Column of Honor: 03.17.07
Posted by Ari Berenstein on 03.17.2007
It’s a news heavy week for Ring of Honor, and I have the news and scoops and reactions. Plus: Quack gets some love, Hero gets some hate and TNA really gets some hate. So, you know, it’s the usual good stuff.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day to everyone! Right now I am observing the holiday by watching the St. Patty's day parade on the television that's on with the corner of my eye, listening to The Coors' irish jig instrumentals on my Ipod and…not getting drunk. Well, I have a column to write and all of that…maybe later…anyway, you guys know I'm not much of a drinker, formerly straight edge and all. The rest of you though...get to work!
I just finished cleaning the snow off the drive and sidewalk and let me tell you, it is a pain in the ass. Yesterday, the snow wasn't packing snow so much as icy hail, and every time I cleaned up the yard, it would come right back in a matter of hours. Today sucked even more that yesterday because we didn't have a chipper, so it took longer and more effort.
However, I have not sacrificed my efforts for this column. Lots and lots of news to get to, so let's get to it, now!
ROH Call
ROH Champions—As of 03/17/2007
ROH World Champion— Takeshi Morishima(champion since 02/17/07, NEW CHAMPION, 2 successful defenses)
Next Defense: Nigel McGuinness, 4/14/07 Edison, NJ
V.1 defeated BJ Whitmer via pinfall / backdrop driver (2/23/07 Dayton, OH)
V. 2 defeated KENTA via pinfall / backdrop driver (3/04/07 Tokyo, Japan)
ROH World Tag Team Champions— SHINGO and Naruki Doi (champions since 03/03/07, NEW CHAMPIONS, 1 successful defense)
Next Defense: Jay and Mark Briscoe 3/30/07 Detroit, MI
V.1 defeated Roderick Strong and Davey Richards pinfall / top rope Doi 555 (3/04/07 Liverpool, UK)
ROH News
(via the ROHnewswire… and other sources when attributed
Misawa to ROH in late 2007?
According to a report by Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, "Ryu Nakata, the main spokesperson for Pro Wrestling NOAH, said Takeshi Morishima would end up working 30 U.S. dates this year. This probably includes dates with other companies. He also said Mitsuharu Misawa would wrestle in ROH toward the end of the year on a show in New York."
If Misawa does come to wrestle for Ring of Honor, that would be the huge capper on the ROH-Pro Wrestling NOAH relationship. NOAH has already been very accommodating with its talent appearing in ROH, including Kenta Kobashi, KENTA, Naomichi Marufuji and Takeshi Morishima. Misawa does not have as much left in the tank as these other, younger wrestlers, however, he is still capable of having good matches. His presence in an American wrestling company would be landmark news. It is still early in the year and a lot could happen between now and then, but it would make sense logistically for Misawa to come in later in the year, especially with the renewed presence of NOAH talent on the ROH roster and especially in the largest drawing town on the ROH tour loop. Not only is it possible for Misawa to have a very memorable match, the storyline is all set and ready for a fight with the man who called him out, Samoa Joe. That match would be Joe's return to fight as one of his "special" one off appearances he will likely make for the company.
Gate Swings Open
DGUSA reports that Dragon Gate wrestler Yamato Onodera has been added to the Detroit shows (March 30th and March 31st). The Full Impact Pro newswire has added Onodera to its talent roster for several of its upcoming shows.
More DG wrestlers…damn…I just finished catching up on doing "research" (i.e. "Youtube videos") about Masaaki Mochizuki and Susumu Yokosuka. ROH fans who don't know much about these guys will be pleasantly surprised to know that these guys are good, potentially very blow away in their performances given the right opponents to work off.
Jimmy Rave Injured with Broken Jaw, Out Two to Three Months
The full article from ROHwrestling.com: Jimmy Rave found out last Monday that he suffered a broken mandible on the lower right side of his jaw in the Fight Without Honor against Nigel McGuinness on March 4th. Incredibly, Rave still wrestled in FIP last Saturday with the broken jaw.
Rave has been experiencing sharp pain in his jaw since the war against McGuinness in Liverpool. The brutal match saw Rave get hit with a Tower Of London from the ring on a steel guardrail that was draped from the ring to the other guardrails as well as a backdrop on a guardrail and several vicious strikes and lariats from McGuinness. It is unknown at what point in the match Rave suffered the injury.
