a head butt and spinning back heel kick. Hagadorn and Edwards get involved while the referee has his back turned, choking Generico on the bottom rope. Richards tries to lock in the cloverleaf, but Generico fights it off. Richards hits a beautiful snap suplex. Richards goes up top for the diving head butt, but Generico rolls out of the way and starts to mount an offense. Generico sends Richards to the outside with a clothesline over the top rope, but when he goes for a dive, Richards runs out of the way. Generico sees it coming, slides to the outside, (this is going to be complicated to explain, but I’ll do my best) and jumps through the bottom and middle ropes to connect with a tornado DDT (if you can’t picture it, find this match and watch it, it’s an amazing move to see). Generico tries for the brainbuster, but Davey grabs on to the referee to prevent it. Generico hits a Michinoku driver, but it’s only good for a two count. Generico goes for another Yakuza, but Richards catches his foot and hits a Dragon screw. Richards continues to attack Generico’s knee with stiff kicks. Richards hits the alarm clock, and a bridging German suplex, but he can’t hold Generico down for the three. Richards locks in the cloverleaf, but Generico is able to get the leverage to roll Richards up in a cradle; Richards kicks out at two. Richards kicks away at Generico and Generico slaps Richards across the face. Generico hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex into the corner, before hitting a Yakuza kick. Generico goes for the top rope brainbuster, but Edwards comes in from behind to prevent it. The referee calls for the bell as Kevin Steen comes in to help out his partner. Wrestlers and refs make their way from the back to attempt to break Steen and Generico and the Wolves up. Even Sara Del Ray catches a right hand from El Generico as the brawl continues all over the arena. Bobby Dempsey, and even referee Paul Turner end up eating right hands from either the Wolves or Kevin Steen. The fight rages on all over the arena and (disappointingly) an “ECW” chant breaks out, before it’s drowned out (thankfully) by an “ROH” chant. Steen and Generico somehow both end up back in the ring, where they pose with the Wolves titles to end the show.

Winner: No Contest

Wow, the ending of this match was pretty damn awesome. Come to think of it, this whole damn match was awesome. Ring of Honor has done such a good job at putting on main events that not only feature some of the best wrestling to be found on television, but also make sense. It’s great to see matches that aren’t just thrown together for the hell of it. It’s also great to see such long-running feuds kept so fresh. This rivalry between the Wolves and Steenerico has been going on for a number of months now and even though we’ve seen a number of matches featuring these two men on opposing sides of the ring, the interactions don’t feel stale. I think that in itself is a strong testament to the ROH booking committee and how great of a job they’ve done bouncing back since the regime change late last year. This is another match that I would definitely recommend going out of your way to see, and soon (even if only for that insane tornado DDT). It’s so great that in ROH, where the tag team division is stronger and hotter than any other American company, not only can these two guys (from two of the best tag teams in the world) go out there with their partners and get the job done, they can put on a damn fine singles match as well. So what are you waiting for guys, go find this match and watch it now! A.

Report Card

In Ring Action: Well, although the under card didn’t have anything particularly mind-blowing in terms of actual wrestling action, there was a lot of solid, good wrestling, and honestly, how much more can we really ask from a professional wrestling company? The main event continued the trend of great ROH main events, and once again, I have to say that this match is worth going out of your way to find. This wasn’t the absolute best episode of ROH on HDNet, but it was very solid, and for your weekly wrestling fix, you won’t be able to find a better show. B.

Out of Ring Action: We got some great video packages this week, highlighting the history between Nigel McGuinness and Tyler Black, we also got a great video package of Dragon discussing his future in the wrestling busines, and although it was a little unclear, it’s always good to see Dragon get some screen time.  Hogewood and Prazak continue to get better and better as a team, and I’m really enjoying their little interactions during the match (see this week’s Quote O’ the Week below).  I’m consistently amazed at how good some of these guys are on the mic, especially considering that’s usually where indy wrestlers have the hardest time.  I want to take a moment to recognize how awesome Davey Richards is at cutting promos.  I’m a big fan of the fact that Davey doesn’t really play the chickenshit heel.  He’s just a badass who knows it, and I think that’s a big reason as to why I’m such a fan of his (as well as, of course, his amazing in ring work).  This category was very strong this week, earning a solid A.

