I should note how surprisingly professional the building looks. ROH actually has a ramp and video screens for the entrance structure. This is Bryan Danielson’s entrance at this show for an idea of how the stage is set up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNwfN_mL8gM&e
Lynn vs. King
I was really into this. This was Lynn’s first match as a member of the official roster, and for it to be in the ECW Arena was pretty cool. If I could use one word to describe this, it’s be “Refreshing.” They went in there with a clear objective of old vs. new and for Lynn to beat King while making King look good. Nothing super flashy that you haven’t seen before, but the way the match was laid out made this all the more investing. Lynn is twice as old as King btw, just thought I’d throw that out. I’m really digging what I’ve seen from Jerry so fan in his ROH run. I’ll admit that hasn’t been much, but it’s always serving a purpose. Nice promo from Lynn a few matches later in the back where he says he has one last run in him and just downs a Miller Lite.
***
Albright vs. Pearce (NWA Title)
Their DBD match from 2 months prior is one of the best matches I’ve ever seen, so my hopes were a little high for this. It doesn’t even touch that match, but for what this was it was really good. Pearce and Albright have such great chemistry and they match up so well. Pearce is a classic 80s NWA heel and Albright is a Magnum TA type of bad ass face. Albright was legit injured here and the flow and crispness of what they were going for suffered a little, but this was still another great effort from the two.
***1/2
Shiozaki vs. Steen (FIP Title)
Fun back and forth match that really fits the mold of what ROH does well.
***
Danielson vs. Nakajima (GHC JR Title)
Yeah, like this could suck. I marked for the NOAH title music before the match. Anyway, Danielson is all “Who is this douche?” and Naka’s like, “Let me show you.” And he throws a kick at Dragons’ head and Danielson’s like, “The fuck was that?!?!?” Naka targets the leg and Danielson sells like…..a salesman? I don’t know. Anyway, I can’t remember who said this but when I saw this spot I thought the same thing. They go into FIGHTING SPIRIT~ mode and start with some headdrops, but as Naka tries to German Danielson, Dragon lands on his feet and SELLS THE LEG. That’s why he’s the best in the Milky Way, folks. Amazing match and the reason to get this show.
****
Stevens vs. Titus
Right after intermission so this is squash city. It’s a great squash though as Rhett uses his cock as a weapon and Stevens gets his nose busted, so he goes STIFF on Titus. About as entertaining as a 3 minute squash can be.
*1/2
Hero/Hagadorn/Edwards vs. Strong/Ruckus/Jigsaw
Standard stuff here. Probably could have been a little shorter too.
**1/4
Claudio vs. Sasaki
Very underwhelming. Claudio works best with guys under 6 foot and Sasaki was pretty much here for the check and his student, Nakajima. Had no real personality to it and the less said the better.
**
Nigel vs. Generico (ROH Title)
This was pretty much a squash for the first part of the match. Then it kicked into high gear where you almost felt Generico could win the title before Nigel Lariats his head off. Not as solid as their first match in August (****) but still really good, which was like bare minimum for Nigel matches in 2008.
***1/2
Briscoes/Aries vs. AOTF vs. Necro (Steel Cage Warfare)
Necro is by himself here, btw. Not sure what to think about this. It never bored me, but a lot of it was meaningless weapon shots that really went no where. Crowd was dead for pretty much the whole thing, in fact they were for most of the entire night bar the opener. Still not really worthy of main eventing arguably the biggest show of the year
**1/2
Overall, this show was strange. On paper it looked like it could be in the class of SOH III, Northern Naviation or DBD VI, but it was really a dissapointment. I've heard McQueen refer to this as one of the worst ROH shows ever, and while I certainly wouldn't go that far, it did leave a bitter taste in my mouth. There's still a lot of quality here, along with important matches, which is something that I look for in my ROH purchases now. I wouldn't go out of my way to see this, though.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
TNA Slammiversary 2009 Review
Lethal/Creed/Young vs. MCMG/Bashir
This was pretty damn good. The MCMG may be my favorite team on the planet atm. Just nonstop fun in their matches. Everyone else was pretty good too, including my least favorite wrestler in the world, Consequences Creed. Went a tad too long for what they were shooting for, but it was still damn good.
***1/4
Daffney vs. Taylor (Monster's Ball)
Meh. 4 minutes of mediocre weapon shots.
1/2*
Suicide vs. Daniels (X-Division Title)
Could have been better actually. I mean, overall this was solid, but it had the potential to be great. Crowd was pretty flat, and that didn't help.
**1/2
Love vs. Kong (Knockouts Title)
Pretty much what you would expect. Kong kills, then Love takes over for a little before Kong gets back on the rampage, and then Love finds a way to retain via SHEENANIGANS~! Entertaining enough.
*1/4
Joe vs. Nash
Definitely not as good as their awesome match at Turning Point last year, but Joe's gimmick doesn't seem to be about putting on ***+ matches anymore. This was still pretty good for a Nash match with the right guy going over.
**1/2
British Invasion vs. Beer Money (Team 3D Tag Tourney Finals)
More greatness from Beer Money. It's pretty hard to hate on this team as they constantly give strong performances every time they're out there. Hopefully their match with Team 3D is as good as it could be.
***
Styles vs. Booker T (I Quit match for the Legends Title)
One of Booker's best matches in TNA, which isn't saying much. He seemed more motivated than normal tonight, so that's probably the reason. Stupid finish but what you gonna do?
***
Angle vs. Sting vs. Foley vs. Jarrett (Ultimate Sacrifice Match)
This shocked the Hell out of me. I was expecting something OK and this ended up being MOTN. The stipulation really got me more into the match than if just the World title was on the line only. I had no clue who was taking the fall. Kind of a strange choice for a finish, but I guess I see where they go with it.
***1/4
Overall, this was probably the best TNA PPV of this year so far. No MOTYC, but they haven't had any since Genesis and that was fine for tonight. Looking forward to Slammiversary next month.
This was pretty damn good. The MCMG may be my favorite team on the planet atm. Just nonstop fun in their matches. Everyone else was pretty good too, including my least favorite wrestler in the world, Consequences Creed. Went a tad too long for what they were shooting for, but it was still damn good.
***1/4
Daffney vs. Taylor (Monster's Ball)
Meh. 4 minutes of mediocre weapon shots.
1/2*
Suicide vs. Daniels (X-Division Title)
Could have been better actually. I mean, overall this was solid, but it had the potential to be great. Crowd was pretty flat, and that didn't help.
**1/2
Love vs. Kong (Knockouts Title)
Pretty much what you would expect. Kong kills, then Love takes over for a little before Kong gets back on the rampage, and then Love finds a way to retain via SHEENANIGANS~! Entertaining enough.
*1/4
Joe vs. Nash
Definitely not as good as their awesome match at Turning Point last year, but Joe's gimmick doesn't seem to be about putting on ***+ matches anymore. This was still pretty good for a Nash match with the right guy going over.
**1/2
British Invasion vs. Beer Money (Team 3D Tag Tourney Finals)
More greatness from Beer Money. It's pretty hard to hate on this team as they constantly give strong performances every time they're out there. Hopefully their match with Team 3D is as good as it could be.
***
Styles vs. Booker T (I Quit match for the Legends Title)
One of Booker's best matches in TNA, which isn't saying much. He seemed more motivated than normal tonight, so that's probably the reason. Stupid finish but what you gonna do?
***
Angle vs. Sting vs. Foley vs. Jarrett (Ultimate Sacrifice Match)
This shocked the Hell out of me. I was expecting something OK and this ended up being MOTN. The stipulation really got me more into the match than if just the World title was on the line only. I had no clue who was taking the fall. Kind of a strange choice for a finish, but I guess I see where they go with it.
***1/4
Overall, this was probably the best TNA PPV of this year so far. No MOTYC, but they haven't had any since Genesis and that was fine for tonight. Looking forward to Slammiversary next month.
Extreme Rules 2009 Review
Kofi vs. MVP vs. Matt Hardy vs. Regal
Just a bunch of spots that you’ve seen a million times. Not bad per se but not anything that I’d want to watch again.
**
Jericho vs. Rey
A little better than last month’s match. Really fast paced with a nice ending. I think just saw this particular ending somewhere not too long ago but for the life of me I can’t remember where. I’m all for another match between these two.
***1/2
Punk vs. Umaga
Standard strap match. These guys have enough chemistry to where even their “standard” stuff is at least watchable…and this was.
**1/2
Dreamer vs. Christian vs. Swagger
The term “fun match” gets thrown around a lot, but I thought this was exactly that. They played with the hardcore elements well and the finish was satisfying, even for me, someone who has never been a fan of Dreamer. The smart mark fans in attendance on camera were, in general, annoying as shit, but here they made the moment a little more cool because when Dreamer left I thought that no one would really care, but those guys did.
***
Santina vs. Vickie
Fast forwarded and never saw it. Really couldn’t care less because Santino has never been that funny to me. I’d assume this was negative a billion stars or something.
Batista vs. Orton
Wow. Hope these guys never have another match. Both guys need someone great to carry them, of that I have finally come around on. Going 6 minutes or how ever long it was didn’t help, but I’d rather see that then them going 20 in a kid friendly WWE. No idea where Orton goes but his reign was just strange and forgettable. I’d assume we get the same from Batista. Just put the title back on Cena at Summerslam and be done with it I say. Cena/Batista II would interest me more than anything Raw can pump out. This show is starting to spiral.
*1/2
Cena vs. Big Show
I’m basically the only person alive that liked their match last month. I think Invincible and Bo Bo both thought it was good, but I loved it. I was actually really looking forward to this, although having only submissions hinder the match I think, especially since neither guy is known for that style. You could pretty much guess the formula they were going to use before the match even started, but I’m homo for that formula so this still was interesting to me. Not even close to being as good as last month’s match for me, but it was still solid. Really dull middle portion with one of the deadest Cena crowds I can remember. Finish would have been cool if Show’s foot didn’t slip out. Again, solid but I could have lived without seeing it and not cared.
**1/2
Edge vs. Jeff Hardy
Again, what you’d expect from these two. Not a huge story but it worked well enough. That TOF counter of the super ladder spear was swank as Hell I must admit. Edge losing the title again boggles my mind. I thought he should have at least gone until Survivor Series.
***1/4
Punk vs. Hardy
2 for 2! That being that I saw what happened before I saw the match. When Punk cashed in the first time I was FF through Raw and saw Punk run down and cash in in just seconds. Still marked out though. I’m pretty solid at keeping away from spoilers now, but sometimes I go to a site with usually no spoiler match ratings, and this time it had the Punk/Hardy rating as – BOW DOWN TO HEEL PUNK~! I was not pleased at seeing a spoiler but fuck it, Punk is the champ. Not sure he’s even heel either, but needless to say I hope he does. No matter what, I’m glad he’s getting a push.
