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
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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
Showing posts with label ROH and other Indies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ROH and other Indies. Show all posts
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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
Friday, April 17, 2009
ROH Driven 2008 Review
DVD Bonus Matches
Grizzley Redwood vs. Chasyn Rance – ¾*
Just there to get Franklin’s new gimmick over. Crowd shit on it at first and then ate it up.
Daizee Haze vs. Madison Eagles – ½*
2 minutes. The ROH women’s division is the worst out of the “big 3.”
Rhett Titus vs. Josh Daniels - *1/4
And so concludes the worst bonus matches on ROH PPV history.
PPV
Austin Aries vs. Delirious - **3/4
Really good for 7 minutes. Pretty much a storyline advancer with Jacobs hurting his back before the main event here via murder death kill on Aries, but it was really, really strong.
Sara Del Rey vs. Jessie McKay – DUD
Squash.
Brent Albright & Erick Stevens vs. Adam Pearce & Eddie Edwards – ** 1/4
Again, really good, but really short. 6 minutes in fact. Fairly hot crowd so far as they were even hot for the the usually apathetic-drawing Stevens and Albright.
Chris Hero vs. Jerry Lynn – **3/4
More goodness. This is the first I’ve seen of Lynn in ROH (excluding the match in Houston) and I really forgot how good he is. The first word that comes to mind is professional. Hero lays the beatdown on old man Lynn before Jerry makes a nice comeback. Nothing you haven’t seen a million times, but it’s been used a million times for a reason and Lynn can pull it off better than most of those that have tried, even at 45 years old.
Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Go Shiozaki (Three Way Elimination Match) – ***1/4
MOTN so far. Claudio’s elimination is hilarious. After he’s gone, he literally just throws students in to each other and chunks them over his shoulder into the 2nd row with ease. The meat of the match is Danielson taking a beating, but he’s one of the best at that so this rules fairly hard.
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. The Vulture Squad vs. The YRR vs. The Necro Butcher (Scramble Match) - **1/2
Short ans sweet spotfest. Noting to note really.
Nigel McGuinness vs. Roderick Strong (ROH World Title Match) - ***3/4
Wow. Great match as you’d come to expect from Nigel’s epic reign. Just Nigel beating Roderick to a pulp throughout with Strong refusing to fall in a title match again. Nigel’s really mastered the style that he uses. I’m gonna miss him. Strong comes oh so close as per with the guy, but once again Nigel is too strong and murders him with multiple offense for the pinfall. Not as good as Nigel’s defense against Claudio from the last PPV, but not far off.
Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico (World Tag Team Title Match) - ****1/2
Jimmy still has an injured back from the table spot earlier. Tyler is still pissed that Jimmy did such a selfish thing. Got a point tbh. Steenerico’s last shot at the belts. Generico plays the perfect face in peril here. You just feel he wants to make the tag more than anything. Generico does finally get the tag once the crowd gets behind him and becomes molten. Then it kicks into high gear. When the “worst” part of the match is El Generico taking a beating, you know the match is sweet. Monster nearfalls that the crowd buys non stop. The Swanton Bomb/Splash nearfall is one of the best in the company’s history. Total speed freak mode then erupts. Tons of emotion from the crowd and all four guys do a great job of playing off of it. Jacobs taking the pinfall makes sense with his injury, and Steenerico take the gold for the first time in ROH. Great stuff. I’d say it’s probably the 2nd best 2 on 2 tag match of the year. Too bad Steenerico’s reign never lived up to the chase.
Overall, one of their weakest PPV efforts at this point totally saved by the final 2 matches. The main event you should totally go out of your way for as it was truly a memorably moment in ROH history.
Grizzley Redwood vs. Chasyn Rance – ¾*
Just there to get Franklin’s new gimmick over. Crowd shit on it at first and then ate it up.
Daizee Haze vs. Madison Eagles – ½*
2 minutes. The ROH women’s division is the worst out of the “big 3.”