Rave competed on a FIP event last weekend with the broken jaw. The pain became overwhelming and Rave went to doctors on Monday, who discovered the broken jaw and demanded that Rave go into immediate surgery. Rave now has his jaw wired shut and will be out 8-12 weeks.
Rave has assured us that he will use this time to train and will only comeback meaner, angrier and hungrier. Rave says ROH better be ready for him upon his return.
An update to this story is that the broken jaw most likely occurred during one of Nigel's brutal lariats, according to ROH photographer Mary-Kate Grosso.
Now as much as I and others love to hate Jimmy Rave, it's hard to hate a man when he isn't around to do anything that we can hate. A broken jaw out and out sucks. That Rave was able to still wrestle with the injury is just one more testament to how far wrestlers go to continue to work. Danielson grinned and bore a shoulder injury for months on end, and this is another example. Rave did the smart and sensible thing though and got the surgery. I wish the best for Rave, including a quick and speedy recovery.
Tributes to Joe Continue
SLAM! Wrestling has a terrific tribute to Samoa Joe that includes tons of memorials and quotes from the ROH roster. Among the more interesting of the quotes is the following from ROH owner Cary Silkin:
"I'm not going to say how we're okay with him leaving... because we're not. It's a big blow. Hey, business is business. We've had some of the greatest matches in the history of this sport with him, matches that may never be duplicated anywhere, ever. Joe has always been a gentleman to work with. The fans love him, the other wrestlers respect and learn from him. He works his heart out and it shows. He deserves everything he gets in this industry. He'll never be replaced. And I know there's a part of him that will always cling to ROH no matter how big he gets. It's here where he became what he is today. It's because of his experiences in this very ring that he has that magic. I wish him luck. I consider him a friend. As a fan of this sport, first and foremost, I can personally attest to the fact that some of my greatest Ring Of Honor moments at ringside were when Joe was in the ring. He ratchets up the excitement a few notches every time he steps through those ropes. You can feel it. He was a star long before even he knew it."
I put the first few sentences in boldface because it underscores a big reality to the situation—Joe had to leave. Perhaps the loss of Joe is not as big right now considering all the huge news that ROH has announced, especially for its Wrestlemania weekend and April shows. Yet, it's certainly enough to upset the owner of the company (and naturally so). The rest of the quote is a hell of a nice sentiment and pretty much spot on as far as what Joe meant to Ring of Honor.
BJ Whitmer vs. Jimmy Jacobs: Steel Cage for Detroit
The Jacobs vs. Whitmer feud will explode on 3/31 at "Supercard Of Honor II" on March 31st in Detroit. Jacobs has accepted Whitmer's challenge for a Steel Cage Match.
This will end the feud one year after it really exploded thanks to the "powerbomb of death" that occurred in their match. It will be the same location one year later and I think everyone is thinking the same thing: after every sadistic and torturous thing they've done to each other, what else will Whitmer and Jacobs come up with on this night?
Jimmy Jacobs has an awesome written promo from ROHwrestling.com that I'll reprint here for the benefit of you readers without flash photography:
"March 31, 2007 is my prom night. It's where everything comes to a head. In a moment of poetic justice, almost exactly one year to the date, in the same city, in the same building, in the same ring where you almost killed me, we'll be locked together inside a steel cage until one of us can't get out on their own volition. If for one moment you believe that challenging me to a steel cage match or the idea of such a violent match scares me, then you clearly underestimate me. For the past year, I've stood toe to toe with you, never backed down in the face of violence, blood and danger; and to your credit, you've never backed down either. You're fueled by a powerful emotion. You're fueled by hate. I see it in your words to me, the way you glare at me, the way you strike me, the very manner in which you perceive me. I'm fueled by that same hate for you. In a steel cage, without regard for dignity, reputation, self respect or safety, we will battle, we will bleed, we will fight in the name of that hate. But the difference between you and me is that I fight for something more. I fight for love. When the sun rises on the morning of April 1, it will be a new day. And in marring you, I unionize an unbreakable bond between Lacey and me. This is act 3, my friend. It always ends the same. The villain gets what's coming to him, and the hero gets the girl." - Jimmy Jacobs
You have got to love dramatic monologue. A good to great wrestling promo can work as well as a Shakespeare soliloquy. Jacobs has been channeling the best of Raven and Mick Foley with his latest video promos, and this written promo (whether ghost written by Gabe or done by Jacobs and sent in) is similarly of high quality. This kind of stuff gets my blood pumping.