Overall, I'd say the ending pushed this PPV into "good" territory, but for some reason I still feel a little dissapointed with it. Not awful, but lackluster.
Just a bunch of spots that you’ve seen a million times. Not bad per se but not anything that I’d want to watch again.
**
Jericho vs. Rey
A little better than last month’s match. Really fast paced with a nice ending. I think just saw this particular ending somewhere not too long ago but for the life of me I can’t remember where. I’m all for another match between these two.
***1/2
Punk vs. Umaga
Standard strap match. These guys have enough chemistry to where even their “standard” stuff is at least watchable…and this was.
**1/2
Dreamer vs. Christian vs. Swagger
The term “fun match” gets thrown around a lot, but I thought this was exactly that. They played with the hardcore elements well and the finish was satisfying, even for me, someone who has never been a fan of Dreamer. The smart mark fans in attendance on camera were, in general, annoying as shit, but here they made the moment a little more cool because when Dreamer left I thought that no one would really care, but those guys did.
***
Santina vs. Vickie
Fast forwarded and never saw it. Really couldn’t care less because Santino has never been that funny to me. I’d assume this was negative a billion stars or something.
Batista vs. Orton
Wow. Hope these guys never have another match. Both guys need someone great to carry them, of that I have finally come around on. Going 6 minutes or how ever long it was didn’t help, but I’d rather see that then them going 20 in a kid friendly WWE. No idea where Orton goes but his reign was just strange and forgettable. I’d assume we get the same from Batista. Just put the title back on Cena at Summerslam and be done with it I say. Cena/Batista II would interest me more than anything Raw can pump out. This show is starting to spiral.
*1/2
Cena vs. Big Show
I’m basically the only person alive that liked their match last month. I think Invincible and Bo Bo both thought it was good, but I loved it. I was actually really looking forward to this, although having only submissions hinder the match I think, especially since neither guy is known for that style. You could pretty much guess the formula they were going to use before the match even started, but I’m homo for that formula so this still was interesting to me. Not even close to being as good as last month’s match for me, but it was still solid. Really dull middle portion with one of the deadest Cena crowds I can remember. Finish would have been cool if Show’s foot didn’t slip out. Again, solid but I could have lived without seeing it and not cared.
**1/2
Edge vs. Jeff Hardy
Again, what you’d expect from these two. Not a huge story but it worked well enough. That TOF counter of the super ladder spear was swank as Hell I must admit. Edge losing the title again boggles my mind. I thought he should have at least gone until Survivor Series.
***1/4
Punk vs. Hardy
2 for 2! That being that I saw what happened before I saw the match. When Punk cashed in the first time I was FF through Raw and saw Punk run down and cash in in just seconds. Still marked out though. I’m pretty solid at keeping away from spoilers now, but sometimes I go to a site with usually no spoiler match ratings, and this time it had the Punk/Hardy rating as – BOW DOWN TO HEEL PUNK~! I was not pleased at seeing a spoiler but fuck it, Punk is the champ. Not sure he’s even heel either, but needless to say I hope he does. No matter what, I’m glad he’s getting a push.
Overall, I'd say the ending pushed this PPV into "good" territory, but for some reason I still feel a little dissapointed with it. Not awful, but lackluster.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima: The Feud Review
Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson (ROH World Title; Manhattan Mayhem II)
8 months prior, a Homicide Lariat put an end to one of the best title reigns this country had seen in years. On that night, December 23, 2006, Bryan Danielson’s 15 months ROH World Title reign finally fell. Danielson took some much needed time off and repaired a shoulder that was barely hanging on. When he returned 5 months later, things were not as he had left. The man who had defeated him had fallen to a monster named Takeshi Morishima from Pro Wrestling NOAH. Morishima, known for his bear like strength and incredible agility has run through every challenger that ROH had placed before him in his 6 months as champion. Morishima had never faced a challenge like this before though. On August 25, 2007, he defended the title against a man who was getting his first shot at redemption and regaining the title that defined his life for over a year. The match takes place in New York City in the same building where Danielson lost the title. It is the 2007 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Match of the Year.
Danielson is the overwhelming crowd favorite here. His brilliant gameplan is shown within seconds of the opening bell. Morishima had run through the ROH locker room like Kurt Angle runs through prescription meds. No one wanted to admit it, but at full force, no one can take down this behemoth. Danielson is Einstein in between the ropes so he obviously knows this more than anyone. Morishima is like the Titanic, but you know what? The Titanic sunk, and it was all because of a small hole. That’s all Dragon needs…a small hole. That leg is as good a place to start as any.
Danielson starts kicking at the left leg of Morishima. He plays it off as an attempt to get Shima off his game early as he smiles like a dick after it pisses off the monster, and while it could be construed as that, it’s a long term work in progress to chip away at the opposition’s defense. It’s like a Chess master making a move at the beginning of the match while thinking 10 moves ahead. Man, I’m just full of metaphors here. Anyhoo, this works to perfection as Morishima is already showing signs of a chink in the armor. Nothing can go wrong for Dragon early…until Morishima connects with his strikes…
Something is wrong with Danielson. As we all know by now, the huge haymakers from Morishima connected and detached Danielson’s retina. He scrambles on the ground and tries to continue his gameplan, but his kicks have nothing now and Shima smells blood. It almost starts to get out of hand soon after. If it were a boxing match or an MMA fight, the ref would have stopped it by now. Danielson knows that he has no time and as soon as he’s able to get the upper hand, he pushes Morishima into the crowd and connects with his dive. Reminiscent of Joe/Punk III where Punk had a clear objective but became injured and had to go full force. Danielson turns up the legwork by using a chair on said leg of Morishima. He doesn’t have 40 minutes to work over the leg, he has to end it soon. The sympathy Danielson is drawing is amazing. You almost have to root for him. The champion hits the first half of his finishing sequence but Danielson has it scouted. Danielson continues to get manhandled but FIGHTING SPIRIT~! leads to Morishima’s leg morphing into a mass of goo. They trade offense with Danielson attacking the leg like a pitbull and Morishima using his pure strength. Morishima again tries to hit the Backdrop Driver, but he leg buckles. An opening for Danielson! He doesn’t hesitate because he can’t against Morishima. Rapid fire kicks and Morishima crumbles to the ground. A hole in the ship! ICEBERG DEAD AHEAD!!!!!!!!
The crowd is on their feet as Danielson kicks Morishima’s face in and locks Cattle Mutilation. A rope break leads to heartbreak for the New York faithful. A backdrop suplex from the top rope might be the move that wins Dragon the title, but Morishima uses what advantage he has left and shifts his massive weight onto Danielson on the way down. Good God. Danielson still has FIGHTING SPIRIT~!, but Morishima has a lariat that sends reverberations throughout the planet. Danielson is all but dead after that and the Backdrop Driver puts him down for the three.
Standing ovation from the crowd for Danielson. They chant “Best in the World.”, but Danielson takes the mic and proclaims the man with the ROH Title the best in the world. He apologizes for letting them down. He could pretty much piss on Babe Ruth’s grave and he would still get a huge ovation after all of that.
What an emotional rollercoaster. Arguably Danielson’s best performance ever all things considered. I still found myself rooting for Danielson to pull it out even after multiple viewings. I fully expect it to happen the next time I sit down to watch it. The match made Morishima legit and cemented Danielson as the grandest wrestler in ROH history. I’d still “only” put this as my #2 MOTY for 2007 behind Danielson’s match in Philadelphia against Nigel McGuinness for what that’s worth. Classic none the less and a match I’d be proud to show anybody that doesn’t understand why I’m going to watch wrestling for life.
****3/4
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson (ROH World Title; Man Up)
Danielson cuts a promo about the first encounter from 3 weeks ago while wearing an eye patch. He speaks of his mom taking him to the doctor for surgery and crying the whole time. He also tells us about his sister calling him and screaming that he can’t do this to them anymore. He also speaks about his dad and him discussing his future. Maybe he could go back to school. Maybe he could go back home and work at the mill. But they both knew that this was what Bryan was passionate about. That same passion will guide Bryan to the title tonight. He may not be the best, but tonight, on his night, he will prove that he has more heart than anyone else. Probably the best promo he’s ever done right here.
This is Danielson’s shot at the title that he won by defeating Nigel McGuinness at the last ROH PPV, Driven. In their previous encounter, Morishima injured the retina of Danielson. Morishima promises to not attack the eye in this match out of respect for the title.
Danielson knows he has to end this quickly so he attacks right off the bat. A fight is Morishima’s game though, so the champion dominates to start. But much like their first match, Danielson takes to the air as soon as there’s an opening. This time it’s the Suicide Dive that turns the tide. Danielson is all about learning from his mistakes so he’s able to avoid the butt drop that Shima connected with in New York. Danielson is able to get in some of his token offense on the heavyweight. This is the quickest amount of trouble Morishima has been in so far as champion. Dragon’s really feeling it tonight. That eye has been surgically corrected and as long as Morishima keeps his promise, the title will be his. Morishima is already a little frustrated so he starts trying to throw bombs. Danielson reverses the Backdrop Driver with a small package attempt just like the first match, but Morishima has also learned from his mistakes so he able to counter out of that. Danielson eventually gets the move that cost him the match in Manhattan, the Super Backdrop from the top. The reversal at Manhatten Mayhem II lead to Morishima winning, but now it appears it may lead to a new champion as he locks in the Cattle Mutilation. Morishima is too big though, so he powers out of multiple submission attempts. Morishima gets the Lariat ---> Backdrop Driver combo that has put so many away, Dragon included, but Danielson gets the foot on the rope to save his opportunity. Morishima gets PISSED and starts attacking the eye. The crowd pretty much assumes him to be Satan. Danielson knows this is his last chance so he gets the small package for a huge nearfall. Morishima isn’t phased and he connects again with the Backdrop Driver. He is still pissed the first one connected and didn't lead to a pinfall, so instead of going for a pin, he targets the eye and destroys what’s left of it. This is a message to anyone tha thinks the can beat him. Ref has to stop it to save Danielson’s vision and Morishima leaves to chants of “Bullshit.”
Another damn great match, although not on the level of the first one (not much is). It’s still 13 minutes of a captivating story. Morishima is put over as being a new student of puro. It’s not about respect and honor, it’s just about winning the match by any means necessary. Danielson becomes a martyr for not only the title, but for the true nature of the company. He may not have the belt, but he’s a different kind of champion in many of the fans’ eyes.