Rhett Titus vs. Josh Daniels - *1/4
And so concludes the worst bonus matches on ROH PPV history.
PPV
Austin Aries vs. Delirious - **3/4
Really good for 7 minutes. Pretty much a storyline advancer with Jacobs hurting his back before the main event here via murder death kill on Aries, but it was really, really strong.
Sara Del Rey vs. Jessie McKay – DUD
Squash.
Brent Albright & Erick Stevens vs. Adam Pearce & Eddie Edwards – ** 1/4
Again, really good, but really short. 6 minutes in fact. Fairly hot crowd so far as they were even hot for the the usually apathetic-drawing Stevens and Albright.
Chris Hero vs. Jerry Lynn – **3/4
More goodness. This is the first I’ve seen of Lynn in ROH (excluding the match in Houston) and I really forgot how good he is. The first word that comes to mind is professional. Hero lays the beatdown on old man Lynn before Jerry makes a nice comeback. Nothing you haven’t seen a million times, but it’s been used a million times for a reason and Lynn can pull it off better than most of those that have tried, even at 45 years old.
Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Go Shiozaki (Three Way Elimination Match) – ***1/4
MOTN so far. Claudio’s elimination is hilarious. After he’s gone, he literally just throws students in to each other and chunks them over his shoulder into the 2nd row with ease. The meat of the match is Danielson taking a beating, but he’s one of the best at that so this rules fairly hard.
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. The Vulture Squad vs. The YRR vs. The Necro Butcher (Scramble Match) - **1/2
Short ans sweet spotfest. Noting to note really.
Nigel McGuinness vs. Roderick Strong (ROH World Title Match) - ***3/4
Wow. Great match as you’d come to expect from Nigel’s epic reign. Just Nigel beating Roderick to a pulp throughout with Strong refusing to fall in a title match again. Nigel’s really mastered the style that he uses. I’m gonna miss him. Strong comes oh so close as per with the guy, but once again Nigel is too strong and murders him with multiple offense for the pinfall. Not as good as Nigel’s defense against Claudio from the last PPV, but not far off.
Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico (World Tag Team Title Match) - ****1/2
Jimmy still has an injured back from the table spot earlier. Tyler is still pissed that Jimmy did such a selfish thing. Got a point tbh. Steenerico’s last shot at the belts. Generico plays the perfect face in peril here. You just feel he wants to make the tag more than anything. Generico does finally get the tag once the crowd gets behind him and becomes molten. Then it kicks into high gear. When the “worst” part of the match is El Generico taking a beating, you know the match is sweet. Monster nearfalls that the crowd buys non stop. The Swanton Bomb/Splash nearfall is one of the best in the company’s history. Total speed freak mode then erupts. Tons of emotion from the crowd and all four guys do a great job of playing off of it. Jacobs taking the pinfall makes sense with his injury, and Steenerico take the gold for the first time in ROH. Great stuff. I’d say it’s probably the 2nd best 2 on 2 tag match of the year. Too bad Steenerico’s reign never lived up to the chase.
Overall, one of their weakest PPV efforts at this point totally saved by the final 2 matches. The main event you should totally go out of your way for as it was truly a memorably moment in ROH history.