Detroit Lines Up Major Shows with Huge Matches
Four huge matches were signed for 3/30 "All Star Extravaganza III" in Detroit. The first match will see a team of ROH all stars against a team of Dragon Gate all stars in a Dragon Gate Rules Match. It will be the ROH team of Austin Aries, Delirious, Rocky Romero & Claudio Castagnoli vs. the Dragon Gate team of CIMA, Dragon Kid, Susumu Yokosuka & Ryo Saito. Do we really need to hype this one? Also signed is a battle of the hardest kickers from ROH and Dragon Gate as Davey Richards will take on Masaaki Mochizuki. If this wasn't enough for you, a big ROH main event has been signed as Roderick Strong takes on Jack Evans. These matches join the already announced Naruki Doi & Shingo vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe ROH World Tag Team Title Match.
The eight man match strikes flashes in mind of Pro Wrestling Guerilla events, where eight man attraction matches are plentiful and enjoyable. This could be a hugely fun and entertaining match given some of the participants involved. There is plenty of wackiness to go around with Delirious and Claudio on one side and the always half in the wacky bag CIMA ready to play off of the Americans. The most often quoted statement of "Claudio is a great base" for smaller guys should be proven true once again in this match, and the placement of Yokosuka should work well for the DG team since I saw him perform well in the tag matches I checked out on the ‘net.
Richards vs. Mochizuki should be really excellent, as even in the limited time I watched Mochizuki in those DG matches I was left with a really good impression of his abilities. He is actually kind of comparable to Low Ki with a bad ass attitude and bad ass kicks. It should play off well against the same style and attitude coming from Davey Richards.
Strong vs. Evans is obviously the appetizer for the main course the next night of Strong vs. Aries. The deal should be to see which former Generation Next member comes out on top in these two soirees. If anyone out there saw the "Strong vs. Evans" FIP event with their match in the main event, you know that not only are these guys excellent as tag team partners, they are also very well matched as opponents in wrestling matches.
Roderick Strong vs. Austin Aries is now official for "Supercard Of Honor II" on March 31st in Detroit. Roderick Strong will put the FIP World Heavyweight Title on the line against Austin Aries on 3/31 in Detroit.
I don't like the FIP title on the line in this match, as it telegraphs a Strong win and title retention. I honestly don't expect for the FIP title to change hands (again) at an ROH show (or even think it should happen). The fans who attend the shows down in Florida deserve better treatment than to have their major title constantly switch hands at shows they can't even attend. It's being portrayed as the lesser of the two matches, but I'm looking forward to the Strong-Evans match more so that Strong-Aries because of the title stipulation.
The card for 3/31 "Supercard Of Honor II" in Detroit is beginning to take shape. Just signed is a big tag team match as Jack Evans teams with Naruki Doi to take on Davey Richards and the newest member of the No Remorse Corps. Richards tag partner might not be revealed until the night of the show. Evans just joined forces with Doi in Japan and now they are bringing the team to ROH to battle the No Remorse Corps!!!
It seems as if everyone is joining DG heel faction Muscle Outlawz (MO'z) and Evans is not above and beyond the call. Hey, the guy needed help in his factional war against Strong and Aries and I guess he found it through his boyz (z intended) in Dragon Gate. So far the booking has Evans taking on Strong and his No Remorse Corps, but no matches scheduled against Aries and his soon to be developed unit.
Jay & Mark Briscoes are so confident that they will win the ROH World Tag Team Titles on 3/30 from Shingo & Naruki Doi that they have already signed for their first defense on 3/31. "Supercard Of Honor II" will see a rematch of one of the best matches of the Fifth Year Festival as The Briscoes take on the team they defeated for the World Tag Team Titles in Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal. If The Briscoes do not win the titles on 3/30, Briscoes vs. Daniels & Sydal will still take place in Detroit on 3/31.
The Briscoes and Sydal / Daniels…looks like the shoe may be on the other foot this time around. I'd expect The Briscoes to have the belts here, but even if it's not for the title, the winners should be in line for an immediate title shot.
Two more matches have been signed for "All Star Extravaganza III" on March 30th in Detroit. A battle of ROH icons from the very first ROH event will see "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels vs. Homicide. An Anything Goes Mixed Tag Team Match has also been signed as BJ Whitmer & Daizee Haze take on Jimmy Jacobs & Lacey. ROH's most hate-filled feud will intensify in Detroit with anything goes mixed tag action!!!
