Pro Wrestling Ponderings

09/07/09 ROH on HDNet

Welcome back readers. We are starting out with an exciting match as we have the duo of Rhett Titus and Kenny King against the returning heroes of ROH, The Briscoe Bros. A great tag team outing as for the first time we see the Briscoes as a team on HDNet, but it’s the youngin’s that are showing their mettle. Diverting attention of both brothers, making sure that their opponent is in their corner, and even then securing their dominance by practically cutting off Mark from Jay for most of the match. I’ll paraphrase D’Lo Brown from the BTR radio show this week in that the true measure of a wrestler is not about when he enters the ring and runs roughshad over his opponent, but it’s when the wrestler can make his opponent look like he’s beating him when under “normal” circumstances it wouldn’t be so. The Briscoes have always been able to do that for other tag teams. All the way to the finish the team of Titus and King looked like they were always within a hairs chance of winning, but with the Doomsday Device, the brothers secure another victory.

American Wolves come out and run down the Briscoes Bros. from the entrance way. But just to show how great the tag division is, Steenerico comes out and practically throws the American Wolves in the ring. After a short beat down, a surreal moment occurs when the team of Steenerico faces off against The Briscoe Bros. with each team holding one tag team belt as the American Wolves yell from the ringside. A great feud just waiting to happen between those three teams.

Nigel interview segment as he’s asked about Lynn and Black. Such a great promo man is Nigel and I do hope that the scripted promos in the fed don’t leech any of his charisma away. Damn I miss the spiked hairdo. The lasting moments after Durden stated that Nigel never gives a clear answer was gold, akin to The Rock staring down Coachman.

Eddie Kingston is out and ready for some action. Hero’s music blasts in darkness but of course who comes out to disappoint is the one and only Shane Hagadorn. Sal Rinauro is beckoned out by Hagadorn and once he backs into Kingston, he kneels down to pray. One spinning backfist later and the match is over as quick as it began. Furthering the fans want to see Hero versus Kingston. They have been building this since July and really this may be stretching it a tad thin as these squash matches are beginning to become redudant.

Another squash match as Nigel McGuinness takes on Aaron Scott. Nothing against Scott, but to make your in ring debut against a former great ROH champion is surely a daunting task. “Kill The Jobber” chants sound off at the beginning of this match and that is pretty much what Nigel starts doing from the get go. A great showing of what Nigel can do and obviously supposed to be a warm up, a warm up that may not get to second gear as most of the internet community knows that Nigel, alongside Bryan Danielson, is going to the WWE in principle. But that doesn’t mean he can’t give us an entertaining match up against Aaron Scott and he does just that with a great showing of his catch and submission style. Aaron gets a few moments of offense as he gets a reversal on the former champ but Nigel quickly returns to the dominant position. Glimers of hope for the young Aaron Scott but it would be Nigel who gets the win with a… DDT? Seemed to be a botched spot as Nigel was clearly going for the Jawbreaker Lariat but Scott dropped his head to “avoid” it but at the same time it did get across that Nigel can finish off an opponent with any weapon from his arsenal so perhaps the point did get across.

Great video package shown for the main event of the night of Jerry Lynn going up against the upstart Tyler Black who seemingly is the choosen one to reign as next ROH world champion. We’ll have to wait and see on that one, but I have predicted before that before or even perhaps at Final Battle 2009, we’d see Black finally reach that brass ring and win the big one. As I am going to the Sept. 19th ROH show in Chicago, I can’t wait to see Danielson and Black hook it up one last time for the forseeable future. The match begins, and as so many others that these two men have had, technical savvy is the starting point.

Obviously the point to get across is that Tyler has matured in the ring and can get those elusive wins in the singles department. From a TV timeline, they are pushing that the win over Nigel is the first step, but that he has a ways to go to become a contender. I seem to remember a certain PPV match where he took then champion Nigel to the limit and really showed his potential in that match. At this stage though, the television crowd is just learning what Tyler Black bas shown fans over the last two years on DVD and on PPV. I would also like to point out that I feel the reason that some are down on Jerry Lynn is because we have seen the greatness that is Lynn and perhaps are a tad jaded and some feel that there is nothing new Jerry can show them. I’m not sold on that yet as I feel perhaps a heel Jerry Lynn could reinvigorate his character in ROH.