Monday, March 23, 2009
PWG The Musical
Top Gun Talwar & Charles Mercury vs. Human Tornado & Supa Badd - *1/4
Apolo Kahn vs. Ricky Reyes - *
Disco Machine vs. Scorpio Sky - **
The Thomaselli Bro. vs. X-Foundation - **1/4
B-Boy vs. Christopher Daniels - **1/2
Lit & Deranged vs. Hardkore Kidd - DUD
Chris Bosh & Quicksilver vs. S.B.S. (Excalibur & Super Dragon) - ***
American Dragon vs. Samoa Joe - ****
Apolo Kahn vs. Ricky Reyes - *
Disco Machine vs. Scorpio Sky - **
The Thomaselli Bro. vs. X-Foundation - **1/4
B-Boy vs. Christopher Daniels - **1/2
Lit & Deranged vs. Hardkore Kidd - DUD
Chris Bosh & Quicksilver vs. S.B.S. (Excalibur & Super Dragon) - ***
American Dragon vs. Samoa Joe - ****
Thursday, March 5, 2009
PWG 88 Miles Per Hour Review
Puma vs. Black Tigers – **
Tigers' Mask vs. Bobby Quance - **
Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes & Rocky Romero) vs. GURENTAI (NOSAWA & MASADA) - **1/4
Brad Bradley vs. American Dragon - ***
Adam Pearce & Hardkore Kidd vs. Frankie Kazarian & Babi Slymm - *
Ebessan vs. Kuishinbo Kamen - **
Joey Ryan, Scott Lost, Disco Machine, Excalibur, & Super Dragon vs. Scorpio Sky, Chris Bosh, Quicksilver, Charles Mercury, & Topgun Talwar - ***1/2
Tigers' Mask vs. Bobby Quance - **
Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes & Rocky Romero) vs. GURENTAI (NOSAWA & MASADA) - **1/4
Brad Bradley vs. American Dragon - ***
Adam Pearce & Hardkore Kidd vs. Frankie Kazarian & Babi Slymm - *
Ebessan vs. Kuishinbo Kamen - **
Joey Ryan, Scott Lost, Disco Machine, Excalibur, & Super Dragon vs. Scorpio Sky, Chris Bosh, Quicksilver, Charles Mercury, & Topgun Talwar - ***1/2
PWG Taste the Radness Review
Puma vs. Charles Mercury - *
Hardkore Kidd vs. Babi Slymm - ¾*
Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes & Rocky Romero) vs. Sal & Vito Thomaselli - *1/2
Shannon Ballard vs. Samoa Joe - *3/4
Chris Bosh, Scorpio Sky, & Quicksilver vs. Super Dragon, Excalibur, & Disco Machine - **1/4
American Dragon vs. Bobby Quance - ***1/4
PWG Tag Titles: B-Boy & Homicide (C) vs. Joey Ryan & Scott Lost - **3/4
PWG Title Match: Frankie Kazarian (C) vs. Adam Pearce - ***
Hardkore Kidd vs. Babi Slymm - ¾*
Havana Pitbulls (Ricky Reyes & Rocky Romero) vs. Sal & Vito Thomaselli - *1/2
Shannon Ballard vs. Samoa Joe - *3/4
Chris Bosh, Scorpio Sky, & Quicksilver vs. Super Dragon, Excalibur, & Disco Machine - **1/4
American Dragon vs. Bobby Quance - ***1/4
PWG Tag Titles: B-Boy & Homicide (C) vs. Joey Ryan & Scott Lost - **3/4
PWG Title Match: Frankie Kazarian (C) vs. Adam Pearce - ***
Monday, February 9, 2009
ROH Nothern Navigation Review
Chris Hero vs. Ruckus
Fun enough opener. Hero is still a great wrestler, as his PWG work shows. He’s just never gotten in the hang of having great matches in ROH. Not that he has a great worker in the ring with him in this match. Ruckus flips around and Hero gets his knock out gimmick a little more credible.
**
Kenny Omega vs. Delirious
Omega’s ROH debut. He definitely has potential to be a main stay in the company. I really like Omega’s selling here. Probably the most I’ve been entertained by a Delirious match since March 2007.
**3/4
Sara Del Rey vs. Jennifer Blake
Squash match. Blake does manage to get in some botched offense before Del Rey proceeds to cave her head in soon after.
½*
Erick Stevens vs. Go Shiozaki
Neither of these guys is great at being a ring general, so they make up for it by beating the shit out of each other. Works for me. Go isn’t a very good heel here. I mean, refusing to shake hands and then hi-fiveing a fan on the outside doesn’t really work. Canada is not a fan of Stevens, but they still go out there and put on a fun match.