Daniels vs. Homicide…hmmm, two TNA guys fighting each other on the card…hmm… nah, don't want to start any conspiracy theories here. These two have fought each other in other promotions and they fit very well against each other. It should be a well done match. The mixed tag match will serve as a tablesetter for the grand finale of the Whitmer-Jacobs.
More New Matches For Detroit
New bouts have been added, one to each day of the Detroit doubleshot:
3/30 - Four Corner Survival: Matt Sydal vs. Colt Cabana vs. Chris Hero vs. Adam Pearce
3/31 - Grudge Match: Homicide vs. Brent Albright
I like each of these matches a lot. The 4CS match has a little bit of everything in it and if the styles mesh together it could become a bit of an undercard show stealer. ‘Cide and Albright makes sense given back in December Albright was the bag man for Danielson. He did a job on Homicide's shoulder, so of course ‘Cide would want some payback.
Stevens' (FIP) Rock Show Congratulations to Erick Stevens for becoming the first ever Florida Heritage Champion by winning a one night 8 man tournament last Saturday in Florida. Stevens defeated Roderick Strong in a match of the year candidate in the finals. Stevens will make his first defense of the title against any member of DP Associates on 4/21 in Crystal River, FL.
It's somewhat rare for an FIP newsbit to make the ROH newswire, so Stevens being applauded for winning the FIP Florida Heritage title is attention-grabbing. Could Stevens be getting the added spotlight in preparation for a run in ROH? This writer certainly hopes so.
Bringing the Quality to Long Island, NY and Edison, NJ Doug Williams vs. Colt Cabana has been signed for 4/14 in Edison!!! This should bring some great European style wrestling to this event.
Sara Del Rey has been added to 4/13 in Long Island and 4/14 in Edison.
Another big main event quality match has been signed for 4/13 in Long Island. It will be an Elimination Match. However, we don't know how many people will be on each team. One team will have Austin Aries as captain. He has already selected Matt Cross to be on his team. The other team will be the No Remorse Corps. They already consist of Roderick Strong and Davey Richards. We know a new member will debut on 3/31 in Detroit. That new member will be in Long Island to give the No Remorse Corps three members. Who will Aries get to join his team? Will other new members join the No Remorse Corps?
New matches hot off the press from the main page of the ROH website:
Fifth Year Festival Rematch
Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. El Generico & Kevin Steen
SHIMMER Special Attraction
Daizee Haze vs. Sara Del Rey
Williams vs. Cabana—alright! We're talking some great European wrestling, chains, comedy, near falls and all. It should make for a good time in Edison. Del Rey hopefully gets matched up for a SHIMMER attraction, or maybe she can beat the snot out of Mitch Franklin again. The Brisoces, Generico and Steen had one of the top matches in Philadelphia for night 2 of the Fifth Year Festival. If they can do it right, the rematch should top the last one. Haze vs. Del Rey is a top notch quality SHIMMER combination, the only thing will be to see if they can bring the kind of effort they give in the Chicago homebase into Long Island, where fans aren't really known for giving much of a chance for wrestling on the lower card. Finally, the last major bit of news for the week is the elimination match between the NRC and Aries' group, which will be one of the major explosions from this factional warfare.
I have to say this, with these matches AND the NOAH inspired main event tag match of Morishima and Hero vs. Williams and McGuinness, as well as the only tri state area appearance of Homicide, the Long Island fans better be ready to make some noise. These are great matches and it seems that ROH is bringing a huge show to that venue. I'm almost tempted to visit the black hole of death given these matches.
Hero's Sandwich
**DISCLAIMER** The words and thoughts of "Chris Hero" do not necessarily reflect those of Column of Honor, its staff or that of 411 and its staff.
Greetings, once again, mere mortals, it is I, the greatest living wrestler in the world, Chris Hero back again for another installment of the best part of this pathetic column, its time for your Hero sandwich. It's been a rather slow week in the life of yours truly, as I'm still readjusting from my trip to Japan. Since my return to Metropolis, I have been in intense physical training with Tank and Larry, so if my comments are somewhat limited this week, I would hope that you would understand.