Overall: I think I can safely say that this definitely falls into the category of one of the stronger episodes of ROH on HDNet (this show really, really, really, really, really needs a freaking name). With a very strong main event, a really fun opener, and some great video packages about not only the American Wolves/Steenerico feud, but also the Tyler Black/Nigel McGuinness main event for next week, this was a show that deserves to be seen. Go watch this show. Hurry up, do it! B+.

So next week is McGuinness/Black, and honestly I don’t know what else. I’m also not sure if next week’s episode will air on Saturday, or if they’ll hold it off until Monday, but ether way, expect a blog, maybe two. Alright guys, you know the drill. Same bat-time, same bat-channel. Until next week…

YOU’VE NEVER VACATIONED AT THE EDGE OF SANITY HOG?

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

If you’re a fan of stand up comedy that’s a little more vulgar and offensive (aren’t we all), then I really have to recommend the movie Jesus is Magic. This is a movie put out by Sarah Siverman in which she insults just about everyone in the world, sometimes all at once. It’s one of the funniest, and most consistently funny (yes those are two different things) things I’ve ever seen in my life.

Hey guys.  First and foremost I’d like to apologize for the lack of a Blog of Honor last week.  I found my way up to Canada last week, and spent Friday and Saturday night in Toronto at ROH’s Death Before Dishonor VII (the story of which is below).  We tried to get someone to cover the blog, but unfortunately the lack of HDNet in most markets prevented that from happening.  As such, when I get into the show review portion of the blog, I’ll include quick results for the matches from last week, as well as a full review of the main event (no play-by-play though), in addition to my review of this weeks show.

Alright, so I know my trip to Toronto might not be the most interesting thing for some people, so I’ll post my story in italics, so if you want to skip it, I won’t be offended or anything.

So, even though I was a little less than thrilled about the cards announced, I have to admit that Friday night definitely delivered in terms of some solid wrestling action.  The Super Smash Brothers really impressed me in their match against the Briscoe’s.  I had never seen the Smash Brothers before, and I really enjoyed their gimmick, and I hope to see them come back to ROH soon (which, after the events of Night Two, I fully expect to see).  The first match of the weekend featuring the returning Lance Storm (a tag match seeing Storm team with Kevin Steen to take on Davey Richards and Chris Hero) was very impressive, and Lance was way over with the loyal Canadian fans.  The Embassy had a really fun match against the team of Grizzly Redwood, Colt Cabana, Necro Butcher and Brent Albright.  The main event also really impressed, and although there was a scary spot where Lynn botched a cradle piledriver and McGuinness had a hard time getting up, Nigel seemed OK at the next night’s after party (more on that later).  I also want to mention how great it was to see Bret Hart in an ROH ring, showing a great level of respect for the company.  I had gotten a few minutes to talk with Hart earlier during an autograph signing (something that I was shocked that happened, simply because most everyone else in the line got between 10 and 30 seconds with Hart), and he is nothing but a class act.  I would absolutely love to see him replace Ric Flair as the Ambassador to ROH, not only because he deserves to, but because he embodies ROH more than Flair could ever hope to. 

Night two of Death Before Dishonor wasn’t quite as strong as the previous night, but there were still a few gems on this card.  Firstly, I want to get out of the way how terrible the European rules match was; this style of match just does not translate well for an American (or in this case Canadian) audience, and I wouldn’t be too sad if I never saw it in ROH again.  The Super Smash Brothers impressed again on night two in their match against Kevin Steen and El Generico, and their surprise upset was quite shocking, and I hope it leads somewhere.  The match between Colt Cabana and Joey Ryan was one of the best matches I’ve ever seen live, and I really hope it translates well to DVD.  The six man tag pitting Kenny Omega and the Briscoe’s against Austin Aries, Kenny King and Rhett Titus was a decent match that never stopped moving, so it was full of action.  Chris Hero and Lance Storm put on one hell of a match that proves that Lance most definitely still has it.  The only thing about the Hero/Storm match that I wasn’t a huge fan of was the fact that Hero had to cheat to win.  I really wanted to see Hero go over Storm clean and start a slow face turn.  Even though that’s not quite what we got, it was still a great match.  The promo that Lance cut after the match was very emotional, and if that truly was Storm’s last match, he should be extremely proud about his effort.  It was a main event worthy to headline Death Before Dishonor VII.