Great back and forth action as Jerry Lynn shows speed of men half his age mixed with respectable holds and counter holds by both competitors. You can almost feel the mood in the building change as both men really are beginning to pick it up a notch. Silently and almost as if to surprise the men in the ring,Nigel has come to ringside to not only join the spectators, but to issue out some opinions. The reasons are his alone, but it is clear that he means to make sure both men know what he’s thinking. The crowd seems to notice but at the same time can’t tear their eyes from the action in the ring. Each resounding two count earns more and more cheers from the crowd for either competitor, but it would see that while neither man wants to give up, they both don’t have much left in the tank. Turnbuckle bomb and right into the super kick but soon we see a glimor of Nigel’s plan as he puts Lynns foot on the rope for the count break. Even the kids in the front row seem to be pleading with Black to not take his eyes off of Lynn, but it could be too soon too late as Lynn gets a small package and the win. Great match to end the night and it would seem that Black and Nigel are going to have at least one face off before the ROH legend goes to the WWE. Thanks for reading folks.

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08/31/2009 ROH on HDnet review

So here it is folks, Team Cabana against the Embassy in a huge tag team match for the main event. But we have some action before we get there.

Delrious joined by the lobely Daizee Haze is ready to go up against the soon to be rapper Sonjay Dutt. Two guys who got killed by Samoa Joe in his early TNA tenure are about to excite the crowd with both of their unique styles. Delirious hears the bell and the madness begins, too bad his mind can be easily manipulated in other areas. I will say that their styles compliment each other in that we have the aggressive style of Delirious while Sonjay is able to counter him and use his speed against a man who isn’t too shabby in the quicks department. Gotta add that Hog asking Prazak if he spoke Klingon made me chuckle. Huge amounts of offense out of Sonjay that as one would expect would take him off of his feet while he tries to weaken the resolve of Delirious in order to get a three count. Delirious gets the win with a roll up and a sign of respect at the end of the match with a sporting hand shake between the two opponents.

Embassy promo with the idea that they are going to get rid of their opponents and rise to the top of the ROH ladder. While I’m not convinced that the members of the official Embassy are really going to rise to the top, I will say that with this big tag match, we could see some entertaining spots.

American Wolves against Cheech & Cloudy is our second match of the night and honestly I don’t see this being more than a glorified squash match. The former Special K members get pounded from the get go from these stiff wrestlers in the form of the American Wolves but they soon send the ROH Tag Team Champions to the floor but make that fatal mistake of going high risk against a team that isn’t entirely out of it. I enjoy the work of Cheech & Cloudy in CHIKARA and other indy federations, but I can’t say that the American Wolves are going to have much trouble with these two who combine high flying and speed expertly but the American Wolves aren’t far behind in the quicks department and are just tough as nails. A half crab later and the ROH Tag Team Champions have their win. Don’t expect to see any sportsman like behavior from the Wolves as they make us suffer the sight of Shane Hagadorn again for another week. Dark City Fight Club rush to the ring and the rough and tough tandem make an example out of Cheech, even gaining some notice from the tag team champs.

Team Cabana promo. Brent Albright is just plain stupid as Sgt. Meathead. Colt can do the funny stuff and has the timing of Bob Saget, but god damn why is Brent even trying this babyface look. Grizzly Redwood and Necro follow and honestly this did not make me any more interested in the main event.

Jerry Lynn tells us why his next weeks match against Tyler Black could be one more important match in his history and to be honest it could be a very telling sign of where he’s ging to go.