****
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima (Glory by Honor VI Night 2)
So in the first match, Morishima injured Danielson’s retina and orbital bone. In the second match, Shima again attacked the eye to save his title. Things have changed a little bit since these two were last in the ring together. Morishima is no longer the ROH champion, falling to Nigel McGuinness a month prior. Another change since then is the hatred that these two men now share for one another. The attack on the eye has lead Danielson to not care about the title for the time being. It’s time to escalate the violence. This takes place in the Manhattan Center, the same building where the first match between these two took place.
Danielson comes out with no eye patch this time, signifying that Morishima tried to get the job done and failed. His super focused entrance is a little touch that I like. Remember in the first 2 matches where Danielson connected with a dive early to take control? Well, he does it before the match even starts. He fucking MURDERS him on the outside before they eventually make it back into the ring. Morishima gets in control, but Dragon screams, “C’mon you mother fucker!” He’s challenging Morishima to finish a job that Dragon knows he can’t finish. Morishima is more than happy to oblige and clubs Dragon like a baby seal. This continues until Dragon capitalizes on a mistake and takes to the air. He’s not as strong as Morishima, but 200 pounds landing on anybody will do some damage. Speaking of doing some damage, Danielson looks to inflict damage of the permanent kind as he takes the ring bell hammer and stabs Morishima in the eye, but Shima hits a desperation Backdrop Driver on the floor. Damn. Danielson is knocked stupid after that. Every time he tries to climb back into the ring, Morishima hits him off and taunts him and the crowd. Danielson is busted open. He eventually gets back into the ring with the first successful Sunset Flip on Shima, but no time to celebrate as Shima quickly decapitates him with a Lariat. You know what’s next, but for the 4th time in the series, Danielson counter out of the Backdrop Driver. A vast array or Rolling Elbows, dropkicks to the knee, kicks to the chest and MMA Elbows are able to take down the monster. Danielson is throwing everything in his arsenal at Morishima tonight. Morishima is on the ropes so he desperately goes for Danielson’s eye again. Dragon is now the one in trouble, so he uppercuts Shima’s nuts to save himself from blindness. He then stomps Morshima’s balls to jelly and gets DQ’ed. Dragon couldn’t care less.
After they scrape what’s left of Morishima’s nuts off the mat, Nigel McGuinness comes out and questions Danielson’s motives. He points at the word “Honor” on the ring mat and asks Danielson if he has any left. Danielson is as amped as a guy who just snorted an eight ball and had 10 Red Bulls, so he kicks Nigel’s injured arm and mocks the Jawbreaker Lariat. New York LOVES that. This Bryan Danielson is a different guy who doesn’t care anymore.
Danielson cuts a promo in the back just moments after he walks through the curtain. Danielson says it wasn’t ‘eye for an eye’, it was eye ball for a different kind of ball tonight. Morishima may be a bad ass, but he can’t do what he did to Danielson without repercussions. And if Nigel wants to get in Dragon’s business, then Danielson can get into his by taking the World Title when the time comes.
Another insane match. This one was all about the violence and hate and I’m all for it. Hard to believe they squeezed all of this into 13 minutes as it never slowed down from before the match even started. They made me feel like this was a fight between two guys who want to legit hurt each other. The finish to me is perfect. Danielson wanted revenge and he got it all right. You knew there was going to be another match, and this only threw gas on the fire. Epic in ever sense of the word.
****1/2
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima (Relaxed Rules; Rising Above)
We all know the story by now. In match one, Danielson had his retina detached. In match two, Morishima again attacked the eye even though he said he wouldn’t. Match three was all about Danielson gaining revenge, which he did to a degree via nut-stomping. Now here we are again, a month after the 3rd match, again in the Manhattan Center for another ROH PPV. This time it’s under “Relaxed Rules,” which means the referee will be less inclined to stop the match for DQ unless it goes too far. Morishima has publicly stated that he’s here to injure Bryan Danielson for good. Be afraid clam digger.
They brawl before the bell can ring to no one’s surprise. Danielson gets opened up within the first minute. Crowd is rabid for Dragon, but Morishima is dominating so far. Morishima tells the referee to count Danielson down, but Dragon is up at 4. Morishima takes that as an insult and proceeds to ravage Dragon like an animal. Danielson tries to fight back but a Morishima Lariat leads to the Backdrop Driver, which Danielson is unable to counter like he has multiple times so far in the series. He’s basically knocked loopy and he staggers right back up into another soul shattering Lariat for a 2 count. Morishima shows signs of frustration towards the ref. Danielson tries to capitalize by attacking Morishima’s eye, but Shima simply attacks the eye right back. He then plays off the last match by kicking Danielson in the ball and stomps them into dust. Ref doesn’t think that’s a good idea, but Morishima is out of control so he pushes the ref down for the DQ.
After the match, Morishima goes bananas and kills a ref. This got him suspended from ROH PPV forever. In the mayhem, Danielson has been revived and now has the ring bell hammer. He takes the end and drives it into Morishima’s eye in a fit of blind rage. Danielson walks out on his own power while Morishima is attended to in the corner.
More insanity from these two. Easily their worst match together but as it only went 8 minutes that’s no surprise. The structure of the match almost made it look like a squash with Danielson taking a massive shitkicking for the majority of it. The match from Final Battle 2008 probably should have been the match that took place here, but NOAH might have squashed that considering Morishima would win the GHC Title a couple months later and they didn't want him to lose to a junior before. There was really no advancement of story in this one, but it's still a fun inclusion to the feud.
***1/4
8 months prior, a Homicide Lariat put an end to one of the best title reigns this country had seen in years. On that night, December 23, 2006, Bryan Danielson’s 15 months ROH World Title reign finally fell. Danielson took some much needed time off and repaired a shoulder that was barely hanging on. When he returned 5 months later, things were not as he had left. The man who had defeated him had fallen to a monster named Takeshi Morishima from Pro Wrestling NOAH. Morishima, known for his bear like strength and incredible agility has run through every challenger that ROH had placed before him in his 6 months as champion. Morishima had never faced a challenge like this before though. On August 25, 2007, he defended the title against a man who was getting his first shot at redemption and regaining the title that defined his life for over a year. The match takes place in New York City in the same building where Danielson lost the title. It is the 2007 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Match of the Year.
Danielson is the overwhelming crowd favorite here. His brilliant gameplan is shown within seconds of the opening bell. Morishima had run through the ROH locker room like Kurt Angle runs through prescription meds. No one wanted to admit it, but at full force, no one can take down this behemoth. Danielson is Einstein in between the ropes so he obviously knows this more than anyone. Morishima is like the Titanic, but you know what? The Titanic sunk, and it was all because of a small hole. That’s all Dragon needs…a small hole. That leg is as good a place to start as any.
Danielson starts kicking at the left leg of Morishima. He plays it off as an attempt to get Shima off his game early as he smiles like a dick after it pisses off the monster, and while it could be construed as that, it’s a long term work in progress to chip away at the opposition’s defense. It’s like a Chess master making a move at the beginning of the match while thinking 10 moves ahead. Man, I’m just full of metaphors here. Anyhoo, this works to perfection as Morishima is already showing signs of a chink in the armor. Nothing can go wrong for Dragon early…until Morishima connects with his strikes…
Something is wrong with Danielson. As we all know by now, the huge haymakers from Morishima connected and detached Danielson’s retina. He scrambles on the ground and tries to continue his gameplan, but his kicks have nothing now and Shima smells blood. It almost starts to get out of hand soon after. If it were a boxing match or an MMA fight, the ref would have stopped it by now. Danielson knows that he has no time and as soon as he’s able to get the upper hand, he pushes Morishima into the crowd and connects with his dive. Reminiscent of Joe/Punk III where Punk had a clear objective but became injured and had to go full force. Danielson turns up the legwork by using a chair on said leg of Morishima. He doesn’t have 40 minutes to work over the leg, he has to end it soon. The sympathy Danielson is drawing is amazing. You almost have to root for him. The champion hits the first half of his finishing sequence but Danielson has it scouted. Danielson continues to get manhandled but FIGHTING SPIRIT~! leads to Morishima’s leg morphing into a mass of goo. They trade offense with Danielson attacking the leg like a pitbull and Morishima using his pure strength. Morishima again tries to hit the Backdrop Driver, but he leg buckles. An opening for Danielson! He doesn’t hesitate because he can’t against Morishima. Rapid fire kicks and Morishima crumbles to the ground. A hole in the ship! ICEBERG DEAD AHEAD!!!!!!!!
The crowd is on their feet as Danielson kicks Morishima’s face in and locks Cattle Mutilation. A rope break leads to heartbreak for the New York faithful. A backdrop suplex from the top rope might be the move that wins Dragon the title, but Morishima uses what advantage he has left and shifts his massive weight onto Danielson on the way down. Good God. Danielson still has FIGHTING SPIRIT~!, but Morishima has a lariat that sends reverberations throughout the planet. Danielson is all but dead after that and the Backdrop Driver puts him down for the three.
Standing ovation from the crowd for Danielson. They chant “Best in the World.”, but Danielson takes the mic and proclaims the man with the ROH Title the best in the world. He apologizes for letting them down. He could pretty much piss on Babe Ruth’s grave and he would still get a huge ovation after all of that.
What an emotional rollercoaster. Arguably Danielson’s best performance ever all things considered. I still found myself rooting for Danielson to pull it out even after multiple viewings. I fully expect it to happen the next time I sit down to watch it. The match made Morishima legit and cemented Danielson as the grandest wrestler in ROH history. I’d still “only” put this as my #2 MOTY for 2007 behind Danielson’s match in Philadelphia against Nigel McGuinness for what that’s worth. Classic none the less and a match I’d be proud to show anybody that doesn’t understand why I’m going to watch wrestling for life.
****3/4
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Takeshi Morishima vs. Bryan Danielson (ROH World Title; Man Up)
Danielson cuts a promo about the first encounter from 3 weeks ago while wearing an eye patch. He speaks of his mom taking him to the doctor for surgery and crying the whole time. He also tells us about his sister calling him and screaming that he can’t do this to them anymore. He also speaks about his dad and him discussing his future. Maybe he could go back to school. Maybe he could go back home and work at the mill. But they both knew that this was what Bryan was passionate about. That same passion will guide Bryan to the title tonight. He may not be the best, but tonight, on his night, he will prove that he has more heart than anyone else. Probably the best promo he’s ever done right here.
This is Danielson’s shot at the title that he won by defeating Nigel McGuinness at the last ROH PPV, Driven. In their previous encounter, Morishima injured the retina of Danielson. Morishima promises to not attack the eye in this match out of respect for the title.