My wife, my friend and I all attended that after parties that were held each night at a bar in Toronto (owned by Jade Chung, formerly of the Embassy).  The ROH wrestlers are some of the nicest and coolest guys I’ve ever met.  The first night, Grizzly Redwood and Necro Butcher were nice enough to talk with us for a while and take pictures, and although we didn’t stick around very long (we had driven eight hours the day before, and two more hours that day), we still had a blast.  The second after party was much better, as we were able to talk to Chris Hero, D-Lo Brown and Nigel McGuinness.  All of those guys were incredibly nice, and Nigel was even kind enough to take a picture with my wife and me.  I asked him if he was alright after the events of the previous night, and he told me that he felt a little bit better, and although he was a little scared for a bit there, he was very glad to be up and about, something that I have to admit I was very glad about too.  I also have to tell this little story, because I think it’s pretty damn awesome, and it just goes to show that Joey Ryan is THE MAN.  I noticed that Joey Ryan was wearing a Robin T-Shirt (and anyone who’s a regular reader of this blog knows I’m a fan of my comic books), so I decided to ask him about what he was currently reading.  We ended up talking for a little while, about my thesis (comparing comic books to epic poetry) and his thesis (about how Darth Vader is a tragic Shakespearian figure).  It was potentially the coolest conversation I’ve ever had.  I mean, seriously, how often can you say that you discussed theses with a professional wrestler? 

These were by far the best wrestling shows I’ve ever been to, and even though I haven’t seen the DVD’s yet, I’d still say they’re both worth picking up, you’ll definitely find things to love about both nights.  If you have to pick though, Night One has the better top to bottom card, but I think Night Two edges it out by just a bit with the amazing Cabana/Ryan match, and what could possibly be the last Lance Storm match ever.  If you read this, thanks, I hope you enjoyed hearing about the best wrestling weekend I’ve ever had.

Alright guys, real quick, here’s what went down last week.

Match #1: Grizzly Redwood and Necro Butcher def. Jimmy Rave and “Dirty” Ernie Osiris.

Match #2: Sara Del Ray and MsChif def. Daizee Haze and Nevaeh.

Eddie Kingston attacked Chris Hero, it spilled out into the arena where they were broken up by wrestlers and officials.

Match #3: Tyler Black def. Bryan Danielson

This was an absolutely fantastic match, and while I hesitate to call it the best of the three, it’s still easily one of the best main events we’ve been treated to since this show started.  I really liked the nods to their previous encounter, like the teased double count-out,  it was nice to see them build off of their earlier matches and really work to tell a story with this match.  Bryan Danielson truly is one of, if not the, best wrestler in the world, and I’m entirely convinced that he could pull a good match out of anyone.  This is yet another match where it’s hard for me to really write too much about this match, because I just feel like I’m unable to do it justice.  Bottom line, you need to see this match, because it’s better than any other recent televised matches (and yes, I am including the amazing Smackdown matches featuring wrestlers like Jericho, Punk and Morrison).  It’s already on YouTube, so what are you waiting for?

OK guys, so there’s what happened last week, in a nutshell.  Now let’s get on to this week’s show.

We get a nice recap of the recent series of matches between Tyler Black and Danielson (these matches are fantastic, find and watch them all if you haven’t seen them yet).  Last week Tyler Black was finally able to score a singles victory over Bryan Danielson.