***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Incredible match. The more and more I see of Danielson, the more I convinced that he is an all time talent. Literally everything he does is gold. Only Michaels is even close to where he is now. His selling here is especially top notch. They play off their Chicago match nicely as well, mixing in some fun “top this if you can” stuff, before it becomes all about who is a better wrestler. Claudio is more than game to hang with Dragon here. The finish plays off the first match perfectly. A top 10 match of 2008.
****1/2
Roderick Strong vs. Naomichi Marufuji
Starts off a little slow with no real identity but then kicks into high gear towards the end. Really great stuff, but the slow build keeps it out of **** range.
***3/4
Nigel McGuinness vs. Kevin Steen (ROH World Title)
Another fantastic match. Steen takes a sick bump into the side of the ring and that becomes the story of the match for Nigel. He proceeds to work a great methodical WWE style and works over the back of Steen for the majority of the match. Steen puts in a great performance throughout. Easily his best singles match that I’ve come across. Great nearfalls from Steen as he clearly has Nigel scouted and the crowd in his pocket. In the end, Nigel is just better and Steen leaves his country a broken man. Should have main evented, but I guess I understand why with the whole “Fans go home happy” feel that ROH likes to have.
****1/4
Jacobs/Black w/Necro vs. Jay Briscoe/Aries w/Mark Briscoe (No DQ)
Typical Briscoes brawl for the most part. Mark and Necro come out to interfere, leaving the match to be 3 on 3, but then they both end up going to the back and the match finishes the way in began. Some storyline advancing helps make this stand out. Still fun, but if you’ve seen a brawl in ROH then you’ve seen this.
***1/4
Definitely top show of the year along side 6th Anniversary Show, Supercard of Honor III, Death Before Dishonor V and (apparently, even though I’ve yet to see it) Final Battle.
Fun enough opener. Hero is still a great wrestler, as his PWG work shows. He’s just never gotten in the hang of having great matches in ROH. Not that he has a great worker in the ring with him in this match. Ruckus flips around and Hero gets his knock out gimmick a little more credible.
**
Kenny Omega vs. Delirious
Omega’s ROH debut. He definitely has potential to be a main stay in the company. I really like Omega’s selling here. Probably the most I’ve been entertained by a Delirious match since March 2007.
**3/4
Sara Del Rey vs. Jennifer Blake
Squash match. Blake does manage to get in some botched offense before Del Rey proceeds to cave her head in soon after.
½*
Erick Stevens vs. Go Shiozaki
Neither of these guys is great at being a ring general, so they make up for it by beating the shit out of each other. Works for me. Go isn’t a very good heel here. I mean, refusing to shake hands and then hi-fiveing a fan on the outside doesn’t really work. Canada is not a fan of Stevens, but they still go out there and put on a fun match.
***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Incredible match. The more and more I see of Danielson, the more I convinced that he is an all time talent. Literally everything he does is gold. Only Michaels is even close to where he is now. His selling here is especially top notch. They play off their Chicago match nicely as well, mixing in some fun “top this if you can” stuff, before it becomes all about who is a better wrestler. Claudio is more than game to hang with Dragon here. The finish plays off the first match perfectly. A top 10 match of 2008.
****1/2
Roderick Strong vs. Naomichi Marufuji
Starts off a little slow with no real identity but then kicks into high gear towards the end. Really great stuff, but the slow build keeps it out of **** range.
***3/4
Nigel McGuinness vs. Kevin Steen (ROH World Title)
Another fantastic match. Steen takes a sick bump into the side of the ring and that becomes the story of the match for Nigel. He proceeds to work a great methodical WWE style and works over the back of Steen for the majority of the match. Steen puts in a great performance throughout. Easily his best singles match that I’ve come across. Great nearfalls from Steen as he clearly has Nigel scouted and the crowd in his pocket. In the end, Nigel is just better and Steen leaves his country a broken man. Should have main evented, but I guess I understand why with the whole “Fans go home happy” feel that ROH likes to have.