So, last Sunday evening, Larry and I had the fortune/misfortune of watching the TNA pat per view event, "Destination X". This was a 3-hour laugh-fest, in my humble but correct opinion. I know that these opinions are going to come perilously close to those of my arch nemesis, Ari, but I think TNA stinks. Do they have no idea how to book a quality wrestling show without gimmick matches? I think not. Now I wouldn't know anything about gimmick matches, as I am so talented of a worker that to steal a phrase, there are "No Gimmicks Needed" in a Chris Hero match. I did thoroughly enjoy seeing my corpulent friend, the Samoan Eating Machine, Samoa Joe lose his big shot at the NWA Heavyweight Championship. If he had captured that prestigious belt, it would have been an insult to one of my mentors, Dory Funk Jr., who wore that title with the pride that it deserves. That great title, with its "who's who" list of champions, was saved by a classy individual, Christian Cage, the humiliation and degradation that it would have suffered if Sloppy Joe had won it. Thank god for small favors, you know? Maybe someday, I will get a chance to wear the belt made famous by George Hackenschmidt, Frank Gotch, Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Ric Flair, and Jack Briscoe.
Now, onto ROH issues. So, the front office types are beginning to really crank up the hype machine for the double shot weekend in Detroit at the end of the month. Now, I don't know if you've noticed, but my matches are not at the top of the card, and this, in my opinion is an insult to a talent of my caliber. How did I get stuck in a 4 way with Sydal, Cabana and Pearce on the 30th? Think about it. You all know that I'm head and shoulders above those nimrods, especially that Showtime at the Apollo reject, Colt Cabana. I will admit that I do have a level of respect for Sydal, as he is also one of the top gaijin working in Japan these days, even if it is at a second rate, rinky-dink promotion like Dragon Gate. He's flaunting that title from that company as if it means something, which we all know it doesn't. It's not like he wrestled Misawa or anything. Maybe someday, Sydal will be good enough to work for NOAH, but I think that's a long way off. Now, as for Pearce, I don't know what to make of him and his lackey, Shane Hagadorn. They somewhat remind me of Gary and Ace, the ambiguously gay duo, but that's a story for another day. On the second night, I still don't have a set match. That is like a slap in the face. How do I not have a match? Why am I still listed in the "also appearing" section of the card? I wrestled MISAWA for crying out loud! And to add insult to injury, those Dragon Gate'rs are getting top billing. Unreal. This is just another example of ROH trying to demoralize me and hope that I will go away. But fear not, I will never give into the ROH front office. Trust me, they will blink first, not yours truly.
I would also like to send a heartfelt get well soon message out to Jimmy Rave, who revealed that he had suffered a broken jaw during the tour in England. Now, most of you simpletons think that Jimmy is some kind of jerk, but I want to let you know that he is not, and in fact, Jimmy Rave is an excellent person. Let me share with you an anecdote to illustrate how good a person Jimmy really is. About 2 years ago, Jimmy and his former manager, the esteemed Prince Nana, courted me, and tried to get me to join the Embassy. They flew me via a Gulfstream private jet to Ghana, and greeted me with an excellent parade, and a Ghanese feast that was unreal. On our way to Nana's compound, Jimmy noticed a small child in the street, panhandling. He told the driver to stop the limousine, so that he could get out and give the child something. I decided that I wanted to witness the humanitarian act firsthand, so I also disembarked from the vehicle. Jimmy approached the child, and asked him what he was doing. The child explained that he hadn't eaten in 3 days, and I noticed a tear coming to Jimmy's eye. Jimmy bent kneeled down near the child and asked him if he could have anything in the world to eat, what would it be? The child stammered for a moment, and didn't coherently respond, so Jimmy asked him if he wanted some of his shrimp cocktail from the limo. The child responded in the affirmative, and you know what Jimmy did? He yelled right at the kid, "SHRIMP COCKTAIL? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT, HUH?" What a great guy. Get well soon, Jimmy. You're a real class act.
And on that note, I will go back to the Fortress of Solitude and watch some of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, even though my favorite team, the Duke Blue Devils, have been eliminated. Oh, by the way Ari, if I was you, I'd be watching my back this week, as I have received reports from my "Hero-ites" in Brooklyn about your daily activities, habits and doings. Like I said before, you never know where or when it will happen, but you know it will. Sleep well, buddy, sleep well. Now, I will take my leave of you simpering fools. More sleep and training await. Until next time, this has been your moment of enlightenment, your Hero Sandwich. Adios Amigos!!!