Silas Young versus Erick Stevens this week as two power houses of the ROH roster are going to go head to head. I have seen lots of good things out of both men, and with just a little adjustment, Stevens could be a huge player for ROH in the future if only he would work on his schtick. He definitely has a look that could be distinctive, but as always the gift of gab may be the clincher to his success in this business. Great heel work from Young as this midwest talent continues to impress me with his in ring abilities. Be sure to check out the sit down Jerome Cusson of Pro Wrestling Ponderings had with Silas Young at an AAW event alongside the Phoenix Twins as a wondering Jimmy Jacobs also chimes in. Cheap plugs coming about, also be sure to check out the sit down Jerome had with DGUSA announcer and commentator Phil Colvin this week as that is also up on the website. Anyway back to the match at hand. These two larger members of the ROH roster show they aren’t afraid to go to the ropes to gain some impact, a great example by Young as he goes for a split legged moonsault but is able to land on his feet when he sees that Stevens isn’t there. One Doctor Bomb later though and Erick Stevens shows why his slight experience advantage in ROH over Young gives him the edge this time around. Would like to see program between these two if done correctly.

“God’s Middle Child” Eddie Kingston is back again to vent about Chris Hero. These vignettes have gone a long time and really the build to this match up has been done in other promotions so many times over that in a way this is overkill. Not to say that I’m not looking forward to it, but with it being done in so many other places they are really milking this a tad too far.

Main event time as a “classic Survivor Series” style tag match pitting The Embassy (Jimmy Rave, Claudio Castagnoli, Prince Nana, Ernie Osiris) against Colt Cabana, Necro Butcher, Brent Albright, and Grizzly Redwood. On a side note, I would have much preferred Bison Smith to Ernie Osiris any day of the week as really this ROH student has not shown anything but being able to take a decent bump, and sometimes it’s messed up even then. Prince Nana breaking out a ring outfit that I haven’t seen him in since his ECWA days. ROH students in the ring as we have Redwood against Osiris and while they are doing some decent basic manuevers, I just don’t see why Osiris is in the match. Redwood shows that he is lightyears ahead of Osiris, probably just by the experience he has outside of ROH while I am pretty damn sure that Osiris hasn’t worked in any other promotion. I could be wrong and if I am please feel free to comment on that as I would like to know the whereabouts of the ROH students. Great segment as the crowd is used to interact with the babyface team as they put the stretch on Double C and use the leverage of the entire front row on their side. Gotta admit that while ROH may not be what it once was persay, it still gives the fans experiences that they will remember and probably can’t get anywhere else from the major two of this profession. Though apparently in the fed we do have “fans” running in to help those who they feel akin to, or just may be kin to but that aside. Colt Cabana’s moonsault to the outside of the ring is still a thing of beauty as I recall the first time I saw it in a four way that is now a ROH classic that also included Homicide, BJ Whitmer, and Dan Maff of the Prophecy. Osiris eliminates Redwood in what I would say is an upset. Albright and Claudio battle it out to the fans and get themselves eliminated. While I understand what the point of that was, at the same time it was pretty dumb for Albright to leave his team mates at such a disadvantage, even though marginally it is only Osiris that gives The Embassy their advantage.

Sick bump as Necro’s leg takes a swanton onto a chair from Osiris and dear god it really did look like could have broken the leg in half. Heel hook later and Necro is gone but luckily Osiris is eliminated soon after following a Colt 45 by Cabana. Rave and Nana are left with Cabana and this could be an interesting match from this point on if Nana is left alone with Colt. I will say at this point, this main event has been better than I thought it would be and definitely at least two stars more than what I would have given it credit for based on paper. Prince Nana finally gets into the ring and I must say he has definitely lost a lot of weight from when I watched him in ECWA. Jimmy Rave eliminated with a roll up and when Nana reacts to the elimination it is pure gold. Nana taps out to give Team Cabana the win and send the viewing fans home happy at the conclusion of this main event. Definitely a better episode than what I thought it was going to be, only further proving to me that I shouldn’t always be so down on the ROH product until I see it for myself, despite what I may feel or read elsewhere. Thanks again readers.

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Hello all. As you can see, my name’s Matt Winton. And if you don’t feel like checking out the profile, I’m the resident PWG reviewer/columnist around here. However, I’m trying to help Cusson out, and taking the reigns of reviewing the ROH on HDNet shows. Some points of warning though:

1. I don’t have HDNet. The way I watch these shows are when they are posted on YouTube at this address: http://www.youtube.com/user/ROHBrazilThey are never posted until the Tuesday or Wednesday AFTER the show is aired, so these will pretty much be a week behind every time. And I don’t have Cable or DSL, so no, I can’t just torrent the shows sooner. So bare with me and try to have some patience.