Danielson knows he has to end this quickly so he attacks right off the bat. A fight is Morishima’s game though, so the champion dominates to start. But much like their first match, Danielson takes to the air as soon as there’s an opening. This time it’s the Suicide Dive that turns the tide. Danielson is all about learning from his mistakes so he’s able to avoid the butt drop that Shima connected with in New York. Danielson is able to get in some of his token offense on the heavyweight. This is the quickest amount of trouble Morishima has been in so far as champion. Dragon’s really feeling it tonight. That eye has been surgically corrected and as long as Morishima keeps his promise, the title will be his. Morishima is already a little frustrated so he starts trying to throw bombs. Danielson reverses the Backdrop Driver with a small package attempt just like the first match, but Morishima has also learned from his mistakes so he able to counter out of that. Danielson eventually gets the move that cost him the match in Manhattan, the Super Backdrop from the top. The reversal at Manhatten Mayhem II lead to Morishima winning, but now it appears it may lead to a new champion as he locks in the Cattle Mutilation. Morishima is too big though, so he powers out of multiple submission attempts. Morishima gets the Lariat ---> Backdrop Driver combo that has put so many away, Dragon included, but Danielson gets the foot on the rope to save his opportunity. Morishima gets PISSED and starts attacking the eye. The crowd pretty much assumes him to be Satan. Danielson knows this is his last chance so he gets the small package for a huge nearfall. Morishima isn’t phased and he connects again with the Backdrop Driver. He is still pissed the first one connected and didn't lead to a pinfall, so instead of going for a pin, he targets the eye and destroys what’s left of it. This is a message to anyone tha thinks the can beat him. Ref has to stop it to save Danielson’s vision and Morishima leaves to chants of “Bullshit.”
Another damn great match, although not on the level of the first one (not much is). It’s still 13 minutes of a captivating story. Morishima is put over as being a new student of puro. It’s not about respect and honor, it’s just about winning the match by any means necessary. Danielson becomes a martyr for not only the title, but for the true nature of the company. He may not have the belt, but he’s a different kind of champion in many of the fans’ eyes.
****
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Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima (Glory by Honor VI Night 2)
So in the first match, Morishima injured Danielson’s retina and orbital bone. In the second match, Shima again attacked the eye to save his title. Things have changed a little bit since these two were last in the ring together. Morishima is no longer the ROH champion, falling to Nigel McGuinness a month prior. Another change since then is the hatred that these two men now share for one another. The attack on the eye has lead Danielson to not care about the title for the time being. It’s time to escalate the violence. This takes place in the Manhattan Center, the same building where the first match between these two took place.
Danielson comes out with no eye patch this time, signifying that Morishima tried to get the job done and failed. His super focused entrance is a little touch that I like. Remember in the first 2 matches where Danielson connected with a dive early to take control? Well, he does it before the match even starts. He fucking MURDERS him on the outside before they eventually make it back into the ring. Morishima gets in control, but Dragon screams, “C’mon you mother fucker!” He’s challenging Morishima to finish a job that Dragon knows he can’t finish. Morishima is more than happy to oblige and clubs Dragon like a baby seal. This continues until Dragon capitalizes on a mistake and takes to the air. He’s not as strong as Morishima, but 200 pounds landing on anybody will do some damage. Speaking of doing some damage, Danielson looks to inflict damage of the permanent kind as he takes the ring bell hammer and stabs Morishima in the eye, but Shima hits a desperation Backdrop Driver on the floor. Damn. Danielson is knocked stupid after that. Every time he tries to climb back into the ring, Morishima hits him off and taunts him and the crowd. Danielson is busted open. He eventually gets back into the ring with the first successful Sunset Flip on Shima, but no time to celebrate as Shima quickly decapitates him with a Lariat. You know what’s next, but for the 4th time in the series, Danielson counter out of the Backdrop Driver. A vast array or Rolling Elbows, dropkicks to the knee, kicks to the chest and MMA Elbows are able to take down the monster. Danielson is throwing everything in his arsenal at Morishima tonight. Morishima is on the ropes so he desperately goes for Danielson’s eye again. Dragon is now the one in trouble, so he uppercuts Shima’s nuts to save himself from blindness. He then stomps Morshima’s balls to jelly and gets DQ’ed. Dragon couldn’t care less.
After they scrape what’s left of Morishima’s nuts off the mat, Nigel McGuinness comes out and questions Danielson’s motives. He points at the word “Honor” on the ring mat and asks Danielson if he has any left. Danielson is as amped as a guy who just snorted an eight ball and had 10 Red Bulls, so he kicks Nigel’s injured arm and mocks the Jawbreaker Lariat. New York LOVES that. This Bryan Danielson is a different guy who doesn’t care anymore.
Danielson cuts a promo in the back just moments after he walks through the curtain. Danielson says it wasn’t ‘eye for an eye’, it was eye ball for a different kind of ball tonight. Morishima may be a bad ass, but he can’t do what he did to Danielson without repercussions. And if Nigel wants to get in Dragon’s business, then Danielson can get into his by taking the World Title when the time comes.
Another insane match. This one was all about the violence and hate and I’m all for it. Hard to believe they squeezed all of this into 13 minutes as it never slowed down from before the match even started. They made me feel like this was a fight between two guys who want to legit hurt each other. The finish to me is perfect. Danielson wanted revenge and he got it all right. You knew there was going to be another match, and this only threw gas on the fire. Epic in ever sense of the word.
****1/2
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Bryan Danielson vs. Takeshi Morishima (Relaxed Rules; Rising Above)
We all know the story by now. In match one, Danielson had his retina detached. In match two, Morishima again attacked the eye even though he said he wouldn’t. Match three was all about Danielson gaining revenge, which he did to a degree via nut-stomping. Now here we are again, a month after the 3rd match, again in the Manhattan Center for another ROH PPV. This time it’s under “Relaxed Rules,” which means the referee will be less inclined to stop the match for DQ unless it goes too far. Morishima has publicly stated that he’s here to injure Bryan Danielson for good. Be afraid clam digger.
They brawl before the bell can ring to no one’s surprise. Danielson gets opened up within the first minute. Crowd is rabid for Dragon, but Morishima is dominating so far. Morishima tells the referee to count Danielson down, but Dragon is up at 4. Morishima takes that as an insult and proceeds to ravage Dragon like an animal. Danielson tries to fight back but a Morishima Lariat leads to the Backdrop Driver, which Danielson is unable to counter like he has multiple times so far in the series. He’s basically knocked loopy and he staggers right back up into another soul shattering Lariat for a 2 count. Morishima shows signs of frustration towards the ref. Danielson tries to capitalize by attacking Morishima’s eye, but Shima simply attacks the eye right back. He then plays off the last match by kicking Danielson in the ball and stomps them into dust. Ref doesn’t think that’s a good idea, but Morishima is out of control so he pushes the ref down for the DQ.
After the match, Morishima goes bananas and kills a ref. This got him suspended from ROH PPV forever. In the mayhem, Danielson has been revived and now has the ring bell hammer. He takes the end and drives it into Morishima’s eye in a fit of blind rage. Danielson walks out on his own power while Morishima is attended to in the corner.
More insanity from these two. Easily their worst match together but as it only went 8 minutes that’s no surprise. The structure of the match almost made it look like a squash with Danielson taking a massive shitkicking for the majority of it. The match from Final Battle 2008 probably should have been the match that took place here, but NOAH might have squashed that considering Morishima would win the GHC Title a couple months later and they didn't want him to lose to a junior before. There was really no advancement of story in this one, but it's still a fun inclusion to the feud.
***1/4
WWE Judgment Day 2009 Review
Punk vs. Umaga
Pretty great stuff, but that doesn't surprise me anymore because Punk has become one of the best at adapting to other guys styles.
***
Swagger vs. Christian
On par with their other match from last month but not as good as the 2nd ECW TV match imo. Just well played matches. Hopefully they have another at ONS in a 2/3 falls match, although they might add Dreamer and make it some triple threat garbage or something.
***1/4
Morrison vs. Benjamin
What you'd expect I guess. This is my first time seeing Morrison as a face, and I gotta say, I'm not a huge fan. I'll give him some time though to work on it, but he's just a natural heel in my eyes.
**1/2
Rey vs. Jericho
I'm not as high on this as most are. It was really good though. Jericho avoiding the 619 and Rey avoiding the Walls was really cool. MOTN so far.
***1/4
Orton vs. Batista
Not feeling this at all. Worst MOTN to me. I really have no confidence in either guy anymore to go out there and entertain me in a match with one another. Orton being a pussy and trying to weasel his way out of the match was the saving grace for me.
**1/4
Cena vs. Big Show
Prepare to been blown away. I LOVED this. So simple with Show working over the injury, but I'm a mark for simplicity like that in wrestling. I'm all for guys like Morrison going out there and doing 625's off the top rope and whatever, but things like this hold my attention more in this stage of my life than anything like that. Show destroyed Cena's midsection and I think Cena sold really well. The multiple attempts at the STFU were great because Cena was too hurt and Show was too tall for it t be locked in. The finish with the FU even after the beating to the ribs didn't really bother me because Cena sold them after he pinned Show. I know everyone thought it was slow and my rating blows any other rating I've seen for it out of the water, but I feel what they did justifies it. I'd bet no one ever comes close to my rating, but I'm cool with being the minority.
***3/4
Hardy vs. Edge
This kind of exceeded my expectations a little. I was expecting a typical Smackdown match and they turned up the volume a little more. It felt like they knew they were the main event and they thought they had to deliver. I love top rope finishes so that was nice. Overall, the match wasn't revolutionary, but that's still fine.
***1/4
I thought this was another good show from the WWE. I see no signs of that stopping
Pretty great stuff, but that doesn't surprise me anymore because Punk has become one of the best at adapting to other guys styles.
***
Swagger vs. Christian
On par with their other match from last month but not as good as the 2nd ECW TV match imo. Just well played matches. Hopefully they have another at ONS in a 2/3 falls match, although they might add Dreamer and make it some triple threat garbage or something.
***1/4
Morrison vs. Benjamin
What you'd expect I guess. This is my first time seeing Morrison as a face, and I gotta say, I'm not a huge fan. I'll give him some time though to work on it, but he's just a natural heel in my eyes.
**1/2
Rey vs. Jericho
I'm not as high on this as most are. It was really good though. Jericho avoiding the 619 and Rey avoiding the Walls was really cool. MOTN so far.
***1/4
Orton vs. Batista
Not feeling this at all. Worst MOTN to me. I really have no confidence in either guy anymore to go out there and entertain me in a match with one another. Orton being a pussy and trying to weasel his way out of the match was the saving grace for me.