…This has been Hero's Sandwich.
Okay, listen here "Chris Hero"—if that is indeed your real name—I'm beginning to become pretty sick and tired of your constant insults and disparagements. I have been nice enough to put up with your untimely and unwelcome presence in MY column for a long time now. It's not by choice. Only because it appears you've signed some kind of Faustian contract with the higher ups at 411 am I giving you this space in MY column. I'm told it's a pretty solid and iron clad contract you've got, but let me tell you, I'm willing to risk a massive lawsuit and numerous years of litigation if that's what it takes to get you out of here.
As far as your personal threats, my "friend", don't forget who is the one who lives in Brooklyn here. I'm not intimidated by your message, and I don't fear any retaliation by your so called "Hero-ites." I was raised in THE STREETS …well, not THE streets, but on a street. However, I was raised by The Projects of this borough…well,more like, near-by them. I didn't actually live in them but let me tell you, I drove by them a few times, with my windows up and my doors locked. Bottom line, I know the streets. I know the projects. You don't know the streets. You don't know the projects. However, if you continue to threaten me in MY column, I'm willing to give you an introduction, free of charge.
Honorarium
-So let me get this straight…TNA builds up Samoa Joe as the challenger to the NWA title by winning a "Gauntlet for the Gold" match. Then in building up the match, Joe does a very questionable job to Tomko. Yet, it's partially understandable, because Joe's going to win the big title, you know, and if it leads to a Joe vs. Tomko title match down the line that's cool. Then when then pay per view comes (oh and what a show that was, but I don't have a full day's worth of time to complain), and the fans are hyped and ready to see the big win…. Joe… LOSES his title match against Christian. LOSES. HIS. TITLE. MATCH.
WHAT THE FUCK?????
This is my biggest problem with TNA. Putting aside the ridiculous angles, the utter lack of wrestling on a show that claims "we are wrestling", the stupid character makeovers that don't make any difference in the world, destroying the X Division for comedy and for neutering both Kurt Angle AND Samoa Joe in the span of months…they don't recognize the real thing when its right there in front of their face. Samoa Joe is the next big thing and a real star and yet when the opportunity came to give him the title, send the fans home happy and start actually putting their weight behind someone young, someone new, and someone who can actually make a difference (FATU) in the mainstream, they…don't pull the trigger.
Did ROH lose Samoa Joe for this? I mean, I figured that when Joe was leaving ROH and saying farewell, it would be with the understanding that he was going right to the top of TNA. Of course it made sense for the NWA champion to be exclusive to TNA and I was fine with that. Yet, not to push this guy to the moon when EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SET UP TO DO SO…man that takes a ton of stupidity and a real lack of foresight.
What's worse is that I listening to Dave Meltzer on the Figure 4 Daily radio show, and he says that the job to Tomko was done purely as punishment for what Joe said about "tripping over some bad booking" at the ROH International Challenge event. An event that took place THREE MONTHS AGO in front of 400 people. A comment that was cut out of the DVD, most likely decided by ROH for political reasons (and understandably so). So for a comment that not many people will ever hear or know about, or even really care about, they jobbed their best top prospect. SO STUPID.
What's worse is the news that the bookers and other big wigs backstage are blaming the TNA fans for starting the "FIRE RUSSO!" chant at the last pay per view as a way to get themselves over. As if the fans are now expecting a big push to the main event scene because they chanted their displeasure at seeing a hokey scene out of a C-horror movie played out in front of them. Oh, and that people who criticize them are getting paid on the side by WWE. Well, Vince McMahon, where is my paycheck buddy? I'm on a teacher's salary; I need all the extra scratch I can get.
There is the big difference between Ring of Honor and TNA. Ring of Honor hears the fans chant or express their disapproval, 99 times out of 100 they are going to do something about it so that it will make the fans satisfied. When TNA hears that the fans are expressing their disapproval, they try to make excuses, blame the fans and otherwise do everything EXCEPT change the problem.
-Hey, what is this column? A TNA dedicated column or an ROH dedicated column? Let's get back to ROH commentary.