2. Since I’m watching it on YouTube, my match times might be different from those in other reviews. I don’t have to watch commercials. I go from bell to bell in the time I’m provided on the video.

3. I have only read the reviews/reports of the prior 10 ROH TV shows. If I miss something on a current show that ties into a prior episode, forgive my lack of memory. I just won’t be able to remember the words as much as I (or any of you) would probably remember the visual memories from past shows.

4. I’m new to reviewing so it might take a while to find a groove for myself. Comments, ideas and opinions are absolutely recommended. What’s the point of doing this if I don’t tailor it to what the readers want?

That’s all. Onto the show!

Cool opening little montage, it’s just a little difficult to see some things. Prazak and Hodgewood start us off with a little hype for the Tag Team Title Tables Match with El Steenerico vs. The American Wolves.

Rhett Titus puts entirely too much grizzle into his voice, but hey, I’d rather have too much effort than too little. He says Strong has never broken a back like his. Yeah, that’s probably gonna change pretty soon.

Strong says Titus isn’t addicted to love, he’s addicted to punishment. He says he’ll teach Titus a new catchphrase: Only the Strong survive. I always wondered why he didn’t use that as a catchphrase all the time. It’s cheesy, but it works.

-Roderick Strong vs. Rhett Titus-

ONE STREAMER FOR STRONG! He must be proud. Lock up, Titus grabs a wrist lock. Cartwheel out by Strong, grabs a wrist lock of his own. Immediately transitions to a Headlock Takedown. Titus with a Head Scissors and he thrusts. Gross. Strong kips up and out, ends up hitting an Arm Drag on Rhett Titus. Titus tosses Strong out of the ring and look, there’s more thrusting. Too much, though, as Strong springboards himself into the ring with a Shoulder Block. Chop, Dropkick. Strong hits his first Back Breaker for a 2 count. Another chop by Strong. Tries to Irish Whip Titus but gets blocked, hits another chop. Tries again, but Titus raises a knee and whips Strong into the corner. Strong goes for his Enziguri but Titus ducks it, throws his legs into the ropes, and hits an X-Factor. That was pretty damn nifty, to be honest. Strong gets mounted with some punches. They exchange punches and chops, which Titus gets the best of. Body Slam and Titus drops a knee for a 2 count again.

Strong cuts him off with a Jawbreaker and a forearm, but gets pulled by the tights headfirst into the middle turnbuckle. Rhettski hits a Stinger Splash, sans WHOO, and then a high knee. Small rest spot that Strong fights out of with a chop and stumbles to the corner. Titus charges but gets a back kick, followed up quickly by a Turn-Around Springboard Crossbody by Roderick Strong for a 2 count. Titus takes back over and cuts Strong off with Swinging Neckbreaker. Takes too much time again and misses a charge. Strong fires off two Clotheslines in the corner, and hits a Back Body Drop. Strong hits some more chops but is cut off by an eye rake by Titus. Strong reverses an Irish Whip and hits the Urinage Backbreaker. Gutbuster reversed into an O’Connor Roll for 2. Titus hits a Modified Rocker Dropper. ENZIGURI IN THE CORNER BY STRONG! Gutbuster! CHARGING KICK! Oh, you better believe that’s 3 at 6:54. **1/4 It wasn’t always the best of matches, as Titus’ offense is slow and plodding, but that’s meant to highlight Strong’s more explosive offense, so it’s forgivable and pretty appropriate. And Prazak totally snubbing Hodgewood’s “YOU’RE a nagi” joke was pretty great, too.

-More hype for the Tag Title match tonight, as well as World Title hype for next week’s show with Jerry Lynn vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black vs. Austin Aries. It’s odd how they have the moving visuals, but really, only Aries moves. The rest just stand and pose for the duration. Lynn’s non-moving reminds me of Strong’s moving photo on PWG’s 2006 Battle of Los Angeles.-

Aries gets a little video vignette to hype himself up. He’s a great heel, but his grossness is hard to get over at times. Maybe it’s because I hate a man with a mustache. Almost as much as I hate a woman with a mustache. That’s probably it.