****1/4
Jacobs/Black w/Necro vs. Jay Briscoe/Aries w/Mark Briscoe (No DQ)
Typical Briscoes brawl for the most part. Mark and Necro come out to interfere, leaving the match to be 3 on 3, but then they both end up going to the back and the match finishes the way in began. Some storyline advancing helps make this stand out. Still fun, but if you’ve seen a brawl in ROH then you’ve seen this.
***1/4
Definitely top show of the year along side 6th Anniversary Show, Supercard of Honor III, Death Before Dishonor V and (apparently, even though I’ve yet to see it) Final Battle.
Friday, January 2, 2009
ROH New Horizons Review
The Briscoes vs. Young/Franklin - 1/2*
Delirious vs. Erick Stevens vs. Ruckus vs. Shane Hagadorn (4CS) - **
Kevin Steen vs. Necro Butcher (No DQ) - **1/2
Hero/Shiozaki vs. Strong/Marufuji - ***1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Claudio Castganoli (ROH World Title) - ****1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black - ****1/4
DVD Bonus Matches:
Kenny Omega vs. Silas Young - *3/4
The Honor Rumble - **1/2
Delirious vs. Erick Stevens vs. Ruckus vs. Shane Hagadorn (4CS) - **
Kevin Steen vs. Necro Butcher (No DQ) - **1/2
Hero/Shiozaki vs. Strong/Marufuji - ***1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Claudio Castganoli (ROH World Title) - ****1/4
Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black - ****1/4
DVD Bonus Matches:
Kenny Omega vs. Silas Young - *3/4
The Honor Rumble - **1/2
ROH The Tokyo Summit Review
Austin Aries vs. Tyler Black - ***1/4
Eddie Edwards vs. Kazushi Miyamoto - *1/2
El Generico vs. Taiji Ishimori - ***
The Briscoes vs. Richards/Morishima - ***
Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Bryan Danielson (GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title) - ****
KENTA & Kota Ibushi vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Katsuhiko Nakajima - ****1/4
Kensuke Sasaki vs. Roderick Strong - ***1/4
Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Jacobs (ROH World Title) - ***3/4
DVD Bonus Match:
Hirayanagi/Suzuki vs. Naito/Yujiro - *1/2 (LMAO at the end when Suzuki got locked outside the building and it became an handicap match)
Eddie Edwards vs. Kazushi Miyamoto - *1/2
El Generico vs. Taiji Ishimori - ***
The Briscoes vs. Richards/Morishima - ***
Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Bryan Danielson (GHC Jr. Heavyweight Title) - ****
KENTA & Kota Ibushi vs. Naomichi Marufuji & Katsuhiko Nakajima - ****1/4
Kensuke Sasaki vs. Roderick Strong - ***1/4
Nigel McGuinness vs. Jimmy Jacobs (ROH World Title) - ***3/4
DVD Bonus Match:
Hirayanagi/Suzuki vs. Naito/Yujiro - *1/2 (LMAO at the end when Suzuki got locked outside the building and it became an handicap match)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
ROH Battle of the Best Review
Yamato vs. Eddie Edwards - **1/4
Austin Aries vs. Ryo Saito - **3/4
Roderick Strong vs. Davey Richards - ****
Dragon Kid/ Generico/ Shingo vs. Doi/Yoshino/BxB Hulk- ***1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson - ****
Jacobs/Black vs. The Briscoes (ROH Tag Titles) - ***1/4
DVD Bonus Matches:
Sal Rinauro vs. Delirious (FIP Florida Heritage Title) (FIP Dangerous Intentions 2008) - **1/2
MsChif vs. Amazing Kong (Shimmer vol. 9) - ***3/4
Austin Aries vs. Ryo Saito - **3/4
Roderick Strong vs. Davey Richards - ****
Dragon Kid/ Generico/ Shingo vs. Doi/Yoshino/BxB Hulk- ***1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson - ****
Jacobs/Black vs. The Briscoes (ROH Tag Titles) - ***1/4
DVD Bonus Matches:
Sal Rinauro vs. Delirious (FIP Florida Heritage Title) (FIP Dangerous Intentions 2008) - **1/2
MsChif vs. Amazing Kong (Shimmer vol. 9) - ***3/4
ROH Death Before Dishonor VI Review
The Briscoes vs. Jigsaw & Ruckus - **1/4
Chris Hero vs. Delirious - *3/4
Eddie Edwards vs. Roderick Strong - **1/2
Adam Pearce vs. Brent Albright (NWA World Title) - ****1/2
Necro Butcher vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Austin Aries (Relaxed Rules) - **
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Go Shiozaki - ****
The Murder City Machine Guns vs. El Generico & Kevin Steen - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black vs. Claudio Castganoli (ROH World Title) - ****1/2
Chris Hero vs. Delirious - *3/4
Eddie Edwards vs. Roderick Strong - **1/2
Adam Pearce vs. Brent Albright (NWA World Title) - ****1/2
Necro Butcher vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Austin Aries (Relaxed Rules) - **
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Go Shiozaki - ****
The Murder City Machine Guns vs. El Generico & Kevin Steen - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black vs. Claudio Castganoli (ROH World Title) - ****1/2
Saturday, December 13, 2008
PWG All Star Weekend V Night 2 Review
Kevin Steen vs Joey Ryan (No DQ) - ***
Perkins/Romero/Ronin vs Cholo/NOSAWA/Anderson - **1/4
Davey Richards vs Chris Hero - ***1/4
Colt Cabana & Topgun Talwar vs Kikutaro & Disco Machine - **1/2
Claudio Castagnoli vs Alex Shelley - ***3/4
Kaz Hayashi vs PAC - ***1/4
Roderick Strong & Jack Evans vs Scott Lost & Chris Bosh - ***1/4
El Generico vs Human Tornado (PWG Title) - ***1/2
Samoa Joe vs Low Ki - ****1/4
Perkins/Romero/Ronin vs Cholo/NOSAWA/Anderson - **1/4
Davey Richards vs Chris Hero - ***1/4
Colt Cabana & Topgun Talwar vs Kikutaro & Disco Machine - **1/2
Claudio Castagnoli vs Alex Shelley - ***3/4
Kaz Hayashi vs PAC - ***1/4
Roderick Strong & Jack Evans vs Scott Lost & Chris Bosh - ***1/4
El Generico vs Human Tornado (PWG Title) - ***1/2
Samoa Joe vs Low Ki - ****1/4
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
PWG All Star Weekend V Night 1 Review
NOSAWA vs. Disco Machine - *3/4
Roderick Strong vs. Rocky Romero - ***3/4
Human Tornado vs. Claudio Castagnoli - **3/4
Jack Evans vs. Kevin Steen - ***
Ryan/Bosh/Lost/Anderson vs. Kazarian/Ronin/Perkins/Talwar - **1/4
Alex Shelley vs. Kaz Hayashi - ****1/4
Low Ki vs. Davey Richards - ***3/4
El Generico vs. Pac (PWG Title) - ****
Roderick Strong vs. Rocky Romero - ***3/4
Human Tornado vs. Claudio Castagnoli - **3/4
Jack Evans vs. Kevin Steen - ***
Ryan/Bosh/Lost/Anderson vs. Kazarian/Ronin/Perkins/Talwar - **1/4
Alex Shelley vs. Kaz Hayashi - ****1/4
Low Ki vs. Davey Richards - ***3/4
El Generico vs. Pac (PWG Title) - ****
ROH Respect is Earned II Review