Tyler Black makes his way out to the ring to start tonight’s show.  Before Durden can even ask a question, Austin Aries interrupts and makes his way out to the ring.  Aries hijacks the interview and asks Durden why he’s interviewing Black, instead of ROH World Champion Austin Aries.  Aries says that if Black wants time, he needs to get an ROH World Title.  Aries asks Tyler why he thinks he can beat him.  Tyler says he’s bigger, he’s stronger, and he’s a lot hungrier than Aries.  Tyler says he’s got the fans behind him, chanting “Next World Champ”.  Aries says he doesn’t give a damn about the people, and that he doesn’t need them.  Nigel McGuinness is the next man to interrupt, and he immediately starts stirring the pot, saying that Tyler has never been able to get the job done in big matches.  Nigel says that Tyler was able to beat Danielson, but Tyler won’t ever be able to keep his eye on the ball.  Aries attacks Black with the belt from behind while McGuinness makes his way to the back. 

We get a nice video package with Roderick Strong highlighting tonight’s main event.  Strong says the only thing he’s worried about tonight is that he’s not too familiar with D-Lo, he says he’s not too worried about going up against Briscoe, because he knows him well and was able to tap him out in their last match.  Roddy’s come a long way with his promo skills, but to be honest, he’s still got a ways to go.

Match #1: Rhett Titus and Kenny King vs. Kenny Omega and Erick Stevens

This match was apparently set up over a month ago when Erick Stevens saved Omega from a beat down by King and Titus.  I’m glad they referenced that, because to be honest, I had completely forgotten about that, and it did seem like Omega and Stevens were a slightly random pairing.  King and Titus start things off with some great, quick chain wrestling.  Omega takes King down with a trio of deep arm drags and Erick Stevens makes the tag.  Stevens falls victim to the dreaded eye poke, and King is able to make the tag to Titus, who comes in and tries to hold Stevens down with a headlock.  Titus tries to take Stevens down with a couple of shoulder blocks, but Stevens doesn’t budge and takes Titus down with a shoulder block of his own.  Omega continues to out-wrestle and use his speed to get the advantage over King, until King is able to distract the referee long enough for Titus to take advantage, distract Omega, and leave him open to a beautiful enzugiri from King.  Omega continues to play partner in peril as King and Titus isolate Omega on their side of the ring.  King and Titus continue to utilize quick tags and great double team maneuvers to keep Omega down.  King tries for a superplex, but Omega fights his way out and hits a beautiful cross-body to take down King.  Omega finally makes the hot tag to Stevens who comes in and cleans house, hitting King with a diving shoulder block from the second rope before catching Titus with a Samoan drop.  King goes for a spinning back heel kick, but is caught by Stevens, King gets an assist though as Titus hits Stevens with a dropkick.  King hits a swinging backbreaker and holds Stevens over his knee as Titus hits a diving knee from the top rope.  Titus and King go for the double team blockbuster, but Stevens fights his way out, and sends King to the floor, where he’s his by a moonsault from Omega.  Stevens hits Titus with the choo-choo in the corner, Omega hits a missile dropkick to the back of Titus’ head, but Omega only gets a two count before the pin is broken up by King.  Titus hits a neckbreaker on Omega, and King goes for the coronation, but he botches the move, dropping Omega.  Omega goes for the stop-sign enzugiri, but he’s attacked from behind by Titus.  Omega ducks a double dropkick and responds with a double hurricarana.  Omega hits a low dropkick to Kings knee before hitting a leap frog facebuster.  Omega goes for the electric chair German suplex, but Titus grabs his foot, and holds on as King makes the pin, and gets the three.  After the match King and Titus continue to attack Omega until Stevens breaks it up and runs the heels off to the back.

Winners: Kenny King and Rhett Titus by pinfall

So, thankfully they referenced why Omega and Stevens were teaming together, because like I said above, I (and probably a lot of other viewers out there) had totally forgotten that Stevens saved Omega from a double beat down a couple of weeks ago.  I have to say that I enjoyed this match a lot more than I thought I would, and I think that had a little bit to do with the fact that Omega seemed to tone down his goofy offense a bit.  I really think this new, more serious Kenny Omega really could be a championship contender, or at the very least, I could see him putting on a handful of entertaining championship matches with Austin Aries.  Kenny King and Rhett Titus are a lot of fun to watch, and I really enjoy them watching become a better team with each and every passing match.  Before I finish this up I want to say how much I really, really would love to see a secondary belt established in ROH.  It would just be great to see a belt that people like Kenny Omega and Kenny King could go after.  A mid-card feud between these two is already an awesome idea, but the addition of championship implications would only make it that much better.  This was a good match, and a great way to open the show.  B+.