-Non Title Match: Sara Del Ray vs. MsChif vs. Daizee Haze (c) w/ Jimmy Jacobs-

Oh hell, a women’s match. I’m not misogynistic or anything so extravagant, it’s just difficult for me to get into a women’s match. I love the fire and effort but none of these women interest me. I’ve heard, though, that Sara Del Ray can bench press 200 lbs. with her vagina. So who am I to judge?

MsChif screams at Del Ray and makes me laugh. Apparently it’s only funny to me though, as Del Ray kicks MsChif in the chest and tosses Haze to the outside. 200 lbs. folks. Think about it. MsChif takes Del Ray off guard with a Drop Toe Hold and Standing Moonsault to the back. Octopus Stretch by MsChif, which Haze breakers up with a Dropkick. That was actually pretty sweet, flowing right into a Crucifix cover for 2. Haze hits a Modified X-Factor out of the corner. And Del Ray grabs her by the throat, slams her down onto MsChif. And… doesn’t even bother to break up the count. That was awkward. Haze kicks Del Ray to the outside and goes up top… Springboard Cross Body to the outside onto Del Ray. Sort’ve. I mean, it hit her shins or so. MsChif with the MIST and tosses Haze back in, Desecrator, it’s ove at 2:39. 1/2* The spots were nice, but it’s impossible to get connected to the wrestlers with such little time. People complain about that with WWE and TNA matches, myself included, it’s only fair to make the same criticism of an ROH match like that.

MsChif gets a post-match pro-… nope, Jimmy Jacobs. Jacobs says the Age of the Fall is about accomplishments, not goals. It’s women’s goals to win the SHIMMER Title. It’s MsChif’s accomplishment. He says he wants to go after the Harlot named Daizee Haze. MsChif screams, leaving me wishing I hadn’t listened to this on headphones. Damnit.

Even more hype for the Tag Title Match this week and World Title Match next week. Tyler Black this time.

There’s no W in H-O-R-R-O-R? Shit. Callahan has a plan that involves a gravy train and biscuits for wheels. Yikes. Going by promos alone, I wish I could give Callahan more of a chance to win. I mean, he can SPELL!

-Erick Stevens vs. Sami Callahan-

Elevators and two story gravy trains, Hodgewood? Really? Callahan grabs a Headlock but Stevens pushes him off, drops him with a Shoulder Tackle when he comes back off the ropes. I love that Callahan is pumped to get the match ready, as opposed to being afraid of Stevens. He’s gonna lose, that’s a given, but he’s not afraid that’s for sure. Hiptoss by Stevens. Body Slam and Elbow Drop by Stevens. CHOP! Hammer to the back of Stevens but it’s basically no-sold. Callahan tries to avoid, brings Stevens’ head into the middle turnbuckle. Eye rake, Snapmare…. lick? Well, whatever it was, Stevens most certainly did not like it and grabs him by the throat. Callahan gets out, Stevens goes for a German Suplex but that ain’t happenin’. Goes for an O’Connor Roll, but Callahan holds onto the ropes and Stevens rolls backwards and onto his knees. CHARGING CLOTHESLINE TO STEVENS! 2 count. I’ve always liked that Clothesline variation. Koji Clutch by Sami Callahan! Stevens gets the ropes to break it. Charges Stevens in the corner with a forearm and backrolls out but Stevens charges and DRIVES Callahan into the opposite corner. CHOO-CHOO Clothesline! Callahan stumbles out and takes a stiff Lariat. Great sell by Callahan. Dr. Bomb by Stevens! 1-2-3! Over at 2:50. 3/4* This would’ve been a fine squash, except Callahan got an even amount of offense in. Stevens is just bigger and stronger. The outcome was never in doubt, and these two never did anything to make you think otherwise. So why not just make it a total squash to put Stevens over? They’re not doing anything with Callahan. Whatever.

Next week: Special interview with Ric Flair.

We get into a history and backstory for El Steenerico vs. The American Wolves. Wolves put Generico through a table with a Doomsday Ace Crusher, while Steen put Shane Hagadorn through a table with a Powerbomb. Advantage: American Wolves.