Kevin Steen & El Generico vs. Jigsaw & Ruckus - ***1/4
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Davey Richards - ***
Hero, Pearce and Edwards vs. Albright, Delirious, & Primeau- **3/4
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens (Fight without Honor) - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Go Shiozaki (ROH World Title) - ***3/4
Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black vs. Bryan Danileson & Austin Aries (ROH Tag Team Titles) - ****1/2
Bonus Matches:
Jigsaw vs. Eddie Kingston - *1/2
Jay Briscoe vs. Necro Butcher (Philly Street Fight) - ***1/2
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Davey Richards - ***
Hero, Pearce and Edwards vs. Albright, Delirious, & Primeau- **3/4
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens (Fight without Honor) - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Go Shiozaki (ROH World Title) - ***3/4
Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black vs. Bryan Danileson & Austin Aries (ROH Tag Team Titles) - ****1/2
Bonus Matches:
Jigsaw vs. Eddie Kingston - *1/2
Jay Briscoe vs. Necro Butcher (Philly Street Fight) - ***1/2
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
ROH Supercard of Honor III Review
Delirious vs. Go Shiozaki - **3/4
YRR vs. Luke/DINGO/Payne - **
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens (FIP Title) - [****]
The Briscoes vs. Black/Jacobs (Relaxed Rules) - ***3/4
Steen/Generico vs. BXB Hulk/Shingo - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Austin Aries (ROH World Title) - ****1/2
Typhoon vs. Muscle Outlawz - ****1/4
YRR vs. Luke/DINGO/Payne - **
Roderick Strong vs. Erick Stevens (FIP Title) - [****]
The Briscoes vs. Black/Jacobs (Relaxed Rules) - ***3/4
Steen/Generico vs. BXB Hulk/Shingo - ****
Nigel McGuinness vs. Austin Aries (ROH World Title) - ****1/2
Typhoon vs. Muscle Outlawz - ****1/4
Monday, July 28, 2008
ROH Take No Prisoners Review
Delirious vs. Tyler Black vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Go Shiozaki (#1 Contendership fro ROH Title Later) --- ***1/4
Roderick Strong vs. Kevin Steen --- ***1/4
The Briscoes vs. Matthews/Necro Butcher (Philadelphia Street Fight) --- ***1/2
Brent Albright vs. Erick Stevens --- **1/4
Richards/Romero vs. Ruckus/Jigsaw (ROH Tag Titles) --- ***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Austin Aries --- ****1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Tyler Black (ROH World Title) --- ****1/2
Bonus Matches
Dingo vs. Davey Richards --- **
Ruckus/Jigsaw vs. Pearce/Whitmer (#1 Contendership for Tag Titles at TNP) --- *3/4
Marufuji/Sugiura vs. The Briscoes (GHC Heavyweight Tag Titles) --- ****
Roderick Strong vs. Kevin Steen --- ***1/4
The Briscoes vs. Matthews/Necro Butcher (Philadelphia Street Fight) --- ***1/2
Brent Albright vs. Erick Stevens --- **1/4
Richards/Romero vs. Ruckus/Jigsaw (ROH Tag Titles) --- ***1/2
Bryan Danielson vs. Austin Aries --- ****1/2
Nigel McGuinness vs. Tyler Black (ROH World Title) --- ****1/2
Bonus Matches
Dingo vs. Davey Richards --- **
Ruckus/Jigsaw vs. Pearce/Whitmer (#1 Contendership for Tag Titles at TNP) --- *3/4