We get a package about D-Lo Brown.  D-Lo says he’s not afraid of Roderick Strong.  He says Briscoe is tough, but he’s no D-Lo Brown.  D-Lo says that his strategy is to take out one of his opponents immediately, and make the match a one on one match. 

Hog and Prazak welcome us back to the show and give us an update on Jerry Lynn.  Lynn is apparently back at home, discussing his future with his family.  As soon as more information is available on the whole Jerry Lynn situation, Hog and Prazak will give us the scoop.

Match #2: Eddie Kingston vs. Orange Cassidy

Kingston starts off the match with a right hand that immediately takes Cassidy off his feet.  Kingston chops Cassidy’s chest in every corner of the ring before hitting a double underhook suplex.  Cassidy rakes the eyes of Kingston, but when he goes for a kick, he gets caught with a leg-cradle suplex.  Kingston hits the backdrop driver, and the spinning back fist, before pinning Orange Cassidy for the win.  After the match, Durden makes his way into the ring to ask Kingston about the Chris Hero situation.  Durden asks what it will take for Kingston to end all of this.  Kingston says this will end when Hero is no longer in the wrestling business, Eddie says people like Hero are the reason that hard-working people like Eddie Kingston have a hard time finding work in the wrestling business.  Kingston says he’s going to rape Hero’s face with his fist.

Winner: Eddie Kingston by pinfall

This match did nothing to make me change my opinions about Eddie Kingston, and more short squashes will just make me like him even less.  Sorry if this was a brief review, but this was a brief SQUASH.

Apparently after the events that transpired earlier tonight, in two weeks time we will get to see Tyler Black taking on Nigel McGuinness.  And while Hog and Prazak are busy pimping main events, they take the time to mention that next week’s main event will see one half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions, Davey Richards, taking on El Generico. 

We get the last video package of the night, this time highlighting Jay Briscoe.  Briscoe says he didn’t win the last three way match that he was a part of on HDNet, but he wasn’t the one that took the loss.  Briscoe says that he’s lost to Roddy before, and Briscoe doesn’t like to lose.  Before the interview is over, Briscoe makes sure to say that D-Lo Brown is a bitch.

Main Event: Roderick Strong vs. D-Lo Brown vs. Jay Briscoe

Roddy and Briscoe team up on Brown to start the match, sending him to the outside with a double shoulder block.  Briscoe and Roddy go at it for a bit with Jay sending Strong to the outside, but he gets caught with a kick to the chin from D-Lo.  Strong and Briscoe continue to double team D-Lo, but their team work begins to break down a bit as they both attempt to score a pin on Brown.  Briscoe and Strong fight over who gets to stomp away at D-Lo, but they’re able to compromise as they both stomp away at D-Lo.  Strong and Briscoe attempt a double suplex, but D-Lo fights back and hits a simultaneous suplex on both his opponents.  The fight spills to the outside and Roderick leaps over the rope with a somersaulting dive on top of both of his opponents.  Roddy and D-Lo are back in the ring and Roderick chops away at D-Lo’s chest.  Strong goes for the gut buster, but he can’t hold D-Lo up, and D-Lo counters with a lungblower.  Out of nowhere, Brown slingshots himself over the top rope on top of Briscoe, knocking Jay out of the match for a little longer.  Briscoe and Roddy’s partnership dissolves as both men chop away at each other and Roderick sends Jay into the barricade.  D-Lo makes his way to the outside, sends Roderick into another barricade, and sends Briscoe back into the ring.  Briscoe and Brown trade right hands in the middle of the ring, with Brown getting the upper hand with a running knee strike.  Roderick trips up D-Lo, slingshots himself over the top rope on top of Brown, but when he goes for the pin, Briscoe breaks it up with a double stomp.  All three men trade blows in the middle of the ring with D-Lo coming out on top.  Roderick catches D-Lo with an enzugiri and Briscoe is able to life D-Lo up for a Death Valley driver, but Roderick is able to break up the pin attempt to keep this match going.  Briscoe goes up top, but he’s stopped by Strong, who goes for a superplex, and sets things up perfectly for D-Lo to come in and set up a great tower of doom spot.  Briscoe hits the reverse STO into the corner on Brown, Roddy follows it up with another enzugiri and tries again for the gut buster, but Briscoe breaks it up with a superkick.  D-Lo hits a nasty lariat on Briscoe, follows it up with a shining wizard to Strong, but when he goes for the sky-high on Strong, Strong is able to catch D-Lo off guard with a roll-up to steal the win.