-ROH World Tag Team Title TABLES ARE LEGAL Match: El Steenerico (c) vs. The American Wolves-

If you think you’re getting real Play By Play on this match, you’re crazy. I’ll do as much as I can. The Wolves attack Steenerico before they even get an introduction. Awesome split screen as they follow both Generico vs. Edwards and Steen vs. Richards. It’s hard to follow, but I like the option of getting to choose what I watch, as opposed to just whoever they feel like putting on video at the moment. Steen and Generico start teaming up on Richards as the crowd chants “We want tables!” Steen hits TWO Flipping Leg Drops to the back of Richards’ head. Intensity! Edwards tries to save, but just ends up getting worked over by Steen and Generico, himself. Two Sentons to Edwards by Steen, followed by the BACKPACK Senton+ Generico! Love that. Steen brings out the first table. Generico throws Richards head first into it. Then throws Edwards head first into the table as well! Prazak is so mean to Hodgewood. I can only imagine their pre-show talks.

Prazak: So, since I’m a heel, it’d be good for me to just rip you down and talk trash to you anytime you open your mouth. Or I’ll just completely ignore you. Either way.

Hodgewood: Oh! We’re starting now?

Steen sets a table up in the corner, and almost whips Edwards through it. Edwards slides to a halt, though and charges at Generico only to take a nice Exploder Suplex into the opposite corner Turnbuckles. Richards surprises Generico, though, bringing him to the outside and tossing him into the guard rail. Steen goes for a Powerbomb through the table! NO! Richards slips out and dropkicks Steen’s bad knee. Generico back in, Brainbuster! NO! Richards slips out of that, too. Generico hits the ropes, but Edwards is back in and he pushes Generico up… HUGE kick to the chest by Richards! GERMAN SUPLEX/SUPERKICK COMBO SENDS GENERICHO THRO-… against…. THE TABLE! Yeesh, that must not’ve felt good. SHINBREAKER TO STEEN THROUGH THE TABLE! Freaking beautiful. Crowd chants “You still suck!” and “Mr. Wrestling!” Steen is trying to fight back but his knee is screwed right now. Richards goes for the Figure Four, well, no, that’s not true. He just wanted the crowd to think he was going for it. OK. Another table in the ring, and again it’s set up in the corner. Steen fights back in the corner, through out elbows to knock Edwards and Richards back, and there’s Generico! He climbs the turnbuckles and comes off with a Crossbody to both men! He’s fired up!

Edwards charges but gets DRILLED with a Michinoku Driver. That always looks so brutal from that set up. Tornado DDT to Richards! FLIP DIVE TO EDWARDS OUTSIDE! THUD! Ow, Edwards totally didn’t catch him. WOW! Richards charges and gets tossed up and turned around into a STRONG Powerbomb through a table. That looked really slick. Steen and Generico go up top… STEEN-TON! SPLASH! ONE! TWO! THR- NO! Edwards with the save! Steen is still really hurting with his knee. Steen brings out yet another table, and sets it up on the outside. Another table stacked on top of the first. Oh boy. Edwards tries to slide back into the ring to get away. That’s a first. OH! Just a really subtle sick kick by Generico. Powerbomb off the apron by Steen! NO! Richards Dropkicks Steen’s knee! NAILS Generico with a kick! Richards charges in twice with a forearm to Steen in the corner! Combination Forearm/Enziguri in the corner! Edwards slides a table into the ring. SHOOTING STAR PRESS BY DAVEY RICHARDS! MISSED! Edwards sets yet another table up on the outside. GENERICO DIVES BETWEEN THE BOTTOM AND MIDDLE TURNBUCKLES ON THE OUTSIDE ONTO EDWARDS! TORNADO DDT! I actually got to see that move live the first time Generico ever busted it out, I do believe. PWG’s Hollywood Globetrotters in March 2006. It’s still just as jaw dropping as it was then. The momentum of the match just got 180′ed. Generico sets Edwards up on the single table outside. CANNONBALL by Steen to Richards inside the ring! SPLASH THROUGH THE TABLE TO EDWARDS! The crowd is, shall we say, jacked. Steen has Richards in the Sharpshooter in the ring! Hell. There’s Hagadorn. Package Piledriver to him! Richards is firing himself up… BUT GETS NAILED WITH A SUPERKICK BY KEVIN STEEN! Steen sets him up on a table in the ring. Oh dear God please hit this Moonsault. NO! DAVEY PUSHES HIM OFF THE TOP ROPE THROUGH THE STACKED TABLES ON THE OUTSIDE! Steen is dead! GENERICO IN WITH A YAKUZA KICK ON RICHARDS! He’s setting him up for a Brainbuster through the table now! Doh, low blow by Edwards dashes those dreams. Edwards has him up… DOOMSDAY ACE CRUSHER THROUGH THE TABLE!  ONE! TWO! THREE! It’s over at 15: 19. New World Tag Team Champions! Hodgewood: “Well, that has to be a disappointment to the former Champions.” No shit? **** Great match. All the table spots were built up to, and the only two that were close together were the Steen through stacked tables, and the Doomsday Ace Crusher, which was the finish and thusly totally acceptable. I had a blast watching this, and it really put the Wolves over as there was a low blow, so there was cheating, but they still absolutely won convincingly and they were the better team that night, no doubt about it.