Marufuji/Sugiura vs. The Briscoes (GHC Heavyweight Tag Titles) --- ****
Sunday, June 29, 2008
PWG Album of the Year Review
Frankie Kazarian vs. Disco Machine --- **
Arrogance vs. Franknsteen --- ***
T.J Perkins vs. Ronin --- **1/4
Phoenix Star vs. Nemesis --- **1/4
Joey Ryan vs. Top Gun Talwar (Tuxedo Match) --- *
Karl Anderson vs. Colt Cabana --- **1/2
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Rocky Romero --- ***3/4
El Generico vs Davey Richards (PWG Title) --- ***3/4
Arrogance vs. Franknsteen --- ***
T.J Perkins vs. Ronin --- **1/4
Phoenix Star vs. Nemesis --- **1/4
Joey Ryan vs. Top Gun Talwar (Tuxedo Match) --- *
Karl Anderson vs. Colt Cabana --- **1/2
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Rocky Romero --- ***3/4
El Generico vs Davey Richards (PWG Title) --- ***3/4
Thursday, June 19, 2008
FIP Payback Review
Rainman vs. Jared Steel --- *
Steve Madison vs. Kahagas --- *
Spanky vs. Tony Kozina --- **3/4
Banks/Dunn/Marcos vs. The Heartbreak Express/Don Juan --- ***
Jay Fury vs. Sal Rinauro vs. Tony Mamaluke (Three Way Dance) --- **3/4
Samoa Joe vs. Azrieal --- **1/4
Rave/Fast Eddie vs. Strong/Clark (FIP Tag Titles) --- ***
CM Punk vs. Colt Cabana --- ****
Steve Madison vs. Kahagas --- *
Spanky vs. Tony Kozina --- **3/4
Banks/Dunn/Marcos vs. The Heartbreak Express/Don Juan --- ***
Jay Fury vs. Sal Rinauro vs. Tony Mamaluke (Three Way Dance) --- **3/4
Samoa Joe vs. Azrieal --- **1/4
Rave/Fast Eddie vs. Strong/Clark (FIP Tag Titles) --- ***
CM Punk vs. Colt Cabana --- ****
FIP Violence is the Answer Review
Spanky vs. Roderick Strong --- ***
Antonio Banks vs. Ryze --- *1/2
Rainman vs. Sal Rinauro vs. Jared Steele vs. Kahagas (4 Way Fray) --- **
Dunn vs. Fast Eddie --- **3/4
Jimmy Rave vs. Jerrelle Clark --- **3/4
Carnage Crew/Marcos vs. Heartbreak Express/Don Juan --- **1/2
James Gibson vs. Steve Madison --- ***
Homicide vs. CM Punk (FIP Title; Anything Goes) --- ***1/2
Antonio Banks vs. Ryze --- *1/2
Rainman vs. Sal Rinauro vs. Jared Steele vs. Kahagas (4 Way Fray) --- **
Dunn vs. Fast Eddie --- **3/4
Jimmy Rave vs. Jerrelle Clark --- **3/4
Carnage Crew/Marcos vs. Heartbreak Express/Don Juan --- **1/2
James Gibson vs. Steve Madison --- ***
Homicide vs. CM Punk (FIP Title; Anything Goes) --- ***1/2
FIP Bring the Pain Review
Ryze vs. Masked Fipper #1 --- DUD
Roderick Strong vs. Insane Dragon (#1 Contendership for ROH Title later tonight) --- **3/4
Erick Stevens vs. Don Juan --- **
The Heartbreak Express vs. Epic/Kahagas --- *1/2
Steve Madison vs. Tony Kozina --- **
Jared Steele vs. Evan Starsmore --- *3/4
Vordell Walker vs. Masada --- **
Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong (ROH World Title) --- ***1/4
CM Punk vs. Bryan Danielson (2/3 Falls) --- ****1/2
Roderick Strong vs. Insane Dragon (#1 Contendership for ROH Title later tonight) --- **3/4
Erick Stevens vs. Don Juan --- **
The Heartbreak Express vs. Epic/Kahagas --- *1/2
Steve Madison vs. Tony Kozina --- **
Jared Steele vs. Evan Starsmore --- *3/4
Vordell Walker vs. Masada --- **
Austin Aries vs. Roderick Strong (ROH World Title) --- ***1/4
CM Punk vs. Bryan Danielson (2/3 Falls) --- ****1/2
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