Winner: Roderick Strong by pinfall

OK, so I wasn’t really a huge fan of this match.  To be honest, I preferred the three way with Briscoe, King and Omega to this three way, and I preferred the recent Strong/Briscoe match to this particular main event.  I don’t think it was the addition of D-Lo, because I honestly thought his portions of the match were pretty good; I just feel like other matches featuring these men have been better, and the men themselves seem to have put forth more effort in those matches.  I’m not saying that these guys were phoning it in by any means, I’m just saying that I really thought, and expected this match to be better than it was.  It followed the pretty standard three-way formula, throw one man to the outside so the other two can fight it out, repeat until the end.  Who knows, maybe I’m just tired.  I’ll watch this match again while I’m more well rested, and if my opinion of this match changes, I’ll be sure to edit this review accordingly, but as of right now, this review stands at a C.

Report Card

In Ring Action: Well, the opener was good, but the squash could as well just not have happened, and the three-way suffered from being too formulaic.  Thank goodness for Kenny King, Rhett Titus and Kenny Omega (I’m not sure there’s a whole lot to thank Erick Stevens for) for putting on the one better than average match of the week, otherwise this could have been a wholly forgettable episode.  I do have to say that seeing Omega in a tag team was interesting, and maybe he could be the partner that Dragon finally wins the titles with to become the first ROH triple crown champion (Pure/World/Tag).  The squash really doesn’t deserve to be talked about, simply because really, how impressive is it that Eddie Kingston beat Orange Cassidy?  I think I talked about the three way enough in the match review, I think I’m being more than fair by giving this category a C+.

Out of Ring Action: The opening segment with Austin Aries, Nigel McGuinness and Tyler Black was a whole lot of fun, and I have to wonder if Tyler’s interview featured Nigel and Aries so much to hide Black’s weak promo skills.  The packages on D-Lo, Roddy, and Jay were nice, and it’s good to see them return to the more realistic interview format.  Kingston’s promo was pretty weak, and even though I wasn’t a huge fan of some of his past promos, they were scores better than tonight’s was.  Hog and Prazak are still working well as a team, although I have to admit, I really want Hog to start learning more of the move names (“it” is not a particularly descriptive word).  This category way OK tonight, but I think we’ve all come to expect just a little more than OK from ROH.  B-.

Overall: This wasn’t particularly one of the strongest episodes of ROH, but a weak episode of ROH is still better than most other wrestling shows out there.  With the less than stellar in ring action, and the decent out of ring action, tonight’s episode of ROH on HDNet (which still needs a name) scores a C+.

I know this was a particularly long blog this week guys (4007 words, including this), thanks for sticking with me.  Next week there’s a lot to look forward to as we’ll get a main event of El Generico vs. Davey Richards.  It’s late, sleep is needed.  Alright guys, you know the drill.  Same bat-time, same bat-channel.  Until next week…

Non Wrestling Related Media O’ the Week

This is another one for you soccer fans out there.  This past weekend, while up in Northern Virginia visiting my parents and in-laws, and my dad offered me a ticket to this upcoming weekend’s DC United/Real Madrid game in Washington D.C. and I just had to say yes.  I’m not sure if this game will be broadcast on T.V. or not, but to be honest, it would surprise me if it wasn’t.  This should be a fun game to watch, check it (AKA your local listings) out, if you’re so inclined.