The show ends with a final hype for the 4-Way ROH World Title Match next week. I know I’m looking forward to it.

Final Analysis:The first half of the show was serviceable with a good opener in Strong vs. Titus, but the 3-way women’s match and Stevens vs. Callahan weren’t too hot. I liked the vignettes with Aries and Black, and they hyped the hell out of the next show, so that added to the show. I don’t say it’s really important, though, as it only serves to get the people hyped for the Main Event… who were already going to watch the show anyways. It adds to the show, but not necessarily the product, if that makes sense. Then we hit the Tables Are Legal match for the ROH Tag Team Titles and it closed the show out in style big time. Big TV Moment, as well, with the first title change to be seen on TV. Overall, I liked this show and had a fun time watching it.

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My name is Jerome Cusson. I spent just about a year writing for 411mania.com, followed by a year sitting at “The Cool Kids Table.” Some of you who read “National Sports Review” may also know about my coverage of the Chicago Slaughter. Now it’s time for me to run my own wrestling blog.

As this venture, it’s a mixed bag for the world of professional wrestling. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is clearly the number one organization, perhaps in the world, but they desperately need new stars and some fresh creative juices. In addition, they’ve got six hours of television to fill and concerns about being over saturation are running rampant. Despite all these problems, WWE still draws some of the highest ratings in cable television and their live show attendance has actually improved, even with the recession.

Then there’s TNA (Total Nonstop Action). Somehow they’ve made it seven years. Their two hours of television seem to be more focused on former WWE stars trying to re-live the good old days instead of giving all of the amazingly talented young wrestlers on their roster a chance to main event.

Ring of Honor has been around just a little bit longer than 2002, but they’ve had a number of critically acclaimed matches including a one draw between C.M. Punk and Samoa Joe here in Chicago that fans are still talking about five years.  Punk and Joe have now gone on to be world champions in WWE and TNA. Their slow rise to prominence has lead to a Pay-Per-View deal and now a television deal with HDNet. However, a number of issues have arisen in recent months. DVD sales have fallen, no doubt in part to the recession. Gabe Sapolsky, one of the people involved with the company since its inception, was fired in November. Attendance is struggling in certain markets and fans have had a mixed reaction to the new way ROH is producing their shows. I’ll have much more on ROH and their issues over the next few weeks.

A number of smaller independent companies that you’ve probably never heard of also permeate the wrestling PWG (Pro Wrestling Guerilla) is based out of Southern California. They tend not to take wrestling so seriously and showcase a lot of indy talent that is used in Ring of Honor. CHIKARA might be one of the fastest rising companies in the country. They not only have produced quality shows in the fast few years, but the company also has an accompanying school that helps train wrestlers.

Then there’s Dragon Gate USA… a whole nother can of worms that we’ll talk about later on this month.

For now, I just want to welcome everyone reading this blog. I’m searching for people to help produce quality reviews for this site. We’ll also have podcasts, television reviews, and some other surprises.

Jerome Cusson

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