-Recapping some of the more interesting moments from the latest ROH Videowire:
I love the beginning of the video wire, showing Samoa Joe right behind the current, prepping for his entrance. It's a rare thing when ROH shows us "behind the curtain" (the only other huge moment per se from the last year or so was when James Gibson won the ROH World title at Redemption and went backstage, to be congratulated by other wrestlers). This being Joe's last match, the video wire shows the fans behind the stage, all the way through his entrance. It then closes with Joe's goodbye and curtain call, and a lot of the ROH roster on the stage congratulating him (ala ECW's Anarchy Rulz pay per view when the ECW roster was on stage to applaud Tazz's farewell). If you look quickly you can spot a clean shaven Gabe Sapolsky giving Joe a manly hug.
Also of note from this sequence is that Mark Briscoe has caps for his teeth (finally!) It came as a bit of a shock to see the Southern Delawarian redneck without the gap teeth Cletus look. A bit like when Necro Butcher appears after the show in glasses, looking all edumacated and stuff.
The Joe vs. Nigel highlights package is WICKED. Nigel's headbutt on Joe is freaking sick. I am definitely looking forward to seeing this one ASAP.
Naruki Doi and SHINGO (gotta remember ALL CAPS) win the titles, to music that sounds like some wacky Spy vs. Spy soundtrack.
The "New DVDs at ROHwrestling" feature International Challenge and Final Battle 2006, the latter of which I was just re-watching yesterday. I think I like The Briscoes vs. Kings of Wrestling match even more now than ever, but for me a "Hidden Highlight" (copyright JT and JP) of the whole thing is during Claudio's "not farewell" speech, there is a fan holding up a sign made out to look like the Swiss flag that says "Thank You Claudio". When Claudio says that he is sticking around for a while, this fan looks to his friend, puzzled, then lightly shrugs his shoulders…and puts the sign away. I get a crack out of that everytime. He later put the sign up again, so I can't hold the moment against him, but its like he thought "well, don't need this anymore!"
Also, I notice Hero saying to Sweeney "cover my ears" on the entrance ramp before he leaves…CALLED SPOT! Hero doesn't know how to work!
Jimmy Jacobs takes a tumble on the steps…looks amazingly painful and cool at the same time. Later, Jacobs does a beautiful hurricanrana from a raised level of steps down to BJ on the floor. Jacobs was floating in mid air for what seemed like forever. Then, even better, Jacobs ascends the steps again, and does a sick dive onto BJ. Then the clip to Whitmer NAILING Jacobs with a sick sit out tombstone…for a two count. Oh, BJ, BJ…that should have been the finish right there.
-Some poster on youtube was nice enough to post some great matches from IWA Mid South's Ted Petty Invitational 2006, more specifically two matches featuring "Lightening" Mike Quackenbush against ColtCabana and ClaudioCastagnoli. Wow. Some impressive stuff from all involved, from counter wrestling with Cabana to high flying with Claudio. Seriously, get Quackenbush in to Ring of Honor, right now. He lives up to his moniker in many ways. He does some mind blowing lucha style moves, quite frankly stuff not even seen in ROH just yet. With many of the Chikara Wrestle Factory graduates such as Jigsaw and Gran Akuma set to make their debuts for ROH, it would be fitting for the teacher to make an appearance as well. He is also just one hell of a fun guy—he looks like he enjoys himself in the ring, and you can't help but follow along. Of course it helps he matched up well against Cabana and Claudio. Check out the matches and see for yourself.
By the way, did you know there is an actual Quackenbush Avenue somewhere in New Jersey? I was traveling with some friends last weekend and we drove past the street. Talk about unlikely street names… all we need now is Whipwreck Drive or Great Khali Lane to top it.
-It bears a repeated mention that Jimmy Jacob's "tears of blood" make up is an awesome addition to his appearance. As opposed to say, Christopher Daniels in TNA getting eye make up for no reason, Jacobs added on the tears after getting just drenched in his own blood during a match with BJ Whitmer (and I believe it was also around the time when Lacey was spiked). What a totally logical and reasonable addition to his character.
-I finished Mick Foley's new book "The Hardcore Diaries" in about a day and a half. I read it straight through--maybe the quickest I've ever read a WWE autobiography.
Foley's honesty and willingness to say things with a critical eye about WWE should be lauded. You don't get many people connected to the E willing to take a stand with some thoughts that would be considered unpopular behind the scenes on the product. Maybe Foley overestimates the importance of the angle he set up for ECW One Night Stand, but it's great to see that someone is willing to fight for what he thinks will serve his storyline best. I was also impressed with just how much Foley has done for charity and helping the less fortunate. It makes me feel just a bit unaccomplished in the world to see Foley not only become a great wrestler but also a great humanitarian. He is the world's best teller of Test jokes as well.