**1/4
Cena vs. Big Show
Prepare to been blown away. I LOVED this. So simple with Show working over the injury, but I'm a mark for simplicity like that in wrestling. I'm all for guys like Morrison going out there and doing 625's off the top rope and whatever, but things like this hold my attention more in this stage of my life than anything like that. Show destroyed Cena's midsection and I think Cena sold really well. The multiple attempts at the STFU were great because Cena was too hurt and Show was too tall for it t be locked in. The finish with the FU even after the beating to the ribs didn't really bother me because Cena sold them after he pinned Show. I know everyone thought it was slow and my rating blows any other rating I've seen for it out of the water, but I feel what they did justifies it. I'd bet no one ever comes close to my rating, but I'm cool with being the minority.
***3/4
Hardy vs. Edge
This kind of exceeded my expectations a little. I was expecting a typical Smackdown match and they turned up the volume a little more. It felt like they knew they were the main event and they thought they had to deliver. I love top rope finishes so that was nice. Overall, the match wasn't revolutionary, but that's still fine.
***1/4
I thought this was another good show from the WWE. I see no signs of that stopping
Monday, May 4, 2009
Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk: The Trilogy Review
Samoa Joe © vs. CM Punk (ROH World Title; World Title Classic)
Punk says before the match that his win-loss record isn’t the best, but when it comes to big matches, no one is better. Joe says that there have been many men step before him as challenger, and every one of them has left the same. What makes Punk think he’s gonna be any different? This is Joe’s 20th defense and Punk’s 1st shot at the title.
Punk acts cocky at the beginning before Joe uses the tree trunks he calls legs to send a message to him. He then dominates Punk on the mat with ease. This is gonna be another quick defense for Joe, at least that’s how it seems in the beginning for everyone in the building…everyone except for CM Punk. You see, every one of Joe’s title defenses had been less than 20 minutes up to this point. Punk knows this and his main mission is to stretch out this match as long as possible to take away the stamina of Samoa Joe. Punk has no problems with going 30 minutes or even an hour. He had done it multiple times all over the Indy scene. He just needs to take Joe’s offense long enough to wear him down. Only problem is…well….Samoa Joe is 270 pounds and hits like a linebacker, so that’s not always going to be easy.
Punk is more than game to get physical, and that pretty much pisses Joe off. He’s pretty much falling right into Punk’s hands here as they then start going all 90’s NJPW super juniors on it. Joe has never had to be too cerebral in his matches. He just uses his God given talent and strength to usually come out victorious. He annihilates Punk with elbows and kicks against the rope, but Punk covered up and took it all without hesitation. Joe is already a little winded and Punk is mocking him. Joe even gets his patented offense (face wash, sitting kick, knee drop) avoided by Punk. For one of the first times in his reign as Champion, Joe is forced to take a breather on the outside of the ring. That’s a big deal. Cool moment as Joe owns a fan on the outside, then Punk goes out and owns the same fan, then they go back in the ring and Joe extends his hand for the high five, but Punk jumps at him and gets the headlock again. In another cool spot, Joe goes for his patented knee drop which Punk has already avoided. Punk avoids it once more, but this time Joe saw it coming and gets it anyway. Joe is slowly learning, and that’s a scary thing. He gets a super cocky cover to reemphasize the point that he’s back in control. His ego gets the best of him as he goes for a stalling suplex, but it takes so much out of him that he can barely go for the cover. Punk gets right back into control because of this. Joe is huffing and puffing for air now, while Punk is just hitting his stride. This is unlike anything Joe has ever been apart of.
Punk even goes for Joe’s Ole kick on the outside. Joe gets up before he can connect, but the psychological damage has been done. Joe takes that as an insult, and proceeds to KILL Punk. Enough of this headlock shit, it’s time to die little boy. Joe gets all his offense in this time with ease. Joe is tired though, so he’s forced to catch his breath while applying a headlock with his legs. Joe’s lack of stamina is the only reason Punk’s still alive right now. If he had connected with this at the 10 minute mark, it’d only be a matter of time. The two men trade offense and Punk is the one left standing. Joe is dead tired now, and CM Punk is the cockroach that survived the nuclear attack. Punk knows it’s time to end it. He uses the sleeper and it’s bought as a legit end. All of the headlocks have paid off and come down to this. Joe fights out a couple times but damn, he so tired he can’t keep escaping. Joe destroys Punk with a desperation kick to escape. That might be all he has left though. Punk gets the biggest offensive move of the match with the top rope back drop suplex, but you can already guess that he’s too tired to get a quick cover. They’re doing a great job of selling the length of the match, while also keeping the match going at a high pace. The most important move of the match happens as Joe reverses a Shining Wizard into a kneed breaker that injures Punk’s already shot knees. About a minute later, Punk hits the Pepsi Fucking Plunge…but alas his knees are too hurt and he can’t even get a cover as he falls out of the ring. Crowd has been on their feet since about 30 minutes in, and they totally bought that as the finish. Punk gets back in and realizes he has almost no time left, so he gets a quick amount of offense, before Joe Dragon Screws him. Pretty brilliant as Joe knows that there is relatively no time left, so he’s just trying to take out Punk long enough to retain. They trade desperate offense before the time limit expires.
After the match, Punk puts over the ROH title as something worth fighting an hour over, and proclaims it the most important belt in North America.
Only real drawbacks were that it kind of felt like they were trying to go an hour at the end of the match and there were some miscommunications. Having an hour match is certainly not easy though so something simple like Joe not ducking Punk’s missed clothesline when he was supposed to doesn’t really affect the match that much. Still brilliantly put together and not really something that you see every day in post 1990s North America. The headlocks worked perfectly in relation to the story of the match where Punk tried to wear down Joe enough to win. BTW, If anyone reading this had not seen this series, be sure to watch them in order. This is the first one in case your mother dropped you on you head.
****1/2
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Samoa Joe © vs. CM Punk (ROH World Title; Joe vs. Punk II)
Punk cuts a promo before the show in the ring. Joe couldn’t beat him and now they’re in Chicago, Punk’s hometown, and that’s gonna be the difference. You see, Punk’s taken many beatings before, particularly in this city when he was younger. Some kids came to his house once when he was eating dinner, and he scraped and clawed, and he didn’t look pretty after it was over, but he won…he won because they CAME TO HIS HOUSE, just like Joe’s doing tonight. Mick Foley and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat are going to be in attendance (Foley in particular called this the greatest match he’s ever seen live). Punk DARES Joe to ring his doorbell tonight. He says there’s no way he’s gonna be beat in Chicago. A fucking masterpiece of a promo that I completely forgot ever existed.
Punk has “Home” written on his wrist tape. For what it’s worth, this is Dave Meltzer’s 1st “***** match” in 7 years. The original main event of this show was Samoa Joe vs. Steve Corino, but Corino had a prioir commitment he had to fufill in Japan. Punk is the overwhelming crowd favorite here, but Joe still has his supporters.
Handshake to start, which is something that Joe tried to have in the first match before Punk blew him off a bit. This shows that Joe earned Punk’s respect by lasting an hour in Dayton 4 months prior. Joe shoves Punk down on a lockup. He knows he’s in Punk’s backyard, and that was his way of marking his turf. They may be in Chicago, but this ring is where Joe is King. He shoves Punk again, and even tries a third time, but Punk crisply counters into a sleek pinfall attempt. “Almost had ya Joe.” Announcers do a great job in here I should say. They say that Punk’s tag partner and best friend, Colt Cabana beat Joe with a similar rollup type maneuver. They also say that Joe beat Cabana not that long a go IN CHICAGO, so Joe is not intimidated by the home town guy. They mat wrestle, but this time unlike their first match, Punk gets the upper hand with a take down. Things are clearly going his way tonight, and that frustrates Joe who doesn’t give a clean break moments later. More mat stuff, but this time Punk gets Joe into the corner…and gives him a clean break unlike Joe did for him. Punk is all about the head games tonight.
Punk knows that the headlock worked to near perfection in their previous match, so he smartly goes back to it here. Joe is able to counter out of it quicker than he did in the last match. He knows that Punk’s strategy is to wear him down, but this time Joe is prepared for it. Punk is too quick so he’s able to grad the headlocks right after there’s an opening in Joe’s defense. I should really note how crisp everything looks here. That’s not normally something that Punk is great at. I’ve called him “The least crisp great wrestler ever,” but on this night he is making me eat my words. Joe is getting super frustrated that this match is going the way the last one went, which is in Punk’s favor, so he plays heel by not breaking in the ropes again. He even tries to give Punk a taste of his own medicine via chin lock, but Punk reverses it to another front headlock. Punk is wrestling Joe perfectly, and that’s the only way to end Joe’s title run. Joe refuses to break in the corner again, but Punk’s quickness gives him the advantage to ground Joe once more. Punk has changed up his style from the first match great here. He used the rope-a-dope style there, and even though it wore down Joe, it still took a lot out of Punk, which lead to him not being able to capitalize on the offense so much towards the end of the match. Punk is not using the rope-a-dope here, but he’s staying with what he thinks will win him the title tonight, the headlock. Joe will be worn down and Punk will still be fresh towards the end. All Punk wants is 45 minutes of Hell, then he has 15 minutes left to win the title against a tired monster.
Joe is a smart monster though, so he challenges Punk to a shoulder block clash in the middle of the ring. This will wear down Punk a little and give Joe the offensive opening that he needs. Plus, there’s no way that Punk won’t bite at a chance to one up Joe in front of his friends and family. Punk tries to trick Joe like he did in their first match where he faked running off the ropes and got another headlock, but this time Joe has it scouted and gets his first burst of offensive fury on Punk. Punk is unstoppable tonight though, and he gets the best of Joe AGAIN before Joe can string together more offense. Joe goes to the floor out of frustration just like in their first match. Maybe Joe can’t beat Punk? Maybe pure strength and impressive agility won’t get him by so easily tonight? Joe shows more frustration than he ever has before as he kicks the guardrail at a fan. Chicago is getting to him. In Dayton, he just mocked a Punk fan, but here it’s…different. He isn’t king of this environment, and that scares the behemoth. Joe is super hesitant to lock up with Punk again. He’s not himself and Punk knows it. Punk, sending a message to prove that he’s in control, actually gets a lifting takedown on Joe from behind him. It took a little out of Punk to do that, but getting in Joe’s head is the main key here. Whether it’s because Punk used a little energy there or not, Joe is able to finally counter Punk’s counters and ends up on top of Punk. Instead of hitting him, he gets up and slaps Punk on the back. Joe is saying he’s back in control with that. Punk is smart, so he bangs on the turnbuckle pad to try and get the crowd back into it. He knows that the crowd is getting to Joe, so he’s gonna try to turn the tide back in his favor. Joe is un-phased and gets another burst of offense. Punks tries to answer that but Joe simply kicks him in the face. Punk tried to change his strategy and it cost him a bruise there. Joe gets his first control segment of the match, but Punk knows that Joe being in control in a death sentence, so he smartly targets Joe’s arm. They get into a striking battle, which PUNK WINS. Punk knows how rare that is so he quickly goes back to working the arm. He even hits the rope-walk legdrop to the arm, which the announcer notes that he hasn’t done in 2 years. This match is just perfect, and we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.
You just knew that Joe was gonna connect with a huge strike sooner or later and he finally does here. He goes for his patented offense, but again Punk has that scouted. It’s like he read the “How to Beat Samoa Joe” handbook. Now when Joe tries to escape the headlock, Punk just holds on to the lion’s injured paw and stays in control. Joe knows he’s in trouble, so in probably the smartest move of his career, he falls through the ropes to the outside. Punk still has the headlock even after that, but all Joe wanted was an opening as he KILLS Punk with a backdrop suplex on the foor. This is officially the turning point of the match.
Punk’s quickness has been taken away. His back is now shot. Punk realizes that he has to go for broke now. He needs to get back into Joe’s head, so after he counters the facewash, he gets one of his own. He’s lost a step though so Joe counters his offense with some of his own. Punk is desperate so he goes for a springboard cross body, but he hit that in their first match and Joe remembers it and moves with ease. He even gets the stalling suplex he got in the first match, but unlike in Dayton, he is more conditioned and it doesn’t take much out of him, while it just destroys Punk’s back. To show how much he’s in control, he connects with the leg sweep even after Punk had just countered it seconds before hand. All the counters in Punk’s arsenal aren’t going to save him now. Joe works over the back some more. Literally everything they’re doing makes sense here. Joe just kills Punk now. Just a massacre. Joe knows he can’t be beaten…ever. He emphasizes his dominance with an insulting cover on Punk. It’s all but over. But wait! Desperation Hurricanrana! Punk knows it’s now or never and connects with a Suicide Dive. The crowd is back in his corner. He even connects with Joe’s Ole Kick. Blasphemy! Joe is gonna murder bitches now. First attempt at the Ole Kick is blocked, but Joe eventually gets it. The match then goes into full nonstop badass-ness. The announcers are marking out so even they have to leave to booth to go into the crowd to watch. The crowd is full in to it too. They’re banging Punk’s entrance music on the guardrail. They can feel a title change.
It’s really hard to describe how great it gets so I won’t even try. Punk getting the Anaconda Vice on Joe’s hurt arm forcing Joe to go the ropes for like the first time ever is pretty fabulous. As is the look on Punk’s face when he gets the Devil’s Lock DDT and thinks it’s over. One of my favorite nearfalls happens as well when Punk hits the Shining Wizard out of no where and Joe drapes his hand across the rope to save the title. Punk tries everything to get the win, but Joe can’t be beat with just anything. Punk is running out of offense and time. It has to be now. Pepsi…Plunge. Joe’s weakness. The confrontation on the tope turnbuckle is the stuff legends are made of. The crowd is begging for Punk to connect with the Plunge. It doesn’t happen. Time Limit Draw. FUCK.
Crowd wants more time, but alas it was not to be. Punk gives the title to Joe and shakes his hand. Joe walks away still the champion, still unbeatable in title matches. Punk walks out to a standing ovation. A hometown hero.
Punk claims neither man can beat the other in 60 minutes. He knows for a fact that the Pepsi Plunge can beat Joe, but he’s not sure the Muscle Buster can beat him. He wants Joe with no time limit. Joe says that Punk’s 2nd chance was his last. He did his job and Punk didn’t do his. No more opportunities.
What can I say that I haven’t already? This is one of the greatest matches I’ve ever seen. Everything came together and everything made sense. The drama was off the charts, it had an epic atmosphere and it had every intangible that you could think of. If that isn’t a five star rating, I don’t know what is.
*****
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Samoa Joe © vs. CM Punk (ROH World Title; No Time Limit, there must be a winner; All Star Extravaganza II)
No prematch promos here. The time for talk is over. Ricky Steamboat is at the ringside table. This is Punk’s last shot at Joe and the title.
Crowd is HUGELY behind Joe here, although Punk has his vocal supporters. This is in New Jersey, not the friendly confines of Chicago. Mat wrestling is met with strikes from Joe. It’s all business tonight. Punk of course goes for the headlock early, but we’ve more than established that Joe is smarter than he looks. He avoids them with ease and chops down Punk forcing him to take an early break for the 1st time in their series. Punk’s got to play this one on the fly. Joe is as confident as ever so he asks Punk to chop him, fearing nothing that Punk can do. Punk obliges, but barely pats him on the chest. He then challenges Joe to chop him again. Joe doesn’t give a shit about mind games so he’s more than happy to. Punk smarty ducks and gets a backslide for an early nearfall which takes Joe off his game for a split second for Punk to lock in the headlock. Punk’s ring awareness will be his greatest strength tonight. He keeps his control segment ever-changing by dropkicking Joe in the head and then jumping right back on a headlock, followed by more head dropkicks. Punk has all the time in the world, so he’s gonna move at his pace. They both counter the other’s offense, after over 2 hours of time in the ring together, they know everything that the other man has up their sleeve. But unlike the 1st two matches, Joe is able to capitalize on his strikes. He capitalizes so much, that Punk gets busted open from a stiff knee. Punk is in the greatest trouble he’s been in so far in the series.
Joe knows what’s on the line, so he attacks the wound with animalistic precision. He’s literally trying to rip open Punk’s face here. The tides have turned a full 180. Now Joe is the one that is going to be able to last a long amount of time, and now Punk is going to have to be the one that has to end it as early as possible. Joe now uses Punk’s greatest weapon against him and uses the headlock to wear him down. There’s no way Punk can go over an hour tonight, if he’s got a shot, he’ll have to end it early. That cut is a target for the baddest motherfucker alive. Punk also doesn’t have the Chicago crowd to get him back into it. Joe just murders him for a long period of time. Punk takes a massive shitkicking, and it’s incredible to witness. He blocks a second attempt at the Ole Kick, and goes on the apron. Now, twice he’s had his jumping hurricanrana from the apron reversed into a face full of guardrail from Joe, so now he takes out the champion with a dropkick. Punk gets some chants, so he plays to that portion of the crowd to keep him in it. He even hits a Ricky Steamboat-like crossbody for a nearfall in a cool callback to that series. Another cool spot as Punk reverses the armbar that Joe had been using so effectively in the series to a School Boy. They fight on the top in a spot very reminiscent to the ending of the 2nd match, but Punk knows that a Pepsi Plunge is out of the question so early in this match, so he drops down and goes for a Powerbomb (which Joe had been using so well in the series) and Joe reverses that with a hurricanrana (which Punk had been using so well in the series). What’s better than a Joe hurricanrana? A Joe lariat that nearly decapitates Punk of course, which only gets a two count to everyone’s surprise. Moments later Joe FINALLY gets the choke for the first time in the series, which is amazing when you think about how much time these two had in the ring. Punk’s hand falls three times and it’s oer. Joe has retained the title…
BUT WAIT! Ricky Steamboat is stopping the time keeper from ringing the bell! He’s pointing to Punk, whose fingers were moving, he’s back in it as the ref calls off the timekeeper from stopping the match. Punk tries to fight out but Joe’s a Pitbull that won’t let go. Punk uses that to his advantage and gets the reversal that Bret got on Piper at Mania VIII and Austin at Survivor Series 96…it’s only two this time though as Joe was forced to let go. Crowd is really into it right now. Quick pinfall variations from Punk and Joe now. They’re going balls to the wall. It’s like they never even went 60 minutes. Huge moment of not only the match but Joe’s reign as he is so desperate to keep the title that he uses the ropes to try and pin Punk. Crowd is pissed at that. These two talked about these matches in their shoot together, and they said that Steamboat came up with that. They thought it was stupid at first, but eventually realized it was brilliant in relation to the match. Plunge is again reversed by Joe. Punk now realizes that the Plunge, although the one weapon in his arsenal that can beat Joe, can’t be hit, especially not after the beating that Punk has taken. He goes for a rollup, hoping that will be his saving grace, but Joe counters into the choke. Punk knows that he only has a few seconds to escape, but Joe realizes that too, and drops him on his head to keep him in it with huge trapped suplexes. Crowd begs for Punk to hold on, but he has already given everything. He has nothing left. Joe retains via pass out.
Joe gets on the mic and proclaims the ROH title the most important belt in the world. He shakes Punk’s hand and declares that he’s unstoppable as ROH champion. No one in any locker room in the world can beat him when it matters. Long live the King.
Phenomenal match that made both guys even bigger after it was over. One of the best of this decade. It didn’t have enough to push it into ***** territory, but it left an imprint on me anyway. I love how they “only” went 31 minutes as opposed to over an hour like everyone thought they would because of Punk’s injury. Psychology was great too. If you’re a fan of matches that have call backs to other matches, then this is defiantly right up you alley. A true classic.
****3/4
Punk says before the match that his win-loss record isn’t the best, but when it comes to big matches, no one is better. Joe says that there have been many men step before him as challenger, and every one of them has left the same. What makes Punk think he’s gonna be any different? This is Joe’s 20th defense and Punk’s 1st shot at the title.
Punk acts cocky at the beginning before Joe uses the tree trunks he calls legs to send a message to him. He then dominates Punk on the mat with ease. This is gonna be another quick defense for Joe, at least that’s how it seems in the beginning for everyone in the building…everyone except for CM Punk. You see, every one of Joe’s title defenses had been less than 20 minutes up to this point. Punk knows this and his main mission is to stretch out this match as long as possible to take away the stamina of Samoa Joe. Punk has no problems with going 30 minutes or even an hour. He had done it multiple times all over the Indy scene. He just needs to take Joe’s offense long enough to wear him down. Only problem is…well….Samoa Joe is 270 pounds and hits like a linebacker, so that’s not always going to be easy.