-THE ROCK! Oh yes…The Rock… a great moment and a great return for "The Great One" Glad I was watching Raw this week…which is the first time I was glad to watch Raw in quite a while, perhaps since the LAST time The Rock was on the TV. Oh wait, was that when he was involved the Divas Search BS with Christy Hemme? Never mind.
Going Home
**The Independent Buy In**
Support independent pro wrestling, ROH or non ROH, I don't care. But if you out there are spending so much time complaining about how WWE sucks, then dammit, spend some money so you won't have to spend so much time complaining. This list stays in the column and will be added to as the year goes on. Remember: don't bow out, BUY IN!
2007
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night One (Strong / Romero, CIMA / Cross, Deliirous / Generico, 8 Man Tag)
**SHIMMER Women's Athletes Volume 6 (MsChif / Melissa Last Woman Standing, Rebecca Knox / Allison Danger Pure Rules)
**PWG Hollywood Globetrotters (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Roderick Strong and Jack Evans; Cape Fear (El Generico and Quicksilver) vs. Arrogance (Chris Bosh and Scott Lost); B-Boy vs. Frankie Kazarian; Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin.)
**PWG Beyond The Thunderdome (Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. AJ Styles and Chris Daniels); Cape Fear vs. Arrogance; Joey Ryan vs. Chris Sabin)
**PWG Enchantment Under The Sea (Cape Fear vs. Briscoes; Matt Sydal vs. B-Boy; Super Dragon and Davey Richards vs. Arrogance; Austin Aries vs. Kevin Steen)
**wXw World Lightweight Tournament 2006 (Ares / Baron von Hagen, Pac / El Generico, Quackenbush / Roudin, 5 Way Tournament Match)
**ECWA Super 8 Tournament 2001 (Danielson / Low Ki, Danielson / Reckless Youth, Low Ki / Billy Fives, Danielson / Spanky)
**ROH FWA IPW:UK Frontiers of Honor 2 (Sydal / Richards, Cabana / Burridge, JC Thunder / Nigel McGuinness, Danielson / Brookside / Stone)
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night Two (Necro Butcher/Super Dragon, Hero/Horiguchi, Evans/Castagnolli)
**PWG Battle of Los Angeles 2006: Night Three (Generico / CIMA, Hero, Claudio, Necro, Romero / Cabana, Quicksilver, M-Dogg 20, Delirious, Generico / Sabin, Richards / Strong, Evans/ Horiguchi, Richards / CIMA) (NEW ADDITION)
Completing the trilogy of PWG shows that comprise the Battle of Los Angeles tournament showcase. You NEED this show. You WANT this show. Awesome matches, awesome moments and one of the most entertaining eight man tags you'll ever see. It's a deep card filled with show stealing matches. Generico and Sabin set the tone in the opening match, delivering a fantastic back and forth encounter. Generico would go on to top that effort with CIMA, where the clarion of call of a child to El Generico warms the cockles of everyone's hearts…until CIMA stomps it down! Jack Evans and Genki Horiguchi have an inanely fast paced match, where every flip flop lands spot on. Evans later gets killed by Super Dragon when he botches a move, but in actuality it looks a lot worse than it is. I don't want to give anything away with the 8 man tag, but suffice it to say, you'll be thinking about it for a long time after watching it. Top it off with Davey Richards' impressive showing in the tournament and you've got a winner of a DVD and an easy (and long awaited) addition to the Independent Buy In. Now I'm just waiting for the shows with Human Tornado as champion and surely we'll be talking more PWG then.
If YOU (yes, YOU!) would like to contribute your own additions to the Indy Buy In list, contact me and let your voice be known!
ROH @ 411 This Week
J.D. Dunn reviews the aforementioned ROH Redemption event with the Gibson title change. This was one of the great "feel good" moments in Ring of Honor.
Stuart Carapola takes a look at one of my favorite moments in wrestling history, Austin vs. Michaels from Wrestlemania XIV. He also catches you up to speed on TNA and ECW in this week's newest Friendly Competition.
Bayani looks at the lack of starpower in WWE right now.
Sat and Uncle Trunx discuss High Road / Low Road on Elevation X.
I'll be back with more ROH news and info next week. I'll have some "slept on" matches that took place before the Fifth Year Festival and a preview of the March 30th show in Detroit.