Punk is more than game to get physical, and that pretty much pisses Joe off. He’s pretty much falling right into Punk’s hands here as they then start going all 90’s NJPW super juniors on it. Joe has never had to be too cerebral in his matches. He just uses his God given talent and strength to usually come out victorious. He annihilates Punk with elbows and kicks against the rope, but Punk covered up and took it all without hesitation. Joe is already a little winded and Punk is mocking him. Joe even gets his patented offense (face wash, sitting kick, knee drop) avoided by Punk. For one of the first times in his reign as Champion, Joe is forced to take a breather on the outside of the ring. That’s a big deal. Cool moment as Joe owns a fan on the outside, then Punk goes out and owns the same fan, then they go back in the ring and Joe extends his hand for the high five, but Punk jumps at him and gets the headlock again. In another cool spot, Joe goes for his patented knee drop which Punk has already avoided. Punk avoids it once more, but this time Joe saw it coming and gets it anyway. Joe is slowly learning, and that’s a scary thing. He gets a super cocky cover to reemphasize the point that he’s back in control. His ego gets the best of him as he goes for a stalling suplex, but it takes so much out of him that he can barely go for the cover. Punk gets right back into control because of this. Joe is huffing and puffing for air now, while Punk is just hitting his stride. This is unlike anything Joe has ever been apart of.
Punk even goes for Joe’s Ole kick on the outside. Joe gets up before he can connect, but the psychological damage has been done. Joe takes that as an insult, and proceeds to KILL Punk. Enough of this headlock shit, it’s time to die little boy. Joe gets all his offense in this time with ease. Joe is tired though, so he’s forced to catch his breath while applying a headlock with his legs. Joe’s lack of stamina is the only reason Punk’s still alive right now. If he had connected with this at the 10 minute mark, it’d only be a matter of time. The two men trade offense and Punk is the one left standing. Joe is dead tired now, and CM Punk is the cockroach that survived the nuclear attack. Punk knows it’s time to end it. He uses the sleeper and it’s bought as a legit end. All of the headlocks have paid off and come down to this. Joe fights out a couple times but damn, he so tired he can’t keep escaping. Joe destroys Punk with a desperation kick to escape. That might be all he has left though. Punk gets the biggest offensive move of the match with the top rope back drop suplex, but you can already guess that he’s too tired to get a quick cover. They’re doing a great job of selling the length of the match, while also keeping the match going at a high pace. The most important move of the match happens as Joe reverses a Shining Wizard into a kneed breaker that injures Punk’s already shot knees. About a minute later, Punk hits the Pepsi Fucking Plunge…but alas his knees are too hurt and he can’t even get a cover as he falls out of the ring. Crowd has been on their feet since about 30 minutes in, and they totally bought that as the finish. Punk gets back in and realizes he has almost no time left, so he gets a quick amount of offense, before Joe Dragon Screws him. Pretty brilliant as Joe knows that there is relatively no time left, so he’s just trying to take out Punk long enough to retain. They trade desperate offense before the time limit expires.
After the match, Punk puts over the ROH title as something worth fighting an hour over, and proclaims it the most important belt in North America.
Only real drawbacks were that it kind of felt like they were trying to go an hour at the end of the match and there were some miscommunications. Having an hour match is certainly not easy though so something simple like Joe not ducking Punk’s missed clothesline when he was supposed to doesn’t really affect the match that much. Still brilliantly put together and not really something that you see every day in post 1990s North America. The headlocks worked perfectly in relation to the story of the match where Punk tried to wear down Joe enough to win. BTW, If anyone reading this had not seen this series, be sure to watch them in order. This is the first one in case your mother dropped you on you head.
****1/2
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Samoa Joe © vs. CM Punk (ROH World Title; Joe vs. Punk II)
Punk cuts a promo before the show in the ring. Joe couldn’t beat him and now they’re in Chicago, Punk’s hometown, and that’s gonna be the difference. You see, Punk’s taken many beatings before, particularly in this city when he was younger. Some kids came to his house once when he was eating dinner, and he scraped and clawed, and he didn’t look pretty after it was over, but he won…he won because they CAME TO HIS HOUSE, just like Joe’s doing tonight. Mick Foley and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat are going to be in attendance (Foley in particular called this the greatest match he’s ever seen live). Punk DARES Joe to ring his doorbell tonight. He says there’s no way he’s gonna be beat in Chicago. A fucking masterpiece of a promo that I completely forgot ever existed.
Punk has “Home” written on his wrist tape. For what it’s worth, this is Dave Meltzer’s 1st “***** match” in 7 years. The original main event of this show was Samoa Joe vs. Steve Corino, but Corino had a prioir commitment he had to fufill in Japan. Punk is the overwhelming crowd favorite here, but Joe still has his supporters.
Handshake to start, which is something that Joe tried to have in the first match before Punk blew him off a bit. This shows that Joe earned Punk’s respect by lasting an hour in Dayton 4 months prior. Joe shoves Punk down on a lockup. He knows he’s in Punk’s backyard, and that was his way of marking his turf. They may be in Chicago, but this ring is where Joe is King. He shoves Punk again, and even tries a third time, but Punk crisply counters into a sleek pinfall attempt. “Almost had ya Joe.” Announcers do a great job in here I should say. They say that Punk’s tag partner and best friend, Colt Cabana beat Joe with a similar rollup type maneuver. They also say that Joe beat Cabana not that long a go IN CHICAGO, so Joe is not intimidated by the home town guy. They mat wrestle, but this time unlike their first match, Punk gets the upper hand with a take down. Things are clearly going his way tonight, and that frustrates Joe who doesn’t give a clean break moments later. More mat stuff, but this time Punk gets Joe into the corner…and gives him a clean break unlike Joe did for him. Punk is all about the head games tonight.
Punk knows that the headlock worked to near perfection in their previous match, so he smartly goes back to it here. Joe is able to counter out of it quicker than he did in the last match. He knows that Punk’s strategy is to wear him down, but this time Joe is prepared for it. Punk is too quick so he’s able to grad the headlocks right after there’s an opening in Joe’s defense. I should really note how crisp everything looks here. That’s not normally something that Punk is great at. I’ve called him “The least crisp great wrestler ever,” but on this night he is making me eat my words. Joe is getting super frustrated that this match is going the way the last one went, which is in Punk’s favor, so he plays heel by not breaking in the ropes again. He even tries to give Punk a taste of his own medicine via chin lock, but Punk reverses it to another front headlock. Punk is wrestling Joe perfectly, and that’s the only way to end Joe’s title run. Joe refuses to break in the corner again, but Punk’s quickness gives him the advantage to ground Joe once more. Punk has changed up his style from the first match great here. He used the rope-a-dope style there, and even though it wore down Joe, it still took a lot out of Punk, which lead to him not being able to capitalize on the offense so much towards the end of the match. Punk is not using the rope-a-dope here, but he’s staying with what he thinks will win him the title tonight, the headlock. Joe will be worn down and Punk will still be fresh towards the end. All Punk wants is 45 minutes of Hell, then he has 15 minutes left to win the title against a tired monster.
Joe is a smart monster though, so he challenges Punk to a shoulder block clash in the middle of the ring. This will wear down Punk a little and give Joe the offensive opening that he needs. Plus, there’s no way that Punk won’t bite at a chance to one up Joe in front of his friends and family. Punk tries to trick Joe like he did in their first match where he faked running off the ropes and got another headlock, but this time Joe has it scouted and gets his first burst of offensive fury on Punk. Punk is unstoppable tonight though, and he gets the best of Joe AGAIN before Joe can string together more offense. Joe goes to the floor out of frustration just like in their first match. Maybe Joe can’t beat Punk? Maybe pure strength and impressive agility won’t get him by so easily tonight? Joe shows more frustration than he ever has before as he kicks the guardrail at a fan. Chicago is getting to him. In Dayton, he just mocked a Punk fan, but here it’s…different. He isn’t king of this environment, and that scares the behemoth. Joe is super hesitant to lock up with Punk again. He’s not himself and Punk knows it. Punk, sending a message to prove that he’s in control, actually gets a lifting takedown on Joe from behind him. It took a little out of Punk to do that, but getting in Joe’s head is the main key here. Whether it’s because Punk used a little energy there or not, Joe is able to finally counter Punk’s counters and ends up on top of Punk. Instead of hitting him, he gets up and slaps Punk on the back. Joe is saying he’s back in control with that. Punk is smart, so he bangs on the turnbuckle pad to try and get the crowd back into it. He knows that the crowd is getting to Joe, so he’s gonna try to turn the tide back in his favor. Joe is un-phased and gets another burst of offense. Punks tries to answer that but Joe simply kicks him in the face. Punk tried to change his strategy and it cost him a bruise there. Joe gets his first control segment of the match, but Punk knows that Joe being in control in a death sentence, so he smartly targets Joe’s arm. They get into a striking battle, which PUNK WINS. Punk knows how rare that is so he quickly goes back to working the arm. He even hits the rope-walk legdrop to the arm, which the announcer notes that he hasn’t done in 2 years. This match is just perfect, and we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.
You just knew that Joe was gonna connect with a huge strike sooner or later and he finally does here. He goes for his patented offense, but again Punk has that scouted. It’s like he read the “How to Beat Samoa Joe” handbook. Now when Joe tries to escape the headlock, Punk just holds on to the lion’s injured paw and stays in control. Joe knows he’s in trouble, so in probably the smartest move of his career, he falls through the ropes to the outside. Punk still has the headlock even after that, but all Joe wanted was an opening as he KILLS Punk with a backdrop suplex on the foor. This is officially the turning point of the match.
Punk’s quickness has been taken away. His back is now shot. Punk realizes that he has to go for broke now. He needs to get back into Joe’s head, so after he counters the facewash, he gets one of his own. He’s lost a step though so Joe counters his offense with some of his own. Punk is desperate so he goes for a springboard cross body, but he hit that in their first match and Joe remembers it and moves with ease. He even gets the stalling suplex he got in the first match, but unlike in Dayton, he is more conditioned and it doesn’t take much out of him, while it just destroys Punk’s back. To show how much he’s in control, he connects with the leg sweep even after Punk had just countered it seconds before hand. All the counters in Punk’s arsenal aren’t going to save him now. Joe works over the back some more. Literally everything they’re doing makes sense here. Joe just kills Punk now. Just a massacre. Joe knows he can’t be beaten…ever. He emphasizes his dominance with an insulting cover on Punk. It’s all but over. But wait! Desperation Hurricanrana! Punk knows it’s now or never and connects with a Suicide Dive. The crowd is back in his corner. He even connects with Joe’s Ole Kick. Blasphemy! Joe is gonna murder bitches now. First attempt at the Ole Kick is blocked, but Joe eventually gets it. The match then goes into full nonstop badass-ness. The announcers are marking out so even they have to leave to booth to go into the crowd to watch. The crowd is full in to it too. They’re banging Punk’s entrance music on the guardrail. They can feel a title change.
It’s really hard to describe how great it gets so I won’t even try. Punk getting the Anaconda Vice on Joe’s hurt arm forcing Joe to go the ropes for like the first time ever is pretty fabulous. As is the look on Punk’s face when he gets the Devil’s Lock DDT and thinks it’s over. One of my favorite nearfalls happens as well when Punk hits the Shining Wizard out of no where and Joe drapes his hand across the rope to save the title. Punk tries everything to get the win, but Joe can’t be beat with just anything. Punk is running out of offense and time. It has to be now. Pepsi…Plunge. Joe’s weakness. The confrontation on the tope turnbuckle is the stuff legends are made of. The crowd is begging for Punk to connect with the Plunge. It doesn’t happen. Time Limit Draw. FUCK.
Crowd wants more time, but alas it was not to be. Punk gives the title to Joe and shakes his hand. Joe walks away still the champion, still unbeatable in title matches. Punk walks out to a standing ovation. A hometown hero.
Punk claims neither man can beat the other in 60 minutes. He knows for a fact that the Pepsi Plunge can beat Joe, but he’s not sure the Muscle Buster can beat him. He wants Joe with no time limit. Joe says that Punk’s 2nd chance was his last. He did his job and Punk didn’t do his. No more opportunities.
What can I say that I haven’t already? This is one of the greatest matches I’ve ever seen. Everything came together and everything made sense. The drama was off the charts, it had an epic atmosphere and it had every intangible that you could think of. If that isn’t a five star rating, I don’t know what is.
*****
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Samoa Joe © vs. CM Punk (ROH World Title; No Time Limit, there must be a winner; All Star Extravaganza II)
It is the wrestling trilogy of the 21st century, CM Punk/Samoa Joe. In the 50’s it was Buddy Rogers and Lou Thesz. In the 60’s it was Gorilla Monsoon and Bruno Sammartino . In the 70’s it was Jack Briscoe and Dory Funk Jr. In the 80’s it was Ric Flair and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. And now, it is CM Punk and Samoa Joe. There’s the bell and it…is…on!
- Mark Nulty
No prematch promos here. The time for talk is over. Ricky Steamboat is at the ringside table. This is Punk’s last shot at Joe and the title.
Crowd is HUGELY behind Joe here, although Punk has his vocal supporters. This is in New Jersey, not the friendly confines of Chicago. Mat wrestling is met with strikes from Joe. It’s all business tonight. Punk of course goes for the headlock early, but we’ve more than established that Joe is smarter than he looks. He avoids them with ease and chops down Punk forcing him to take an early break for the 1st time in their series. Punk’s got to play this one on the fly. Joe is as confident as ever so he asks Punk to chop him, fearing nothing that Punk can do. Punk obliges, but barely pats him on the chest. He then challenges Joe to chop him again. Joe doesn’t give a shit about mind games so he’s more than happy to. Punk smarty ducks and gets a backslide for an early nearfall which takes Joe off his game for a split second for Punk to lock in the headlock. Punk’s ring awareness will be his greatest strength tonight. He keeps his control segment ever-changing by dropkicking Joe in the head and then jumping right back on a headlock, followed by more head dropkicks. Punk has all the time in the world, so he’s gonna move at his pace. They both counter the other’s offense, after over 2 hours of time in the ring together, they know everything that the other man has up their sleeve. But unlike the 1st two matches, Joe is able to capitalize on his strikes. He capitalizes so much, that Punk gets busted open from a stiff knee. Punk is in the greatest trouble he’s been in so far in the series.
Joe knows what’s on the line, so he attacks the wound with animalistic precision. He’s literally trying to rip open Punk’s face here. The tides have turned a full 180. Now Joe is the one that is going to be able to last a long amount of time, and now Punk is going to have to be the one that has to end it as early as possible. Joe now uses Punk’s greatest weapon against him and uses the headlock to wear him down. There’s no way Punk can go over an hour tonight, if he’s got a shot, he’ll have to end it early. That cut is a target for the baddest motherfucker alive. Punk also doesn’t have the Chicago crowd to get him back into it. Joe just murders him for a long period of time. Punk takes a massive shitkicking, and it’s incredible to witness. He blocks a second attempt at the Ole Kick, and goes on the apron. Now, twice he’s had his jumping hurricanrana from the apron reversed into a face full of guardrail from Joe, so now he takes out the champion with a dropkick. Punk gets some chants, so he plays to that portion of the crowd to keep him in it. He even hits a Ricky Steamboat-like crossbody for a nearfall in a cool callback to that series. Another cool spot as Punk reverses the armbar that Joe had been using so effectively in the series to a School Boy. They fight on the top in a spot very reminiscent to the ending of the 2nd match, but Punk knows that a Pepsi Plunge is out of the question so early in this match, so he drops down and goes for a Powerbomb (which Joe had been using so well in the series) and Joe reverses that with a hurricanrana (which Punk had been using so well in the series). What’s better than a Joe hurricanrana? A Joe lariat that nearly decapitates Punk of course, which only gets a two count to everyone’s surprise. Moments later Joe FINALLY gets the choke for the first time in the series, which is amazing when you think about how much time these two had in the ring. Punk’s hand falls three times and it’s oer. Joe has retained the title…
BUT WAIT! Ricky Steamboat is stopping the time keeper from ringing the bell! He’s pointing to Punk, whose fingers were moving, he’s back in it as the ref calls off the timekeeper from stopping the match. Punk tries to fight out but Joe’s a Pitbull that won’t let go. Punk uses that to his advantage and gets the reversal that Bret got on Piper at Mania VIII and Austin at Survivor Series 96…it’s only two this time though as Joe was forced to let go. Crowd is really into it right now. Quick pinfall variations from Punk and Joe now. They’re going balls to the wall. It’s like they never even went 60 minutes. Huge moment of not only the match but Joe’s reign as he is so desperate to keep the title that he uses the ropes to try and pin Punk. Crowd is pissed at that. These two talked about these matches in their shoot together, and they said that Steamboat came up with that. They thought it was stupid at first, but eventually realized it was brilliant in relation to the match. Plunge is again reversed by Joe. Punk now realizes that the Plunge, although the one weapon in his arsenal that can beat Joe, can’t be hit, especially not after the beating that Punk has taken. He goes for a rollup, hoping that will be his saving grace, but Joe counters into the choke. Punk knows that he only has a few seconds to escape, but Joe realizes that too, and drops him on his head to keep him in it with huge trapped suplexes. Crowd begs for Punk to hold on, but he has already given everything. He has nothing left. Joe retains via pass out.
Joe gets on the mic and proclaims the ROH title the most important belt in the world. He shakes Punk’s hand and declares that he’s unstoppable as ROH champion. No one in any locker room in the world can beat him when it matters. Long live the King.
Phenomenal match that made both guys even bigger after it was over. One of the best of this decade. It didn’t have enough to push it into ***** territory, but it left an imprint on me anyway. I love how they “only” went 31 minutes as opposed to over an hour like everyone thought they would because of Punk’s injury. Psychology was great too. If you’re a fan of matches that have call backs to other matches, then this is defiantly right up you alley. A true classic.
****3/4
My 2008 TNA Match of the Year: Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle (Bound for Glory)
One man, fueled by two years of pain, two years of agony, two years of tears, Jeff Jarrett is able to defeat Kurt Angle. And I’ve got to send this shout out to Nashville, Tennessee: Jocelyn, Jaclyn, Jaryn, this one was dedicated to you.
- Mike Tenay
This was Jarrett’s first match in 17 months. To call it emotional would be an understatement. Mick Foley is the special enforcer.
The buildup to this match was intense to say the least. Angle had become very personal in the weeks leading up to the match. Jarrett’s counter attack was clear. How do you get personal with Kurt Angle? You beat him at his own game. Mat wrestling. But, while Jarrett had the right idea, he was totally overmatched in the beginning of the match. Angle dominates on the ground and paint brushes Jarrett’s head to let him know that he’s in a different world now. He’s not wrestling Raven, or AJ or Sting…he’s wrestling a machine. The “paint brushing” might as well have been Angle brushing what rust Jarrett had off, because at this point Jarrett takes control on the mat. He’s able to hang with everything Kurt throws at him until Jarrett takes Angle over the top. Jarrett even vaults himself over the top rope. You can tell he’s feeling it. He starts to string together his patented offense and even gets in a classic “Jarrett Strut” in, but he forgot one thing…he’s in the ring with Kurt Angle.
Angle hits a huge clothesline and takes back control. Kurt dominates Jeff with a sleeper, the very move that Jeff is known for using so effectively. Jeff starts to wear down. He hasn’t been in the ring in well over a year and he’s going up against the best in the world. Perhaps this is too soon. Perhaps he should have gone up against a lower caliber of opponent. Perhaps…but he’s not falling…not tonight.
Jarrett uses the one advantage he has over Kurt, his veteran instincts. Kurt gets too aggressive and runs into the post. Jarrett capitalizes with a DDT. Jeff gets desperate and hits a move I’ve never seen him use, the Blue Thunder Bomb. It’s not enough to put Angle away though as Angle recovers with some patented Angle offense, The belly to belly suplex. Angle’s had more than enough of Jarrett so he goes for his Angle Slam, but Jarrett has it scouted. They battle on the top rope and Jarrett gets his biggest move of the match with a Superplex. He knows he doesn’t have much time so he locks in the Figure Four. Angle sells it like it’s the end, but just manages to reach the ropes. Ankle lock out of no where and Jarrett’s in trouble. He thinks about tapping but he just can’t…not tonight. Not after 17 months of Hell. He barely manages to escape, but by that time he’s too worn down emotionally and psychically to recover. Angle Slam and it’s all but over. At least on any other night…but not tonight. Angle is more than frustrated so he gets desperate. Very desperate. He goes up for a Moonsault and gets nothing on the way down. It’s anyone’s match now.
Jarrett sits up and starts talking to himself. He knows that this is his last chance. The ref gets knocked out but Jarrett doesn’t hesitate. He can’t against Kurt Angle. Stroke from JJ but there’s no ref. At that moment, outside enforcer Mick Foley slides into the ring to make the pin attempt but only gets 2. Angle knows he was nearly beat, so he gets even more desperate and hits a low blow behind Foley’s back. It’s time to end this. He grabs a chair but Foley won’t have that. Angle has lost it and annihilates Foley with the chair. He’ll do anything to win and destroy whatever lies in his path to do it. Chair shot on Jarrrett. He’s done. He has nothing left to give. Perhaps Jeff deserves it. After all, he’s made a living doing what ever it takes to win. Maybe tonight was never his night to begin with…
But it was. Mick Foley has stopped the pinfall from taking place. As Foley gains vengeance on Angle, Jarrett knows that it’s now or never. One final bullet in the chamber. He grabs the guitar that has been by his side for years, and with all his might he destroys Angle with it. Even the best in the world can’t rise from that.
Redemption…
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